ENSLAVED will also be touring North America as support for Dimmu Borgir

Darkness Reborn Tour
DIMMU BORGIR, ENSLAVED, and BLOOD RED THRONE

Confirmed dates as follows:
11/05/10 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
11/06/10 Northern Lights – Albany, NY
11/07/10 Recher Theater – Towson, MD
11/08/10 Terminal 5 – New York, NY
11/10/10 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
11/12/10 Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA
11/13/10 Royal Oak Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
11/14/10 House of Blues – Chicago, IL
11/15/10 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
11/16/10 Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN
11/18/10 MacEwan Ballroom – Calgary, AB – CANADA
11/19/10 Edmonton Events Center – Edmonton, AB – CANADA
11/21/10 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, B.C. – CANADA
11/22/10 The Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
11/23/10 Roseland Theatre – Portland, OR
11/24/10 Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
11/26/10 The Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
11/27/10 The Fox Theater – Pomona, CA
11/28/10 The Regency Grand Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
11/30/10 House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV
12/01/10 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ
12/02/10 Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
12/03/10 Sunshine Theatre – Albuquerque, NM
12/04/10 Gothic Theater – Englewood (Denver), CO
12/06/10 House of Blues – Dallas, TX
12/07/10 House of Blues – Houston, TX
12/09/10 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
12/10/10 Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA
12/11/10 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
12/12/10 Sound Academy – Toronto, ON – CANADA
12/13/10 Metropolis – Montreal, QC – CANADA
12/14/10 Imperial – Quebec City, QC – CANADA

Mighty epic metal masters SLOUGH FEG will release their 8th album, entitled “The Animal Spirits” in Europe in Cruz del Sur and in the USA on Profound Lore. They have made two new songs from the forthcoming CD available for streaming and download!

The 95 Thesis
http://cdn.stereogum.com/files/mp3/Slough%20Feg%20-%20The%2095%20Thesis.mp3

Free Market Barbarian
http://cdn.stereogum.com/files/mp3/Slough%20Feg%20-%20Free%20Market%20Barbarian.mp3

I listened to each song only once so far and I am digging them – this album will surely be a worthy purchase.

Here is the full tracklisting for The Animal Spirits:

01 “Trick the Vicar”
02 “The 95 Thesis”
03 “Materia Prima”
04 “Free Market Barbarian”
05 “Lycanthropic Fantasies”
06 “Ask the Casket”
07 “Heavyworlder”
08 “The Tell-Tale Heart”
09 “Kon-Tiki”
10 “Second Coming”
11 “Tactical Air-War” (Feat. Bob Wright of Brocas Helm)

Here’s some more info from Cruz del Sur:
The album will probably take everyone by surprise, as always, when SLOUGH FEG is involved. “The Animal Spirits” appears to be a new step in the eclectic, powerful style choice of SLOUGH FEG, and the artwork will also reflect some changes. Unlike their previous releases, the artwork will be more simple and immediate to fit the album atmosphere better…

And some from Slough Feg mastermind Mike Scalzi himself:
“The title sounds like it could mean plenty of things, but really refers to an Aristotelian theory of perception that was somehow taken seriously until the mid to later 1700’s (?!) Why this was I don’t know, but it involves these bizarre fluid called ‘animal spirits’ traveling through a person’s veins carrying information of what they have perceived, storing it in the heart, and then releasing it again when that thing is remembered. It really a primitive precursor to the idea of neurons firing in a chain, containing ideas. So that’s what people will find if they do a little research about the title.”

I’m not sure what the release date is yet. Soon I hope!!!
To be released in North America on Oct 26th.

UPDATE

* Blind Guardian
* Seven Kingdoms

Venue
Bottom Lounge 1375 W Lake St 60607 Chicago, IL, US

Here is a video for their new speedy melodic power metal soon to be classic song called ‘A Voice in the Dark’.

BLIND GUARDIAN vocalist & lyricist Hansi Kürsch checks in about the finished product:

“The storyboard of the video is just an individual interpretation by the video producer in accordance to the lyrics of ‘A Voice In The Dark’ and the album cover. Storyboard-wise, I think it is the perfect output of what art is supposed to be about: A constant inspiration to progression and new worlds. We luckily did have the chance to visit the pyramids in México when we played there in 1998. They, of course, have been my inspiration when I spoke to Felipe [Machado Franco, artist] about the album cover artwork and possible pyramids to be involved. Due to that, they also were an inspiration for Ivan [Colic]. Our intention, of course, is to have some of the images [incorporated] into our live set.”

Begin headbanging now!

This looks to be a very fun and interesting read. There will be lots of art, pics, and historical fun stuff for prog metal fans, Rush geeks, Dream Theater nuts, and pretentious shredheads… ha ha! Hey like any subgenre there’s crap and brilliance. In my book, for the best of progressive metal you don’t have to go much further than Fates Warning, Queensryche, and other 80s metal pioneers like Voivod, Watchtower, Helstar, etc. Of course you’ve gotta go back to the roots in the 70s with Rush. Seventies and Eighties are where its at folks! I’ll be interested to read this book, looks like fun. (pre)Order it if you wish.

MEAN DEVIATION: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal, by Jeff Wagner
ISBN 978-09796163-3-4
High-quality 400pp trade paperback
Illus. w/over 100 images + 16pp full-color insert

“Beginning with 1970s progressive rock acts Rush and King Crimson, Mean Deviation unfurls a colorful tapestry of sounds and styles, from the “Big Three” of 1980s prog metal—Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, and Dream Theater—to extreme pioneers Voivod, Watchtower, and Celtic Frost. The flirtation between heavy metal and progressive rock grows with bold creative leaps, spawning countless valiant launches toward infinity. Today, the spark of inspiration thrives in obscure outposts such as Scandinavia, Florida, and Japan, bursting into full flame with the successes of prog metal overlords Opeth, Meshuggah, Tool, Between the Buried and Me, and their progressive peers.”

• Tanelorn (Into the Void)
• War of the Thrones
• A Voice in the Dark

Enjoy.

http://www.blind-guardian.com/2010/07/26/3-tracks/

At the Edge of Time will be released in Europe on July 30th.

Here’s the new Enslaved album cover for Axioma Ethica Odini. The CD’s cover artwork was created by the Norwegian artist Truls Espedal, who has painted every Enslaved album cover since ‘Monumension’

“Axioma Ethica Odini” tracklisting:
1. Ethica Odini
2. Raidho
3. Waruun
4. The Beacon
5. Axioma
6. Giants
7. Singular
8. Night Sight
9. Lightening

I can’t wait for new ENSLAVED!!!! I loved Vertebrae. Please tour the U.S.A.

Eddie Trunk was the master of ceremonies and started things off by stating how honored he was to be hosting such an event. Obviously Eddie is a huge Dio fan. He did a fine job as host and had a few entertaining personal stories regarding his relationship with Dio’s music and Dio the man.

One of the early speakers and also one of the highlights of the day was Dio’s high school friend (sorry I forgot his name). He gave a touching speech, stating how Dio would be missed at their 50th high school reunion and just how much he misses his friend.

Another one of the most interesting and moving speeches was from Ronnie James Dio’s son Dan Padavona. He related how he and his father shared a love of music. His dad was always someone who could totally understand his love of hard rock and heavy metal. Although Dan is not a musician, growing up with Ronnie James Dio as a father, it was inevitable he would develop a passion for heavy metal.

As the day went on we were treated to video clips and photos of each stage of Dio’s long music career, starting back with pictures from his early rockabilly days, through Elf, Rainbow, Sabbath, and Dio. Ronnie James Dio was a lifelong musician. He even received a scholarship to Julliard for trumpet at the age of 7. There was also a special video showing some of the more elaborate stage sets and theatrics from the Sacred Heart era. That brought back a few memories for me.

Throughout the day there were acoustic performances of many classic Dio and non Dio songs. Oni Logan performed a great version of a tune from one of Dio’s earlier recordings, ‘Sitting in a Dream’ from Roger Glover’s The Butterfly Ball. One of the most impressive performances of the day was from Joey Belladonna from Anthrax. He sang ‘Man on the Silver Mountain’. His voice sounded great and this acoustic version of the song was excellent. Geoff Tate was another highlight performing ‘Hallelujah’. Glenn Hughes, Dio’s favorite hard rock singer, closed out the performances with ‘Rainbow Eyes’ ‘Catch the Rainbow’.

Toward the end of the day we heard about Ronnie’s charity work with Children of the Night and his newly formed Stand Up and Shout Foundation. Stand Up and Shout is focused on early cancer detection and treatment and it was sad to hear Ronnie would have had a much better chance of beating his stomach cancer if it was diagnosed earlier. Looks like foundation is off to a good start as there was a long line of fans queued up to purchase a memorial shirt proceeds of which went to the charity. The foundation also plans to have two memorial concerts to honor Dio and raise funds. One is planned for London and the other for Los Angeles. They plan to make this a yearly event. During this time Wendy Dio said a few words about Ronnie and thanked the fans. She was obviously very emotional.

The memorial was a fitting send off for the best vocalist hard rock and heavy metal has ever known. It was really nice thing for the fans not only that this day was put together, but run so well. It was a pleasure to be part of a day honoring such a special songwriter, performer, and human being. I’ll miss you Dio.

Decibel Magazine and Cynic are proud to announce the inaugural Hall of Fame tour! Historic in every sense, the Hall of Fame tour, titled Re-Traced / Re-Focused Live, will see progressive metal icons Cynic perform Hall of Fame album Focus in its entirety, along with tracks from the group’s lauded second album, Traced in Air, and more. Direct support comes from progressive masters Intronaut and Dysrhythmia.

“We’re not only excited about this Hall Of Fame tour with Decibel, we’re committed to giving Cynic fans a unique and memorable concert experience unlike ever before,” says Cynic frontman/guitarist Paul Masvidal. “Focus will be performed in its entirety from start to finish, along with Traced in Air and beyond. It’s going to be a journey directly into Cynic’s pulsating, vibrant heart.”

“Decibel is honored to have a band of the caliber and historical significance of Cynic to headline our inaugural Hall of Fame tour,” added Decibel Editor-in-Chief Albert Mudrian. “Their Focus album has withstood the test of time like few other records, and I’m thrilled that death and progressive metal fans can experience its live power on this special tour.”

And here are the dates (LA yay!)
RE-TRACED / RE-FOCUSED TOUR DATES:
Thu/Jul-22 – Los Angeles CA – El Rey Theatre
Fri/Jul-23 – San Francisco CA – Slim’s
Sat/Jul-24 – Portland OR – Hawthorne
Mon/Jul-26 – Vancouver BC – Commodore
Wed/Jul-28 – Denver CO – Marquis
Fri/Jul-30 – Minneapolis MN – Station 4
Sat/Jul-31 – Chicago IL – Bottom Lounge
Sun/Aug-01 – Detroit MI – Magic Stick
Mon/Aug-02 – Toronto ON – Opera House
Wed/Aug-04 – Montreal QC – Café Campus
Thu/Aug-05 – Boston MA – Harpers Ferry
Fri/Aug-06 – New York NY – Bowery Ballroom
Sat/Aug-07 – Philadelphia PA – Trocadero
Sun/Aug-08 – Washington DC – The Rock and Roll Hotel
Mon/Aug-09 – Carrboro NC – Cat’s Cradle
Tue/Aug-10 – Atlanta GA – Masquerade
Thu/Aug-12 – Orlando FL – The Social
Fri/Aug-13 – Ft Lauderdale FL – Culture Room

Live version of “How Could I” from Cynic live in Norway

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

- Wendy Dio

Goodbye Ronnie. Thank you for all your many years of incredible, legendary music. Your voice will echo forever.

Ronnie, you still have the magic. You are a legend. I wish you all the best. Your music has been a huge part of my life for 30 years. Get well.


from blabbermouth:
HEAVEN & HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — has announced the cancellation of all planned appearances this summer in Europe, including its headline set at Bloodstock’s (U.K.) 10th anniversary festival as well as performances at Sonisphere in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

The band has issued the following statement regading the cancellations: “We have to announce that all forthcoming HEAVEN & HELL European shows have been cancelled as sadly [vocalist] Ronnie [James Dio, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009] isn’t well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time.”

Story from Blabbermouth

Update:
Vocalist Ronnie James Dio has since issued the following statement:

“I would like to voice my great disappointment on the cancellation of the Heaven & Hell summer tour. Wendy (wife / manager), my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be. With your continued love and support, we will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic.”