The unstoppable, Montreal killing machine, CRYPTOPSY, are currently annihilating the masses across North America as part of this year’s, crushing Summer Slaughter package http://www.myspace.com/summerslaughtertour. This trek marks their first stateside run in support of their career defining release, The Unspoken King, which could quite possibly be their most brutal, yet dynamic offering. The much anticipated new effort is now available.

Matt McGachy (vocals) states: “Summer Slaughter has begun and it is like an extreme metal sleep away camp for the damned. We have simply been having an amazing time out here on the road this past week. The line up could not be any more solid, all of the bands have been delivering extreme sets night after night. On top of being amazing musicians all of the bands are very sociable and we are having a great time. I am sure that we will all be leaving as great friends by the end of the tour. The crowds have been extremely responsive and we have witnessed some of the sickest pits since the beginning of The Unspoken King tour. We are very excited to continue our run and are looking forward to seeing what the rest of America has in store.”

The ground-breaking Flo Mounier (drums) is also spotlighted in the August issue of Drum! Magazine, which hits stands on July 14th. This article features an in-depth and candid three page interview, along with a breakdown of how to play certain parts of the track “Leach.” Click the link below to check it out. http://mp3.centurymedia.com/vibe/Vibe_FloMounier.pdf

CRYPTOPSY recently shot a new video with acclaimed director David Brodsky (GWAR, Soilent Green) for the album’s vicious opening cut “Worship Your Demons.” The clip captures the band’s unrelenting, frenetic stage energy and is sure to catch your attention. Click on the link below to check it out now. http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2008/06/12/video-premiere-cryptopsys-worship-your-demons/

Reinventing and redefining metal's boundaries, CRYPTOPSY, recognized worldwide for infusing extreme music with awe-inspiring precision, rabidly dynamic rhythms and mouth-foaming viciousness, have earned music fans’ respect inside and outside the metal community. The band's viperous recordings and punishing live performance have confirmed their place in music's elite.

In 2008, CRYPTOPSY return to redefine the boundaries of technical extreme metal with an album that is sure to catch the attention of the entire scene.

In between lecturing the peons about the economics of touring and ranting about paying for your bitch’s dinner, guitarist Dallas Coyle has been keeping busy recording parts for GOD FORBID’s follow-up to IV: Constitution of Treason in Los Angeles with producer Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory guitarist). Fans waiting for its arrival this fall can whet their appetite with the recently-released 2DVD compilation Beneath the Scars of Glory and Progression. If you’ve been following Coyle’s priceless pieces of social commentary over at MetalSucks.net then you know the brand of wit that lies within its plastic encasing.

For some audio tie-in to the DVD you can head over to the band’s newly revamped MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/godforbid to listen to the versions of “Broken Promise” and “End of the World” found on the first disc of the package. If you’ve been unable to find the DVD at a store near you, then you can order it at http://www.CMDistro.com

Click on the link below to view a trailer for Beneath the Scars of Glory and Progression, followed by the entire live performance of "Broken Promise". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9i96XWxa3o

“Broken Promise” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evIw3Ulm4VU

Doc Coyle (guitars, vocals) states: "This is going to be a big year for GOD FORBID as we will be releasing our first ever DVD and our first new album since 2005. The DVD turned out phenomenal. I've already mentioned how incredible the concert portion looks and sounds, but the documentary portion, directed by Denise Korycki, really shows what we are all about. It is a combination of historical insight, introspection into our personalities, social commentary and some god damn, funny-ass shit. I guess we were sick of being funny on other bands' DVDs. If you consider yourself a true GOD FORBID fan, this DVD will be essential. I think this DVD ranks among the best metal DVDs on the market. We look forward to hearing your comments."

Aside from touring their asses off, which they’ve done pretty non-stop since their debut record came out, SUICIDE SILENCE have also spent some time writing some new songs for their sophomore release. According to singer Mitch Lucker, the new stuff blows The Cleansing away. Constant touring has made the band members better players and improved their musical chemistry. In addition, the next album won’t be recorded live in the studio the way The Cleansing was, and the group will spend much longer in pre-production before they begin tracking.

Lucker shared these nuggets of wisdom with HeadbangersBlog.com during their exclusive podcast interview. In addition, he discussed the band’s origins and history, his obsessive compulsive disorder, contempt for categorization — especially deathcore — and hopes for the “Rockstar Energy Mayhem” tour. Also, Lucker talked about the bands SUICIDE SILENCE have toured with and shared some of the group’s most extreme antics and puke stories. Click below to stream or download the podcast: http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2008/06/20/exclusive-podcast-suicide-silence-singer-mitch-lucker-speaks-out-on-bands-next-record-hatred-for-deathcore-germ-phobia/#more-2325

SUICIDE SILENCE makes their triumphant return to the U.S. early next month as part of the summer’s most anticipated tour, “Rockstar Energy Mayhem,” alongside Slipknot, Disturbed and Machine Head, among a slew of others. A slew of off-dates have also been scheduled as well so be sure to either see below or visit http://www.myspace.com/suicidesilence to view their complete touring schedule.

The Seattle-based metal quintet, HIMSA’s, ferocious blend of melodic, unrelenting thrash speed mixed with old-school influences resulted in a savage, unique and uncompromising sound that was welcome, refreshing and undeniable. Over the course of a decade the group delivered three critically acclaimed albums, toured the world relentlessly and sacrificed everything they had in order to ensure the band’s survival.

Derek Harn (bass) further comments: “After 10+ years, four releases, countless tours and almost incomprehensible (yet constant) upheaval, the last three years of the band have been relatively stable. Having sacrificed everything we had in order to ensure the band's survival it's time to let it go. We made a great CD (Summon in Thunder/Century Media); reportedly, our best. We've got a great label. We're getting along, we've toured and we’re fine. It's all good. We're leaving it at that.

“A relatively unremarkable closing to HIMSA's gi-normously dramatic career, there appears to be no acrimony or unpleasantness, simply the end of a blistering, phenomenal, tumultuous era of the metal that HIMSA permeated into the modern musical landscape. References have been made to the band's evolving difficulties with the relentless touring schedules that have been the hallmark of Himsa's career. If we can't tour, and our reality is we can't tour as we have in the past, then it's not Himsa. Better to hang it up than fade away.”

And, hang it up HIMSA will, honoring their legacy with their final performance within the gritty metal confines of El Corazon on August 16, the club they've all called home, for better and for worse, for many years.

Eliciting a wide array of responses from adoring fans and haters alike, a leak permeated the online community last week suggesting that the Louisiana grind/electronic band IWRESTLEDABEARONCE had just signed under the dotted line with Century Media Records. Many expressed unbridled excitement at the prospect of a unique union between one of the world's most intriguing bands and one of the bigger independent metal labels. Now that California's newly-enacted marriage laws are in effect, it can be confirmed that the gayest of gay marriages did in fact occur and the two are officially recognized as partners at last. Guitarist Steven Bradley had the following to say about the special union:

"We couldn't possibly be more excited about signing to Century Media! Everyone at the label is supportive of our desire to make weird music that branches out into every genre possible, and they made us sign in blood and semen so we know we're in a good place. In all seriousness this is a lifelong dream come true, and we can't wait to make a new full-length for everyone to hear. Come hang out with us on tour!"

Best known for their spastic take on grindcore, metal and even showtunes, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE is as hard to categorize as that particular melding would suggest. One look at the new video for "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon," which encapsulates that twist particularly well, and you'll know what the band is all about. "Our goal is to keep people from being able to guess what we're doing next," says Bradley. "Our basic principle is f#@# genres." Because its members tend to keep an open mind to all forms of inspiration and influence, the band's sound could be compared to everything from Between the Buried and Me, Converge or Bjork, the latter alluding to frontwoman Krysta Cameron's diverse range.

While "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon" is a demo track, the band released a self-titled, six-song EP last December. Missing on the recording, however, are drummer Ryan Pearson and keyboardist Daniel Andrews. Then a full band, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE were able to tour the country, generating the kind of buzz that attracted Century Media.

For additional information, tour dates or to view the much talked about "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon" video head over to http://www.myspace.com/iwrestledabearonce

Montreal’s DESPISED ICON have become one of the genre’s most notable acts over the past year primarily due to their ferocious live shows, which are always backed by unabashed, frenetic stage energy. The group now set their sights back on North America as they prepare for the massive Summer Slaughter tour. Be sure to check out http://www.myspace.com/summerslaughtertour for their complete itinerary.

This trek also marks the release of The Ills of Modern Man deluxe edition that features a bonus DVD composed of a live set from a monumental hometown performance, interviews and behind the scenes footage. This savage assault is set for a June 24th release. This run marks the group’s fifth journey across North America and it will be their last until the next album cycle, so you definitely don’t want to miss them this time around as part of this amazing touring package.

Alex Erian (vocals) further comments: “The Summer Slaughter tour starts in 3 days kids! We haven't toured the U.S. since that December tour with The Acacia Strain and can't wait to hit American soil again. This will be our only U.S. appearance this year and trust me, we'll make it count. Expect to see DI in full effect. Make sure you show up early to catch our set and hang out.

“If you still haven't gotten your filthy hands on The Ills Of Modern Man, Century Media is releasing a deluxe edition of our latest record June 24th with a bonus DVD containing live songs, interviews, videos and more. Get into it!”

DESPISED ICON have posted their new eye-popping video for the scathing track, “Furtive Monologue,” on their MySpace page. The clip, shot by Jonathan Desbiens, is an exciting animated montage that will definitely set itself apart from the pack. Click the link below to check it out. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21108084

Canadian progressive metal titans, INTO ETERNITY, kick off their American touring cycle for The Incurable Tragedy on Sept. 21st with genre leaders Iced Earth. The North American trek follows the album’s Sept. 2nd release and fans can expect to hear a lot of new material from the band’s first conceptual offering. Be sure to visit http://www.myspace.com/officialintoeternity now to view their current touring schedule.

Tim Roth (guitars, vocals) further comments: “Iced Earth is a band that we have been waiting to tour with. I have been a fan since the early CM days and even wore a shirt of theirs in our album sleeve of our Dead Or Dreaming album. I know Justin Bender (guitars) even traveled to Minneapolis to see the band years ago. It’s a 25 hour round trip, so he has to be a fan! Ha!

“Playing with a band that you actually love makes all the touring we do a lot more fun. It will be my first time ever seeing the band so I personally can't wait! A big thanks to Jon for giving us this chance. It will be a perfect tour to kick start our new cycle in support of The Incurable Tragedy. Fans can expect lots of fast drumming, high singing, shredding solos and hate filled death vocals. We look forward to seeing you all soon.”

INTO ETERNITY's first concept album, The Incurable Tragedy, also marked the first recording effort with Justin Bender (guitars) and Steve Bolognese (drums), who came aboard shortly after the band finished Gigantour '06. This offering was inspired by the deaths of Roth's two best friends, brothers who succumbed to cancer within two months of one another. To make matters worse, Roth's father was diagnosed with cancer as well. Showing no mercy, the disease claimed his life last year, just 10 days before Christmas.

Roth channeled his emotions into a moving and riveting album which is sure to propel the band to new heights within the genre. The Incurable Tragedy features a slew of tracks with the band’s trademarked heavy grooves, stop-on-a-dime time changes, reflective lyrics, memorable choruses, shredding solos, and vocals that range from guttural growls to soaring harmonies. This album proves to be the perfect cure for those suffering from a lack of progressive metal perfection and is sure to rank upon many top ten year end lists.

The Greek metal sensation, FIREWIND, have just completed their most successful run of North America as part of the massive “Tyranny and Bloodshred” tour package, which was hailed as one of the best guitar-shredder packages of the year. This crushing trek also featured labelmates Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity and Divine Heresy. This was the group’s first stateside run in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Premonition, which features the hit tracks, “Mercenary Man” and “Head Up High.” Head over to http://www.myspace.com/firewind to view the video for “Mercenary Man,” which was shot by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames).

Metal Sanaz also caught up with Gus when the tour came through LA a few weeks ago. Click the link below to check it out. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=35949797

The young guitar sensation Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Arch Enemy) further comments in regards to the tour’s success: “Just wanted to check in and let you know that we arrived home safely from our massive North American tour! Overall, this tour took us through 30 cities, 16 of those being a part of the ‘Tyranny and Bloodshred’ package. After those dates we jumped straight into another 14 shows together with Dark Tranquillity and Divine Heresy.

“We had great times on this tour and we want to thank Arch Enemy, DT and DH as well as our great crew and everyone who was involved into making this happen. Last but not least, thanks to all our American fans for their true support and dedication, we will be back soon.

“Right after the last show in Springfield, Virginia, we flew out to England to play the UK’s premier metal festival, Download! We landed in London the morning after; totally jet lagged, jumped into a van and drove straight to the festival. The excitement was huge and we couldn’t wait to finally rock Donington! So, on Friday the 13th @ 3:05 we hit the 3rd stage of Download and it was damn packed, with thousands of people chanting our name. We definitely didn’t expect such a warm welcome. It was an amazing feeling and a big dream coming true. I am very proud that we were the first Metal band from Greece to ever play Donington. We will see you all soon.”

Gus just posted the second installment of his new instructional guitar series online at http://youtube.com/watch?v=WaEsWoPMEVs and in this episode Gus runs through some riffs from the album’s lead off track “Into The Fire.” Stay tuned for new episodes featuring vocal lessons from Apollo, drum lessons from Mark and keyboard lessons from Bob, which should be posted over the next couple of months.

European death metal butchers, ABORTED, have refined and re-defined the tools of their trade on their sixth full-length, Strychnine.213, to murder the listener with unimaginably gruesome, shockingly diverse brutality. This savage assault is set for a June 24th release, just as the band embarks on this year’s Summer Slaughter tour. Be sure to check out http://www.myspace.com/summerslaughtertour for their complete itinerary.

Sven De Caluwe (vocals) further comments: “The last paperwork and arrangements are being made here for our departure to the U.S. in a few days, all I can say is that the band is extremely excited to get out there and crush everything together with all these killer bands on this year’s Summer Slaughter tour. This is not only one of the coolest tours with very diverse bands, it’s also a great opportunity for us to party with our good friends for over a month. To all the fans out there: bring your helmets because it’s fuckin’ hammer time! See you all soon.”

Beginning today, fans can stream Strychnine.213 in its entirety on the group’s official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/abortedmetal. The band have also posted live footage, along with a short backstage interview, filmed at Neurotic Death Fest in Tilburg (NL) online. So, if you are ready for some intense live devastation, follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T3SlxK5Gk

Also, if you want to check out all the craziness that takes place in the studio with ABORTED, just click on the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eNOucVkU0w

Combining the band’s undeniable live energy with a powerhouse production from Eric Rachel (The Red Chord, The Black Dahlia Murder, God Forbid), and a much needed, diversified approach to the overly edited, sterile sounding death metal records of today, ABORTED succeed in retaining their vicious roots while evolving in terms of melody, musical virtuosity and vigor.

Strychnine.213 reinforces the notion that ABORTED have doubtlessly developed into extreme metal’s most promising new breed.

Leaders of the new hard rock revolution, OPIATE FOR THE MASSES, kick off a massive U.S. trek today alongside Filter and 10 Years in support of their much anticipated new album, Manifesto, which is set for a July 8th release. See the tour section or visit http://www.myspace.com/opiateforthemasses to view their complete itinerary.

The album’s lead off single, “Burn You Down,” impacted Active Rock radio this week and the track saw 17 adds in total on or before its release. XM48 (Squizz), WIIL (Chicago, IL), KFRQ (McAllen, TX), WKLQ (Grand Rapids, MI), CFEQ (Winnipeg, MB), KHTQ (Spokane, WA), KXFX (Santa Rosa, CA) and WJSE (Atlantic City, NJ) among others have added the track. The track is #15 on the Mediabase Independent Label Chart. The track can be streamed now on their MySpace page.

A special pre-order deal is now available which features a signed copy of Manifesto, an exclusive t-shirt and a VIP laminate pass that allows you to meet the band at any show you attend. This deal can’t be beat, so please head over to www.myspace.com/opiateforthemasses now to sign up. (You will need to follow the link to http://www.cmdistro.com and scroll down to find the package with your desired shirt size.

The band, along with acclaimed director David Brodsky (GWAR, Helmet), shot the video for “Burn You Down” in Los Angeles. Its explosive content will literally and figuratively blow you away! Look for it to make its online debut later this month. A new widget can also be accessed at the link below. http://www.centurymedia.com/eCard/Opiateforthemasses/manifesto/

Manifesto was recorded by two Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producers: Ulrich Wild (Slipknot, Deftones) and John Travis (Kid Rock, Buckcherry), and is a propulsive mix of sheer hard rock aggression, soaring melodies and electronic experimentation. Synyster Gates of AVENGED SEVENFOLD adds “This is the band to look out for in 2008. They are a great rock band with an edge, and certainly a must-see live.”