Soom Mixed News for you reading

CHILDREN OF BODOM
The band is are looking forward to their first-ever tour of Japan. Joining them will be labelmates In Flames.

CRYHAVOC
are set complete the mix on their latest album Pitch-Blackblues" in June.

SATYRICON
The Norwegian Black Metal cult band is close to finishing their full-length debut for Nuclear Blast titled Rebel Extravaganza." To promote the album, the band will play both Mind Over Matter Festival and With Full Force Festivals this summer. Rebel Extravaganza is planned for a fall release.

DIMMU BORGIR
have cancelled their US tour with Emperor due to personal reasons.

CONTROL DENIED
The new band featuring Death frontman Chuck Schuldiner will re-record bass parts on their debut album with new bassist Steve DeGiorgo. The album is expected to see a fall release.

COVENANT
were forced to take a break from the recording of their new album when Lex Icon (formerly known as Nagash) was unable to sing due to inflammation of his vocal chords. Doctors ordered the singer to cease from singing (and talking). The band is scheduled to resume recording in 3 weeks. In other news, guitarist Astennu has left the band due to his extensive commitments with Dimmu Borgir. Covenant plan to use a session musician for future recording, opting to remain as a three-piece.

AM I BLOOD
have a new drummer. His name is Roni Suhonen (ex-No Direction). The Fins have already played 2 gigs with him and are more than happy to have Roni in the band. Former drummer Pekka Sauvolainen's departure is accreditted to personal reasons.

BRIMSTONE
This Swedish bnad will surprise you. Watch for their debut album .Carving A Crimson Career" in fall.

STEEL PROPHET
The Americans have parted ways with drummer Pat Magrath. Pat was asked to leave the band due to personal reasons. The band has already announced Pat's replacement - his name, Kevin Cafferty. The band is scheduled to perform at the Heavy Oder Was? Festival and the prestigious Wacken Open Air.

THY SERPENT
have announced a new member among their camp. Guitarist Tomi Ullgren (Rapture) has already found a place in the band, having recently completed a tour (the band's first ever) with Barathrum.

Candlelight - News

Well as you may have noticed. things have been a little quiet at the candlelight camp of recent times. That's because everyone has been readying themselves for the big releases at the end of the millenium.........

We now have a confirmed release date for the long awaited Agent Steel album. september the 20th will now be the date for what is tentatively titled the "omega conspiracy" and we're hyped to say the least. the band will be in Holland for a couple of days prior to their Wacken appearance to take care of press duties so anyone wishing to speak to the guys should let me know so we can set up a time. They will also be available at the festival for interviews but time will be in short order there so first com first served.

September 20th will also be the date for the new Christian death album if all goes according to plan. The band are in working on it at the moment and early reports suggest that this should be their best work in years. Don't forget that the back catalogue re-issues are now in the stores........Sexy Death God, Catsatophe Ballet, The Wind kisses Pictures, Atrocities, The Scriptures and Ashes. All come with added cd rom material for your added enjoyment. Valor will be available for interview at any time.

there will also be a new label sampler before the end of the year so you can all get a taste of the new face of Candlelight for the coming millenium. among the featured new artists will be Myrkskog and Source of Tide. Both bands will have their records released in the early part of next year. we have already heard the superb souce of tide album which we're expecting to cause quite a stir and as for Myrkskog...... well anyone who calls their album death machine is pretty much laying out what their intentions are.

There are also plans to release an emperor live video before Christmas. it should feature footage from the No Mercy festival dates and maybe some Camcorder filming from the american tour which will be done by the band themselves. updates on the progress of this little televisual gem are soon to follow.