Dutch band Stream Of Passion has signed a record deal with Napalm Records. More news will follow soon regarding the release of their new album, tour dates, etc.

LEAVES’ EYES are entering WACKEN with their Viking ship and are playing as Main Act on the Party Stage on the 31^st of July.

With Octavia Sperati pulling out of the Dames of Darkness Fest that is being held over here on 27th Sept (see elsewhere on this page), the replacement band will Amberian Dawn from Finland.

Here we have a message from Dawn from the UK rockers Uniting The Elements (pictured). For anybody unfamiliar with this band, they are awesome and they tour their little hearts out.  We wish Dawn a speedy recovery.

"Through a virus in Feb 2007 I developed nodules on my vocal chords. I have been trying to solve this by therapy and rest during the day. Continuing with the tour though I came to the point where I just knew it would not go away if I keep straining it like this. The condition is very painfull and needs to be sorted out. That is why I have decided that I have to take a break and regain my health. The gigs are all cancelled. I have met such love and understanding since I announced this and I thank you all.

Take care of yourselves and see you soon.

Dawn"

The Ravenheart Music approved The Saints of Ruin, will see their 2nd Album 'Nightmare' out hopefully by late December/ early January. Next month they will be featured in Revolver Magazine. That's the biggest mag they have been in yet (150,000 distribution). Great stuff...that is all I can say! Femme rock and metal is on the rise, and who are we to object!

Temujin and Renaissance Records wish to announce that the North American live dates originally planned for late 2008 have been rescheduled to 2009.  Instead, the band will be bringing forward plans to record new material, which should begin sometime in August. The change in schedule has been brought about because lead vocalist Kelly is expecting her second child in mid November. Congrats Kelly and all the very best. Below is what they said to us:

"We are disappointed that we won't be able to bring our music to the US as planned ... but very excited about the arrival of a new child.   We'll now focus on writing and recording in the lead up to the birth, and then launch into 2009 with new material and a return to live work.  Nothing is cancelled - just rearranged!  And a new child means that 2009 will be a fantastic year both personally and professionally - we can't wait." 

Temujin are Kelly (vocals, keyboards) and Karl Lean (guitars, bass and drums).  '1000 Tears' is the powerful debut album. 

Octavia statement:-  "At our last band meeting, OCTAVIA SPERATI decided to put band activities aside/take a break. We have reached a point where we have decided to put more time into other projects both within music,studies and families among other things for a while. We will all continue playing music, but we will take a break from the normal 'OCTAVIA life.' If there is any news from any of us, we will ofcourse let you know as soon as possible. We are all looking forward to playing the lovely outdoor festival Lost Weekend near our headquarters Bergen on Friday, August 1, and will take the break after that. We are sorry to say that we will have to cancel the Dames Of Darkness Festival in Birmingham in September''.

Courtney Love is being sued for nearly $1 million by a company who claim she failed to pay them a fee after the sale of Nirvana's publishing catalogue. Los Angeles-based London & Co. allege Love broke an oral contract to share five percent of any of her earnings, or those from her company, 'The End Of Music'. London & Co. claim their share from the sale would have been $975,000.

Eternal Descent's new Single release ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, is now available to buy on www.Cdbaby.com/EternalDescent2  . It is extremely limited to just 500 copies! Dont worry though, the MP3s will be available to download forever. Also Eternal Descent's new album, the follow up to their debut 'Losing Faith', is in progress. More news when we have it.

It is with regret that for reasons beyond their control, Octavia Sperati will not be performing at The Dames of Darkness Festival on 27th Sept in Birmingham UK. A band statement will be issued soon. The Dames of Darkness Organisers are currently speaking to a replacement band and details will be known as soon as things are confirmed. Those who have bought tickets to see Octavia and want a refund then please email tdodf@hotmail.co.uk. There is still a great line up though, so hopefully everybody will still enjoy the show.

A message from Liv Kristine: “I am very happy and proud to announce that I just signed a contract for my next few solo albums with Napalm Records. My decision to take this step is easily explainable; I am very satisfied with the cooperation between Napalm Records and Leaves’ Eyes so far. I appreciate the work of everybody working at Napalm Records and I have a good feeling about our past and future cooperation. Having both my solo project and Leaves’ Eyes on one label makes it a lot easier for label, band, co-musicians and me to coordinate everything, especially when it comes to planning and organizing tours, productions, promotion work etc. In the nearest future I will certainly pay a visit to beautiful Eisenerz and show Max a few ideas I’ve already been working on for my third solo album.”

Within Temptation  have come a long way in the last ten years. From their humble beginnings, the Dutch band have now sold over 1.2 million CDs and DVDs world-wide, making them not only Holland's biggest selling musical export but also one of the fastest growing rock acts internationally. They are now to release a double disc DVD/CD package in September. Titled 'Black Symphony', it was filmed at a special show in Rotterdam on February 7 2008, when the band played with the 60-piece Metropole Orchestra and a 20-voice choir. For you fans out there..check this out http://uk.youtube.com/user/wtofficial?ob=4

Elis will play at the M'era Luna at Hildesheim, Germany on Saturday 09.08.2008 and at 11:40 a.m. So if you want to watch them, you have to rise and shine early in the morning =)! And they announce, that they will play yet again in Liechtenstein! They are gonna hit the stage during the 'Klangwerk'-Cocert at the Chamaeleon in Vaduz on the 27.09.2008 as headliner.

My good friend Molly of Rott will be featured in a forthcoming issue of Mattey magazine. The zine is published in South America and is the largest Spanish language rock magazine.

Ravenheart Music approved Dutch band Skytah, will record their new album in July 2008. The new album will be recorded with session musicians Kris Gildenlow on bass and Remco van der Sluis on drums. Kris Gildenlow has recorded several albums with Swedish prog-metal band Pain of Salvation. Kris has amongst others worked with Lana Lane, Erik Norlander, and Dark Suns. Remco is a very respected session drummer. He has amongst others worked with Jan Akkerman, Hans Dulfer, Chris Hinze, and Steve Lukather.

One of my favourite bands 'Where Angels Fall', fronted by Eirin Bendigtsen, has recorded a new album, their second, and it is called 'Marionettes'. As there is no label at present, the band will try to release it themselves, and will in turn try to get some distrbution deal. Watch this space! They also play a gig at The Marlboro at Ilfracombe on the 15th November. Further gigs may follow, these to be announced.

The Ravenheart Music approved US rockers The Saints Of Ruin, will be Headlining the 1st annual SIRENS GOTHFEST on August 21st. It's the first Goth Music Fest in San Fransisco. It will be at THE RED DEVIL LOUNGE. It's an All Female Fronted night, so if anybody reading this can get there, well a word advice from us here in the UK.... go!

My friend Molly of Rott, who is Ravenheart Music's eyes and ears in the USA, tells me that rockers Cornerstone have left Renaissance Records.

Re the news item just below, it is with immense pleasure and excitement that the Manchester based band Liquid Sky announce Tiffeny Joyce as their new vocalist and Stuart Wright as their new drummer. Hailing from Cork in Ireland, Tiffeny originally studied musical theatre and has written, recorded and toured with several bands previously. She brings fantastic ability, enthusiasm and passion to her new role and the band are enormously excited about her arrival. Stu was already well-known to the band having co-produced the album "Identity" and therefore was a natural and obvious choice for the drum-stool. His power, precision and wealth of experience brings exciting new dynamics that the band are very excited to get onstage as soon as possible. Both Tiffeny and Stu will be making their live debut with the band in August so we hope that you will all welcome them with open arms.

I have just received an email from the lovely Hecate from the awesome Manchester based melodic rock band Liquid Sky. It seems that herself and Anthony (drums and percussion) will be leaving Liquid Sky to pursue other musical ambitions.  This is sad, but I also feel that after reading her email, it reflects the sad state of metal music in the UK. In other words it is a hard slog. I will say no more.

KATRA, the Finnish rising force in Gothic Metal named after their charismatric frontwoman Katra Solopuro, has signed a worldwide record deal with Napalm Records. With their self-titled debut, the band has already won over  a countless number of fans in their native Finland. For the worldwide release the vocals were re-recorded in English under the guidance of producer Risto Asikainen (Stratovarious) at Jean Records Studio. "Beast within" will hit the streets on 29 August 2008.

After a long spell of silence, BATTLORE has completed recording their latest album. Legendary Dan Swano will provide the mix and clad the new hymns in a well fitting suit of armour. The limited  edition of the to date untitled album will include a Bonus DVD that features the band's  performance at the Female Voices Festival 2007. The wait will finally be over in the fall and warriors of the Uruk Hai should  sharpen their blades in time for the album's release.

The Russian band ARKONA has joined the Napalm Records' ranks. The band's leader is the charismatic frontlady Masha Scream, who also writes all the music and lyrics, as well as delivering her fierce vocals. The band plays Pagan Metal and embellishes their versatile compositions with the use of folk instrumentation. The cover artwork was delivered by the legendary Kris Verwimp (Thyrfing, Manegarm,.) and the album itself, "Ot Serdca K Nebu" ("From the Heart to the Sky"), will be released on 4 July to most certainly take the hearts of Pagan Metal fans everywhere by storm.

Bullet For My Valentine are to play Alexandra Palace in London on November 15. Also on the bill are Lacuna Coil.

Although IMPERIA is currently in the middle of the songwriting process for the new album, the band has agreed to perform an exlusive show at the 2008 edition of the MYSTIC FAIR. The gothic & fantasy fair will be held at the Ahoy (outdoor) in Rotterdam,  The Netherlands.  IMPERIA will be headlining the festival on Saturday, the 19th of July.

I have some news from my great buddie Nils from Xandria. They should be making an announcement in early July as to who the new singer in Xandria will be. Meanwhile, I understand that their previous singer Lisa, is at the advance planning stage of a new solo album. More news regards that enterprise when we have it.

ATROCITY and LEAVES’ EYES are going to play at the ARTMANIA Festival in Sibiu / Romania at July, 19th 2008. Alex Krull, commenting the first concert in ‘Transylvania’: “Finally we made it: We are performing in the hometown of my Grandfather! We are looking forward to be with all of you soon!”. The festival also includes bands like TIAMAT and AGUA DE ANNIQUE (the new band with Anneke van Giersbergen).

News regards Italian Gothic Rockers Tystnaden - the follow up to 'Sham of Perfection' will be called 'In Our Eye' and will pick up a release on Renaissance Records. More news re the release date when we have it.

Staying in Italy, Italian Goth-Metal icons LACUNA COIL (pictured)  have started work on a DVD project which is tentatively scheduled to be released later this year. The DVD will be a retrospective of all things from the band's "Karmacode" album cycle. It will include promotional videos, spectacularly remixed pro-shot festival appearances, behind-the-scenes travel documentaries and home videos - and a few other fan-friendly surprises! And a new album is promised soon too.

Fireworks issue 32 has hit the newstands here in the UK. It features two freebie cds, one of which (Catz 'N' Claws vol 2) is a fest of female fronted rock. Thanks to Nicky at Fireworks for pushing the genre!

After almost 4 years, guitar player Bjornar Landa has decided to part ways with SIRENIA, in order to have more time for his family and studies. SIRENIA’s new guitar player is Michael S. Krumins. Michael is educated at the Conservatory of Music in Kristiansand, and we at Ravenheart wish him all the best.

Lunatica is in pre production for the next album due on Napalm Records which is half finished. Six songs are already written and pre produced. Lunatica will soon be heading to Wolfsburg again to record, mix and master the new songs at the Gate Studio. Michael Levine - arranger and orchestrator of Hans Zimmer (Pirates Of The Carribean, The Rock and so forth) - will contribute a song to the new album and he will also assist them concerning the recordings of the orchestra. Jimi Jamison (Burning Heart- Ex Survivor) and John Payne (ex Asia) will sing a a duet each with Andrea. You can say already that this is going to be a very varied album. More news in due course

The Dames of Darkness Festival 2008 takes place at the Asylum in Birmingham on Saturday 27th September.Headlining will be Octavia Sperati and To-Mera.Joining them are PYTHIA, Keltic Jihad, Hanging Doll, Severed Heaven, Tainted Grace and Apparition. Tickets will be available from June priced at £10, and on the door of the evening at £15. Doors open at 4pm and all profits will go to the Breast Cancer Care Charity. For details go to http://www.myspace.com/the_dames_of_darkness.

New England rockers Alice Sweet Alice fronted by Scott Martinez and Ali Kat (now I just love that name), will see their debut CD 'First Light', released by Renaissance Records on the 19th August.

The DVD  of the Black Symphony Concert in Ahoy by my beloved Within Temptation (mentioned elsewhere on this page), will pick up a September Release.

During the past couple of months, Dutch rockers The Gathering have created a lot of new ideas that will lead to the first songs for their upcoming CD, or should we say two new albums! Many of the new songs are very rock and guitar orientated and will end up on a heavy rock album, while the second album will be filled with more dreamy tracks. No new vocalist has been named yet, while the new album is planned for Spring 2009 release.

I have had a sorta cryptic message from the awesome I:Scintilla. This band are a fave of mine, amongst many others. What I believe is they have a new album due soon. Basically, watch this space!

Sirenia a short while ago introduced their new female singer. Ailyn - Born 1982 in Barcelona, now settled in Granada, Spain. Ailyn has been strongly attached to music all her life, and began singing at an early age. Later on she studied singing at The School of Music Albeniz, and obtained singing lessons with several singing teachers around Spain. In the past she’s been singing and performing all kinds of styles and genres, but in 2004 she discovered the sounds of  metal combined with atmospheric and classical elements, this style of music made a big impression and she knew right away in which direction she wanted to take her career. Sirenia has done pre-productions of several new songs and recognizes that Ailyn’s voice match perfectly with the new songmaterial. The band is very pleased to have Ailyn onboard and we all look forward to a future collaboration.

I will not hide the fact that I am great friends with the German Gothic Band Xandria, and Nils their bassist has become a good personal friend of mine. I have also had a laugh with Lisa, their singer, and she in the past has given me some lovely tasty German mints, and they were nice too. However, it is with great regret that I have to report that Lisa is not the singer with Xandria anymore. After almost eight years of successful work together, she has decided to leave the band due to personal reasons. The musical journey of Xandria will go on of course, and also in the future there will be great things to expect - be surprised! At the moment Xandria is searching for a new female singer, and will be back on stage with new songs and live dates. Information for candidates for the singer position will be posted within the next days.

Within Temptation will be releasing a DVD of the ‘Black Symphony’ concert in Ahoy. This special concert with the Metropole Orchestra, the PA‘dam choir and guest singers (Keith Caputo, George Oosthoek and Anneke van Giersbergen) was one of the best shows they have done so far. Next to the footage of this concert, recorded in High Definition by 14 camera’s, the DVD will also contain lots of other extra material. More news about this rather special release will follow soon!

And staying with Within Temptation.... Sharon den Adel guests on the new album from dance DJ Armin van Buuren. It's titled 'Imagine', and the Within Temptation singer is featured on the track 'In And Out Of Love', which she co-wrote. The record's released on May 6.

UK rocker Kayl Black (http://www.myspace.com/kaylblack), pictured above right, will be entering the studio soon to commence recording her debut album. I have a couple of promos from this lass, and they are awesome. This girl quite simply rocks. Watch this space.

Napalm Records has signed LUNATICA. The Swiss band is right in the middle of recording their new album. Michael Levine (Hans Zimmer's arranger - Pirates of the Carribean, The Rock) has provided his expertise on one track. In addition, Jimi Jamsion (Survivor's ex-vocalist) as well as John Payne (ex-Asia) will perform two songs with frontlady Andrea. An album release is tentatively scheduled for winter 2008/2009.

Battlelore is working hard on the finishing touches of their forthcoming album. The band's latest hymns will be mixed by legendary Dan Swano. The album is to hit the streets later this year.

Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil fame features in the new Alter Bridge song called 'Watch Over You'.

Within Temptation have just started their South American tour - without guitarist Robert Westerholt. The reason? He's on babysitting duties.Westerholt and WT vocalist Sharon den Adel have a two-year old daughter Luna, and they can't find anyone to look after her for the duration of the tour.

Ascendance Records is proud to announce the forthcoming release of Amberian Dawn's debut album "River of Tuoni" to European territories outside of Finland. Playing a composite and accomplished form of power/symphonic metal, Amberian Dawn are one of the most promising new bands on the scene. Carried by the flawless vocals of Heidi Parviainen and featuring strong song-writing and crisp production, River of Tuoni is a high quality album sure to please admirers of bands such as Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Edenbridge and Visions of Atlantis.

My friends from Rott will soon be taking part in a photo shoot for their debut label release 'Out Of Time', due May on Renaissance Records. And if it wasn't for me here at Ravenheart, there would be no label deal and no photo shoot. So I am so pleased that all this is taking place. A single from the album I think is planned - more news on that when we have it from the label. Good luck with the photo shoot Molly.

More rumours plague Paramore. After the band had denied they were splitting some days ago now, singer Hayley Williams is now dismissing rumours that she's pregnant. Watch this space!

All-girl band McQueen are to support Velvet Revolver at Liverpool University March 15, Leeds University 16, Manchester Apollo 17.

More bands have now been confirmed for the Download Festival. These are Within Temptation, Apocalyptica, the Dillinger Escape Plan, Cavalera Conspiracy and Simple Plan. The event happens from June 13-15 at Donington.

A message from British rockers Liquid Sky: "We are delighted to announce that we will be supporting OCTAVIA SPERATI at The Barfly in Camden on Wednesday 9th April. Our friends ADASTREIA will be opening the show, so it looks like a fantastic line-up. Tickets are available from us and are priced £8.50. Please e-mail us ASAP if you would like a ticket - Band@liquid-sky.co.uk. "

Nightwish have been confirmed for the Bloodstock Open Air Festival, which happens at Catton Hall in Derbyshire from August 15-17.

It is with great regret that Musicnonstop, a mail order organisation from Worcester here in the UK, only about 15 miles from Ravenheart Towers, has ceased trading after 9 years in the business. Musicnonstop was a good source of gothic and electro music (male and female fronted), and if it wasn't for them, I would not have come across some of the music that I have come across! A sign of the times perhaps, but this is sad news!?

Kittie bassist Trish Doan has left the Canadian band for health reasons. A replacement will be confirmed shortly.

News from London lass Lahannya (pictured)...."When this year's first issue of Orkus made its way into my hands I found out that Orkus readers had voted me into the top 10 of their favourite female international singers - right amongst the likes of Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), Emilie Autumn, Anette Olzon (now-Nightwish), Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), Amy Lee (Evanescence) and Chibi (The Birthday Massacre). Thanks so much to everyone who wrote in to vote for us and thanks also to ASP who listed us as their favourite newcomer of 2007! We finished the recording of our new EP 'Welcome To The Underground', which should be coming back from the manufacturer's this week"! And Lahannya will soon be on tour. Her dates are on the tour dates page. Check them out.

Rumours are rife that Paramore are splitting up. Apparently according to the band, they are just that - rumours!

Great news from British Rockers Madron. They will be playing live at the Joiners in Southampton supporting Octavia Sperati on Sunday April 6th 7.30pm. If you are down there, be there and support our beloved genre.

Norwegian gothic rockers Where Angels Fall, are pleased to announce that they have completed the recording of their next album! The album will contain 9 songs, and some previews can be found at their Myspace page - www.myspace.com/whereangelsfall. For further details, watch this space or their myspace!

Ravenheart Music approved electronic rockers I:Scintilla has informed us to expect a new album in October or November of this year (2008).

My buddies XANDRIA are back. The German gothic metal crew re visit the Camden Underworld in North London on April 7th. And a best of cd/dvd gets released in June (In Germany if nowhere else!).

LEAVES’ EYES are playing in Mexico again! On the 1st March, the “Mandragora’s Fest” takes place in Mexico-City. LEAVES’ EYES will perform their live debut with Nick Barker on drums and Alla Fedynitch on bass!

Within Temptation have been added to the bill for Iron Maiden's show at Twickenham Stadium, London on July 5. Also playing are Avenged Sevenfold.

The current issue of Fireworks Melodic Rock Zine comes packed with loadsa melodic and hard rock features and reviews. And this month has some pages devoted to female fronted rock and metal. And not only that, there are THREE cover mounted cds with this issue, including a cd devoted to our beloved genre. Check it out!

KatBgini from northern England has also signed a deal with Renaissance Records. It was Ravenheart Music that recommended that KatBgini contacted this label. And it has brought results! It is great to know that there are still labels out there that appreciate female fronted music! Great stuff Karen and Carl..all the very best to your future!

Ravenheart Music are very pleased to announce that ROTT has signed an international recording and distribution contract with USA label Renaissance Records. The album will be distributed internationally by one of the largest independents Koch. We are very very pleased to have helped Rott, and we feel that as their management team, we can take the band onto much bigger things.

We have just been informed that Nemesea's forthcoming tour of the UK and The Netherlands has been cancelled. No reason has been given. This is a shame as I was one person who had every intention of attending their Birmingham gig. Better news from another Dutch band though, and ...

....La-Ventura has signed a Licensing deal with their new American partner Renaissance Records. Their debut album "A New Beginning", which is highly rated here at Ravenheart Music, will be officially released on the 18th of March in The States and additionally Canada and Mexico.The album will be distributed worldwide by KOCH Distribution, making it available in the shops and on the internet. The song "Trefoil" has been selected to be the first single for the US market, accompanied by the already made video of the song. The extensive promotion includes all major media and press outlets in America. Later this year they will be touring and promoting the album in The States and will even shoot a second video! La-Ventura want to thank everybody at Renaissance Records for their belief and support in the band, especially John, whose doing an amazing job getting them out there! For the territories Europe and Asia, other partners will be taken onboard, and Ravenheart Music hopefully will play a part in that. Enjoy their music by getting an official copy of "A New Beginning" through the stores!

Sengir, the gothic rockers from Belgium have decided to call it a day. Fronted by Ellen Schutyser, I have both albums that have been released by this band, and I enjoy their music immensely. This is a sad piece of news, which can be found in more detail at http://www.sengirweb.com/ . We at Ravenheart Music wish Ellen, Pieter, Frederik, Wim, Olivier and Bruno all the very best in their future endeavours.

Singer Simone Simons of the Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA has issued the following:

"Since a couple of months I have been struggling with infections and had surgery many times. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with me. After a lot of tests at the hospital they found out that I am infected with MRSA, also known as the hospital bacteria. The treatment of this bacteria comes with a strict hygienic schedule which I have to work through every day. Because of this I will not be able to go on long trips, let alone living in a tour bus. Therefore we are forced to cancel most of our shows in February. The shows on the 22nd and 23rd in Lille and Vosselaar we will still do since they are independent shows and very close by. We cannot plan too far ahead since I first have to get rid of the infection and that will take some time. How long it will take we cannot tell at the moment. We are very sorry that we cannot do these shows. We were all looking forward to this tour and to meet you guys. What I have to focus on now is getting well, so that we will be on the road again as soon as possible. Please check out our site every once in a while for more information on this matter."

The new drummer of LEAVES' EYES is Nick Barker, who was the former drummer of CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR and TESTAMENT. He will also assume the role of drummer with ATROCITY.

The Ravenheart Music approved Canadian accoustic project MOJAVE, fronted by the lovely Lisa (also lead singer with Damsel Fly), together with her hubby Paul, has just informed me that they will be playing the Whiskey A Go Go in LA on February 14th. This is awesome news from Lisa, and I really hope that she and MOJAVE, achieve the success they so richly deserve.

Canadian singer Bif Naked has been diagnosed as suffering from breast cancer. We at Ravenheart Music wish her well in the battle against this awful disease.

My buddie Nils from German gothic metal merchants Xandria, tells me that the band will NOT be coming to the UK as part of KatBgini's UK tour schedule. However, they may well be coming to our shores in April for a one off gig. Venue and date to be confirmed. Watch this space!!

After a year-long search for the right musician, British melodic rockers LIQUID SKY would like to introduce their new guitarist, Andrew Midgley. Andy is 19 years old and is currently studying at Salford University in Manchester.

Dark Passion Play - the totally awesome album by Nightwish has now sold over 100.000 copies in Finland! Great news has just came from Switzerland too: Dark Passion Play has gone platinum there! Wakey wakey the UK. It's time for the record buying public in the UK to stop buying this Spice Girls or Girls Aloud poisonous girly pop crap, that mainstream radio stations seem intent on subjecting us too over here, and let's start buying REAL music!!!!

TRISTANIA have recently announced the addition of Italian singer Mariangela "Mary' Demurtas to their ranks.

Austrian symphonic metalheads Edenbridge have a new drummer. He's Max Pointer. The band release new album 'MyEarthDream' in the Spring.

Eyes Of Eden, the gothic rock band featuring producer/guitarist Waldemar Sorychta, are giving away an unreleased song online. It's titled 'Mother's Revenge', and may be accessed at www.myspace.com/eyesofedenband.

British metal merchants Seasons End, are to headline the BloodBath Festival, which happens on January 5 at the Percy Centre in Bath, here in the UK.

The recordings for the new MIDNATTSOL album 'Nordlys' are complete. This week Tue Madsen will finalize the mix at Antfarm Studios in prepartion for the mastering at Finnvoxx Studio by Mika Jussila. Impressions from the recording sessions can be found on MIDNATTSOL's myspace page.

Due to personal circumtances, Nathanael Korf, bass player with the Ravenheart Music approved Dutch rock act Skytah has decided to leave the band. The vibrant performance of Skytah in Cafe Lazarus in Leiden the Netherlands on November 2nd 2007 was also his last performance as bass player with the band. Skytah would like to thank Nathanael for his meaningful contribution to the band.

Austrian symphonic metalheads Vision Of Atlantis are looking for a new female vocalist. Anyone interested?

Here are some details regards the January edition of Fireworks Zine, which is an edition that will feature heavily the female fronted scene!

CATZ N' CLAWZ- 5/6 pages .......Will feature:-

Imperia, Sofia, Alexx Calise, Toni Rowland, Shauna Young, Glitzy Glow, Blind Shot, Eilera, Kelly Padrick, Vanity Ink, Rott, Candestine, Barbe-Q-Barbes, Mystic Jayyad, Vice Squad, Skytah, Melissa Bellm (The DuBay Band), Jaded,

+ MAIN INTERVIEWS

+ 1 x Laura Kaye interview
+ 1 x Xandria interview (by myself)

Interviews likely too with Tarja Turnen and Jaime Kyle.

CATZ N' CLAWZ cover mounted CD should feature the following:-

Imperia, Sofia, Alexx Calise, Toni Rowland, Shauna Young, Glitzy Glow, Blind Shot, Eilera, Kelly Padrick, Vanity Ink, Rott, Candestine, Barbe-Q-Barbes, Mystic Jayyad, Vice Squad, Skytah, Melissa Bellm (The DuBay Band), Jaded, Xandria, Jaime Kyle, Tarja Turunen.

To-Mera in London next weekend! They'll be playing a set at the Candlelight Records Party at the Borderline on December 1st. Other bands playing include Octavia Sperati, October File and DAM. To-Mera will be one of the first bands on, so make sure you get there at a decent time if you want to see them. Tickets are £7.50 and are available at all good ticket agencies.

KATRA, the Finnish rising force in Gothic Metal named after their charismatric front woman Katra Solopuro, has signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. With their self-titled debut, the band is set to win over countless cross-genre fans in their native Finland. For the worldwide release, the vocals are to be re-recorded in English under the guidance of producer Risto Asikainen (Stratovarious) at Jean Records Studio. This new version will also include 2 new tracks. Artist Janne Uotila (HIM) will be responsible for the CD's artwork. A release for the English version of Katra is scheduled for mid 2008.

Ravenheart Music's own blonde bombshell Rachel Miller (synths and programming) and the lovely Aimee Halford (vocals and piano) under the 'Absinthe' moniker, have finished writing material, and are now currently working on the recording of their first cd with their band. The music of this Warwickshire based duo is taking on a heavier, industrial but melodic gothic metal sound. It seems Aimee vocally, is pulling all the stops out on this one too. Basically, keep watching this space!!

LEAVES' EYES played their last show of the year together with BLIND GUARDIAN and ASTRAL DOORS in the Krefeld Hockeystadium in front of 3.000 people. Moreover, this was the final concert of LEAVES' EYES with bass player Chris Lukhaup and drummer Moritz Neuner; Chris Lukhaup had to leave the band due to personal reasons and Moritz Neuner is taking another turn in his working career. The band wishes them both all the best in the future.

Due to musical disagreements, singer Monika Pedersen and Sirenia has decided to part ways - here is Monika's statement: "After much consideration I have chosen to leave Sirenia, but I will continue with music. The reason is, that we have too many musical differences, and I don't feel like it's the right band for me. I have had a great time in the band, lots of good experiences and only wish the best for the band in the future. I want to send a big "Thank You" to all the fans for your support – you haven't heard the last of me!" As a result of these circumstances Sirenia will have to pull out of the planned European tour with Therion. The show in Athens will be postponed until may 2008. You have our apologies for this, Sirenia will be back on the road next year. We will use the coming months to find a new singer, as well as composing music for our next album.

A well known retailer of melodic rock/aor music here in the UK (Destiny Records) has just given me his list of best sellers so far this year. And top of the list is 'When The Night Falls' (Sony/BMG). This is an awesome slab of melodic hard rock by a lass from Finland called Agnes. This album is sheer class, and did pick up an 8/10 review here at Ravenheart earlier in the year! The cd can be bought at http://destinyrecords.uk.com or order it from ST Records in Dudley. And Agnes tells me in an email that she is working on material for a new album. Great stuff!

Edenbridge is currently in production of their new album "MyEarthDream" which will see a world wide release in April 2008 on Napalm Records. The band tell us that the album is gonna be the heaviest and most symphonic one that they have recorded. In-fact, to achieve their ambitious goals with this release, the band will work with the 65-man-strong Prague Opera Orchestra and has secured the work of some of the scene's best, including Karl Groom (Threshold, Engineer), Robby Valentine (backup vocals), Finnvox Studios (Mastering, HIM, Nightwish) and photographer Steve Brown in London (Lacuna Coil, Dimmu Borgir).

The LEAVES' EYES Special DVD Show in front of over 3.500 enthusiastic fans is done! Alex Krull: "We would like to say a big thank you to all fans, crewmembers and people who were involved in the DVD show last weekend in Wieze! The show was a blast and the DVD will be very special, that's for sure! Everybody was giving the best and we can be proud of the work we have done! The fans were incredible supporting us! Thank you!" The two dvd set will be released in March 2008. And as if that wasn't enough, LEAVES' EYES are working hard on the follow-up to their hit album 'Vinland Saga'.

My gothic friend Molly of the Idaho based gothic metal band ROTT has a new keyboard girl...20 year old Carrie. And we at Ravenheart are actively promoting and publicising ROTT here in the UK. ROTT has been attracting interest from UK and European labels, and we are hoping they will be visiting our shores very soon.

HYDROGYN is entering the final stages of the writing process for the new CD that is slated for Spring release. " The writing is going great and the songs are shaping up to be very strong", says Julie enthusiastically about the new material. They will be entering the studio in December and January to record the yet as untitled new CD.

Within Temptation are very proud to announce the online premiere of their new video, "All I Need". You can view the video by going to their Myspace and/or their Youtube page.

After BIG problems with their label's digital distributor, I:Scintilla is happy to announce that their latest offering "Optics" is finally available for digital downloads. Details:

Amazon.com | 256 kbps MP3 | DRM-Free | $8.99 Album | $0.99 Songs

http://www.amazon.com/Optics/dp/B000WNDHV4/ref=sr_1_1/002-9959905-259843

Emusic.com | 192 kbps MP3 | DRM-Free | Subscription

http://www.emusic.com/album/I-Scintillia-Optics-MP3-Download/11099766.html

"Optics" will be available on iTunes very very soon. But of course, the actual CD (given a 9/10 review here at Ravenheart) can be purchased/ordered via your friendly retailer. I:Scintilla will also start work on a new album in November.

The January issue of Fireworks Melodic Rock Magazine will include a free cover mounted cd of female fronted rock and metal, together with 5 pages devoted to female fronted music. There will also be an interview with Lisa and Nils of Xandria, this interview conducted by myself. This zine is always a must buy, but the January issue must not be missed by any means! It seems the cd will include tracks by Imperia, Xandria, Rott, Skytah, Eilera and Tarja Turunen amongst many others.

Electronic goth rocker Lahannya will hit the Camden Underworld on December 12th. There are some German dates by this awesome gal posted on our tour dates page too.

Wednesday, 26th of December, Dutch Rockers Nemesea will play at the Gothic X-mass fest in Hardenberg (Holland), together with After Forever and Epica.

With reference to the article below, To-Mera are absolutely delighted to announce that Hen from the rather excellent band Haken will be joining To-Mera (as well as continuing with those guys). Hen is not only a very skillful keyboard player, but he's also a first class guitarist which will give To-Mera more options on the live front.

We understand that To-Mera are to part with keyboard player Hugo Sheppard. However he will still be in the band when they support Fates Warning at the Camden Underworld in London on November 21.

Former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen has now re-scheduled her London show from November 27 to December 20. It happens at the Electric Ballroom in Camden.

Guitarist Robert Schoenleitner has left Edenbridge, due to personal reasons. The Austrian symphonic metallers are currently looking for a suitable replacement.

Within Temptation's ‘Mother Earth’ album has just been released in the UK through Roadrunner records. The album has new revised artwork and four bonus tracks. We here at Ravenheart Music have had the original album since it was released in Europe in 2003. So if you have not got it and you are a fan of Within Temptation and femme metal in general, then it is worth parting with your hard earnt cash! And a little bit of info from the band! They tell me that Play.com have the cd for £7.99. So there you go!!!

Here is a message sent to us by Manda, vocalist with Dutch rockers Nemesea. "After four and a half wonderful years, Martijn (guitarist) has decided to leave Nemesea. We are very sad, but as it is his choice we can only accept this. We hope he will come and visit us now and then. We want to thank him for everything he has done for Nemesea. Martijn, we love you!"

Xandria's gig at the London Underworld was awesome. Supporting acts were South London metal act Into The Woods and British Band Adastreia. Into The Woods played a good albeit short slot. A band to look out for this one, although lead singer Natalia's voice I thought was a little drowned out in the mix. Adastreia fronted by Alexandra were awesome as always, and certainly looking to become the British version of the old Nightwish that we all got to know so well. Xandria are in my view a very much under estimated band, performing songs from their four album back catalogue. Lisa has a commanding stage presence, and I wanna say "thanks for the mints Lisa, they were nice!" Nils afterwards thought the band could have performed better, but from where I was standing, it seemed ok to me. There were 228 paying punters at this gig, EXACTLY the same as last year when Xandria played on Aug 12th. It could and should have been better, but it could have been worse. One last thing..the age of the people at this gig...I would say 14 to 60. Amazing!

One of my favourite artists, Lennon Murphy has informed me that she is working on her new metal record. More news in due course.

British melodic rockers Anemo are about half way through their second album - still lots to do but they are finally releasing the first single from it called "Pray". It will be released on the 15th October and there is a fantastic video to go with it. And Anemo will be appearing on MusFlash TV Rock (Sky 375) over the next couple weeks. They will be showing their video and Anemo will be doing an acoustic set and interview on the show as well.

Electronic rockers I:Scintilla have informed us that their record label has been experiencing problems with their digital distributor, so their awesome new album, "Optics", is still not available on iTunes. We have been assured that it will be available soon. They apologise for the delay and please be patient just a bit longer! When it is up on iTunes, we'll be sure to let you know.

Melissa Auf Der Maur has just finished recording a new album called 'Out Of Our Minds'. This is part of a multi-media experience, which also includes a comic and short film. All are expected to be released under the project name of MADM. As yet, though, no deal is in place.