Music News & Notes

Darkthrone launch new album website

Norway’s prominent black metal duo, Darkthrone, have launched a mini-website for their upcoming album “Circle the Wagons” which contains exclusive audio samples, album info, photo galleries and album bundles. Fans of the band can preorder both the vinyl and CD editions of “Circle the Wagons” via the new mini-website and those who sign up to the band’s mailing list will receive a free song download from the new album.

The mini-website can be viewed here http://www.peaceville.com/darkthrone/circlethewagons/

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MORBID ANGEL's 'Formulas Fatal To The Flesh' Available On Vinyl For First Time

"Formulas Fatal To The Flesh", the 1998 album from death metal veterans MORBID ANGEL, is out now on vinyl for the first time ever. The third release in Earache's "First Time on Vinyl" campaign, "Formulas Fatal To The Flesh" marked a new era for MORBID ANGEL upon its original release, being the band's first album with new vocalist and bassist Steve Tucker. While "Formulas Fatal To The Flesh" featured the traditional, blasting death metal for which MORBID ANGEL became known, the album also included more experimental instrumental pieces, showcasing a new diversity and ambition from the band.

"Formulas Fatal To The Flesh" is available now on limited-edition double gatefold vinyl LP in the following colors:

* Lava vinyl - 100 copies (sold out)
* Red vinyl - 200 copies
* Clear vinyl - 300 copies
* Black vinyl - 1,400

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CODE: 'Resplendent Grotesque' To Receive Vinyl Release

"Resplendent Grotesque", the second album from CODE — the British/Norwegian black metal project featuring bassist/backing vocalist Viper (a.k.a. Vicotnik from DHG), guitarist/songwriter Aort and vocalist Kvohst (DØDHEIMSGARD) — will finally see its long-overdue release on the hallowed vinyl format. It will be available in a few short weeks and feature "suitably glorious packaging," according to the band. More information will be made available soon.

"Resplendent Grotesque" was released on June 1, 2009. According to the band, the follow-up to 2005's "Nouveau Gloaming" contains "songs of necrospiritual dust and desertion, crafted by bony hands in blackbird gloves." Aort previously stated about the CD, "Adrian completely devastated the drums for this recording and Vicotnik has managed to really outdo himself with his most inspired bass work yet. I think we have all raised the bar with this recording and we are itching to get these morbid hymns out to you."

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THE CROWN's 'Hell Is Here' Released On Limited-Edition Dark Flames Splatter Vinyl

Night Of The Vinyl Dead has released THE CROWN's 1999 album, "Hell Is Here", on limited-edition dark flames splatter vinyl. Limited to 500 hand-numbered copies

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Jackson estate agrees record deal

With Sony having sold 31 million Jackson albums since his death last June the estate of Michael Jackson has agreed the biggest recording deal in history, worth more than $200m (£133m), with Sony Music, US reports say. The deal looks set to cover a 10 album releases over seven years with previously unreleased material.

With the contract with Sony worth up to $250m if certain conditions are met, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing sources close to the deal. An official announcement is expected later.

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Katatonia Release New EP

Swedish master of melancholy, Katatonia, has unleashed 'The Longest Year', a new four track EP, available today through the Peaceville Records store. http://www.burningshed.com/store/peaceville/collection/241/

Alongside the new single, "The Longest Year", taken from 2009's, Night is the New Day, this new EP also features the previously unreleased track, "Sold Heart", a remix of "Day and Then the Shade", and an alternative version of "Idle Blood", plus the videos for both "The Longest Year", directed by Charlie Granberg (Bloodbath, My Dying Bride), and "Day and Then the Shade", directed by Lasse Hoile (Porcupine Tree, Opeth).

Both the vinyl and special editions of the album are available through the Peaceville webstore, along with all the albums from the band's back catalogue, including limited vinyl editions of the classic albums.