ProgRock.co.uk reports that the following titles are now available for pre-order* - which also serves as an announcement of some new releases. First up, Pain of Salvation have a new 2CD/2DVD set called On The Two Deaths Of, which is due for release on January 26, 2009. "Filmed during their successful Scarsick tour at the Paradiso, Amsterdam (Netherlands), this release contains the full concert on one DVD and a documentary and picture gallery on the second DVD."

The package comes in a 2DVD/2CD limited edition (GBP 28.99), a 2CD only set (GBP 12.99), and 2DVD set (GBP 16.99). Released by InsideOut Music. Click here to pre-order: http://www.progrock.co.uk/acatalog/P.html#aP15345.

Tracklisting - DVD1/CD1: "Scarsick," "America," "Nightmist," "! (Foreword)," "Handful Of Nothing," "New Year's Eve," "Ashes," and "Undertow."

German power metal band Mystic Prophecy will enter Prophecy Studios on December 19 to begin recording its sixth album for an early 2009 release. The as-yet-untitled effort will be mixed in Sweden under the direction of Fredrik Nordström (Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, In Flames) and R.D. Liapakis (Firewind, Chastain, Eldritch).

Mystic Prophecy was recently joined by former Nightrage guitarist Constantine. "I feel very excited about it and it would be amazing to be in the band again with these super-cool guys!" Constantine said in a statement. "I played with them for one show the last June in Essen and I realised how good chemistry we have together as musicians both behind and on the stage and personalities as well."

Edguy/Avantasia frontman Tobias Sammet has recorded a guest vocal appearance on the new solo album from former KISS and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist Bruce Kulick, tentatively titled BK3.

In a posting on his official web site, Kulick writes, "Tobias Sammet is not a name you all know, but he fronts a band called Edguy from Germany and is also in another one that is very popular called Avantasia. I knew of him from KISS drummer Eric Singer [who played on the most recent Avantasia album] and finally heard his voice in Japan this past February when someone played the Avantasia CD at the meet-and-greet before our show in Tokyo. I asked Eric about him and he told me how talented he is and I should contact him. I had a song for BK3 that I had reserved for Gene [Simmons], which gave birth to a completely new different song that I told you all about in previous blogs. So what could I do with this great track???

Aquaplanage and Ed Unitsky are proud to announce the fruit of a recent collaboration. The English based outfit commissioned Ed to provide the cover art for their debut release Aquaplanage.

With his unique approach and trademark otherworldliness, Ed has rendered a visual landscape that perfectly complements the sonic territory of Aquaplanage. Ed has captured perfectly the balance of reflection and intensity inherent in the music of Aquaplanage, and provided a visual signature for their own unique brand of progressive rock.

Aquaplanage are the creative offspring of Fragile, the internationally applauded Yes tribute act who have toured extensively with Steve Howe of Yes, and been endorsed by Rick Wakeman through regular airplay on his Planet Rock digital radio show.

After the great success of the first album by Jelly Fiche, Unicorn Digital is proud to present another great Quebec Progressive Rock Artist: Discover the Enchanted World of Claire Vezina.

The dreamlike and sensitive texts talk about life and death, love and war and tell us about urban stories ("Il Pleut Sur La Ville," "Dans Ton Monde Cyber"), a Vendeen legend ("Méluzine"), contemporary questionings ("Cyber Neptune," "Jeanne," "Les Soldats"), waking dreams ("Naufrage," "11h52," De L'ouest Une Brise Souffle") and interrogations about life ("Soleil," "Tant De Guerres").

With her new album, the musician makes us navigate through her universe with the help of an electro-rock atmosphere, slightly influenced by a progressive sound, without disconnecting from her musical roots. The arrangements of Cyber Neptune flow from the beginning till the end and gives us the desire to come back a little bit more in order to immerge ourselves in her completely opposite poles.

The Bridge Of Light, the new album of the major Brazilian progressive band Apocalypse, arrives in stores in November. This will be the band's tenth release and it's divided in two parts: "Act I" including the tracks "The Dance Of Dawn," "Next Revelation," "Last Paradise," "Dreamer," "Meet Me" and "Ocean Soul"; and "Act II" with a conceptual suite divided in seven parts telling the history of an orphan young boy called Jimmy and his friend Z14, that together are searching for existential answers in a old and lost park.

The Bridge Of Light will be available in the entire South American territory through Free Mind Records. The big news is that the album will now be available in Europe and Asia as well through Musea Records. Apocalypse signed a new deal with this French progressive rock label that is considered one of the major companies of the whole world in that musical segment.

Progressive rock band Satellite revealed the title of their forthcoming album - Nostalgia, the follow up to the highly acclaimed album Into The Night, which will be released by Metal Mind Productions in mid March 2009. Once again, Wojtek Szadkowski and his colleagues from the legendary neo-prog-rock Collage create a genuine musical masterpiece of space, melody and beautiful sounds. More details on the new record will follow as the recording process progresses.

Satellite was founded in 2000 by Wojtek Szadkowski, who wrote and co-wrote nearly all of Collage's music and lyrics. It was meant to be only Wojtek's solo-project but soon became a real band. They’ve released three studio albums so far (2003's A Street Between Sunrise And Sunset, 2005's Evening Games, and 2007's Into The Night plus a DVD Evening Dreams (2005).

Satellite's official website: www.myspace.com/satellitepoland

[Source: Metal Mind]

Keyboard and electric-violin legend Eddie Jobson announces a January 6 release date for the new UKZ band's debut EP entitled Radiation. The band is also planning a debut concert in late January in New York City.

A video for the title track "Radiation" will be released this month to ukzband.com Zealots Lounge members. The Zealots Lounge will be a place where members can get a look behind the scenes and have advance access to UKZ music, video and concert tickets.

Returning from a self-imposed 27-year retirement from band and touring activity, Jobson set out to find the same caliber of next-generation musicians for the new UKZ project that would equal or surpass the talents of his previous colleagues and collaborators -- an impressive list that includes Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, Phil Collins, John Entwistle, Ian Anderson, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Allan Holdsworth, and Tony Levin.

Blistering Records is proud to announce the introduction and subsequent launch of their online webstore. The webstore can be accessed now by going to www.blisteringrecords.se and clicking on the "SHOP" button on the top menu. It can also be found by typing www.shop.blisteringrecords.se. The store will initially feature the label's own "U.S. only" line of CDs which features new releases by artists such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Kiske (Helloween), Siebenburgen, Exciter, Crematory, Laaz Rockit and Almah (featuring members of Angra). In the months to come it will also offer diverse product lines from other labels as well as T-shirts, rock memorabilia and merchandise. Blistering Records will also be offering items that will be unique and exclusive to the shop as well as special offers.

All items will in some way mirror or relate to Blistering's mission as a label to showcase great talent from the worlds of heavy, melodic, classic metal and progressive music. Blistering Records will shortly be announcing some new signings and titles for its exciting 2009 lineup. Please go to www.blisteringrecords.se additional information and updates.

[Source: Blistering Records]

Syrinx write: "We are very happy to announce the release of our new album, Qualia. Individual mp3 songs/tracks or the whole album can be bought at http://syrinx-aeon.com/music-shop/index.php; real CDs are now out and can be bought by contacting us at contact (at) syrinx-aeon.com; you can visit us on MySpace at www.myspace.com/levingtiemecercle.

The Jason Becker "Collection"
Guest Performances By Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe And More!
Out Now On Shrapnel Records

Jason Becker releases the Jason Becker "Collection" on Shrapnel Records. This pure work of genius contains three new recordings totaling over 20 minutes in length and includes new performances by some of Becker's guitar buddies: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Michael Lee Firkins, Marty Friedman, Steve Hunter and Greg Howe. In addition the CD is enhanced and contains some bonus material playable on computer.

Gripping virtuoso guitar licks and a glimpse at history as it was being made can accurately summarize Becker's new album, Collection.

Axiology Records is the new label created as a joint venture between Australian guitar sensation Chris Brooks and business partner Andrew Kuri. The label has been set up primarily to release Brooks' fiery brand of prog/fusion-tinged instrumental guitar music, beginning with the guitarist's sophomore album The Axis Of All Things (due for release in May 2009), and for eventually mentoring, developing and releasing the talent of other instrumental artists.

"I've heard the tracks Chris has been writing for the new album, and I jumped at the chance to help get this album into the marketplace for next year," says Andrew Kuri, who will handle many of the day to day chores of marketing the new label's releases. "Chris is creating something really magic and his fans are going to be blown away!"

Canadian songwriter Daniel Gauthier, who brought to the world the now classic Above The Storm in 2000, has just released his third album, The Wish. This much awaited album, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of Gauthier's music, is simply a must for everyone who enjoys the musical universe created by Yes, Genesis and Pink Floy in the late 70s. Daniel Gauthier is still permeated witht he influence of the British invasion on those fabulous years of creation, but he has succeeded in forging his own style, which fans from all around the world are continuing to discover each day. Join them in celebrating this new classic progressive rock album!

[Source: Daniel Gauthier]

No, no near-sad news of a near-death experience, here. Rather, as Pleasure Art Music announces, "Steve Brooke released a single called 'Heaven' [on November 1] as a preview for the upcoming album [A Story Short]. 'Heaven' is available as a free download via: www.stevebrooke.nl

Steve is working with producer Steve Negus (ex-Saga) on his second album that will be released in the spring of 2009. Steve also teams up with Rod Chapel of Canada's Lightspeed to provide vocals and drums for Rod's new solo project.

mellotrön_, Detroit's Progressive Super Metal™ band, will unleash its official debut EP entitled And Go at a special concert and CD release party Friday, Nov. 14 at The Magic Bag in Ferndale, Mich. (22920 Woodward Ave.). Doors for this 18-and-over show will open at 8 p.m. Opening the show for mellotrön_ will be Grand Circus, Radar Pilot and The Science Fair. Cover is $7.

And Go is currently in the final mixing stage, and will include five face-melting tracks: "Driving Home," "Sick," "With Death This Story Ends," "Swamp (Rickets)," and "Complacency."

And Go will be available for the first time at the show, along with other mellotrön_ merchandise. So those at the Magic Bag will be among the first to witness And Go in all its glory and splendor.

Download the And Go teaser mp3 here: http://mellotronmetal.com/podcast/Mellotr%f6n%20-%20And%20Go%20Teaser.mp3

The Band's New Release, Mantis, Streets January 20, 2009

Umphrey's McGee launches a one-of-a-kind pre-order campaign for their highly anticipated new studio release, Mantis (January 20, 2009 / SCI Fidelity Records). The pre-order, which offers an MP3 download of the album in addition to the traditional compact disc, also promises unprecedented downloadable bonus content that will actually increase in volume depending on how many pre-orders are received, and will use innovative PUSH(TM) technology by Digital Insert to continue delivering exclusive bonus material throughout 2009. The Mantis pre-order offer is available now at www.umphreys.com/mantis.

Over 2 years in the making, Mantis pushes the envelope in composition, arrangement and group interplay. And in an Umphrey's McGee first, the album offers 100% new material - a drastic change of pace for a band whose typical modus operandi is to work out the material live on-stage before recording studio versions. Coupled with an innovative pre-order campaign offering unique bonus material incentives where fans can actually influence the amount of extra material that is offered, Mantis is creating plenty of anticipation and chatter among fans and industry alike.

"Here is some fascinating news from Galileo Records, your prog and metal label from Switzerland: We are proud to announce that the fantastic Italian band Daedalus has been signed by Galileo Records. Their first album is a fine mix of metal, prog and some Italian folk elements. The CD [The Never Ending Illusion] will presumably be released in January 2009. Mark Wilkinson has been commissioned to do the artwork and the result is just stunning. See our webpage (www.galileo-records.com) for more information. The CD is now under production and in order to get an impression of what Daedalus sounds like, go to www.myspace.com/progdaedalus.

"Also, the Swiss ambient Prog Band Metamorphosis is very likely to sign their fourth album to Galileo Records. Metamorphosis has had considerable success with their three last CDs - Nobody Cares, After All These Years and Then All Was Silent - and has again progressed a quantum leap. The production is at an almost breathtaking level and compared to the music so far, the new CD will contain some harder edges and depart from the ambient sound towards a harder style with a lot of power but on the same time not neglecting the old virtues.

Sad news indeed. As posted at the band's website, and shared on various newsgroups, Mike Baker, vocalist with the progressive metal band Shadow Gallery has passed away. Here is the official press release:

"It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Shadow Gallery vocalist, Michael A. Baker. Mike, 45 years old, suffered a heart attack, Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, 2008. Mike was a founding member of Shadow Gallery and for the past 16 years helped shape the sound of the band with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world. Those who knew him best were moved by his gentle spirit, sincere kindness, fun nature and passion for both music and sports. He was a warrior in the studio, a true professional. Mike was our friend, our singer and our brother. We loved him and will miss him enormously, but he will always be remembered in our hearts and through his music." Messages of condolence can be left at the band's website through this link: http://www.shadowgallery.com/mb_guestbook/mb_guestbook.php

"On our website the preview of the upcoming new album Beyond Reality is revealed for the first time! The title track "Beyond Reality" is featured. As the mixing process is still ongoing, this can be considered as a temporary teaser. The final mix might differ from this one, but you will get a good impression of what to expect!

Mangrove will play two exclusive gigs in the UK at the Robin (November 17th, Wolverhampton) and The Peel (November 15th, London). In the Netherlands a special preview show will take place on December 19th at the Bluescafe. Don't miss it

Listen to "Beyond Reality"; View Promo at YouTube; Mangrove YouTube site; Mangrove MySpace site.

Iluvatar are a band from Baltimore, Maryland recognized as one of America's premier progressive rock bands. Having a solid foundation in rock music, Iluvatar combines different elements from other genres such as jazz, classical, and psychedelia, and weaves them into sound tapestries that, while pushing the boundaries of the standard rock formula, remain very accessible, even radio-ready. Although often incorporating extended instrumental passages, time signature shifts, strong dynamics, and sometimes unconventional arrangements, the music steers away from the self-indulgence of many artists that fall into the "progressive" genre. The focus remains on creating unique songs with strong memorable melodies and heartfelt vocals. The end result is music that can be appreciated by both the casual listener and aficionado alike.

The band is made up by lead singer Glenn McLaughlin, Dennis Mullin – Guitars, Jim Rezek – Keyboards, Dean Morekas - Bass, Backing Vocals and Chris Mack - Drums, Percussion.