_ 2012 marks the 10th year in the career of Swiss “New Wave Of Folk Metal” pioneers Eluveitie! In order to celebrate this anniversary properly, the band around founder and main man Chrigel Glanzmann has decided to re-record the very first EP “Vên” completely and to re-master the debut album “Spirit” in order to put these two sought-after collector’s items into one 2CD-bundle. This magnificent gift to the fans is entitled “The Early Years” and will be released via Nuclear Blast Records on the 17th of August.

As a foretaste, the band has now published the re-recorded version of the track `Lament´ from “Vên” that can be enjoyed here within the framework of an entertaining photo slideshow, including pictures of Eluveitie’s early days: http://youtu.be/Fggu2sa2hVU

Additionally, the track can be downloaded via the band page on the Nuclear Blast website. Also make sure to check out the terrific Eluveitie songpier smartphone app and other great gimmicks there

Also check out our recent interview with the Swiss Metallers here.

Every week during July, Toronto-based Celtic Viking Metal quartet, Vesperia will be previewing to fans a selected video clip from their upcoming live DVD 'Untamed in Toronto!' that was filmed by AX Media during the bands past show at the Hard Luck Bar.

'We are very excited to reveal our first-ever live DVD that we filmed in our very own hometown of Toronto on our last tour." says lead vocalist and bassist Morgan Rider. "For anyone who has not been able to see one of our live performances, this will give them a unique opportunity to see the primal nature behind a VESPERIA performance; fully equipped with a high-end lighting rig and in high definition!"

To view the first video clip titled 'The Swordsman' please visit the following link here.

Irish Celtic Black Metal tribe Waylander keep the Gaelic flag flying with 'Kindred Spirits' due for release come 16th July (EU) and 14th August (N. America).

Finally mastered at the Finnox studio in Finland (Children of Bodom, Nightwish, etc.) , Irish Celtic Black Metal band Waylander are set to release their brand new and fourth full length album 'Kindred Spirits'. The band described lyrics for the two first songs: 'Echoes of the Sidhe' and 'Lamh Dearg' which are very interesting topics.

'Echoes of the Sidhe' - deals with the enduring fascination in celtic countries with the Sidhe/the Fairy folk/Tuatha De Danann which has survived the coming of christianity as well as the modern age of enlightenment. The belief in the old Gods and the existence of higher plains of existence has endured and will continue to do so.

'Lamh Dearg' - meaning Red Hand, the symbol of the northern province of Ulster of which Northern Ireland Ireland makes up two thirds. For the first time since our debut demo the conflict in Northern Ireland is used as subject matter for one of our songs. This song is about love for the land which transcends politics, where the land itself is sacred while mankind are merely the custodians for the generations to come. Concentrate on what unites us as it's a lot more than people have knowledge off due to a blinkered mindset. In effect this song is a modern pagan perspective on the conflict we have endured.

'Kindred Spirits' Tracklist:

1. Echoes of the Sidhe
2. Lámh Dearg
3. Twin Fires of Beltíne
4. Of Fear and Fury
5. Grave of Giants
6. A Path Well Trodden
7. Quest for Immortality
8. Erdath
9. Kindred Spirits

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RHYS STEVENSON