Tel Aviv, Israel. A musically ignored place, at least by the metal community í¢ä‰åäóì until now! Roadrunner Records is proud to announce their latest signing, the Israeli band – Betzefer. Thundering double bass, smashing metal’n’roll-riffs and a singer who seems to literally eat his mike í¢ä‰åäóì welcome to the harsh metal world of Betzefer, who initially got together for a high school gig (Betzefer is an ad lib translation of the Hebrew term í¢ä‰åñBeit Haseferí¢ä‰åŒ, meaning í¢ä‰åñschoolí¢ä‰åŒ). í¢ä‰åñOver here our musical style has not often been recognized in the media,í¢ä‰åŒ says guitarist and songwriter Matan Cohen. í¢ä‰åñAlthough Israel is a small country and there are a lot of bands here in the metal scene, bands can’t tour Israel. There are three major cities that everyone will eventually drive to anyway, so there are just 2-4 metal events every month. And still there are so many cliches: as if Metal was something evil and rotten.í¢ä‰åŒ í¢ä‰åñOf course, our country has big political problems í¢ä‰åäóì but our music should help kids to think of something other than what they see on TV every day: we are entertainment!í¢ä‰åŒ states vocalist Avital Tamir. And they are so good that Betzefer are already one of the most popular acts in their home country. Drawing on their influences of Pantera and Sepultura, and produced by Kris Belaen and mixed/mastered by Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Mnemic), Betzefer‘s debut album ‘Down Low’ is a veritable sledge hammer. ‘Down Low’ will be released Europe wide on June 6. However expect a sneak preview on the site in April

Machine Head drummer Dave McClain has posted the following message on the band’s official web site: “We just got some rough footage of the DVD that was shot at the Brixton Academy [in London] in December. The footage came out great thanks to the fine people at Roax films, and will be edited by none other than Mike Sloat (‘Imperium’, ‘Days Turn Blue To Grey’)! No title as of yet since ‘Dave Plays Brixton’ got rejected by the other guys! Anyway, we’re gonna be putting a snippet of it up on the site pretty soon, and I’ll give you a hint about what song it is… as Robb says, ‘We’re gonna go waaayyy back to an album called ‘Burn My Eyeeeesss’! This song is called ___!'” REMEMBER: MACHINE HEAD – Through The Ashes Of England’ DVD Due for release on May 16th The DVD will feature their storming live set from Brixton Academy plus a whole host of cool extras.

abrasiverock.com caught up with John Tardy from the almighty Obituary to discuss their forth comming release (due June), oh, and also a little bit about country music? CLICK HERE to read the article. REMEMBER: OBITUARY – ALBUM – OUT JUNE

Killswitch Engage – The End Of Heartache – Out Now Featuring 6 bonus tracks, beautiful new embossed artwork by Mike D (Bass), plus videos for ‘The End Of Heartache’ & ‘Rose Of Sharyn’. Despite the stunning packaging, you should be able to pick up the special edition for 퉌£13.99 from HMV, VIRGIN, MVC, MUSIC ZONE, and your local ROADRAGE STORE Alternatively, buy online from AMAZON CLICK HERE to view the new artwork

Last week the photo shoot for DevilDriver’s upcoming release The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand was shot. Furthermore, as of thursday last week (24/2) Colin Richardson is working on mixing the songs over here in the UK. CLICK HERE To see frontman DEZ & Colin Richardson in the studio from April’s edition of Decibel magazine.

BLOOD HAS BEEN SHED‘s official site Bloodhasbeenshed.com has been re-launched for the first time in months, with a fresh look for 2005. The band will also be participating in this years New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. REMEMBER: Novella Of Uriel/Spirals – OUT 28/03 A special edition 2-CD Blood Has Been Shed package. Combining their 2 previous album releases on Ferret Music.

To help celebrate the release of “CRADLE OF FILTH – NYMPHETAMINE special edition” OUT NOW Cradle Of Filth are doing an instore signing. Details are as follows: Thurs April 14th @ 5 p.m. MVC Unit 52-54 Mander Square Mander Centre Wolverhampton, WV1 3NN. REMEMBER: IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE INSTORE COME ALONG TO ONE OF THERE UK TOUR DATES: 12/04/2005 Academy (Bristol) Bristol, United Kingdom 13/04/2005 Pyramids (Portsmouth) Portsmouth, United Kingdom 14/04/2005 Wulfrun Hall (Wolverhampton) Wolverhampton, United Kingdom 15/04/2005 Academy (Manchester) Manchester, United Kingdom 16/04/2005 Forum (London) London, United Kingdom

To celebrate the launch of WEDNESDAY 13 debut album Transylvania 90210 OUT 11th April, we are throwing a Monster Masquerade Ball. The ball will be held on April wednesday 13 at the London Islington Academy gig. See what we’ve done there, clever eh. The person at the gig with the best ghoul/horror attire will win two tickets to the aftershow to meet the band, a signed CD/poster, plus one of Wednesday’s super-limited ‘Devil Doll’ puppets. So start roaming camden for your attire, and if you havent got a ticket for the london show yet CLICK HERE and snap to it.

Soulfly are currently in the studio recording their 5th studio album which is due this August. The band have recorded 14 songs, which are about 75% done. The finishing touches will be applied in mid March when their current U.S. tour with Morbid Angel ends. The legendary Terry Date, whose successes include: Pantera, Soundgarden, White Zombie, Deftones, Machine Head, Slipknot will be mixing the album.

If you thought the mighty Machine Head loved the U.K., you’d be right. In recognition of their deep affection for our fair Isle, they have tentatively entitled their forthcoming DVD ‘Through The Ashes Of England’. Due for release on May 16th, it will feature their storming live set from Brixton Academy plus a whole host of cool extras.