We all agree on the fact that Michael Kiske wants, for unknown reasons to leave his past behind and move on. Of course, this is impossible since Michael has connected his name with the glory days of HELLOWEEN, with albums that gave birth to a new Heavy Metal genre and inspired a large number of bands. So, what is the point of this release? If Michael wants to leave and possible bury his past why does he release past songs under a different perspective? Well, to be honest I don’t have a clue and I am sure that as soon as "Past In Different Ways" will hit the stores, then there will be a love or hate situation. You can add some really annoying and kind of useless arguments between the metalheads and you can have the whole picture.

Faroe Islands (stands for "sheep islands") lays between Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, being an equal neighbor to Iceland, Scotland and Norway. With a population of less than 50,000 heads, it’s not weird limited bands can make it to well-known European Metal labels. TYR is the only living example, as far as I’m concerned at least. And, having in mind they have already released three full-length albums (and a CD single), this makes the soon-to-come "Land" CD a rather brave ’carry on’ action by these Viking Metal warriors.

This is a completely different story here. SKYFORGER did contact us in order to send their 2003’s "Zobena Dziesma" CD re-release promo album for a review and we were more than happy to accept since there’s a specific blend in the Pagan/Folk Metal sounds lurking amongst the trees, rivers and skies that (should) benefit us by traveling away from the daily routine, running to the hands of nature, tradition and moral values.

I just don’t get it; why do the record labels often re-releasing albums and call them special edition or deluxe edition? Personally I think that they just want to keep the fans’ interest high especially when: the band is heavily touring an has been working for too long for the new album. The first applies to KAMELOT who are currently on their European tour that turns to be quite successful.

"Lightning Strikes Again" woke up some really good memories from DOKKEN’s early years in the older METAL TEMPLE editors. The band’s frontman honored our online magazine and discussed with us some things about this release and more. So, go ahead and read what he has to say.

Daniele Liverani is one the most busy musicians in Italy, with a lot of bands and projects on his ’plate’, from Prog to AOR and back. Daniele speaks to Metal Temple about KHYMERA’s latest release, "The Greatest Wonder", TWINSPIRITS, the "Genius" Rock Opera and for his brand new ’Prog’ project COSMICS. Better late than never, Daniele!

Lineup: DIMMU BORGIR / BEHEMOTH / KEEP OF KALLESIN

Lineup: ROYAL HUNT / GODIVA