Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of legendary US metallers WHILE HEAVEN WEPT.

Mainman Tom Phillips commented: "For the past 21 years, While Heaven Wept has been committed to two things: performing music that is sincerely from the heart, without any other boundary, and secondly, we have always strived to deliver the absolute best sounding albums that we could create at any given time, regardless of the changing landscape of the industry; insuring each release has the greatest production possible is paramount for us in terms of the clarity of expression, and additionally, we hope to offer the very best experience for those who take the time to listen.

With this in mind, it made perfect sense for us to align with Nuclear Blast, who also have been committed to offering only the very best in the world of heavy metal. Through this partnership, we will surely be able to continue delivering the best productions possible while presenting our musical vision in a different arena, betraying neither our past nor our ideals. Nuclear Blast's support of our musical identity is truly an honor, and everyone who has stood by us all along these years need not worry; While Heaven Wept is what it is, and cannot be anything else.

That said, we'll also never release the same album twice...everything stems from where we are in the moment emotionally and spiritually, so while the core elements/influences of the band have remained the same since our inception, we will continue to express ourselves in whatever way feels natural at the time. Expect the unexpected.

We look forward to revealing our new album, Fear Of Infinity, together with Nuclear Blast very soon!"

And Nuclear Blast A&R; Jaap Wagemaker: “Last year we were totally blown away by the release of the album Vast Oceans Lachrymose (out on Cruz del Sur Music) from the US genre-defining and genre-defying metal band While Heaven Wept! This album was for sure the surprise of the year and not only for us, but for every major metal publication in the world as well as their longtime fans too!

Earlier this year the band played an amazing show at the Hammer Of Doom festival which has been captured on DVD / CD and will be released as “riumph:Tragedy:Transcendence (again on Cruz del Sur Music). In the meantime, after months of talking with mastermind Tom Phillips, we are very happy to announce that While Heaven Wept has joined the Nuclear Family!!

While Heaven Wept are already in the studio recording their follow-up album, Fear of Infinity, which will be out April 2011. The band are also developing tour plans and have already confirmed some festival appearances as well, with many more to come. While Heaven Wept - who have been an insider tip for many years - are taking the next step in their career and we can't wait to bring them to the next level!”

While Heaven Wept's former label Cruz Del Sur wishes the band all the best. "I started working with Tom Phillips on the release of what was going to be Vast Oceans Lachrymose in June 2006. Tom was already working on this album for a couple of years but had suffered from the bankruptcy of his two previous labels (in a row). We joked about how Cruz Del Sur Music would sink after signing WHW, judging by the goings-on.

Almost 3 and a half years after, the release of VOL hit the market provoking an amazing reaction from the people who already loved WHW, but also conquering thousands of new fans. From then on, it was an exciting ride which has seen the re-release of their long out of print previous albums on cd, a series of glorious live shows, the peak represented by the forthcoming (19/11) release of their first live album, Triumph: Tragedy: Transcendence, available in both a CD / DVD limited edition and on vinyl.

It was inevitable that WHW would catch the interest of bigger labels and I am not angry or disillusioned at all. I mainly see their going to a respectable and leading label as Nuclear Blast as a honor and a recognition of our work.Tom, Rain, Jim, Trevor, Michelle and Scott: I wish you the best for your career!", says head honcho Enrico Leccese.

While Heaven Wept's entire new live album, Triumph:Tragedy:Transcendence - Live At The Hammer Of Doom Festival, now streaming in it's entirety at the band's MySpace page.

Triumph:Tragedy:Transcendence - Live At The Hammer Of Doom Festival will be available from Cruz Del Sur Music on November 19th in the EU, and December 7th in North America.

The set will contain the following material:

CD:

'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'

'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)

'Soulsadness'

'The Drowning Years'

'Of Empires Forlorn'

'Vessel'

'Thus With A Kiss I Die'

DVD:

'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'

'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)

'Soulsadness'

'The Drowning Years'

'Of Empires Forlorn'

'Vessel'

'Thus With A Kiss I Die'

'To Wander The Void' (encore)

DVD Bonus Features:

- 20 Minute Interview with Streetclip TV
- Backstage Rehearsal Clip 1
- Backstage Rehearsal Clip 2
- 'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3) - Pittsburgh 1/8/10
- 'Soulsadness' - Pittsburg 1/8/10
- 'Thus With A Kiss I Die' - Pittsburgh 1/8/10

In addition to the CD/DVD set, there will be a limited edition 2LP set released through a joint collaboration between Cruz Del Sure Music, High Roller Records, and Iron Kodex Records in a quantity of 1,000 copies.

This 2LP set will be pressed on heavy vinyl (either 140g or 180g), and will be housed in an equally heavy, gorgeous gatefold sleeve filled to the brim with photos from our weekend in Germany, including some never-before-seen shots by Hans-Martin Issler. A stunning poster and full color insert will also be included in the package. 250 copies will be on colored vinyl, and you can expect this to be released on October 23rd, 2010 at the Hammer Of Doom 4 festival in Wuerzburg, Germany... which I will be attending personally to celebrate the release with all of my mates in the great bands that are performing.

The tracklisting for the LP edition is as follows:

'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'

'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)

'Soulsadness'

'The Drowning Years'

'Of Empires Forlorn'

'Vessel'

'Thus With A Kiss I Die'

The entire main program of the DVD is available in the clips below:

'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'

'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1 - 3)

'Soulsadness'

'The Drowning Years'

'Of Empires Forlorn'

'Vessel'

'Thus With A Kiss I Die (Part 1)'

'Thus With A Kiss I Die (Part 2)'