RAGE guitarist Victor Smolski, who conducted the LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA for the new LEAVES' EYES album, Meredead, checks in with the following update:

"Lingua Mortis Orchestra is confirmed for Wacken 2013! This concert will be very special for us and a lot of surprises are waiting for you. We are going to present songs from the new Lingua Mortis Orchestra CD, which will be released in August, 2013. Our fantastic show in 2007 is not easy to top, but we'll do our best.

"This year I've already tested my cello and played a solo as a special guest at the LEAVES' EYES show on W:O:A. This was a lot of fun and thanks again to Liv and Alex from Leaves' Eyes for the invitation."

Check out more photos at this location.

Organizers of the Wacken Open Air have confirmed the first acts for the festival's 2013 installment. In addition to the above mentioned Lingua Mortis Orchestra, AMORPHIS, DEEP PURPLE, ARCH ENEMY, NIGHTWISH, SABATON, DORO, ANTHRAX, and SUBWAY TO SALLY are on the roster for next year, which will run from August 1st - 3rd.

Amorphis is due to perform an acoustic set, while Doro will be celebrating her 30th Anniversary in the music business. More details and acts will be revealed over the next several months.

Go to this location for ticket pre-sale information and updates.

As previously reported, 70000 Tons Of Metal, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival, will leave for round 3 from Miami, Florida to the beautiful, ever warm Caribbean in 199 days from today. While they are currently steaming across the Atlantic, their German Scouts have to announced a world premiere at sea of new material by Rage And Lingua Mortis Orchestra.

Imagine starting the year in style: In January 2013, 40 heavy metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the world will go once again to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship, Majesty Of The Seas, for five days and four nights. Are you ready for a trip of a lifetime?

Make no mistake, this is not one of the cruises where you share the ship with regular cruise guests... and don't get intimidated by copy-cats! Unlike others we remove the seats in the theater, or do you like seated Heavy Metal shows? This is 70000 Tons Of Metal, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival, featuring the biggest Open Air Stage to sail the open seas. Enjoy unrestricted festival access to all live shows on board, Open Mic Nights, clinics, work-shops, our infamous Metal Karaoke, bars that never close, two full days at sea, a fun-and-sun-filled day on a beautiful Caribbean Island and an opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!

The following 14 out of 40 bands have already been announced:

ANACRUSIS

DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER

DORO

DRAGONFORCE

ENSIFERUM

HELSTAR

IMMOLATION

IN FLAMES

LACUNA COIL

NILE

RAGE And LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA

SABATON

SUBWAY TO SALLY

TURISAS

70000 Tons Of Metal, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival will sail Monday, January 28, 2013 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, February 1, 2013.

This leaves only one question: What will be the destination? Well, you know they like to keep you guessing, so they're not telling until... SOON!

Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$299 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service.

Check out 70000tons.com for more information.