San Francisco-based death metal/hardcore band ANIMOSITY have inked a deal with Black Market Activities. The band will enter Castle Ultimate Studios on March 6 with engineer Zach Ohren to begin recording their new full-length album, "Empires". Artwork will be handled by Paul Romano (MASTODON, NASUM).

According to the group, "Empires" is a natural and interesting progression from their first disc, "Shut It Down", which came out in 2003 via Tribunal Records. "We have matured as musicians and people over our years as a band," the band write in a press release. "We are beginning to find our true musical voice. 'Empires' is an entirely more advanced album in all respects and is more progressive."

Look for the band on tour in April with INTO THE MOAT and PSYOPUS.

In other news, ANIMOSITY have announced that their rehearsal space in Watsonville, CA was robbed on the evening of February 9. "All of us are extremely upset and pissed off by this huge setback, but it will not hold us back from rocking," stated ANIMOSITY frontman Leo Miller. Despite the tragic circumstances, the band are still optimistic about the signing and what the future will bring. "We are proud to be teamed up with some of the best current bands in the underground aggressive music world. Black Market Activities is currently the most genuine and dedicated label in our community and with their strong work ethic and close band/label relationship, it was the perfect fit for ANIMOSITY."

Bands give up their lives to drop everything to give their dreams a shot by taking their show on the road. As many of you know, there is so much overhead and start up expense in touring that traveling musicians tend to be among the poorest people of them all. Anyone willing to steal from those attempting to follow their dreams should be punished severely.

Your help in catching these scumbags is extremely appreciated. If you see, hear or know anything please make sure to get in touch as soon as possible with animositysf@gmail.com and guy@blackmarketactivities.com. Below is a list of all the stolen equipment.

Stolen Equipment:

SKB 6 space rack
BBE 482i Dual Channel Sonic Maximizer
Furman Rpol Power Conditioner
Korg DTR1000 Tuner
3 space drawer
Pearson 6 Space Rack
Korg DTR1000 Tuner
2 space rack drawer
BBE 482 Sonic Maximizer Processor
Rack Power Conditioner
Axis "X" double kick pedal
Peavey 5150 guitar head
Marshall Jcm 2000 guitar head
Boss Noise supresor pedals (2)
Peavey 120/120 Tube Power amp
Ernie Ball "Stingray" Music Man Bass

Source:blabbermouth.net