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MEGADETH - James Reports From Vancouver
- November 26, 2004
MEGADETH bassist James MacDonough has posted this tour report from Vancouver on the band's official website:
"Well it was a rough, long trip through the mountains, alot of snow at certain points but glad to be in somewhat warmer temperatures. I even got tattood today, yes I do have some room left, japanese 'Kanji' lettering.
It's been great having Dave McRobb out for the last few shows, a really great guy, he still seems never to stop working though. His job with this site is amazing and always seems to suprise me with new ideas.
It's what we call the 'countdown' section of the tour now, where there's only a few shows left, and everyones' getting a little down about it. There will be a new tour in a couple of months, so something to look forward to, also playing countries where some of us have never been.
Dave planned a thanksgiving dinner for both bands and all the crew today, it was a very nice spread with all the traditional fixings, a very nice thing for him to do. It was also a plus that it was in Vancouver and the city wasn't shut down for the day.
Happy Holidays again! These last shows will rock like the previous ones I'm sure. I will gather pics from everyone I can that's out with us and post some type of spread for you guys when I'm back home.
Be Loud, Be Safe, and talk to you soon, James"
News source: www.megadeth.com
MEGADETH - In-store Appearance Tomorrow!
- November 25, 2004
As previously reported, MEGADETH will be appearing at A&B Sound (556 Seymour St.) in Vancouver tomorrow (Friday, November 26) at 4 PM.
This is your chance to meet MEGADETH in the flesh and get your CDs signed, so don't miss it! If you need more information, please call A&B Sound at 604-687-5837.
News source: A&B Sound
CRADLE OF FILTH - Vancouver In-store Confirmed
- November 25, 2004
CRADLE OF FILTH will be making an in-store appearance at Vancouver's Scrape Records on December 1, 2004 at 4 PM to meet and greet fans and sign autographs. The in-store signing session will be a great opportunity for everyone to get out there and meet the band. This marks CRADLE OF FILTH's second appearance at Scrape Records.
Later that same night, CRADLE OF FILTH will be performing live at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, headlining the MTV2 Headbangers Ball Tour. Supporting acts will be ARCH ENEMY, BLEEDING THROUGH, and HIMSA.
For more information on the in-store, go here.
News source: Scrape Records
EXODUS Guitarist Checks In From The Road
- November 25, 2004
EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has posted this tour update on the band's official website:
"Hey all, sorry about my absence here but finding internet cafes in the U.S. is so fucking difficult. I just want to let everyone know how awesome this tour has been. Dave and his band have been so generous to us, it's fucking amazing! The level of brotherhood on this tour would have to seen to be believed. The shows are all sold out through the rest of the tour and the crowds have ruled. Cold as fuck up here in Canada though.
Thanks to everyone I have had the opportunity to meet out on the road, you have all been great. To my friends at home, I'll see you all soon!"
EXODUS' next show is tomorrow night at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, B.C.
News source: www.exodusattack.com
FINNTROLL Confirmed For Wacken 2005
- November 25, 2004
Finland's FINNTROLL is the latest act to be confirmed for the Wacken Open Air festival, scheduled to take place on August 4-6, 2005 in Wacken, Germany.
The other confirmed bands to appear are ACCEPT, SINNER, NIGHTWISH, MARDUK, OVERKILL, OBITUARY, AXEL RUDI PELL, EDGUY, ENSIFERUM, ILLDISPOSED, ENDSTILLE, TURISAS, MERCENARY, EISREGEN and POTENTIA ANIMI. More bands will be announced soon.
News source: www.wacken.com
PRIMAL FEAR - Studio-bound In April/May
- November 25, 2004
PRIMAL FEAR have posted this message on their official website:
"Hi Metalheads, the songwriting is still the No. 1 priority at the moment in the Fear Camp. We will have some more extended sessions, strating in December. One more new song is in the can called "Seven Seals". OK, let's break the first two seals now.
It is confirmed - the recordings will take place in April / May 2005 at the House Of Music Studio near Stuutgart / Germany. Mat will produce the new album again. This time, we will work together for the first time with acclaimed sound wizard Charlie Bauerfeind (BLIND GUARDIAN, HALFORD, HAMMERFALL etc.). Charlie will be engineering and co-produce the album. Just check his comments from Charlie's website:
"Working with Primal Fear in April / May 2005
I will be working on the recordings of the next PRIMAL FEAR album in April/May 2005 (right up to the start of the next Blind Guardian production). The mix of the album will be handled by a yet undisclosed producer/engineer overseas or somewhere else in Europe, in June 2005.
I'm really exited about this plannings, as it will, after over 10 years, bring me back to work again with one of Germanys finest and most oustanding metalvoices ever, Ralf Scheepers. Also it will give me the chance to work for the first time with bassist-, vocalist- and producer-veteran, Mat Sinner.
Be asured, I will give (as always) my very best, to make this album as seriously asskicking as you metalfans out there diserve."
Sounds great! Regarding the album mix, we are in negotiations with some great names of the scene - maybe we will move to Vancouver, maybe L.A., maybe Stockholm, or Derby ...... we will see - we will keep you updated and break some more holy seals in the near future - Yours, PRIMAL FEAR"
News source: www.primalfear.de
JAG PANZER Guitarist Endorses Dean Guitars
- November 24, 2004
Mark Briody, a founding member, guitarist and main songwriter for Colorado based heavy metal band JAG PANZER, is proud to announce that he will be endorsing Dean Guitars. Joining the ranks of fellow Dean endorsers and guitar legends Dimebag Darrell and Michael Schenker, Mark had this to say, "I am very pleased and proud to be a Dean Guitar endorser. I used Dean's on all the early Jag Panzer recordings and it's great to be playing them again." To read Dean Guitars webpage on Mark Briody, go here.
Century Media Records released JGA PANZER's "Casting The Stones" in October of this year. You can listen to the track "Battered And Bruised" here. For more information on JAG PANZER, visit their official website.
Century Media Family artists Nergal of BEHEMOTH, and FIREBALL MINISTRY also endorse Dean Guitars.
News source: Century Media
CAGE To Open For SCORPIONS in California
- November 24, 2004
San Diego, California-based metallers CAGE have been selected to support the SCORPIONS and TESLA at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California on Friday November 26 and Saturday, November 27, 2004. CAGE will once again play the outdoors Sirius Satellite Radio Showcase Stage from 6:45 P.M.-7:30 P.M. for a 45-minute set.
In other news, the band have also begun working on the followup to last year's "Darker Than Black".
News source: www.bravewords.com
GRAVE DIGGER Offer Explanation For New Album Cover
- November 24, 2004
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER have posted this message on their official website:
"After the release of The Last Supper artwork we got a lot of very positive response. But there are also fans which are disappointed by the artwork cause of the motive.
For all: This is not a Satanic message or something else in this direction, and it's not against Christians. The cover represented depressive Jesus Christ at his last days before death. He was left by his followers and the artwork shows the loneliness of Jesus while death waiting behind him.
Read the chorus lyrics of "Crucified" and you know what's the meaning of the cover:
"Father tell me what went wrong
My whole life my faith was strong
Father tell me why should I die
This screaming mob yells crucify
My curse comes true I have to die
Why I am crucified"
Metallic regards,
Chris, HP, Jens, Stephan and Manni"
News source: www.grave-digger.de
MEGADETH Drummer Checks In
- November 23, 2004
MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover has posted this message on the band's official website:
"Hi Droogs.......
Just thought I would drop you guys a line to say hello and let you know that all is going very well with us!!! To give a brief synopsis on this leg of the tour thus far ( we have 5 shows remaining ) in my humble opinion, the tour has been a very good, positive experience all around. Band and crew alike have all gotten along very well, which is always a benefitial thing in the long run. The crowd response thus far has been quite overwhelming and positive as well - If memory serves me ( I just woke up here, so if I am incorrect, the mercy rule does apply ) this entire tour has been sold out, which is such a cool thing!!!!! It has been very cool meeting those who have attended the after-show "meet and greet" All of you have really made me feel welcome here, and I sincerely thank you for that!!
I will get back to you upon arriving home from the tour - I wish all of you well.........."
News source: www.megadeth.com
CHILDREN OF BODOM Set U.S. Release Date For New EP
- November 23, 2004
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM will release their upcoming EP, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", in North America on February 22, 2005 through Century Media Records. The EP features two new tracks (the title track and "Knuckleduster"), two covers (ALICE COOPER's "Bed of Nails" and ANDREW W.K.'s "She Is Beautiful"), a video for the title track and a CD-ROM enhanced video of the band taking the viewer on a tour around their hometown of Helsinki. Recorded once again by Anssi Kippo at Finnvox Studios, it is the first official recording to feature new guitarist Roope Latvala (SINERGY, ex-STONE).
Straight off the hells of their highly successful tour with FEAR FACTORY and LAMB OF GOD, bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith checks in with this report: "Unfortunately, our third U.S. tour has just ended. It was a long one, but it was very well worth it. When I first heard the lineup, I was very excited about the package. It sounded so strong with FEAR FACTORY and LAMB OF GOD, and it turned out to be a very successful tour. Not only that was great, but also each band musically was just my taste. I enjoyed THROWDOWN's hardcore aggression, FEAR FACTORY's very tight playing, and LAMB OF GOD's great show. I was watching those shows in the crowd almost every night.
"What was the most important thing, of course, was that everybody - from the bands to their crews - were so nice, friendly and helpful. From the beginning, we felt very welcome on the tour. It was good partying and drinking with these people. So, we wanna thank everybody who made this great HC/metal tour possible! We also wanna thank our fans who came to see us. See you again soon."
News source: www.bravewords.com
CONSTRUCDEAD - EP Track Listing Revealed
- November 23, 2004
Sweden's CONSTRUCDEAD have posted this message on their official website:
"Yesterday Pete, Erik and Jocke Skog went to Polar Studios to master the new EP! It came out really fucking awesome! The sound is killer, and we even got "Wounded" sounding better as we decided to re-master it for the EP! The "Wounded EP" will be hitting shelves in the beginning of 2005. No exact release date has been set at this point though.
Keep yourself updated right here on the site for a final date for the release, and also an exclusive "signed version" pre-order feature in the near future!
Check out these pictures from the mastering session!"
Here is the track listing:
01. Wounded
02. Human Harvest
03. Misery
04. Save Me
- Wounded (Video Version)
News source: www.construcdead.com
MEGADETH - Tour Manager Steps Down
- November 23, 2004
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has posted this message on the band's official website regarding the departure of tour manager Claude "Cowboy" Spencer from the current "Blackmail The Universe Tour":
"Droogies!
I wanted to take this time to inform you of a change with our touring staff out here on the "Killing Road", to give thanks, and to avoid any further misunderstandings.
Our former tour manager, Claude "Cowboy" Spencer, has left the tour due to personal problems with his son's health.
Cowboy told us that he had found out his 16 year old son had colon cancer. He was obviously affected by this terrible news, but tried his best to do his job and not let us know about this tragedy. Unfortunately, in the long run, he was overwhelmed, and he broke down telling my tour advisor and personal assistant John Leeder what had happened.
We felt it best to let him go home to be with his wife and son while they proceed with this imminent surgery.
We ask you to pray for him and his family and we wish him well, and I personally want to say, "God Bless You Cowboy."
[Psalm 23 - Cowboy]
Our new tour manager is Michael Nachtigal and his assistant is Suzy Nilson. If you have had any problems on this tour with guest tickets, passes, interviews, photo passes, etc., I ask you to please contact us.
We will check with our agency, management, label, and other information sources to confirm your invitations and if you were "unfortunately" overlooked; we keep track of all lists in triplicate."
News source: www.megadeth.com
NIGHTRAGE - New Album Completed
- November 20, 2004
NIGHTRAGE report on their official website that the mixing of the band's new album is complete and is said to sound "super heavy". Mastering will be done next week at Tailor Maid Productions in Stockholm. A total of 13 tracks have been recorded, with 12 of them appearing on the European release. The 13th track will be a bonus for the Japanese version.
In other news, NIGHTRAGE have been confirmed to play the Hammered At X-Mas Festival in London, England on December 14 with ARCH ENEMY, THE HAUNTED and DARK TRANQUILLITY.
News source: www.nightrage.com
KAMELOT Announce New Album Release Date
- November 20, 2004
KAMELOT's brand new album, "The Black Halo", is scheduled to be released on February 28, 2005 through SPV. Song titles expected to appear on the album include "March Of Mephisto", "When The Lights Are Down", "The Black Halo", "Moonlight Falling", "Abandoned", "Pride", "Master Of The Game", "Soul Society", "Serenade", and "Nothing Ever Dies".
News source: www.bravewords.com
HELLOWEEN - Pre-Production Phase Underway
- November 19, 2004
HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath recently spoke to the band's webmaster, Tony Webster, about several topics, including the current progress of the writing phase of their new album. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
Tony Webster: "So what is the band up to?"
Michael Weikath: "We are at rehearsals and collecting material and such. Citing some of the stuff we have and we are listening to the demos everybody has. We are in the middle of arranging stuff. This is kind of the pre-production that we actually doind this time around and on the November 20th Charlie will come around and do an actual pre-production of the album with what we have so far. I don't know how many tracks we have total. So far we have around 9 songs done and we will continue two and a half weeks more. We will have around 13 tracks for the album and this time everybody is convinced that these songs are great, unlike when I gave the interview for the Dark Ride because we now have good stuff everybody in the band likes. Sascha had some great stuff, in fact everybody came up with great stuff for this album and everybody likes everybody's compositions for the album. I also like the stuff I came up with. We're just working on these songs.
Charlie will come in soon and tear everything apart and do a pre-production before the actual production. We also have a new keyboard player here to come up with good ideas and some atmosphereic ideas and he is trying to find an approach of how we work and what we do. He has been playing in bands in Germany for 30 years, he never got famous or anything but he is a top notch keyboard player. He's just like very very clever with what he knows about music and knows a lot about music and he also has produced other bands and projects and he is a friend of Sascha and he said we should ask him to help us. He was also in a German band in 1981 which went to Japan and had great things going for them, they won some contests etc.
They were in the English metal charts for 2 months and then they became unlucky because the producer was interested in other things. So this band which began with some much hope and had been so strong did not come along because of stupid misunderstandings and timing or whatever. Its odd but they could have made it from what I know, and its odd that band never emerged and now we have the keyboarder of that band. His name is Friedl."
Read the entire interview here.
News source: www.helloween.org
SHADOWS FALL Pass The 100,000 Mark Again
- November 19, 2004
SHADOWS FALL's latest album, "The War Within", has just passed the 100,000 mark via U.S. Nielsen SoundScan sales in just under an impressive eight weeks. This benchmark achievement comes off the heels of the commercial radio success of the band's latest single, "What Drives The Weak", and a full-scale co-headlining U.S. tour with DAMAGEPLAN and THE HAUNTED, which will wrap up on December 5.
In its first week of release, "The War Within" SoundScanned an impressive 39,251 copies, debuting at #20 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The CD also entered in at #1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Independent Labels Chart and #2 on the Nielsen SoundScan Hard Music Chart (behind CHEVELLE). This is the highest first-week SoundScan and Billboard chart debut of any Century Family artist to date.
News source: www.bravewords.com
BAL-SAGOTH - New Album Coming Along
- November 19, 2004
Nuclear Blast Records reports that the writing and preliminary recording of the brand new BAL-SAGOTH album is proceeding concurrently, with the final completion date tentatively scheduled for early next year. The running time of their sixth album will be in excess of 70 minutes. A detailed press release concerning the opus will be unveiled exclusively at the band's official website to coincide with the completion of recording, and will include the disclosure of the album title and the individual track titles. The release is scheduled during the first quarter of 2005, with an exact date to be finalized imminently.
News source: www.nuclearblast.de
W:O:A 2005 - More Bands Announced
- November 19, 2004
AXEL RUDI PELL, EDGUY, and OVERKILL are the latest names to be added to next year's Wacken Open Air Festival, slated to take place on August 4-6 in Wacken, Germany. Other bands scheduled to appear at the festival are ACCEPT, NIGHTWISH, SINNER, MARDUK, ENSIFERUM, MERCENARY, ILLDISPOSED, ENDSTILLE, and TURISAS. More bands will be announced soon.
News source: www.wacken.com
SOILWORK - New Album Artwork Posted Online
- November 19, 2004
Nuclear Blast Records has posted the cover artwork for SOILWORK's upcoming new album, "Stabbing The Drama". Check it out here.
News source: www.nuclearblast.de
GRAVE DIGGER - New Album Cover Posted Online
- November 19, 2004
Legendary German power metal institution GRAVE DIGGER have posted the cover artwork (by artist Gyula Havancsak) for their upcoming new album, "The Last Supper", on their official website here. "The Last Supper" is scheduled to be released on January 17, 2005 through Nuclear Blast Records. The band describes the album as being "More metal, more passion and more power" and will have a running time of 53 minutes.
Here is the track listing:
01. Passion
02. The Last Supper
03. Desert Rose
04. Grave In The No Man's Land
05. Hell To Pay
06. Soul Savior
07. Crucified
08. Divided Cross
09. The Night Before
10. Black Widows
11. Hundred Days
12. Always And Eternally
GRAVE DIGGER will kick off their 25th anniversary tour, "The Last Supper Tour 2005", on February 11, 2005 in Andernach, Germany and will include ASTRAL DOORS and STORMHAMMER as the supporting acts. The band will also be performing with KREATOR at the Underground in Cologne, Germany on December 9. The show will be filmed for the TV show "Rockpalast", sscheduled to air mid-February.
News source: www.grave-digger.de
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Completes New Album
- November 19, 2004
YngwieMalmsteen.net has posted this message regarding the guitar virtuoso's upcoming studio album:
"Yngwie has now finished recording the new studio album. Vocals once again come courtesy of Doogie White, no other line up details are available at present though its likely that Patrik Johansson played drums and keyboards come from Joakim Svalberg. Its most likely that Yngwie plays bass too.
It looks like the album will be 19 tracks in total!! Some of the track titles available are:
Drinking With The Devil: YJM: A very intense, personal song.
Cherokee Warrior - Yngwie on vocals.
Boogie Man - YJM: has a riff that just won’t quit.
Guardian Angel
Wings Of War
There are at least three instrumentals on the album too. However, fans of the fantasy, dungeons & dragons lyrics are in for a shock because there are none! Its most likely that the album will be released in early 2005. The album will on the Universal label in Japan, but no deals have yet been confirmed for Europe or the USA."
News source: www.yngwiemalmsteen.net
CANNIBAL CORPSE - Update On George Fisher's Health
- November 19, 2004
CANNIBAL CORPSE bassist Alex Webster has posted this message regarding George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher's health status on the band's official website:
"Hey everyone, we just wanted to update you guys on the situation with George. He has an inflamed lung that has been making breathing very difficult and painful for him. He had to miss the Pittsburgh show because of this. We want to say thanks to Maurizio from KATAKLYSM for singing "Stripped, Raped and Strangled" with us, and also say thanks to the Pittsburgh fans who contributed some growling throughout the show. We thought we might have a similar situation at the next show in Philadelphia, but George was able to perform despite his illness. He is still having some breathing difficulty, but he is improving. He also thinks he'll be able to finish the remaining shows without any problems, as the medicine the doctors perscribed for him is reducing the inflammation. Anyway, this is not a permanent problem, just a passing illness. George should be just fine soon. George and the rest of us want to say a big thank you to all of the fans who have expressed concern and support on this matter,
it means a lot to us."
News source: www.cannibalcorpse.net
SIX FEET UNDER - New Video Online
- November 18, 2004
SIX FEET UNDER's new video for "Dead And Buried (Living Life In The Grave)", has been posted online at Mental Suplex Productions. Directed by Jerry Clubb, "Dead And Buried" is a new studio track recorded in March 2004 and appears on the SIX FEET UNDER "Live with Full Force" DVD/CD release.
"Dead And Buried" will premiere on MTV2's Headbangers Ball on Saturday November 20 and on FUSE's Uranium on Sunday November 21.
News source: Metal Blade
DARKANE Check In From The Studio
- November 18, 2004
DARKANE guitarist Christofer Malmström has checked in with this studio report on the band's official website:
"Klas, Jörgen and myself have started to record the guitars and bass. So far we've put down two songs, and I guess there is not much more to tell. Working daytime and recording during evenings keeps the recording progress go forward slowly but safely.
Andreas has had the flu after the show in Denmark and will probably start to record the vocals in one or two weeks. Then we´ll continue to alternate between vocals and instrument recording to keep his voice fresh.
Not much more to tell at this moment!
Stay evil!"
News source: www.darkane.com
GOD DETHRONED On Their Way To The Top!
- November 18, 2004
GOD DETHRONED's new album, "The Lair Of The White Worm", has won the soundcheck of Rock Hard (Germany) magazine - to be published in the December issue! The album also ended up on 3 in the Legacy-soundcheck and on 6 in the Metal Hammer soundcheck. Vocalist/guitarist Henri Sattler has also issued this update:
"It was about time, but here it finally is; the totally renewed website! A new line-up, a new CD, lots of shows in the worx.
Sign up for our newsletter so you will be updated with our news and upcoming shows when you don't check this website on a regular basis. We also posted a poll to find out what your top 10 of favourite GOD DETHRONED songs are. We will use the results to prepare our setlist for future shows, because we wanna play the right stuff live.
Soon we will have tabs of our songs on the website too. For the freaks who wanna know what we play exactly.First the songs of Lair of the White Worm and then the rest (piece by piece).
See you soon on the road somewhere on this rotten planet!
Cheers, Henri"
Check out the band's newly revamped website here.
News source: Metal Blade
KING DIAMOND - More U.S. Tour Dates Added
- November 18, 2004
More dates for KING DIAMOND's upcoming North American headlining tour have been added to the itinerary. Supporting acts on the bill will be NILE, BEHEMOTH and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.
Here are the confirmed dates thus far:
Apr. 14 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Apr. 15 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
Apr. 16 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Apr. 18 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Apr. 19 - New York, NY @ BB King's Blues Club
Apr. 20 - New York, NY @ BB King's Blues Club
Apr. 22 - West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Apr. 23 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
Apr. 24 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Apr. 26 - Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
Apr. 27 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
Apr. 28 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Apr. 29 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's
Apr. 30 - Minneapolis, MN @ Quest Club
May 02 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
May 05 - Seattle, WA @ Fenix Underground
May 06 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre
May 08 - Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
May 09 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
May 11 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
May 12 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
May 13 - El Paso, TX @ Club Xcape
May 14 - San Antonio, TX @ Sunset Station
More dates will be announced soon.
News source: Metal Blade
METAL BLADE CEO Celebrates 8th Year On The Air
- November 18, 2004
Metal Blade Records owner/CEO Brian Slagel is celebrating his 6th year hosting a show on HardRadio.com (airing the first Tuesday of every month at 7 P.M. central time) and his 8th year total for hosting his own radio show. Every month, Brian Slagel hosts a one-hour show on HardRadio.com where Brian plays the best of old school metal, new stuff and rare recordings from his personal collection. Also, there are lots of guests on the show as well from the world of heavy metal. To check a lits of upcoming guests that will be on Slagel's show, go here.
The next two shows we recorded from Brian's trip to Tokyo where he recently went to celebrate the opening of Metal Blade Records Japan. First is Johan Hegg of AMON AMARTH in December and then Lizzy Borden in January. To catch the show with Johan on Tuesday, December 7, go to HardRadio.com at 7 P.M. (PST)/10 P.M. (EST).
In other news Metal Blade Records Inc. just had it's party for the opening of Metal Blade Japan. In attendance was MTV, EAT Magazine, BURN Magazine, GrindHouse Magazine, Michael Lara from Metal Hammer Magazine, Smash, CreativeMan, Kuni Takeuchi from the TV show Party Dude, Teddy Ohtsuka from the Hard Rock Café, Johan Hegg (AMON AMARTH), Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING), Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING, ANTHRAX), Lizzy Borden (STARWOOD), bassist Billy Sheehan, Metal Blade owner and CEO Brian Slagel, Metal Blade President Michael Faley, Senior VP Tracy Vera, and VP of Retail/Marketing Dan Fitzgerald.
News source: Metal Blade
CANNIBAL CORPSE Singer Has Viral Lung Infection
- November 18, 2004
The official CANIBAL CORPSE forum has been updated with this message regarding the current health status of vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher:
"George Fisher is suffering from a viral lung infection, and is in a lot of pain. Sadly, he could not play last nights show in Pittsburg, so the band did an instrumental set.
George is alright, he's not lying sick or anything. However, he cannot be around smoke until he gets better. There will be no smoking signs at the clubs which they will be playing next. So please do not smoke beside him!
The band will do their very best like always to finish off the remaining 7 dates of the tour. George will give it his all to finish them, but if he cannot, then it would be understandable.
There will be announcements at each club the day before the show, regarding his condition, and if he will be able to do the show or not. And, depending on if you wish to see the band with or without George, fans will have the option of attending the show, or going back home.
Please stay clear of rumors, as this is official news."
News source: www.cannibalcorpse.net
BOLT THROWER - Original Vocalist Returns To Battle
- November 18, 2004
British extreme metal goliaths BOLT THROWER are happy to announce the return of original vocalist Karl Willetts as a full-time member. Willets comes in for the recently departed Dave Ingram, who left the band last August due to both health and personal problems.
Karl had this to say: "It's fantastic to be a part of the mighty BOLT THROWER again. It feels great to be back with the guys, I can't wait to get my teeth into the new songs and get back on the road again. I've got some unfinished business to attend to...!"
The now complete line-up of BOLT THROWER - Karl Willetts, Gavin Ward, Barry Thomson, Jo Bench & Martin Kearns will spend the next few weeks finishing off the new material and plan to go into the studio in the new year to record their eighth full-length album.
News source: Metal Blade
VADER Reveal Plans For 2005
- November 18, 2004
Polish death metallers VADER have posted this message on their official website:
"Band's participation in the X-Mass Festivals 2004 will close this year touring season. VADER will hit the road along with bands like MARDUK, NAPALM DEATH and others. The tour starts on the 5th of December in Paris and ends on the 19th of December in Antwerp (Belgium). After the aformentioned trip the band will take well-deserved rest until March, to charge their batteries before pretty intense touring plans scheduled for the rest of 2005. Some of those plans have been recently confirmed and for instance in March the band will play a tour through Great Britain. US tour along with bands like KREATOR and DEATH ANGEL starts on the 1st of April.
Probably on May/ June band's postponed tour through Japan and Indonesia will finally come into effect and maybe there will be also a chance to set up some RPA dates. In the second half of 2005 VADER will play a pretty short tour through Poland and later on September/October the guys are going to raze some other European countries to the ground. Right after the European tour the band will headline another US tour so as you can see, Panzer Division VADER will be extremely busy until December. There are also some plans to fix up a few additional dates in Scandinavia, The Balkans and some of the Eastern European countries. In the end of 2005 the band is going to write some new songs for a successor of "The Beast", scheduled for release in early 2006."
News source: www.vader.pl
CANNIBAL CORPSE Singer Rushed To Hospital
- November 17, 2004
CANNIBAL CORPSE singer George "Corpsegrinder" Fischer was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, November 16 causing him to miss the band's scheduled performance at The World in Pittsburgh last night. The band, who are currently touring North America with NAPALM DEATH, MACABRE, KATAKLYSM and GOATWHORE, did not give specifics as to what Fischer's illness was, but a member of the CANNIBAL CORPSE road crew announced to the crowd that Fischer was "extremely sick and has spent the day in the hospital." The band proceeded to play an instrumental set and were eventually joined by KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizo Iacono, who valiantly handled many CANNIBAL CORPSE classics with the aid of the crowd.
News source: www.roadrun.com/blabbermouth.net
MEGADETH - Edmonton & Vancouver In-stores Confirmed
- November 17, 2004
METALEATER.COM has confirmed that MEGADETH will be making two Canadian in-store appearances (Edmonton and Vancouver) to meet fans and sign autographs. Dates and times are as follows:
Tuesday, November 23 @ 4 P.M.
HMV - Edmonton Eaton Centre (101st St. & 102nd Ave.)
For more information call 780-428-4521
Friday, November 26 @ 4 P.M.
A&B Sound Vancouver (556 Seymour St.)
For more information call 604-687-5837
News source: HMV / A&B Sound
DARK TRANQUILLITY - New Album Track Listing, Cover Art
- November 17, 2004
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have revealed the track listing and cover artwork for their upcoming new album, "Character" (view cover), which is scheduled to be released in Europe on January 24 and in North America on January 25 through Century Media Records.
Here is the track listing:
01. The New Build
02. Through Smudged Lenses
03. Out Of Nothing
04. The Endless Feed
05. Lost To Apathy
06. Mind Matters
07. One Thought
08. Dry Run
09. Am I 1?
10. Senses Tied
11. My Negation
News source: www.darktranquillity.com
SONATA ARCTICA - More Tour Dates, Fan Photos Online
- November 17, 2004
Finnish power metal outfit SONATA ARCTICA have added more dates to their touring schedule. Check out the dates here.
Several fan photos from recent gigs have also been posted online: Vosselaar, Belgium, Bochum, Germany, Budapest, Hungary, and Barcelona, Spain.
News source: www.sonataarctica.info
Crash Music Signs PURE SWEET HELL
- November 16, 2004
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Crash Music Inc. today announces that they have signed a four-album deal with PURE SWEET HELL. The band's music can be described as a combination of thrash, black, and death metal. PURE SWEET HELL consists of Van Williams (NEVERMORE), Christ Eichhorn, who has spent much of his time writing music and doing studio and live work with a number of bands, and Jim "Ravenfeeder" Colson, who has been in bands with Christ and Van in the past.
Crash Music's Mark Nawara comments: "We are very excited to be working with Van and Christ on their project PURE SWEET HELL. We look forward to helping develop the band into being a major success in the metal genre."
PURE SWEET HELL's full-length debut, "The Voyeurs Of Utter Destruction As Beauty", is scheduled to be released on February 22, 2005.
News source: Distribution Fusion III/Crash Music Inc.
MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine On TSN's "Off The Record"
- November 15, 2004
Canada's TSN (The Sports Network) reports that MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine will be one of the special guests on "Off The Record" on Tuesday, November 16.
For more information, go here.
News source: www.tsn.ca
TNT Vocalist Issues Update
- November 15, 2004
TNT vocalist Tony Harnell has posted this message on his official website:
"Hello friends,
I realized I needed to stop by and say hi more often even if I have nothing to say! Of course I always do:)
Anyway, the election is over so I guess we can all move on now. If you know me, you know how I feel about the result.
I'm flying to California on Friday to do some business, hang out with some friends and see my family. It'll be nice to feel that good old California air again. It's been way too long!
I will be making an announcement soon on a new project, I think you¹re all going to love it! Stay tuned.
Also, I am going to Finland in December to record three songs for the new BRAZEN ABBOT CD with my buddy Joe Lynn Turner. Really looking forward to that. Nikolo Kotsev is a cool guy and this should be a lot of fun to do.
In TNT news, we are planning to start up again as I said before so after Finland I will be stopping off in Norway for a week long writing session with Mr. Le Tekro. We're looking to get a bit heavier on this next album which is exciting.
That¹s about it. I will check in again when I get back to New York!
Peace and love,
Tony"
News source: www.tonyharnell.com
MARDUK - New EP Cover Artwork Posted Online
- November 15, 2004
The cover artwork for MARDUK's brand new EP, "Deathmarch", has been posted online here. The EP will be sold only on the band's upcoming tour. Go here for a complete list of tour dates.
MARDUK's new album, "Plague Angel", is scheduled to be released in Europe on November 22 through Blooddawn/Regain Records. It will be released on CD, LP and Picture Disc formats, and maybe also as a limited-edition digipak with a video for the track "Steel Inferno".
News source: www.marduk.nu
FEAR FACTORY - New Video Posted Online
- November 15, 2004
FEAR FACTORY's brand new video for "Bite The Hand That Bleeds" has been posted online in the following formats:
Real Media - (High, Low)
Windows Media - (High, Low)
"Bite The Hand That Bleeds" is featured is the featured as the closing track for the film "Saw", as well as the lead single from the soundtrack (released through KOCH RECORDS). FEAR FACTORY's new DVD EP, "Bite The Hand That Bleeds And Related Archetypal Imagery", which features this video among others, is being released in stores tomorrow (November 16).
News source: Chipster Entertainment / www.kochentertainment.com
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - New Album In Early 2005
- November 15, 2004
Grammy-nominated North Carolina rockers CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will be releasing a brand new studio album, tentatively entitled "En Los Brazos Del Dios" (In The Arms Of God), through Sanctuary Records in early 2005. The album is said to be "among the band's heaviest in years".
Founding guitarist, Woody Weatherman, says "We all have a certain affinity for real music, including truly heavy stuff." Vocalist/guitarist, Pepper Keenan, goes on to say that the band's current direction reflects their long tradition of evolution. "We started writing songs, and they somewhat had the vibe of Blind, Deliverance and our earlier material. We started thinking from that perspective, and it evolved into a heavy, classic sound but with a modern wisdom to it. We really got back to our roots with this one, listening to old records that we all grew up on and headbanging at Woody's farmhouse. It was a good time putting it together."
The result, Keenan says, is a "bombastic, epic record, staying clear of the 3-minute formula. It's not a nostalgic record by any means; it's big and ugly and heavy. Thematically, there's a lot of disgust on the record, directed inwardly and towards society in general, reflecting these times we all live in. A lot of people will be able to relate."
Tentative song titles include "En Los Brazos Del Dios", "Never Turns To More", "Stone Breaker", and "World On Fire". Producing the album is COC's longtime collaborator and knob-twisting, speaker-blowing genius, John Custer. Besides working on four of the band's previous albums, Custer also produced COC bassist Mike Dean's track on Dave Grohl's Probot project and COC's contribution to the SABBATH tribute compilation, "Nativity In Black".
The band will set out on a worldwide tour folling the release of the new album.
News source: Chipster Entertainment
STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - New Website Online
- November 14, 2004
STRAPPING YOUNG LAD's newly re-vamped website is now online. The band's new upcoming studio album, entitled "Alien", is scheduled to be released in March 2005 through Century Media Records. Here is the track listing:
01. Imperial
02. Skeksis
03. Shitstorm
04. Love?
05. Shine
06. We Ride
07. Possessions
08. Golluminizor
09. Thalamus
10. Zen
11. Celestial Event
Drummer Gene Hoglan has also posted this message on the band's website:
"Alright, here's the deal. 200 hundred some-odd shows throughout 2003, culminating in our wicked dvd. It's February 2004, now what do we do? Easy, TOP THAT OLD SHIT! The Dev and myself, holed up in my house, just JAMMIN'! And FEELING, and BLEEDING, both of us goin' through HEAVY shit. And you know what? When you've got the entire world against you, you turn to yer brother, yer comrade. You look him in the eye and say,"Alright, motherfucker, whatta you got?", and then he shows ya.
Every piece of what's goin' on in your lives comes pouring out, all the spite, vitriol, and glory. Two men, masters at what they do, lettin' it flow. Hell, more like 'flood'. Fuck yeah, The Dev and myself, laying down foundations like caffiene-maddened brickmasons, each idea unfolding easier than the last. United, bonded by 'fuck you' to all things spineless, waving goodbye to the world with a pair of up-turned middle fingers.
The tunes come fast and furious. The freakout-o-meter gets cranked up daily. No idea is untested. THERE ARE NO FUCKIN" RULES!! There are only three other motherfuckers i need to impress, and those are my men. Speaking of men, The Dev and I put together a whack of tunes and ideas while Jed and Byron were off viking with FF, knowing that, just because they weren't there, didn't at all mean they weren't there. Jed and By were a part of every single jam we had. And when they finally blew into town, knowing nods were the order of the day when we unleashed the new shit on 'em.
We whipped out a quick pre-pro demo, and before they split again, Jed fires off a few riffs FROM the fires, which become the basis for "Shitstorm". Jesus, what a mind-fuck that tune is. I ain't gonna call it the craziest tune ever made, but you will. In the middle of all this absolute creativity, I lose my pad, therefore, our jamspot, but thanks to the dudes from PunchDrunk, Savannah and Ten Miles Wide, and the gracious loaning of their space, The Dev and I don't skip a beat, or lose a step. That's when the REAL aggro shit started hemmorrhaging from the Oscilla-Twins. "Skeksis", "Shitstorm", and a pile of crazy ideas that we might use for the next one birthed themselves from those sessions.
Forced couch-surfing with an empty wallet will definitely bring out the 'fuck you' in anyone. As if i have to tell you this. And then along comes August 18th. The day we started this new abomination. I can't wait to cut your fuckin' heads off.
Put it in gear, motherfucker."
News source: www.strappingyounglad.com
MEGADETH Drummer Speaks To The Masses
- November 13, 2004
MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover has posted his first message on the band's official forum:
"Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so here I am pondering on how to approach my 1st entry on my personal forum - several option's could have taken place here, but I feel the best approach is to let you know my viewpoint of this entire situation, so let's start off with the famous quote uttered from Glen to me on the telephone .........
"Shawn, you NEED to sit down"
These 6 simple words ( and the conversation that followed that quote, of course ) released an array of emotion's that almost made my head combust ( mild jokularity here ) in an instant, 1,000,000 different thought's raced through my head. With the tour starting in 7 days, an answer was needed - NOW!!! 1 quick call to my wife, ( who has always supported my musical endeavors ) and I was on a plane to Arizona within 12 hours.
Now the tricky part - I was to learn 90 minutes of material within 5 days ( the 6th day being a travel day to Reno , Nevada ) and make it appear to the viewing public that we have been playing together for month's ( that was my personal agenda, anyway ........ ) quite the daunting task, but underneath all of the insanity that was about to commence, I knew deep down that I had to completely focus on learning all these tunes AND playing them as closely to the original recording's, with respect to the previous drummers, knowing that Dave would want it that way. I learned 4 songs from the "YOUNTHANASIA " record on the plane ride to Arizona, at which that point I knew that I could pull this off. I just had to prove this to the rest of the band!!!!!
Being put into a situation like this in any band would be a difficult thing to pull off - but as both you and I know, Dave wants everything related to MEGADETH to be at the highest caliber possible, which is of course the right way to approach any professional situation. With that said, I surely did not want to let Dave down in any way, both professionaly or personally. Aside from a few casual e-mail's, Dave had no idea who I was or knew very little about me - his only resourse was trusting Glen's judgement for a suitable last minute replacement, and for that, I am very gratefull!!
Next issue at hand - proving to the MEGADETH FANS, that I could pull this off. ( possibly, the most daunting task of all ) Being exposed to MEGADETH in 1986, thus becoming a great fan of the band, I am of course completely aware of the hard-core fans that this band does attract. When I entered the picture, I knew that there would be a certain percentage of speculation , or even a few possible conspiracy theory's thrown in as well - All I can say to this, is put yourself in my shoes for a moment - If you were offered to become a member of MEGADETH, with your brother as the guitar player ( a guy who I have played music with for 25 years ) what would be your responce?? I believe the answer is quite clear.
All that I can do in this situation, is to be the best possible musician I can, but also to be the best possible person that I can be, both to the band and fans alike - those who have met me along the way at these shows, know that I am here for the proper reasons - the music has ALWAYS been 1st priority for me - the rest of this situation is just icing on the cake.
I sincerely look forword to meeting more of you along the way in future shows - I wish all of you well.............."
News source: www.megadeth.com
THE HAUNTED - New Video On MTV2's Headbangers Ball
- November 12, 2004
Swedish thrash titans THE HAUNTED are currently in the midst of a highly successful tour alongside DAMAGEPLAN and SHADOWS FALL. This is the first U.S. tour for original vocalist Peter Dolving, who recently returned to the fold on the band's highly acclaimed new album, "rEVOLVEr", released October 19th through Century Media Records. Look for their new video for "All Against All", shot by acclaimed director Roger Johansson (IN FLAMES, SOILWORK), to debut on MTV2's Headbangers Ball this Saturday, November 13 at 10PM EST/7PM PST.
Dolving checks in with the following tour report; "Holy shit it's been intense so far! I'm a bit embarrassed to say I almost missed the show in Las Vegas cause I was out browsing porn, and that's just low I know... Well, on the good side I am glad to say that we passed through Florida and Texas unscathed. The audience were great and a few girls persisted in giving shows of their own, honestly whatever you might think - you gotta love a girl in a school uniform. Our friends from Hatebreed and MALEVOLENT CREATION showed up in Tampa, and the boys from LAMB OF GOD who are out on tour right now with FEAR FACTORY came to the show in Ft Worth. I'm not passing out from screaming anymore, so I take that as a sign that we're getting in shape after the first couple of weeks and it proves that my body's getting back into tour-mode, which comes along with this constant state of familiar aching.
It seems like DAMAGEPLAN and SHADOWS FALL are getting into it as well. Brian from SF got fucking strep throat and laryngitis the first week and I got to help out and sing with them, which was great but now he's back rockin hard as ever. Pat from DP has got everyone on their bellies teaching martial arts breathing techniques and screaming "Hail Satan!!!!" every time someone walks by. Except for that it's pretty much the old sleep all day stay up all night hyper media consumption mind numbing blindly staring in to the passing landscape getting ready to rock your brains out one hour per day thing that we call touring. I love this shit."
News source: www.centurymedia.com
CRYSTAL EYES Issue Studio Update
- November 12, 2004
Swedish power metallers CRYSTAL EYES have posted some new studio photos online here.
The photos are from the recording sessions for the band's new album, "Confessions Of the Maker", the first to feature new vocalist Daniel Heiman (ex-LOST HORIZON).
The band have also posted this update on their official website:
"The guys are hard at work in the studio right now. Daniel started laying down the vocal tracks last week and has done about 50% of the songs. Everything's running smooth so far and Mikael and Claes are planning to start mixing by the end of the month. Andy La Roqcue, who recorded the drum tracks, will be stopping by and check out how the mixing goes, and probably he will do the mastering as well. Hopefully we should have a 100% finished CONFESSIONS OF THE MAKER by the middle of December. If things continue to run smoothly we're thinking about giving you a free full new song for Christmas."
News source: www.crystaleyes.net
MEGADETH - New Soundcheck Recordings Posted Online
- November 12, 2004
MEGADETH played a short four-song set during soundcheck before their Nov. 7, 2004 show at the Odeon in Cleveland, OH. All four songs are available for download via Cleveland rock radio station WMMS 100.7's website:
01. Die Dead Enough - Mp3 (3.9 MB)
02. Symphony Of Destruction - Mp3 (3.7 MB)
03. Trust - Mp3 (4.9 MB)
04. Kick The Chair - Mp3 (3.7 MB)
News source: www.wmms.com
BEHEMOTH - New Song Posted Online
- November 12, 2004
Century Media have made a new BEHEMOTH track, "Conquer All", available for download here.
The track comes from BEHEMOTH's brand new album, "Demigod", which is scheduled for a U.S. release in early 2005 through Olympic/Century Media Records.
News source: www.centurymedia.com
SHADOWS FALL Singer Checks In From The Road
- November 10, 2004
In the midst of a highly successful tour alongside DAMAGEPLAN and THE HAUNTED, SHADOWS FALL vocalist Brian Fair checks in from the road with the following report:
"First off, I would like to thank all the fans for the support they showed us when I was battling with severe throat issues. It was a rough week for me but now I am feeling much better and slowly getting my voice back to 100%. Thankfully we did not have to cancel any shows because of my illness and made the best of the situation. The tour has been incredible so far. THE HAUNTED have been killing it every night and the dudes in DAMAGEPLAN constantly set new standards in partying. Look forward to seeing y'all at the shows and now I can finally enjoy a beer with ya at the bar."
News source: www.centurymedia.com
CANNIBAL CORPSE Bassist Issues Tour Update
- November 10, 2004
CANNIBAL CORPSE bassist Alex Webster has provided this tour update:
"Hey everybody,
Alex here, checking in from the Ogden Theater in Denver. The tour's been great so far, with everything running smoothly (no borders to cross this time, ha ha). We've been through Texas, Arizona, and California, and now we're heading back east. The shows so far have been great, and the fans really seem to like the tour line-up of KATAKLYSM, GOATWHORE, MACABRE, NAPALM DEATH, and us. We've been interested in touring with Napalm for a long time, so we're happy we were finally able to get it together with the legends of grind. We still have 17 shows left, so this tour has a lot of crushing left to do! We want to thank all of the promoters and crew that have put on the shows, and most importantly we want to thank the fans who have come out and made these shows so killer. We look forward to seeing the rest of you over the next few weeks. Until then stay brutal!!!!!"
News source: Metal Blade
THE CROWN's Marko Tervonen Working On A "New Thing"
- November 10, 2004
THE CROWN's Marko Tervonen has this message for everyone:
"Hi dudes!!!
Marko here.
I just wanted to inform you that I am working on a "new thing". I have completed material for a full-length album. If THE CROWN's music was more about high energy, speed and aggression this album is more about heaviness, fat riffing, and melodies with a touch of melancholy. Somewhere in the sounds of Bow To None, Dead Man’s Song, World Below, Death By My Side, Black Lightning, In Memoriam... I guess you know where I’m going with this... The big difference is though, no Death Metal vocals. I got a very cool thing going on here...well, more details later...
In a near future I will present everything through a new website, the new link will be posted on www.thecrownonline.com.
Ok, 'til then,
All the best!!
/Marko Tervonen"
News source: Metal Blade
CENTURY MEDIA Promotes Key Sales Staff
- November 10, 2004
November 5, 2004, LOS ANGELES - Century Media Records has promoted current Vice President of Sales & Distribution, Brian Sharp, to the newly created Vice President of Internal Operations position, while current Manager of Sales & Distribution, Andrew "Hoz" Hosner, has been promoted to Vice President of Sales & Product Development.
Enjoying a 55% sales increase in 2004, Century Media Records has found it necessary to restructure internally, meeting the demands this success has created. Brian Sharp, a fourteen-year industry veteran, who has been heading the Sales Dept. since 1998 after five years with Metal Blade Records, will focus more now on the label's vision and operations. The new position is designed to improve communication and productivity among all staff, executives and distributed labels so that all the efforts of Century Media's growing staff are utilized to their fullest potential. Brian will also oversee all internal budgets and help with distribution-related issues in North America as the company continues to grow at a rapid pace and will also implement future projects to keep things focused as new developments present themselves.
Hoz, who joined the Century Media team in 2001 after heading up the sales department at Relapse Records since 1993, has been promoted after spearheading extremely successful retail campaigns for LCUNA COIL and SHADOWS FALL. His skills will now be utilized to their fullest, as he will not only oversee the Sales Department, but will also focus on the keeping the flow of information going between the various branches of Century Media's growing promotion departments. In order to further develop Century Media's new artists in the marketplace, increased communication between the label's promotion force will be a must and Hoz will help to coordinate their attack.
Century Media Records is extremely excited about these promotions and the effect they will have on the company, not only in North America but globally, in the years to come.
News source: Century Media
GOATWHORE - Tour Update
- November 10, 2004
GOATWHORE have issued this tour update:
"We have a bunch of information to share with everyone at this time. We wanted to get this up sooner, but due to certain circumstance it was unable to happen.
Let's begin with the DEICIDE tour we just finished up. The overall outcome for all of the shows was overwhelming and we would like to welcome any new fans we may have gained from the experience. We would like to thanks everyone that come out and supported, old and new fans, thanks and see you all again in November.
We are sure everyone that knows us would like to know where our bass player Pat Bruders was. Well, he had to sit out for the Deicide run in order to take care of some personal home issues and legalities. He is currently back out with us and we are very pleased to have him back. Come out to some upcoming shows and buy him a beer or a shot.
For the DEICIDE tour a friend of ours from SEVERED SAVIOR, Shon Benham, filled in on bass duties. He is actually one of the guitar players for SEVERED SAVIOR and helped out by filling in on bass for us Thanks goes out to him and his crew in San Francisco.
While on the DEICIDE tour we ran into a bunch of problems with out van that we later had to leave behind in Amarillo, TX. We would like to apologize to everyone at the following shows we missed due to our van malfunctions:
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Antonio, TX
Wichita, KS
This was totally out of our hands and we did what we had to to make the other shows. For the last four shows, we had to cancel due to van issues and we also had to return home to fly Shon Benham out and get Pat Bruders back into the bass spot. We work hard to make all of our shows, but when our form of transportation consistently keels over in the middle of nowhere and our money is almost void we cannot change the circumstances. Sorry again to all and hopefully we will see you all in November.
Now, let's step into what would be the future for us. We are planning to enter the studio in March 2005 with a release date falling in the August/September 2005 time frame. Studio information, album title and song titles and all other future news will be posted here first when we have it ready. Until then… peace fuckers!!!!!!!!!"
News source: Metal Blade
INTO ETERNITY Set To Hit The U.S.
- November 8, 2004
Canada's INTO ETERNITY are thrilled to announce that they will be touring the U.S. with veteran Finnish metal band Amorphis and Beyond The Embrace. The band just returned home after completing a 15-country European tour with KATAKLYSM, MYSTIC PROPHECY, and GRAVEWORM where they converted hordes of fans and amazed crowds across the continent.
Excited to have the opportunity to bring their unique metal to the U.S., lead axeman and death-vocalist Tim Roth sends this note to INTO ETERNITY's worldwide fans: "Hey Everyone! We just got off a 15-country tour of Europe and now we have heard the great news about touring the U.S.! I cannot wait to get out on tour with AMORPHIS and BEYOND THE EMBRACE. It has been too long since we have seen our fans in America and we promise that this tour is going to crush! We are going to give 110% every single night. See you all very soon...."
Here are the confirmed dates so far:
Mar. 02 - The Mason Jar - Phoenix, AZ
Mar. 03 - Key Club - Los Angeles, CA
Mar. 04 - Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA
Mar. 07 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
Mar. 09 - Bluebird Theater- Denver, CO
Mar. 10 - Ranch Bowl - Omaha, NE
Mar. 11 - Pop's - Sauget, IL
Mar. 12 - Ascot Room - Minneapolis, MN
Mar. 14 - House Of Blues - Cleveland, OH
Mar. 15 - Club Rockit - Toronto, ON
Mar. 16 - Cafe Campus - Montreal, QC
Mar. 18 - The Loft - Poughkeepsie, NY
Mar. 19 - Palladium - Worcester, MA
Mar. 20 - B.B. King's - New York, NY
Mar. 21 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
Mar. 22 - Rex Theater - Pittsburgh, PA
Mar. 23 - Thunderdome - Baltimore, MD
Mar. 24 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Mar. 25 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Mar. 26 - Masquerade - Tampa, FL
More dates will soon be added soon, so keep checking here for up-to-date information.
News source: Century Media
MERCENARY Set U.S. Release Date For "11 Dreams"
- November 8, 2004
Danish band MERCENARY's Century Media debut and fourth full-length release, "11 Dreams", has been scheduled to be released in the U.S. on February 8, 2005. Recorded by Jacob Hanson (HATESPHERE, RAUNCHY) with cover art by Niklas Sundin (DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY) the album's crystal clear production ushers in an essential pure form of intense expression. Combining multilayered vocals, intricate songwriting, and simple-catchy song structure, while remaining aggressive, the band weaves into their music a dark symphonic Scandinavian melancholy. "11 Dreams" can be described as a mixture of SOILWORK's "Natural Born Chaos", and fellow Dane's RAUNCHY.
Released in Europe earlier this year to celebratory reviews, "11 Dreams" received Metal Hammer Germany's album of the month and the esteemed magazine awarded it 6 out of 7 points. Rock Hard Germany awarded the album 8 out of 10 points and called it "an exquisitely powerful opus." The domestic U.S. version of the album will contain 2 bonus tracks.
Guitar player Jakob Mølberg commented on the bands Century Media multi-album worldwide record deal, "signing with the label (Century Media) has always been a dream for us - not as a label but as a statement that MERCENARY has entered a new rank in the world of metal music." The band performed in 2003 at Atlanta's sold-out ProgPower USA IV. Check out the album's title track, "11 Dreams", here.
For more information on MERCENARY, check out their official website.
News source: Century Media
VAN HALEN Drummer - New Material "Absolutely Brilliant"
- November 8, 2004
In a recent report from The Journal Gazette, VAN HALEN drummer Alex Van Halen says he is the first to admit that the band is volatile. Here are some excerpts from the report:
"We're volatile only to the extent that we're as good of friends as we are," Van Halen says in a phone interview. "It's because we are so intense.
"It's part of our nature. As much as I love (brother and guitarist Eddie), if you put us in a room with no one else for 15 minutes, we'd be at each other's throats. But it's always about creative differences. Always. It's never personal."
"Music is a dialogue. It's about an emotional reaction. We're very needy people, you know," Alex Van Halen says, laughing.
When Sammy Hagar rejoined the band last spring, a lot of fans were frankly whopperjawed. Hagar's departure from the band in 1996 (murkily mired as it was in the rock band equivalent of adultery) was as acrimonious as any celebrity divorce.
A lot has happened in the ensuing eight years. Gary Cherone's short-lived stint as lead singer produced one of the worst albums of the band's career.
Alex Van Halen has nothing bad to say about Cherone.
"He was just the wrong choice. It's that simple. No harm, no foul," Van Halen said. "Nobody sets out to make a bad record. I just think the chemistry was wrong. It was just one of those things."
Alex Van Halen says the band finally grew up.
"There is an intensity and depth in VAN HALEN that didn't exist before when things got ugly... real ugly. We just decided to say 'Why would we want to relive that? Let's forget it.' "
Every time it looks as if VAN HALEN is about to take on a new or slightly used vocalist, there is always much speculation about whether the band's first frontman, David Lee Roth, will return.
Van Halen says Roth fans just need to accept the fact that Diamond Dave is history, at least as far as this group of guys is concerned.
"Whatever our personal differences are, there are no bigger fans of this band than the people who are in this band. So we understand why people would love to see that sort of reunion. But that's just not going to happen. Some things are impossible. The Beatles will never get back together and David Lee Roth will never again sing with VAN HALEN."
Van Halen says the band is currently writing material that he believes is its best in a great while.
"I can't put it into words, unfortunately, but the stuff is absolutely brilliant," he says.
Read the entire interview/report here.
News source: www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette
SIX FEET UNDER Check In With Update
- November 6, 2004
SIX FEET UNDER's Chris Barnes has checked in with this band update:
"It's time for a SIX FEET UNDER update...well, well...just wanted to check in and let you all know how and what we've been doing lately. First off we just returned last night from 2 shows in the Caribbean with HATEBREED. The first show in Puerto Rico was pure mayhem, about 2500 people, it definitely was a spectacle, thanx to all that made that show happen and special thanx to Ankla, you fuckin rule! Also thanx to HATEBREED, you guys are our bros… we had a killer time in Trinidad tearin’ it up. Those motherfuckers sure know how to party--even though you can be arrested for using foul language on stage and wearing camouflage, it was definitely challenging. I tried my hardest not to curse during the set - snuck a few motherfuckers in between songs, not on purpose. I blame the Trinidadian shwag! Anyway it was a killer show despite the rules and regulations all of the death metal fans are cool as hell there and 3000 proved their devotion to SFU and to HATEBREED-so thank you so much everyone.
Backtracking a bit to the end of September - I want to thank INTERNAL BLEEDING for a killer US tour that month. I've been so busy lately I didn't have time to thank all the US fans for a killer run of dates. thanx. After the US tour in September we immediately went into Morrisound here in Tampa to write and record our new CD. Not gonna release the name just yet but I will tell you it is a concept album based around the theory, myth, reality, of the Grim Reaper. That's all I will divulge at this time. This CD is definitely pissed off and aggressive and as all previous SFU CD's entirely different from the last thing we put out. Expect the unexpected-SFU haters, expect the usual, closing your mind and continuing to live in the dark-where you belong... dead."
News source: Metal Blade
CATTLE DECAPITATION - Back From The Road
- November 6, 2004
CATTLE DECAPITATION vocalist Travis Ryan has issued this band update:
"We're back from the tour in which we played a ton of shows with bands like DEICIDE, GOATWHORE, JUNGLE ROT, NAPALM DEATH, MISERY INDEX, MINISTRY and all sorts of others. Thanks to all the members of the bands as well as the fans that attended for making this a great time. Sorry to the two guys up front at the LA show who got kicked in the face and/or nailed in the head with the microphone. That's what happens when you fall all over our shit and/or hit one of us in the nuts.
We leave shortly with DARKEST HOUR, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and FeEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES. Those tour dates as well as the extensive CATTLE DECAPITATION tour plans including the SUFFOCATION and CRYPTOPSY tours are in the Tour Update section.
We've added the uncensored version of the "To Serve Man" video for those who have not seen it in its uncut glory. This is the version they don't show on TV. It's in the Media Clips section.
A super cool BUKKAKE TSUNAMI shirt is in the works with amazing art by Lou and Paula Rusconi. Check out their website. We're also going to finally have hoodies sometime during this next tour. To check out the Bukkake Tsunami image go here."
News source: Metal Blade
MEGADETH - Tour Manager Comments On Menza
- November 5, 2004
MEGADETH's tour manager, Claude "Cowboy" Spencer, has posted this message on the band's official website regarding Nick Menza's departure before the start of the "Blackmail The Universe Tour":
"To All Droogies everywhere,
I was there, and I was involved in the decision making process with Nick and Dave of replacing MEGADETH's drummer. Nick knew that there was not a lot of time to get prepared for the tour, but he still tried to pull it off. Sadly, he was not prepared for the physical demands of a Megadeth show, and as all Droogies know, MEGADETH is not some wimpy top 40 band that walks on a stage and gives a half-assed show. This is why Nick knew MEGADETH had to make this decision. Nick was actually involved in the discussion of bringing Shawn Drover into the camp.
Dave worked very hard with Nick to make this all happen, but it just was not coming together and time was running out to get this tour off the ground, so the change was made for the band and for you the fans. Dave did the right thing. So to all Droogies throughout the world, MEGADETH IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!
See you on the road."
News source: www.megadeth.com
NIGHTWISH Singer Reveals New Single Details
- November 5, 2004
NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen's official website has revealed that her forthcoming Christmas single will be called "Yhden enkelin unelma" ("One Angel's Dream"), and will include two Christmas traditional Finnish songs with the production of Esa Nieminen:
01. En Etsi Valtaa, Loistoa (Melody: Jean Sibelius / Lyrics: Z. Topelius; translator unknown)
02. Kun Joulu On (Melody: Otto Kotilainen / Lyrics: Alpo Noponen )
News source: www.tarjaturunen.com
SHADOWS FALL - New Video Posted Online
- November 5, 2004
SHADOWS FALL's new video for "What Drives The Weak" has been posted on Century Media Records' website - Broadband (Real Media) or Dial-up (Real Media).
News source: www.centurymedia.com
DARKANE - Drum Tracks Completed
- November 4, 2004
DARKANE drummer Peter Wildoer has posted this studio report on the band's official website:
"Hi there headbangerz!
Well this report is a bit late but I've been working a lot since I got done with the drum parts. We've been rehearsing for the gig this weekend and I've been practicing for the clinic also.
Ten "normal" songs, one instrumental and two intros are recorded. I'm very happy with how the drums turned out this time. There are some "crazy" drum parts, quite a bit of fast tracks, heavy stuff and some plain metal drumming. I do hope you'll enjoy it. I think it's a great mix of different kind of songs without losing the theme of the CD.
Once again there will be a "classical" intro in good old Darkane fashion. I love the atmosphere this kind of introduction brings to a CD.
We'll start recording guitars, bass and vocals parallel hopefully next week. Everybody is exited to start working on the rest of the instruments, even though I think it's enough with just the drums! ;-)
Once again, I'm happy with the drum parts and I hope you will like the drums and realize that Wildoer is back! BEWARE!!!
Stay metal
Peter"
News source: www.darkane.com
MEGADETH Bassist Speaks
- November 4, 2004
MEGADETH bassist James MacDonough has posted this message on the band's official website:
"Hey Droogs!! First off it's been a pleasure meeting alot of you from the forums and the Street Teams. The tour couldn't be going better and thankyou for all the support.
We thought we might have to cancel the Denver gig, we were stuck at a truck stop all day and most of the night before we got the go ahead. There were alot of accidents and a bad snow storm but all turned in our favor, and what a show it was, phenominal. The Exodus guys ROCK!!!!!!!
Let me address one small issue about comments one nite about Axel Rose that a few people seemed to go on an endless rant about. First off, he has no respect for his fans and if you want to defend him that's your perogative. It was a joke in the first place and if you can't see that, then whatever, I have no idea what Dave is going to say night to night but I always look forward to it and it's always comical and done with class, spoken like he always has.
We got to the hotel late tonite after a 15 hr bus ride, plenty of time for going over lyrics, watching news and DVD's, as well as catching up on some sleep. I can honestly say this is the best tour I've ever been on, the connection we have with each other, 'brotherhood', is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It is also the hardest work we've ever had to endure , speaking for the Drover brothers and myself, but the end result is what is presented to you and none of us are complaining either. To be a part of this is just truly amazing on every aspect. For those of you ahead of us, the set gets worked on all the time so you never know what you'll get till you show up. Rest assured the General and crew will give our best at every show , so I hope noone is dissappointed.
Talk to you again soon,
James MacDonough"
News source: www.megadeth.com
GRAVE Sign Deal With Swedish Booking Agency
- November 4, 2004
According to an announcement on their official website, Swedish death metal kings GRAVE have signed a deal with the Swedish booking agency, The Agency Group. The announcement reads "Sharing booking agency with such bands as Entombed, The Haunted, Hellfueled, Nasum etc.. feels like an important and necessary step in the right direction."
GRAVE are currently putting together a European tour, which is scheduled to commence in January 2005, including a mini-trek to Finland with supporting acts CHAOSBREED and SCENT OF FLESH.
News source: www.intothegrave.com
MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy - "All Politicians Are Bastards"
- November 1, 2004
MOTÖRHEAD mainman Lemmy Kilmister recently talked politics with the Greek metal TV show "TV War" and said "We don't care about politics, they are all the same anyway. All politicians are bastards anyway. Every one of them, doesn't matter who you vote for you'll always have a shitty government. All they are after is themselves and their pockets. They are all lying cheating bastards."
Lemmy's interview will air on Wednesday, November 3rd on Iad TV. TV War is broadcast every Monday and Wednesday at 11 PM (CET) and you can watch it through the Greek NOVA package on Hotbird 3 satellite.
News source: www.bravewords.com
CRADLE OF FILTH Invade Montreal
- November 1, 2004
Quebec City's CapitaleDuMetal.com has posted a bunch of photos from CRADLE OF FILTH's North American tour kick-off in Quebec City on Sunday, October 31, 2004. Check out the photos here and here.
CRADLE OF FILTH's setlist at Le Capitole in Quebec City, October 31, 2004:
01. Satyriasis (Intro)
02. Gilded Cunt
03. Nemesis
04. The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh
05. Tortured Soul Asylum
06. Mannequin
07. Funeral In Carpathia
08. Her Ghost In The Fog
09. Nymphetamine
10. The Forest Whispers My Name
11. Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palette
12. A Bruise Upon The Silent Moon (Intro)
13. The Promise Of Fever
14. Cruelty Brought Three Orchids
15. From The Cradle To Enslave
News source: www.capitaledumetal.com
BEHEMOTH Confirmed For KING DIAMOND U.S. Tour
- November 1, 2004
Polish black metallers BEHEMOTH have been confirmed for the upcoming KING DIAMOND/NILE/THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER tour taking place in April, 2005. This follows the band's January/February co-headlining tour with SUFFOCATION.
Guitarist/vocalist Nergal had these words to say:
"Hey f(r)iends! We're touring Europe right now with INCANTATION and KRISUIN in support of our brand new record, 'Demigod'. The new songs have been sounding great live and we can't wait to play them for our U.S. fans! It seems we will be conquering North America a few times next year; I have just gotten the confirmation for the KING DIAMOND/NILE tour. All I have to say is this is my dream line up! Playing before living legends such as the KING and NILE is more than an honor! We hope to see you all soon! HORNS UP!"
Here are the confirmed dates so far:
Apr. 14 - Culture Room - Ft Lauderale, FL
Apr. 15 - House Of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL
Apr. 16 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Apr. 18 - The Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 19 - BB King's - New York, NY
Apr. 20 - BB King's - New York, NY
Apr. 22 – Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Apr. 23 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
Apr. 24 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
Apr. 26 - House Of Blues - Cleveland, OH
Apr. 27 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL
Apr. 28 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI
Apr. 29 – Pop's - Sauget, IL
Apr. 30 - Quest Club - Minneapolis, MN
May 02 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
May 05 – Fenix - Seattle, WA
May 06 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
News source: www.bravewords.com
EVERGREY Request Fan Participation
- November 1, 2004
Swedish metallers EVERGREY have posted this message on their official website:
"Greetings!
For the upcoming DVD release (2005) EVERGREY wants their fans to be able to interact with us as much as possible, therefore, we thought of the idea to have you guys send in questions that you always wondered about for us to answer on the DVD. So, here is your chance! The questions can be directed to any of the members of EVERGREY and can be about any subject. PLEASE don't send in questions that have been answered numerous times in various magazines, try to make them as interesting as possible. send your email to tom@evergrey.net with "EVERGREY questionaire" in the subject line.
Keep up the darkside
Evergrey"
News source: www.evergrey.net
ACCEPT Confirmed For Wacken Open Air 2005!
- November 1, 2004
According to Wacken Open Air's official website, German metal legends ACCEPT have been confirmed for the 2005 edition of the festival, scheduled to take place August 4-6. The band's appearance at Wacken and Rock Hard Festival on May 13-15 in Gelsenkirchen will be their only two performances in Germany next summer.
The band will most likely consist of original members Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Wolf Hoffman (guitars) and Peter Baltes (bass). It has not yet been confirmed whether or not original drummer Stefan Kaufmann and guitarist Jörg Fischer will be part of the reunited lineup.
ACCEPT are expected to announce more festival appearances soon.
News source: www.wacken.com
QUEENSRŸCHE Drummer Talks About "Mindcrime II"
- November 1, 2004
QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield and singer Geoff Tate spoke with 411Mania.com about the band's forthcoming album, the sequel to 1988's masterpiece, "Operation: Mindcrime", tentatively titled "Operation: Mindcrime II". Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Scott Rockenfield: "It's an interesting world out there right now. But in having that, we've tended to write some of the coolest records of our careers based around what's going on in the world. "Mindcrime" was (a result of) one of those movements in time, and there's another time going on now that's kind of relative to "Mindcrime", so what a perfect year to write "Operation: Mindcrime II."
Geoff Tate: "After (the 9/11) incident, paranoia and emotions ran high in this country as well as all over the world. And it seems that our media - including television, the thing we seem so locked into - is driven to sell us everything, and now there's an obvious emphasis on safety. Because of that, there's a push to fuel that fear, which makes us erratic.
President Bush acted irrationally with Iraq. The United Nations - and almost the rest of the world - was telling us not to do it, and we did it anyway. As a result, what took generations to build, in terms of our relationship with the UN, was undermined. We were striking out at our fear of our "enemy" and went to war with a small nation. Our government has deep roots in the media, which added fire to that fear and paranoia. In essence, we bought the commercial."
Read the entire interview here.
News source: www.411mania.com
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