Metal News for January 17, 2008
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
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- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
33 news articles posted on this day.
Daughters Writing New Album
Providence, Rhode Island outfit Daughters is currently in the process of writing a new album. According to the band, "It's like putting your stupid tongue on a 9 volt; makes your wondeful little asshole clench up." Ok. A release date has yet to finalized, but the album we'll presumably be released by Hydra Head Records late this year.
In related news, Fang Island, featuring Daughters' Nick Sadler on guitar, will play a handful of East Coast shows in February. Dates are being booked now.
Ex-SYNT Singer Joins Jonathan, Brave The Rifle
Former See You Next Tuesday vocalist Brandon "Bear" Schroeder has joined Jonathan, Brave The Rifle.
Jonathan, Brave The Rifle features guitarist Travis Martin (See You Next Tuesday), guitarist Marcus Morgan (ex-For The Fallen Dreams), and both bassist Tyler Germain and drummer Josh Schroeder of Besieged.
The group has been on an extended hiatus since 2005, however, with the addition Schroeder they are back in action and will soon release of an EP titled "Ghost."
Swallow the Ocean Seeks New Drummer
Westchester County, NY band Swallow the Ocean (Forgotten Empire Records) is currently looking for a new drummer. Here's the official word:
"Our drummer has recently decided to leave the band to pursue other things. He will be playing all upcoming scheduled shows until we find a replacement. There are no hard feelings and we wish him well.
"So if you, or anyone you know, would like to try out here's what you need to know:
- must live, commute, or relocate to Westchester County, NY
- must have reliable transportation
- must be able to practice at least twice a week (1 week night/1 weekend day)
- must have good reliable equipment
- must be able to communicate on a regular basis
- must be a serious skilled musician with a sense of humor
- must like beards, partying, and music really, really loud!
"Those who are interested can check out our music and contact the band here."
Dimmu Borgir and Behemoth To Tour North America
In support of their Billboard Top 200-charting album, "In Sorte Diaboli," Norway’s renowned melodic black metal band, DIMMU BORGIR, will be returning to North America as part of “The Invaluable Darkness Tour Part 2 – Legions Of The Chosen Few,” headlining run with Poland’s Behemoth and fellow countrymen, Keep Of Kalessin. The 24-show trek will launch on April 2nd in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and will end on May 4th in Chicago. Drummer Tony Laureano will continue to handle drum duties, as the 2007 injury suffered by Hellhammer still has him sidelined.
On Friday, January 18th, DIMMU guitarist & founding member Silenoz will be answering fan-submitted questions on Dagobladet.com at 12 noon CET (6 a.m. Eastern). Questions can be submitted here (webpage is in Norwegian).
Videos for "The Serpentine Offering" and "The Sacreligious Scorn" can be viewed on YouTube.
Here are the confirmed DIMMU BORGIR North American tour dates with Behemoth and Keep Of Kalessin: More...
Belphegor To Tour The US w/ Rotting Christ
The Austrian blackened/death metal machine, BELPHEGOR, will be returning to the US this February with ROTTING CHRIST, IMMOLATION and AVERSE SEFIRA for the “Lucifer Over North America” tour. Vocalist/guitarist, Helmuth, had to this to say about what could be the most blasphemous paring of bands in quite sometime:
“It’s an honor for us to return to US shores! The last two runs were beyond fucking amazing and we had such a good time there. Thanks to First Row Talent and Nuclear Blast Records for bringing BELPHEGOR over again. I'm sure this whole tour will exceed our expectations yet again. Hail Chaos - Hail Satan!”
Here are the confirmed tour dates:
02/04/08 Tremont Music Hall – Charlotte, NC
02/05/08 Jaxx – West Springfield, VA
02/06/08 Webster Theater – Hartford, CT
02/07/08 Penny Arcade – Rochester, NY
02/08/08 The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY
02/09/08 Mark’s Place – Bedford, NH
02/10/08 BB Kings Blues Club – New York, NY
02/11/08 Peabody’s Down Under – Cleveland, OH
02/12/08 I-Rock – Detroit, MI
02/13/08 Huntington Music Hall – Huntington, WV
02/14/08 The Muse – Nashville, TN
02/15/08 The Pearl Room – Mokena, IL
02/16/08 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN
02/19/08 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
02/20/08 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
02/21/08 Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA
02/22/08 Galaxy Theater – Santa Ana, CA
02/23/08 Jumping Turtle – San Marcos, CA
02/24/08 House of Blues – Hollywood, CA
02/25/08 El Jardin del Silencio Extreme Rock Bar – Mexicali, MEXICO
02/26/08 Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, AZ
02/27/08 The Sets – Tempe, AZ
02/28/08 Launch Pad – Albuquerque, NM
02/29/08 White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX
03/01/08 Cine El Rey – McAllen, TX
03/02/08 Meridian – Houston, TX
BELPHEGOR recently entered Andy Classen's Stage One Studios in Kassel, Germany to begin recording their new album for an April 11, 2008 European release via Nuclear Blast Records (April 15 in North America). The follow-up to 2006's "Pestapokalypse VI" is being recorded in three separate sessions lasting through the middle of January 2008.
Jungle Rot Announce European Tour Dates
Wisconsin-based death metallers JUNGLE ROT have scheduled the following dates:
Feb. 08 - Reggies Rock Club - Chicago, IL
Mar. 28 - Die Eiche - Crailsheim, GER
Mar. 29 - Romein - Leeuwarden, NETH
Mar. 30 - Baroeg - Rotterdam, NETH
Apr. 04 - K17 - Berlin, GER
Apr. 08 - PMK - Innsbruck, AUT
Apr. 12 - Timeout Rock Cafe - Porto, POR
Apr. 16 - Viper Room - Vienna, AUT
Apr. 17 - Take Five - Bad Mittendorf, AUT
Jul. 25 - Thunder Of Gods Fest - Mount Prospect, IL
Black Cobra to Tour UK With The Sword
After the monumental response to the US dates Black Cobra opened for The Sword at the end of last year, both bands will hit the UK in March together, joined this time by Saviours.
Black Cobra in the US with Pelican, Unearthly Trance:
02/28/2008 Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
02/29/2008 The House - Dekalb, IL
03/01/2008 Rhino's All Ages Music Club - Bloomington, IN
03/02/2008 The Gargoyle - St Louis, MO
03/04/2008 Hi Tone Cafe - Memphis, TN
03/05/2008 Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
03/06/2008 Sluggo's - Pensacola, FL w/City of Ships
03/07/2008 Common Grounds - Gainesville, FL
03/08/2008 The Big Cypress Reservation / Langerado Fest - Clewiston, FL
03/10/2008 The Social - Orlando, FL
03/12/2008 Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, GA
03/13/2008 Casbah at Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
03/15/2008 Headliners Music Hal - Louisville, KY w/Your Black Star
Black Cobra in Europe with The Sword, Saviours:
03/25/2008 Rock City - Nottingham, UK
03/26/2008 Carling Academy Oxford - Oxford, UK
03/27/2008 Carling Academy Birmingham - Birmingham, UK
03/28/2008 Manchester Academy - Manchester, UK
03/29/2008 King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow, UK
03/30/2008 The Sugarmill - Stoke, UK
04/01/2008 T.J.'s - Newport, UK
04/02/2008 Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth, UK
04/03/2008 The Underworld - London, UK
04/04/2008 Colchester Arts Centre - Colchester, UK
Cynic To Record New Album
Quality technical metal connoisseurs and open-minded music-lovers in general will be delighted to hear that Florida’s legendary CYNIC have returned to creative power after a successful European re-union tour in the summer of 2007 and will soon be recording a new album, their second after 1993’s genre-shattering “Focus” debut.
CYNIC founding members Paul Masvidal (guitars / vocals) and Sean Reinert (drums), who both gained reputation and praise while performing alongside Chuck Schuldiner and DEATH in the recording and touring lineup for the milestone album “Human,” are currently in Sanford, Florida, working on the mix for three new demo tracks together with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, CHIMAIRA, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, etc.) at his own Audiohammer Studios. The three new tracks are entitled “Integral Birth,” “Evolutionary Sleeper,” and “Adam’s Murmur,” but Masvidal and Reinert have already written a full album’s worth of new material and the band will use the demo to begin talks with record companies about a 2008 release. More...
Hellhammer Post 'Blood Insanity' Track Online
With the release of "Demon Entrails" on February 26 in the U.S. the days of numerous sub-standard bootlegs of the classic HELLHAMMER demos "Death Fiend", "Triumph of Death" and "Satanic Rites" are finally over!
The track "Bloody Insanity" can now be streamed online at this location.
The new versions did not come without their fair share of controversy, as HELLHAMMER mainman Tom Gabriel Fischer states: "25 years after the recording sessions for HELLHAMMER's legendary demos, HELLHAMMER is still as controversial as ever. The print shop supplying our German vinyl manufacturer refused to print the gatefold sleeve, as well as the inner sleeves of the triple vinyl of the 'Demon Entrails' release, due to the satanic content. The print shop in question is the only one in Germany able to print the special kind of gatefold sleeve required by the format used for 'Demon Entrails'. As a result of this unexpected circumstance, the gatefold sleeve and inner sleeves are now printed in the UK." More...
Five Finger Death Punch Cancel Tour Dates
Five Finger Death Punch issue the following update:
"Hey everyone, we regret to inform you all that all of FFDP's current tour dates have been cancelled. Read the message below:"
"Due to concerns regarding vocalist Ivan Moody's throat, Five Finger Death Punch has cancelled all live performances through March 7th. Ivan has developed calluses on his vocal chords that, if left untreated, could lead to permanent damage. As a preventative measure, he has been advised by doctors to take 2 months of vocal rest and work on rehabilitating his vocal chords. All are confident that Ivan will make a full recovery and be back in top form in plenty of time for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's slot on the MAYHEM tour with SLIPKNOT and DISTURBED this Summer." More...
Immortal To Play With Judas Priest In Norway
Reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL have issued the following update:
"It's a dark new year and we're rehearsing and writing new material for the upcoming album."
"In March we're off to see the IMMORTAL hordes in Australia and New Zealand, and there will be a few festivals in Europe this summer."
"On the 7th of June, IMMORTAL will return to Trondheim, Norway to play the Lerkendal Stadium together with JUDAS PRIEST."
"For more information, please check www.trondheimrockfestival.no."
"Tickets are available now, at www.billettservice.no." More...
Crashdiet Announce More Tour Dates
Swedish/Finnish glam rockers CRASHDIET have scheduled the following dates:
Feb. 07 - Sälen, Sweden @ HC
Feb. 08 - Orebro, Sweden @ Klubb Idiot @ Satin
Feb. 16 - Skövde, Sweden @ Younomia (all ages)
Feb. 27 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Tyrol *
Mar. 01 - Göteborg, Sweden @ Lisebergshallen *
Apr. 15 - Paris, France @ Meddelas *
Apr. 16 - Temse, Belgium @ Joc de Nartist *
Apr. 18 - Gijon, Spain @ Albeniz *
Apr. 19 - Bilbao, Spain @ Bilborock *
Apr. 20 - Barcelona, Spain @ Apolo *
* Supporting HARDCORE SUPERSTAR
Chevelle Announce First Dates With Finger Eleven
The Pulse of Radio reports that CHEVELLE has announced the first dates for its upcoming tour with Canadian act FINGER ELEVEN. The trek will kick off on February 19th in Flint, Michigan, with shows booked so far through mid-March. CHEVELLE has toured with FINGER ELEVEN before but drummer Sam Loeffler told The Pulse of Radio they're happy to hit the road with them again. "Even though we've done a couple of things together, it kind of worked really well and we all became friends, so yeah, we're gonna go out and do that again," he said. "We're gonna do some Canada stuff, which is good, 'cause we've only done a few Canada dates on this record cycle, so yeah, and then we'll do a bunch of U.S. dates and we'll keep looking at stuff as it comes up for the summer."
CHEVELLE is touring in support of its 2007 album, "Vena Sera", which features current single "I Get It" and the newly issued "The Fad".
The band has also been working on material for its next studio effort. More...
Sarkom Post Two New Songs Online
Norwegian black metallers SARKOM have posted two songs from their forthcoming "Bestial Supremacy" album — "Infected" and "Symbolic Revulsion" — on their MySpace page. Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Revival of Torment" and "Parallel to a Wall of Fire".
"Bestial Supremacy" will be released later in the year via an as-yet-undetermined label.
For Today Signs with Facedown Records
Facedown Records has officially signed Sioux City, Iowa metal/hardcore outfit For Today. Drummer David Morrison comments:
"We couldn't be happier to have signed with Facedown Records! It's been a long battle but God has finally put us where we are supposed to be at the right time!"
The band's new full-length, "Ekklesia," was produced by Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me) and will hit streets on April 1st. In the meantime, three tracks from the effort can be heard on the band's MySpace page.
Testament Announce New York City Show
Thrash legends TESTAMENT will be performing at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York City on Sunday, April 6th. You can find more information on the show online here.
Atargatis And Crematory To Tour
Germany's ATARGATIS have issued the following brief update:
"We are confirmed as the official tour support of the German gothic metal hereos CREMATORY on their upcoming European tour."
Dates for the above mentioned trek include:
March
28 - Bad Salzungen, Germany at KW70
29 - Osnabrück, Germany at N8
April
30 - Wuppertal, Germany at LCB
May
1 - Gießen, Germany at MUK Gießen
2 - Glauchau, Germany at Alte Spinnerei
3 - Wiesbaden, Germany at Schlachthof
9 - Bremen, Germany at Tivoli
10 - Hannover, Germany at Musikzentrum
11 - Berlin, Germany at Kato
21 - Heidelberg, Germany at Schwimmbad Club
22 - München, Germany at Metropolis
23 - Wien, Austria at Arena
24 - Linz, Austria at Posthof
Nevermore Drummer Talks Guitarist Joining Megadeth
NEVERMORE drummer Van Williams has posted the following message via his MySpace page:
"Hey Ya'll!" (you have to say that in your best Britney voice). Man is that one crazy bitch or what.
Anyways, heading down to the NAMM convention to meet the Pearl family, Sabian people, and the lovely folks at Evans heads. Glad to be working with these companies and it will be nice to see friends I haven't seen in a while, should be fun.
Well, as most of you know Chris (Broderick) has joined MEGADETH. I just wanted to say "congrats" to him and to Megadeth. Not only are they getting one hell of a good player, more importantly they're getting a great guy to hang out with and a true friend.
Yeah Yeah, BOO HOO and all that good shit!:)
I don't want to say to many good things about him because it will go to Steph's head! Ha ha! (inside joke).
Anyways congrats bro.
New drums have arrived. MMP10x8",12x9",13x9",16x18", 2-22x18"s Platinum Mist/Black hardware. Awful Perty! Just contemplating which heads I should go with... Evans hydraulics, or Coated 1ply or 2ply?
Drummer comments welcome! Annnnnnnnnyywho., that's where it's at.
"Later YA'LLLL!"
Nightwish Announce Charlotte Show
Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH will perform at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 24 as part of the third U.S. leg of the band's tour in support of the "Dark Passion Play" album. The trek is tentatively scheduled to begin at the end of August and run through the end of September. Final details, including special guest support and on-sale dates, will be officially announced on April 9. Discussions have also started to bring the band back to North America in early 2009 for additional touring.
In other news, VIP tickets for the following NIGHTWISH concerts are sold out and only regular tickets are available:
Calgary
Edmonton
Mokena
Quebec City
Winnipeg
Las Vegas
Sayreville
San Diego
Denver
VIP tickets only remain for Poughkeepsie, Vancouver and Sauget.
All VIP ticket holders for the May 2008 tour will be admitted to the venue one hour before normal door times for the meet-and-greet so it is advised that you arrive there early.
Tickets are on sale at both EnterTheVault.com and via all normal ticketing systems.
As previously reported, NIGHTWISH's latest album, "Dark Passsion Play", has been certified gold in Germany for sales in excess of 100,000 copies. The award presentation took place on December 29, 2007 at the On A Dark Winter's Night Festival in Oberhausen, Germany, where NIGHTWISH played in front of 6,000 fans.
"Dark Passion Play" has been certified triple platinum in the band's home country of Finland, platinum in Switzerland, and gold in Sweden, Austria and Poland.
Brand New Sin Launch Vocalist Search
The remaining members of Syracuse, New York's BRAND NEW SIN have launched a singer search following the recent departure of Joe Altier. If you are interested, contact the band at iwanttobeyoursinger@brandnewsin.org with your name and e-mail address only.
In a recent interview with the Syracuse Post Standard, Altier stated about his departure from the group, "All things come to an end at some point," Altier said. "I guess the best thing is to not get into the politics of the band. We always kept inside things about the band within the band. It was an amicable parting of the ways."
Altier said he began thinking about his life and involvement with BRAND NEW SIN in a different light when his father died in October.
"Something like that, you flip 180," Altier said. "When the dust settles, you see every aspect of your life differently. ... At that point, I realized how quickly life goes by. ... I'm 33. I think it's time to take hold of my life."
BRAND NEW SIN last year parted ways with Century Media Records.
BRAND NEW SIN's acclaimed album "Tequila" was recorded at Method of Groove studios in Brooklyn with producer Joey Z (LIFE OF AGONY, STEREOMUD). The disc, mastered by the acclaimed George Marino (METALLICA, AC/DC, GUNS N' ROSES) at Sterling Sound, features a guest vocal appearance by Peter Steele (TYPE O NEGATIVE) on the track "Reaper Man". The group also recorded a new version of the entrance theme music for Big Show, the 7-foot, 500-pound ECW wrestler. The theme, "Crank It Up", was first heard on the compilation CD "WWE: Wreckless Intent", which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard chart.
Sepultura To Appear On Brazil's PlayTV
A report on SEPULTURA's recent visit to India will air on Brazil's PlayTV tonight (Thursday, January 17). The show will be available for streaming via the Internet beginning at 12:00 a.m. GMT at this location.
Another Brazilian TV report on SEPULTURA's Indian tour can be viewed below.
Andreas Kisser is putting the finishing touches on his solo debut, entitled "Hubris I & II". A two-disc set, it is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2008 via Holland's Mascot Records. The CD was recorded in part at A Voz do Brasil studio in São Paulo, Brazil. More...
Steel Attack Announce New Album Title
Swedish metallers STEEL ATTACK have set "Carpe DiEnd" as the title of their new album, due on February 22, 2008 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque's Sonic Train studio and it was mixed at Solnasound by Mike Wead (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND).
STEEL ATTACK last year parted ways with Anden Andersson (bass), Tony Elfving (drums) and Johan Jalonen Penn (guitar) and replaced them with Johan Löfgren (LACK OF FAITH), Peter Morén (TAD MOROSE) and Simon Johansson (MEMORY GARDEN, ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA), respectively.
Primordial To Film Dublin Show
The Pulse reports that Irish pagan metal outfit PRIMORDIAL will film its January 19, 2008 concert at the 750-capacity Button Factory (formerly Temple Bar Music Centre) in Dublin, Ireland for a possible DVD.
According to promoter Fergal "H" Holmes of D.M.E., the show has been selling strongly, with over half of pre-sale tickets being purchased by fans from outside Ireland. "Swedish, Finnish, German, all around Europe — there's been loads," explained Holmes.
Fans can expect a big production show and the band has ordered in extra lighting for the event.
The European head honcho of the band's record label, Metal Blade, is expected in town, as well as journalists and photographers from some of Europe's top magazines — all flying in for the event, which is arguably the first of such a magnitude to involve a band from the Irish metal scene. "If PRIMORDIAL weren't from Ireland, they are a band I'd still be booking to play here. They're a band that can play a venue the size of the Button Factory," Holmes told The Pulse.
Holmes expects the band to play a set of between 80 and 90 minutes following support slots from Cork's FOR RUIN and reformed Irish doomsters GRAVEYARD DIRT.
Man Sues Motley Crue Concert Promoter
According to Tbo.com, an Illinois man who claims to have been beaten up by a MÖTLEY CRÜE band member and security during a concert is suing the promoter Live Nation.
Gerald Schneeman, of Rockford, Ill., was at an AEROSMITH and Mötley Crüe concert at the Ford Amphitheater on Nov. 22, 2006, according to the lawsuit filed on Monday.
The lawsuit states Schneeman was standing in front of the stage when he was stuck in the head with a guitar by a member of Motley Crue who was not named in the suit.
The band member jumped from the stage and knocked Schneeman to the ground, according to the suit. Security came over and assaulted Schneeman, then dragged him from the venue, according to the suit.
He suffered bodily injury, scarring and disfigurement, according to the suit. Details of his injuries were not listed.
Read the full article at this location.
Abomination Remasters To Be Released
Metal Mind Productions reports:
"Out of several projects established by Paul Speckmann, the legendary bassist and vocalist, ABOMINATION is by far the most aggressive one.
The music conjoins all the best elements of death, thrash, hardcore and punk and puts them together in one furious mixture of aggression and skill.
Metal Mind Productions presents remastered versions of two Abomination albums: the self-titled debut album and Tragedy Strikes. Both titles are a must-have for all death metal enthusiasts and fans of Speckmann’s talent.
Re-release of band’s debut album from 1990 – Abomination - includes 3 bonus tracks. Tragedy Strikes to this day remains one of the band’s finest releases, taking death metal into a whole new dimension, which will amaze every true fan of heavy music. New edition includes 4 bonus tracks!
Classic albums taken from Nuclear Blast archives will be available in a new digipak edition, limited to numerated 2,000 copies. Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on golden disc. The release date is set for February 11th in Europe and April 15th in USA (via MVD)."
Overkill Frontman Speaks On Recent Success
TheMetalWeb.com has issued an interview with OVERKILL Frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth. The following is an excerpt from the interview, conducted by Dawn:
Q: Let me start by saying, lately, Overkill’s name is all over the place and the band is doing some great things. Immortalis is doing extremely well press-wise; you did the Gigantour with MEGADETH, signed to Bodog, as well as supporting MOTÖRHEAD on a few dates. Why do you think it took the Gigantour to wake a few people up again to Overkill and open some doors, or as you put it in a previous interview, to “up” the value of the band, as opposed to prior years?
A: "It’s a reintroduction and I think that especially in a scene or I’m going to call it, the world market of music, you need to be reintroduced all the time. You’re only as good as your last day when you’re at the level were at. And what have you done for me lately or what have you’ve done with regard to the energy level, the song writing, etc... I think that always has to be proven over and over again. So, having something like a Motörhead tour through Europe or a Gigantour through the states, or having a label like Bodog which has a little bit more clout and a little bit more cash, makes that reintroduction possible. I think that if you take the band to a higher level, it always performs on whatever level “it’s” at. If the record label and the higher profile changes our level higher, we can always perform at that level. So, reintroductions are necessary sometimes. You don’t have to reintroduce METALLICA, but, you have to reintroduce Overkill sometimes." (Laughs)
Read the full article at TheMetalWeb.
Dokken SInger Discusses New Album
Metal-Rules.com has issued an interview with DOKKEN vocalist/namesake Don Dokken. The following is an excerpt from the interview, conducted by Marko Syrjälä:
Q: What is happening with new the Dokken album LIGHTNING STRIKES BACK? It’s been in the works for about two years now?
A: "Yeah it’s been two years. There have just been a lot of setbacks. We toured in America and did festivals and things like that. I lost my voice for a while and that was like what can you do?
The record was written like two years ago and I had about seven or eight songs but the record company didn’t like them. They thought they were too modern and Jon agreed and said we should do more old-school stuff so he rewrote the album and made it more classic with catchy guitar riffs and catchphrases.
Then I had to rethink and try to go back twenty years and I understand. It’s difficult you know, you get older and you change. So, we basically wrote the album twice. I spent a year writing out then threw it out and started over and that took a couple months.
And just life stuff, everyone has life stuff and families and things that slow you down. This summer was just like doing shows, making quick money and we did the same thing every weekend. You go out and play Friday or Saturday night, come back on Sunday but then you’re tired on Monday. Then you have a couple days to write and then do it over again.
Right when I was ready to do the album and finish it, my voice just died because I was just stupid. I was just being an idiot and wasn’t taking care of myself and getting out of shape. I thought we would go to Europe to promote the record and that’s why we’re here. We promised we would come so here we are. My word is my word."
Read the full article at Metal-Rules.
Danko Jones Seek Extras For Video Shoot
DANKO JONES has issued the following announcement:
"This Sunday (January 20th) you have the chance to be an extra in the upcoming Danko Jones music video! The time is 6:30pm-7:00pm. Only the first 50 to arrive will be able to appear in the video. We are shooting at Toronto Film Studios (Studio 3), 629 Eastern Ave. It's near Carlaw and Lakeshore. Speak to security and you will be directed to the stage. See you there!"
As previously reported, the band has launched DankoTV via YouTube. In the first episode the cameras follows the band backstage at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto and offers a Top 10 list of albums of 2007. Check it out below.
Danko's new album Never Too Loud is now available for international pre-order. The album comes in three different formats: regular jewel case, limited digipak and vinyl LP.
The tracklist for Never Too Loud is as follows: 'Code Of The Road', 'City Streets', 'Still In High School', 'Take Me Home', 'Let's Get Undressed', 'King Of Magazines', 'Forest For The Trees', 'Your Tears, My Smile', 'Something Better', 'Ravenous', 'Never Too Loud'.
More...
Great White Manager To Be Released Next Year
According to Eric Tucker from the Associated Press, the co-owner of a nightclub where a 2003 fire killed 100 people was granted an early release from prison by the state parole board Wednesday (January 16th), but will not be freed until October 2009 after serving more than three years of his four-year sentence.
Michael Derderian, 46, went to prison in September 2006 for the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick that was sparked by pyrotechnics for the 1980s rock band GREAT WHITE.
He became eligible for parole this month after completing one-third of his sentence, but faced an uphill battle to get released after discipline problems in prison and pleas to keep him behind bars.
Derderian appeared before the parole board Wednesday, a week after victims' relatives asked the board to force him to serve his entire sentence, saying he ran a dangerous business and failed to show enough remorse for his role in the disaster.
Parole board Chairwoman Lisa Holley said in a written statement that the board decided to release Derderian next year and not to set another parole hearing because of the "enormity of the loss and trauma suffered by many." All but one member voted to grant parole.
Read the full article at this location.
Symphony X Fans Invited To Choose Setlist
The SYMPHONY X camp has issued the following update:
"There have been rumblings here and there about the band's tour setlist and how it needs some changes. We did a setlist poll a few years ago, and I spoke with MJR about it recently and he agreed that it was time to do another one. So here's your chance to let the band know what you want to see them play on tour!
Here's how it goes. You reply here (leave your comment here in the blog...comments left on the band's main page won't be counted) and tell me what songs you would like to hear the band play on their upcoming tours. Give me 90 minutes worth of material (no, the band is not necessarily playing a 90 minute set, that's just a random number I'm choosing). You can pick particular songs, or just say that you'd like to hear anything from a certain CD, or a mix of both. I'll leave this open until midnight (US Pacific time) on Sunday night (January 20th). On Monday, I'll compile the results and send them to the band, and post them for you guys as well.
The last time we did this, MJR was surprised at some of the songs you all wanted to see them perform live and took the suggestions under consideration. He says they'll do so as well this time, so make sure you let them know what you want to hear.
Looking forward to seeing what you all have to say!"
Jax :)
SymX Staff
Symphony X's tour schedule is below. Fans should be aware that although EPICA is due to open up for the band in London, UK on March 6th and support the band on their North American tour, it is unclear at this time if Epica will in fact be able to do so, as vocalist Simone Simons was recently diagnosed with MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). The band was forced to cancel the rest of their shows for this month as of January 16th.
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After Forever To Take A Break For At Least A Year
AFTER FOREVER have issued the following update:
"Dear fans,
As you might have noticed, After Forever experienced a lot in 2007. A new deal with Nuclear Blast and The Entertainment Group, the release of a new album, gigs in Europe and the U.S.A./Canada, all thanks to your support. Unfortunately, 2007 also had a negative side. Sander (Gommans/guitars, vocals) experienced the symtoms of a burn-out and had to stop playing with After Forever for a few months.
After Forever did a good job doing the scheduled gigs with mainly George (ex-ORPHANAGE) as grunter, making possible the album could still be promoted. After that, a European and an American/Canadian tour followed, with Sander this time, and his condition seemed to be ok. Unfortunately, just recently, Sander fell victim to a seizure attack in an airplane, and after research that attack seemed to be stress related. The doctors think this is a very serious matter, and they strongly advised him to not be involved with any After Forever activity for at least a year, to prevent a worse health situation.
Because Sander is one of the founders, songwriter and co-manager of After Forever, an After Forever without him is no option. The band has been able to solve his absence in 2007 live, but another year full of compromises would not be positive for the quality After Forever wants to offer. After Forever is a band that wants to give 100% and that's just not possible now.
With pain in our hearts, we had to decide that After Forever has to take a break of at least a year and hope you will all respect that. It's terrible not to be able to do all the great gigs and activities we were planning, but it's even worse for After Forever to do those things with a compromise. We highly value everything the band has achieved, and we don't want to lose that. We also realise we ask a lot of our fans since we know what our gigs and music means to them.
However, we will all still be active in the music scene. Because of this break everybody gets the chance to focus on projects.
On our site and myspace sites we'll keep you updated about those projects.
Not a very good start of the year, but thanks a lot for all your support and understanding, for now, for the future, but also for the past year. We won't forget you and hope to meet you again if After Forever returns in full shape!!!"
Floor, Sander, Bas, Joost, Luuk and Andre
Bonded By Blood Issue Studio Update
BONDED BY BLOOD vocalist Jose "Aladdin" Barrales has issued this studio update during a short break from recording their upcoming Earache debut, Feed The Beast:
"Just wanted to give you guys some info on what we are up to. We are away for about two weeks and a half recording our debut album coming out through Earache records entitled Feed The Beast.
Our producer is none other than Michael Rosen. He's worked with some great names; TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, SADUS, VIO-LENCE, JOE SATRIANI. Drum tracks are done and man oh man do they sound ball crushing. Right now we're on guitars. Gonna do some bass. Maybe squeeze in some vocals. The songs are gunna blow brains. Wish us luck."
Bonded By Blood will also be featured on the upcoming new-school thrash compilation, Thrashing Like A Maniac, out on February 5 in the US. To find out more about the release head over to www.myspace.com/thrashinglikeamaniac.
Bonded By Blood live dates:
January
19 - The Epic Lounge - Downey, California (with MICHAEL ANGELO BAITO, DEATHRIDERS)
February
22 - Pomona Elks Lodge - Pomona, California
Lair Of The Minotaur Prepare New Album, Post MP3
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR will be hitting the road in March and April supporting Today is The Day, Also in March will be the release of their 3rd studio album, "War Metal Battle Master."
A free mp3 download of the track “Horde Of Undead Vengeance” is available here.
Here are the dates for Lair of the Minotaur on tour with Today Is The Day, and Mouth of The Architect :
Mar 28, 2008 The Ritz Warren, MI
Mar 29, 2008 Ravari Room Columbus, OH
Mar 30, 2008 Peabody’s Pirate’s Cove Cleveland, OH
Mar 31, 2008 Melody Inn Indianapolis, IN
Apr 1, 2008 The Note Chicago, IL
Apr 3, 2008 Mojo’s Columbia, MO
Apr 4, 2008 Cactus Club Milwaukee, WI
Apr 5, 2008 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, MN
Apr 6, 2008 Vaudeville Mews Des Moines, IA
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