Metal News for January 23, 2008
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.
Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
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- Spite Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
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- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
32 news articles posted on this day.
The Faceless Loses Singer, Seeks Replacement
Singer Derek Rydquist has announced his departure from The Faceless in order to pursue a college degree. Rydquist comments:
"The Faceless and I are sad to inform you that I will no longer be a member of the band. Long story short, there are things going on in my life that are keeping me from being 100% dedicated to the band, and that isn't fair to everyone involved in the band. I love this band, I love the guys, and I love the music, but in order for both the band and myself to grow to our fullest potentials, I feel that I must leave. I want to thank anyone who ever had a hand in helping out the band, every band we've toured with, all the new friends I've made in the last year, and of course the awesome dudes of The Faceless. I am sorry to disappoint any fans, but remember: The Faceless ruled before me, they ruled with me, and they will continue to dominate without me."
The Los Angeles group is now actively seeking a replacement. Here's a statement from the band:
"We have huge plans in 2008 including some killer tours and the recording of our new album! We are looking for someone who has a singing style similar to Derek's. A loud, consistent vocalist with confidence in his voice and stage presence is ideal for the replacement. A good sense of time, rhythm, odd meter and rapid sixteenth note voice patterns is also a must.
"If interested in joining The Faceless, please respond to www.myspace.com/thefaceless and send us a link where we can hear your voice. Before we try anyone out or send a track without vocals, we must hear your voice!"
Skeletonwitch Departs For Tour With JFAC
Athens, OH’s SKELETONWITCH have just hit the road for a nearly-three week tour alongside Job For A Cowboy and The Red Chord. The band offers up a quick update via the band’s MySpace page: “Greetings you sick fucks!! We're kicking off our tour with Job For a Cowboy and The Red Chord tomorrow!! Please come out and shred 'til you're dead!! Be sure and get there early as we're playing first! Also, there is new SKELETONWITCH merchandise available. On our MySpace page, just click on any of the designs and you'll be directed to the online store. Pretty simple, pretty self explanatory, pretty fucking rad. Hope to see everyone out on the road. As always, thanks for your support!”
SKELETONWITCH continues to support its Prosthetic Records debut, "Beyond The Permafrost," which saw an October 2007 release. Recorded with producer Corey Smoot (GWAR, Municipal Waste) and featuring art from John Baizley (Kylesa, Baroness, Darkest Hour), features a handful of brand new SKELETONWITCH songs alongside a few songs that previously appeared on the self-released SKELETONWITCH records "Worship the Witch" and "At One With The Shadows."
Here are the latest Skeletonwitch tour dates: More...
Killing The Dream Completes New Album
Sacramento, California hardcore band Killing The Dream has completed their new Deathwish Inc. release. Here's an update from the band:
"Our new record is officially done and we are getting the final mixes back today. It still needs to be mastered after that, and the artwork is the process of being done as well, but things are coming together and we should be able to announce some sort of release date soon, as well as have an audio player up with a few new songs. We are super excited about it and can't wait to get it out."
Trash Talk Announce U.S. Tour Dates
Directly following their European tour, Trash Talk will tour the U.S. with Trapped Under Ice. Here are the tour dates:
3/31 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
4/1 Myrtle Beach, SC @ Soundgarden
4/2 Atlanta, GA @ Treehouse
4/3 Tampa, FL @ Transitions
4/4 Lake Worth, FL @ Klein Dance Center
4/5 Mobile, AL @ Picklefish
4/6 Bimingham, AL @ Cave 9
4/7 Jonesboro, AR @ Guit Down Music
4/8 Dallas, TX @ Red Blood Club
4/9 San Antonio, TX @ Roadhouse Saloon
4/10 Tucson, AZ @ Gnarwal House
4/11 San Diego, CA @ Che Cafe
4/12 San Francisco, CA @ Balazo Gallery
4/13 Ventura, CA @ Mai's Cafe
4/15 Denver, CO @ Underground
4/16 Lincoln, NB @ Box Awesome
4/17 Chicago, IL @ De Paul University
4/18 Cleveland, OH @ Brothel
4/19 Doylestown, PA @ Siren Records (Deathwish/Malfunction show)
4/20 Syracuse, NY @ Klub Polski (315 In Ruins Fest)
4/21 Albany, NY @ Valentines
4/22 Lake Grove, NY @ TGIF Sights And Sounds
4/23 Brooklyn, NY @ Michelins
Liferuiner and Ambush! Tour Dates
Liferuiner and Ambush! will be hitting the road together this week. The following tour dates have been confirmed so far:
1/26 Warren, MI @ The Ritz (Sammy Shred Fest 2)
1/27 South Bend, IN @ Elvas Fiesta Club
1/28 Milwaukee, WI @ Sherwood Legion Hall
1/29 Lousiville, KY @ Bulldog Cafe
1/31 Cleveland, OH @ The Pirates Cove
2/1 North Windham, CT @ Franco American Club
2/2 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
2/3 Ronkonkoma, NY @ Trax
2/4 Providence, RI @ The Living Room
2/5 Norfolk, VA @ TBA
2/7 Jefferson, TN @ Coffeez Entertainment
As previously reported, Liferuiner just recently inked a deal with Uprising Records.
Mustasch Gets "Best Hard Rock" Grammis Award
Swedish act Mustasch has been honored with the “Best Hard Rock” Grammis award, the Swedish version of the Grammy Awards, for its album “Latest Version of the Truth.”
The Gothenberg-based quartet was presented with the award by Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee at the awards ceremony on January 9 at Globen in Stockholm. Mustasch beat out tough competition in veteran bands like Candlemass, Clawfinger, Entombed, and Arch Enemy.
“It felt a lot more emotional and fantastic than we initially thought,” said vocalist/lead guitarist Ralf Gyllenhammar. “Before the Grammys we thought of it more as an industry meet or a public event where it doesn’t really affect us personally if we win or loose, but when Mikkey Dee announced us as winners it was almost like a blackout of joy! Can hardly remember what was said in the speech.”
A clip from the event is available on YouTube and embedded below. More...
Always & Forever Signs with Hotfoot Records
New England hardcore/metal band Always & Forever has officially signed with Hotfoot Records. Hotfoot will re-release the band's seven-song debut EP titled "The Blackest.." in March. Meanwhile, Always & Forever will enter the studio later this year to record their debut full-length, due out in the October.
Dance Gavin Dance, Memphis May Fire Tour Dates
A Skylit Drive, Dance Gavin Dance, Memphis May Fire, Before Their Eyes, and Four Letter Lie will hit the road together in March. The following tour dates have been announced so far:
3/7 Stockton, CA @ Empire Theatre
3/8 Fresno, CA @ The Exit
3/9 Bakersfield, CA @ Jerry’s Pizza
3/10 Victorville, CA @ Karma
3/11 Phoenix, AZ @ The Cell Block
3/14 Plano, TX @ Plano Centre
3/15 San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom
3/16 Houston, TX @ Java Jazz
3/18 Tampa, FL @ Transitions Skate Park
3/20 Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox Landrolounge
3/21 Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox Landrolounge
3/22 Raleigh, NC @ The Brewery
3/23 Virginia Beach, VA @ Steppin Out
3/28 Pompton Lakes, NJ @ Main Stage
3/29 Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
3/30 Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
4/1 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s Down Under
4/3 Chicago, IL @ Mojoe’s
4/5 Detroit, MI @ Skateland
4/8 Springfield, MO @ Remington’s Downtown
4/19 Sacramento, CA @ The Boardwalk
Demonical Announce New Live Dates
After a successful crusade through Finland, Swedish deathsquad DEMONICAL have some new "battles" lined up.
The band's upcoming tour itinerary includes the following dates:
March
8 - Katowice, Poland - Metalmania Festival
28 - Stockholm, Sweden - Tantogården (with NECROPHOBIC)
July
18 - Pössneck, Germany - Hells Pleasure Festival
September
12 - Krugsdorf bei Pasewalk, Germany - Tunes Of Death Festival
Details Of New Dream Theater Video Revealed
Roadrunner Records report that Anime News Network will present a preview of DREAM THEATER's new video for 'Forsaken' this Saturday, January 26th. The preview for the second video from Systematic Chaos will include three video stills and a Q&A with the video's director.
Later on that night the video will premiere on Headbangers Ball, starting at 11:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Says the label, "When you're thinking about 'Forsaken', keep a little vampire in your mind.
Hey, we know Dream Theater fans are a rabid bunch and we don't want to just tell you "Hey, dudes, wait for the video saturday." Nuh uh. We've got a Q&A with John Petrucci about the video right here...
Q: How was creating an anime video different from the video process you usually go through and would you want to do it again?
A: "In this case, I worked a lot closer with the director and production team than ever before. It was essential that the lyric as well as the broader story line be conveyed and interpreted in such a way as to be true to the story's original meaning and also to create an accurate and compelling backdrop from where the video would be built. I would absolutely do this again. I think it would even be more fun in a longer form, perhaps a short film."
Q: Tell us a bit about the 2 main characters, their inspiration, etc.
A: "The two main characters are Leo and Alice. Leo is basically a lost soul who is searching for something to believe in. He is seduced nightly by Alice, a beautiful and hauntingly familiar phantom who's main agenda is to take his life through his blood so that she may live on."
Q: Tell us a bit about the lyrics and meaning behind 'Forsaken'.
A: "The lyrics to 'Forsaken' are very story line driven. I tried to illustrate not only the story's various settings, but to also get inside the characters heads. Leo is depicted as someone who is agonizing and wants to understand everything that is happening to him while Alice is the luring demon focused on her continued eternity. Her seduction is played out as the two float weightlessly through the night visiting cities and events in history that prove to be both exhilarating and horrifying."
Q: Do you have a favorite part of the video and why?
A: "My favorite part of the video is when Alice first gives Leo the "stinging kiss" and his entire body and face take on a really frightening form as they rise from the earth together while her poison races through him. This to me very graphically illustrates the stark contrast between Alice's enticing gestures and of course her ultimate true evil intentions."
Q: How was the overall experience working with the director?
A: "Working with the director was a great experience. It got off to an amazing start as soon as I read his futuristic interpretation of the story. It was very cool to develop the characters and of course to see the animation evolve from the storyboards to the final video."
Skinlab Looking For Fan Participation
SKINLAB's Steev Esquivel has issued the following bulletin:
"Now that we've wrapped up the mixing of SkinnedAlive! We're getting all the artwork together and thought it would be a cool idea for a little fan participation. We've always been a band to try and involve our fans as much as possible with past releases.
This time we want to give you a chance to send in your favorite pictures of Skinlab. If you have any photos with us, performance shots, party shots, Jager shots, tattoos and you'd like to see them in the CD booklet, send 'em in... we'll try and use as many as possible.
All photos should be sent in jpg format for submission to: skinlabpromo@yahoo.com
Include contact information and we'll get back to you and let ya know if you're gonna be SkinnedAlive!"
Job For A Cowboy Announce More Dates With Megadeth
Glendale, AZ extreme metal powerhouse JOB FOR A COWBOY has announced both North American and United Kingdom tours alongside thrash metal legends MEGADETH in support of it's debut album, Genesis.
JFAC has been handpicked by Megadeth's Dave Mustaine to support his band as part of both the UK and North American Gigantour 2008 tours.
Job For A Cowboy is set to kick off 2008 in grand fashion as it brings its devastating live show to new and larger audiences alongside one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time in Megadeth. Job For A Cowboy will provide direct support to Megadeth on the UK Gigantour run, set to launch February 17th in Norwich, UK. The week long trek will conclude with a February 24th performance at London's Brixton Academy.
Job For A Cowboy will then join Megadeth, Swedish metal titans IN FLAMES, Finnish thrashers CHILDREN OF BODOM and Oakland, CA power trio HIGH ON FIRE as part of the North American Gigantour, set to launch April 12th in Denver, CO.
On the topic of touring as part of Gigantour, Job For A Cowboy guitarist Ravi Bhadriraju comments, “It is an honor to be selected as part of such a great tour. Bands like High on Fire, Children of Bodom, In Flames and Megadeth are all respected in their own genres and every band has something great to offer. Every band is going to put on a show. Every band will eat you alive. Get your popcorn ready!”
Additionally, Job For A Cowboy will kick off a US tour in support of Genesis beginning January 24th in Fresno, CA. Support on the three week headlining run will be provided by THE RED CHORD and SKELETONWITCH. A full listing of upcoming JFAC live performances follows this message.
In addition to Bhadriraju, Job For A Cowboy features vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarist Bobby Thompson, bassist Brent Riggs and drummer Jon "The Charn" Rice.
Job For A Cowboy tour dates: More...
Soulfly Guitarist Adds More Solo Dates To Tour
SOULFLY guitarist MARC RIZZO has announced additional dates on his US headlining tour which begins at the end of January, right after his appearance at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convention in Anaheim, California.
The updated itinerary is as follows:
January
30 - Fat Baby - New York, NY
February
5 - Huntington Music Hall - Huntington, WV
6 - Sidney Theater - Cleveland, OH
8 - Machine Shop - Flint, MI
9 - Anchor Inn - South Bend, IN
12 - The Pit - St. Charles, MO
13 - Roxbury - Omaha, NE
14 - Iliff Park Saloon - Aurora, CO
16 - The Aardvark - Dallas, TX
17 - Harlequin Alley - Shreveport, LA
20 - The Bar - New Orleans, LA
21 - The Backstage Lounge - Gainesville, FL
23 - the Map Room - Charleston, SC
24 - Zakks Coffee House - Murfreesboro, SC
25 - the Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
26 - Zakk’s Coffee House - Murfreesboro, SC
The End Announce Canadian Tour
THE END have announced a string of Canadian live dates with THE HOLLY SPRINGS DISASTER, JOHNNY TURANT, A TEXT BOOK TRAGEDY and ARCHITECTS. Dates are as follows:
January
31 - Toronto, ON - The Sound Academy
March
6 - Toronto, ON - The Reverb
7 - Newmarket , ON - Newmarket Optimist Hall
8 - London, ON - The Salt Lounge
10 - Barrie, ON - Foundation Night Club
11 - Chatham, ON - Twisters
12 - Hamilton, ON - The Casbah
13 - Kingston, ON - Time To Laugh Comedy Club
14 - Ottawa, ON - Cafe Dekuf
15 - Montreal QC - Club Lambi
19 - Sydney, NS - St. Albans Hall
20 - Moncton, NB - Paramount Lounge
21 - Charlottetown, PEI - Benevolent Irish Society Hall
22 - Halifax, NS - Hell's Kitchen
24 - Quebec City, QC - The Casbah
27 - St. Catherines, ON - Level 3
28 - Oshawa, ON - The Dungeon
Roadrunner Records To Release Roadrage 2007 In U.K
Roadrunner Records UK reports:
"If you cast your mind back to last year, you will remember that we released another in the series of Roadrage DVD's, featuring a plethora of choice cuts from the years releases via Play.com.
This coming March (the 3rd day of the month no less!) it will become generally available and you will be able to pick it up in places such as ZAVVI, HMV, The Roadrage Stores and Amazon.co.uk.
Full track listing for this lil beauty is as follows:
01. Stone Sour - 'Made Of Scars'
02. Stone Sour - 'Through Glass'
03. Stone Sour - 'Sillyworld'
04. Killswitch Engage - 'My Curse'
05. Killswitch Engage - 'Arms Of Sorrow'
06. Trivium - 'Anthem (We Are The Fire)'
07. Trivium - 'Entrance Of The Conflagration'
08. Trivium - 'The Rising'
09. Machine Head - 'Aesthetics Of Hate'
10. Dream Theater - 'Constant Motion'
11. Megadeth - 'A Tout Le Monde'
12. Slipknot - 'The Blister Exists' (Live)
13. Porcupine Tree - 'Fear Of A Blank Planet'
14. Still Remains - 'Stay Captive'
15. DevilDriver - 'Not All Who Wander Are Lost'
16. Madina Lake - 'House Of Cards'
17. Madina Lake - 'Here I Stand'
18. Cradle Of Filth - 'Temptation'
19. Shadows Fall - 'Redemption'
20. Sanctity - 'Beneath The Machine'
21. Daath - 'Subterfuge'
22. 3 Inches Of Blood - 'The Goatrider’s Horde'
23. Satyricon - 'The Pentagram Burns'
24. Black Stone Cherry - 'Lonely Train'
25. Black Stone Cherry - 'Hell & High Water'
26. Caliban - 'I Will Never Let You Down'
27. Black Label Society - 'Concrete Jungle'
28. Black Label Society - 'Blood Is Thicker Than Water'
29. Hatebreed - 'Defeatist'
30. Nickelback - 'Savin’ Me'
31. Nickelback - 'If Everyone Cared'
32. Delain - 'Frozen'
33. Delight - 'Divided'
34. Pain - 'Zombie Slam'
Crikey!
Kataklysm Finish Recording New Album
KATAKLYSM has just finished the recording process for their new album, Prevail.
Producer/guitarist J-F Dagenais comments: "Finally... I'm the one who never takes a break in the band and I can finally breathe!!
After two months the album is fucking done! Just layed down a few leads yesterday and double checked everything, the album came out great, the sources are fantastic and dont expect In The Arms Of Devastation 2... this album stands in a league of it's own, everyone gave it 150%... it's the most brutal since Temple Of Knowledge and Serenity In Fire and the most catchy since Shadows & Dust and ITAOD. Expect the best, because that's the effort we gave it.
Next week we fly to Jason Suecof's studio in Orlando, Florida where we will be putting the final touches to this masterpiece!"
Prevail is schedualed for release via Nuclear Blast Records on May 23rd (Europe) and May 27th (North America, rest of World).
The band will unleash the new breathtaking artwork next month as a preview.
Slayer Book Due In April
Continuum International Publishing Group has confirmed an April 15th release date for SLAYER's Reign In Blood (33 1/3), a new book about the legendary 1986 album from the Los Angeles thrashers.
Written by D.X. Ferris, the book description is as follows: "Slayer's controversial Reign In Blood remains the gold standard for extreme heavy metal: a seamless procession of 10 blindingly fast songs in just 28 minutes, delivered in furious bursts of instrumental precision, sparking a new genre called death metal and today serves as a benchmark for metal musicians. The disc marked slayer's coronation as the kings of thrash, and their ongoing 25-year streak of vitality places them in the small fraternity of rock's greatest groups. Through interviews with the entire band, producer Rick Rubin, engineer Andy Wallace, and a who's who of headbangers from three decades, D.X. Ferris explores the creation of the most universally respected metal album and its long road to the stores."
For more information on Reign In Blood (33 1/3), click here.
BW&BK spoke to Slayer's Tom Araya recently about Reign In Blood. Recalls the frontman: "In the studio, I just looked up and realized it was only 28 minutes and said 'is that all the songs?' And Rubin looked up and said, 'yup, that's all the songs.' We were recording the songs and never once did we even think to look at the times structured to those songs. Because they were complete songs. You don't give a thought about how long the song is. The only one we thought was short was 'Necrophobic'. That's the only one we knew - of course it's obvious that it's a short song. The other ones, we were singing them and playing them - 'arrggghhh, this is great.' We're getting down to the final vocals and doing the mixes - and we looked up and went 'shit, 28 minutes. Is that all the songs?" I look over at Andy and with a confused look on his face he says 'there must be an error, that must be wrong. It's right, but that can't be right!' Then we talked to Rubin, and he said, 'well, you've given me ten songs.' It didn't state the length. He wasn't freakin' out - it was his label. Rubin is the boss - 'you've given me ten songs, nothing stipulates time.' He was happy - he thought it was great. He wasn't really concerned at all. They put the album on both sides of a cassette tape! If anything, that would be the one record that could've gone platinum (one million units in the US) because it was sold twice every time you bought a cassette. I thought - it was probably the only record we hit platinum with and we won't get credited for it."
Unearth's Ken Susi Reunites With Sweatpant Boners
Boston.tv has posted video footage of Ken Susi from UNEARTH joining ROADSTEAMER for a reunion of his former band, SWEATPANT BONERS, on January 12, 2008 at the Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Watch the three-minute clip here.
Formed by Robby Roadsteamer, Susi, Adam Dutkiewicz (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE) and Toby Dutkiewicz (AFTERSHOCK), SWEATPANT BONERS released the "Cruisin' with the masters" CD before splitting up in 2002. More...
Ex-Necrophagist Axeman Joins Obscura
German death metallers OBSCURA have announced the addition of former NECROPHAGIST guitarist Christian Muenzner to the group’s ranks. The band’s new lineup is as follows:
Steffen Kummerer - Guitar, Vocals
Christian Muenzner (ex-NECROPHAGIST) - Guitar
Jeroen Paul Thesseling (ex-PESTILENCE) - Bass
Hannes Grossmann (ex-NECROPHAGIST) - Drums
DevilDriver's Dez Fafara: Anselmo Is A Brother
DevilDriver frontman Dez Fafara was interviewed by Artist Direct while his band was on tour with Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, and Soilwork. You can read excerpts from the conversation below.
Artist Direct: You've drawn lyrical inspiration from various books in the past. What are some of your favorite titles?
Dez Fafara: Right now, I'm doing audio books, because it's easier for me to just lie in my bunk and listen when I'm on tour. I'm listening to an audio book right now on Socrates. I'm getting through his whole life and his whole philosophy on things. He was a strange cat; let me tell you. He used to walk the streets barefoot, rambling on and on, but people thought he was a genius. If you did that today, they'd just put you in jail. He had some wise things to say though.
AD: That Greek school of thought established a lot.
DF: Exactly. As far as a favorite book of all time, I don't have one. Literature has just kind of come and gone with me, but I couldn't nail it down to a favorite. I'm reading a good book right now on the Spartans and their society. It's called The Spartans. It's unbelievable, so we'll see where that goes
AD: Knowing your relationship with Phil Anselmo [Down, Pantera Vocalist], I have to ask, what do you think of the new Down record [III: Over the Under]?
DF: I think it's the best of Phil's career. He fucking looks great. He's sober. People have to understand, he's not just a friend, but he's a brother. When I had no home in Coal Chamber, literally for years to live, that dude gave me his house and said, "Go ahead." He literally said, "Take my bedroom, I'm sleeping downstairs anyways." So, when you've got that kind of a friend behind you, it means something huge. We've been friends a long time. I think that this Down record is unbelievable. I think it's the rock record of the year. It should have been nominated for a Grammy. The fact that it's not and some other bands are listed pisses me off really bad. Dude, this is the best rock band out today, hands-down, and for it not to be a Grammy-nominee—I don’t see what's happening. If you're not looking at art like that—look at every individual player in that band, not just Phillip. Take Phillip out of the equation and just look at every individual player. Before we went to our record release party a couple months ago, Down was rehearsing for their Australian tour in the Valley. We took the tour bus over, and we went and watched a couple songs of the rehearsals. I mean, dude, they're such amazing players. So yeah, there's my rant on Down [laughs].
Read the full article at this location.
Mutiny Recruit New Drummer
New Jersey's melodic death metallers Mutiny have recently parted way with drummer Sam Paulicelli, who joined the group in early 2006. On their myspace page, the band have cited personal reasons (but have not gone into detail) for moving on without Sam. His replacement has been found in Bill Fore. The band posted a video of a jam session with Bill, which can be viewed below, or on Mutiny's YouTube Channel.
Soilwork Added To Wacken 2008
Soilwork, amongst many others, have been confirmed for this year’s installment of the Wacken Open Air festival. It is set to take place from July 31st to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany.
AS I LAY DYING
AT THE GATES
AUTUMN
AVANTASIA
AXEL RUDI PELL
AXXIS
BEFORE THE DAWN
CARCASS
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CORVUS CORAX
CREMATORY
DESTRUCTOR
DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER
ENEMY OF THE SUN
ENSIFERUM
EVOCATION
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
EXODUS
GIRUGÄMESH
GOREROTTED
GORGOROTH
GRAVE
HATEBREED
HEADHUNTER
IRON MAIDEN
KAMELOT
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
KREATOR
KRYPTERIA
LORD BELIAL
LORDI
MACHINE MEN
NIFELHEIM
NIGHTWISH
OBITUARY
OPETH
POWERWOLF
PRIMORDIAL
PSYCHOPUNCH
SABATON
SALTATIO MORTIS
SOILWORK
SONATA ARCTICA
THE BONES
VAN CANTO
WARBRINGER
WATAIN
Headline News
Biohazard's Original Line-up To Reunite For Shows
The original lineup of the highly influential New York-based group Biohazard, whose intense fusion of the aggression of hardcore, punk and thrash metal with the socio-critical commentary and authenticity of hip-hop earned the band extensive international acclaim will reunite for a series of performances in the summer of 2008 to commemorate the band's 20th anniversary. Bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei, drummer Danny Schuler and guitarist Bobby Hambel have not performed together publicly since 1995, when Hambel left the group at the end of the touring cycle for Biohazard's third album and major-label debut, "State Of The World Address."
Like its predecessor, the landmark "Urban Discipline" (1992), "State Of The World Address" sold more than 1 million copies worldwide and capped the band's evolution from a Brooklyn local favorite into an international success. In recent years, Schuler kept busy by playing drums for the band Bloodclot and occasionally mixing music for other artists, frequently in collaboration with Graziadei. In addition to his success with his new band Suicide City (currently working on the second release), Graziadei also stays active producing and recording bands in his studio; Underground Sound Studios. Seinfeld, meanwhile, remained in the public eye via high-profile appearances on HBO (five seasons on the critically acclaimed prison drama "Oz") and VH1 ("SuperGroup"), as well as a column in Stuff magazine. Additionally, he shot photos for such publications as Playboy, Penthouse and FHM and voiced characters in the video games Manhunt, The Warriors and the forthcoming Grand Theft Auto IV, and as CEO of Teravision, he currently manages the career of his wife, leading adult film star Tera Patrick, whom he has directed and performed with under the name Spyder Jonez. He also recently launched a new band, The Spyderz.
Seinfeld admits that none of these extracurricular activities would have been possible without the success of Biohazard, and looks forward to returning to his roots. "Biohazard was the single most important chapter in our lives," he says. "Our music brought us together and helped us rise up out of the streets of Brooklyn. Our journey has been an amazing one, and for me, it's all about my brothers Billy, Bobby and Danny, and of course the fans, whose undying support has never given up on the hopes of a reunion of the original band. I'm proud to announce that the four of us have decided to bring our special brand of hardcore tribal ceremony better known as a Biohazard live show to select venues across the globe. Here comes the pain, and see you in the pit, motherfuckers!" Adds Hambel, "We owe it to ourselves and to everyone who wants to see the original band reunite. We've lost a lot of great friends and musicians over the years, but we're still here — and it's time to set the record straight!"
In early January, the original Biohazard members met and rehearsed together for the first time in a dozen years. "To be in the same room with old friends again fuckin' rocked," says Graziadei. "We created something unique back in the day and I'm psyched we can all hang together and recapture that vibe. It's like time stood still and we're all 19 again!" "I'm extremely happy that we're all friends again," Schuler adds. "Life is too short, and all the fights, rumors and beefs don't matter anymore. What matters is the four of us being friends and getting up on stage again together. I can't wait to do this."
Hayaino Daisuki's EP Available For Pre-Order
Hydra Head-signed grindcore act Hayaino Daisuki's upcoming EP, "Headbanger's Karaoke Club Dangerous Fire," is now availalbe for pre-order.
Hayaino Daisuki’s approach to frantic grind is far more sugar high than blood thirsty. This isn’t to say that this 4-song EP is pop-chart ready and already up for hip-hop remixes, for there is plenty of metal up your ass from a band
The band, who’s name translates to simply “I Love Speed,” has in its ranks Takafumi Matsubara (Mortalized) on the guitar, Eric Schnee on the drums, and Jon Chang of Discordance Axis fame on vocals.
Here is the "Headbanger’s Karaoke Club Dangerous Fire" track listing:
1. Into the Throat of Berserk (2:47)
2. Haiiro Ikotsu Gakidou (4:35)
3. Horobit Monogatari (3:07)
4. Aka (3:33)
Acariya Signs To Hold True Recordings
Hold True Recordings has announced the signing of Providence, Rhode Island metal band Acariya. The band is already slated for the release of an album sometime just before spring. Mastered tracks from the upcoming album, which to date remains un-named, will be available within the next few weeks. Here is what the band had to say about the signing:
"We are very happy to announce that we have signed to Hold True Recordings. We all feel that this label is the perfect compliment to what we are about. This is a label that has a great outlook on music and very similar goals to what we are trying to achieve not only in music but in life. We are looking forward to working closely with Ethan and the Hold True Family and we see great things to come in the future."
Serj Tankian Announces More Tour Dates
SYSTEM OF A DOWN vocalist Serj Tankian has scheduled the following tour dates:
Mar. 08 - San Francisco, CA -Warfield Theatre
Mar. 10 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
Mar. 11 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
Mar. 15 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall
Mar. 16 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Event Center
Mar. 19 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
Mar. 21 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
Apr. 01 - Glasgow, UK - ABC
Apr. 02 - Liverpool, UK - Carling Academy
Apr. 03 - London, UK - Forum
Apr. 06 - Birmingham, UK - Carling Academy
Apr. 08 - Hamburg, GER - Docks
Apr. 09 - Copenhagen, DEN - Amager Bio
Apr. 10 - Berlin, GER - Columbiahalle
Apr. 13 - Vienna, AUT - Gasometer
Apr. 14 - Filderstadt, GER - Filharmonie
Apr. 15 - Zurich, GER - Volkshaus
Apr. 18 - Strasbourg, FRA - Artefacts
Apr. 19 - Bourges, FRA - Palais d'Oron
Apr. 20 - Lille, FRA - Artificiels
Apr. 22 - Milano, ITA - Alcatraz
Serj Tankian has issued "Sky is Over" as the second single from his debut solo album, "Elect the Dead". Although Tankian doesn't say straight out what the song is about, he did tell The Pulse of Radio that it comes from both his childhood memories and his concerns about the planet. "I've always thought of the sky as, like, an open canvas," he said. "When I was a kid and I looked at the sky, I always remember being able to daydream, just looking at the sky, being creative, being able to design things. What would happen if we had no sky? Where would we be? Well, obviously, scientifically, without an atmosphere, we'd all be dead."
Tankian recently shot and premiered a video for "Sky is Over".
"Elect the Dead" made the "long list" of finalists for this year's Shortlist Prize, which is awarded to an album that has sold less than 500,000 copies. The winner will be announced in the spring.
"Elect the Dead" came out in late October and landed at Number Four on the Billboard album chart.
Tankian will join FOO FIGHTERS on a portion of their upcoming North American tour, beginning on February 18 in Worcester, Massachusetts and ending on March 6 in Los Angeles.
Velvet Revolver Singer Explains Missed Concert
An official statement from VELVET REVOLVER's publicist regarding frontman Scott Weiland's absence from the band's concert Sunday night (January 20) at the 944 Magazine's party at Tao during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah has been released. It reads as follows:
"On Sunday, January 20, the private plane that Scott was traveling on from Miami (where he performed the night before at the AROD Family Foundation and Bay Point Schools benefit) to Utah was diverted because of bad weather. The pilot wouldn't fly from Miami to the Salt Lake City Airport because of extremely poor visibility and a potential poor weather system that made it dangerous for the plane to fly to Salt Lake City. Two hours into the flight, it was diverted to the Van Nuys Airport (in Los Angeles).
"Scott, the band and management tried to find a flight to take him from Van Nuys to Salt Lake City in time for the band's show, but this was not possible. By the time Scott landed at the Van Nuys airport, it was too late to make any connecting flights. VELVET REVOLVER's tour manager also looked into private flights for Scott, but a crew was not available in time for an immediate departure that would have brought him to the show on time."
Weiland was expected to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom last Thursday (January 17), where his recent DUI case was to be continued. The singer was charged with driving under the influence of drugs after being pulled over by police in late November.
VELVET REVOLVER will begin a new U.S. tour on January 24 in Chicago, with dates confirmed through February 7.
From A Second Story Window Post Studio Update
FROM A SECOND STORY WINDOW have posted the following update:
“We’re in the studio!! It is hard to describe how happy we are to be here and just chill and create this record with our buddy Jocko. Things are going great at the moment. Drums are finished and we will be starting guitars in a day or so. We can’t wait to put up some songs for you all to hear. There have been lots of questions as to when they will be available to listen to. To answer that, we will be here until a few days into Feb and then it will be sent to get mastered and as soon as that is complete we will be putting up one or two songs on our myspace. The release date is also not decided yet, but we are aiming for a May release. So stay tuned for updates and more of our ‘Studio Daze’ video series on our MySpace. Volume 1 is up now and Volume 2 will be following very soon.”
Zakk Wylde To Guest On Dope Single
As previously reported , DOPE have inked a deal with Koch Records. Their label debut, No Regrets, will hit stores on June 10. Coupled with this news, the first single ‘Addiction’ will feature, yes, guitarist Zakk Wylde and will be released in the coming weeks.
Children Of Bodom Reveal American Release Date
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM have announced April 15th as the North American release date for their latest Spinefarm Records/Fontana International album Blooddrunk.
The tracklisting for their upcoming new album, Blooddrunk, which is as follows: 'Hellhounds On My Trail', 'Blooddrunk', 'LoBodomy', 'One Day You Will Cry', 'Smile Pretty For The Devil', 'Tie My Rope', 'Done With Everything, Die For Nothing', 'Banned From Heaven', 'Roadkill Morning'.
Blooddrunk was recorded and produced by Mikko Karmila, in Petrax and Finnvox Studios, Finland, during October, November and December 2007, except vocals recorded by Peter Tägtren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN) and keyboards recorded by Janne Wirman in Petrax Studios, Finland, during October, November and December 2007.
Mixed at Finnvox by Mikko Karmila in November 2007, mastered at Finnvox by Mika Jussila in December 2007.
Spinefarm Records will issue Blooddrunk in Eurpe on April 7th and April 9th in Finland. There will also be a single, for the title track 'Blooddrunk', released on February 27th.
In support of Blooddrunk, Children Of Bodom will tour North America as one of the featured acts of Gigantour 2008. COB has been handpicked by Dave Mustaine to be a part of the 29 city trek, and will hit the road alongside MEGADETH, IN FLAMES, JOB FOR A COWBOY and HIGH ON FIRE beginning April 12 in Denver, CO. More...
Guns N Roses Completed New Album?
Classic Rock Magazine has issued the following report.
"It's a fact!
Classic Rock recently tracked down Beta Lebeis, personal manager of Axl Rose, who confirmed to us that Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album 'was finished before Christmas.'
She added: 'Everybody knows that.'
Lebeis said Axl is currently 'in negotiations' with unspecified parties to arrange to album's on-sale date.
However, Classic Rock believes that Chinese Democracy may not be 'released' in the traditional sense - at least not initially.
We suspect that GN'R may follow the RADIOHEAD route of pay-as-you-like downloads. But we stress this has not been confirmed.
Another source close to the GN'R camp also suggested that Chinese Democracy may gain a conventional release in late summer, with a view to it becoming 'a big Christmas album.'
Stay tuned for the full, unexpurgated story behind Chinese Democracy in the next issue of Classic Rock, on sale on February 6th!"
Biomechanical To Guest on Bruce Dickinson Show
Biomechanical will guest on Bruce Dickinson's BBC6 Rock Show this Friday 25th Jan at 10pm UK time. Recorded in London last week, Dickinson talks to John K and new Biomechanical guitarist Chris Van Hayden about the new album, flying planes, recording and drum sound as well as playing tracks from "Cannibalised."
Biomechanical mainman John K states:
"I have been a huge fan of Maiden and I never had the chance to meet any of the members so it was a big deal for me to meet Bruce. He has also been a huge influence on me so it was just a great experience and a bit surreal talking about 'Cannibalised' with him.
"The show was great fun, I went with guitarist Chris Van Hayden who is also a fighter pilot. So Bruce and Chris had lots to talk about in the studio and I was trying to follow the flying discussions with a baffled look on my face! Cheers to Bruce for having us, it was awesome meeting the main man!"
Listen in to hear tracks from the forthcoming new album "Cannibalised," released 11th Feb 2008. The limited edition first pressing comes with 4 exclusive bonus orchestral tracks.
Here are the latest Biomechanical tour dates (with Outcryfire):
18.02.08 The Underworld, London
19.02.08 Joiners, Southampton
20.02.08 Junktion 7, Nottingham
21.02.08 Cathouse, Glasgow
22.02.08 Rio's, Leeds
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