Metal News for January 25, 2007
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
- Enthroned To Release New Album In December
- Spite Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
24 news articles posted on this day.
Madball Line Up More Tour Dates
In addition to several shows with Agnostic Front later this month, Madball has lined up a handful of late-February dates in the Northeast. Here's the latest:
2/21 Boston, MA @ The Roxy Underground
2/22 Bucksport, ME @ The Kave
2/23 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
2/25 Kingston, PA @ Backstage Enterprises
2/27 Baltimore, MA @ The Ottobar
2/28 Farmingdale, NY @ The Crazy Donkey
MewithoutYou Bassist Breaks Arm
On the even of their European tour, mewithoutYou has lost the services of bassist Greg Jehanian, who broke his arm while sawing plywood. According to frontman Aaron Weiss, "we've been fixing up our bus a whole bunch and Greg broke his arm cutting some plywood on the table saw (coulda been a lot worse, the wood shot right toward his head and he blocked it with his arm!)."
Former bassist Daniel Pishock will be filling in for the tour.
Chimaira Schedule Off Dates
Chimaira have booked the following "off-dates" from their upcoming run on the No Fear Music Tour with Killswitch Engage, Dragonforce and He is Legend:
February 20th in Huntington, WV @ Huntington Music Hall
March 8th in Louisville, KY @ Expo Five w/ He is Legend
March 27th in Spokane, WA @ The Voulevard w/ He is Legend
April 3rd in Bloomington, IL @ Lafayette Club w/ He is Legend
Matt Sorum Talks About Velvet Revolver and GNR
Henry Trappler of Celebrities.com caught up with Matt Sorum, who talked about what he's got going on. Sorum said the new Velvet Revolver album should be completed by the end of February. The band will then go on tour with Aerosmith to South America in April. In May they will do a theater tour of the United States, a club tour. In June they will go to Europe and they have it all mapped out. The drummer was then asked about his original band, Guns N' Roses, and also revealed he talked with Axl Rose in New York recently. You can watch footage from Lulop.
New Chevelle Track Featured On PS3 Game
Chevelle's new track "Antisaint" will be featured in the upcoming "MLB 07 The Show" video game, which will see a release this spring on the Playstation 3, Playstation 2 and PSP. Their new studio album 'Vena Sera' is due out April 3rd via Epic.
Byzantine Unveils New Track From Forthcoming DVD
BYZANTINE have unveiled a new track which will debut on the band's forthcoming 'Salvation' DVD on the band's MySpace page. "Cradle Song" will appear in the DVD's six-track live set documented by director Donnie Searls. 'Salvation' will feature a live performance film featuring the new song alongside tracks from the band's two previous albums as well as guitar and bass tutorials from guitarist Tony Rohrbough and bassist Skip Cromer, interviews with the band members and behind the scenes footage. The trailer is available at the band's MySpace page.
Meanwhile, BYZANTINE has set 'Oblivion Beckons' as the title of the band's third full-length, tentatively due out in July through Prosthetic Records. The follow-up to 2005's enigmatic '...And They Shall Take Up Serpents' will contain 12 brand new tracks and will also contain complete note-for-note guitar transcriptions, in both standard musical notation and guitar tablature notation. "We had such a great response from the tablature on the last album, we decided to keep that level of expectation high upon us and tab this album out as well," explains vocalist/guitarist Chris "OJ" Ojeda. "Nothing less for our true fans and friends."
The band is currently recording with BYZANTINE's long-time friend and producer, Charles A. Fisher, owner of 101 Productions in Sissonville, WV before taking a break at the end of January to join up with God Forbid on the road. The band will then return to the studio in late-February and mixing for the new album will take place at Highview Studios by Drew Mazurek. 'Oblivion Beckons' will be mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music.
BYZANTINE on tour: More...
God Among Insects To Sign New Record Deal
Sweden's GOD AMONG INSECTS check in with the following update:
"We have been offered a new record deal and as soon as all the details are cleared we will announce it here. This means we are planning to record the third album this summer and will continue to write songs up until then.
Expect another filthy slab of death metal in 2007."
More updates to follow.
Release Date Set For New Master CD.
The new cd from MASTER called "Slaves to Society" will be released on April 13th 2007 on Twilight Vertrieb Germany.
Megadeth Posts Video Clip Of New Song On Myspace
A video clip of Megadeth performing their new song, entitled "Washington is Next," on Oct 14, 2006 at the Loud Park '06 festival in Tokyo, Japan has now been posted at Megadeth's official MySpace site.
Megadeth's upcoming album, "United Abominations," has been set for a May 8th release date (May 5th in Australia).
Megadeth will be embarking on the Heaven and Hell tour this spring, along with Down.
Initial G3 Tour Dates Announced
The 2007 incarnation of Joe Satriani's popular G3 tour will kick off on March 14th in Phoenix starring Satriani, John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Paul Gilbert. The tour will play selected dates in North America throughout March and April.
The starting tour itinerary follows with more dates TBA shortly.
Mar. 14 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
Mar. 15 Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
Mar. 16 Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Theatre
Mar. 17 Berkeley, CA - Berkeley Community Theatre
Mar. 18 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
The 2007 tour marks the 5th North American G3 run and the 12th G3 tour worldwide since its inception. The first G3 tour, featuring Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, played to sold-out crowds throughout October and November, 1996 and was followed by successful treks in Europe, South America, Japan and Australia. The most recent North American G3 tour, in 2003, showcased Satriani, Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen and was documented in the platinum DVD G3 Live in Denver. Other platinum DVD's include the 1996 run and the 2005 Japanese tour with Vai and Petrucci.
For more information, visit www.satriani.com/G3.
Vader Announce Festivals, To Tour In Sept/Oct
Vader will appear on a few summer festivals. Some of them, such as Graspop Festival in Belgium, French Hellfest or German Wacken Open Air, have been already confirmed. More dates will follow soon.
Here's the full list to date:
Jun. 16 Schweinfurt, GER - Queens Of Metal Open Air
Jun. 22 Dessel, BEL - Graspop MM Festival
Jun. 23 Clisson, FR - Hellfest
Jul. 14 Spital am Semmering, A - Kaltenbach Open Air
Jul. 27 Eisenwahn, GER - Eisenwahn Open Air
Jul. 28 Namestovo, SK - Oravsky Rock Fest
Aug. 02 Hamburg, GER - Wacken Open Air Festival
Aug. 10 Bad Berka, GER - Party San
Aug. 11 Jaromer, CZ - Brutal Assault
Also in 2007, Vader are going to warm up their Polish maniacs, playing the second leg of Blitzkrieg 4 tour in such places as Bydgoszcz, Poznan, Zielona Góra, Wroclaw, Zabrze, Bielsko-Biala, Rzeszów, Radom, Bialystok, Elk and Olsztyn. The tour is scheduled to take place in September/ October. Rotting Christ (Greece) and Incantation (USA) have been announced as the special guests. More info will follow soon.
Norther Drummer To Hold Clinic, EP Cover Posted
Norther drummer, Heikki Saari, will be holding a short (45-60 min) clinic on February 17th at Finnish Metal Expo 2007 at SMI Pearl stand at 16:15. The drum clinic is arranged and officially sponsored by SMI Scandinavian Musical Instrument & Pearl Drums.
Norther have posted the cover of their new EP, entitled "No Way Back" on their website. Check it out at this location.
Modern Guitars Interview With Alexi Laiho Posted
Brian D. Holland of Modern Guitars recently spoke with Children of Bodom frontman, Alexi Laiho, about almost everything Bodom-related.
Here are a few excerpts from the interview:
Talk about the band name, Children of Bodom. Is it descriptive of the band’s music and lyrics? In reference to the lake in Finland where the gruesome murders took place, does the title front the actual theme?
AL: Well, no, not really. We have one Bodom-related song on each album. It’s just a thing we do. Other than that, the music isn’t really related to that incident. Our music is reality-based. It’s based on real feelings and stuff. The name was related to the incident, but it’s only the one song on each album that’s about that subject. It’s the fictional part actually. I’m not really stating fact about what actually happened there; we’re just making up stories about what could’ve happened. As to what actually happened, it’s still just a mystery. You can go on and on about it, but nobody’s ever going to find out what really happened.
Do you take the music and lyrics seriously, or is it more of a theatrical thing?
AL: Well, it’s not like Spinal Tap or anything. Of course we take it seriously, but it’s kind of a thing where we know our limits and how serious it can get. We can laugh at ourselves, and we do, all the time. And we like to have fun, and we’re not afraid to show that to people. There’s humor in some of the songs, too. Like in the song ‘Bodom Beach Terror’; you can’t do that with a straight face, you know. But I don’t know, dude. Even though metal is metal, you have to be able to laugh at yourself. Otherwise you’re just a fuckin’ jerk off. That’s what I think.
I read somewhere that although you’ve been a huge fan of Yngwie Malmsteen, you’ve since gotten away from him and his style of playing.
AL: Yeah, well, Yngwie is Yngwie. I mean, what can you say? He’s fuckin’ bad ass, and that’s like stating the obvious. I was more into that neo-classical guitar thing when I was younger. Yeah, I was a huge Yngwie fan. You can hear that influence, especially on the first two albums. At that time, in Europe, there were so many guitar players, you know, Yngwie-copies running around everywhere. They all wanted to be like Yngwie and sound like Yngwie. It kind of pissed me off, you know. I didn’t want to be one of them. So I kind of turned off to that whole style of playing and decided it wasn’t going to be my thing. That’s Yngwie’ thing. He’s one of the greatest ever. End of story.
Read the full article at Modern Guitars.
Soilwork's Speed Announces Another Side Project
Soilwork vocalist, Bjorn "Speed" Strid, has posted the following update on the band's official website:
"Hi there! Songwriting is going great!
Just wanted to take the time to present a new band that im jamming with: Highball Shooters... I guess some of you guys are thinking, what is he doing? Is he addicted to joining new bands? Well, the truth is that i will start cutting down on my other sideprojects. Highball Shooters is a band from my hometown that im singing for when there´s time, it's basically about jamming and having fun. It's VERY different than Soilwork, it sounds something like 70´s Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Kiss, Rainbow and a dose of 70´s Mother's Finest. You can check out the demo on: myspace.com/highballshooters
Let's see if you'll recognize my voice.."
David Lee Roth To Tour With Van Halen
Sources tell Billboard.com a contract could be signed as soon as today for Live Nation to produce a 40-date amphitheatre tour by Van Halen this summer, with original frontman David Lee Roth back in the fold for the first time in more than 20 years.
As previously reported, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang has stepped in for original bassist Michael Anthony in the new incarnation of the group, which also features drummer Alex Van Halen.
Van Halen last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. Hagar refused to collaborate further with Eddie and Alex Van Halen after the tour's completion ("I don't get along with Eddie anymore, and that's all there is to it," he told Billboard.com in August 2005), although he has consistently played live with Anthony in recent years. The warring factions may wind up meeting in public in March when Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"I see it absolutely as an inevitability," Roth told Billboard.com last May of a potential reunion with his ex-bandmates. "To me, it's not rocket surgery. It's very simple to put together. And as far as hurt feelings and water under the dam, like what's-her-name says to what's-her-name at the end of the movie 'Chicago' -- 'So what? It's showbiz!' So I definitely see it happening."
Vicious Rumors Bassist Departs
Original Vicious Rumors member and bassist Dave Starr has left the band as of January 23, 2007. Dave played bass on the first 5 Vicious Rumors albums (and was featured in several other VR DVD's, MTV videos, and band compilations). He returned to the band in 2005 to record the new WarBall CD in 2006. Dave commented:
"My history with VR goes back nearly 23 years, and in many ways the band will always be a part of me, however it's time for me to concentrate 100% of my time and energy on my own music, my own band, and playing guitar. My band WildeStarr (along with incredible vocalist London Wilde) is something I have been working on for a few years now, and I took time off from this to work with VR again and record the WarBall album."
"I am happy with the way the new VR CD came out, and thrilled with the response it has received so far from the fans and press. It was great to play and record with VR again. I remain on good terms with everyone in the band and wish them well in the future."
Look for the debut CD by WildeStarr in late 2007. Dave describes the band's sound as "Heavy, melodic, and intense."
Dave's departure comes just prior to the the band heading out on tour. They had lined up a number of live dates during the coming months, including a San Francisco show with TESTAMENT and RUFFIANS at The Independant on January 27 with more shows to be confirmed. There was no information on the impact on touring plans at this time, however.
Just For Fun
Underoath and Switchfoot Make Love God's Way "Safe List"
MTV.com reports: Christian acts Underoath and Switchfoot make the "safe" list issued by Love God's Way, an organization described on its Web site as a "faith-based ministry with the goal of spreading God's love through teaching and healing." They have also posted a sprawling list of artists they believe parents should beware of — those they describe as "gay or propagating a gay message" — which includes Jay-Z, Eminem, Metallica, DMX, the Killers, Lil' Kim, Eagles of Death Metal, Rolling Stones and Nickelback.
Watch Exodus Perform "War is My Shepherd" Online
There is a new live performance video of Exodus playing their track “War Is My Shepherd” available for viewing at the Underground Video Television website. The footage was taken at the Croc Rock in Allentown PA during the Monsters Of Mayhem tour last year.
Slayer's Atlantic City Show Cancelled
The sold-out Slayer show scheduled for February 17 at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has been nixed due to "venue production issues." The stop was part of the band's 22-city North American jaunt, which kicked off Wednesday in Tucson, Arizona. Due to the cancellation, another show has been announced on February 18th in Norfolk, Virginia.
Iced Earth Confirmed For Wacken Open Air
ICED EARTH is the latest act confirmed for Wacken Open Air 2007, scheduled for August 2nd - 4th in Wacken, Germany.
Acts on the bill now include: More...
Tool Announce U.S. Tour Dates
TOOL have updated their website to announce the following US tour dates:
March
15 - Las Vegas, NV at The Pearl
16 - Las Vegas, NV at The Pearl
18 - Reno, NV at Reno Events Center
20 - San Diego, CA at Cox Arena
21 - Tucson, AZ at TCC Arena
23 - Albuquerque, NM at Tingley Coliseum
24 - El Paso, TX at Don Haskins Center
26 - San Antonio, TX at AT&T Center
27 - Corpus Christi, TX at American Bank Center
More dates will be posted shortly. The band are touring in support of their latest album, 10,000 Days.
Deicide Drummer Arrested For Bank Robbery?
Floridian death metal stalwarts DEICIDE were detained today (January 25th) in Innsbruck, Austria for.... Bank Robbery. Deicide drummer Steve Asheim got up early this morning to make a trip to the bank to deposit some money from merch sales when the bank staff became suspicious of his appearance and the fact that much of the money was marked with red dye. Staff immediately called the police who swiftly arrived and took the Deicide drummer down to the station, suspecting that he had been involved in a recent bank robbery in the area and that he was handling stolen banknotes. Questioned for a number of hours, Steve explained the banknotes were legitimate proceeds from touring, and that he had a leaky pen in his pocket which was responsible for the money's discoloration. Innsbruck Police were eventually forced to release Steve without further charge.
Deicide appear undeterred by the incident and will perform tonight at the Hafen club in Innsbruck as scheduled and continue with the rest of the European/Russian tour: More...
Ex-Scar Culture Singer Reforms 8 Trak Mind
Former Scar Culture/Mourn Makes Movement frontman Roman Garbacik has reformed with his original band 8 Trak Mind with Jason Hobart on guitar and John Lacafta on drums. A new album is slated for a fall 2007 release through Garbacik's label, Spare Change Records.
Deceased Metallica Fan Was A "Ticking Time Bomb"
I'm late on reporting this follow-up to the incident reported earlier, but I think it is an important follow-up nonetheless. Chris Purdy of the Edmonton Journal reports:
Stefan Conley was a "ticking time-bomb" who poked a teenaged neighbor in the stomach with a tire iron during a noise dispute six days before he died in a confrontation with other teens on a city bus, court was told today [Thursday, Jan. 4]. Const. Maurice Brodeur testified that when he responded to the noise complaint on Feb. 26, 2006, Conley was running up the stairs of his apartment building at 10505 80th Ave., frantically waving around a chrome tire iron. Brodeur said Conley, 35, talked about being frustrated with "the youth of today." He said he loved music, and the teen living in the suite below his apartment was playing music he didn't like and he didn't have to listen to it.
"He was very volatile, very irate," Brodeur told the court. "He was in a rage."
Defense lawyer Kent Teskey asked Brodeur if Conley was a "ticking time-bomb" who couldn't control his rage. The officer agreed. More...
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