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Metal News for January 5, 2005

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.

20 news articles posted on this day.

Death By Stereo Finish Recording New Album

Death By Stereo have all but finished the recording process for their next album. Tracking for the effort began in late-November at Sound City studios in Los Angeles with producers Fred Archambault and Bruce MacFarlance (Avenged Sevenfold, Eighteen Visions) at the helm. Entitled "Death For Life," the album should hit stores in April via Epitaph Records.

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Eighteen Visions Set To Shoot Video For "I Let Go"

Eighteen Visions will film their third video from the album "Obsession" this week. The video, for the song "I Let Go," will be directed by Zach Merck (Converge) and should be availabe for viewing in February.

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Black My Heart Is Back With An Update

Here is a message from the Ben of Black My Heart regarding the time off and their future plans.

"Hey, Sorry about the lack of communication, it has been a strenuous few months. Since returning from the Eulogy Showcase Tour, Black My Heart has undergone a few member changes; Derek Mabra, who played guitar and then sang on the last tour has left the band and Wheeler has since taken his spot. Since this change occurred, we have been constantly working on preparing our full length which should appear in stores in late spring/early summer, at which point we plan on going out on tour indefinitely. In the mean time, we will be playing random shows all throughout the northeast, and look for songs from our prerecording to be up on our new site once we get our new site up, which should be very soon. In conclusion, our new shit is rad, and we are all pumped on it, you should be too, and come out and see us sometime soon if you live in the northeast.

p.s. Derek broke his edge and dropped out of hardcore completely.
that is all for now, farewell"

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The Black Dahlia Murder Choose Album Title

HE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER have set "Miasma" as the title of their new album, tentatively due next summer via Metal Blade Records.

"The new album is now halfway written, and completely destroys anything we've done prior," vocalist Trevor Strnad writes. "We are very proud of the new songs, and are sure that our fans will not be disappointed. The direction of the new shit is noticeably heavier and far more intricate than our previous work. The album will be recorded in a dark scary basement of Richmond, VA, beginning March 10th with Andreas Magnusson (of SCARLET fame) at the helm. The album will then be mixed in April with the infamous Eric Rachel at Trax East studios, NJ. If all goes as planned 'Miasma' will be available in the early summer months. We'll be out with KING DIAMOND and NILE before the disc drops, kicking off another year of perpetual touring by your favorite road warriors."

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Killer Believed Metallica's 'Ronnie' Was About Him

Ronald Pituch, 29, a Medford man who was sentenced to 50 years in prison yesterday for killing his mother and an 11-year-old boy more than two years ago says he believed he was possessed by the devil and that a song by heavy-metal band Metallica titled "Ronnie" (from teh album "Load") - which is about a loner who commits murder - was written about him.

Pituch said his mental problems were exacerbated by drinking but that he has been taking medication consistently since he was arrested for the killings. Defense attorneys acknowledged Pituch has manic depression and is a paranoid schizophrenic.

Read the full article at Phillyburbs.com.

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Disturbed Frontman Compelled To Do Dimebag Benefit

Within an hour of the shooting at the Alrosa Villa that left "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and four others dead, Disturbed frontman David Draiman's phone began ringing off the hook. And it didn't stop for almost 24 hours. Right then and there, he knew "Instead of dwelling on the facts of his death, we're trying to focus on the way he lived." — Disturbed's David Draiman that something had to be done to pay tribute to his slain friend.

"I started making phone calls the day after I got the news. I knew that something had to be done to honor his memory. But then I was watching TV, and I saw that his family was auctioning off a bunch of his possessions on eBay," Draiman said. "I was like 'Damn, is the situation that dire?' If it had come to that, then I also knew that we had to do something to help his loved ones out."

So Draiman decided to organize a benefit concert for the Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund, which helps Abbott's family pay funeral expenses. More...

Read the full article at MTV.com.

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Ozzy Osbourne Changes Box Set Title

Ozzy Osbourne is now to call his upcoming four-CD box set 'Prince Of Darkness'. It was priginally to be titled 'Bible Of Ozz'. The relaese is now set for late March.

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Headline News

Death Threat Breaking Up

Connecticut hardcore band Death Threat is reportedly calling it quits, after roughly eight years together. An official announcement hasn't yet been made, but the group will reportedly play their final show on January 29th at the Knights Of Columbus in Wallingford, CT, alongside Madball, 100 Demons, Death Before Dishonor, and others.

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Modern Life Is War Recording New Album

Modern Life Is War are currently at Godcity studios with Kurt Ballou recording their debut for Deathwish Inc. The effort has been titled "Witness" and will hit streets this spring.

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Sign Up To Attend The Battle For Ozzfest Finale

If you have been watching [The Battle For Ozzfest] you know its getting close--the day the winner will be crowned and earn a spot to tour with Ozzfest. Clear Channel is casting MTV Fans, Ozzy Fans, and just plain music fans to come be in the audience and witness the "Final" Battle for Ozzfest. To be casted as part of the audience you need to appear between the ages of 18-35, like music especially Ozzfest type bands and be available to attend the show on Jan 9, between 5pm and 10pm, and be able to hold back telling your friends the winner until show airs the next day!

So if you are they are looking for, hurry and sign up now to attend this show for FREE! You are signing up to be in the audience NOT as seatfillers, once you get a spot in the venue its yours to keep. FYI Some areas may be standing room only.

SHOW DETAILS

DATE: Sunday, January 9, 2005
LOCATION: TBA, Los Angeles Area, California
CHECK-IN TIME: 5:00 PM (will end approx 10PM)
PARKING: TBA
CASTED AGE RANGE: appear 18 to 35, must be at least 18 with ID!
WARDROBE/DRESS: Ozzfest wear! Jeans OK but must not be too grungy looking!
CONFIRMATIONS TO BE SENT: by email by January 7, sooner if possible.

Get more information here

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Tommy Lee To Guest Judge On 'American Idol'?

Jay Leno joked during his Tonight Show monologue on Tuesday night, "The new season of 'American Idol' begins on January 18th and one of the guest celebrity judges is going to be Tommy Lee of Motley Crue. Or as we like to call him, the real William Hung!"

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The Divining Sign To Dressed To Kill Records

Philadelphia’s The Divining have found a new record label to call home and they didn’t have to look beyond their own back yard to find their new dwelling. Philadelphia’s Dressed To Kill Records is proud to announce that they have signed The Divining.

The Divining have been an up-and-coming metal band since February 2003 and they combine several elements and styles of metal that give themselves one of the most distinctive sounds around. You can take a listen for yourself and download a song at their Pure Volume site.

The signing to Dressed To Kill Records should be a perfect fit for The Divining as both the label and the band defines the rugged, blue-collar work ethic that is embodied by the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.

The Divining are currently recording with Vince Ratti at Skylight Studio for their up coming, yet to be titled full-length. This album is scheduled to be released during the summer of 2005. They also will be touring in support of the album and playing many regional dates until the release.

The Divining have already shared the stage with acts like Bleeding Through, Death by Stereo, Himsa as well as 3 Inches of Blood.

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Arcturus Part Ways With Singer

Vocalist Øystein Hægeland has left Arcturus, according to a posting on the group's official web site. No reason was given for his departure.

As previously reported, Arcturus have been confirmed for Norway's Inferno Metal Festival 2005, set to take place March 24-25 at the Rockefeller and John Dee venues in Oslo. Arcturus are also scheduled to perform at the Inferno Festival kick-off event at the Underworld in London on January 27. It is presently unclear if Hægeland's departure will affect the band's participation in either event.

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Kaamos To Release New Album In February

Swedish death metallers Kaamos will release their second full-length album, "Lucifer Rising", on February 28 via Candlelight/PHD. The follow-up to 2002's "Kaamos" was recorded at Berno Studio and is set to include the following track listing:

01. Black Revelation
02. Gnosticon
03. Inaugurating Evil
04. Theriomorphic Pandaemonium
05. Dark Void
06. Lucifer Rising
07. Sacrament In Red
08. Mysterious Reversion
09. Khthonic
10. Outro

Kaamos will be opening for Marduk, Endstille and Wykked Witch at the Stockholm stop on their upcoming European tour. Also appearing on the bill will be Norwegian black metallers Khold. A flyer for the Feb. 18 show can be viewed at this location.

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Vehemence Looking For New Frontman

Arizona-based death metallers Vehemence have parted ways with longtime vocalist/lyricist Nathan Gearhart due to "family obligations," according to a press release. "[Nathan] will be missed, but at the same time we are excited to have some new blood in the band," the group said in a statement.

"We are currently looking for someone who will be fully committed to shows, practices, and tours and must have great stage presence. We DO NOT want a Nathan clone, and would prefer someone who can bring something new to our sound. No matter what 'scene' you are from, if you are an extreme metal vocalist, get in touch! The goal is to expand, and reach a wider audience with our new vocalist so if you are interested, please email us at vehemence@vehemence.com and visit our website at Vehemence.com for new news and updates."

Vehemence's third studio album, "Helping The World To See", is available now through Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2002's "God Was Created" was produced by Will Solares and Vehemence at Open Primary Productions/DBD Studios in Maricopa, Arizona. Mixing duties were handled by Will Solares. Artwork was conceived by Wes Benscoter.

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Winter Migration BROOOTALITY '05 Tour

SMNNews.com and Metal Maniacs present the Winter Migration Broootality '05 tour. Bands featured are, Arsis, Mortician, Incantation, the Chasm, and Funerus. Confrimed dates are as follows:

January 11 - Brooklyn, NY @ South Paw w/ ROT IN PAIN, GNOSIS, KEVORKIAN
January 12 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
January 13 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
January 14 - Jacksonville, FL @ The Imperialist w/ MATRIARCH, NEOMORTEM
January 15 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ The Culture Room w/ MATRIARCH
January 16 - Tampa, FL @ The Masquerade w/ MATRIARCH
January 19 - Cincinnati, OH @ Sudsy Malone's w/ ESTUARY
January 20 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Khyber w/ SET ABLAZE
January 21 - Portland, ME @ The Asylum
January 22 - Woodmere, Long Island, NY @ The Backstage w/ WATCHMAKER, KEVORKIAN'S ANGELS, RIGOR SARDONICUS, DIMENTIANON

One more date will be announced, with more bands to be added to the Long Island show. This will also mark the the first US appearances by the all-female death metal band from Puerto Rico, MATRIARCH.

The flyer for the tour can be seen at this location:

http://www.smnnews.com/sin/Broootality05.jpg

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Mudvayne Club Tour Presale On Now

Presale tickets for Mudvayne's club tour is now available here.

Tour dates:

Jan. 29 Sacramento CA Boardwalk
Jan. 31 Los Angeles CA Whisky
Feb. 02 Feb San Antonio TX Sanctuary
Feb. 04 St Louis MO Creepy Crawl
Feb. 05 (Chicago) Alsip IL O'Malleys
Feb. 06 St Paul MN The Lab
Feb. 08 Detroit MI Magic Stick
Feb. 09 Cleveland OH Peabody's
Feb. 10 Toronto ON The Reverb
Feb. 12 Boston MA Tba
Feb. 13 Philadelphia PA North Star
Feb. 15 Pittsburgh PA Tba
Feb. 16 Washington DC Tba
Feb. 17 New York NY C.B.G.B.

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Vote For "Battle For Ozzfest" Finalists

Dallas, TX-based A Dozen Furies and North Carolina's Cynder (now Cyn) are the final two unsigned bands battling it out for a highly coveted tour spot on Ozzfest 2005, plus band gear and enough money to cover all their expenses.

You have one week to vote on who you think should be the winner. Vote here. You can also watch both of their performances on the main stage of Ozzfest 2004 from Tampa here.

Formed in late 2003, A Dozen Furies have recorded a self-produced EP ("Rip These Stars Down") and toured extensively. Since their beginnings in 1998, Cynder have released three albums together: "No Regrets" (1998), "Revelation Temple" (2000), and "Hide the Light" (2003).

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Satyricon Pair Get Out On Bail

Satyricon guitarists Steinar Gundersen and Arnt Gronbech are now out on bail. The pair are charged with giving a fan a date-rape drug before sexually assaulting her on the band's tour bus following a gig in Toronto on December 15.

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Diamond Head Updates On New Singer, Tour

Steve from DIAMOND HEAD has sent this message out:

Just thought I'd get in touch to let you know what's happening in the Diamond Head camp.

2003/4 was a testing time, off the back of succesful touring a new album was recorded but the dreaded musical differences reared it's ugly head and the band came to a hault and the album has been currently shelved. Sean Harris had new ideas to launch the album and band which proved impossible to work with thus the band decided to move on and found a stunning new singer in NICK TART. A brand new 12 track album has been be recorded which will be released in the early part of this year with the band touring to support it's release, dates around the world will be considered.

First tour venture for 2005 is to go out in the UK as special guests to Megadeth in February for 8 dates, the band will tour the UK with their own dates after the album release. Approaches have been made and discussions are in place with various festivals around Europe.

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