Priest Consider N. American Metal Package Tour

In a recent interview with Lynn Saxberg of The Ottawa Citizen, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing revealed that they're considering putting together a multi-act metal package to tour North America next summer, but they also want to make another album.

"It's pretty hectic," Downing said, noting that he'll be celebrating another birthday on stage this month.

"I think things have turned full circle and for bands like ourselves and [BLACK] SABBATH, there's not too many of us standing these days, still intact from the '70s. Bands like that basically got the ball rolling with this heavy metal thing all those years ago and I think it's one reason we're here today."

According to Downing, there is a whole new generation of kids itching to rock out to songs like "You've Got Another Thing Coming" and "Hell Bent for Leather".

"It's still guaranteed that PRIEST has a great following," said Downing. "Time moves on, and obviously people take their music with them. They're not suddenly going to start listening to jazz or classical music just because they're of a certain age.

"There's a perception that you should mellow out and do what your predecessors did, but that's not the case and it never will be. If you were a fan of JIMI HENDRIX or the CREAM or BLACK SABBATH or JUDAS PRIEST or whoever it is, you take your music with you through life, don't you," he said, "even though you might not always admit it to your next-door neighbor.

"But the great thing is now, we've got the best of it all because people are bringing their nieces, nephews, sons, daughters, even grandkids to the show. There's a new interest, probably because of the Ozzfest going on for quite some years. Parents are saying, 'You think that's metal, you want to come and see a good band.'

"Obviously, with Rob [Halford] back in the band, things are much bigger and better and more the way they used to be."

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Tommy Lee Burned By Pyrotechnics

The Associated Press is reporting that MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee was burned when a pyrotechnics stunt went wrong at a concert in Casper, Wyo., police said.

Lee played one more song after he was injured toward the end of Wednesday night's show, said Sgt. Doug Beran of the Casper Police Department, who responded to the incident. But another band member came out after a short break and said the concert had to be cut short because of the drummer's injuries, Beran said.

Lee was taken to a hospital for treatment but was not badly injured, he said. The sergeant declined to discuss details of Lee's injuries, citing privacy considerations.

Tom Morton, a reporter for the Casper Star-Tribune who attended the concert, said Lee appeared to be injured when sparks began flying as he swung above the stage suspended from a wire, back and forth between several drum sets. Another witness, Del Kinswoman, described the pyrotechnics as Roman candles.

MÖTLEY CRÜE was scheduled to perform in Bismarck, N.D. on Friday and in Rapid City, S.D. on Saturday, according to the group's web site.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's management sent the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the onstage incident : More...

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Shadow Cut Cancell Studio Session

SHADOW CUT, the Helsinki, Finland-based black/death metal band featuring drummer Repe F.W. Misanthrope (IMPALED NAZARENE) and bassist Mitja Harvilahti (MOONSORROW), have cancelled their studio recording session originally scheduled for March. "The reason is mainly their lack of time for practising and getting things ready in time," reads a press release from the group's record label, Firebox Records. "Also the band has thrown away half of the songs that were supposed to be on the second album as they weren't strong enough. The band wants to make sure that the second album will be better than the debut, so they will take all the time they need..."

SHADOW CUT released their debut album, "Pictures of Death", earlier in the year via Firebox. The CD was produced by Henri Sorvali (a.k.a. Trollhorn, FINNTROLL).

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Dimebag T-Shirt Violates Indiana School Policy

Carmen McCollum of Indiana's NWITimes.com has issued the following report:

A woman is angry with the Lake Central School District because school officials contend her son's shirt is inappropriate and violates school policy.

Debra Briones, of Schererville, Indiana, said her son, Timothy, 17, is a junior at the school. She said he wore a shirt recently that depicted a picture of a heavy metal guitarist named "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, someone he looks up to.

According to a Web dictionary, a dime bag refers to a small plastic bag of heroin that usually costs $10.

Briones said her son learned how to play the guitar by watching Abbott, and looks up to him as a role model.

Timothy was called into the office of Tim Powers, sophomore dean of students, on Friday on another matter, Debra Briones said. Timothy said he was asked to turn his shirt inside out.

He did not, returned to class and was not disciplined.

"I've worn this shirt many times since I got it for Christmas," he said, adding this was the first time anyone said anything.

Lake Central School Superintendent Janet Emerick said the policy regarding apparel is clear and is applicable to all students within the district.

"Any apparel or item that alludes to drugs, alcohol, sex, the occult, gangs, profanity or which are offensive to ethnic or racial groups is prohibited," she read from the policy.

Emerick said the student handbook, including school policies, is distributed at the beginning of the school year. She declined to discuss specific students.

His mother went to the school the next day to bring in articles about Abbott to show what a "good guy" he was, and discuss how much her son admired the guitarist.

"The principal wouldn't even look at it," she said.

When asked what she ultimately wants, Briones said she'd like for her son to be able to wear his shirt to school, and that his First Amendment rights not be violated.

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Roadrunner United "House Band" To Play One-off

the year-long, multi-tiered celebration of Roadrunner Records' 25th Anniversary culminates on December 15 when the label will host a once-in-a-lifetime concert at the Nokia Theatre in New York City. The show will feature a ROADRUNNER UNITED "house band" comprised of Joey Jordison (SLIPKNOT) on drums, Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA) on lead guitar, Dino Cazares (ex-FEAR FACTORY, BRUJERIA) on rhythm guitar, and Adam Duce (MACHINE HEAD) on bass, and is shaping up to be a defining event in hard rock history. Special guests, including past and present Roadrunner artists and other metal icons, will join the band onstage to play 20 classic Roadrunner tunes along with a few choice cuts from "The All Star Sessions". Tickets for the concert will be available in the coming weeks.

The label has been celebrating 25 years through the release of several 25th anniversary special editions of landmark Roadrunner records, including classic albums from MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, SEPULTURA, COAL CHAMBER, SOULFLY, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and others.

October 11 marked the release of a groundbreaking album from ROADRUNNER UNITED, entitled "The All Star Sessions". Created as the ultimate celebration of the label's anniversary, the album features 55 artists from 45 different past/current Roadrunner bands playing 18 original songs written by four chosen captains. It is a true master-class in hard rock/metal that also includes a DVD with a full hour of behind-the-scenes footage on the recording of the album.

The DVD that accompanies the album was shot by Techtonic Rocket Society (CHIMAIRA's "The Dehumanizing Project" DVD) and captures all aspects of the recording of the album through interviews and in-studio footage. It films captains Jordison in Des Moines, IA, Robert Flynn (MACHINE HEAD) in San Francisco, Cazares in Los Angeles and Matt Heafy (TRIVIUM) in Florida. Along with interviews with all four captains, the DVD includes interviews with many of the album's featured artists, including Glen Benton (DEICIDE), King Diamond, Mike D'Antonio (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), Dave Chavarri (ILL NINO), Jeff Waters (ANNIHILATOR), Matt DeVries (CHIMAIRA), Logan Mader (ex-MACHINE HEAD), Roy Mayorga (ex-SOULFLY) and many others.

ROADRUNNER UNITED's "The All-Star Sessions" features the first single "The End". Written by Cazares and featuring Heafy on vocals, the song is already catching fire at radio with adds at WBUZ in Nashville, WJJO in Madison, WBZX in Columbus, KILO in Colorado Springs, WIYY in Baltimore and more. Additionally the video for the song debuted on Fuse's "Metal Asylum" on Wednesday, October 12 along with an interview with Dez Fafara of DEVILDRIVER, Cristian Macado and Dave Chavarri from ILL NINO, Josh Silver from TYPE O NEGATIVE and Cazares. A performance of the Jordison-penned song "Tired & Lonely" which features Jordison on drums, Keith Caputo (LIFE OF AGONY) on vocals, Nadja Peulen (ex-COAL CHAMBER) on bass, Matt Baumbach (VISION OF DISORDER) and Acey Slade (MURDERDOLLS) on guitars and Omar Clavijo (ILL NINO) on keyboards will air on Fuse this Friday, October 14 and include an interview. MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" will premiere the video this weekend.

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Bush Discusses Future w/ Anthrax, Armored Saint

On Thursday, October 13, 2005, The Dio Message Board conducted an interview with ANTHRAX and current ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush. A few excerpts from the question-and-answer session follow:

The Dio Message Board: First things first, John. How are you and the family? Enjoy being a dad?

John Bush: "I love being a dad. It's exceeded all of my expectations. Our child is so awesome. She's so nice!! My wife is also great and we're enjoying spending lots of time together. I help her with her business. We run a commercial casting facility. She just cast the new KORN video."

The Dio Message Board: I don't want to harp on about the current ANTHRAX situation, so I'm only going to ask one question to you on this. I find it ironic that when you first joined ANTHRAX many fans wanted Joey Belladonna to remain in the band and now he's in the band all these years later many more fans want you back in ANTHRAX! At this stage are you still available for ANTHRAX in the future or do you feel that the door is closed on this?

John Bush: "Well, I guess people are fickle, aren't they?! [Laughs] Sounds like a case of 'The grass is always greener on the other side.' I would say, 'Never say never.' But from a standpoint of how to properly live my life now, I need to think of it as over. Otherwise I'd feel stuck in the mud. Not a healthy place to be."

The Dio Message Board: "We've Come for You All" is widely regarded as ANTHRAX's best album by many. What's your favorite ANTHRAX album that you've sung on and why?

John Bush: "I like them all 'cause they're all different. 'We've Come for You All' is really strong. I think the song 'Catharsis' on 'Volume 8' is maybe the best song we ever wrote together. 'Sound of White Noise' was very important cause it showed a ton of growth by the band. No better song live than 'Only'. I'm proud of them all. 'Random Acts' on 'Stomp' is one of the heaviest things I ever sang."

The Dio Message Board: The ANTHRAX live DVD from last year was awesome and to hear you singing the old-era ANTHRAX was great too. I also enjoyed the "Greater of Two Evils" album you followed it up with. Most notably the musical change of "Deathrider". Any thoughts about this album?

John Bush: "Well... I think it's a cool record, especially the philosophy of it. Me singing those old songs on a record. I stuck my neck out there, but [I have] no regrets. Unfortunately, the reunion tour happened shortly after it came out, so I don't know if that sent the best message. But I still think it came out pretty good."

The Dio Message Board: And so to the future. What's next for John Bush? Many fans are wanting a new ARMORED SAINT album and full tour. What are the chances of that happening?

John Bush: "Don't know yet. I think time will help figure it out. Music has been my life, but sometimes a break gives you clarity and I think that's happening now. Whatever I do, I want to do it from a place of love, not need. Nothing is in the works yet. I'll let you know."

Read the full article at Dio Message Board.

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See Red Post Two New Songs Online

Up and coming U.K. Metal outfit SEE RED have made two selections from their forthcoming CD EP available at their new website seered.info. Their sound has been described as "raw, hard-hitting Metal, combining a timeless sound with a contemporary edge."

Formed in early 2004, the band's focus is on writing and performing memorable songs, blending strong melodies with stripped down, battering-ram delivery.Influences include Black Sabbath, Pantera, Thin Lizzy, Alice In Chains, AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden and UFO.

See Red's combination of relentless heaviness and melodic hooks has proven popular on the live circuit, having played well-received support slots with up-and coming acts such as Panic Cell and 5th Man Down, and also on more eclectic bills alongside Metalcore, Death Metal and Blues outfits.

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Cannae Working on DIY Fall Tour

CANNAE’s brand new album ‘GOLD BECOMES SACRIFICE’ is ripping up college and commercial specialty radio. CANNAE is currently working on a DIY fall tour. Details and dates will be available soon.

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Embrace Today and Seventh Star Tour Dates

The first batch of dates for Embrace Today's upcoming tour with Seventh Star have been confirmed. The tour dates are as follows:

11/28 @ Dayton, OH @ Gathering Grounds
12/1 @ Clarksville, IN @ The Warehouse
12/3 @ Kansas City, MO @El Torreon
12/8 @ Reno, NV @ Reno VFW
12/10 @ Pleasenton, CA @Rhema Community Church w/ NIV
12/12 @ Corona, CA @ Showcase Theater
12/13 @ Las Vegas, NV @ Rock N Java
12/14 @ Tempe, AZ @ Neckbeardsy
12/19 @ Jacksonville, FL @ The Imperial
12/20 @ Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G
12/21 @ Myrtle Beach, SC @ The Social

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Negativa Complete Lineup, Recording Promo Soon

NEGATIVA, Steeve Hurdle’s new band (Ex-GORGUTS / PURULENCE), has completed its line up. Steeve on vocals / Guitar will be joined by Luc Lemay (Ex-GORGUTS) on vocals / guitar, Dominique Lapointe on bass (QUO VADIS, AUGURY, ATHERETIC) and Etienne Gallo (AUGURY) on drums. A website is under construction and shirts will be available from Great White North Records soon. The band should enter the studio in the winter for a promo recording. It’s all speculation right now but NEGATIVA might be touring with TOWARDS DARKNESS and PAROXYSM in the spring of 2006.

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Report

Xfest Report from Huntington, WV

This year’s X-fest was held at Harris Riverfront Park on Sept 17th. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the banks of the Ohio River. As with the year before, there were two stages, one for the headlining acts and one for the “Loud and Local” acts. This year’s big pull and headliner was Seether.

I arrived at the show late by about an hour or so, missing some of the opening acts on both stages. As with last years show I was given the run around regarding my photo-pass which should have been waiting for me at the front gate. Though this year it didn’t take an hour to figure out I was on this list, which was miss placed at the will call window and I only back tracked once. More...

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Gigantour Report from Huntington, WV

After parking at the pay lot across the street we approach the Big Sandy Super Arena located on 3rd avenue of Huntington, West Virginia. The venue is lovingly referred to as the “civic center” by the locals. On the bricked walk way in front of the doors is a van, not any van but a van fully painted in the cover art of the new Bobaflex album, Apologize for Nothing. Impressive, flashy and showboating, but impressive none the less. This is home state for the band, so why not show off a little. We snap a couple of pictures of the van and we’re off to the window to grab our tickets. I give the lady my name and who I’m on the list for, Bobaflex. She finds the envelope; she slides the package through the slot in the glass. I open the package, as promised my photo pass. Off to a good start to a good night. More...

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Stemm Plan CD Release Party

Friends of Chimaira and harcore band Stemm, from Buffalo, NY, are planning a CD release party on Saturday November 12th. The show is sponsored by 103.3 The Edge Presents and will also feature the Committee of Thirteen (Featuring Marc Rizzo-Guitarist of Soulfly), Waiting For Never, Three Minutes of Hate, and As Summer Dies. It's an all ages show and doors open at 5pm with tickets running $10.

You can arrive early for a meet and greet with STEMM and the premiere viewing for the MONSTER VIDEO (courtesy of Jagermeister) and prizes and giveaways!!!

The show will take place at:

Buffalo Icon
391 Ellicott Street,
Downtown Buffalo, NY 14203
www.buffaloicon.com
716-842-0167

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Hopesfall, Funeral For A Friend, etc. Tour Dates

Hopesfall, A Static Lullaby, LoveHateHero, and Funeral For A Friend will be hitting the road together in December. Here are the dates:

12/2 Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Icon
12/3 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
12/4 Boston, MA @ Axis
12/6 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
12/7 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
12/8 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
12/10 Cleveland, OH @ The Odeon
12/11 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
12/12 Minneapolis, MN @ Ascot Room @ The Quest
12/14 Sauget, IL @ Pop's
12/15 Chicago, IL @ Metro
12/16 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall

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The Gathering to Release DVD

On October 25th The Gathering will release their first independent dvd entitled, "A Sound of Relief". Disk 1 of "A Sound of Relief" contains a concert recorded at Paradiso in Amsterdam on May 23rd which is supported by a 3D animation projection show. Disk 2 will feature an interview, a 15-year special on The Gathering, 3D animation clips designed for the band by artists, Michel de Klein and Marcin Pazera, and a tour impression. Full listing of what will be included is as follows:

Disk 1:
Live concert at Paradiso, Amsterdam, May 23rd 2005:

1. The big sleep
2. Broken glass!
3. Rescue me
4. Alone
5. Travel
6. Red is a slow colour
7. A life all mine
8. Golden grounds
9. Amity
10. In Motion II
11. Marooned
12. Souvenirs
13. Like fountains
14. Herbal movement

Disk 2:
Tour Impression 2004
Dutch TV special 15 year The Gathering
Italian video-interview
Animation Music Clips:
"Marooned"
"The big sleep"
"Alone"
"Broken glass"
"A life all mine"
"Red is a slow colour"

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Listeria Plan CD Release Show

LISTERIA will celebrate their debut album "FULL OF FIRE" on Lion Music at Live Club Klakson (www.klakson.it) - v.Piave1/b -Montecavolo (Reggio Emilia) - Italy on October 27th. LISTERIA will perform some songs from the "FULL OF FIRE" album and jam with friends and special guests. SIMONE FIORLETTA who just released his amazing solo album "Parallell Worlds" will be one of the special guests appearing at this night. Other guests to be announced.

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Turmoil European Tour Dates Announced

A host of dates for Turmoil's upcoming European tour (with Nine) have been confirmed. Here's the latest:

13/01 Holland Sneek Het Bolwerk
14/01 Germany Berlin Kato
15/01 Germany Karlsruhe Substage
16/01 Germany Bochum Matrix
17/01 Germany Trier Exhaus
18/01 Germany Berchtesgarden Schwabenwirt
21/01 Hungary Budapest Kultiplex
22/01 Austria Wien Arena
24/01 Germany Leipzig Conne Island
25/01 Denmark Copenhagen Stengade 30
30/01 UK London Underworld
02/02 Belgium Sint-Niklaas tba
03/02 Germany Chemnitz AJZ
04/02 Germany München Backstage

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Dog Fashion Disco Part With Drummer

Dog Fashion Disco have parted with drummer Ollie, due to 'creative differences'. The band have brought back original member John Ensminger to help them out on new album 'Adultery'. He'll also be behid the kit when DFD tour as part of the upcoming Jagermeister Music Tour in America, with Disturbed and Corrosion of Conformity.

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Winds Update on New Album

Winds keyboardist/founder, Andy Winter, has posted the following about the bands new album direction:

"Considering that we have not really spoken much about details concerning the progress and direction of the new Winds record so far, I think now is the right time to talk a little about how things are going and the direction we are taking.

As the new album is in the process of being created, I have known for a while that it will be the most different album we have ever done. The reason for this is because our methods of working together have been different, and we have also undergone some changes in the way we come up with the material.

Although the other members of Winds aside from my self have contributed with material and creativity in the development of all our records, never before have basic ideas for compositions started with someone other than myself. This is an interesting prospect, because it has challenged me to think differently about how I approach our music and the compositional process in Winds. Another new element that was introduced this time was the fact that I have also written and arranged several parts and entire compositions on guitar, which is something I have not done before. This has always been Carl's duty entirely. More...

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Allele Post Tracklisting

Allele have announced the finalized tracklising for their new album, "Point of Origin" which is due in stores October 25th. "Point of Origin" was produced by Ben Schigal(Chimaira, Switched). Allele features Kelly Hayes, ex-Cold, and Lane Maverick, ex-Otep. Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Fake
2. A Different Someone
3. Closer To Habit
4. Stitches
5. Lost In Your Words
6. Tightrope
7. Immune
8. Lies
9. Misunderstood
10. Unknown

Allele has also announced that Don Tyler will direct the video for the album's first single, "Closer to Habit". The single can be heard at the following site, http://www.corporatepunishment.com/player

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Mushroomhead to Sign New Record Deal

Mushroomhead is rumored to be signing a new record deal with Megaforce Records (Clutch, S.O.D., Backfire Revelation).

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Macabre Announce Show

Macabre have announced that they will be playing an all ages show at the Clearwater in West Dundee, Illinois on Friday, November 4th.

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System of a Down Post Album Art

System of a Down have posted the album art for their upcoming album, "Hypnotize", which will be in stores November 22. The album art for "Hypnotize" can be viewed at the following link, http://www.systemofadown.com/images/HypnotizeFrontCoverWeb.jpg

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David Wayne's Brother To Audition For Reverend

The surviving members of DAVID WAYNE'S METAL CHURCH — the band formed by late METAL CHURCH frontman David Wayne — have now confirmed that Wayne's brother Dennis will be auditioning for the vocalist slot in the newly reformed REVEREND the weekend of November 4, 2005. "We are excited about the possibilities," the band write in a press release. "Dennis will be treated as our other prospects and will be put through the 'grinder' during his tryout."

Guitarist Davey Lee (also of BYFIST) had this to say, "We are keyed up about the possibilities. DC will be coming to Texas in the next few weeks and we hope there will be magic when he auditions."

Wayne's bandmates had previously stated about Dave's passing, "When a bandmate dies, the remaining members have to make a decision; continue on with the same beliefs, values, and direction, or stop playing together and pursue other projects. In our case, David left us specific instructions. After a period of mourning and in David Wayne's honor, we will follow through with the 'Godfather of Metal''s wishes.

"We are working on our older material plus the new collaborated songs with lyrics by David Wayne and are in search of a lead vocalist. We are not seeking a replacement for David Wayne, but a vocalist who wants metal to be metal and carry on the tradition and give justice to the lyrics and music of REVEREND!"

Wayne died on May 10, 2005 due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months earlier. He was 47 years old.

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Draiman Sometimes Gets Erection While Performing

In the latest issue of Sweden's premiere metal magazine Close-Up, DISTURBED frontman David Draiman gets all "cocky" when discussing his stage presence.

"Sometimes I actually get an erection when I perform on stage," he tells the magazine.

"Er, you get a hard-on when you sing?" the interviewer asks.

"I'm an erotically charged person," Draiman replies. "The atmosphere around me, all the energy that I get from the crowd and the beautiful women that I make eye contact with on stage all contribute to that kind of blood-rush."

DISTURBED's third album, "Ten Thousand Fists" (Reprise), debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard Top 200 chart with sales of 238,000. This marks the band's second No. 1-charting album, after 2002's "Believe" slammed into the top of the chart (with first-week sales of 284,000), building on the momentum of their triple-platinum debut "The Sickness".

Next up for DISTURBED is a headlining position on the Jägermeister Music Tour. The first leg launches November 4 in Minneapolis, with the band playing multiple nights in intimate venues throughout most of the 32-date trek.

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