Summary/Misc

Daily Reviews

Metal Judgement (congrats on 3 years!) has a bunch more new reviews:

• Theory of Ruin 'Counter-Culture Nosebleed'
  
• Freedom Call 'Eternity'
  
• The Hope Conspiracy 'Endnote'
  
• Otto's Daughter 'Renew'
  
• The Quill 'Voodoo Caravan'
  
• Panchrysia 'In Obscure Depths'
  
• Depraved 'Decadence and Lust'
  
• Lana Lane 'Project Shangri-La'
  
• Bludgeon 'Crucify the Priest'
  
• Killwhitneydead 'Inhaling the Breath of a Bullet'
  
• Jerry Cantrell (Concert Review)
  
• Dark Angel 'Time Does Not Heal' (Classic Review)
  
• Tread (Demo Review)
  
• Ghoulunatics (Demo Review)

0 Comments - Discuss

Band Statement on Steve MacDonald

Steve MacDonald, drummer for Gorguts, was found hanged recently. McDonald, who was 31, had fought depression for long, but he ultimately lost the fight. Here's what Gorguts guitarist had to say: “It’s with great sadness that I write these words for you Steve, my acolyte, my accomplice, my friend. Your talent hit me the first time that I heard you play. Your talent can resume you. It’s also that talent that fed my musical flame for almost a decade. We both lived great experiences and magical were the moments when we’ve put our sense of creation together. Steve Cloutier (bassist) and myself will always keep a great memory of you close in our hearts how great a musician you were. May your soul rest in peace. We will miss you.”

0 Comments - Discuss

Headline News

Destruction Bassist Breaks Finger, Cancels Tour

Destruction's bass player, Schmier, broke his hand recently in an accident. As a result, the band has been forced to cancel their UK dates. Here's the official announcement: “This situation really sucks! I feel terrible! The plaster on my hand is far too big - it gives me a hard time to handle my fucking bass. I did play with the broken hand for one week in the States, this didn't help. I need my fingers and can not risk any further complications. It was broken for already two weeks before I went to see a doc, I thought it wasn't that bad but... I know it is my own fault, but sometimes things drive you crazy and you lose control! I am sorry for that situation and we will try to find a solution ASAP. We have waited for so fucking long to finally come back to the UK, I would hate my guts more than anybody else if those shows won't happen. How did the injury happen? Oh no you don't wanna know... CHEERS to all the dedicated fans out there - YOU RULE!”

0 Comments - Discuss

This Day Forward Signs to Equal Vision

Following months of speculation, etc., This Day Forward has officially signed a recording contract with Equal Vision Records. According to the band, "We're very happy to be on the label and work with such sincere, believing, and dedicated people." The group will be entering Big Blue Meenie studios in late December to record their next full-length, which they recently dropped off the Codeseven/In Pieces tour to finish writing. The band will be playing a handful shows before hitting the studio: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

New Year's Day in Syracuse Line Up

The impressive lineup for this year's New Year's Day show in Syracuse, NY has been announced. The event will take place at the Bridge Street Music Hall on January 1st, beginning at noon. Presale tickets will go on sale in December. Here's the scheduled lineup: More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Drowningman's Escapism

The remaining members of Drowningman (i.e. everyone but Simon Brody) have officially set their new band name as Escapist. The group features Javin Leonard, Frank Smecker, Andrew Abramowitz and Dave Joyal, all members of the most recent Drowningman lineup. The band is still in search of a vocalist though, and here's a statement from group regarding their current situation:
"Thanks to everyone who has sent in demo submissions. Unfortunately, we are still actively searching for a vocalist. The majority of the demo submissions have been screaming vocals, which is cool, but for this new project we are not that concerned with the ability to scream. Instead we are looking for a dynamic voice that can blend nicely with the music. Here are [see below] three demo songs that we recorded in the famous Low-tech studios in Burlington. Unlike "Best Record Ever," I promise we were all sober and fully functioning at the time of recording. In fact we are really excited about the new material we have produced. To us these songs still have elements of old Drowningman, while introducing new stylistic changes. If you are interested in trying out please, contact the band at Sorrowsage6@aol.com. You can email any questions at this address and the official website should be up in about three weeks at www.Escapist.org. Once we find a singer, we will announce plans of the release for our first EP or full-length album."

0 Comments - Discuss

Celtic Frost Responds to Fans' Criticism

The much-anticipated reunion of thrash legends Celtic Frost and the release of a similarly awaited full-length album (Probe) is causing all kinds of controversy over at Celtic Frost's message board, prompting band leader Tom Gabriel Fischer to respond. Here's his version of the story.

"Some people apparently do think they're very smart and know more than the band themselves," Fischer wrote on the band's official message board. "Well, it ain't so. Hence the anonymity, I suppose. Our comment regarding the post by 'heybigspender' is: that's utter bullshit.

"The 'demands made' past and present relate directly to our artistic freedom and — perhaps even more to the point — our artistic integrity. These topics are extensive (and not: 'expensive'), and they are usually connected to a trade-off of control of an album between the record company and the band. The company is usually afraid the band will go too far (especially in the case of Celtic Frost) to still attain any commercial success and the band is usually concerned about the record company compromising an artistic concept or vision." More...

Read more...  |  0 Comments - Discuss

Mastodon Atlanta's Best Band

Relapse Records recording artists Mastodon have been named Atlanta's "Best Overall Band / Artist" by Creative Loafing. The critics-choice award was presented to the band as part of the regional's "Best of 2002" issue. Creative Loafing is one of the largest and most influential arts and entertainment papers in the southeast US.

The award bests the band's 2001 Creative Loafing award for "Best Local Heavy / Hard Rock Band". The Best Overall Band / Artist award takes into account all genres of music in the Atlanta area and surrounding communities.

Mastodon will embark on a string of U.S. dates in support of their recently released album Remission with Clutch, beginning November 7th in Brooklyn, NY. Immediately following their shows with Clutch, the band will head to Japan with label mates High on Fire for a co-headlining tour. Following the band's tour of Japan, more US dates will be announced

0 Comments - Discuss