<img src="/styles/default/images/metalundergroundcom_logo2.gif" width="520" height="75" alt="Metal Underground.com" />

Grave Comment On New Record Deal

Dec 1, 2007 at 8:01 PM by zMETALlica (Source: BWBK).

As reported earlier today, Regain Records announced the signing of Swedish death metal veterans GRAVE. The band is currently in the studio working on their eighth album, scheduled for release in April/May 2008. Grave commented today about the deal:

"After 15 years and seven albums on Century Media and free from any contract we felt the need to try something new. The recording of our eighth album began this week and is scheduled for release before the summer. Grave has (also) started a cooperation with Massive Music booking agency. We have worked together on our two latest European tours and decided to let them handle our upcoming gigs and tours exclusively."

Gruesome Stuff Relish Reveal New Album Cover

Dec 1, 2007 at 8:00 PM by zMETALlica (Source: sIN's Metal News).

Spain’s GRUESOME STUFF RELISH have posted the following update:

“We are very excited and proud to show you the final cover art for the upcoming GRUESOME STUFF RELISH ‘Horror Rises From The Tomb’ album. The art was drawn by the incredible Jeff Zornow, and is a tribute to many classic Italian and Spanish horror classics! Go to the Hog-Wild Howls Razorback Records blog to see the art."

"The album is currently being mixed and will soon be sent to Germany to be mastered at Mega Wimp Sound (Haemorrhage, Nasum, Macabre, Necrony, etc.). Also, Stevo from IMPETIGO is currently laying his vocal tracks down for one of the songs. We hope to be able to post an advance song from the album in the next week or two. Keep checking for updates!”

Retaliation and Regurgitate Book Norwegian Show

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:55 PM by zMETALlica (Source: sIN's Metal News).

Swedish grinders RETALIATION, REGURGITATE, and SAYYADINA will team up for a show at Club Maiden in Oslo, Norway on Saturday, December 8th. You can find out more information online here.

Every Time I Die Announce Annual Christmas Show

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:54 PM by zMETALlica (Source: sIN's Metal News).

EVERY TIME I DIE will have their annual Christmas show on Sunday, December 16th at the Game Zone Parkside Lanes in Buffalo, NY. You can find more information online here.

The Showdown Hit The Road

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:53 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Tennessee's THE SHOWDOWN has issued the following update:

"We are gearing up right now to go on our winter tour. We are working on stuff that we have never played live ever, songs we haven't played in years, and of course we will be playin' some regulars! We are trying to make the shows extra special heavy for the holidays! Come out and get a dose of high-voltage heavy metal right in time for Christmas."

THE SHOWDOWN tour dates:

Dec. 03 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, Georgia
Dec. 04 - Murray Hill Theater - Jacksonville, Florida
Dec. 06 - Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, North Carolina
Dec. 07 - Jaxx - West Springfield, Virginia
Dec. 09 - KY Combat Club - London, Kentucky
Dec. 10 - Uncle Pleasants - Louisville, Kentucky
Dec. 11 - Summit City Cafe - Whitesburg, Kentucky
Dec. 12 - The Hideaway - Johnson City, Tennessee
Dec. 15 - The National Guard Armory - Middlesboro, Kentucky

The Arcane Order Post New Song Online

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:50 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

THE ARCANE ORDER, the Danish band featuring vocalist Kasper Thomsen (RAUNCHY) and guitarist Flemming C. Lund (INVOCATOR, ex-AUTUMN LEAVES), has posted a new song, entitled "The Serpent Tower", on the group's MySpace page. The track comes off the band's forthcoming sophomore album, "In the Wake of Collisions", due in Europe on January 14 through Metal Blade Records.

Commented the group: "Picking which song we should release as the first track was EXTREMELY difficult since all the tracks on the new record have their own specialities and sound different."

"'The Serpent Tower' is, along with the opening song on the record, 'Death is Imminent', the most extreme song on the new record and shows THE ARCANE ORDER from a much more extreme and dark angle, than the case was on our debut. We chose this song because it carries elements of the other songs as well, and it has a great dark and cold feeling to it." More...

Otep To Take Part In Online Chat

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:48 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Southern California's OTEP has set up a new web site in addition to its official site. ThisIsOtep.tv will enable fans to enjoy live web video chats with vocalist Otep Shamaya as well as a chat room for fans to directly communicate with the band.

The first live chat is scheduled for Monday, December 3 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Otep will ask fans trivia questions about the group's video for the NIRVANA cover "Breed". Every question is going to require users to watch the video numerous times to find the answer which is hidden within the video. Fans will be rewarded with prizes such as copies of the band's new album "The_Ascension", stickers, posters, and other merchandise. Otep will regularly visit this site to conduct impromptu video chats after the "Breed" promotion on Monday. Fans will learn of Otep's visits to the Otep TV site via MySpace bulletins and email alerts. More...

End of Level Boss To Tour Europe In March

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:47 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

"Exile On Mainstream: Worship The Riff" is a new compilation featuring tracks from the wide range of bands on the Exile On Mainstream roster. Along with London-based anguish rock outfit END OF LEVEL BOSS, "Worship The Riff" includes tracks from A WHISPER IN THE NOISE, BEEHOOVER, DYSE, THE HIDDEN HAND, OSTINATO, PLACE OF SKULLS, SPITTING OFF TALL BUILDINGS, VOLT, VOODOOSHOCK and WE INSIST.

To celebrate this release, Exile On Mainstream is currently booking a European tour featuring as many bands from the compilation as is logistically possible. The tour kicks of in March 2008 and END OF LEVEL BOSS will be on the bill.

In other news, END OF LEVEL BOSS is currently going through the the process of auditioning replacements for the recently departed drum lunatic Ben Hallett. Any drummers who want to be included should get in touch with the band by emailing info@eolb.com.

For more information, visit www.eolb.com.

To/Die/For Singer Issues Update

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:45 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Vocalist Jarno "Jape" Perätalo of the Finnish gothic metal band TO/DIE/FOR has issued the following update:

"Here we are in Finland, I got [the] Cubase program [a series of MIDI, music sequencer and digital audio editing computer applications] and I am creating some new music with it."

"We do not know when we will start to rehearse again with TO/DIE/FOR. This 'break' makes me fucking bored. Seems like there is no life without shows and now when it's wintertime, it makes me very depressed so… I think it's time to create the darkest TO/DIE/FOR album..." More...

Sekhmet Debut Album Out Now

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:43 PM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

UK thrashers SEKHMET have released their first album, "Last Stand", on Casket Music. It is on sale in Europe and at select stores in America.

A long-standing member of the fast growing UK scene, SEKHMET's demo releases have received consistently good reviews both online and from popular music magazines such as Terrorizer and Metal Hammer and are rapidly gaining a loyal fan base both at home and abroad.

SEKHMET is preparing to tour the UK and Holland and will join EVILE, PITIFUL REIGN and SEREGON next month at the prestigious Full Thrash Assault festival.

"Last Stand" track listing:

01. Last Stand
02. Slaughter The Innocent
03. Prepare For War
04. Into The Breach
05. Consumed By Hate
06. In Pain
07. Burn Me

For more information, visit their Myspace page.

Kiss Bassist To Appear In "Ugly Betty"

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:43 PM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has issued the following update:

"This weekend, we are busy shooting (or rather, our 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' cameras are following us around), as we get in and out of trouble.

"On Monday, December 3rd, I'm shooting 'Ugly Betty' — not her...the show. Can't tell you just yet who I'm playing or what it's about. But it might give you a chuckle. On Tuesday, December 4th, going over to do Miss Chelsea Handler's show on E! entertainment TV. We will post air dates."

Simmons' reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", has entered its third season on A&E. Gene also has an animated show on Nickelodeon called "My Dad the Rock Star".

According to Billboard, Simmons is writing his third book — "Ladies of the Night", a "personal and historical overview" on the profession of prostitution — coming this spring via his own publishing company, Simmons Books. He also has Simmons Comics, with three comic-book series based on characters he's created.

And if that weren't enough, Simmons manages a host of efforts with partner Richard Abramson as part of Simmons Abramson Marketing. Among those is NGTV.com, a popular video web site featuring uncensored celebrity interviews and music videos, in which Simmons is both the chairman and an investor.

Duff McKagen Speaks On Axl Rose

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:04 PM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

Steve Bell of Australia's Time Off magazine recently conducted an interview with VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On the fact that their collective pasts may put more pressure on them to produce the goods, and opens them to more public scrutiny than the average band:

"I don't think any of us pay any attention to that at all. I've never, ever felt pressure — I've never felt pressure to follow up one record with a better record. It's just about keeping it real, and if people dig it then that's cool, and if they don't that's cool too.

"Once you start trying to make music a product and start following a formula — and I know bands who do this, they follow the formula of their hit record instead of just following their instinct of what a good song is to them — then it's all over. You've got to write for yourself first."

On how the material from the band's second album, "Libertad", is being received:

"It's been going over good. We've done a lot of South American dates, and that was pretty unreal. It's a great place to start a tour if you're us. We didn't know how many fans we had down there, and it was fucking insane.

"Then we went to Europe — that was great. We did a couple of North American runs, which were also cool — we had ALICE IN CHAINS opening on the last one. They're fucking awesome and really good friends of ours, so it was cool. It's a fun record to play live, and it's great now that we have obviously a couple of records worth of material to play.

"We're doing a cool thing in the middle of our set where we strip everything down and do some old songs from our collective bands — some STP and GN'R songs. Songs that you might not expect us to play, and we sort of sit on stools and do them semi-acoustically. It's pretty cool. It's worked really well, I think it's powerful."

On being able to embrace their incredible pasts:

"It's better than having a past that you're fucking trying to hide from — maybe if I'd been in WINGER we wouldn't be so open to it. Nothing against WINGER, of course, but you know what I'm saying. I mean it's true — the songs we wrote in GUNS N' ROSES were fucking killer songs, and they're great to do live, so why not?"

On whether the former members of GUNS N' ROSES feel that Axl Rose is tarnishing the amazing legacy that they left behind:

"I haven't really paid attention to it — maybe part of me doesn't want to. Probably a large part of me doesn't want to. I haven't tried to analyze it too much. As far as the name being tarnished, I think that's for the fans to figure out on their own.

"I have my own feelings about it and I keep them pretty private, but I hope that one day Axl and I can at least talk and be friends. Because we did a lot together. We did some pretty amazing things, and it's kind of a shame. He's always talking trash, and it's kind of goofy at this point, I think."

On the the biggest change that McKagan has noticed in the music industry between the '80s and now:

"The biggest difference now — and this is really over the last, like, seven years — is back when Gunners was doing it a tour was still thought of as something to promote your record. That's the way it had been since the 50s, but now with record sales slumping everywhere bands are figuring out other ways to make money on the road.

"So now, really, a record is sort of like advertising for your tour. That's where bands are getting smarter about touring economically, and paying more attention to merchandise and T-shirts and all that shit. Doing 'meet-and-greet' packages — all kinds of shit. And it's now not a bad thing to have your song on a commercial, or in a movie or on a ringtone — that's just the way it is now.

"Whereas ten years ago that would have been fucking 'selling out!' It's not even considered selling out any more, it's just good business. So really the biggest change in the music industry is actually the business of music. Not much has changed as far as songwriting or the attitude towards playing music live — you keep it real and you keep it honest, and the rest will follow."

On having had some pretty incredible adventures over the last 20-plus years:

"I guess so, man. I wish I remembered more of them. There's a period from '90 to '93 that I don't remember, but for the most part it's been great. I'm alive to tell some of the stories anyhow, and I look back and know that I have had a pretty great run.

"I'm 43 now and I'm still out doing it, and still kind of looked at as a semi-viable proposition as a musician. And I think I've fucking earned that by now. Obviously the most fun thing for me is having a great family, and being a father that my girls look up to, and leading for them by example. For me that's the most important thing — this rock music is all sort of just frilly extra stuff."

3 Comments - Discuss

Led Zeppelin And Metallica To Play Bonnaroo 2008?

Dec 1, 2007 at 7:01 PM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

According to Scott Goldberg from Dmwmedia.com, an anonymous reader tipped Bob Lefsetz, author of the Lefsetz Letter, yesterday (November 30th) about an interesting development in the live music world: “Zeppelin just confirmed for Bonnaroo. They can't officially announce until after the London gig so pass it on! Also Metallica is confirmed on the bill too!”

Anyone who has experienced the unique event that is Bonnaroo (or its younger sibling Vegoose) knows the four-day Manchester, Tennessee show’s trademark is its eclectic mix of bands. Considered “the largest hippy festival in the world,” as Andrew Stockdale, lead singer of WOLFMOTHER said onstage last June, the festival organizers always manage to add plenty of non-hippy artists. In 2007 there was also the addition of a “classic” billing, the reemergence of THE POLICE.

New Mexico's Heshfest Lineup Revealed

Dec 1, 2007 at 5:41 PM by deathbringer (Source: Lambgoat).

Heshfest 2008 will take place at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM on January 5, 2008. Tickets are $12 and the following bands are scheduled to perform:

Moria
Minus Seven
Belay My Last
Vale Of Miscreation
The_Network
Last Fifteen
Mechanism Of Eve
Hate Engine
Holding It Down
The Scarlet Ruse
Orion

Beautiful Gorgeous Recording New Single

Dec 1, 2007 at 5:37 PM by deathbringer (Source: Lambgoat).

Beautiful Gorgeous completed drum pre-production yesterday at Hold True Recordings' in-house studio for their new single, which is still untitled. The single is a prelude to the group's upcoming full-length album, which will be released in Spring of 2008 via Hold True Recordings, who the band recently signed with. Hold True will release their upcoming album as well as the band's back catalog.

Sinister Sign Deal With Massacre Records

Dec 1, 2007 at 10:40 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

Legendary Dutch metallers SINISTER have issued the following update:

"After 15 years of making records for Nuclear Blast records, we have signed a new record deal with another label. Massacre Records will release our upcoming release The Silent Howling in the fall of 2008. The album (which will include seven tracks) will be recorded in may 2008 in the Soundlodge Studio, Germany. Some of the song-titles are: 'The Silent Howling', 'If It Bleeds...', 'The Kill To Come' and 'Fortified Bravery'.

We are happy to be under the wings of Massacre Records and looking forward to work with them in the future.

Meanwhile we have departed with our drummer Paul (Beltman) who wants to do other things in life. Paul will finish the shows that are planned. The search for a new drummer continues..."

In Battle Announce New Session Drummer

Dec 1, 2007 at 10:38 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

Sundsvall, Sweden-based death metallers IN BATTLE have issued the following update:

"IN BATTLE announce new session drummer Tony Westermark, known from Sundsvall technical death metal band SOREPTION.

"We are proud to announce that we have found this young and extreme talent drummer for our upcomming tours. First up is the MARDUK tour in the Balkans. Later on in 2008 we got two more offrerings Europe and the U.S. More info to be announced later.

"So what about Nils [Fjellström, previous drummer] then... Hmm, we don't know. We have not heard anything from him since September. He has moved to his girlfriend in Austria and what we know [is] he [doesn't] want to be reached so we will bother him no more with mail bombs and so on; he is got to take contact with us if he wants anything...

"We are searching for labels who want to do the re-release of the two first IN BATTLE albums — the first one, [which] was released in 1997, 'In Battle', and the second one, 'Rage of the Northmen', released in 1998. Both of them [are] out of stock and we got mails almost everyday from people who wants to buy them, so we will do a remastering and new cover and release them again!!"

IN BATTLE's fourth album, "Kingdom of Fear", was released on September 3 via Nocturnal Art Productions/Candlelight Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Welcome to the Battlefield" was recorded at Epidemic studios in Sundsvall and was mixed by UNLEASHED's Fredrik Folkare at Chrome studios in Stockholm. The CD contains "11 songs of raw trashy death metal," according to a press release. Two video clips for the album have been filmed: "Kingdom of Fear" and "The Dead Shall See".

IN BATTLE's new album honors the memory of the group's former drummer, Otto Wiklund, who passed away in August 2006. Wiklund appeared on IN BATTLE's first two albums — "Lost in the Shadows Gray" (1997) and "The Rage of the Northmen" (1998) — and was also the session drummer for SETHERIAL, with whom he recorded the "Lords of the Nightrealm" album (1997).

IN BATTLE's 2004 CD, "Welcome to the Battlefield" (Cold/Metal Blade Records), was recorded at Courthouse Studio in Östersund, Sweden and at Necromorbus Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. The CD was mixed and mastered at Erik Rutan's (HATE ETERNAL/ex-MORBID ANGEL guitarist) Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, Florida with engineer Shawn Ohtani. Rutan also laid down a guest solo on the album.

Funeral Fog Call It Quits

Dec 1, 2007 at 9:48 AM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Canadian black metal band FUNERAL FOG has officially called it quits.

"Eight years to the day since their inception, the decision was a consensus among all members due to lack of time and various personal issues," reads a statement from the group. "As the fog rolls away and the horns cease to sound, the black metal purists shall drift away into oblivion.

Originally formed as a duo consisting of Krall and Nokturnis, the band released its debut, "Under the Black Veil", in 2003. The album was widely accepted due to its echoing screams reflecting back to Norway's second wave. The group would later grow in members with the addition of drummer Shithammer in 2003, and guitarist Deimus in 2004. After signing to Czech label Long Ago Records the band hit the studio and released a very welcomed second release, "Channelling Ancient Shadows", in July 2007. Unknown at the time, the album was to be their swan song. More...

Grave Sign To Regain Records

Dec 1, 2007 at 9:46 AM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Long-running Swedish death metallers GRAVE have inked deal with Regain Records. The band is currently working on material for its eighth studio album, tentatively due next spring.

As previously reported, GRAVE will play a special 20th anniversary set consisting of material from the band's early albums on December 21, 2007 at Sala Zero in Tarragona, Spain. Also appearing on the bill will be the black metal band BETWEEN THE FROST. A flyer for the show can be viewed at StayMetal.net.

GRAVE is planning to mark its 20th anniversary with additional shows featuring the group's early material. The band previously said in a statement, "Next year it's already 20 years since GRAVE was formed. In 1988 after replacing some members we changed our name from CORPSE. That year we also recorded our classic first demo 'Sick Disgust Eternal' and continued musically what we started with our previous bands DESTROYER, ANGUISH, CORPSE and PUTREFACTION. We will mark the anniversary with a new album and also massive touring and festival appearances where we will mainly play old stuff from the early days." More...

Freedom Call Post European Tour Diary Online

Dec 1, 2007 at 9:45 AM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

German metallers FREEDOM CALL recently completed a European tour with HYDROGYN, NIGHTMARE and KRAGENS. A tour diary documenting some of the trek's highlights is available at this location.

FREEDOM CALL's video for the song "Far Away" can be viewed here. The track comes off the melodic metal band's latest album, "Dimensions", which was released in April via SPV Records. Most of the CD was recorded at the FC studios in Nürnberg. The drum parts were cut at the Area 51 in Celle by Daniel Zimmermann with the help of Tommy Newton (HELLOWEEN, KAMELOT, VICTORY), who also mixed and mastered "Dimensions". The cover artwork was designed by Paul Raymond Gregory (SAXON, MOLLY HATCHET, BLIND GUARDIAN). More...

Changer Split Up

Dec 1, 2007 at 9:43 AM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Icelandic extreme metal band CHANGER has decided to break up after eight years of existence. "Uncontrollable internal circumstances drive us to this decision and we deeply regret this coming up at such a bad time — especially with the recording of our new album just around the corner," the group writes in a statement.

The band leaves behind two full-length albums, two EPs, and countless gigs both in Iceland and abroad.

CHANGER has had the privilege of supporting acts like MASTODON, CANNIBAL CORPSE, ROTTING CHRIST, SHAI HULUD, AMON AMARTH, SCARVE, HATESPHERE and countless more.

This past spring, CHANGER was the subject of a web series called "Sleepless in Reykjavik". The first episode can be viewed below. The focus of the series is Icelandic metal bands and what is happening in the Icelandic scene.

Visions of Atlantis Rejoined by Guitarist

Dec 1, 2007 at 9:42 AM by zMETALlica (Source: Blabbermouth).

Thomas Caser, drummer for the Austrian symphonic metal band VISIONS OF ATLANTIS has issued the following statement regarding the recent announcement that the group's Minnesota-based vocalist, Melissa Ferlaak, and her boyfriend, guitarist Wolfgang "Wops" Koch, were leaving the band:

"In the past seven years, I have dedicated ALL my energy into VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. I have been responsible to bring the band up from scratch — got all the record deals, shows, tours, did ALL the work there is besides the music and put all my personal interests aside so I can focus on the band. For this time I also put my professional career behind in order to focus on the band... I have seen people join and leave the band, understood all of their personal/musical views and have never had any hard feelings about them. But if you commit to something where other people are involved with, may it be bandmates, fans, record label, then you also have some sort of responsibility towards them. That's my (our) point and that is why we are upset with this situation. Or should we be happy??? I cannot go out and say, 'All the best to you, and thanks for leaving us before such an important tour.' This was crucial for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, we could have hit a bigger audience, the tour we have always dreamed about... If it was 'only' Wolfgang leaving, we could live well with the situation, but it is our singer — our 'face' — who has left. And she left because he left, that's a fact. Fearing that the musical direction could become more 'Cast Away'-orientated." More...

Dream Theater Named Xbox Live's Band Of The Month

Dec 1, 2007 at 6:36 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

DREAM THEATER will be featured as the Xbox LIVE Artist of the Month for the month of December.

LIVE members on Xbox 360 will have access to exclusive performance, interview, and behind-the-scenes footage from the band's recent tour

DREAM THEATER will playing over Xbox LIVE on December 5 in the "Game with Fame" program. Get onto Xbox LIVE and prepare to play your favorite band.

Daysend Part Ways With Guitarist

Dec 1, 2007 at 6:34 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

Guitarist Michael Kordek has left the Sydney, Australia-based metal band DAYSEND. "The reason is that I have other musical and non-musical interests that I'd like to pursue and I feel that now is the time to take them on," he says in a statement.

"I want to send the biggest and most brutal of thank you's to all the fans that have come out to watch the shows. You guys are the reason I play music and it's been great to have met so many of you. I also want to thank Aaron, Meredith, Wayne and Mark for the amazing experience of playing in a band with them and I wish them the best of luck with everything they do in the future.

"Lastly, thanks to all the 'behind-the-scenes' people that bring the music to the fans. You guys have been awesome and you certainly don't get the credit you deserve."

DAYSEND released its sophomore album, "The Warning", in May through Faultline Records/Stomp Distribution. The follow-up to 2003's "Severance", was produced by dw Norton at Backbeach Recording Studios in Victoria, Australia and marks the band's first release with vocalist Mark McKernan.

Darkside Cancel Second Czech Show

Dec 1, 2007 at 6:33 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

Following the forced cancellation of their November 30th show in Prague, Czech Republic, DARKSIDE have issued the following update:

"Dear all,

We are sorry to tell you, that Darkside are forced to cancel their second show in Czech Republic tonight also. Due to unavailability of seats in the plane to Prague today at 12.45, Janos is not able to join us for this show. As Janos for the moment is the only available guitarist (Peter D. is sick and Pit is no longer available for Darkside´s live activities), there is no other possibility for us than to cancel the show. We are very sorry about how things developed, but it´s something we face improvise and unprepared to be honest. Yesterday evening it looked like Janos would get the plane today, so he called me to confirm and that we could pick him up at the airport in Prague whereas this morning we had to learn that there was no available seats in the plane. Changing over to another airline would have increased the ticket price to approx. 900 Euros one way, which is way to much.

We are very sorry indeed because Czech Republic has been a second home to Darkside throughout the 16 years of our musical career and our fans over there have always been very loyal and a great support, but in fact we cannot do anything at this moment. We will try to come back as soon as possible to see all our friends in Czech Republic - until then, stay metal."

Unexpect Replace Nachtmystium On Nile Tour

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:56 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: SMN News).

Montreal’s UNEXPECT have replaced NACHTMYSTIUM on NILE’s previously announced tour next year with SUICIDE SILENCE, THE FACELESS, and THE AGONIST. Confirmed tour dates are as follows:

March 8 - St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre
March 9 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
March 11 - Winter Park, FL @ The Haven
March 12 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
March 13 - New Orleans, LA @ The Parish
March 14 - Houston, TX @ Meridian
March 15 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
March 16 - Ft. Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theater
March 18 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad
March 19 - Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
March 20 - West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club
March 21 - Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre
March 22 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
March 24 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
March 25 - Kansas City, KS @ Mission Theater
March 26 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
March 27 - Louisville, KY @ Headliner’s
March 28 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
March 29 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
March 30 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club
April 1 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
April 2 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
April 3 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
April 4 - Charleston, SC @ Music Farm

Heaven Shall Burn, Caliban And More Announce Tour

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:53 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: SMN News).

HEAVEN SHALL BURN, CALIBAN, SONIC SYNDICATE, MISERY SPEAKS, and THE SORROW will team up for the following “Darkness Over X-Mas” tour dates:

December 25 - Leipzig, GER @ Werk 2
December 26 - Hamburg, GER @ Markthalle
December 27 - Muenster, GER @ Skaters Palace
December 28 - Aschaffenburg, GER @ Colos-Sal
December 29 - Pratteln, GER @ Z7
December 30 - Saarbruecken, GER @ Garage

2 Comments - Discuss

Black Sabbath Drummer Speaks On Quiet Riot Singer

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:43 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has issued the following statement regarding the death of QUIET RIOT singer Kevin DuBrow:

"On Monday, November 26th, I was saddened and shocked to hear the CNN news report announcing the death of Kevin DuBrow.

"Sincere condolences to Kevin's family and friends. We shall make an announcement of his passing on our Christmas radio show on December 8th, and also dedicate the show, in part (as we sadly do far too often these days,) to Kevin's family. In January, during our metal show, we'll play two QUIET RIOT songs as an acknowledgement to Kevin's work.

"His voice was like no other — an original artist aligned to passion, mayhem and verse."

Ward's monthly radio show, "Rock 50", airs on WPMD, a college radio station at Cerritos College in California.

Viking Skull Announce U.K. Dates

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:41 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

Corby, U.K.-based old-school metallers VIKING SKULL have lined up a few shows in Scotland, England and Wales in January. It will be their first batch of dates featuring the band's latest additions, guitar player Jules Cooper and drummer Jess Margera.

Jan. 23 - Glasgow, Scotland @ Barfly
Jan. 24 - York, England @ Fibbers
Jan. 25 - Birmingham, England @ Barfly
Jan. 26 - Leeds, England @ Cockpit
Jan. 27 - Cardiff, Wales @ Barfly
Jan. 28 - London, England @ Barfly

Support on the shows will come from YEAR LONG DISASTER.

The new VIKING SKULL album, "Chapter Two", was mixed by Chad I Ginsburg (CKY, INBRED) and Phil Nicolo (AEROSMITH, URGE OVERKILL) and is now available on iTunes.

Primer 55 Replace Singer

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:39 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: Blabbermouth).

PRIMER 55 has parted ways with vocalist Jason "J-Sin" Lutrell and has replaced him with Heath Joyce of the band IGM.

Commented guitarist Bobby Burns (also bassist in SOULFLY): "It's been great for Toomey [bassist Josh Toomey] and I to be back out playing the tunes for you all and we've had a blast doing it and it's sparked something inside of us and we plan to continue on for the love of the music and our fans.

"I know, I know, a lot of people are gonna be like, 'It wont be the same without [Jason],' and you're totally right it won't be — IT'S GONNA BE BETTER!

"One of my bros from back in my days in Memphis is has stepped in (to fill some big shoes, mind you) and it's fuckin great!"

PRIMER 55's new CD/DVD, entitled "Family For Life", came out on November 6 via Crash Music. The package was released on a flip disc (audio/DVD) and features a collection of unreleased tracks, as well as rare concert footage and backstage scenes from three concerts including Ozzfest.

Dark Empire Album Pushed Back

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:35 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

Guitarist Matt Moliti of the New Jersey-based thrash/prog/metal act DARK EMPIRE has issued the following update:
"Since we had to delay the release of the band's second album, Humanity Dethroned, we decided to add another two tracks from the CD to our MySpace for everyone to listen to! These tracks are unmastered, so you may need to turn the volume up a bit. These two are among my personal favourite Dark Empire songs ever, so I hope you enjoy them!"

Velvet Revolver Confirmed For Superbowl Party

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:33 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

According to Azcentral.com, the music scene surrounding Super Bowl XLII continues to firm up, with several big names confirmed for the 944 Super Bowl Village in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The night of Saturday, February 2, rock supergroup VELVET REVOLVER are confirmed along with REO SPEEDWAGON among others. During the day, the Village will be home to NFL memorabilia sales, ESPN radio and NFL network broadcasting.

Super Bowl XLII will be held on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Megadeth Bassist Remembers Quiet Riot Frontman

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:31 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

MEGADETH bassist James Lomenzo has issued the following update:

"Just a quick line to say hey and catch up with you all. My heads still reeling from the fantastic Pac-Rim Tour-O-Duty. What a great surprise to see the enthusiasm of all the crowds from Thailand through to Japan and then on to Gigantour Australia. I was particularly impressed with the turnout in Singapore and Korea. Definitely the best part of my job is to see new places and meet new fans and on both counts, I was not disappointed. Metal is alive and well all over the world! To our Japanese fans, thanks for the hospitality, me and the boys had a great time at hangin' and bangin' with our friends at the clubs. A big shout out to our new friends from our Aussie Gigantour... STATIC X, DEVIL DRIVER, LACUNA COIL and BRING ME THE HORIZON, you guys really made it a great show and a great hang, hell... I'd pay money to see this line-up of bands anytime!

Recently someone wrote in to my musicians thread and asked if I had any comment on the passing of Kevin Dubrow, here's what I wrote: I met Kevin many years ago in the mid-'90s. I was considering playing with Quiet Riot so I went down to a rehearsal to Jam. Kevin surprised me. He was gracious, kind and I was blown away by the power and tone of his voice in the room. I'd heard all the stories but for me, he seemed like he really had it together that night. I'm glad to say that I have a very found memory of him and I'm glad I had that opportunity to meet and make music with him. I know he'll be missed"

Architect Drop Off Dillinger Escape Plan Tour

Dec 1, 2007 at 4:29 AM by Diamond Oz (Source: BW&BK).

Syracuse, New York-based metallers ARCHITECT have issued the following update:

“Due to some scheduling conflicts and some miscommunication with agents and promoters, we aren't going to be able to play the DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN tour. We have only been home from tour for a week and this this fell into our laps and though we all scrambled to make this work it was just not meant to be. The DEP dudes are stand up guys and they sent us a lengthy explanation and apology however there is no fault or blame to be had with anyone. We are sorry to all of our fans and friends that were going to come out and see us over the next few weeks.

This cloud has a silver lining though we got an official ‘WE OWE YOU’ from the DEP camp with a promise to have first crack on a spot on one of their runs in 2008. So in fact you will still see us all share and tear a stage it will just be postponed (hopefully when the weather is better) we are all pretty damn bummed we had to jump through a 100 hoops to get prepared to to this but the stress is gone now so we are going to be booking weekends and we are going to hold up in the snow and finish writing our new record Ghost Of The Saltwater Machines.”