Metal News for December 10, 2002
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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17 news articles posted on this day.
Names Changes for Cerberus
The Dutch melodic black metal band Cerberus has changed its name into Thronar. According to the band, the name Cerberus is not original because there are many bands working under the same name. Also Cerberus does not fit in today’s concept of the band. The music that Thronar makes is "Battle Metal: orchestrated and bombastic fantasy/Viking metal with lyrics based on legends out of the dark and mystic world that is invented by the members of Thronar." Recordings of the promo 2003 have been finished which can be found on the website: www.thronar.com
Bloodjinn News and Tour Dates
Bloodjinn guitarist Carter Pennington has left the band to take care of personal issues. The group wishes him the best of luck and Pennington will probably be occupying his time with a few side-projects in the future. Consequently, Bloodjinn has added guitarist Trey Richards to the lineup and he will be appearing at all upcoming shows. Richards is from Blacksburg, VA and has played with bands such as Bay 28 and Equity. In related news, the group has recorded a host of live footage for their upcoming DVD/Video release, which should hit stores sometime in 2003. More footage will be filmed during their current tour, which kicked off last week in West Virginia. Here are the remaining dates: More...
Dead to Fall Lose Drummer
In the latest episode of drummer and bassist problems for hardcore and metal bands, Dead To Fall is now looking for a drummer. Apparently, current drummer Dan Craig has announced he is quitting the group. According to the group, "There is no way we could have gotten anywhere without [Dan's] year's of dedication and time with us. He will be missed." In any case, drummers interested in the possession must have their own set (the bigger the better), be able to play DTF material, be willing to move to the Chicago area, and be ready to tour extensively. Email the band here for more information.
Red Chord, BTBAM, and POW Dates
Most of the booking for the upcoming the Red Chord, Between The Buried And Me, and Premonitions Of War tour has been completed. Here's the latest schedule: More...
TSO Proves the Show Must Go On
When Trans-Siberian Orchestra was conceived in 1996, producer/lyricist Paul O'Neill envisioned the group as a studio-based band with a revolving cast of musicians. That changed dramatically in 1999, when TSO performed its inaugural Christmas tour. It lasted just seven shows, but for the first time - TV performances aside - fans had the opportunity to put faces to the music.
Three years later, what was initially a week-long experiment has blossomed beyond all expectations. In fact, touring is now the sun of TSO's galaxy, the element around which everything else revolves. Again this holiday season, the organization will splinter into two touring companies to bring its music to as many people as possible ("TSO East" hits Toronto's Massey Hall on December 17th)
O'Neill believes this year's tour will be bigger and better than ever. "We're adding a tractor-trailer-full of lights to each tour, and we're going to increase the size every year," he says. "I remember last year when we played Green Bay, we were in a theater, but we were bringing in a coliseum's worth of lights. The promoter walked up to me and goes, 'Not making a dime on this show, are we?' But I didn't care, because the show looks like a million bucks. I can't wait until this year, because we're bringing in pyro and lasers."
In many cities, ticket demand has forced TSO to upgrade from theaters into arenas. "I love theaters because you're so close, but when you're in theaters, you can't use pyro and you can only get X number of lights in the air before the ceiling will collapse," O'Neill says. "We want the show to be mind-blowing, so there's an attraction to the arenas, because I can use more production. I think we have a responsibility to make sure that the person furthest back in the arena has a magical show. If you're in the front row, there's a rush because you're so close, and if you're in the last row, there's a rush because you get to take in the full cinemascope." More...
Goatwhore Complete New Recordings
Goatwhore website, www.goatwhore.net, is now up and running. The band have finished recording their next release for Rotten Records, due out in February, 2003. A tour will follow the release.
In related news, Rotten Records has released a vinyl gatefold version of Goatwhore’s The Eclipse Of Ages Into Black album. It is a limited release of 1000 copies (500 copies of the vinyl being black and 500 copies of them being clear red). To order go to www.goatwhore.net or www.rottenrecords.com for further details.
Also, Goatwhore has recorded the Celtic Frost cover ‘Into Crypts Of Rays’ for a split 7" with Epoch of Unlight, who have covered Kreator’s ‘Betrayer’. It will be released through Bloated Goat Records (www.bloatedgoatrecords.com) in early 2003. Go to the Bloated Goat Records website for a sample of both tracks and updates on the release date.
Nile Pull Off Beast Feast
Nile have cancelled their participation in Beast Feast 2002, a two-day festival set to take place on December 14-15 at Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Tokyo, Japan. No reason was given for the cancellation.
The complete schedule for the event now looks as follows: More...
Jim Durkin Speaks on Dark Angel Departure
Former Dark Angel and current Dreams of Damnation/Pagan War Machine guitarist Jim Durkin has spoken out on his non-participation in the upcoming Dark Angel reunion tour.
Durkin's statement regarding his departure from the group is as follows:
"Regardless of what people are saying, regardless of what people are hearing or think they are hearing... everyone has theories and opinions regarding me leaving Dark Angel. That's fine. My reasons are just that — MINE. This will be my first and last posting regarding me being replaced in Dark angel.
"I was unable to commit to the December tour. Nor did I feel we would be ready with no bass player and drummer to rehearse with. I just felt — as did certain other members at the time — that we would not have enough rehearsal time for it. That story seems to have changed now. Also the fact remains I would not be able to commit to anything after December so far in advance. So the remaining members decided to replace me. This is fine by me. The little bit we did get to play together was fun. They have excellent help in booking all upcoming shows, and although I don't know Jed, he IS an awesome player. So I apologize to the fans for the delay and wish the Dark Angel guys luck. And I'll just leave it at that." More...
New Usurper Track Posted Online
A brand new Usurper track, titled "Metal Lust", has been posted online at this location. "Metal Lust" comes off the group's upcoming Twilight Dominion CD, due in April 2003 via Earache Records.
CoF Cancel Shows
Cradle of Filth have issued an official statement regarding the postponement of their U.K. dates, originally scheduled to take place later in the month.
The statement reads as follows:
"Cradle of Filth have had to postpone their three December live shows due to ill health. Unfortunately, [vocalist] Dani [Filth] has been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, which currently prevents him from singing.
"The three dates, 11/12 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall, 12/12 Norwich Waterfront and 13/12 London Astoria K-Fest will be re-arranged to happen in the new year. Previous tickets will be valid for these shows.
"Cradle of Filth apologize to their fans for having to postpone the shows."
Finntroll Announce New Vocalist
Finland's Finntroll have enlisted singer Tapio Wilska as the permanent replacement for Katla, who was forced to step down as vocalist earlier in the year due to problems with his vocal cords. Wilska had previously fronted a number of acts, including Sethian and Wizzard, and had done session work with several high-profile Finnish groups, such as Nightwish and Timo Rautiained & Trio Niskalaukaus.
"I feel pretty overwhelmed donning Katla's fur coat," Wilska stated a few weeks ago before his permanent status in the group became official. "[Finntroll] has been one of my favorite bands since their debut, and doing the songs is great fun for me. I, as probably every other fan of the band wishes that Katla will get better and will return to the band in the future. But I have to say that although Sethian remains my No. 1 priority, I'll give 100% to this thing when needed. Hey kiddos, it's only a question of time management... As for Swedish [all of Finntroll's lyrics are written in Swedish—ed.], I speak it adequately, I studied it further at the [university] as my second language." More...
Hypocrisy Writing New Material
Sweden's Hypocrisy are busy at home writing new material after their first ever tour of Japan. Frontman Peter Tägtgren expects to record Hypocrisy's new album sometime in August or September of 2003 for an early 2004 release.
In similar news, Hypocrisy have booked Germany’s Bang Your Head festival on the 27th and 28th of July, 2003, but look for a full winter and spring touring schedule to happen shortly. Stay tuned.
Kataklysm Film Video
Canadian death metallers Kataklysm have finished filming the video for "In Shadows & Dust," scheduled to appear on Nuclear Blast's 15th anniversary DVD.
The group are currently in Europe on tour with Six Feet Under, Marduk, Dying Fetus, Hate Eternal, Impaled Nazarene, Immolation, Macabre and Ragnarok, and hope to have dates for a stateside jaunt with Hate Eternal, Dying Fetus and more sometime in February.
The Kovenant Finalizing S.E.T.I.
Norwegian techno-metallers The Kovenant appear to be finalizing work on their new album, S.E.T.I..
"Lex has found out that he has an excellent singing voice and has incorporated a lot more singing on the new album," said a statement from the group. "The producer even said that he sounds like Ozzy Osbourne sometimes. We have also used a lot of new and different instruments this time."
S.E.T.I. will feature a revamped line-up, including Erik from Zeromancer on keyboards and programming. The group hope to have a late spring release for the album. Stay tuned.
Gorgoroth Set To Finish Album
Norwegian black metallers Gorgoroth will finally get to record the vocals on their upcoming album, Twilight of the Idols (In Conspiracy with Satan), now that frontman Ghaal is out of prison.
Ghaal was imprisoned earlier this year, when he was involved in an altercation with another Norwegian fellow.
Nuclear Blast, on related note, reports: "Gorgoroth have been contacted by Norwegian television, as they are considering making a documentary about the band. Currently the band are looking over the offer and should be making a decision soon whether or not they will participate."
Headline News
Guns N' Roses Pull Out of American Tour?
Guns N’ Roses have apparently pulled their American tour. This follows fans rioting at the First Union Center in Philadelphia after a show by the band was cancelled at 11.15pm, more than two hours after GNR should have been onstage. The reason given was that one of the band had been taken ill.
I am practically of the opinion that these guys should not be ALLOWED to tour, because they are simply unable to fulfill their obligations. Even when I saw them years ago with Metallica, they kept the fans waiting for over an hour and a half, nearly causing a riot. Maybe they wouldn't have so many problems if they weren't getting so fucked up and drinking themselves "ill" before every show...
Flynn Turns Down Drowning Pool
Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn has apparently turned down the chance to audition for Drowning Pool. The latter are still carrying on the task of finding a replacement for Dave Williams, who died this summer while touring with Ozzfest.
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