Metal News for December 15, 2001
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
- Enthroned To Release New Album In December
- Spite Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
- Trivium Parts Company With Drummer
5 news articles posted on this day.
Noise Records Rejoins Sanctuary
After a successful three-year agreement, Century Media and Germany's Noise Records have completed their North America marketing and distribution agreement. It was during their tenure together, that Noise once again returned to top form bringing their brand of European metal to the expansive US marketplace. Effective January 1, 2002, Noise will return to their parent company, Sanctuary Records Group, who in 2000 assumed worldwide ownership of Noise, whose catalog includes releases from such heavy metal artists as Celtic Frost, Gamma Ray, Virgin Steele, Kamelot and Kreator. For the past year Sanctuary has since honored their obligation to the existing contract between Noise and Century Media, which effectively ends December 31, 2001.
Sceptic Guitar Changes
Czesław Semla (guitar) is no longer with the Sceptic. Semla was dismissed after he did not show up for the band's Poznan show with Napalm Death. During the concert, the band was helped out by Rafał Kastory from Atrophia Red Sun, who has since become Sceptic's new axeman. Maciek Zięba (drums) has been offered a position in Dies Irae, which is headed by Vader's Mauser. Maciek is to replace Docent and take part in the recording of Dies Irae's new album in December.
Spinal Tapped For Charity
Spinal Tap will re-form to play a charity show in Los Angeles at the House Of Blues on December 20. This is a benefit gig for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (mitochondria are connected with the body’s ability to produce energy). Also on the bill are Tenacious D.
Finch Drive Thru
Finch, the US hardcore crew, will release their first album for Drive Thru Records in March. Called ‘What It Is To Burn’, it was produced by Mark Trombino of Jimmy Eat World fame. The full track listing is: More...
Breaking News
Chuck Schuldiner Dies of Brain Tumor
Empty Words sullenly reports that Chuck Schuldiner has lost his fight against pontine glioma, a rare form of brain tumor. Head over and sign the condolenses book. (Updated: book #2 is open, as the first is full at 2000 entries).
Today we have to give you the saddest news ever. Chuck lost the fight for his life on December 13 2001 at 4 PM EST. We are all in shock and despite any expectations we had, we can't believe that this is really happening.
A farewell word has been posted on the memorial page. Needless to say, we will continue with EmptyWords to honor Chuck's memory, and the memory of the wonderful music he shared with us all.
While I am not Death's biggest fan, I have enjoyed some of their music and respect their immense contribution to the genre, and this news saddens me deeply. It reminds all of us of our mortality and humbles us when one we hold so highly passes on. More...
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