Metal News for December 18, 2007
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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Hot Topics
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41 news articles posted on this day.
Planes Mistaken For Stars Announces Final Show
Planes Mistaken For Stars will play their final show on February 16th at the Marquis Theater in Denver, CO. According to the group, "It's been a long hard process to figure out which place we can pull it off at and finally we decided that the Marquis will be the best spot for it! Mike and staff have been too good to us over the years and we know he will send us off in style!"
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and the show will also feature Mustangs and Madras in addition to Kingdom of Magic.
Two People Killed In Christmas Carnage Tour Crash
Australia's The Sydney Morning Herald reports that two men have died and four have been injured after a minibus carrying men involved in a heavy metal band tour has crashed down an embankment of the Pacific Highway.
The minibus was in a convoy carrying the ALL SHALL PERISH and THE RED SHORE "deathcore" bands on their Christmas Carnage tour.
A spokeswoman for the tour organizer said that members of the Califorinia-based ALL SHALL PERISH were not involved in the crash. She was unable to provide details about the dead men.
The bands were due to perform at Hermann's bar at the University of Sydney tonight.
One man was pronounced dead at the crash site, while a second man died at Coffs Harbour hospital after being trapped for an hour in the minibus after the minibus veered off the road and rolled down an embankment near Cunninghams Bridge at Moonee Beach in northern NSW at 7am.
Four other male passengers are in a stable condition.
The bus had been carrying eight passengers, all men in their 20s, when it veered off the road, said Ambulance spokeswoman Clare Pemberton.
"There are varying degrees of injury with the other six patients, multiple fractures, abrasions, mainly cuts and bruises for the majority of them," she told Macquarie Radio.
"Most of them are walking. They seem to have come out okay."
Police have closed the highway in both directions, and have urged motorists to avoid the area if possible.
"There will be local traffic diversions in place, but we are urging people to avoid the area if at all possible," a police spokesman said.
Original Black Sabbath Drummer Checks In
Legendary BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has issued the following Christmas letter to fans:
"I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
I'm looking forward to, hopefully, a few days of quiet over the holidays. The year has been long and bittersweet. Musically, it's been a great year. However, in saying that, I have failed to get the album Beyond Aston finished. I never experienced ever being part of a project with so many stops and starts. June 2nd - that was the date I singed off to start mixing. It felt at times that we were doomed not to progress. Technical problems and production loss gradually ground us to a halt. I even started another album at Keith's home studio (Keith Lynch, BILL WARD BAND guitar player), in early November. We have six songs done so far on that album, untitled as yet.
I do regret that Beyond Aston didn't become available in 2007. We're in the action of re-setting up a production team to finish up in January/February 2008.
Highlights of 2007:
My daughter, Em graduated, and I was there. I missed my youngest son's graduation (I was on tour), so seeing her graduate was a first-time experience (my oldest son didn't graduate - he dropped out and joined a band). I sat with my grandson in my arms and watched her graduate - brilliant.
I saw Ronnie (James Dio), Tony (Iommi), Geezer (Butler) and Vinnie (Appice) in Fresno. It was very nice to see them. I've definitely missed walking with Tony this year, and I always miss playing with them (Tony and Geezer). I watched the show and found myself taking a walk down memory lane when they played 'Heaven & Hell'. The show was great, and I'm still thinking about Geezer's bass playing. That night, he played brilliantly, I thought. I've never watched him play before, not even with Oz. I've never seen him live, not since the RAREBREED days. When I'm playing with Geezer, it's a totally different experience, so watching him perform on stage as I stood in the mix area was very powerful visually, and sound-wise, demolishing. He's just brill, period. His chops were tight, I'm honoured that I know the bloke.
Our cats have taken over the house. I've finally surrendered to their will. For me, I have become their walker, waiter, scratcher and general servant, doing the most meaningful labour, some of which is too sordid to mention.
I didn't go anywhere this year - Fresno, but I think that was it. Nearly all of my time was spent either writing or being in the studio. My wife went travelling. My oldest boy, Aeron, flew in from the UK. with his girlfriend. He did a quick visit/trip up and down the west coast, and headed in no time at all, back to Blighty (GB.).
I've been walking and working and struggling and overcoming and laughing and getting past it; healing, speaking, singing, playing and talking to a lot of other people and musicians (there's a difference). I'm alive, and I'm not roaming the streets anymore like I was doing in December 1983.
I can appreciate Christmas can bring heartache and financial worries (above the already possible existing financial worries). I hope you find solace among the shortfalls and anxieties. The healing focus to the suffering rich and poor alike, I hope, will always be thoughtful and strong. I hope that the misery of mankind stops or becomes less. I hope that all nature's animals and creatures will reign in prosperity. My Christmas wish is that our eyesight and hearing will continue to better detect the truth of any matter. I hope that we all grasp a little tighter to understanding the words "objectification" and "should."
Merry Christmas.
Love,
Bill
Place your head upon whatever you've been chosen to call bed."
New Anthrax Singer Wants To Record Album Quickly
The following report is courtesy of The Canadian Press:
The tagline for the 2001 movie Rock Star - 'The story of a wannabe who got to be' - might as well have been about Dan Nelson. The part-time singer and personal trainer from Long Island was just a regular working Joe until last week, when heavy metal icons ANTHRAX announced that the 31-year-old would become their new lead singer.
"The other night my friends took me out for dinner and one of them bought me Rock Star as a joke," Nelson said Tuesday. "So I watched it and it was weird - the whole beginning of the movie is similar to what's happened."
It's really a case of life imitating art that imitates life: The flick's hero, played by Mark Wahlberg, is a photocopier technician by day who scores the ultimate gig when his favourite band asks him to become their singer. The movie is loosely based on the true story of Tim Owens, singer in a JUDAS PRIEST tribute band who was chosen to replace his idol.
Now Nelson gets to rock out with Anthrax, the group he idolized as a kid.
But unlike Wahlberg's cautionary character, whose life spirals out of control with the pressures of fame, Nelson doesn't plan on letting it go to his head. He has no plans to trash hotel rooms, either.
"No, I'm not that type," the married rocker said, with a laugh. "I'll be trashing stages. Every stage I play I'll be destroying."
Nelson's big break comes courtesy of MySpace: Nelson met Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano several years ago and, buoyed by encouragement from his wife, Kim, recently contacted him through the social networking Web site to discuss a possible collaboration of sorts. Caggiano admired his pluck.
"I sent him my stuff on Myspace and he sent me a (message) back with his number and said, 'Call me immediately,' " Nelson recalled. "I called him up and his response was, 'What rock have you been hiding under?' "
Anthrax had a reunion tour with former singer Joey Belladonna last year, but talks to continue fell through. With that doubtless in the back of his mind, Nelson flew to Chicago to meet with Caggiano for a project he was working on.
After a 10-hour jam session, Caggiano delivered a doozy: "I think you should try singing for Anthrax."
Nelson auditioned for the band - Caggiano, guitarist Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frankie Bello - in late October. He said they had him "on pins and needles" for a month until breaking the good news.
"I was in shock," he said. "I'm still in shock. I mean, who am I kidding? You know, I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
He's ready to get to work on the band's upcoming album.
"It's gone from the excitement and disbelief to 'OK, let's go,' " he said. "I want the next thing. I want to get in the studio. I want to record the album. I want to be on the road. I can't wait for that. It's my dream to do that - and I can't wait."
Read the full article at this location.
Jason Bonham Talks About Led Zeppelin Reunion Show
The following story is courtesy of Gary Graff from Billboard.com:
Still buzzing from LED ZEPPELIN's reunion show on December 10 in London, drummer Jason Bonham says he's the wrong guy to ask about any future plans for the group.
"I'm still the new guy, and I wouldn't know," Bonham - whose late father, John Bonham, was Zep's original drummer - tells Billboard.com. "There's been no talks except to Jimmy (Page) and Robert (Plant) and John Paul (Jones), just to say thanks for the best Christmas present I could ask for. It really meant a lot to me."
"Is it gonna be again? Don't be greedy," he continues. "Just take it for what you've done and be proud to be part of that. If they do it again, of course I would love to. But that's up to them. Only time will tell. If you'd have asked me a year ago, 'Are they gonna do a date next year?,' I'd have gone, 'No way!' So I was proved wrong once before."
Bonham says that even a week after the show, the experience "still ... kinda feels surreal, like it never really happened in some way." But he does feel that the show, part of a tribute to the late Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, provided some vindication after what he felt was a sub-par performance with Zep at the Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary concert in 1988 in New York.
"I had to work at it, really prove that I could do it and not just say, 'Hey, I'm John Bonham's son. I should be doing it,'" he explains. "I put a lot of work into it ... listening to all the different live versions I had. You've got to earn this, 'cause there's a million drummers out there that would love to cut your throat right now and take over."
"I'm amazed. I pulled it off," he enthuses. "So it's very special for me, just ... everything. If you'd have wanted a moment for everyone to get it right at one point, that was it."
Read the full article at this location.
Imagika Ink Deal With Locomotive Records
San Jose-based power metallers IMAGIKA has signed a worldwide deal with Locomotive Records for the release of their new CD, Feast For The Hated. The release date is April 25th, 2008 for Europe and a non-confirmed date in May for the rest of the world. The band's last CD, My Bloodied Wings, will still be released by Sleaszy Rider in Europe. This is a re-release with new art and the bonus track 'Haunt Me'. The release is scheduled for January 2008. Imagika has also signed with the Extreme Music Agency for all future bookings.
In other news, long-time bassist Elena Luciano has left the band after six years due to “personal issues.” Her replacement is San Francisco Bay Area Metal veteran Jim Pegram. Also Corey Krick comes in as second guitarist. According to a band update, "both new members bring a fresh attitude and enthusiasm to the band and Imagika looks forward to their future involvement. Happy New Year indeed!"
Black Tide To Release Debut Album In February
Miami rockers BLACK TIDE have announced a February 26th release date for their debut album, Light From Above. The album will be released on Interscope Records. Black Tide recorded the album at Chicago’s Groovemaster Studios, with Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SOIL) producing.
An excerpt from a press reads as follows: "Black Tide’s music draws from the best hard rock and thrash from the '80s, while giving it a 21st century kick up the ass. 'Shockwave', the band’s calling card and the album’s opening track, is an utter classic - all bloody-knuckled thrash riffs, squealing guitars, rampaging drums, in-your-face vocals and an instantly memorable chorus.
The rest of Light From Above is up to the same impressive standard; anthemic, take-no-prisoners tracks like 'Shout', 'Black Abyss', 'Let Me', 'Live Fast Die Young', the MAIDEN-esque 'Warriors Of Time' and their spot-on cover of METALLICA’s 'Hit The Lights' will punch any metal fan squarely in their pleasure centers."
Serj Tankian Announces 2008 Tour Dates
The following message has been posted by Serj Tankian's official Myspace:
"Hey Everyone,
"I just wanted to share some great news with you for 2008.
"Beginning on Feb. 11, we will be touring North America with the Foo Fighters, as well as doing some headlining dates. We will announce our headlining shows in the coming weeks, but below are the dates with the Foo Fighters.
"The F.C.C. and I had a blast touring with the Foo's in the UK, and can'twait to bring the show back to North America.
"As always, thanks for all of your support and can't wait to see all of you next year.
"Happy Holidays and try not to drown in Egg Nog,
"Peace, Serj"
The tour dates are as follows:
Mon-Feb-18 Worcester The Centrum
Tue-Feb-19 New York MSG
Thu-Feb-21 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
Fri-Feb-22 Binghampton SUNY Gym
Sun-Feb-24 Detroit Joe Louis Arena
Mon-Feb-25 Chicago Allstate Arena
Wed-Feb-27 Minneapolis Target Center
Thu-Feb-28 Council Bluffs Alltel Arena
Sun-Mar-02 Phoenix Jobing.com Arena
Mon-Mar-03 San Diego Cox Arena
Wed-Mar-05 Los Angeles The Forum
Abigor Put Finishing Touches On Split Album
Reunited Austrian black metallers ABIGOR are putting the finishing touches on their split album with BLACKLODGE. A tentative March/April release date through End All Life Records (with distribution through Season Of Mist) is expected.
ABIGOR's latest album, "Fractal Possesion", was released in Europe in May.
Check out a few audio samples at the band's MySpace page.
ABIGOR's "Orkblut - The Retaliation" mini-CD, which was originally issued in 1994 via Napalm Records, was released on vinyl and as a limited-edition picture disc in November 2006 through France's Chaos Sacrum Records.
ABIGOR's current lineup includes mainman Peter Kubik and co-founding member T.T.
Defiance Post 1994 Demo Online For Download
The final demo recorded by the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers DEFIANCE prior to morphing into INNER THRESHOLD is now available for download from DEFIANCE's web site, The demo, recorded in the winter of 1994 was produced by Rob Beaton (HEATHEN, DEFIANCE).
DEFIANCE is currently recording a new CD at Trident Studios in Concord, CA with producer Juan Urteaga (EXODUS, SKINLAB, VILE). Along with the new album, DEFIANCE is also working on putting together a DVD, tentatively titled "Decade(s) of Defiance", that will cronicle the band's entire career from 1985 to the present.
Part of the so-called "second wave" of Bay Area thrash (which also included the likes of FORBIDDEN, VIO-LENCE, DEATH ANGEL, and TESTAMENT), DEFIANCE officially disbanded in 1993 after the departure of vocalist Steev Esquivel (who would go on to form SKINLAB, and later RE:IGNITION), while the remaining members, with the addition of vocalist Dave Godfrey White (HEATHEN), formed INNER THRESHOLD, which would also eventually disband. More...
Warrel Dane Reveals Solo Album Title
NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane has set "Praise to the War Machine" as the title of his debut solo album, due in April via Century Media Records. Former SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers recently completed mixing the CD at a studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "The album sounds amazing and I am really proud of the songs on this one," said Wichers, who co-wrote most of the material on the LP with Dane.
Songtitles set to appear on "Praise to the War Machine" include:
01. When We Pray
02. Messenger (featuring Jeff Loomis)
03. Obey
04. Let You Down (featuring Chris Broderick)
05. August
06. Feel Failure (Hail Yesterday)
07. Brother
08. Patterns (PAUL SIMON cover)
09. Praise To The War Machine (featuring James Murphy)
10. This Old Man
11. Lucretia (THE SISTERS OF MERCY cover)
Gilead Media To Release Indricothere LP/CD
Indricothere, the studio-only solo project of current Behold... the Arctopus, Dysrhythmia, etc. member Colin Marston, will release their "Prehistoric Caves" album with Gilead Media. The effort was originally released by The Sacrosanct Opuscule in September as 100 hand-made CDRs. Gilead Media will be re-releasing the "instru-tech-death-metal" album as an LP (with included CD) on March 25th, 2008. You can check out some material from the record here.
Machine Head To Perform In Israel In March
San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD will perform at the Theatre Club on in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel on March 10, 2008. Opening the show will be BETZEFER.
As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel — who sat out several dates on the San Francisco Bay Area metal act's European tour due to the death of his father — rejoined his bandmates for the final show of "The Black Crusade" trek Friday night (December 14) in Helsinki, Finland.
For the concerts that MACHINE HEAD played without Demmel, they received assistance from members of "The Black Crusade" tourmates TRIVIUM, ARCH ENEMY and DRAGONFORCE, enabling the group to perform an abbreviated set without canceling the remainder of the tour.
During MACHINE HEAD's December 7, 2007 performance in Zurich, frontman Robb Flynn dedicated the song "Descend the Shades of Night" to everyone who has lost someone important in his/her life, and informed the crowd that MACHINE HEAD had just lost a family member of its own, adding that the song would be played in Phil's father's honor. Demmel reportedly cried while he played the solo to the track, which Flynn had previously described as "an eight-minute elegy on death."
Nightwish Complete North American Tour
NIGHTWISH have just wrapped up their North American tour. Footage from the final date on the trek can be found in the band's new video blog, available below...
Nightwish's Dark Passion Play album, released September 26th, recently surpassed 100,000 units in sales in Finland. The album has also been certified Platinum in Switzerland for sales in excess of 30,000 copies.
Released earlier this month, Nightwish's newest single 'Erämaan Viimeinen' hit #1 on the official Finnish singles chart. 'Erämaan Viimeinen' is a vocal rendition of the instrumental 'Last Of The Wilds', off Dark Passion Play. The song is performed, with Finnish lyrics, by Jonsu of the all-girl pop band INDICA, who opened for Nightwish throughout the recently completed Scandinavian tour.
More...
Himsa Post New Video Segment Online
HIMSA wraps up a North America tour alongside AMON AMARTH and SONIC SYNDICATE this week, which also marks their first stateside trek in support of their album Summon In Thunder.
The third episode of Himsa TV, shot by King of Hearts Productions, is also now online which documents some crazy backstage antics, highlights from various shows and gives a look into how the band spend their days off. Check it out below...
Look for the band on tour throughout North America once again in the spring of 2008. See www.myspace.com/himsa for all tourdates and current news.
Johnny Pettibone (vocals) recently checked in to describe his thoughts on the holiday season: “My girlfriend and I are spending time with both our families in Seattle and North Bend, Washington. She's baking pies in just her undies and I’ll be watching the fights that I missed on tour. My perfect gift would be the Prince of Darkness 24' figure from the movie Legend and a new Integrity hoodie. The worst part of the holidays is if I’m away from my family or work really slows down at the club, which usually means Jan. and Feb. are rough. So I make up for that with more skating and less eating, which is rad.”
Upcoming live dates (with Amon Amarth, Sonic Syndicate):
December
18 - Slim’s - San Francisco, CA
19 - The Avalon - Los Angeles, CA More...
Headhunter Confirmed For Wacken Open Air
Recently reactivated German metallers HEADHUNTER - led by DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier - is the latest act confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.
Schmier originally founded Headhunter after his short split from Destruction at the end of the eighties. With Headhunter, Schmier released the three records: Parody Of Life (1990), A Bizarre Gardening Accident (1992) and Rebirth (1994), together with Jörg Michael (ex-SAXON/STRATOVARIUS) on drums and Schmuddel on guitar. The albums were re-released through AFM Records with a remastered sound and a new booklet with old pictures, liner notes and all lyrics on September, 7th. The new Headhunter album will be released in spring 2008 through AFM Records.
The Wacken Open Air Festival will be headlined by IRON MAIDEN (on July 31st). The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AUTUMN, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, BEFORE THE DAWN, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CORVUS CORAX, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, ENEMY OF THE SUN, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, EVOCATION, GIRUGÄMESH, GOREROTTED, GORGOROTH, HATEBREED, HEADHUNTER, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, LORDI, NIFELHEIM, NIGHTWISH, OBITUARY, AXEL RUDI PELL, POWERWOLF, PRIMORDIAL, SABATON, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES, WARBRINGER.
RATM To Play Optimus Alive! Festival In Portugal
Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk are expected to rock in the 10th of July at the Optimus Alive!2008 festival, in Lisbon, Portugal.
The date has been confirmed in their official website. This show is one of the 15 the band has bookmarked. The complete list of festival and tour dates is as follows:
01/18 - Auckland, AUS - MT Smart Stadium
01/20 - Gold Coast, AUS - Parklands
01/22 - Syndey, AUS - Sydney Entertainment Centre
01/25 - Sydney, AUS - Sydney Showgrounds
01/28 - Melbourne, AUS - Flemington Racecourse
01/30 - Melbourne, AUS - Festival Hall
02/01 - Adelaide, AUS - Adelaide Showground
02/03 - Perth, AUS - Claremont Showground
02/07 - Osaka, JPN - Osaka Castle Hall
02/09 - Tokyo, JPN - Tokyo Makuhari Messe
02/10 - Tokyo, JPN - Tokyo Makuhari Messe
06/01 - Pinkpop 2008
06/06 - Rock Am Ring Festival
06/07 - Rock Im Park Festival
07/10 - Optimus Alive!08 - Oeiras - Lisbon
Nine Inch Nails Secret Project Footage Online
Nine Inch Nails have posted a short clip of some progress occurring on a secret project Trent Reznor and Adrian Belew are working on, sounding like guitar riffing and feedback. You can watch it on YouTube or below.
More...
Photos, Setlist of Nightrage Madrid Gig Available
Hall Of Metal has posted a gallery of high quality pics from Sunday's NIGHTRAGE gig in Madrid, Spain (with Spanish thrashers LEGEN BELTZA as special guests) at this location.
Nightrage performed the following setlist: 'Spiral', 'Reconcile', 'Descent Into Chaos', 'Skating', 'A Condemned Club', 'Death Like Silence', Drum solo, 'Scars', 'Encircle', 'Being Nothing', 'Phantasma', Guitar solos, 'Elusive Emotion', 'Reality Vs Truth', 'Poems', 'Macabre Apparition', 'The Tremor', 'Hero'.
Genghis Tron Post Another Preview Track Online
GENGHIS TRON has posted the second preview track, "City On A Hill", from its brand new full-length album and Relapse debut, "Board Up The House". This track, as well as album opener "Board Up The House", can be heard now exclusively via the band's MySpace page.
01. Board Up The House
02. Endless Teeth
03. Things Don't Look Good
04. Recursion
05. I Won't Come Back Alive
06. City On A Hill
07. The Whips Blow Back
08. Colony Collapse
09. The Feast
10. Ergot
11. Relief
"Board Up The House" was recorded at Godcity Studios in Salem, MA with producer Kurt Ballou. The CD will be released on February 19 in North America (February 25 internationally) via Relapse Records.
GENGHIS TRON is currently wrapping up a North American tour with labelmates THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.
Nightwish Post New Video Blog Online
A new NIGHTWISH video blog featuring footage from the final show of the band's recently completed North American tour can be viewed here.
As previously reported, NIGHTWISH's new album, "Dark Passion Play", has sold more than 100,000 copies in Finland since its late September release. In addition, the CD was recently certified platinum in Switzerland for sales in excess of 30,000 copies.
NIGHTWISH's new Finland-only single, "Erämaan Viimeinen" (Last of the Wilds), entered the Finnish chart at position No. 1. "Erämaan Viimeinen" is the instrumental "Last of the Wilds" off "Dark Passion Play", but with Finnish lyrics, courtesy of Jonsu from the all-girl pop/rock band INDICA, who is supporting NIGHTWISH in Scandinavia. More...
Ex-Grim Reaper Guitarist To Play With Belladonna
Former GRIM REAPER guitarist Nick Bowcott will join ex-ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna for both New York City shows at The Filmore NY @ Irving Plaza on December 20 and December 21 during Joey's opening slot for TWISTED SISTER. Bowcott and Belladonna will reportedly perform a couple of "classic songs" together each night.
Belladonna last year made three full albums' worth of solo material available for paid download via his official web site.
Commented Joey: "These songs are assorted experiments that I have done and are varied in style. They are sort of 'one-offs,' basically just songs that I wanted to record for fun."
Insect Warfare Post New Unmastered Songs Online
INSECT WARFARE have posted two new unmastered songs entitled “Human Virus Ballistic” and “Digital Target” from their upcoming split with AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED on the band’s official MySpace page.
Skindred Perform With Nonpoint Drummer
A fan-cam captured performance of Skindred performing their hit track "Nobody" with Nonpoint drummer Robb Rivera can be found online below. Also featured in the video is Skindred briefly covering The Luniz "I Got Five On It".
More...
Steelheart Open Recording Studio
Reactivated early '90s hard rockers STEELHEART have issued the following update:
"We are happy to announce the opening of SteelHeart Studios on Thursday, December 20th in Charlottesville, VA. There will be pictures and updates after the party. We will have news for the New Year very shortly about tours and the album release."
"The song 'Twisted Future' from the new upcoming [STEELHEART] album will be displayed at the NAMM show for the Tascam DM3200 mixing console. Mili [vocalist Miljenko Matijevic] used this console for recording of his new album. Tascam was so impressed by the recording that they asked if they can use the multi-tracks for their display. SE microphones will also be contributing to the promotion of the album." More...
Nidrike Reveal Debut Album Details
NIDRIKE, the Swedish black metal project featuring VANMAKT mainman Gorgoth and Gjallar from SKALD as the main lyric writer, has issued the following update:
"NIDRIKE is now done with the recording of all basic instruments [for the group's debut album]. The vocals will be recorded next week and after that it's time for the mix; that's almost already done. 12 songs has been recorded, and we will have to see if all of them hits the album. I don't think so. But the songs that don't hit the record will be available on the tape. Listen to some demo songs at this location."
"I want to share some titles with you all and also the album title, so here it is (in no special order):"
"'Blodsarv' (Blood Heritage) track listing:
01. Då Solen Svartnar
02. Hädangång
03. Tidens Furste
04. En Renande Storm
05. Vedergällning
06. Lögnernas Högborg
07. Vånda" More...
Blaze Bayley To Release New Album Next Year
Former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE singer Blaze Bayley has told Swindon Advertiser that he plans on releasing a new solo album next year via his own record label, Blaze Bayley Recordings.
"I have now got a fantastic lineup and the songs and music for the next album are the best I have ever done," he said.
"It has a strong feel of revenge on the record companies who have heaped betrayal, deceit and lies on to me. It is saying that I refuse to lie down and die," he said.
The singer is currently on a micro tour with his lead guitarist, Nico Bermudez.
The musicians will be performing The Live And Unplugged show in Swindon, UK this month.
"It's my life unplugged. I will be singing different songs than those I sing in the full metal band. I also tell the stories that created the songs and what inspired them," said Blaze.
He also talks about his life as a rock star including the time he met OASIS when they were on tour in Japan.
"They were causing a riot in their hotel at 5am and it reminded me of my song, 'Man On The Edge'. Of course, what was I doing up at 5am?" he laughed.
But the singer is aware how fragile the human voice can be and does watch his drinking and has never touched drugs.
"You can replace a guitar string or drum stick but not get a new voice box and although I don't preach I tell people, if they ask, that I never use drugs," he said. "I know I have an addictive personality."
It doesn't stop him taking the mickey out of his band when they come in with hangovers.
"A hangover is no excuse to miss rehearsal. I have my revenge about going to bed early when I see them playing five tracks of heavy metal with a hangover," he laughed.
The singer says that joining IRON MAIDEN taught him so much about his own voice and about the music business.
"Being number one in the rock charts with a song I wrote, ('Man On The Edge') is an amazing boost to the confidence. And being on 'Top of the Pops', being headbangers devoted to rock and metal — it was great being part of that legend," he said.
Nemhain Reveal New Guitarist
NEMHAIN, featuring ex-CRADLE OF FILTH drummer Adrian Erlandsson and his wife Morrigan Hel, have issued the following update:
"Since starting our search for a new guitarist, we've had a ton of people applying, so firstly, thanks to everyone who offered their services, much appreciated.
After some deliberation we are very happy to announce that we are now working with Lakis (LOVE & BULLETS, AREA 54). He'll be shredding at our LA showcase gigs - January 16th at The Joint Pre - NAMM show party and January 20th at The Cat Club. We hope to continue spreading the Rock n Roll plague with him after that. We'll be lining up a few gigs for early next year, so get your arses down there and make sure you know all the words!
We're also pleased to announce that we'll be recording our debut album at last! We're going into Studio Fredman in Sweden on March 23rd to record with acclaimed producer Frederick Nordstrom (DREAM EVIL, ARCH ENEMY, etc).
Helloween Announce European Festival Dates
HELLOWEEN have updated their website to announce their first confirmed 2008 European festival appearances, which at this point include:
July
5 - Serbia - Castle Rock
6 - Slovenia - Metal Camp
11 - Norway - Kvinesdal Rock Festival
As previously reported, "Helloween successfully closed the Scandinavian leg of their Hellish Rock Tour 2007/08 - accompanied by the German metal bands GAMMA RAY and AXXIS - under the frenetic applause of 1,600 fans in Helsinki, such as a kick ass show in front of 3,000 crazy fans in Stockholm (Sweden), sold out shows in Lund (Sweden) and Tampere (Finland) and well attended shows in Oslo, Gothenburg and Helsinki.
The band proved once more their status as one of the leading melodic metal bands of today who still elate fans of all ages. Helloween and Gamma Ray will continue the our playing 3 shows in Czech republic, two in Slovakia and two more in Germany, before they take a small Christmas break."
Axemaster Introduce New Singer
Ohio-based metallers AXEMASTER have issued the following update:
"AXEMASTER would like to introduce the newest member of the band, vocalist Dan Kaisk has replaced Christopher Michael as the frontman. Dan has an extremely powerful voice that fits the band's style perfectly, a very welcome addition to the project. The move was made just in time to allow him to be featured on the upcoming AXEMASTER CD, which will make the release all the more kick ass!!"
"To hear a short demo clip that's an example of Dan's style/sound, go to this location." More...
Haste The Day Plan Special Acoustic Performances
Eventful, the leading global events web site, joined forces with Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Haste The Day to promote the launch of their highly anticipated headlining VS. Tour, starting January 11, 2008. On top of the 34 shows already slated for the tour, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Haste The Day are going to play an acoustic set for five of the cities that “Demand” the rocking duo the most.
Haste The Day says, “We are really excited for these very exclusive Haste The Day Acoustic Sets. Any time that we get to break the mold of heavy music and show our versatility is really exciting for us. And what makes it more special to us is the fact that Eventful is making it possible! We're stoked to give our fans a chance to hear us stripped down in a face-to-face environment! We're honored to call the fans our friends. Thanks to Eventful.com and thanks to the fans!”
Launched Friday, December 7th, the Demand competition will continue through 2:00 pm PST, January 3rd, on Eventful. The winning cities will be announced on January 4th.
“We're very excited to launch our tour with Haste the Day, but we're even more excited to be using Eventful Demand to find our most avid fans and offer them a special acoustic performance. This is the perfect way to give back and show thanks to our fans,” said Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
“We love helping build stronger connections between fans and artists by enabling fans to influence where their favorite performers tour,” said Jordan Glazier, CEO of Eventful. “We’re excited to help Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Haste The Day shape their tour based on the voice of their fans.”
Fans can log on to eventful.com/vstour, myspace.com/hastetheday, myspace.com/scarykids to join the competition and Demand a performance from Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Haste The Day.
Matt Barlow Still In Pyramaze
Guitarist Michael Kammeyer of the Danish metallers PYRAMAZE has issued the following statement regarding the recent announcement that the group's lead vocalist Matt Barlow was returning to front his previous band ICED EARTH as the replacement for Tim "Ripper" Owens:
"As most of you know by now, Matt has joined forces with his old band ICED EARTH again. Like any other metal music lover, we in PYRAMAZE are excited about the prospect of Jon [Schaffer, ICED EARTH guitarist] and Matt working together again. But this reunion has created some speculations in the metal community towards Matt's future in PYRAMAZE, and I can put all the PYRA-fans at ease, and tell you that Matt is still a full member of PYRAMAZE, and the only change is that now you'll get Matt in a double dose.
"I'm happy to tell you that last week Matt's wife [who is also Jon's half-sister — Ed.] gave birth to a healthy little boy. Because of this happy event sleep has become an 'elusive guest' for Matt and his wife, but as soon as the Barlow family regains some 'normality' and sleep is back on the menu, Matt will prepare a statement for you.
"The recording of our new album has not been delayed, and dates for our vocal recording and final mix/master session are still the same.
"That's it for now, and the next time we've got news, it will be Matt's statement."
PYRAMAZE entered the studio on October 1 in Haderslev, Denmark to begin recording the follow-up to to "Legend of the Bone Carver".
Barlow joined PYRAMAZE as the replacement for Lance King who left the band in November 2006.
The group's third album is tentatively due next spring.
PYRAMAZE's latest CD, "Legend of the Bone Carver", was released last year via Massacre Records (Europe) and Nightmare Records (USA and Canada).
Cloudscape Announce New Album Title
Swedish progressive metallers CLOUDSCAPE have issued the following update:
"The forthcoming third Cloudscape album will be entitled Global Drama. 12 songs were recorded for Global Drama and it will according to Cloudscapes management be the most varied and interesting album by Cloudscape so far. It contains a few really hard and raw metal songs and there will also be a few more atmospheric and dynamic songs progressively spiced. More details such as release dates and further information will be announced as soon as possible (expect sometime during January). Cloudscape would like to thank all their fans worldwide for great support and for a wonderful 2007."
The Eternal Complete Drum Tracks For New Album
Australian metallers THE ETERNAL have issued the following update
"We have completed tracking the drums at Mixmaster Studios in Adelaide, South Australia. A big thanks goes to all those involved in the sessions and we are really pleased with the outcome, Marty (O'Shea) pounded out 12 new tracks and they sound huge! For more studio photos please visit our MySpace page. We will commence tracking the bass guitar and guitars on December 28th, 2007. For now have a great new year from The Eternal and we look forward to being able share some new material with you in 2008."
The Eternal's new record is titled Kartika and will include the following tracks: 'Self Inflicted', 'Means For An Ending', 'Blood', 'Without Reason', 'A Pale Reflection', 'Illuminate', 'Walk Beside You', 'Brighter Day', 'Kartika', 'Silence', 'July', 'Lost Our Way', 'Inside the Grey', 'I’ve Seen The Dream Through Someone Else’s Eyes', 'Sunshine', 'Frozen Sun', 'Last Embrace.'
Poison Frontman Announces More Solo Dates
POISON frontman Bret Michaels has scheduled the following solo dates:
Dec. 27 - Austin's - Libertyville, IL
Dec. 28 - Kelly Bleachers - Milwaukee, WI
Dec. 29 - The Venue Event Center - Boone, IA
Dec. 30 - Northern Lights - Walker, MN
Dec. 31 - Myth - Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 02 - Universal Studios - Orlando, FL
Feb. 14 - Ameristar Casino - St. Louis ,MO
Feb. 14 - Home Nightclub/ROKBOX - St. Louis, MO (personal appearance only)
Feb. 23 - North Fork Theater - Westbury, NY
Mar. 07 - Wildhorse Saloon - Nashville, TN
Mar. 08 - Bradley Center - Milwaukee, WI
Apr. 03 - AZ Bike Week - Mesa, AZ
Apr. 04 - Viejas Casino-Dream Catcher Showroom - San Diego, CA
Bret Michaels recently took his show on the road to entertain U.S. troops. Performing some of his chart-topping singles such as "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Somethin' to Believe In", as well as new solo material from his upcoming album "Custom Built", Bret brought good-time rock and roll to military personnel stationed throughout Southwest Asia.
"Rock of Love 2" — the reality show that pits women against each other as they compete to be Michaels' "rock star girlfriend" — will premiere on VH1 on Sunday, January 13, 2008.
The season finale of "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" attracted 5.4 million total viewers and was also the No. 1 program on cable for the night.
Circus Diablo Announces New Bassist
CIRCUS DIABLO — the new project featuring THE CULT guitarist Billy Duffy, THE ALMIGHTY frontman Ricky Warwick (guitar), and ex-THE CULT touring bassist/current CAMP FREDDY guitarist Billy Morrison (vocals) — has parted ways with its bassist Brett Scallions (who is also the former frontman for FUEL and current singer for RIDERS ON THE STORM). According to Morrison, "Brett is deeply involved in being a new dad to Jagger, and has plans with RIDERS ON THE STORM, so with much love and respect, we will be moving forward with Patrick [Cornell] playing bass guitar. We had TONS of fun in '07 with Brett — he and Abby [Brett's wife] are beautiful friends — and we wish them much love and success next year."
CIRCUS DIABLO recently posted the song "Mary's Shadow" on the group's MySpace page. The track is a bonus cut recorded during the sessions for the band's self-titled debut album, which came out this past summer via Koch Records.
CIRCUS DIABLO's current touring lineup consists of Morrison, Warwick, Charles Ruggiero (drums; SLUNT), Rob Patterson (guitar; KORN, OTEP) and Cornell.
Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) played drums on the group's CD, which was released on July 3.
Gene Simmons Talks About "Celebrity Apprentice"
KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons is one of 14 celebrities who will be stepping in as participants on "The Apprentice" beginning on January 3.
Other celebrity participants include "Sopranos" star Vincent Pastore (he was Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero), Olympic gold medalists Nadia Comeneci and Jennie Finch, "Taxi" star Marilu Henner, Piers Morgan from "America's Got Talent", and former "Apprentice" Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.
Simmons is hoping his face time with the Donald will leverage some of his other business endeavors. "I'm in the Gene Simmons business," he told the AP of his plan.
The celebrities will be competing for cash donations to their favorite charities, with the grand prize being a check for $250,000 to the winner's charity.
Video footage of Simmons explaining what it takes to win in life and on the show can be viewed below.
According to Zimbio.com, on the series' premiere episode, airing Thursday, January 3 (9:00 PM ET/PT), the celebrities try their hand at one of the most quintessential New York jobs: hot dog vendor. The team that makes the most money wins. However, being famous has its privileges, as candidates try to use their contacts to sell wieners at $5,000 and $10,000 a pop. The stars not only bring out their famous friends (including New York Met David Wright) to help, but they catch the eye of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. For the first time the 14 celebrities are stripped of their managers, personal assistants, agents, and publicists and are thrown out of their comfort zones. They quickly begin to size up each others egos, as they come face to face trying to split into two teams and choose team captains.
Trump's eyes and ears on the task are his daughter Ivanka and eldest son Donald Jr.
"The Celebrity Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump are executive producers, Eden Gaha and Page Feldman are co-executive producers. More...
Soilent Green Announce Two Shows In January
SOILENT GREEN have lined up the following shows for next month:
January 4 - Metairie, LA @ The Bar
January 5 - Austin, TX @ @ Red 7
Before The Dawn Confirmed For Wacken Open Air
Finland's BEFORE THE DAWN is the latest act confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.
The Wacken Open Air Festival will be headlined by IRON MAIDEN (on July 31st). The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AUTUMN, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, BEFORE THE DAWN, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CORVUS CORAX, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, ENEMY OF THE SUN, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, EVOCATION, GIRUGÄMESH, GOREROTTED, GORGOROTH, HATEBREED, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, LORDI, NIFELHEIM, NIGHTWISH, OBITUARY, AXEL RUDI PELL, POWERWOLF, PRIMORDIAL, SABATON, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES, WARBRINGER.
Documentary To Be On Society 1 DVD
The following SOCIETY 1 press release from the MVD Entertainment Group has been released:
"Instilling mortal fear in conservatives, unbearable lust in schoolgirls, and blind loyalty in fans across the nation, Society 1 is a band of extreme people doing extreme things. This DVD contains the entire record-breaking Suspension Show, filmed live at The Key Club in LA (March 2004). It also includes a Society 1 live set filmed on tour in Tampa, and One Way To Hell - an exclusive Society 1 documentary unavailable anywhere else. In addition, all three Society 1 videos are included: 'Nothing', 'All You Want', and 'Hate', plus, behind the scenes footage at 'Sin's Ultimate Photoshoot' and on the set of the 'Nothing' video. Bonus program on the reverse side of the disc includes additional interviews and performance footage, + more! Jump on board the Society 1 hellbound caravan or fester and perish in your self-imposed cage of mediocrity!"
Bonus materials on the DVD include:
-- Interviews with Matt 'The Lord' Zane and the rest of the members of Society 1
-- Performance Footage
-- Backstage Chaos
-- Slide Show
-- Lyrics Sheet
Arch Enemy Guitarist Talks About Carcass Tour
HardCoreSounds.net recently caught up with ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott. The following is an excerpt from the interview:
HCS: When you started playing guitar, what were your main influences? What metal musicians do you admire nowadays?
Michael Amott: "I think I was 12 when I started playing guitar and at that time I was really into extreme metal bands such as METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH. I love fast and heavy music so that´s where I got my influences from. I am not that much into 'happy' metal like I have noticed that you Finns like. What attracted me into metal was anger and hate."
HCS: So what´s your opinion about (Black Crusade tourmates) DRAGONFORCE then?
Michael Amott: "It´s so far away what I would listen to. I won´t make any further comments about that."
HCS: Let´s talk a little bit about CARCASS. You are going to do a small reunion tour this summer by playing atleast in Wacken Open Air and Tuska Open Air in Finland. Where did you get the idea to reunite the band once again?
Michael Amott: "That has been an idea that has been kicking around for quite awhile. It seemed like something nice to do but it really doesn´t fit really well because I am always quite busy with Arch Enemy. It´s going to be really fun to play shows with them again. Looking forward to it."
HCS: What are your personal expectations towards the reunion shows and sharing the stage again with Jeff Walker and Bill Steer?
Michael Amott: "Nothing really, just having a good time. I am anxious to play Carcass songs again. In Arch Enemy I also do a lot of stuff behind the scenes but in Carcass I´ll just play guitar so I guess that reunion tour will be some sort of mental holiday for me."
Read the full article at this location.
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