Metal News for December 5, 2007
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"
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
51 news articles posted on this day.
System Of A Down Frontman Posts Solo Shows Online
Professionally filmed video footage of SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian performing at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on October 25, 2005 can be viewed below:
More...
Unearth Announce Mexican Shows
UNEARTH have lined up the following Mexican and South American dates for next year:
January 18 - Monterrey, MEX @ Bar Ibex
January 19 - Mexico City, MEX @ Hard Rock Live
January 20 - Guadalajara, MEX @ Teatro Estudio Cavaret
February 22 - Santiago, Chile @ Galpon Victor Jara
February 24 - Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Hangar 110
Gene Hoglan Joins Zimmers Hole
ZIMMERS HOLE guitarist Jed Simon (also of TENET and STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) has issued the following update:
"In August, our drummer Steve [Wheeler] decided that it would be better if he stepped aside. With a successful business to run and lots of other commitments, he thought it would be best for us to use someone else. So that delayed us for some time... and we needed to recover from losing a brother. There was no anger, no fighting. We understand, he's our bro. Always will be. 15 years he had been with us, so we had to give serious thought about who to call."
"Gene [Hoglan, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DEATH, DARK ANGEL, TESTAMENT] has loved the HOLE for years, and has been one of our biggest and most outspoken fans. Gene is our bro, and has been a bro for just about as long as Steve, so we called. He said, 'I'll be in Vancouver in a week'... We said, 'Cool'. Gene hit the Armoury Studios in Vancouver and layed down some mighty, mighty stuff. He dropped in a ton o' heavy metal flair, and he did with style." More...
Pictures of Pain Issue Album Update
Norwegian melodic metal act PICTURES OF PAIN have issued the following update:
"At this moment, we are still working to improve the songs that will be on the full-length record that we are supposed to start work on in early March next year. We are quite close to a decision in regards to which songs will be recorded, and are now working on details to improve the songs even more."
Pictures Of Pain recently parted ways with guitarist Jan Gunnar Tangen. Stay tuned for band updates.
V:28 Post New Song Featuring Ulver Mainman Online
Norwegian industrial black metallers V:28 have posted new song 'The Absolute' from their latest album VioLution. The song features Ulver mainman Kristoffer Garm Rygg. Head to this location to listen.
VioLution was released on September 28th by Vendlus Records, and is the final chapter in the V:28 trilogy, which included the albums SoulSaviour and NonAnthropogenic.
Rotting Christ To Tour South America In June
Greece’s ROTTING CHRIST will tour South Amerca in June next year. More information is expected to be released shortly.
Arise And Ruin Post “Bound By Blood” Video Online
You can check out ARISE AND RUIN’s new video for the track “Bound By Blood” online here. The track comes off the band’s latest album, The Final Dawn, which was released in October via Victory Records.
Moria Post New Demo Track Online
California-based deathcore act MORIA have posted a new demo track over at their official MySpace page.
Iron Savior Announce U.S. Shows
German power metallers IRON SAVIOR have announced the following U.S. tour dates for next year:
September 24 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club
September 27 - Atlanta, GA @ ProgPower USA IX
Unholy Offer Update
Syracuse’s UNHOLY have posted the following update:
“In about three weeks we’re gonna give you a sneak peak of a pre-production song or two for our forthcoming record that will be recorded someday next year… we’re really syked on the new material… hope that you will be too! Next year we are gonna really busy on the road so if you haven’t got a chance to check us out yet… the time will come. We also have a few shows booked for the winter so check our page for that!”
Hanoi Rocks Wins Rock Radio Award
Finnish rockers HANOI ROCKS website has been updated with the following message:
"The first Radio Rock Finlandia concert took place in Helsinki Ice Hall today, December 5th. The event turned out to be a great celebration especially for Hanoi Rocks, as they won the first Radio Rock Finlandia award in history. The winner was voted by the listeners of Radio Rock in website www.radiorock.fi. The other nominees are also on the list of the most famous bands in Finland: KOTITEOLLISUUS, HIM, NIGHTWISH, APOCALYPTICA, SONATA ARCTICA and AMORPHIS.
Radio Rock Finlandia award, "A Rock Rooster" is an official recognition for a domestic group or artist, which has been actual and active during the past year. The award was given to Hanoi Rocks by the radio journalist of the year, Klaus Flaming. From now on, the award vote will be a yearly tradition.
Hanoi Rocks is without a doubt internationally the most well-known band in Finland. The latest highlight in their long and successful career is the new, already beloved album Street Poetry, which came out in September 2007. During the past year, Hanoi Rocks has played great number of incredible shows and amazed audiences throughout the world. They've toured for example in Sweden, Borlänge Peace and Love Festival, PopKomm Music Expo in Berlin and in Japan, where they played five sold out shows in October 2007.
During December 2007, Hanoi Rocks will play three shows with legendary MOTÖRHEAD (UK) and three shows with stunningly rockin' female band MCQUEEN (UK). After taking a short break Hanoi Rocks will head to a major European tour, starting from Sweden February 14th, ending at London's mighty Astoria Club March 7th.
The current Hanoi Rocks lineup, since 2004, includes the founding members singer Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy, guitarist Conny Bloom, bassist Andy A.C. Christell and drummer Lacu.
Radio Rock Finlandia concert can be seen on the whole in Finnish TV-channel JIM December 9th at 10AM."
Ministry Add More Dates To Final Tour
MINISTRY, who will tour the world one final time, announce that four more dates have been added to the North American leg of their C U LaTouR.
C U LaTouR will now kick off on March 26th in Calgary, Alberta, and then play Vancouver - which is just about sold out - on March 28th as previously announced. Also added to the C U LaTouR itinerary are concerts in Albuquerque, Ft. Lauderdale, and, with tickets for the May 8th concert in Chicago already sold out, a second Chicago show has been confirmed for May 9th.
The limited engagement 34-date C U LaTouR comes on the heels of Ministry's final studio release, The Last Sucker, which was released on September 18th. The North American leg will run through mid-May and will feature special guests Meshuggah and opening act HEMLOCK. Ministry then heads off to play the principal European festivals as well as choice club dates beginning late May stretching through to July - those dates will be announced shortly.
Exclusive pre-sale tickets for the second Chicago date (May 9th) will be on sale beginning today through December 19th through Music Today - http://www.ministry.tickets.musictoday.com/Ministry/calendar.aspx
Exclusive Special Limited Access VIP tickets will also be available for purchase via the pre-sale, offering advance doors, seating, meet & greets and souvenir 13th Planet gift bags. Special ticketing for C U LaTouR shows are available at Enter The Vault - www.enterthevault.com
The C U LaTouR touring line-up features Ministry's founder Al Jourgensen being joined onstage by guitarists Tommy Victor (PRONG) and Sin Quirin (REVOLTING COCKS), keyboardist John Bechdel (Prong, AAOTW, FALSE ICONS), and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (ex-MEGADETH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, ALICE COOPER).
STATIC X's Tony Campos has recently stepped in to fulfill bass on behalf of the recently departed MINISTRY/KILLING JOKE bassist Paul Raven. Joining the Ministry clan as special featured artist will be FEAR FACTORY/ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS vocalist Burton C. Bell. Main support is Swedish experimental metal MESHUGGAH and opening act is the US-based Hemlock.
To coincide with C U LaTouR, Jourgensen's indie imprint is scheduled to release Ministry & Co-Conspirators Cover Up, a 12-track covers release featuring artists from the 13th Planet Records family, as well as other special guests. Cover Up is scheduled for a late March/early April 2008 release.
For its spectacular two-and-a-half-hour C U LaTouR set, Ministry will perform tracks from The Last Sucker as well as songs that revisit the band's rich and provocative 30-year musical history. Archival Ministry videos plus other visual elements of alchemy, Christianity, politics and other topics aligned with Ministry will be incorporated into a special video presentation, produced by Wicked Lake director Zach Passero (with whom Jourgensen is collaborating on the soundtrack for the feature film) that will change night to night. And, as is expected from a Ministry show, you just never know what surprise guests will jump on stage for a song or two.
"A Ministry tour is a traveling circus," states Jourgensen. "When we roll into town, everyone hides their daughters, but the freaks roll out the red carpet and a friend or two pops up on stage to add some spice and mayhem to the show. We never know who's gonna walk through the dressing room door at sound check. We rehearse a bunch of 'extra' songs just in case so-and-so shows up..."
Confirmed dates for Ministry's 2008 C U LaTouR are as follows:
March
26 - The Whiskey - Calgary, AB
28 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC
29 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA
30 - Roseland Theatre - Portland, OR
April
1 - Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
2 - Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
5 - House of Blues - Los Angeles, CA
6 - House of Blues - Los Angeles, CA
7 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
8 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
9 - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
11 - The Great Salt Air - Salt Lake City, UT
12 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
13 - Sunshine Theatre - Albuquerque, NM
15 - La Zona Rosa - Austin, TX
17 - Palladium - Dallas, TX
18 - Verizon Wireless Theatre - Houston, TX
19 - House of Blues - New Orleans, LA
21 - Revolution - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
22 - Jannus Landing - St. Petersburg, FL
23 - House of Blues - Orlando, FL
24 - Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
25 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
26 - Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD
27 - Palladium - Worcester, MA
29 - Fillmore at the TLA - Philadelphia, PA
May
1 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
2 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
3 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC
4 - Koolhaus - Toronto, ON
6 - Agora Theatre - Cleveland, OH
7 - Emerald Theatre - Detroit, MI
8 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
9 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Cradle Of Filth Start Writing New Album
UK black metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have issued the following update:
"The world tour for the Thornography album, which last saw COF in Russia, Ukraine, UK, Romania, Slovakia and North America with GWAR is now complete. The band has now returned home to start writing for a new record over the dark months in the rehearsal room. The new album, which is not yet titled, will be released some time in 2008 via RoadRunner Records. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.
H.I.M. Singer To Judge Get In The Ring
HIM's iconic singer, Ville Valo, will be joining us - and many of you - at Get In The Ring II with Kwari at the Forum in London on 11th Dec.
Ville will join Oderus Urungus from GWAR at Metal Hammer's fight night, where four bands get in the ring to see who is the better band.
Ion Dissonance Announce More Canadian Shows
Montreal’s ION DISSONANCE have lined up the following upcoming Canadian tour dates:
December 7 - Trois-Rivieres, QC @ Rock Café Le Stage w/ Ligeia, Liferuiner
December 15 - Rimouski, QC @ Petit Pavillon Agricole
January 11 - London, ON @ The Embassy w/ Beneath The Massacre
January 12 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
January 13 - Brantford, ON @ Bottoms Up
February 16 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda (Moshcore Festival)
Madball And D.B.D. Announce Australian Tour
MADBALL and DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR will team up for the following Australian tour dates:
March 6 - Brisbane @ Club 299
March 7 - Sydney @ Manning Bar
March 8 - Melbourne @ Corner
March 9 - Adelaide @ Fowler’s
March 11 - Perth @ Amplifier
Onesidezero Parts w/ Guitarist Levon Sultanian
Onesidezero has announced they have parted ways with guitarist Levon Sultanian. A statement from the group reads as follows:
"We have decided to part ways with Levon due to creative and personal differences," says frontman Jasan Radford. "The past 11 years that Levon and I played together were some of the best times and some of the hardest, but as time goes on sometimes things change and you grow apart. He will be missed, but we will continue and I see Onesidezero having a strong and positive 2008. A special thanks to everyone for supporting Onesidezero.”
The band will continue to support their recently released, self-titled, sophomore album with short headlining tour of the West Coast to round out the year, including a spot on 104.7 The Edge’s "Not So Silent Night” show with Atreyu, Five Finger Death Punch and Fair To Midland. Onesidezero will kick off 2008 with a European tour alongside ADEMA and RE:IGNITION.
Onesidezero’s Ulrich Wild (Static-X, Stabbing Westward, Taproot) produced sophomore album was released through Corporate Punishment Records. The album is the long awaited follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed 2001 debut "Is This Room Getting Smaller”, which saw the group tour with the likes of Incubus, 311, Static-X, and Soul fly. The album’s first single, "My Confession”, has been picking up steam at radio with the track receiving steady rotation on XM Radio’s Squizz channel and Los Angeles based KROQ.
Here are the latest Onesidezero tour dates (more TBA) More...
American Angel Mainman Comments On Chart Success
New Jersey rockers AMERICAN ANGEL have sold 640 copies of their new album, "Vanity", in the United States since the CD's November 27 release via Chavis Records, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This figure was apparently high enough to land the group in the top position of Billboard's Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart in the Northeast region, according to a press release issued by Chavis.
Upon hearing the news, vocalist Rocco Fury had the following comment: "Where is 'Candid Camera'? Are you joking with me? Is this a hoax? WOW! I am ecstatic and very very happy about this. I knew this was a solid project when we recorded it and I believe whole-heartedly in the songs and album. And when we're all gone, 'Vanity' will still stand on its own."
Previously signed to Grudge/BMG, AMERICAN ANGEL received national exposure with its self-titled debut release and video single, "How Can I Miss You", which was featured on MTV's "Headbanger's Ball" in 1989.
"Vanity" was recorded at Spa Sound in New Jersey with producer Stevie D. (ARCARA, SHOTGUN SYMPHONY, T.T. QUICK, OVERKILL).
AMERICAN ANGEL will continue to tour in support of "Vanity" with a few remaining dates in 2007 and additional shows in 2008.
The Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Queens Of The Stone Age Frontman Slams Label
The Pulse of Radio reports: QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE frontman Josh Homme unloaded on the band's label, Interscope Records, in a profanity-laced interview with Antiquiet.com. When asked how he thinks the record companies will react as more artists finish their contracts and go off on their own, Homme replied, "Fuck the labels, man, they suck. The last thing they're stripping down is their own expense accounts and shit. I mean, (President) Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records takes a private jet or rides first class to tell a band they don't get tour support...I'm not gonna be quiet because the American label, not Canada, not Europe, but our American label's fucking us like crazy, so fuck them...I'm not even bitter, people say labels are evil, no. They're just lame."
Homme continues his rant by calling label execs a "bunch of fucking idiots" and adding, "They can't do anything to me. That's the difference...they can't stop me from being me and from playing, but they can lose their jobs and have to fucking work at Shakey's pizza like they should've all along."
Homme alluded to problems with his label when we asked about a since-abandoned plan to release some tracks that didn't make it onto the latest QUEENS album, "Era Vulgaris": "I have a retarded record company. They're all locked in their hysteria of a business that they don't understand, you know. Playing it safe and being panicked have no business in music."
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE will play a short string of pre-holiday shows later this month, starting on December 15 in La Jolla, California.
Gene Hoglan To Play With Forbidden
Legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, DEATH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, TESTAMENT) has issued the following update:
"I'm currently in Stockholm, Sweden, after just returning from a highly successful and awesome string of dates in Italy with my bitches, MELDRUM.
"I'd like to say a big thank you and hello to all our friends and fans who came to the shows; you guys are great! I must admit, your women are beautiful, but I had to travel all the way to Italy to eat the worst pizza ever. Not once, but twice! But another thank you must go out to our promoter/hosts, Gianrico and the lovely Fiorenza. And, I do need to thank my MELDRUM bitches for taking such good care of me over there. I was like a spoiled kid most of the time, so my heart and thanks go out to them for lookin' out for me.
"And let me tell ya, a week on the road turns them bitches HORNY! Their palpable lust for Mandingo was replaced with one for Rocco Siffredi, and one could only imagine the pillow fights and hot-oil rubdowns that occured in their hotel rooms on a nightly basis. That's what girlies do every night, right? Hee hee. I don't know, but these bitches were smart, they got me my own room every night, probably 'cuz the only thing I do louder than play drums is SLEEP. Could well be that was why...
"So now, we have another couple of shows in Sweden, then I have to go back early to play one DETHKLOK show at an undisclosed location in the States.
"Speaking of DETHKLOK, what a blast that quick tour was. Getting to play with the MASTERFUL musicians that were Misters Kenneally, Beller, and Small; wow, talk about heaven. I was definitely the SCRUB musician on that stage every night, believe me. And, say what you want about the show, I love it, and the live show was waaaaay cool! I had to crack up during the set quite a few times in the beginning, 'til I got used to some of the dialogue.
"Anyway, I think the live show is really sharp, and I strongly suggest all metalheads check us out if we come near your town in 2008.
"As for 2008, it too will be pretty chaotic, and one of the things I'm most looking forward to is being a part of the 'reunion of the year,' in my opinion, which involves the return of the mighty FORBIDDEN. As I understand, Mr. Bostaph [Paul Bostaph; TESTAMENT, ex-SLAYER, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS] has prior commitments, so my FORBIDDEN brethren reached out to me and I was very honored to say yes. I'm sure more details will come from their camp soon, but I just wanted to make a quick mention of it right here. I'll keep everyone posted with some updates soon.
"As for a DVD update, I thank everyone's impatience in this matter, and yes, I KNOW I promised it's release months ago, but as I'm a bit of a control freak (only in this matter, I assure you), and this schedule of mine over the past few months has been pretty brutal, I've just needed all this time to get it done right. It won't be perfect, but it will be something I can be proud of, and hopefully something you'll be proud to have in your collection.
"Also, a GIANT THANK YOU to all who have purchased a GENESHIRT, whether manly or girlie. WOW! We've just re-ordered, due to selling out of most of the first pressing. Very cool, and quite unbelievable, guys, so again, thank you!
"Now, as everyone in the metal world knows, the holidays for all of us now are forever bittersweet. With rememberences for the loss of Chuck and Dime, and now with the untimely passing of our new brother Vitek, the holiday cheer might not seem so, I don't know...cheery. But, I'm sure a crestfallen feeling would be the last thing any of these gentlemen would want from us, so with a glass in one hand and horns raised in the other, we remember our fallen brothers with a...smile. And maybe a cranking-up of the volume.
"Thanks for listening, everybody. A happy holidays to all of ya..."
Porcupine Tree Denounce Japanese Mini Releases
UK prog-metallers PORCUPINE TREE have issued the following message:
"It's come to our attention that some mail order companies are advertising a January release of all the PT albums up to and including Lightbulb Sun, in Japanese paper sleeve editions.
Neither the band, or band's Japanese record company WHD, have any knowledge of these releases, which means these are either bootlegs, or (more likely) these listings are based on disinformation.
Either way, no-one should be handing over money to pre-order these items until official Japanese editions of the albums are released.
The new version of Lightbulb Sun is still in preparation for release sometime in 2008."
Darkane Confirmed For Chicago Powerfest
Sweden's DARKANE and Germany's SUIDAKRA have just been confirmed for Chicago Powerfest 2008. The sixth annual metal festival will take place on Friday/Saturday, May 2-3, at The Pearl Room in Mokena, IL. There will also be an official Powerfest "kick-off" show on May 1, featuring ENSIFERUM, TURISAS, TYR and ELUVEITIE, who will be making a stop along their Paganfest tour.
As previously announced, Powerfest promoters, CRJ Productions, have introduced an official fan sponsorship/VIP program this year that will give fans a higher level of participation in the fest and a chance to take advantage of some cool perks.
Shadows Fall Frontman Speaks On Vegeterianism
Unmistakable with his trademark knee-length dreadlocks, SHADOWS FALL lead vocalist Brian Fair appears in a brand-new pro-vegetarian ad for peta2 — the world's largest youth animal rights organization. The tagline — a personal testimonial by Fair — reads, "I became a vegetarian many years ago after listening to THE SMITHS' 'Meat Is Murder'. It opened my eyes to the painful lives of animals raised for food, and I knew I wanted no part of that. I am Brian Fair, and I am a vegetarian."
The ad debuted in the December issue of Decibel magazine.
Fair kicked the meat habit when he was in eighth grade, and he credits his vegetarian uncle for teaching him about the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. He is often asked by fans why he stopped eating meat, and he explains to them that a commitment to positive social change is perfectly consistent with heavy metal. "It's such a myth that you would have to kill in order to live," says Fair. He wishes that more people would watch peta2's videos about factory farming and slaughter and make their own decisions. "If you aren't horrified, then you're a cold, lifeless human," he says.
Fans who can't get enough of Fair and SHADOWS FALL are in luck: Visitors to peta2.com can register to win a Guitar Hero II video game featuring "The Light That Blinds" from the band's "The War Within" album. The game will be signed by all the band's members.
Fair joins an ever-growing list of musicians — including LAMB OF GOD, Rob Zombie, Trent Reznor, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, RISE AGAINST, and Tommy Lee — who have teamed up with peta2 and stepped in front of the camera to inspire kids to challenge outdated, cruel attitudes about animals.
For more information, and to enter the contest, visit www.peta2.com.
Watch video footage of Brian Fair talking about being a vegetarian: More...
In This Moment Guitarist Talks Hometown Ozzy Show
Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT is currently catching the attention of thousands of people across North America opening for the legendary OZZY OSBOURNE and ROB ZOMBIE. This massive three-month arena tour — which runs through early next year — afforded the band an opportunity to perform a monumental show at the Staples Center in their hometown of Los Angeles this past weekend. The event was a massive success as the group prepares to close out the year on stage at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Commented guitarist Chris Howorth: "We just played our hometown show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and it was absolutely fantastic. All our friends and family got to see us at this huge arena opening for OZZY OSBOURNE and ROB ZOMBIE! It's a dream come true for us.
"Taking the stage at an arena show in L.A. is a feeling that is beyond words to describe, especially for a band that started out having to buy tickets to play The Whisky.
"We are really excited about every show on this tour because they are all amazing, but we are a little extra pumped up about the Madison Square Garden show in New York. It's a Christmas show with Ozzy at one of the most famous arenas in the U.S.
"It's crazy to think about all the legendary sporting events that have taken place and all the huge bands that have played at that venue. I am beyond excited to be playing there and it doesn't seem real.
"I am so thankful for where we are and what we are doing right now."
IN THIS MOMENT's debut album, "Beautiful Tragedy" (Century Media Records), has sold 38,000 copies in the United States since its March 20, 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Funeral For Engrave Guitarist To Be Held Tomorrow
A wake for guitarist Mario Gutierrez of the Los Angeles-based death/thrash band ENGRAVE will be held today (Wednesday, December 5) between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the following location:
Maribal Mortuary
2814 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, December 6 at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California beginning at 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to help the family, donation can be made to Pierce Brothers Mortuary at 213-749-4151. You can talk to Thelma and tell her it's for Mario Gutierrez (they accept credit cards and checks).
Gutierrez died late last month of gunshot wounds sustained during an argument with his brother-in-law. According to the Los Angeles Times, Gutierrez, a 37-year-old Latino man, was shot in El Sereno, California at about 10:45 p.m. on November 22, Thanksgiving, and died at the scene. LAPD Hollenbeck detectives said that Gutierrez and his brother-in-law got into an argument during the family's Thanksgiving gathering over a remark that was made about Gutierrez's wife. The argument escalated to pushing and shoving, then spilled out onto the street where Gutierrez was shot. The 27-year-old brother-in-law turned himself in to the police a few hours later.
Combining former members of local bands BRAINSTORM and ENTITY, ENGRAVE was formed in Los Angeles in early 1997, according to All Music Guide. With a sound showcasing elements of both traditional death and early thrash metal, the band featured Emilio Marquez, Mario Gutierrez, Adrian Villanueva, and Robert Cardenas. Their first album, "The Rebirth", was issued through SOD magazine's own independent imprint in 1998. A demo, called "The Infernal Bleeding", followed in 1999, and 2001 saw their debut reissued with bonus tracks by WWIII Records. Jimmy Ash replaced Villanueva prior to the band's performance at the Milwaukee Metalfest later that year.
Arson Anthem Prepare To Release Debut
With the current roster of supposed "extreme" or "underground" bands repetitively dishing out modern metal regurgitation, something had to give; enter ARSON ANTHEM, the new project featuring ARSON ANTHEM — the new band featuring Philip Anselmo (DOWN, ex-PANTERA) on guitar, Mike Williams (EYEHATEGOD) on vocals, Hank Williams III (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ASSJACK) on drums and Collin Yeo on bass. Basking in the telepathic glow of filthy, vicious '80s-era punk and hardcore, and yearning for a spark, this improper outfit has finally ignited said spark. Fueled by stale vodka and non-filters, they've finally wrecked into a bare-bones, distorted, bastard vacuum.
After losing everything in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mike Williams moved into Philip's spare apartment. The two spent countless hours listening to Philip's collection of early hardcore bands; the timing was perfect to remedy this cabin fever. They began jamming with III and Collin Yeo, and this proved to be the crowning accession to complete this exploit.
ARSON ANTHEM's mission is to re-introduce the roots of painful amplification, raw production, and a TRUE "fuck-all" attitude to a movement within a new generation that's lost the meaning of less complicated ventures. The byway is to be similar to the original brutality of bands like NEGATIVE APPROACH, POISON IDEA, HELLHAMMER, DISCHARGE and VOID, amongst others. ARSON ANTHEM will never give way to what the societal masses want them to conform to, as by example their previous musical incarnations.
ARSON ANTHEM's debut EP — due on February 19 — will be the first release via Housecore Records; a label created by Anselmo focusing on Phil's side projects and other artists he believes in.
ARSON ANTHEM will team up with RIGOR MORTIS for three shows in December:
Dec. 13 - Exit/In - Nashville, TN
Dec. 14 - Vino's - Little Rock, AR
Dec. 15 - One Eyed Jacks - New Orleans, LA
Coming in 2008 on Housecore: THE MANSON FAMILY SOUNDTRACK, CHRIST INVERSION, EYEHATEGOD's "Live at CBGB", and much more.
Unexpect Plan European Tour
Montreal's dynamic and unmatched classical/black metal act UNEXPECT, who are getting ready to tour North America in January, are planning a European tour in late 2008.
In an update, the band posts: "Move that bamboo. Thoughts are coming. Ooooooohh! Here's a good one! We'll finally cross over the Atlantic pond, set foot upon the Ancient Continent and eat all their food! Yes! A tour in Europe is being organized for the end of 2008 alongside France's Sebkha Chott. Anyone interested in booking us over there should contact this email : booking@ammd.net
In A Flesh Aquarium has been released in Europe recently and it's already accumulating great reviews that we'll put online soon enough if my pancreas stops talking to me. I just hate it when my inner organs start to chat about the similitudes of Wagner and Chuck Norris or other stray ideas in the same vein.
On another note, we've been invited to the FMPM in Montreal on September 14, 2008. This progressive music Festival featuring local and international acts is at its 3rd year of existence and is a must for any progressive/evolutive music fans...and a couple of shows have been added/updated to the upcoming tour with TRAIL OF TEARS, CELLADOR and ECHOES OF ETERNITY (dates below) - See you soon!"
Winters Bane Reform With Tim "Ripper" Owens?
Rumor has it that the creative forces behind the classic WINTERS BANE Heart Of A Killer album (1993) - vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (ICED EARTH, ex-JUDAS PRIEST) and guitarist Lou St. Paul (FIRES OF BABYLON) - have reunited and writing has commenced on a new Winters Bane record, with Wendy Dio of Niji Management currently soliciting offers from interested labels. Word also has it that Winters Bane would plan to tour extensively in support of this album. More news as it develops!
Killswitch Engage Win Boston Music Awards
2007 has proven to be a sweet year for metal maestros KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. After headlining The Vans Warped Tour, getting awarded a Gold RIAA certification for 2004's The End of Heartache, and seeing 'Holy Diver' crash into the Top 10 on the Active Rock charts, KsE kicked off December with two climactic wins at the Boston Music Awards.
The band procured not only Outstanding Metal/Hardcore Band of the Year, but also took home Act of the Year, one of the biggest awards of the night.
Since the band is currently on a co-headlining tour with LAMB OF GOD, they could not physically attend the ceremony, but did send a rhapsodic video acceptance speech from the road. Proving metalheads have hearts, too, they showed their gratification by donating an autographed guitar to be auctioned off for the benefit of the Music Drives Us Foundation, which helps keep music in the lives of unfortunate children.
Waving a fond farewell to 2007, Killswitch Engage will welcome the new year with a winter headlining tour with the hyperpowered DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and EVERY TIME I DIE, and openers PARKWAY DRIVE (whose debut
release was produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz). The tour officially ensues January 9th, in Allentown, PA and finishes in Hartford, CT on February 5th.
Tygers Of Pan Tang Schedule Date With Waysted
TYGERS OF PAN TANG and WAYSTED are joining forces for a double-header at The Underworld in Camden, England on March 6th, 2008.
A message at the Tygers' MySpace page reads: "We are pleased to announce a real treat for our fans in London and surrounding areas. We have just confirmed a gig at the famous The Underworld in Camden Town as a double header with Waysted on Thursday, March 6th, 2008. With both bands on top form and producing some of there best material in years this really cannot be missed. As with all Tygers shows this will be a three band bill and tickets are a bargain £12.00 + posting by recorded delivery.
Tickets can be purchased from www.gandrlondon.com and the usual agents for the Underworld.
Get in there early as these will be snapped up quick.
Things are looking great for the Feb/March Tour."
Black Tide Releases New EPK Video Online
Interscope Recording artists, Black Tide, have just unveiled their new EPK (electronic press kit). The Florida metal band has been out supporting Avenged Sevenfold on their current North American tour. The new video clip features songs from their upcoming Johnny K (Machine Head, Soil) produced album "Light From Above" as well as live footage from their main stage run at this past summer’s Ozzfest.
As previously reported, BLACK TIDE recently released its first EP, entitled "Shockwave". Available for purchase at Hot Topic, the two-song disc includes the propulsive title track, "Shockwave", as well as the JUDAS PRIEST-like "Warriors of Time", exclusive video footage, sticker and guitar pick. The two songs are also available digitally through iTunes.
"Shockwave" comes off the group's debut album, "Light from Above", which is due in February 2008 via Interscope Records. More...
Lacuna Coil Discuss Paradise Lost Documentary
LACUNA COIL singer Andrea Ferro has issued the following update:
"Century Media just released 'Over the Madness', a documentary about PARADISE LOST's 20th anniversary. This band has been really influential in the beginning of our career and we've been really glad to contribute to this movie. You will find me, Cristina [Scabbia, vocals] and Chris [guitarist Cristiano Migliore] talkin' about P.L. alongside with a lot of other people from metal bands and the bandmembers themselves. 'Over the Madness' is not only a due tribute to a piece of history of metal music, it is also a smart guide for young bands. Don't miss it!"
"Over The Madness – A Diran Noubar Film" — which offers the first-ever, extremely comprehensive and very personal documentary on PARADISE LOST and the gothic metal genre — was released via Century Media Records on November 26, 2007 as a double DVD set. The film's world premiere was held at the Cannes Film Festival's Market in May 2007 followed by a German premiere at the Wave Gotik Festival in Leipzig the same month.
The documentary features first-hand accounts from all current and former band members and many other dramatically influential acts. Furthermore, Noubar accompanied the band from their native Halifax (UK) to tour stops in Mexico and Greece where PARADISE LOST are regarded rock "gods." More...
Mercenary Frontman Discusses New Album
Vocalist Mikkel Sandager of the Danish metal band MERCENARY has issued the following update:
"So now we have the finished the new album and it is fucking killer!! The best one we did yet, in my honest oppinion. It is much more raw and to the point and still it has the best melodies we have ever written."
"We changed the title of the album recently so any hint I made before referring to the title was architectual lies. Sorry, but it wasn't intended."
"The album will contain over 60 minutes of kick-ass tracks."
"Damn, I am so much looking forward to getting out there and play all of this live." More...
Free Deathwish/Malfunction Winter Sampler Online
Deathwish/Malfunction Records has posted a free Winter 2007/2008 sampler online for download. Featuring cover art by Dennis McNett, this collection features songs from some of the most recent Deathwish/Malfunction releases. Bands featured include: Trash Talk, Trap Them, Shipwreck a.d., Pulling Teeth, Blacklisted, 108, The Great Deceiver, The Hope Conspiracy, Ceremony, Reign Supreme, Internal Affairs, Meltdown, Bitter End, and Life Long Tragedy. The collection is available FREE and only in Digital format.
You can download the entire sampler in ZIP format here. You can also stream the entire release here.
Cataract Seeks New Bassist
Cataract (Metal Blade Records) has officially begun their search for a new bassist. Requirements include:
- Must be able to rehearse in Zurich, Switzerland
- Prior band experience
- Talent
- Professional equipment
- Metal/hardcore background
Interested parties should email the band at info@cataract.cc for additional information.
Obituary's 'Best Of' Collection Due In January
Roadrunner Records has set a January 29, 2008 release date for a "best-of" collection from legendary Florida death metallers OBITUARY. Entitled, appropriately enough, "The Best of Obituary", the CD will feature the following track listing:
01. Internal Bleeding
02. 'Til Death
03. Slowly We Rot
04. Cause Of Death
05. Chopped In Half
06. Turned Inside Out
07. The End Complete
08. I'm In Pain
09. Don't Care
10. Final Thoughts
11. Kill For Me
12. Threatening Skies
13. On The Floor
Check out the cover artwork at Mthis location.
Violation Signs To 1917 Records
Hardcore/metal band from Southern California, Violation, has signed to 1917 Recores. The group released an EP this past spring and is now writing a new full-length, which should surface next summer. Material from their EP can be heard here.
Razor's The Evil Invaders Live CD Out Now
Rock Avenue Records has released RAZOR - The Evil Invaders Live featuring the Canuck thrash legends live in Toronto, Ontario on Friday, May 10th 1985. Although the cover art shows current singer Bob Reid, the album was recorded in 1985 in Toronto just after the release of the legendary Evil Invaders album.
According to a press release, "the CD features "ten cut-throat live tracks, plus three songs from from a 1984 demo. Limited to 1000 copies worldwide."
Recording line-up: Stace "Sheepdog" McLaren on vocals, Dave Carlo on guitars, Mike Campagnolo on bass and Mike Embro on drums.
Meliah Rage Part Ways With Singer
Boston-based power metallers MELIAH RAGE have announced that they will be parting ways with the band’s second vocalist, Paul Souza. The band will immediately begin the search for a replacement while continuing to work on the next Meliah Rage release.
“Back in 2003 when we decided to start making new music again after six years off, Paul was the first person we called when original vocalist Mike Munro decided that he could commit to touring,” explained Meliah Rage founder Anthony Nichols. “Paul has recorded two records with us and played over 100 live shows (including a recent tour with METAL CHURCH) since joining the band—we will always consider Souza a friend and an important part of Meliah Rage history,” Nichols added.
Like Munro, Souza was unable to meet the new touring schedule that looms in the near future for band.
Dark Haven Gear Up To Record Full Length Album
Don Linneman, vocalist for Temecula, California's DARK HAVEN, who earned the #1 spot in BW&BK's 2006 list of Brave Underground indie submissions, has issued the following update:
"We're working really hard to get you the new material you deserve. We're actually writing a full-length album (our first!) so please be patient with us."
"Just to answer some questions that have been popping up rather frequently:"
"-- We do not have any scheduled shows as of right now. We are looking to start playing possibly around March-April-ish. If you wish to start booking us, please shoot an e-mail to our manager Rob at killboxmedia@gmail.com."
"-- Before we go into the studio to record the full length, we are going in to re-record 'Infernal' and 'Forever Haunted' with new vocals!" More...
Gorefest Discuss "Russian Insanity"
Dutch metallers GOREFEST have issued the following update:
"Their elections may be dodgy, their weather suitable only to fools and penguins, and their billboards indecipherable, but when it comes to his or her enjoyment of metal, the Russian metalhead doesn't fuck around. No siree, Bob. Insane amounts of vodka are downed, faces turn red, the volume goes up to eleven and within 3 seconds, the world's upside down and Metal Reigns Supreme. The Russians made us feel very welcome indeed, and we met the friendliest of people in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Both are massive, sprawling cities with very impressive architecture, a strong sense of culture and history, and home to some of the sexiest women I've ever seen. It was truly an honour for us to be invited over, and we'd like to thank Vladimir and Vitali for being such excellent hosts, and taking great care of us. We had no idea what to expect of these dates, but I think I speak for all when I say we'll be back in a flash if someone invites us again. Spasibo, Prijatno poznakomitsa, Gde tualet?"
Norther Featured On Finnish Radio Tomorrow
NORTHER will be featured on Finland's Radio Noise tomorrow (December 6th). The broadcast begins at 8:00pm local Finnish time (GMT + 2). Go to this location to tune in.
Rise To Addiction Announce One-Off Show
RISE TO ADDICTION have updated their live schedule. They will support INME at the Gasworks in Bradford, UK on Monday, December 17th.
As previously reported, Rise To Addiction will play a Christmas show at The Corporation in Sheffield, UK on December 21st. Also on the bill are HOOKER BENTLEY, TIANANMEN and AXIS DYNYD.
Visions of Atlantis Drop Off Kamelot Tour
KAMELOT have issued the following update:
"Due to personal changes in the band VISIONS Of ATLANTIS they will not be available as the openers on the upcoming Ghost Opera Europe 2008 tour with special guests FIREWIND. We are looking at several other options for the opener spot on the tour and hope to a replacement announced very soon."
As previously reported, vocalist Melissa Ferlaak and guitarist Wolfgang "Wops" Koch recently parted ways with Visions Of Atlantis. More...
Severed Savior Part Ways With Vocalist
Guitarist Mike Gilbert of San Francisco, CA-based brutal death metallers SEVERED SAVIOR has posted the following update:
“Due to a personal issue/conflict that cannot be resolved, we have recently informed Dusty Boisjolie that he is no longer the vocalist for SEVERED SAVIOR. I will not go into the details or exact reason for his being released from the band. We are disappointed that it had to come to this. But the decision to let Dusty go was a necessary one for the survival of the band. Another important announcement will come within the next week.”
New Fight Amp Track Online
The new track "Late Bloomer" from FIGHT AMP's Translation Loss Records debut "Hungry For Nothing," out February 19th, has been posted on the Translation Loss Records Myspace!
Hailing from New Jersey, FIGHT AMP channels a sound and presence that harkens the days of old and is reminiscent of the AMREP / dirty dingy side of extreme music. FIGHT AMP (previously known as Fight Amputation) have spent nearly three and a half years toiling over their sound, traveling the country, self-releasing records, self booking their own massive tours, sweating in basements and sleeping in vans crafting what is now their highly refined and most focused effort to date, "Hungry For Nothing."
"Hungry For Nothing" was recorded by Phillip Cope at The Jam Room (Baroness, Kylesa).
McQueen To Support Hanoi Rocks In Finland
UK all-girl act MCQUEEN will support HANOI ROCKS for three shows in Finland at the end of the month. The group's schedule is now shaping up as follows:
Dec. 27 - On The Rocks - Helsinki, FIN
Dec. 28 - Tivoli - Rovaniemi, FIN
Dec. 29 - Hotel - Juva, FIN *
Dec. 30 - Himos Arena - Himos, FIN *
Dec. 31 - Virgin Oil - Helsinki, FIN *
* supporting HANOI ROCKS
More...
Converge and Integrity Members Start New Band
Converge frontman Jake Bannon, Integrity's Dwid, and artist Stephen Kasner have joined forces to form a new group called Irons. Described as "a collective effort to create apocalyptic, non-linear music from a primal fine art based mindset," Irons is currently writing and recording material for a Deathwish Inc. release, which will hit streets next year. Additional information can be found here.
Millenial Reign Signs To 1917 Records
1917 Records has announced the signing of Toronto's Millenial Reign. The band, which features Damian Abraham from Fucked Up in addition to ex-No Warning members Jordan Posner and Jesse Labovitz, is currently finishing their debut EP, titled "Bones, Dust, Nothing." You can listen to the band online here.
Darkest Hour Guitarist Forms New Band
Darkest Hour guitarist Mike Schleibaum has formed a new band called Man and Wasp, comprised of members from Washington, DC and Gotherburg, Sweden. Here's the official statement:
"As we have witnessed over the past few years the disintegration of the music industry is upon us. And with every end comes a new beginning. Man and Wasp hails the destruction and rebuilding.
"By way of Washington, DC, Gothenburg, Sweden and parts unknown emerges Man and Wasp. An international creative fusion featuring Shelby Cinca (Frodus, Decahedron, The Cassettes), Mike Schleibaum (Darkest Hour), and Håkan Johansson (Division of Laura Lee, Frantic Mantis).
"In keeping in the true Washington, DC DIY spirit, Man and Wasp sends its sonic transmissions free of record label ties. Standing alongside countless other peers and loudly announcing a call to arms to this Electronic DIY modus operandi as "Data-Punk" (Note: do not mistake this term for a genre).
"For too long we, as music lovers, have been berated with snappy catch phrases, mass marketing campaigns, and "Sounds-like" stickers. We have watched the championing of style over substance into a subculture that once felt urgent and poignant. We have watched the exploitation of genres/non-genres as Punk Rock, Indie Rock, "Emo" and [insert-new buzzword here] by underground-cum-mainstream culture. We mourn as both music and art are shredded by commerce machines once claiming "underground" solidarity and re-evaluate the situation at hand... Where is music that says something and answers to nothing?
"And here in the chaotic maelstrom of digital culture we find the methods of sustainable and artist-related/self-curated music. Music in its most purest form, direct from artist to listener with only our current digital-age to thank for its distribution. Man and Wasp present: "Close the World, Open the Next." Born, Recorded, Produced, and Designed solely by its 3 members in an undisclosed Washington, DC basement. Contained within this release is the passion and love for music that can only come from 3 friends, 3 musicians who create for only creations' sake. Herein lies a band that is not a business at heart but a band at heart.
"Discover the music for yourself on the band's MySpace page. If you enjoy the music and wish to support future creations/shows, purchase the record on iTunes or other electronic outlet for $3.99. Here the listener can be sure with a purchase of this record they will be supporting the band directly. All proceeds will further Man and Wasp's agenda, to make music for those who love music. And to sting the blackened hearts of the jaded and faded ones."
Planes Mistaken For Stars Cancels Tours
Planes Mistaken For Stars has scrapped their final touring plans due to a "family emergency." Here's a statement from the band:
"We are sorry to say but we have some bad news. Due to a family emergency within the PMFS family, we have to cancel the whole January tour and Europe. We tried to figure out a way around this but it has become more serious than expected and as we all know family comes first. Everything will be ok but now this is the time we are there for the person(s) in need. With this said, we will be playing only ONE more show (our final show) in February. This will be in Denver and we will keep you updated on the venue and date. You did read this correctly, there will be only ONE more Planes show. Hopefully you all can come and see us one last time in a couple of months.
"This last show will be the celebration you don't want to miss! And hey, there's no better way to celebrate the life of planes than with friends! Thank you for all of your love and support over the years! It has really meant the world to each one of us. With that said, we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you all again."
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