Metal News for February 21, 2005
Last updated on October 6, 2025 at 2:37 AM ET
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26 news articles posted on this day.
Closest Thing To a Misfits Reunion
Glenn Danzig and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein will indeed be on stage together making Misfits music on three of the East Coast tour dates. On Monday, February 28 at the Roxy Theatre in Boston, Wednesday, March 1 at the Spirit Performance Center in New York, and Thursday, March 2 at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Doyle will join his former Misfits bandmate Glenn Danzig for a special 30-minute set of Misfits classics. Two west coast cities witnessed a Glenn and Doyle reunion late last year, marking the first time the two had shared a stage in some 20 years.
Danzig's U.S. tour, which features Kataklysm, Trivium, and Eyes of Fire on various dates, kicked off last week, and is in support of the band's latest album, "Circle of Snakes." In addition, Danzig has completed "Black Aria II," the follow up to 1993's "Black Aria" which reached the #1 position on Billboard's Classical chart, and is in the process of writing the screenplay for a film adaptation of "Gerouge," one of the comic book titles distributed by his Verotik publishing company.
Remaining Danzig tour dates are as follows: More...
Saxon Postpone Tour As Result of Fire
Saxon and the management are sorry that they have to cancel the planned tour of Saxon in March 2005 and postpone these dates to September / October 2005.
This is due to a devastating fire at the home of singer Biff Byford. They are happy to say that no one has been injured. New dates will be annouced soon on http://www.Saxon747.com.
Zao Get New Bassist
Zao have now found a replacement for bassist Shawn Koschick, who left the group earlier this year. Joining the band is long-time tour manager Marty Lunn, formerly of Pensive. Lunn will make his debut with the band during their "City Of Champions" tour with The Juliana Theory, Open Hand, et al. In related news, Zao vocalist Dan Weyandt has contributed guest vocals on the new As I Lay Daying and The Juliana Theory albums.
Soilent Green Complete New Record
Soilent Green have completed work on their new record, which remains untitled. The album was recorded at Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, FL with producer/engineer Erik Rutan (Premonitions Of War) and is currently being mastered by Alan Douches (Mastodon). Advance song titles include "Leaves Of Three", "Forgive & Regret", and "A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem." Group frontman Ben Falgoust had this to say about the new album:
"Many unfortunate events have taking their toll on our progress since our last release. Not only were the two accidents a great stumbling block for our band and personally, but we also endured the tragic, life-ending loss of a fellow musician and close friend Scott Williams. All these things combined would bring most to just throw in the towel and leave the past behind. As a band that has played together for over 10 years, we are committed to each other to stick it out and work hard to show no matter the outcome of tragedy in one's life, that you have got to stand up and keep moving forward, no matter what holds you back. In the end result we see a new album with 10 tracks of aggressive heavy rock mixed with many other elements. It was a great feeling to finally be able to make another record after all that we have been through. Not to mention, to make that record better than anything Soilent Green has ever done before."
The effort is slated to hit stores this summer through Relapse Records.
Teenage Satanic Band Starts Murder Trial In Italy
Leaders of Italian heavy metal rock band Beasts of Satan went on trial on Monday for slaying two teenagers in Satanic ritual murders that shocked the Roman Catholic country.
Grieving relatives listened in horror to details of the gruesome, cult murders dating back to 1998, when band members went on a drug-induced killing spree that led to the deaths of lead singer Fabio Tollis, 16, and his 19-year-old girlfriend.
But prosecutors in the northern city of Busto Arsizio only asked for a reduced 20-year sentence for band leader Andrea Volpe, the alleged mastermind of the double homicide, because he had assisted the authorities.
Volpe is also charged with killing his ex-girlfriend last year, shooting her in the mouth and then mutilating her body in another human sacrifice.
"It's like my son has died all over again," Tollis' mother, Ellena, told reporters at the courtroom.
Tollis was killed with a hammer blow to the head when he tried -- and failed -- to stop the murder of his girlfriend, Chiara Marino.
"They're killers, not beasts. To call them beasts is offensive to animals," said Chiara's mother, Lina Marino. "They should never be freed."
The petite 19-year-old was stabbed to death under a full moon by band members who apparently believed she was a personification of the Virgin Mary. She had decorated her bedroom with black candles and goat skulls.
The trial was placed in the so-called fast-track category whereby defendants who agree to the time-saving procedure and assist the police can have their sentences drastically reduced.
But the chilling nature of the murders prompted many Italians to question whether the defendants -- who could have faced much longer sentences in an ordinary trial -- should have been allowed to benefit from the fast-track procedure at all.
Reforms Minister Roberto Calderoli expressed outrage and said the prosecutors' demands were too lenient.
"Is that how little human life is worth?" he said.
Prosecutors asked for more than 16 years in jail for band member Pietro Guerrieri on charges of murder and 2 years for Mario Maccione on charges of criminal association.
The Satanic killings set off a flurry of debate in Italy and the Vatican about a feared spread of devil cults, with as many as 5,000 Italians thought to be members.
The Vatican last week started a course for Roman Catholic priests on Satanism and exorcism in response to what the Church says is a worrying interest in the occult, particularly among the young.
Willowtip Sign Deal With Earache For Europe
Earache Records and Willowtip Records have confirmed an exclusive licensing deal for Europe. As such, much of the Willowtip catalog will now receive proper distribution in Europe. Here's a statement from Earache label manager Dan Tobin:
"Willowtip has always been a cool label in my eyes, often displaying an uncanny ability to get the creatively interesting new bands onto their roster first, but importantly they just love putting out quality noise. So far Willowtip have remained a massively untapped resource as far as European fans go, something Earache will be looking to address as soon as possible as part of this partnership."
Just For Fun
Mayhem Through The Eyes Of An Infidel
Chris Campion from The Observer recently joined Mayhem on the road and shared his observations:
"Backstage after the first show of a whistle-stop winter tour of Norway, Necro Butcher, bassist with Norwegian Black Metal band Mayhem, is already a bit tipsy. He is gleefully reading back his own words from an article about the band in the local newspaper. "I promise not to throw animal heads at the audience in Bergen.
The last time the band played in the city, a sheep's head thrown from the stage smashed into the skull of an audience member. "He wasn't watching the band," shrugs Necro Butcher. "He was talking to a girl,' he says, implying that the man should have known better. Animal heads speared on microphone stands are de rigueur for a Mayhem show. 'We usually use pigs' heads but we couldn't get one that night. We like to throw them to the audience at the end of the show so they can, y'know, play around with them.
He returns his attention to the double page spread, holding it aloft with outstretched arms."Fuckin' excellent!" he slurs. "This 'is the first positive article ever written about Mayhem in Norway.More...
Read the full article at The Observer.
Rise Over Run To Return Again
It seems as if the members of Rise Over Run can't make up their minds. First, they broke up in early-2003, then reformed in July of 2003. They then broke up again. Well, fast forward another year or so, and guess what... they're back. The group has begun writing material for a new album, which may see release via their last label, Ironclad Recordings. The band's return show will take place on April 21st at The Reverb in Toronto, Ontario with 100 Demons, Donnybrook, and others.
Black Sabbath European Dates Revealed
More Black Sabbath European dates have come to light but none of these dates have been confirmed yet.
So far, the 2005 tour itinerary this:
Jun. 09 Dortmund, GER @ Westfalenhalle 1
Jun. 11 Derbyshire, UK @ Donington Park (Download)
Jun. 14 Leipzig, GER @ Arena Leipzig
Jun. 16 München, GER @ Olympiahalle
Jun. 18 Nijmegen, NETH @ Fields of Rock Festival
Jun. 20 Vienna, AUT @ Wiener Stadthalle
Jul. 01 Roskilde, DEN @ Roskilde Festival
Jul. 03 Stockholm, SWE @ Globen
Jul. 07 Oslo, NOR @ Oslo Spektrum
Skyclad Announce European Dates
British folk metal act Skyclad have lined up the following dates to celebrate the band's 15th anniversary:
Mar. 26 Reichenbach, GER @ Die Halle
Mar. 27 Prague, CZR @ Rock Café
Mar. 28 Hamburg, GER @ Logo
Mar. 29 Berlin, GER @ Knaack
Apr. 01 Annaberg-Buchholz, GER @ Alte Brauerei
Apr. 09 Pratteln, SWI @ Z 7
Jul. 15 Neukirchen-Vluyn, GER @ Dong Open Air (heavy gig)
Jul. 16 Neukirchen-Vluyn, GER @ Dong Open Air (acoustic gig)
Skyclad's most recent album, "A Semblance Of Normality", was released last year through Demolition/Dreamcatcher Records. The album was mixed and mastered at the Damage Inc. Studio in Italy by Dario Mollo, who has previously worked with Anathema, Cradle of Filth, Tony Martin and Glenn Hughes, among others.
Just For Fun
Satanic Band 'Caused Four Deaths'
Prosecutors called on an Italian court today to impose heavy jail sentences on two members of a Satanic rock group accused of murdering three people and inciting a fourth to suicide in a case that has shocked Italy.
The court was asked to impose sentences of 20 years and 16 years respectively for Andrea Volpe and Pietro Guerrieri, who are accused of being the leaders of the "black metal" rock group Beasts of Satan, obsessed by Satanic rites.
Lawyers for Mr Volpe and Mr Guerrieri have opted for an accelerated trial procedure, which under Italian law leads to reduced sentencing. They are due to be sentenced tonight or tomorrow (AEDT). More...
Spider Issues Powerman 5000 Update
Here's an update from Powerman 5000 vocalist Spider on the new album and upcoming tours:
O.K., so here's a long overdue update. First off, the new record is just about done. We still have to track a bit more and then mix, but I'm pretty sure we are done writing. Although who knows... No official release date yet because we are exploring all the options in terms of getting this thing into your grubby little hands. What is it going to sound like? Well, let's just say if you like calculated, bloated Hoobastank ballads or radio friendly nu metal or over produced, auto tuned, cookie cutter rock then you will hate the new Powerman 5000 record. Now, I'm NOT going to say the standard bullshit like, "this is our heaviest, most brutal record yet." That's so boring and predictable. Not to mention, not true. I will say that, this record is raw and real. My goal on this one was to put together a bunch of songs that were meant to be played live. The kind of songs you could jam on with your friends in a garage band. I don't know... it is what it is. Rock 'n Roll, punk rock, metal, whatever... it's PM5K. I'm digging it!!!
We are getting back on the road soon. I'm sure most of you have seen a handful of west coast gigs popping up. There will be more to come. We will be touring a little differently this year. Instead of long drawn out runs, we will be doing shorter regional blasts. So, we will be hitting the East and the Mid West and the South. Just not right in a row. We will let you know when all dates are confirmed.
Who the fuck can you expect to see on stage?! With the revolving door in this band, sometimes I'm not even sure myself. I'm pretty certain I'll be there. Mr. 7 and Siggy will be there. Adam, sadly will not be joining us for this run of west coast dates. He is active in the writing and recording of the new record, but is opting out of the live performance end of things (at least for right now). Hitting the stage on guitar will be ex Alien Ant Farm guitarist Terry Corso and ex Halfcocked guitarist Johnny Rock. I must tell you the rehearsals with these guys have been blazing!!As I always say, "don't be afraid of the future"... Well, that's enough for you to chew on for now. THANX for being the coolest fans around, see you on the road.
Spider
God Dethroned Seek Bands For Upcoming Tour
Dutch death metallers GOD DETHRONED have posted the following message:
ANOREXIA NERVOSA will not be joining us on our European tour of the White Worm. If there are bands out there who would like to take their place, and have a record label who can support them, then feel free to contact us for details. The tour starts on March 26 in Belgium and ends on the 9th or 10th of April. The last shows are being booked right now.
Also, the video is ready! No fancy shit, just pure underground black & white blasphemy. The video (Lair of the White Worm) will be put on the website soon.
Interview
Interview with Randy of Lamb of God
Wednesday last week, I had the chance to catch up with vocalist Randy Blythe of Lamb of God for a long-overdue phone interview. I planned to catch them in person on one of the last shows of their US tour with Fear Factory in Washington, DC, but got bumped for a gig they had with XM radio before the show (note XM no longer has a metal station - BASTARDS!). Lamb of God have been touring their asses off since Ozzfest last year and therefore most of my questions were about touring and their latest album on a major label. Here's how it all went down: More...
Rotting Christ Confirmed For Blitzkrieg 3 Tour
VADER has announced that Greek dark metallers ROTTING CHRIST will be accompanying them on their Blitzkrieg 3 tour through Poland. It will be Rotting Christ's first extensive tour through the country. The dates, which have been updated, are as follows: More...
Zyklon Reveal Tentative Title For New Album
Norway’s ZYKLON, featuring ex-EMPEROR guitarist Samoth, have announced that their forthcoming new album, due out sometime this year through Candlelight Records, has the tentative title "Disintegrate".
Songs to be featured among the album’s tracklisting include: ‘Disintegrate’, ‘Vulture’, ‘Vile Ritual’, ‘The Four Corners’ and ‘Scum’.
In other news, Zyklon have completed work on their new video, for the track ‘Core Solution’. It will be available soon online. The band are also planning to release a full length DVD, details as they become available.
In live news, Zyklon were recently added to the bill for this year’s Wacken Open Air Festival, scheduled to take place August 4th - 6th in Wacken, Germany.
Graveworm Announce European Tour Dates
Italian black/ gothic metallers GRAVEWORM have confirmed the dates for their European tour with Scandinavians ENSIFERUM and COMMUNIC.
List of dates includes: More...
Report
Behemoth, Suffocation Live Report
It turns out that The Palladium in Worcester, MA has a hidden gem that has somehow eluded my attention before. "Upstairs" is a 350- capacity room with atmosphere and sound that "downstairs" comes close to but fails to top. I'm not sure if it was the size of the venue or the fans, or maybe both, but this show felt so much... intimate and heartfelt. The bands too felt these emotions floating in the air and responded accordingly. It was one of those nights when you get this awe-inspiring feeling that you belong to the metal community. More...
Gorgoroth's Gaahl Begins Appeal Process, More News
As previously reported, Gaahl appealed last years sentence by Sunnfjord court, who initially sentenced him to 18 months in prison on charges of violence. He was also ordered to pay over NOK 100,000 in damages and compensation to the victim. Last week the appeal case started in Gulating lagmannsrett, Bergen. The final sentence of the trial will be posted when it is set.
Gorgoroth recently finished the recordings of the drums for the upcoming album 'Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam', and the band are very satisfied with the outcome of the recording session. They will soon enter the studio again to record bass and guitars.
In other news, Infernus and King recently had a photo session with Metalion for an exclusive interview for the upcoming issue of Slayer Magazine.
Ex-Saint Vitus and Trouble Form Debris Inc.
Former Saint Vitus guitarist Dave Chandler and ex-Trouble bassist Ron Holzner have teamed up in Debris Inc. Their self-titled, debut album is released by Rise Above on April 4.
Watch It Dies Today's New Video Online
It Dies Today are out with the video to their new single 'A Threnody For Modern Romance'. You can watch it online at Yahoo! Music.
My Ruin Loss Rhythm Department
My Ruin have parted with drummer Yael and bassist Johnny Chow. The band have actually now finished recording new album 'Brutal Language Of Being In Love', but are said to be re-recording both the drum and bass parts.
The Gathering Singer Gives Birth To Healthy Son
The Gathering frontwoman Anneke van Giersbergen and Rob Snijders (ex-Kong) welcomed a son, Finn, on Sunday, February 20 at 7:30 a.m. The couple's first child, Finn weighed in at 7.5 pounds. Both mother and son are said to be doing "really fine."
If you wish to congratulate Anneke and Rob on their firstborn, you can do so by writing to:
Vismarkt 15
6511 VJ Nijmegen
The Netherlands
Phone/Fax: 0031 (0)24 3225715
Kotipelto to Perform with Stratovarius
According to ProgPower USA, Stratovarious will be headlining the September 16th date of the festival. Stratovarius will be accompanied be Kotipelto who is also touring with Kamelot in Europe in March through early April.
Impaled to Play Death Fests and Release New CD
Impaled have confirmed that they will be playing the Arizona Death Fest in April. Also, Impaled has announced that they will also be playing shows before and after the festival with Lord Gore and Engorged.
Impaled are also scheduled to play the Maryland Death Festival and play shows along the east coast with Rotten Sound and Aborted.
Impaled are also set to release their new album, "Death Before Life", March 8th.
Tool's Keenan 'Near Perfect' For Alice In Chains
Travis Hay of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has issued the following report:
Who would've thought Maynard James Keenan, the spooky singer for TOOL and A PERFECT CIRCLE, would have made a near-perfect singer for ALICE IN CHAINS? That was one of the many surprises Friday night when some of Seattle's brightest musical stars came out for a cause at Premier nightclub.
The cause was a benefit concert for victims of last year's tsunami and the stars included Ann and Nancy Wilson of HEART, NIRVANA bassist Krist Novoselic, SUPERSUCKERS, SIR MIX-A-LOT, THE CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION and others. But the brightest stars were the remaining members of ALICE IN CHAINS — drummer Sean Kinney, bassist Mike Inez and guitarist Jerry Cantrell — who performed together for the first time in six years.
Novoselic acted as emcee for the show, which was put on by radio station K-Rock (KRQI-FM/96.5) and raised more than $100,000 for relief efforts. More...
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