Metal News for May 23, 2002
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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13 news articles posted on this day.
Burton Bell Solo Work
Former Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell is currently working on songs for his debut solo album – and he’s recruited his erstwhile Factory colleagues Raymond Herrera, Christian Olde-Wolbers and John Bechdel to help him out. No news on a release for the record as yet, but it should be out before the end of 2002.
Machine Head Violence
Machine Head have temporarily brought in guitarist Phil Demmel to replace the departed Ahrue Luster for their upcoming UK and European dates; Demmel is a former bandmate of Robb Flynn in Vio-lence. However, he’s reportedly unlikely to become the full-time guitarist in the band.
Headline News
Kiss Leave Mercury
I don't usually report on "this kind of metal", but I found it interesting that Kiss have parted with Mercury Records. That relationship had lasted more than 25 years. The band hope to sign a new deal soon, and the first release could be ‘Alive IV’.
Execution
The bass player from Hammerfall, Magnus Rosén is the newest name in the Execution project, [started by] Thoten singer Renato Tribuzy. Rosén will record nine tracks in the album. Michael Kiske, Roland Grapow (ex-Helloween), Kiko Loureiro (Angra), Marcos Barzo (Thoten), Mat Sinner and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) are already confirmed in the project
Curl Up And Die To Poison The Well
Poison The Well have brought in Geoff Bergman, formerly with Curl Up And Die, to replace bassist Iano, who quit the band earlier this year.
Thyrfing ALbum out June 24th
Thyrfing has finished working on their new studio album. the album is titled Vansinnesvisor: and is scheduled for a June 24th release through Hammerheart. It's their fourth album so far and was recorded at Dug Out Studios with Daniel Bergstrand.
New Album from Forest of Impaled
Forest of Impaled second album for Red Stream will be called Forward the Spears. The album is completely recorded, and soon will be ready for release
Will Haven / Keepsake Cancel Tour
The May and June tour that was to feature Will Haven and Keepsake has reportedly been cancelled. Apparently one of the Will Haven members has broken his wrist, thus causing them to cancel. As for Keepsake, they're in the process of getting on another tour, though nothing has been solidified yet.
Illnath Add New Singer
Danish melodic black metal band Illnath have acquired a Norwegian singer by the name of Bjørn "Narrenschiff" Holter. The band are currently in the studio recording new material, which they to complete in June for a late 2002 release.
Enslaved Change Management
Norway's Enslaved have changed management from Hard Rock Entertainment to IRIS Artistery due to "nothing in particular," according to a message on the group's official web site. IRIS Aristery can be contacted at: IRIS@enslavedunion.com
Madder Mortem Begin Recording
Norway's Madder Mortem entered Studio Underground on May 20th to begin recording their third full-length album, entitled Deadlands, for an October 21st release through Century Media Records. According to frontwoman Agnete, the follow-up to 2001's All Flesh Is Grass will contain nine songs and approximately 50-60 minutes of Madder music, with a sound that the singer describes as "heavier and gloomier, but perhaps less schizophrenic" than its predecessor.
Avulsed Yearn for the Grotesque
Spanish death metallers Avulsed will shortly enter Germany's Spacelab Studios to record their third full-length album, entitled Yearning For The Grotesque, for a November 2002 release through Italy's Avantgarde Music. More...
Escape Signs The Dream Is Dead
Indianapolis's The Dream Is Dead, featuring ex-members of Burn It Down, Harakiri and the Sutek Conspiracy, have officially inked a contract with Escape Artist Records (Isis, In Pieces).
"We are pleased to announce Indiana's somewhat injury-prone The Dream Is Dead will issue an EP this summer on Escape Artist," stated Escape Artist on their website. "The Dream Is Dead churn out a blazing hardcore assault with elements of metal, grind, and old school action."
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