My Bitter End Cancels Tour

My Bitter End has cancelled their current tour. Here's a statement from the band:

"We just kicked off this month's tour and are still in Long Island after we played our first show in 2 months last night and something has come up last minute. We're really sorry to do this, but we have been forced to make a decision that we feel is best for our future touring plans. Our bass player Shawn lives in Tampa, Florida and just recieved word that he has to move out of his apartment October 1st, so basically he has to take an emergency flight back there so he can start working again, otherwise he has no money for a new apartment and would not be able to play on the 'Unforgivable' tour that starts Oct. 18th. In light of the fact that all the bands besides us and Odd Project dropped this month's tour, we feel it's best to cut our losses and drop the remaining dates in order to be able to do the 'Unforgivable' tour. We hope you understand. We have been trying to reach the promoters about this but Myspace is not permitting us to send/read messages currently. If you happen to read this bulletin, please pass this message along to the venues, promoters, and kids who were expecting us."

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Dead And Divine Signs To Rise Records

Ontario metal/rock outfit Dead And Divine has signed with Rise Records. Formed in 2003, the band released an album with Verona Records in 2005. According to the group, "We're stoked to be working with everyone at Rise as well as being on a roster with such awesome, talented bands as Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Devil Wears Prada and Fear Before The March Of Flames."

Dead And Divine will record their new album, "The Fanciful," at Interlace Audio in Portland, Oregon with Kris Crummett (Dance Gavin Dance) at the helm. In the meantime, you can check them out here.

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Day Without Dawn Part w/ Vocalist/Guitarist

Day Without Dawn (formerly The Postman Syndrome) have recently parted ways with guitarist/vocalist Jim Stang, and as a result had to delay the recording of their forthcoming record. They're currently looking for potential members to flesh out a new lineup. They posted the following list of requirements on their website:

"So we're in the market for a member or two. The three things that are really a priority for us are...
a) That you can tour at least three months a year, preferably more
b) that you can bring something of quality to the table musically
c) that you're not a dick

"Otherwise, we're pretty open to instruments and musical taste. We're definitely not looking for a second drummer or bassist (unless you're a bassist who owns a stick or a warr), but guitarists, vocalists, horn players, keyboardists, string bowers, etc, especially a combination of the two, send us an email or myspace message. We'll chat. It'll be nice. It should be noted though that although vocal ability is a plus we're not looking for a lead singer unless you're Freddy Mercury reincarnate (or at least very, very good).

"If you feel like you're right for the job you can contact the band at: Band@DayWithoutDawn.com

"You'll also notice we put a new song online. It's a demo of one of the tracks from the new record, and fairly indicative of the direction we're planning to head in."

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Our Last Night Signs With Epitaph Records

Epitaph Records has officially announced the signing of New Hampshire based rock/hardcore/screamo group Our Last Night. Having just begun to make a name for themselves throughout the East Coast, the group is planning to expand their horizons this spring with the release of their debut album on Epitaph.

Inspired by hardcore and metal, Our Last Night delivers an onslaught of taut thrashing riffs and intense hardcore breakdowns that meld perfectly with lush melodic landscapes and soaring, irresistibly catchy choruses. Sharp technical precision meets raw inspiration on songs like the addictive "Escape," which is currently streaming here.

Our Last Night, which consists of Trevor Wentworth (growls), Matt Wentworth (guitar, melodic vocals), Alex "Woody" Woodrow (bass), Colin Perry (guitar) and Tim Molloy (drums), was formed in 2004 by childhood friends who were fed up with merely jamming and playing cover songs. With only a few live performances under their belt, Our Last Night entered the studio shortly afterwards to record their first EP, We've Been Holding Back. Vigorous live performances helped the band earn respect and fans throughout the New England area and by 2005 they entered the studio to record their next EP, Building Cities From Scratch. In the summer of 2007, after being impressed by their self-made demos, owner and president of Epitaph Records, Brett Gurewitz, came calling and invited the band to join the label.

"From the very first note of the demo I was blown away by the sophistication of their writing and the technical playing which belies their young age," said Gurewitz. "Add to that the control and range of Matt's stellar singing voice and I was sold."

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Lordi Guitarist Talks Costumes, Eurovision, Gwar

Maximum Ink magazine recently conducted an interview with LORDI guitarist Amen. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On winning the Eurovision Song Contest:

"The Eurovision song contest is an annual pop song competition. There are something like 40 contestants, and you perform your song in front of a live audience. At the same time, it is broadcasted to millions of viewers — usually there's over 100 million viewers. It is one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world, so it's a great opportunity to bring your message to millions of people in only three minutes! People in different countries vote, and the country that gets the most points wins the competition. It is a competition where you usually can't see rock bands, so we were really a 'bizarre vision' in the middle of all those the-less-I-use-clothes-the-more-I-get-votes artists. It's a place no one ever expected to see a band like us, but that's the reason we wanted to participate, because we do things that normal bands don't do."

On how winning the Eurovision contest has changed things for the band:

"We got more reputation and more work. It opened many doors for us. We got a lot of new fans, and because of that we have a chance to play in bigger arenas. During the last year-and-a-half we were really busy, and we have to thank Eurovision for that… But we've already moved on, and our focus is on the future."

On how the idea to wear costumes came about:

"Mr. Lordi got this crazy idea back in early '90s, and all of the mask design comes pretty much from him — other members also take part in design sessions, giving ideas, etc., but Mr. Lordi is the one who makes the masks from sketches to final product . . . There's a different story behind every monster. For me it was kind of obvious to be a mummy, because I have always loved ancient Egypt and its history. It was ten years ago when I jumped in Mr. Lordi's train, and back then we discussed the character of the guitarist. The first idea was some kind of redneck porno Caesar, but nowadays I'm really happy that we thought about it twice!"

On comparisons to GWAR:

"Well, personally, I don't know their music so well, but I think they look cool! It's great to have different kind of bands and music in the world. I hope to meet them one day. I guess they must be distant family members for us..."

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Wednesday 13 To Record New Album This Week

Wednesday 13 (ex-MURDERDOLLS) will begin recording the follow-up to 2006's "Fang Bang" this week. Wednesday has written and plans to record 20 songs for the latest outing, titled "Skeletons". Tentative songtitles include "From Here To the Hearse", "Dead Carolina", "All American Massacre" and "Not Another Teenage Anthem".

Says Wednesday 13, "I'm really excited about the new music, it's totally and completely different than 'Fang Bang'!!! The new music is pretty heavy and probably the most dark and personal record I have ever written."

In other news, Wednesday 13 has sent notice to Rykodisc — the label which released "Fang Bang" — that they have missed their window to exercise their contractual option to release the next WEDNESDAY 13 CD.

"'Fang Bang' has done really well and it's without a lot of support from Rykodisc," says Wednesday 13. "I am not badmouthing them. The fact is, the week we signed to Rykodisc the president of the label and our A&R guy left to go to another label and then a few days later, Ryko, like many labels, had more staff cuts, including our publicist and radio guy. They did the best they could, given the situation. In the past year, I have done more touring, both overseas and in the U.S., than I ever have. With the help of my booking agent, manager and the great support of the fans, we have continued to grow our audience."

Also on the Wednesday 13-related front, he has recruited former MISTER MONSTER/MICHALE GRAVES guitarist J-Sin Trioxin to fill the vacant guitar slot.

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Tarot Film DVD In Finland

Finnish metallers TAROT returned to Club Rupla in Kuopio (Finland) on Friday, August 17th to play their second last gig in Finland before their upcoming break. The venue is the same where Tarot played for the first time in Kuopio 25 years ago.

The show will be filmed and recorded for a future DVD/CD release. The band's setlist was as follows: 'Crows Fly Black', 'Traitor', 'Pyre Of Gods', 'Wings Of Darkness', 'Back in The Fire', 'Tides', 'Bleeding Dust', 'Veteran Of Psychic Wars', 'Crawlspace', 'Angels of Pain', 'Warhead', 'Follow Me Into Madness', 'Before The Skies Come Down', 'Ashes To The Stars', 'Undead Son', 'You'. Encore: 'Rider Of The Last Day', 'I Rule'.

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Piledriver Hope To Relase New Album Soon

Canadian metal legends PILEDRIVER have issued the following update:

"The band will be playing their only Toronto show of the year on October 19th at The Metal Bar. More info posted soon. In other Piledriver news, the band is currently preparing to enter the studio to begin work on their anxiously awaited new CD. The band hope to have it released before the end of the year."

Piledriver are confirmed for the Metal On Metal 25th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, September 15 at The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. Other acts on the bill include RAVEN, ANVIL and DESTRUCTOR (Forever In Leather CD release show!). All four bands will be doing full headlining sets.

The concert will celebrate the 25th anniversary (1982-2007) of Bill Peters' "Metal On Metal" radio program, heard every Friday night in Cleveland on WJCU 88.7 FM and streamed 'live' worldwide at www.wjcu.org. The very popular underground radio program has featured import and independent heavy metal for parts of the past three decades. 2007 also marks the 25th anniversary of Anvil's now classic Metal On Metal album, which was released on Attic Records in 1982 and the theme song of the radio program.

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Legion Of The Damned To Enter Studio In September

Dutch metallers LEGION OF THE DAMNED have checked in with the following update:

"Time for some update. Nothing new has happened. Just came back from playing Bloodstock in the UK along with ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, SABBAT and IN FLAMES. Was absolutely a fantastic experience, and to the UK fans; thank you so much! we had a blast and we hope to return to the UK soon!

As said, nothing new has happened besides finishing up our two new songs for the upcoming Feel The Blade release. Still need to finish the lyrics for those songs ,so as soon as we got them, we will post the titles of the new tracks. We are also finishing up our Touring The Jackal tour which started already back in March. Still three shows to go.

November and December will be a rest for us, and some of us will go on vacation. We will keep you posted and updated as soon as we enter the studio with Andy Classen in September!"

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Ghoulunatics Announce Fall Live Dates

Quebec-based metallers GHOULUNATICS have announced the following fall live dates in support of their latest album, Cryogénie, out now via Galy Records:

September
7- Dolbeau, QC - Salle Des Chevaliers De Colomb
8 - Jonquiere, QC - Eglise Notre Dame De Fatima
9 - La Baie, QC - Le Petit Baril

October
6 - Trois-Rivieres, QC - Le Maquisart
26 - St-Hyacinthe, QC - Bar Le Trash

November
10 - Vallee Jonction, QC - Salle Gede Drouin (Beauce Metalfest 1)

December
8 - Montréal, QC - Bar Le Saphir (Le Party De Noel Des Ghouls 3)

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Girlschool Announce Seattle Date

Veteran British female hard rockers GIRLSCHOOL have scheduled the following U.S. dates:

Sep. 02 - Power Box Festival - Darrington, WA
Sep. 03 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA

In addition to GIRLSCHOOL, the Power Box Festival will feature performances by BENEDICTUM, THE IRON MAIDENS, KITTIE, MCQUEEN and VIXEN, among many others. The lineup consists of some of the best known female rock acts from the last three decades. According to organizers, "this four-day event will be featuring and developing at least 33 different rock bands. There will be beer garden for adults, food vendors and arts and crafts booths for the younger crowds to enjoy. Part of this event's proceeds will be going to Caring Coaches, a non-profit organization for cancer research awareness."

As previously reported, Rock N Roll Kabaret at the Soho Revue Bar in London, England will hold a tribute to late GIRLSCHOOL guitarist Kelly Johnson on August 20. The event, dubbed "Kelly Johnson In Sound & Vision", will feature a four-song set by former members of the band.

Kelly Johnson passed away on July 15 after a six-year battle with cancer of the spine. Along with Johnson, the classic lineup of GIRLSCHOOL included Kim McAuliffe (guitar), Enid Williams (bass) and Denise Dufort (drums). The band was an integral and major force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, beginning with the release of its debut album, "Demolition" (1980), and continuing with the follow-up efforts, "Hit 'n' Run" (1981) and "Screaming Blue Murder" (1982).

Johnson originally left GIRLSCHOOL in 1984 after recording the band's fourth album, "Play Dirty", and moved to Los Angeles where she lived for the next 10 years. She rejoined GIRLSCHOOL in 1993 and moved back to the U.K. From 1993 until 2000 Kelly, Kim, Denise and Tracey Lamb toured Europe and the USA and recorded a live album in March 1995. Kelly decided to quit the music business for good in 2000 after recording her final album with GIRLSCHOOL, "Not That Innocent: 21st Anniversary" (2001).

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Duff McKagen Talks About GNR Reunion

Mike Kerwick of NorthJersey.com recently conducted an interview with VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On being sober:

"You thought you were missing something if you didn't go out one night. You might miss the greatest party ever. That's just really kind of a teenage way of looking at things. I actually know people that still kind of think that way. They're in their 30s and 40s. Poor [expletive] people. My life has become a lot richer since I've been sober.

"I'm living a full life. I got an education and I read and I'm fascinated by things. I kick-box. I water-ski. I ride a motorcycle. More importantly than all that other [expletive], I have two little girls and a wife who look to me for everything."

On playing with his former GUNS N' ROSES bandmates in VELVET REVOLVER:

"I think there's definitely some weird chemistry that Slash and I have tapped into. I almost feel like some sort of weird old soul thing. We never talk about music, never have. We never talk about what we want a song to sound like. To me that would just be goofy."

On possible reunion of GUNS N' ROSES' classic lineup:

"It would have to be kind of a cool groovy situation, a feel-good situation, for us to do it. You know, I think it could happen someday, somehow, because of the fact that we're all still alive. It's really not something I waste any time thinking about. As far as my music goes, I have a great band, I love what we do. I love the record we made."

On repeating GUNS N' ROSES' amazing success:

"It's never gonna happen again. We were at the right place at the right time for a generation that needed it. It just doesn't happen. People ask, 'Well, is VELVET REVOLVER going to get the success of GUNS N' ROSES?' Oh [expletive] no. Nobody will. Nobody ever will. Unless in 10 years there's some need for a rock band that comes along and captures their imagination."

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Cannibal Corpse Have Set Shortened By Police

Legendary death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE have released ther following statement regarding their abbreviated August 17, 2007 performance in Bogota, Colombia:

"We have to clear up what happened at the Colombian show we recently played. The show was cut short, and cut short for one reason only: THE POLICE SHUT IT DOWN. Although we had terrible luck throughout the day in other ways (major problems with the local audio equipment, Alex [Webster, bass] was violently ill with food poisoning), these reasons would not be enough to make us stop playing. We stopped because the local promoter told us that we must stop because of the police. We had already played 11 songs (normally we play 17 or 18). We all wanted to play more, but the promoter said it was impossible. Unfortunately, nobody explained this situation to the fans, and many were angry, and a small riot ensued during which time our banner and pedal boards were stolen.

"It is very important to us in CANNIBAL CORPSE that our fans understand that we were not responsible in any way for being cut short, it was the police. We are sorry to the fans there who saw us play a shorter set than normal, but it was not our fault that we had to stop playing."

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The Dillinger Escape Plan Announce U.S. Tour Dates

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN will embark on a U.S. headlining tour in October. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

Oct. 04 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody’s
Oct. 05 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theatre
Oct. 06 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean
Oct. 07 - Saint Paul, MN - Station 4
Oct. 09 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater

Support on the trek will come from A LIFE ONCE LOST, BEHOLD…THE ARCTOPUS, and GENGHIS TRON.

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN will release its new album, "Ire Works", on November 13 via Relapse Records. The CD was produced by Steve Evetts (SAVES THE DAY, EARTH CRISIS, SEPULTURA) and features the drumming of STOLEN BABIES' Gil Sharone following the departure of Chris Pennie (he now plays drums with COHEED AND CAMBRIA). Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Saigon Whore", "Doll Keeper" and "Party Smasher".

The band will embark on a European tour with MESHUGGAH in November.

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN recently added former HEADS WILL ROLL guitarist Jeff Tuttle to its lineup.

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Rob Zombie Resumes Work On El Superbeasto

With less than two two weeks before his remake of the classic horror film "Halloween" is scheduled to hit theatres nationwide, Rob Zombie has resumed work on his animated feature "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto". "I just saw the first cut of the film and it is awesome," Zombie wrote in an online posting. "We have a little more animation to do, but this sucker is almost 100% finished. It is some crazy shit. I know you are gonna love it."

The upcoming animated feature will star Rosario Dawson as Miss Velvet Von Black, the love of Dr. Satan's (Paul Giamatti) life.

Image Comics recently collected the entire "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto" hit series in one volume, including over 50 pages of never-before-seen illustrated story! "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto" is a 288-page trade paperback and is available in book stores and comic shops now.

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Sepultura Guitarist Updates From England

SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser has issued the following update:

"August 17: The [European] tour is almost finished; four more shows and then we are going home. It was a long tour but a very good one. We play for many people around Europe and now we feel ready to start new music for a new album.

"WE DON'T STOP, WE KEEP FIGHTING ON!

"We came from Bulgaria — it was the first time there. Too bad we stayed less than 24 hours in the country, but it was worth it. We flew from Barcelona to Varna and then to Albena — a beautiful place with beaches at the Black Sea and a very hot sun. We played at the city of Kavarna in a football stadium, full of Bulgarian headbangers. The show was great and the whole production was amazing, one of the very best in Europe... all very organized, done with a lot of passion and respect.

"I hope to be back soon to Bulgaria and have more time to explore the country.

"Thank you all very much, Bulgaria!!

"We are now in England on the last stage of the tour. We are a little tired but we're very happy with the job done.

"I would like to send a special thanks to our crew that makes the best effort every night so we have everything ready to jam on stage. Valeu!
"Rumors, rumors, rumors...

"August 18, 2007, Leeds, England: Today I did my first guitar clinic ever in Europe. It was at the Guitar Institute (The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance) in London. I didn't have with me all the stuff I usually use in my clinics in Brazil but it was really cool. It was a conversation with 20 students from the school and it was sponsored by the Metal Hammer magazine. It will be a whole weekend talking and playing metal! I played many riffs from the history of SEPULTURA and they asked me about everything: techniques, composition, influences and stories about SEPULTURA. Also, I improvise over some blues playbacks but I couldn't play the classical guitar 'cause I didn't have my instrument.

"I hope to come back soon to do the full clinic.

"Thanks a lot, GI!

"Afterwards I took the train to Leeds and we've just left the stage. DESTROY!!!!

"Only two more shows to go, time to go home..."

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