Metal News for October 31, 2007
Last updated on October 6, 2025 at 2:37 AM ET
We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.
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
55 news articles posted on this day.
Trigger Point Begin Pre Production
LA’s TRIGGER POINT has begun pre production on their new album tentatively titled Giving Up the Ghost with producer Shaun Lopez (Deftones, Will Haven, Demon Hunter) at the helm.
Says vocalist Taylor Wallace, “We are all very excited about making this record. It pretty much captures everything we have been through in the last three years. The music is epic to say the least. We have been working on it just about everyday for the last year, and are finally ready to get in the studio and bring it to life.”
The band is set to begin recording on November 3 at LA’s Bomb Shelter Studios. Sessions will be predicated by the band’s last show of the year on November 2 at the Key Club in Hollywood playing with DAUGHTERS OF MARA.
Opeth Begin Recording New Album Tomorrow
OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt has issued the following update:
"On October 28 at 9:20 AM my wife gave birth to our second daughter, Mirjam Ebba Maria Åkerfeldt. She is so beautiful, just looking at her brings me to tears!
"Who'd known that I, a bum from the Stockholm suburbs would be the father of two beautiful daughters? Yes, guys! I am happy!"
"On top of that, the album is now written and the demos sound fantastic! We will start recording it tomorrow, actually! I don't wanna say too much but....gee, it is so fucking good!! If I may say so myself....Expected 'delivery date' on this one is sometime in April/May 2008." More...
Ringworm Join The Persistence Tour
Cleveland-based metal/hardcore band RINGWORM has been added to the Persistence Tour 2007, which is set to kick off November 29 in Wiesbaden, Germany. The lineup for the trek is now as follows:
HATEBREED
AGNOSTIC FRONT
IGNITE
EVERGREEN TERRACE
SWORN ENEMY
DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR
RINGWORM
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/persistencetour. More...
Taproot Begin Mixing New Album
Bassist Phil Lipscomb of the Ann Arbor, Michigan hard rock band TAPROOT has issued the following update:
"As far as the [new TAPROOT] album goes, we found the right guy to mix it. He's already mixed one song for us and it sounds great. He really brought out the best in the song, made it what it should be. We're excited to hear what he does with the rest. After it gets mixed, we're going to be shopping it around to labels as soon as possible so we can get it out early next year. We're hoping for March, but I have a feeling that's going to get pushed back. These things take time, but we are on the right track. We'll also be touring around then, but probably not before. Most common question being asked is, 'When are you coming to (insert city here)?' We won't be touring until we have a release date, but when we do, we're going to try to hit everywhere we can. For those of you in Europe, look for us to do some of the big festivals next summer. I hope we can hit places on this next album cycle that we've never hit before, Australia being the top on my personal list, but we'll see. We'll do our best!"
TAPROOT's follow-up to 2005's "Blue-Sky Research" was reportedly produced by Tim Patalan.
Metal/Rock Drummers Featured On Ferocious Drummer
Hall of Fame drummer Marky Ramone (RAMONES) and paid a recent visit to the set of "The Most Ferocious Drummers Ever" — a featured television special currently in production which chronicles the lives and careers of over 50 legendary drummers in jazz, funk, rock, metal, and alternative music. Other drummers that appear in the special include Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) and Steven Adler (GUNS N' ROSES)
The TV special is hosted and produced by former Atlantic Records rock drummer Billy McCarthy (a.k.a. ex-D'MOLLS member Billy Dior) and feature film producer Braxton Pope of Ithaka Entertainment and features a kinetic mix of personal interviews, commentary, and performance clips entirely shot in high-definition. The special is projected for a 2008 release.
"I'd say it's about time a program came along and paid due respect to the drummer — after all, without a great drummer, something terrible happens to a band. Nothing," said McCarthy.
Notes Pope, "Every drummer featured is featured for one reason and one reason only — they are the foundation to the heaviest bands, the hit songs, and even the hit solo artists they helped define."
"The Most Ferocious Drummers Ever" delves into the drummer's childhood, the first arrival in the audition room with their chart-busting band mates, the sewing of that first hit song — their high (and lows) with those band-mates and then there's "every drummers hero," according to McCarthy, "agreed upon from Max Weinberg to Chad Smith of the CHILI PEPPERS to Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX. The king of the back-beat is Ringo Starr."
Billy McCarthy is a former Atlantic Records recording artist and Los Angeles radio talk show host. He is the author of the debut novel "The Devil of Shakespeare", the first novel ever to include a title song to a novel written by the author. Aside from producing film and music, Billy continues to write. His next book is "Beat Me Til' I'm Famous". Billy McCarthy currently resides in Chicago and is a member of the Society of Midland Authors.
Trent Reznor Speaks On Illegal Downloading
New York magazine recently conducted an interview with NINE INCH NAILS mastermind Trent Reznor and spoken-word and hip-hop artist Saul Williams about their collaboration on Williams' new album, "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust!" A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:
New York: What inspired you to go the [RADIOHEAD] route with this album?
Trent: I think it's just an awkward time right now to be a musician. The reality is that people think it's okay to steal music. There's a whole generation of people, that's all they've known. I used to buy vinyl. Today, if you do put out a record on a label, traditionally, most people are going to hear it via a leak that happens two weeks — if not two months — before it comes out. There's no real way around that. I'm truly saddened because I think music has been devalued, so that it's just a file on your computer, and it's usually free. But we can't change that. What we can do is try to offer people the best experience that we can provide them. Will it work? I don't know. But I think it's a great way to get music out to people who are interested. At the end of the day, all I care about is the integrity of the music, and that the feeling of those who experience it is as untainted as possible. I'd rather it not be on an iPod commercial. I'd rather it not be a ringtone that you have to get with a free cell phone or any of that bullshit.
New York: Are you using this project, Trent, to test the waters for a self-released NIN record?
Trent: There isn't a NINE INCH NAILS record done. I'm starting one right now. If I had one that was done, I would [release] it today in exactly the same way. I won't have one done for several months. One of the things that started this in motion with Saul was me sitting around thinking about finally getting off a major label, which I think is the right move for NINE INCH NAILS. I wasn't looking to jump right back into another binding contract with a big company, and I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't advising Saul to do that in today's climate. We decided to go the route we did, and we'll see what happens.
New York: How long do you think before the labels are out of business?
Trent: I mean, who knows? I remember a time when it felt like, being on a major label, our interests were aligned. At times, it's a pretty well-oiled machine and the luxury is that I feel like I've got a team of people who are taking care of the shit I don't want to think about. I don't care about the radio guy, I just want to make music. But those days are gone. Because, mainly, that infrastructure is broken at the moment. How long before [record companies] are irrelevant? Who knows? They seem to be doing everything they can to make sure that happens as quickly as possible.
New York: What do you think about OiNK being shut down?
Trent: I'll admit I had an account there and frequented it quite often. At the end of the day, what made OiNK a great place was that it was like the world's greatest record store. Pretty much anything you could ever imagine, it was there, and it was there in the format you wanted. If OiNK cost anything, I would certainly have paid, but there isn't the equivalent of that in the retail space right now. iTunes kind of feels like Sam Goody to me. I don't feel cool when I go there. I'm tired of seeing John Mayer's face pop up. I feel like I'm being hustled when I visit there, and I don't think their product is that great. DRM, low bit rate, etc. Amazon has potential, but none of them get around the issue of pre-release leaks. And that's what's such a difficult puzzle at the moment. If your favorite band in the world has a leaked record out, do you listen to it or do you not listen to it? People on those boards, they're grateful for the person that uploaded it — they're the hero. They're not stealing it because they're going to make money off of it; they're stealing it because they love the band. I'm not saying that I think OiNK is morally correct, but I do know that it existed because it filled a void of what people want.
Led Zeppelin Guitarist To Be Honoured With Award
He will be the recipient of the Living Legend award at the third Classic Rock Roll of Honour. Classic Rock magazine publisher Chris Ingham said: "Every year, the Roll of Honour further cements its position as the awards that the stars really care about. "The list of stars attending last year's ceremony was unsurpassed and with the awards taking place in the exclusive surroundings of the Landmark Hotel, this will once again be the event of the year."
The Classic Rock Roll of Honour will be held in London on November 5.
Soilwork Frontman Talks About Billboard Chart
Swedish melodic metallers, SOILWORK, recently broke into the Billboard Top 200 chart selling an impressive 5,000 copies of Sworn To A Great Divide their first week and coming in at #148. Lead singer, Björn “Speed” Strid, took a moment from his hectic touring schedule in Europe with DARK TRANQUILITY, CALIBAN and SONIC SYNDICATE to express his joy over the news: “I’m really psyched about getting into the Billboard charts at 148, which I’m told is our highest position ever in America! I’m very happy to see this and that people out there have stuck by us all this way. We'll see you all on tour in November/December with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, LAMB OF GOD and DEVILDRIVER. Peace out!”
Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage and Soilwork tour dates include:
November
28 - Lowell, MA - Tsongas Arena
29 - Reading, PA - Reading Eagle Theatre
30 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
December
1 - Lewiston, ME - The Colisee
2 - Albany, NY - Washington Ave Armory
4 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
5 - Chicago, IL - Congress Theatre
7 - Kansas City, KS - Memorial Hall
8 - Dallas, TX - Nokia Theatre
9 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete St. Amphitheatre
10 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
12 - Denver, CO - Fillmore
13 - Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Air
14 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Theatre
15 - Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Arena
16 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theater
17 - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center
Katatonia Explain Swiss Concert Cancellation
Sweden's KATATONIA has issued the following update:
"The members of KATATONIA have now since about two weeks been struggling with everything from the flu, ear infections, pneumonia and sinusitis. Two of the members are still on penicillin antibiotics to get well."
"It's safe to say that KATATONIA never want or intend to cancel our own gigs, and it's never been a common situation in our past. Unfortunately, this time the Burgdorfer gig [on October 20] in Switzerland got suffering and had to be canceled in the last minute."
"Why so late, some might rightfully ask? Well, it's easily explained — because we still intended to play it til the last minute! Eventually it just was not possible. The band was both advised and uncapable of flying or playing — doctor's orders. If we would look for replacements for the sick members, it would be an entirely new band playing and we're sure none wants to go see that."
"With that said, we'll do our best to struggle our way through the Norwegian gig in Oslo [at Screamfest] on Saturday [November 3] and hope for your understanding if we're not in top shape yet."
Skumlove Sign Canadian Deal w/ Misfortune Records
Los Angeles-based industrial metal band SKUMLOVE has signed a licensing agrement with Canada's Misfortune Records for the release of the group's new album, "Songs of Lust and Corrosion". According to a press relase, the CD will contain 10 songs, including remixes and two videos. The Canadian version of the album will also feature two extra songs and an alternate album cover.
"Songs of Lust and Corrosion" was officially released in the U.S. today (Wednesday, October 31) via the band's own label Devil's Union Entertainment. Two dates in Toronto and Montreal will follow in early November.
For more information, visit www.skumlove.com.
Pest Sign With Season of Mist
Swedish black metallers PEST have inked a deal with Season of Mist for the release of their new album, "Rest in Morbid Darkness". Due in Europe on January 21 (February 5 in the U.S.), the CD contains "nine tracks of violent sickness, lurking horror and triumphant bloodshed, all in the true spirit of blackend demo 'Metal.Decadence', darkness and death," according to a press release.
"Rest in Morbid Darkness" track listing:
01. Possessed by the Beast
02. Nights in the Cursed Chapel
03. Blessed by Hellfire
04. Rest in Morbid Darkness
05. Bestial Crucifixion
06. Vomit up the Blood of Jesus
07. Shadows of the Dead
08. Final Strike of Doom
09. The Lust for Cruelty
PEST's last release was the "Evil Return" two-song seven-inch single, which came out in 2006 via Iron Fist Productions.
Stream DEP's Entire New Album Online
You can stream THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN’s highly anticipated upcoming new album, Ire Works, in its entirety over at their official MySpace page. The album is set to be released on November 13th through Relapse Records.
Nailed Post 'Requiem For A Dying Sun' Video Online
You can check out NAILED’s new video for the song “Requiem For A Dying Sun” online here. The track comes off the band’s latest album, Hatred, Failure & The Extinction of Mankind.
Coliseum Announce European Tour
COLISEUM have announced a three-week European headlining tour in support of their recently released Relapse Records debut, No Salvation.
COLISEUM, fresh off a five-week North American tour with HIGH ON FIRE, will kick-off this tour on November 30th in The Netherlands. From there, the Louisville, KY trio will spend much of December touring through Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom. A complete listing of COLISEUM tour dates can be found online here with more to be announced soon.
Exodus Guitarist Speaks On New Sound And More
Peter Jandréus of Sweden's Critical Mass recently conducted an interview with EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt. A few excerpts from the chat follow:
Critical Mass: Tom Hunting is back behind the drums on the new album. What happened to Paul (Bostaph)?
Gary: Well, you know, nothing happened to Paul. All that happened is that it was understood between everybody that if Tom wanted to come back there would be a seat waiting for him. He is one of the founding members and one of my best friends since I was 17 years old and Tom needed some time away from the band and to concentrate on his own self 'cause this band can be quite controlling on everybody's life and so he came back and Paul was absolutely fine with it and Paul wanted some time to himself anyway and I'm pleased that my buddy Paul is back in TESTAMENT, so it's a win-win situation for everybody.
Critical Mass: I was listening to your previous album the other day and perhaps you've gotten this question many times before but I was wondering about the song "Deathamphetamine". Is it a way for you of dealing with a darker past?
Gary: Yeah, sure, it was kinda my way of exorcise some of the demons I used to carry around. In a way it describes the nightmare of amphetamine abuse. I'm not the one to preach to people but if anybody out there putting the poison in 'em might learn something and not get as fucked up on the shit that I once was.
Critical Mass: So is music a sort of therapy for you in that sense?
Gary: Yeah, for sure, and in this band the music gets angry and angrier and I'm happy because of it. I don't walk around with a mean look on my face, I'm the happiest guy you'll ever meet. You know, it helps to express the anger through a song.
Critical Mass: Your current lineup really kicks ass but some might think that you are sort of touring with a company name and that you should change the name of the band?
Gary: Well, they don't know what the fuck they're talking about, for starters. I would understand and agree with them if, let's say, for instance, EXODUS was broken up and then five to ten years later Gary Holt comes out with four new guys and calls it EXODUS. That would not be right but when we went into the studio to do "Shovel Headed Kill Machine", Rick (Hunolt), who was still a member of the band, quit the day we moved the equipment in and he wasn't committed anymore. He also never went to rehearsal. Zetro (Steve Souza) was just an asshole. He was impossible to deal with even in 1993 so there was no choice but to let him go. He wasn't the original singer anyway. All these things happened within weeks and just before the recording of the album and I'm not going to stop what I've been focusing on for the last six months. EXODUS has been my baby since I was 14 years young and I'm not gonna let it die. Most people today have thanked me for not letting it fade away.
Critical Mass: How would you label the EXODUS sound of 2007?
Gary: It's absolutely thrash, and I'm not gonna let somebody convince me it's not, 'cause then I'll be running away from something we helped to create. You know, I don't approach things any differently than I did then. I mean, it starts with a riff and anybody who is a musician can see how I arrange songs. I have my own style and still go by it. But at the same time I'm not interested in sounding like I did in 1985. Other people are but I did that first so why would I wanna do it now.
Critical Mass: Here in Sweden stagediving is more or less forbidden at most larger venues and people is often thrown out because of that. Is it similar when you visit other countries? How do feel about it?
Gary: We just recently heard that we are the reason that stagediving and moshing is banned at the Whisky in Hollywood. I'm quite proud of that. I don't know how they plan to enforce those rules but I remember a couple years ago in Gothenburg this one kid dove of the stage and the whole crowd moved out of the way and he landed really bad and we could hear it from the stage and we thought that kid was gonna die. The ambulance came and everything but we saw him at the next show and he was OK. But I mean he hit hard — that shit was scary.
Critical Mass: Have you experienced more of that over the years?
Gary: Well, yeah, we were sued by this guy's parents when the crowd ran over this kid and they claimed that he had permanent emotional and physical scars but I say [anyone that] comes to see EXODUS already has the emotional [scars]!
Critical Mass: What part of the world you think has the wildest crowd?
Gary: You know, there was a time I wouldn't say this about Hollywood but our shows there has gotten more and more insane and the audience is 17-year-old kids and I've seen them in front of a venue doing sort of soundchecks to start up a pit on the sidewalk and it's like 20 kids at three o'clock in the afternoon just slammin' into each other in the street. People trying to walk by and they're terrified...
Ozzy Osbourne Fans Arrested In Party Raid
Patrick Springer of The Associated Press reports: Some fans who turned out for a party before Monday's [October 29] OZZY OSBOURNE-ROB ZOMBIE concert [in Fargo, North Dakota] found out they'd been handed tricks instead of treats by the law when sheriff's deputies crashed the party.
The approximately 40 people who answered letters of invitation turned up at The Venue at Playmakers for what they thought would be a festive party before the big concert at the Fargodome.
The Venue event was sponsored by PDL Productions — a bogus firm created by Paul D. Laney, the Cass County sheriff, to help catch some people who had ignored court summons and child support payments or failed to pay fines.
Instead of partying down, attendees were arrested on outstanding warrants. "It was more of a warrant party," Laney said.
"Some actually thought it was pretty funny," he added. Others were upset, with a couple who turned hostile. "I think they were upset with themselves for being had."
Unearthly Trance Complete New Album
UNEARTHLY TRANCE recorded Electrocution with Sanford Parker at his Volume Recording Studios (RWAKE, MINSK) in Chicago, IL. This record, UNEARTHLY TRANCE’s second for Relapse Records, is scheduled for a Spring 2008 release date. Electrocution’s complete track listing is a follows:
01. Chaos Star
02. God Is A Beast
03. The Dust Will Never Settle
04. Diseased
05. The Scum Is In Orbit
06. Religious Slaves
07. Burn You Insane
08. Distant Roads Overgrown
UNEARTHLY TRANCE recently completed a month-long European tour prior to entering the studio to record Electrocution. The band will be performing a number of shows around their native New York in the coming months leading up Electrocution’s release.
Entire Dillinger Escape Plan Album Streaming
You can stream THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN’s highly anticipated upcoming new album, Ire Works, in its entirety over at their official MySpace page. The album is set to be released on November 13th through Relapse Records.
You can listen to Ire Works in full here
Evergrey Issue Studio Update
EVERGREY frontman Tom S. Englund has checked in with the following studio update:
"We started a new week of recording and its all shaping up nicely! Really great - I recorded guitars for four songs now and Henrik (Danhage - guitar) and Jonas (Ekdahl - drums) have been tracking. Jonas have also started to rehearse a new song that we will record next week. Jari (Kainulainen - bass) went home to Norway and will be back a week before our next gigs in Sweden and Israel so in between those we will lay down the last of his basses on four-five songs. Rikard (Zander - keyboards)was here yesterday copying all the songs unto his hard-drive so that he can sit at home rehearsing before it’s his turn. After next wednesday we will take a break from the recording and go into writing/composing mode again for a couple of weeks and I think we will bring the camera into those situations as well. I will record some vocals in my home-studio as that’s where I feel the most comfortable and can create undisturbed. Henrik came up with some really great ideas the other day for a new song that will be awesome, I’m sure. I have to dig deeper into the lyrics and vocal-lines for a couple of days as well, something I do best by myself. So there’s A LOT going on. We will have a couple of competitions coming up in the next weeks where you will be able to win some cool merchandise and some other signed stuff… so be sure to check this space out for more specifics on that. Almost forgot, here’s another video week enjoy ad be sure to keep those comments coming."
View the video here
Mygrain Finish Recording New Album
Finnish melodic death metal act MYGRAIN has issued the following update:
"Signs Of Existence has finally been recorded! Every chord and beat is on the tape and there's nothing that can save us anymore. We're extremely happy with the result and as we had a tiny pre-pre-listening session for a small amount of people last weekend, they seemed to be content too. The mastering process will take place next Tuesday at Finnvox Studios and after that there's nothing to do but wait for the cd:s to arrive from the factory (and to hope no one fucks up this time).
In a couple of months we'll let you know the Finnish tour dates. There are a couple of them confirmed already but you just have to be patient for a lil' while. There's gonna be new exciting places to conquer, so see you on the road next spring! Before that, we will launch renewed website on this same address, so stay tuned."
Still Remains To Film Cooking With Church Series
Grand Rapids, MI-based band STILL REMAINS are set to tape an exclusive Cooking With Church series for national food chain Qdoba Mexican Grill in the band's home state. The mock cooking show, which was created by the always energetic six-piece, showcases the band's guitarist/vocalist Mike Church who is an avid chef and all of the shenanigans that go along with the Still Remains crew.
The band has been asked to tape six episodes of the YouTube hit series for Qdoba Mexican Grill. Church will be using Qdoba's always fresh and tasty ingredients and working his magic to create one damn fine burrito. Still Remains are asking fans to come out and be a part of the taping during the taste test portion of the shoot. To get a free Qdoba burrito and be a part of cooking show history, fans will need to be one of the first 20 people to arrive at the store at 9:30pm on Saturday, November 3rd. The 20 lucky fans will get to indulge in a one of a kind burrito with a Church twist and will be filmed for the ‘taste test' segment of the show!
Scorpions/ Judas Priest North American 2008 Tour?
Lead singer/guitar player Joey Eppard from Woodstock, NY-based prog rockers THREE says about 10 minutes, 15 seconds into a recent interview that the band might be involved in a SCORPIONS/JUDAS PRIEST tour in 2008 in North America. The Scorpions are currently touring in support of their latest album, Humanity - Hour 1, and will be releasing the Live At Wacken Open Air 2006: A Night To Remember - A Journey Through Time DVD before the end of the year. The UK metal gods Judas Priest are finishing up work on their forthcoming concept album, Nostradamus.
Danzig Soldier On
Fan-filmed video footage of DANZIG performing at Nokia Theatre in New York City on October 27, 2007 can be viewed below (courtesy of "dkstar222").
According to Rock N Roll Experience's Bob Suehs, who attended the concert, Glenn "was in a bad mood after the fall — he cut the show short and he nixed the MISFITS set with Doyle and was yelling at Todd Youth [guitar] the rest of the night telling him to slow down his playing. The story I was told from a security guard was that Glenn dislocated his shoulder, but I can't confirm that. However, he was hurt badly because he did not meet fans after the show... he ran directly to the bus and didn't come out."
DANZIG's October 25, 2007 show at The Worcester Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts was cancelled due to Glenn Danzig's shoulder injury. There is no word yet on a possible makeup date.
Glenn has been sporting an arm sling at the last few concerts, which are in support of "The Lost Tracks of Danzig", the two-CD set that was released May 29, as well as Glenn's limited-edition book "Drukija, Contessa of Blood" (loosely based on the legend of 17th century vampire Countess Elizabeth Bathory, and illustrated by long time collaborator Simon Bisley).
"The Lost Tracks" is comprised of 26 previously unreleased tracks that span Danzig's entire career and were originally recorded during the band's seven-album "arc" that began with 1988's "Danzig". More...
Fozzy Frontman To Be Interviewed By Rock 247
A brand new audio interview with Chris Jericho — lead vocalist for FOZZY and former WWE wrestling champion — will air on Steve Payne's show on Rock 247 Online on Friday, November 2 at noon (UK time).
To listen to the program via the Internet, click here.
In a July 2007 interview with The Baltimore Sun, Jericho had the following to say about FOZZY's current status: "We did a lot of touring last year in the UK. We've actually made a good name for ourselves in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We toured there five times between February '05 and February '06. We also toured Australia, Germany, Canada and a little bit in the States. We did kind of a world tour. Once you do that, in order to tour again, you have to work on a new record. That's where we're at right now. I've already written all the lyrics for it and the guys in the band are starting to come up with some riffs. But they [some of the other members of FOZZY] have another band called STUCK MOJO that they've been touring with all summer, so it goes back and forth. It's kind of on hold just until we can get time together to start working on a new record. We're very fortunate. The last record did a lot for us and it was cool because we got to headline at a lot of big places, especially in England. We played at the London Astoria three times and sold it out all three times, and that's a famous venue. THE BEATLES played the Astoria. IRON MAIDEN played the Astoria. Some really big bands still play there to this day, so just to go to places like that and sell them out and tear the house down, it's like you put a little checkmark by that knowing that, 'Well, we did that.' It's cool to know that you've been vindicated and know that the band got big enough to do that basically on our own with not a lot of help from anybody."
Chris Jericho has just released "A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex" (Grand Central Publishing). The autobiography focuses on the early days of his wrestling and performing career.
FOZZY recently released a collection of never-before-heard demos, early mixes and instrumental versions taken from guitarist Rich "The Duke" Ward's personal library.
FOZZY's third album, "All That Remains", was released in January 2005 via SPV Records. A video for the album's first single, "Enemy", was filmed in San Diego, CA in December 2004 with director/British filmmaker Paul Hough.
"All That Remains" was produced by Rick Beato (SHINEDOWN, CHARLIE MARS, INGRAM HILL) and features guest performances by guitar legends Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), Marty Friedman (ex-MEGADETH), and Mark Tremonti (CREED, ALTER BRIDGE). Gold-record-selling rap artist BONE CRUSHER also makes a special guest appearance on the record.
Type O Negative To Reissue "Dead Again"
Jesse Capps of RockConfidential.com recently conducted an interview with TYPE O NEGATIVE drummer Johnny Kelly. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:
RockConfidential.com: You guys have been out on the road for your Halloween tour. How was it this year?
Johnny: It's always been something of a tradition up until the past couple of years. There were various setbacks and we've always had to pull out at the last minute. Every Halloween we'd always go out on a relatively short run of dates and have a good time. It always brings out the craziest fans. This time around we've got LORDI with us and they're the best Halloween band you can think of. We've been having a really good time.
RockConfidential.com: There was a couple of years where TYPE O was off the map for whatever reason. Did that make you more nervous or anxious to get in the studio and start working on a new record?
Johnny: It was a little bit of both. You can sit at home and not do much and you get very apprehensive and want to get back on the road. At the same time you realize it's been a couple of years and you're not sure what the climate is. Are people still interested in TYPE O NEGATIVE? Are they gonna come out? Are they gonna pick up the record? There's always that little bit of uncertainity. You're a little nervous. Ever since the Internet you never know what's going to happen. Everything is so instant.
RockConfidential.com: That may be why people download music — not just because it's free but they can sit on their ass and do it!
Johnny: When I was a kid they were talking that cassettes would be the end of the record industry! At least you had to go to your friend's house to grab the record!
RockConfidential.com: What did you do during the downtime with the band?
Johnny: I was spending time with my daughter. I played in DANZIG. I play in a LED ZEPPELIN tribute at home with some friends of mine. Kenny and I have another band that we've been working on for a couple of years.
RockConfidential.com: "Dead Again" was the first album away from Roadrunner. Was it a relief or a hassle to switch labels?
Johnny: At first it was weird because we really weren't sure what we were walking into. So far it's been a change for the better. We're definitely a high priority at SPV and they've really busted their butts to make a strong presence for the record. They did a lot of promotion for it. They did a lot of things to let everybody know that there was a record out. We've done two videos for it. They've been really aggressive about working the album. We moved a little bit higher on the food chain here.
RockConfidential.com: Would you say "Dead Again" was a hard record to make?
Johnny: At times. There was a point where we spent months and months in the studio. It seemed like it was taking forever. Various setbacks would come up. When it came time to record we did basic tracks in a week. The things that took the longest were the vocals and the lyrics.
RockConfidential.com: What's it like when TYPE O NEGATIVE gets together to write songs?
Johnny: It's just a matter of getting to work and getting the studio booked. Where we go we have our own lock and key. We can go play for as long as we want. Some days we would sit in the studio all day long. Some days somebody would walk in cranky and we'd wind up getting into an argument and rehearsal was over in 45 minutes! Sometimes is was fun and sometimes it was a pain in the butt. We knew we were in there for a reason. All of us were concerned about making it the best thing we could.
RockConfidential.com: Do you usually write the music first and work on lyrics later or have you ever written the music around lyrics?
Johnny: It's the music first and then Peter will get an idea after hearing the song. It will give him an idea what to write the song about. All the music is written first — at least the basic melody and song structure. Then it takes a life of its own and creates its own identity.
RockConfidential.com: I saw you guys open for MÖTLEY CRÜE on their tour with John Corabi after Vince Neil left. That ended up being a strange tour for the CRÜE. What do you remember about it?
Johnny: When it first started out we were playing in sheds. It ended up not being all that successful for them and they were expecting more people. A lot had changed. I thought it was great when it scaled down and they were doing the theater thing. I thought it was better. I thought the band was better. The songwriting was a lot stronger. That's my favorite MÖTLEY record. I think they were trying to be something that they used to be instead of capitalizing and working hard on what they had in their hands. For us it was a win-win situation. A bad show for MÖTLEY CRÜE was 3,000 people. Had we played that town alone we'd maybe be playing to 30 people!
RockConfidential.com: What's up after this tour?
Johnny: I'm not really sure. We're going to re-release "Dead Again" with different artwork and there's going to be an accompanying DVD with it. We just shot a video for "September Sun". That's all I know of at the moment!
Van Halen Likely To Extend Tour Into Next Year
reports: VAN HALEN is likely to extend its reunion tour with singer David Lee Roth well into 2008, according to LiveDaily.com. The band announced that a planned stop in St. Louis, which was scheduled for October 28 but postponed earlier this month, has now been rescheduled for March 30, a likely indicator that the show will be part of a larger late winter/early spring jaunt for the reactivated band.
Tickets for the postponed St. Louis date will be honored at the new one, with refunds available at the point of purchase.
VAN HALEN's current tour schedule ends on December 30 in Las Vegas and the band has yet to confirm any other shows aside from the St. Louis gig.
VAN HALEN's tour, which features Roth behind the mic for the first time in 22 years, launched in late September to massive ticket sales and mostly positive reviews. The trek features Wolfgang Van Halen, teenage son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, playing bass instead of original member Michael Anthony, who was not invited to participate.
VAN HALEN next performs on Thursday (November 1) in Washington D.C.
More Metallica Benefit Clips Posted Online
More footage has surfaced of METALLICA's acoustic performances at the 21st annual Bridge School Benefit, which took place October 27-28 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Watch the clips below.
METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told Examiner.com in a new interview that the band's upcoming album will be "heavier" yet more "melodic" than 2003's controversial "St. Anger". Ulrich explained, "Whereas 'St. Anger' was an exercise in over-pummeling the listener, these new songs echo some of our stuff from the '80s — long, epic journeys through different musical landscapes, heavier, but a lot more melodic." When asked whether the new songs will be shorter, in the four-to-five minute range, Ulrich said, "Well, the most of the intros are four to five minutes. I don't know — METALLICA and short songs just don't go that well together."
Although none of the songs have official titles yet, Ulrich revealed that some of the "silly" working titles included "19", "10", "German Soup", "Glass Cow" and "Black Squirrel". Ulrich said the names "relate to where the idea came from, like Glasgow, Scotland became 'Glass Cow'. And when we don't have anything clever to call it, we just call it a number."
The new METALLICA album is tentatively due out in February of 2008. More...
Anthrax Drummer To Play With Heavy The Fall
ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante will make a special guest appearance at Illinois-based modern rock/alternative band HEAVY THE FALL's November 2 concert at Martyrs' in Chicago.
Three songs from HEAVY THE FALL's debut EP, featuring Charlie Benante, have been posted on the band's MySpace page. Charlie also produced the CD, which was engineered and mixed by Asim Ali (MUDVAYNE, LEFTSETTER).
HEAVY THE FALL features in its ranks former AVERNUS guitarist Erik Kikke. The group's current linup is rounded out by vocalist Daniel Graunke and bassist Michael V.
Acording to HEAVY THE FALL's official bio, the group's sound is characterized by "unique note-driven guitar riffs and melodies, tight rhythmic bass lines, strong vocals and passionate lyrics."
Just For Fun
Metal, Rock Frontmen Talk Halloween Plans
The Pulse of Radio reports: Wednesday (October 31) is Halloween, one of the biggest and most increasingly popular holidays on the calendar. The day is normally filled with costumes, parties, haunted houses, horror movies, trick-or-treating and all kinds of spooky and entertaining events and activities, and we asked several of our favorite musicians how they'll be spending the day:
DISTURBED's David Draiman has one objective in mind for the holiday: "Gonna go somewhere with a gorgeous lady friend of mine, and get her to wear her wonderful costume, and get me to take off her wonderful costume, and that's pretty much my intention for the night (laughs). I'm gonna probably go somewhere and drink a bunch of things I shouldn't, and feel entirely too horrible about it the next day and tell myself I'm never gonna do it again, and like always, I've never been a good liar."
KORN frontman Jonathan Davis is a family man these days and plans to make the trick-or-treating rounds with his younger sons, Pirate and Zeppelin: "I think Pirate's gonna be a spider, and I'm not sure, I think Zep's gonna be a little mummy. I'm not sure yet. But we can't wait. We're gonna go trick or treating and just have a good time. I don't know what I'm gonna be yet. We all get in the spirit at the house, we all dress up."
SYSTEM OF A DOWN singer Serj Tankian told The Pulse of Radio the best idea for a costume we've heard in a long time: "My favorite Halloween costume is a lamp. I like just wearing this long, long thing and having, like, a shade on my head and going to the corner of the room and having this light on my head, and just standing there not talking to anyone. And if someone comes up to me and says, 'Hey, Serj, how are you doing?' I always ask them, 'Do you talk to lamps often?' And if they say yes, then I say, 'Then you need help,' and if they say no, then I say, 'Don't talk to me then.' No, I'm just kidding. I've wanted to do that for years, but I've never done it."
Halloween is not as big a deal in South Africa as it is here, but that didn't stop South African natives SEETHER from getting into the spirit, as frontman Shaun Morgan told The Pulse of Radio: "About two years ago, I put on a fat suit, biker chick suit (laughs). Dale (Stewart, bassist) actually was, I think, the worst part about it. Dale was wearing the cheerleader outfit with just enough belly revealed, and Johnny (Humphrey, drummer) played in a fat suit. So that was kind of cool. I think that might have been the first time I remember actually dressing up for Halloween."
Kataklysm Announce Down Under Tour
KATAKLYSM have announced their first ever Australian and New Zealand tour.
Dates scheduled for the trek include:
March
20 - Wellington, NZ - Valve
22 - Transmission Room, Auckland, NZ - Transmission Room (All Ages)
23 - Metalstock Festival, Sydney, AU - Metalstock Festival(All Ages)
25 - Amplifier Bar, Perth, AU - Amplifier Bar
27 - Fowlers Live, Adelaide, AU - Fowlers Live (All Ages)
28 - Club Phoenix, Brisbane, AU - Club Phoenix
29 - The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, AU - The Corner Hotel
As previously reported, the North American trek featuring CHIMAIRA, Kataklysm and TERROR, with DIVINE HERESY tapped for the support slot from November 14th - December 8th (TBC) and THE END in support from December 9th, includes the following dates:
November
14 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva
15 - New York City, NY - The Blender Theatre
16 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
17 - Williamsville, NY - Club Infinity
18 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
19 - Mokena, IL - The Pearl Room
21 - Winnipeg, MB - The Garrick Centre
22 - Saskatoon, SK - Ryly's
23 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Ballroom
24 - Edmonton, AB - Dinwoodie Lounge
26 - Vancouver, BC - Croation Cultural Centre
27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
28 - Bend, OR - The Domino Room
29 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
30 - West Hollywood, CA - Key Club
December
1 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
2 - San Diego, CA - House Of Blues
4 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
5 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
7 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
8 - Houston, TX - Meridian
9 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
10 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
11 - St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre
12 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
14 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans
15 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
16 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
18 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
19 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda
20 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
21 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Small's Theatre
Black Dahlia Murder Drummer Creates Web Profile
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER drummer Shannon Lucas has launched his profile at SickDrummer.com where you can check out an interview with him and find various info about this artist.
Just drop by and take a look here
Cradle Of Filth Frontman On New Podcast
TheRighttoRock.com has has issued their latest podcast (episode #34), featuring CRADLE OF FILTH vocalist Dani Filth.
Dani took time from his busy schedule to discuss their latest CD, Thornography, as well their current tour. Dani discusses the new special edition of Thornography as well as his spookiest studio experience. Interview lasts approx. 30 min.
Our heroes take to the backwoods of Houston on their way to the local cemetery in search of the undead. And what better topic while zombie hunting than the connection between horror and metal?
It’s All Hallows Eve as only Genghis and Ragman can bring it. And just when you think they’re on their own, Dani Filth calls the lads to wish them well."
Megadeth Mainman Talks Taekwondoe
Around The Rings has issued the following press release:
US “legendary” thrash metal band MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine says that his life has changed for the better mainly thanks to taekwondo.
“Taekwondo is a great discipline. For me, it was one of the things that changed my life,” Mustaine said in a recent interview. “It (taekwondo) helped me to eliminate a bad lifestyle of drug and alcoholism. It helped me to believe inside of myself and find the strength inside of myself that I never knew that I possessed.”
Mustaine made the remarks at the Grand InterContinental Hotel in Seoul on October 27th, 2007, shortly after he received a certificate of appointment as the WTF’s Goodwill Ambassador Of The World in a ceremony.
Waysted Live Interview With Vocalist To Air Sat.
The site for WAYSTED, featuring bassist Pete Way of UFO fame, has been updated with the following:
"Fin will be joining Steve Price on ARfm this Saturday, November 3rd at around 6:15 PM (UK time)"
Listen to the interview live at ARfm.
Waysted are the latest act to join the lineup for Z Rock 08. The lineup is now as follows: BONFIRE, VON GROOVE, WAYSTED and BURN. Further acts will be announced shortly.
Z Rock 08 tickets are currently on sale here at a special early bird discounted rate of £40 (plus recorded delivery) until November 11th. Tickets will go on general sale at various outlets on November 12th priced at £45 each (booking fee may apply).
Z Rock 08 sees the festival staged on April 20th at Maximes, Wigan. For further info call +44 [0]7724 606920 or visit www.myspace.com/zrockfest.
Fan Posts Therion Santa Ana Concert Footage Online
Fan-filmed video footage of THERION's October 18, 2007 concert at The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, California can be viewed here.
Photos of THERION's October 20, 2007 performance in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada are available at Capitale du Metal.
According to Alain Gagnon of Capitale du Metal, "THERION played what may be their last show in Quebec City last night to a bit more than 200 fans at L'Impérial de Quebec. Just like every time they perform, they gave everything possible, leaving the crowd speachless and looking for air. The four-singer concept with the different roles made it a wonderful experience for everybody attending as it sometimes felt just like a very heavy metal opera or even a musical. Quality was certainly the name of the game ... AESMA DAEVA and MAG opened the night and both received a good reaction from the Quebec crowd. The same bands are playing Montreal's Medley Wednesday night for what should be the best Halloween party in town." More...
Fear My Thoughts' New Website Online
After completing the Hell On Earth Tour 2007 with such acts as WALLS OF JERICHO, BORN FROM PAIN, ALL SHALL PERISH, FREYA and FROM A SECOND STORY WINDOW, German melodic death metal outfit FEAR MY THOUGHTS present you their revamped homepage here. Check it out now.
Furthermore, the band’s new vocalist Martin Fischer debuted live with the band on the Hell On Earth Tour 2007. He steps in for former vocalist Mathias, who left the band.
A video clip filmed at this year’s With Full Force festival and providing more info on the change of vocalist can be found here. More...
Machine Head Drummer Comments On Disney Fiasco
The following report is courtesy of Pete Richards from Chartattack.com:
MACHINE HEAD, who were in Canada last month as part of The Black Tyranny Tour, received a lot of attention after Walt Disney Corporation cancelled the tour's opening night in Anaheim, California on September 7 with just two days notice.
The event was scheduled to take place at the House Of Blues venue on Disneyland property, but Disney representatives suddenly cancelled the concert after reviewing Machine Head's music and deeming them unsuitable to perform there. Disney also cancelled their Orlando, Florida stop at the House Of Blues in Walt Disney World.
"It's unbelievable that that can actually go down today still," says Machine Head drummer Dave McClain. "It's frustrating to be singled out like that, and the music you love playing." More...
Grave Digger Check In From Rehearsal
GRAVE DIGGER have checked in from rehearsals with new second guitarist Thilo Herrmann (ex-RUNNING WILD):
"Yeah, that rocked!
"We had an unbelieveable rehearsel last weekend."
"Thilo fits so perfect to our style and music that we can't believe it. The rehearsel was POWER, ENERGY and A LOT FUN, too. This guy rocks. Manni and Thilo prepared all the songs perfectly and Manni did a great job to arrange all the guitar parts for two guitars. The band is tight like never before."
"Come and see the new super hero guitar twins in Metal from Wednesday on ... Bochum, Saarbrücken and Speyer. Also at the November 10th in Ancona, Italy."
More...
Arsis and Suicide Silence Shoot New Videos
Both ARSIS and SUICIDE SILENCE shot videos this past weekend with David Brodsky (The Red Chord, Gwar, Through The Eyes of the Dead) and his crew from MyGoodEye. ARSIS shot a video for the song “We Are the Nightmare,” which is the title track off their forthcoming Nuclear Blast debut, set to be released in early 2008. SUICIDE SILENCE shot for “Bludgeoned to Death,” off the album “The Cleansing,” now out on Century Media.
Paradise Lost Announce Support Acts For UK dates
PARADISE LOST have issued the following update:
"In addition to NOVEMBRE, Finnish metal band SWALLOW THE SUN have now been confirmed as additional support for the UK gigs this December.
Both of the support bands will have an equal length set of 35 minutes for these shows. You can check them out on their websites: Swallow The Sun, Novembre.
Paradise Lost's complete tour itinerary can be viewed at this location.
Helloween Update Tour Schedule
HELLOWEEN have updated their tour schedule to announce a new date in Spain (January 17th) and a venue change for their November 17th gig in Serbia.
Upcoming Helloween tour dates (with GAMMA RAY) include:
November
16 - Budapest, Hungary at Petofi Hall
17 - Belgrade, Serbia at SKC (new venue)
18 - Sofia, Bulgaria at Festivalna Hall
21 - Istanbul, Turkey at Venue TBA
23 - Thesaloniki, Greece at Principal
24 - Athens, Greece at Cultural Center Hellinikos Kosmos (NEW VENUE)
27 - Rome, Italy at Tendastrisce
28 - Milano, Italy at Alcatraz
29 - Dietikon, Switzerland at Stadthalle
December
1 - Lichtenfels, Germany at Stadthalle
2 - Bremen, Germany at Aladin
4 - Goteborg, Sweden at Liseberghallen
5 - Oslo, Norway at Rockefeller
7 - Lund, Sweden at Mejeriet
8 - Stockholm, Sweden at Arenan
10 - Tampere, Finland at Pakkahuone
11 - Helsinki, Finland at Kaapelitehdas
14 - Plzen, Czech Republic at Hala Lokomotiva
15 - Zlin, Czech Republic at Hala Novesta
16 - Pardubice, Czech Republic at CEZ Arena
18 - Kosice, Slovakia at Cassosport Sport Hall
19 - Bratislava, Slovakia at PKO
21 - Langen, Germany at Stadthalle
22 - Kaufbeuren, Germany at All Karthalle
January
6 - Paris, France at Elysee Montmatre
7 - Tilburg, Holland at 013
8 - London, UK at The Forum
10 - Antwerp, Belgium at Hof Ter Lo
11 - Tuttlingen, Germany at Alte Festhalle
12 - Karlsruhe, Germany at Europahalle
13 - Oberhausen, Germany at Turbinenhalle
15 - Barcelona, Spain at Razzmatazz
17 - Lugo, Spain at Recinto Ferial (new date)
18 - Bilbao, Spain at Rockstar Live
20 - Madrid, Spain at La Riviera
February
8 - Fukuoka, Japan - Drum Logos
9 - Hiroshima, Japan - Club Quattro
11 - Osaka, Japan - Namba Hatch
12 - Nagoya, Japan - Diamond Hall
14 - Tokyo, Japan - Kosei Nenkin Hall
15 - Tokyo, Japan - Kosei Nenkin Hall
Former Decapitated Bassist Issues Statement
Former DECAPITATED bassist Marcin "Martin" Rygiel has released the following statement:
"As many of you know, there was bad accident in Russia yesterday. I wasn't there. I'm not in the band anymore since I'm expecting a baby and I've decided to move to California."
"To all the people that I'm getting emails from: Vitek [real name: Witold Kieltykaand; drums] and Covan [real name: Adrian Kowanek; vocals] were injured really bad and their families are on their way to Russia."
"To keep up to date on this incident please check BLABBERMOUTH.NET, as I am unable to respond to the amount of emails I am getting on this subject. All we can do is just have hope that they will recover soon, and that everything will be fine."
"My thoughts are with the guys and their families right now..."
Download Coroner's 'Death Cult' Demo
CORONER's 1986 "Death Cult" demo has been made available for download at MetalKult.com.
Originally part of the road crew for fellow countrymen CELTIC FROST, Swiss thrash trio CORONER — made up of bassist Ron Royce, drummer Marquis Marky and guitarist Tommy T. Baron — went on to become one of the most progressive extreme metal acts of the Eighties.
The connection between the Zurich band and CELTIC FROST was so strong, in fact, that CELTIC FROST frontman Tom G. Warrior offered to handle vocals for the emerging band's demo. Warrior and CORONER entered Switzerland's Magnetix studio on October 10, 1985, and nine days later they walked out with the impressive four-song 1986 release, "Death Cult". More...
M.A.N Begin Recording New Album
M.A.N, the band formed out of the ashes of Sweden's TRANSPORT LEAGUE (featuring former MNEMIC frontman Tony Jelencovich), entered Grand Recordings in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer/engineer Svein Jensen on October 19 to begin recording its new album, entitled "Swastika Sweetheart". Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Outnumbered", "Dead Universe", "Hacker Sapiens", "Kill It", "My Own Sickness", "Hypokrite", "Apocalypse", "Harness The Mind", "Worn Wigs", "Body Sewer" and "Blood Vanish".
Watch the first "episode" of the M.A.N studio diary here.
Commented the band: "The recording has gone smooth and nice so far. All drum and bass tracks are recorded, and Robguz has done six songs with guitars so far. We've recorded all drums and bass live to get that organic and groovy feeling to it all. Sounds driller killer, folks. We have used a two-inch 24-track recorder to tape all drums, bass and guitars, and then later on we'll dump it all to ProTools to get the rest recorded on the computer. Vocals soon coming up." More...
Dir En Grey Post New Single Online For Purchase
Japan's DIR EN GREY released their new non-album single 'Dozing Green' last week. It is now available for purchase via FWA's online store. The company ships directly from their U.S. warehouse, meaning fans don't have to pay any extra import fees.
Go to this location to order.
As previously reported, 'Dozing Green' was released on October 24th. The song is available for digital download via iTunes stores worldwide (except Japan).
The Dozing Green single CD features B-side tracks 'Hydra 666' - a reworking of the track 'Hydra' from the band's second album, Macabre - and a live acoustic performance of the song 'Agitated Screams Of Maggots'. The limited edition includes cardboard sleeve and a bonus sticker. Go to this location to order. More...
Thunderstone Guitarist Checks In From The Road
THUNDERSTONE guitarist Nino Laurenne issued the following European tour update on October 28th:
"We’re sitting in the backstage of Paris’ La Boule Noire writing this, and - you guessed it - feeling hung over as hell. Well, to be honest, yesterdy was even worse because we flew to Hamburg a day early and that was of course spent in the usual Finnish Mayhem Way. The good part was that we’re sharing the bus with Swedes NOCTURNAL RITES who also know how to have a good time! We haven’t yet got to the playing sauna in the bus with them, but it will come..."
"The show in Lenzburg Metal Inferno IV was excellent! We had a great time there two years ago and relived the whole thing full force. The biggest difference was of course the fact that we had two new guys in the band, who proved to be perfect. We had new energy on stage and the audience loved every moment of it. Thanks again for that! It was also great to see many old friends at the signing session." More...
Profugus Mortis Explain Windsor Show Cancellation
French Canadian extreme folk metal act PROFUGUS MORTIS were forced to cancel their October 30th show in Windsor, Ontario "due to problems with the promoter." According to the band the situation was beyond their control.
Remaining dates on their current tour are as follows:
October
31 - London, Ontario - Pandemic Nightclub
November
1 - St. Catharines, Ontario - L3
3 - Kitchener, Ontario - The Gig Theater (part of Kitchener Metalfest)
11 - Hamilton, Ontario - The Underground (with ENSIFERUM)
December
1 - Petit Campus - Montreal, Quebec More...
Exmortem Ink Two-Album Deal With Mighty Music
EXMORTEM – "Denmark’s oldest and most loyal death metal band" - have inked a two-album deal with Mighty Music. According to a press release, "after a two year period searching for their roots, Exmortem are now back and ready to record their sixth full-length album. The new material is nothing short of unique in it’s own dark and morbid way. The material will include almost CELTIC FROST/ENTOMBED-like slow songs, more mid-paced Blessed Are The Sick-sounding tracks, and not to forget a bunch of fast and extreme tunes to spice up the symphony."
The upcoming album is due to be released in early summer 2008, and will include titles like: 'Totalitarian Gasmask Tragedy', 'Slow Death Regimes', 'A View To A Death In The Morning', and 'Black Opium'. More...
Gorgoroth's Infernus Swears to Satan He'll Be Back
GORGOROTH guitarist Infernus — who is involved in a legal dispute with his estranged bandmates over the rights to the group's name — has released the following statement:
"I will here present you a press statement which is my intention to be the last in the line of short open letters to the media, where I have informed fans, friends and co-workers on the somewhat strange situation that occurred some one and a half week ago and its progression until now."
"First, I will open with a short summary for those of you who did not get it all from the beginning."
"Late Friday afternoon, October 19th, I got to know that my former band members had made the decision that we should split the band and that their intentions were to continue — without me — under the name and logo of GORGOROTH." More...
Primal Fear Vocalist Ink Deal w/ Frontiers Records
Frontiers Records has announced the signing of Ralf Scheepers for the release of his first solo album.
Best known as the singer of German power metal legends PRIMAL FEAR, Ralf cut his teeth with TYRAN PACE and GAMMA RAY, the latter of which he formed alongside former HELLOWEEN guitar player Kai Hansen.
World renowned for his amazing range and high-pitched singing voice, sometimes reminiscent of JUDAS PRIEST's Rob Halford, Scheepers finally decided to work on a solo album.
"It is definitely going to be a metal album, but I will surely explore some different sounds and ways to exploit my voice," satted Scheepers.
"I will call a few friends and guests, which will make this record a very special one, but all details will be revealed at a later stage."
The CD will be recorded during the winter 2008 under the direction of Scheepers' PRIMAL FEAR bandmate Mat Sinner, with additional input by Scheepers himself, Achim Koehler and Charlie Bauerfeind. A summer 2008 release us expected.
Amen Dedicates UK Tour To Paul Raven
AMEN frontman Casey Chaos has issued the following statement:
"Paul Raven [legendary bassist for such bands as MINISTRY, PRONG, SOCIETY 1, KILLING JOKE, GODFLESH and MOB RESEARCH] was someone I looked up to as a child, for his music, his unique style, inspiration, and I was fortunate enough to call him one of my best friends over the last 10 years. If not for Paul Raven, AMEN would probably not even exist. Paul was the first person to put his money where is mouth was and produce the first AMEN album, and even take AMEN out on tour to open for KILLING JOKE in America in 2004.
"To commemorate Paul's life, AMEN will be dedicating our Halloween appearance at London's Underworld [tomorrow night] (Wednesday, October 31) and the remaining dates of our impromptu UK tour to him, in celebration of a punk legend. More...
Former Amen Drummer to Tour With Wednesday 13
Wednesday 13 (ex-MURDERDOLLS)'s management has issued the following update:
"Due to a death in the family, Racci Shay [drums] will not be joining Wednesday 13 on the upcoming Fan Bang - Fan Appreciation tour. Racci will be leaving the tour after the show in San Antonio to spend time with his family. The last two dates of the U.S. tour have been canceled. Joe Letz (former AMEN and current COMBICHRIST drummer) will fill in overseas."
As previously reported, Horror High, LLC has set a February 5, 2008 U.S. release date for Wednesday 13's video project "Weirdo-A-Go-Go". This will be Horror High, LLC's first release to be distributed by Caroline/EMI. More...
Gamma Ray Post 'Into The Storm' Video Online
GAMMA RAY's video for the song "Into the Storm" has been posted at this location (Real Media). The track comes off the German band's new album, "Land of the Free II" (cover artwork), due in Europe on November 19 (November 16 in Germany) via SPV Records. The CD will arrive in the U.S. in January.
"Land of the Free II" will be a conceptual continuation of the group's 1995 classic "Land of the Free", and will contain around 65 minutes of music.
GAMMA RAY produced their new album themselves. All four musicians — Kai Hansen, Henjo Richter (guitar), Dirk Schlächter (bass) and Daniel Zimmermann (drums) — are experienced enough to translate their ideas at the studio. But for the first time in ages, the band allowed themselves the luxury of enlisting outside support for certain stages of the recording process. "We wanted to have a clear head in some areas to be able to concentrate on the important things," Hansen explains the enlistment of Tommy Newton (HELLOWEEN, UFO, etc.) and his Area 51 studio in Celle, where the new material was mixed. Newton also took care of the drum parts as a sound engineer at GAMMA RAY's own studio. More...
Iron Maiden Announce North American Tour Dates
British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have announced the following North American tour dates as part of the first leg of their "Somewhere Back In Time" world tour 2008:
Feb. 19 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
Mar. 14 - East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center (formerly Continental Airlines Arena)
Mar. 16 - Toronto, ONT, Canada @ Air Canada Centre
IRON MAIDEN will fly into the USA especially for the East Rutherford show from Puerto Rico the day before and depart for Toronto the day after on a specially commissioned and customized Boeing 757, flown by airline captain and MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson. The Astraeus 757, decked out in MAIDEN and Eddie designs, will carry the band, road crew and other personnel of around 70 people plus over 12 tons of equipment. More...
Nonpoint Post 'Wake Up World' Online
Another new NONPOINT track, entitled "Wake Up World", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the Florida-based band's fifth studio album, "Vengeance", which is due on November 6 via Bieler Bros. Records. An e-card for the CD — which was recorded at Bieler Bros. Studios in Pompano Beach, FL with producer Matt LaPlant (SIKTH) —can be accessed at this location.
"Vengeance" is the follow-up to the acclaimed "To The Pain" CD, which featured the breakout single "Bullet With A Name".
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