Metal News for December 23, 2004
Last updated on October 6, 2025 at 2:37 AM ET
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Hot Topics
- Enthroned To Release New Album In December
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
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- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
18 news articles posted on this day.
Satyricon Will Vigorously Defend Themselves
Betsy Powell of the Toronto Star has issued the following report:
Two touring musicians with the Norwegian black metal band SATYRICON are scheduled to make a Christmas Eve appearance at Old City Hall via video after being charged with giving a fan a date-rape drug and sexually assaulting her in a tour bus following a Dec. 15 concert.
Steinar Gundersen, 34, and Arnt Gronbech, 27, have each been charged with administering a stupefying drug and sexual assault, Constable Kristine Bacharach said yesterday. A woman contacted police at 4:30 a.m., hours after the show at the FunHaus at 526 Queen St. W. Bacharach did not know the age of the complainant.
The two men have already appeared in court and were ordered detained pending a bail review or preliminary hearing, a court official said.
"They intend to vigourously defend themselves on this, and they look forward to the opportunity to present all the relevant facts at the appropriate time in the appropriate forum," said Toronto defence lawyer Jody Berkes. Norway's ambassador to Canada, Ingvard Havnen, said yesterday the two men have received help through diplomatic channels. "We provide assistance to Norwegians in Canada and we are assisting in providing them (the two accused) with a lawyer," he said yesterday. More...
AFI's Cover Of Head Like A Hole Posted Online
AFI have posted their rendition of Nine Inch Nails "Head Like A Hole" online. Click here to listen to the song for Real Player and here for Windows Media Player.
Agents Of Man Sign To Century Media Records
Agents Of Man have signed with Century Media Records. Here's a statement from the band:
"We are Joining a family of great bands such as Shadows Fall, God Forbid, Diecast and many more. We are extremely confident in their abilities to market & promote our band and look forward to a prosperous future."
The group will be entering Brooklyn's Purple Light Studios (Candiria) in January to begin recording the album, which is titled "Count Your Blessings...". The record is tentatively slated for a May release.
Life of Agony Finish Recording New Album
The recording sessions for LIFE OF AGONY's highly anticipated new album are complete. The group has been recording tracks since October in two studios in Hollywood, CA, with producer Greg Fidelman (SLIPKNOT, JET, AUDIOSLAVE). Drums were tracked at the legendary Sunset Sound recording studio (home to where several DOORS albums were made), while bass, guitars, vocals and other overdubs were recorded at Westlake Studios (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS). The mix will commence in January 2005.
LIFE OF AGONY's upcoming album will be their first collection of new material since "Soul Searching Sun", which was released in 1997. The group's last release was a live album and DVD, entitled "River Runs Again: Live 2003". The two-disc set was recorded during the group's sold-out reunion shows at Irving Plaza in New York City on January 3-4, 2003 and was issued through SPV Records worldwide.
Mercenary Nominated For Danish Metal Awards
Danish Progressive melodic metal shooting stars Mercenary are nominated for the Danish Metal Award 2004 in four categories: Best album, best live act, best vocalist and best guitarist. Just get on http://www.danishmetal.dk/Awards2004.htm and vote via e-mail until December 31st 2004.
After their strong performance at German Summer Breeze Festival 2004 and several shows with Evergrey a lot of new tourdates already got in. The Rock Station Festival in Ankara, Turkey taking place in March 2005, the lengthy European Tour with Brainstorm & At Vance in April/May and Wacken Open Air 2005 are surely some highlights.
Upcoming Mercenary gigs: More...
Nocturnal Rites Semi-Acoustic Song Posted Online
The busy Swedes of the Band Nocturnal Rites wish all of you out there a rockin' Christmas and a cool metallic New Year.
The guys themselves are already looking back on a successful year, but they are still keeping busy. The band won't allow themselves to fully relax and get into the holiday spirit until they finish work for their next videoclips and "Against The World" (their second from the "New World Messiah" album). Once that's done, expect the lads to open an extra bottle of bubbly, because they are now celebrating the ten-year anniversary of Nocturnal Rites.
On February 21st, 2005, the double album "Lost In Time: The Early Years Of Nocturnal Rites" with old songs which have been out of print for a long time, along with some new treasures, as well as witty liner notes by the band, will be released.
The band wants to present a tasty MP3 delicacy just in time for Christmas: a 4 minute-long extract of the semi-acoustic version of "In A Time Of Blood And Fire" (the full 6 minutes are on "Lost In Time...") available here.
Dark Tranquillity Records Video Message For Fans
On November 15th 2004 Dark Tranquillity's new “Lost To Apathy EP” was released through Century Media Records and received praise all over the globe, even managing to enter the official Swedish single charts at a very good position 47. Now it’s about time to introduce the upcoming seventh studio album “Character”, to be released January 24th 2005. Expect the best - because you’ll get the best!
The new massive Dark Tranquillity album “Character” is likely to be the most awaited Melodic Death Metal record since a very long time. We can assure that this album kicks serious ass, but also contains tons of great hooklines and a well-balanced mixture of pure aggression and fantastic melodies made for eternity. With “Character”, the Swedish six-piece have raised the bar to an almost unreachable height for their style’s “competitors”. You will get to hear and approve it: Simply check out the new song “Through Smudged Lenses” in the download section.
Mikael Stanne (Vocals) and Niklas Sundin (Guitar) just recently visited the German Century Media office and recorded a video message for their worldwide fan base: http://www.centurymedia.de/specials/dt_greetings.rm. More...
SYL Song Used For Next Season Of The Osbournes
The Strapping Young Lad song "Bring On The Young" will be used in a 2 week ad campaign for the next season of The Osbournes. The ads will start running on 1/3/05 on MTV and MTV2. It may run on some of the other MTV Networks as well, but it's not likely. The spot WILL feature Devin Townsend conducting a children's choir who will sing "Bring on the Young."
Napalm Death Vocalist Sends Holiday Greetings
Birmingham’s Napalm Death wrapped up the 15-day European ‘X-Mass Festivals’ tour with Marduk, Finntroll, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Belphegor Sunday Dec. 19th. Vocalist Barney Greenway sends everyone from the tour and the band’s loyal fans this holiday message:
What a great way to finish the year in the company of some dear bands and people out in Europe on the X-mass Fests. Napalm now has some amusing new friends in the shape of the young-and-chunky Black Dahlia Murder, and the guys from Finntroll are such darlings, I would take them home to meet my parents...
I hope everyone has a good holiday. I'll be having a good one in the non-religious sense and just enjoying the fact that people-who-would-be-assholes at least attempt to not be assholes for at least, ooh, five days or so. I raise a glass to all you guys and gals who have supported Napalm during this special year, and hope that life gets better for those infinitely less fortunate than me. I hope that the forthcoming year exposes and takes to task those who suppress and take away human rights in the civil and bodily sense. Truly, fuck 'em.
Hopefully you guys will have heard a few select chunks about our forthcoming album "The Code Is Red...Long Live the Code" (street date: April 22). What more can I tell you? Well, it's a ripper - fast, progressive and a nice bit of art-noise. With Jello Biafra, Jamey Jasta and Jeff Carcass along for the ride, we hope it'll take your heads off - or at least get you thinking with them. Cheers.
The band will be performing two shows in England in January 2005, for information click here. Century Media released Napalm Death’s record label debut "Leaders Not Followers: Part 2" in Oct. 2004. They followed its release with an extensive North American tour supporting Cannibal Corpse. Look for the band’s new album "The Code Is Red… Long Live The Code" in stores April 22, 2005.
A Perfect Circle Posts Interactive Video Online
A Perfect Circle have posted a new interactive version of the video for their cover of John Lennon's "Imagine." The video assembles stock and news footage into a powerful commentary on the current social and political climate. The interactive version features clickable "hot spots" that link to websites that elaborate on the imagery and lyrics of the video, which was directed by Gerald V. Casale of Devo.
The links provide background on such subjects as the cost of the Iraq war, environmental issues, and vote fraud. Casale provided links for the video, and Avant Interactive (avantinteractive.com) of Los Angeles provided the technology that powers the "hot spots."
The video is viewable exclusively here.
Tune into Fuse on December 24, 30, and 31 at 10:00am (Eastern Standard Time) to watch A Perfect Circle's exclusive TV event.
Chiodos Sign With Equal Vision Records
Michigan's Chiodos have now signed with Equal Vision Records. Formed in 2002, group has previously released a CD with Search and Rescue Records. You can check out some of their material here. Chiodos will begin recording their Equal Vision Records debut early next year.
Watch Diecast's 'Medieval' Video Online
Diecast are out with the video to their new single 'Medieval'. You can watch it online in high or low formats.
End Of All Loses Vocalist, Seek Replacement
Vocalist Will Jackson has decided to leave End Of All for undisclosed reasons. The North Carolina group is consequently in search of a replacement. If you're interested in trying out for the band, send an email here.
Watch The Haunted's 'All Against All' Video Online
The Haunted are out with the video to their new single 'All Against All'. You can watch it online at Launch.com.
Disturbed Confirm Dimebag Benefit Show
Disturbed are organizing a special show in aid of the Dimebag Darrell Memorial Fund. This will happen at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on February 23. The fund has been set up to cover bereavement and medical costs for the three members of the Damageplan crew either injured or killed during the tragedy in Columbus, Ohio on December 8. These are John 'Kat' Brooks, Chris Paluska, and Jeffrey 'Mayhem' Thompson.
Bedlight For Blueeyes Signs To Trustkill
Post Hardcore/Punk band BEDLIGHT FOR BLUEEYES from Berkeley Heights, NJ has signed to Trustkill Records. The official announcement reads:
"These guys have been busting their asses over the last year, playing shows with Silverstein, Hawthorne Heights, BoysNightOut, and more, and caught our attention with their amazing hooks, work ethic, and overall charm. Be on the lookout for their debut album coming this Spring on Trustkill."
You can download or listen to their 3 demo songs at PureVolume.
Joey Jordison Doll Being Auctioned For Charity
An 18-inch autographed Joey Jordison (Slipknot) doll, created as a fund-raiser for Raven Nicole Robinson, a four-month-old girl born with a hole in her heart, is currently being auctioned via eBay.
This collectible doll is a miniature replica of the "Vol. 3" tour suit, which includes cargo shorts (with actual pockets) with elastic waistband and miniature jacket with elastic cuffs and velcro closure as well as the correct insignia on jacket. Suit is made from the same material (100% polyester) as the ones worn by the band. Patches are made by a combination of hand and machine embroidery. Left front leg of shorts is a piece from Joey's *ACTUAL* stage costume.
To view pictures of the doll and to get more information or place a bid, click here.
Members of Iron Maiden, Andrew W.K., Murderdolls, Type O Negative, Disturbed, Poison, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, Orgy, Danzig, Fear Factory, W.A.S.P., Bang Tango, Quiet Riot, Beautiful Creatures, Cinderella, Lynch Mob, Danger Danger, Ministry, Misfits and Great White will all participate in an all-star concert at the Beverly Hills Hard Rock Café on Jan. 20 to raise money for Robinson. For more information on the show or on Raven's situation, go to RavensHeart.org.
Beseech Begin Recording New Album
Swedish "gothic metallers" Beseech have commenced the recording sessions for their fifth studio album at StudioMega in Bollebygd, Sweden. So far three tracks have been recorded ("Everytime I Die", "Last Obsession" and "A Bittersweet Tragedy") ’and "we are more than pleased with the result," the group write. Around eight more songs will be tracked over the course of the next six months for a tentative late 2005 release. The band's next studio session will take place in January 2005.
Beseech , who recently announced the addition of guitarist Manne Engström (Cemetary, Sundown, Fatal Embrace) to the group's ranks, released their fourth full-length album, "Drama" last January through Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Souls Highway" was recorded at StudioMega and was mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm.
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