Archive: Headline News
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Isis Calling It Quits
After 13 years and a year after the release of their latest album, "Wavering Radient," experimental metal band Isis has decided to disband. Here's the message from the band themselves:
"ISIS has reached an end. It's hard to try to say it in any delicate way, and it is a truth that is best spoken plainly. This end isn't something that occurred over night and it hasn't been brought about by a single cataclysmic fracture in the band. Simply put, ISIS has done everything we wanted to do, said everything we wanted to say. In the interest of preserving the love we have of this band, for each other, for the music made and for all the people who have continually supported us, it is time to bring it to a close. We've seen too many bands push past the point of a dignified death and we all promised one another early on in the life of the band that we would do our best to ensure ISIS would never fall victim to that syndrome. We've had a much longer run than we ever expected we would and accomplished a great deal more than we ever imagined possible. We never set any specific goals when the band was founded other than to make the music we wanted to hear and to play (and to stay true to that ideal), so everything else that has come along the long and winding path has been an absolute gift. As with any momentous life-changing decision (which this certainly is for the 5 of us), we feel a very dynamic range of emotions about this and cannot express all of it within the space of a few sentences, and perhaps it's best to do what we've always done in and let our music speak for us. It is and has been the truest expression of who we are as a collective and in some ways who we are as individuals for the 13 years in which we've been together. The last and perhaps most important thing we might say in relation to all this is how grateful we are for the people that have supported us over the years. It is a lengthy list that would include those who put out our records, those that played on them and put them to tape, the many bands with whom we shared the stage, all of our family, friends and companions who supported us in our individual lives and thus made it possible for us to continue on in the band, and most importantly those who truly listened to our music whether in recorded form or by coming to out to our shows (or both). It is quite true that we would never have done what we have without those people, that is many of you who are reading this. Our words can never fully express what we feel, but we hope that our music and the efforts made to bring it into being can serve as a more proper expression of gratitude for this life and for everyone in it. Thank you.
"In more immediate and practical terms the tour we are about to embark upon is indeed our last. We are hoping that these final live rituals can help us bring a close to the life of this band in a celebratory and reverent way, and also provide us with a chance to say goodbye to many of those that have supported us over the years. While there is a measure of sadness that comes with the passing of this band, we hope that the final days can be joyous ones during which any and all that wish to come and join us will do so. It seems fitting that the last show of the tour and of our active existence will take place in Montreal, the site of the very first ISIS show in 1997 (though that was an unintentional move when booking the show initially). After the tour we also plan to follow through with other projects set in motion some time ago - pursuing the completion of a final EP, compiling live audio and visual material for future releases, and generally doing whatever we can to make our music available for as long as there are people who wish to hear it."
Mike Patton and Greg Werckman (Ipecac founders) added:
"It has been a complete honor to be a part of the ISIS team. ISIS is a major part of our label's foundation. Those 5 talented guys are our friends and we look forward to see and hear what they each do in the future."
The latest tour dates on the band's MySpace page are as follows: More...
Ronnie James Dio Dies At Age 67
The rumors have now been confirmed. Ronnie James Dio died this morning at 7:45am, as confirmed by his wife, Wendy who has posted the following message on Ronnie James Dio's official site and official Facebook page:
“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal... with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever. Wendy”
Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona) lost his battle with stomach cancer and passed away at age 67. Dio made a name for himself when he fronted the Ritchie Blackmore led band Rainbow, who released their first album in 1975. After leaving Rainbow, Dio was asked to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, to which he agreed. With Black Sabbath, he recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums in the form of "Heaven And Hell" and "The Mob Rules." After leaving Black Sabbath, he formed his own self-titled band and became one of the biggest draws in heavy metal during the 1980s.
Dio briefly reunited with Black Sabbath in the early 1990s, releasing the "Dehumanizer" album before leaving once again to concentrate on his own band. Another reunion with Sabbath followed in 2006, this time under the new moniker, Heaven & Hell, reulting the acclaimed album, "The Devil You Know" in 2009.
Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer late last year and the band recently cancelled their tour dates in Europe as a result of Ronnie's health.
The news of Dio's death has also been reported by Blabbermouth.net, who was in touch with Wendy Dio after the premature reports of his death in the early AM hours.
Please check out our "Sunday Old School" feature dedicated to Ronnie James Dio that we ran shortly after the announcement that he had stomach cancer.
Our thoughts go out to Dio's family and friends and metal fans who consider the legendary singer a hero.
Stos Bassist Dies On Stage
Poland's Stos has issued the following statement about bassist Janusz Soloma dying on stage on May 8th, 2010:
"The show of bands Animate, Stos and Crystal Viper scheduled for May 8, 2010 (Myslowice, Poland), will be remembered as one of the most sad and tragic ever. Janusz Soloma, the bass player of Stos, has died on stage in the middle of the show, after having heart attack. He was 48 years old. Janusz joined re-activated Stos in 2000, and played all the shows and recorded all the materials with the band since then. He joined on the other side the Stos guitarist Jan Kardas, who died in December 2006, after being diagnosed with cancer, earlier that year. In that case all gigs are canceled!"
Bart Gabriel (Stos' manager between 2000 and 2004, current Crystal Viper manager) of Hard Rocker Management also commented: "Sometimes words can't express the real feelings, and we still can't believe in what happened. We are sharing the sadness and tears with the friends and family of Janusz, and of course with his band mates from Stos. This is simply unreal."
Joey Belladonna Rejoins Anthrax
American thrash metal legends Anthrax have surprised their fans by announcing that former lead singer Joey Belladonna, who sang for the band between 1985 and 1992, and once again during 2005 to 2007, has offically rejoined the band, putting to rest the expectation that John Bush was going to become a full time member once again.
"I am super excited about this," said guitarist Scott Ian. "Joey and the rest of the band came to see me play at a club in New York, I hadn't seen Joey for years, since the end of the reunion tour. Joey taps me on the shoulder, instant big hug, it felt like no time had gone by. The band dynamic is an interesting one - in Anthrax, Joey and I spent so many years of our lives together, we grew up together, we know each other so well, so it was like no time was lost. We've got an unusual luxury of hindsight. We finished an album a year ago, we've lived with those 12 songs since then, and we can look back on them and see what we really love and what we can make even better, especially with Joey back in the fold."
Belladonna added: "I had been in touch with Charlie and Frank, then I got a call from their manager who said that everyone wanted me back in the band. I thought, 'are you guys for real? You want me up there, fronting the band like it was before?' I was thrilled. We've already started to reconnect with the old ways of having conversations. Everything is easy going and feels really good."
"We're going to do these summer shows and gel as a band," explained Charlie Benante, "get comfortable playing with each other again, and the energy from that should go right into making new music."
Hypnosis Calls It Quits
Guitarist Pierre Bouthemy of French act Hypnosis has issued the following statement about the band calling it a day:
"That's over... After 17 years, Cindy and I have decided to put an end to Hypnosis. It was not an easy decision to take, and however important this band may be in our lives, we didn't feel the motivation to continue anymore. We are very proud of all that we've done, and want to thank all the people, past and present, involved in this project, and all the people that supported us during those years... Thanks a lot."
You can still hear Hypnosis tracks via the band's MySpace page.
Primus Announces North American Tour and New Album
When it was announced by Phil Lesh on his official message board this March that former Primus drummer Jay Lane would be leaving his previous band Furthur to rejoin Primus, it has been anticipated that a new album and tour is likely inevitable. On May 3rd 2010, it was announced that Primus will be coming out with another studio album and touring specific locations throughout America. It has been confirmed that this will be a full-length studio album, and is expected to come out in 2011. This is the first studio album since 1999's "Antipop."
The latest 2010 Primus tour dates: More...
Bret Michaels Suffers Brain Hemorrhage
People.com has issued the following report about Poison vocalist Bret Michaels being hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage:
Bret Michaels's health has taken a turn for the worse, PEOPLE has learned: After an excruciating headache late Thursday night, the star was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where doctors discovered he suffered a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding at the base of his brain stem), according to a source close to the situation.
Michaels, 47, is currently in critical condition. "After several CAT scans, MRIs and an angiogram, [doctors] decided to keep Michaels in the ICU and are running several tests to determine the cause. [It] will be touch and go for the next few days while he is under intense observation," the source says. Reps confirm this report is accurate, and tell PEOPLE, "We will have no additional information until further testing is done."
The rocker's latest hospital visit follows his emergency appendectomy in San Antonio, Texas, on April 12. There is no word yet whether this new development is related to the rocker's recent appendectomy or to his diabetes.
Read the full article at People.
Acheron Calling It A Day
Blackened death metallers Acheron have checked in with the following announcement about deciding to call it day:
"After 22 years of existence, black/death/thrash metal band Acheron are calling it quits! The band has released 5 original full length cds, 3 mini-cds, 1 cover-tribute cd and a number of other underground releases. Acheron will end on a familiar note by doing one last run of 'Rites of the Black Mass' shows until January 1st, 2010. After that Acheron will be done for good! (No more shows or albums.)
"So keep an eye out for select shows that they will be appearing at this year, because it will be the last time you get to see them live! The line-up for the final shows will be Vincent Crowley (Vocals/Bass), Art Taylor (Guitar), Eric Stewart (Guitar) and Scott Pletcher (Drums)."
You can also hear Acheron's music via the band's official MySpace page.
The Communion Guitarist Passes Away
Guitarist Lee Altomare of New York's The Communion passed away yesterday, April 16th 2010, due to complications from eye surgery. The band issued the following statement about his passing:
"Yesterday morning, Lee passed away due to complications from eye surgery. We are all deeply wounded, white and shaking with shock, by this sudden loss of our great friend. He brought us all together. He brought out the best in us, enabled and encouraged us to be at our absolute best in music and life. I personally cannot imagine being where i am today without all Lee put together.
"I say all this with zero hyperbole, and those who knew him best no doubt feel the same way we do at this moment. Our hearts go out to his amazing family and all his friends, as well as anyone whose supported us in the last 6 years. Know that Lee loved, appreciated, and cared about all of you very much, as do we. We'll miss you forever."
Brooklyn metallers Unearthly Trance also issued the following statement: More...
Narnia Calls It A Day
Christian power metallers Narnia have issued the following update about deciding to call it quits:
"Some of You may have heard rumors, and some of You may be surprised by what you're about to read. We confirm today that we're facing the end of the journey of this band. We want to thank all our fans, friends and our families who stood behind us all the time. Thank You for believing.
"The decision was made around new-year 09/10. It's time to move on. Music business is tough, and it's getting tougher every day. But it's also the greatest business to be in thanks to the crowds and the people we've met along this long road. Thank you for sharing your stories and for letting our music and message be a part of You lives. Last summer, after a concert, a guy around the age of 20-25 walked up to me, thanked me for the show and said 'I listened a lot to You guys when I was a kid.' (...and I thought WE were still kids...hey, wake up)
"To celebrate this long journey we will do ONE more concert that will serve as the Grand Finale of Narnia. The event has been chosen with great care and we hope to announce this.....soon. Stay tuned, God bless...over and out."
Type O Negative's Peter Steele Passes Away
Peter Steele, the lead singer for Type O Negative and a true icon and enigma, has reportedly died of heart failure at the age of 48. As of 4:00 am, fellow bandmate Kenny Hickey has confirmed initial rumors of his passing. Despite a similar rumor in 2005, it appears the reports of his passing are true. His work with Type O Negative was groundbreaking and a large influence on other various genres of metal, especially doom metal. As the song goes, "Everything Dies" but know that the music lives on...
UPDATE: Blabbermouth.net also reports that Type O Negative keyboardist Josh Silver has confirmed Peter Steele's death.
Despised Icon Breaks Up
Despised Icon has decided to break up. The band has issued the following statement on their decision:
"The time has come for us to move on. Some of us have recently reached a new chapter in their lives, starting families, buying houses and pursuing other careers to make it all happen. Writing music, touring and leaving home for months at a time is slowly becoming impossible because of that. We all decided that it’d be best to pull the plug now and end things right."
"It’s hard to believe we started this band almost 10 years ago already. At first, Despised Icon was mostly just an excuse to hang out, write brutal slam riffs and play local shows once in a while. With your support, we got the opportunity to actually play music for a living, make friends around the world, be MVPs and travel to places we never even dreamed of visiting in our lifetime. Thank you all for some of the best times of our lives." More...
Danzig Signs To The End Records
Glenn Danzig is set to unleash his first new Danzig studio album in six years. "Deth Red Sabaoth," produced by Glenn and recorded in Los Angeles over the course of 2009, will be released on June 22, 2010 through Evilive and The End Records. The cover artwork will be done by artist Joe Chiodo.
The 11-track collection, penned by Danzig, includes tracks like "Black Candy," "The Revengeful," and the first single, "On A Wicked Night." Part 1 of the exquisite two-part "Pyre of Souls" opens with acoustic guitar, haunting piano, Glenn's plainsong vocal, and an almost dirge-like feel; Part II explodes with electric guitars and a driving, mesmerizing cadence. More...
Eternal Ruin Bassist Passes Away
Bassist Ryan Engle of Maryland based death metal act Eternal Ruin passed away on Sunday, March 14th. No cause of death has yet been announced by the band. The obituary can be found at this location. Swiss metallers Carnal Decay also issued the following statement about Ryan's death:
"Cheers to our brother eternal Ryan! He was a great musician and a good friend! We were lucky to get on a bunch of European dates and a Mexican tour together with eternal ruin. We wish all the best to his family, friends and band mates. Ryan you'll never be forgotten! We salute you!"
You can also check out sample Eternal Ruin tracks at the band's MySpace page.
Morbid Angel Drummer Undergoes Back Surgery
Tampa, Florida based death metallers Morbid Angel have issued the following update about their drummer undergoing back surgery:
"World Management and Morbid Angel would like to let the fans know that rumors about Pedro Sandoval's back surgery are in fact true. Pete has suffered for a long time with a deteriorating disc problem. He was in daily pain and needed to have this done. He has recently been treated by a Laser Back Surgery specialist in Tampa Florida. He is currently in rehabilitation and doing well. Pete is part of our family and the band¹s History and we all wish him well and a full recovery. Unfortunately this type of injury, subsequent surgery and rehab cannot be rushed and it will take ample time for him to hopefully be back behind his drums again and out on tour with Morbid Angel.
"The band is moving forward on their next recording with Tim Yeung. Currently the guys are in rehearsals in Tampa putting their finishing touches on the songs for the New album, which is slated for later this year with subsequent touring world wide."
Nergal Facing Prison Time Over Bible Tearing
Gazetaprawna.pl has reported front man Nergal (Adam Darski) of Polish death metal band Behemoth has officially been charged with insulting the Roman Catholic Church, which is a crime in Poland that carries a penalty of up to two years in prison. The charge stems from an incident in 2007 when Nergal tore a bible apart on stage and referenced the church as being a murderous cult. A video of the concert that caused the charge can be viewed below. Nergal has stated that tearing apart the Bible was part of his artistic work and was not meant to offend religious sensibilities. More details on the case will be announced as they are made available.
Theatre Of Tragedy Calling It Quits
Norwegian Gothic metal act Theatre of Tragedy has issued the following announcement about officially calling it a day:
"After nearly 17 years in existence Theatre of Tragedy has decided to call it a day and close down. This has not been an easy decision to make and we have thought about this for a long long time. We finally agreed to this during the production of our latest album 'Forever is the world.' Theatre of Tragedy will come to an end on October 2nd 2010, exactly 17 years after we started making music together. Over the years all of us have strived to combine the Theatre with everyday life but in the end it has proven more and more difficult. We have come to appreciate our family lives and jobs, which makes it very hard to continue this life of rock'n'roll on the road.
"We know that some of you will probably be very disappointed, but we also hope you will continue to listen to our music, which all of you learned to appreciate and love so much. We want to thank everyone of you for all your support over the past 17 years! Theatre of Tragedy wouldn't have been possible without you! Be sure to catch us on the last Theatre of Tragedy shows ever this year! The final gig will take place on October 2nd in Stavanger, where it all began. Our music will live on... and forever is the world."
Theatre of Tragedy's upcoming "Forever Is The World" tour dates are as follows: More...
Original Waylander Bassist Found Dead
Jason Barriskill, the original bass player of Irish folk metal outfit Waylander and later founder of the band Epoch, was found dead in his home in Co. Armagh yesterday morning (February 22nd). This happened only three days after he had a heart attack on friday the 19th. He was only 34 years of age. A message from his old bandmates reads as follows:
"Jason was a once off, a true individual in the truest sense of the word. Almost 15 years after he left Waylander we still talk about him at rehearsal. That is the mark of the man, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his friends and family.
"I hope you have found what you were looking for brother.
"You will never be forgotten."
Luna Mortis Calls It Quits
Wisconsin female fronted metal band Luna Mortis has announced that they have decided to disband. Lead guitarist Brian Koenig issued the following statement regarding their decision to disband:
"I regret to say that as of today the band will be dissolving and we will be going our separate ways. A huge thanks from the bottom of our hearts for the fans and support we have received over the course of the last 9 years. It has been an exciting and often turbulent ride, but everything must come to an end eventually. Unfortunately, we will be unable to go on the May tour with Primal Fear, so our apologies to the people who were looking forward to hanging with us out on the road. To our local fans, we will more than likely be playing one more Madison show sometime in the next few months, we'll keep everyone posted"
Luna Mortis was recently dropped from Century Media Records. In December vocalist Mary Zimmer commented on their uncertain future as a band after being dropped by their label, "Does this mean Luna Mortis will not be releasing another album? No. It just means that soon, we will be label-less and have a few decisions to make about what our next move will be and what we'd like to do in regard to the future of the band."
Metalunderground.com's Best of 2009 Awards
Here we are, more than one month into 2010, the Super Bowl past, as we've yet to post our staff picks for 2009. Nevertheless, I polled our staff here at Metalunderground.com at the end of last year to obtain their picks in several categories in metal for 2009 and will now present those results.
The outlook for 2009 in metal was perhaps positive, but not phenomenal before the year began, having seen a number of landmark releases and tours in the two years prior. But when the year was over, I'd have to say I was pleasantly surprised at what a good year in metal 2009 turned out to be. As the metalcore trend fades further into horizon, we had hardly a mention of metalcore bands in this year's poll. Sure, the stalwarts will still have success, but the novelty has worn off and the genre as a whole does not generate as much buzz anymore. The only noticable trend was the growth of the thrash resurgence, which is hard to fault, giving the year a very solid metal feeling.
That said, let's get down to the details and talk about those bands that made 2009 such a solid year for heavy metal by announcing the Metalunderground.com staff picks for 2009. Here are the Metalunderground.com staff picks for the following categories: Best Metal Album of 2009, Best Metal DVD of 2009, Best Metal Newcomer of 2009, Best Live Act of 2009, and Most Anticipated Release for 2010. More...
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