Archive: Headline News
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Metalunderground.com's Best of 2008 Awards
2008 was a great year for metal releases. What's more, it was a great year for real metal. Never before have I seen a "best of" poll with so few mentions of trendy and mainstream metal bands. Despite a slew of hugely anticipated releases by bands such as Metallica, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Testament, and more, it was the many other intriguing metal releases that made 2008 special.
That said, let's get down to the details and talk about those bands that made 2008 such a good year for heavy metal by announcing the Metalunderground.com staff picks for 2008. As in previous years, I've polled the entire staff here at Metalunderground.com about their favorite albums and performances of the year.
Here are the Metalunderground.com staff picks for the following categories: Best Metal Album of 2008, Best Metal DVD of 2008, Best Metal Newcomer of 2008, Best Live Act of 2008, and Most Anticipated Release for 2009. More...
Led Zeppelin Is Over According To Page's Manager
Despite reports contradicting reports earlier this month, Jimmy Page's manager says that Led Zeppelin will not be touring or recording in 2009 and is, in fact, "over."
Peter Mensch, whose company Q Prime also represents Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lostprophets and Muse, had told the BBC's digital station 6Music that:
"John Paul Jones [bass] and Jimmy Page [guitar] enjoy playing with each other, Jason Bonham is a really good drummer so why not? We just need to find a singer."
However, in an interview with Music Radar this on January 7, Mensch said:
"They tried out a few singers [to replace Robert Plant], but no one worked out. That was it. The whole thing is completely over now. There are absolutely no plans for them to continue. Zero."
"Led Zeppelin are over," he added. "If you didn't see them in 2007 [at London's O2 Arena], you missed them. It's done. I can't be any clearer than that. Frankly, I wish everybody would stop talking about it."
January 12 marked the 40th anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut album.
Metallica To Be Inducted Into RnR Hall of Fame
Metallica has reacted to their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with a message on their site:
"Wow... what a great way to start off 2009! We are beyond proud to let you know that we will indeed be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in a ceremony held in Cleveland (Ohio) on April 4th, 2009. As a refresher, it has to have been 25 years since your first record was released to be eligible and while it certainly doesn't feel like it's been that long, we hear that's the case!
"So here's the other cool part. For the first time in the 24 years that the Hall Of Fame has been around, tickets to the ceremony will be available to YOU! The induction ceremony will be held at Public Hall in Cleveland, and if you're a member of the Hall Of Fame and Museum, you can buy tickets in a pre-sale on January 22nd and 23rd. There is a walk-up sale on Saturday, January 24 (that means you have to find your way to the box office at the Hall Of Fame that day), and finally they will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets starting on Monday, January 26th. Met Club members should check www.metclub.com for info about a special ticket sale for them. More...
Lord Belial Calls It Quits
Black metal band Lord Belial has issued the following statement on their website:
"LORD BELIAL 1992 - 2009
"Lord Belial has quit all their activities. All future gigs are canceled. We would like to thank all fans, bands we have played with, labels, organizers and everyone involved in the band for the past 17 years!
"The main reason for this is the hearing problem (tinnitus) that has grown into a quite big problem for Micke the last years… The other members in the band were not forced to put an end to the band but instead they mutually agreed that finding another drummer was not a solution for the future.
"Anyhow, if Micke’s hearing will be at least a little bit recovered after a break from music and especially live appearances for some time, we really hope that we can continue where we ended.
"We will not comment or discuss this in emails etc."
Flaw Guitarist and Possibly More Members Depart
Flaw and guitarist Nathan McDaniel have gone their separate ways following a not-so-friendly MySpace bulletin, which has since been deleted. Whoever is in control of the band's MySpace, which seems to be McDaniel, has posted the following message about recent events:
"The WHOLE truth
"Keep hearin rumors that we were actually kicked out. I'm sure thats what Volz and his cronies are telling everybody to try and save face. If you did not read the bulletin before I'll make sure its here for all to see. We left the band because Chris Volz is a drunken, woman beating, lying, washed up waste of a human being. I'm sure money hungry vultures will jump into our spots just to try and make a name (what a name to have) or go somewhere. It took me finding out for myself but FLAW is in fact a fucking joke now.
"And just to let you guys in on another fact. All of the new songs any of you heard on the road after jay left, are mine and Tylers and some of them Van's (our former bass player) - Indifferance, Uncurled, Last December and most of Believe In Me. So enjoy a buncha shitty versions of our songs. And please buy a lotta albums so they have some money to pay us when we sue their asses off.
"Keep on checkin. More goodies to come in about a week. And no, you cannot have the Password to this site..hahaha(inside joke)"
It is unclear at the moment if drummer Terry Harper and bassist Tyler will remain a part of the band, although the message above would suggest otherwise.
Flaw is expected to release a new studio album in 2009.
Axl Rose Hints At New Album, Addresses More Issues
Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has hinted that a follow up to "Chinese Democracy" could be on the cards after finally breaking his silence over the long awaited album.
Speaking to various fan forums and messageboards, the singer said there was a wealth of material left over which could be released in the near future.
"For now we'll concentrate and keep our focus on this album but I will say I've always thought of it as a double," he said.
He also spoke about why the original line-up split and a recent court case brought by Duff McKagan and Slash, reports Billboard.
"What I can say now is you've been told a lot of things in order for others to promote themselves that factually they cannot backup in regard to either," Rose said. "They are complicated legally, financially and have devoured a good portion of my life."
Meanwhile, the band's manager Irving Azoff has dimissed rumours of the original line up getting back together, according to Yahoo!.
In a statement he said: "There are no plans of a reunion, nor have there been any discussions of a reunion, with former Guns N' Roses band members."
Adrian "The Energizer" Bromley Passes Away
Adrian "The Energizer" Bromley passed away in his sleep on December 7th, 2008 at the young age of 37 from complications due to pneumonia. He had just celebrated his birthday on November 30th.
Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles reports: To say that Adrian was active in the metal scene is an understatement. Early in his journalism career he worked at Canada's M.E.A.T Magazine (along with BW&BK's Carl Begai and "Metal" Tim Henderson). Soon-after, Adrian, along with Gino Filicetti formed one of the world's first extreme metal webzines called Chronicles Of Chaos. Adrian went on to create Unrestrained! Magazine which gained worldwide popularity in the extreme underground realm. More recently he worked press and publicity at The End Records and moved on to form Ixmati Media, a company that represented the likes of Listenable Records, Blistering Records, Northern Storm Records, Ibex Moon Records, Shadow Kingdom Records among others. He had also started his new label called Absurdist Records.
BW&BK President/CEO "Metal" Tim Henderson had this to say about his passing: "We are in total shock. We used to joke that BW&BK and Unrestrained! were vicious rivals, but that was totally inaccurate. I'd known Adrian since the M.E.A.T. days in Toronto in the late '80s as we all were trying to cut it as potential journalists! Hell, he lived on our BraveBoard! You won't meet anybody in this biz that worked as hard as Adrian, fighting for "the cause" at every waking moment. And the key was that his heart was in the right place. He'd give you his left arm if you needed it. Always a friendly hand-shake or a heavy metal hug. Every band and label that Adrian represented felt his presence. His head was filled with a sea of metal knowledge - underground and above ground. Virtually every conversation we had was about music - it was his life. Adrian had incredible vision, always thinking of ideas on how to push the scene to greater heights. Those of us based in Toronto - take a look around at your next metal show/gathering. Adrian touched every one of those souls as he helped the scene grow larger than ever.
"Damn, it as just over a year ago we lost Ray "Black Metal" Wallace. Life just ain't fair.
"He will be terribly missed..." More...
Dark Disciple Vocalist Commits Suicide
Dark Disciple vocalist Mat "Sicko" Sargent has taken his own life at the age of 30. The Baltimore, Maryland based metal band has posted an extensive blog on their MySpace page in regards to this news. Here are some excerpts:
"Today is not a good day for me or anyone in the Dark Disciple family, Mat Sargent known to many as "SICKO" or Villain5150 took his life on November 26th 2008, Mat was only 30 years old. For those of us who had the chance to know him and see what kind of person Mat was, it was an honor to say the least, he will be never forgotten for there are way to many good times to remember. Mat join the band late in 2003 after replacing founding member Bones. When we all heard Mat audition the first night the rest of the guys in the band were like where's the hidden tape recorder or the sound effect box. Mat had this gift; he could make his vocals sound like three different people singing almost simultaneously at once. The band was blown away by this and said you're in and we have studio time in a month for our first album. He said really, we said yeah, he said I guess I better start working on it. In one month Mat not only came up with the Albums title ("Unholy Hate Gore") he also change the song titles and wrote the lyrics to 9 songs to help create this raw underground master piece."
Read the full article at Dark Disciple's MySpace blog.
Axl Rose Missing For Two Months
A number of news outlets are reporting that Guns N Roses frontman Axl Rose has been missing for two months.
Music-News.com reports: Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has been missing for two months.
The eccentric rocker has infuriated bosses at record label Geffen after disappearing without promoting the band’s long-awaited "Chinese Democracy" album, which was released last week 15 years after the last Guns N' Roses LP.
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "People have been trying to contact Axl for two months and he’s completely AWOL [Absent Without Leave].
"It is frustrating because the album would have had a much better chance of going to number one if he had only been prepared to show his face.
"You would have thought after spending all those years on an album you might do a few weeks of promotion. 'Everyone knows Axl is a bit of a maverick genius and won’t do anything he doesn’t want to.'"
As previously reported, "Chinese Democracy" debuted on the Billboard album charts at number 3. The album apparantly sold 261,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States. So far, Chinese Democracy has only gone to number one in Brazil and Finland.
Loudness Drummer Munetaka Higuchi Passes Away
Munetaka Higuchi, drummer for Japanese heavy metal band Loudness, passed away yesterday in Osaka, Japan yesterday morning. He was 49 years old. He had been diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in April of this year and undergone two rounds of chemotherapy treatment and an operation to remove part of his liver.
Higuchi himself posted the following message online, twelve days before his death: "It has been half a year since I was diagnosed with liver cancer. I am really sorry that the fans are worried. The cancer has become worse despite the fact that I have been taking care of my health, and I will need more time for my treatment. [Even after undergoing the] big operation to remove half of my liver, I still need more treatment. There are various risks and dangers involved with my condition, but I'll do my best to keep my spirits up and maintain my physical strength to fight this illness. I know it is still the middle of my treatment, but I just wanted inform you about my progress since the operation. Thank you very much for all the support."
Loudness was formed in 1981 by Higuchi and guitarist Akira Takasaki and were the first Japanese heavy metal act to be signed in the United States. The band have released over twenty studio albums to date, seven live albums and twelve compilation albums. The bands most recent gig was supporting Motley Crue in October of this year at Greater Tokyo Area's Saitama Super Arena.
New Guns N Roses Album Banned In China
Guns N Roses has finally released their eagerly awaited new album, "Chinese Democracy," to the world. However, for fans in China, they will have to go underground for the album as the Chinese government has deemed the album inappropriate for the public. A video report from New Tang Dynasty Television discussing the album, it's banning and sales can be viewed below and features a contribution from Chthonic mainman Freddy Lim. More...
Nazxul Guitarist Greg Morelli Killed In Crash
Legendary Australian thrash metal band Mortal Sin has posted the following message online:
"Our long time friend Greg Morelli, guitarist of NAZXUL was tragically killed in the early hours of Thursday morning November 20th in a motorcycle accident. As many locals would know a huge storm hit Sydney last night and Greg was riding his motorbike home and hit a greasy wet patch on Parramatta road North Strathfield.
"Greg's death will be a huge loss to the Australian metal scene and of course the international black metal scene. The new Nazxul album had just been completed and Greg was really looking forward to getting back out on the road and we had also talked about the possibility of heading over to Europe for some shows next year. Greg explained to me that the new album was sounding like they finally wanted to sound like, and was really proud of what he had achieved.
"I hope all the black metal fans out there will raise their horns tonight for Greg. Rest in peace mate, you're a fucking legend."
Whiplash Reunites and Plans New Album
80's thrash metal band WHIPLASH has announced that they're reuniting to give their fans a long awaited breath of fresh new material. WHIPLASH stays true to their fans with the power-thrash riffs and double bass that broke them into the industry.
Aside from the new material, Displeased Records will be releasing the band's first two classic albums on one CD.
Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng In Coma After Car Crash
The Sacremento Bee reports: Deftones bassist Chi Cheng is in a coma in a San Jose hospital following a car accident in Santa Clara on Monday.
The band's singer, Chino Moreno, reached by phone, confirmed the news but declined to give specifics.
"I don't know everything that's going on -- I just know it's very serious," Moreno said. "I'm on my way to be with his family, I'm pretty freaked out about it." More...
Shadow Gallery Vocalist Passes Away
Progressive power metal band Shadow Gallery has announced the passing of their frontman, Michael A. Baker:
"It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Shadow Gallery vocalist, Michael A. Baker. Mike, 45 years old, suffered a heart attack, Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, 2008. Mike was a founding member of Shadow Gallery and for the past 16 years helped shape the sound of the band with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world. Those who knew him best were moved by his gentle spirit, sincere kindness, fun nature and passion for both music and sports. He was a warrior in the studio, a true professional. Mike was our friend, our singer and our brother. We loved him and will miss him enormously, but he will always be remembered in our hearts and through his music."
Johnny Truant Breaks Up
Just weeks after releasing their Ferret Music debut, UK metal/hardcore outfit Johnny Truant has announced that they're calling it quits. The following statement has been issued:
"We have had many amazing years and made many great friends along the way. Thank you to everyone that has supported us and shared so many amazing times with us, it's been a hell of a ride and one that we are very proud of.
"Our final shows will be in the UK December. Come along and lets make them the biggest party we can."
The band's final tour dates are as follows: More...
Hanoi Rocks Calls It A Day
Finnish rock legends Hanoi Rocks has posted the following message online:
"Hanoi Rocks have decided to break up by the end of the year 2008. Michael Monroe and Andy McCoy feel that they've taken the band as far as it can go and now wish to go their separate ways.
"All commitments until the end of the year, including the UK tour starting in London on Halloween, will naturally be honoured. More...
Dour Cursiva Calls It Quits, Members Form New Band
Rhode Island metal band Dour Cursiva is calling it quits and three of its members will be forming a new band. In the bands own words:
"Dour Cursiva is calling it quits. Due to recent member changes, which were left unannounced until now, along with a general refocus of musical direction, the rest of us remaining decided that it would be best to retire the Dour Cursiva name. We leave this project with no ill will toward anyone, and nothing but the best experiences behind. We have no plans of playing a final show as Dour Cursiva.
"Thank you to David Cavalieri, Kevin Pires, Joe Valerio, Eric Zabinski, and Josh Aguiar for their effort and involvement in Dour. Thank you to Ethan and Hold True Recordings for all of his hard work and dedication in supporting the release of "Voices Through Wires." We are very proud of that album and encourage you to pick it up through Ethan at http://www.holdtrue.com. Thanks to Ian van Opijnen for his help in making that album sound the way it does.
"We could thank a million and one people and bands for supporting us, encouraging us, hooking us up with shows, creating artwork or taking pictures for us, or just being solid friends throughout the whole deal. It would be long-winded and self-indulgent. So, thank you to everyone who supported us or shared in this experience with us.
"Expect a new website with a sort of retrospective of our various stages of a band to be posted when get down to that."
Dour Cursiva was:
Jake Neves - V
Ryan Murphy-D
David Cavalieri-G
Brian Williams-G
and:
Kevin Pires-V
Joe Valerio-B
Josh Aguiar-V
Eric Zabinski-D
David Cavalieri's also wrote a personal farewell: More...
Plant Issues Official Statement: No Zeppelin Tour
Robert Plant has denied rumours that Led Zeppelin is set to tour next year, releasing a statement stating that the he will not be touring or recording with the band.
In the statement the singer said that following his current tour with Alison Krauss he will not be touring with any band or project for at least two years.
Last week (September 26) it was claimed that Plant had agreed to a Led Zeppelin tour.
However, the singer's statement read: "It's both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward.
"I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects."
Since The Flood Calls It Quits
New England hardcore/metal band Since The Flood has broken up. Formed in 2002, the group has released albums with Ironclad Recordings and Metal Blade Records. Drummer Luke Buckbee has issued the following statement:
"It's been a long and hard 6.5 years. Would I ever give one second of it up? Not for the world. As of Thursday September 11th 2008, Since the Flood is done. I'm sure this is a huge surprise to many people, but it was a decision that needed to be made.
"No matter what anyone thought of us, we were a blue collar band. We never had the hype that many more recent bands enjoy. We toured our asses off, partied all over the world, and wrote music that we loved to play. Since the Flood never made any money and never turned into a true business. Looking back, I think that this was a blessing in disguise, because we can all walk away and feel in no way cheated. We all had some amazing experiences and all came home broke as shit.
"Why the break-up? Gas prices? Member issues? Yup. But those aren't the main reasons. It's just time to move on. For Chuck, Kevin, and Rob that time came sooner than later, but for Dave, Nate, Ricky, Dan and I, the time is now. There's no anger or bitterness it's just time to start a new chapter in our lives and careers. More...
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