| Metal News - December 2003 |
| 01 | Mnemic has been confirmed for the rest of
the European Machine Head tour as the direct support, from the 8th till
the 19th of December.
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| 04 |
AETERNUS Explain French Gig Cancellation Ares of Norwegian metallers AETERNUS has posted the following message regarding the group's recent gig cancellation in Rennes, France: "This is a message to our fans and friends in France/Rennes! This show was cancelled on tour due to conditions none of the three bands [AETERNUS, 1349 and RED HARVEST] could do anything about. It was simply impossible to proceed and do this gig! We are truly sorry and hopefully we can get a chance to make it up to you all next time we come to France on tour. Sometimes, things like this can happen and it is not good for anyone though it's also just the way it is at times. Luckily not often! So, again our apologies to you all in Rennes/France and whoever out there who traveled far to see us there." AETERNUS are currently working on the material for their sixth studio album, tentatively due in mid-2004 through Nocturnal Art Productions. |
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04
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DISIPLIN Confirmed For Norway's BY:LARM Norwegian extreme metallers DISIPLIN, featuring ex-members of MYRKSKOG and EVILIZER, have been granted a showcase slot at next year's Norway's biggest music industry event, By:Larm. In the meantime, however, the band have also been booked to support GORGOROTH at Oslo's John Dee on Saturday, December 13. DISIPLIN's self-produced debut album features guest appearances by ex-EMPEROR members Bård "Faust" Eithun and Samoth, and is "a showcase of contagious, mid-tempo riffs intermittently layered around chilly black metal blast beats," according to an official press release. Check out excerpts of two songs from the album: "Hate Engine" |
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04
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THE BERZERKER DVD Due In March Australia's THE BERZERKER are currently finishing work on their forthcoming DVD, "The Principles and Practices of The Berzerker". Set for a March 2004 release, the disc will reportedly feature a wealth of live performances from their 100+ shows around the globe in 2002 and 2003, backstage shenanigans, interview footage and other features. |
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04
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IMAGIKA To Enter Studio In January San Francisco power/thrash metallers IMAGIKA will enter Prairie Sun studios in Cotati, California to finish tracking their fourth their fourth album, tentatively due in early 2004 through an as-yet-undisclosed label. "All new vocal tracks and bass will be laid down," reads a post on the band's web site. "There's also going to be some more guitar since the arrangement have changed a bit with Norman [Skinner] the new vocalist reworking all the tunes. Everything sounds great and we can't wait to get the tracks complete so we can get into the mixing stage which we'll do again in Texas at Sonic Ranch were the whole thing all began. [Producer] Neil Kernon will be doing the mix. Expect 12 tracks of straight up METAL!" Among the songtitles set to appear on the upcoming CD are the following: 01. In Your Shadow 02. Hexed 03. Devils on Both Sides 04. Last Battalion 05. Dead-Eye Stare 06. Back to the Beginning 07. I Still Dream 08. Spellbound 09. Voice of Prejudice In other news, IMAGIKA have announced the addition of second guitarist Pat Toms to the group's ranks. "[Pat has] been a friend for years and now that his previous project PUNISHER is on hold, he's agreed to take on the gig," the band write. "He's a Bay Area metal vet with tons of experience and brings a nice heavy touch to the band. Tons of guitars now! We've been looking for the right guy for awhile and we finally found him." Upcoming IMAGIKA shows: Dec. 16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Cat Club (Lucifer's Hammer) (w/ BROCAS HELM, BOMBTHREAT) Jan. 23 – San Francisco, CA @ The Pound SF (w/ AGENT STEEL, THANATOPSIS) |
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04
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ANTHRAX To Record Live Shows For
Upcoming CD/DVD ANTHRAX will record their upcoming shows in Chicago (Dec. 5), Flint (Dec. 6) and Cleveland (Dec. 7) for a live CD/DVD that will accompany the group's previously announced collection of Joey Belladonna/Neil Turbin-era songs sung by current vocalist John Bush. As previously reported, the studio portion of the set, dubbed "Metallum Maximus Aeternus", will be recorded early next year and the exact track listing for the effort will be voted on by the group's fans. A late spring release through Nuclear Blast Records is expected. Upcoming ANTHRAX tour dates: Dec. 05 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues (w/ ILL NINO, V-SHAPED MIND) Dec. 05 - Chicago, IL @ Metro Dec. 06 - Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop Dec. 07 - Cleveland, OH @ The Odeon Dec. 09 - Louisville, KY @ Coyote's Dec. 10 - Knoxville, TN @ Blue Cat's Dec. 12 - Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre Dec. 13 - Valparaiso, IN @ McCools Dec. 14 - Clear Lake, IA @ The Surf Ballroom |
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PLACE OF SKULLS Part Ways With WINO Knoxville, Tennessee's PLACE OF SKULLS have officially parted ways with guitarist Wino (THE HIDDEN HAND, ex-SPIRIT CARAVAN, ST. VITUS, THE OBSESSED). The following is the band's official statement on the matter: "A year and a half ago, armed with an idea to bring together our styles and imagery to a single musical force, we laid down the groundwork for what we envisioned to be (and dubbed by the press) a super-group of doom metal. Together we've stuck it out despite the pressure and stress of being in a band with members living in different states... not really the small feat it appears on the surface. "We've now come to an amicable and agreed decision that to continue this arrangement is no longer feasible. The travel to and fro has become more of a burden than we probably admitted to ourselves in the beginning…and scheduling our personal responsibilities and commitments to an ever-changing calendar is just no longer worth it. So as of now, Victor, Tim, & Dennis will continue onward with PLACE OF SKULLS, and Wino with THE HIDDEN HAND. "We especially regret the disappointment that some of you may feel about this decision. We know from your feedback that a lot of anticipation was building for a tour of live performances. Again, we truly regret that this can't happen. Never the less, we're very thankful to have 'With Vision' as a result of this relatively short working relationship. We feel confident and appreciative that we succeeded in bringing you a classic album that will leave its mark. "The shows that are already confirmed for PLACE OF SKULLS, as well as international tour plans, will go ahead as scheduled but without Wino. "From hearsay and offhand remarks, we know there's a number of you who've 'straddled the fence' from the beginning where PLACE OF SKULLS is concerned. Sometimes we may come from a place or point of view that clashes with many of your own philosophies. That same backlash has been felt by THE HIDDEN HAND. None of us are trying to push agenda's here…politics and religions are the never-ending arguments that will never be 100% solved in this life. We propose an agreement to disagree where it may apply, and lets get on together with the enjoyment of some heavy-ass music. "We've gained many new fans since the release of 'With Vision', and we (PLACE OF SKULLS & THE HIDDEN HAND) hope you'll all stick around for the next chapter. "We speak with reciprocating respect and admiration for one another, and our respective bands, in saying our friendships remain strong and intact. Our only regret is that we won't be able to fulfill the expectations of what could have been." |
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04
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THE DARKNESS Frontman Held By NYC Cops
In Case Of Mistaken Identity The New York Post is reporting that Justin Hawkins, lead singer for the British "glam rock" band THE DARKNESS, nearly missed a coveted cover shoot for Spin magazine the other day after cops held him for two hours at Kennedy Airport. Police were looking for a wanted criminal coincidentally named Justin Hawkins who bears a passing resemblance to the singer. Hawkins was released after his manager showed cops a tour schedule which proved Hawkins was playing in England on July 4, when the other Hawkins allegedly committed his crime. The singing Hawkins, whose bombastic "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", is drawing comparisons to vintage QUEEN, later dined at Nobu. |
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04
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METALLICA To Ring In 2004 Via FOX TV
Appearance METALLICA will perform on Fox's second annual New Year's Eve show staged on the Las Vegas Strip and again hosted by "American Idol"'s Ryan Seacrest, according to the Daily Variety. The San Franciscian heavy metal quartet — along with other guest musical acts ASHANTI, WYCLEF JEAN, OUTKAST and KEITH URBAN — will perform in a pavilion built for the occasion in front of the Venetian Hotel. Show is staged from 8-9:30 p.m. PT and broadcast to the East Coast starting at 11:30 p.m. ET. Unlike Fox's Times Square competitor, attendance at "America's Party" has a price: $200. Ducats, sold online at Vegas.com, allow patrons entry to the concert and provide front-of-the-line entrance to nightclubs Studio 54 at MGM, Rain at the Palms and Ra at the Luxor. METALLICA are scheduled to perform a late-night show at the Hard Rock's nightclub the Joint shortly after their Fox TV appearance. |
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04
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EVANESCENCE: First Rescheduled U.S.
Dates Announced EVANESCENCE will make up their recently cancelled U.S. tour dates in late February/early March. So far, two newly rescheduled shows have been announced: St. Cloud. Minnesota's Halenbeck Hall on Feb. 20 and Madison, Wisconsin's Alliant Energy Center on Feb. 21. Tickets for each of the postponed shows will be honored on the make-up dates, according to an announcement on the band's web site. EVANESCENCE were due to perform a number of concerts throughout the Western and Midwestern U.S. between Nov. 21 and Dec. 7. Three mid-December Canadian shows will take place as planned. In January, the band are scheduled to mount a tour of Australia and Japan. In October, EVANESCENCE guitarist and co-founder Ben Moody unexpectedly bailed out on the group during its European tour. The band recruited COLD guitarist Terry Balsamo as Moody's temporary replacement. |
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04
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ORGY: New Song Posted Online A brand-new ORGY track, titled "The Obvious", has been posted online in streaming audio format at this location. "The Obvious" comes off the group's long-awaited new CD, "Punk Statik Paranoia", due on February 24 through D1 Music. "Punk Statik Paranoia" is believed to consist primarily of demos originally written and recorded for inclusion on the band's never-released third LP. D1, which recently signed a distribution agreement with Innovative Distribution Network, is headed by father-and-son team of CEO/ORGY frontman Jay Gordon and COO Lou Gordon. |
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04
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VINNY APPICE, JIMMY BAIN To Jam With
WWIII At Hollywood Gig Legendary drummer Vinny Appice (ex-BLACK SABBATH, DIO, WWIII) and bassist Jimmy Bain (DIO, ex-RAINBOW, WWIII) will reportedly join WWIII frontman Mandy Lion onstage for the first time in over 12 years during WWIII's Dec. 11 gig at Club Vodka in West Hollywood, California. Showtime will be 11:00 p.m sharp and tickets can be ordered by e-mailing mandy@mandy-lion.com or by phone at (213) 399-2166. Advance tickets are 12 dollars. Tickets bought the night of the show are 16 dollars. WWIII's first album in 12 years, "When God Turned Away", was released last month through Reality Entertainment. The CD, which features Lion, co-producer Joe Floyd on guitar, Geezer Montez on bass and Sledge on drums, was originally scheduled for release in 2001 but was delayed due to Mandy's inability to secure a proper record deal in the U.S. |
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04
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KAMELOT Recruit VANDEN PLAS Keyboardist
For Mexican Tour KAMELOT will once again enlist German keyboardist Günter Werno (VANDEN PLAS) for their forthcoming Mexican tour and appearance at Spain's Piorno Rock Festival. Günter has been a frequent guest of KAMELOT on several tours and festival appearances and has also played the keyboards on the song "Snow", the bonus track on the limited-edition version of "Epica". As previously reported, KAMELOT will begin the second phase of the new album songwriting this month when vocalist Roy Khan leaves the cold regions of Norway for the sunny seaside town of Anna Maria, Florida to write with the other band members. KAMELOT have thus far written five new songs for the follow-up to this year's "Epica", including "March of Mephisto", "Nothing Ever Dies" and "Serenade". The group's forthcoming album will be their first for SPV/Steamhammer Records, with whom they signed a worldwide deal last spring. An early 2004 release is expected. Upcoming KAMELOT shows: Feb. 13 – Monterrey, MEX @ TBA Feb. 14 - Mexico City, MEX @ TBA Feb. 15 - Guadalajara, MEX @ TBA Feb. 28 - Granada, SPA @ Piorno Rock Festival |
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04
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MONSTER MAGNET Announce New Drummer,
Line Up 'Surprise' London Gig MONSTER MAGNET have announced the addition of drummer Bob Pantella to the group's ranks. Pantella has been in several bands (including RAGING SLAB) and is currently playing with New Jersey blues musician Matt O'Rea in the BLUES HOUNDS and in Lee Stuart's (HALFWAY TO GONE) new band A THOUSAND KNIVES OF FIRE. In other news, MONSTER MAGNET are rumored to be playing a "surprise" show in London this Friday (December 5) at The Barfly. Entrance is £5 and showtime is 10:00 p.m. No advance tickets will be sold for this concert. MONSTER MAGNET will headline the upcoming WRAT show at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey on December 27. As previously reported, MONSTER MAGNET recently completed work on their new album, tentatively entitled "Monolithic Babies", with producer Scott Humphrey (ROB ZOMBIE, SPINESHANK, ANDREW W.K.). The CD — the group's first with bassist Jim Baglino (LORD STERLING) — will feature such cuts as "Master Of Light", "On the Verge", "Slut Machine Mach 2", "Ultimate Everything", "Monolithic Babies" and "Little Bag Of Gloom". An early 2004 release through SPV Records is expected. |
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| 05 | OZZY OSBOURNE BAND bassist Rob Nicholson (Rob Zombie) has replaced Jason Newsted (Flotsam & Jetsam, Metallica, Voivod) |
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05
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PLACE OF SKULLS the band has split with Wino as travel had become a burden - Victor, Tim and Dennis will continue on with Place of Skulls and Wino will focus on The Hidden Hand |
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STRATOVARIUS guitarist and self-proclaimed bandleader Timo Tolkki has announced that the band is in crisis because his vision for the group has been threatened - in the wake of arguments that ended up in a fistfight, Tolkii is speaking to individual band members about the future - lineup changes are expected |
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MONSTER MAGNET drummer Robert "Bob" Pantella (Raging Slab) has replaced Michael Wildwood |
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05
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CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN drummer Mike Bartek (Sadis Euphoria) has been enlisted to sit behind the kit |
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DISFEAR Uffe Cederlund (Entombed) has joined the group as second touring guitarist |
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NECROTIC DISGORGEMENT this new band features former Regurgitation members Ben Deskins (g), Tony Tipton (g) and Jason T. (d) as well as Dislimb's Rob Lesniak (b) and former Clean Flesh / Erotic Incisions vocalist Joe Wolffe |
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MÖTLEY CRÜE recently announced plans call for a reunion tour and possible album in 2004 - a movie based on the band's autobiography 'The Dirt' is scheduled for release in early 2005 |
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DIMMU BORGIR the songs "Progenies Of The Great Apocalypse" and "Eradication Instincts Defined" from 'Death Cult Armageddon' will be featured in the trailer for the upcoming Sony Pictures film "Hellboy" - the trailer will be attached to Tom Cruise's "The Last Samurai" |
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CONTROL DENIED Hammerheart Records has released a statement that the company plans to release the unfinished Control Denied album that was in the works when Chuck Schuldiner died - Chuck's mother, Jane Schuldiner, has countered with the following statement: "The courts here in the US will decide the rights to that album and neither GH/HHR nor the Schuldiner family has the right to release any part of it until it is decided by a judge and jury here in the US" |
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El Caco nominated...
El Caco has been
nominated to win the prestigious Norwegian Alarm Award 2004. Major
music journalists nominate the candidates and the audience votes for the
winners over the internet. The nominees for this years best metal-album
are El Caco, Dimmu Borgir,
Thulsa Doom, Enslaved and The Cumshots. El
Caco need your vote, and you can help them by entering www.alarmweb.org
(VOTE = STEM). The Alarm Awards takes place in Bergen, Norway on the
14th of February 2004.
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Helena Iren Michaelsen from Imperia has finished the recordings of the song 'The Lotuseaters' for the Dead Can Dance tribute double-cd, also called The Lotuseaters. The song is recorded and produced by Oscar Holleman (Within Temptation, After Forever etc…). Rene Merckelbach (Within Temptation) helped out on studio synths. The cd will be released throughout Black Lotus Records and also features acts such as The Gathering, Trail Of Tears, Ulver, Septic Flesh, Antimatter, Daniel Cavanagh and more…
The band has started the recordings of their full-length cd at Franky's Recording Kitchen, Holland. The band will record about 12 songs of Orchestral Opera Metal… Helena's website will SOON be online. Check www.helena-michaelsen.com for info about Imperia & Angel…To Elysium's 'Nightmare's Nest' will be released on February 21st. The band is currently in the final mixing stadium. 'Nightmare's Nest' will crush To Elysium's debut 'Dearest Vile' in every way possible: fatter sound, better vocals, heavier guitars and catchier songs… The Wounded are mixing their third masterpiece 'Atlantic' at Franky's Recording Kitchen. Releasedate: February 21st. Exploring Gothic in their own unique way & sound, The Wounded have managed to create their darkest, yet most catchy album up to date. A few songtitles: 'We Are Darker', 'Hollow World', 'Northern Lights', 'Day Of Joy' and 'Running On Empty'. The album will also contain a cover from Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' , of course performed in The Wounded's own unique way… |
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The Hatesphere Newsletter
Hey you sick fucks!
Back with some news. Our new output called "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something black" will be in the European stores from December 8th! BUY! It´s the perfect X-mas present... For the American people: Go to www.theendrecords.com The new mini album will be followed by a new webdesign and some cool new T-shirts, Girlies and Hoodies. So check back on www.hatesphere.com very soon. New video clips and pictures added. Check gallery section We played our last shows in 2003 some weeks ago. We are now focusing on writing new material for the next full lengt CD. We already have some killer songs and some very delicate riffing. Thanks to all the supportive people we have met this year during our shows and during drinking. We had a blast! Next year following live dates are confirmed: February 6th - Riamuf, Ribe, Denmark. Support: Mnemic and Mevadio February 7th - Godzzfest Festival, Kolding, Denmark HateSphere will headline this festival - other bands: Withering Surface, Koldborn, Mevadio a.o. August 12th-14th. Party-San Festival, Bad Berka/Thuringia, Germany Other bands: Zyklon, Pungent Stench, Vomitory, Misery Index and much more... Other festivals will be confirmed soon...
We have got offered two different
European tours - we are
looking in to it right now. Don´t worry - we will
bring you lots of hate next year. Also a North American tour and a small Japan tour is being worked on right now. |
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THE VOICE OF ALICE COOPER Nights with Alice Cooper is the latest addition to a rapidly growing field of evening daypart programming and it is the first such entry into the evening daypart arena for the network. Beginning on Monday, January 26th, 2004, the show will be delivered to affiliates via satellite for five hours per night and is intended to provide programming for the 7pm to Midnight time period, Monday through Friday. The music playlist for the show will be comprised of upbeat Classic Rock and the broadcasts will be populated by Alice Cooper and a cast of characters who will be introduced to the program and evolve over time. Cooper, who resides in Arizona, will have the show emanate from a mysterious location in the Arizona desert. In making the announcement, USRN¹s Denemark pointed out that the introduction of this series is in response to current trends in radio. "We¹ve been monitoring the success of various evening programs in other formats and felt that Rock Radio is one format where nights really have potential. When Alice Cooper approached us with a desire to do radio, the fit was just a natural." Denemark added that, "A lot of us remember when Nights at Rock Radio were really fun and interestingŠit¹s our intention to do that again." Alice Cooper is a rock and roll legend whose vivid imagination and unusual persona have combined to make him one of the rock era's greatest showmen. Debuting in 1970, he soon turned the music world upside down, wearing outrageous clothing and make-up, performing loud hard music framing sharp-edged lyrics. "We were into fun, sex, death and money when everybody was into peace and love," Alice explains. "We wanted to see what was next. It turned out we were next, and we drove a stake through the heart of the Love Generation." Alice Cooper touched a deep nerve in the minds of teenagers everywhere, bringing him countless gold and platinum albums from around the world, including "Love It To Death," "Billion Dollar Babies," and "Welcome To My Nightmare," featuring such anthems as "Eighteen," "Elected," "School's Out," and "No More Mr. Nice Guy." His recording successes notwithstanding, it is on stage, both musically and visually, where Alice has had his greatest impact. Colossal concert tours utilizing multi-level stage sets and elaborate scenery in ways unprecedented for a rock band. Each Alice Cooper tour continually topped the preceding one, setting a standard for technical wizardry and sheer theatrical imagination. Alice Cooper has appeared in movies and television, including, most notably, "Wayne's World," "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare," "Roadie," "John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness," and "Something Wilder," with Gene Wilder. In 1998, Alice opened Cooper'stown, a rock'n roll/sports bar and restaurant in downtown Phoenix, specializing in barbecue, family food, and fun for sports nuts and music fans. More Cooper'stown locations are expected to open soon, with Cleveland already up and running. 1999 saw the release of the long-awaited definitive four CD box set on Warner Archives/Rhino Records entitled "The Life And Crimes of Alice Cooper," chronicling Alice's musical. In September 2003, Cooper released his latest album, "The Eyes of Alice Cooper" on Spitfire Records, and just this week received his Star on the world-renowned "Hollywood Walk of Fame." "I¹m really intrigued by the notion of radio," said Alice about his new nighttime gig. "It¹s a medium that lends itself to great theater right alongside the music, and I¹m really looking forward to shaping something new and working side by side with a lot of my old friends on the station side." United Stations Radio Networks, Inc., is the nation¹s largest independently owned and operated radio network. The company currently distributes and produces dozens of format specific programs and services to roughly 4000 rated radio stations across the country including Adult Contemporary, Album Rock, County, Contemporary Hit, Oldies, Country, Smooth Jazz, Urban and Talk. The New York-based company was founded in 1984 by radio pioneers Dick Clark and Nick Verbitsky. |
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JACK BLADES UPDATE Sea of Emotions; Shine On (click to hear a sample!); We Are The Ones; Don’t Want To Be Alone Tonight; Sometimes You Gotta Have Faith; To Touch The Sky; Who You Want To Be; Someday; Breaking It Down; On Top of The World; Nature’s Way. This album was produced by Jack at his Cock and Bottle studio in Northern California. Helping Jack in shaping the music were such friends as: Tommy Shaw of Styx (who plays guitar and shares lead vocals on "Shine On"), Neal Schon of Journey (who plays lead guitars and co-wrote "To Touch The Sky", "Sea of Emotion" and "Alone Tonight"), Michael Lardie of Great White, Warren De Martini of Ratt, Damon Johnson of Brother Cane and of course his Night Ranger band mates Kelly Keagy, Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson plus his gifted son Colin with whom he co-wrote "Breaking It Down" Frontiers Records has also produced a video for Jack's song "Shine On", with his Damn Yankees bandmate Tommy Shaw appearing in it. This video will be included as an interactive bonus on the cd release together with a special interview with the man himself! The album will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on February 23rd 2004 and in Japan through King Records. |
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METALLICA RECHARGES BATTERY METALLICA recently cancelled South American tour dates due to exhaustion, but plans to resume a tour next year. "We had to regroup," frontman James Hetfield explained. "It was more than us being burnt out physically. [We had to get back in shape] mentally and regroup a lot of our crew. It started to feel a little shaky, so we wanted to get strong." Meanwhile, drummer Lars Ulrich explained the bittersweet nature of the sals figures for their latest album , St. Anger, which has sold 1.5 million copies, though well short of previous multiplatinum releases, "It's a very challenging record," says Ulrich, "and in between Nickelback and whatever else is on U.S. radio these days, obviously it sounds odd and challenging. But look, it's our biggest record in Europe since the Black Album. And in America I'm really digging being the outsiders again 20 years into our career. To be hovering on the extremes again is kind of a fun thing." Read the entire article here: http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1480883/20031202/metallica.jhtml?headlines=true&_requestid=575744 |
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STRATOVARIUS' TIMO SEEKS HELP, HIRES BODYGUARDS "After speaking with all the band members I am now travelling to Berlin to talk with the Sanctuary team about the future of STRATOVARIUS. "At this point I cannot say more about the situation. I am very sorry if my statements have offended someone. I have been under heavy pressure lately and my therapist has prescribed me some heavy antidepressants. They make it even more difficult for me to control my temper."I have received death threats, which has forced me to hire 2 bodyguards. They are both former military people with martial arts training. This is sad really, but what can you do? "Anyway, I apologize once more if I have offended anyone with my comments. I hope you understand what kind of pressure we all are living in at the moment. "I would like to say that things are not always what they seem. The music world can be very frustrating, largely due to legal and business matters. I hope I can tell you some news after returning from Berlin." |
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SEVENTH KEY UNLOCKS NEW ALBUM The final tracklisting is as follows: The Sun Will Rise; Always From The Heart; You Cross The Line (click to hear a sample); An Ocean Away; The Raging Fire; Sin City; It Should Have Been You; Run; Pyramid Princess; Winds of War. Once again the album is set to appeal to all Kansas and Streets fans with an heavier edge akin to Whitesnake’s “1987” and Steelhouse Lane “Slaves of the New World” albums. Personnel on the album also include Jamie Thompson on drums and Terry Brock (The Sign, Strangeways) on background vocals. A video for the song “Always From The Heart” has been shot in Los Angeles during September and will be added, together with an interview with Billy and Mike, as a special interactive bonus to the album. Release date is set for February 9th in Europe on Frontiers Records and on King Records in Japan. |
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HERE COME THE BRIDES...OF DESTRUCTION! The evolution of hard rock and heavy metal takes another step forward with the formation of BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION. The new quartet -- featuring bassist NIKKI SIXX, guitarist TRACII GUNS, drummer SCOT COOGAN and vocalist LONDON LEGRAND-- has signed with Sanctuary Records. Here Come the Brides, the band's debut album, is scheduled for North American release on March 9, 2004. Brides of Destruction signed a three-album deal with Sanctuary through Sixx's company 12-11 Productions. The nine songs on Here Come the Brides include: "Shut the F**k Up," "I Don't Care," "I Got a Gun," "2 X Dead," "Brace Yourself," "Natural Born Killers," "Life," "Revolution" and "Only Get So Far." Here Come the Brides was produced by Steve Bruno and mixed by Steve Thompson, known for his production work with Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Korn. Drummer Kris Kohls, a member of Adema, plays on half of Here Come the Brides. "Shut the F**k Up" has been used in a skateboard video shot by Drew Stone of Stone Films. The talent and past success the members of Brides of Destruction bring with them to this band is a cause for celebration in the world of heavy rock. Sixx was the founding member and primary songwriting force behind Motley Crue, the most successful hard rock band of the 1980s. After bursting out of and then dominating the Los Angeles hard rock and heavy metal scene that exploded more than 20 years ago, Sixx and Motley Crue have sold more than 40 million copies of landmark albums such as Shout at the Devil, Theatre of Pain, Girls, Girls, Girls and Dr. Feelgood. Their wild, decadent, rock-star lifestyle became legendary -- shaming all previous, supposed masters of excess. Guns shot to fame with his band L.A. Guns. The band's 11 albums have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Their biggest hit single was "The Ballad of Jayne." Guns was a founding member of Guns N' Roses but left and was replaced by childhood friend Slash. He has worked with the likes of Motörhead, Johnny Thunders and the Misfits, and he co-founded the supergroup Contraband with UFO guitarist Michael Schenker. Guns' skills and diversity has led to a great deal of work as a session guitarist in LA. Coogan, after hitting some dead ends, got his big break when he landed the gig as the touring drummer for the boy band All 4 One. He also became an in-demand session player and touring drummer for other artists. Coogan has played with Pete Yorn, Sinead O'Connor and Otep to name a few. Guns saw him play and after an electrifying studio jam, he was hired on the spot. LeGrand is a total unknown, but he is obviously something special to hold his own with Sixx, Guns and Coogan. His restless, vagabond background and frustrating music experiences in Georgia ultimately led to a move to LA where he met Sixx and Guns. He won't be anonymous for much longer as the frontman for Brides of Destruction, which Sixx calls a "band of underdogs." Brides of Destruction plays rock 'n' roll the way it was meant to be played: sweaty, sticky, sleazy and savage. The universe has now been sufficiently warned. Watch out, because Here Come the Brides! |
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MARTEN ANDERSSON GETS 'LYNCHED'! Lizzy Borden/Legacy Bass player MARTEN ANDERSSON has joined Dokken/Lynch Mob Guitarplayer George Lynch for the upcoming US tour. "Marten feels very honored and privileged to get this opportunity to join George on his tour, it will be a great time!" Confirmed dates: 12/04/2003 Palo Alto, CA -The
Edge Touring lineup will consist of the following musicians: George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob) -
Guitars |
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05
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EX D'MOLLS AUTHORS SCI-FI BOOK! For McCarthy, going from drummer to author hasn't been a leap, but the next natural step in the evolution of his creative instincts. "It's all about beat, drama and timing," McCarthy explains. "Storytelling, like rock & roll, has to have a pulse. When I write, I hear the rhythm of the narrative in my head, just like I hear the rhythm of the music when I play. My goal is always the same whether I'm the musician trying to excite an audience or the author trying to engage the reader-keeping it straight and simple, but keeping it thunderous." THE DEVIL OF SHAKESPEARE, is already generating a buzz with critics and is receiving a great deal of attention from insiders. Before the manuscript was even complete, one of Chicago's top local papers, The Daily Southtown did a feature on McCarthy's pending contribution to the local literary scene. After trading in the roller coaster ride of the recording business for the grassroots comforts of the Midwest, Billy McCarthy is turning his inside knowledge of the celebrity world into one of the hottest new thrillers of the season. In THE DEVIL OF SHAKESPEARE, McCarthy's acclaimed literary debut, he exposes the toxic underbelly of the entertainment industry with wit, humor and insight as only someone who has been there and tasted its allures can know. Set in the near future, this dark coming of age fable tells the story of David Faulkner, whose dysfunctional family fuels his ambition to escape his rough blue collar neighborhood on Chicago's Southside. His angelic good looks coupled with his ethereal talent make him a box office legend, and the most sought after actor of his generation. This is an era in which everything is magnified, where once leading movie stars made twenty million a picture, David nee Darian Fable commands five times that amount. His decision to abandon Hollywood, a fabulous career, the untold riches, and retreat to a bucolic estate in Connecticut, sets in motion a chain of events that threatens both the lives and careers of some of the most important powers in the entertainment industry.including his own. Writing this book has not only allowed McCarthy to explore a new creative side, but also given him the chance to shed insight into the world of celebrities and media, with which so many people in this society are obsessed. "This book, though I wrote it to be entertaining, also communicates a strong message about fame. I wanted it to inspire readers to look deep inside their own psyches when it comes to who they look up to and why," said McCarthy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: |
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| 08 | SEETHINGS Part Ways With Bassist,
Announce Replacement SEETHINGS, the new Swedish band fronted by former DARKANE vocalist Lawrence Mackrory, have parted ways with ex-DIABOLICAL bassist Lars Söderberg and have replaced him with ex-SELPH four-stringer Daniel Jägestedt. SEETHINGS' debut album, "Parallels", was released in Europe and Scandinavia in October through Scarlet Records. The CD was produced by Daniel Bergstrand (IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, STUCK MOJO) and Örjan Örnkloo (MISERY LOVES CO.) at Bergstrand's Dug-Out studio in Uppsala, Sweden, and is said to feature a "heavy but pop-oriented groove [direction]" that has been described as "a mix between LINKIN PARK, STAIND, A PERFECT CIRCLE and TOOL." A U.S. release date for the album has yet to be announced. |
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08
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FEAR FACTORY Guitarist Says There Will
Be No 'Radio Mixes' Done For New Album FEAR FACTORY guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers has posted the following message on the band's official web site: "Got to Vancouver on Tuesday. I was supposed to arrive on Monday, but I discovered that my root canal in one of my front teeth was cracked and it was about to get infected. So the fucker had to come out! Let me tell u.. It fucking sucked!!! That thing broke in half, so they had to go retrieve the other half that was still stuck inside!... Dirty!... Then they had to cut some of my gum away!!... Man... It felt fucking great! I got a temporary tooth in right now, till I get an implant after this shit is mixed! "So I'm here and [drummer] Ray [Herrera] will arrive here on Sunday and [vocalist] Burton [C. Bell] on Tuesday. "I've been sitting down with [bassist] Byron [Stroud, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD] to show him all the [FEAR FACTORY] bass shit, and I've been staying with him and [STRAPPING YOUNG LAD guitarist] Jed [Simon] at their house!... Hahah. Jed came home last night around 2:30 am in the morning... Wasted... And tumbled down the stairs into the basement were he sleeps, woke everybody up... It was funny as shit!!! "So we started mixing 'Slave Labor' with Greg Reely ('Demanufacture', 'Obsolete') and assistant engineer Shaun Thingvold, at Greg's studio were he has done the new [FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY] and DEVILDRIVER albums... And those records sound awesome! "The mix on 'Slave Labor' is sounding fucking heavy already. "Greg knows [FEAR FACTORY] better than anybody else out there, and he makes our shit sound like [FEAR FACTORY]. Every time I hear the songs sounding better and better I get excited like a kid with a new toy! "I told him... 'No radio mixes, trying to be safe... Fuck all that... Make this the heaviest mix u have ever done! I want this shit to make u feel like u wanna go in the pit and KILL!!!' "All I'm hearing right now is Burton going: 'God help me poor this gas on me!!!' 'I need to drown in flames to be free!!!' "I'll let u guys know in a couple days how things are progressing!" |
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08
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SAVATAGE Mastermind To Perform Series Of
Solo Gigs Jon Oliva, founding member and mastermind of SAVATAGE, has recruited the former members of CIRCLE II CIRCLE (Matt Laporte - guitar, Kevin Rothney - bass, Christopher Kinder - drums, and John Zahner - keyboards) to perform a series of concerts showcasing his new solo material as well as classic SAVATAGE songs, some of which have never been performed live on stage. Oliva, who debuted some of his new material at the Criss Oliva Memorial Concert back in October, is toying with the idea of taking this show on the road in the U.S. and possibly overseas. In addition, tentative plans exist for the band to return to the studio with Jon to record more tracks for his solo project. More information will be made available soon. Upcoming JON OLIVA shows: Dec. 12 - Liquid Blue – Clearwater, FL For more details, visit www.jonoliva.net. |
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08
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STAMPIN' GROUND To Support ARCH ENEMY In
Europe Britain's STAMPIN' GROUND have been confirmed as the support act for the forthcoming ARCH ENEMY European headlining tour, which is scheduled to kick off in mid-February. ARCH ENEMY/STAMPIN' GROUND tour dates: Feb. 17 - Live Music Hall - Cologne, GER Feb. 18 – RockIt - Stuttgart, GER Feb. 19 - New Backstage - Munich, GER Feb. 21 – Cesena - Vidia, ITA Feb. 22 – Motion - Bergamo, ITA Feb. 24 – Razzmatazz II – Barcelona, SPA Feb. 25 – Carcol - Madrid, SPA Feb. 27 - Elysee Montmartre - Paris, FRA Feb. 28 – Lantaarrn - Hellendoorn, NETH Feb. 29 – Effenaar - Eindhoven, NETH Mar. 02 – Logo - Hamburg, GER Mar. 03 – Works - Osnabruck, GER Mar. 04 - Zeche Carl - Essen, GER Mar. 05 - Hof Ter Loo - Antwerpen, BEL STAMPIN' GROUND's fourth album, "A New Darkness Upon Us", was released in October through Century Media Records. The follow up to 2000's "Carved From Empty Words" was recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, England, in July with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, TESTAMENT, STUCK MOJO, SKINLAB, ARCH ENEMY). |
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08
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Original CRYPTOPSY Vocalist Rejoins The
Fold Canadian technical death metallers CRYPTOPSY have been officially rejoined by original vocalist Lord Worm. Lord Worm, who sang on the band's first two albums — 1994's "Blasphemy Made Flesh" (Displeased) and 1995's "None So Vile" (Wrong Again) — has announced his return to CRYPTOPSY via the following posting on the group's web site: " 'Un mal pour un bien', I've heard it said, and those seven long years ago, unhappy though I was at leaving (for a private question of honour, not beer), it was nonetheless for the best. Now, we've come full circle, and again a private question of honour finds me back in the fold. 'It is so. It cannot be otherwise.' See you soon..." CRYPTOPSY's most recent vocalist, Martin Lacroix (ex-SPASME) — who appeared on the band's 2003 live release, "None So Live" — left the group in October for undisclosed reasons. CRYPTOPSY are currently writing material for their fifth studio album, tentatively due in early 2004 through Century Media Records. |
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08
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MADBALL: Live Dates Announced Reunited New York hardcore heavyweights MADBALL have lined up the following dates during December/January: "Stillborn Fest" w/ AGNOSTIC FRONT, SICK OF IT ALL, SUBZERO, HATEBREED, MADBALL and more: Dec. 26 - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA Dec. 27 - The Worcester Palladium - Worcester, MA Dec. 28 - Starland Ballroom - Sayerville, NJ Dec. 29 - The 9:30 Club - Washington, D.C. Dec. 30 - Club Laga - Pittsburgh, PA MADBALL headlining shows: Jan. 29 - Whisky A Go-Go – West Hollywood, CA Jan. 30 - The Pound - San Francisco, CA Jan. 31 - Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA A brand new MADBALL track, titled "For My Enemies", has been posted online in MP3 format. "For My Enemies" comes off the group's forthcoming "NYHC" EP, due on January 27 through Thorp Records (Gangstyle Records in Europe). "NYHC" was recorded at Big Blue Meanie Studios in Hoboken, New Jersey and includes three new songs and a new version of "Pride (Times Are Changing)", re-done in Spanish. The EP also features over twenty minutes of exclusive DVD/enhanced footage of the band in the studio and interviews with frontman Freddy Cricien and bassist Hoya Roc. The complete track listing for "NYHC" is as follows: 01. For My Enemies 02. Tightrope 03. My Rage 04. Para Mi Gente MADBALL's current lineup is rounded out by Mitts (SKARHEAD, RAG MEN) on guitars and Rigg Ross (SKARHEAD, ex-HATEBREED) on drums. |
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08
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Report: OZZY OSBOURNE Claims Doctor
Overprescribed Medication A Beverly Hills physician who prescribed a host of powerful medications to Ozzy Osbourne, causing the star of the hit reality series "The Osbournes" to be in a perpetual stupor, was under investigation for overprescribing drugs to other celebrity patients while he was treating Osbourne, according to a report published in the Los Angeles Times. Prescription records show that Dr. David A. Kipper had Osbourne on an array of potent drugs — opiates, tranquilizers, amphetamines, antidepressants, even an antipsychotic, according to the report The singer said he swallowed as many as 42 pills a day. "I was wiped out on pills," said Osbourne, who fired Kipper in September, more than a year after becoming his patient. "I couldn't talk. I couldn't walk. I could barely stand up. I was lumbering about like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. It got to the point where I was scared to close my eyes at night — afraid I might not wake up." The state medical board last week moved to revoke Kipper's license, accusing him of gross negligence in his treatment of other patients. Dr. Drew Pinsky, medical director of the chemical dependency program at Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, said the regimen was especially risky for someone like Osbourne. "This was an extreme amount of medication for a doctor to prescribe to a patient with an addiction history," Pinsky said. "On my chemical unit, patients like this are not allowed to be exposed to any of these kinds of addictive drugs." Kipper charged the couple $650,000 for his services from June 2002 until they fired him three months ago, records show. The medications he prescribed cost them an additional $58,000. In August, Osbourne was invited to sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field in Chicago. He slurred his way through the song, mangling the familiar lyrics. The scene was replayed repeatedly on national TV. "Ozzy was overmedicated," Sharon Osbourne said. "He couldn't speak. He couldn't walk. He was falling over. Ozzy would call Kipper and tell him how bad he was feeling, and Kipper would say: 'Take five more of those and 10 more of these.' It was insane." After the Wrigley Field fiasco, Sharon said, she had had enough. She said she called Kipper and told him to stay away from her husband. Then, on the advice of a friend, she scheduled an appointment for Ozzy with Dr. Allan H. Ropper, chief of neurology at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. Osbourne flew to Boston in September and met with Ropper. "He was absolutely flabbergasted about the kinds and amounts of medication that I was on," Ozzy said. "He asked me, 'Where are you getting all these pills from?' Then he just threw everything in the trash." Osbourne said the doctor weaned him off Kipper's medications and wrote him prescriptions for three drugs, primarily to treat what the singer described as a hereditary tremor. |
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08
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Timo Kotipelto
and Jörg Michael are out of STRATOVARIUS. After several emergency meetings, this move finds acceptance within the band. "Due to irrevocable and massive difficulties between the band leader Timo Tolkki and me, it has been agreed that this is the best thing to do to preserve at least some of the integrity the band used to have", says singer Kotipelto."I will now fully concentrate on my solo album and I am convinced that this is the best way for me." Jörg Michael says that his priorities lie elsewhere at the moment, but that the suddenly escalating trouble in the band is one of the main reasons he doesn't want to play in Stratovarius anymore. Jens Johansson states that he thinks this situation is very unfortunate, but that he is OK with it nevertheless, given the tension and turmoil of the last couple of months. Jari Kainulainen was not available for comment. "I think this is the beginning of new era for Stratovarius and that the future looks bright and promising. I have composed some of my best songs during the last month", Timo Tolkki says from his writing mansion next to the gulf of Finland. He promises that Stratovarius fans will be both surprised and amazed by the next album. "If anything good comes out of this, then I guess it will be the emotions I have managed to channel into new songs about this situation, which has been very heavy for all of us." he continued. "I have been having quite bad mental problems lately, but I feel better now due to anti-depressive medication my therapist has prescribed me." Also, according to the booking agent Continental Concerts, the current line-up is "100% certain" to fulfill all its obligations regarding festival dates next year even though there is a lot of simmering hate still, waiting to boil over. According to Tolkki, he is currently talking to a German singer and a Finnish drummer about replacing Kotipelto and Michael, but he stresses that absolutely nothing is confirmed at this point. He adds that he is actively looking for replacements. |
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| 10 |
Welcome to Týr's newsletter
09-12-2003.
* Týr's tour in Russia
* Týr still number one on
Icelandic hitlist
*********** Týr's tour
in Russia ***********
Last week, 03.-08. dec. Týr
were on tour in Russia kindly invited by Bomba Piter and Sankta
Lucia Festival. Týr played three concerts. The first one in Red
Club, a popular rock / metal club in central St.Petersburg, where
the crowd was warmed up by the local bands Nomansland and
Wolfsangel. Týr were interviewed for three papers and two webzines.
More details about that on www.tyr.net
under media later. This concert was arranged by Anastaciy Lobanova
from Bomba Piter. The second day Týr were on a guided tour in
St.Petersburg and visited the winter palace, the zoological museum
with the mammoths, the metro and all the great buildings of
St.Petersburg. 4 millions is a lot of people when you come from the
Faroe Islands with its 48.000. In the evening the guys boarded the
night train to Petrozavodsk, it means Peter (the Great)'s factory,
but it must be the most beautiful factory-city ever. Týr were kindly
accompanied by Mari Benktson from the Swedish counsil
and Victoria Ramanovich from NEOU. The third day Týr played
at Karelia Club, Petrozavodsk, an high tech entertainment complex
with nightclub, discoteque and cinema, where Týr played a short
concert, mostly advertising next evenings event, which took place
at Kivach Club, the most popular concert venue in Petrozavodsk. The
house was packed and the audience gave Týr a very warm welcome.
These two last concerts were arranged by Lena Alto and Nordisk
Ministerråd. Many thanks to all our friends in St.Petersburg and
Petrozavodsk.
Read the full details and
check out our Gallery on www.tyr.net
*********** Týr still No. 1 on
Icelandic hitlist ***********
Týr's "Wild Rover"
is still No. 1 on the Icelandic hit list voted by high school kids
all across Iceland. Two weeks ago Týr came straight in at No. 1. You
can still vote if you visit
www.samfes.is/utvarp/vinsaeldalisti. Just
mark the box in front of 3 songs and on the bottom of the side
you click "Kjósa".
Týr will play again in Iceland
on Dec. 11'th. A concert with many other bands arranged by
castor.is, supporting the new rehearsal facilities for musicians in
Reykjavík and for the www.mp3.is
website. Many thanks to all our friends in Iceland.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Mentanargrunnur Landsins, Atlantic Airways, Skipafelagið Føroyar,
Norðurlandahúsið, Mentamálaráðið and Fitur.
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| 21 | DOHENY Guitarist Presents Award To LED
ZEPPELIN DOHENY guitarist Billy Morrison (CAMP FREDDY, ex-THE CULT) recently presented an award to kings of rock LED ZEPPELIN. Here's his side of it: "Last Thursday (Dec. 11), I was lucky enough to be asked to present LED ZEPPELIN with the Surround Artist Of The Year Award for their current DVD. I threw a suit and tie on, jumped in the car with my wife Jennifer and my longtime friend Brent Bolthouse, and made my way to The Beverly Hilton Hotel (scene of The Golden Globes every year). Rubbing shoulders in the Green Room with Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa, Larry Flynt and other such luminaries, I started to wonder what the hell I was doing there!! But it all went very smoothly. The band had sent their producer, Kevin Shirley, to receive the award for them and after a short scene from the DVD ('Kashmir' from the Knebworth 1979 show) I had to walk up to the stage and say my thing. I kept it short ..... 'LED ZEPP....greatest rock and roll band.....my great pleasure to present.....etc etc' after which Kevin read a fax from Jimmy Page accepting the award. A few handshakes later and I was out of there. A very surreal, but interesting evening." As previously reported, DOHENY, who also feature in their ranks former PITCHSHIFTER frontman Jon "J.S." Clayden, will be performing at the Dragonfly in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 11 at 10:00 p.m. The band, who are currently unsigned, are rounded out by bassist Tony Freddo and drummer Colin LaRocque. |
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21
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BRUTUS To Support MACABRE, CEPHALIC
CARNAGE In Europe Dutch death metallers BRUTUS have been confirmed to support MACABRE and CEPHALIC CARNAGE on their upcoming European tour. This tour will hit most places in Europe and will commence at the end of January. Tentative schedule is as follows: Jan. 29 - Arnhem, NETH @ Goudvishal Jan. 30 - Vosselaar, BEL @ Biebob Jan. 31 - Wermelskirchen, GER @ AJZ Bahndamm Feb. 01 - Rotterdam, NETH @ Baroeg (NL) Feb. 02 - Hamburg, GER @ Marx (D) Feb. 04 - Stockholm, SWE @ Debaser (S) Feb. 05 – Oslo, NOR @ TBA (N) Feb. 06 - Karlstad, SWE @ Metalclub (S) Feb. 07 – Gothenburg, SWE @ TBA (S) Feb. 08 – Odense, DEN @ TBA (DK) Feb. 10 - Berlin, GER @ Halford (D) Feb. 11 - Halle, GER @ TBA (D) Feb. 12 - Aalen, GER @ Rock-It (D) Feb. 13 - Vienna, AUT@ Arena (A) Feb. 14 - Ostrava, CZR @ Festival Feb. 15 - Prague, CZR @ Black Pes Feb. 17 - Karlsruhe, GER @ TBA Feb. 19 – Marseille, FRA @ TBA Feb. 20 – Nancy, FRA @ Azimut 854 Feb. 21 – London, UK @ TBA Feb. 22 - Tilburg, NETH @ 013 |
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21
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TAD MOROSE, VINTERSORG Confirmed For
Sweden's 2000 DECIBEL Festival ASTRAL DOORS, COUNT RAVEN, DRACONIAN, PAIN OF SALVATION, PERSUADER, TAD MOROSE and VINTERSORG are the latest bands confirmed for the fifth edition of the 2000 Decibel festival, which is scheduled to take place on May 21-22, 2004 in Bengtsfors, Sweden (180 km north of Gothenburg). It is the first time the festival will be a two-day event. Thirty-five bands will play on three different stages. The complete list of acts currently scheduled to perform at the festival is as follows: ABLAZE MY SORROW ARISE ASTRAL DOORS COUNT RAVEN DRACONIAN MORIFADE NOTRE DAME PAIN OF SALVATION PERSUADER TAD MOROSE VINTERSORG WOLF What makes 2000 Decibel special is the fact that it is the only festival that is totally dedicated to Swedish hard rock and metal. If you visit the festival you will get the chance to see some of the best bands that Sweden has to offer. For more information, visit the festival's homepage at www.mfdecibel.com |
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21
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CREED Guitarist Impersonator Sentenced
To 25 Months In Prison A Florida man who impersonated CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti, running up large tabs at bars and restaurants and stealing more than $1,000 from a woman, was sentenced to 25 months in prison Friday (Dec. 19), according to the St. Petersburg Times. Kevin Eckenrod is described as a nomadic career criminal who has more than 30 aliases and had amassed more than 60 criminal charges in Florida over the last decade, many of them for scamming and swindling. He also has pretended to be the son of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Eckenrod, 40, is said to have a slight resemblance to Tremonti, though he was 11 years older than the guitarist when he pulled the scam. Residents and bar-goers along other Pinellas beaches also reported seeing someone posing as Tremonti last spring. When Clearwater police arrested Eckenrod in April, he told officers: "It's my hustle. I am a stone-cold alcoholic, and it's my way of getting my drinks and a place to stay." He also said: "This is getting old, but you have to admit, I do look like the guy from CREED." Prosecutor Bill Burgess said an attorney for the rock guitarist called him and said Tremonti wanted Eckenrod sent to prison. "His client was very concerned about this (and) he wanted to make sure the case was thoroughly prosecuted," Burgess said. |
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21
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ALICE COOPER, TWISTED SISTER, W.A.S.P.
Confirmed For Italy's GODS OF METAL Festival ALICE COOPER, TWISTED SISTER, TESTAMENT, SYMPHONY X, NEVERMORE, W.A.S.P., and MOTÖRHEAD are the latest additions to the Gods of Metal Festival, scheduled to take place June 5-6 at l'Arena Parco Nord in Bologna, Italy. ALICE COOPER will top the bill on Sunday, June 6. As previously reported, JUDAS PRIEST will headline the event on Saturday, June 5, the same day that Finland's STRATOVARIUS are scheduled to appear in what is being billed as their only Italian appearance of 2004. |
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21
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BOB ROCK To Produce New VAN HALEN Songs? According to an article in the British Columbia newspaper The Province, producer Bob Rock (METALLICA, THE CULT, MÖTLEY CRÜE) is mulling over the possibility of producing some tracks for the newly reunited VAN HALEN. The three tracks would feature Sammy Hagar on vocals and would be included on a new "greatest hits" album, tentatively dubbed "Best Of Volume 2". Rumors of a possible Hagar-VAN HALEN reunion surfaced last month, with unconfirmed reports claiming that the group had teamed with high-powered manager Irving Azoff (EAGLES, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, SEAL, JEWEL, JOURNEY) — who currently represents Hagar — and are eyeing a new album and tour in 2004. Soon after those rumors surfaced, Hagar posted a message on his web site, in which he confirmed that he, guitarist Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen were on speaking terms for the first time since Hagar and the group split in June of 1996. Hagar and VAN HALEN bassist Anthony have remained friends, and Anthony has frequently performed with Hagar over the past two years. The duo will make their next joint appearance at next year's Super Bash, a five-day concert event (Jan. 28 until Feb. 1) in downtown Houston that coincides with Super Bowl XXXVIII. |
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21
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GEORGE LYNCH Says His New Band Is
'Amazingly Fun' Guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB) has issued the following update via his regular newsletter: "I'm doing a New Year's Eve all-star show at 'Live' in Las Vegas with some members of GUNS N' ROSES, MÖTLEY and RATT +??. "The new 'LYNCH' band is and amazingly fun thing to be involved in. All the guys are great to hang with and the on stage magic is incredible every night. We're doing a little wider variety of material than LYNCH MOB did and it's a lot looser vibe — some jamming and very spontaneous. "The 'LYNCH' band starts with Mike 'Fro' Frowen on drums. Just tearing it up and he sings 'Smoke This' too! "Marten Andersson is the bassist and he's ridiculous. He's sort of a closet MI guy but he's embarrassed about that so he only does 15-minute bass solos consisting of all 8 Paganini fugues! Very quiet and reserved. "Chaz West is the vocalist and his pipes are unbelievable but not so much in the '80s vein, more of a '70s Robert Plant vibe. "The tour has been going great with outstanding audiences at every show. With only a few more shows this year we hope to see you out there. The whole reason we do this is for the fans that support us and we love you for that. "We have new items in the Mob Shop so check them out. Look for the new LYNCH MOB live DVD coming out early in 2004. We now offer the 'Mr. Scary' T-Shirt in short sleeve. Also you will find tour laminates in the Mob Shop along with other new stuff." GEORGE LYNCH w/ MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ENUFF Z'NUFF: Dec. 20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues |
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| 28 |
STEPPENWOLF HOWLS BACK WITH LIVE SET (Press Release) Los Angeles -- Platinum selling Legend JOHN KAY AND STEPPENWOLF's LIVE AT 25 double CD package featuring the band’s best known live hits including "Born To Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me" and "Move Over" among many others, is available now on Rainman Records. John Kay and Steppenwolf’s musical style pioneered what has now become heavy metal and hard rock. The band is hailed as one of rock’s most respected and influential bands to date. Live At 25’s two disc set and twenty-four page booklet detail the history of the first 25 years of John Kay & Steppenwolf’s stellar career. When the band set out on their landmark 25th Silver Anniversary tour, their confidence, musicianship and camaraderie was unsurpassed. John Kay felt the performances on this tour were among the tightest and most energetic of Steppenwolf’s legendary career. "This live Wolf recording captured some of our best moments on stage," says John Kay. "It’s the CD we’ve wanted to make for years." Proof positive is the fans response. "When you hear Wolf Fans on these recordings, inspiring us to play our very best, I believe you’ll agree that this is as much their record as it is ours…" John Kay and Steppenwolf continue to deliver hard-hitting, personally-charged performances to sold out crowds through out the United States and Europe. |
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28
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KERRY LIVGREN NEWS (Press Release) KERRY LIVGREN was the main songwriter for the band KANSAS. He became well known for such landmark songs as "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind" but life before Kansas saw Kerry creating progressive rock that has long been in the vaults. Last year, Livgren and PROTO-KAW put out the album that had laid in the vaults for 30 years. Currently the band has been back in the studio to record a follow up and are going to play live in Kansas City. PROTO-KAW, whose debut CD, "Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-73", received critical acclaim in 2002, will also perform songs from their upcoming release, "Before Became After" that debuts early in 2004. Tickets for the event are available through Ticket Master.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060037858A9A221A?brand=&artistid=897721&ma The intimate event will be the
"PROTO-KAW CD Release Party", and be held at the Beaumont Club in Kansas
City on January 9th, 2004. The show will feature a live performance from
PROTO-KAW, as well as two additional groups and a jam session following
the group performances. PROTO-KAW will also be For most of the members, Proto-Kaw is a dream delayed by 30 years, but their music lives again in "Before Became After", the brilliant new CD of avant-garde rock and jazz. a truly unique and exciting new sound. Originally known as Kansas, the group disbanded in 1973. The band's songwriter/guitarist, Kerry Livgren, went on to be the major influence in another band, which took up the Kansas moniker, writing such hits as, "Dust In The Wind" and "Carry On Wayward Son". Now, after 30 years, the members of Proto-Kaw have reunited and recorded nine exciting new songs. "Before Became After", features the superb compositions of Livgren and continues the original band's distinctly original brand of progressive rock infused with jazz & funk elements. "Stranger than fiction: Before
they became the wheat-field verison of Genesis, Kansas were superfreaks, a
different lineup of art-rock-heads mad for early King Crimson and Frank
Zappa's jazz games. Guitarist Kerry Livgren wrote the later hits, but the
juicy weirdness of his melodies and the band's |
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STRANGE LAND TURNS TO NIGHTMARE (Press Release) STRANGE LAND would like to welcome new drummer, Esteban Gonzalez, into the band. Esteban joined the group in late September 2003 and he's been getting up to speed on the material very quickly. The band has already played a few shows with Esteban and is preparing material for a new full length CD. On the recording front the band's previous plans for a fall release were put on hold due to the member change. The band has also just moved into a new rehearsal space and recording studio. They are in the process of getting the new space suitably set up for recording and plan to self produce and record their new material. Tracking should begin by late December Strange Land is also pleased to announce the signing of a new distribution deal with Nightmare Records (www.nightmarerecords.com). This will help the band bring our music to a wider audience and they look forward to a long relationship with Nightmare. |
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KATAGORY V UPDATE (Press Release) KATAGORY V's new album, “A New Breed of Rebellion”, will be released January 27th, 2004 through Metal Ages Records. The new album features 9 new progressive/power metal anthems that sees the band taking the next step up from the previous release “Present Day”. Along with the cover being graced by the artwork of German artist, Rainer Kalwitz (Destiny’s End, Mark Boals, Shadow Gallery, Tad Morose), The album will be available at Best Buy, Tower Records and anywhere that sells true metal and is distributed through Atomic Distribution in the U.S. as well as Just for Kicks in Europe! Metal Ages Records is also currently taking pre-orders for the new album for both fans and vendors. A listening party is scheduled prior to the release of the album on January 24 in Salt Lake City, Utah at a local pub to be named shortly, and the band will be on hand at the event with advanced copies for sale of the new album and merchandise. |
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DO NOT FRET, NEW TIM DONAHUE ALBUM ON THE WAY (Press Release) Fretless guitar hero, TIM DONAHUE, has mailed recently saying that the recording work on the forthcoming Madmen and Sinners album is now finished. "It has taken the entire 2003 to complete this album" says Donahue, "but now it sounds fantastic!". Editing and mixing have now begun and mastering will take place in mid January. The album is a studio project featuring Tim, together with Dream Theater singer JAMES LA BRIE and former Extreme and Steve Vai drummer Mike Mangini.This album is expected to cause a major buzz between the progressive and metal fans ,who will enjoy the extraordinary Donahue's guitar playing together with the amazing vocals from LaBrie. Frontiers Records plans to release the album in the first half of April 2004. |
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