Metal News

01	DOOM IN YOUR TOWN UK doomsters The Prophecy are to team up with Ireland’s Mourning Beloveth and Americans Morgion to play Dublin Dorans February 7, Bradford Rio’s 8, London Camden Underworld 9. The tour has been dubbed ‘The Doomination Of Europe’. ’MOUTH FOR TOUR Guttermouth, who describe themselves as ‘the alpha dogs of party punks’, are to release a new single through Epitaph on February 24. It’s called ‘Scholarship In Punk’ and is taken from their ‘Gusto’ album. The US band are also set to play the following British dates: London Highbury Garage February 22, Manchester University 23, Newport TJ’s 24. STONES FOR FREE The Rolling Stones are to play a free show at the 20,000 capacity Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 6. This is to raise awareness of the dangers of global warming.
01	DISTURBED WIELD NEW ‘WEAPON’ Disturbed are to headline the second Music As A Weapon tour of America, which is due to hit the road in the Spring. Also on the bill are expected to be Taproot and Chevelle. The band have just shot a second video for the song ‘Remember’ – they weren’t happy with the first version – and are likely to have a song included on the soundtrack for ‘The Matrix Reloaded’. WHO BENEFIT SHOW RELEASED The Who will have a double CD commemorating their Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at London’s Royal Albert Hall issued in March by SPV. The live performance happened in September 2000, and included guests such as Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. Four bonus cuts will also be featured, taken from the legendary band’s 2002 show at the same venue. The tracks in question are ‘I Don't Even Know Myself’ and ‘I’m Free’ plus covers of ‘Summertime Blues’ and ‘Young Man Blues’. WANTED: PROFESSIONAL MURDER AXEMAN Los Angeles based professional Murder Music are currently looking for a guitarist to replace the recently departed Brian Harrah. Interested? Email pmm6@aol.com
01	AMEN TO FILM LONDON SHOW Amen are to film their date in London at the Garage on February 15. The band will also have a limited edition CD available at all dates on their upcoming UK tour, which starts at the Academy 2 in Birmingham on January 31. This CD will include previously unavailable songs. MAIDEN DRUMMER JOINS NEW BAND Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is working with ex-Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson and former Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz in a new, as yet unnamed band. Expect an album from this project at some point in 2003. MARDUK’S ‘FUNERAL’ Marduk are to release their latest album, ‘World Funeral’, through Blooddawn Productions in February. It will include a cover of Possessed’s ‘Phantasm’.
01	TRAMP GETS A ‘LIFE’ Mike Tramp is set to release a new solo album next year. Titled ‘More To Life Than This’, it was produced by fellow Dane Flemming Rasmusson, most renowned for his work with Metallica. EUROPE REUNION Although nothing’s been confirmed, there are reports that Europe will reform next year. The band are to release a CD and DVD box set to mark their 20^th anniversary, and it’s just possible that vocalist Joey Tempest will again team up with guitarists John Norum and Kee Marcello, bassist John Leven, keyboard player Mic Michaeli and drummer Ian Haugland. More news soon. LINKIN PARK FILM STUDIO PROCESS Linkin Park have been busy documenting the process through which they’ve been creating their new album, which is due out in March. Directed by Bill Berg-Hillinger, the man behind the band’s ‘Frat Party At The Pancake Festival’ DVD, it will be shown online in a series of shorts under the generic title ‘LPTV’. And Linkin Park have now chosen a title for the new record, but so far they’ve not made this public.
01	GORDIAN KNOT'S SEAN MALONE TAPS BRUFORD, HACKETT AND OTHERS FOR NEW ALBUM PROJECT: (Press Release) Bassist and composer SEAN MALONE's GORDIAN KNOT project makes a welcome return to the recording scene early next year with the release of Emergent on the Sensory label. Emergent is the second Gordian Knot release and Malone has assembled a stellar group of musicians for one of the most highly anticipated progressive releases of the last few years. The album will be in stores on January 14, 2003. Malone is joined by onetime Cynic bandmate Jason Gobel on guitar and the legendary Yes/King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford. This is the trio Sean describes as the “core group,” with a mind-blowing array of guests helping to fill out the sound: Steve Hackett on guitar (Genesis), Jim Matheos on guitar (Fates Warning), and fellow Cynic players Paul Masvidal (guitar) and Sean Reinert (drums). Playing with these musicians is something Sean describes as “simply incredible.” Regarding Bruford’s participation, Sean describes what it felt like to weave his bass lines around the drum acrobatics of one of the craft’s most highly-regarded talents: “Bill Bruford is one of the most original, creative, and influential musicians in the genre. I grew up listening to Yes and King Crimson, and now to collaborate with him is something almost beyond description. I’m not embarrassed to admit that as I reflect on our recording sessions, there’s always some sense of disbelief. While recording, he described the music on this disc as ‘the kind of music our fans wish King Crimson would write, only we haven’t gotten around to it.’ I’m grateful he thought enough of the music to participate” Sean Malone's work has spanned enormous sonic breadth. He has played as a session member for groups ranging from Brazilian jazz to English pop. One of his most remarkable achievements was as the recording/touring bassist for Floridian technical metal unit Cynic during their Focus period. Since their disbanding in 1994, Sean has continued as a studio bassist, performing on over fifty records to date. Throughout all this, he has authored two books, Dictionary Of Bass Grooves and A Portrait of Jaco: The Solos Collection for the Hal Leonard Corporation. Sean’s work in the academic world is also notable, having had papers on theory and music cognition published, and given presentations at prestigious conferences including the Society for Music Theory and The Glenn Gould Conference. He currently teaches Music Theory at the University of Oregon while he completes his Ph.D.The eponymous Gordian Knot debut album, released in 1998, saw Sean team up with luminaries like Sean Reinert (Cynic), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower, Spastic Ink) and John Myung (Dream Theater). The album was not so much a showcase for Sean’s extraordinary capabilities on the bass and the Stick as it was a cohesive, focused, and balanced recording that featured compositions. Whether in a supportive or lead role, each member contributed to music that can only be described as a solid team effort. The music itself revolved around an esoteric axis, visiting spiritual, contemplative, and tense plateaus. Now, in 2003, Gordian Knot is ready to present its second release, Emergent. Similar to the debut, Emergent is what Sean describes as “instrumental music written from a vocal perspective. There is structure similar to vocal music where you expect verses and choruses, though the verses are through-composed solo sections, and choruses retain an integrated melodic framework. In other words, it’s not just jamming.” However, being a band with a constant aim to move forward, there are some new textures and approaches to this album, as well. Sean: “On this one, the compositional arc is larger. It’s contains a wide gamut of textures, and there’s a little more focus on melody, something to bring it all together.”
01	`Burton C Bell has finnished a 6 song demo for his new project The Watchers, one song is available online at the band's offical website www.thewatchers.org`
01	`Sepultura will enter AR Studios in Rio on January 9th with Steve Evetts to record their new album.`
01	`James Murphy (Death/Testament), Dave Culross (ex Malevolent Creation/Suffocation), Brett Hoffmann (ex Malevolent Creation), and Deron Miller (CKY) are planning a Death tribute album to benefit James Murphy and the family of Chuck Schuldiner. The project is currently looking for a bassist to complete the lineup.`
01	`Carcass' "Reek Of Putrefaction" and "Symphonies Of Sickness" have been reissued with their original banned cover art which hass been unavailable since 1992. The albums are available now in the US at stores nationwide or on the Earache webstore. Europe should see the albums in the spring.`
04	PURPLE, SKYNYRD ON THE ROAD Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd have confirmed three shows for the UK and Ireland in the Summer. They’ll play London Wembley Arena June 21, Dublin Point 24, Glasgow SECC 25. More dates may be added. DORO IN CRASH Doro Pesch was forced to cancel three German dates in late December after being involved in a road accident. Fortunately, she escaped serious injury. MORE TOP NAMES FOR SWEDEN Motorhead, Uriah Heep and Queensryche have been added to the bill for the Sweden Rock Festival, which happens from June 6-8 in Solvesborg.
04	SEPS RECORD IN RIO Sepultura are to start work on their new album with producer Steve Evetts on January 9. They’ll be recording in Rio De Janeiro. The as yet untitled album should be released in the late Spring/early Summer by SPV in the UK/Europe.
04	HALFORD PLOTS WORLD TOUR Halford are to start a major world tour in March. Dubbed ‘The 2003 Metal Gods World Tour’, it begins in America and is likely to feature some top underground metal acts as support. OZZY SON GETS RECORD DEAL Yet another Osbourne has signed a record deal. This time it’s Louis Osbourne, Ozzy’s son from his first marriage. He’s just inked a contract with Strictly Rhythm Records. But don’t expect any wild rocking sounds from this Osbourne – Louis is a dance DJ. LEMMY TO WORK WITH THE DAMNED Lemmy is to team up with The Damned early next year to work on an undisclosed project. This is expected to be released at some point in 2004, and may well include other guests.
04	SKID ROW RECORD ALBUM TWICE Skid Row have revealed that they recorded new album ‘ThickSkin’ twice, to ensure that it is a worthy follow-up to 1995’s ‘Subhuman Race’, the band’s last studio album. Skid Row are currently looking for a new deal. LO-PRO WORK WITH TOP PRODUCER Lo-Pro, the band featuring former Ultraspank duo Pete Murray and Neil Godfrey plus ex-Godsmack drummer Tommy Stewart, are to with Don Gilmore (Linkin Park) on their debut album. As yet untitled, this will be released in 2003 on a new label - Seadless- started by Staind’s Aaron Lewis, and distributed by Geffen. WATCHERS FINISH DEMO The Watchers, featuring Fear Factory’s Burton C. Bell plus longtime cohort John Bechdel, have just finished work on a six-track demo called ‘Iconoclast’. One track, ‘Residual Presence’, is available for download at www.thewatchers.org.
04	CLOWN GOES SOLO? Slipknot's Shaun 'The Clown' Crahan has been working in a Los Angeles studio with producer Rick Rubin. No news yet on exactly what the pair are cooking up. But stand by for further info soon. LINKIN PARK VS. LIMP BIZKIT Over the past 10 days, we've been asking you which album you're more looking forward to hearing in the coming months: Linkin Park's or Limp Bizkit's. The result? While 40 percent are keen to check out the latest offering from Fred Durst and his merry troops, 60 per cent would prefer to listen to Linkin Park. SONIC YOUTH GET "DIRTY" Sonic Youth are to have their 1992 album "Dirty" re-issued in early March. This will be in a double CD format, featuring both demo and rehearsal tapes as bonus tracks.
04	WHO RECORD AGAIN Despite the death of bassist John Entwistle, The Who are still planning to go ahead with a new studio album. Guitarist Pete Townshend is currently writing songs, and vocalist Roger Daltrey may even contribute to the process. TOP NAMES BANG AGAIN Doro, Candlemass and Demon are among the first names to be confirmed for the indoor festival Bang Your Head!!! - Revisited, which happens in Albstadt, Germany on April 12.
04	TRUSTCOMPANY WRITE MORE SONGS They might still be touring on the back of current album 'The Lonely Position Of Neutral', but TRUSTCompany are already writing songs for their next album, even though it might be some while before they go into the studio. The Alabama band will start a headlining tour of America in February, and hope to stay out on the road for much of 2003. ENSLAVED SEE THE 'LIGHT' Enslaved are to release new album 'Below The Lights' on Osmose in March. However the band have parted with drummer Dirge Rep. He will concentrate on other projects.
04	THE ALARM GET INTERACTIVE Veteran Welsh band The Alarm are asking fans to effectively put together the track listing for their next conventional release, an album called 'In The Poppy Fields', which should be released later this year. How? The band are sending out five albums at monthly intervals to those who get an 'In The Poppy Fields Bond' from the website www.thealarm.com. Altogether this comprises more than 50 songs, and subscribers will then be asked to vote for their favourite tracks, with 10-12 being chosen for the aforementioned 'normal' CD. Fans may also see the band live at: Llandudo The Gathering January 2425, Milton Keynes Woughton Centre 29, Cardiff Coal Exchange 30, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 31, Glasgow Garage February 1, Sheffield Leadmill 2, Leeds Cockpit 5, Liverpool Masque 6, London Mean Fiddler 7. HAMILTON WORKS ON NEW DEMO Former Helmet star Page Hamilton is due to start work shortly on a new demo with current band Gandhi. This will be produced by top name Jay Baumgardner. And joining Hamilton in the new line-up is one-time White Zombie drummer John Tempesta.
04	Coal Chamber has parted ways with drummer Mike Cox and management Company Left Blank.Founding members Dez and Meegs wish both all the best for the future endeavors.Replacements are net yet known.
07	JAYHAWKS FACE ‘RAIN’ The Jayhawks are to release their new album in April. It’s called ‘Rainy Day Songs’, and will be available on the Lost Highway label. And it includes a guest appearance from former Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon. NEWSTED CLIMBS A TREE Chophouse Records, the label owned by former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, are to release an album by the doomy Tree Of The Sun in the near future. The band include Devin Townsend, Dale Crover of the Melvins and former Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder.
07	PRIMER 55 SPLIT US band Primer 55 have split up. This is due to ‘creative and personal differences’. However, the band might undertake one last tour of America early this year as a thank you to the fans. DUCK! IT’S KISS AND OZZY!! In what is perhaps the most ludicrous merchandising item yet, both Kiss and Ozzy have now been immortalised in a set of…bath ducks. Seriously, if you wanna check out these items, go to www.beckett.com. PURPLE ARE ‘TITS’ Deep Purple are to release a live album called ‘Perks & Tit’ through Purple Records very shortly. Recorded in San Diego, California in April, 1974, it features the following tracks: ‘Burn’, ‘Might Just Take Your Life’, ‘Lay Down, Stay Down’, ‘Mistreated’, ‘Smoke On The Water’ and a Jon Lord keyboard solo.
07	PITCHSHIFTER LIVE Pitchshifter are expected to put out a live album to coincide with their UK tour in March. As yet untitled, this Sanctuary release was recorded on the band’s last British tour, in October. ANKLA FIND DRUMMER Ankla, the new band featuring former Puya guitarist Ramon Ortiz, have finally solved their drummer situation. They’ve brought in ex-Shelter man Aaron Rossi. CAVE IN ARE ‘DAZED’ Cave In have just been in the studio with producer Andrew Schneider recording a batch of songs. Among these are covers of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Dazed And Confused’ and Codeine’s ‘Cave-In’. As yet it’s not certain how or when these tracks will be issued. The next planned release from the band is the album ‘Antenna’, due I March on RCA.
07	DOG FASHION DISCO SEARCH FOR NEW GUITARIST Washington’s Dog Fashion Disco are currently looking for a second guitarist. So, if you’re between 21-28, with no responsibilities, able to relocate within five hours’ drive of the band, are easy to get along with, have incredible stage presence a great musical ability, then email Derek@dogfashiondisco.com. The band’s second album, ‘Committed To A Bright Future’, is due out in late March through Spitfire. FULC RECORD ALBUM Hotly tipped young British band FULC are to start work shortly on an album at Sawmills Studio in Cornwall. This will be engineered by Mark Thomas (Muse) for release via Stunted Records in September. The band will be playing the following dates: Ipswich Drum & Monkey February 14, London Borderline 15, Leeds Joseph’s Well 18, Huddersfield Abrahams 28, Scunthorpe Lincoln Imp March 1, Leicester Shed 6, Hartlepool Studio 7, Derby Victoria Inn 8, Doncaster Leopard 13, Hull Haworth 14. EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE: NEW RELEASE US band Every Mother's Nightmare just released their latest CD, ‘Live Songs from Somewhere’. This has songs spanning their early career to the present day, and includes two new tracks. For further info, go to www.emnonline.net
07	FORMER VOIVOD STAR’S NEW ALBUM Eric Forrest, the former Voivod bassist/vocalist, is to release the first album from new band Project: Failing Flesh in February. It’s called ‘A Beautiful Sickness’ and includes a cover of Venom’s ‘Warhead’. ALTERED STATES The Alter Boys, who include members of Mushroomhead and Dog Fashion Disco, will release their as yet untitled debut album on SMDC Records in the Summer. The band currently have one track, ‘Pigs & Pineapples’, available for download at www.smdcrecords.com. P.O.D BACK IN THE STUDIO Christian rockers P.O.D are to start work on their new album later this month. The follow-up to the hugely successful ‘Satellite’, the record is expected to feature several guest stars, including possibly Carlos Santana. P.O.D collaborated with the Latin guitar hero on a song called ‘America’ for the current Santana album ‘Shaman’.
07	CUTTING CREW GUITARIST DIES Kevin MacMichael, the guitarist who made his name with ’80s band Cutting Crew, has died from lung cancer. He was 51. MacMichael also worked with Robert Plant. SWEDE ROCKERS GET INTO CARDIGANS The Hellacopters, Hives and Soundtrack Of Our Lives all guest on the new album from fellow Swedes The Cardigans. Called ‘Long Gone Before Daylight’, the record is released in March. STYX GRAB GUEST STARS Styx have a host of guests on new album ‘Cyclorama’. Joining the veteran melodic rockers are Tenacious D, actor Billy Bob Thornton and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. The record is released next month.
07	SUICIDAL PLOT NEW RECORDINGS Suicidal Tendencies are to record a new album very shortly. No further news is available, but the veteran band aim to have the record in the shops at some point in 2003. ALL AGES SUPERGROUP All Ages is the name of a new ‘supergroup’ featuring Toby Morse (H20), Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory), Freddie Cricien and Hoya Roc (Madball). The band expect to announce plans very soon.
07	FLETCHER GET BREAKFAST Julz & Dave are to entertain Fletcher on Tuesday, January 7. Tune into the Breakfarce Show from 7-9am (UK time) to hear all the latest from the young UK band. CHEAP TRICK ADD SECOND UK SHOW Cheap Trick play Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall on March 12. The band have previously announced a date in London at the Royal Albert Hall on March 13. INME: FULL TOUR DETAILS Inme, tipped by many to be one of THE British bands of the year, are to play the following dates: Tunbridge Wells Forum January 14, Stoke Sugarmill 15, Edinburgh Venue 17, Aberdeen Lemon Tree 18, Glasgow Garage 19, Newcastle Northumbria University 21, Nottingham Rock City 22, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 23, Manchester University 24, Norwich Waterfront 26, Brighton Concorde 2 27, London Mean Fiddler 28, Exeter University 30, Milton Keynes Woughton Centre 31, Southampton University February 1, Bristol Station 2. Crackout will support on all dates until January 21, with Biffy Clyro taking over the opening slot thereafter. Inme will also support Feeder at Dublin Ambassador February 8, Belfast Limelight 9.
07	KELLY KEELING SEEKS MUSICIANS: (Press Release) "Rock vocalist KELLY KEELING Seeking Musicians! Seeking drummer, guitarist who can play keyboards, and bassist to complete line-up for a rock band to support famous vocalist Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge, Blue Murder, Michael Schenker, Heaven and Earth, Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus, King Kobra, co-songwriter/Dokken). Serious, young, ambitious musicians/team-players only for worldwide touring. No attitudes, no drugs. Possible dates in Europe. USA festival/club dates. Prefer L.A. or San Diego area musicians, but will consider all if willing to relocate. If interested, please send bio/CD/DVD or VHS to:Sandy Serge, Serge Entertainment Group, PO Box 672216, Marietta, GA 30006-0037 USA Visit Kelly's web sites at www.kellykeeling.com or www.serge.org/kelly_keeling for more info. Email SergeEnt@aol.com, serious inquiries only - no phone calls please. Thank you.
07	GRAVITY KILLS SPLIT UP US band Gravity Kills have split up, although they’ve yet to give a reason for this decision. The band last album, their third was 2002’s ‘Superstarved’. HALFORD TO FILM DVD Halford are to film part of their February tour of Japan for an upcoming DVD. The band have also announced a show at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California on February 7. The date should have happened on January 2, but was postponed because Rob Halford was denied re-entry into America because of visa problems. KID ROCK, HETFIELD ‘CRAZY’ FOR COUNTRY LEGEND Kid Rock and James Hetfield are among those stars who appear on ‘I’ve Always Been Crazy’, a tribute album to the late country legend Waylon Jennings. Kid Rock duets with Kenny Chesney on ‘Luckenback, Texas’, while Hetfield covers ‘Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand?’. The album is released in April.
07	STEVE EARLE ON TOUR Steve Earle & The Dukes are to play the following dates in the UK and Ireland: Manchester Bridgewater Hall March 25, Newcastle Opera House 26, Cambridge Corn Exchange 27, Dublin Olympia 29, Galway Black Box 30, London Shepherds Bush Empire April 1, Edinburgh Usher Hall 3, Glasgow Barrowland 4, Sheffield City Hall 6, Bristol Colston Hall 7. POISON DRUMMER ‘GLITTERS’ Poison drummer Rikki Rockett has just released his first solo album. Called ‘Glitter 4 Your Soul’, it’s a covers record, including songs by the Rolling Stones, T. Rex, Alice Cooper, the New York Dolls and David Bowie. The album features guest appearances by Poison pair Bret Michaels and CC DeVille. STRATOVARIUS THREATEN TO SUE DOWNLOADERS Stratovarius mainman Timo Tolkki is threatening to sue anyone caught downloading the Finnish band’s new album, ‘Elements, part 1’. The record has already been put onto the internet, and Tolkki – a longtime opponent of downloading – has said he will take people to court if they’re found to have downloaded the album.
07	QUEENSRYCHE DELAY ALBUM Queensryche have delayed the release of their new album until April. No reason has been given for this decision. The record is tentatively called ‘Tribe’. The band still play London's Astoria on June 5. SALIVA GO SOUR Saliva are to support Stone Sour at Glasgow Barrowland February 19, Newcastle University 20, Birmingham Academy 21, Manchester Academy 22, Nottingham Rock City 24, Bristol Academy 25, London Astoria 26. BLAZE FOR BLOODSTOCK Blaze are the latest name confirmed for Bloodstock 2003, which happens at Derby Assembly Rooms on August 29 and 30. They join the previously announced Nightwish and Waylander on the bill.
07	GLASSJAW GET TO THE ’CORE Glassjaw, Sparta and Hot Water Music will all be on the US Snocore tour, which starts in Austin, Texas on February 14. KYUSS STAR AUDITIONS FOR METALLICA? One time Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder is rumoured to be among the candidates for the vacant position in Metallica. The band are currently inviting selected musicians to audition, and Reeder is said to be among the handful to have been approached so far. Of course, this hasn't been confirmed by any official source.
07	GREEN DAY STAR ARRESTED Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day was arrested for drunk driving in Berkeley, California, after being stopped for speeding. He has been released on bail. REVOLUTION SMILE’S FAN DVD The Revolution Smile are to have a bonus DVD packaged with their debut album, ‘Above The Noise’. To be issued in March/April, the DVD will feature the band answering fans’ questions, and if you want the chance to participate in this, then go to www.therevolutionsmile.com. The album itself has been co-produced by Dave Sardy with Shaun Lopez of the Revolution Smile, and mixed by Andy Wallace. ROBINSON TO THE RESCUE Detroit band Rescue are the latest to come under the wing of top producer Ross Robinson. He will work with the foursome on their next album. Wanna know more about Rescue? Tune into the ‘Nu World Order’ on Monday, January 13, when the band will be interviewed. The show goes out from 9pm to midnight (UK time).
07	PUDDLE OF MUDD RECORD ‘HOUSE’ ALBUM Puddle Of Mudd are now recording their new album with producer John Kurzweg; the band are working at a converted house in Los Angeles. Expect the as yet untitled follow up to the huge selling ‘Come Clean’ to be released during the late Spring. It’s likely to include the songs ‘Already Gone’, ‘Spin You Around’ and ‘Away From Me’. TYPE O ‘DREAM’ ABOUT APRIL Type O Negative are to release their new album, ‘The Dream Is Dead’ on Roadrunner in April. Produced by keyboard player Josh Silver, it’s expected to include songs like ‘Nettie’, ‘I Like Girls’, ‘Valentine’s Day’, ‘I Need Love’, ‘Anesthesia’, ‘Why Won’t You Love Me’, ‘Above All Things’ and ‘Life Is Killing Me’. YARDBIRDS FLY AGAIN The legendary Yardbirds are to release their first new album since 1967 at the end of April. Titled ‘Birdland’, it features original members Chris Dreja (bass) and Jim McCarty (drums), plus guest appearances from several top guitarists, including Steve Vai (on a reworking of the Yardbirds classic ‘Shape Of Things), former Yardbirds member Jeff Beck, plus Slash, Joe Satriani, Brian May and Steve Lukather. The record is to be issued on Vai’s Favored Nations label. Fans can see The Yardbirds live at Twickenham Town Hall January 24, London Marquee Club 26.
07	DEATH’ ON ‘THIRTEEN’ Deathride, who feature Coal Chamber frontman Dez Fafara, have decided to call their upcoming debut album ‘Thirteen’. The record is to be produced by Ross Hogarth, starting in early February. CHILDREN OF BODOM CONFIRM LONDON DATE Finnish band the Children Of Bodom will play the Marquee in London on May 2. NEW DISEASE GRAB TOP PRODUCER New Disease, the band featuring former Wildhearts drummer Ritch Battersby, are to work with producer Jon Fryer. The band are also planning to upload video footage of a recent London show onto their website, www.newdiseasemusic.com.
07	FEEDER POSTPONE SINGLE ‘Just The Way I’m Feeling’, the new single from Feeder, has had its release postponed until February 13. This is because of glitches in the manufacturing process. PARADISE IN LONDON Paradise Lost are to play the Mean Fiddler in London on March 24. MAIDEN IN THE STUDIO Iron Maiden are to start recording their new album with producer Kevin Shirley later this month. As yet, no further information has been made available, but fans can expect a Summer release, to coincide with a whole string of live shows in the UK and Europe.
07	GRAMMY NOMINEES ANNOUNCED Korn and Slipknot will go head to head in the upcoming Grammy Awards, which happen on February 23 in New York. The pair join Stone Sour, P.O.D and Rob Zombie in the battle for the ‘Best Metal Performance’ gong. And in the ‘Best Hard Rock Performance’ category, it’s the Foo Fighters, Godsmack, P.O.D, Queens Of The Stone Age and System Of A Down who will do battle. Elsewhere, among the TotalRock-oriented nominees are John Mayer (‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Male Pop Vocal Performance’, Nickelback (‘Record Of The Year’, Bon Jovi and Bowling For Soup (‘Best Pop Performance by Duo Or Group With Vocal), Robert Plant (‘Best Male Rock Vocal Performance), Aerosmith, Creed, 3 Doors Down, Chad Kroeger with Josey Scott (‘Best Rock Performance By Duo Or Group With Vocal), Flaming Lips, Joe Satriani, Slash (‘Best Rock Instrumental Performance’), Foo Fighters, Chad Kroeger, Sully Erna of Godsmack (‘Best Rock Song’), Robert Plant (‘Best Rock Album), Soundtrack Of Our Lives (‘Best Alternative Album’), Chad Kroeger (‘Best Song Written For A Motion Picture’), Rick Rubin (‘Producer Of The Year’).
07	LACUNA COIL QUIT AMERICAN TOUR Italy’s Lacuna Coil have been forced to leave the upcoming American tour with Opeth and Paradise Lost because of visa problems. They now hope to get on a US tour later in the year. KELLY O: BADLY DRESSED Kelly Osbourne has been voted the second worst dressed woman of 2002 by influential fashion guru Mr. Blackwell. Describing Kelly as dressed so badly, ‘now we know what happened to Ozzy’s hand-me-downs’, Mr. Blackwell cites only Anna Nicole Smith as being a worse dresser. KOVENANT ‘SEARCH’ FOR NEW ALBUM The Kovenant are to release their new album, ‘S.E.T.I.’ (‘Search For Extra Terrestrial Intelligence’) through Nuclear Blast at the end of March. It includes a cover of The Doors’ ‘Strange Days’.
07	BLOOD IN THE JUNGLE The Blood Brothers are to release a live DVD called ‘Jungle Rules Live’ on ARTISTDirect in America during early February. This was shot live in September during a show in the band’s home town, Seattle.. The Blood Brothers’ new album, ‘Burn, Piano Island, Burn’, is to be issued in March. DI’ANNO HITS THE ROAD Paul Di’anno is to play the following UK shows: Bradford Penningtons Live March 13, Coventry Jailhouse 14, Swansea Patti Pavillion 15, Stourbridge Rock Café 16, Crewe Limelight 17, Glasgow Barfly 18, Southampton Brook 20, London Camden Underworld 21, Birmingham NEC Pavilion Halls 23 (acoustic afternoon show).
07	MAD JAPANESE BAND ASSAULT LONDON Crazy Japanese band Electric Eel Shock are to make their live debut in London at the Garage on January 16. Also on the bill are DPH and Mumcuss. The show is the first of the year to be promoted by ‘Organ’ magazine. BRITNEY AND DURST? According to rumour, Limp Bizkit mainman Fred Durst has been recording with Britney Spears! TotalRock can neither confirm nor deny the report, but it seems like a strange combination. GNR ARE ‘TERMINATED’ Guns N’ Roses are apparently to have a song included on the soundtrack for the new movie ‘Terminator 3: The Rise Of The Machines’, which is due to open in America during July.
07	APOCALYPTICA ‘REFLECT ON NEW ALBUM Apocalyptica are to release new album, ‘Reflections’, in mid-February. Right now, fans may download one track, ‘No Education’ (featuring Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo), at www.musicline.de. The band start touring in March with a string of German dates. PARADISE IN LONDON Paradise Lost are to play the Mean Fiddler in London on March 24. Three further British dates are expected to be announced soon. The band are to release the song ‘Erased’ as their next single in March.
07	WILL NEW PUREST ROCK BAND "SHIFT" SALES?: (Edited Press Release) SHIFTER is being hailed as the new sound of the Australian underground. Karl (vocals), Jamie (bass), and Dave (guitar) formed the band over 10 years ago when they were still in high school with Tom(Drummer) replacing their original drummer three years ago. After signing with High Beam in 2001, SHIFTER began recording an EP with Michelle Dilevski in Lismore(Australia) and did some additional mixing and guitar tracks at Damien Gerard's in Sydney with Russell Pilling in 2002.The result is the band's five track 'S/T' CD release. SHIFTER is on a "mission to keep Australian rock loud, live, raw and most of all fun." SHIFTER's debut 'S/T' CDEP is out now on High Beam at http://www.highbeammusic.net
07	OLEANDER SEEKS SANCTUARY WITH THIRD ALBUM: (Press Release) OLEANDER has set March 4, 2003, as the release date for their newest studio offering 'Joyride' on Sanctuary Records. The album will be preceded by the first single "Hands Off The Wheel" in January, but fans will be able to get a sneak peak of the track begining Friday, December 13 via w ww.sanctuaryrecordsgroup.zl6.fontpfontface=Arial,HelveticaWith'Joyride'--Oleander'sthirdfull-length,major-labelalbum--vocalistguitaristThomasFlowers,guitaristRicIvanisevich,bassguitaristDougEldridgeanddrummerScottDevourshavecreated the most high energy, hard-hitting rock 'n' roll record of their career. These diverse recordings illustrate the depth and growth the Sacramento, CA-based band has experienced. "We're a rock 'n' roll band. It's that simple," Flowers says. "You can't lump Oleander in with general categories. Oleander writes music about what we live, and we have nothing but passion." "There are a lot of colors on the palette, and we're not afraid to use them," Eldridge says. "Our first record was very linear. It was our introduction to the business. With our second record, we branched out and used various textures. 'Joyride' is in between the first two, and it includes their best traits." The full track listing for 'Joyride' is: 1. Hands Off The Wheel 2. Don't Break My Fall 3. Fountain & Vine 4. 30 60 90 5. Rainy Day 6. Off & On 7. Better Luck Next Time 8. Joyride 9. King Of Good Intentions 10. Leave It All Behind 11. Runaway Train Oleander thrives on the road, and the band will hit the tour trail with Nickelback in early 2003. But first, the band has five headlining shows scheduled for early January 2003: DATE CITY VENUE Friday, January 10th Tempe, AZ Bash on Ash Saturday, January 11th Albuquerque, NM Launchpad Sunday, January 12th Amarillo, TX Southbeach Monday, January 13th Dallas, TX Canyon Club Wednesday, January 15th New Orleans, LA Parish Club@House of Blues
07	WAY BUSY!: U.F.O bassist PETE WAY has launched a new website (peteway.net), loaded with info on his new projects as well as a new unreleased track from his other band THE PLOT! Pete promises a busy year with major announcements regarding tour plans, new releases and more.
07	WYLDE WITH NEW BLS RECORD, DVD, OZZY, SHERINIAN!: (Press Release) ZAKK WYLDE is still in the studio finishing up the new BLACK LABEL SOCIETY record due out in April. Zakk is also working on the OZZY record though no release date has been announced yet. Zakk and BLS will be hitting the road in April. First stop will be Tokyo on April 17th, 18th and Osaka on the 19th with Australia and New Zealand dates to follow. In February, BLS will be shooting their new video (single not yet announced) with Rob Zombie. Make sure to check out the March issue of Guitar World with Zakk and Dimebag on the cover! Finally, Zakk recently worked with DEREK SHERINIAN on Derek's next solo recording. Zakk plays on three songs..."Fear of Flying"-with Yngwie Malmsteen "20 Years Gone"-dedicated to Randy Rhoads "Time to Die", The CD will be released in April. Make sure to check out www.dereksherinian.com for more details!
18	HUGHES NUGHES: (Press Release) Frontiers Records proudly announces the signing of the mighty “Voice of Rock” GLENN HUGHES for the European release of his forthcoming solo album which is currently being recorded in Los Angeles. The working title of the album is “Songs in the Key of Rock” and some of the songs which are going to appear are: Secret Life, Courageous, In My Blood, Standing on the Rock, Lost in the Zone. Musicians featured include: Glenn himself on all lead vocals & bass, Gary Ferguson on drums, JJ Marsh and Jeff Kollman on guitars and Ed Roth on keyboards. Special guest Billy Sheehan (ex Mr. Big) is playing bass on one song, while Alex Ligertwood (Santana) is set to help Glenn with some backing vocals. Glenn says about the album: "Songs in the Key of Rock was written with a 70's vintage frame of mind. I surrounded myself with 70's stuff: 70's clothes, 70's everything and I found myself back in 1973. The sounds you will be hearing and the songs are trippy, hard and greased up rock. You can serve this one hot on the barbecue!" Frontiers Records looks set to a June 2003 release.
18	VERSAILLES RECORDS UPDATE: (Press Release) "This spring Versailles Records will release, for the first time in the US, legendary glam rock band T-REX's 's front man MARC BOLAN's first solo album, 'You Scare Me to Death', in stores in March; as well as a new tribute record in April entitled 'Best of Both Worlds: A Tribute to Van Halen's David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar', featuring current and former members of bands including Aerosmith, Dokken, Dangerous Toys, TNT, XYZ, Enuff Znuff, Watchtower, Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot, Kix, and a host of others; and a new release series of spoken word/book-on-CD releases entitled the Audiobiography Series, the first of which being "An Education in Rebellion: The Audio-Biography of Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx", due in stores in April, 2003. Black Market Publishing has finally released "An Education in Rebellion: The Biography of NIKKI SIXX", by Jake Brown, on paperback, and available for order at www.blackmarketpublishing.com prior to its April in-store release. Featuring exclusive interviews with Lita Ford, legendary producer Tom Werman, former RIP Magazine editor Lonn Friend, legendary rock photographer Neil Zlozower, substance abuse specialist to the stars Bob Timmons, Quiet Riot frontman Kevin Dubrow, and a host of others, this book promises to pain both an intriguing and wildly colorful look at the life of hard rock's mad scientist, Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx.
18	DEEP PURPLE RETURN: DEEP PURPLE is working on a new album with Michael Bradford (Kid Rock's producer) and the expected release date is August 1, 2003. The band is currently in the writing stages. The most recent line-up is IAN GILLAN (vocals), ROGER GLOVER (bass), IAN PAICE (drums), STEVE MORSE (guitar) and DON AIREY (keyboards.)
18	PETE WAY LIVE DISC: (Press Release) PETE WAY is proud to announce that his recent Cleveland performance, recorded October 4, 2002, will be released on February 18. It will be sold exclusively on Pete's website, http://www.peteway.net Preorders for the CD will be taken starting January 20. Everyone who preorders will receive the cd autographed. Check the site for all the latest information and to download some MP3 samples.
18	STRATOVARIUS DOWNLOADS: (Press Release) MP3s of two new songs from the upcoming STRATOVARIUS release, Elements Part I, are available for download on the band’s official websitehttp://www.stratovarius.com. The songs, “Soul of a Vagabond” and “Find Your Own Voice” are a great sample of what to expect, as the band emerges from their three-year hiatus. Also available is a video shot during the rehearsal sessions for Elements Part I and the filming of the “Eagleheart” video clip. The single for “Eagleheart,” which also includes the unreleased track, “Run Away,” is available through Century Media mail-order. The new disc is due February 11th.
18	BON JOVI TARGET SPECIAL RELEASE: (SFK) BON JOVI has posted more US tour dates over at their website: http://www.bonjovi.com. Meanwhile, the band will release a new eight track CD exclusively through Target stores in the US, to be released today . Tracks, which were culled from the Japanese/European B-sides include Breathe, Lucky, No Regrets, Standing, We Can Dance, live versions of Misunderstood and Just Older and an acoustic version of Everyday.
18	HARD ROCK GRAMMYS: ROBERT PLANT has been nominated for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Darkness, Darkness") and Best Rock Album (Dreamland) while 3 DOORS DOWN has been nominated for - Best Rock Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal and Best Rock Song ("When I'm Gone") (Universal/Republic).
18	OUT OF BALANCE, BACK IN AGAIN: (Press Release) BALANCE OF POWER have announced that the band has parted company with vocalist Lance King. The Band has since engaged a new and internationally known lead singer and when the legal details are finalised a further press release will be issued. Details will also be given regarding the band's new Record Label in the USA once contracts are signed. Balance of Power is pleased to announce to all their fans that work has begun on their latest album, a follow up to the much praised "Perfect Balance", to be released in the Spring on the Massacre Records label in Europe and Avalon Marquee Records in Japan. With a working title of 'Heathen Machine', it promises to be a "Steamy, Inner Space exploration, visiting the darker side of our most base emotions. "The album includes tracks such as "Chemical Imbalance", "Just before you Leave", "I wish you were here", and "Heathen Machine". The band are forging ahead in their time honoured fashion with songs written by Tony Ritchie and Pete Southern and production duties being handled once again by Lionel Hicks at Pod Studios."
18	NEW ZOMBIE SONGS IN THE ‘HOUSE’ Rob Zombie will have five new songs included on the soundtrack to the upcoming movie ‘House Of 1000 Corpses', which he wrote and directed. These numbers include ‘Everybody Scream’, ‘Run Rabbit, Run’, ‘Pussy Liquor’ and ‘Little Piggy’. The final track is said to a ‘bizarre collaboration’. The album will also feature a Ramones song. NICKELBACK WRITE NEW ALBUM Nickelback have apparently written most of the songs for their new album, the follow-up to the hugely successful ‘Silver Side Up’. No news yet, though, on when they plan to record this. SANTANA TO PERFORM AT SUPERBOWL Santana are to be one of the main musical attractions at Superbowl XXXVII, which happens on January 26 in San Diego. This is regarded as their biggest sporting event in America.
18	SNAKES ALIVE! Former Botch bassist Brian Cook has teamed up with Melvins’ Joe Preston in a new four-piece called These Arms Are Snakes. For further info, go to www.thesearmsaresnake.com. EPITAPH LAUNCH DVD Epitaph Records are to issue a DVD called ‘Punk-O-Rama DVD Volume 1’ in late February. It features 22 clips, including rare footage from The Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Bad Religion and Bouncing Souls. There are also interviews with Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz (of Bad Religion fame), NOFX’s Fat Mike and Fletcher from Pennywise. ONE MINUTE SILENCE CONFIRM SECOND UK TOUR One Minute Silence are to follow their January tour of Britain with further shows in March/April. The full details are: Aberdeen Lemon Tree March 27, Glasgow Garage 28, Newcastle University 29, Sheffield Leadmill 30, Manchester MDH 31, Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms April 2, Brighton Concorde 2 3, Plymouth University 5, Bristol Bierkeller 6, Cambridge Junction 8, Norwich Waterfront 9, London Marquee 10, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 11 (under 18s only), Nottingham Rock City 12, Oxford Zodiac 13.
18	BLACK LABEL DVD Black Label Society are to release a live DVD in March. It’s called ‘Broozed, Bronzed & Broken-Boned: Live With The Detroit Chapter’, and was filmed in Detroit. The band are currently working on a new studio album, to be titled ‘The Blessed Hellride’.
18	SUM 41 GET MIGHTY SUPPORT Sum 41 are to be supported by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones on their upcoming UK tour, the dates for which are: Manchester Evening News Arena February 1, Nottingham Arena 2, Glasgow Barrowlands 3, Cardiff Arena 6, Plymouth Pavilion 7, London Wembley Arena 8. The Bosstones will also headline the Garage in London on February 9. ANTHRAX, CRADLE GO TO SPAIN Anthrax and Cradle Of Filth are the top names confirmed for the Piorno Rock Festival on March 29. This happens at Pinos Puente Granada in Spain. Also confirmed for the bill are In Extremo and Trail Of Tears.
18	SUPERSUCKERS TRIP UP Supersuckers are to issue their latest album, ‘Motherf**kers Be Trippin’’ on the Mid-Fi Recordings label in April. It was recorded in their home town of Seattle.
18	DAREDEVIL’ – FULL ALBUM DETAILS The track listing for the ‘Daredevil’ soundtrack album, due for release in America on February 4 by Wind-Up, has now been confirmed. It is: ‘Won’t Back Down’ – Fuel, ‘For You’ – The Calling, ‘Bleed For Me’ – Saliva, ‘Hang On’ – Seether, ‘Learn The Hard Way’ – Nickelback, ‘The Man Without Fear’ – Drowning Pool with Rob Zombie, ‘Right Now’ – Nappy Roots with Marcos Curiel of P.O.D, ‘Evening Rain’ – Moby, ‘Bring Me To Life’ – Evanescence, ‘Until You’re Reformed’ – Chevelle, ‘ Right Before Your Eyes’ – Hoobastank, ‘Fade Out/In’ – Palo Alto, ‘Caught In The Rain’ – Revis, ‘High Wire Escape Artist’ – Boysetsfire, ‘Raise Your Rifles’ – Autopilot, ‘Daredevil Theme (Blind Justice Remix)’ – Graeme Revell and Mike Einziger (Incubus), ‘My Immortal’ – Evanescence, ‘Sad Exchange’ – Finger Eleven, ‘Simple Lies’ – Endo, ‘Let Go’ – 12 Stones. SUSPERIA CONFIRM NEW ALBUM TITLE Norwegian black metallers Susperia have announced that their new album is to be called ‘Unlimited’. The band are currently negotiating with several labels for its release, having just left Nuclear Blast. DARK TRANQUILLITY CANCEL SOUTH AMERICAN DATES Dark Tranquillity have been forced to cancel planned shows in both Mexico and Columbia, because of problems with the local promoter.
18	VAI’S JEWEL CASE Steve Vai is to shortly release the double CD ‘The Secret Jewel Box Set – Archives Volume 3 And Volume 4’. This features music Vai has contributed to other projects, as well as bonus tracks previously only available on his Japanese releases. MATCHBOX 20 AT WEMBLEY Matchbox 20play London’s Wembley Arena on March 29. Tickets cost £22.50 from the box office. BUSH GUITARIST QUITS Bush have parted with guitarist Chris Traynor, who has joined Rival Schools, replacing Ian Love. Traynor, formerly with Helmet, only recently joined Bush, taking over from Nigel Pulsford.
18	CORGAN ‘SAVES’ A PRESLEY Zwan’s Billy Corgan, the former Smashing Pumpkins mainman, has co-written a song with Lisa Marie Presley! It’s called ‘Savior’ and is apparently to be included on an album by the latter. SOMETHING CORPORATE BOOK MARCH SHOWS Something Corporate return to the UK shortly to play the following shows: Manchester University March 6, Birmingham Academy 2 8, Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms 11, Bristol Station 12, Brighton Concorde 2 15. The band also play the Marquee in London on January 16. LINKIN PARK TO PLAY LONDON Linkin Park are to play a show in London, possibly as soon as March, as part of the launch process for their as yet untitled second album, which should be released around the same time. Expect further info soon.
18	DURST DENIES BRITNEY RUMOUR Limp Bizkit mainman Fred Durst has moved quickly to quash recent internet rumours that he’s been working with Britney Spears. However, Durst has confirmed that he's been recording with Ministry’s Al Jourgensen in the studio, and that the first single from the new Bizkit album is to be titled ‘Crack Addict’. The album itself, titled ‘Less Is More’, is due on April 1. MARSHAN CHRONICLES Scottish stoner band Marshan are to play the following dates: Glasgow King Tuts January 18, Glasgow Barfly February 7, Aberdeen Lava April 19. The band have just recorded a version of ‘Hurry On Sundown’ for a Hawkwind tribute album. WARNING VIEW Fate’s Warning are to release a DVD called ‘The View From Here’ through Metal Blade in Europe on February 24. This is a retrospective look at the band’s career to date, and includes every video clip they’ve shot.
18	LINKIN PARK NAME ALBUM Linkin Park will call their upcoming second album ‘Meteora’. Co-produced by the band’s Mike Shinoda together with Don Gilmore, it’s expected to be released in late March, and the band should play a handful of European shows to coincide, including one in London. EAT THE DAY FIND SINGER Eat The Day, the band formed by ex-Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, have finally found a singer: San Francisco based unknown Adam Yas. The band are now looking for a bassist, before starting work on their debut album. SPITFIRES FLY TO THE UK Canadian punks the Spitfires are to play the following British shows, promoting new album ‘Three’: Brighton Free Butt January 23, Worcester City Youth House 25, Stoke-On-Trent Talbot 26, Leicester Charlotte 27, Blackburn North Bar 28, Nottingham Junktion 7 29, Glasgow King Tut’s 30, Derby Victoria Inn 31 (with the Rezillos), London Mean Fiddler February 1 (again with the Rezillos).
18	YES FOR SWEDEN Yes are the latest band to confirm their appearance at Sweden Rock Festival, which happens from June 6-8 in Solvesborg, Sweden. Also on the bill are Twisted Sister, Jethro Tull, Budgie, Motorhead, Queensryche, Blind Guardian, Uriah Heep, Kamelot and Krokus. OPETH GET MADDER SUPPORT Opeth are to supported by Norwegian avant garde dark metallers Madder Mortem on their upcoming UK tour. The dates are: Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms March 10, Manchester Hop & Grape 11, London Mean Fiddler 12, Exeter University 13, Glasgow Garage 14, Nottingham Rock City 15, Bradford Rio 16, Birmingham Academy 17, Dublin Whelans 19. CANDLEMASS CONFIRM LIVE ALBUM Reunited Swedish doomsters Candlemass are to issue an album called ‘Doomed For Live – Reunited 2002’ through GMR on January. It was recorded live in Stockholm on August 31 last year.
18	DIRTY DEEDS Dirty Americans are to start work on their debut album for Roadrunner later this month. As yet untitled, it’s to be produced by Paul Ebersold of 3 Doors Down fame. Expect a release in June. T. REX STAR DIES Mickey Finn, who made his name in the early ’70s with T. Rex, has died at the age of 55, from kidney and liver problems. TotalRock sends condolences to his family and friends. SEE DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL Dashboard Confessional are playing at the Metro in London from January 16-18. And ‘Rocksound’ magazine are giving fans the chance to meet the band. Go to www.rock-sound.net to get full details and to enter the competition.
18	FORMER FATE’S WARNING STAR GOES SOLO John Arch, the one time Fate’s Warning singer, is currently working on his debut solo album for Metal Blade. Called ‘Twist Of Fate’, it features both Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy and Fate’s Warning/Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera. KISS DUO RESORT TO ADVERTISING Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have just shot a TV commercial for Universal Orlando Resorts in Florida. Both were in their new stage costumes. ALL STAR EXTREME COVERS BAND How does this sound? Members of Mayhem, Susperia, Red Harvest, Dimmu Borgir and The Kovenant teaming up. It’s happening – on January 18 in Oslo, at a party to launch the Inferno Festival. Altogether about 20 of Norway’s leading extreme metal musicians will be getting together to blast out a short covers set, featuring songs by the likes of Slayer, Black Sabbath, Anthrax and Kiss. And the whole event is being filmed. The Inferno Festival happens in Oslo from April 17-19, and includes bands such as the Children Of Bodom and Immortal.
18	AFI ‘SING’ ABOUT NEW SINGLE AFI are to release their new single on March 17 in the UK. Called ‘Sing The Sorrow’, it’s available via DreamWorks – their first release for the label. The band’s new album will follow shortly afterwards. Production has been handled by Butch Vig and Jerry Finn. ZWAN COVER MAIDEN Zwan, the band featuring former Smashing Pumpkins stars Billy Corgan (guyitar/vocals) and Jimmy Chamberlin (drums) plus A Perfect Circle bassist Paz Lenchantin, have covered Iron Maiden’s ‘Number Of The Beast’. This will be included as a bonus track on their debut single, ‘Honestly’, due out next month. The band’s debut album, ‘Mary Star Of The Sea’, is released at the end of January. OZZY GETS INTO BLACK LABEL Zakk Wylde has drafted in Ozzy Osbourne to record vocals on one track from the next Black Label Society album, ‘The Blessed Hellride'. Ozzy sings on the song ‘Stillborn’. Expect the album to be released by Spitfire in the Spring.
18	METAL SINGER INJURED David Wayne, former vocalist with Metal Church and now fronting Reverend, was injured after being involved in a three-car pile up in Tacoma, Washington. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injury. GLASSJAW ARE WARPED Glassjaw and Poison The Well have both been confirmed for the whole of this year’s Warped tour, which kick off in the Summer. So far, no dates have been announced, and the rest of the bill is expected to be put in place soon. LIPS RELEASE DVD The Flaming Lips are issue an enhanced DVD format of the single ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Part 1’, in America on January 21. This includes an acoustic version of the song, plus a video and two rare instrumentals, ‘Fish Fry & the Bigot’s Drunk’ and ‘Galactic Melancholy’. The latter pair come from frontman Wayne Coyne’s soundtracks for the documentary ‘Okie Noodling’ and the movie ‘Christmas On Mars’.
18	HAYSEED DIXIE TARGET KISS Hayseed Dixie, the hillbilly band who’s AC/DC tribute album caused much mirth and merriment last year, now have Kiss in their sights. The band are to release their tribute to the foursome called ‘Kiss My Grass: A Hillbilly Tribute To Kiss’, which includes songs such as ‘Lick It Up’, ‘Love Gun’, ‘Let’s Put The X In Sex’, ‘I Love It Loud’, ‘Detroit Rock City’ and ‘Cold Gin’. CREED WIN AT AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS Creed were the big rock winners at the American Music Awards, walking off with the awards for ‘Best Pop/Rock Band’ and ‘Best Alternative Artists’.. But they were the only TotalRock-friendly winners at the Awards, presented by the Osbourne family. POSTHUMOUS STRUMMER ALBUM PLANNED Joe Strummer fans can expect a third album from Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros to be issued this year, possibly as early as May. The late punk legend was working on this record when he died, and the remaining members of the band are now trawling through the tapes to put together this record, which is to be issued by Hellcat/Epitaph. And Clash fans can also expect both a compilation album and DVD to be available soon.
18	WILL HAVEN SPLIT UP Will Haven have announced that they are to split up. This is because vocalist Grady Avenell wants to take a break from music. However, the remaining trio intend to stay together under a different name. And the band will re-release their debut EP, as well as a DVD, in March. The latter is to include footage from their farewell show, which happens in Sacramento on January 24. MONSTER MAGNET SEEK DEAL Monster Magnet are currently trying to get a new record deal. The band have recorded three new tracks (‘Master Of Light’, ‘Oh Baby’ and ‘Blow Your Mind’), and mainman Dave Wyndorf is also working on the soundtrack for the new Ice Cube movie.
18	LINKIN PARK: NEW SINGLE Linkin Park are to issue the song ‘Somewhere I Belong’ as the first single from new album ‘Meteora’. The latter is due out at the end of March, and the single should precede this. The album's full track listing is: 'Foreword', 'Don't Stay', 'Somewhere I Belong', 'Lying From You', 'Hit The Floor', 'Easier To Run', 'Faint', 'Figure.09', 'Breaking The Habit', 'From The Inside', 'Nobody's Listening', 'Session' and 'Numb'. TOTALFEST 5: HEAR IT ON AIR Totalfest 5 is happening on Saturday, January 18 at the King’s Head Live in Fulham. The bill features Blaze, Orange Goblin, Area 54 and Reactor. There will be some tickets available on the door. But if you can’t make it along, then make sure you listen to TotalRock’s coverage of the event. Join co-presenters Charlie Andrews and Badger from 6pm to midnight (UK time) to hear all the live sets plus the interviews that matter. JERRY ONLY TRAVELS TO 1950 Planet 1950, Misfits’ mainman Jerry Only’s side band, have finished recording their debut album. This features classic ’50s rock ’n’ roll songs given punk arrangements. Guests include singer Ronnie Spector and Blondie keyboard player Jimmy Destri. In related news, Misfits will undertake a 25^th anniversary tour of Europe later this month, although no UK shows have so far been confirmed. Only is to be joined by Marky Ramone of the Ramones and Dez Cadena of Black Flag.
18	ZED CROSSES A ’BRIDGE Austrian band Edenbridge are to be featured on the next instalment of Zed’s ‘Psycholopedia’. To find out more about the band, tune in from midnight (UK time) on Friday, January 17, after the ‘Rock ’N’ Roll Ponderosa’.
28	METALLICA SUE…METALLICA Metallica are threatening legal action against a Canadian punk band, who are calling themselves Metallica. The latter claim they intend to consult a friend before deciding whether to comply. That friend? Axl Rose! Hmmm…. HAMMERFALL FILM DVD Swedish power metallers Hammerfall are to film a show in their home town, Gothenberg, for release later this year as a DVD. PRIMER 55 MAN TURNS RED The Color Red have recruited former Primer 55 drummer Preston Nash.. He replaces Dan Hill.
28	(hed)p.e. CONFIRM TRACK LISTING (hed)p.e. have announced the full track listing for their upcoming album, ‘Blackout’, which is due to be released in mid-March. It is: ‘Suck It Up’, ‘Bury’, ‘Dangerous’, ‘Blackout’ (the first single), ‘Getaway’, ‘Crazy’, ‘Half A Man’, ‘Only One’, ‘Other Side’, ‘Flesh And Bone’, ‘Octopussy’, ‘Carnival’, ‘Fallen’ and ‘Revelation’. ODIN ARE BACK Odin, the LA metallers who rose to a sort of fame after their rather embarrassing appearance in the movie ‘The Decline Of Western Civilization Part 2: The Metal Years’, have reformed. They originally split up in 1988. ‘DARK SIDE OF THE MOON’: NEW SPECIAL EDITION Pink Floyd’s seminal album ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ is to celebrate its 30^th anniversary in March with a special edition. This is to be released on a state of the art format called Hybrid SACD (Super Audio CD). A number of other classic albums are likely to be re-issued in this format during the year.
28	MARTIN GRECH ON THE ROAD Highly rated young British talent Martin Grech is to play the following UK and Irish dates: Cardiff Barfly January 21, Cambridge Junction 23, Leeds Cockpit 24, Sheffield Leadmill 25, Birmingham Academy 27, Liverpool Stanley Theatre 28, Glasgow King Tut’s 29, Manchester Hop & Grape 31, Bristol University AR2 February 1, Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms 2, Brighton Concorde 2 3, Norwich Arts Centre 5, Colchester Arts Centre 6, Northampton Soundhaus 7, Oxford Zodiac 8, Dublin Whelans 10. To get tickets, go to the Ticketmaster link at www.totalrock.com. AUTUMN TO THE STUDIO From Autumn To Ashes have confirmed that their new album will be produced by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage. This should be released during the Summer by Ferret Music. LOLLOPALOOZA RETURNS? The Lollopalooza Festival, which last went on the road in 1997, is preparing to return this Summer in America. The organisers are currently keeping details under wraps, but are apparently planning to involve corporate sponsorship to ensure they can attract top names.
28	BLINK-182: LIFE’S A ‘DRAG’ Blink-182, Box Car Racer, Finch and Alkaline Trio are to have unreleased tracks on the compilation album ‘Dragging The Lake II’, Released on the Side One Dummy label in mid-March, it’s connected to Atticus, Blink-182’s clothing range.
28	PUDDLE OF MUDD ON ‘DISPLAY’ Puddle Of Mudd will call their second album ‘Life On Display’. This is due to be released in the Spring by Flawless Records, and is currently being produced by John Kurzweg.
28	TOP PUNKS LINED UP FOR WARPED TOUR The US VANS Warped tour will start in mid-June, and already a number of major names have been confirmed. These include Rancid, Glassjaw, AFI, The Distillers, The Used, Pennywise and Face To Face. More details will follow soon. NOTHINGFACE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM Cult American band Nothingface are to release their new album on April 1 through TVT in the US. It’s to be called ‘Skeletons’. ICED EARTH – NEW DEAL American metallers Iced Earth have signed a new deal with SPV. And fans can expect their new album, ‘Glorious Burden’, to be released towards the end of the year. GRAVE DIGGER RING A CONCEPT German veterans Grave Digger are to release their new album, ‘Rheingold’, through Nuclear Blast at the end of May. It’s a concept album inspired the classical work ‘The Ring Cycle’, composed by Richard Wagner.
28	GILBY GETS INTO ‘PERFUME’ Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke has just produced an acoustic version of the song ‘Chloroform Perfume’ for the highly rated From Autumn To Ashes. This is to appear on the upcoming compilation ‘Punk Goes Acoustic’. HEAR CLUTCH LIVE Clutch have posted their entire show from the 9:30 Club in Washington DC online at www.pro-rock.com. The gig happened on January 4. HELLOWEEN: NEW ALBUM RELEASE DATE Helloween are to issue their latest studio album through Nuclear Blast in early May. As yet untitled, It’s currently being produced by Charlie Bauernfield in Tenerife.
28	AC/DC IN HALL OF FAME FIASCO AC/DC have been embroiled in a controversy over their induction into the Rock ’N’ Roll Hall Of Fame, which is due to happen in March. The current line-up plus the late Bon Scott and original bassist Mark Evans were to be honoured.. But Evans’ invitation has now been withdrawn, and no explanation has been offered as to why this has happened. All that the Hall Of Fame organisers will say is that he shouldn’t have been on the list in the first place. GOOD REEF! IT’S DIAMOND DAVE Reef frontman Gary Stringer and guitarist Kenwyn House will be joining Diamond Dave on Wednesday January 22. So make sure you tune in to the show from 6-9pm (UK time).
28	DUKES OF LONDON The Dukes Of Nothing play London Camden Barfly on January 30. Also on the bill are Taint, The Sex Maniacs and Send More Paramedics. AEROSMITH/KISS TOUR TOGETHER The rumours are true! Aerosmith and Kiss are to tour America together. This co-headlining trek starts in August and will go through until October. Kiss will perform in full make-up, while Aerosmith will have a new, blues-oriented album in the shops.
28	METALLICA…LIVE Metallica played a surprise set in the parking lot of the Network Coliseum in Oakland, California. Performing on a flatbed truck, the band were joined by producer Bob Rock on bass. EXODUS SEARCH FOR NEW SINGER Exodus are looking for a new singer, following the departure of Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza. Anyone interested in joining the veteran Bay Area thrashers should send a demo and info to: Exodus, 10026 San Pablo, El Cerrito, California 94530, USA. BRIDES IN THE STUDIO The Brides Of Destruction are planning to record their debut album in April, following a brief West Coast tour in America. The band, who include Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx and LA Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, have yet to sign a record deal.
28	FORMER KITTIE STAR NAMES NEW ALBUM Amphibious Assault, the new project from former Kittie guitarist Fallon Bowman, have finished work on their debut album. To be called ‘District 6’, expect a release later this year on an undisclosed label. PARADISE LOST: UK TOUR Paradise Lost have now confirmed the following UK shows: London Mean Fiddler March 24, Cardiff MS1 25, Glasgow Garage 26, Manchester University 27. The single 'Erased' will be released to coincide with this tour.
28	LANEGAN WORKS ON SOLO ALBUM Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Mark Lanegan is currently working on a solo album for release later this year. As yet untitled, it’s being produced by Josh Homme of QOTSA. AC/DC: ALBUM NEWS AC/DC have contradicted recent reports by claiming that they won’t have a new album in the shops until the end of the year. The band, as ever, are giving away no details on their plans, but fans can rule out a March release, as had been expected. GUILLAUME SEAM SPLIT The Guillaume Seam, rated one of the most exciting young British bands, have split up. Apparently the members feel they can’t take things any further. RETURN TO THE SABBAT DVD Return To The Sabbat are to record their show at The Garage in London on March 22 for use in their forthcoming DVD, which has the working title ‘So It Is Done’. The gig itself will also feature Bal-Sagoth, Bloodstream and Mithras, with Mighty Matt Mason being the special guest DJ.
28	DEFTONES, STAIND IN MAY Deftones and Staind are both expected to have new albums released in May. Both as yet remain untitled, however the former might be a self-titled affair. JAYHAWKS ‘RAIN’ OVER THE UK The Jayhawks are to play London Camden Dingwalls February 26, Sheffield Memorial Hall 27. The band’s new album, ‘Rainy Day Music’ is released by American/Lost Highway on March 31. H.I.M CONFIRM ALBUM RELEASE Finnish goth metal stars H.I.M are to issue their new album, ‘Love Metal', through BMG on April 14. It includes the first single, ‘Buried Alive By Love’. WINDSTEIN TURNS UP THE VALUME Crowbar/Down guitarist Kirk Windstein has temporarily joined New Orleans based Valume Knob as a touring bassist. This happens as he continues to write music for a new Crowbar album.
28	CHARGER HEADLINE BRADFORD FESTIVAL Charger, the Dukes Of Nothing and Mistress head the list of bands playing during a two-day festival at Bradford’s 1 In 12 Club.. This happens on February 1 and 2. The full list of bands is: February 1: Charger, Dukes Of Nothing, Palehorse, Jinn, Send More Paramedics, Humanfly, Snowblood, Ultimo Dragon, Bilge Pump, Eden Maine, Humans The Size Of Microphones and Like A Kind Of Matador. February 2: Mistress, Army Of Flying Robots, Khang, Stand, The Murder Of Rosa Luxembourg, The Horror, Parade Of Enemies, D Rail, Losing The Battle, Castle Greyskull and Kevorkian Solution. To get tickets, go to the Ticketmaster link at www.totalrock.com TOP FOOTIE STAR ON TOTALROCK Kasey Keller, goalkeeper for Spurs and the United States, will join Natasha and Richie on Thursday, January 23. Tune in from 6-9pm when the top footballer proves he has serious metal credentials. WHITE STRIPES: NEW ALBUM The White Stripes have confirmed that their eagerly anticipated new album is to be titled ‘Elephant’. This will be released in April. MILLION DEAD LAUNCH SINGLE Highly acclaimed young band Million Dead will play the Camden Monarch in London on January 26. This is a special show to launch their debut single, ‘Smiling At People On Trains’, released by Xtra Mile on February 3.
28	OSBOURNES BECOME OSMONDS The Osbourne children, Jack and Kelly, are horrifyingly transformed into the altogether more wholesome Donny and Marie Osmond in a new TV commercial for Pepsi Twist, which is to be premiered on TV in America during Superbowl XXXVII on Sunday, January 26. Don’t worry, though, it’s all an Ozzy dream. CONSUMED WANT A BASSIST Consumed are currently searching for a bassist to replace Wes Wasley, who has just quit. Anyone interested should go to www.consumedhq.com for further details. POWER TO THE PEOPLE Pantera pair Dimebag Darrell (guitar) and Vinnie Paul (drums) have teamed up with former Halford guitarist Patrick Lachman and one time Jerry Cantrell band member Shawn Matthews (bass) in a foursome called New Found Power. The band are already writing songs for their planned debut album.
28	ISIS HEAD FOR UK Highly rated US underground band Isis will be playing the following British shows: Birmingham Edwards No. 8 March 8, Nottingham Old Angel 9, Middlesborough Georgian Theatre 10, Glasgow King Tut’s 11, Manchester Roadhouse 12, Cardiff Ms 1 13, Brighton Concorde 14, London Mean Fiddler 15.. Also on the bill are Speedrancher. Get your tickets via the Ticketmaster link at www.totalrock.com. BLUEBIRD OVER BRITAIN Los Angeles band Bluebird are to play the following British shows: London Camden Barfly February 11, Bristol Louisiana 12, London Metro 13. The band include one-time Amen guitarist Paul Fig. IT’S THE ‘END’ FOR AREA 54 Area 54, one of the stars of Totalfest 5, are to release their second album through Casket Records on April 21. Called ‘Beckoning Of The End’, it includes a guest appearance from Great Deceiver vocalist Tomas Linberg on the song ‘Cancer Of The Mind’.
28	PARADISE AT BLOODSTOCK Paradise Lost are the latest band to be confirmed for Bloodstock 03, which happens at Derby Assembly Rooms on August 29 and 30. They join the previously announced Nightwish, Blaze, Dragonforce, Waylander and Power Quest. There will be 18 bands in total. And Dragonforce will be Zed’s special guests on the ‘Psycholopedia’ from midnight on Friday, January 24, just after the ‘Rock ’N’ Roll Ponderosa’. The show lasts until 3am on Saturday, January 25. DEF LEPPARD ON TOTALROCK Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott will be featured on ‘Doom & Co.’ on Saturday, January 25. Tune in from 6-9pm (UK time) to hear, among other things, his opinion of Mariah Carey’s version of Leppard’s ‘Bringing On The Heartbreak’.
28	SEE BLINK-182 IN THE STUDIO Blink-182 will spend the next few months working on their new album with producer Jerry Finn. The pop-punk trio are recording in a house in San Diego, and they’re giving fans the chance to see them at work via a 24-hour webcam, which can be viewed at http://blink182.mcarecords.com/about/diary.asp. MISS NADINE MEETS HOLE GUITARIST Eric Erlandson, former guitarist with Hole, is to be Miss Nadine’s special guest on Sunday, January 26. Tune in from 9am to noon (UK time) to hear the man talk about his current involvement with punk supergroup White Flag. BADGER GROWS A BEARD Spock's Beard keyboard player Ryo Okumoto is to be Badger's special guest on Saturday, January 25. Tune in from 6-9pm (UK time) to hear how the band are progressing with their first album since the departure of mainman Neal Morse.
28	VOIVOD CHANGE ALBUM TITLE Voivod have decided to change the title of their upcoming albjm. Instead of the previously announced ‘The Multiverse’, it will now just be known as ‘Voivod’. This is released in early March by Chophouse Records. TOOL-CRIMSON HOOK UP Tool drummer Danny Carey has teamed up with King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew and Primus bassist Les Claypool in a new project. So far, though, no further details on the project have been released. NEVERMORE WORK WITH EX-QUEENSRYCHE MAN Seatlle metallers Nevermore have chosen Kelly Gray to produce their next album, which is tentatively titled ‘Enemies Of Reality’. Gray was, of course, a member of Queensryche for the ‘Y2Q’ album, replacing guitarist Chris Degarmo.
28	FALCONER EXPAND LINE-UP Epic metallers Falconer have recruited Anders Johansson (guitar) and Peder Johansson (bass). They’ve also replaced vocalist Matthias Blad with Kristoffer Gobel. All this means that the band will finally commit to touring when their third album is released. This is expected to be a concept record. HALFORD WANT GUITARIST Halford are currently looking for the right person to replace guitatist Patrick Lachman. If you reckon you’ve got enough metal in your veins, then send a CD and a VHS video of yourself onstage to: EMAS Inc., PO Box 93430, Phoenix, Arizona, 85070, USA.
28	SLADE IN DVD ‘Slade In Flame’, the cult 1970s movie made by Slade at the height of their fame, is to be released as a DVD on march 17. It includes a new, 55 minute interview with Noddy Holder, plus photos and a full band discography. MANSON IS A CARTOON CHARACTER So, it’s finally happened. Marilyn Manson has become a cartoon character. He plays a singing nutrionist is the new MTV series ‘Clone High’. Manson is set to appear in the episode ‘Election Blu-Galoo’. FUNERAL FOR A TOUR Funeral For A Friend are to tour the UK next month with German band Waterdown. The dates kick off at the Exeter Cavern on February 10, before heading to Nottingham Rock City 11, Glasgow King Tut’s 12, Manchester Hop & Grape 13, London Camden Underworld 14, Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach 15, Oxford Zodiac 16. Funeral For A Friend have been working on a new EP with producer Colin Richardson. Titled ‘Four Ways To Scream Your Name’, this is to released in April.
28	DURST WANTS ‘CRACK’ DEMOS Limp Bizkit mainman Fred Durst wants fans to send him demos using the lyrics to upcoming single ‘Crack Addict’ in clever and creative ways. Durst intends to post up the lyrics to the song on the band’s official website, www.limpbizkit.com, prior to release. Exactly what the man intends to do with these demos hasn’t yet been explained. NOFX GO TO WAR NOFX are to release their new album in early May. The punk crew are currently recording the record, which has the title ‘The War Of Errorism’. LINKIN PARK ANNOUNCE EURO SHOWS Linkin Park have announced the first batch of low-key shows in Europe leading up to the release of new album 'Meteora'. They happen in Milan February 23, Hamburg 27 and Paris March 2. More will be added, including possibly two in the UK.
28	PRIEST: RIPPER IS STILL THERE Contrary to reports elsewhere, Ripper Owens has not left Judas Priest. In fact, the band are planning to work on a new studio album very soon. LINKIN PARK IN UK Linkin Park have announced two British shows for next month. Fans can see them at London Brixton Academy February 5 and Manchester Apollo 7. Get your tickets via the Ticketmaster link at www.totalrock.com. HOOBASTANK CHOOSE PRODUCER Hoobastank will work with producer Howard Benson on their new album. Recording is expected to start in late February, with a release later in the year.
28	KING’S X TURN ‘BLACK’ Veteran Texans King’s X are to call their new album ‘Black Like Sunday’. Fans may expect a release around May on the Metal Blade label. TODAY ARRIVES FOR UK US underground heroes Today Is The Day are to play the following shows in the UK: Glasgow Cathouse May 2, Oxford Zodiac 3, Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach 4, Manchester University 5, London Camden Underworld 8. THEORY OF A TOUR Theory Of A Deadman are coming to Britain. Catch them at Glasgow Cathouse March 11, London Borderline 13, London Shepherds Bush Empire 31 (supporting 3 Doors Down). SIKTH SUPPORT MUDVAYNE Highly rated young British band Sikth are to support Mudvayne on their upcoming UK tour. The dates are Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms February 17, Glasgow Garage 18, Manchester University 19, London Mean Fiddler 21, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 22.
28	ACTRESS JOINS FORMER GNR STARS Film star Gina Gershon performed a surprise set, singing with former Guns N’ Roses trio Slash, Duff and Matt Sorum. This happened at the Sundance Film Festival, to promote the new movie ‘Prey For Rock & Roll’, which stars the actress, who plays an ageing vocalist. AFI: FULL TRACK LISTING AFI have now confirmed the full track listing for their upcoming album ‘Sing The Sorrow’. This is: ‘Miseria Cantara (This Is The Beginning)’, ‘The Leaving Song Part 2’, ‘Black Bleed’, ‘Silver And Cold’, ‘Dancing Through Sunday’, ‘Girl’s Not Grey’, ‘Death Of Seasons’, ‘The Great Disappointment’, ‘Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)’, ‘This Celluloid Dream’, ‘The Leaving Song’ and ‘…But Home is Nowhere’.. The album, co-produced by Butch Vig and jerry Finn, is released by DreamWorks in March.
28	FAN PAYS $12,000 TO SING WITH LEPPARD An unnamed fan is to pay $12,000 for the chance of getting onstage and singing with Def Leppard at the Sheffield Arena on February 20. All the money will go to the charity Help A Hallam Child. FORMER PRIEST DRUMMER ARRESTED Dave Holland, the former Judas Priest drummer, has been arrested on a charge that he sexually assaulted a wheelchair bound 17-year-old with a mental age of eight. The 54-year-old has been released on bail.
28	DIAMOND HEAD STRIKE BACK!: (Press Release) 2003 will see the release of the first new DIAMOND HEAD album since 1993's "Death and Progress". 12 new songs have been recorded at Mad Hat Studios, Wolverhampton, England, UK.Mixing of the songs is to be completed at the end of February. Production has been handled by Andrew Scarth who worked on the bands last album and Engineered by Mark Stuart. Tracks to be included on the album are "Shine On Me", "Forever 16", (both included in the set of the 2002 UK tour), "Deep", "Voodoo Sky", "The Ferryman", "Music Box", "Real Woman", "It's Alright", "Silverdaze", "Tumblenite", "Medusa's Gaze" and "Heart Of Stone". Recorded over a 5 week period in the studio all songs are new compositions written and demoed in Sean Harris' home studio. SEAN HARRIS - Vocals and Guitar BRIAN TATLER - Guitars KARL WILCOX - Drums and Percussion EDDIE MOOHAN - Bass Guitar As yet untitled Sean Harris has described the album as " the best time we have had in the studio since the first album, great songs all of equal quality, lots of love and attitude and it's been great working with really decent human beings like Andrew and Mark in the studio. Harris added that the album as a whole whole will take the listener on a journey from darkness to light. The bands Management are still in negotiations with a number of interested labels for the release and hope that the deal will see the album gain a worldwide release and touring will be put in place to support the release around the world. Any interested labels or Tour Promoters can contact the bands Management via the official Diamond Head website;www.diamond-head.net
28	AC/DC BASSIST SNUBBED?: The Sunday Herald in Sydney Australia ran a short story on former AC/DC bassist MARK EVANS (High Voltage, Dirty Deeds, TNT, Let There Be Rock albums). When it was announced that AC/DC were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with the current band members names was Mark Evans. So the story goes that Mark's manager contacted the Hall of Fame People to enquire about the event and other details about traveling there only to be told that his name was no longer on the list and he didn't meet the criteria. Go figure. If you combine the North American sales of the albums he appeared on, they amount to over 11 million! Thanks to Steve Murray for this.
28	AC/DC ALBUM NOT DUE IN MARCH?!?: According to a new report over at the Rising Power AC/DC Fan site, http://www.acdcpower.net/frame_news.html, reliable reports suggest the band will meet in New York in March to discuss what songs will go on the new album and then meet up in London to begin rehearsing the songs. A late 2003 release is likely. KISS IN THE DESERT...MIGHT GET SAND IN YER TEETH!: (Press Release) On Sunday, March 16, KISS will perform a very special show in the intimate setting of the Rain in the Desert inside The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets go on sale 10am on Saturday January 25, tickets will go on-sale at www.ticketmaster.com, www.cc.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available at Stuff inside the Palms Casino Resort. To charge by phone, call 702.474.4000. All tickets are subject to service and/or convenience charges. Tickets are priced at $125 and $300. For additional show information, please visit www.cc.com.
28	SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL UPDATE: The following bands have been confirmed for the Sweden Rockk Festival taking place June 6-8th, 2003: TWISTED SISTER (US) YES (UK) - JETHRO TULL (UK) - BLIND GUARDIAN (D) - QUEENSRYCHE (US) - URIAH HEEP (UK) - MOTÖRHEAD (UK) - Y & T (US) – KROKUS (CH) – BUDGIE (UK) - KAMELOT (US) - PEER GÜNT (FIN) - TWINBALL (S) - SONATA ARCTICA (FIN) – TANKARD (D) - SQUEALER (D) AXENSTAR (S) - DUMPER (S). For more information, visit: swedenrock.com THUNDER HEARD AGAIN: THUNDER has posted artwork and samples of their new album Shooting At The Sun. The tracklisting: Loser, Everybody's Laughing, If I Can't Feel Love, Shooting At The Sun, The Pimp And The Whore, A Lover, Not A Friend, Shake The Tree, Somebody Get Me A Spin Doctor, The Man Inside, Out Of My Head and Blown Away. You can check it all out at http://thunderonline.com/home.html
28	SUPARED 'WEENED' ON ROCK: (Press Release) MICHAEL KISKE is no stranger to the rock community. Having fronted Germany's HELLOWEEN for their most memorable releases ('Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Parts I & II'), his voice launched the band to legendary status, while setting the standard by which all power/melodic vocalists are judged. Since his departure from the influential outfit, Kiske has broadened his scope as a performer & as a solo artist with 2 releases ('Instant Clarity' in 1996 and 'R.T.S.' in 1999), which achieved critical acclaim in Europe & Japan. The 21st Century has arrived, and Michael was drawn to return to rock, not as a solo artist, but with a full band. On February 25th, 2003, Michael's new band SUPARED is primed to release its self-titled debut to the world through Noise/Sanctuary Records. "You can play pop music as a solo artist, but Rock is best written in a band environment. Rock 'n Roll comes alive and gets to be real by the amalgamation of different characters of band members," admits Kiske. While not reliving his past or rehashing old material, Kiske advances forward with a fresh perspective on decent rock 'n roll music. "It's important for me, when I buy a record, that is always has some kind of surprise in store. ['SupaRed'] is a modern record where every song holds something different from the one before," he adds. Surprises abound, 'SupaRed' has its share of eclectic atmospheres, be it the driving opener "Reconsider," the brilliant, melodic rock ballad "Ride On," the lively, quick "Hey," or the catchy pop-rocker "A Bit Of Her". Kiske continues, "Music has to move deeply, arouse enthusiasm, shock, excite and emotionally seize the listener." An mp3 of the track "Reconsider" is available at http://www.noiserecords.com/supared/supared/cd.html
28	AC/DC BASSIST GOES PUBLIC ABOUT HALL: Former AC/DC bass player MARK EVANS, who appeared on such classic albums as High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and Let There Be Rock was originally thought to be included in the band's induction ceremony into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in March, based on the initial announcement he would be included. Recently the offer was recinded by the Hall, citing an error. Here is a press release issued by representatives of Mark Evans: "AC/DC in Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame fiasco Sydney Australia - Jan 20, 2003 Sydney's 'Sunday Sun-Herald' newspaper yesterday reported an unprecedented backflip by the U.S. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It was proudly announced by the Hall of Fame on November 7, 2002 that all current members of seminal blues-rock outfit 'AC/DC' plus foundation members Mark Evans (bass) and Bon Scott (vocals) would be inducted in March 2003. It was revealed today by 'Sunday Sun-Herald' journalist Peter Holmes that in an unprecedented move the Hall of Fame has now retracted the nomination of Mark Evans. Despite his work featured on four classic albums released by the band ('TNT', 'Dirty Deeds', 'Let there be Rock' and 'High Voltage' US release) that have amassed an amazing 30 million sales worldwide, Mark was offered no explanation for this astonishing turn around. Suzan Evans, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, stated just prior to Xmas that Mark's inclusion, and the fact that this was widely publicized by the Hall of Fame since early November, was 'an error'. Many requests for clarification of this statement and an explanation of the extraordinary actions by the Hall of Fame have met with no success. The extreme embarrassment and personal hurt that this has caused Mark is obvious. We urge any admirers of the band to implore industry and media contacts to lobby the Hall of Fame in an attempt to have this situation rectified. Further, anyone in direct contact with the band should make them aware of this erroneous decision. They should be encouraged to bring pressure to bare on the board of the Hall of Fame so that Mark's nomination can be reinstated and he can take his rightful position alongside Bon & the current members."
28	BAYLEY BLAZE'S INTO U.S. TERRITORY: Former IRON MAIDEN vocalist BLAZE BAYLEY will introduce hisrecent band BLAZE to the USA this year at the March Metal Meltdown, Cricket Club Complex, 415 16th Ave. Irving, New Jersey on Saturday 8th March 2003.Details of this 3 day event can be found at www.metalfest.com This gig follows the release of BLAZE’s back catalogue in Canada, USA and Mexico on February 25th 2003 through SPV/Steamhammer/Navarre. Catalogue numbers are as follows: Silicon Messiah: SPV 085-21782 CD Tenth Dimension: SPV 085-72632 CD BLAZE will also be releasing a new Live Album titled “As Live as it Gets” worldwide on March 24th, 2003 featuring 18 tracks from Blaze Bayley’s current band as well as favourites from Iron Maiden and Wolfsbane. The full track listing is: 01 Speed of Light 02 Two Worlds Collide 03 Steel 04 Kill & destroy 05 End Dream 06 Stare at the Sun 07 Land of the Blind 08 Silicon Messiah 09 Dazed & Confused 10 Virus 11 The Brave 12 Stranger to the Light 13 Born as a Stranger 14 Identity 15 Tenth Dimension 16 Sign of the Cross 17 Futureal 18 Ghost in the Machine
28	QUEENSRYCHE CATALOG GETTING THE ROYAL TREATMENT: (SFK) QUEENSRYCHE will see their back catalog reissued in remastered formats with mucho bonus tracks. The self-titled EP will see 50 minutes of live songs added from the video of “Live In Tokyo”. “The Warning” will feature live versions of “Take Hold Of The Flame” and “The Lady Wore Black” along with non-album track “Prophecy”. “Rage For Order” features live versions of “The Killing Words” and “Walk In The Shadows” along with a remix of “Gonna Get Close To You” and an acoustic “I Dream In Infra Red”. The classic “Operation: Mindcrime” sports live versions of “The Mission” and “My Empty Room”. Their hugely successful “Empire” includes non-album tracks “Last Time In Paris”, “Dirty Lil’ Secret” and a cover of “Scarborough Fair”. “Promised Land” will include live and studio versions of “Real World”, a full band version of “Something Else” and a live version of “Damaged”. And finally, “Hear In The Now Frontier” includes “Chasing Blue Sky” along with the MTV Unplugged versions of “The Killing Words”, “I Will Remember” and “Silent Lucidity”..
28	PHIL VINCENT UPDATE: As always, melodic rocker PHIL VINCENT is busy cranking out music for the masses. His new solo CD "Slow Burn" will be out on Nightmare Records in February. David Zychek(Airborne) plays lead guitars on 2 tracks. His new band, TRAGIK will also have a CD released on SHIRE RECORDS this spring called "Poetic Justice". TRAGIK is: Phil Vincent: Vocals & Keyboards Dirk Phillips: Drums Damian D'Ercole: Guitars & Bass. Visit www.philvincent.com for more info.
28	BAND STEPS OUT OF 'FOG' WITH NEW ALBUM: Any doubts that FOGHAT would go on without frontman first LONESOME DAVE PEVERETT, who passed away from cancer 3 years ago, will be evaporated when the band delivers its first studio album since 1995, Family Joules, on March 1st. The album would also be the first without Peverett. The tracklisting is "Mumbo Jumbo", "Hero to Zero", "Thames Delta Blues", "Flat Busted and Out of Gas", "I Feel Fine", "I'm a Rock 'n' Roller", "Hit the Ground Running", "Looking for You", "Long Time Coming", "Sex with the Ex", "Self Medicated", "Mean Voodoo Woman" and "Voodoo Woman Blues." The current lineup is ROGER EARL (drums), TONY STEVENS (bass), BRYAN BASSETT (guitar) and CHARLIE HUHN (vocals, guitar). More info at http://www.foghat.net