12.30.05 (MusicPortal.com) BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kursch has posted the following information on the band's official website regarding their upcoming new single, 'Fly.': "Oh, about the single I mentioned a few months ago... We have accomplished it, and I would like to provide you with some information about it. There will be three songs on the single: 'Fly,' 'Skalds And Shadows (Acoustic Version),' and 'In A Gadda Da Vida.' 'Fly' is a quite surprising title for a Blind Guardian song, one could think. But it lyrically fits very, very well. This song is about inspirations and how they can influence your art, your life and other people's li(v)(?)es(?). I myself was inspired by the movie 'Finding Neverland' when doing the lyrics. The music is mindblowing. It certainly describes how we look at music and how we see ourselves as musicians. We love to explore and assimilate. Though the song is different, it is pure Blind Guardian. I personally consider it to be amongst the best songs we have ever written. It is new!!! It is fresh!!! Whether you like it or not, you won't have previously heard anything like it before from Blind Guardian. The acoustic version of 'Skalds And Shadows' completely stands in the tradition of songs like 'The Bard's Song' and 'A Past And Future Secret.' Charlie (Bauerfeind, producer) and Frederik (Ehmke, drummer) came up with a very cool percussion arrangement, and on top of it Frederik played some mindblowing flute melodies to it. We are very happy with the result and we are working on a more orchestral version at the moment which is supposed to become part of the new album. This purer single version will only appear on the single. The word 'skald' is probably not very common, but is nothing else than the ancient nordic description for their bards. The nordic Edda poems have mostly been invented by Skalds, and they also have kept these stories alive by traveling around and telling the stories to other people. I, as a fan of 'Die Nibelungen' and of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, was mostly thrilled by the 'Saga Of Volsung,' which the song lyrically partly scratches, as well as the mission of the storyteller. As probably most of you have figured, 'In A Gadda Da Vida' is a cover version of Iron Butterfly's smash hit. Although we like stoner music, we dared to turn it into a modern speed metal tune. This song, of course, will only appear on the single. To complete the single subject: The cover artwork has been done by Anthony Clarkson. He did a great job, and the motive is pretty much Blind Guardian. I am sure you will love it. What else can I tell you? We have not decided how the album will be entitled. Due to lyrical issues I am brainstorming with the word 'myth,' but that does not necessarily mean it finally will be used for the title. The two strongest titles from my point of view so far are 'A Twist In The Myth' or 'Borderline Myth.' Neither of them can be viewed as confirmed, though. Sometimes you wake up and you just know: that's the title to go for. Mostly it is just a question of the right inspiration... Regarding the possible style we may have chosen for the new album, we will not deny our roots, but we at the same time will not make a step back and we have no intention to stand right where we have been with the last studio album."
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12.29.05 (MusicPortal.com) ANTHRAX members Frankie Bello (bass), Charlie Benante (drums) and Scott Ian (guitar) got together in Chicago (where Benante lives with his wife) in early December to jam on new material. According to Ian, rough "skeletons" of three new songs came out of those sessions, with the band scheduled to continue writing in early 2006. ANTHRAX will kick off a 13-date U.S. tour on January 6th in Baltimore, Maryland. Support at the shows will come from GOD FORBID, SWORN ENEMY and MANNTIS. Commented Ian: "I'm itching to get back out on tour. The (Judas) Priest tour was great, but we were opening. Now we get to headline. More songs, more fun, more crushing, more beer, more insanity, more everything!!! This is the reason to get out of the house in freezing cold January. Come and get hot with us. This is the last run for a long time, and you don't want to miss it." ANTHRAX are expected to take a couple of months off following the U.S. tour so that Benante can spend time with his newborn child (which is due in February). A European headlining tour is tentatively planned for April. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon. Commemorating their 20th anniversary by touring with their original lineup for the first time in 13 years, ANTHRAX have been exclusively playing their classics from 1985 to 1991 since September both on the Gigantour as well as with JUDAS PRIEST. Those classic tracks can also heard on ANTHRAX's most comprehensive "best of" collection ever issued, their first two-CD retrospective, "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)," and first video compilation, the DVD "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991) The Videos" (both on Island/UMe Records), as well as on the separate live CD and DVD packages entitled "Alive 2 (2005)" (on Sanctuary Records), which document the group's momentous Summer 2005 reunion tour. One of the most acclaimed Metal bands in history, ANTHRAX reunited their original lineup of vocalist Joey Belladonna, guitarists Ian and Dan Spitz, Bello and Benante for the "Alive 2 (2005)" DVD, capturing the actual meeting in which the five came together for the first time in over 10 years. Along with band rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage, that DVD also spotlights 13 performances on the group's triumphant reunion tour. The "Alive 2 (2005)" CD reprised the audio for 11 of those songs ('Madhouse' and 'I'm The Man' are only on the DVD): 'Among The Living,' 'Caught In A Mosh,' 'I Am The Law,' 'A.I.R.,' 'N.F.L.,' 'Deathrider,' 'Medusa,' 'In My World,' 'Indians,' 'Time' and 'Be All, End All,' and added the track 'Antisocial.' In a unique twist, the booklets from the DVD and CD releases form an exclusive poster. As for the original recordings, "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985-1991)" marks the first time that ANTHRAX's recordings have been released with newly remastered versions of their many classic tracks. The "Anthrax CDC" (www.anthraxcdc.com), home of the official ANTHRAX Worldwide Fan Club, is also now the main online source for exclusive ANTHRAX content, contests, merchandise, etc.
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12.29.05 (MusicPortal.com) Scandinavian Crossover Rock/Metal pioneers CLAWFINGER have sent out their latest newsletter to fans, which reads: "So the tour is closing in on us, good people, but before we focus totally on it we need to celebrate the New Year in good old fashion. In other words, we'll be eating and drinking too much in the company of friends and family, and then we as a human race will just start over with another year of madness, insanity and irrational behavior around the whole world to prove that we have learned absolutely nothing from all our wrong doings!" CLAWFINGER are also slated to play some live dates in Europe during the months of January, February and March, which they elaborate on in their newsletter: "Anyway, we have yet to rehearse or decide which songs we will be playing, but obviously we'll be playing quite a few from the new album, at least 6 tracks or so. Beyond that, we might try out a few old classics that haven't been played in a while, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the rehearsals go down and which songs seem to come across the best! Northern Swedish band Calm Chaos will be supporting us on the January dates - still haven't met the guys yet so I can't say much about them, but for anyone who likes Rage Against The Machine and crossover in general then I'm sure you'll enjoy them if your taste goes beyond listening to what other people consider trendy or not! Anyway, I hope they'll enjoy there time with us and of course vice versa! For February and maybe even further onwards, Treekillaz will be supporting us once again. Most of you who have seen us in the last few years most surely know what they sound like, but for those of you who don't know well it's punk rock pop metal with a grunge twist - damn, I hate trying to describe music, anyway it's good stuff! So people, be sure to buy your tickets, bring your party hats, good attitudes, cameras, and whatever else is required to create a good atmosphere! We're looking forward to partying with you, working on our tinnitus, and turning our days and nights around completely! We'll see you all soon - until then, take care and beware, it's a wild fucking place out there. All the same, enjoy the ride. Peace, Zak." Tour Dates: January 11th Hamburg, Germany [Knust] • January 12th Koln, Germany [Prime Club] • January 13th Fribourg, Switzerland [Fri-Son] • January 14th Zurich, Switzerland [X-Tra] • January 16th Wien, Austria [Planet Music] • January 17th Graz, Austria [Orpheum] • January 18th Ljubljana, Slovakia [Orto Bar] • January 19th Budapest, Hungary [Petofi Csarnok] • January 20th Prague, CH [Abaton] • January 21st Warsaw, Poland [Stodola] • February 18th Laax, Switzerland [Riders Palace] • February 19th Munchen, Germany [New Backstage] • February 20th Saarbrucken, Germany [Garage] • February 21st Luxembourg, Luxembourg [Rockhal] • February 22nd Utrecht, Holland [Tivoli De Helling] • February 24th London, UK [The Garage] • February 25th Nottingham, UK [Rock City] • February 26th Glasgow, UK [Cathouse] • February 27th Newcastle, UK [Academy] • February 28th Manchester, UK [Academy 3] • March 2nd Berlin, Germany [SO36] • March 3rd Luneburg, Germany [Garage] • March 4th Copenhagen, Denmark [The Rock] •
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12.28.05 (MusicPortal.com) EDGUY are currently rehearsing for their upcoming world tour, which will feature the band's biggest stage set to date in order to promote their new album, "Rocket Ride," which is slated for release January 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. More dates than those listed below will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. In Europe, the limited first edition of "Rocket Ride" will come out in a book version of the album, featuring a photographic history of EDGUY with never-before-seen pictures from their early days plus one bonus track , 'Land Of The Miracle (Live In Brazil).' "I can't tell how happy I am with the new album," says frontman Tobias Sammet. "The press seems to like it and the material kicks so much ass in the rehearsing room. Of course it's the same old story, same procedure as every year, some people are confused or offended by a few song titles and the artwork, but that's fine with us! That's what metal is supposed to do. Confuse, offend, irritate! Remain exciting and unpredictable!! The truest and most upright form of art you can get! As long as the music kicks! I think this is by far our best album because we dared a lot on a high quality level. 'Hellfire Club' and 'Mandrake' had balls, 'Rocket Ride' has the testicles about the size of a sperm whale family. Sascha Paeth delivered the best production of his career so far, and he can be proud of himself (and he is rich now!). We wish you all a Happy New Year, health and complacency. May all your wishes come true. See you on tour in 2006." Tour Dates: January 27th Manchester, UK [MDH] • January 29th Nottingham, UK [Nottingham Rock City] • January 30th Leeds, UK [University] • January 31st Glasgow, UK [Glasgow Academy] • February 1st Newcastle, UK [University] • February 3rd London, UK [Astoria] • February 4th Vosselaar, Belgium [Biebop] • February 6th Pratteln, CH [Z7] • February 7th Milan, [Rolling Stone] • February 9th Madrid, Spain [Aqualung] • February 10th Porto, Portugal [Hard Club] • February 11th Bergara, Spain [Sala Jam] • February 12th Barcelona, Spain [Razzmatazz 2] • February 14th Lyon, France [Transbordeur] • February 15th Paris, France [Elysee Mont Martre] • February 17th Stuttgart, Germany [LKA] • February 18th Kaufbeuren, Germany [All-Karthalle] • February 20th Langen, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 21st Koln, Germany [Live Music Hall] • February 22nd Oberhausen, Germany [Turbinenhalle] • February 24th Lichtenfels, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 25th Osnabruck, Germany [Halle Gartlage] • February 26th Hamburg, Germany [Markthalle] • February 28th Goteborg, Germany [Tradgarn] • March 1st Stockholm, Sweden [Arenan] • March 2nd Lund, Sweden [Mejeriet] • March 4th Fulda, Germany [Wartenberg-Oval - Angersbach] • March 15th Osaka, Japan [Quattro] • March 16th Tokyo, Japan [Liquid Room] • March 17th Tokyo, Japan [Liquid Room] • March 19th Taipeh, Taiwan [Family Theater] • March 21st Hong Kong, [China Hitec Auditorium] • March 24th Peking, China [Red Hall] • July 16th Vizovice, CH [Masters Of Rock]
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12.28.05 (MusicPortal.com) QUEENSRYCHE returned to the studio this past Summer to record the long-anticipated sequel to 1988's acclaimed concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime." Praised by critics and certified platinum, the original remained on Billboard's album chart for more than a year, and its dynamic music and powerful message still resonate today. Rhino Records will help to unravel the mysteries of the original with "Operation: Mindcrime II," which will be released by the label on March 14th. The new sequel contains a 15-song story and is performed by the Seattle-based quintet that is QUEENSRYCHE -- vocalist and chief songwriter Geoff Tate, guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Tate says the current political and social climate inspired him to revisit the storyline. "I left the original open-ended with the intent to come back with a sequel to finish the story up," he says. "Considering where we are today and how little things have changed, it was too ironic not to continue the story." "Operation: Mindcrime"'s intriguing and complex plot revolves around Dr. X, a political puppet master who brainwashes Nikki, the story's main character, to assassinate corrupt public figures. The story also includes Nikki's lover, Sister Mary. A former teenage prostitute who becomes a nun, Sister Mary is murdered mysteriously, leaving the cliffhanger "Who Killed Sister Mary?" Set 20 years after the original, "Operation: Mindcrime II" explores Nikki's fate after being released from prison and reveals the identity of Mary's killer. "I tried to put myself in Nikki's shoes and imagine what it would be like for him to come back to society after spending 20 years in jail stewing about what happened to him," Tate says. "I became fascinated with the concept of revenge and what that would do to a person like Nikki. The story is ultimately about how Nikki wrestles with his conflicted emotions. On one side, his base instincts are pushing him to kill those who wronged him. On the other side, his conscience -- represented by the spirit of Sister Mary -- urges him to learn from his past mistakes and find salvation." Earlier this year QUEENSRYCHE launched a sold-out tour featuring the original "Operation: Mindcrime" performed in its entirety with actors on stage portraying the characters alongside the band. Tate says the band plans to launch a tour in 2006 that will feature a stage performance of both "Operation: Mindcrime" albums in their entirety. "The actors on stage with us add a new dimension to the music," he says. "It's different than your typical rock show, but the audiences really got into the 'Mindcrime I' tour. It's exciting to have the opportunity to combine both albums into one show. It's going to be epic." Since their formation in 1981 near, QUEENSRYCHE have released nine studio albums. "Empire," the 1990 follow-up to "Operation: Mindcrime," sold more than two million copies thanks in part to the enormous success of the hit 'Silent Lucidity.' 1994's "Promised Land" was also certified platinum, and featured the hits 'I Am I' and 'Bridge.'
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12.27.05 (MusicPortal.com) "Ten Years In Hell," an extensive 2-disc DVD set from Thrash legends ANNIHILATOR will be released in mid-February via SPV Records. Containing seven classic music videos, off-stage band footage and bonus underground, fan-shot, live performances, "Ten Years In Hell" also contains a special interview with ANNIHILATOR founder and guitarist Jeff Waters as he recounts his memories of the band's first ten years of existence. Also included are special appearances by original co-lyricist John Bates, NEVERLAND frontman Coburn Pharr, CRITERIA bassist Russell Bergquist, and SET THE WORLD ON FIRE's Mike Mangini and Neil Goldberg. Bona fide "classics" are something that most people produce once or at most twice in a lifetime. However, it's clear that ANNIHILATOR have already delivered several masterpieces over the course of their career so far. Albums like "Never, Neverland" or "King Of The Kill" are considered blueprints of the Thrash genre, highlights of contemporary Heavy Metal as it developed on an international level throughout the 80's and beyond. Since Jeff Waters left Ottawa and moved West to found ANNIHILATOR, his band has simply been among the best and most authentic acts the international Metal scene has to offer. "For some reason, Annihilator was always more like a solo project" he explains, pointing out that he is not only the group's guitarist, composer and arranger, but also produces, engineers and mixes their material. "Writing songs and recording the guitar parts are like a holiday for me; production and mix on the other hand are much more difficult, especially when you are so close to the material. You have to make so many decisions, bear every minute detail in mind, and coordinate everything. Particularly, the final mixing process is always a tough nut to crack, since after months of studio work your ears simply aren't fresh any more." He adds: "In the past few years, many musicians in both rock and metal have cited the influence of my music on their work. Despite not always attaining the same 'superstar' status as many of their bands, I am honored to have had that kind of impact. That being said, how many 80's metal bands have done over 16 years straight, of constantly putting out CD's, touring, and remaining 100% true to what they do? Not many!" "Ten Years In Hell" Track Listing: Disc 1: 1. Intro • 2. Alison Hell • 3. Release Party • 4. TV Media One • 5. Stonewall • 6. TV Media Two • 7. TV Media Three • 8. Backstage • 9. Fun Palace Live • 10. TV Media Four • 11. Set The World On Fire • 12. KOTK Back Vocals • 13. King Of The Kill • 14. Jeff In Japan • 15. 21 • 16. Only Be Lonely • 17. Syn. Kill 1 • 18. Criteria Rehearsal • 19. Alison/Homicide • 20. Oh Canada • 21. Ultraparanoia • 22. Pharr Live • 23. Rampage Raw • 24. End Credits Disc 2: 1. Pre-Annihilator Era • 2. Demo Days • 3. Alice In Hell • 4. Never, Neverland • 5. Set The World On Fire • 6. King Of The Kill • 7. Refresh & Remains • 8. Criteria • 9. Other Releases • 10. Catch Ya Later • 11. Mike Mangini • 12. Neil Goldberg
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12.27.05 (MusicPortal.com) The soundtrack album to the movie "Underworld Evolution" is slated for release on January 10th. The "Underworld" saga and it's accompanying musical scores are perhaps some of the most thoughtful, valued and respected genre film soundtracks continuing in the proud tradition of "The Matrix," "The Crow" and "Spawn." As "Underworld Evolution" continues the story, the new soundtrack album continue to set the tone musically. Contained here are an exclusive debut solo recording from Chester Bennington, as well as a new exclusive recording by PUSCIFER. Chester Bennington is best known as the lead singer for LINKIN PARK, while PUSCIFER -- who also contributed to the first "Underworld" album -- is a new outlet for highly respected and commercially successful musical figure Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman for both TOOL and A PERFECT CIRCLE. Another notable contributing member of PUSCIFER is Danny Lohner, the former NINE INCH NAILS guitarist - also a much sought-out songwriter, producer and remixer. It's also important to note that every song on the "Underworld Evolution" soundtrack album is exclusive to the set at the time of release. In addition to those mentioned previously are exclusive contributions from such varied and respected artists as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, SLIPKNOT, MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO, CRADLE OF FILTH, as well as some of today's new and emerging bands like ATREYU, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, SENSES FAIL, ALKALINE TRIO, AIDEN, LACUNA COIL, TRIVIUM and more. Many of the 16 tracks also feature exclusive remixes by some of the most respected and sought after talents such as Danny Lohner, Chris Vrenna, cEvin Key and THE LEGION OF DOOM. Like Lohner, Vrenna also brings unique musical experience and sensibilities as a former member of NINE INCH NAILS. cEvin Key is the co-founder of SKINNY PUPPY as well as an established artist in his own right, remixing various artists of stature and releasing many solo albums under different monikers. Jack Dangers' exclusive MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO song also features the artist's first use of vocal performance in over six years, which is a rare treat for fans of the group. The "Underworld Evolution" movie is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on January 20th. "Underworld Evolution" Track Listing: 1. Puscifer - The Undertaker (Renholder Mix) • 2. Chester Bennington Vs. Julien-K - Morning After • 3. Hawthorne Heights - Where Do I Stab Myself In The Ears (The Legion of Doom Remix) • 4. My Chemical Romance - To The End (RnR Cheryl Mix) • 5. Slipknot - Vermillion Pt. 2 (Bloodstone Mix) • 6. Alkaline Trio - Burn (Alleged Remix) • 7. Aiden - The Last Sunrise (Dusk Mix) • 8. Senses Fail - Bite To Break Skin (The Legion Of Doom Remix) • 9. Atreyu - Her Portrait In Black • 10. Trivium - Washing Away Me In The Tides • 11. Mendozza - Eternal Battle • 12. Lacuna Coil - Our Truth • 13. Gosling - Cat People (Putting Out The Fire) • 14. Bobby Gold - Why Are You Up • 15. Meat Beat Manifesto - Suicide • 16. Cradle Of Filth - HW2
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12.26.05 (MusicPortal.com) Some of CENTURY MEDIA's Metal artists have revealed their Holiday plans on that label's website. CRYPTOPSY's Flo Mounier says: "Christmas is a time for family, friends, good food and drink. On Christmas Eve, we go to my wife's parents house and I start drinking early in the day with my father-in-law. He's great that way. Then as the night goes on my in-laws all start dancing to Pop music until midnight when the hors d'oeuvres turn into dinner, tons of food. After that we open gifts. As this will be my son's first Christmas, I'm really excited to see what he gets. On Christmas Day we go back to Montreal and my parents come over to our house. Again, we sit down to an 8-course meal and exchange gifts afterwards. I try to be home for the holiday because I really believe in celebrating with my family. Merry Christmas!" IMPALED's Ross Sewage says: "Ah, the dead of winter... my favorite time of year! Well, first I join my family and we start the burning of the Cruel Log. It burns for eight magical days... or for however long we keep pouring the oil from a dead baby seal's fat onto it. One of my favorite moments is decorating the XXX-Mess tree with effigies of Jenna Jameson. Finally we tuck the kids away, and by kids, I mean me. The next day I get up to receive the presents brought for me because I've been naughty all year. Yay!! A new scalpel and bonesaw! For New Year's... I get drunk. Big surprise." NAPALM DEATH's Shane Embury commented: "Just finishing up a few last minute things at the house here in Birmingham before I make the not-so-long 40 mile trip to Broseley, located in the county of Shropshire, England. It's where I was born and raised, and where my family still lives. This I do without fail every X-mas, unless of course I am touring, which we make a point not to (we are all quite traditional like that). The general plan will be to eat as much of my Mum's home cooking as possible, give and receive a few tasty gifts, drink a couple of beers with my Dad, pester my sister and walk the dog as much as I can (hopefully to burn off the mountains of roasted potatoes I will be consuming over the next 2 weeks)... Oh yeah, and play a shitload of Resident Evil 4 on the Gamecube. As for New Years, it will be back to Birmingham for me. I'm off to my local pub, 'Scruffy Murphy's,' to be joined by guys from Benediction, Anaal Nathrakh and a few other crazed metal heads I know. With the new 24 hour drinking law that's just been passed it could turn into a very entertaining night indeed... Wake up New Years Day (I hope) and start work on songs for the new Napalm Death album. I have 4 songs already - simple really! Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year. NAPALM DEATH's Barney Greenway reveals: "Christmas is the only time that I really have to relax, so even though I get more and more atheistic as the years go by, I still like to get into the groove with it. It seems the only time of year when (most) people bother to be cool to each other - pity they can't do it the whole year round really. I usually go around my parents for a (fake) turkey dinner, watch my nieces enjoying themselves and then like to get around a few friends. So I spend most of X-mas driving in a car. In the future, I'd like to be constructive and help out at the soup kitchens or the abandoned dogs shelter. I always say I'm going to do it every year, but then I just go ahead and sit on my arse. What a sellout, eh?" Lastly, NOCTURNAL RITES' Nils Eriksson said: "I start off on December 23rd by drinking some spiked glue wine with some buddies. On Christmas Eve, I have lunch at my grandma's and later dinner at my parent's house. On Christmas day my brother and his family join up and we hand out our gifts. Later that night my friends and me usually get loaded. It is a tradition here in Sweden that people get really drunk the day after Christmas."

12.26.05 (MusicPortal.com) MODERN LIFE IS WAR will be playing a few shows in the northeastern U.S. in mid-January before heading over to Europe at the end of the month to play a month's worth of dates there with bands including THE EXPLOSION, PANIC, and OMISSION. In their few short years of existence since forming in Iowa at the beginning of 2002 with the goal of make sincere, youthful and passionate music, MODERN LIFE IS WAR have grown to become one of the more inspiring Punk/Hardcore bands in recent memory. With Dean Baltulonis (Give Up The Ghost, Madball, The Hope Conspiracy) at the helm to capture the band at Atomic Studios in Brooklyn, New York, "My Love. My Way" -- their 2003 debut album for Connecticut's Martyr Records -- crossed boundaries and won the support of the fans with it's unwavering passion and sincerity. Appealing to everyone from the jaded to the driven with their immeasurable heart and vigor, the band's new album, "Witness," was recorded and engineered by CONVERGE's Kurt Ballou at God City Studios in Salem, Massachusetts. "Witness" is not only a musical progression for MODERN LIFE IS WAR, but arguably closer to true artistic perfection than they've ever been. "Witness" is a story of real life struggle in contemporary rural America, as well as an artistic journey into the soul of personal rebellion - an introspective gaze into the bitter exile of their own lost generation. Lyrically captivating, musically discordant and soulfully haunting, "Witness" is both the crowning achievement and well-worn scar most artists strive for years to create. Tour Dates: 01/12 Washington, DC [Black Cat Backstage] • 01/13 Philly, PA [The 1st Unitarian Church] • 01/14 New York, NY [The Knitting Factory] • 01/27 Bochum, Germany [Matrix] • 01/28 Hengelo, Holland [Metropol - Reflectons Festival Pt. 1] • 01/29 Cardiff, UK [Ifor Bach] • 01/30 Sheffield, UK [DnR] • 01/31 Nottingham, UK [Old Angel] • 02/01 Manchester, UK [Star And Garter] • 02/02 Leeds, UK [Josephs Well] • 02/03 London UK [Barfly] • 02/05 Arnheim, Holland [Goudvishal] • 02/06 Bielefeld, Germany [Falkendom] • 02/07 Gothenburg, Sweden [Pustervik] • 02/08 Linkoping, Sweden [Skylten] • 02/09 Oslo, Norway [Sub Scene] • 02/10 Ibbenburen, Germany [JUZ Scheune] • 02/11 Saalfeld, Germany [Klubhaus] • 02/12 Katowice, Poland [Straszny Dwor] • 02/13 Gleisdorf, Austria [Kulturkeller] • 02/14 Munchen, Germany [Backstage] • 02/15 Dornbirn, Austria [Schlachthaus] • 02/16 Luzern, Switzerland [Treibhaus] • 02/17 Florence, Italy [CPA] • 02/18 Rome, Italy [Traffic] • 02/20 Toulouse, France [Carvan Serail] • 02/21 Bordeaux, France [TBA] • 02/22 Caen, France Bar [Laplace] • 02/23 Nevers, France Bar [Cafe Charbon] • 02/24 Lichtenstein, Germany [JZ Riot] • 02/25 Giessen, Germany [MUK] • 02/26 Antwerpen, Belgium [Hof Ter Lo - Reflections Festival Pt. 2]
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12.23.05 (MusicPortal.com) Steamhammer/SPV Records has announced the coming release of two special edition versions of classic albums from Hard Rock/Metal veterans SAXON on February 17th. Over the years, the band have established themselves as one reliable act. The British outfit surrounding vocalist/mastermind Biff Byford have had the staying power that is otherwise rare to find among Rock and Metal bands. Even after almost thirty years on the road, SAXON sound as fresh as they did when they first started out and continue to stand for driving, high-decibel Heavy Metal of the gritty variety. As early as 1980, Record World magazine concluded that SAXON play "... the loudest, most powerful, haunting and bloodcurdling heavy metal around." Nothing much has changed about that - quite the opposite appears to be the case. As if they'd bathed in a fountain of youth, the five musicians present themselves more eager for action in 2006 than ever before - one of the reasons why Steamhammer/SPV will release last year's "Lionheart" and 1995's "Dogs Of War," in new, high-quality special editions. "Lionheart," first out in September of 2004 and immediately in the Top 50 of the German album charts with its driving sound, impressive cover artwork and ambitioned lyrics about witch hunters, King Richard Lionheart or the attitude of British soldiers to war unmistakably documents SAXON's British origins. At the same time, Biff Byford and band display an energy that is almost physical. Justly, Byford announced before the release of the recording: "Lionheart is the most powerful album we've ever cut." The new special edition will be out in a limited edition box of 10,000 copies worldwide, including a digipack (CD and bonus audio DVD) and exclusive lanyard/keyholder. The brand-new audio DVD features previously unreleased material, videos, rough mixes and a new 5.1 /96 K mix of the whole album. The new edition of the milestone "Dogs Of War" will be out as a SuPerValue Re-Release framed in black, with brand new liner notes done by Byford, plus two bonus tracks in live versions of 'The Great White Buffalo' and 'Denim & Leather,' both recorded live during the 1995 "Dogs Of War" tour. The booklet also comes in a new design with previously unpublished photos and cover artwork. The "Dogs Of War" album also features the final appearance by former original guitarist Graham Oliver, who left SAXON after the studio recordings and was replaced by Doug Scarratt during the 1995 world tour. Scarratt can be heard with the band for the first time on the two bonus live tracks. "Lionheart - Special Edition" Track Listing: 1. Witchfinder General • 2. Man And Machine • 3. The Return • 4. Lionheart • 5. Beyond The Grave • 6. Justice • 7. To Live By The Sword • 8. Jack Tars • 9. English Man 'O' War • 10. Searching For Atlantis • 11. Flying On The Edge "Dogs Of War - Special Edition" Track Listing: 1. Dogs Of War • 2. Burning Wheels • 3. Don't Worry • 4. Big Twin Rolling (Coming Home) • 5. Hold On • 6. The Great White Buffalo • 7. Demolition Alley • 8. Walking Through Tokyo • 9. Give It All Away • 10. Yesterday's Gone • 11. The Great White Buffalo (Live) • 12. Denim & Leather (Live)
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12.22.05 (MusicPortal.com) DEMIRICOUS forge a brutal front with 'Vagrant Idol,' their new video from their brand new album, "One." Recently signing with Metal Blade Records, recording "One" with master producer Zeuss at Planet Z Studios, and now shooting their first-ever music video for 'Vagrant Idol' with Dale Resteghini (Hatebreed, Mudvayne, Ill Nino, Shadows Fall) and Resteghini's protege Frankie Nasso (Sworn Enemy, Danny Diablo, August Burns Red) of Raging Nation Films, it looks like DEMIRICOUS are on the fast track to success. "I think we've got an ace in the hole with this one," exclaims Ben Parrish (guitar). Scott Wilson (guitar) adds: "I am excited to work with someone with so much experience." The 'Vagrant Idol' video demonstrates an assault on bourgeois society, taking revenge on corporations' corrupt CEOs who are leaving their employees broke and overworked while they overspend in ridiculous ways. "The song stems from personal experience, and is about a character that doesn't have anything but knows that he doesn't need material things to be happy. Happiness is success in his eyes, nothing else" explains DEMIRICOUS vocalist/bassist Nate Olp. Nate also, when asked about the collaboration between the band and Raging Nation on the band's premier music video, proclaimed: "We are totally excited. I used to do skateboard videos and it is nice to work with someone with an outside opinion and original ideas so we could work together to inspire each others creative process." Dale Resteghini adds: "I think that they are part of the next generation of heavy weight champs of metal music and I am proud to be working with them so early in their career." 'Vagrant Idol' was shot Friday, December 17th outdoors in Queens, New York. DEMIRICOUS even recruited a crew of disgruntled citizens to join them in the complete destruction and annihilation of a luxury car during the filming of the video. "I don't want this video to be all glitz and glam. Hopefully this video captures the essence of the band and how real and raw we really are" remarks Scott Wilson. Ben Parrish asserts "I am goddamn excited to take a new step in a new direction for this band." Deep from the bowels of Indianapolis, Indiana, DEMIRICOUS are a band that offer up an unrelenting mixture of pure American Metal and Thrash. Since the band's inception they have already played with the likes of EXODUS, MALEVOLENT CREATION, EXTOL, KING DIAMOND, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, OBITUARY, and also played the main stage at the infamous New England Hardcore And Metal Fest, where they won over the audience with their brand of no frills Metal. On their early demos and an initial EP, one could hear some Swedish Melodic Death Metal influences, but as the band grew and came into their own sound they decided to lean more towards straightforward Metal. Or as the band puts it: "No fuckin' hairdos, ex-girlfriends, or lame shit... just good fuckin' times and raging metal. Style-wise and riff-wise we call our brand of music "Street Metal," which is totally cheesy but fuck it, it has to do with tough, rippin' ass riffs and pummeling drums and nothing to do with whatever is 'cool.'"
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12.21.05 (MusicPortal.com) UK Metalcore monsters RAGING SPEEDHORN have been added to next month's "Annihilation Of The Wicked Tour 2006," which will be headlined by NILE. Other bands slated to perform on the upcoming U.S. tour include HYPOCRISY, SOILENT GREEN, DECAPITATED, and WITH PASSION. When RAGING SPEEDHORN first emerged onto the scene in the late 90s, Britain didn't know what hit it. Just three months after they formed, the band recorded their first demo with producer Roddy Stone. Featuring four dense slabs of bilious noise, it delivered a brutal uppercut to all those cynics who said that America was king when it came to aggressive music. The buzz on the grapevine was deafening. The demo sold more than a thousand copies to fans who wanted more than the latest bunch of sad-sacks with their saggy trousers and saggier sounds. Throughout 1999 and 2000, the RAGING SPEEDHORN phenomenon began to grow at a frightening rate. They played with -- and by some accounts, blew off the stage -- WILL HAVEN, BIOHAZARD, MINISTRY, and even BLUR guitarist Graham Coxon. Venues were laid to waste -- sometimes literally -- and fans flocked to the Speedhorn cause. In August of 2000, RAGING SPEEDHORN released their self-titled debut album. It delivered a full-force gut punch to the competition. Suddenly, their riotous brand of extreme noise terrorism was the sound of the streets. Suddenly, RAGING SPEEDHORN had arrived. They traveled the world, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In June of 2001, they opened the second UK Ozzfest with a performance of mind-blowing proportions. The same month, their very first commercially available single, 'The Gush,' pummelled its way into the UK Top 50 - a spectacular feat, considering the terror it inspired in radio and TV programmers. Their electrifying second album, "We Will Be Dead Tomorrow," followed with a bang. This year saw the release of their awe-inspiring third album, "How The Great Have Fallen." Produced by QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE associate Joe Baresi, the release is their mightiest album yet. Tour Dates: 01/12 Memphis, TN [Hi Tone Cafe] • 01/13 Houston TX [Engine Room] • 01/14 Ft. Worth, TX [Ridgles Theater] • 01/15 San Antonio, TX [Sanctuary] • 01/17 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theater] • 01/18 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Theater] • 01/19 Los Angeles, CA [Key Club] • 01/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound @ Pier 96] • 01/21 Orangevale, CA [The Boardwalk] • 01/22 Portland, OR [Barbati's Pan] • 01/23 Seattle, WA [El Carazon] • 01/25 Denver, CO [Bluebird Theater] • 01/26 Omaha, NE [Sokol Underground] • 01/27 Lawrence, KS [Granada] • 01/28 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 01/29 Columbia Heights, MN [Star Central] • 01/30 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 01/31 Cincinnati, OH [Bogart's] • 02/01 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 02/02 Rochester, NY [Penny Arcade] • 02/03 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 02/04 Worcester, MA [The Paladium] • 02/06 New York, NY [B.B. King's] • 02/08 Springfield, VA [Jaxx West] • 02/09 Norvolk, VA [Norva] • 02/10 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 02/11 Tampa, FL [Masquerade] • 02/12 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Culture Club]
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12.21.05 (MusicPortal.com) Anticulture Records recording artists INTERLOCK have sent out the following update to their fans: "With our badass credentials at stake, a somewhat celebratory mood has befallen the band of late, loathe as we are to admit it. Close to donning elven hats and tinsel earrings, we've settled into our festive feasts and prepared to watch the year end walk by, slapping its behind as it passes for good measure. Yes, we're proud to announce that the 'Crisis//Reinvention' Winter 2005 UK tour was a resounding success. We can safely say that we've visited almost every corner of our island in the glum, and as any routemaster multimap will tell you, that's a lot of corners. Now our beds have never felt so welcoming, nor our washing machines so used - little sluts that they are. We'd like to take a brief moment to offer our gifts of gold, nonsense and girth to the following people who have made this headline tour go that little bit more smoothly: James, for allowing us access to some of the best equipment available; Xtaster, for providing people like Dan Lister and their hardcore efforts to mobilize hordes; Zoe, our driver, mosh mistress and merch magician; James, our roadie, go-for, go-between and go-fucking-get 'em; Alice, our accounts guru, info queen and merch/sanity interfacer; Rob, for solving last minute panics and letting us disrupt his pints; The Anticulture Massiv - do we really have to explain why?; Support bands, or giving some of the best, and most diverse crowd warmers this side of an H-bomb; Friends/family, for momentarily lapsing their reasons wide enough to allow us some stopovers here and there, and most importantly... You - for buying and downloading our music, turning up when we're near, dusting off your air guitars and screaming our songs back at us. Thanks for showing us how you spend your weekends and for the practice in making our autographs look more 'metal.' It's been an amazing year for us - signing to Anticulture Records, the release of our debut album, making our first video, taking on Christina, the interviews and appearances, the parties and the award shows... But don't mistake this retrospection for hibernation, oh no. While you're blinking in awe at the contents of your stockings or busy contemplating stuffing holes in turkeys, we'll be hard at work sorting your treats for the new year such as the 'Skinless Remixes' EP, new merchandise, a European invasion, and some tasty UK dates, to mention but a few. You'd do well to watch this space - we've become rather good at providing solutions to them lately." INTERLOCK are slated to perform in the UK at Underworld in London on January 13th, Edwards No. 8 in Birmingham on January 26th, and The Barfly in London on February 5th.
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12.20.05 (MusicPortal.com) "Theatre Of Shadows," the debut album from Brazilian Metallers SHADOWSIDE, is now available via Seven Music/Universal Music. Produced by Fabio Haddad and mixed by Santiago Ferraz (Paul McCartney, Silverchair, Milton Nascimento, Tom Jobim), the album was recorded at LCM Studios in Sao Paulo. The mastering for "Theatre Of Shadows" took place at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, and was done by Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pretty Maids, Jorn Lande, TNT, Beyond Twilight). SHADOWSIDE's history goes back to the year 2000, when vocalist Dani Nolden and guitarist Bill Shadow parted ways with Melodic Metal band CRYSTAL MIRROR. With fresh plans in mind, the two began searching for new partners to share their ideas for a new project with, after which they hooked up with guitarist Ricky Slater, bassist Lucas De Santis and drummer A.S. Rock in 2001. After some rehearsal time, the band entered the studio to record a self-titled EP, which would showcase the quintet's originality and talent - despite a very young lineup. With the EP released, SHADOWSIDE soon surprised many, quickly gaining the media's respect through excellent reviews and building a strong and loyal fan base along the way. Soon the band would hit the road to promote the EP, and after several gigs with amazing audience response they were asked to open for Finnish Metallers NIGHTWISH at Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo. The result couldn't have been better that night, as SHADOWSIDE impressed the audience of 7,000 with their solid instrumental work and Dani Nolden's powerful vocals. Reviews of that show were nothing less than fantastic - some even calling SHADOWSIDE's performance better than NIGHTWISH's. Even independently, the band reached a stand-out position on the international scene in parts of Europe and even Japan - selling out CD's and several gigs after only one year of existence. The NIGHTWISH performance saw SHADOWSIDE co-headlining a few gigs in 2002 with SHAAMAN, supporting well-known German band PRIMAL FEAR on half their Brazilian tour, and playing a special gig in 2004 with Mark Cross (Metallium, Helloween) and Edu Falaschi (Angra) as special guests after the departure of original drummer A.S. Rock, who would eventually be replaced by Fabio Buitvidas. "I want gigs, gigs, gigs, albums, albums and rehearsals," he said when scoring the drummer's spot, after previously working with Brazilian star Fafa De Belem. "Recording 'Theatre Of Shadows' made me feel like playing in a band with original material again. The musicians are a pleasant surprise, and Dani is a great singer," he says now. "He's an amazing and experienced musician," says Nolden. "The way he fits in the band is incredible. He's a first class drummer, and we're all very proud to have his talent not only on the album, but also as a real Shadowside member," she added. It was about a year ago that SHADOWSIDE inked a recording deal with Seven Music/Universal Music, after originally signing with Frontline Rock. Currently, SHADOWSIDE are preparing for an upcoming tour in support of "Theatre Of Shadows."
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12.20.05 (MusicPortal.com) Trustkill Records has announced the signing of Long Island's THIS IS HELL. The Hardcore quintet have been killing it on a tour alongside MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD this past month, and have been hard at work touring incessantly in the U.S. and Europe as well. THIS IS HELL will enter Atomic Studios with producer Dean Baltulonis (Most Precious Blood, Sick Of It All) in February to record their full-length debut album for Trustkill, which should be released sometime in the Spring. Next month's issue of Alternative Press taps THIS IS HELL as one of the "Top 100 Bands To Watch" for 2006. In June of 2004, SCRAPS AND HEART ATTACKS former singer Travis Reilly joined forces with Jeff Tiu, Joe Osolin and Dan Bourke from THE BACKUP PLAN to form a new project. After adding Long Island Hardcore stalwart Rick Jimenez on guitar, the finished lineup for THIS IS HELL was in place. Collectively, they come with lots of experience, with band members having shared the stage with THE MOVIELIFE, EVERY TIME I DIE, and Hardcore legends BANE, amongst others. "Scraps And Heart Attacks and Backup Plan used to play together a lot, we always talked about starting a side project but it turned into a full time band," says THIS IS HELL's Reilly. The band have already proven that they are not here to mess around by quickly rushing out on the road representing their home stomping grounds in Long Island, New York. Two full, self-booked, U.S. tours have seen this motivated young troop trek across the country impressing audiences alongside the likes of KILL YOUR IDOLS, BARS and WITH HONOR. "Being in Scraps And Heart Attacks, I pretty much realized that if you want your band to make any progress you need to get motivated and be willing to do it by yourself. So, we did that. I booked our first tour, 2 months all over the US," says Reilly. After almost selling out of their 1,000 self-released, four song demos, Run For Cover Records caught wind of THIS IS HELL and their re-released demo, which was now out on vinyl. While out on their first cross-country tour, 500 seven inches were pressed and all were purchased by fans in under a month. "The 7 inches went up for pre-order, and before we knew it 200 of them were gone like that. We took 150 on our first tour and they were gone within two weeks. And before we knew it, the release was completely sold out," describes Reilly. With the buzz across the globe, including strong support from Australian Alternative radio, crowds are sure to be lining up on their upcoming European tour. "It's the most refreshing, catchy hardcore I've listened to all year, I can't help but sing along every time I hear them on the radio," exclaims Sarah De Borre, music director for PBS FM in Australia. PBS FM is now Australias' second largest Alternative community broadcaster with over 450,000 listeners each week. Punknews.org agreed, describing THIS IS HELL's demo as "A dark, raucous six minutes of introvert-based hardcore..." The band released their long-awaited debut EP this past April on State Of Mind Recordings, and by all appearances THIS IS HELL will certainly be raising the dead for Trustkill in the future.
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12.19.05 (MusicPortal.com) MUNICIPAL WASTE will be heading back out on the road soon and continuing on into 2006. Fresh off a short break following their well-celebrated record release party for the "Hazardous Mutation" vinyl release, MUNICIPAL WASTE will be bringing some of the greatest new Thrash this side of 88 to the masses starting at the much-anticipated "This Is For You Fest 2005." A 3-day festival taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida at the renowned Club South Beach, "This Is For You Fest 2005" will feature more up-and-coming Hardcore and Thrash acts than you can shake a stick at. Currently scheduled to appear alongside MUNICIPAL WASTE are A.N.S, ASSHOLE PARADE, ATTITUDE, BACKSTABBERS INC., BAIL OUT, BARONESS, BLACK S.S., BONES BRIGADE, COLDSTARE, CROSS EXAMINATION, DOWN TO NOTHING, EARTHQUAKE, FINAL FIGHT, FORCE FORWARD, GOVERNMENT WARNING, GUNS UP, I OBJECT, JAWS OF LIFE, KYLESA, LIGHTS OUT, LIONS OF JUDAH, MAGRUDERGRIND, MAKE OR BREAK, MIND ERASER, NAMES FOR GRAVES, OUTTATIME, OUTBREAK, R.A.M.B.O., RADICAL ATTACK, RAINING BRICKS, RAMPAGE, RUINER, SAY GOODBYE, SHAPE SHIFTER, SHIPWRECK, THE GEEKS, THE HATE CRIMES, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, THE RITES, THE SPARK, VAN DAMAGE, WAKE UP CALL, WEEKEND NACHOS, YEARS FROM NOW and YOUTH ATTACK. Following that appearance, MUNICIPAL WASTE will be headed to the west coast for yet another 3-day festival. On January 6th, the band will be participating in the Bay Area's own second annual "Super Sabado Gigante Fest," which runs from January 5th all the way up until January 8th. That appearance will take place at Gilman in Berkley, California along with BORN/DEAD, BURY THE LIVING, CAPITALIST CASUALTIES, HATRED SURGE, SCURVY DOGS, INSECT WARFARE, KILLED IN ACTION and ROSENBOMBS that same night. For full details about "Super Sabado Gigante Fest," click here. Later on in the month of January, MUNICIPAL WASTE will be going out to perform a series of live shows throughout the Northeastern United Staes with CAUSTIC CHRIST. That mini-tour starts off in Washington, DC on January 26th and rages on until the 29th of the month in Baltimore, Maryland. At last week's record release party, there was no shortage of insanity, either. "It was ridiculously out of control," says MUNICIPAL WASTE guitarist Ryan Waste, "one of the best Waste shows ever." Topless female stage divers, wizards, boogie boards, and pizzas are among the items seen at the party. "We ordered like 10 large pizzas and handed them out to the crowd to eat while we were playing and shit," says MUNICIPAL WASTE vocalist Tony Foresta. As always, the stagedive levels were brought to the extreme by fans of the band, who lent a hand in making it even better by providing spring boards for fans to launch off of to get a better dive going. "At a few points I had to just sit back and drink a beer on the side and watch all the mayhem going on onstage because there were so many people up there," added Foresta.
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12.16.05 (MusicPortal.com) The Center For Disease Control reports idiosyncratic symptoms of Hypocrisy's Virus as prolonged fevers, ulcerated eardrums, and a propensity to scream the truth about everything in public. Returning to North America in support their current album, "Virus," Sweden's HYPOCRISY will be joining NILE, SOILENT GREEN, and DECAPITATED on a mission to infect the masses with the latest strain of their ruthless musical contagion. Fueled by the addition of two new members -- former IMMORTAL drummer Horgh and long-time live/first-time studio second guitarist Andreas Holma -- HYPOCRISY founding member/producer/guitarist Peter Tagtgren took time out from theband's current European trek with labelmates EXODUS to share the following about the upcoming month-long tour, which launches on January 12th in Memphis, Tennessee and culminates on February 12th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: "We're really looking forward to playing the new music. I hear the new album's doing well, and I wanna thank all the fans over there for making that happen. Since I used to live there, I know how deep undercover the scene can be, but the fans seem to have all come out at the same time to help bring us back over. We've never toured with Nile, and we've never toured with Soilent Green or Decapitated. I haven't heard any stories about them either, so I have no clue what's gonna happen when we all get together to play (laughter). All I can do is take a couple of deep breaths, do a couple of push-ups, and head on out again into the center of the circus." With the "Annihilation World Tour," HYPOCRISY affirm why the band continues to impact today's Extreme Metal scene even after a decade of existence. Tour Dates: 01/12 Memphis, TN [Hi-Tone] • 01/13 Houston, TX [Engine Room] • 01/14 Ft. Worth, TX [Ridglea Theatre] • 01/15 San Antonio, TX [Sanctuary] • 01/17 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 01/18 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Theatre] • 01/19 Hollywood, CA [The Key Club] • 01/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 01/21 Orangevale, CA [The Boardwalk] • 01/22 Portland, OR [Berbati's Pan] • 01/23 Seattle, WA [El Corazon] • 01/25 Denver, CO [Bluebird Theatre] • 01/26 Omaha, NE [Sokol Underground] • 01/27 Lawrence, KS [Granada Theatre] • 01/28 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 01/29 Columbia Heights, MN [Star Central] • 01/30 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 01/31 Cincinnati, OH [Bogart's] • 02/01 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's Down Under] • 02/02 Rochester, NY [Penny Arcade] • 02/03 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 02/04 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 02/06 New York City, [NY B.B. Kings Blues Club] • 02/08 Springfield, VA [Jaxx] • 02/09 Norfolk, VA [The Norva] • 02/10 Atlanta, GA [The Masquerade] • 02/11 Tampa, FL [The Masquerade] • 02/12 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Culture Room]
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12.15.05 (MusicPortal.com) It has been announced that Guitarist Peter Wichers has left Sweden's SOILWORK. His official statement on the matter reads as follows: "I have decided to part ways with Soilwork. This has been one of my hardest decisions to make, and Soilwork has not only been my band but my second family and very good friends for almost 10 years. I'm just worn out from all the touring, and I have reached a point in my life where touring is just not possible for me anymore. I need a break from the touring so that I can actually begin to build a more solid ground to stand on for the future. I have on this journey met so many amazing people, made so many new friends, played in front of thousands of people, and I got to travel to places I have always dreamed of visiting. Soilwork have reached a level I never thought was possible, and I am so proud to have been a part of this amazing band experience and working alongside with such amazing people like I have. I know that in order for Soilwork to reach a new level there has to be even more touring done, and I feel as if its only fair that someone else therefore fills my spot now instead of later. I have decided to continue with my second passion in life, which is music production and recording, and in order to achieve this goal I need to put all my time and energy into it. Soilwork and me will remain great friends and I wish them all the success in the future. I also wish to extend a gigantic 'thank you' to all the fans, the label, friends, bands and magazines for their great support and encouragement. I can also say that this is not the end for me in music, but the beginning of something new!" In other SOILWORK news, drummer Dirk Verbeuren -- who played on the band's most recent CD, "Stabbing The Drama," and has been touring with the group as a session drummer -- has announced the he will be joining the band as a permanent member: "It has been almost two years since Peter first gave me a call offering me to join Soilwork for their first headlining tour in Europe. Many tours and one album later, I feel like a part of the family. Be it on a human or musical level, everything has clicked perfectly since day one, and it has been a truly mindblowing experience. Therefore I am very happy to announce my becoming Soilwork's official full-time drummer! As some of you may already know, I also play in my own band Scarve, and I will keep on doing so." SOILWORK vocalist Bjorn "Speed" Strid had this to say: "Peter's decision came of course as a shock to me and the other guys in the band. I want you to know that we really respect his decision and that we wish him all the luck in the future. His decision will not affect Soilwork's touring, we will continue just as planned. A replacement will be announced in a month or so and i can assure you that we won't make you disappointed even though it's really hard replacing such an amazing musician and a loyal friend. I also want to take the time to welcome our amazing drummer and good friend Mr. Dirk Verbeuren on board. Lastly, I wanna say that I'll forever treasure every single moment I shared with Peter, and wish him all the best. You rock, bro!!!"
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12.14.05 (MusicPortal.com) On the day after the fourth anniversary of the passing of DEATH mastermind Chuck Schuldiner, Norway's Imhotep asked several metal musicians to comment in tribute to Schuldiner's musical legacy and the influence DEATH has had on their music. DIMMU BORGIR guitarist Silenoz had the following to say regarding Chuck Schuldiner's passing and his valuable contributions to the Metal world: "One day, I was walking down the street with a friend of mine when I received a phone call on my cellphone. I Can't remember who told me, but the voice said, 'Chuck just died...' I stopped, wordless, while my cellphone suddenly slipped down from my hand. It didn't fall down on the ground, but slipped inside of my jacket sleeve. I still remember that day. It was weird and quite unreal, as I didn't even know the guy personally, it still made such a huge impact on me. Chuck Schuldiner's music has always been an inspiration, perhaps not directly on my playing, but more subconsciously, I'd say. My first band ever used to play many Death covers, and I remember I was proud when I finally learned the songs the right way, as I was so young back then. Sometimes by coincidence, or maybe not, I come up with riffs that I think sound too much like Death, which I know I can't use, for the obvious reason, so I change it around so I can use the idea either for DIMMU BORGIR as I have done in the past or now Insidious Disease, my other band, which are more Death Metal-oriented. I don't know what Chuck would've thought of our music today, but I heard from some label people that he told them he liked us back then when our 'Spiritual Black Dimensions' album came out. I used to have 'Leprosy' as my all-time favorite Death album, but now, recently it's been a close tie between 'Scream Bloody Gore' and 'Symbolic.' Perhaps these two in particular show best the evolution of his musicianship, as 'Scream Bloody Gore' is so raw and straight-forward, whereas 'Symbolic' is more innovative, technical, diverse and modern-sounding, still keeping Chuck's distinct and unique self-taught style of playing. I still listen to his music all the time." Chuck Schuldiner passed away on December 13th, 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor.
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12.13.05 (MusicPortal.com) Sweden's WITCHERY have returned from the dead after a two-year hiatus to sign a worldwide deal with Century Media and deliver their highly-anticipated fourth full-length offering, "Don't Fear The Reaper," which is set for a late February release in Europe and an early March release in the United States and Canada. Led by guitarists Patrik Jensen (Orchriste, Seance, Satanic Slaughter, The Haunted) and Richard Corpse (Satanic Slaughter), vocalist Toxine and drummer Mique (Satanic Slaughter, Seance), WITCHERY's spell was cast upon our earthly existence back in 1997. Before recording their debut album for Necorpolis Records, "Restless And Dead," Jensen recruited bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy, Dismember, Illwill, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars) and got him on board for the unholy alliance. Subsequently, the band released the "Witchburner" EP, which featured cover songs by JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH, W.A.S.P. and ACCEPT. Their second full-length album, "Dead, Hot And Ready," stirred up a strong buzz in the underground Metal scene, helping the band tour the U.S. and Europe. In 2001, the group delivered "Symphony For The Devil," their first album featuring new drummer Martin Axenrot (Satanic Slaughter, Bloodbath, Opeth), which quickly solidified WITCHERY as one of the genre's best. However, Patrik Jensen's touring commitments with THE HAUNTED forced WITCHERY into hibernation for some time, but the band finally recorded the upcoming "Don't Fear The Reaper" at Berno Studios in Malmo, Sweden during the Fall of 2004. The new album was since mixed by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn, Mnemic), and features WITCHERY's catchiest, yet most savage material to date. Patrik Jensen further describes his excitement over the band's new recording deal: "Finally, I'll say it again...finally, Witchery have signed a new deal, this time with Century Media. I'm really glad that we will be handled by the same team that has done such a great job for our other bands - The Haunted and Arch Enemy. Our new album, 'Don't Fear The Reaper,' has been recorded, mixed and mastered since October 2004, so it feels really great to be able to say to all the Witchery fans I've met over the past years that the album will definitely be out early next year! A new website will be up and running soon too, so keep an eye out for that. There will be touring and several major festival appearances coming up next year as well. See you all out there soon." WITCHERY was originally formed shortly after four members of SATANIC SLAUGHTER walked out on that group's founder, hoping to start a new band. With three quick releases in two years, they rapidly became one of Sweden's top Metal acts, with a style that melds both Black and Death influences with a sturdy modern Thrash base.

12.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) New Orleans will surely rise again, and SOURVEIN's "Emerald Vulture" EP is a testament to that fact. T-Roy and the band are back with a revamped lineup and the first of a trilogy of mini-albums to be released by This Dark Reign Records over the next few months. SOURVEIN came crawling into the East Coast / Southern underground in late 1992 with a single mission; to become one of the heaviest and most tour-worn bands in America. Inspired by heavy-weights like THE ACCUSED, MOTORHEAD, SAINT VITUS, BLACK FLAG and early CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SOURVEIN took the DIY approach with their vision and created a lurking monster of audible despair and a word-of-mouth campaign that continues to build a cult-like following. Between the years 1993-1994, the band would release two demos and tour both the East Coast and deep South on five separate occasions. By 1995, the band finally caught the attention of a label, and a split 7" single with BUZZOV-EN was released entitled 'Another Day In A Lost Life.' Not long after the single's release, both bands hit the road and were tour partners for most of the year. 1996 would also see T-roy Medlin joining BUZZOV-EN as a second vocalist and programmer until that band's demise in 1999. In 1998, SOURVEIN relocated from their Northern Carolina homestead to the tattered and muddy streets of New Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, the band have been a Mardi Gras favorite for the past 8 years. Though a favorite across the country, SOURVEIN never seemed to strike up a deal with any labels to release an actual record. Stunning, since the band was a guaranteed sell-out everywhere they played, and people were clamoring for anything the band could offer up other than live gigs. The rarely seen split or compilation simply wasn't satisfying the masses any longer. In 1999, SOURVEIN signed a brief, but fruitful deal with the now defunct Game Two Records, via whom the band's self-titled debut release would finally hit the streets. Unfortunately, not long after the release of their long-awaited debut, Game Two would go belly up and the band would be forced to find a new home. That new home came (and went) quickly when Frank Kozik of Mans Ruin came knocking. Then, to add insult to injury, while SOURVEIN were out developing their next release, Mans Ruin would go belly up as well, leaving the band high and dry yet again. However, the group's luck would finally take a turn for the better while performing in Hollywood. A chance meeting with Greg Anderson of Southern Lord paved the way for a new record deal, and "Will To Mangle" was finally released in 2003. Critically acclaimed, that album topped many a favorites list, with the band perched to dominate with an ever-growing popularity on the new heavy music scene. 2005 finds SOURVEIN and This Dark Reign working together, with "Emerald Vulture" being recorded in Virginia. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina hits, which delays and demoralizes the band. Once those wounds begin to heal, and while T-Roy is in North Carolina visiting family, another hurricane hits and levels a lot of areas in that state. Yet SOURVEIN remain steadfast survivors, with national and international tours currently in the works.
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12.12.05 (MusicPortal.com) With their fourth Atlantic Records release, "Testify," San Diego multi-platinum Hard Rockers P.O.D. are ready to do just that come January 24th. Testify to the power of Rock; to the sway of perseverance and sweat; to the valor of hard work; to the might of unity; and to the importance of remaining true to your convictions. "To us, that word speaks for itself. It's powerful," P.O.D. front man Sonny Sandoval says of the one-word album title. "In our 13 years together that's what we've been doing. We've been testifying to the things that we believe in and that we've come to know." Since forming in San Diego in 1992, P.O.D. have never stopped testifying to the values that are at the core of the group. Indeed, "testify" is a word that has become synonymous with P.O.D. during the band's 14-year odyssey from a local band to "overnight" multi-platinum rock stars whose superb 2001 release, "Satellite," went triple-platinum, spawned such hit singles as 'Alive,' 'Youth Of A Nation,' and 'Boom,' and propelled the foursome to the elite of a new wave of Hard Rock acts. And even after undergoing a tumultuous line-up change in 2003 when original guitarist Marcos departed and was replaced by Jason Truby just weeks before the quartet was to begin work on the album that would eventually become "Payable On Death" (which went on to sell a million copies worldwide), P.O.D. remains at its core the same group that built a sizeable following on its own touring around the United States for years. "Six years into the mainstream and six years of seeing a whole other side of music the things that we believe in haven't changed," Sandoval, deliberately choosing his words and delivering each one with conviction, says. "If anything, the struggles or the things that we've experienced and gone through the past years have reinforced what we've believed all along. What we've been saying from the beginning and the faith that we have stands on our own, with or without music. On this record we never let go of that because that is the cornerstone of who we are as people. You realize it just comes down to that love we had in our heart to make music." Yes, P.O.D. have rediscovered their love for making music, for, in Sandoval's words, "putting little smiles on people's faces." Part of that rejuvenation comes from taking a much needed break. While Sandoval and drummer Wuv took their extended families to Italy, bassist Traa got married, and guitarist Jason Truby spent time at home in Arkansas, the quartet are feeling more amped than they have in a long time. "We're definitely ready to go out and do it," Sandoval says. "I just want to get on the road, for people to hear it and I want to go rock out. It's been so long since we played; the longest we've ever done it. But for us, because we've always been busy and we've always been doing it, I think it's essential that we took this time to recharge the batteries to be excited about the record, be excited about going on tour," Wuv adds. This time around, the band are... [full story]
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12.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak has posted the following message on the band's official website: "That's it, we are now back home in Sweden and there are no more shows scheduled. We had a fantastic five weeks on the road with Stratovarius! Thank you Timo, Timo, Jorg, Lauri and especially Jens, I will miss all of you guys tremendously! But we will meet again down the road, of that I'm absolutely sure. "Shakra and the twenty-something crew members completed this tour and helped make it a great success, and things would never have been as good without you. In fact, we had more people than ever before in pretty much every city, which in itself is a testament to how strong a package this was. So thank you everyone, who showed up and participated in making every show memorable for us on stage and, hopefully, for you in the audience as well. Lastly, our crew, who worked their asses off every single day, there is no way in hell we could have done this without you guys (and girl). We thank you all! Now on to a very sad note, as Sweden lost a great, hilarious, outrageous comedian this weekend. As hard as it was to believe at first, Micke Dubois, a.k.a. 'Svullo,' chose to take his own life. Hammerfall had a special relationship with the man, as several of us grew up with his incredible antics and worshipped the fast wit and insult humor he was so good at. Anders (Johansson, drums) played on a great album of his, 'Radio KRM,' in the beginning of the nineties. Svullo was also our man at the scene at the Grammy Awards a few years ago, when we were unable to attend ourselves. The last time either of us saw him was at Pub Anchor in Stockholm last Spring, when he hosted a karaoke competition. I will always remember the many over-the-top antics and funny moments Micke Dubois brought us, and many of his immortal comments live on in my daily life. As will the memory of a great, pioneering comedian, who was disgustingly funny long before many of the 'Jackass' boys became double digits. R.I.P., Micke!" - Oscar. When you talk about today's Heavy Metal scene, you have to talk about Sweden's HAMMERFALL. Founded by Oscar Dronjak in 1993, He enlisted friend Jesper Stromblad and later Joacim Cans (vocals) to create the songs for and record the classic "Glory To The Brave" album. Since Stromblad and two more members decided to concentrate on their other bands, Cans and Dronjak were left to replace the entire line-up even before the album was released. Regardless, "Glory To The Brave" became the album the Metal scene needed and was waiting for: straight, hard-hitting songs that instantly became hymns, getting everybody to talk about the band. Although it was a hard period for metal, HAMMERFALL entered the German charts at position #38 and made everybody feel the power of Heavy Metal music once more. "A metal heart is hard to tear apart," the band sang, and it rang true. HAMMERFALL became one of the the most successful newcomers ever on the Metal scene and made two more excellent records in "Legacy Of Kings" and "Renegade," which were followed by 2002's "Crimson Thunder" and the band's current "Blood Bound" album.
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12.09.05 (MusicPortal.com) On February 6th, Sanctuary Visual Entertainment will release "Live From The Dark," a stunning concert spectacular from Swedish Rockers EUROPE. The 2-disc DVD features 19 tracks, and offers just short of 4 hours of classic material from the band playing live and at their very best. "Live From The Dark" was recorded during EUROPE's sold-out show at London's legendary Hammersmith Apollo gig earlier this year, as part of their successful "Start From The Dark" tour. Joey Tempest, John Norum, Mic Michaeli, Ian Haughland and John Leven bring viewers the classic EUROPE line-up on the new release, and prove with out doubt that that the band are back and sounding great. Masters of Melodic Hard Rock, "Live From The Dark" sees EUROPE serve up exhilarating performances of classic show stoppers 'Hero,' 'Carrie,' 'Got To Have Faith,' and the anthem which propelled them into superstardom, 'The Final Countdown.' Disc 2 of "Live From the Dark" is a real gem for fans as well, as it's packed with exclusive extras including "Behind The Tour" backstage bonus material, band interviews, taxi diaries from all five band members and even interviews with the audience. The second disc also boasts an extensive band biography, discography and videography, plus the promotional videos for 'Spirit Of The Underdog,' 'Heart Of Stone,' 'Got To Have Faith,' and 'Hero.' To call the union of EUROPE long-awaited is an understatement. Recent festival gigs have proved beyond all doubt that the audience certainly hasn't forgotten about the band, either. Looking back, the strengths of the bands classic line-up seem so obvious. The combination of Joey Tempest melodies and John Norum riffs. The bands exquisite musicianship and friendship. The way their playing fits together. All of that and a fresh and modern edge, can be found on EUROPE's first new release in many years. Drummer Ian Haugland described the reunion as simply returning from a lunch break. Tempest and Norum met when they were around 15-16 years old, and formed the band FORCE. When they got fed up with playing covers of their favorite bands, and started to write their own songs. Their confidence grew when they started playing around Stockholm. Rumors started to spread of a band from Upplands Vasby who spent endless hours in the rehearsal space and were an incredible live act. They were told by record companies that they should cut their hair and start to sing in Swedish if they wanted a record deal, but EUROPE went their own way and had the strong belief that one day all the hard work would pay off. Their national breakthrough came through winning a band contest, changing their name in the process. A friend had, without telling the band, sent a demo. Out of 4,000 bands around 80 were chosen to perform live around the country and EUROPE won. The prize was to record an album. In Sweden they joined the big league instantly. Their first release soon went gold, and from then on they became the touring band they are today.
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12.08.05 (MusicPortal.com) The new AMORPHIS album, "Eclipse," is scheduled for release on February 17th via Nuclear Blast Records. The first single from the album, 'House Of Sleep,' will be released January 4th. Introducing new vocalist Tomi Joutsen (ex-SINISTHRA), AMORPHIS' 7th full-length release in their 15-year career marks a fresh start for the Finnish band. Thematically, however, the group has come full circle, returning once more to the subject of the "Kalevala," the Finnish national epic that provided the inspiration for the classic "Tales From The Thousand Lakes album." "Eclipse" tells the tale of Kullervo, the ill-fated "Kalevala" hero whose tragic childhood and ensuing struggle for a place in society result in despair, evil deeds and ultimate self-destruction. The lyrics are adapted from Kullervo's "Story" (1982, transl. Anselm Hollo), a play by Paavo Haavikko (b. 1931), one of Finland's most esteemed contemporary poets. Matching the dramatic twists and turns of the Kullervo saga, AMORPHIS' music evokes an encompassing range of emotions unmatched by any of their previous albums. From the surprising tenderness of the piano-dominated 'House Of Sleep' to the unbridled fury of 'Perkele (The God of Fire),' the band intrepidly set out to explore a more diverse territory than ever on their eternal quest for the perfect melody. And the growls are back with a vengeance on "Eclipse" as well. The cover artwork for the album was created by Travis Smith, who is renowned for his collaborations with OPETH, ANATHEMA, KATATONIA, ICED EARTH and numerous others. The first pressing of "Eclipse" will be a limited digipack edition featuring the bonus track 'Stonewoman.' Founded in 1990 in Helsinki, AMORPHIS have slowly worked their way up to the top of the European Metal scene in the last decade or so. However the term "metal" doesn't necessarily get to the point anymore when describing the band. Sure, originally the disciples around AMORPHIS mastermind Esa Holopainen were definitely Death Metal, but gradually developed into a serious Rock act as well. Their big breakthrough was in 1994 with their last really extreme album, "Tales From The Thousand Lakes." After intensive touring in support of that album, they decided to take on new musical spheres, first recorded in 1996 on the "Elegy" album, which became a psychedelic Progressive/Folk Metal masterpiece of sorts. Encouraged by that success, AMORPHIS followed up "Elegy" with the excellent "Tuonela," which became the most successful album so far for the band, entering the Top 50 on the German album charts. In early Spring of 2000, AMORPHIS entered Finnvox Studios in Helsinki with producer Simon Efemy to record 2001's "Am Universum," an album signified by its beauty and intensity. "I would say that 'Am Universum' is our saddest and musically most melancholic album until now, says Esa Holopainen. "Eclipse" Track Listing: 1. Two Moons • 2. House Of Sleep • 3. Leaves Scar • 4. Born From Fire • 5. Under A Soil And Black Stone • 6. Perkele (The God Of Fire) • 7. The Smoke • 8. Same Flesh • 9. Brother Moon • 10. Empty Opening • 11. Stonewoman (Bonus Track)
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12.07.05 (MusicPortal.com) Metal Blade Records has announced the upcoming renamed second release from Finland's TORTURE KILLER, "Swarm!," who now feature Chris Barnes of SIX FEET UNDER fame on vocals. The band say the following about joining up with the veteran Death Metal vocalist: "Well, we never would've expected where we would stand with this band in 2005 when we first started playing together under the name of Torture Killer. A lot of the interviews we did to promote the debut album 'For Maggots To Devour' asked if we knew what the Six Feet Under guys and especially Chris Barnes thought about us. After all, the link between us and his work with Six Feet Under is more than obvious. Truthfully, we kinda wondered that ourselves as well. Well, now we know. Chris contacted us last October with a very supportive and friendly note. The name Torture Killer caught his attention and was intrigued enough to check us out - finding us in the difficult situation we were at with the line up. Now, we are proud to announce him as the new Torture Killer vocalist and that he will be handling the vocals on 'Swarm!' - our renamed second album. Here's what Chris Barnes had to say about joining the band: "I'm very happy to announce that I have joined the band Torture Killer full time. These guys are some of the best musicians I have ever been involved with, and I am 100% intent on using all my resources and energy to help propel this band to the top of the death metal food chain. I am extremely pleased with the songs we've put together for the CD 'Swarm!,' and I can't wait to get out on tour with the band and kill every one of you sick fuckers!!! See you soon.' - Barnes. The band continued: With a back catalogue including death metal classics such as 'Butchered At Birth,' 'Tomb Of The Mutilated,' 'The Bleeding,' 'Haunted' and 'Maximum Violence' it is obvious that the eyes of death metal fans will be on us - in good and bad. We are also happy and proud to announce that we are now signed to the legendary Metal Blade Records. The basic tracks for "Swarm!" were recorded way back in January of 2005, Chris did his vocals at The Hit Factory in Florida in May/June with Chris Carroll, and the album was mixed and mastered by Chris and Erik Rutan in October. Not only that, the cover artwork is done by our favorite artist Wes Benscoter (covers for such bands as Mortician and Vehemence), who gave the album the visual impact it needed. TORTURE KILLER first started out as a fun project during the Spring of 2002, when the band members hung out at their rehearsal rooms drinking beer and playing their favourite SIX FEET UNDER and OBITUARY songs. After a couple of months a sudden possibility to play live at a local metalshow rose out of nowhere and after a small discussion they agreed to perform a set of SIX FEET UNDER cover songs. The band name was chosen after a track they were to play that night: 'Torture Killer.' Their debut album, "For Maggots To Devour," was released through Karmageddon Media in October of 2003.
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12.06.05 (MusicPortal.com) Reunited Dutch Death Metallers SINISTER have entered Stage One Studios in Germany to begin recording their new album, "Afterburner," for an early 2006 release through Nuclear Blast Records. The recording sessions are expected to last two weeks. SINISTER's current lineup consists of Aad Kloosterwaard, drummer and founder of the band on vocals, Alex Paul on guitar, and Paul Beltman (Ex-JUDGEMENT DAY) on drums. A session bass player will be added when the band hits the road again. Starting in 1989, SINISTER was a band arising in the middle of the Death Metal explosion. After releasing a demo, which sold about 1,500 copies, a promo tape followed. Sending out the promo to various labels resulted in signing up originally with Nuclear Blast in 1991. There debut album, "Cross The Styx," saw the light in early 1992, and sold well worldwide, during which many live shows thoughout Europe followed. Touring with bands like SUFFOCATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE and DEICIDE increased the number of people becoming familiar with SINISTER. In the years after that, the band succeeded in maintaining their popularity by releasing their second album "Diabolical Summoning," (1993), followed by "Hate" (1995) and doing many live shows all over Europe plus a successful 55-show tour through the U.S. At the end of that period Death Metal was less popular, with lots of Death Metal fans switching over to Black Metal, Gothic and other atmospheric music. SINISTER continued on, however, releasing the mini-CD "Bastard Saints" (1996), and playing a few live shows. Several lineup changes followed, which led the band to write their most aggressive, brutal and intense album so far in "Aggressive Measures" (1998). By that time Death Metal was back, yet for SINISTER it never left. The response from fans and critics was good, the band sold lots of albums and played lots of good shows, of which a short U.S. tour and good festivals like Wacken Open Air, Milwaukee Metalfest and Czech Dynamo were performed at. "Creative Killings" was released by Hammerheart Records in September of 2001. The album was promoted with shows in Russia, Belarus and a 26-show tour across the rest of Europe. In 2002, SINISTER decided to join forces again with Nuclear Blast Records. The result is the release of their latest album, "Savage Or Grace," which was massively promoted through shows in Mexico, Columbia and a two-week tour with CANNIBAL CORPSE across Europe.
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12.06.05 (MusicPortal.com) After eight studio albums and another long and successful tour supporting "Nord Nord Ost," SUBWAY TO SALLY will present themselves in a more quiet and intimate fashion in April of 2006, focusing on just playing music together instead of the typical big Rock show, which is why the band chose to entitle the upcoming tour of Germany "Nackt," which is the German word for "Naked." Not wanting to jump on the "Unplugged" bandwagon that was racing through the music world several years ago, SUBWAY TO SALLY have always used a wide range of acoustic instruments anyway, and will rediscover some of their favorite tracks from the last 10 years that the band have been in existence. The best part for die-hard fans of SUBWAY TO SALLY is that the set list will feature songs that have not been played for a long time. The band have also invited cellist B. Deutung along, known for his work with INCHTABOKATABLES and DEINE LAKEIEN. After SUBWAY TO SALLY's "Engelskrieger" ("Angel's Warrior") album managed to enter in at #9 on the German Media Control Charts in 2003, the band returned strong this year with a new single in 'Sieben' ('Seven') and new album in "Nord Nord Ost" ("North North East"). In cooperation with film orchestra BABELSBERG, SUBWAY TO SALLY created a musical and poetically appealing release in their latest offering. Although still having a modern touch, the music features medieval melodies throughout: The emotional 'Schneekonigin' ('Snow Queen') melds bagpipes with Classical arrangements, 'Sieben' catches you with a catchy main melody, while 'Lacrimae '74' shows up with romantic stringed instruments. But also the tragic 'Feuerkind' ('Fire Child'), the pushing 'Feuerland' ('Fire Land'), the winking 'Das Ratsel II' ('The Riddle Part II,' actually a riddle about the band itself) and the blooming 'Eisblumen' ('Ice Flowers') keep a lot of highlights ready for the listener. All in all, "Nord Nord Ost" is a SUBWAY TO SALLY album for every fan and adorer of diversified German Rock music, on which about 40 instruments can be heard. In addition miscellaneous programming and choirs arranged for three voices complete the complex production. With new drummer Simon Michael (who replaced long-time drummer David Patsch) completing the line up, SUBWAY TO SALLY played 18 festival shows this year -- among them Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park. "Nackt" Tour Dates: 04/07 Leipzig, Germany [Anker] • 04/08 Magdeburg, Germany [Factory] • 04/09 Kiel, Germany [Max] • 04/11 Hamburg, Germany [Grunspan] • 04/12 Koln, Germany [Alter Wartesaal Am Hauptbahnhof] • 04/13 Hannover, Germany [Capitol] • 04/15 Gotha, Germany [Stadthalle] • 04/16 Aschaffenburg, Germany [Colossaal] • 04/19 Freiburg, Germany [Jazzhaus] • 04/20 Nurnberg, Germany [Hirsch] • 04/21 Ludwigsburg, Germany [Scala] • 04/23 Pirmasens, Germany [TBC] • 04/25 Bochum, Germany [Christophkirche] • 04/26 Wuppertal, Germany [Musiktheater Rex] • 04/27 Osnabruck, Germany [Kirche] • 04/28 Osnabruck, Germany [Kirche] • 04/29 Bremen, Germany [Schlachthof] • 04/30 Berlin, Germany [Passionskirche]
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12.05.05 (MusicPortal.com) Southern California quintet MANNTIS were recently added to the "They're Still The Law Tour" featuring ANTHRAX, GOD FORBID and SWORN ENEMY, which kicks off January 6th at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland. That trek will be preceded by a string of West Coast headlining shows by the band. MANNTIS recently completed a highly-successful run on the "10 Years Of Brutality Tour" alongside HATEBREED, MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, GIZMACHI and IF HOPE DIES. Their blistering, unrelenting set caught people's attention and proves that this band is able to deliver the goods in front of any crowd. Meanwhile, the band will shoot a new video for the track 'Weathered Soul' with up-and-coming director Rob Hall (Josh Todd, feature film Lightening Bug) this weekend. Look for it to make its Fuse and MTV2 debut early next year. MANNTIS vocalist Jake Sirokman checks in with the following report: "Hello, hello you all! We are currently home for a couple weeks after a long and productive tour with Hatebreed. We had an amazing time and hung with some great bands including Most Precious Blood and Full Blown Chaos. At this time, we are just relaxing and hangin' with the family, friends and girlfriends before we head out for our headlining Christmas tour up north. When we return we will spend the holidays at home, and then it's off in January with the legendary Anthrax with direct support from God Forbid and Sworn Enemy. We cannot explain how stoked we are to be part of this bill. Well, this is it for now, and we hope to see you all on the road." The group's critically-acclaimed new album, "Sleep In Your Grave, which was produced by Cameron Webb (Danzig, Motorhead, Social Distortion), is now available and goes straight for the jugular with its scorching guitar work and pummeling rhythmic assault. The recent additions of guitarist Daniel Racardio and drummer Josh Feathers have added a whole new dynamic to MANNTIS' already stellar live show. Upcoming Tour Dates: 12/14 Portland, OR [Rock & Roll Pizza] • 12/15 Tacoma, WA [Hell's Kitchen] • 12/16 Seattle, WA [The Premier] (Toy Soldier Bash) • 12/17 Richland, WA [Ray's Golden Lion] • 12/18 Spokane, WA [Fat Tuesday's] • 12/19 Tacoma, WA [The Cat Box] • 12/20 Eugene, OR [The Wow Hall] • 01/06 Baltimore, MD [Rams Head Live] • 01/07 New York, NY [Nokia Live] • 01/08 Hartford, CT [Webster Theater] • 01/10 Allentown, PA [Crocodile Rock] • 01/11 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 01/12 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 01/13 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 01/14 Minneapolis, MN [First Avenue] • 01/15 Lawrence, KS [Granada] • 01/17 Omaha, NE [Chez Paree] • 01/18 Boulder, CO [Fox Theatre] • 01/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 01/21 Los Angeles, CA [The Avalon]
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12.05.05 (MusicPortal.com) Crucial Blast Records' SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM are currently putting together a quick tour in January through the Midwest, South, and East Coast U.S. Their debut full-length album, "Alpha Males And Popular Girls," is currently floating around and freaking out as many as it is blowing away. SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM complete their metamorphosis from purveyors of mid-90's Art-damaged powerviolence to modern blastpop visionaries on the new offering. Sugarcoated and venomous, the ten songs on "Alpha Males And Popular Girls" marry monstrous metallic riffing and surreal, swirling Pop seizures to cyclones of gasoline-soaked noise skronk and arena-sized Rock blowouts that are fronted with utter sass and ferocity, courtesy of SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM frontwoman Libby Schaub. A boldly imaginative debut, "Alpha Males And Popular Girls" is chock full of infectious hooks and crazed heaviness that references BLONDIE and Indie Pop as much as it blasts powerviolence and NAPALM DEATH, pulverizing technical Metalcore, neon-hued Dance Punk, gleaming melodic bliss, and mutant stadium Rock anthems all in the same breath. Once a reactionary Grind/Hardcore outfit, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM's unpredictable live performances and eccentric releases generated small renown in the New Jersey underground scene, influencing troupes of nay-sayers in their future musical endeavors. Languishing in either brilliant obscurity or asinine celebrity, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM anticipated that a crossroads was being approached: A specific point in time in which sheer talent and artistic panache could seamlessly merge and consequently quench the collective appetite of a parched audience starving for originality and innovation. Utilizing elements from everywhere, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM have skillfully resharpened their sound, thus forging a uniquely balanced, infectiously schizophrenic equilibrium of Thrash, Blues, Doom, and Rock with a dancy, noir edge. In the process of revamping the overall aesthetic of their music, the band bravely razed the foundation upon which their material was originally erected into an ash-heap of smoldering rubble. Upon surveying the wreckage, the band has thus created a more comprehensive musical upgrade by opting to swing a wrecking ball through the remaining ruins and set the demolished debris ablaze. Simply put, SOIHADTOSHOOTHIM are an adrenaline shot thrust into the murmuring heart of Rock 'N' Roll - a savage wake-up slap in the face of conventional music. Tour Dates: 01/04 Buffalo, NY [Broadway Joes] • 01/05 Pittsburgh, PA [Mr. Roboto Project] • 01/06 Ypsilanti, MI [Elbow Room] • 01/07 Detroit, MI [Small's] • 01/08 Indianapolis, IN [Melody Inn] • 01/09 Johnson City, TN [The Hideaway] • 01/10 Lexington/Louisville, KY [TBA] • 01/11 Nashville, TN [The Muse] • 01/12 Dallas, TX [Double-Wide] • 01/13 Austin, TX [Room 710] • 01/14 Fort Smith, AR [House Show] • 01/15 Birmingham, AL [TBA] • 01/16 Atlanta, GA [Lennys] • 01/17 Chapel Hill, NC [Reservoir] • 01/18 Washington DC [DC9] • 01/19 Baltimore MD [Talking Head] • 01/20 New York NY [Sin-e]
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12.02.05 (MusicPortal.com) Oakland, California-based Metallers ALL SHALL PERISH have released a new demo song titled 'Eradication' with new vocalist Eddie Hermida (ex-GUNMETAL GREY). Along with new lead guitarist Chris Storey, they are nearing the end of the writing process for their still untitled sophomore album, which will be released by Nuclear Blast Records. This year saw the band touring with acts such as AGNOSTIC FRONT, DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, HATE ETERNAL and KRISUN, while playing shows with everyone from COMEBACK KID to KREATOR in support of their first full length re-release on Nuclear Blast. "After touring with some of the best in hardcore and death metal, we really got inspired to take this band full on in both directions and I'm sure everyone will hear the influence. All I can say is thank you so much to people like Erik Rutan, Derek Roddy, Roger Merit and Vinnie Stigma....thanks for being true inspirations. We have parted ways with our vocalist Craig Betit, and he remains a friend for life to all of us and is livin' it up on the east coast makin' bank; we all wish him the best of luck. Our new material will have something for every heavy music fan! We have all matured musically (some of us were only 18 at the time of the last album), you can expect a lot of variation amongst the songs....We are again ready to rock, bitches!" ALL SHALL PERISH blasted on to the bay area scene in 2002 playing every kind of show imaginable. They quickly found themselves embraced by every facet of the insanely diverse Bay Area music scene from Emo to Technical Death Metal. After recording their own self-titled 3 song demo, Japanese label Amputated Vein Records decided to release the first ALL SHALL PERISH full-length album in 2003, entitled "Hate.Malice.Revenge." 2 years in the making, several Bay Area lineups were gutted for members to make the album. With five completely different-minded people with musical tastes all over the board forming ALL SHALL PERISH, it made for lots of arguments and holes in walls. However, a common love of Metal and Hardcore along with a general distaste for so much crap coming out pushed ALL SHALL PERISH into a brotherhood and into the studio to produce what would become "Hate.Malice.Revenge." Those 8 album tracks proved to become an underground favorite over the next year, as ALL SHALL PERISH slammed the stage along side acts such as BLEEDING THROUGH, DYING FETUS, BRUJERIA, AS I LAY DYING, SIX FEET UNDER, HATE ETERNAL, DIECAST, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, MORTICIAN, UNDYING and many more. Late 2004 also included a tour with VEHEMENCE and CREMATORIUM. In December of last year, ALL SHALL PERISH signed a worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast.
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12.01.05 (MusicPortal.com) GOREFEST guitarist Boudewijn Bonebakker has posted the following report on how the band coped with the recent snowstorm that ripped through their native Holland during rehearsals, and effectively immobilized the entire country for a couple days: "When I rode my bike to the pick up point thought, what a lovely yellow the leaves of the beech trees have today. Yes, it was a bit windy and some rain drops made my jeans wet, but other than that I thought it was nice autumn weather. Me and Ed were being picked up at the railway station by Pieter (our sound guy) and his drum kit stuffed van. Frank would be arriving later and JC came directly to the rehearsal studio by car. We set up our gear and the drum kit and rearranged the studio several times to make the cramped space workable. JC and I got in the car at half past three to pick up Frank. There were some snowflakes coming down and we thought that was kind of cute. When we got back with Frank we started working our bones through the immense set Ed had thought out for us. Every four songs or so we stopped to have a coffee break. Eventually, by 19:00, we'd managed to play most of the songs on the list. It was time to have yet another trip to the railway station to get home for the night. Little did we know. When we got out, Holland was white all of a sudden and because of that, traffic was completely congested. The trip that normally takes about 15 minutes was now taking us more than an hour. At the station I got on my bike, only to be thrown off immediately by the wind. Ed tried several ready waiting trains only to find out that none of them would actually bring him home. JC and Frank had, considering the circumstances, a fairly easy ride only to reach a stand still several kilometers before home (it eventually took them a total of four hours to get there). Next day everything seemed back to normal again. Ed had slept over at my place and after some nice coffee and warm rolls with cheese we got in the car a bit late to go to the rehearsal studio once again. At the studio, we found JC and Frank completely frozen up in their car waiting for us, because we had the key to the studio in our possession. Some cursing and bickering later we picked up our guitars and drum sticks and got at it again. The songs started to sound a bit better and we drank less coffee than the day before. At night things went a bit smoother. Ed caught a train home and Frank anticipated his never getting home that night by sleeping over at JC's again. Next day, Ed called me on the phone to say that no trains were coming in or out of Rotterdam so he couldn't make it. Being the swell guy that I am I got in the car and drove the one and a half hour drive to his home and back. We got to the studio, made some coffee and waited for Frank and JC to drop in. After a good rehearsal session where the smell of alcohol residue oozing out the pores of sweaty men infested the studio more and more, we all went our way with a fairly confident attitude regarding the upcoming club shows... I haven't heard from them since, so I'm guessing they all got home this time."
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