04.28.06 (RockAndMetal.com) THE RED CHORD will be doing a two-week headlining tour from May 4th to May 18th. The first part of the tour will feature support from Ed Gein and First Blood, while the second half will be alongside Shai Hulud, The Acacia Strain, and The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza. Select dates will also feature Stoner Rock band Doomriders. The trek will be The Red Chord's last run of U.S. dates before Ozzfest. "We are really excited to be on the road with all of these awesome bands. I'm happy that we're getting a chance to make up some of the shows we missed last month when our van broke down," says guitarist Jonny Fay. "We're stoked to have such a diverse variety of bands on this tour. We all listen to grind, metal, hardcore and stoner rock, among lots of other stuff. I think this was a good chance to get some bands from a range of those genres all on the same bill," vocalist Guy Kozowyk commented. "The Red Chord played our 'Fused Together' CD release show with Shai Hulud years ago. I've been a fan ever since. It's an honor to have them on this run." In regards to Shai Hulud's sudden "comeback," the band had this to say: "A proper update on things will be posted on our ghost town of a site soon. Don't choke now. This blurb is just to confirm that our pals in The Red Chord have indeed asked us to accompany them on a few dates next month, and we excitedly said 'We do.' The Red Chord kills, and we, well, we do jigsaw puzzles. Nonetheless, we all hope to see you soon. We'll try to have a full update on www.hulud.com by tomorrow at the latest." The Red Chord track 'Blue Line Cretin' taken from their current release, "Clients," had been available for free download from April 17th through April 23rd exclusively through Fuse.tv and FYE. The band will be playing Ozzfest this Summer alongside the likes of Black Label Society, Atreyu, Bleeding Through, Unearth and more. Tour Dates: May 4th Burlington, ME [242 Main] • May 5th Auburn, NY [Auburn Public Theatre] • May 6th Cromwell, CT [Cromwell Knights Of Columbus Hall] • May 7th Worcester, MA [QVCC] • May 8th Lemoyne, PA [Champion Ship] • May 11th Louisville, KY [Headliners] • May 12th Memphis, TN [The Complex] • May 13th Nashville, TN [Rocket Town] • May 15th Greensboro, NC [Greene St Club] • May 16th Fredericksburg, VA [KC's] • May 17th Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • May 18th Levittown, NY [Club Ritual]
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04.27.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Florida Death Metallers HATE ETERNAL have posted the following message on their official web site: "[We] wanted to let you all know we have finally secured European dates that will not get canceled. We want to apologize to all our European fans for the delay and cancellations due to problems within the band. We are ecstatic about touring Europe and proud to announce Reno Kiilerich [ex-DIMMU BORGIR, DEW-SCENTED, VILE, PANZERCHRIST] as our drummer for this European tour. Reno has done tremendous things in the genre and we are very excited to welcome him to the fold. He will do an amazing job and we are very eager to tour together. Our USA tour [with CHIMAIRA and ARCH ENEMY] has been incredible, close to 1,000 people a night and has been one of the best tours we have ever done. [Stand-in drummer] Kevin Talley [ex-CHIMAIRA, MISERY INDEX] is doing an incredible job and tearing it up every night. We really feel rejuvenated and this tour has been truly amazing. Look forward to seeing you all out there soon!" At the end of last month, Erik Rutan responded strongly to then-drummer Derek Roddy's sudden departure by saying: "If you've been following the metal online press over the last few days, you're aware that drummer Derek Roddy has parted ways with Hate Eternal. Unfortunately this departure was at a crucial time for Hate Eternal, as the band are scheduled for a well-advertised tour with Chiamaira and Arch Enemy in only a matter of days." In an effort to persevere, Rutan sought out a replacement then to sit behind the kit for the tour, after which he announced a stand-in in Kevin Talley. Rutan then sent current recording label Earache Records the following message to acknowledge and confront everything said by Roddy in his press release at the time: "Regarding Derek Roddy, he left Hate Eternal with very little warning and I want to set the story straight. We wish to take the high road here so there will be no mud slinging and whining, just facts. Regarding the content of his press release, Hate Eternal have never stopped or restrained Derek from playing, recording or touring with any other projects. So we found his statement quite a contradiction and shocking to say the least. After 6 years of playing together, we would have hoped that he would leave on better terms than he did, but life goes on." Hate Eternal's last album, "I, Monarch," was released in June of 2005.
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04.26.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Australia's The Metal Forge recently conducted an interview with EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt. A couple of excerpts from that chat follow: On when fans can expect the follow-up to 2005's acclaimed "Shovel Headed Kill Machine": "We're already writing riffs for the next one. We won't have any big delays in between this one either. We've become quite the workers nowadays. I'm fired up. I got lots of metal left in me!" On the departures of drummer Tom Hunting and guitarist Rick Hunolt: "Tom's fine. His illness was all mental -- he had a mental breakdown. Last time I spoke to him was on Christmas, and he says he's doing better but he doesn't sound all the way there yet. Rick decided to quit, but he's got his own personal substance abuse issues. Yeah, it's been difficult, but y'know, the only thing I can do is just soldier on. And now, this line-up is just so strong and everybody is just so involved and into it that we all can't wait to make the next album. Lee [Altus, from Heathen] came in when we started recording just to do the solos and he wasn't involved in any of the writing. Paul [Bostaph, ex-Slayer] came in when most of the stuff was written and finished. We're all real excited about actually collaborating together." On how the band's new lineup is getting along: "There are people who have been really close to this band for years who have seen us together and they say we seem closer as people than the old lineup. We actually spend more time together, and we don't pull into a town and everybody kinda goes and does their own thing. As much as I love those guys, with the exception of Zetro -- I don't love him but I don't hate him anymore either -- but Tom and Rick I love. But this bunch of guys, we have a great time together. It feels like we've been together for 15 or 20 years." On how the music industry has changed since the band started 25 years ago: "With 'Bonded By Blood', everything was real underground, y'know? That was on a label started by two fans, y'know? Now, the business, I still hate many aspects of because it is a business and an art at the same time. But I'm wiser now and I don't allow other people to crunch numbers for me. I pay attention to that shit. When I was younger, I trusted everybody else to do what was in my best interests, and that wasn't always what was the case." Read the entire interview with Gary Holt at www.themetalforge.com.
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04.25.06 (RockAndMetal.com) FALL OF SERENITY's upcoming new album, "Bloodred Salvation," will be released on May 15th in Europe and the following month on June 27th in the U.S. by Lifeforce Records. The band are now set to hit the road for a three-week European tour in May with Hate Eternal, Spawn Of Possession and Shadowsland in support of the album. Fall of Serenity was formed out of the remains of the band Contrition in the Summer of 1998, after which their first recordings were done that December at Rape Of Harmonies Studios in Triptis, Germany. A friend of the band's from Geneva, Switzerland offered to release that material on his label, x83xrecords, as a vinyl-only issue limited to 500 copies in January of 2000. Fall of Serenity's next release was a split 12" (vinyl-only as well) with Heaven Shall Burn. That album, "The Heaven Shall Burn/Fall Of Serenity Split LP," was issued in the Summer of 2000 on Deeds Of Revolution Records. On that recording, current vocalist Rene Betzold -- then a roadie for the band -- did some back-up vocals, after which he was offered the full-time position. Fall Of Serenity would record a new demo that November which would represent their current musical status, which had developed into serious Death Metal by then. After completion of the four-track "Demonstration Tracks 2000" demo, Fall Of Serenity experienced some line-up changes before being heard by Voice Of Life Records, who released the band's debut album, "Grey Man's Requiem," in December of 2001. Their next release, entitled "Royal Killing," was issued by Metal Age Productions and welcomed by positive reviews, which they supported across Europe with Dismember - as well as playing smaller club shows and festivals. Tour Dates: 05/19 Essen, Germany [Turock] • 05/20 Martigny, CH [Les Caves Du Manoir] • 05/21 Milano, Italy [Transilvania Live] • 05/22 Wien, Austria [Escape] • 05/23 Budapest, Hungary [Kultiplex] • 05/24 Prague, CZ [Black Pez] • 05/25 Muenchen, Germany [Backstage] • 05/26 Luckau, Germany [Fuck The Commerce Festival] • 05/27 Rostock, Germany [Mau Club] • 05/28 Aalborg, Denmark [Voxhall] • 05/30 Ludwigsburg, Germany [Rockfabrik] • 05/31 Rotterdam, The Netherlands [Baroeg] • 06/01 Arnhem, The Netherlands [Goudvishal] • 06/02 Vosselaar, Belgium [Biebob] • 06/03 Brighton, UK [Engine Room] • 06/04 London, UK [Underworld] • 06/06 Paris, France [TBA] • 06/07 Lyon, France [TBA] • 06/08 Barcelona, Spain [Mephisto] • 06/09 Madrid, Spain [Ritmo & Kompass] • 06/10 Irun, Spain [Tunk]
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04.24.06 (RockAndMetal.com) EYES OF FIRE will embark on the "One Nation Undivided" tour with Ill Nino, God Forbid, Silent Civilian and Bleed The Sky early next month. The Jagermeister-sponsored, 28-city major market assault, which kicks off on May 10th and runs through early June, will also be the group's first major national run in support of their new album, "Prisons," which was recorded at Grandmaster Recorders (Tool, NIN) with renowned producer Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis). A video for the track 'It All Dies Today' was shot recently by acclaimed director Gary Smithson (Exodus, High On Fire). Eyes Of Fire vocalist/guitarist Dan Kaufman checks in with the following report: "Well, it looks like we got ourselves on another tour for the spring and this one is going to fucking rock. We're on the 'One Nation Undivided' tour with Ill Nino and God Forbid for about a month, and this is going to be one hell of a blast. Also coming along for the ride are some SoCal locals Silent Civilian and our brothers from some other mothers Bleed The Sky, so it is definitely safe to assume that we'll be looking for some bail money out there on the road. We'll be adding some new songs to the setlist as well as playing a couple of different sets, so come to a couple of the shows and you'll get a treat. There is no better way to kick of the fucking summer of 2006. Y'all best get your asses to the venues early because it looks like us and Bleed The Sky will be swapping opening spots, so who knows what time we might on. Feel free to just buy us booze and keep us company at the merch booth because we'll all be hanging out talking to whomever. We can't wait to see you all on tour. A big thanks to everyone who has bought the new CD and come to the shows we've done so far this year. This is becoming the year of Eyes Of Fire, and we have you all to thank." Collectively, Eyes Of Fire have matured as musicians and songwriters over the past year after adding new members Bobby Thomas (guitars), Nicky Bernardi (drums) and Pete Traux (keyboards) to the fold. The group toured relentlessly on major packages with the likes of Apocalyptica, Danzig, Trivium and Kataklysm, as well as high-profile shows with Lacuna Coil, Opeth, Strapping Young Lad and Moonspell, further helping them garner a loyal following. Prisons further develops the sound introduced on Eyes Of Fire's debut offering, "Ashes To Embers," which lashed out with a barrage of intensity, leaving the listener victim to a sonic pummeling, while still walking a fine line between melody and brutality. Confirmed Tour Dates: 05/10 New York, NY [Avalon] • 05/11 Boston, MA [Axis] • 05/12 Norfolk, VA [The NorVa] • 05/13 Atlanta, GA [The Roxy] • 05/14 Orlando, FL [House Of Blues] • 05/16 St. Petersburg, FL [State Theater] • 05/17 New Orleans, LA [House Of Blues] • 05/19 Austin, TX [The Back Room] • 05/20 Dallas, TX [Galaxy Club] • 05/21 Amarillo, TX [Southbeach] • 05/23 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 06/01 Chicago, IL [The Vic Theater]
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04.24.06 (RockAndMetal.com) KORN and concert producer Live Nation will reintroduce The Family Values Tour this Summer with a 30-city trek through North America. The traveling festival will feature Korn and Deftones along with Stone Sour, Flyleaf and Dir En Gray on the main stage. Set to launch July 27th in Virginia Beach, Virginia, The Family Values Tour marks the return of the highly successful music festival, which Korn created and headlined in 1998. For the first time, The Family Values Tour will also feature a second stage. Acts appearing on the second stage will be announced shortly. "When Family Values first started, it felt like music was fresh and exciting," says Korn frontman Jonathan Davis. "We want to recreate that same feeling for our fans, and offer them a full day of fun and some great music." Korn are touring in support of their first release on Virgin Records, "See You On The Other Side," which has sold over 1.7 million copies worldwide in just four months, and has spawned the major radio and video hits 'Twisted Transistor' and 'Coming Undone.' Through Korn's unique partnership with Live Nation, lawn tickets for The Family Values Tour are being offered for only $9.99, with value-priced seating available at every outdoor amphitheatre stop on the Summer trek. "Let's face it, ticket prices suck," says Davis. "Kids shouldn't be shut out of concerts. We wanted to see if we could do something about it, and our new deal gives us the chance to give something back." Korn's desire to offer value-priced tickets is consistent with their reputation as artists known for unconventional moves that challenge industry standards and expectations. The effect of their unique partnerships is not limited to concert tickets. The innovative deal expands on the unprecedented partnership Korn created with EMI Music in September of 2005. Through that deal, the band have also been able to offer their latest album for $9.99 at major retailers across the country including Circuit City, Best Buy, KMart, Walmart and Target. The Family Values Tour will hit the following cities (dates and venues TBA): Albuquerque, NM; Alpine Valley, WI; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Camden, NJ; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Darien, CT; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Hartford, CT; Holmdel, NJ; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Nashville, TN; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh, NC; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Bernardino, CA; Saratoga, NY; St. Louis, MO; Toronto, ONT; Virginia Beach, VA; Wantagh, NY; Washington, DC; West Palm Beach, FL. For up-to-the-minute updates on this Summer's Family Values Tour, check out www.familyvalueslive.com.
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04.21.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Tim "Ripper" Owens is among the most important Metal vocalists of the past ten years. When he succeeded Rob Halford joining Judas Priest in May of 1996, the press rubbed their eyes, surprised as well as impressed: Owens had previously been a fairly unknown quantity to international music journalists, but recorded his first Priest album, "Jugulator," with more aplomb than even insiders had expected. Following successful tours with the British Metal legends, the strong studio recording 'Demolition" (2001), and the live recordings "Meltdown - 98 Live" (1998) and "Live In London" (2003), Halford's return to the fold put an end to Owens' stint with Judas Priest. More or less immediately, he was enlisted by Jon Schaffer to team up with Iced Earth and sang on "The Glorious Burden" in 2004. Yet there was never any doubt in Owens' mind that he wanted to release an album featuring his own material as soon as possible. He is now about to carry out his ambitious plan with BEYOND FEAR, his new band, due to be released in Europe on Steamhammer/SPV on May 8th (Germany - May 5th; North America - May 9th). "I didn't feel like making a solo recording - I'd much rather perform my songs with a permanent band. That's how Beyond Fear came about." Owens composed seven of the fourteen tracks on the self-titled "Beyond Fear," the remaining seven penned together with guitarist John Comprix. "There's a whole number of tracks that I'm really proud of," comments Owens, referring to songs such as 'Save Me,' 'Coming At You' and 'My Last Words' in particular, which he wrote himself on guitar. "I may not be a wonderful guitarist," he confesses, "but I'm capable of working out my musical ideas on the guitar to such an extent that people like them."In terms of lyrics, Owens has succeeded in landing an instant classic on 'Dreams Come True,' describing himself and his life so far. 'Scream Machine,' on the other hand, is a title that continues the Judas Priest tradition of martial Metal lyrics. "It's about a metal machine, a metal monster, and shows where my influences come from. This number is in the style of albums such as 'Painkiller,' and would in my opinion also have suited 'Jugulator.' It was the last track I composed for "Beyond Fear." The track 'And...You Will Die,' according to Owens, "reflects the stylistic direction of the album more than any other song. There are high vocals, but also passages sung in deep voices, plus haunting guitars with an unmistakeable metal orientation." The debut was recorded at the legendary Morrisound studios in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of producer Jim Morris - a definite quality feature when it comes to the album's sound and dynamics, particularly as Morris understood and translated the compositional concept perfectly. "I've matured, especially in terms of my songwriting," Owens says, analyzing the past decade. "I compose songs that the fans understand and that they can shake their hair to."
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04.20.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Sanctuary Visual Entertainment has announced an upcoming triple-disc DVD release entitled "Bruce Dickinson Anthology," slated for release on June 20th. The most definitive BRUCE DICKINSON video collection ever, it includes over six hours of videos and live performances, and previously unreleased and archive material. Dickinson is still the proverbial human whirlwind of activity, having made his mark both as the front man of the legendary Iron Maiden and as a long-standing solo artist, with a catalog that includes six studio albums of his own plus several concert releases. In addition to his musical talents, Bruce Dickinson is also well-known as a BBC Radio DJ, TV broadcaster, airline pilot, sword-fencing expert, novelist, family man, and the quintessential voice of Heavy Metal music. "It's fantastic to share all of this collection with my fans," Dickinson says. "These DVDs contain rare material that people either won't know exists or have been unable to buy. The Samson video has changed hands for absurd amounts of money, and although we spent loads of time and had lots and lots of fun making the promos, MTV didn't show them so many of the just haven't been widely seen. It's high time they were all available together in one package." DVD Disc 1 of "Bruce Dickinson Anthology" is a live performance extravaganza boasting 30 show-stopping tracks, recorded during the 90's as Dickinson forged ahead with his solo career. Forinstance, 'Dive Dive Dive' was recorded at the Town And Country Club in Los Angeles, California on the Tattooed Millionaire Tour, on August 14th 1990 - Dickinson's first outing as a solo artist with a new band made up of Janick Gers (Guitar), Andy Carr (Bass) and Dickie Fliszar (Drums). The second live-in-concert performance offered up on Disc 1 was filmed over two sweaty back-to-back dates during the Skunkworks Tour in Pamplona and Gerona, Spain on May 31st and June 1st, 1996. Originally created for a four-track video EP release in Japan, this is the hour-long Skunkworks concert in full, released for the very first time. DVD Disc 2 features rare footage of Bruce Dickinson performing in Sao Paulo, 1999 during the Chemical Wedding World Tour. Almost two hours in length, "Scream For Me Brazil" represents Dickinson's last outing as a solo artist before rejoining the ranks of Maiden shortly afterwards. DVD Disc 3 is an extensive collection of promotional videos made during Bruce Dickinson's solo career. From his days at EMI through to his own self-produced videos of recent times, each video is accompanied by a short introduction by the singer himself, discussing the ideas, concepts and eventual filming behind each of the videos. Alongside the 14 promotional videos, Disc 3 also includes over an hour's worth of extras, including a track-by-track breakdown interview regarding the concept behind the songs on the Tyranny Of Souls album and a video for Samson's 'Biceps Of Steel,' on which Dickinson made his video debut fronting that band in a rather curious adaptation of the story of Samson And Delilah, filmed at the Rainbow Theatre in London. Filmed and directed by Julien Temple (who was more famous for the Sex Pistols movie "The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle"), this 15-minute featurette was distributed throughout cinemas as a support feature to the movie "Breaking Glass" starring Hazel O'Connor and Jonathan Pryce in 1980.
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04.19.06 (RockAndMetal.com) MetalAsylum.net recently conducted an interview with BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kursch. A couple of excerpts follow: Q: "Is the direction of the new album as orchestrated and layered with vocal harmonies as 'Night At The Opera,' or does it have more in common with 'Imaginations From The Other Side' or even 'Somewhere Far Beyond'? Hansi: "Well, the working title of the album is 'Twist of the Mist'. We have about five weeks of mixing coming up so during that time is when we will decide on the album's title. Would I confuse you if I said we are consequently going in the direction of 'Opera' but with less orchestration? [Laughs] You can definitely hear the roots of the band on it, especially if you have the single for 'Fly' and on the song 'Skalds and Shadows', but there is a new direction as well. I think we have included the qualities of every album so far. Of course, our target lies in the future, so it's not exactly to be compared with any of the albums we have done before. All the 12 songs differ drastically and go in different directions. There is a traditional section, a more modern section and a more orchestrated section. I am very convinced that this was the right step to do because every song contains great melodies. The album has a focus on melodies but not so as many layers like we did with 'A Night At The Opera'. There are tons of guitar melodies and we tried to focus on the lead vocals more this time than on 'Opera' and we removed a lot of those backing vocal layers. 'Opera' was a very busy album, this time the attitude is still the same but based on a very strong melody line either played by Andre's guitar leads or my vocals. I think you can feel that in 'Fly' already, and that is a great example of the new album." Q: "It has been understood that your original drummer Thomen left the band and started Savage Circus because he was more interested in making music in the style of earlier Blind Guardian. Is that because Blind Guardian is phasing out that part of the band's history in the future?" A: "Well, he really liked that stuff, as we all do, but it was more of both a mixture of artist and business matters. We all had a discussion and decided it was the best thing to do for everyone. It depends how you look at it addressing your question. If you look at 'A Night At The Opera' and find that a complete change for you then we have in a sense moved away from that part of the band's past but without really thinking about it. I think 'A Night At The Opera' is a consequence and development of what we have done before, but that does not mean we have denied our roots or do not want to do that music anymore, it's just not the time for that right now. That was the '80s and early '90s, and we need to come up with something new to develop. We are a progressive band, and therefore it is important for us to have something different between all the albums. There was never any discussion with or without Thomen as to whether we were going to do another 'Imaginations From The Other Side' or 'Somewhere Far Beyond.' As I said, it's nothing we would deny, and, of course, you can still feel those Celtic elements in the single 'Fly' or 'Skalds And Shadows.' We just write the songs we are comfortable with."
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04.19.06 (RockAndMetal.com) The following is an excerpt of a recent interview with LINKIN PARK frontman Chester Bennington that was just sent out by the band: Q: "What is the writing process like?" A: "It's fun. We all get a chance to release and contribute creatively. Rick Rubin, the producer on our new record, has us working in a style that we've never done before, so it's different for us. We'll come up with ideas individually, then come together and work on it as a band. We decide together what direction the songs will go... but this album will be more vocally driven than any of our other ones. So usually, Mike and I write lyrics, and the rest of the guys write their parts to them. Brad is really great at structuring the songs. It's obviously a lot of work, but I love my job, so it makes working fun for us. Q: "Do you and Mike write together?" A: "We both write songs and melodies, and we both have our own personal things we write about, so some of the songs start out separately then we put them together and work on them together. But we both have songs that we've written on our own. Usually we tweak each other's stuff and go from there." Q: "Does the whole band sit down together?" A: "Every week. We're still in the early stages where we're working out our individual parts first. Each of the guys write their own part for their own instrument. But we have a band meeting every week, and we partner up on a lot of what we're doing. We get together at the studio every week and listen to each other's stuff. Then we all get to decide what to keep, what to change and help each other with what we've been working on." Q "And the rest work on the production?" A: "Everyone does the production. But if you're asking me if everyone works on their own parts, yes they do. But we all help each other out when we need it. We're a band, so nothing is solo. Q: "Is your writing a reflection of where you are in life?" A: "A lot has changed for me since 'Meteora.' I married Talinda, and have 3 sons, so I guess as I'm growing up and getting older, so is the music. You can't repeat the same things in life and not learn. The same goes for music with me." Q: "Will the lyrical content be similar to any of your previous work, or can we expect something totally new?" Q: "Both. We're still Linkin Park, and you'll hear that. But we have a lot of material that is totally new, and nothing you've heard from us before. Rick Rubin is producing the record, and he's done so many different types of albums. We wanted something new, but still with our vibe." Q: Are you also a writer in the traditional sense of the word i.e. short stories, fiction, etc.? A: "Yes. I love to write stories and poems. I did an interview for a book recently, and it ended up to be a story of my childhood and how I was influenced to play music. It ended up to be about 6 pages." Q: "Do you find your writing as a form of release or pseudo-therapy?" A: "Yeah. It gives me a chance to express myself creatively and to get my feelings out. Some people work out, some people paint, I write and sing. It lets me release my aggression and share my thoughts with fans and friends."

04.18.06 (RockAndMetal.com) MOONSPELL have just released their latest album, "Memorial," which marks the return of the band to Germany's Woodhouse Studios, where they worked again with long-time producer Waldemar Sorychta (Wolfheart, Irreligious, Sin) after two years of intense touring in support of "The Antidote" (2003). "Memorial" is and album which not only shows that the eternal spark of the band's creativity is at a peak, but one which also recreates traditions and influences helped the band to conquer their rightful place at the top of the Gothic Metal scene in the Nineties. The most famous and successful Portuguese band ever present a work where power and soul flow together in a heavy, dark and atmospheric album on "Memorial," something rarely heard on today's Gothic Metal scene. Moonspell have at times been referred to as one of the most important bands in contemporary Metal. Since their early days with mini-album "Under The Moonspell" (1994) and their potent debut, "Wolfheart" (1995), their path has been marked by a restless imagination and willpower, allowing them to charter into further musical territories, taking a goodpart of the Gothic Metal genre to sonic and visual dimensions never traveled before. They further pioneered the genre themselves with the classic "Irreligious (1996)," an album that brought them out in the open on a historical tour supporting Type O Negative. After 1998's "Sin/Pecado," Moonspell have pursued even further musical contexts to an ever-growing loyal following throughout the world. Over the years, they've made appearances at all the major Metal and Gothic festivals (Dynamo, WFF, Roskilde, etc.); have headlined and supported on tours throughout Europe, the United States and Latin America (with Type O Negative, Cradle Of Filth, Kreator, Opeth, Samael, etc.); have collaborated with Portugual's most important Ballet company, Ballet Gulbenkian; and their participation on the soundtrack to "I Will See You In My Dreams -- the first Portuguese horror movie ever awarded with a Melies d'Or award and a winner at several other film festivals -- just makes Moonspell's list of accomplishments that much more impressive.
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04.17.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Polish Extreme Metal titans BEHEMOTH are currently in the midst of the Masters Of Chaos tour as direct support to Morbid Angel. The trek, which runs through May 5th, also includes Century Media labelmates Krisiun and Despised Icon in the support slots. The first U.S. tour on which Behemoth have the opportunity to play an extended 45-minute set, and the fourth nationwide run in support of their current album, "Demigod," the band will also be a part of the massive Sounds Of The Underground tour lineup this Summer. Behemoth fans should also keep an eye out for the group's limited edition "Slaves Shall Serve EP," which features a new track, exclusive live material, two covers, and the uncensored 'Slaves Shall Serve' video clip. The stunning new video is quickly catching people's attention with its intense and controversial imagery. Behemoth vocalist/guitarist Nergal has checked in with the following report: "We just finished playing in Cleveland, Ohio and I don't remember last time when it was that hot on stage. We were literally boiling inside, plus we faced many technical problems, but the crowd didn't disappoint us at all. I have to say that all the shows we've done so far have been nothing but awesome. NYC was a blast. I can't really describe how much I love this audience. The Orlando crowd literally blew us away. The same goes for the Springfield and Worcester shows. Canada is yet a whole other story. Going back to that country feels like going back home. Seriously, you guys truly embraced us. Seems like people love the idea of Masters Of Chaos tour, and most places either sell out or are close to sold out. It feels great to witness the fact that extreme metal music is getting such massive support. We'd love to hail all of you for all the dedication and love. Keep it up and we hope to see you all soon." Masters Of Chaos" Remaining Tour Dates: 04/19 Portland, OR [Roseland Theatre] • 04/20 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 04/21 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 04/22 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Theatre] • 04/23 Hollywood, CA [Key Club] • 04/24 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 04/25 Albuquerque, NM [Sunshine Theater] • 04/26 Denver, CO [Ogden Theatre] • 04/28 El Paso, TX [The Zone] • 04/29 San Antonio, TX [White Rabbit] • 04/30 Corpus Christi, TX [The Ballroom] • 05/01 Houston, TX [Engine Room]
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04.17.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Swedish Rockers THE QUILL have released their fifth album, "In Triumph," via SPV/Steamhammer Records. For the album, their third for the label, the band chose to record at Area 51 Studios in Celle, Germany using the skills of acclaimed producer Tommy Newton (UFO, Helloween, Victory, etc.). Sound-wise, the intention was to go for clarity and a "less is more" approach. With the music, The Quill wanted to write straight-forward songs. That sometimes meant using ideas that previously might have been thrown away, deemed too "obvious" to the band. And the result is a relevantly rewarding revelation. "In Triumph" charges out of the speakers and rocks with new-found conviction. After a psychedelic build-up, opener 'Keep The Circle Whole' challenges the like of Audioslave for groove power, and a song like 'Trespass' just might be the most ass-kicking tune The Quill have recorded so far. Not sacrificing its grandeur, the band excel on 'Black,' an Eastern-flavored epic that brings both Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to mind. It's one of the highlights of an album that's bound to expand the "classic songs by The Quill" catalog. Based out of the coastal town of Monsteras, The Quill formed out of the ashes of the band Quil, led by vocalist Magnus Ekwall, guitarist Christian Carlsson and drummer Jolle Atlagic, along with original keyboardist Anders Haglund and bassist Peter Holm in the beginning of the '90s. After writing material for half a year, the band entered Berno Studios in Malmo, Sweden, where they would record their first album in three weeks. After signing a recording deal with Megarock Records, The Quill's debut album was issued in Europe in March of 1995. However, their second album didn't see the light of day unti nearly four years later, mainly due to ongoing troubles with their record company. After a short promotion tour in Sweden with Abstrakt Algebra, The Quill played the Karlshamn Rockfestival with bands like Black Sabbath and Fleetwood Mac, while the Summer of 1999 saw The Quill promoting their sophomore release playing a number of festivals in both Sweden and Denmark - the highlight being a gig at Sweden Rock Festival where they would perform alongside monster outfits including Deep Purple, Motorhead, Captain Beyond and Dio. That Summer also saw the release of a 10" EP entitled "Evermore," which was released on Froghouse Records. The Quill also record their own cover versions of Iron Maiden's 'Where Eagles Dare,' Captain Beyond's 'Frozen Over' and November's 'Mount Everest' that year. Aside from current bassist Robert Triches, The Quill still retain three original band members in Ekwall, Carlsson and Atlagic.
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04.13.06 (RockAndMetal.com) ARCH ENEMY made their triumphant return to the U.S. last week on a massive Jagermeister sponsored co-headlining bill with Chimaira and Hate Eternal. The trek, which also now features labelmates God Forbid (who joined the package nine dates into the tour) replacing Nevermore (who were on select shows), includes a stop at the renowned New England Metal and Hardcore Festival on April 29th. This will be Arch Enemy's third U.S. run in support of their critically acclaimed new album, Doomsday Machine, which debuted at #87 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and recently surpassed the 65,000 U.S. SoundScan plateau. They have also recently completed a new video for the track "My Apocalypse" with director Roger Johansson (In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Hammerfall). Look for it to make its Fuse and MTV2 debut later this month or catch it now at the link below. Mike Amott (guitars) checks in with the following tour report: "Hello all, we are back in the U.S. once again on the Jagermeister Tour with Chimaira, God Forbid (who recently replaced Nevermore) and Hate Eternal! The first show was in Denver - a typical 'first show' with all the stress that entails. I could definitely feel that we've been off the road for three months and I can still feel it in my neck today, but it was cool since the fans are amazing in the Denver area. It's good to see everyone; this is a cool tour with great bands. Hell, I'd pay money to see Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) play guitar - Wow! All the bands are playing awesome shows, and I am so happy that we are on a solid heavy bill with all good music! "There's also been some confusion and rumors about the April 26th New York show at The Avalon as the venue was closed down for a while. Anyway, the show is taking place as planned at The Avalon...so be there! Oh yeah, I will be doing a ESP guitars signing session with my fellow Arch Enemies Fredrik Akesson and Angela Gossow at New England Metal and Hardcore Fest on Saturday April 29th from 4:00PM - 4:45PM. The New England Fest is always cool, and I believe this is the 3rd time we will be playing it! In LA, I did something quite interesting, I was invited to a studio to do some voiceover work for an upcoming animated series called Deathklok on Adult Swim that premieres August 6th. We filmed the session and will either podcast them on the Adult Swim podcasts or compile them for the Dethklok DVD special features. We got some cool footage of me talking about dumb guitar stuff and later we talked about Herzog movies but I don't know if that was filmed. So there it is, could be a new career opening for me, ha ha! Man, I am just happy to be back out on the road again on a killer tour - if you get the chance, come on out and check it out. Hopefully we will see you all soon."
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04.12.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Danish Metal machine URKRAFT are set to release "The Inhuman Aberration" on May 29th via Earache Records. Recorded at Antfarm Studios with Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Sick Of It All, Himsa, Hatesphere, etc.), "The Inhuman Aberration" features 10 polished and precise anthemic tracks incorporating thrash tempos and grim riffing likened to At The Gates, Darkane and Strapping Young Lad. Urkraft's subtle use of keyboards sets them apart from the crowd, adding new textures and atmospheres to their taut sound. Saya band member Thomas Pedersen: "'The Inhuman Aberration' album was made in about 4 months! We already had the Antfarm Studio booked; we just waited a long time to really kick it off, because we were signing the new deal with Earache. So when that fell into place, we spent 3-4 days in the rehearsal room every week and wrote the rest of the tracks. Compared to when we recorded the "Eternal Cosmic Slaughter" album, which was a mixture of old and new tracks, this album is all new tracks and besides 2 tracks we demoed for Earache before talking more seriously about the contract, all are made within a scheduled period. We tried to make this album have the right amount of varieties and riffs that would secure a whole, which would make the entire album more dynamic and at the same time show Urkraft as we are and as well as exploring a new musical side, we think has come through really well. It is difficult to describe, but we have worked a lot with more chaotic and noisier elements in the music. We wanted to express a wider and bigger wall of sound and fill it with melodies and beautiful combinations between keyboard and guitar. Not what melodic death metal or black metal usually presents or stands for, but we're trying new ways to combine the elements we usually use and expand those to something wilder and - just more noisy! I think one thing that has been very successful, compared to my expectations, is the build-up in every track and the sense of darkness/sadness in it. We have worked a lot with middle-pieces that only shows up once or twice in a track and are meant to change the theme of the song. It doesn't have to be a riff - it can just be guitars, bass and keys playing within the same note, but not the same thing and being supported by Mikael's drums and maybe some vocals, creating that chaos I speak about! I think people should expect a combination of our own sound and some more noisy elements, just more chaotic and especially more than 50% death metal and 50% thrash metal, with a more dark feeling to it over-all. Just check it out!"
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04.11.06 (RockAndMetal.com) PANTERA's late guitarist Dimebag Darrell, drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown are teamed up with iconic redneck iconoclast David Allan Coe -- best known to Pantera audiences for the 'Jack Daniels If You Please' warm-up music -- for a seamless sonic thrust that packs a blindsided-rusty-nail-two-by-four kind of wallop on the upcoming REBEL MEETS REBEL album, due for release on May 2nd. Captured in stray moments over the course of four years, the Rebel Meets Rebel project tears into musical pockets with the power-teeth of a chain saw - shredding, pumping, thumping, wheeling, and at times even finding a way to whiplash melodic cyclones to Vinnie Paul's always-propulsive backbeats. The CD and artwork were completed and stored for safekeeping. Dimebag joked to Vinnie he wanted the sessions to be released on CD "before the old man (Coe) kicks the bucket..." Instead fate stepped in with the untimely death of Dimebag himself. Two years and a few unfathomable pages in the history books later, a work of music that is the culmination of the groundbreaking guitarist's vision and also the fruit of his brother's business acumen will be unleashed on his own Big Vin Records. "Dimevision, Volume 1," a DVD culled from footage Dimebag had shot with a camcorder over several years on the road and at home, will also hit stores May 2nd. Sometimes the most unlikely meetings present the most intense possibilities. And sometimes nothing's more engaging than extreme opposites, with only their excellence and commitment to what they do as individuals, creating a whole new realm of reason. Pummeling. Undulating. Propulsive. There is something about forces of nature merging that is as relentless as it is powerful. And so it was that Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, along with Pantera bassist Rex Brown, calling themselves the "Cowboys From Hell" joined forces with hardcore Country iconoclast David Allen Coe for what would come to be known as Rebel Meets Rebel. Captured at odd and off periods in each entity's recording and touring schedule beginning four years ago, this wild child hybrid is a labor of love, passion and shared good times. With thrashing down strokes, intricate solos and Coe's far-flung vocal attack, this is a seamless musical synthesis that exists beyond the realm of any genre, format or label. That's what makes this one of the most exciting projects to come down the pike in a long, long time. "Dime and I had been talking about this in interviews practically since we started making music with David," says Paul in his easy-going, aw-Hell humility. "People were wondering when or if they'd get to hear it. We wanted to make sure we got Damageplan established. We always knew this music was special, it was just a matter of the right time to put it out." Hard to believe something that could hit with the force of Rebel Meets Rebel came about in such an off-handed way. Certainly Pantera fans were more than familiar with Coe's hard-drinking anthem, 'Jack Daniels If You Please,' from the no-nonsense band's warm-up music. But it wasn't until Dimebag decided to take in a Coe show at Fort Worth's legendary honky tonk, Billy Bob's, that the seeds were sown. "Once I saw the videos, I couldn't believe this guy actually stood in the autograph line after the show with all the fans," Coe acknowledged of their first meeting. "I mean, he could've identified himself to someone, told them who he was and been brought right backstage, but that wasn't who he was... and I liked that immediately." A few weeks later, Coe was scheduled to be in Dallas and... [full story]
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04.11.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Roadrunner Records announced the signing of Atlanta-based Extreme Metal band DAATH recently. Daath (pronounced like "Goth," but with a "D") have been signed by long-time Roadrunner A&R man Monte Conner. Says Conner: "Daath fuses elements of cutting-edge death and black metal with expansive orchestral and electronic themes. I haven't signed a death metal band since the early 90's, when that whole scene reached a serious saturation and then stagnation point. But I never stopped following the genre and when Daath came along, I finally heard a new band who injected originality, excitement and fresh ideas back into that style of music." The band, featuring Sean Farber (vocals), Michael Kameron (synth, backing vocals), Eyal Levi (guitar), Emil Werstler (guitar), Jeremy Creamer (bass), and Matt Ellis (drums), were brought to Conner's attention via colleague and friend, former Obituary/Disincarnate/Death/Testament guitarist-turned-producer, James Murphy, who took the band into the studio last year to co-produce and mix ten songs. "The Daath song-writing team of Eyal Levi and his co-conspirator, composer/lyricist Michael Kameron, are on top of their game," says Murphy. "After completing the work on these songs, I knew I had something innovative and genre-bending on my hands. These guys have something extra, something special... not your run-of-the-mill death metal formula, but something 'beyond' that transcends the norms for the genre. I can't wait for the world to hear this band and hopefully feel the same renewed enthusiasm for extreme metal as a true art form that I now feel." According to Kameron, "Daath means 'hidden knowledge' in Hebrew and represents the tragic struggle between the instincts and the intellect, the doorway to the abyss of the unconscious mind." Adds Levi, "We explore a vast array of emotional landscapes, at times aggressively exhilarating and at others inwardly reflective." Continues Levi, "Since the beginning we've believed that Roadrunner was the most appropriate label for Daath. They are the torch bearers for the metal world and we are proud to be joining their family." Daath will re-enter the studio with Murphy in May to record five more songs to round out the pool of tracks they will choose from to unleash as their forthcoming Roadrunner debut album, The Hinderers - due out this Fall. Besides the title track, some other songs set to appear include 'Festival Mass Soulform,' 'Ovum,' 'Above Lucium' and 'Who Will Take The Blame.' Murphy makes a guest appearance on the album as well as former Chimaira/Dying Fetus drummer, Kevin Talley, who tracked drums on two songs.
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04.10.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Canadian extremists STRAPPING YOUNG LAD have completed tracking their upcoming new album, "The New Black," which frontman Devin Townsend promises to be the group's definitive release. The soon-to-be genre defying epic will showcase a new dimension of the SYL beast that puts an emphasis on incorporating more hooks and catchier melodies into the group's renowned insanity, which is backed up with an abundance of devastating guitar solos. It would be safe to say that you can expect the unexpected on "The New Black." The album's U.S. touring campaign will kick off June 29th, as the group joins the second stage lineup at Ozzfest alongside such acclaimed acts as Atreyu, Bleeding Through and Unearth, among others. Townsend further describes his excitement over being a part of Ozzfest and sheds some light on their new disc: "The recording process went amazingly well, and Strapping as a whole is really excited about this effort. We were very inspired with the idea of doing Ozzfest, and the concept we are running with on this record is really based around abhorring the current music scene, yet being a part of it in some weird way. SYL is ready to be a subversive product for the unwitting 14-year-olds to scream along with. "We also intend to sprinkle a little ugly around all the pretty bands this year. You can think of us as the proverbial pubic hair in the cheesecake of this year's festival. We are ugly, large and angry. We have also been around longer as a band than 90% of the other bands. Most of all, we're just really excited to be a part of Ozzfest and this summer is going to be crazy. See you all soon." On June 12th, Century Media Records are slated to re-release Strapping Young Lad's 1995 debut album, "Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing," which had a big influence on the Extreme Metal scene. The re-issue features a remastered version of the classic debut, 4 bonus tracks, the 'S.Y.L.' video and a 12-page booklet with extended liner notes from Devin Townsend himself. As he recalls: "I had finished with The Wildhearts just prior to this [1994], and they were so anti-everything that I decided to take a similar approach while focusing on dissonance and just being as over-the-top as I could. Songs didn't really matter; it was just the intensity and the vibe plus lots of humor. Screaming and laughing are pretty close, I think, and I have just never been 'hard,' so we do what comes naturally, right? Right." So enjoy the rebirth of a genre-defining classic! "Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing" Re-Issue Track Listing: 1. S.Y.L. • 2. In The Rainy Season • 3. Goat • 4. Cod Metal King • 5. Happy Camper (Carpe B.U.M.) • 6. Critic • 7. The Filler - Sweet City Jesus • 8. Skin Me • 9. Drizzlehell • 10. Satan's Ice Cream Truck (hidden bonus track from original pressing) • 11. Japan (Japanese bonus track) • 12. Monday (previously unreleased bonus track) • 13. Exciter (European bonus track from original version; Judas Priest cover version) • 14. S.Y.L. Video Clip
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[ Metal News: March 2006 ]
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