08.18.06 (RockAndMetal.com) LACUNA COIL has just completed a successful run on the main stage at this year's Ozzfest, which leads them into a massive headlining European tour this Fall. The trek, which kicks off September 29th and runs through November 8th, will be the group's first headlining run in support of "Karmacode," which debuted at #28 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. Lacuna Coil will close out the year with a U.S. headlining run this November, with more details regarding that tour to be announced soon. Vocalist Cristina Scabbia is also featured on the cover of this week's Kerrang! alongside Alex of Atreyu and M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold for the publication's Ozzfest special. Meanwhile, Lacuna Coil's new single 'Enjoy The Silence' has been added at nearly four dozen commercial radio outlets and is currently breaking onto Active Rock charts everywhere. Currently you can hear 'Enjoy The Silence' nationally on XM Satellite Radio (Squizz), Sirius Satellite (Octane), Music Choice (Rock), AOL Radio (Rock Covers) and more. The single can also be heard on some of the country's biggest Rock outlets including WIIL in Chicago, WRIF in Detroit, WBUZ in Nashville, WCCC in Hartford, Connecticut, WLIR in Long Island, New York and WJJO in Madison, Wisconsin, with more to follow. The video for 'Enjoy The Silence,' completed by the directorial team Fort Awesome (who also shot the group's acclaimed 'Our Truth' clip), can currently be viewed on MTV's Headbangers Ball, AOL Music, Music Choice and Yahoo! Music, or you can view it by simply clicking on the link below. Lacuna Coil made their much-anticipated return to the U.S. on June 29th as part of Ozzfest - the massive summer trek also coinciding with the release of the 'Enjoy The Silence' single, which first impacted commercial radio on July 11th. "Karmacode"'s early success can also be attributed to the strength of 'Our Truth,' the lead-off single, and an impressive live television performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" back in the Spring.
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08.17.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Just days before the release of their debut album "Under Reprisal" for Nuclear Blast Records, Canadian Metal hopefuls THREAT SIGNAL have launched a self-produced video for the song 'Counterbalance.' The clip features footage of the band on the road, in the studio with producer Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory, snippets from the 'Rational Eyes' promotional video shoot, and plenty of live footage from North American shows as well as the band's recent appearance at Germany's Earthshaker Festival. The new video was shot and put together by the band and their crew themselves. Meanwhile, Threat Signal are understandably excited about the "Under Reprisal" North American release this Tuesday, August 22nd and the chance to play Earthshaker. Vocalist Jon Howard speaks from his home in Hamilton, Ontario: "Ever since I was a kid I've dreamed of releasing an album, and next week that dream becomes a reality. Words cannot describe the excitement! 'Under Reprisal' has been released in Europe for a few months now, and has been doing great. However now it is being released on our home turf, and we'll actually get to see our album in stores, our video played, and even hear our music on the radio. It's a trip. Playing the Earthshaker fest was just completely ridiculous. They treated us like fuckin' rock stars. We played on a gigantic stage where we could actually move around, and to thousands of people who most of them knew who we were! Germany rules!" THREAT SIGNAL will hit the road on October 5th for a five-week North American tour supporting Soilwork, Darkest Hour and Mnemic, sponsored by Decibel Magazine. "I've always been a huge fan of Soilwork, and our band is actually influenced by Soilwork," admits Howard. "I must have seen that band perform at least 5 times last year, and every show I was wishing we could open for them. Now we will be."
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08.16.06 (RockAndMetal.com) After triumphantly headlining the annual Wacken Open Air festival and completing recent to-capacity performances in America, EMPEROR have announced the following two additional performances for 2006: October 7th at the Motstoy Festival in Notodden, Norway, and October 28th at the Astoria in London, UK. "The Motstoy festival is a non-profit organization situated in Notodden that my company Mnemosyne Productions has endorsed since its start in 2002," says Emperor vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn. "As it is a no-alcohol arrangement with no age limit, it is a great opportunity for Emperor to play a local show and at the same time give younger fans a chance to see us live." Ticket and sponsorship information can be found at the festival's official site, located at www.motstoy.com. Emperor has additionally confirmed its return to England for an exclusive engagement at the famed London Astoria. Scheduled for Saturday, October 28, the show will feature supporting performances from Candlelight Recording artist To-Mera and Nocturnal Art Productions recording artist She Said Destroy. "It's great to finally come back to England with Emperor," says Samoth. "England is where we first started out in the early '90s; signing to Candlelight Records and heading out on our first real tour. We've always had a strong following in England, both press and fans, and we've built up a strong relationship throughout the years with the folks at Candlelight Records and Plastic Head, so it was a very obvious choice for us to return to the United Kingdom. All hail and see you soon!" The recently announced Emperor guitar tabulature book, "Scattered Ashes: A Decade of Emperial Wrath" will see worldwide release in time for the London performance. The 132-page oversized book featuring foreword and transcriptions by Ihsahn, will include original tabs for thirteen Emperor classics contained on the band's 2003 compilation of the same name.
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08.16.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Dayton, Ohio's MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT will head out on the road in support of their upcoming sophomore album, "The Ties That Blind," which is being released on August 22nd via Translation Loss Records. The Esoteric are also slated to be on the bill. In the two years since Mouth Of The Architect released their debut, the brilliant "Time & Withering," the band has been through some tough times due to several lineup changes. "I thought that we were going to break up a number of times," says vocalist/guitarist Gregory Lahm. "The three of us didn't want to. We made this priority in our lives and we got through everything we were going through so we could go out to Seattle and record these songs." "The Ties That Bind" reflects the group's love of Yes, King Crimson and Mahavishnu Orchestra, with single-note progressions and a wider sound continuum. "My favorite song on the record is 'No One Wished To Settle Here,'" says Lahm. "Everything we have in our spectrum is in that song. There are a lot of proggy rock progressions. There are slower, heavier progressions. There are clean, more melodic, spacey parts... [Our songs] are about loss and being where we are and not being able to do anything about the situation that we were in for the past year." Tour Dates: 08/22 Chicago, IL [Knights Of Columbus Hall] • 08/23 Minneapolis, MN [Triple Rock Social Club] • 08/24 Moorhead, ND [All Star Bowl] • 08/26 Rapid City, SD [Venue Eight] • 08/31 Hollywood, CA [Knitting Factory] • 09/01 Bakersfield, CA [Jerry's Pizza] • 09/02 Eureka, CA [Eureka Vet's Hall] • 09/03 El Cajon, CA [The Masonic Lodge] • 09/04 Tempe, AZ [Clubhouse] • 09/05 El Paso, TX [Chic's] • 09/07 San Antonio, TX [The White Rabbit] • 09/08 Houston, TX [Walter's On Washington] • 09/09 Dallas, TX [The TAC Room] • 09/10 Tulsa, OK [The Pink Eye] • 09/12 St. Louis, MO [Hi Pointe] • 09/30 Dayton, OH [The Foundry]
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08.15.06 (RockAndMetal.com) ARCH ENEMY's highly anticipated double disc DVD set, "Live Apocalypse," is now available worldwide via Century Media - just in time for the group's triumphant return to the U.S. on Gigantour this September. Some early reports from the European DVD charts have "Live Apocalypse" at #12 on the German DVD charts, while it remains at #2 this week on Sweden's DVD charts - the same position it was at last week. Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott comments: "Yes, the DVD is out all over the world now and the reviews are glowing and more importantly, the positive feedback from the fans is Huge! On another note, we played our last summer festival show this year in Gothenburg last week. It was a really cool show with a great Swedish Metal crowd and tons of family and friends backstage - a great way to end this summer! We played a completely different kind of show in London, UK on Thursday. It was the 'Kerrang! Day Of Rock' and it was basically an in-store type deal in the basement of the Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street. We played a brief 30-minute set, and thanks to the fans that came down and supported us it was actually fun. We've had a blast this summer playing the European festivals, the shows have been so cool and in some cases even amazing (Hello Wacken!). It's been a real treat to meet all the Arch Enemy fans at the signing sessions of these festivals too - we love it! "So now we have a little time off from the road before we head back to the U.S. for the Gigantour. We are all really looking forward to that. Hope to see you all soon." Arch Enemy will make their return to the U.S. in support of their current album, "Doomsday Machine," which debuted at #87 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and recently surpassed the 70,000-unit SoundScan plateau stateside.
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08.15.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Steamhammer/SPV Recordings have announced the signing of WHITESNAKE, one of the more successful Hard Rock acts of all time. November 3rd (in Germany) and November 6th (in Europe) will see the arrival of the band's new double live album, "Live ... In The Shadow Of The Blues," capturing for posterity the infectious enthusiasm that the band surrounding vocalist David Coverdale has presented all over Europe during this year's festival season. For thirty years, Whitesnake have been among the most influential representatives of their genre, having produced numerous Rock classics such as 'Here I Go Again,' 'Is This Love,' 'In The Still Of The Night,' 'Fool For Your Loving,' 'Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City' and 'Walking In The Shadows Of The Blues'. "Live ... In The Shadow Of The Blues" includes nearly all the hits from Whitesnake's career, as well as two timeless Deep Purple classics in 'Burn' and 'Stormbringer.' Coverdale was the frontman for that legendary British act between 1973 and 1976, making a significant contribution to numerous Purple highlights during that era. "Live ... In The Shadow Of The Blues" also includes four previously unreleased tracks in 'Ready To Rock,' 'If You Want Me (I'll Come Running),' 'All I Want Is You,' and 'Dog,' eagerly awaited by true Whitesnake fans everywhere. The strictly limited version of the double album will be available in a top-quality digipack, featuring a number of surprises, among them the bonus track 'Crying In The Rain,' which includes an extensive drum solo by Tommy Aldridge. Connoisseurs consider the current Whitesnake lineup one of the technically more accomplished in the band's history. Doug Aldrich (ex-Dio) and Reb Beach (Winger, ex-Dokken), continue the long tradition of excellent guitarists that has always distinguished Whitesnake. Aldridge has been with the group for over twenty years now, while bassist Uriah Duffy and keyboardist Timothy Drury complement the current lineup well.
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08.14.06 (RockAndMetal.com) FEAR FACTORY will headline the upcoming Machines At War North American tour, which begins October 26th and sees support from the mighty Suffocation, Hypocrisy and Poland's Decapitated. Says Fear Factory drummer Raymond Herrera: "I'm really excited about doing a heavy tour like this. A brutal lineup full of metal pioneers has been a long time coming. I guarantee a lot of our fans will agree. Plus you'll be certain to hear some Fear Factory songs that have not been played live in quite some time." Tour Dates: 10/26 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 10/27 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 10/28 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Theatre] • 10/29 Los Angeles, CA [Key Club] • 10/30 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 11/01 Houston, TX [Warehouse Live] • 11/02 New Orleans, LA [House Of Blues] • 11/03 St, Petersburg, FL [The State Theatre] • 11/04 Ft Lauderdale, FL [Culture Room] • 11/06 Fayetteville, NC [Jeeters Pub] • 11/07 West Springfield, VA [Jaxx] • 11/08 New York, NY [B.B. King's Blues Club] • 11/10 Sayreville, NJ [Starland Ballroom] • 11/11 Atlantic City, NJ [House Of Blues] • 11/12 Hartford, CT [Webster Theatre] • 11/13 Montreal, Que [Medley] • 11/14 Toronto, ONT [The Opera House] • 11/16 Cohoes, NY [Saratoga Winners] • 11/17 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 11/18 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 11/19 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 11/22 South Bend, IN [Club Fever] • 11/24 Detroit, MI [Harpo's] • 11/25 Chicago, IL [Metro/Smart Bar] • 11/26 Saginaw, MI [Shooters] • 11/27 Sauget, IL [Pop's] • 11/28 Columbia Hts., MN [Star Central] • 11/29 Winnipeg, MB [Ramada Conference Center] • 12/01 Edmonton, AL [Starlite Room] • 12/02 Edmonton, AB [Warehouse] • 12/05 Seattle, WA [Studio Seven] • 12/06 Portland, OR [Roseland Theater] • 12/08 Englewood, CO [Gothic Theater] • 12/09 Albuquerque, MN [Sunshine Theater]
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08.14.06 (RockAndMetal.com) HURT, whose latest single 'Falls Apart' is already #34 in its second week at Active Rock radio, will be the main supporting act for Alice In Chains' Fall North American tour. 'Falls Apart,' which will be featured in the upcoming Touchstone Pictures film "The Invisible," has also been added by numerous Alternative Rock stations across the United States. 'Falls Apart' is exemplary of the richness of Hurt's ambitious debut album, "Vol. 1," veering as the album does between whispering and roaring, melody and brutality, crushing power chords and gentle acoustic moments, majesty and mayhem. The convergence of these extremes -- delivered in irregular time signature with orchestration, no less -- define the band's sound. 'Falls Apart' is the follow-up to Vol. 1's first single, 'Rapture,' which rocketed into the Top 20 of Billboard's Active Rock chart - a remarkable accomplishment for an essentially unknown band. 'Unkind,' another track from "Vol. 1," will feature in Electronic Arts' "NHL Hockey 2007" game, scheduled for release this Fall. At the core of Hurt are two musicians from exceedingly disparate backgrounds. Vocalist/guitarist/violinist J. Loren Wince was raised in rural Virginia in a home where Rock music was verboten - his parents favoring Gospel and Classical music. Although Wince cites Vivaldi as his greatest influence, the course of his life was radically altered when he heard Pearl Jam at a friend's house. Drummer/pianist Evan Johns grew up at the feet of some of Rock's greatest legends since his dad, Andy Johns, engineered or produced Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Rod Stewart, Van Halen, and countless others. The two found each other through a friend of Andy's dad, and were later joined by two New Jersey-born musicians - guitarist Paul Spatola and bassist Josh Ansley.
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08.11.06 (AP) CATTLE DECAPITATION are one of several bands now playing what "socially concious" Metal music these days. In their case, they are ardent vegetarians who use explicit album covers and songs like 'Veal And The Cult Of Torture" to condemn the meat industry. Six Feet Under frontman Chris Barnes didn't know what people would think of ;Amerika The Brutal,' an anti-war song he wrote after his cousin was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He heard a number of complaints - but also received supportive e-mails from American troops in the war zone. "It kind of sent a shiver up my spine because those are the guys I didn't want to offend by sounding anti-war," says Barnes. Other Metal bands are finding similar inspiration these days. Lamb Of God's albums criticize American foreign policy, while frontman Serj Tankian of System Of A Down is co-founder of a non-profit organization that works on social issues. More than three decades after Black Sabbath conjured images of the dark arts, Heavy Metal is, in a sense, "growing up." The genre is increasingly incorporating social and political messages into songs defined by dense power chords. Cattle Decapitation vocalist Travis Ryan says his San Diego band's mix of charging guitars and an animal rights message is drawing a diverse crowd that includes activists as well as traditional Metal fans. "We've always had a lot of crazy crossover going on," he said before a recent show. "It's a pretty diverse crowd we have. I've never known quite what to make of it." Twenty artists recently displayed art inspired by the band's last album, "Humanure," in an online exhibit. Proceeds from sales of the art are being donated to animal rights causes. Metal bands are also branching out into literature and mythology. Mastodon, who are headlining a Summer tour with Metal stalwarts Slayer, patterned the concept album "Leviathan" around the story of Moby Dick, while Death Metal band Nile base their songs and images around Egyptian mythology and iconography.
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08.11.06 (RockAndMetal.com) PAUL GILBERT is set to release "Get Out Of My Yard" on August 29th via Shrapnel Records, his first-ever all instrumental album. Known as a reputable guitarist, Gilbert's strong fan base has been asking for an all-instrumental disc for years. "Over the years, I've received tons of e-mails from fans saying 'Dude - Why don't you make a guitar instrumental album?,'" states Gilbert. "But I never wanted to." Gilbert admits he had never aspired to write and record an instrumental as he rarely ever listened to guitar instrumental records. "In 1988, I joined the band Mr. Big. At the same time, a big record company offered me a deal to make a solo guitar instrumental album "just like Joe Satriani," explains Gilbert. "I turned the offer down. When I would try to write instrumental songs, I didn't know what to do with the second verse. In a pop song, it's O.K. to repeat the music and just change the words. But with no words, my second verse ended up being exactly the same as the first." With the resurgent interest in musician-oriented albums, the release of "Get Out Of My Yard" is well timed. "I began to feel a genuine desire to make my first solo guitar instrumental album," Gilbert explains. "I began by choosing my 12 favorite guitars and basses and putting them in a room where I could be surrounded by them. Then I called Jeff Bowders to play drums, and started to work. Three months later, the CD was finished. And I love the thing." Starting his recording career with Shrapnel Records as a teenager in the late 80's, Paul Gilbert remains one of the most active guitarists from the original shred guitar scene, stemming from his multi-faceted talent and long range career including Platinum success, including a number one song with Mister Big, and cult status as founding member of the highly successful Progressive Metal band Racer X.

08.10.06 (RockAndMetal.com) STRAPPING YOUNG LAD have embraced the fact that they are the bastard children of this year's Ozzfest, and in turn redefined the lyrics to 'You Suck' to further represent their feelings on the massive Summer festival. Jed Simon (guitars) further elaborates further: "Playing 'You Suck' every day on the Ozzfest has become a bit of a legend. We keep hearing people talking about it, and Devin's slightly changed lyrics are always hilarious. It's cool to look around while we are playing it, and see the crews and other band members cracking up! Bob Meadows, vocalist from A Life Once Lost, has been joining us everyday on stage to help with the backup vocal duties and it is definitely a sight to behold." The highly acclaimed new Strapping Young Lad album, "The New Black," had a phenomenal first week at retail, debuting at #200 on the Billboard charts. The album is already being hailed as the group's most ambitious and dynamic offering yet. The group have been annihilating the masses on Ozzfest, and due to the sheer abrasiveness and intensity of their live performances, they have since become one of the most talked about, must-see acts of the festival. In conjunction with Ozzfest, a new video for the track 'Wrong Side' was recently completed by renowned director David Brodsky (God Forbid, The Red Chord). The group welcomed bassist James MacDonough (ex-Megadeth, Iced Earth) to their line-up on August 1st for their remaining Ozzfest and off-date performances. MacDonough replaces Byron Stroud only for these remaining shows since Stroud had previous touring obligations with Fear Factory. Century Media also recently reissued Strapping Young Lad's 1995 debut album, "Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing," which features a remastered version of the classic debut, four bonus tracks, the 'S.Y.L.' video and a 12-page booklet with extended liner notes from frontman Devin Townsend himself.
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08.09.06 (RockAndMetal.com) German powerhouse HEAVEN SHALL BURN were one of the first groups to ultimately shatter the boundaries that stood between the Death Metal and Gardcore genres. Now they have triumphantly returned with "Deaf To Our Prayers," which is set for a September 5th release via Century Media. The album is a stunning portrayal of sheer aggression and musical technicality that is sure to catch the attention of any extreme music fan. The disc will also contain a bonus DVD featuring a 30-minute live set from last year's Hell On Earth festival along with the video clip for the song 'The Weapon They Fear.' With "Deaf To Our Prayers," the dynamic quintet have undoubtedly proven once again that they are taking Metal in a new direction that knows no limitations. Maik Weichert (guitars) sheds some light on the meaning of the new song 'Counterweight,' which can be downloaded for free below: "We open-minded and responsible people can think and act for ourselves. We are not going to have our minds surrender to control and manipulation. Maybe some God has given us a brain, so we should use it and not rely on facts prepared by others. We are not against sincere and modern Christians who do good things and love 'thy neighbor.' Still, some fundamentalist religious organizations are striving for power and influence and target society where it is most vulnerable: the youth. Secularization is one of the greatest achievements of modern societies, and it needs to be defended. We are the Counterweight!" "Deaf To Our Prayers" is the long awaited follow-up to Heaven Shall Burn's "Antigone" album, which was their first release to garner worldwide praise. The new disc was recorded and mixed by renowned producer Jacob Hansen (Mercenary, Raunchy) in Denmark, and quickly evolved into the band's most brutal offering to date.
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08.09.06 (RockAndMetal.com) STAIND are back on the road again and slated to play the following dates over the next 8 weeks: 08/11 Grand Island, NE [Heartland Events Center] • 08/12 Sparta, WI [Constitution Park] • 08/13 Council Bluffs, IA [Mid-America Center] • 08/16 Kelseyville, CA [Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa] • 08/17 Lake Tahoe, NV [Montbleu Resort] • 08/19 Billings, MT [MetraPark Arena] • 08/22 Pikeville, KY [Eastern Kentucky Expo Center] • 08/23 Johnson City, TN [Freedom Hall] • 08/25 Memphis, TN [Mud Island Amphitheatre] • 08/26 Antioch, TN [Starwood Amphitheatre] • 08/27 Charleston, SC [Blackbaud Stadium] • 08/29 Monroe, LA [Monroe Civic Center] • 08/30 Birmingham, AL [Boutwell Auditorium] • 09/01 Philadelphia, PA [Penn's Landing] • 09/02 Uncasville, CT [Mohegan Sun Casino] • 09/03 Hampton Beach, NH [Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom] • 09/08 Green Bay, WI [Oneida Casino] • 09/09 Sault Ste. Marie, MI [Dreammakers Theatre] • 09/11 York, PA [York Fair] • 09/12 Youngstown, OH [Chevrolet Centre (Convocation Ctr.)] • 09/15 Mount Pleasant, MI [Soaring Eagle Casino] • 09/16 Huntington, WV [Harris Riverfront Park] • 09/17 Dayton, OH [Montgomery County Fair] • 09/19 Evansville, IN [Roberts Stadium] • 09/20 South Bend, IN [Morris Performing Arts Center] • 09/22 Chattanooga, TN [McKenzie Arena] • 09/23 Biloxi, MS [Mississippi Coast Coliseum] • 09/24 Baton Rouge, LA [Baton Rouge River Center] • 09/26 Orlando, FL [Hard Rock Live] • 09/27 Hollywood, FL [Seminole Hard Rock Live] • 09/29 Virginia Beach, VA [Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amph.] • 09/30 Atlanta, GA [TBA] • 10/01 Raleigh, NC [Alltel Pavilion @ Walnut Creek] • 10/03 Fayetteville, AR [Randal Tyson Track Center] • 10/04 Belton, TX [Bell County Expo Center] • 10/06 Beaumont, TX [Arena @ Ford Park] • 10/08 Corpus Christi, TX [Concrete Street Amphitheatre]
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08.08.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Deathquake Records recording artists Death Metal Trio WARFACE will release their full-length debut album, "Insanity Of The Obsessed," this Tuesday, August 15th. Hailing from San Diego, CA the trio is comprised of Laura Christine (lead guitar), Dave Smith (vocals/bass) and Tyson Jupin (drums). Since the release of an initial EP, Warface has grown and developed a unique style and chemistry, giving fans something they can really sink their teeth into. When Deathquake Records came knocking, the label recognized the quality of music the band created and quickly signed Warface to a recording deal. Warface were soon sent straight to the recording studio to work with world-class engineer/producer Alan Sanderson (System Of A Down, Slayer, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash) on their debut. "Insanity Of The Obsessed" blends complex yet catchy melodies with low brow pounding grooves that hook - a style of writing that makes the songs more memorable, and something that sticks in the listener's head. One other unique dynamic to Warface is their female lead guitarist, Laura Christine. The Extreme Metal genre has yet to see a female out front handling all rhythm and lead guitar duties singlehandedly, as well as writing and producing. Metal Curse Magazine declared that "Warface is something that you don't see every day: Brutal Death Metal with not only a female guitarist, but in fact a female guitar hero!" Warface are not trying to reinvent Metal, but simply carrying on the tradition of bringing quality brutal music to the masses - "Insanity Of The Obsessed" having been written and performed to honor the Metal legends that have come before them.
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08.08.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Roadrunner Records has announced the signing of epic rockers PORCUPINE TREE to a recording deal. Unquestionably one of the more difficult to categorize and innovative bands out there, The music is breathtaking, ranging from Psychedelic trippy Rock to Progressive Metal, as well as a compendium of other sounds in between. Evolving from one man's self-indulgent creative outlet back in 1992, Porcupine Tree have grown into a well respected quartet who have released a collection of excellent albums. Their most recent, 2005's "Deadwing," served to further skyrocket the band's renown and they are currently hard at work on a brand new record - set for release on Roadrunner (excluding North America and Japan) in early 2007. The band is fronted by singer/guitarist Steven Wilson, who also is well known for his production work (Opeth, Anja Garbarek) and other musical projects like No-Man, Bass Communion, and Blackfield - the highly acclaimed collaboration with Israeli musician Aviv Geffen. Meanwhile, Porcupine Tree will play the following upcoming live dates: 09/13 Cambridge, UK [The Junction] • 09/15 Paris, France [Elysee Montmartre] • 09/16 Antwerp, Belgium [Hof Ter Lo] • 09/18 Rome, Italy [Teatro Tendastrisce] • 09/19 Milan, Italy [Rolling Stone] • 09/21 Pratteln, Switzerland [Z7] • 09/22 Munchen, Germany [Muffathalle] • 09/23 Saarbrucken, Germany [Garage] • 09/25 Hamburg, Germany [Grosse Freiheit 36] • 09/26 Essen, Germany [Weststadthalle] • 09/27 Amsterdam, The Netherlands [Paradiso] • 09/29 London, UK [Astoria] • 09/30 Manchester, UK [Manchester University] • 10/01 Glasgow, UK [Carling Academy] • 10/05 Boston, MA [Berklee Performance Center] • 10/06 New York, NY [Nokia Theater] • 10/07 Philadelphia, PA [Keswick Theater] • 10/11 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 10/13 San Francisco, CA [Fillmore]
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08.07.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover has posted a new message in the forums section of the band's official website: "It has been a bit since my last post here, but as I am sure most of you are aware, things have been quite busy with us - the latest being our quick trip over to Spain for a few festival shows. For me personally, I quite enjoy playing festivals overseas (or anywhere, for that matter) as it gives me a chance to perhaps reacquaint myself with other band members, meeting new band members and hopefully (if time permits) catching some of these bands during their set. Some of these bands who are quite popular overseas may not play in my neck of the woods as much (at least in recent times). One such band at both festivals was Helloween, which oddly enough, I had never seen in their now 20-year-or-so career. Happily, I did watch them at both Spain festivals and I thought they were just great!! I had a few brief talks with their bass player (Markus Grosskopf), who was very friendly, so cheers to them. Of course, I did manage to see a few other bands as well, which all sounded great to me. Talked for a few with both Eric and Chuck from Testament -- great dudes, great band, crushing set -- end of story. All in all, it was a fun, quick trip for me. So now you know about Gigantour 2006? I am really looking forward to all of this - I hope you are as well. And, of course, the new Megadeth record!!!! I will speak nothing about the content (I'm old-school that way), but I will say that I am very, very proud of this record and to be a part of it." In other Megadeth news, in an article from the L.A. Times, frontman Dave Mustaine bemoans the possible loss of Tower Records after 3 major music companies have stopped shipping CD's to them. Led Zeppelin changed my life, AC/DC changed my guitar playing, and Black Sabbath changed my approach to songwriting - and I found all of them because of Tower Records," Mustaine said. "What could they possibly put in the place of that Sunset store? Another Starbucks?"
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08.04.06 (RockAndMetal.com) MOTORHEAD's 23rd album, "Kiss Of Death," is scheduled for release August 28th via SPV Recordings. Legendary frontman Lemmy comments: "It's better than 'Inferno,' which seems to be the favorite of the later years so far. It's better songs. Better arrangements and a better performance from me vocally, and a better performance from Phil Campbell on the guitar. He plays great on the songs." Featuring 12 tracks recorded at L.A.'s Paramount Studios produced by Cameron Webb, it all starts off with 'Sucker,' a brutal piece of biker Rock, followed by 'One Night Stand,' a slice of British power Rock from the 70s. Lemmy is the classic underdog, the unwanted son of a vicar that abandoned him three months after his birth - a background that fuels his hatred against any form of organized religion and makes for classic Motorhead songs like 'God Was Never On Your Side.' "Fucking ignored is what you want by God," rants Lemmy on that subject. "That's why it's 'God Was Never On Your Side,' you know, just sending out a message to people in case they still believe in God: Wrong! God is not gonna help you, God is not answering your prayers, you can pray all your life and you never get a fucking thing. God is deaf, blind and stupid. I don't like the devil either - they can both get fucked." All in all, the 12 songs on "Kiss Of Death" are typical Motorhead, yet surprisingly vital. And they don't mind fresh input from some guests, either -- whether it be Poison guitarist C.C. Deville or Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez, both of whom participate on the album and who Lemmy bumped into at The Rainbow in L.A. "I said to Mike: 'Do you wanna play on the album?' And he said: 'Sure.' He was all excited, you know, and he came down the next night and he nailed it in about three takes." Now looking at life from the age of 60, Lemmy is candid about the things he hasn't done: "I haven't fucked Halle Berry yet, you know, for a start. There's always goals that you haven't achieved. I'd like to have a hit in America before we finish up... I'd like to have another hit in the UK, too."
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08.03.06 (RockAndMetal.com) The latest news from the FIREWIND camp is after the 'Falling To Pieces' CD Single (only released in Greece) has made it up to position #11 on the official Greek Single Charts (and at the moment is still among the top 30 five weeks after its release), their new album, "Allegiance," has succeeded in hitting the album charts in the band's home country. In its first week, "Allegiance" has entered at position #11 as well, and marks a new peak in the band's history so far. Guitarist Gus G., mastermind of the Melodic Metal outfit, comments as follows: "We certainly didn't expect our CD single to enter the charts in such a high position, and now our album is enjoying the same success on the first week of its release!! Thank you all so much for supporting us!" Furthermore, a European tour with Dragonforce has been confirmed and will allow Firewind to present their versatile musicianship, inimitable rousing, with infectious hook-laden new material to old and new fans onstage. Gus G.'s reaction on the latter: "This is gonna be a great tour I think! First of all, we can't wait to come back and play in the countries we've been before but we're also excited about playing lots of new countries for the first time with Firewind. Dragonforce have been friends of ours for a long time nowm and we're very happy that we'll finally have the chance to share the stage and tour bus with them!" In addition to that, the band has announced that they will return to Japan for a show at Japan's biggest Metal festival, Loud Park. Firewind are confirmed to perform there on October 14th along extreme music heavyweights such as Megadeth, Anthrax, Ministry, Arch Enemy, and many more. Gus G. states: "After 2 and a half long years we're finally coming back to Japan, and I can't tell you how excited I am! I've missed our Japanese audience and all our friends there, and I can't wait to come back and play for you all!"
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08.02.06 (RockAndMetal.com) TRIVIUM's new album, "The Crusade," will be released on October 9th via Roadrunner Records. It's the follow-up to "Ascendancy," their Roadrunner debut. "The Crusade" captures a band on a mission, reflecting their rise from virtual unknown to headliner of the biggest Rock festival in the world (Download UK) in a mere two years. Trivium, who have played a staggering 350 shows in that time, are currently a co-headliner on this Summer's Sounds Of The Underground Tour, and will announce a Fall U.S. headlining tour shortly. This Winter, the band will tour the world as direct and sole support to the mighty Iron Maiden. Recorded at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, FL, just outside of Orlando, "The Crusade" picks up right where "Ascendancy" left off. Once again produced by Trivium and Jason Suecof, the album is a dazzling explosion of tight, intricate, and instantly memorable songs that feature awe-inspiring musicianship from all four members of the band. Says lead singer Matt Heafy: "As a band, you can either release the same album again, keeping the same number of people interested and not really branch out, or you can evolve. I feel that 'The Crusade' is the next logical step in our evolution. We took one big step between the first two albums, but this time we've taken about ten huge leaps forward.' For the first time, other members of the group besides Heafy contributed songs to the album. Guitarist Corey Beaulieu wrote the music to 'Unrepentant' and 'Tread The Floods,' while bassist Paolo Gregoletto wrote the music to 'The Rising' and 'To The Rats,' and co-wrote 'Anthem (We Are The Fire)' with Heafy. The title track is a nine minute instrumental epic. Track Listing: 1. Ignition • 2. Detonation • 3. Entrance Of The Conflagration • 4. Anthem (We Are The Fire) • 5. Unrepentant • 6. And Sadness Will Sear • 7. Becoming the Dragon • 8. To The Rats • 9. This World Can't Tear Us Apart • 10. Tread the Floods • 11. Contempt Breeds Contamination • 12. The Rising • 13. The Crusade
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08.01.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Finland's POISONBLACK will present their upcoming album, "Lust Stained Despair," when they support Lacuna Coil on their upcoming European tour. The album, mixed by Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Sick Of It All, Heaven Shall Burn) at Antfarm Studios, will hit European shops August 28th. Tour Dates: 09/22 Treviso, Italy [New Age] • 09/23 Cesena, Italy [Vidia] • 09/24 Rome, Italy [Palacisalfa] • 09/25 Florence, Italy [Auditorium] • 09/26 Milan, Italy [Alcatraz] • 09/28 Barcelona, Spain [Razzmatazz] • 09/29 Madrid, Spain [Arena] • 09/30 Bergara, Spain [Jam] • 10/01 Bordeux, France [Barbey] • 10/02 Clermont, France [Ferrant Cooperative De Mai] • 10/03 Paris, France [Olympia] • 10/06 Portsmouth, UK [Pyramids] • 10/07 Cardiff, UK [Coal Exchange] • 10/08 Birmingham, UK [Academy] • 10/10 Glasgow, UK [Barrowland] • 10/11 Nottingham, UK [Rock City] • 10/12 Manchester, UK [Academy] • 10/13 London, UK [Astoria] • 10/16 Dublin, UK [Olympia] • 10/17 Sheffield, UK [Corporation] • 10/18 Tilburg, NL [O13] • 10/19 Antwerp, Belgium [Hof Ter Loo] • 10/21 Copenhagen, Denmark [Pumpehuset] • 10/22 Malmo, Sweden [KB] • 10/23 Oslo, Norway [Rockefeller] • 10/25 Helsinki, Finland [Nosturi] • 10/26 Tampere, Finland [Pakkahoune] • 10/28 Stockholm, Sweden [Klubben] • 10/29 Gothenburg, Sweden [Tragarn] • 10/30 Berlin, Germany [Huxley's] • 10/31 Hamburg, Germany [Docks] • 11/02 Muenchen, Germany [Georg Elser Halle] • 11/03 Vienna, Austria [Planet Music] • 11/04 Linz, Austria [Posthof] • 11/06 Koeln, Germany [Live Music Hall] • 11/07 Stuttgart, Germany [Longhorn (LKA)] • 11/08 Zurich, Switzerland [Rohstofflager] • 11/30 Helsinki, Finland [Tavastia]
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[Metal News: July 2006]
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