01.20.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Brando/Universal recording artists BLUE OCTOBER are set to release "Foiled," their first studio effort since "History For Sale," on March 14th. Formed in Houston, Texas in the late '90s by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Justin Furstenfeld, his brother, drummer Jeremy, and devil-horned, multi-instrumentalist Ryan Delahoussaye, the group's epic live shows and exploration of subjects like mental depression, drug use, love, betrayal, forgiveness and cathartic transcendence have helped them amass a strong, loyal following through four albums. 2003's "History For Sale," which was initially released independently by the band, sold more than 17,000 copies before being picked up by Universal. And when the song 'Calling You,' which was also included on the "American Wedding" movie soundtrack, began picking up airplay in cities like Dallas and other markets, BLUE OCTOBER was resigned to Universal. A double-live CD/DVD, "Argue With A Tree," which captured the amazingly symbiotic live relationship between the band and its fans, came out last February. That BLUE OCTOBER haven't followed the ordinary path to success is clear on the first single from "Foiled," 'Hate Me,' a song that recalls such aching Rock anthems as JOY DIVISION's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' or JANE'S ADDICTION's 'Jane Says' for frontman Justin Furstenfeld's unflinching look at his own illness, which caused him to be committed to a mental hospital back on a fateful "blue October" day back in 1997. "It's a song about a relationship gone badly," he explains calmly. "It's about being a selfish little prick in a rock band, and just being demolished by that realization." "I have to block out thoughts of you/So I don't lose my head/They crawl in like a cockroach/Leaving babies in my bed," he sings, the images underlined by the matter-of-fact sing-song way in which they're delivered. "It's like, let me just kind of clue you in on what it feels like in my own brain," he offers. That brand of intensity is welded to wide screen sound that evokes an array of eclectic influences such as fellow Texas Psychedelic bands TRIPPING DAISY and 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS, as well as rockers such as Peter Gabriel, PINK FLOYD, FLAMING LIPS, U2 and COLDPLAY - attracting a hardcore group of fans who not only relate to, but ardently sing along with BLUE OCTOBER's songs. 'Into The Ocean,' with Delahoussaye's seductive violin siren call and plucked mandolin, openly contemplates a death wish with so much honesty, fans write to the band, claiming tracks like this have prevented their own suicidal impulses. "If I have saved other people, I don't know what to say," admits Furstenfeld. "But if I can do that for them, why the fuck can't I do that for myself?" It's a reasonable question to ask for Furstenfeld, whose first musical memory as a child was hearing fellow Texan Roy Orbison's plaintive 'Crying.' That led to an interest in other melancholy groups like THE SMITHS, THE CURE, RED HOUSE PAINTERS and IDAHO. Having been in therapy since he was 14, Justin Furstenfeld turned to music to get away from his problems. Songs like 'What If We Could,' about regret for a failed relationship, the apocalyptic 'Sound Of Pulling Heaven Down' and 'Let It Go,' with its mournful Neil Young-like harmonica line halfway through, deal with that self-doubt in no uncertain terms, as Furstenfeld asks in the latter: "Why do I feel this way?/Why do I kneel?/How could I let it go?/Why do I feel?" ""I don't remember writing these songs," he says. "They just come out when it's getting too much for me. It's like getting closure..." [full story]
[LISTEN]

01.20.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal Blade Records crushing war machine of Metal BOLT THROWER have embarked on an extensive European tour with MALEVOLENT CREATION, NIGHTRAGE and NECROPHAGIST. The UK quintet are currently celebrating their 20th anniversary together, with former vocalist Karl Willetts back in the ranks to help with the celebration. BOLT THROWER's latest offering, "Those Once Loyal" (their eighth album), follows up 2001's "Honor Valour Pride" with another merciless crushing blow - their sound often compared to an unstoppable tank, destroying everything in it's path. BOLT THROWER were formed in 1986 by guitarist Barry Thomson and Gavin Ward, who originally played bass in the band. They were soon joined by vocalist Alan West, and completed their original lineup with the addition of drummer Andy Whale. Initially inspired by bands such as SACRILEGE, DISCHARGE, SLAYER and CANDLEMASS, the quartet went on to record two demos, one of which -- "Concession Of Pain -- was sent to the late, great John Peel, which resulted in BOLT THROWER being offered a session. At the time, Gavin Ward switched to guitar and recruited Jo Bench on bass to complete the picture. At the start of 1988, the band recorded their first Peel session - after the transmission of which was aired, Vinyl Solution contacted the band and a recording deal was landed. Alan West was replaced by Karl Willetts early on, that lineup going on to record BOLT THROWER's debut album, "In Battle There Is No Law," which was recorded at Loco Studios in Wales and released in the Summer of 1988. The band have since released "Realm Of Chaos" (1989), "Warmaster" (1991), "The IVth Crusade" (1993) and "...For Victory" (1994) via Earache Records, after which they signed up with Metal Blade for 1998's "Mercenary," followed by "Honor Valour Pride" and now "Those Once Loyal." Tour Dates: 01/20 Wil, Switzerland [Remise] • 01/21 Andernach, Germany [Juz] • 01/22 Groningen, Holland [Vera] • 01/23 Osnabruck, Germany [N8] • 01/24 Rotterdam, Holland [Baroeg] • 01/25 Nijmegen, Holland [Doornroosje] • 01/26 Essen, Germany [Zeche Carl] • 01/27 Cottbus, Germany [Glad-House] • 01/28 Hanau, Germany [Halle 2] • 01/29 Hasselt, Belgium [Musiek-O-Drom] • 01/30 Paris, France [La Locomotive] • 02/01 Pratteln, Switzerland [Z7] • 02/02 Stuttgart, Germany [Rohre] • 02/03 Bad Salzungen, Germany [Kallewerk] • 02/04 Trier, Germany [Exil] • 02/05 Haarlem, Holland [Patronaat] • 04/06 Edinburgh, Scotland [The Bongo Club] • 04/07 Bradford, England [Rio] • 04/09 Dublin, Ireland [Voodoo Lounge] • 04/11 London, England [Underworld] • 04/12 Hengelo, Holland [Metropol] • 04/13 Copenhagen, Denmark [The Rock] • 04/14 Gothenburg, Sweden [Sticky Fingers] • 04/15 Oslo, Norway [Inferno Festival] • 04/16 Stockholm, Sweden [Klubben] • 04/18 Helsinki, Finland [Nosturi] • 04/19 Oulu, Finland [Teatria] • 04/20 Umea, Finland [Midnight] • 04/21 Orebro, Sweden [Satin] • 04/22 Lund, Sweden [Mejeriet] • 04/23 Bremen, Germany [Wehrschloss] • 04/25 Lyon, France [Marche Gare] • 04/26 Perpignan, France [Le Crockmore] • 04/27 Barcelona, Spain [Centro Civico Les Basses] • 04/28 Durango, Spain [Plateruena] • 04/29 Madrid, Spain [Ritmo & Compas]
[FREE MP3]

01.19.06 (RockAndMetal.com) The debut album from CAVALIER KING, "The Sun Revolutions," will be released on February 7th. It has been said that everyone is a hero at birth. But in most, no sooner is the cord cut than this noble endowment goes the way of the human tail. Not so for CAVALIER KING, the superhero-like alter ego of painter/musician Chris Taylor. The music hypnotic, poetic and defiant, "The Sun Revolutions" tells of an awakening in a fearful and ever-darkening world dominated by wrenching loss and worse, crushing tedium. The songs on the album are not merely stories, but epic expressions of chivalry, valor and the search for truth. CAVALIER KING's very first words, "So it came out one day that I don't pray to virgin mothers," leave no room for doubt. The song 'Renegade' is Taylor's unequivocal repudiation of the conventional, the superstitious, and the supernatural ideologies that pervade the populace. Then, in 'Sun Revolution,' the listener is taken into epic battle against the nefarious "Shadows Of Industry," for only in the context of combat, facing imminent death, will we gain awareness of the Eternal. He sings: "two warm bodies lie terrified under the manhole cover ill, writing the new constitution fighting the Sun Revolution....But today we will reign, forever." Unfortunately, however, CAVALIER KING's cause dissolves into an insatiable fever wherein he confuses the unwitting masses for the enemy. n the self-titled song, 'Cavalier King,' you witness the destruction of the known world at the hand of the once valiant and noble knight who -- like Alexander The Great -- has become the undisputed King. But as he stands triumphant at the end of his last battle, he realizes he is merely a king of corpses, for the vast carnage leaves him devastated, disillusioned and paralyzed by his own weakness for revenge. Over the years, Chris Taylor had been a nomad of sorts. He was raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, but as soon as he could, he left and began trekking from city to city, taking a variety of jobs. When Taylor wasn't studying, painting or working with flowers, he was writing songs. His lyrics were peppered with tales of vindication for outlaws, victims of society and underdogs "severely underestimated," as Taylor described them. He's nothing if not strong-willed, opinionated and dramatic. Yet at the same time, he's mesmerizing and so innately artistic that his persona is larger than life -- you can't help but become sucked in. The CAVALIER KING is the "Hyde" to Chris Taylor's "Jekyll," or more fittingly, "The Lizard King" to his inner Jim Morrison. "To live outside the law, you must be honest," Taylor says. Recorded at Mark Alan Miller's (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.) Slaughterhouse Studios in Hadley, Massachusetts, "The Sun Revolutions" are on the way, and CAVALIER KING will carry out the business of saving the world. Or destroying it. Or both.
[LISTEN]

01.19.06 (RockAndMetal.com) It was a classic KORN move. The trend-setting, Grammy-winning band, who currently have the #1 Active Rock radio hit in the country, 'Twisted Transistor' (also Top Ten on the Alternative Rock chart," arrived in a vintage hearse on Friday The 13th to the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. The resting place for hundreds of Hollywood's greatest stars (founded in 1899) was the location chosen to announce their major North American headlining tour, "See You On The Other Side," also the title of their current smash album for which they were awarded platinum plaques at the press conference. KORN -- who've sold over 25 million albums to date -- have invited MUDVAYNE and 10 YEARS to join them on the new six-week arena trek, which launches February 24th in Bakersfield, California (the band's hometown) and runs through April 4th. The tour is in support with KORN's critically acclaimed seventh album, "See You On The Other Side" (EMI/Virgin), which entered the Billboard Top 200 albums listing at #3, marking the band's sixth top five entry on that important chart. In a mere matter of weeks, the album has already sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide, surpassing expectations and initial sales of their last few releases. Tickets for most shows start going on sale January 21. As an added bonus for their fans, KORN are offering a free one-year membership to the Korn BSC Online Fan Club with every ticket purchased online - another first for Korn in connecting the live concert experience with digital exclusive content and community. KORN launched the release of "See You On The Other Side" in grand style, shaking up the promotional music video genre with the 'Twisted Transistor' video, which cast some of today's leading Rap and Hip-Hop stars (Snoop Dog, Lil Jon, Xzibit and David Banner), impersonating the band in what is essentially a mini-movie. The band also made their first-ever performance in a U.S. television studio when they appeared November 19th on "Saturday Night Live," blasting out their blazing single 'Twisted Transistor' and their classic volatile hit, 'Freak On A Leash.' KORN also made national television airwaves, taking the art of live performance to the next level by becoming the first multi-platinum band to perform a set while at 37,000 feet on board a transatlantic private aircraft en route to New York from London. The plane, headed to New York for a KORN show at the Hammerstein Ballroom, was filled with European MTV contest winners and eight U.S. soldiers who have served in either Afghanistan or Iraq, and were on leave in Frankfurt, Germany and Venice, Italy. The following are confirmed "See You On The Other Side" tour dates and venues as of today: 02/24 Bakersfield, CA [Selland Arena] • 02/25 Reno, NV [Events Center] • 02/26 San Jose, CA [Events Center] • 02/28 Sacramento, CA [Arco Arena] • 03/02 Portland, OR [Theatre In The Clouds] • 03/04 Vancouver, Canada [GM Place] • 03/05 Tacoma, WA [Tacoma Dome] • 03/06 Boise, ID [Idaho Center] • 03/08 Denver, CO [Magness Arena] • 03/10 El Paso, TX [Coliseum] • 03/11 Albuquerque, NM [Tingley Coliseum] • 03/12 Phoenix, AZ [Dodge Theatre] • 03/14 Las Vegas, NV [The Joint] • 03/15 San Diego, CA [iPayone Center] • 03/16 Long Beach, CA [Long Beach Arena] • 03/20 Orlando, FL [TBA] • 03/21 Jacksonville, FL [TBA] • 03/22 Charlotte, NC [TBA] • 03/24 TBA, TBA [TBA] • 03/25 Baltimore, MD [TBA] • 03/26 Lewiston, ME [TBA] • 03/28 East Rutherford, NJ [TBA] • 03/30 Chicago, IL [TBA] • 03/31 Milwaukee, WI [TBA] • 04/01 St. Paul, MN [TBA] • 04/03 Youngstown, OH [TBA] • 04/04 Toronto, ON [TBA]
[WATCH]

01.18.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Sixties supergroup BLIND FAITH's debut was in front of a cool 100,000 people on a warm day in London's Hyde Park. Since June 7th, 1969 when that historic concert took place, it has never been seen in its entirety. That is until now, as Sanctuary Visual Entertainment have announced the upcoming release of a DVD entitled "Blind Faith - London Hyde Park 1969" on April 10th. The audience gathered that day were filled with anticipation awaiting BLIND FAITH's debut. The newly formed collective of four virtuoso musicians who individually were already Rock royalty, were the talk of the town and expectations both within the band and out amongst the counter-culture generation crowd were high. Fusing the Psychedelic Blues of Eric Clapton and the soulful vocals and keyboards of Steve Winwood, with Rick Grech on bass and Ginger Baker on drums, they didn't disappoint. The set may have lasted just over 40 minutes long, but fans were treated to a selection of timeless tracks including 'Presence Of The Lord,' 'Sleeping In The Ground,' and THE ROLLING STONES' classic 'Under My Thumb.' "Blind Faith - London Hyde Park 1969" also boasts archive footage of the various members of BLIND FAITH performing within their earlier musical guises. Clips of THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP performing 'I'm A Man,' TRAFFIC's 'Hole In My Shoe,' FAMILY performing 'Dim' and CREAM doing 'Sunshine Of Your Love' act as a gentle introduction to the main concert event. There is also a discography for all the members of BLIND FAITH pre-1969, plus a collection of rare photos set to the sounds of 'Well All Right.' By the end of the 1960s with hippies still dancing on the horizon and a man on the moon, a new form was taking shape on this musical stage: the "supergroup": a band of highly talented individuals creating a new musical experience. One of the very first of these was indeed BLIND FAITH, consisting of Steve Winwood, the "original blue-eyed Soul boy," who came from a musically supportive family and shot to prominence shortly after he joined THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP in 1963 at age 15. He went on to forge a wider musical path with TRAFFIC, who spawned hits like 'Paper Sun' and Hole 'In My Shoe.' Eric Clapton, however, was the "superstar" of BLIND FAITH, joining THE YARDBIRDS in 1963 and later leaving to join JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS. "Eric Clapton Is God" was a well-documented graffiti tag of the times, as his stature grew even further with CREAM. BLIND FAITH's Ginger Baker also came from the same group as well, previously gigging with several Jazz ensembles and R&B outfits. His unconventional playing, which got him sacked in some of his early bands, developed into a creative force that would later be admired by numerous other notable drummers. The final member of BLIND FAITH was bassist Rick Grech, who first joined THE FARINAS (who eventually evolved into FAMILY, a progressive, arty Folk/Rock band from Leicester. Grech did not come from the same Rock royalty as the other members of BLIND FAITH, but had nonetheless been admired for some time by Eric Clapton, and provided the essential solid support the band needed. "Blind Faith - London Hyde Park 1969" Track Listing: 1. Well All Right • 2. Sea Of Joy • 3. Sleeping In The Ground • 4. Under My Thumb • 5. Can't Find My Way Home • 6. Do What You Like • 7. Presence Of The Lord • 8. Means To An End • 9. Had To Cry Today
[LISTEN]

01.18.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Crash Music, Inc. has announced that Extreme Metallers LUPARA, the Chicago band formed by ex-BROKEN HOPE guitarist Jeremy Wagner, have officially signed a multi-album recording deal with the label. LUPARA formed in the Summer of 2003 after Wagner decided to put all of his energy into a new project after BROKEN HOPE dissolved. The name LUPARA is taken from from his fascination with the Sicilian mafia and the novel "The Godfather." A "lupara" is a sawed-off, Sicilian shotgun that mafia soldiers of old carried as one of their primary weapons. A lupara was rumored to be so powerful, it could blow a man in half. Since January of last year, the band have released a critically-acclaimed promo-CD and performed throughout the U.S. and out of the country with the likes of OBITUARY, NAPALM DEATH, DEAD TO FALL, OTEP, AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, TESTAMENT, GOD FORBID, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, AGNOSTIC FRONT, and many others. LUPARA were also chosen as the only unsigned American metal act to perform at the 2005 Monterrey Metalfest in Mexico with MOTORHEAD, WASP, HAMMERFALL, DANZIG, and JAG PANZER. Regarding the deal with Crash Music, Jeremy Wagner had this to say: "Mark Nawara of Crash Music was the first man on the planet who had the guts to sign BROKEN HOPE in 1990 to Grindcore International Records when no one wanted us. Grindcore was the company who released our debut, 'Swamped In Gore.' After that, BROKEN HOPE went on to a decent career with Metal Blade Records. Now, after shopping to various labels for the last year, Mark is working with me again. Crash Music stepped up and gave us a great offer, and an opportunity to take a bigger step into this world known as the metal music industry. Their vision and belief in LUPARA is more than an indie metal band could ask for." Crash Music's Mark Nawara comments: "We are very excited and pleased to be working with Jeremy Wagner and Lupara. Jeremy has proven over the years that he has what it takes to be successful in this business. Once I heard his new project, I knew I had to be involved. I look forward to a long and successful relationship with the band." Regarding what fans can expect from the debut LUPARA album, Wagner says: "Well, I sure as hell am not gonna say it's going to be the next 'Master Of Puppets,' as a number of bands seem to be fond of saying nowadays, but I will say that after working with pre-production for a while, this could will be one of the heaviest, most abrasive, and relentless metal albums of 2006. I'll fucking guarantee that statement with every fiber of my being...so look out!" LUPARA expect to begin recording their debut album sometime in March. The band will record their full-length debut at Mercenary Digital Studios with Scott Creekmore and the band producing. Also, LUPARA has already commissioned MNEMIC guitarist Mircea Gabriel Eftemie to create the album-cover artwork for the album, which will see a release sometime this Summer. Crash Music, Inc. releases are distributed in the U.S. by Caroline Distribution, and the label also has offices in Germany that handle the European territories through Crash Music Europe.
[FREE MP3]

01.17.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Demon Vision has announced the April 17th release of "T. Rex On TV - A T. Rex Compendium," the first official archive DVD to compile a collection of Marc Bolan and T. REX's quintessential appearances on several French, German and UK television shows through the 1970's. This fascinating, must-have three-and-a-half-hour release showcases five different sections that can be easily accessed in any running order. The first is the definitive 56-minute documentary "Dandy In The Underworld," produced in 1997 by Granada TV for Channel 4 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Marc Bolan's untimely death. Using archive footage of performance and interviews, the documentary recalls his early career, his period in the Experimental band JOHN'S CHILDREN, the Folk-based TYRANNOSAURUS REX, and T. REX, showing Bolan's progression from obscurity to superstar and subsequent decline. The film looks at influences on his music including the hippie movement, underground, and Soul music, his innovative Glam Rock style, as well as his influence on the early Punk scene. The film features contributions from all the major players in Bolan's career, including partner Gloria Jones, producer Tony Visconti, publicist Keith Altham, childhood friend Eric Hall, former JOHN'S CHILDREN manager Simon Napier Bell, former NME journalist Charles Shaar Murray, DJ and former "Old Grey Whistle Test" presenter Bob Harris, T. REX drummer Bill Legend, and many more. The second section of "T. Rex On TV - A T. Rex Compendium" is entitled "It's About Me Really...," containing interviews and music from the 25-minute "Music In The Round" program recorded in late 1971. In between four live performances of the classics 'Jeepster,' 'Cadilac,' 'Spaceball Ricochet' and 'Telegram Sam,' Marc Bolan is interviewed here by legendary European arts programmer Humphrey Burton, who at 41 is apparently already "too old to rock 'n' roll." Also included is a nine-minute interview by Russell Harty from 1972. Next, "Ten Greatest Hits" features rarely-seen performances of T. REX's most successful singles from 1971-1974 on various French, German and British television shows. Song performances include 'Ride A White Swan,' 'Hot Love,' 'Get It On,' 'Jeepster,' 'Telegram Sam,' 'Metal Guru,' 'Children Of The Revolution,' 'Solid Gold Easy Action,' '20th Century Boy' and 'Teenage Dream.' The DVD's next section is dubbed "Supersonic," featuring over 50 minutes worth of ultra-rare clips from that fondly-remembered mid-seventies music show, containing some seventeen performances, most of which have not been seen since their original airing. Song performances include 'The Soul Of My Suit,' 'New York City,' 'I Love To Boogie,' 'Funky London Childhood,' 'Crimson Moon,' 'Laser Love,' 'Ride A White Swan,' 'Telegram Sam,' 'Dreamy Lady,' plus a rare duet with girlfriend Gloria Jones (also the original singer of 'Tainted Love') performing THE TEDDY BEARS' reworked 'To Know You Is To Love You.' Lastly, "Bolan '77" rounds up seven songs from the Granada series "Marc" that Marc Bolan had just finished recording when he passed away, along with two live performances from the kids' pop quiz show "Get It Together." Song performances here include 'Dandy In The Underworld,' 'Groove A Little,' 'Celebrate Summer,' 'Let's Dance,' 'Sing Me A Song,' 'Endless Sleep,' and 'Debora.'
[LISTEN]

01.17.06 (RockAndMetal.com) With the February 7th North American release of "Come Clarity," Heralded Swedish Metal quintet IN FLAMES have chosen a new label in Ferret Music to introduce them to a broader audience in heavy music. The influential band, whose cumulative sales now total over one million units, are coming off another successful year as part of Ozzfest 2005, where they shared the festival's main stage with BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN, and others. IN FLAMES' recent success -- as well as that of counterparts including KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SHADOWS FALL and LAMB OF GOD -- has paved the way for Metal bands to break through to the mainstream. Over the last ten years, IN FLAMES have helped to define an entire musical movement, placing them at the forefront of the next revolution in heavy music. Many critically-acclaimed albums have helped lay out the groundwork, however. Striving to make music he loved, Jesper Stromblad formed the band with Johan Larsson and Glenn Ljungstrom in 1990. After recording a demo, the trio garnered their first record deal and began work on their debut album. Entitled "Lunar Strain," the release quickly became an instant classic in underground circles. A licensing deal with Nuclear Blast Records soon followed, as did the addition of both Anders Friden on vocals and Bjorn Gelotte on drums. "Lunar Strain"'s follow-up, "The Jester Race, was an immediate success, and the band's profile continued to increase worldwide as did their rigorous touring schedule. With a fresh lineup in place, 1997's "Whoracle" ultimately became known in the highly factional underground metal community as an important release not only for the band, but for the entire Melodic Death Metal movement. In 1999, the band released another album in "Colony," followed by "Clayman" in 2000, the success of which led to the first IN FLAMES live album, "The Tokyo Showdown." 2002's "Reroute To Remain" came next, followed by 2004's "Soundtrack To Your Escape." IN FLAMES are set to launch a North American headlining tour with TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER and ZAO beginning next week. Tour Dates: 01/25 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 01/26 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 01/27 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 01/28 Los Angeles, CA [Wiltern Theatre] • 01/29 San Francisco, CA [The Fillmore] • 01/30 Portland, OR [Roseland Theatre] • 01/31 Vancouver, BC [Croatian Cultural Centre] • 02/01 Seattle, WA [Showbox] • 02/03 Magna, UT [The Great Salt Air] • 02/04 Englewood, CO [Gothic Theatre] • 02/06 Austin, TX [The Backroom] • 02/07 Houston, TX [Meridian] • 02/09 Nashville, TN [Rockettown] • 02/10 Detroit, MI [Harpo's] • 02/11 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 02/12 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 02/14 Latham, NY [Saratoga Winners] • 02/15 New York, NY [Webster Hall] • 02/16 Washington, DC [9:30 Club] • 02/17 Philadelphia, PA [Theatre Of The Living Arts] • 02/18 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 02/19 Montreal, QC [Le Medley] • 02/20 Quebec City, QB [Theatre Capitole] • 02/21 Toronto, ONT [Kool Haus] • 02/22 Rochester, NY [Water Street Music Hall] • 02/23 Norfolk, VA [Norva Theatre] • 02/24 Charlotte, NC [Tremont Music Hall] • 02/25 Atlanta, GA [Roxy Theatre] • 02/26 Lake Buena Vista, FL [House Of Blues]
[FREE MP3]

01.16.06 (RockAndMetal.com) New Jersey's THE EARLY NOVEMBER will hit the road in March in support of the "Sub City Take Action! Tour," which raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. In the meantime, fans of the band can check out them out on FUSE's "Steven's Untitled Rock Show." The band recently dropped by the New York City studio to tape an interview with that show's host. In other news, THE EARLY NOVEMBER are putting the final touches on their next album with producer Chris Badami. Set for release this Spring, the triple-disc offering is a well-thought-out endeavor on behalf of THE EARLY NOVEMBER's frontman Ace Enders and bandmates Jeff Kummer (drums), Sergio Anello (bass), Joe Marro (guitar) and Bill Lugg (guitar). One disc will be dedicated to their acoustic, mellower side, while another highlights the group's heavier Rock sound. The third is a soundtrack complete with dialogue and characters - both of which intermingle among the first two CDs. The lineup for this year's "Sub City Take Action! Tour" also includes MATCHBOOK ROMANCE, SILVERSTEIN and AMBER PACIFIC. Go to www.takeactiontour.com for any additional info. Tour Dates: 03/01 Washington, DC [9:30 Club] • 03/02 Baltimore, MD [Sonar] • 03/04 Norfolk, VA [The Norva] • 03/05 Charlotte, NC [Tremont Music Hall] • 03/07 North Myrtle Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 03/08 Orlando, FL [House Of Blues] • 03/09 Ft Lauderdale, FL [Revolution] • 03/10 Tampa, FL [Masquerade] • 03/11 Atlanta, GA [Masquerade] • 03/13 Austin, TX [Emo's] • 03/14 Houston, TX [Warehouse Live] • 03/15 Dallas, TX [Granada Theater] • 03/16 San Antonio, TX [The White Rabbit] • 03/17 McAllen, TX [LaVilla Real Event Center] • 03/19 Albuquerque, NM [Sunshine Theatre] • 03/20 Tucson, AZ [Rialto Theatre] • 03/22 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues] • 03/23 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 03/24 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 03/26 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 03/27 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 03/28 Bakersfield, CA [Montgomery World Plaza] • 03/29 San Francisco, CA [Fillmore] • 03/31 Portland, OR [Roseland Theatre] • 04/01 Seattle, WA [The Showbox] • 04/02 Spokane, WA [The Big Easy] • 04/04 Salt Lake City, UT [In The Venue] • 04/05 Denver, CO [Ogden Theatre] • 04/06 Lawrence, KS [Granada Theatre] • 04/07 St Louis, MO [Mississippi Nights] • 04/11 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 04/13 Pontiac, MI [Clutch Cargo's] • 04/14 Columbus, OH [Newport Music Hall] • 04/15 Cleveland, OH [House Of Blues] • 04/17 Pittsburgh, PA [Club Zoo] • 04/18 Poughkeepsie, NY [The Chance] • 04/21 Philadelphia, PA [The Electric Factory] • 04/22 Sayreville, NJ [Starland Ballroom] • 04/23 Hartford, CT [Webster Theatre]
[FREE MP3]

01.16.06 (RockAndMetal.com) Trustkill Records has announced the signing of FIRST BLOOD to a new recording deal. While the label plan to unleash the band's furious Hardcore with crushing, metallic guitar riffs and blood-curdling vocals upon the world soon, FIRST BLOOD are not an unknown band by any means. The group features ex-TERROR bassist Carl Schwartz on vocals and current TERROR member Doug Weber on guitar. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, the band formed in early 2002 from the ashes of SWORN VENGEANCE, a band in which Schwartz and Weber were both members. Even without having played many live shows, FIRST BLOOD has quickly made a strong impact throughout the modern Hardcore scene. The group did their first show sharing the stage with legendary members of CRO-MAGS performing as THE AGE OF QUARREL, and made a notable appearance at Hellfest 2003. Previously releasing material on Division 36 Records and Deathwish Inc., FIRST BLOOD have since impressed many with their brutal delivery and in-your-face lyrics dealing with both social and political subjects. The band are currently writing and preparing to record their Trustkill debut full-length beginning next week at Oakland's Castle Ultimate, which is slated for release on May 2nd. They will also embark on their first tour in late February with IGNITE, COMEBACK KID and SINKING SHIPS, which will include both North American and Canadian dates. Carl Schwartz talks about the signing to the label saying, "Josh (Grabelle, Trustkill President) approached me about releasing something on Trustkill. I was psyched, as he did such a great job promoting Terror, but because of my obligations to that band I had to say no. When I recently left Terror, Josh and I continued our discussion and decided to go full speed ahead and make First Blood a full-time endeavor." Schwartz, a main contributor to FIRST BLOOD's lyrics and music alongside guitarist Kyle Dixon (Alcatraz, Ex-Embrace The End), elaborates: "Most of my lyrics deal with topics important to me; the ups and downs, frustrations and discontent with certain things in this world. Hopefully people can relate to my words and realize that they are not alone, and become inspired and confident enough to stand for what they believe to find a place for themselves in this world." A staunch supporter of veganism, Carl Schwartz is much-involved with PETA, appearing in a video interview on their website, in promotional DVDs, as well as full-page print appearances in several music-related magazines. Tour Dates: 02/26 Seattle, WA [El Corazon] • 02/27 Portland, OR [Rock 'N' Roll Pizza] • 02/28 Roseville, CA [Underground] • 03/01 San Francisco, CA [Pound SF] • 03/02 San Diego, CA [Epicenter] • 03/03 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 03/04 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 03/06 Tempe, AZ [Clubhouse] • 03/08 Denver, CO [Rock Island] • 03/09 Kansas City, MO [El Torreon] • 03/10 Iowa City, IA [Gabe's Oasis] • 03/11 St. Louis, MO [Creepy Crawl] • 03/12 Nashville, TN [The Muse] • 03/13 Birmingham, AL [Cave 9]
[FREE MP3]

[Music News: 01.09.06 - 01.15.06]
[Top]