02.18.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Castle Music has announced the upcoming release of a compilation of BRIAN AUGER's most well-known songs along with some early rarities, entitled "This Wheel's On Fire - The Best Of Brian Auger," which is due April 11th. Before catching the R&B bug, BRIAN AUGER first came to public recognition playing Hard Bop on the early 60's London Jazz scene. As the city raced through that tumultuous decade, there was no bigger draw on the London club scene than Auger and his popular bands STEAMPACKET and BRIAN AUGER & THE TRINITY. Today, BRIAN AUGER remains a domineering force and a major influence on a diverse range of contemporary music groups including THE CHARLATANS and the BEASTIE BOYS. The songs featured on "This Wheel's On Fire - The Best Of Brian Auger" draw on material from across his illustrious career taking in his work with THE TRINITY, THE OBLIVION EXPRESS and Julie Driscoll. Classics such as 'This Wheel's On Fire,' a Top 5 hit back in 1968 (which experienced a new breath of life when it became the theme song for the TV series "Absolutely Fabulous"), Mod-era songs 'Black Cat' and 'Fool Killer,' and early '70s gems like 'Freedom Jazz Dance' and 'Happiness Is Just Around The Bend' are all included. BRIAN AUGER is also slated to return to the UK next month to perform three rare concerts, which will be held at The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on March 3rd, The Wardrobe in Leeds on March 4th, and at London's Jazz Cafe on March 6th. "This Wheel's On Fire - The Best Of Brian Auger" Track Listing: 1. This Wheel's On Fire • 2. Indian Rope Man • 3. Listen Here • 4. Freedom Jazz Dance • 5. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend • 6. I Want To Take You Higher • 7. Fill Your Head With Laughter • 8. Season Of The Witch • 9. Save Me (Parts 1 & 2) • 10. Black Cat • 11. Tiger • 12. Fool Killer • 13. Break It Up • 14. Light My Fire • 15. Inner City Blues • 16. Pavane • 17. Foolish Girl

02.18.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Black Market Activities has announced that San Francisco-based Hardcore Death Metal band ANIMOSITY have officially joined that label's roster. The band will enter Castle Ultimate Studios with engineer Zach Ohren to record their new full length album, "Empires," beginning March 9th. Artwork will be handled by Paul Romano (Mastodon, Nasum). According to the group, "Empires is a natural and interesting progression from their first album: "We have matured as musicians and people over the years as a band. We are beginning to find our true musical voice. 'Empires' is an entirely more advanced album in all respects, and is more progressive." ANIMOSITY released one previous album on Tribunal Records in 2003 entitled "Shut It Down." Look for the band to tour the U.S. in April with INTO THE MOAT and PSYOPUS. Black Market Activities has also announced that the band's rehearsal space in Watsonville, CA was robbed on the evening of February 9th. "All of us are extremely upset and pissed off by this huge setback, but it will not hold us back from rocking," said ANIMOSITY front man Leo Miller. Despite the circumstances, the band is still optimistic about the signing and what the future will bring. "We are proud to be teamed up with some of the best current bands in the underground aggressive music world. Black Market Activities are currently the most genuine and dedicated label in our community, and with their strong work ethic and close band/label relationship, it's the perfect fit for Animosity." Bands give up their lives to drop everything to give their dreams a shot by taking their show on the road. There is so much overhead and start up expense in touring that traveling musicians tend to be among the poorest people of them all. Your help in catching the individual or individuals that robbed ANIMOSITY's equipment on February 9th is much appreciated. You can get in touch with the band at animositysf@gmail.com or guy@blackmarketactivities.com.
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02.17.05 (RockAndMetal.com) After more than a decade apart, TEARS FOR FEARS founding members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith reunited for a major American concert tour in 2004. Gut Recordings have now announced the upcoming release of the new TEARS FOR FEARS UK Edition studio album, "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending," on March 7th with 2 bonus tracks exclusive to the UK release. "Happy Ending" marks the duo's first album together since 1989's platinum selling "The Seeds Of Love." The U.K. Limited Edition version of the album features two exclusive bonus tracks, 'Pullin' A Cloud' and 'Out Of Control.' The first single taken from the new album is entitled 'Closest Thing To Heaven,' and will be released as a UK Radio Mix (exclusive to the UK) this Monday, February 21st. Gut Recordings also recently commissioned a new promo video for the single that was produced in Los Angeles and stars actress Brittany Murphy. The CD single for 'Closest Thing To Heaven' will also boast four additional dance mixes of the song. Written by both Smith and Orzabal alongside collaborator and co-producer Charlton Pettus, 'Closest Thing To Heaven,' with its sweeping string arrangement and arresting melodies, will likely have TEARS FOR FEARS fans old and new welcoming their return with open arms. The band will also be supporting the UK single release of the 'Closest Thing To Heaven' single and album with a nationwide tour, their first live concerts in Britain since 1985 when they embarked on the "Songs From The Big Chair" world tour. The upcoming tour kicks off April 25th at the Birmingham NIA Academy, and ends on May 3rd with the second of two dates at London's Hammersmith Apollo. One of the most popular bands to emerge from the post-New Wave era of the early 1980s, TEARS FOR FEARS were formed in 1981, after Orzabal and Smith, childhood friends from Bath, made their first recordings as the band "Graduate." The duo then went on to create TEARS FOR FEARS, taking... [full story]
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02.17.05 (RockAndMetal.com) German Black Thrashers DESASTER have inked a recording deal with Metal Blade Records. Their next album, "Angelwhore" will be released on CD format via Metal Blade, with a vinyl version available through Iron Pegasus Records. DESASTER are currently in the songwriting stage for theupcoming album, with the release of "Angelwhore" scheduled for August. DESASTER history goes back to 1988, when two young Metal-possessed maniacs wanted to follow the path of bands like VENOM, HELLHAMMER or DESTRUCTION (whose song 'Total Desaster' gave the band their name), to play Black Metal without compromises. Early DESASTER did some (never released) rehearsal tapes and a live gig in 1989 which marked the official beginning of the band. Between 1990 and 1992, DESASTER survived some serious line- up problems before Infernal, the only remaining member of the original band, found the right warriors to continue in Okkulto and Odin in late 1992. Two demos followed in "The Fog Of Avalon" in 1993 and "Lost In The Ages" in 1994. Especially the last mentioned tape got great response from all around the globe. DESASTER's first release on Merciless Records was a 7" split single release with UNGOD in 1995, which was limited to 1,000 copies. DESASTER's debut album, "A Touch Of Medieval Darkness" was released in 1996, followed by the "Stormbringer" mini-album in 1997. DESASTER's second album, "Hellfire's Dominion," was released in 1998, with the band celebrating their 10th anniversary in late 1999 with the "Ten Years Of Total Desaster" double album, followed by "Tyrants Of The Netherworld" in late 2000. 2003's "Divine Blasphemies" is the band's most recent studio album to date, after which the band has since seen a couple more changes in their line-up.
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02.16.05 (AP) KID ROCK was arrested Wednesday by Nashville, Tennessee police on charges that he punched a disc jockey at a strip club. The 34-year-old vocalist was released after posting a $3,000 bond on a charge of simple assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. "Everything is wonderful. It was a beautiful night," KID ROCK said as he left the Criminal Justice Center after having appeared a few hours earlier before Night Court Commissioner Howard Taradash. KID ROCK laughed and joked with the two officers who arrested him and two others there for the hearing as he stood in "the dock," a small room with a large glass window that separates defendants from the commissioner and observers. Authorities said he was charged after a 3 a.m. altercation at Christie's Cabaret near downtown Nashville. "Inside the establishment there was a squabble concerning, I guess, the selection of music," Nashville police Sgt. James Smith told reporters. "Again, there are no major injuries, but an assault did take place." Television footage from outside the club showed the DJ, identified as Jay Campos, with a red mark on his face and holding his broken eyeglasses. Arresting officer Lt. Calvin Hullett said KID ROCK surrendered at an apartment where he had been staying. He was in town to perform at a memorial service for songwriter Merle Kilgore Tuesday at Ryman Auditorium. Hullett described KID ROCK as "very cooperative," despite giving officers the slip earlier. Hullett said the entertainer left through a back door of another strip club when authorities showed up to arrest him. When officers caught up with him, KID ROCK said he had dodged them because he wanted to sober up before being booked, Hullett said. Born Robert Ritchie, KID ROCK was previously a Detroit area Hip-Hop DJ, after which he broke through with 1998's "Devil Without A Cause," an album that successfully integrated Hard Rock beats with Rap lyrics.

02.16.05 (RockAndMetal.com) EYES OF FIRE have completed the recording process for their second full-length album, tentatively set for an early Summer release via Century Media, and will now embark on a North American tour alongside DANZIG, KATAKLYSM and TRIVIUM. EYES OF FIRE vocalist/guitarist Dan Kaufmann comments: "Hey all, it's been a long time since we've said anything to anyone outside of our little circle, so there's lots to fill you in on. The new record is finally done and currently being mixed, and let me just say this is the heaviest thing we've done, as well as some of the prettiest shit too. Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Pearl Jam) is a fucking god!!!! We threw so much at him, and he made a monster of a record. The first mix I heard of the song 'Blood' gave me chills. I immediately had to turn it off and walk back into the studio to praise the man. A million thanks goes out to him, and I really hope we get to work with him again in the future. Next on the list is to head to St. Louis to start the Danzig tour. We can't wait to get out there and meet everyone who's been supporting us thus far, and hopefully get some new disciples along the way." Tour Dates: 2/18 St. Louis, MO [Pop's] • 2/19 Detroit, MI [Harpo's] • 2/21 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 2/22 Minneapolis, MN [1st Avenue] • 2/24 Toronto, ONT [Guvernment] • 2/25 Cleveland, OH [Agora Theatre] • 2/26 Covington, KY [Madison Theatre] • 2/28 Boston, MA [Roxy Theatre] • 3/1 New York, NY [Spirit Performance Center] • 3/2 Philadelphia, PA [Electric Factory] • 3/4 Norfolk, VA [Norva Theatre] • 3/5 Atlanta, GA [Roxy Theatre] • 3/6 Orlando, FL [House Of Blues] • 3/8 Dallas, TX [Gypsy Ballroom] • 3/9 San Antonio, TX [Sunset Station] • 3/11 Denver, CO [Ogden Theatre] • 3/12 Albuquerque, NM [Sunshine Theatre] • 3/13 Tucson, AZ [Coconuts] • 3/15 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues]
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02.15.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Matador Records recording artists INTERPOL will kick off an extensive International tour beginning tonight in support of their most recent album, "Antics," after which INTERPOL will remain on the road in the United States through the end of March before finishing up several weeks of European appearances in Madrid, Spain on April 25th. Tour Dates: 2/15 San Francisco CA [Warfield Theatre] • 2/17 Los Angeles CA [Grand Olympic Auditorium] • 2/18 Los Angeles CA [Grand Olympic Auditorium] • 2/20 San Diego CA [Soma] • 2/21 Tucson AZ [Coconuts] • 2/23 Austin TX [Austin Music Hall] • 2/24 Houston TX [Numbers] • 2/25 New Orleans LA [Twiropa] • 2/27 Raleigh NC [Disco Rodeo] • 2/28 Philadelphia PA [Electric Factory] • 3/1 New York NY [Radio City Music Hall] • 3/2 New York NY [Radio City Music Hall] • 3/9 Boston MA [Orpheum] • 3/10 Niagra Falls NY Dome Theatre] • 3/11 Chicago IL [Aragon Ballroom] • 3/12 Minneapolis MN [First Avenue] • 3/13 Milwaukee WI [The Rave] • 3/15 St. Louis MO [Pageant] • 3/16 Louisville KY WL [Lyons Browne Theatre] • 3/18 Ft. Lauderdale FL [Revolution] • 3/19 St Petersburg FL [Jannus Landing] • 3/20 Lake Buena Vista FL [House Of Blues] • 3/21 Atlanta GA [The Tabernacle] • 3/22 Norfolk VA [The Norva] • 3/24 Baltimore MD [Sonar Lounge] • 3/25 Washington DC [9:30 Club] • 3/26 Washington DC [9:30 Club] • 4/6 Dublin, Ireland [Olympia] • 4/8 London, UK [Brixton Academy] • 4/9 London, UK [Brixton Academy] • 4/11 Hamburg, Germany [Grosse Freiheit] • 4/12 Koln, Germany [E-Werk] • 4/13 Berlin, Germany [Columbiahalle] • 4/15 Treviso, Italy [New Age] • 4/16 Firenze, Italy [Sasch Hall] • 4/17 Modena, Italy [Vox] • 4/19 Bordeaux, France [Le Krakatoa] • 4/20 Nantes, France [Halle De La Trocadiere] • 4/21 Paris, France [Le Zenith] • 4/24 Barcelona, Spain [Razzmatazz] • 4/25 Madrid, Spain [La Riviera]
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02.15.05 (RockAndMetal.com) DUNGEON have just returned from Australia's largest all-ages metal festival "Metal For The Brain" for their 5th appearance in front of the largest and loudest crowd of the day. The night before was the first annual Australian Heavy Metal Awards, where the band was nominated in almost every category and won in the "Best Vocalist" (for Lord Tim) and "Best Live Band" categories. DUNGEON missed out on best album by 1 vote and, because the votes for best guitarist were split evenly between Lord Tim and DUNGEON's Stu, it was snagged by another band with a single guitarist. In other news regarding the band, DUNGEON have scored the Sydney and Brisbane supports for NIGHTWISH/ANGRA Australian tour support in March, which comes ahead of more overseas touring planned for later this year. From humble beginnings over 15 years ago in the small Australian outback town of Broken Hill, DUNGEON have risen to become one of Australia's highest profile Metal bands, as well as a legitimate player in the international music scene. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Lord Tim, DUNGEON has gained international recognition with releases such as "Demolition," released in 1996 through TDK-Core Records (which achieved over 5,000 sales in Japan within the first six weeks of its release), 1999's Resurrection, issued by Warhead Records/MGM (which made it to a third pressing, and until recently was available worldwide), and "A Rise To Power" which was released internationally by Limb Music Products in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim. Now based in Sydney, DUNGEON draw most of their influences from bands like IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and HELLOWEEN, but combines them with the frantic Thrash attack of the likes of SLAYER and KREATOR and the melodic sensibilities of DOKKEN or LEATHERWOLF.
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02.14.05 (AP) From Dickey Betts to Jerry Lee Lewis to Jamie Foxx, the Grammy Awards crowd had one thing in common Sunday night: RAY CHARLES. "Ray Charles influences all of us," said Betts, of ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND fame. "To me, any time I'm writing a blues song, many times at least I'll be thinking about how Ray Charles put chords to it, how he used intonations. Just the way he writes and used chord structures is amazing - was amazing." Ben Harper, who won a Grammy for "Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album," said Charles was also an inspiration to him: "He loved folk, he loved country," Harper said. "There's soul music and then there's Ray Charles. That's a huge inspiration to me." "He was among the greatest God-given talents that ever lived," said rock 'n' roll legend Lewis, who received a lifetime achievement award. "I just loved him so much. He was like a brother. Every time I saw him, he was, 'Jerry, you're looking good.'" Charles died of acute liver disease June 10th of last year at age 73. But his posthumous album, "Genius Loves Company" and the Oscar-nominated biopic film "Ray" have generated tremendous renewed interest in RAY CHARLES' life and music. "Genius Loves Company," a compilation of duets with the likes of Norah Jones, Elton John and Gladys Knight, picked up eight Grammys Sunday night, including album of the year and record of the year for 'Here We Go Again,' which was recorded with Jones. Charles had previously earned 12 Grammys, including best vocal performance for the song 'Georgia On My Mind' in 1960, winning four of the five awards for which he was nominated that year. Jones said the proposition of playing with Charles was daunting: "I felt pretty musically challenged," she said. "I felt a little scared, but he put me at ease." Charles' musical knowledge came in handy, though, when Jones initially could not think of which song to do with him. "He called and said, 'Hey, it's the brother Ray!'" and reassured her any song she could think of would be fine, Jones recalled. "I know them all," Charles told her.
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02.14.05 (RockAndMetal.com) ADEMA are due to release their first single to be taken from "Planets," their upcoming new album, and their first for Earache Records. The track 'Tornado,' featuring the vocal talents of new ADEMA singer Luke Caraccioli, is slated to be issued on March 21st in two formats - a CD single and a 7" vinyl release with poster bag. Each of the single formats contain exclusive non-album tracks, with the CD single featuring ADEMA's interpretation of the classic METALLICA track, 'The Thing That Should Not Be.' Commenting on the bands new release, ADEMA drummer Kris Kohls said: "We are really excited about the release of our new single, 'Tornado.' This song definitely shows that Adema are back in action and ready to rock the world. The song is about a bad relationship Luke was in, and deals with the emotions you go through when someone you love is cheating on you with a person you know. We are shooting the video in Italy with director Paolo Doppieri, and have never been more pumped up about the future of this band!" Hailing from Bakersfield, California, ADEMA exploded onto the modern heavy music scene in 2001 with the release of their self-titled debut for Arista Records. The first two singles from that album, 'Giving In' and 'The Way You Like It,' were radio hits that pushed Adema to near-platinum sales status. A seven-song remix and cover EP, "Insomniac's Dream," followed in October of 2002, with ADEMA's full-length follow-up, "Unstable" being next. Recorded in early 2003 with producer Howard Benson (P.O.D., Hoobastank), "Unstable" was a mature, dynamic album that proved Adema was a musical force to be reckoned with. However, just weeks after the release of "Unstable," Arista withdrew their support of the band, after which ADEMA signed a new recording deal with Earache last July 16th.
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[Music News: 02.07.05 - 02.13.05]
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