03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE HURT PROCESS return again with the new EP, "Drive By Monologue," scheduled for a March 23rd release. The EP sees a refining of THE HURT PROCESS' sound - creating a more focused, direct and intricate aural assault. The likes of Tuesday channel the spirit of Jeff Buckley into the vocal chords of Boysetsfire's Nathan Gray, while the final track, 'The Sky Bleeding White Butterflies,' sees the band move further into uncharted territories. THE HURT PROCESS breathes new life into an increasingly stale Hardcore scene with a emo-style dual-pronged vocal attack thats as soothing as it is serrated. With claustrophobic and intertwining fretwork coupled with the best rumbling low-end this side of a Sick Of It All record, the aim of THE HURT PROCESS is simple, according to drummer Darren Toms: "We're trying to get the perfect balance between heavy and melodic. Were one of those bands that can play with really heavy bands, and can then head out and play with the poppier bands."
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03.05.04 (Reuters) Following in the footsteps of bands such as PEARL JAM and PHISH, METALLICA has begun offering unedited soundboard recordings of shows from their current North American tour for sale via the Internet. The trek began Tuesday in Phoenix; audio files will be available for download about four days after each show from www.LiveMetallica.com. "This is the next logical step in a process that began back in 1991 when we first implemented the 'Taper Section' at our shows, where the fans were encouraged to bring in their own gear to record the show, and then take home their very own 'bootleg' of the concert they had just seen," drummer Lars Ulrich said in a statement. "This technology will enable our fans to get the best possible recording of the show, without having to hold a microphone in the air for the entire night!" METALLICA also pledged that the current tour will feature a different set list every night, as well as tracks that have not been regularly featured for years in a METALLICA live performance.

03.05.04 (Reuters) Coinciding with the 40th-anniversary observance of The Beatles landing in America, one original British Invasion band, THE ZOMBIES, was touring the United States ahead of its first album since the 1968 classic, "Odyssey & Oracle." "For the first time in 37 years, I was writing songs in the context of having a band, and with Colin's voice in my mind," says Rod Argent, THE ZOMBIES' keyboardist/songwriter, of vocalist Colin Blunstone, with whom he fortuitously reteamed three years ago. The two ex-Zombies released "Out Of The Shadows" in 2002, forgoing the Zombies name because the material was written largely before the reunion. The pair are Zombies again after 2 1/2 years on the road with a new band. "As Far As I Can See ...," which comes out April 30th in the United Kingdom, logically shows "so many resonances of the old stuff without trying to," Argent notes. "But it's a many-faceted album because of the new guys," he adds, citing guitarist/vocalist Keith Airie, bassist/vocalist Jim Rodford and son Steve Rodford on drums.
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03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) In today's music scene, it is difficult to find a high quality Melodic Dark Metal band outside of Europe. Georgia-based LILITU, however, are one of the few exceptions to the rule. Drawing influences from acts like DARK TRANQUILLITY, HIM, RADIOHEAD, OURS, IN FLAMES and PLACEBO, LILITU is out to prove that diversity is a fundamental element in writing valid songs. Formed in 1995 by guitarist/vocalist Derek Bonner, LILITU released two relatively successful independent recordings, which led to them signing a recent recording deal with The End Records. The first of three albums LILITU will record for that label will be "The Delores Lesion," scheduled for release early this Summer. Using razor sharp riffs and compelling melodies the album forces the listener into the honesty, adversity, and depth that lie within the music. Playing with bands like THE KOVENANT, OPETH, LACUNA COIL, DEATH BY STEREO and NEVERMORE, LILITU are proving they can fit in with nearly any audience.
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03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Veteran Hard Rockers CLUTCH will return to the fold March 30th with the release of their new album, "Blast Tyrant." The 13-track set is the band's sixth studio album, and their first recorded for New York-based independent label DRT. The move to DRT signals a new beginning for the band, which has recorded for EastWest, Columbia and Atlantic. DRT is also home to singer/songwriter John Wesley Harding, former Buckcherry singer Josh Todd, Edwin McCain, former Squeeze principal Chris Difford, Lit and 7 Mary 3. "Most of the lyrics were written on the spot, which lends some thematic cohesion," singer Neil Fallon says. "Namely, the adventures of one conscientious objector, Worm Drink (a demon, of sorts), and the effects of his actions while fleeing the guns of the Blast Tyrant's prize ship, "The Swollen Goat." That is not to say that the record is any sort of rock opera. It's more like a soundtrack without a movie." "Blast Tyrant" is the follow-up to 2001's "Pure Rock Fury."
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03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Displeased Records has announced the signing of Dutch Extreme Death Metallers INFINITED HATE, for whom they will release the group's debut album, "Revel In Bloodshed," later this Spring. INFINITED HATE was created in August 2003 by Aad Kloosterwaard, the drummer for SINISTER and HOUWITSER. The easiest thing to complete the line-up was asking all other Sinister members to join in on a new sick and twisted death metal project. The plan was to mix old school death metal with new style U.S. death metal - something they could not do with their own individual bands. INFINITED HATE soon began writing songs, and selected two for their promo CD, "Primitive Butchery," which they recorded in AM Studios in Holland. The band was really happy with the good reactions on the CD, which resulted in the deal with Displeased, who soon contracted Graal (Behemoth, Rotting Christ, Enslaved, Vader) to do some equally twisted artwork for INFINITED HATE's debut.
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03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) STEREOPHONICS are the latest band to be confirmed for the ISLE OF WIGHT music festival, which will take place this summer. The legendary festival was restarted in 2002 after an absence of 32 years. The event has hosted acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Who, Joni Mitchell and The Jefferson Airplane in the past. This year's festival takes place June 11th-13th, with David Bowie being the first name to confirm. STEREOPHONICS will play on June 11th. Bassist Richard Jones told Virgin Radio of the festival: "We've never been there before. I do remember the festivals back in the Sixties and Seventies - its got a lot of history. We're looking forward to doing it." STEREOPHONICS singer Kelly Jones added: "To do a gig at the Isle Of Wight is pretty special, I know Paul Weller did it last year and he said it was a good craic. It will be a good day."
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03.05.04 (RockAndMetal.com) IMPIETY has announced a new alliance with Agonia Records for a two-album contract. IMPIETY left Osmose Productions in October of last year after spending oer 2 years with Osmose. IMPIETY is set to record their 4th full-length album in July at Ambox Studios in Mexico, with a title yet to be annouunced. The group was in Queretaro, Mexico recently, recording 3 songs at Ambox for an upcoming split 7" EP with SURRENDER OF DIVINITY, soon to be unleashed by Unholy Horde Records. After a busy 2003 -- which saw them play the annual God Beheading Live Ritual in Thailand, the Formoz Open Air Festival in Taiwan and the Under The Black Sun Festival in Germany -- both members Fauzzt lost complete interest and dedication to his position in the band and left without any official word, and Fyraun had to call it day as the band collided with his full-time work and family, leading Shyaithan to establish a new international line-up.

03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) SIGUR ROS' new release, "Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do," will be issued on CD and vinyl March 23rd via Geffen Records. The album contains three pieces of music were originally written for the "Split Sides" performance of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, the most recent dance by Merce Cunningham. The members of SIGUR ROS performed them live at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music's 2003 Next Wave Festival last October 14th in New York, and again in Paris at The Theatre De La Ville between Dec 2nd-7th. On those occasions, the band improvised a 20-minute section of music over a previously recorded backing track using two sheet-fed music boxes, a glockenspiel and a specially homemade percussive instrument ("bummsett" in Icelandic) comprising eight ballet shoes on a rack. The backing tracks incorporated recordings of Merce Cunningham's voice, and the sound of his tap-dancing feet recorded at the Merce Cunningham Studio in Manhattan.
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03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The Headbanger's Ball tour featuring DAMAGEPLAN is soon to explode across the nation, and a confirmed schedule of dates and venues has been announced. The tour also includes HATEBREED, DROWNING POOL, and UNEARTH, and kicks off March 25th in Myrtle Beach, SC. Confirmed Dates:
3/25 N. Myrtle Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 3/27 Winston-Salem, NC [Millennium Center] • 3/28 Norfolk, VA [The Norva Theatre] • 3/31 Philadelphia, PA [Electric Factory] • 4/1 New York, NY [Roseland Ballroom] • 4/2 Lowell, MA [Tsongas Arena] • 4/5 Grand Rapids, MI [The Orbit Room] • 4/7 Chicago, IL [House Of Blues] • 4/10 Detroit, MI [Harpo's Concert Theatre] • 4/17 Corpus Christi, TX [The Pavilion] • 4/22 Atlanta, GA [Roxy Theatre] • 4/23 Zephyr Hills, FL [Zephyr Hills Festival Park] • 4/25 Orlando, FL [Lee Vista Park] • 5/4 Los Angeles, CA [Hollywood Palladium] • 5/5 San Francisco, CA [The Fillmore]
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03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE WHO's first new songs since the 1982 album "It's Hard" will be included on an upcoming best-of collection. Due March 30th, "Then And Now! 1964-2004" will feature the new tracks 'Real Good Looking Boy' and 'Old Red Wine,' alongside 18 of the legendary British band's familiar hits. Guitarist Pete Townshend recently wrote on his official website that he and vocalist Roger Daltrey recorded 'Real Good Looking Boy' with assistance from drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son), keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, bassist Greg Lake and his brother, Simon Townshend. However, little details are known about 'Old Red Wine.' Now the group's lone surviving original members, Townshend and Daltrey have been working in earnest on new material since the summer 2002 death of bassist John Entwistle. "Then and Now" was originally intended to be issued the same day as a DVD-Audio edition of the group's 1969 rock opera "Tommy," but that album has been pushed back to an April 27th release date.

03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) ANCIENT have finally completed the recordings and mixing session for the upcoming album, which will be entitled "Night Visit." The album was recorded in Italy and mixed by Fredrik Nordstrom at the notorious Studio Fredman in Sweden. Mastering should take place within the next week, and will be handled by Chris Athens at Sterling Sound in New York City. The artwork and layout is currently being completed. The music on "Night Visit" shows a much deeper maturity in the songwriting process of the band, and it focuses more on dynamics and variety of atmospheres and feelings. As far as ANCIENT is concerned, it is definitely their best production yet. A video for the title track 'Night Visit' has also been shot, and will appear in an uncensored version on the upcoming album. "Night Visit" is scheduled to be released June 1st via Metal Blade Records.
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03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Marvel's latest cinematic creation, "The Punisher," hits the big screen everywhere on April 16th, and Wind-Up Records makes it rock with 19 killer songs from the movie on "PUNISHER: The Album," which hits stores everywhere on March 23rd. Featured tracks include Seether's 'Broken,' with lead vocals by Evanescence singer Amy Lee. The band went back into the studio with Lee to re-record the song after she joined Seether for the song several times on stage while the bands were touring together. Drowning Pool is also back ripping it up with new singer Jason "Gong" Jones on 'Step Up,' the first single off the band's sophomore album "Desensitized." Also included on "PUNISHER: The Album" are songs by Puddle Of Mudd, Nickelback, Queens Of The Stone Age, Edgewater, Smile Empty Soul, Trapt, Chevelle, Hatebreed, Damageplan featuring Jerry Cantrell and more.
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03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) DARK TRANQUILLITY will celebrate their 15th anniversary by releasing "Exposures - In Retrospect And Denial," a double CD featuring rare and previously unreleased material. The band comments as follows: "For many years, we've received lots of questions regarding the possibility of our pre-album material ever being released on CD, and we're very happy to provide old and new fans that are interested in the first chapter of our history with a viable alternative to forking out a small fortune on Ebay for a worn-out original copy of the demo or 7" EP. After a lot of digging though the vaults, the original DAT tapes for our "Trail Of Life Decayed" demo (1991) and "A Moonclad Reflection" EP (1992) were found, and we could happily note that they were intact and had survived the ten years in limbo remarkably well. The sound quality has also been boosted a great deal." The European release date for "Exposures" is May 31st, via Century Media Records.
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03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) UFO's recently released new album "You Are Here" features the enlistment of guitarist VINNIE MOORE and drummer JASON BONHAM, which has added a new spark to the veteran Hard Rock band. In cooperation with the band's experienced members, vocalist Phil Mogg, bassist Pete Way and keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Paul Raymond, UFO have succeeded in creating a fresh mix of new songs on the. "It's been more fun than it had been in a long time to work with these two excellent musicians," is Phil Mogg's satisfied comment when asked about his new colleagues. "Jason and Vinnie aren't just talented individual musicians, they're also extremely nice guys, which obviously affected the atmosphere during the recordings noticeably." That much is apparent on the new offering from Mogg & Co., recorded at the Area 51 studio in Celle, Germany with producer Tommy Newton at the helm. UFO also kicked off a three-month European tour recently in support of "You Are Here."

03.04.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records has confirmed April 20th as the U.S. release date for the new album from Norway's CADAVER (f.k.a. CADAVER INC.). Titled "Necrosis, it is the fourth full-length album from the popular technical death metal band. Signing with Candlelight in late 2003, "Necrosis" is sure to see CADAVER's U.S. fanbase and overall personnae expanding. Once again the band, featuring vocalist Apollyon, drummer Czral, bassist LJ Balvaz with founding member/guitarist Neddo, attacks with an intense display of speed, sonic agility, and menacing domination that rivals the genre's best. Coupled with their highly controversial web site (still under investigation by the Norwegian government), CADAVER are poised to continue the onslaught they have long delivered. Candlelight is planning to premiere CADAVER on the label's first ever showcase tour (currently planned to include Zyklon and Khold), which could see US dates for the Fall.
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) LIARS' second album, "They Were Wrong, So We Drowned," has been issued via Mute Recordings. Fear is a very powerful emotion. The last band to so expertly execute the cocktail of menace and artful, brilliant chaos that LIARS achieve on their latest release were fellow New Yorkers Sonic Youth, when they cut their epochal "Bad Moon Rising" album. It's a record from a band in transition, severing their ties with the scene they kinda inaugurated and have now, decidedly, outgrown. A band defining themselves only in terms of what they wish to achieve, the limits of their imagination. A band withdrawing to a basement deep in the wilds somewhere and letting their every little wrinkle of rampant creativity and twisted genius seep deep into the shadows of this most poignant and chilling ghost story. This story begins where the first chapter of LIARS history ended, with the release of their debut album, "They Threw Us All In A Trench And Stuck A Monument On Top," a literate and... [full story]
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal Blade Records has announced the release of the upcoming NASTY SAVAGE album, "Psycho Psycho" through Metal Blade Europe on March 22nd. The album will also be released on Crook'd Records in the United States (Metal Blade licenses the album for the European territories). "NASTY SAVAGE is one of the favourite bands of all members of the Metal Blade staff in Europe," comments a spokesperson from Metal Blade Europe. "But apart from that, we wouldn't have licensed the album if it sucked, like so many other reunions did over the years. "Psycho Psycho" smokes, and is totally in the tradition of Nasty Savage's classic albums. We are psyched!" CD Track Listing: 1. Psycho Psycho • 2. Hell Unleashed • 3. Anguish • 4. Human Factor • 5. Terminus Maximus • 6. Dementia 13 • 7. Step Up To The Plate • 8. Return Of The Savage • 9. Triumphal Entry • 10. Betrayal System • 11. Savage Desire • 12. Merciless Truths
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Swedish New Rock sensations PRIME STH will release their new album "Beautiful Awakening," featuring the two hit songs 'Pieces' and 'Fishbowl,' on April 5th through Nuclear Blast Records. The album was produced by the band themselves, and mixed by Lasse Marten (Backyard Babies) at Decibel Studios in their hometown of Stockholm. With their 2001 debut album, "Underneath The Surface," PRIME STH attracted a lot of attention for these four young guys. A modern mixture of tasteful guitars and vocals made quite an impact, and established PRIME STH as serious newcomers in the genre of bands like NICKELBACK and PUDDLE OF MUDD. The band's faible for American and British pop and rock sounds comes forth in songs like 'I'm Stupid (Don't Worry 'Bout Me)' or 'I Don't Envy You.' With "Beautiful Awakening" the story of PRIME STH's success goes on. Sensibility, thoroughness and power all combine for a mature sophomore album here with eleven tight songs.
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Pioneering Thrash Metallers NUCLEAR ASSAULT have geared up for another atomic attack in the form of its first new studio album in 10 years. Vocalist/guitarist John Connelly, guitarist Erik Burke, bass guitarist Danny Lilker and drummer Glenn Evans are putting the finishing touches on their latest songs in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the recording studios of Timothy Koukos - head of Screaming Ferret Wreckords, who plans to release the new album. Connelly, Lilker, Evans and guitarist Anthony Bramante resurrected NUCLEAR ASSAULT in 2002 at the urging of mutual friends. Their first show was at the famous Metal Meltdown in New Jersey in April of 2002. NUCLEAR ASSAULT then went on to play select shows in the United States, Europe and South America, including CBGB's in New York City and the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. During this time Bramante left, and was replaced by Burke. Further touring commenced in 2003. NUCLEAR ASSAULT's reunion... [full story]
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) FACE TOMORROW have finished recording their upcoming new album for Reflections Records, "The Closer You Get," at Mailman Studios. There will be a MCD with two of the new songs ('Sign Up' and 'All You Do') available at the end of March, which will be mainly for promotional purposes. FACE TOMORROW are also currently shooting a video for the title song from "The Closer You Get," with direction duties undertaken by Britt Lap again, who was also responsible for the video for the song 'Worth the Wait' off FACE TOMORROW's last album, "For Who You Are." According to Reflections Records, the video should be playing on most of your favorite and not so favorite music channels throughout Europe by the end of April, while the single itself is slated to be issued on April 1st - no fooling. The official release date for "The Closer You Get" is May 11th.
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) STRATOVARIUS guitarist TIMO TOLKKI was assaulted in the center of Granada, Spain Sunday as he was taking a walk. According to STRATOVARIUS keyboard player and witness Jens Johansson, the man was extremely agitated and had "a Hispanic looking appearance." As he attacked with what seemed to be a box cutter, he shouted "Tolkki!" TIMO TOLKKI says he is "shocked and horrified" by what happened. "Apparently, this guy had been stalking me. The bastard attacked me from behind," Tolkki said. "Now I am thinking that this might be the end of my career. I do not want to end up like John Lennon. I don't know if I want to continue Stratovarius anymore". When asked if he thinks that the attack has something to do with the recent changes in STRATOVARIUS' line up and the death threats he has received, Tolkki commented: "Of course I feel there is a connection to that. Why would anybody attack me like that otherwise? What other possible motive could he have had other than that? I think he tried to kill me, but this time I was lucky."

03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) V2 Music recording artists GRANDADDY have launched a brand new North American tour with SAVES THE DAY and THE FIRE THEFT. Dates And Venues:
3/3 San Francisco, CA [The Warfield] • 3/4 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 3/5 Los Angeles, CA [House Of Blues] • 3/6 Anaheim, CA [House Of Blues] • 3/7 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 3/9 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 3/10 Phoenix, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 3/12 Dallas, TX [Next Stage] • 3/13 Austin, TX [Stubb's BBQ] • 3/14 Houston, TX [Verizon Theatre] • 3/15 New Orleans, NO [House Of Blues] • 3/16 Tallahassee, FL [Moon] • 3/17 St. Petersburg, FL [Jannus Landing] • 3/18 Lake Buena Vista, FL [House Of Blues] • 3/19 Atlanta,GA [Tabernacle] • 3/20 Myrtle Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 3/21 Raleigh, NC [Disco Rodeo] • 3/23 Washington, D.C. [9:30 Club] • 3/24 Towson, MD [Recher Theatre] • 3/25 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 3/26 New York, NY [Hammerstein Ballroom] • 3/27 Philadelphia, PA [Electric Factory] • 3/28 Sayerville, NJ [Starland Ballroom] • 3/30 Pittsburgh, PA [Club Laga] • 3/31 Detroit, MI [State Theatre] • 4/1 Toronto, CANADA [Kool Haus] • 4/2 Cleveland, OH [Agora Theatre] • 4/3 Chicago, IL [Riviera Theatre] • 4/5 Milwaukee, WI [Eagles Ballroom] • 4/6 Minneapolis, MN [The Quest] • 4/7 St. Louis, MO [The Pageant] • 4/8 Columbia, MO [The Blue Note] • 4/9 Lawrence, KS [The Granada Theatre] • 4/10 Denver, CO [The Fillmore Auditorium] • 4/12 Salt Lake City, UT [In The Venue] (formerly Bricks) • 4/14 Seattle, WA [Moore Theatre] • 4/15 Portland, OR [Crystal Ballroom]
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03.03.04 (RockAndMetal.com) April 6th will see veteran metallers W.A.S.P. evolve further with their Sanctuary/Metal-Is Records release, "The Neon God: Part One - The Rise," a conceptual rock opera that explores the tragedy and consequences of one boy's search for acceptance and purpose in his existence. Opening with the line, "Oh tell me my lord, why am I here?" "The Neon God" delves into such deeply emotional (and personal) inquiries, such as where does one fit into the great cosmic enigma? How does love fit into the equation? Should I use my gifts and talents for good or for evil? When addressed by a youth and coupled with an extreme dose of fear, a lethal combination develops. "Part One - The Rise" tells the story of an abused and orphaned boy who finds that he has the ability to read and manipulate people. By utilizing his gifts, he is able to build a following whose devotion and allegiance create a loyalty so intense that he is poised to become a dark Messiah for the 21st Century. Part 2 of "The Neon God" story is slated to be released over the Summer.

03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) So there's Aerosmith. And Oasis. Jamming with Queens Of The Stone Age. Directed by cult movie director Alejandro Jodorowsky. All in the mind of a 25 year old from Atlanta named Adrian Barrera. The band is THE HISS, and their debut album, "Panic Movement," already set off an avalanche of praise in Great Britain upon the album's release there this past August. Now comes its American debut on March 23rd. We've been here before. Bob Dylan's 'Desire'; Big Star's 'Radio City'; The Black Crowes' 'Southern Harmony And Musical Companion.' But then that's the classic American song writing lineage Adrian Barrera fits into. From the opening seconds of the blast-furnace new single 'Clever Kicks,' "Panic Movement" proves THE HISS more than live up to the hype-machine which prompted the NME to call them 'a cross between The Verve and The Stooges,' and has seen everyone from Oasis to The White Stripes request the band as touring partners. "For me, writing..." [full story]
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03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) LACUNA COIL vocalist Cristina Scabbia, the only woman on this year's OZZFEST, voiced her excitement recently over the group's recent addition to the annual festival's line-up: "I'm really glad and proud to announce that LACUNA COIL will be part of the big Ozzfest family this summer. It's an honor for us to be there to represent the European side together along with respected brothers in music like Slipknot, Lamb Of God and Hatebreed. I expect to see all the people who supported us in this last period on tour with Anthrax, Type O Negative and Opeth in the first row, along with everyone who just got curious about us after seeing the video of 'Heaven's A Lie.' You won't be disappointed. We are already excited to think about the bombastic amount of pure energy we'll share with you all. Thanks for your loyal support of 'Comalies,' and we'll do our best to keep this good vibe alive for a long time. See you there!" - Cristina
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03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, one of rock's most acclaimed live acts and 1994 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, will release a new double live CD March 23rd on Peach/Sanctuary Records. Entitled "One Way Out," the release documents the band's 'March Madness' run at The Beacon Theatre last year in New York City, and features 'Instrumental Illness,' the 12-minute tour de force for which the band was nominated for a Grammy this year in the "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" category. "One Way Out" includes songs seen on last year's DVD, "Live At The Beacon Theatre" (now approaching platinum status), as well as additional live tracks from the Beacon Theatre performances. Meanwhile, look for THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND -- GREGG ALLMAN (vocals and keyboards), JAIMOE (drums), BUTCH TRUCKS (drums and tympani) WARREN HAYNES (vocals, lead and slide guitar), OTEIL BURBRIDGE (bass), MARC QUINONES (congas and percussion) and DEREK... [full story]

03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) MELIAH RAGE's previously unreleased album "Unfinished Business," featuring GODSMACK frontman SULLY ERNA on drums, is now available through Screaming Ferret Wreckords. "Unfinished Business" was originally recorded in 1992. The changing musical tide in the early 1990's resulted in MELIAH RAGE being dropped by Epic Records, and the songs were originally intended as demos in order to secure a new record deal for the band. The band soldiered on with a new rhythm section consisting of Erna and bassist Keith Vogele, with Erna staying on for 18 months. Several side projects were also pursued by various members of MELIAH RAGE but didn't pan out, so the band split, then reunited in 1995. The eight songs on "Unfinished Business" include: 'Mind Stalk,' 'Moment Of Silence,' 'Ruthless,' 'Decade Of Dreams,' 'Blacksmith,' 'Possessing Judgment,' 'Violent Force' and 'Season To Kill.' Also included is a 19-minute interview with founding guitarist Anthony Nichols.
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03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Despite some critical bad-mouthing, singer-songwriter LIZ PHAIR is happy with the results of her self-titled fourth album. "I'm always the type of person that is wary to say, 'We did it!'" Phair told the San Francisco Chronicle in Sunday's editions. "But we certainly did accomplish a lot with this record. I kind of knew we would." Phair, 36, who made her mark with the 1993 college radio classic, "Exile In Guyville," went more mainstream with last year's "Liz Phair," hiring The Matrix, the production trio behind teen-pop star Avril Lavigne. The album featured the hit single 'Why Can't I?,' but sparked mostly negative reviews. The New York Times branded it "an embarrassing form of career suicide." "When I'm at the gym, and I hear my song come on and people are bopping around to it, I know what it means," Phair said. "I get it. And I take great pleasure in that. Whether they know it or not they've been infiltrated by a thinking, complicated human being. If you buy the record based on the single, I'm going to hit you with some complicated issues."
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03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) 40 BELOW SUMMER recently posted the following message to their UK fans on Roadrunner Records' web site: "What's up UK! Its been a while since we checked in with you guys, but we've been very busy. We just finished a 4 week tour with Mushroomhead , Dope and Twisted Method, which was amazing. Good times good people and loud music!!!! Right now we are currently headlining for a few weeks with Slitheryn and Dog Fashon Disco for support. In a few weeks we will be heading out with Ill Nino and Flaw for a full US tour, and right after that we will be doin' some dates with the Jagermeister tour with Slipknot , Fear Factory and Chimaira! Can you say holy shit? Anyway, we are in the works for some plans to get over to you soon! Maybe sometime around May/June. We are really excited to get to come play over there. We hear Europe is where heavy music lives! 'Til then drink beer, drink coffee or just 'Self Medicate' yourself anyway you want! And have fun!" Peace - Hector and Jordan
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03.02.04 (AP) The late JOHN ENTWISTLE may be heard on THE WHO's next album, the band's first in 21 years, singer Roger Daltrey said Monday. The band wants to use a bass line Entwistle recorded during rehearsals shortly before the 57-year-old bass player was found dead in his Las Vegas hotel room on June 27th, 2002. The two surviving band members, Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, have hired musicians to fill in for Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon, who died from an accidental overdose in 1978. "You get an instinct for what their input would have been, and I think Pete's musical ability will write a bass part that would be John's bass," Daltrey said Monday in an interview with Virgin Radio. "We've got a rehearsal tape of John playing one of the songs. We are thinking about using it on the album." Daltrey, 60, recalled that Entwistle had been in the band for 38 years. "How can we carry on without John? What is extraordinary is when you get up there and there's two of us and there's Pino Palladino on bass, you can still hear John playing because the music is so structured."

03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) After some re-tracking, Swedish Metalheads TORCHBEARER have finally finished with the recording of their upcoming debut album, "Yersinia Pestis," scheduled to be released May 4th via Metal Blade Records. TORCHBEARER is the mean bastard son of DARK FUNERAL, DEICIDE and HYPOCRISY, a cross between Death and Black Metal combined with hints of Thrash. Boasting loads of great guitar riffs, catchy song structures and a highly technical approach, "Yersinia Pestis" is the first album involving the recent collaboration between Sweden's Cold Records and Metal Blade Records. Cold Records is dedicated to discovering new talent from within the Swedish Extreme Metal scene. "Yersinia Pestis" contains 10 songs, and was recorded at Black Lounge Studios in Sweden with reputable producer Jonas Kjellgren (Carnal Forge, Centinex). Album artwork was handled by vocalist Par Johansson.
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03.02.04 (AP) Two of ERIC CLAPTON's best-known songs are gone from his concert repertoire - perhaps for good. The rock guitar legend found, during a series of concerts in Japan a few months ago, that he couldn't perform the two songs 'Tears In Heaven' and 'My Father's Eyes.' The songs, both Grammy Award winners, deal with the loss of his 4-year-old son, Conor, who died when he fell from a New York apartment in 1991. "I didn't feel the loss anymore, which is so much a part of performing those songs," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I really have to connect with the feelings that were there when I wrote them," he said. "They're kind of gone, and I really don't want them to come back, particularly. My life is a different life now." He said he'd feel conflicted to sing the songs at a time when he's happy. "They probably need a rest," Clapton said, "and maybe I'll re-introduce them someday from a much more detached point of view."

03.02.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Chicago Death Metallers USURPER have been confirmed and are primed and ready to rock the main stage at the Minneapolis Mayhem Fest being held at The Quest Club on April 24th and 25th. The band's set is scheduled for 4:30pm on Saturday, April 24th, on the main stage. Also appearing at this year's Mayhem Fest are MORBID ANGEL, SUFFOCATION, AGENT STEEL, INTO ETERNITY, SATYRICON, SEVEN WITCHES, NOVEMBERS DOOM, NOCTUARY, DISINTER, TWELFTH GATE, EPICUREAN, AVENGER OF BLOOD, DEMONICON, and more. There will also be a second stage this year. Resurrecting the headbanging, beer-swilling spirit of the classic underground metal bands from VENOM to CELTIC FROST to SLAYER, USURPER delivers bad-ass Black/Death/Thrash Metal anthems like only those types of bands can. USURPER's Earache Records debut album, "Twilight Dominion," is highly recommended for die-hard fans of metal and beer.
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03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The month of March looks like it belongs to BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION so far, who are set to release their sneering, hook-filled debut, "Here Come The Brides," on Tuesday, March 9th, via Sanctuary Records. Buzzing at radio with the first single 'Shut The Fuck Up,' BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION will make their U.S. television performance debut Monday, March 8th on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. That same night, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION will appear on the live, nationally syndicated radio show Rockline at 8:30 PM Pacific/11:30 PM Eastern. On the day of their album's release, the band has also confirmed a live in-store performance at Tower Records in Los Angeles (Sunset Boulevard). They'll follow that gig one week later with a Monday, March 15 performance on The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn. BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION is the new group founded by two of rock's most lethal characters, NIKKI SIXX, the primary songwriter and bassist for Motley Crue... [full story]
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03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) It's now official that vocalist HARRY "The Tyrant" CONKLIN of JAG PANZER has joined Power Thrashers BALLISTIC for upcoming live shows and studio activities. Here's the press statement from Tom Gattis, the former singer for BALLISTIC, who remains in the band as its main songwriter and guitarist: "Harry Conklin, the singer for Jag Panzer, has officially joined BALLISTIC and will be at 'Bang Your Head' 2004. People familiar with Harry know him as one of (if not the) best voice in metal, and I personally cannot think of a better singer I've seen. Like Rikard (drummer for Jag Panzer/Ballistic), Jag Panzer is still Harry's primary focus. But it will be great to have him on for the live shows and future albums. I will focus solely on guitar, and strange enough thrashing around is fine as long as the pressure doesn't get too great. As you may or may not know, I was stricken with paralyzing headaches during the recording of the CD. I had MRI's, MRA's, CT scans and nearly every other type of scan known performed. Without divulging results, I'll simply say that I must stop singing."
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03.01.04 (AP) PAUL McCARTNEY will be the headline act at this year's Glastonbury Festival, the finale to his summer tour, organizers said Friday. The former Beatle kicks off his month-long summer tour in May, and will play 12 cities, including Madrid, Paris, Zurich, Gothenburg, Oslo and Helsinki - as well as Lisbon, Leipzig, Prague and St. Petersburg for the first time - before his Glastonbury date on June 26th. Glastonbury organizer Michael Eavis said he had to turn down an offer from McCartney to headline the event last year because Radiohead had already confirmed they would play the slot. The summer tour will feature music from The Beatles, McCartney's band Wings and his solo work. "Touring really has been a lot of fun for us and the audiences have been great. So why stop now?" he told reporters Friday. "I'm looking forward to playing and to visiting some new places." McCartney, 61, became a father again in October when his second wife, Heather Mills, gave birth to their daughter Beatrice.

03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER checked in recently with an update on some touring changes from guitarist Brian Eschbach: "Due to unfortunate circumstances the Entombed tour has been cancelled. In addition, we have had to cancel the Sun & Steel Festival in Florida. We are very sorry to all of our fans that were hoping to see us on the road this March. We are still scheduled to play the March Metal Meltdown in New Jersey, and we just got confirmation that we will be playing the Minnesota Metal Fest, so come down and check it out. It looks like we will be shooting a video for the song 'Funeral Thirst' from "Unhallowed." Jason Joseph will be directing the video. If you're not familiar, he directed the 'Contagion' video." Meanwhile, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will still hit the road at the end of the month with label-mates AS I LAY DYING, who will be co-headlining the tour with EVERY TIME I DIE and SCARLET.
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03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Hardcore Punksters STEEL RULES DIE are set to release their new full-length album, "The Hemingway Solution," for Netherlands recording label Reflections Records on Tuesday, March 9th. Early reviews have already branded the new offering a killer release, and STEEL RULES DIE does indeed take a gigantic step forward with the new album. On "The Hemingway Solution," STEEL RULES DIE doesn't follow rules except their own, playing a style of hardcore/punk that does bring up occasional comparisons with bands such as Hot Water Music, Thrice or Strike Anywhere, but with that special, unexplainable British flavor. Art direction and graphic design for "The Hemingway Solution" has been created by Jeremy Wabiszczewicz, who also contracted for the artwork on Daughters' latest album, "Canada Songs." STEEL RULES DIE are also scheduled to play some UK shows later in the month in support of the new release.
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03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Kentucky Hybrid Metallers BREATHER RESIST will begin a three-week tour starting March 14th with CURSED and several other bands, as indicated below. Tour Dates:
3/14 Louisville, KY [The KDC] (with Kodan Armada, Coliseum) • 3/15 Nashville, TN [615 Records] • 3/16 Memphis, TN [Caravan] (with Dead City, Sex Positions) • 3/17 Dallas, TX [Blood Red] • 3/18 Tulsa, OK [One Hundred Dollar Taco] • 3/19 Phoenix, AZ [Modified Arts] (with Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower) • 3/20 San Diego, CA [Che Cafe] • 3/21 Long Beach, CA [Koo's Cafe] (with Bleeding Kansas, Taken) • 3/22 Las Vegas, NV [Balcony Lights] (with Bleeding Kansas) • 3/23 Los Angeles, CA [The Smell] (with Bleeding Kansas) • 3/24 Santa Barbara, CA [Biko Co-op] (with Bleeding Kansas) • 3/25 San Francisco, CA [Balazo Art Gallery] (with Takaru, BK) • 3/28 Portland, OR [Solid State] • 3/29 Spokane, WA [Detour] • 3/30 Seattle, WA [Studio Seven] • 4/2 Boulder, CO [Club 156] • 4/3 Omaha, NE [Power Pad] (with Back When) • 4/4 Lawrence, KS [Bottleneck] • 4/5 Des Moines, IA [Botanical Center] • 4/7 Bloomington, IN [Indiana University]
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03.01.04 (Reuters) THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND has renewed its recording contract with RCA Records, extending a relationship first forged with the group's 1994 breakthrough album, "Under The Table And Dreaming." Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. "We are so pleased to be able to stay with our family at RCA Records," the group said in a statement. "This deal creates a true partnership between RCA and our band and we couldn't be more confident about the future." THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND is also moving ahead with plans to distribute live recordings online, in the vein of such acts as Pearl Jam, The Dead and Phish. The group will begin an extensive Summer tour beginning June 17th in Maryland Heights, Mo. Pre-production has also begun on a new DAVE MATTHEWS BAND studio album, which will be the follow-up to 2002's "Busted Stuff."

03.01.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records has confirmed May 4th as the U.S. release date for the new album from Norway's 1349. Entitled "Beyond The Apocalypse," it is the second full-length album from the popular Black Metal band. Recorded, mixed and produced at Studio Nyhagen in Norway, "Beyond The Apocalypse" was produced by the band, with engineering assistance by Kjartan Hesthagen and Dr. Davidsen. The album once again presents the band's already respected blackened metal that recalls the true glory of the scene's early sounds. Fans of Mayhem, Immortal, Gorgoroth and Darkthrone take note: This is quality modern black metal for the continuing dark times. Dating to 1997, 1349 -- named for the year the deadly plague hit Norway in the 14th Century -- found immediate cult status with the recording and later release of their self-titled mini-album in 2001, and signed with Candlelight Records in late 2002.
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[ Music News: 02.23.04 - 02.29.04 ]
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