06.03.05 (RockAndMetal.com) The guitarist for the Romanian Rock group COMPACT has been stabbed to death, making him the second group member to be killed in six months. Police have reported that Emil Laghia, 36, was stabbed by death by his girlfriend during an argument late today, after which authorities were questioning the girlfriend in the Danube River port of Tulcea, where the couple lived with their child. Despite the killing, COMPACT will go ahead with a planned concert tomorrow in the eastern city of Bacau, private television station Realitatea has reported. Meanwhile, things couldn't be any worse for the band, as anti-corruption prosecutors recently laid official charges against current COMPACT drummer Aurel Vasilescu as well as Elena Luminita Tipirig, a former employee of the Romanian Labor Ministry's press bureau, following allegations that the two asked for money from a German citizen to help him send people to work in Germany. Both are accused of illegal use of position, and of being part of a wider network which was sending workers from Romania to western European countries illegally. Prosecutors had been investigating that case for months and heard from several people in relation to the charges brought against the two. One of those recently called as witness was independent Deputy Cozmin Gusa, a former Democrat who is now leading the party he himself founded, the National Initiative Party. At the time, Gusa said he was called because his name appeared in some conversations Vasilescu had on the phone and were intercepted by investigators. Gusa denied any involvement in the case, saying his name was simply mentioned in those conversations, and that he and Vasilescu have been friends since childhood. COMPACT's current string of bad luck began when the band's veteran bassist Teo Peter was killed in a car crash on December 3rd of last year in an incident involving a U.S. Marine, after which The U.S. Embassy established a memorial fellowship in the musician's honor. At the time, Peter's death caused an outpouring of emotion in Romania, as well as in his native region of Transylvania.

06.03.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Polish Black Metal veterans VESANIA have signed a new recording deal with Austria's Napalm Records. Featuring band members Orion (Behemoth) and Daray (Vader), expect a dark, brutal and symphonic debut in "God The Lux upon its release there on July 25th. Another breakthrough for VESANIA was the recent signing of a brand new management deal with Poland's Massive Management (Vader, Dies Irae, Decapitated), who are also connected to Empire Records, the label handling the release and promotion of "God The Lux" in that particular country. VESANIA have been in existence since the end of 1997, at that time the starting line-up consisting of Orion on vocals/guitars Heinrich on bass and, Daray on drums and percussion. As time passed, they were joined by keyboardist Hatrah and later Annahvahr on guitars and vocals, with whom they put together their first demo recording in 1999. In the Fall of 2000, a potential new keyboardist was spotted in Siegmar, who was invited to become a permanent member of VESANIA soon afterwards. Once that line-up was complete, the band performed in several cities in Poland throughout 2001 and 2002, all the while simultaneously working on writing and rehearsing new material for their debut full-length album. In the meantime, in the beginning of 2002, the demo recordings from 1999 had been released by Odium Records as the "Moonastray" limited edition split CD with BLACK ALTAR. In the Spring of 2002, VESANIA worked themselves into Selani Studios (Vader, Christ Agony, Lux Occulta) with producer Szymon "Szymonaz" Czech to commence recording what would become their "Firefrost Arcanum" debut for Empire Records at the beginning of 2003. The album was also released in Europe via Crash Music, Inc, VESANIA performing at several live shows that year, including Metalmania 2003. The band began recording "God The Lux" at the end of 2004 at Hendrix Studios in Lublin, with engineering help from Arkadiusz "Malta" Malczewski.
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06.02.05 (RockAndMetal.com) RELIENT K have been confirmed as Main Stage performers on this Summer's Vans Warped Tour. Confirmed dates will kick off at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California on July 6th, after which the tour will trek across the United States and several Canadian territories through the middle of August. RELIENT K, who recently won Yahoo! Music's monthly "Who's Next?" poll and will be featured on MTV's "10 Spot Drop" this Monday, June 6th, debuted in 1998. The band quickly drew praise for their brand of melodic, optimistic Pop-injected Punk, and developed a reputation as one of the hardest working bands on the circuit, playing an average of 200 gigs a year. By 2003, RELIENT K had become one of modern music's biggest underground acts. Their third album, "Two Lefts Don't Make A Right...But Three Do" was a Top 40 smash on the Billboard 200, earning RIAA gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the U.S. The album also garnered RELIENT K their first Grammy Award nomination. "MMHMM," the band's fourth album and current offering (released via Capitol Records last Fall), has proven to be the fastest seller of RELIENT K's career. Fueled by the band's non-stop road work -- including their current arena tour alongside GOOD CHARLOTTE and SIMPLE PLAN -- the album recently re-entered the Billboard 200 in the U.S. The single 'Be My Escape' is also shaping up to be a major Summer hit, currently climbing the Top 40 radio airplay charts in the U.S. RELIENT K's reunion with long-time producer Mark Townsend on "MMHMM" comes at a time when lines are being blurred between the Post Hardcore, Post Punk and peak Emo movements, making the band's original output level command some further attention. Such sounds are amplified all the more courtesy of mixers Tom Lord-Alge (U2, The Rolling Stones, Oasis) on 'The One I'm Waiting For,' 'High Of 75,' and 'My Girl's Ex-Boyfriend,' and J.R. McNeely (UnderOath, Project 86, Demon Hunter) on the rest of the tracks.
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06.02.05 (RockAndMetal.com) "The Fullness Of Time," the second album from U.S. Progressive Power Metal supergroup REDEMPTION will be released on July 18th. The band, featuring vocalist Ray Alder (Fates Warning, Engine), multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Nicolas Van Dyk, guitarist Bernie Versailles (Agent Steel, Fates Warning, Engine) and producer Tommy Newton have recorded a high quality piece of Progressive Metal in "The Fullness Of Time," which looks to be one of 2005's more unique and compelling offerings in that particular genre. REDEMPTION was originally formed in Los Angeles, California in late 2000 by Van Dyk. Following a chance meeting at a live show in Hollywood, he became close friends with Alder, both of whom eventually collaborated on a song on Alder's first solo record with his band ENGINE. Van Dyk asked Alder to produce a CD of some of his music, so the two of them assembled a group of players to record the project, including Versailles on guitar and Jason Rullo (Symphony X) on drums. Rick Mythiasin (Steel Prophet, Taraxacum) signed on to be the vocalist for the project, with Alder and FATES WARNING drummer Mark Zonder contributing guest performances. REDEMPTION was quickly signed to a domestic recording deal with Sensory Records in the United States, who released their self-titled debut album in the Summer of 2002. However, due to scheduling constraints, a different line-up was needed to play live performances, so several other musicians were recruited into the band, whom Alder also joined up with on stage as a guest performer. After joining REDEMPTION as their full-time vocalist in the Summer of 2004, the band recorded "The Fullness Of Time" with producer Newton, who is well-known for his previous work with such Metal bands as CONCEPTION, ARK, HELLOWEEN and UFO. REDEMPTION combine heaviness, complexity and irresistible melody on the new album, with the songwriting being more focused and song-oriented than on the band's debut.
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06.01.05 (RockAndMetal.com) As preparations are made for the release of their upcoming album, "Chapter V," STAIND are slated to head out on the road with 3 DOORS DOWN, BREAKING BENJAMIN and NO ADDRESS for a North American tour beginning June 30th in Manchester, New Hampshire and continue into the first week of September. Due out August 9th, "Chapter V" marks the group's fifth album and is the follow-up to the band's 2003 platinum release, "14 Shades Of Grey." Recorded at Allaire Studios in Shokan, NY and at the band's Springfield, MA rehearsal space, the CD was produced and mixed by David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Mudvayne, Godsmack). The first single from "Chapter V," 'Right Here,' is currently hitting the radio waves, with STAIND soon to be shooting a video for the song. For now, some fans are getting a sneak preview of the band's new music, as STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis and guitarist Mike Mushok are in the midst of visiting 16 cities, and have invited small groups of fans onto their tour bus to hear a selection of tracks from "Chapter V." Mushok explains: "Aaron and I have been out the last couple of weeks previewing the record for fans across the country and the response has been awesome! I really can't wait to get back out on the road and start playing these songs live." Confirmed Dates Through July: 06/30 Manchester, NH [Verizon Wireless Arena] • 07/02 Charlottetown, Canada [Festival Of The Lights - Prince Edward] • 07/04 Atlantic City, NJ [Borgata Events Center] • 07/06 E. Rutherford, NJ [Theatre @ Continental Airlines] • 07/08 Mansfield, MA [Tweeter Center] • 07/09 Camden, NJ [Tweeter Center] • 07/11 Quebec City, QUE [Agora] • 07/12 Portland, ME [Cumberland Co. Civic Center] • 07/14 Sarnia, ONT [Bayfest] • 07/15 Burgettstown, PA [Post Gazette Pavilion] • 07/16 Hartford, CT [Meadows] • 07/19 Columbia, MD [Merriweather Post Pavilion] • 07/20 Hershey, PA [Hershey Park Stadium] • 07/22 Tinley Park, IL [Tweeter Center] • 07/23 Columbus, OH [Germain Amph] • 07/26 Moline, IL [Mark Of The Quad] • 07/27 Cuyahoga, OH [Blossom Music Center] • 07/29 Albany, NY [Pepsi Arena] • 07/30 Scranton, PA [Ford Pavillion Montage] • 07/31 Charleston, WV [Charleston Municipal Arena]
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06.01.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Wales band BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have been signed to a recording deal with Trustkill Records, and will release their debut EP in August. Blending powerful Metal ala AVENGED SEVENFOLD and super catchy hooks ala THRICE, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have already played with other notable bands including EIGHTEEN VISIONS, ATREYU and more. Band member Owen comments: "We are super-fucking excited to announce that Trustkill Records will be releasing the Bullet For My Valentine mini-Album in the USA!!! Simply put, Trustkill are the fucking balls!!! You just have to check their discography to know that these guys are at the heart and soul of the U.S. metal/hardcore scene..." He and fellow BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE bandmates have been a band for the last 7 years, regarded as one of the most intense acts to come out of Wales since megabands FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND and LOSTPROPHETS put that part of the musical galaxy on the map. But make no mistake - geography is where their similarities end. Chalk it up to teenage years spent worshipping the likes of METALLICA, TESTAMENT and the almighty IRON MAIDEN. "We were all kind of bewildered by how huge those bands got," says Tuck. "It wasn't jealousy, but we didn't see a reason why that couldn't be us." In fact, there is no reason, because BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's supercharged riffage and soaring vocals harken back to a time in the UK when how good you were had to do with how well you played -- something they're convinced is lost on too many of today's flash-in-the-pan upstarts. "We're proud to say that there isn't a single indie band in South Wales ," says BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE guitarist Michael "Padge" Padget. "I don't see how a band can stand there for 40 minutes and just sing bollocks. What's the point? It's about putting on a show!" And that attitude's already won the band a coveted support-slot with American Metal beasts CHIMAIRA on their recent stint in the UK, a tour which gave them an unforgettable taste of what life on the road can be like.

05.31.05 (RockAndMetal.com) KASABIAN are currently on a worldwide tour in support of their new self-titled album. As they describe it, the band are not making music to be famous, they're making music because they need to. "This is what I've wanted to do ever since I was four. This is why I'm here," says KASABIAN vocalist Tom Meighan. Tour Dates: 05/31 Salt Lake City, UT [Club Sound] • 06/02 Portland, OR [Doug Fir Lounge] • 06/03 Vancouver, BC [Commodore Ballroom] • 06/04 Seattle, WA [Radio Show] • 06/06 Sacramento, CA [Harlow's] • 06/07 Los Angeles, CA [Henry Fonda Theatre] • 06/09 San Francisco, CA [Popscene] • 06/10 San Francisco, CA [Shoreline Amphiteatre] • 06/11 Santa Ana, CA [Galaxy Concert Theater] • 06/12 Tempe, AZ [The Clubhouse] • 06/14 Dallas, TX [Tree's] • 06/15 Houston, TX [The Meridian] • 06/16 Austin, TX [The Parish] • 06/18 San Diego, CA [Open Air Theatre/SDSU Campus Radio] • 06/20 Hyde Park, [UK Festival] • 06/25 Glastonbury, [UK Festival] • 06/30 Hyde Park, [UK Festival] • 07/18 Pittsburgh, PA [Mr. Small's Theatre] • 07/19 Rochester, NY [Water Street Music Hall] • 07/20 Cleveland, OH [Grog Shop] • 07/21 Cincinnati, OH [Bogart's Front Room] • 07/23 Detroit, MI [St. Andrews Hall] • 07/24 Chicago, IL [Lollapalooza] • 07/25 Columbia, MO [Mojo's] • 07/26 Tulsa, OK [Cain's Ballroom] • 07/29 San Diego, CA [Street Scene] • 08/01 Denver, CO [Bluebird Theatre] • 08/13 Osaka, Japan [Summersonic] • 08/14 Tokyo, Japan [Summersonic] • 08/26 Reading, UK [Reading Festival] • 08/27 Leeds, UK [Leeds Festival] • 09/08 Vancouver, BC [GM Place] • 09/09 Everett, WA [Everett Events Center] • 09/11 Mountain View, CA [Shoreline Amphitheatre] • 09/12 Los Angeles, CA [Hollywood Bowl] • 09/14 San Diego, CA [Coors Ampitheatre] • 09/15 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 09/17 Los Angeles, CA [Hyundai Pavilion] • 09/18 Phoenix, AZ [Dodge Theater] • 09/20 Morrison, CO [Red Rocks Amphitheatre] • 09/22 Dallas, TX [Smirnoff Music Center] • 09/25 Spring, TX [Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion] • 09/27 Atlanta, GA [Hi-Fi Buys Amp] • 09/29 Columbia, MD [Merriweather Post Pavilion] • 09/30 Cuyahoga Falls, OH [Blossom Music Center]
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05.31.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records along with Regain Records has confirmed June 14th as the North American release date for "Lunar Strain" and "Subterraean," the first two recordings from Swedish Melodic Metal masters IN FLAMES. Both albums have been completely remastered for their upcoming release in the United States, reworked with new artwork, with each also containing bonus material previously unavailable on the earlier limited release of each recording. With over 300,000 albums sold in the U.S., IN FLAMES have become one of the single most important and influential Metal bands in their home country in the Hard Rock and Metal genres. With each new recording, IN FLAMES have further found a way to expand their audience, breaking into new markets and exposing new fans to their melodic-yet-aggressive music. "Lunar Strain" and "Subterraean" each found their original release in 1994 and 1995 respectively, and are now considered by many to be the band's most groundbreaking recordings. Originally formed in 1990, IN FLAMES have since grown to practically be the main band European Melodic Metal is measured against. Having toured over the years with the likes of HATEBREED, MUDVAYNE, ARCH ENEMY, CHILDREN OF BODOM, SHADOWS FALL, DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, SLIPKNOT, SLAYER, SOULFLY and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, as well as participating in this Summer's Ozzfest, the music press have also highly praised IN FLAMES' recordings, many of which have topped the year-end "best of" lists of some of Metal's most reputable magazines. Malmo, Sweden-based Regain Records are the current home to MARDUK, DARK FUNERAL, DISMEMBER and back catalog label for ARCH ENEMY, NAGLFAR, and more. Working with Candlelight Records in North America, the label's current releases include MARDUK's "Plague Angel," plus upcoming releases from SPACE ODYSSEY, CENTINEX, and more.
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[Music News: 05.16.05 - 05.22.05]
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