06.17.05 (RockAndMetal.com) DemonVision has announced that for the very first time on DVD, a unique collection of the visual works of ELVIS COSTELLO, "The Right Spectacle: The Very Best Of Elvis Costello - The Videos," will be released on September 5th. From his first Radar Records single in 1978, 'I Don't Want To Go To (Chelsea),' to his final video for Warner Bros. Records, '13 Steps Lead Down' (from 1994's "Brutal Youth" album), "The Right Spectacle" is a must-have for all serious ELVIS COSTELLO enthusiasts and fans alike. Widely regarded as one of today's most respected singer/songwriters in Rock and Pop, Costello was instrumental in pioneering the promotional music video in its early days - most of which became regular viewing on MTV and other noted music television channels. "The Right Spectacle" boasts a grand total of 27 videos that includes material rarely seen since the original release of the singles they supported, while the DVD can be alternatively watched with audio commentary that ELVIS COSTELLO has recorded especially for each video. Costello's witty and lively explanations provide insights into where, why and how the videos were created. Bonus features include over 70 extra minutes of early and ultra-rare television archive footage, culled from an array of TV channels from the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. The footage includes ELVIS COSTELLO along with THE ATTRACTIONS performing 'Alison,' 'Lip Service' and 'No Dancing' on the British TV show "Granada Reports" from 1977, 'Oliver's Army' on Dutch TV show "Countdown" from 1978, "Shipbuilding" on The Tube from 1983, and more. "The Right Spectacle" is also presented in a collectible digipack, with comprehensive production notes written by ELVIS COSTELLO himself, as well as a surprise Easter Egg strategically hidden away on the DVD for the most ardent of Costello enthusiasts to find. When ELVIS COSTELLO's first album was released in 1977, his bristling cynicism and anger linked him with the Punk and New Wave explosion. A cursory listen to "My Aim Is True" proves that the main connection that Costello had with the punks was his unbridled passion. He tore through... [full story]
[WATCH]

06.17.05 (RockAndMetal.com) German Industrial band MEGAHERZ will see a national U.S. release of their fifth CD, entitled "5" later this year via S.A.D./Eclipse Records. On "5," the band come at you with full force, who -- like fellow countrymen RAMMSTEIN -- stand ready to pound all who listen into humble submission. After a period of notable success in both 2001 and 2002, many of the European music publications described MEGAHERZ as one of the most important representatives of German Modern Rock music, and after selling over 100,000 units, the band are now back with a vengeance. After two years of preparation and intensive song writing, MEGAHERZ are back with a new front man in Mathias Elsholz, with whom the band stands more emotional and alive than before. "5" was recorded at Lundgaard Studios in Denmark with Ralph Quick (Die Happy, H-Blockx, etc.) on board as producer, the outcome being a very listenable album that spans most genres of Rock and Metal, as well as delving into some Electronica with "fat grooves." Their fans' frequent requests for a studio production which captures the raw energy of their live shows made MEGAHERZ allow themselves to add more live spirit and natural sound to their songs instead of following their usual perfectionistic standards. "We kept being told that we come across a lot livelier and more dynamic on stage, and that the fans really want to hear that sound on our records, too, says MEGAHERZ guitarist, songwriter and co-producer Christian "X-Ti" Bystron. "Therefore, the songs are less dominated by electronics, which we use as mostly an enhancement now. That way we were able to create a more lively sound. In short, the band's feeling comes across a lot better." Originating under the unmistakable influence of early 90s Grunge and Industrial acts like CLAWFINGER, ALICE IN CHAINS, SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA, NINE INCH NAILS, PANTERA and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, MEGAHERZ was formed in 1993 - their first demo CD "Herzwerk" (A Work of Heart) seeing the light of day in January of 1995.
[FREE MP3]

06.16.05 (RockAndMetal.com) TOMMY LEE's 'Tryin' To Be Me,' the first single off his upcoming new solo album, "Tommyland: The Ride," was the #1 Most Added Song at Mainstream Rock and #2 Most Added at Active Rock last week. This week shows even more promise, with a debut at #35 on the Active Rock Billboard Chart as 'Tryin' to Be Me' is the #2 Greatest Increased track of the week. The single has now been added at over 70 stations in the first two weeks of release and already pulled Top-5 requests across the country. "Tommyland: The Ride," due for worldwide release August 9th, is a highly listenable collection of Rock-driven tunes, some infused with Pop, Electronica and other flavors, which chart the foibles of romance, celebrity and life in general. The album follows two distinctly different solo efforts in "Methods Of Mayhem" (1999), a melange of Rock, Hard House, Industrial and Hip-Hop that reflected TOMMY LEE's desire "to do everything I ever wanted to do" after 20 years with MOTLEY CRUE, and "Never A Dull Moment" (2002), a more focused, "from the heart" album that included the song 'Blue,' written for his father who had recently passed away. "Tommyland: The Ride" will satisfy music fans in general with its solidly constructed hooks, as well as its guest performances by such artists including Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction), Joel Madden (Good Charlotte), Carl Bell (Fuel), Derick Whibley (Sum 41), Andrew McMahon (Jack's Mannequin / Something Corporate), Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) and Butch Walker. While 'Tryin To Be Me,' is a driving grievance against fame in the age of cell phone cameras in the album's first single, its second -- the yearning, mid-tempo 'Good Times' -- will be the theme for TOMMY LEE's new NBC television show, "Tommy Lee Goes To College," which premieres August 16th. Another track revealing Lee's willingness to lampoon himself is 'Tired,' with Joel Madden belting the tongue-in-cheek chorus: "Tommy got tired of Pamela, Ed got tired of Salma, Puffy got tired of JLo and Ben did too," working its way to the everyman complaint, "I'm just tired of you."
[LISTEN]

06.16.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Germany's VIVAPlus has picked up SENTENCED's video for 'Ever-Frost' for "Axt," which is aired every Sunday from 9:00pm to 12:00pm CET. The clip for 'Ever-Frost' was directed by Mika Ronkainen for Klaffi Productions from SENTECED's hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mika Ronkainen's work includes acclaimed documentaries, his most well-known one might be "Screaming Men," a documentary about MIESKUORO HUUTAJAT, a famous Finnish choir that performs national anthems and kids' songs by screaming and shouting. That documentary was co-produced by Lars Von Trier's production company Zentropa and was shown at various film festivals throughout the world, including Sundance 2004, winning several awards including "Best Scandinavian Documentary" in 2003. SENTENCED guitarist Sami Lopakka comments on the filming of the video: "It isn't every day you carry a real, used coffin around the wilderness, in the forests, over swamps, over desolate fields, up wasteland hills, or in a big-ass rowing boat. After 36 long hours, we were so worn out that later on, watching the filmed material, we weren't sure anymore if we are the guys carrying the coffin or those guys backstage. I hope you enjoy it." Regarding the planned break-up of the band soon, fans can catch SENTENCED one last time this Summer on a final round of European festival appearances in July and August before the band goes away for good. "Metaphorically speaking, this is a mass suicide of five, and the new album is the kind of note we want to leave behind, a one-last-time-around-for-goodbyes," says Sami Lopakka. "Our wish was always to go out with style and at the peak of our so-called success. I think with 'The Funeral Album,' we are doing exactly that. There will not be a reunion, comeback or any other pathetic soap opera-esque circus. Sentenced will rest in peace," Lopakka said a few months ago. SENTENCED sprung onto the Metal scene during the early-to-mid-'90s. After original vocalist Taneli Jarva's departure, newcomer Ville Laihiala took up the microphone, which saw the band's musical direction change to a more melodic, Goth-oriented and melancholic nature.
[FREE MP3]

06.15.05 (RockAndMetal.com) A new THIN LIZZY DVD entitled simply "Greatest Hits" will be released via Mercury Records on July 4th. With their anthemic, working class songs led by relentlessly blistering twin guitars, this officially endorsed DVD is sure to satisfy the most demanding of THIN LIZZY fans. Featuring all the classics, including the original promo videos for 'The Boys Are Back In Town,' 'Waiting For An Alibi,' 'Chinatown,' 'Bad Reputation' and many more, the new DVD also boasts a rare early live performance of the song 'Whiskey In The Jar' on Top Of The Pops, recorded on February 1st, 1973. Mixed for the first very time in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, this essential DVD package is an outstanding document from one of the greatest Rock bands of the 1970's. Despite a huge hit single at mid-decade in 'The Boys Are Back In Town,' as well as becoming a popular act with both Rock and Metal fans, THIN LIZZY are still, in the pantheon of '70s bands, a major influence on today's Modern Rock groups. Originally formed in the late '60s by Irish singer/songwriter/bassist Phil Lynott, THIN LIZZY combined romanticized working-class sentiments with their ferocious, twin-lead guitar attack. As the band's creative force, Lynott was a more insightful and intelligent writer who penned slice-of-life working-class dramas of love and hate, influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Irish literature. As a black man, Lynott was an anomaly in the nearly all-white world of Rock, and as such, imbued much of his work with a sense of alienation. He was the outsider, the romantic guy from the other side of the tracks, a self-styled poet of the lovelorn and downtrodden. After a few early records that hinted at the band's potential, THIN LIZZY released "Fighting" in 1975, by that time the band having molded itself into a tight recording and performing unit. The band's big break came with their next album, 1976's "Jailbreak," and that record's first single, 'The Boys Are Back in Town.' From that point on THIN LIZZY toured relentlessly, building an unassailable reputation as a terrific live band. By the mid-'80s, resembling the dinosaur that Punk truly wanted to annihilate, the band called it a career. Sadly, Phil Lynott became a victim of his long-time abuse of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol, dying in 1986 at just 35 years old.

06.15.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Things are just beginning to heat up for SHADOWS FALL, as they're set to perform on the main stage at Ozzfest this Summer, while joining MUDVAYNE and ROB ZOMBIE for a few additional high profile shows. The band are also scheduled for a series of headlining off-dates with the likes of such acclaimed acts as ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and TRIVIUM, among others in the support slots. The complete SHADOWS FALL Summer touring schedule with Ozzfest off-dates follows: 07/15 Boston, MA [Tweeter Center] • 07/16 Glen Falls, NY [Glen Falls Civic Center] • 07/17 Hartford, CT [Meadows Music Center] • 07/19 Camden, NJ [Tweeter Waterfront] • 07/20 Toronto, ON [Docks Concert Theatre] • 07/21 Buffalo, NY [Darien Lakes] • 07/22 Ft. Wayne, IN [Piere's] • 07/23 Burgettstown, PA [Post Gazette Pavilion] • 07/24 Bristow, VA [Nissan Pavilion] • 07/25 State College, PA [The Crowbar] • 07/26 Holmdel, NJ [PNC Bank Arts Center] • 07/27 Holmdel, NJ [PNC Bank Arts Center] • 07/28 Virginia Beach, VA [Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre] • 07/30 Tinley Park, IL [Tweeter Center Chicago] • 07/31 Noblesville, IN [Verizon Wireless Music Center] • 08/01 Huntington, WV [Monkey Bar] • 08/02 Columbus, OH [Germain Amphitheater] • 08/03 Cleveland, OH [Tower City Amphitheatre] • 08/04 Clarkston, MI [DTE Energy Music Theatre] • 08/05 Cincinnati, OH [Bogarts] • 08/06 East Troy, WI [Alpine Valley Music Theatre] • 08/07 Somerset, WI [Float-Rite Amphitheatre] • 08/09 Spokane, WA [The Big Easy Concert Hall] • 08/10 St. Helens, OR [Colombia Meadows] • 08/11 Auburn, WA [White River Amphitheatre] • 08/13 Mountain View, CA [Shoreline Amphitheatre] • 08/14 Marysville, CA [Sleep Train Amphitheatre] • 08/16 West Valley City, UT [USANA Amphitheatre] • 08/17 Las Vegas, NV [House Of Blues] • 08/18 Phoenix, AZ [Cricket Pavilion] • 08/20 San Bernardino, CA [Hyundai Pavilion] • 08/21 San Diego, CA [Soma] • 08/22 Tucson, AZ [Rialto Theatre] • 08/23 Albuquerque, NM [Journal Pavilion] • 08/25 Dallas, TX [Smirnoff Music Center] • 08/26 McAllen, TX [La Villa Real] • 08/27 Woodlands, TX [Mitchell Pavilion] • 08/28 Selma, TX [Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre] • 08/31 Antioch, TN [Starwood Amphitheatre] • 09/01 Myrtle Beach, SC [House Of Blues] • 09/02 Charlotte, NC [Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre] • 09/04 West Palm Beach, FL [Sound Advice Amphitheatre]
[FREE MP3]

06.14.05 (RockAndMetal.com) German Modern Rock band ALEV have signed a stateside recording deal with Eclipse Records, who will release the band's popular debut album, "We Live In Paradise," later this Summer. Alev's music ranges from Contemporary Rock with shades of Metal, while the band's sound is best described as a musical cross between EVANESCENCE and GARBAGE. Munich-based ALEV achieved much on their own with the demo CD's "Breakable" and "Broken" before scoring their first deal with SAD Music in Germany. They rocked to the top of the German charts without large ad campaigns, convincing their fans only with their powerful music and their numerous live gigs. Starting in small clubs and youth houses, they eventually went on to play at large festivals, performing at 25 Open Air Festivals throughout Europe in 2004 alone. Their first single, 'If We Ever', which was a huge success overseas, will be the driving force behind ALEV in the United States - the video for the song demonstrating not only the power behind the band's unique sound, but also the serious subject matter behind the song of breaking the cycle of violence among humanity on a global scale. Alev, the lead singer, is the heart of the band, adept at singing both powerful Rock anthems as well as soft, ballad-like songs with her distinctive voice. ALEV's music is a tightrope walk, switching from raging, heavy guitar riffs to softer tones, while lyrically aiming right for the heart. Combined with the singer's attractiveness, their diversified & emotional live show makes for a unique mixture. "We Live In Paradise" was recorded at Lungfull Studios & produced by ALEV guitarist Patrick Fleischer and bassist Martin Fahrnholz. The album enjoys all of the band's signature elements: catchy refrains, powerful guitar riffs, diversified harmonies, and arrangements beyond conventional cliches -- a wild, youthful, and refreshing melange full of energy and persuasiveness.

06.14.05 (RockAndMetal.com) ARCH ENEMY have completed work on their highly anticipated new album, "Doomsday Machine," set for a July 26th release via Century Media. The new offering's striking cover art has been created by acclaimed artist Joachim Luetke (Dimmu Borgir). ARCH ENEMY Guitarist Michael Amott comments: "We are all extremely pleased with the artwork for the new album! I had a few ideas initially that I discussed with Joachim on the phone, and when he started sending over images, we were seriously blown away. When you work with creative people of this caliber, you just let them do what they do, so we just let him get on with it. He's a very productive guy, very sharp. He expanded on the 'Doomsday Machine' concept and took it to some really interesting, albeit very dark, places. It's one of those great situations when the artwork totally works with the music. Simply awesome." With their dynamic mixture of melody and aggression, ARCH ENEMY are poised to be this year's Ozzfest breakthrough artist. They also have a slew of high profile off-dates scheduled this Summer as well with such acclaimed acts including BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and TRIVIUM, among others. However, ARCH ENEMY guitarist Christopher Amott (brother of Michael) will not be touring with the band this Summer, as he is taking time out to concentrate on studies back home in Sweden. He did complete all his work on "Doomsday Machine," but will not be a part of ARCH ENEMY's touring line-up for the foreseeable future, according to the band's website. Slated to share guitar duties with Michael Arnott for the next few months (including Ozzfest in the U.S.) will be none other than Gus G. (Firewind, Nightrage), an awesome player and a true world-class shredder. With "Doomsday Machine," ARCH ENEMY deliver the album of their career and redefine the style of Melodic Death Metal they helped to create.
[FREE MP3]

06.13.05 (RockAndMetal.com) BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN has announced a new group of North American solo tour dates for the months of July and August. The dates will follow Springsteen's sold-out tour of Europe, which wraps up June 28th in Berlin, Germany. Springsteen's new album, "Devils & Dust" topped the pan-European charts for three weeks, while the album has been certified Platinum in two countries and Gold in an additional eight countries. "Devils & Dust" entered Billboard's U.S. Top 200 albums chart at the top spot, receiving extremely enthusiastic reviews. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN also toured the U.S. in the spring, netting excellent reviews for his first solo tour since the 1995-1996 "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" tour. Upcoming Dates: June 13th Munich, Germany [Olympia Hall] • June 15th Frankfurt, Germany [Festhalle] • June 16th Dusseldorf, Germany [Phillipshalle] • June 19th Rotterdam, Holland [Ahoy] • June 20th Paris, France [Bercy] • June 22th Copenhagen, Denmark [Forum] • June 23th Gothenberg, Sweden [Scandinavium] • June 25th Stockholm, Sweden [Hovet] • June 27th Hamburg, Germany [Color Line Arena] • June 28th Berlin, Germany [ICC] • July 13th Ottawa, ON [Corel Centre] • July 14th Toronto, ON [Air Canada Centre] • July 16th Albany, NY [Pepsi Arena] • July 18th Buffalo, NY [HSBC Arena] • July 20th Bridgeport, CT [Arena At Harbor Yard] • July 23rd Atlanta, GA [Philips Arena] • July 24th Charlotte, NC [Charlotte Coliseum] • July 26th Greensboro, NC [Greensboro Coliseum] • July 28th Pittsburgh, PA [Petersen Events Center] • July 31st Columbus, OH [Schottenstein Center] • August 1st Cincinnati, OH [U.S. Bank Arena] • August 3rd Grand Rapids, MI [Van Andel Arena] • August 6th St. Louis, MO [Fox Theatre] • August 7th Milwaukee, WI [Bradley Center] • August 10th Portland, OR [Rosegarden Theatre Of The Clouds] • August 11th Seattle, WA [Key Arena] • August 13th Vancouver, BC [Pontiac Theatre At GM Place]

06.13.05 (RockAndMetal.com) FIVE FOOT THICK have finished the recording of their upcoming new album for Eclipse Records, entitled "This Cold Life." Currently taking a few day's break from the recording studio recharging their ears and getting ready to begin mixing the 14 new songs, which look to be every bit as heavy as the band's last release, "Blood Puddle." From their initial conception in late 1997, Spokane, Washington-based FIVE FOOT THICK have been on a steady path of evolution, helping to redefine the scope, power and influence of tyrannically heavy music in the Pacific Northwest. Formed from the fragments of several influential Spokane acts, few other Northwest groups have achieved the independent success of the band. The earliest incantations of FIVE FOOT THICK are a powerfully dark fuse of Metal and Modern Rock. Within months of their formation, the band quickly ascended to the top ranks of the Spokane music scene. After several changes to the rhythm section, however, the band was forced to regroup. But strangely, any and all changes to the FIVE FOOT THICK formula have only seemed to help the group coalesce into something previously unrealized - much stronger, diverse, textured, and -- most notably -- hellishly thick and meaty. In 2000, the band would release their debut album, "Circles." It would not only help to catapult the band into the top echelon of the Northwest's unsigned acts, but it would later go on to become one of the most successful independent releases in Spokane history. A monstrous assault of Metal sorcery, "Circles" would go on to to sell nearly 3,000 copies. A Vans Warped Tour slot, a spot in the Jagermeister Music lineup, bills alongside the likes of COAL CHAMBER, (HED) PE, ORANGE 9MM, P.O.D. and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES followed, not to mention the inclusion of FIVE FOOT THICK's music in more action-sports videos than you can shake a middle finger at. In May of 2003, the band would end its run as perhaps one of the most successful independent bands in the Northwest, signing with Eclipse Records and becoming the obvious local opener for the likes of DROWNING POOL, ILL NINO, CHIMAIRA, GODSMACK, SLAYER and more.
[LISTEN]

[Music News: 05.30.05 - 06.05.05]
[Top]