06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) After nearly three decades together, 38 SPECIAL still plays more than 100 shows per year, and audience members are still blindsided by the power and muscle of the veteran band's performance. "When we come out, people are like, 'Whoa!' It's like a freight train rolling over them," says vocalist/guitarist Don Barnes. While most associate the group with its arena-rock '80s pop smashes, these days the band's harder edge is what is immediately noticeable. Barnes says it's all about maintaining the intensity that they deliver in their live shows. So when 38 SPECIAL went in to record "Drivetrain" (due July 27th on Sanctuary Records), the group's first studio album in years, it sought to capture that live energy on disc. And as a result, the band has never sounded this powerful in a long while. Having had its share of success in the pop realm - selling some 15 million albums - the group sought to make this album all about attitude. "It sounds rude," Barnes says, and it was meant to. "This album won't get labeled as the pop record of the year..." [full story]
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06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Expect a new album from MEGADETH September 14th on Sanctuary Records. "The System Has Failed" is the first new music from Dave Mustaine and company since a freak arm injury sidelined him in 2002. His arm healed, Mustaine recently completed work on the album, the first all-new MEGADETH album in three years. A bruising sample track, 'Kick The Chair,' was recently leaked online by Mustaine, portending great things to come. "I think that it has come full circle back to the aggressive, political cynical lyrics and aggressive guitar riffing that I am famous -- or infamous -- for," says Mustaine. "I feel something very similar to when I first started out when I hear this new record...it's exciting for me, and I can't wait for the public to be able to have this record in their hands." MEGADETH are currently planning to tour the U.S. beginning in late October, followed by dates in Europe. Meanwhile, a domestic date of July 27th is set for seven remixed and remastered albums with added bonus tracks, artwork and detailed liner notes from MEGADETH's back catalogue to be re-released.
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06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Over the past 10 years, PAPA ROACH went from playing back alley clubs to major arenas and stadiums. Now, the quartet returns to its smoky, smelly, noisy roots with a U.S. Summer club tour, kicking off July 6th in Detroit and winding up on August 6th in Santa Cruz, CA. The band's new DreamWorks/Geffen Records album, "Getting Away With Murder" arrives in stores this September. Supporting PAPA ROACH is fellow Geffen band INSTRUCTION, whose debut full-length CD, "God Doesn't Care," will be released in August. Said PAPA ROACH lead singer Jacoby Shaddix, "Any band will tell you, nothing's better than being right in the face of the fans and having them in yours. It is so great for us to be going back to small clubs and re-experiencing that energy you only get in close quarters." Formed in Northern California in 1993, PAPA ROACH is comprised of Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Dave Buckner and Tobin Esperance. They made their recording debut with the 1994 EP, "Potatoes For Christmas."

06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal Blade Europe has announces the signing of Munster, Germany's NEAERA to a recording deal. NEAERA's heavy blend of Hardcore Death Metal is unique and full of energy, and the young band already know how to crush a live audience. Here's what the band had to say about the deal: "It is still a little hard to grasp for us that from today on we are actually in a contract with Metal Blade Records! Being offered a contract by Metal Blade was way beyond anything we would have dared to hope for when we started out! It is really great to see that a professional record label such as Metal Blade is offering such a huge chance to a relatively new band such as us. Even more, we are overwhelmed by the fact that we now have the honour to speak of bands like BOLT THROWER, AMON AMARTH, AS I LAY DYING, CANNIBAL CORPSE and UNEARTH and call them our colleagues! Without the musical influences of all those great artists, we probably would not exist as a band. We want to thank all the people at Metal Blade for their confidence!"
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06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) STAIND are at work on their next studio album for Elektra Records with an eye on a Fall release. The group is working at its own studio and rehearsal space with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel). "He's a great guy and has some really good ideas in helping make the songs better," guitarist Mike Mushok writes on STAIND's official web site. "He's also really a stickler for getting the best performances out of you as possible." The band is working through "about a dozen songs or so" and has already completed drum tracks for seven of them. "We wrote a new song yesterday that we worked on all day [and] tracked last night that came out great," Mushok writes. "We're also going to be working on some of [frontman] Aaron [Lewis]' acoustic ideas the next couple of days and I'm sure we'll get some more good stuff from that." STAIND will take a break from the studio next month to play headlining shows July 23rd in Providence, R.I., and the following night in Manchester, N.H. On July 31st, the group will join DISTURBED, VELVET REVOLVER, SEVENDUST and N*E*R*D at the Rolling Rock Town Fair in Westmoreland, PA.
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06.25.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal merchants TURISAS will finally raise their swords on July 26th for the release of their overdue debut album, "Battle Metal." Produced by Terje Refsnes (Tristania, Morgul, etc.) at Sound Suite Studios in France, "Battle Metal", offers the most precious ingredients of epic Viking Metal, almost sounding like a mixture of bands such as IN EXTREMO, FALKENBACH, NIGHTWISH and FINNTROLL. Frontman Warlord shares his feelings about the debut album with us as follows: "Finally, after years of work we have something to present to all the people who have stood by our side so far and to all the ones to whom TURISAS is/will be an interesting newcomer. ''Battle Metal'' is a collection of songs written during a six-year period between 1997 and 2003, but it doesn't suffer from the usual unevenness common to most debuts. Powerful orchestrations, catchy folkishness and the glory and the brutality of the battlefields are bound together by an open-minded approach and pure progressiveness. This album is definitely something fresh in the whole scene."
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06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) WIDESPREAD PANIC will release an album of "unplugged" songs, recorded live last November just before the band began it's controversial year-long break from touring. "Uber Cobra," in stores July 13th on Widespread/Sanctuary Records, is also marked by the inclusion of several of the band's favorite cover songs, reflecting the depth of their influences, as well as their musical dexterity. 'City Of Dreams,' by TALKING HEADS, NEIL YOUNG's 'Walk On,' BLIND FAITH's classic 'Can't Find My Way Home' (written by Steve Winwood), the more obscure 'Geraldine And The Honeybee' by WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY and 'Expiration Day,' by longtime band friend VIC CHESTNUT all shine alongside WIDESPREAD PANIC originals like 'Mercy' and 'Wondering.' "Uber Cobra" is the unplugged companion to "Night Of Joy," the live album released earlier this year that also featured THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND. Infamous for their legendary live performances and fiercely devoted followers, "Uber Cobra" is a compilation of stripped down, acoustic-leaning songs... [full story]
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06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Swedish Metalcore exports NINE have joined up with the Deathwish Inc. recording label in the United States. In the last three years, NINE have released two infectious albums on Sweden's Burning Heart record label (Turbonegro, Refused). After Scandanavian touring with the likes of THE HAUNTED and NASUM, NINE made major noise when they hit the road of Europe with THE HOPE CONSPIRACY, and later with CONVERGE. On those tours, the band's immense live power was undeniable. NINE roared through unsuspecting crowds like a runaway freight train, bringing new life to the unforgettable "Swedish" sound. NINE's latest album, "Killing Angels," will be released by Deathwish Inc. this Fall. Produced by Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshuggah), "Killing Angels" is one of the most powerful albums recorded in recent memory. A moving mix of ten ton heaviness, infectious melody, and full blown vocal ferocity, the album pays homage in influence to the old masters such as ENTOMBED, while evolving into a whole new breed of musical killing machine.
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06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) It's been confirmed that Britpop superstars OASIS will release "Definitely Maybe - The DVD" to commemorate the album's 10th anniversary in September. Hailed as the "Best British Album Ever" by Q Mag, 1994's "Definitely Maybe" became the fastest selling debut album ever upon it's release. On "Definitely Maybe - The DVD," the now-classic audio version (including the rare, vinyl-only track 'Sad Song') is accompanied by over four hours worth of archived and new footage from OASIS, including an hour-long documentary about the recording of the album featuring interviews with the band, label, friends and entourage. Memorable live and TV performances of "Definitely Maybe"'s twelve era-defining tracks and more extras besides make up the rest of this treasure chest of classic OASIS music and footage. Meanwhile, the band will headline the infamous Glastonbury Festival tomorrow night, fresh off a small warm up show last night at the Poole Lighthouse. Not surprisingly, both shows sold out.

06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) In less than two weeks, NIGHTWISH have crossed the borderline of 100,000 copies of their latest album sold in Germany. To reward that rare feat, the band has received a gold record for their No. 1 album "Once." The single 'Nemo' is also still going strong, and heading for gold status as well. Markus Staiger, president of Nuclear Blast Records, comments about the biggest success in the label's history: "We're very proud of having had the opportunity to release 'Once' through Nuclear Blast. In my opinion it is by far the best, most diversified and most ambitious album from the band. There's so much power in each song, you never get tired of listening to the record! The temporal and financial efforts, e.g. caused by the recordings with the London Session Orchestra, pay off completely. The success regarding charts and sales of the single 'Nemo' bestow the band their biggest success thus far. Now, two weeks after the release, it's already clear that 'Once' will mark the most successful album in NIGHTWISH's history!"
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06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Here's the latest from Bert Lams of THE CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO regarding their upcoming album: "We have been very busy and thankfully it is not letting up anytime soon. CGT's new CD entitled "Whitewater" will be released by InsideOut by the end of August. It is produced by Tony Levin, and features mostly new original pieces. "Whitewater" was recorded in March near Woodstock, New York with the help of sound engineer Tom Mark. It is by far our best sounding CD yet: We played Martin guitars, using mostly microphone signal and recorded on 2 inch analog tape. We will be touring heavily in the fall to support this new release. Our biggest news involves our new DVD. "Following The Music" is a one-hour documentary filmed by Scott Lambson. It explores the history and background of the CGT with live footage and interviews with Paul, Bert and Hideyo, and follows the CGT on tour. In addition to the documentary, we selected an hour of bonus footage from concerts around the world: Tokyo 1996 (an opening act for King Crimson), a medieval church in Norway 2000, Quebec Summer Festival 2003, London 2003, and several others."

06.24.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Edmonton, Alberta-based Metallers RED TIDE have inked a recording deal with Neoblast Records for the release of their second album. "Para Bellum" will be released worldwide in September 2004. Crushing, highly professional groovy death metal is the order of the day from RED TIDE's imposing sophomore release. Fed up with the trends and labeling of the time, RED TIDE first got together in 1999, setting out to be a metal band that would attempt to stay away from limiting classifications. In the fall of 2001, RED TIDE played their first live appearance, and in the following months they played 20 shows in the Edmonton area opening for the likes of EXHUMED, DISCIPLES OF POWER and THORAZINE. In the early months of 2002, RED TIDE entered the recording studio to record their first album, with engineer/producer Glenn Freckleton able to capture the aggression and fury that is RED TIDE for their self-titled debut release. While already writing material for "Para Bellum," the band toured extensively throughout Western Canada in support of their first album.
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06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Melodic Hard Rock/Metal veterans DOKKEN will return with their new studio album, "Hell To Pay," on July 13th. If DOKKEN ever heard the famous quote by Andy Warhol that "everybody gets 15 minutes of fame," it looks like someone forgot to tell them. After 25 years, the group continues to have a recording contract with a major label as well as a loyal fan base, allowing them to "still follow their bliss and make a living at it," as singer and founder of the group Don Dokken puts it. "I used to think if you had talent that's all you needed to survive the music business. After all these years, I've come to realize you need an equal amount of luck!" DOKKEN also kicked off a new world tour June 17th to promote the new CD "and have some fun," as drummer "Wild" Mick Brown puts it. Unlike some of their peers, the group has survived member changes, drugs, alcohol and egos - qualities that seemed to be almost mandatory during the '80s and '90s for a rock band. DOKKEN have been often lumped into the genre of "hair metal" bands, even though... [full story]
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06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Power Metal veterans IRON SAVIOR have released their new album, "Battering Ram," via Sanctuary Records. Musically, "Battering Ram" follows the IRON SAVIOR tradition of no frills, in-your-face metal with quality songwriting, melodic hooks, ripping guitars and the whiskey-laden vocals of singer Piet Sielck. From the catchy chorus of 'Tyranny Of Steel' to the bizarre rhythm section thump of 'Wings Of Deliverance' to the relentless power of the title track, "Battering Ram" does not disappoint. IRON SAVIOR is the brainchild of Sielck, a down-to-earth, jeans and T-shirt guy from Hamburg, Germany, known throughout the metal community for producing bands like SAXON and BLIND GUARDIAN - and to some for playing a central role in forming the embryo of the now legendary HELLOWEEN. After ten years behind the mixing desk, Sielck felt the urge to grab his guitar again, but his plans to make IRON SAVIOR a one-off project album fell apart when the band was offered a gig at Wacken Open Air, which they played to an overwhelming crowd reception.
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06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) JONATHAN RICHMAN has released his latest album through Vapor/Sanctuary Records entitled "Not So Much To Be Loved As To Love." Richman was the guy with the guitar performing musical interludes in the movie "There's Something About Mary," the songwriter of such Sesame Street classics as 'I'm A Little Airplane' and 'Ice Cream Man,' and the most frequent musical guest on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." However, JONATHAN RICHMAN's fans know him best from a long musical history as an Alternative Pop/Rock hero. He formed the hugely infuential band JONATHAN RICHMAN AND THE MODERN LOVERS way back in 1972, keyboard player Jerry Harrison later joining up with TALKING HEADS and drummer David Robinson becoming a member of THE CARS. Over time, Richman has become one of the most regarded alternative singer/songwriters of the 70s and 80s, building a loyal fanbase through touring and his razor-sharp sense of humor. "Not So Much To Be Loved As To Love" is JONATHAN RICHMAN's 21st album release overall.
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06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal queen DORO is still working together with the Metal Classic Night Orchestra to finish her first album for AFM Records, entitled "Classic Diamonds." The upcoming release will present orchestral reworkings of 20 years of DORO and WARLOCK material in a whole new fashion. Additionally, the CD will also include multiple new songs which were especially composed for the project, scheduled for release in September. Prior to that, there will also be a preview EP with songs from "Classic Diamonds" issued on August 9th. Meanwhile, DORO and the Metal Classic Night Orchestra are slated to perform live on the following European dates: 08/06 Wacken, Germany [Wacken Open Air] • 08/07 Dreisbach, Germany [Biker Party] • 10/15 Balve, Germany [Hoehlenrock] • 10/15 Pratteln, CH [Z7] • 10/17 Dresden, Germany [TBA] • 10/18 Berlin, Germany [Passionskirche] • 10/21 Offenbach, Germany [Capitol] • 10/22 Filderstadt, Germany [Philharmonie] • 10/23 Munchen, Germany [Tonhalle]
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06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The following message has been posted on the official Lollapalooza website by organizer Perry Farrell regarding the cancellation of this year's festival: "To all my fellow artisans, activists, and feverish supporters. It is with heart gripped despair that I inform you of Lollapalooza's disbandment for the Summer of 2004. To say that you terribly miss something that never was born is somewhat odd, yet in this case, it is quite accurate. I hope you can accept my apologies for not providing you with the summer that you had your hearts set on. I tried very hard to keep us on course; heading straight into the most ferocious musical storm in history. We were not able to continue; we were taking on huge financial losses. And still, I want you to know that I fought for our lives into the final hour. Upon reflection, I conclude there is a story here. It is the story of a musical community under the influence. No, silly, it's not drugs. This is an influence far more damaging and threatening, as in: "They are threatening to sue us for damages." My prayer is that we live to fight another day and walk together at the victory parade."

06.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Citing influences from several musical genres including Gothic, Metal and Folk, mixed in with a dash of old national romantic art, tales and traditions from Scandinavia, Norwegian one-man project GLITTERTIND will release its debut album, "Evige Asatro," on August 9th through New Aeon Media. "Evige Asatro" was produced, mixed and mastered by sole member Torbjorn Sandvik during 2001-2002, except for the track 'Norges Skaal,' which was recorded this past Spring. Cover artwork was designed by Skrymer (Finntroll). According to a posting on the project's official website, "this album represents the work [of] a 16- and 17-year-old boy spellbound by mother nature and Scandinavian art, culture, tales and traditions..." The name "Glittertind" was adopted from the name of one of the highest mountains in the "Jotunheimen" mountain range in Norway. Modern national romantic music, music concerning heathen beliefs, as well as nature romantic music have often times been connected with racism and/or racial superiority. However, GLITTERTIND is NOT a political band, and does not support those kinds of opinions or behavior.

06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) BOB DYLAN will take "The Bob Dylan Show" on a 22-date concert tour of U.S. Minor League baseball parks beginning August 6th, in Cooperstown, New York, the home of Baseball's Hall Of Fame. Joining Bob Dylan on the tour are WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY and THE HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN. Tickets for "The Bob Dylan Show" go on sale this Saturday for the first 13 dates. According to Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions, the concert promotion company who conceived of the idea for the tour and is presenting many of its shows, "Bob Dylan has always brought his music to people wherever they are -- in big cities or in small towns, in big arenas or in small clubs, and everywhere in between -- -and this tour fits right in with that approach. Having produced several of Bob Dylan's concerts in these types of venues over the years, we found that the special atmosphere of a ballpark adds a unique element to his already great shows. A complete tour of these ballparks will have fans experiencing a great summer tour."

06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) New York-based BLOODSIMPLE have signed a recording deal with Bullygoat Records, with distribution through Warner Bros Records. Bullygoat Records was founded by Chad Gray, vocalist for MUDVAYNE. Commenting on BLOODSIMPLE Gray had this to say: "Last year, Bloodsimple opened for Mudvayne in Philadelphia, and it was there that I first saw them perform. It didn't take long for me to understand that they have the songs, energy, and live performance as well as the ability to captivate an audience. As for BLOODSIMPLE's signing, he added: "Starting a label has always been something I have wanted to do. Having my own label enables me to help friends that I've met on the road who have great bands, get their music heard. I'll be involved with them artistically and also help guide them to make better decisions than I did early in my career. As the first signees to Bullygoat, Bloodsimple has finally made this vision a reality." Together for two years, BLOODSIMPLE began in NYC from the ashes of VISION OF DISORDER.
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06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) SPV Records has announced the re-release of the REFUSED catalog, which will be followed by the long-awaited DVD, "Refused Are Fucking Dead," at the end of the Summer. The far left-leaning Swedish hardcore band formed in 1991. Between 1993 and 1998, REFUSED released four EPs and three albums. With the release of "The Shape Of Punk To Come" in 1998, REFUSED pioneered the hardcore sound in a shocking, surprising, yet very impressive way. The now-classic album is an innovative 12-track combination of intellectual revolutionary punk, where the band stood up as vanguards of new open-minded noise, delivering provoking and progressive adventurous chimerical hardcore. All but overlooked by the mainstream at the time of its release, the band broke up shortly thereafter, proclaiming they'd achieved what they set out to do and there was no point carrying on. "Songs To Fan The Flames Of Discontent" is also being re-released, which saw REFUSED take a progressive stance on hardcore, mixing it with traces of Metal and Rock.
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06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Colorado long-standing Metallers JAG PANZER are hard at work on their 8th studio album, "Casting The Stones," with producer Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Savatage) at Morrisound Studios (Nasty Savage, Death, Cannibal Corpse) in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, "Casting The Stones" will feature cover-art by artist Mattias Noren (Evergrey, Into Eternity). Founding guitarist Mark Briody sent this message to JAG PANZER's expectant worldwide fanbase: "Casting the Stones is coming out GREAT! We're about 70% percent done. All drums and rhythm guitars are complete. Half the vocals and half the bass tracks are done also. I'm very happy with the songs. Chris (Broderick) has delivered some awesome layered and complex songs complete with some intense polyrhythms. My songs have much more harmony guitar work then my previous writing. We're also using some different gear - amps, cymbals, drums, etc. The production is going to be very cool. We also used some different tunings on the album. Look for an mp3 in a month or so."
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06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) GARY MOORE's new studio album, "Power Of The Blues," was released today via Sanctuary Records. Joining Moore on "Power Of The Blues" are bass player Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow) and drummer Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream, Scars). Daisley was an integral part of Moore's band in the 1980s, and Mooney has played on Moore's last three albums, the self-titled debut of the rock power trio SCARS - a rare return to the unrelenting hard-rock style Moore played early in his career. Now, he has re-embraced the blues. "Power Of The Blues" is Moore's first blues-oriented studio album since 2001's Sanctuary release, "Back to the Blues." For 30 years GARY MOORE has captivated the world's attention with his stellar musicianship. 1990's hit album "Still Got The Blues" was certified gold in the United States and platinum worldwide. In addition to a prolific solo career -- "Power Of The Blues" is his 23rd solo album -- Moore is also known for his work in THIN LIZZY and supergroup BBM (with CREAM veterans Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker).

06.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records has confirmed August 10th as the U.S. release date for "Blot," the final album from Norway's EINHERJER, which completes the catalog for American fans of the highly regarded Viking Metal band. Showcasing a rage, originality and skill that has not yet been seen from the EINHERJER, "Blot" is a musicial experience that will not soon be forgotten. Formed in 1993, EINHERJER amassed a respectable recording history and worldwide sales base. With four full-length albums, two mini-albums and the highly collectable "Aurora Borealis" demo to their credit, EINHERJER have most certainly made their mark. Fans worldwide were disappointed upon news of the band's break-up earlier this year. Alongside Enslaved, Einherjer are considered one of the first groups to forge Viking Metal's growing popularlity. Their unique sound incorporates sheer intensity with creative and intricate arrangements. With formal musical connections to BLOOD RED THRONE (recently signed to Earache Records), EINHERJER's legacy is sure to live on.

06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The new RAY WILSON album, "The Next Best Thing" is going to be released worldwide on June 28th. In August, he will then perform new material at the Edinburgh Festival, followed by a tour of Europe with his full band in October. Some musicians' careers are running straight just like a highway in Texas. Others however, seem to describe a circle. And still others - to which RAY WILSON's biography belongs - are similar to a rollercoaster trip, regarding the intensity of ups and downs: From the highest top it went fast down, and then back up to the top, up into the stratosphere of rock music with all its hits. What remains as a kind of realization after such a hot and cold bath of emotions? A brilliant album encapsulated in "The Next Best Thing" - twelve passionate songs blurring the line between rock and folk, an absolute declaration of belief in the sheer power of music. No - it cannot be avoided that the 36-year-old Scotsman, born in the medieval fairy town of Edinburgh, is asked about the part of his career when he played with GENESIS. Whatever RAY WILSON may... [full story]
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06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) With the forthcoming release of the mini album "The Dark Secret," Italian Epic Metal band RHAPSODY provides a taste of their next full-length album, due in September through Limb Music Publishing. A new saga has been born, one that takes the listener on a musical adventure featuring epic, fast metal tracks and sonic landscapes with a stirring narrative by legendary actor Christopher Lee. It is the debut of a new style of Heavy Metal music created by RHAPSODY known as "Film Score Metal." Supported by appearances by more than a dozen international guest soloists and the entire Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic, plus a 50-piece choir. Among other well known narrators and London actors, Lee guides the listener in the role of a king through the unique saga invented by RHAPSODY's founding members Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli, who also produced. A limited edition version of "The Dark Secret" will also include a bonus DVD containing exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes material.
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06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Alternative Tentacles Records has signed New York political squatter punks LEFTOVER CRACK to a recording deal. Their third full-length, "Fuck World Trade" (Virus 320), has since been slated for a street date of August 31st. LEFTOVER CRACK's two releases (one released under the moniker of CHOKING VICTIM) on Hellcat Records garnered them notoriety for their outspoken political views using the vehicle of catchy-as-heck Ska Punk to open the eyes of impressionable youth worldwide. Produced by Steve Albini, "Fuck World Trade" features thirteen tracks of LEFTOVER CRACK's best songwriting effort to date. Fueled by anger and frustration toward the current "war on terrorism," the lyrics are primal and scathing, and the music adds hardcore and even some surprising metal influences to the ska punk backbone. The band's knack for folding various genres into their already successful sound also makes them appealing to everyone from fans of AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY and OPERATION IVY to NAUSEA and SICK OF IT ALL.
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06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Belgian Black Metal mongrels ENTHRONED have completed work on their upcoming album, "XES Haereticum," and are more than satisfied with the results. Band member Nornagest describes the new album as having "a more mature, varied, and darker aspect than previous releases, yet more intense and aggressive than ever before." ENTHRONED are currently getting ready for their upcoming South American Tour, for which secured dates follow:
September 4th Sao Paulo, Brazil [Septembro Negro Festival] • September 5th Curitiba, Brazil [PR] • September 6th Porto Alegre, Brazil [RS] • September 7th Florianopolis, Brazil [SC] • September 8th Brasilia, Brazil [DF] • September 10th Belo Horizonte, Brazil [MG] • September 11th Rio De Janeiro, Brazil [RJ] • September 14th Buenos Aires, Argentina [TBA] • September 15th Conception, Chile [TBA] • September 16th Santiago, Chile [TBA] • September 17th Madelin, Colombia [TBA] • September 18th Bogota, Colombia [TBA]
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06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) On July 27th, MOSES GUEST will release their new studio album, "Guest Motel," which overlays intriguing philosophical lyrics on astonishing instrumental acumen. On the same day "Edit" -- a live DVD from the band -- is also being issued. Both discs showcase the two opposite but equally adept talents of the band: tight studio musicianship and crowd pleasing live jams. To support the new discs, MOSES GUEST has embarked on a 30-city tour traveling through the United States. "Guest Motel" is the band's first album since 2002's self-titled double disc. On "Guest Motel," MOSES GUEST has done a great job at creating a well-polished studio album. 10 songs of Jam-inspired Rock flows effortlessly through the whole of the disc. Graham Guest's philosophical observations are also enhanced by the rollicking groove, while the bluesy feel of the rhythm section brings about feelings of the simple life. "Edit" captures the live energy of a MOSES GUEST show perfectly, which explains why fans follow them from town to town in Texas to enjoy the band's down-home jams.
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06.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Nature, romance, love, and lyric encase one of the more impressive voices found within the current European Rock and Metal scene on LEAVES' EYES' new Napalm Records album, "Lovelorn," the debut release from the sextet, which is comprised of former THEATRE OF TRAGEDY vocalist Liv Kristine as well as the current ATROCITY line-up. "Lovelorn" captivates with beautiful harmonies, an epic atmosphere, and varied arrangements that embark the listener on a journey through the soundscapes of Gothic Metal. The band's first single and video, 'Into Your Light,' already unites bombastic symphonies with Hard Rock, as the playful piano accompaniment forges an expressive bond with Liv Kristine's vocal parts. The Norwegian vocalist has clearly also become more emotive than she's ever been in the past. Songs like 'Lovelorn,' 'For Amelie' and 'Into Your Light' are all tracks that espouse intensive emotion: Love, trust, and companionship.
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[Music News: 06.07.04 - 06.13.04]
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