07.01.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Reflective of the Malibu, California coastline for which they are named, BIG DUME deliver a musical blend of power, beauty and danger while seductively evoking extraordinary emotion on their debut full-length album, "Inside My Head," which is set to be released on Chartless Records July 26th. Formed in early 2004 by singer/songwriter Brandon Jenner and a close knit group of musicians emerging from the growing Malibu music scene, BIG DUME open "Inside My Head" with the dark and introspective title track, moving through an incredible fusion of styles, thought-provoking lyrics and emotive arrangements before closing with a stripped down acoustic confessional in 'I Lost You.' Loaded with textured melodies and biting honesty, the album ventures deeply into the complex balance between love and loss, narcissism and humility, sensitivity and cynicism, confusion and clarity, etc., while within it all, an addictive curiosity leads the listener from one track to the next with heightened interest. Brandon Jenner is the first-born of gold-medal Olympian Bruce Jenner and Pop culture beauty and award-winning lyricist, Linda Thompson. Thompson later married 14-time Grammy Award winning producer David Foster, who has been a close part of Brandon Jenner's life and growth for 20 years. BIG DUME's lineup includes bassist Joe Ayoub, who has also worked with Liz Phair, Marvin Sapp and Tyler Hilton, among others, and drummer Chris Steele,who holds a master's degree in Jazz studies and anchors the rhythms while bringing innovative percussion technique to the band's original Rock sound. Additional vocals and piano are delivered by Leah Felder, a life-long native of Malibu and daughter of former lead guitarist Don Felder from THE EAGLES. Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder previously teamed up in another band called NIGHT VISION in 2003. In addition to his own songwriting and recording, Jenner has done guitar session work with notable artists including Josh Groban, Michael Buble and pianist William Joseph, and earned his national touring stripes as bassist for Punk band 2 CENTS during the 2003 Warped Tour.
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07.01.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Explosive Southern California quintet MANNTIS recently completed a nationwide U.S. tour with OTEP in support of "Sleep In Your Grave," their critically acclaimed debut album. The group's new offering, produced by Cameron Webb (Danzig, Motorhead, Social Distortion), is now available via Century Media and goes straight for the jugular with its scorching guitar work and pummeling rhythmic assault. The band's staggering blend of Hardcore and Metal is delivered with authority and conviction, proving to the genre's elite that they will soon be a force to be reckoned with. MANNTIS vocalist Jake Sirokman checks in with his thoughts on the release of their debut album: "I just wanted to say we are stoked about our debut album, 'Sleep In Your Grave,' finally being available to the masses. We would like to thank Century Media for all that they have done for us; we are very excited to be with such a great label. We love the other bands on the roster, and are proud to be alongside them for years to come. No doubt that 'Battle for Ozzfest' was a great opportunity, but we're grateful that Century Media saw through the smoke and mirrors of TV and saw us for the band we are. We look forward to a long and hard year of touring our asses off, and we will not let anyone down. Also, look for our new video for 'Axe Of Redemption' to make its debut on Metal Asylum and Headbangers Ball in late July. Well, that's about it, see you all on the road and make sure to pick up the new album." MANNTIS initially gained worldwide exposure via the hit MTV show "Battle For Ozzfest" and the recent "Battle For Ozzfest" U.S. tour. Their influences come from a diverse number of bands, ranging from MESHUGGAH and PANTERA to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and ZAO, to name just a few, and their dynamic sound reflects a combination of those influences. Make no mistake, MANNTIS are a band not content with being just television personalities, as their only common goal is to deliver the music they love to a willing audience. In the process, their determination and talent should quickly help them develop a devoted legion of rabid fans.
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06.30.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Castle Music will release THE BOO RADLEYS' "Find The Way Out," the first-ever anthology of one of Creation Records' finer artists this Monday, July 4th. Compiled in conjunction with the band, the 2-disc package features key albums tracks, newly remastered singles, b-side rarities and unreleased gems spanning the 1990s. With deluxe packaging and artwork by THE BOO RADLEYS' original designer, Stephen Wood, "Find The Way Out" is the ultimate package for long-standing fans of the band, boasting all of their many hits, from the Top 10 favorite 'Wake Up Boo' to the Indie anthem 'Lazarus.' In addition to the best of their Creation recordings (1992-1998), the set includes six rare pre-Creation tracks for the Action Records and Rough Trade Records labels, including selections from their rare debut album, "Ichabod And I." Formed in Liverpool in 1988, THE BOO RADLEYS originally consisted of vocalist/guitarist Sice, guitarist/songwriter Martin Carr, bassist Timothy Brown and drummer Steve Hewitt. The band released their first album, "Ichabod and I," on a local independent label in 1990, after which Hewitt was replaced by Rob Cieka. With the support of influential DJ John Peel, the band signed with Rough Trade Records, releasing the EP "Every Heaven" in 1991. By 1992, THE BOO RADLEYS had signed to Creation Records releasing "Everything's Alright Forever," which gained glowing reviews and built them a burgeoning fan base. Topping several Best-Of-The-Year lists, 1993's "Giant Steps was also a huge critical success and led to 1995's Pop-oriented "Wake Up!" album debuting at No. 1 on the UK album charts. THE BOO RADLEYS returned in Autumn 1996 with "C'Mon Kids," a self-consciously loud and arty album designed to shake off the band's newfound Pop fans. It worked - the album debuted in the Top Ten but it soon fell off the charts, despite overwhelmingly positive reviews. In 1998, "C'Mon Kids" was followed up by "Kingsize," with THE BOO RADLEYS officially breaking up just months later.

06.30.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Eclipse Records recording artists BOBAFLEX are confirmed for this year's Gigantour alongside MEGADETH, FEAR FACTORY, DREAM THEATER, LIFE OF AGONY, DRY KILL LOGIC and more. The arena tour is scheduled to begin on July 21st and last into September. Meanwhile, the band are still touring in support of their expanded and remixed album, "Primitive Epic." The band have also finished up their sophomore effort to be released later this year, entitled "Apologize For Nothing." BOBAFLEX was established in 1998 by Martin and Shaun McCoy. The brothers are no strangers to the press, having ancestral ties to the most infamous family feud in American history, between the Hatfields and the McCoys which almost caused a war between the states of West Virginia and Kentucky in the 1880's. With their anthem-style songs and maniacal live performances, the band quickly gained popularity throughout the Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky tri-state area, establishing their "base of operations" in Point Pleasant, West Virginia - home to the infamous "Mothman Prophecies." Influenced by their surroundings and the elements of the Mothman legend, the BOBAFLEX began to develop their unique style of songwriting. The press have often compared their sound to that of Modern Metal artists like SYSTEM OF A DOWN and DISTURBED, fused with the lyrical aggression of Hip-Hop pioneers WU-TANG CLAN and occasional song elements similar to those of the likes of QUEEN. Continuously co-headlining the Woodshock festival (Ohio's largest independent Rock festival), and playing 106.3 FM's X-Fest (West Virginia's largest Rock festival, sponsored by Huntington's largest commercial Rock radio station, WAMX) for 3 years in a row landed BOBAFLEX a spot on the renowned Locobazooka tour in 2002, on which they performing alongside FILTER, SEVENDUST and MUSHROOMHEAD. "It's been unbelievable, the response we get from the fans, they seem to come out of the woodwork night after night in markets that we had no idea they knew about us says BOBAFLEX band member Jerod Makin. It's been a very rewarding experience to meet and get to know them."
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06.29.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time denizens of the Garage Rock world THE FLESHTONES are set to make a return August 9th with the release of "Beachhead," the band's latest offering from Yep Roc Records. Produced by SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS' Rick Miller (The Forty-Fives, The Moaners) and THE DIRTBOMBS' Jim Diamond (The White Stripes, Andre Williams), THE FLESHTONES deliver another time-tested premium blend of garageified Rock and old-school R&B on "Beachhead." The band got their start nearly 30 years ago now after forming in New York City in 1976, where and when bands like THE RAMONES, BLONDIE, TALKING HEADS and TELEVISION were making their mark in that city. THE FLESHTONES' material of choice is, like most others, music they've grown up with: THE SEEDS, THE STANDELLS, THE YARDBIRDS and funky, backfield-in-motion Soul and R&B. By 1978, their high-energy shows, Neo-Psychedelic sound (tremolo guitars, fuzz organ and pounding drums) gain THE FLESHTONES a rep as a don't-miss live band, even if the Art Punk set does dismiss them at first as a "dance/twist band," to which they have the last laugh in 2005. After a single release on the quickly defunct Red Star Records, THE FLESHTONES are snapped up by the '80s' most visible "alternative" label, I.R.S. Records (R.E.M., The Go-Gos), after which band members Keith Streng, Jan-Marek Pakulski and Peter Zaremba add drummer Bill Milhizer to the line-up. They release a classic trio of records in "Roman Gods," "Hexbreaker" and "Speed Connection," Zaremba becomes a celebrity of sorts as the host of MTV's "The Cutting Edge," a precursor to the much-praised "120 Minutes." However, mainstream success eludes the band and I.R.S. cuts them loose. Co-founder Pakulski leaves, to be replaced by Kenny Fox - the line-up that's continued to this day. Now, after 16 albums and more than 25 years conquering Rock fans in the U.S. and abroad, THE FLESHTONES have remained amazingly true to their danceable, crowd-pleasing, shindiggin' Rock ethic. Says Zaremba: "The Garage thing ... A lot of people take it and it's almost like archeology -- very dry, keeping it the same as it was -- they're too much in awe of it. We look at it as an approach - we see it as a living thing. We'll cover stuff like Sylvester's 'Do You Wanna Funk' and people accuse us of not being pure. Actually, we're working with the essence of rock 'n' roll -- the thing that gives you the buzz from the music."
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06.29.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Guitarist MARC RIZZO reveals himself to be a master musician with deeper musical roots than previously seen while playing with ILL NINO and SOULFLY on his upcoming solo album for Shrapnel Records, entitled "Colossal Myopia." One of the new breed of young guitarists in contemporary bands that has built a substantial following through his years of touring and recording with those groups, Rizzo stepped out recently with several solo projects (including IN PSYCHO BLEEDIA and COMMITEE OF THIRTEEN, whom he refers to as "the true pioneers of the flamenco/metal movement") that began to reveal a phenomenal command of the guitar. A mixture of all the styles of music that MARC RIZZO listens to, the "Colossal Myopia" album unveils him to be a master axeman - with deep musical roots in Metal, Classical and Nuevo Flamenco guitar. "I don't really listen to one type of music, and I think my album showcases that," explains Rizzo. "It's an all-instrumental album designed for music lovers that want to enjoy pure music, without all the politics and negative lyrical content." Rizzo goes on to describe some of the music on the album: "The song 'Colossal Myopia' is one that I wrote while trying to combine heavy riffing with flamenco buleria rhythms. 'Introspection Of An Introvert' is pure shred metal, while 'The Pinata Hits Back' is nuevo flamenco guitar with salsa-style percussion. This entire album is a total trip, and I'm glad to have finally put a record out that combines all the music I love on one record. 'Colossal Myopia' is really just a look into my CD collection, because on one hand I love listening to Paco De Lucia, and on the other I love listening to metal as well. Both styles mean the same to me. I guess you could say it seemed like a natural progression to mix each one into my playing. Both styles actually exude the same vibe to me." MARC RIZZO also has his own recording label in Phlamencore Records, to which he has Hardcore bands ENGAGING THE ENEMY, ONE LUMP SUM and DENY THE MYTH signed up with. MARC RIZZO's raw energy combined with the talent of a new-generation shredmaster is a much needed breath of fresh air for fans of the instrumental Metal/Fusion genre.
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06.28.05 (RockAndMetal.com) This Summer and Fall at JOURNEY's 30th anniversary North American tour, the trek will include an added ingredient dubbed "Journeyville," a festive area located near the front entrance at most of the venues. The centerpiece of "Journeyville" is a one-of-a-kind "30th Anniversary Journey Motorcycle," created and built by Arlen Ness Motorcycles, that sports amazing artwork from each of the band's albums. All concertgoers have a chance of winning the motorcycle -- which will be given away at the end of the tour in October -- by simply making a contribution to JOURNEY's favorite children's charities at the exhibit. Tour Dates: 06/29 Chula Vista, CA [Coors Amphitheatre] • 06/30 Tucson, AZ [Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre] • 07/02 Kelseyville, CA [Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa] • 07/06 Milwaukee, WI [Summerfest] • 07/07 Muskegon, MI [Summer Celebration] • 07/09 Noblesville, IN [Verizon Wireless Music Center] • 07/11 Lansing, MI [Common Ground Festival] • 07/15 Walker, MN [Moondance Jam] • 07/16 Chicago, IL [Northerly Island Amphitheater] • 07/20 Cuyahoga Falls, OH [Blossom Music Center] • 07/22 Goddard, KS [Wheatland Jam] • 07/23 Maryland Heights, MO [UMB Bank Pavilion] • 07/24 Bonner Springs, KS [Verizon Wireless Amphitheater] • 07/30 Paso Robles, CA [California Mid-State Fair] • 07/31 Saratoga, CA [Historic Mountain Winery] • 08/02 Denver, CO [Universal Lending Pavilion] • 08/03 Albuquerque, NM [Journal Pavilion] • 08/05 Las Vegas, NV [Aladdin Hotel & Casino] • 08/06 Lake Tahoe, NV [Harvey's Lake Tahoe Outdoor Amphitheatre] • 08/09 Sturgis, SD [Legendary Buffalo Chip] • 08/10 Sioux Falls, SD [Sioux Empire Fair] • 08/12 Clarkston, MI [DTE Energy Music Theatre] • 08/16 Darien Center, NY [Darien Lake Six Flags P.A.C.] • 08/17 Kingston, RI [Ryan Center @ University Of Rhode Island] • 08/19 Gilford, NH [Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center] • 08/20 Boston, MA [Bank Of America Pavilion] • 08/21 Uncasville, CT [Mohegan Sun Casino] • 08/24 Rama, ON [Casino Rama] • 08/26 Holmdel, NJ [P.N.C. Bank Arts Center] • 08/27 Saratoga Springs, NY [Saratoga Performing Arts Center] • 08/28 Wantagh, NY [Tommy Hilfiger At Jones Beach Theater] • 09/07 Vienna, VA [Wolf Trap Filene Center] • 09/08 Kettering, OH [Fraze Pavilion] • 09/14 San Juan, PR [Coliseo De Puerto Rico] • 09/16 Atlanta, GA [Chastain Park Amphitheatre] • 09/17 Tampa, FL [Ford Amphitheatre @ Florida State Fairgrounds] • 09/21 Selma, TX [Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre] • 09/23 The Woodlands, TX [C.W. Mitchell Pavilion] • 09/24 Biloxi, MS [Beau Rivage] • 09/27 Grand Prairie, TX [Nokia Theatre] • 10/05 Temecula, CA [Pechanga Resort & Casino] • 10/06 Temecula, CA [Pechanga Resort & Casino]
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06.28.05 (RockAndMetal.com) "Chimaira," the self-titled third album from the Cleveland, OH sextet, is a punishing, in your face, attack on the senses. To be released on August 9th via Roadrunner Records, "Chimaira," the follow up to 2003's "Impossibility Of Reason," is filled with multi-layered songs that surge with the rage of a pitbull on steroids and the passion of a kamikaze pilot going down for the last time. Already having played some of the new songs live on their recent headlining tour, CHIMAIRA will introduce more songs off the album as one of the headliners on the inaugural "Sounds Of The Underground" tour that also features OPETH, DEVILDRIVER, LAMB OF GOD and more. The ten tracks that make up CHIMAIRA's aural assault, including the first single "Nothing Remains", are packed with some of the fiercest riffs the band has ever written, accompanied by shredding solos compliments of lead guitarist Rob Arnold. In addition, CHIMAIRA welcomes new drummer Kevin Talley, formerly of DYING FETUS, to the fold. His Death Metal-infused style is immediately felt on the album. However, the songs are ultimately brought to life by the personal lyrics of vocalist Mark Hunter. Troubled by social anxiety disorder and chronic stomach problems for years, the singer felt forced to open up as a way to ease the pain. "I thought it was time to be upfront in my lyrics and strip away the ambiguity. If not a way to connect further with our fans, but a way to lessen the suffering I feel on a daily basis." These seething and penetrating lyrics are at their best on songs such as 'Salvation,' 'Save Ourselves,' 'Lazarus,' 'Everything You Love' and others. CHIMAIRA formed in 1998, and have released two albums to date including their debut album, "Pass Out Of Existence. They have toured the world several times over as an opener, and for the last few years as a headlining act. In 2004, the band released the highly provocative documentary "The Dehumanizing Process" on DVD, which showed two years in the life of CHIMAIRA, from writing "The Impossibility Of Reason" through their touring in support of that album, plus all of the turmoil and drama contained therein.
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06.27.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Cranford, New Jersey-based Rockers SOCRATIC are slated to release their debut full-length album, entitled "Lunch For The Sky," on September 6th via Drive-Thru Records. Following months of non-stop shows within New Jersey and it's surrounding states, SOCRATIC have rapidly grown a fan base within the region as the latest musical sensation to stand out in a state cluttered with hundreds of bands. They made their first appearance on the "It's Getting Late" EP, which was produced by Chris Badami (Fenix TX, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Starting Line, Midtown) and issued via New Jersey's No Milk Records - a prime example of SOCRATIC's powerful guitar sound as found in bands such as MIDTOWN with the classic guitar solos of GUNS N' ROSES. Vocally, SOCRATIC offer amazingly catchy harmonies that have been compared to the likes of JIMMY EAT WORLD, with rougher qualities of bands in the vein of PIEBALD. The band therefore know how to write an impressive song and rock out accordingly. Their energetic live performances have earned them spots on bills with HOT WATER MUSIC, THRICE, THE GET UP KIDS, and dates on the Drive-Thru Records Warped Tour stage, driven by a strong work ethic and much love for the music. "Lunch For The Sky" was recorded at Long View Farm Studios in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, which is located on a 100-acre farm there. With producer John Goodmanson (Hot Hot Heat, Sleater-Kinney, The Blood Brothers) at the helm, SOCRATIC's goal would be a big sounding album - yet one that still maintains a rawness to it. An album with a message that's also exciting to listen to, "Lunch For The Sky" turned out to be a beautiful and fulfilling creation for SOCRATIC, who make music that's somewhat difficult to categorize. Incorporating the best elements of Pop and Classic Rock sensibilities, the 14 songs on "Lunch For The Sky" each dramatically unfold through vivid lyrics and grand arrangements, especially on the haunting 'Alexandria As Our Lens' and the explosive title track, 'Lunch For The Sky.'
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06.27.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Relapse Records recording artists SOILENT GREEN have announced dates for their Summer U.S. headlining tour with A PERFECT MURDER, INTO THE MOAT and WATCH THEM DIE. The band will be touring in support of their long-awaited new album, "Confrontation," which is slated for release on July 19th. On the subject of touring, SOILENT GREEN vocalist Ben Falgoust says: "We are all very eager to get on the road. This is our first full-fledged U.S. tour in almost three years, and the first time the current line-up has done a complete tour, so we are all very excited." Tour Dates Through August: 07/15 Baltimore, MD [Otto Bar] • 07/16 Hagerstown, MD [Lightersberg Grange Hall] • 07/17 Philadelphia, PA [The Trocadero] • 07/18 New York, NY [Knitting Factory] • 07/19 Shirley, NY The [Bar Room Lounge] • 07/20 Providence, RI [Club Giza] • 07/21 Hartford, CT [The Underground] • 07/22 Poughkeepsie, NY [Club Crannel] • 07/23 Rochester, NY [Penny Arcade] • 07/24 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 07/25 Detroit, MI [Alvin's] • 07/26 Arlington Heights, IL [Knights Of Columbus Hall] • 07/27 Minneapolis, MN [Ascot Room] • 07/28 Omaha, NE [Sokol Auditorium] • 07/29 Denver, CO [Rock Island] • 07/30 Colorado Springs, CO [Navajo Hogan] • 07/31 Salt Lake City, UT [Lo-Fi Cafe] • 08/02 Seattle, WA [Studio Seven] • 08/03 Portland, OR [Solid State] • 08/04 Orangevale, CA [The Boardwalk] • 08/05 San Francisco, CA [The Pound] • 08/06 Anaheim, CA [Chain Reaction] • 08/07 Los Angeles, CA [Key Club] • 08/08 Tempe, AZ [The Clubhouse] • 08/09 Albuquerque, NM [Launch Pad] • 08/10 El Paso, TX [T-Lounge] • 08/11 Dallas, TX [Gypsy Tea Room] • 08/12 Tulsa, OK [Cain's Ballroom] • 08/13 San Antonio, TX [Sanctuary] • 08/14 Austin, TX [Emo's] • 08/15 Houston, TX [Mary Janes] • 08/16 New Orleans, LA [Howlin Wolf] • 08/17 Jacksonville, FL [Thee Imperial] • 08/18 Ft. Lauderdale, FL [Culture Room] • 08/19 Tampa, FL [Brass Mug] • 08/20 Augusta, GA [Section 7G] • 08/21 Memphis, TN [Hi Tone] • 08/23 Fargo, ND [Billiards On Broadway] • 08/24 Des Moines, IA [Hairy Mary's] • 08/25 Kansas City, MO [El Torreon] • 08/26 St. Louis, MO [Creepy Crawl] • 08/27 Grand Rapids, MI [10 Bells] • 08/28 Davenport, IA [Quad City Live] • 08/29 Springfield, MO [Rockwell] • 08/30 La Crosse, WI [Warehouse Nightclub] • 08/31 Toledo, OH [The Underground]
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[Music News: 06.20.05 - 06.26.05]
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