07.16.04 (AP) ARTHUR "KILLER" KANE, the original bass player for highly influential 1970's band THE NEW YORK DOLLS, has died of complications related to leukemia. He was 55. Kane died Tuesday after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital after being diagnosed with leukemia, said band manager Darren Hill. "He didn't even know," Hill said Thursday. "It wasn't until he went into the hospital that afternoon that they diagnosed that." The New York native had been suffering from severe flu-like symptoms for several days, forcing him to back out of a July 11th reunion show in Manchester, England, Hill said. In a statement on behalf of himself and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, NEW YORK DOLLS frontman David Johansen (a.k.a. "Buster Poindexter") said: "His bass playing and presence were the heart and soul of The New York Dolls and the secret ingredient of our sound." Kane helped form the New York Dolls in 1972. The group recorded only two studio albums before they split in 1975, but their hard-edged sound and Glam/Punk image influenced the original Punk wave that followed. Johansen said Kane suffered an abusive childhood, then conquered years of alcoholism. "Practically every trauma that could befall a person happened to Arthur." Original NEW YORK DOLLS drummer Billy Murcia drowned in 1972, while founding guitarist Johnny Thunders died of a drug overdose in 1991. Second drummer Jerry Nolan suffered a fatal stroke in 1992.

07.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The long-awaited new studio album from thrash metal innovators NUCLEAR ASSAULT is near completion. Ten years in the making and tentatively titled "3ed World Genocide," the album is scheduled for release later this Summer on Screaming Ferret Wreckords. It will be the follow-up to the 2003 live album "Alive Again," which was also issued by Screaming Ferret. "Alive Again" was NUCLEAR ASSAULT's first official release in nine years. Vocalist/guitarist John Connelly, bass player Danny Lilker, drummer Glenn Evans and new guitarist Scott Harrington are wrapping up working on "3ed World Genocide" at the Manchester, NH, studios of Screaming Ferret head Timothy Koukos. Former member Erik Burke also plays guitar on the album, which is being co-produced by Koukos and Evans. Original songs were contributed by Evans, Connelly and Lilker. "3ed World Genocide" is a rich blend of NUCLEAR ASSAULT's lethal, politically conscious metal and songs showcasing the band's wicked sense of humor. A few surprises are in store for fans too. The songs on "3ed World Genocide" include 'Price Of Freedom,' '3ed World Genocide,' 'Fractured Minds,' 'Defiled Innocents,' 'Living Hell...' [full story]
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07.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Memphis Alternative Country/Rockers HALFACRE GUNROOM have just released their debut full-length album, "Wrecked," on Deathwish Inc./Icarus Recordings. The album was crafted at Easley-McCain Recording Studios with the help of engineer Doug Easley (The White Stripes). "Wrecked" is an album carved from the pain and confusion that only love can bestow, proving the true healing power of music and how it can be your best friend in the darkest of times. Highly personal, yet uniquely comforting in its honesty, passion and genuine humility, "Wrecked" is an Alternative Country/Rock gem that is bound to turn heads and open ears throughout the oh-so-jaded Indie music community. Now including the searing leads of guitarist Brian Wallace and the talented organ and piano work of Aaron Brame, HALFACRE GUNROOM are a force to be reckoned with. Powerful, personal and often pissed at the world, HALFACRE GUNROOM frontman and songwriter Bryan Hartley's creations aren't just performed by the band, they are attacked. In a sea of trends and copycat "country" outfits, HALFACRE GUNROOM bring an air of originality and sincerity to both the stage and your stereo.
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07.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) "The Struggle," the new full-length debut album from Richmond, Virginia Metalcore outfit CAST ASIDE, ha just been released via Deathwish Inc. CAST ASIDE previously appeared on the 7" release, "Overcome." In a time when the darkness of complacency now plagues the Hardcore community, CAST ASIDE have risen as a new dawn to bring that scene into a brighter day. Heralded as one of the leaders of a new breed of Straight Edge Hardcore, CAST ASIDE are rooted in the Straight Edge principles of heart, integrity, and respect. All qualities once thought lost in the Hardcore community's ongoing evolution are reborn as a new fight in CAST ASIDE's never-ending personal war. "The Struggle" is exactly that. The new album is a true show of strength, sincerity, and intensity by a Hardcore band in the face of an always present opposition - CAST ASIDE's musical "line in the sand," if you will. "The Struggle" is as much a personal declaration of identity as it is a brute force of Metallic Hardcore power. CAST ASIDE will begin a new U.S. tour this Saturday at CBGB's with CHAMPION and COMEBACK KID, then move from East Coast to West Coast alongside ALLEGIANCE and several other bands.
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07.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) German Rockers MY EARLY MUSTANG are slated to release their self-titled debut EP via Nuclear Blast Records on October 18th, with the first single off the new offering, 'Samantha,' due to be issued September 6th. MY EARLY MUSTANG formed at the beginning of 2003, and consists of creative masterminds from the bands LIQUIDO (Tim Eiermann, vocals/guitar; Wolfgang Maier, drums), FLYSWATTER (Florian Kammerling, vocals/guitar) and TRISTESSE (Andreas Rigo, bass). The team of Eiermann and Maier have also contributed music to the soundtracks of the Bernd Eichinger production "Knallharte Jungs" and the American film "Igby," as well as writing jingles for several European TV ads. The four members of MY EARLY MUSTANG had the idea of forming their own band for quite a while, and after the first few rehearsals, each already knew that the end result would turn out really well. Two excellent singers combined with heavy guitars form the basis of MY EARLY MUSTANG's brand of rock music, fully fused with lots of energy and catchy hooks. At the end of 2003, the band's "Munich-Heidelberg-Berlin" MCD was initially released, and became "hot tip for the coming year" in Uncle Sally's Magazine. Look for MY EARLY MUSTANG to hit the road sometime in the Fall.
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07.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records has confirmed October 5th as the U.S. release date for "Internal Punishment Programs," the new album from Norway's RED HARVEST. Norwegian Grammy and Alarm Award-nominated, RED HARVEST have been releasing music for nearly a decade, with much of their material still out of reach of U.S. fans. This, however, has not stopped the accollades this five-piece have received from outlets big and small. Previously signed to Relapse Records via license from Nocturnal Art Productions, RED HARVEST unites for the first time with Candlelight Records for the American territories. Recorded at Subsonic Society Studios in Oslo and mixed by Fredrik Nordstrom, "Internal Punishment Programs" is already confirmed for feature story coverage in Metal Maniacs. A video for the song 'Anatomy Of The Unknown' has already been shot, and is expected to hit national and regional outlets by mid-October. More than mixing industrial and the most extreme metal, RED HARVEST's music surgically units the two with much precision and intimate detail. Where bands such as BLUT AUS NORD travel the outer regions of a similar musical atmosphere, RED HARVEST drive a stake right through it.
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07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) As it turns out, OASIS fans will have to wait a bit longer to hear or see a new album from the band, as they have literally pulled the plug on the eagerly-anticipated follow-up album to 2002's "Heathen Chemistry" by scrapping all the tracks they were working on recently. OASIS guitarist Noel Gallagher said in an open letter to NME that attempts to finish the project have proved to be "frustrating and fruitless." The band willl reportedly head back into the studio this month to write and record completely new songs for the album, which Gallagher said he now anticipates will be released by March of 2005. OASIS had originally begun work on the album earlier this year at Sawmill Studios in Cornwall, writing and recording ten new tracks in total with DEATH IN VEGAS' Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes at the production helm. "Unfortunately, we decided we didn't like anything we had played/recorded during those three weeks, and because of commitments with Death In Vegas, Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes couldn't find any more time to give to the project," Gallagher said in the letter. "It was then decided we would attempt to finish off the record ourselves. All the while, new songs have been written and old ones have fallen away. So we think the 'moment' for that particular record has passed."

07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) German Metalcore kings CALIBAN have signed a new recording deal for the U.S. territories with Abacus Recordings. The band will return even more dedicated and bloodthirsty than ever with their fourth full-length album, "The Opposite From Within," set to be released October 5th in the U.S. via Abacus. Produced by IN FLAMES frontman Anders Friden and mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap (Machine Head, Killswitch Engage, Arch Enemy) at Backstage Studios in the UK, "The Opposite From Within" takes the CALIBAN formula of SLAYER-esque, precise thrashing metal guitars with emotional Hardcore to a whole new level of maturity. Double-bass mosh parts, enormous walls of guitars and the band's keen sense of melody are played with utter conviction throughout the upcoming 12-song outing. Named after the wild and deformed slave in Shakespeare's "Storm," CALIBAN are five German musicians who - despite their young age - are already seen as veterans of the thriving European Metalcore scene. Emerging from Germany's Ruhr region, CALIBAN have quickly become one of the most important and influential bands within that genre in a matter of just a few years.
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07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Temecula, California-based band LETTER KILLS will release their full-length debut album, "The Bridge" on July 27th via Island Records. The new release is a spirited manifesto of independence and self-belief - one that embraces numerous musical styles including 70's Punk, Pop, Metal and even Classic Rock, twisting and bending LETTER KILLS into something highly energized and engaging. The guitars on "The Bridge" are abrasive and explosive, the vocals yearning and emotional. But don't call LETTER KILLS "emo" or "screamo." Not that they hate that kind of music. They're just disturbed by the way that sub-genre has come to define youth culture. "It has become something that makes a kid cool. If you listen to certain bands, you can be popular, which kind of bums us out," singer Matt Shelton says. "We want to get back to the spirit where people listen to something because it's good and rocks and it doesn't matter what other people think." For instance, Shelton's affection for singer/songwriters like BOB DYLAN and JOHNNY CASH contrasts with guitarist Timothy Cordova's penchant for headbangers like IN FLAMES and CHILDREN OF BODOM, while each member's mutual interest in legends like THE BEATLES and TOM PETTY help connect the two sonic opposites.
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07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Italy's RAZA DE ODIO are slated to release their debut album, "La Nueva Alarma," this October via Scarlet Records, with whom the band recenty signed an exclusive recording deal. RAZA DE ODIO is a new project featuring NECRODEATH members Peso (drums), John (Bass) and former SADIST singer Zanna. The band's music combines a full frontal Death/Thrash assault fused with tribal and latin music and an in-your-face attitude. RAZA DE ODIO officially formed in April 2002, although that project was for some time on the mind of Peso and RAZA DE ODIO guitarist Paco, who came into the band with a heavy flamenco background. Soon John was enlisted on bass, originally using the nickname "El Sargento." Vocalist Zanna followed, with the band completed by Italian-Brazilian Lopez's second guitar, who had already made a big impression with the band ZORN. The unique style of RAZA DE ODIO found a rare new musical mix in Paco's Spanish guitar and the Nu Metal style of bands such as SOULFLY, ILL NINO, PUYA and BRUJERIA. In the Summer of 2002, RAZA DE ODIO recorded a promotional CD in order to secure an eventual label deal, and that November the band opened for IMPALED NAZARENE in Italy.
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07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Artemis Records has announced the signing of singer/songwriter JILL SOBULE to an exclusive contract for North America. On September 7th, Artemis will release Sobule's new album, "Underdog Victorious." Produced by Brad Jones and Robin Eaton, the first single from the album will be 'Cinnamon Park,' which incorporates a hook from the CHICAGO classic hit, 'Saturday In The Park.' Artemis Chairman/CEO Danny Goldberg commented: "Jill Sobule is one of the most brilliant and innovative songwriters of her generation." JILL SOBULE first album, "Things Here Are Different," produced by Todd Rundgren, was released in 1990 to favorable reviews. In 1995, JILL SOBULE leapt into the public eye with the song 'I Kissed A Girl,' her first hit single and video - a jab at America's fascination with lesbianism. Sobule quickly scored another hit with 'Supermodel,' featured on the soundtrack to the Alicia Silverstone film, "Clueless." Since then, Sobule has maintained a relatively low composure, recognized as an insightful artist with a quirky vision and witty lyrics to match. More recently, JILL SOBULE has scored and written songs for the upcoming Nickelodeon series, "Unfabulous." "Underdog Victorious" is JILL SOBULE's first release in four years, and her fifth studio album.
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07.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) NILE frontman/guitarist KARL SANDERS has recorded a guest solo for the song 'Xul' off the upcoming BEHEMOTH album, "Demigod," which is scheduled for a late October release. Commented Sanders, "I have always held BEHEMOTH in musical high regard. The band is forging their own sound with originality, fire and brutality. I definitely wanted to play a solo that had feeling and fire, but also worked together with the riffs and rhythm section in a way that lets all of it work together to make a very dying, apocalyptic end-of-the-world melody. The flame-top '79 Dean V I used for the lead has a very thick singing type of tone, and the track just seemed conducive to let that guitar scream out in anguish. Many thanks to Nergal for making it happen." BEHEMOTH guitarist/vocalist Nergal stated: "I've known Karl and all the guys in NILE for quite a few years now. Whenever we cross paths we always have a great time and get along really well. Moreover, I've always been totally astonished by their great works, precision, devotion and unquestionable originality. When I asked Karl if he'd like to put some solo on the album, the reaction was very enthusiastic. I handed him a rough mix of the song and next night I found this great lead part in my email box. It sounded TERRIFIC!"

07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) This September, Epic Records will release the 25th Anniversary Edition of one of the most important albums of all time: "London Calling" by THE CLASH. In honor of the band and the milestone, a 3-CD package of the album is set for release, featuring the previously unheard lost demos, "The Vanilla Tapes," recently found in guitarist Mick Jones' lock up, which include a number of tracks that never made the final cut of "London Calling." The third disc of the 25th Anniversary Edition of "London Calling" features a 45-minute Don Letts-produced documentary, including newly discovered footage of producer Guy Stevens and THE CLASH in the recording studio, previously unused live performance footage, interviews with each of the band members and - for the first time ever - Kosmo Vinyl telling his side of the story. There will also be an expansion on the original packaging including rare Pennie Smith photos (who took the iconic cover shot of the album), notes by Tom Vague and a lyrics booklet. Formed in the Summer of 1976, The Clash rode the wave of the UK Punk scene, and went beyond it in so many ways. Under the guidance of manager Bernard Rhodes, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Keith... [full story]

07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Thanks to its best-selling week yet, "Comalies," the third album from Italian Gothic Metal sextet LACUNA COIL, has officially passed the 100,000 SoundScan mark in the United States. This is a landmark achievement for both the band -- performing on Ozzfest's second stage throughout the Summer -- and their label, Los Angeles-based independent Century Media Records. Moreover, Lacuna Coil is now believed to be the top-selling Italian Rock and Metal artist of all time, while "Comalies" has shattered all Century Media worldwide sales totals to date - surpassing such landmark releases as TIAMAT's "Wildhoney" and ICED EARTH's "Something Wicked This Way Comes." "We were happy to be the first Italian band ever on Ozzfest, and we're even happier to know that 'Comalies' has done so well," says the LACUNA COIL front woman, Cristina Scabbia. "American fans have truly opened their arms to us, and we can't wait to perform for them throughout the summer." "It's made us proud to watch Lacuna Coil grow over the years," says Century Media President/General Manager Marco Barbieri. "Success couldn't happen to a nicer, more deserving band. Lacuna Coil are career artists whose best is yet to come."
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07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) PILLAR, the American Rock quintet sporting power chords and power-packed lyrics have constructed a full-wattage sophomore record to contend with. It's the perfect response to their highly acclaimed first album, "Fireproof," which spun the band into the public eye with coverage in most leading music magazines. Released in 2002, the Oklahoma-based band's debut has since gone on to sell over 300,000 copies. "Fireproof" enterprisingly contained four #1 singles for the band, and has received multiple awards. Now, PILLAR returns to the rock arena with their newest effort, "Where Do We Go From Here." Complete with gritty guitars and hard-hitting rhythms, the sophomore effort from the band is already making a strong impression in its first two weeks on sale in America, where it has broken on to the Billboard top 100 chart. The lead single, 'Bring Me Down,' has climbed up the national Mainstream Active Rock Radio chart in the U.S., and shows little sign of slowing down. A video for 'Bring Me Down' was shot in the Tennessee State Prison (home to such films as "The Green Mile" and "The Last Castle"), and the setting perfectly captures the wider context of the song by showing a host of problems, afflictions, and pressures under which people crumble.
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07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Netherlands Technical Metalcore band RAZOR CRUSADE will be releasing their debut full-length album, "Infinite Water," through Deathwish Inc., whom the band recently signed a recording deal with. "Infinite Water" has already been released by Reflections Records in the European Territories. To say RAZOR CRUSADE have gone places fast fast would be an understatement. Within the first 10 months of the band's existence, they played over 60 shows, did a full European tour with THE HOPE CONSPIRACY, and toured the UK twice in three months. Their "Are You Wired?" debut EP saw much positive feedback from both U.S. and European press alike, and RAZOR CRUSADE consistently drew bigger crowds with each live show. And then their singer quit. "'Infinite Water' was written for the bigger part before Ivo (the band's new singer) joined, so any changes in sound the listener might notice was the direction we were already heading in, but the fact Ivo has a great singing voice meant we could go all out on this record and do whatever the hell we wanted, which is why we started this band in the first place," says bass player Harm. "Into Another, Quicksand and Snapcase are still our most important influences," he added.
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07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) MOMENTS IN GRACE are heralding the release of their debut album, "Moonlight Survived, with a series of dates on the Vans Warped Tour '04. The Brian McTernan-produced collection - the first release on the acclaimed producer's new Salad Days imprint - is slated for official release August 17th. Driven by invigorating Rock dynamics and the dazzling vocals of singer, guitarist, and chief songwriter Jeremy Griffith, "Moonlight Survived" is richly melodic yet fraught with a potent, progressive edge. Songs such as the stirring first single, 'Stratus,' and the energetic 'My Dying Day' explore haunted emotional terrain - loneliness, struggle, regret - yet ultimately achieve great beauty and genuine catharsis. Produced by McTernan - known for his work with the likes of Thrice, Cave In, The Movielife, and Hot Water Music - "Moonlight Survived" is a genuinely moving premiere that stands as a powerful introduction to a fresh new band. Fans can get an early taste of MOMENTS IN GRACE's extraordinary sound by downloading "These Days Will Fade, a free MP3 EP, available via their official website (www.momentsingrace.com), as well as from www.absolutepunk.net. The EP features 'Stratus' and another album track, 'Broken Promises,' along with two non-LP cuts.
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07.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Candlelight Records has confirmed August 10th as the release date for the new album from Sweden's ENTOMBED. "Inferno w/Averno" is the eighth studio album from the three-time Scandinavian Grammy Award nominated five-piece. Recorded at the famed Atlantis Studios (Abba, Lenny Kravitz) in Stockholm, Sweden, "Inferno" with bonus U.S. disc "Averno" was produced by ENTOMBED and Per Gunnerfeldt, best known for his work with THE HIVES and THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY. "Inferno w/Averno" finds ENTOMBED in unmistakable raw form, and features some of their best material to date. Released in Europe during 2003, "Inferno w/Averno"'s U.S. release is an impressive 2-CD package that features a wealth of extra material and enhancements not available on the European export. With Fall touring plans already in the works for the U.S., the new release is planned to be a widely exposed offering, and a year-long priority for the band and their label. Dating back to 1987, ENTOMBED were one of the first to champion the early sounds of European Death Metal - a title they still retain today. "Inferno w/Averno" finds ENTOMBED delivering both a classic and contemporary-styled album.
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07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) TANYA DONELLY will release her new album, "Whiskey Tango Ghosts," on July 26th via 4AD Recordings. Her first album since "Beautysleep" appeared at the beginning of 2002 featuring sweetly recorded tracks like 'I'm Keeping You,' 'Darkside' and 'The Night You Saved My Life,' "Whiskey Tango Ghosts" is an intimate collection with stripped-down arrangements highlighting TANYA DONELLY's gorgeous voice to wonderful effect, with the songs united by a candid and quietly beautiful simplicity. It almost goes without saying that Tanya's career - a word, incidentally, that she would instinctively put in quotation marks - is littered with wonderful, sparkling songs. Fans still argue over whether THROWING MUSES-era gems like 'Green,' 'Angel' and 'Not Too Soon' outshine 'Feed The Tree,' 'Now They'll Sleep' or 'Superconnected,' all from BELLY's time in the limelight. The musicians on "Whiskey Tango Ghosts" are Dean Fisher (guitars, bass, drums, percussion), Elizabeth Steen (piano, wurlitzer, vocals), and Rich Gilbert (pedal steel, Nashville guitar) - joined by Donelly's ex-THROWING MUSES bandmate Dave Narcizo, who plays drums on a couple of tracks. All songs on "Whiskey Tango Ghosts" were written by TANYA DONELLY, with occasional assistance from Fisher.
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07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) As previously reported, SYSTEM OF A DOWN are currently in L.A., thrashing out the follow-up to their last studio album, "Toxicity." Band member Daron Malakian recently tweaked many a fan's curiosity by saying that the new album will feature an even wider range of influences thatn ever before. Malakian elaborated on that statement in a recent SOAD studio update: "The influences range from Kraftwerk to Dark Throne to The Zombies to The Beach Boys, but it all fits together. It works," he said. SYSTEM OF A DOWN are so inspired by the creative process of putting the new release together that they even relocated from their usual North Hollywood rehearsal space to a private home in Hollywood to record and get everyone in the right state of mind. "We were ready for a change. We wanted a different vibe and we needed to progress," says Serj Tankian. "We've always recorded in traditional studios, but this was a good move. It's a great place. We're enjoying each other and the music we're making." When SYSTEM OF A DOWN recorded "Toxicity," all pre-production was complete prior to entering the studio. This time around, they've streamlined the process by only recording songs they definitely want on the album.
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07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Just as their name suggests, UK band HOPE OF THE STATES are the new darlings of the Experimental Indie Rock scene, and are set to join the transcendental ranks of bands like RADIOHEAD and MERCURY REV with their grandiose Sony Music debut, "The Lost Riots." In an era where pop music has been processed and packaged to oblivion and rock has regressed to the point that it's pretty much lost its way, HOPE OF THE STATES are signposting a way forward. "The Lost Riots" doesn't follow rock's conventions. There are 'rock' songs that eschew verse-chorus in favour of almost classical structures; blasts of pure noise that somehow co-exist with beautiful, sublimely bittersweet melodies and walls of guitar nestle happily alongside trumpets and strings. Formed in Chichester in December of 2000, the members of HOPE OF THE STATES share an unusually tight bond, or as one member puts it, the feeling of being in the band is one of "knowing that you'd lay down in traffic for your friends." That feeling that was to pull the band even closer together in coping when original guitarist Jimmi tragically took his own life in January of 2004 as the band recorded "The Lost Riots" at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios.

07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Go-Kart Records has confirmed August 24th as the U.S. release date for the debut album from Netherland-based Metalcore band TRANSMISSION0. Simply titled "0" (Zero), it is the band's first introduction to stateside audiences as previously-related projects and recordings by the band members have been primarily unavailable for most U.S. music listeners. An impressive recording that is expected to firmly launch the band's profile, "0" was completely created at the band's own Behind Green Door Studios in Tilburg, The Netherlands with guitarist Mischa Van Rodijnen serving as both producer and mixer. "At first it didn't look as if we would ever really start this band," says bassist Dave Van Beek of the album and the band's early formation. "After the break up of our former band (Reveal), Mischa and I decided we wanted to start a dark, heavy and atmospheric band. And it took us three years to get everything to our liking in place." Originally planning to work with small Euro indie Garden Of Exile Records, TRANSMISSION0 switched paths earlier this year when recordings by the band were received by Go-Kart. Primarily known as a punk label, Go-Kart Records is home to THE BUZZCOCKS, G.B.H., etc.
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07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Fearless Records has announced the release of YESTERDAYS RISING's new EP, "When We Speak, We Breathe." The new EP forges thick layers of instrumentation and in-your-face vocals with a tender ear for sophisticated pop heartache, enveloped by well-crafted melodic hooks and tightly produced by Don Lithgow (Blink 182, Unwritten Law, Finch). At such an early stage in their career, YESTERDAYS RISING are already writing music that should define them as leaders of the New Emo movement, with "When We Speak, We Breathe" raised their flag for the world to see. With influences spanning the Rock, Hardcore, Punk and Metal genres equally, YESTERDAYS RISING are mapping out a new progressive sound that sets the bar high for future artists. You can catch YESTERDAYS RISING live on their current tour of both Canada and North America, after which they will join up with this year's Vans Warped Tour itinerary, playing the SmartPunk stage. YESTERDAYS RISING were informed of their inclusion on the 2004 Warped Tour on Christmas Eve of last year. The band signed a recording deal with Fearless Records this past April. YESTERDAYS RISING also endorse the idea of file sharing to promote their music.
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07.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Colombia's NIHIL OBSTAT have signed on with Goregiastic Records. NIHIL OBSTAT came to life in 1999 in the city of Palmira, their first line-up consisting of vocalist Andres Felipe Bonilla, guitarists German Ramirez and David Santos, bass player Andres Camacho and drummer Fernando Castillo. The following year, Dario Hooker replaced Camacho on bass, with German Orejuela taking over behind the drum kit, both creating a fresh new massive sound, the updated version of NIHIL OBSTAT making a strong impression in the Valle Del Cauca scene and many other places around the state. The band's first release came in December of 2001 with the cassette demo recording, "Destierro Al Opresor" ("Exile To The Oppressor"), containing five demo-rehearsal tracks recorded by Gustavo Quintero, plus a bonus live track. In 2003, skinster Leofaber "El Tote" Gutierrez was brought in on the drums, providing a powerful new infusion of speed and brutality, achieving goals previously skirted by the band. Meanwhile, NIHIL OBSTAT consistently recorded other demo material since the release of "Destierro Al Opresor," the most recent of which caught the attention of Goregiastic Records.
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07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) PRODIGY will finally release their long-overdue new album, "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned," on September 14th in the U.S. and August 24th internationally. Written on a laptop computer in a bedroom in Essex, mixed in London and mastered in New York, "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" is the sound of Liam Howlett reclaiming the distinctive PRODIGY sound, and putting the beats back in their rightful position - the end result being an album that deserves to be the band's endlessly-awaited 4th release PRODIGY has also finally been reclaimed from the MTV masses, media misconceptions, style wars, star systems, haircut hullabaloo, celebrity trivia, global success. Gone is the International pressure, the forced expectations, erupting egos, punk rock formula, claustrophobic recording studios and the watchful guidance of "those in the know." After all, PRODIGY is about the beats, and always has been. From the day that Liam Howlett put together the first PRODIGY demo, and the subsequent "What Evil Lurks" EP, it was always about the beats. Their debut album "Experience" was driven by beats, as was it's follow-up, "Music For The Jilted Generation." PRODIGY are also... [full story]
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07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Karmageddon Media has announced the signing of MONOLITH to the ranks of the growing label. MONOLITH (a.k.a. "THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT") are a fast rising band from The Netherlands who play relentlessly complicated, yet catchy Death Metal. Hyper-speed drums complemented with screaming and growling guitars plus a triple vocal attack are the mainstay for an unprecedented attack, especially for a Netherlands band. Vocalist/guitarist Michiel Dekker had this to say about MONOLITH igning on with Karmageddon Media: "We are extremely satisfied with our new record deal at Karmageddon Media. We are convinced they will guide us to a higher level when it comes to promotion and distribution of our releases. We will enter the studio in August to record our 2nd album 'The White Crematorium,' and new touring plans will be revealed soon as well." In November 2002, MONOLITH unleashed the 4-track promo "Obliteration Of The Despised," which resulted in an initial deal with Cold Blood Industries. Fewer than two months after the release of that promo, MONOLITH struck again with devastating force with their debut album entitled "The Apotheosis," after which they embarked on two different European tours with THE CROWN and SKINLESS in support of the debut.
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07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Guitar legend STEVE VAI is bringing his awesome talent back to Australia for a new headlining tour beginning Thursday, July 22nd, preceded by an in-store appearance at Kosmic Sound in Osborne Park, Perth on July 21st. Last in Oz in 1994, STEVE VAI's unique musical vision remains unclassifiable. During a career that has spanned more than 20 years, Vai continues to display an unbridled guitar virtuosity and soulful artistry to wring emotion from his instrument. A two time Grammy winner, STEVE VAI's musical resume reads like a who's who of Rock and Metal music. An early apprentice of Joe Satriani, Vai graduated from a spot in Frank Zappa's band to team with ALCATRAZZ ans WHITESNAKE, amongst others, before fronting his own bands in the 90's. With worldwide album sales nearing six million copies, STEVE VAI continues his ongoing musical evolution with recent peaks including the performance of a concerto for electric guitar with the 100-piece Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and his recent works with the G3 project. STEVE VAI will be backed on tour by an all-star band featuring bass player Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Talas), guitarist/keyboardist Tony MacAlpine (G3, Planet X), drummer Jeremy Colson (Joe Satriani) and rhythm guitarist Dave Weiner (G3, Steve Vai).

07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Minneapolis Metalcore crew DEVILINSIDE will release their debut full-length album via Abacus Recordings come August 23rd. Formed from the ashes of the mighty DISEMBODIED, one of the band's that helped lay the blueprint for mid-90s Metalcore, the five-piece one-up the lethal crunch and heaviness of their previous band while adding undeniably catchy grooves. Ignoring the latest fads and trends in Metal and Hardcore, DEVILINSIDE cite bands such as ENTOMBED, SEPULTURA and old MACHINE HEAD as their main influences. "It seems like every heavy band nowadays sounds like they're from Sweden," says Andersen. "I don't think we relate to a lot of the stuff that's out there right now. We just want to be brutally heavy, but also let our influences show." Those heavy, downtuned influences are apparent on DEVILINSIDE's 2002 "Prelude" EP, which served as an introduction to the band via riff after crunchy riff on the four-song outing. "We'd like to think that we could play with metal bands, hardcore bands, or death metal bands, or stoner rock bands, or noise bands, or whatever," says drummer Joel Anderson. "We've done it, and we will continue to do it."
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07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Singer/songwriter JESSE MALIN has released his self-produced, sophomore album, "The Heat," via Artemis Records. "The Heat" is the follow-up to Malin's debut album, "The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction," released by Artemis in 2002. A special, limited-edition vinyl version of "The Heat" was released back in May. Malin comments on taking on the additional role of producer this time around: "I became producer by default. We had some ideas and a few producers in mind. I went in to the studio to do some demos. I went back out on the road for a few months and listened to the demos, and decided I wanted to keep those tracks. I went back in to do a few more songs, and by the time I knew it, I had an entire record. I had learned a lot from working with producers like Ric Ocasek, Ryan Adams and Tony Visconti, plus having great musicians and a great engineer around helps a lot." "The Heat" also features guest appearances by Ryan Adams (who has said "Jesse Malin's songs are so good, they hurt my feelings"), Pete Yorn and FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE's Jody Porter. New York native JESSE MALIN first entered the spotlight as lead singer of the Hardcore Punk band D GENERATION.
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07.12.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Poland's PYORRHOEA has officially signed a three-album deal with Empire Records. Their debut album, "Desire For Torment," will be released in their home country along with the with 4th issue of Thrash'em All magazine. "Desire For Torment" was recorded at Hertz Studios in Bialystok, Poland, with The Wislawski Bros., while mastering was done by Bartosz Trojanowski. The new release offers a brutal style of a specific fusion of Death Metal and Grindcore, and contains 14 songs of total carnage. PYORRHOEA was formed in 2001 by bass player Cyprian and guitarist Andy Blakk. In June of 2002, the band recorded a 15-minute promo at Hertz Studios. That November, a second guitarist, A.D. Gore, was added. At the end of November and in the first days of December 2003, PYORRHOEA began the recording of "Desire For Torment." In the meantime, due to personal and health problems, Andy Blakk decided to leave the band and his position was taken by Max. In the beginning of 2004, drummer Daray decided to temporarily leave PYORRHOEA, and his role has since been taken over by Krzysiek. So far, PYORRHOEA has played many well-received concerts with others such as ROTTEN SOUND, DEAD INFECTION, etc.
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[Music News: 07.05.04 - 07.11.04]
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