07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) SHINEDOWN are realizing some renewed exposure to major audiences beginning this week by hitting the road for a stint alongside VAN HALEN. Dates run all the way through August 20th in L.A., at which point SHINEDOWN have lined up additional shows that take them all the way into September. The band's 2003 debut album, "Leave A Whisper," was also just re-released by Atlantic Records, and SHINEDOWN have also just finished a video for the LYNYRD SKYNYRD classic song 'Simple Man,' which will make its debut sometime in August. SHINEDOWN vocalist Brent Smith commented on the initial recording of "Leave A Whisper": "There were so many things that we wanted to try on the album. We approached it in as cool and calm a manner as we could, but there's no denying that a lot of the time we were like kids in a candy store. That's how excited we were. I think a lot of that energy found its way into the music, which was our intent from the very beginning. We wanted each song to carry the listener on a journey, and to make sure the ride is as interesting as possible. The best way I can describe it is to say that this band is a celebration of being alive. We all have our problems, but if you're honest with yourself, you can draw from that darkness and turn it into something great."
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07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) The new album from DIO, "Master Of The Moon," will be released via SPV Records August 31st. From the beginning, lead vocalist and namesake Ronnie James Dio has always pursued a brand of music that proudly existed outside of any prevailing trends, along the way selling millions of albums all over the world and building one of the more devoted concert followings in any band he's been in since his days in RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW. A native of a small town near Syracuse, New York, Ronnie James Dio grew up in a tightly-knit community of family and friends. His twin interests were music and romantic fantasy literature such as the works of Sir Walter Scott and the Arthurian legend. These would play an important role later on in the development of his musical persona. Dio studied trumpet as a teen, but switched to bass when he discovered Rock 'N' Roll. He formed the band ELF in the early 70's, and recorded four albums with them. As DEEP PURPLE's opening act, RONNIE came to know founding DEEP PURPLE guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, later forming RAINBOW with him in 1975. After three years and five albums, Dio left RAINBOW to become lead singer for BLACK SABBATH. He recorded two studio albums with them, "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules," in addition to the live album, "Live Evil," prior to forming DIO in 1982.

07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time singer/songwriter JESSE COLIN YOUNG has signed a recording deal with Artemis Records, who are slated to release his upcoming new album, "Living In Paradise," on September 7th. "Living In Paradise" combines Hawaiian musical influences with his signature folk/funk/rock sound. Just as he fused jazz with pop on his groundbreaking 1973 "Song For Juli" album, JESSE COLIN YOUNG fuses folk, rock, reggae, and Latin rhythms with Hawaiian slack key in "Living in Paradise" to come up with a fresh sound he jokingly calls "Aloha Rock." Featuring Hawaiian and mainland musicians, the recording was produced by JESSE COLIN YOUNG at his Hawaiian island home studio. There are original songs written by Young such as the ironically poignant title track and the ode to daughter, 'Angel Mine.' The album also covers great songwriters such as Fred Neil and John Lennon, as well as Young's new take on traditional Hawaiian songs such as 'Little Grass Shack' and 'The Queens Prayer.' Young doesn't stray far from his activist roots with the song 'Hawaii 78,' which portrays the more realistic issues permeating island culture, while he transports listeners to the tropics on the tune 'White Sandy Beach.' Artemis will also release JESSE COLIN YOUNG's "Songs For Christmas" album on October 5th.
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07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER have begun recording their 5th studio album, "Samurai" at Antfarm Studios in Denmark. 13 brand new tracks are being recorded for "Samurai," for which a limited edition version will also include a bonus DVD upon its release in the Fall. A video will also be shot for the album before DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER plays several release shows in their home territory of Germany. Then in February/March of 2005, the band will hit the road with SUBWAY TO SALLY for a lengthy headlining tour. DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER were founded in the middle of 1995 by vocalist/guitarist Eumel and drummer Skelleton. Keyboardist Dr. Pest and bas player Volk-Man completed the line-up a few weeks later. Raging hateful blasts combined with beautiful piano sounds, deep growls and razor-sharp screams, moments of anger and hate, and flashes of sadness, silence and bitter mirth sum up what DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER were all about upon their inception. In May of '96 the band recorded their first demo tape, "Firestorm," which led to a two-CD deal with with German label Ars Metalli in April of 1997. DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER recorded and released their debut album, "Soft & Stronger," in December of 1997. In 1999, the band signed with Netherlands label Hammerheart Records.
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07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) ICEHOUSE and frontman Iva Davies will bring their own unique musical style and highly distinctive vocal delivery to David Bowie's classic song 'Heroes' on a new album of the same name, "Heroes," due to be released August 13th. On "Heroes," Davies and ICEHOUSE look back with cover versions of the songs which have influenced him and the band the most. The result is experimental, innovative and a new contribution to the songs involved. For instance, Andy Partridge's deeply disturbing analysis of human behaviour in the XTC song 'Complicated Game' is turned into a sharp, electronic and metronomic attack on the dumb politics of the modern world. Claude Debussy's 'Le Cathedrale Engloutie' ('Sunken Cathedral') and David Bowie's 'Loving The Alien' are blended together, as well as Lou Reed's 'Berlin' at the beginning and end of Frank Sinatra's Oscar-winning song, 'All The Way.' The "Heroes" album reaches deep below the surface of all of its songs, discovering new layers of meaning and feeling along the way. Iva Davies' achievement on "Heroes" draws together many strands from a rich and diverse career: For one, his enduring admiration for the work of Brian Eno. It's no accident that six of the twelve tracks on "Heroes" have connections with Eno in one way or another.

07.23.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time Heavy Metallers SAXON, one of the founders of the "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" (NWOBHM) that literally kick-started a whole new musical genre in the early Eighties, will release their new album, "Lionheart," September 20th. With powerful sounds and lyrics about witch hunters, King Richard Lionheart and the attitude of British soldiers toward war, vocalist Biff Byford explains: "Lionheart is the most powerful album we've ever recorded." In 1976, somewhere around South Yorkshire, UK there was a band that started life as SOB during 1976 with founding members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson. SOB joined forces with another local band, COAST, featuring Biff Byford on vocals and Paul Quinn on guitar. The two bands then finalized with a five-man line-up, renaming themselves SON OF A BITCH. That name was dropped a few years later, and the band re-christened themselves SAXON. At that time, they playing the usual rock clubs and concert gigs supporting the likes of THE IAN GILLAN BAND and HEAVY METAL KIDS, among others, playing all original material. Demo tapes were recorded at Tapestry Studios with producer John Verity (ex-singer/guitarist for ARGENT), with SAXON eventually signing their first major label deal with Carrere Records a few months later.

07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) After critics' favorites THE REPLACEMENTS called it quits in the early '90s, founding member and bassist TOMMY STINSON, following a brief stint with the under-appreciated BASH N POP, formed a new rock band, PERFECT, in 1995. Their album, a mix of driving Rock, sophisticated Pop and smartass lyrics recalls THE REPLACEMENTS at the height of their rocking irreverence, and would've made a great impact on the musical landscape of the mid-90's. Unfortunately, record company politics intervened and the album was shelved until now, when it finally see its official release via Rykodisc Records on September 14th. PERFECT originally joined up with original Replacements manager Peter Jesperson's Medium Cool Records. Their first release was the "When Squirrels Play Chicken" EP, released in 1996. Later in 1996, PERFECT went in to record their debut album, originally titled "Seven Days A Week," with legendary producer Jim Dickinson (The Replacements, Ry Cooder, Big Star, G.Love). Everything was looking positive until PERFECT were caught in the middle of label politics and the album was shelved. They called it quits shortly thereafter. TOMMY STINSON later went on to join GUNS N' ROSES, and releases his first solo album, "Village Gorilla Head," via Sanctuary Records on July 27th.
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07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Century Media recording artists SHADOWS FALL have just completed an extremely successful European tour and shot a video for the track 'The Power Of I And I,' which comes off their new album, "The War Within." The new offering is set for a September 21st, release and was once again produced by Zeuss (Blood Has Been Shed, Hatebreed, Sworn Enemy) at Planet Z Studios. The band is currently headlining the Strhess Tour alongside AS I LAY DYING, HIMSA and REMEMBERING NEVER. Vocalist Brian Fair checked in today with the following update: "We have returned from the European tour and it was a great success! Thanks to all of our brothers in Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, and God Forbid, as well as all the crew for helping us get through it. Highlights from some shows include Dublin, Wolverhampton, Manchester, London, and Glasgow. Our first time in Greece was also an amazing experience, thanks to Dimitris for taking care of us. If any of you ever have the chance to go check out the Acropolis, DO IT. It's incredible. The festivals (Dynamo, With Full Force, Graspop, and Pressure) were a great time as well - our hardened livers are evidence of that. Drinking and getting stupid with Children Of Bodom, Hatebreed, Crowbar, Testament and many others was a great time."
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07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Fearless Records has announced the signing of Seattle's GATSBYS AMERICAN DREAM. The band recently inked the deal with the Orange County-based label in the middle of the first leg of their successful tour with AS TALL AS LIONS and SLOW COMING DAY. GATSBYS AMERICAN DREAM will record their full-length Fearless debut after their current Summer tour, with the release tentatively scheduled for early Spring of next year. Singer Nic Newsham said: "Gatsbys American Dream is proud to join the Fearless roster. We've always tried to associate ourselves with honest, hard working people and that's exactly what we saw in the staff at Fearless. Looking forward to great things together!" Bob Becker, owner of Fearless Records, replied: "We're totally thrilled that Gatsbys American Dream could join the Fearless family. We believe in their sound and will work hard to make sure the band gets the recognition they deserve." Gatsbys American Dream's unique and unclassifiable sound along with their honest and thought-provoking lyrics, intelligent melodies and incredible musicianship have set them apart from others in the D.I.Y. underground scene. GATSBYS AMERICAN DREAM's latest release is the EP, "In The Land Of Lost Monsters."

07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Alex from CANNIBAL CORPSE checked in recently with the following tour update from the road: "Greetings! We have just returned from a brutal tour of Canada, and we are going to play at the Lofi club in Salt Lake City tonight. The tour of Canada was awesome, we had a great time. This was the first time we have done this many shows in a row in Canada, and everything went really well. All of the shows were great as expected, and it was killer to play in places we had never been before, like Victoria, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Regina. Even the smaller cities up there have great death metal scenes. More bands should go up there and tour. All of the Canadian shows were packed with real death metal maniacs, and we want to say a huge thank you to all of them for coming to the shows and kicking ass! Hopefully we will be able to do more extensive tours of Canada in the future. Now we are continuing on through the US, to play some cities we haven't hit yet on this tour. We look forward to brutal shows in these cities as well. After that we'll be heading to Europe for the Wacken festival, and a few other fests as well. Thanks again to all of the fans who've come out to the shows on the Wretched Spawn tour, we've got a lot more shows coming up so we'll see the rest of you soon!" - Alex
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07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Tone-Cool/Artemis Records has inked rising blues star SEAN COSTELLO o a recording deal. On October 5th, the label will release Costello's brand new self-titled album worldwide. "Sean Costello" will be the twenty-five year old's fourth release, and was produced by Steve Rosenthal. The new album features SEAN COSTELLO backed by his seasoned road band with notable guests including THE BAND's Levon Helm, The Conan O'Brien Show horn section, Willie Weeks, Steve Jordan, and Ollabelle. Tone-Cool President Richard Rosenblatt commented, "Sean Costello has the talent, passion and originality to be at the top of the blues world and beyond for many years to come. Although he's one of the best blues guitarists, this is not a guitar-slinger record - Sean never lets guitar chops dominate the songs and their soulful arrangements. In addition to his tasteful musicianship, Sean draws from blues, R&B and jazz influences to write stunningly original songs, and sings like a fallen angel." "Sean Costello" finds the guitarist and his band tackling songs by Al Green, Johnny Taylor, Johnny "Guitar" Watson and a soulful take on Bob Dylan's 'Simple Twist Of Fate.' The album also contains seven original songs.
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07.22.04 (RockAndMetal.com) CIRCLE II CIRCLE have completed pre-production on their upcoming second release for AFM Records, scheduled to be released sometime in late October or early November. CIRCLE II CIRCLE were on tour alongside BLAZE and PERZONAL WAR in June and July in European clubs and festivals, and have now they re-entered Cabin Fever Studios in Brooksville, Florida.the studio to continue work on the upcoming album. CIRCLE II CIRCLE vocalist Zak Stevens had this to say from the studio: "We soon found out that this is really a great place to write songs. It puts you in a twisted frame of mind and creates new possibilities for lyrics. It's a pretty scary place at night and makes you write songs that reflect that kind of drama....it's really very cool... The band and I have been working extra hard to make sure this next record really kicks serious ass! Recording here is the best way to get away from all the daily distractions and every day problems. Here we can concentrate and get things done." CIRCLE II CIRCLE revolves heavily around the singing of Stevens, who started out singing for Boston band WICKED WITCH. That band played over 250 gigs as an unsigned act until 1992, when Stevens was recruited to fill the lead vocal position for SAVATAGE, with whom he made his major label debut.
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07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) SOMETHING FOR KATE are to release a compilation album of b-sides in their native homeland of Australia on August 23rd. Entitled "Phantom Limbs - Selected B-Sides," the new collection and will be a special 2-disc box set. 29 rare tracks have been handpicked by SOMETHING FOR KATE for the release, and because of so many requests over the years, a live bootleg version of 'Truly' will be included as a bonus track on the double album. SOMETHING FOR KATE formed in Melbourne in 1994. After the recording of a demo in 1995, the band was signed to Murmur Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. In 1996, SOMETHING FOR KATE released the 7-track EP, "The Answer to Both Your Questions," recorded and mixed by Greg Atkinson from Sydney band BIG HEAVY STUFF. In November of 1996, 'Dean Martin,' a 3-track single, was released. Early in 1997, SOMETHING FOR KATE released the 5-track "Intermission" EP as they recorded their first album, "Elsewhere For Eight Minutes" in New Zealand, mixing and mastering it in New York with U.S. producer Brian Paulson (Wilco, Archers Of Loaf, Superchunk, Slint), which was released in July of 1997. That was followed by "Beautiful Sharks" in 1999, "Echolalia" in 2001, and "The Official Fiction," the band's current release.
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07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Heavy Metal veterans METAL CHURCH will release their new album, "The Weight Of The World," next week on July 26th via SPV Records. With the new release and some new blood among their ranks, METAL CHURCH continue where they left off with their last album, "Masterpeace." Founding guitarist/songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof and drummer Kirk Arrington are back in action on "The Weight Of The World," along with new vocalist Ronny Munroe, guitarist Jay Reynolds (Malice, War Party) and bass player Steve Unger, on which the reformed METAL CHURCH deliver 10 brand new tracks. METAL CHURCH emerged from America's West Coast metal scene in the 80s, and soon made a name for themselves as talented representatives of their genre. Having signed a recording deal with Elektra Records in 1983, they released two albums that were praised by the music press. Their self-titled debut proved that the band were among the foremost pioneers of the international Thrash Metal scene. Their next album, entitled "The Dark," featured an impressive opener in the song 'Ton Of Bricks.' "The Dark" also hailed the first of a number of personnel changes. The mid-90s saw several METAL CHURCH members venture into various individual projects before reuniting for "Masterpeace" in 1999.
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07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) SPV Records will release "Brand New Morning," the latest album from veteran Progressive Hard Rock band MAGNUM, on August 30th. The upcoming release from the British group surrounding vocalist Bob Catley and guitarist Tony Clarkin takes up where its predecessor, "Breath Of Life," left off. The latter arrived at the stores three years ago as the eleventh studio release in the band's eventful career, marking their successful comeback after a hiatus of over six years. "Brand New Morning" is the current product of the collaboration between Catley, Clarkin and MAGNUM keyboardist Mark Stanway. For three years now, bass player Al Barrow and drummer Harry James (formerly of THUNDER) have been a constant part of the MAGNUM line-up. On "Brand New Morning," the band returns with nine new tracks, presenting themselves as ambitioned and enterprising as ever. The powerful title track from the album features rocky guitars, a contemporary progressive sound and a catchy melody, while the excellent 'We All Run' and 'The Blue And The Grey' are also characteristic chips off the old MAGNUM block. "It was a highly satisfying experience to record with a band that plays with the same line-up on stage and in the studio," Bob Catley says.
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07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) New Orleans Metalcore act VALUME NOB have signed a recording deal with Crash Music, Inc. VALUME NOB are one of the hottest heavy acts out of New Orleans at the moment, as the band has been making a strong statement whenever they play live. VALUME NOB derives from a number of veteran musicians who were signed to different label deals with some of New Orleans' heaviest underground bands, including GRAVEYARD RODEO, NEW RELIGION, CROWBAR and DOWN. The four current members of VALUME NOB, bass player and former guitarist Kirk Windstein (Victorian Blitz, Shell Shock, The Slugs, Crowbar, Down), vocalist Marshall Black, guitarist Frey Thieler (former bass player for Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society) and drummer Sid Montz (Crowbar, Down) have all been pounding and paving their way into the underground for the past ten years, before heavy was cool and before the mainstream was ready for it. VALUME NOB was originally fronted by vocalist Marc Brignac (Bile, Graveyard Rodeo), whom Marshall Black replaced. VALUME NOB's new EP, "The Most High," is slated for released on Crash Music on October 19th. A video for the song 'Boots' is planned to be shot in August, with the band still tossing some final ideas around for the video.

07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Mute Recordings are scheduled to release the first domestic album from M83 in North America on July 27th. A simple letter and number make up the moniker of M83, a band that touches upon many genres from electronic to pop to ambient. M83's distinct sound is both modern and melancholic, via ambitious inter-galactic compositions influenced by TANGERINE DREAM and MOGWAI. M83's current album, "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts," will be the band's first "official" North American release when it sees issuance next week. "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" was originally released in Europe by Gooom Disques/Labels in 2003 and as an import, since when it has generated significant attention in the North American territories. M83 will also tour North America for the first time in September 2004 in support of the stateside version of "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts," which also includes a bonus disc with five additional tracks and 2 videos - packaging not available on any import. 'Run Into Flowers,' the first single off "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts," was issued by Mute at the end of last month on both a CD maxi single and 12" vinyl, each containing three alternate remixes of the song. M83 recently completed a remix of 'Black Cherry' for fellow Mute artists GOLDFRAPP, as well as remixes for Gooom artists KIDS INDESTRUCTIBLE and STEVE & ROB.

07.21.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Metal Blade Records has announced they have officially signed New Orleans-based Black Metal band GOATWHORE, well known throughout the underground scene for pushing the boundaries of Black Metal and taking it to a more extreme level without all the theatrics the genre has now become better known for. GOATWHORE focus instead on the raw brutality of the music itself, creating a horrific soundscape of sound. Look for a new GOATWHORE album on to be released sometime in mid-2005. "We are very excited to welcome Goatwhore to the Metal Blade Family. They are already a great band, with a great career and we plan on taking them to the next level," Metal Blade owner Brian Slagel says. GOATWHORE vocalist Ben Falgoust said of the deal: "It is an honor to be signed to Metal Blade. They have been around a long time, and have always been pioneers at releasing new extreme metal/hardcore at a well-noted level. If you go back to the earlier years, they were the label that kick-started Slayer into what they are now. They have also ventured off into other terrains like with DRI, Cryptic Slaughter, Beyond Possession, and Corrosion Of Conformity. Those changes opened up a wide array of styles within metal and hardcore to be accepted by a wider audience in extreme music."

07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) LIVING THINGS will release their debut album, "Black Skies In Broad Daylight," on August 24th via Geffen Records. LIVING THINGS are brothers Lillian Berlin (vocals, guitar), Eve Berlin (bass) and Bosh Berlin (drums). The three have moved around over the years but have lived longest in St. Louis, MO. "Black Skies In Broad Daylight" was recorded with Steve Albini, who produced three of LIVING THINGS' favorite albums: NIRVANA's "In Utero," THE BREEDERS' "Pod" and PJ HARVEY's "Rid Of Me." Says Lillian of LIVING THINGS' origins: "It just felt natural for me to play guitar and sing and put one of my brothers on bass and the other on drums so we'd have a band." The trio has been writing songs and recording and performing in some capacity as long as they can remember. They made their public debut when Lillian was 12, Eve was 9 and Bosh was 6. Lillian is the band's lyricist. He says of his earliest forays into songwriting: "I had trouble learning how to read. The only way I could remember sentences was to sing them. I'd make up little songs so when I went to school to take a test I'd know the answers - I'd recite them in my head like a song." Lillian describes LIVING THINGS' music as "anxious and ill-at-ease," saying their songs release "a lot of pent-up emotions." He offers... [full story]
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07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) No-nonsense Metalcore masters DRY KILL LOGIC will be releasing their long-awaited third album, "The Dead And Dreaming," through SPV/Steamhammer Records on September 27th. DRY KILL LOGIC created quite a stir with their 2001 Roadrunner Records debut album, "The Darker Side Of Nonsense," and have built a solid reputation since that time as a killer live act during tours with FEAR FACTORY, SPINESHANK, KITTIE and others. It isn't often that a band like DRY KILL LOGIC comes along a band whose musical depth exceeds it's anger. That is not to say that the music lacks attitude. in fact it's downright pissed off, but with a focus that is not often heard in heavy music today. The four members of DRY KILL LOGIC deftly combine their uniquely-styled rage, tension and talent into an explosive mixture that separates them from all others in their genre. Originally formed in Westchester, New York in 1995, DRY KILL LOGIC released their first EP, "Cause Moshing Is Good Fun" on their own Psychodrama Records label in 1997, then went into the studio in July of 1998 with producer Andy Katz (Overkill, Local H, Rakim) to cut their debut full-length effort, "Elemental Evil." 1999 saw DRY KILL LOGIC take some time off to regroup, write and record "The Darker Side Of Nonsense."
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07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) BJORK has unveiled details of her upcoming new Elektra/Atlantic Records album, entitled "Medulla." The new collection - BJORK's seventh solo studio album and first since 2001's "Vespertine" - is officially slated for an August 31st release. Produced and arranged by BJORK (with co-production on four tracks by her frequent associate, Mark Bell), "Medulla" represents another landmark recording for one of modern music's more inventive artists. The album sees Bjork exploring the rich potential and remarkable range of the human voice. Much of "Medulla" features the inimitable singer performing over percussive beats created by some of today's masters of human beatboxing, including Japan's Dokaka, the UK's Shlomo, and Rahzel, former member of THE ROOTS. In addition to its unique voice-based backdrops, "Medulla" finds BJORK working with a stunningly eclectic variety of vocal collaborators, including FAITH NO MORE/MR. BUNGLE frontman Mike Patton, INUIT throat singer Tagaq, classical singer/human trombonist Gregory Purnhagen (Philip Glass, Gavin Bryars), and two full choir groups - The Icelandic Choir and The London Choir. Among "Medulla"'s highlights is the song 'Submarine,' a powerful duet with long-time Art Rock singer/songwriter Robert Wyatt.
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07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Following 2 successful albums in Europe, RAGING SPEEDHORN have re-signed a new worldwide recording deal with SPV/Steamhammer Records. The band have toured throughout Europe and Japan with the likes of BIOHAZARD, ILL NINO, MUDVAYNE and AMEN, plus main-stage appearances at Ozzfest UK and the Beast Feast in Japan. Recording of RAGING SPEEDHORN's fourth studio album is currently underway at 2KHZ Studios in London, where other bands including THE DARKNESS, FRANZ FERDINAND and THE WILDHEARTS have all worked previously. Songs from the still untitled upcoming RAGING SPEEDHORN album tentatively include 'Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down,' 'Black Lords Of Chaos' and 'Fists Of Glory.' The album is scheduled for release in Sometime in November. RAGING SPEEDHORN came into existence in August of 1998, the forming of the band being a result of the combination of members of two other separate groups, SOULCELLAR and BOX. Former SOULCELLAR drummer Frank Regan soon gave up life behind the drum kit shortly afterwards, forming the second half of a killer tandem dual vocal attack with Jon Loughlin. RAGING SPEEDHORN's first big break came when they supported MINISTRY at the London Astoria.
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07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Sacramento, California's CIRCLE OF 5THS will release their new studio album, "One," this Friday, July 23rd. CIRCLE OF 5THS initially came together out of the band members' desires to do something different. Four individuals with a common goal; to erase the lines between musical genres. A potent mixture of Metal, Rock, Funk, Soul, complex melodies and simple harmonies resulting in one of the more unique sounds in the new music scene today. At the moment, CIRCLE OF 5THS have become one of Sacramento's most popular Hard Rock acts. They have opened for many national acts and headlined shows throughout Northern California and Nevada. CIRCLE OF 5THS have also previously released 3 CD's to very positive reviews. On "One," the band take it to the next level with a powerful blend of dynamically heavy music combined with strong melodic hooks. CIRCLE OF 5THS vocalist/guitarist Steve Mahoney began his musical career as a teen with the band SPECTRE, and spent a couple years with local band DRONE before forming CIRCLE OF 5THS. Guitarist Nate Higgins, drummer Jason Miller and bass player Mike McNellis round out the rest of the musical line-up for CIRCLE OF 5THS.
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07.20.04 (RockAndMetal.com) GOREROTTED have finished shooting a video clip for the title track off their second album, "Only Tools And Corpses," their first effort for Metal Blade Records. Says singer Goreskin: "We hooked up with director Adam Powel because we were really impressed with his other work, in particular his Milk Productions skateboard stunt video 'Ill-Nation.' We shot the whole 'Only Tools And Corpses' video, including the fucking creepy zombies entirely on location in Adam's disused farm buildings. Basically it's a homage to classic horror films like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Evil Dead.' In fact this video's everything a GOREROTTED video should be - zombies coming out of freezers, chainsaws, apathetic looking undead freaks brandishing hammers and 6 total cocks rocking out in an asbestos hanger. If that ain't metal as fuck, I don't know what is!" "Only Tools And Corpses" is the second album from GOREROTTED, the direction of the band in full force now with Mr. Gore's "Cockney Oi" vocals playing off perfectly against Goreskin's "deep, grindcore slabs of throat" and Wilson's high-pitched backing vocals, giving GOREROTTED their own unique sound -- a form of Splatter/Grind/Death Metal with a crusty, Punk edge that could only come out of the downtrodden slums of London.
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07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Come August 2nd, PBS is scheduled to broadcast PHISH into homes across the country via the band's first-ever feature length television event, "IT: A Phish Concert Special," at 10pm ET (check local listings). Shot in high-definition, the 90-minute special follows PHISH, along with 60,000 of their loyal fans from all over the world who trekked to "IT," a two-day festival in remote Limestone, Maine that marked the end of their Summer 2003 tour. "IT: A Phish Concert Special" features exclusive interviews with the members of the band interwoven with live PHISH footage. "IT" was the latest incarnation in a bold series of self-produced city-size festivals with the band's music as the centerpiece, taking place within a carnival/festival atmosphere with rides, parades and interactive media stations across the grounds of Limestone's Loring Air Force Base. As with all Phish festivals, the weekend-long concert included three sets of PHISH music each day, as well as numerous attractions and art installations created by talented teams of artists and performers. PHISH recently announced that the group will break up at the conclusion of their 2004 Summer tour next month. "IT: A Phish Concert Special" offers an exhilarating look into what made PHISH a cultural phenomenon over the past 21 years.
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07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) PRO-PAIN are in the finishing stages of planning their upcoming video shoot for the album track 'Left For Dead' from their latest album, "Fistful Of Hate." Released this past April, the album has made firm initial sales footage in the U.S., and continues to sell well in anticipation of PRO-PAIN's return to Europe for another round of tour dates this Fall. The 'Left for Dead' video will be in filmed on various locations throughout Sarasota, Florida where several of the band members have long made their residence. The clip is expected to be completed and serviced to national and regional video outlets in mid-to-late August, just in time for the band's appearance at the annual World Series Of Metal in Cleveland, Ohio. This year's fest, booked for August 28th at The Scene Pavillion, is expected to feature fifty bands including SIX FEET UNDER and a possible performance by Cleveland natives MUSHROOMHEAD. "Fistful Of Hate" has found high praise in both fan and media outlets throughout America and Europe, and is without question the band's heaviest and most aggressive album to date. Vocalist/bassist Gary Meskil says, "'Fistful Of Hate' is without question our strongest production and contains some of our best work to date."
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07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) APHASIA have released their self-titled debut album, produced by vocalist/guitarist Chris Brown of TRAPT, via Joint Venture Recordings. Despite the early tumultuous relationship between Drew and Jayce, which consisted of schoolyard squabbles in the 3rd grade, the duo reunited in the 5th grade and became friends with Jeff in the 7th. They found a common bond in music, and set up shop in the tiny attic in Jeff's house along with another childhood friend who eventually was replaced by Will when he moved out of state. The more and more they played, the more the music formed what has ultimately become the signature sound of APHASIA. The group's sound is a result of a band comprised of well-rounded musicians. The four members of APHASIA, now ranging in age from 18-20, are all musical in their own right. Front man Jeff talks about the songwriting process: "The song parts don't necessarily come from the eventual player, since we all can play each other's instruments. Every song has a different personality coming out of each instrument. Because we have been friends for so long, there is no concern with stepping on each others toes. It brings uniqueness to every track."
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07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time masters of Black Romantic Metal STORMWITCH have signed a recording deal with Nuclear Blast Records. Well-known for their classic albums back in the 80s like "Stronger Than Heaven" and "The Beauty And The Beast," STORMWITCH are scheduled to issue their still-untitled new album, their ninth release, on November 8th. The story of STORMWITCH began like those of many other bands - with sheer enthusiasm for music. In the early 80's, the metal music fan base swelled considerably, leading to a flurry of signings of literally hundreds of upstart metal bands by many recording labels, both big and small. In 1984, STORMWITCH recorded their debut album, "Walpurgis Night," for German label Intercord Records. That was followed by "Tales Of Terror" in 1985 and "Stronger Than Heaven" in 1986. The 1987 release of "Beauty And The Beast" yielded the first STORMWITCH ballad, 'Tears By The Firelight,' which to this day is still a permanent mainstay at the band's live shows. Recording throughout the latter part of the 80's clear into the 90's and on through the new millenium, STORMWITCH have remained together in one form or the other for close to 25 years now.
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07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time singer/guitarist PETER FRAMPTON is slated to release "Now," his first studio album in nine years, on August 25th via SPV Recordings. The new effort contains Frampton's first new recordings since his contributions to the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning film, "Almost Famous." Recorded and mixed entirely at his home studio in Cincinnati, OH, "Now" includes 11 new stateside tracks, or 14 (including three exclusive bonus tracks) for the European version, all produced by PETER FRAMPTON. Except for 'My Guitar Gently Weeps' - a passionate tribute to friend and colleague George Harrison - Frampton wrote or co-wrote all music and lyrics on the new album. "Now" also features the song 'Hour Of Need,' written and recorded for "Almost Famous" and later appearing on "The Banger Sisters" soundtrack, plus nine new compositions. Frampton recorded "Now" with his touring band. "Yes, I'm a solo artist, but I don't go anywhere without my band," Frampton declares. "If one of them is unavailable, we don't play; it's that simple. It's all of us, or none of us." PETER FRAMPTON also remains at the forefront of technological innovation, designing accessories for guitarists through his company Framptone, which produces a line of high-end, hand-made musical accessories.

07.19.04 (RockAndMetal.com) FISSION's debut album, "Crater," will be released August 23rd via Napalm Records. FISSION was formed in 2002 by Benny Hagglund, his goal being to release material that molded melody and aggression into energetic compositions; at times simplistic, and at others intricate. When Hagglund, who also serves as the live session drummer for VINTERSORG, began to write material for what was to become "Crater," he felt compelled to seek the support of Vintersorg (Andreas Hedlund). Originally, Hagglund wrote some songs to which Vintersorg simply added the vocal lines. Though their creative output was still in its experimental phase of recording demos, both felt very confident about the prospect of recording an album, and knew that the end result would be a well-focused, energetic release. The two-track demo soon made its way to a limited number of recording labels, including VINTERSORG's label, Napalm Records. Following a period of brief negotiation, FISSION signed on with the relatively small Austrian label. All tracks except the drums on "Crater" were recorded and mixed by FISSION themselves, the band's sonic experiments proving that it's possible to create Melodic Thrash Metal with sophisticated passages, transitions and a diverse identity.
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[Music News: 07.12.04 - 07.18.04]
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