09.09.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Fearless Records has announced a confirmed release date for the upcoming debut album from THE FULLY DOWN. Entitled "Don't Get Lost In A Movement," the album will be in stores November 22nd. THE FULLY DOWN will also be supporting the debut on a full U.S tour alongside FOUR YEAR STRONG and MAIDA come October and November. Every once in a while, a band comes along that refuels your passion for a musical genre. THE FULLY DOWN are a prime example, taking melodic punk to new heights with their powerful, three-guitar attack - combining technical, harmonized, metallic riffs with strong, melodic choruses to create songs that are both energetic and infectious. Hailing from the suburbs of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, THE FULLY DOWN have spent their formative years diligently honing their skills. Although originally formed in 1999, the band underwent a change of personnel in 2003 to welcome several new members and -- having found a perfect group chemistry within a number of individuals -- unexpectedly found themselves with three guitarists. Rather than eliminating someone from the equation, THE FULLY DOWN decided to incorporate the extra guitar to produce a fuller, more dynamic sound. With help from friend and producer/engineer Dean Hadjichristou from Addictive Sound Studios, the band began production on tracks that would eventually appear on their debut CD. After playing only a handful of shows, THE FULLY DOWN caught the attention of local label Pop Culture Records, who eagerly signed the band. In June of 2004, THE FULLY DOWN released their eight-song debut, "No Fate...But What We Make For Ourselves." It didn't take long for fans, bands and industry notables alike to take notice of THE FULLY DOWN's sound and explosive live performances. Alternative Press Magazine selected THE FULLY DOWN as winners of their Vans Warped Tour (Region 4) contest in July of 2004, The band subsequently enjoying three weeks on the Vans Warped Tour covering the Northeastern United States and Canada. Meanwhile, the band also signed a deal that would see their CD released in Japan via Bullion Records this past February. In the immediate future, THE FULLY DOWN will continuously tour in support of "Don't Get Lost In A Movement," and continue showcasing new material for their loyal and ever growing fan base. Having already earned a reputation as one of the hardest working, self-sufficient up-and-coming bands in Canada, THE FULLY DOWN are set to build on this momentum and make the rest of 2005 a very successful year.
[LISTEN]

09.09.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Holland's most deadly Death/Thrash killing machine CALLENISH CIRCLE have finished the recording of their fifth studio album. The new offering, entitled "[Pitch.Black.Effects]," was recorded at aRe U Recordings in Holland under the supervision of producer Gail Liebling, while the final mix was done at the well-known Antfarm Studios in Denmark with Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Illdisposed, Mnemic). Mastering duties were handled again by Peter Neuber at Mega Wimp Sound in Germany, with the complete artwork was created by Danish art talent Mircea Gabriel Eftemie at Cadaverman Media. CALLENISH CIRCLE guitarist Ronny Tijssen had this to say about the new album: "This time we decided to record, mix and master the album on different locations. We recorded the album over here in Holland with our long-time (live) sound-engineer Gail Liebling and the final mix was done in Denmark with Tue Madsen at his Antfarm Studio. Last but not least the mastering was done by Peter Neuber at Mega Wimp Sound and this turned out to be a perfect combination. The sound is absolutely killer! Gail, who is also responsible for all digital/wacky sounds on 'My Passion // Your Pain', was also involved in the writing process now. Result is that the amount of digital sounds increased, also being more integrated in the music, which turned out great. I think we made a big step forward regarding production and song writing and we're very anxious to hear what the fans and press think of it. What we think... groovy as hell, catchy as Justin Timberlake and heavy as fuck! You'll be surprised, that's for sure!" "[Pitch.Black.Effects]" is scheduled for an early 2006 release via Metal Blade Records. The early roots of CALLENISH CIRCLE go back to the Fall of 1992, when vocalist Patrick Savelkoul and former guitar player Jos Evers decided to form a Death Metal band, with which they started playing covers from their favorite bands like DEATH, PESTILENCE, BOLT THROWER and PARADISE LOST. Some line-up changes followed, after which the band started writing their own material, and in 1995 they recorded their one and only "Lovelorn - Demo," which was celebrated by the underground Metal scene. That lead to CALLENISH CIRCLE signing a shaky deal with Hammerheart Records for 2 albums, an even shakier deal with DSFA Records, all of which eventually lead to a life-saving 4-album worldwide deal that the band inked with Metal Blade in 2001.
[FREE MP3]

09.08.05 (RockAndMetal.com) QUEEN & PAUL RODGERS will issue a 2-disc CD set entitled "Return Of The Champions" September 19th via Hollywood Records. Pairing with legendary vocalist, songwriter and founding member of FREE and BAD COMPANY, Paul Rodgers, QUEEN's Brian May and Roger Taylor surprised many earlier this year with the announcement that they were returning to 'business as usual' and taking on more than 32 live dates throughout the UK and Europe. A low-key warm-up date at London's Brixton Academy back in March silenced the cynics and defied the doubters, after which there was no stopping May, Taylor and Rogers, as the QUEEN & PAUL RODGERS powder-keg rolled through Europe touching over a dozen countries in seven weeks, coming to rest finally at London's Hyde Park on June 15. Along the way, Over half a million people had seen and celebrated the return of the mighty force that was QUEEN, and realized the added Blues/Rock edge that Rodgers had brought to one of Rock's best-loved bands. The energy, the extraordinary musicianship, and the return to form for QUEEN with the added presence of Paul Rodgers, which marked every one of those European dates, is evident in the 27 tracks which make up the "Return Of The Champions" CD set. The recording, captured live during the band's sold out Sheffield Hallam Arena show back in May, delivers a virtual greatest hits collection from both the QUEEN and Paul Rodgers song catalogs, mixing perennial crowd pleasers such as QUEEN's 'Tie Your Mother Down,' 'Radio Ga Ga' and 'We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions' with Rodgers' own million sellers 'Feel Like Makin' Love,' 'Wishing Well' and 'All Right Now.' Here also for the first time are live versions of some of the classic hits recorded after QUEEN stopped performing in 1985 and have never been available before on disc, among them 'The Show Must Go On', delivered in a scorching version by Rodgers. The album serves also as a reminder of what fine stand-alone musicians and vocalists Brian May and Roger Taylor are. Taylor roars his way through 'I'm In Love with My Car' and adds new poignancy to the Mercury latter-day signature tune, 'These Are the Days of Our Lives.' Taylor also provides the one brand new song on the set, his thought-provoking 'Say It's Not True,' a song especially written to help highlight the message behind Nelson Mandela's "46664 Aids" campaign launched by Brian May and Roger Taylor along with EURYTHMICS' Dave Stewart in 2003. Meanwhile May delivers Rock to make you smile on '39,' and delivers the mother of all guitar solos, which segues seamlessly into the haunting riffs of the delicate-guitar work on 'Last Horizon.' As a companion piece, the same Sheffield show also comes to DVD next month on October 24th.
[WATCH]

09.08.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Oakland-based Metallers WATCH THEM DIE have crafted a stunning new offering, "Bastard Son," which is a multi-layered exploration of anger, pain, loss and redemption. The new offering, mixed by Tue Madsen (Heaven Shall Burn, Himsa, The Haunted), is now available and a video for the title track will be shot on Wednesday, September 14th with acclaimed director Kevin Leonard (Diecast, Walls Of Jericho). The group's Metal crusade in support of their new album began earlier this Summer on a two-month trek supporting SOILENT GREEN will continue through the Fall in support of EXODUS and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD along with CRISIS. Whether you're talking about legendary Speed pioneers like EXODUS or masters of heaviness like SLEEP and NEUROSIS, the Bay Area has always been a breeding ground for various forms of extreme music and expression. WATCH THEM DIE have fearlessly positioned themselves as heirs to this crushing tradition of excellence, confronting a Metal heritage that has left many an inferior band swimming in their own blood and excrement. With "Bastard Son," WATCH THEM DIE have raised the bar, crafting a record that will be a formidable calling card on their planned two-year obliteration of the U.S. in 2005-2006. The group also presents a multi-dimensional, unapologetic reflection of reality that is definitely not for the weak or timid. "Bastard Son" is simply raw Metal violence unleashed. 10/04 Tempe, AZ [Marquee Theatre] • 10/05 El Paso, TX [House Of Rock N' Roll] • 10/06 San Antonio, TX [The Sanctuary] • 10/07 Oklahoma City, OK [Purgatory] • 10/08 Dallas, TX [Galaxy Club] • 10/09 Houston, TX [The Engine Room] • 10/11 New Orleans, LA [Southport Music Hall] • 10/12 Jacksonville, FL [Jack Rabbits] • 10/13 Jacksonville, NC [Planet Rock] • 10/14 Allentown, PA [Sterling Hotel] • 10/15 Farmingdale, NY [The Downtown] • 10/16 Hartford, CT [The Webster Theatre] • 10/17 Worcester, MA [The Palladium] • 10/18 Williamsville, NY [Club Infinity] • 10/19 Mt. Clemens, MI [Emerald Theatre] • 10/20 Cincinnati, OH [Annies] • 10/21 Cleveland, OH [Peabody's] • 10/22 Mokena, IL [The Pearl Room] • 10/23 Grand Rapids, MI [Ten Bells] • 10/24 St. Paul, MN [Station Four] • 10/26 St. Louis, MO [Creepy Crawl] • 10/27 Des Moines, IA [Hairy Mary's] • 10/28 Denver, CO [Bluebird Theatre] • 10/29 Salt Lake City, UT [The Ritz] • 10/30 Boise, ID [Bogies] • 10/31 Seattle, WA [El Corazon] • 11/01 Portland, OR [Hawthorne Theatre] • 11/02 Orangevale, CA [The Boardwalk] • 11/04 San Marcos, CA [The Jumping Turtle] • 11/05 Santa Clara, CA [Avalon Theatre]
[FREE MP3]

09.07.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Brooklyn, New York's I AM THE AVALANCHE will release their self-titled full-length debut album on September 27th via Drive-Thru Records. Produced by Barrett Jones (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Melvins), "I Am The Avalanche" resonates with frontman Vinnie Caruana's sometimes dark, but always clever lyrical musings accompanied by heavy, intoxicating guitars and drums. It is energized, melodic, turbulent, scathing and vulnerable, reflecting the frustration, instability and hope of its creator and resonating with the twists and turns of an artist coming to grips with the situations he has faced and overcome. For example, the song 'Dead And Gone' features clawing guitars, bobbing bass lines and a dreamy, harmony-laden chorus, 'Murderous' is colored with a Reggae-tinged rhythm and an infectious Power Pop riff. 'Green Eyes' starts with an aching guitar line wrapped around a bare vocal and evolves into a chugging rocker with an incredible refrain, and 'I Took A Beating' is a fist-to-the-face track charged with attitude and anguish. In the six years Vinnie Caruana previously fronted THE MOVIELIFE, he learned how to write songs, win over audiences and survive living with the same guys for months at a time. But it was the 18 months after that group's 2003 breakup that prompted the greatest personal and creative growth. "I went through some of the worst stuff I've ever had to deal with and some of the best stuff, too" Caruana says. "It really woke me up to a lot of things and it was humbling, too. The Movielife got off the stage in front of 3,000 kids, and then two days later I was working construction in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. So, my whole life and perspective changed dramatically." When Caruana finally decided to play music again, he had plenty of material from which to draw. "I wanted to write about the things that were really affecting me emotionally and were basically just killing me," Caruana says. "I had a huge, long amazing relationship with someone, who I pretty much thought I was gonna marry. Then that ended in the worst way possible. And, I had to deal with the really severe drug problems of some people, and that put a huge brand on me. But while I was away from music, I got to spend time with friends and family for the first time in years. And that was really great, so those kinds of beautiful feelings are on the new record, too." I AM THE AVALANCHE was selected as one of Alternative Press' "100 Bands You Need To Know In 2005," and will also be featured in that magazine's "Fall Preview issue." The band are currently on tour and will take a short break to stop at the Drive-Thru Records CMJ showcase on September 17th at the Avalon in New York City, after which I AM THE AVALANCHE will continue on the road.
[FREE MP3]

09.07.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Industrial Rock and Metal groundbreakers MINISTRY will release an album celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band on September 27th via Sanctuary Records. Entitled "Rantology," the new collection is MINISTRY mastermind Al Jourgensen's personal interpretation and reflection upon the music his iconic band has created over the years. Featuring 14 classic tracks hand-picked, produced and remixed by Jourgensen, over half of the collection has been updated, reworked, and reanimated by Jourgensen. In addition, "Rantology" features three live tracks along with a new never-heard-before song titled 'The Great Satan,' giving listeners a sneak preview of MINISTRY's upcoming studio album, due out in April of 2006. From tape loops and sampling to the punishing static of relentless guitars, MINISTRY forever changed aggressive music, and the influence of Al Jourgensen still resonates loudly to this day. Forming MINISTRY in Chicago in 1980, Jourgensen unwittingly kicked off what would become a pivotal turning point in music. In defiance of a music scene around him consisting of light-hearted Dance, New Wave and Punk, MINISTRY first dabbled in a combination of the three, but soon took a sharp left turn and never looked back. MINISTRY delved headfirst into a sound that was eruptive, abrasive, darker and heavier than anything before it. The new sound combined gritty in-your-face lyrics with aggressive noise, often using rare audio samples, fierce drumbeats, a wall of heavy guitars and unconventional items as instruments. The new musical genre was coined "Industrial," with Jourgensen at the helm. In the 25 years since MINISTRY's formation, Al Jourgensen has seen the ups and downs of success as a musician and battled personal demons, all while shaping an entire generation of modern music. His lyrics are colored with hope and despair, angst and rebellion; his music is the fortification against complacency. "Rantology" is the examination and celebration of that resolve. Al Jourgensen's evolution as a musician - and an individual - culminated in the critically-acclaimed 2004 release of "Houses Of The Mole," which served as a vehicle to re-energize the MINISTRY sound and decry the political imbroglio of the administration governing the United States. That album unleashed a political diatribe set atop a raging wave of music to aurally assail the figurehead and the chicanery of the Bush administration, which outraged Jourgensen to no end. "Old Bush, new Bush," he laughs. A year later, Jourgensen has harnessed his ire once again, revamping and reinterpreting the music of MINISTRY with a compilation of songs from his archives and inadvertently reminding us just how salient his music remains. With the addition of 'The Great Satan,' "Rantology" stands as a monument to the powerful legacy... [full story]
[FREE MP3]

09.06.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Critically-acclaimed 90s band THE CATHERINE WHEEL's frontman ROB DICKINSON will be releasing a new solo album, "Fresh Wine For The Horses, next week on September 13th via Sanctuary Records. If ever a slice of modern Rock music deserved the adjective "deep," "Fresh Wine For The Horses" is it. From a conversation with Venus on 'My Name Is Love' to the whimsical heartbreak of 'Oceans' to the confessional despair of 'Bad Beauty' to the emotional highs of 'Towering and Flowering' and dark magnificence of 'The Night,' ROB DICKINSON's "Fresh Wine For The Horses bristles with beauty, wit, power and romance, but still keeps its manly charm. And all of it held together with sincerity in both delivery and thought that is rare in these post-modern times. "As a listener you have to believe it, don't you?" says Dickinson, "otherwise you never feel it. For me, music becomes interesting when it's truly revealing and I believe it - which of course means you gotta be sincere. We can all spot a fraud a mile off. You have to tell it like it is and trust that others will connect with it. The thing is, you just have to wait until you have something to say and that's the hard part -- waiting -- and that's most people's problem. We all wanna rock and we're all impatient - the result usually being another shite record," Dickinson says. Regarding his songwriting over the past five years since the breakup of THE CATHERINE WHEEL, Dickinson added: "These songs also span a wide time-frame, during which I learned some new ideas and a few home truths. It's a personal record. It's about surrounding yourself with good souls - people from whom you can learn. The song 'Inteligent People' is about that. I was living in downtown New York on September 11th, and the song 'Bad Beauty' was born of that experience. This record is about recognizing and accepting the sometimes-ugly truth. It's about love, devotion, and enlightenment. It's taken me five years and they've been five years well spent. The time for this record is now and the time for me is now." In 1976 Peter Gabriel, the lead singer of GENESIS, left that band to pursue a solo career, transforming himself as both a songwriter and performer. There seem certain parallels between ROB DICKINSON and Gabriel - whether it be their quintessential Englishness, the lush musical landscapes in which they roam, or the quality of the influential bands they once steered. Whatever the similarities, "Fresh Wine For The Horses" is destined to make an emotional impact.
[LISTEN]

09.06.05 (RockAndMetal.com) Finland's LULLACRY will return September 19th with their fourth studio album, "Vol. 4." The second full-length release featuring front-lady Tanja, "who in contrast to many lame copies has some balls in her tight leather pants" (Rock Hard), will be issued via Century Media. "Vol. 4" was recorded at Astia Studios with Anssi Kippo (Children Of Bodom, Entwine), as well as at Finnvox Studios with Mikko Karmila (Nightwish, Stratovarius), resulting in an impressive and high-quality production. LULLACRY vocalist Tanja comments on the album's recording process: "Heya Punks! It's time again to release some new shit for you! After a tremendous amount of work, sweat, beer and painkillers, we proudly present 10 songs of the best kick-ass Lullacry material to date! We entered the famous Finnvox Studios straight after a successful North American tour in Fall 2004. But maybe it was just too many double cheese Whopper burgers, beers & vodkas or something else, but we didn't manage to finish the album in time. I got really sick and hospitalized, and lots of things were really fucked up in the studio. So, we took a 5 month time-out and it was a really great idea. After the break we were full of energy and we finished this fourth masterpiece. I'm really proud of this album and it definitely shows what Lullacry is about!!" Shortly before the album's release, LULLACRY will do an exclusive show in Berlin, Germany at the Popkomm on September 16th in Club 23. Originating from Finland's capital of Helsinki, LULLACRY recorded their first demo, "Weeper's Aeon, in the Fall of 1998, and immediately started to gain a rabid following. After releasing their debut full-length, "Sweet Desire (on Heart, Trust and Respect Records), in late 1999, LULLACRY signed a deal with Spinefarm Records - the first product of that new relationship being the album "Be My God." That album's 11 tracks were fine examples of well-executed modern, Gothic-influenced Heavy Rock and Metal in the vein of H.I.M and SENTENCED, with a pounding groove and the ever-present beauty of original vocalist Tanya's atmospheric performance. The band's first album to be released through Century Media for the territories of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, BeNeLux and North America, "Be My God" helped LULLACRY to further expand their growing fanbase, after which the band were invited to support Germany's uprising Power Metal stars EDGUY on a lengthy European tour. In the Spring of 2002, LULLACRY saw the departure of original vocalist Tanya due to musical differences, after which their third album, "Crucify My Heart," easily demonstrated to any naysayers and critics that LULLACRY were indeed up to the task of not only outdoing the musical quality of their earlier releases, but also of opening new doors toward a more crossover and Alternative audience. As a warm-up for "Vol. 4," LULLACRY released the "Fire Within" EP last year.
[LISTEN]

[Music News: 08.29.05 - 09.04.05]
[Top]