09.17.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE MUSIC's new album, "Welcome To The North," hits the streets of North America next week on Tuesday, Sept 21st, after which the band will tour Europe for most of the month of October before beginning a U.S. tour in support of INCUBUS later in the Fall. Hailed by NME as "potentially the most important group since Oasis," THE MUSIC are incontrovertibly among today's preeminent new rock 'n' roll outfits. With the new album, the UK-based quartet more than fulfills the stunning promise of their self-titled 2003 debut. The album sees THE MUSIC teaming up with legendary producer Brendan O'Brien, renowned for his work with such artists as SOUNDGARDEN, PEARL JAM, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, and countless others. Recorded in March and April of 2004 at O'Brien's Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, "Welcome To The North" marks an astonishing leap forward for THE MUSIC, reflecting the young band's amazing journey from a high school music room in Leeds to the world stage. Songs such as the pyrotechnic title track and the shimmering 'Guide' find THE MUSIC refining their distinctive meld of deep dance-inspired grooves and propulsive psych-rock riffing, integrating a new concentration on traditional songcraft and potent lyricism. "We were a little more focused on this record," singer Robert Harvey says. "It's good, we get to show people that we can..." [full story]
[LISTEN]

09.17.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Beginning September 30th and running through October 24th, Relapse Records recording artists ALCHEMIST are scheduled to make a rare tour of the United Kingdom and select cities in Europe with both CULT OF LUNA and TEXTURES. After completing the UK portion of their tour, ALCHEMIST will play select cities throughout Europe with TEXTURES. All listed dates have been confirmed, and are the first shows performed by ALCHEMIST outside of their native Australia. Upcoming Tour Dates & Venues: September 30th Amsterdam, Netherlands [Winston] • October 2nd Baarlo, Netherlands [Progpower Festival] • October 3rd Kontich, Belgium [Lintfabriek] • October 4th Oxford, England [Zodiac] • October 5th London, England [Garage] • October 6th Bradford, England [Rios] • October 7th Leicester, England [Charlotte] • October 8th Leeds, England [Joseph's Well] • October 9th Sheffield, England [Corporation] • October 10th Glasgow, England [King Tut's] • October 11th Nottingham, England [Rescue Rooms] • October 12th Manchester, England [Academy 3] • October 13th Liverpool, England [Academy] • October 14th Birmingham, England [Academy] • October 20th Prague, Czech Republic [Abaton] • October 22nd Arnhem, Netherlands [Goudvishal] • October 24th Tilburg, Netherlands [013]
[FREE MP3]

09.17.04 (RockAndMetal.com) DAVID BOWIE will release the "David Bowie - A Reality Tour 2003" DVD worldwide on October 25th to commemorate his first major world tour in nearly a decade. Filmed last November 22nd and 23rd at the Point Depot in Dublin, Ireland, the DVD marks the influential Rock legend's first concert film in over 15 years. Thirty songs spanning DAVID BOWIE's career - including 'Five Years' and 'Hang On To Yourself,' which BOWIE hasn't played live in over 20 years - are featured in a riveting state-of-the-art sound and light stage production that was conceived by Bowie, utilizing enormous LED screens and animation. The concert runs a total of 140 minutes, and a ten-page booklet filled with live photos from the event is included in the package. Feeding off the overwhelming response from the audience, Bowie said on the first night: "If we're going to film a DVD anywhere, this is the place to do it. I know it, you know it and they (the film crew) know it!" "David Bowie - A Reality Tour 2003" was produced by Blink TV, edited by Emmy Award winner Guy Harding and directed by Marcus Viner. Also, the DVD's 5.1 Surround Sound mix was engineered by Tony Visconti, DAVID BOWIE's long-time producer of such classic albums as "The Man Who Sold The World," "Young Americans" and "Heroes." Along with Bowie, Visconti also co-produced the recent "Heathen" (2002) and Reality" (2003) albums.
[LISTEN]

09.17.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE KOVENANT checked in recently with the following update regarding some details on the recording of their next album: "Greetings Earthlings! We are pleased to announce that our new album is taking shape these days, and can reveal to the world that it will bear the title: "Aria Galactica." We are now set with all guns blazing towards completing the most exciting, surprising, energetic and accomplished Kovenant record so far. Again, this will be a drastic detour from our ever so unpredictable path, and our ideas are set to fill you with wonder and amazement. Old fans, as well as more recently acquired listeners will certainly find this to be a very characteristic Kovenant record, and we are most pleased to say that with our emerging creation, we will reclaim our position as a force of innovation and aspiration, not just for ourselves, but for the entire scene. The album, according to our masterplan, will hopefully be recorded sometime during the wastelands of endless winter, anno 2004. This is of course, a loose plan at best, but nonetheless, we will work our hardest to bring this record to life as soon as alienly possible. So until then, we hope that our devoted audience will bear with us, For perfection is not a hasty occupation. But be aware ... this time, we return to majesty." - The Kovenant
[LISTEN]

09.16.04 (AP) JOHNNY RAMONE, guitarist and co-founder of seminal Punk band THE RAMONES has died. He was 55. Ramone died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon at his Los Angeles home surrounded by friends and family, his publicist said. He had battled prostate cancer for five years, and was hospitalized in June at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Ramone, born John Cummings, was one of the original members of THE RAMONES, whose more popular songs 'I Wanna Be Sedated' and 'Blitzkrieg Bop,' among others, earned the band an induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002. THE RAMONES' vocalist Joey Ramone, whose real name was Jeff Hyman, died in 2001 of lymphatic cancer. Bassist Dee Dee Ramone, who was born Douglas Colvin, died from a drug overdose in 2002. JOHNNY RAMONE founded THE RAMONES in 1974 with Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone and drummer Tommy Ramone, the only surviving member of the original band. A tribute concert and cancer research fund-raiser was just held Sunday in Los Angeles to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary. It featured performances by Los Angeles punk band X, THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, HENRY ROLLINS, and others. Along with his wife, Linda Cummings, JOHNNY RAMONE was surrounded at his death by friends Eddie and Jill Vedder and Rob and Sherrie Zombie. Other friends who gathered at his Los Angeles home included Lisa Marie Presley, Pete Yorn, Vincent Gallo and Talia Shire.

09.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Boston-based Metalcore quintet DIECAST are slated to shoot a video for the track 'Medieval' with acclaimed director Dale Resteghini (Candiria, Fear Factory, Hatebreed) in their hometown area on Friday, September 24th. DIECAST are inviting all of their fans to attend the filming, so if you would like to be a part of the video call (212) 252-2372, and leave your full name and phone number. Someone will get back to you afterwards with further details regarding the time and location of the shooting. 'Medieval' comes off of the band's hotly anticipated new album, "Tearing Down Your Blue Skies," scheduled for an October 19th release in North America and an October 25th issue in Europe via Century Media. The album features the addition of new DIECAST vocalist Paul Stoddard, who adds a whole new feel to the band's transition into a mind-blowing Metal, Hardcore and Modern Rock hybrid beast. Bassist Jeremy Wooden says of the new album: "We have spent almost two years on this material, making sure that every song was as strong and interesting as the next. Our new singer has allowed us to try things that we could never have imagined in the past. We tried to make each song have a different feel, and have written some of our heaviest yet also some of our most melodic material so far."
[FREE MP3]

09.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE NEW YORK DOLLS, one of the originators of the 1970s New York Glam Punk scene, are slated to make a return next month with a recorded live performance. "Morrissey Presents The Return Of The New York Dolls: Live From Royal Festival Hall 2004" will be released on both CD (October 5th) and DVD (October 12th) formats via Sanctuary Records come October. With stack heels, tight pants and smudged lipstick, THE NEW YORK DOLLS were absurd, gorgeous and cool. Injecting rock music with the attitude and sleaze it rightfully deserved, THE NEW YORK DOLLS crashed the party in 1972, helping spark the first wave of the Punk movement. Needless to say, rock 'n' roll has never been the same since. 32 years and several tragedies later (original drummer Billy Murcia died in 1972, guitarist Johnny Thunders and second drummer Jerry Nolan passed away in 1991), the remaining members of THE NEW YORK DOLLS held a rare reunion at the 2004 Meltdown Festival in London. Morrissey, a lifelong fan and this year's festival curator, personally arranged the entire festival around the band's performance. Original vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, and bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane were greeted with flamboyant enthusiasm by fans and critics alike at the festival. Sadly, the show also proved to be the last for Kane, who recently passed away from cancer.

09.16.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Long-time German Power Metallers GRAVE DIGGER have set "The Last Supper" as the title of their new album, due on January 17, 2005 through Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to last year's "Rheingold" is currently being recorded at Principal Studios in Munster, Germany, and will feature "classic heavy metal material in the tradition of GRAVE DIGGER," according to a posting on the band's official website. GRAVE DIGGER will also be kicking off a new tour celebrating their 25th anniversary entitled "The Last Supper Tour 2005," which will kick off February 11th in Andernach, Germany. Support will come from ASTRAL DOORS and third act still yet to be names. Tour Dates: February 11th Andernach, Germany [Juz Live Club] • February 12th Langen/Frankfurt, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 13th Ludwigsburg, Germany [Rockfabrik] • February 14th Berlin, Germany [C Club] • February 15th Hamburg, Germany [Markthalle] • February 16th Copenhagen, Denmark [The Rock] • February 17th Bochum, Germany [Matrix] • February 18th Lichtenfels, Germany [Stadthalle] • February 19th Glauchau, Germany [Alte Spinnerei] • February 20th MŸnchen, Germany [New Backstage] • February 21st Mailand, Italy [Transilvania] • February 22nd Pratteln, Switzerland [Z7]
[WATCH]

09.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Modern Rockers COLD have entered into a new long-term, worldwide agreement with Flip/Atlantic Records, who will release their first album under the deal sometime in 2005. Although COLD released their first album in 1998, the band's roots actually go back to the mid-1980s, when lead vocalist/guitarist Scooter Ward, drummer Sam McCandless, and bassist Jeremy Marshall first began playing together as high school students in Jacksonville, Florida. They eventually formed the core of the band GRUNDIG, which relocated to Atlanta in 1992. In 1996, Ward returned to Jacksonville, where he met LIMP BIZKIT's Fred Durst, a long-time GRUNDIG fan. Durst's support led to the band's signing with Flip Records (Limp Bizkit, Staind) in 1999. Renamed COLD, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1998, followed in 2000 by "13 Ways To Bleed Onstage." With the 2003 release of "The Year Of The Spider," COLD took a dramatic artistic leap forward. Driven by turbulence in his personal life, frontman Ward delivered his most soul-baring, intimate lyrics to date, while the band crafted an atmospheric sonic mix marked by a newfound melodic power. The album's first single, 'Stupid Girl,' was a collaboration between the band and WEEZER's Rivers Cuomo. Sporting much emotional depth and dedication to their fans, COLD will soon enter the studio to record their next album.
[WATCH]

09.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Following up their recent stint on the Main Stage at Ozzfest 2004, SUPERJOINT RITUAL are gearing up to unleash their latest installment of raw, unbridled chaos into the world in the upcoming DVD "Live At CBGB 2004 - Changing The Face Of Music Through Uncompromising Anti-Image" via Sanctuary Visual Entertainment on October 5th. Directed by Denise Korycki, the new DVD was filmed at New York City's legendary CBGB's on May 3rd, 2004. "Live At CBGB 2004" features a virtually uncut viewing of the band's performance, along with an up-close and in-your-face look at SUPERJOINT RITUAL before and after the show. Playing to a not surprisingly packed house, the band roars on with an intensity not easily matched. Says vocalist Phil Anselmo of the CBGB's show: "The type of show we had separates the men from the boys, as you'll see. It also shows how far Superjoint Ritual have come as a band. Superjoint never disappoints and that night was no different - complete with a lethal dose of old school circle pits, shredding guitar riffs and never ending head banging. Track Listing: 1. Antifaith • 2. Fuck Your Enemy • 3. The Introvert • 4. Personal Insult • 5. The Destruction Of A Person • 6. Permanently • 7. The Alcoholik • 8. Waiting For The Turning Point • 9. One Song/Ozena • 10. Stealing A Page Or Two From Armed & Radical Pagans

09.15.04 (AP) An abalone-inlaid acoustic guitar made for JOHNNY CASH sold for $131,200 on Tuesday, the first day of a three-day auction of the estate of the country music legend and his wife, June Carter Cash. The buyer, Sharon Graves of Grand Island, Nebraska, already has an extensive collection amassed by her late husband, Terry Graves, a longtime JOHNNY CASH fan who died three years ago. "It'll be the centerpiece of the collection," Graves said. "I bought it in his memory." The guitar, made in the 1960s by Billy Grammer and labeled "Custom Made For Johnny Cash," was one of nearly 800 items consigned to Sotheby's auction house by the Cash's children after both performers died last year. Besides more than 50 musical instruments, the auction includes stage outfits - black for him, of course - gold records, Grammys, handwritten lyrics, jewelry, furniture, artworks and antique rifles. A set of memorabilia from Folsom Prison including a striped prisoner's jacket, presented to JOHNNY CASH by a warden after he performed there, sold for $6,000. The prices include the auction house's commission of 20 percent of the hammer price up to $100,000 and 12 percent of anything above that amount. JOHNNY CASH died just over a year ago at the age of 71 on September 12th, 2003 from complications related to diabetes.

09.15.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Prior to hitting the road with SAXON, DREAM EVIL have announced the departure of lead guitarist Gus G. from the band to focus more on his other band, FIREWIND. The rest of the members of DREAM EVIL are sad about Gus G.'s departure, but are happy also announce they have already found a new replacement in Mark U Black. Here is the band's statement about the line-up change: "There are no hard feelings; we are still best friends and we wish Gus nothing but the best in his future musical carrier. Second! The good news: Dream Evil is happy to announce that guitar virtuoso and axe-swinger Mark U Black is our new lead guitarist. This guy rips and shreds like a maniac in a true 80's guitar hero style We feel that with Mark's skills and his ability to give Dream Evil his full time attention, this change will bring Dream Evil to the next level. We have already played some festival shows with him in Europe, and he delivered! We are very much looking forward to joining Saxon on the road in September/ October as we continue to spread the word about our latest album "The Book Of Heavy Metal." All right in the night!" Next to the SAXON tour, DREAM EVIL are going to play a special show in London with Century Media label mates LABYRINTH on November 13th at The Underworld.
[FREE MP3]

09.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE DONNAS have unveiled details of their upcoming new album, "Gold Medal." The follow-up to the band's 2002 breakthrough major label debut, "Spend The Night," "Gold Medal" is scheduled to be released October 26th. "The title of the record says it all," says THE DONNAS' drummer Torry Castellano. "This is the sound of the Donnas really going for it, pushing ourselves and doing the best we can." 'Fall Behind Me,' the provocative first single from "Gold Medal," is quickly winning fans at radio. The track, which goes for adds this week, is already being played at major stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. The companion video for 'Fall Behind Me,' directed by visionary collective Tomorrow's Brightest Minds, is a '60s-inspired, black light, psychedelic tour-de-force. MTV2 will air an in-depth, 30-minute special which sees THE DONNAS in the various stages of creating the 'Fall Behind Me' video, appropriately entitled "The Donnas Make A Video," set to debut tomorrow night at 9:00 PM ET. The Bay Area-based combo - who recently wowed UK audiences with a pair of performances at the annual Carling Weekend festival in Reading and Leeds - are currently firming up a Fall tour of North America. Slated to begin in early November, dates will be announced shortly.
[WATCH]

09.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Norwegian Progressive Dark Metallers EXTOL have officially announced the band's new permanent guitarists, send the following message to fans: "We are proud to present the new Extol members! After our two guitarists (Ole & Christer) left the band in February this year, we found ourselves standing on bare ground in search for new, dedicated members, and also for the direction to take musically. The vision of the band burned stronger than ever, and so we needed guitarists and songwriters who were willing to give their all for Extol and that would also fit into the band personally. It's therefore our privilege to announce Tor Glidje and Ole Halvard Sveen as Extol's new permanent guitarists. As many of you already know, Tor already contributed to Extol on bass and guitar throughout the Undeceived era. Additionally, both he and Ole Halvard are considered the masterminds behind the black metal cult act Lengsel and the super-energic rock-band Ganglion. We are deeply honored to have them in our unit and hereby we welcome them into the Extol-family." Currently in the studio, EXTOL are putting the finishing touches on the follow-up to 2003's "Synergy" at Toproom Studios with Borge Finstad (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn). Fans can expect an early 2005 release, with plans to bring EXTOL to the U.S. already underway.
[FREE MP3]

09.14.04 (AP) Famed music producer PHIL SPECTOR and his new lawyer said Tuesday they need more time to prepare for his murder case and won a delay in scheduling the preliminary hearing. Superior Court Judge Carlos Uranga, after meeting with lawyers, said the date will be set December 16th. Spector is charged with the shooting of actress Lana Clarkson in his home on February 3rd, 2003. Los Angeles County district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said prosecutors did not oppose the delay and that the trend for delays in high-profile cases is to be expected. "The district attorney is used to having cases like this move like a herd of turtles," Gibbons said. New York attorney Bruce Cutler, who recently took over Spector's defense, told reporters he hoped to restore his client's name to what it was before February of 2003. "This case never should have been brought," Cutler said. "Our aim is not only to win this case but also to win it in the court of public opinion." Spector, 64, praised his new attorney. "I think Bruce Cutler is a genius. There was no crime committed, and I'm sure he'll bring forth evidence that the district attorney has been hiding," he said. Cutler is representing Spector along with veteran Los Angeles attorney Roger Rosen. Cutler is best known in New York for his defense of late mob boss John Gotti.

09.14.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Italy's DGM are slated to return with their fifth album in November via Scarlet Records, entitled "Misplaced." Aggressive, Melodic and Progressive Metal music is what DGM are all about. Prepare for something really explosive as singer Titta Tani describes it: "Hi folks, DGM are here for you to present our 5th album called 'Misplaced,' a full length that will makes happy all the fans of Progressive, Power-Speed and Hard Rock with the classic trade-mark of DGM (catchy melodies, explosive riffing, amazing choirs-harmonies, very powerful rhythm section). We've recorded and mixed this album across 6 months after our top-reviewed album (2003) called 'Hidden Place' and our live shows at the most important Italian Open Air Festival, the GODS OF METAL, in 2003. Many people told us that this new album is a one-step ahead of our career and we are sure it could be a very good vehicle to know at the best, with your help and support, our music and our pasts albums too! So be ready to enter in the very fast-furious-power world of 'Living On The Edge' and 'Is Hell Without Love,' or in the very catchy riffing of 'Through My Tears' and 'A New Day's Coming', the lovely and dreaming 'Still Believe', the very power-prog-oriented 'Amazing Journey'... What more??!! Enjoy 'Misplaced'! This is our gift for all our fans, especially to the fans that followed the band since the beginning! THANX!"
[FREE MP3]

09.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) THE DATSUNS' new album, "Outta Sight/Outta Mind," will be released tomorrow via V2 Music. "Rock has become a marketing tool just like anything else -- you see a pop idol or a movie star wearing an AC/DC t-shirt," proclaims Christian Datsun, lead guitarist and songwriter for New Zealand's THE DATSUNS. "It has morphed from a form of music into something else. As a band, we want to enjoy what rock and roll music was about in the first place -- a high energy, spontaneous show, the combination of a good atmosphere, a good crowd and loud music and the excitement that comes with it, instead of selling Diet Pepsi or something." And that is what THE DATSUNS have imparted to rock and roll fans all over the globe since the release of their self-titled 2002 debut, an intention which continues on "Outta Sight/Outta Mind," a Molotov cocktail comprised of 21st century Boogie and pull-no-punches Punk. Produced by John Paul Jones, the surviving half of the rhythm section for LED ZEPPELIN (as well as knobsman for R.E.M., The Butthole Surfers and Diamanda Galas), "Outta Sight/Outta Mind" is the work of four young men for whom rock 'n' roll neither breathed its last 25 years ago, nor is it a merely an excuse for journalists to ask stupid questions regarding sex and drugs. It's a living, breathing, throttling and... [full story]
[LISTEN]

09.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) All-female Norwegian Gloom Metallers OCTAVIA SPERATI have signed a recording deal with Candlelight Records. Since the beginning of 2000, the band has established themselves as a shining star on the already-crowded Norwegian metal music scene. OCTAVIA SPERATI's music is founded on Doom Metal with heavy riffs and a massive, atmospheric expression. Though not easily categorized, their sound is most often compared to the likes of bands such as CANDLEMASS, NIGHTWISH, THE GATHERING and THE THIRD AND THE MORTAL, with OCTAVIA SPERATI's approach being within more of a Rock/Metal style than any of the aforementioned. After supporting ENSLAVED at the release of their "Monumension" album in 2001, OCTAVIA SPERATI (then known as simply OCTAVIA) have since played several major gigs in Norway, including festivals like Hole In The Sky, 1001 Watt, Ride This Train and the Lost Weekend festival. In 2002, OCTAVIA SPERATI released the self-financed, 5-track "Guilty" demo, after which -- with financial backing from their local government -- they entered the studio once again last October. Four songs were then put together for a promo, the quality of which eventually got the band signed to Candlelight.
[FREE MP3]

09.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) Newly-signed Liquor And Poker Music artists CRASH KELLY are scheduled to release their debut album, "Penny Pills," on January 25th. CRASH KELLY is the brainchild of guitarist Sean Kelly, a session musician from Toronto who has toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in Canadian music. After years of playing sideman to sundry artists, Kelly founded the band in 2002. "Penny Pills" was co-produced by Kelly, which results in an album that honestly represents the spirit of hook-filled, swaggering Rock 'N' Roll firmly rooted in the vintage style and sound of the late '70s and early '80s, which is so lacking by artists reigning the radio and album charts these days. CRASH KELLY's sound, coupled with the band's electrifying live show, has also seen them open for the likes of veteran Rock heavyweights ALICE COOPER and W.A.S.P. as of late. With a line-up that includes Kelly on lead vocals and guitar, veteran Toronto guitarist Allister Thompson, transplanted American drummer Eric Hermann and multi-platinum artist Jeff Pearce on bass, CRASH KELLY are hell-bent to put a smile on your face with "Penny Pills," which also includes a cover of CHEAP TRICK's 'ELO Kiddies' as a bonus track and a video for 'She Gets Away,' the lead-off song from "Penny Pills."
[LISTEN]

09.13.04 (RockAndMetal.com) CRYSTAL EYES have a new album in the works, with all songs now written, arranged, rehearsed and ready to record for the new offering, entitled "Confessions Of The Maker." The production phase of CRYSTAL EYES' last album, "Vengeance Descending," took about seven months because the band members were only able to record during evenings and weekends, so to speed things up this time around, the band will enter Los Angered Recordings together with producer Andy La Rocque (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate) to record the drums in October, after which CRYSTAL EYES will go back to their own Crystal Sounds studios, where they plan on getting down to work full time for at least a month to finish the recording and mix. La Rocque will also likely do the final mastering on "Confessions Of The Maker" once it's finished. Cover artwork will be by Mattias Noren (Evergrey, Jag Panzer, Lost Horizon etc.), with a plan to release the new album sometime in January or February. In other CRYSTAL EYES news, the band's own Heavy Fidelity Records label has purchased the rights back from Crazy Life Music for their first two albums, "World Of Black And Silver" and "In Silence They March," and will re-master then re-release both at the same time as "Confessions Of The Maker."
[FREE MP3]

[Music News: 08.30.04 - 09.05.04]
[Top]