Old News / Tours April 2004


Old News / Tours - April 2004 - Back - More April 2004 News
April 19th, 2004	NEVERMORE RE-SIGN TO CENTURY MEDIA After much controversy, the Seattle-based band NEVERMORE have officially re-signed with Century Media Records worldwide and are now preparing for a slew of activity in support of Enemies of Reality, their latest effort. The dynamic quartet will embark on a headlining US tour this summer with support acts to be announced soon. NEVERMORE wrapped up a highly successfully tour alongside Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom and Hypocrisy last fall and look forward to getting back on the road and being able to play a longer set. The group will also be featured on the upcoming New England Metal and Hardcore Festival DVD compilation. Enemies of Reality, their fifth full-length release, showcases the band’s aggressive songwriting style with a dizzying array of solos, easily satisfying any metal fan’s expectations. A video clip for the track, “Voyager” will also be shot early next month. Warrel Dane (vocals) checks in: “The members of NEVERMORE would like to announce that after long negations, we have re-signed to Century Media Records. Both sides worked very hard to repair past problems and in the end, after fielding numerous offers, we felt this was the best to carry us into our future. We are currently writing new songs in our downtime and preparing for our first release under our new contract. We have four solid songs down at the moment and hope to hit the studio in early fall. In the meantime, we will be doing some major festivals in Europe, a headlining U.S. tour and a new video. All is well in NEVERMORE, and expect another major announcement to be made soon.” www.centurymedia.com Metal Maniacs MISERY INDEX IS LOOKING FOR A DRUMMER... Hey everybody, We are looking for a replacement immediately, to fulfill upcoming (and developing) tour dates from May through August, as well as someone to eventually become a permanent member. It is also a plus if you have (or can obtain) a passport, have some touring experience, and no felonies (for the Canadian and other borders). Drummers who have the interest and ability please email us at miseryindexbooking@hotmail.com EXCELSIS NEWS Like maniacs we kept working on our new CD and there you go - the recording is almost done! The recording shall be ready by end of March. As usual, our very well constructed time schedule has not been followed at all! The Mix shall be ready at around Easter time, and after that we will master our CD at the Finnvox-Studios in Finnland¼¼ First steps towards a relationship with marketing partners and labels are done and we act on the assumption that the CD will be released in June 2004. Saba Records USA is pleased to announce the signing of "LEFT," a kickass young Heavy Metal band out of San Antonio, Texas. When listening to their music one can hear influences from Tool, Chimaira and Stone Sour. Already "LEFT" has opened shows for GODHEAD and most recently BYFIST to name a few. Currently "LEFT" is in the studio recording a new EP. This EP will be produced by axeman Davey Lee of BYFIST and David Wayne's REVEREND/METAL CHURCH. Look for "LEFT" on tour this summer. For more information go to www.Leftband.com DISGORGING EUROPE TOUR II. DISGORGE (Mex) + SANATORIUM (Sk) April 9 Velky Krtis (SK) - Martiner Pub + Possession, Maso April 10 Leopoldov (SK) - Kino Osveta + Mindsnare, C.O.S., Torment, Corrupted Melody April 11 Brno (CZ) - RC Brooklyn + Mincing Fury April 12 Prague (CZ) - Black Pes April 13 Ceske Budejovice (CZ) - MoDo April 14 Graz (A) - Q + Human Pesticide April 15 Solothurn (CH) - Kofmehl + Censored April 16 Lyon (F) - Le Confluent + Loathing April 17 we need show for this date! email info@forensickmusic.com April 18 Rotterdam (NL) - Baroeg + Disavowed, Payemia, Fleshless... April 19 Wermelskirchen (D) - AJZ Bahdamn April 20 we need show for this date! email info@forensickmusic.com April 21 Calais (F) - L´Infernal + Negura Bunget, Heresy, Abject April 22 London (UK) - The Garage + Gorerotted, Amputated April 23 Bristol (UK) - Full Moon + Gorerotted, Amputated April 24 Bradford (UK) - Market Tavern + Gorerotted, Amputated April 25 Nottingham (UK) - Old Angel + Gorerotted, Amputated April 26 Birmingham (UK) - The Royal George + Gorerotted, Amputated April 27 Gent (B) - The Frontline + Boiling Remains April 28 Hamburg (D) - Markthalle + Megura Bunget, The Stone April 29 Stettin (PL) - Slowianin + Perverse April 30 Leipzig (D) - Hellraiser + Infested May 1 Hauzenberg (D) - Walpurgis Metal Days + Haemorrhage, Sodom, Blood... May 2 Wien (A) - Andino + Deflorace, Parental Advisory May 3 Budapest (H) - Blue Hole + Deflorace, Gutted, Masqim Xul May 4 Koper (SLO) - MKC + Deflorace May 5 Modena (I) - Fassbinder + Deflorace, Bastard Saints May 6 Brescia (I) - La Sfinge + Deflorace, Bastard Saints May 7 Padova (I) - Country Star + Deflorace, Bastard Saints May 8 Porto D´Ascoli (I) - Brunch Live + Deflorace, Bastard Saints May 9 Marseilles (F) - Hotel de la musique + Deflorace May 10 Toulouse (F) - Le 141 + Deflorace, Bloodshed May 11 Bordeaux (F) - Ubu bar + Deflorace, Gorgasm (Fr) May 12 Barcelona (SP) - Wawanco + Deflorace May 13 Murcia (SP) - Faktoria + Deflorace May 14 Granada (SP) - El Trent + Deflorace May 15 Mardid (SP) - Ritmo & Compas + Deflorace May 16 Irun (SP) - Tunk! + Deflorace, Impure May 18 La Roche Sur Yon (F) - Matsa cafe + Deflorace May 19 t.b.a.we need show for this date in North France! email BleedingTours@aol.com or info@forensickmusic.com May 20-23 FUCK THE COMMERCE (D) without Sanatorium related sites: www.forensickmusic.com www.sanatorium.nfo.sk www.xtreemmusic.com New Jersey’s SYMPHONY X Secures Support Slot on QUEENSRŸCHE 2004 Tour New Jersey’s own SYMPHONY X has been touring endlessly to promote their newest release, the vibrant, thought-provoking Inside Out Music America debut The Odyssey. The band has toured the world for many years, and now they are making their return to American soil. Having headlined the first evening of 2004’s March Metal Meltdown in New Jersey, the band has been announced as the main support for QUEENSRŸCHE’s 2004 tour. The two band’s styles perfectly complement each other in vicious harmony; Queensrÿche’s sophisticated elegance melding with SYMPHONY X’s savage grace. Currently composing material for their new album for Inside Out, the band was not expecting another tour so soon, but immediately jumped at the opportunity. The band’s most recent album The Odyssey is an 8-track masterwork of intelligent, classically-influenced heavy metal music unlike anything America has ever produced, and quickly became the best-selling SoundScanned release in the history of InsideOut Music. The album also caused Guitar World Magazine to acknowledge Michael Romeo acknowledged as one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time! Sweeping melodies and technical prowess define SYMPHONY X’s grandiose approach, while the dexterous & emotive vocals of (Sir) Russell Allen complement each composition immaculately. The Odyssey also features an adventurous 24-minute, seven-part epic that shares the album’s namesake, a dynamic piece based on Homer’s heroic poem depicting man’s undying will despite all tribulations – an ideal paralleling SYMPHONY X’s own history. Following the tour, SYMPHONY X will head back to the studio to complete their next sonic sculpture for a summer release. In related news, Inside Out Music America has recently repackaged & reissued the band’s first four releases, each now containing special video interview segments. More information on the titles available here: http://www.insideoutmusic.com/bands/band-symphonyx.php Tour dates with Queensrÿche include: Thursday, April 15th Detroit, MI State Theatre Friday, April 16th Chicago, IL House of Blues Saturday, April 17th Chicago, IL House of Blues Sunday, April 18th Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall Wednesday, April 21st Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre Thursday, April 22nd Boston, MA Avalon Friday, April 23rd Hampton Beach, MA Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Saturday, April 24th New York, NY Beacon Theater Sunday, April 25th Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom www.symphonyx.com CELLDWELLER's song “Switchback” has been licensed for an upcoming full-length trailer for “Spiderman 2,” making it the third comic book movie trailer to feature Celldweller’s music (“The Punisher” and “Constantine” are the other two). The new trailer should be available online sometime in the coming month. The band is working on more tour dates, as well as video for “Switchback.” www.celldweller.com Chicago hard rockers Drop will release their third album, “Suckerpunch,” on May 4 through Dark Star Records/Direct Impact. The band will celebrate the release of “Suckerpunch” with a record release party/live performance at Tower Records in Bloomingdale, Ill., on Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Interviews: Members of Drop are available for interviews. Live dates: 04/09/04 Fri. Chicago City Limits, Schaumburg, IL 04/16/04 Fri. 3rd Street Live, Cedar Rapids, IA 04/20/04 Tue. Luthers Blues, Madison, WI 05/01/04 Sat. Infineon Raceway, NHRA Event, Sonia, CA 05/02/04 Sun. Infineon Raceway, NHRA Event, Sonia, CA 05/07/04 Fri. Pops Pub, Roselle, IL 05/08/04 Sat. Tower Records, Bloomingdale, IL (Record Release Party/Show - all ages) 05/14/04 Fri. The Arena, Dubuque, IA 05/15/04 Sat. The Reverb, Cedar Falls, IA 05/21/04 Fri. Penny Road Pub, South Barrington, IL 06/03/04 Thu. House of Tune, Poplar Grove, IL 06/12/04 Sat. The Brat Stop, Kenosha, WI - 95.1 Will Rock Show 07/04/04 Sun. Texas Motor Speedway, NHRA Event, Dallas, TX 07/17/04 Sat. Lenny the Legends, McHenery, IL 07/23/04 Sun. English Town Racetrack, NHRA Event, Englishtown, NJ 07/24/04 Sun. English Town Racetrack, NHRA Event, Englishtown, NJ 07/31/04 Sat. Shark City, Bloomingdale, IL www.drop-music.com KITTIE has been working on its third album, “Until the End,” at Longview Farm Studios in Massachusetts with producer Steve Thompson and engineer Ian Hatton. “Until the End” is scheduled for a summer release on Artemis Records. www.kittierocks.com ‘GREAT WHITE’ PLAYING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROCKERS RETURN HOME FOR BENETFIT CONCERT Southern California rockers ‘GREAT WHITE’ are performing two shows this April to benefit the victims and survivors of the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island. April 22 - Ventura Theatre - Ventura, CA April 25 - Ibiza Nightclub - Whittier, CA The objective is to create further awareness and financial assistance to those touched by the Rhode Island tragedy. Proceeds go directly to The Station Family Fund. The funds raised will be controlled and administered by The Station Family Fund. www.stationfamilyfund.org. Help Us – Help Our Own SAINT is back! Recently they released the much anticipated new album titled "In The Battle!". This time they have rerecruited their classic vocalist Josh Kramer and music sounds like a mix of Time's End and Too Late For Living. Wow! This is truly Classic Heavy Metal in real battle style just like Saint used to do in the 80s. For those of you that aren't familiar with this cool band their sound can be compared to Judas Priest. In fact fans of Judas Priest are gonna love this band. For more info about Saint visit www.saintsite.com Australian band MORTIFICATION has now released their new album titled Brain Cleaner which is the heaviest project the band has recorded in ten years. A lot more of a Death Metal/Grind orientated album but with plenty of Power & Thrash Metal mixed in to keep it interesting and multi dimensional. It's somewhat reminding of Post Momentary Affliction. www.roweproductions.com POLICE CALLED TO CITY HALL AFTER BAND DEMONSTRATES ST. PETERSBURG, FL- Dozens of police officers were dispatched to St. Petersburg City Hall after industrial rock band, HELL ON EARTH, arrived there to lead a peaceful demonstration on April 1. They were protesting a proposed ordinance that would force promoters to buy a $10,000 bond and give the city permission to deduct $500 from it every time the performing artist would say a word the city considered offensive. Members of Hell On Earth and other protesters marched down city streets to the front doors of City Hall carrying crosses contesting the proposed ordinance, shouting, “The Power of Rights Compels You!” Bandleader, BillY Tourtelot wore biblical attire and a crown of barbed wire. Tourtelot occasionally stopped on the steps and denounced the actions of the St. Petersburg City Council members inside. Immediately after the protesters arrived, uniformed and undercover police officers monitored the demonstration closely... For full story and pictures visit www.hellonearth.net. Metal legends, CHASTAIN, return with a vengeance on their new recording "In An Outrage." Joining guitarist David T. and vocalist Kate French are new additions, drummer Larry Howe and bassist Dave Starr. You may recognize their names as they were the rhythm section during the "classic" Vicious Rumors' years. "In An Outrage" is the band's first release since 1997's "In Dementia." That Cd rocked the metal world with its intense sophistication and Kate's dominate voice. David states, "In Dementia" was the stepping stone from pre-Kate CHASTAIN to the current model. We are now touching on influences that run the gamut of old school and new school metal. Overall the sound of the Cd is very strong. Probably the best mixed Cd of the CHASTAIN discography." For more info go to: http://www.leviathanrecords.com/chaslist1.htm The new CHASTAIN Cd "In An Outrage" will be released in early June on Leviathan Records in the US and Toshiba-EMI in Japan. Also at about the same time Leviathan Records will be releasing CHASTAIN "The 7th & The Voice." This release is a remastered, repackaged, reissue of the classic CHASTAIN albums "The 7th of Never" and "The Voice of the Cult" on one Cd. Both albums featured the studio lineup of David T. Chastain on guitar, Leather on vocals, Mike Skimmerhorn on bass and Ken Mary on drums. Both true metal classics. SKYFIRE the Swedish melodic Death Metal band release their third album entitled "Spectral" in May. The drums of the album were recorded at Los Angered Studios under supervision of producer Andy LaRoque (King Diamond) , the rest of the production was done at Underground Studios and the album was mastered by Peter In De Betou (Hypocrisy, Amon Amarth). "Spectral" has top quality production and contain the best tracks written by the band in their career. Complete tracklist: 1, Conjuring the Thoughts 2, Effusion of Strength 3, Shivering Shade 4, Cursed by Belief 5, Awake 6, Void of Hope 7, A Dead Mans Race 8, Shadow Creator 9, Tranquillitys Maze Joakim Jonsson, drummer/guitarrist of Skyfire talks about the tracks of the new album: #Conjuring the Thoughts: -The intro comes from "Photographing faeries". This is the perfect start song , starts off quite heavy the the madness begins. I love this song , it´s got all the small pieces that´s needed in a hit song. The break part is beautiful and varied , nice guitarparts and massive keyboards. #Effusion Of Strenght: -We edited this song when we were in Los Angered , some verses were too long and so on. The new version got so much more fun to listen to. Perfect radio song in my opinion , quite short but much details. #Shivering Shade: -Thunderous intro , massive keyboards and enchanting melodies. I really hope we´ll play this one live. The break is so damn heavy and atmospheric. #Cursed By Belief: -This was the first one that I laid down drumtracks for. I love the verses , really heavy. Extremly catchy chorus , beautiful melodies as always. Funky bass break part , well it has got all the necessary elements for a hit song. #Awake: -The keyboards are extremly good in this one , piano landscapes beyond this planet. I consider this song as a continuation of "Mind revolution" in some way , same feeling. #Void Of Hope: -Henrik wrote the lyrics for this one first , so we´ve heard some different demoversions of it. The one on the album is the best , he tried some new styles and it really fitted the song. Edlund and Hanner co wrote this one , damn heavy song. The grindpart is really cool , we will definitly play this song live. #A Dead Mans Race: -Jonas wrote the lyrics for this tune. The pre chorus is really catchy as well as the actual chorus of course. The vocals are pretty damn aggressive on this one. Middlepart reminds me of Rush in some way , at least I thought in that direction when I recorded the drums. #Shadow Creator: -Our grooviest song ever I think. Nice tempo throughout the song , headbang friendly. A fun song to play as well listening to. #Tranquilitys Maze: -Oh hell yes , smooth intro turns into controlled black metal chaos. The perfect last song , great atmosphere throughout the song. The chorus is so damn catchy , you can´t sit down peacefully. Ending is perfect , everything else as well. You can order your INNERWISH cd of “Silent Faces” for 14 euro plus 3 euro for Greece, 5 euro for Europe and 8 euro for USA and other countries for shipping costs and packaging!!!! Send your order now !!!!!!!!!!!! At innerwish_cds@freemail.gr You can pay by post-mail check or you can send money in envelope at: Lefteris Moros 66, Peristaseos str. 18450 Nikea Pireas Greece

April 10th, 2004	Trent Gardner has finished the writing process of a new MAGELLAN Album. Check the website (http://www.magellanweb.com) in the next days for further details about the follow-up of "Impossible Figures", released on last november by Inside Out. DEINONYCHUS "Insomnia" will be your next nightmare! Finally the new DEINONYCHUS album "Insomnia" is going to create in you the last and most obsessive nightmare. It will be released in April 2004 and we announce it as a new definitive step towards the darkest oblivion. The five columns of this new monument to the darkness, recorded at The Outer Sound Studios (Novembre, Stormlord, Necrodeath) in Rome with the great Giuseppe Orlando's support are: 1. nightfall guides insomnia to be an everlasting torture, with this being the consequence. 2. we have uncovered a question and now we must unearth the answer. 3. to diagnose the fortunes of paranoia consuming conciousness and sanity. 4. long i feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than i can bear. 5. reasons to open your eyelids and awake the apocalypse iris is telling you. So definitely if you thought that "Mournument" was the DEINONYCHUS' most obscure album you have to change your minds and face the dramatic reality of an apocalyptic soundtrack that will lead you into a world without light. We'll wish you an enormous welcome to a hallucinating journey into the meanders of your innermost pain for April 2004. THE “DOWN BOYS” ARE ON A SPRING TOUR WARRANT COMING TO YOUR TOWN SOON HOLLYWOOD (March 28, 2004) – WARRANT will get down and dirty playing all of their hard-hitting biggest hits. Hitting 7 million in record sales worldwide, 5 top 40 hits and 5 top MTV videos, the “Down Boys” can still leave the crowds wanting more. Performing their popular songs ‘#2-Heaven,’ ‘Down Boys’ and of course ‘Cherry Pie,’ WARRANT gives the fans what they want, non-stop. WARRANT's line-up consists of original members Erik Turner (guitar), Jerry Dixon (bass), Joey Allen (lead guitar), Steven Sweet (drums) and new addition Jaime St. James (vocals). April/May 2004 Shows: 09-Apr Minot ND The Original 10-Apr Fargo ND Playmaker's Pavillion 21-Apr Hilton Head SC Monkey Business 22-Apr Charlotte NC Amoms South End 23-Apr Winston/Salem, NC Ziggy’s 24-Apr Columbia, SC Headliners 30-Apr Forth Worth, TX The Asylum 01-May Monterrey, MX El Arena Monterrey 02-May San Antonio, TX Rivercity Bikefest TUSKA OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2004 ROSTER NEARLY COMPLETE TICKET SALES START ON THE 5th OF APRIL Tuska-Festival which takes place in Helsinki, Finland during July 16-18th 2004 has confirmed more artists, nearly completing the line-up for this year's festival. Fear Factory from Los Angeles, California will be appearing on the mainstage on Sunday the 18th of July. Fear Factory has been a pioneer in combining modern metal with industrial beats and synthesizers and their seventh full length album, entitled Archetype, will be released in April. On Saturday the 17th of July, another California act, legendary Bay Area- thrashers Death Angel take the stage. Their debut album, The Ultra Violence was released in 1987 and their latest effort, The Art Of Dying will be released this spring. Old School death metal will be represented at Tuska 2004 by Dismember from neighbouring Sweden. This Stockholm outfit have just released their new album entitled Where Ironcrosses Grow. The Tuska 2004 Festival gets the most intense start possible in the form the swedish grindcore act Nasum. The band has just recently added second guitar player to the line-up and their Tuska-show will be the band's first time in Finland as a four-piece. For domestic additions, industrial-flavoured Drive has been added to the roster, as well as folk metal group Turisas who were just recently signed to Century Media Records. Also, the spacey stoner rock band Blake will be appearing at this year's festival. In addition to these confirmed artists, we are still seeking several acts. Ticket sales for Tuska 2004 start earlier than previous years. Tickets will go on sale on the 5th of April through www.tiketti.fi, www.lippupalvelu.fi and www.menolippu.fi. One day ticket costs 30 and three day ticket 65, respectively. Tuska 2004 roster looks currently like this: DIO (USA) In Flames (SWE) Nightwish Fear Factory (USA) Death Angel (USA) Kotiteollisuus Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus Suburban Tribe Sonata Arctica Dismember (SWE) Soilwork (SWE) Diablo Dark Tranquillity (SWE) Charon Mokoma Dew-Scented (GER) Impaled Nazarene Nasum (SWE) Sinergy Beseech (SWE) Blake Chaosbreed Swallow The Sun Trollheim's Grott Machine Men Kilpi Twilightning Turisas Additional information: www.tuska-festival.fi MUDVAYNE CONSIDER SOPRANOS MENTION AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE Mudvayne Talk About In The Chamber With Mudvayne String Quartet CD New York, NY - For recording artists Mudvayne, being name- dropped on an episode of The Sopranos was an unexpected plot twist in the band's evolution. The episode–which premiered Sunday, March 28–featured A.J. Soprano, played by actor Robert Iler, going to a Mudvayne concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Singer, Chad Gray; guitarist, Greg Tribbett; bassist, Ryan Martinie and drummer Matt McDonough were surprised when they found out that Mudvayne was mentioned on HBO's popular mafia-drama. We heard that Robert likes Mudvayne and is the one responsible for bringing us into the show. It was really cool of him to do that, says Tribbett, who is a fan of The Sopranos. I was watching the episode and couldn't believe it when I saw Robert walking out of the Hammerstein Ballroom past a bunch of Mudvayne posters. It was like a pop culture stamp of approval on the band. What is especially gratifying for Mudvayne, McDonough says, is that the band was not looking for recognition. We've been asked to be on television shows before but we've always said no because we don't want to debase our music by making a spectacle of the band, he explains. It's much more satisfying to creep into public consciousness this way - on our own terms. But don't expect Mudvayne to go Hollywood any time soon, Gray assures. The glitz and glamour is the exact opposite of what we're about, he says. We went to the premiere of Ghost Ship a couple of years ago because our song Not Falling was in the movie. It was a surreal, out-of-body experience standing on the red carpet talking to people like Paula Abdul and Entertainment Tonight. In addition to a recent tribute album to the band, Mudvayne's music was also the subject of In the Chamber with Mudvayne. The album features a string quartet interpreting the band's catalog including Dig and Death Blooms from L.D. 50 (2000); Some Assembly Required from The Beginning of All Things to End (2001) as well as Silenced, Not Falling and Trapped in the Wake of a Dream from The End Of All Things To Come(2002). Hearing Mudvayne's heavy riffing take a classical turn was flattering Martinie says. The band agrees that 'World So Cold' is the album's best track. The way the musicians interpret Chad's vocalizations is pretty interesting, he says. When it comes to people covering our music I'm a stickler for accuracy, but I thought these musicians did a great job. Our music isn't easy to recreate and you can tell they did their homework. Mudvayne recently rented a ranch in Northern California where the band is writing and rehearsing songs for the band's third, as-yet-untitled, Epic Records release due out this Fall. WWW.MUDVAYNE.COM NEVERMORE Re-Sign with Century Media Records worldwide After much controversy the Seattle-based band NEVERMORE have officially re-signed with Century Media Records worldwide and are now preparing for a slew of activity in support of Enemies of Reality, their latest effort. The dynamic quartet will embark on a headlining U.S. tour this summer with support acts to be announced soon. NEVERMORE wrapped up a highly successfully tour alongside Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom and Hypocrisy last fall and look forward to getting back on the road and being able to play a longer set. Enemies of Reality, their fifth full-length release, showcases the band's aggressive songwriting style with a dizzying array of solos, easily satisfying any metal fan's expectations. A video clip for the track "I, Voyager" will also be shot early next month. Warrel Dane (vocals) checks in with the following update: "The members of NEVERMORE would like to announce that after long negations, we have re-signed to Century Media Records. Both sides worked very hard to repair past problems and in the end, after fielding numerous offers, we felt this was the best to carry us into our future. We are currently writing new songs in our downtime and preparing for our first release under our new contract. We have four solid songs down at the moment and hope to hit the studio in early fall. In the meantime, we will be doing some major festivals in Europe, a headlining U.S. tour and a new video. All is well in NEVERMORE, and expect another major announcement to be made soon." Upcoming festival dates in Europe are as follows: Gods Of Metal Festival SA June 5th, Bologna - Italy http://www.godsofmetal.it Wacken Open Air Festival SA August 7th, Wacken - Germany http://www.wacken.com http://www.nevermore.tv Minneapolis Mayhem Metal Festival Apr.24, 2004 @ the Questclub (Minneapolis, MN). 1 Day - 2 Stages. Morbid Angel, Suffocation, Satyricon, Agent Steel, Usurper, Into Eternity, Enforsaken, Eidolon, Epicurean, Fleshgrind, Pyramaze, Novembers Doom and more. We will be having door prizes and giveaways at the end of the show. We will be handing out promotional materials (CDs/Stickers/Flyers) from labels & bands. So if you label or band is interested in having your promotional materials handed out at this event please email me. Tickets are on sale now for $30. And the show starts at 12-9:30pm. An all ages event. Vendors and Sponsors interested in participating in the MINNEAPOLIS MAYHEM contact john at contact@jcmrecords.com http://www.minneapolismayhem.com SHADOWSIDE recently added some live promo videos to their homepage. Bet ween them are the cover versions of Dio's Rainbow in the Dark and Dani Nolden's appearance with Shaman in Judas Priest's Painkiller. To watch these videos, visit the official website at www.shadowside.com.br JOE SATRIANI SET TO RELEASE 11TH SOLO ALBUM Is There Love In Space? set for release on April 13th In-store appearances across the U.S. scheduled (Venice, CA) - Is There Love In Space? will be released on April 13, 2004 through Epic Records, making this Satriani's 11th solo album. With eleven new songs, Satriani expands from his usual all instrumental formula to include two vocal tracks on this album. Since the late 80's, the self-taught virtuoso has been winning over fans and musicians alike with his groundbreaking style and legendary sounds. On the day of the album's release, Satriani will begin a trek across the U.S. making special in-store appearances including, for the first time ever, a live performance at each stop (see itinerary below). Produced by Satriani, recorded by longtime collaborator John Cuniberti and mixed by Mike Fraser, Is There Love In Space? features the performer's core trio of Matt Bissonette on bass and Jeff Campitelli behind the drums. The 11 diverse cuts on the album range from the pulsating, brash opener GNAAHH, to the drop-tuned menace of Hands in the Air to the poignant ballad Just Look Up. Yet all of the tracks are unified by Satriani's love of old-school hard rock. I've taken a lot of my cues recently from live performance more than anything else, he says of solo tours and those shared with fellow virtuosos in the evolving project G3. Standing on stage has made me feel freer to explore some places I've been before and to look for some avenues I haven't been. With a staggering 13 Grammy nominations, 11 solo albums to his credit and over 7 million copies of his albums sold worldwide, Joe Satriani has achieved huge success in his nearly 20 year career. In addition, this past year has seen a number of releases for the always-prolific guitarist. The live album and DVD from last years successful G3 TOUR was released on February 24th with the DVD hitting the Top 10 on the Billboard sales chart. In addition, Sony/Legacy released the 2 CD greatest hits album called The Electric Joe Satriani - An Anthology late last year. My ultimate goal is to continue playing forever, Satriani says. I hope to never be tired of it and to always be searching to express the life I lead by taking those experiences and turning them into music. Hopefully, the guitar will be my ongoing instrument of expression. IN-STORE APPEARANCE WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE: Tuesday April 13 - Tower Records in Concord, CA Wednesday April 14 - Dimple in Sacramento, CA Thursday April 15 - Tower Sunset in Los Angeles, CA Tuesday April 20 - TBD, Chicago, IL Saturday April 24 - Looney Tunes in West Babylon, NY DROP HITS HARD ROCK SCENE WITH ‘SUCKERPUNCH’ CHICAGO – Chicago’s Drop is prepping to give hard rock a beating with the release of its third album, “Suckerpunch,” on May 4 through Dark Star Records/Direct Impact. Musically Drop is nestled snuggly between classic Black Sabbath heaviness and the sound of modern heavyweights like Drowning Pool and Godsmack. “Drop’s sound is a big wall of guitar driven hard rock that comes out raw and real with lots of energy,” said guitarist Patrick Davey. “It’s not over produced, Pro Tools and studio enhanced sequenced crap that comes from a bunch of producers trying to create a hit single. Our sound comes from years of playing and practicing and writing songs that we like. We are not trying to prove anything to anyone - except maybe to ourselves. And if people like what they hear, we will keep giving it to them.” Though the group has recorded two previous records, “Perfect Absolution” and “Pitifully Human,” “Suckerpunch” is the first to have nationwide distribution. “It's really huge for us to have this kind of a chance to spread music out to people like this,” Davey said. “We normally come into a town play a show and leave, and once we’re gone, so is the chance for the fans to buy the disc.” The first single from “Suckerpunch” is “What You Say,” a song about trying to break free from day-to-day routines and the pressure of trying to live up to people’s expectations. The band is in the process of working out ideas for a video for the track, as well as a DVD release for the fall. “It’s going to be lots of live stuff, as well as us just being on the road as a indie band trying to support the album and make a living in this business,” said Davey. “It should be interesting.” Drop has always focused on its live show, and with the release of “Suckerpunch,” the group has plans to tour extensively. “The best part about touring is getting out there and spreading our music to new fans and meeting new people,” said bassist Andy Smith. “It’s a different experience every day.” To celebrate the release of “Suckerpunch,” Drop will hold a record release party/live performance at Tower Records in Bloomingdale, Ill., on Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m. “We are planning on turning this into a huge event and a great party,” said Davey. “It’s a great way to get a lot of people to see us live that might not normally make it to a club.” Added guitarist Jimmy Haboush: “It’s a great way to turn people on to our music. It’s a good opportunity to talk with people and hear what they think and how they can relate to our songs.” Tour dates are as follow: 04/01/04 Thu. Double Door, Chicago, IL 04/09/04 Fri. Chicago City Limits, Schaumburg, IL 04/16/04 Fri. 3rd Street Live, Cedar Rapids, IA 04/20/04 Tue. Luthers Blues, Madison, WI 05/01/04 Sat. Infineon Raceway, NHRA Event, Sonia, CA 05/02/04 Sun. Infineon Raceway, NHRA Event, Sonia, CA 05/07/04 Fri. Pops Pub, Roselle, IL 05/08/04 Sat. Tower Records, Bloomingdale, IL (Record Release Party/Show - all ages) 05/14/04 Fri. The Arena, Dubuque, IA 05/15/04 Sat. The Reverb, Cedar Falls, IA 05/21/04 Fri. Penny Road Pub, South Barrington, IL 06/03/04 Thu. House of Tune, Poplar Grove, IL 06/12/04 Sat. The Brat Stop, Kenosha, WI - 95.1 Will Rock Show 07/04/04 Sun. Texas Motor Speedway, NHRA Event, Dallas, TX 07/17/04 Sat. Lenny the Legends, McHenery, IL 07/23/04 Sun. English Town Racetrack, NHRA Event, Englishtown, NJ 07/24/04 Sun. English Town Racetrack, NHRA Event, Englishtown, NJ 07/31/04 Sat. Shark City, Bloomingdale, IL www.drop-music.com TRIUMPH RELEASES CONCERT DVD 'A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH LIVE'THE ELECTRIFYING EXCITEMENT OF TRIUMPH'S ACCLAIMED ARENA SPECTACLE IS CAPTURED IN ITS FULL GLORY WITH A SOLD-OUT 1987 CONCERT IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES DOCUMENTARY, A PHOTO GALLERY, TWO BONUS VIDEOS AND MORE The Canadian hard rock trio Triumph not only created fantastic music but a spectacular stage show second to none. Triumph's arena concerts were always filled with enough lights, lasers and pyrotechnics to be seen from outer space. The band was always recognized as technical innovators and was regularly honored by the concert industry trade publication Performance Magazine. The new DVD 'A Night of Triumph Live' is released on TML Entertainment Inc. It captures a concert in its entirety by Triumph's guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett, bass guitarist/keyboardist Mike Levine and drummer/vocalist Gil Moore during 'The Sport of Kings' tour on January 16, 1987, at the Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 10,000-seat arena was packed to the rafters with fans eager to see the power trio (which was augmented on this tour by guitarist/keyboardist Rick Santer). 'A Night of Triumph Live' is the follow-up to the acclaimed 2003 DVD 'Live at the US Festival.' The 12 songs on 'A Night of Triumph Live' are "Tears in the Rain," "Somebody's Out There," "Allied Forces," "Lay It On the Line," "Midsummer's Daydream," "Follow Your Heart," "Take a Stand," "Magic Power," "Rock & Roll Machine," "Spellbound," "Rocky Mountain Way" and "Fight the Good Fight." 'A Night of Triumph Live' was directed by Tom O'Neill and produced by Gil Moore at Triumph's own famed Metalworks Studios facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The DVD is presented in full-screen video format, and the sound, remixed from the original master tapes, rocks hard in Dolby Digital 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 audio options. Extras include a behind-the-scenes documentary "Backstage at the Spectrum" shot in 1985 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA, on the 'Thunder Seven' tour, a photo gallery and the bonus videos "When the Lights Go Down" taken from 'Triumph: Live at the US Festival' and "Just One Night." From the beginning Triumph always believed in delivering the total package to its fans -- excellent music and an exciting stage show. The band's uplifting, positive music -- which contrasted directly with much of the doom-and-gloom hard rock and heavy metal of the time -- was a visionary approach and one factor that separated it from the crowd. Witnessing Triumph in concert completed the experience, and the Halifax crowd saw the band at its peak. "We always believed the bottom line is you have to put on a great show. The effects are there to enhance the music. Anytime anything is presented on a big stage it becomes theater," says Levine. "It was a great show and a great crowd that night in Halifax." Having a mind-blowing stage show was important to Triumph from the moment the band formed. Moore was the band member most directly responsible for the evolution of the Triumph spectacle. "I had my own sound and lighting company before I joined Triumph. Early bands that I played in were PA-deficient, so I thought 'Somebody's got to know about all this.' I learned how to build sound systems, lighting and pyrotechnics. Necessity is the mother of invention. I blew myself up a few times experimenting with gun power, flash powder and magnesium," Moore says. "By the time Triumph started in 1975, people would judge you by your gear. So we would cram all this gear of ours into the clubs and just amaze people." Over the years, the show got increasingly extravagant. There was a lot of trial and error involved in the planning and evolution of Triumph's stage show, both on paper and with experimental models. Effects got progressively more expensive, especially lasers. But the band members didn't hesitate to limit their imaginations. "We always felt 'Go big or go home.' I remember seeing Jimi Hendrix play in Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens. I had a lousy seat and there was very little lighting, effects or proper sound," says Moore. "Of course technology improved and that allowed us to put on a great show sonically and visually for the fans whether they were in the front row or all the way in the back." "It was an investment in our future. As we became more successful, the show became bigger and better," Levine says. "We wanted to make sure the special effects Triumph used were really special. We called it the NGF -- the Net Gasp Factor. If something we devised for our stage show didn't create NGF we didn't use it." Safety and common sense were extremely important considerations for Triumph and its crew. Intense, weeklong rehearsals were undertaken before tours, and the band used the same lighting, sound and laser companies for years. Triumph's groundbreaking live show thrilled fans for more than a decade by providing an unparalleled combination of thunderously powerful music and mind-blowing visual effects, and it is preserved forever on 'A Night of Triumph Live.' www.triumphmusic.com Sweden’s EVERGREY Releases Ambitious The Inner Circle & Embarks on Extensive Spring North American Tour with Iced Earth and Children of Bodom The career of Swedish melodic metal outfit EVERGREY is a far-reaching journey; a kaleidoscopic expedition that ventures deeper into the human psyche with each progressing release, while simultaneously broadening the band’s sphere of musical vision. April 27th, 2004 will see EVERGREY enlighten the world with The Inner Circle, an adventurous conceptual album exploring the nuances of religious cults and the depth of EVERGREY’s expanding musicianship. The album will be released through Inside Out Music America. The follow-up to 2003’s lauded Recreation Day (which yielded 2 videos still in rotation on MTV2’s Headbangers Ball: “I’m Sorry” & “Blinded”), The Inner Circle sees EVERGREY intensifying their musical ability with the utilization of a string quartet, courtesy of the Gothenburg Symphonic Orchestra, as well as handling all of the production duties themselves. The band (vocalist/guitarist Tom S. Englund, guitarist Henrik Danhage, bassist Michael Håkansson, keyboardist Rikard Zander, and drummer Jonas Ekdahl) unleashes an album that retains EVERGREY’s signature brand of infectious songwriting while experimenting with new ideas, thoughts, and sonic imagery. Englund explains, “We never had any plans to go in any direction, and it is one of the things that makes Evergrey unique. We have always tried to be a complex band, but we have always maintained a ‘pop-structure’ to the songs. We are happy that we are evolving as songwriters, and we are fortunate not to repeat ourselves. With Recreation Day, we wrote recorded and released it within 5 months. With this one, we took a lot more time with it.” Englund also offers a brief synopsis of the encompassing plot of The Inner Circle: “It is a conceptual album about being caught up within a religious cult, viewing how you deal with it and how others around you deal with it. It is told from everyone’s point of view, and shows how you fall deeper and deeper into a state of apathy, losing more and more control and power over yourself and dreams; eventually giving yourself over to the cult. It is about fanatics, not specific to a religious group; it can relate to Christians, Muslims, Satanists, Jews, it doesn’t really matter.” The tracklisting for The Inner Circle includes: A Touch Of Blessing Ambassador In The Wake of the Weary Harmless Wishes Waking Up Blind More Than Ever The Essence of Conviction Where All Good Sleep Faith Restored When the Walls Go Down BONUS TRACKS: Live & Acoustic In France I’m Sorry Recreation Day Madness Caught Another Victim Audio clips for “A Touch of Blessing” and “More Than Ever” can be sampled here: http://www.evergrey.net/audvid.php In bringing the complex and evocative endeavor to life, not only was the Gothenburg Symphonic Orchestra employed “to make the production more interesting, more organic and dynamic,” but Englund also enlisted the services of his wife Carina to perform angelic, choir-like vocal melodies throughout the album. Carina Englund has actually appeared on every EVERGREY studio album to date. InsideOut Music America, in recognition of EVERGREY’s achievements and potential, has recently reissued the band’s first two stylish and inspired albums, Dark Discovery (1998) & Solitude Dominance Tragedy (1999), neither of which have been previously domestically available. These editions feature new liner notes by Tom S. Englund, and each contains an exclusive video track (Dark Discovery features “For Every Tear That Falls” and Solitude Dominance Tragedy features “The Masterplan”). Due to the success of EVERGREY’s videos from Recreation Day, the band is planning to film two new videos to promote The Inner Circle, “A Touch of Blessing” and “More Than Ever”. This time around, 3 reputable directors are queuing to work with the band, one of whom is Stakka Bo, known for his directorial work on Madonna’s “Nothing Really Matters”, Kylie Minogue’s “Love at First Sight”, and Chris Cornell’s “Can’t Change Me” videos. EVERGREY has quickly joined the ranks of Scandinavian metal bands that have been breaking massive ground in the American music scene. Englund offers his theory on the situation, “Scandinavian people are very determined people. When we want something, we kinda go for it entirely. So it does not surprise me that bands like Arch Enemy, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, and Opeth are getting noticed in America. Especially us, Evergrey, now, with all of the MTV attention; it’s absolutely amazing. We’re just grateful for everything that comes our way.” EVERGREY will soon show fans their appreciation in mid-April when they cross the Atlantic to join fellow melodic metallers Iced Earth and Children of Bodom for a full North American tour. This will be EVERGREY’s second foray into American touring. Tom expresses his excitement, “This tour is really designed for us; all the bands on it are quite melodic. What we are really looking to come of this is to influence people into checking us out; that is really what matters. The last tour with Arch Enemy was great, but this one definitely seems custom-tailored to our style of music. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Tour dates include: Sunday, April 18th - Cleveland, OH - The Odeon Monday, April 19th - Sauget (St. Louis), IL - Pop’s Tuesday, April 20th - Chicago, IL - Metro Wednesday, April 21st - Minneapolis, MN - Quest Friday, April 23rd - Milwaukee, WI - The Eagle's Club Saturday, April 24th - Detroit, MI - Harpo's Concert Theatre Sunday, April 25th - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall Monday, April 26th - Toronto, ON, Can. - The Guvernment Wednesday, April 28th - Montreal, QC, Can. - The Medley Thursday, April 29th - New York, NY - BB King's Friday, April 30th - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero Saturday, May 1st - Worcester, MA - The Palladium Sunday, May 2nd - Springfield, VA - Jaxx Tuesday, May 4th - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Wednesday, May 5th - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues Friday, May 7th - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues Saturday, May 8th - Houston, TX - Engine Room Sunday, May 9th - Austin, TX - The Back Room Monday, May 10th - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Live Wednesday, May 12th - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater Friday, May 14th - Vancouver, BC, Can. - Commodore Ballroom Saturday, May 15th - Seattle, WA - Graceland Monday, May 17th - San Francisco, CA - Avalon Ballroom Tuesday, May 18th - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues Wednesday, May 19th - Scottsdale, AZ - Cajun House Friday, May 21st - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues www.evergrey.net DECEASED / OCTOBER 31: King Fowley recently suffered a mild stroke, and was brought on by a bloodclot in his brain that was about the size of a walnut - King is expected to regain about 95% of the functionality he had before the stroke with the help of therapy. Metal Update BLOODBATH vocalist Mike Åkerfeldt (Opeth) has been replaced by Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain, The Abyss) - in addition, drummer Martin "Axe" Axenrot (Witchery, Satanic Slaughter, Nepehenzy Chaos Order) has been added to the lineup. Metal Update Reno Kiilerich (Panzerchrist, Exmortem) has been drafted as session drummer for DIMMU BORGIR. Metal Update CARPATHIAN FOREST lead man Nattefrost had an accident that left him with a broken collarbone - the band will have to start the No Mercy Festival Tour without him and he will join the tour as soon as he is cleared to fly. Metal Update Trym (Zyklon, Emperor) will be sitting in for drummer Kjetil Haraldstad for SATYRICON's US tour as Haraldstad was denied a US visa. Metal Update Petter (Master Massive) has been recruited as touring drummer for THERION. Metal Update THORNS mastermind Snorre Ruch has launched a new side project called Thorns Ltd dedicated to making experimental music tailored specifically for art exhibitions. Metal Update Mario Klausner has parted ways with PUNGENT STENCH due to time constraints in order to fully concentrate on his own band Collapse 7 - the split was amicable and Mario will continue to perform live with the Stench until a suitable replacement is found. Metal Update DEAD WATER DROWNING has broken up - each member plans to continue doing something music related - vocalist Nate Johnson has officially joined Premonitions Of War and drummer Jon Dow will be filling in for The Red Chord on their upcoming tour dates. Metal Update REVOLTING COCKS: Al Jourgensen (Ministry) is in the studio with a revamped lineup rounded out by Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis, Ministry), John Monte (M.O.D., Mind Funk), Phil Owen (Skatenigs) and Mark Baker (Hellions). Metal Update RAM-ZET bassist Solem has been replaced by Jon "Daniel". Metal Update EXULCERATE original drummer Lee Eubanks has been replaced by Dennis Sanders (Disembowel, Mortality). Metal Update Drummer Dennis Sanders (Exulcerate, Mortality) and bassist Matt Hernandez (Mortality) have been added to the lineup of DISEMBOWEL. Metal Update MY RUIN: Bassist Mat Dauzat (Hydrovibe) will temporarily replace Meghan Mattox who was recently sacked. Metal Update BLACK MASS: The Blasphemous One has returned to the horde on lead guitar - the decision was made when it became apparent that Josef's work schedule was going to prevent him from committing to any serious tour plans - Josef will still appear on the new CD and will continue to contribute to the band. Metal Update THE DUSKFALL guitar player Joachim Lindbäck has decided to leave the band - Lars Lofven (Defleshed) will be session guitarist for upcoming gigs. Metal Update SET ABLAZE guitarist Dave Gonzalez has been replaced by former Upon Creation vocalist Yohannes Habtu - the band is currently working on new material. Metal Update HELLRAISED hailing from Virginia USA, this new act features former members of Seventh Gate, Carrion Lord, Black Mass and Stench Of Lies - the music is a mix of black, death & thrash metal. Metal Update