Old News / Tours April 2005


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April 29th, 2005	R.I.P. BARRY STERN On Friday April 1st Barry Stern passed away from what is believed to be complications from a recent hip replacement surgery. Barry made an impact on the Chicago metal scene in the 80's with his band Zoetrope whose street metal put out the legendary Amnesty and Life Of Crime releases. He then joined Trouble where his powerful drumming can be heard on their self titled release and the Manic Frustration release. Years later he started playing with Debris Inc. and most recently D-Connect. His last official recordings appear on the self titled Debris Inc. debut that comes out on Tuesday April 5th. Barry was always friendly and cheerful and a Chicago metal brother and will certainly be missed. Metal Maniacs INTO THE MOAT announce summer tour with Soilent Green, A Perfect Murder! Into the Moat have just confirmed their addition an upcoming summer tour with Soilent Green and A Perfect Murder. Hitting the road on July 15th, the band will be supporting the tour nationally. Drummer Matthew Goss shares the bands excitement, "We've done several national tours, but this is our first, real big one. We are so excited to get on the road with Soilent Green and we can't wait to see how it goes!” www.metalblade.com INTO THE MOAT Tour w/ Soilent Green and A Perfect Murder 7/15 Baltimore, MD Fletchers 7/16 Hagerstown, MD Lightersberg Grange Hall 7/21 Hartford, CT Underground 7/22 Poughkeepsie, NY Club Crannel 7/23 Rochester, NY Penny Arcade 7/24 Cleveland, OH Peabody's 7/28 Omaha, NE Ranch Bowl 7/29 Denver, CO Rock Island 7/30 Colorado Springs, CO Navajo Hogan 8/02 Seattle, WA Studio Seven More dates coming soon! www.intothemoat.com Metal Maniacs CEPHALIC CARNAGE ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR DATES Relapse Records recording artists CEPHALIC CARNAGE have announced forthcoming US tour dates in support of their new album, Anomalies. Fresh off of a red hot performance as part of the 2005 Relapse Records SXSW showcase, CEPHALIC will hit the road for a string of dates with DEAD TO FALL beginning April 21st in St. Louis, MO. Immediately following, the band will team up with SHADOWS FALL, TERROR and ZAO beginning May 1st in Ft. Wayne, IN. The band will then play a number of east coast dates concluding with an appearance at the WKDU Festival on May 10th in Philadelphia alongside labelmates DYSRHYTHMIA. A full listing of upcoming CEPHALIC tour dates follows this message. CEPHALIC CARNAGE recently completed work on the first music video from Anomalies with director Darren Doane (DEFTONES, NILE). The video, for the album's roll-out track, "Dying Will be the Death of Me" is expected to make its world premiere imminently. The new CEPHALIC single is currently hovering near the top of the CMJ Loud Rock chart at the number eight position. You can check out the song, along with the new track "Sleeprace" on the band's new e-card below: www.relapse.com/ecards/cephaliccarnage/ CEPHALIC CARNAGE tour dates: April 8 Grand Junction, CO Liff Auditorium Mesa State College April 9 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theater April 21 St. Louis, MO Hi-Pointe Cafe (w/ Origin) April 22 Cincinnati, OH Susy Malone's (w/ Origin, Croatan, Seven Orchids) April 24 Worcester, MA Palladium (as part of New England Metal & Hardcore Festival) April 25 Ottawa, ON Maverick's (w/ Dead To Fall) April 26 Quebec City, PQ Kashmir Night Club (w/ Dead To Fall) April 27 Montreal, PQ El Salon (w/ Dead To Fall) April 28 Toronto, ON El Mocambo (w/ Dead To Fall) April 29 New York, NY Knitting Factory (w/ Dead To Fall) April 30 Glen Cove, NY Glen Cove Polish Hall (w/ Dead To Fall) May 1 Ft. Wayne, IN Pierre's (w/ Shadow's Fall, Zao) May 3 Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club (w/ Shadows Fall, Terror, Zao) May 4 Johnson City, NY Magic City Music Hall (w/ Shadows Fall, Terror, Zao) May 5 Winooksi, VT Higher Ground (w/ Shadows Fall, Terror, Zao) May 6 Portland, ME The Station (w/ Shadows Fall, Terror, Zao) May 7 Poughkeepsie, NY Club Crannel May 8 Troy, NY Hudson Duster (w/ Skinless) May 9 Boston, MA Middle East Upstairs May 10 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church (w/Dysrhythmia, Towers as part of WKDU Fest) Metal Maniacs BEHEMOTH RETURNS TO US SHORES Poland's extreme metal kings, BEHEMOTH are a ferocious touring machine! The band has already completed nearly 100 shows in support of their latest album, Demigod, and is still hungry for more. The group's latest effort Demigod has quickly surpassed the sales of their previous record Zos Kia Cultus in less than two months! Since Demigod's release, the band has toured with Suffocation and been featured on the covers of Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, Pit, Metal Bite and Metal Maniacs. Soon to return to the US to embark on a full tour with King Diamond,Nile and Black Dahlia Murder, we decided to ask Nergal (vocals/guitars) about the band's stateside popularity. "I remember that not so long ago we were struggling so hard to get any recognition in North America. But on tour with Suffocation, I could easily see that BEHEMOTH's legions have grown so much. Thank you for coming to the shows and buying our merchandise and new album. It's going great and it obviously wouldn't without your tremendous support! YOU ROCK TOTALLY! See you all soon on my 'dream team' tour with King Diamond!" Perhaps death metal's next heir to the throne once occupied by the Morbid Angels and Deicide's of the world, Poland's BEHEMOTH is without a doubt death metals biggest buzz band at the moment. Their hard work ethic, amazing live show, superior musicianship and high praise in the press have all helped bring the band to the forefront of extreme metal. Having delivered show-stealing performances in the US with the likes of Danzig, Testament, Halford, Superjoint Ritual, Opeth, Deicide and Lacuna Coil, BEHEMOTH is a band that hardly believes in rest. BEHEMOTH w/ King Diamond, Nile, Black Dahlia Murder (except) 4/14 Culture Room Ft Lauderale, FL 4/15 House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL 4/16 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA 4/18 The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA 4/19 BB King's New York, NY 4/20 BB King's New York, NY 4/21 The Royal Baltimore, MD (w/Black Dahlia Murder only) 4/22 Jaxx Springfield, VA 4/23 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY 4/24 The Palladium Worcester, MA (New England Hardcore and Metal Festival) 4/26 House of Blues Cleveland, OH 4/27 House of Blues Chicago, IL 4/28 Royal Oak Music Theatre Royal Oak, MI 4/29 Pop's Sauget, IL 4/30 Quest Club Minneapolis, MN 5/01 Ranch Bowl Omaha, NE* (w/Black Dahlia Murder only) 5/02 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO 5/03 Lofi Caf? Salt Lake City, UT* (w/Black Dahlia Murder only) 5/04 JD and Friends Boise ID* (w/Black Dahlia Murder only) 5/05 Fenix Seattle, WA 5/06 Roseland Theater Portland, OR 5/07 The Pound at Pier 96 San Francisco, CA 5/08 House of Blues West Hollywood, CA 5/09 House of Blues Anaheim, CA 5/11 Marquee Theater Phoenix, AZ 5/12 Sunshine Theater Albuquerque, NM 5/13 Club Xscape El Paso, TX 5/14 Sunset Station San Antonio, TX 5/15 La Villa Real McAllen, TX 5/17 Gypsy Ballroom Dallas, TX 5/18 Engine Room Houston, TX 5/20 House of Blues New Orleans, LA 5/21 The Masquerade Tampa, FL Metal Maniacs MAYHEM's Hellhammer To Play On New DIMMU BORGIR Album A representative at DIMMU BORGIR's management company, Dirk Zeiser of Direct Management, has confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that MAYHEM's Jan Axel Blomberg (a.k.a. Hellhammer) will play on the next DIMMU BORGIR CD as a session drummer (as first reported here on March 30). The Norwegian symphonic black metallers had previously utilized the services of NILE's Tony Laureano and Reno Kiilerich (PANZERCHRIST, EXMORTEM, VILE) as touring members following the departure of Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH) in early 2004. DIMMU BORGIR recently announced plans to re-record their second album, Stormblast (originally released in 1996 via Cacophonous Records) later in the year. No further information is currently available. [Source: Blabbermouth.net] Metal Maniacs SEASON OF MIST sign CONFESSOR Season of Mist is proud to announce the signing of the progressive doom-metal legends, CONFESSOR! Emerging from over a decade of hibernation, the band has returned to form, hungrier and more focused than ever. Once dubbed, "The world's most obstinately technical metal band," CONFESSOR will again continue to make the words "heavy" synonymous with "progressive" and "provocative" in an effort to challenge and inspire their listeners. As a precursor to the band's upcoming long player, Unraveled, due out in early autumn, Season of Mist will release the limited edition CD-single, "Sour Times." Scheduled for a June release, this soon-to-be collector's item will mainly be made available for purchase to the die-hard fans. The release will contain 2 new songs; "Sour Times" and "Hibernation," a radio edit of the title track plus a live video! Also included on the limited CD with be PC Interactive gems such as band photos, a screen saver and more! "Confessor has always been a pillar for top notch complex riffing and amazing drumming with the guts to have a vocalist who sings how he wants to, ignoring any trends for over a decade now..." -- Philip H Anselmo - SUPERJOINT RITUAL/PANTERA "So fucking heavy, sophisticated and tasteful, the creme de le creme. They were 10 years ahead of their time! Godly!" -- Karl Sanders - NILE "Like a fucked up mix of TROUBLE and WATCHTOWER, CONFESSOR raped my ears in the early '90s -- I am glad to see them back!! - Michael Amott - ARCH ENEMY Metal Maniacs SUSPERIA - Old Testament and the Devil SUSPERIA, the extreme melodic metal band from Norway have announced details of a high profile European tour in May. The band have been confirmed as the main support act for bay area thrash legends TESTAMENT on their upcoming European Reunion Tour. Also appearing on the tour will be Divine Empire from the USA and Demolition from Austria. Dates confirmed are UK London - Koko May 8, FRANCE Paris - La Locomotive 9, LUXEMBOURG Esch Sur Alzette -Kulturfabrik 10, ITALY Milan - Rolling Stone 11, AUSTRIA Innsbruck - Hafen 12, GERMANY Lichtenfels - Stadthalle 13, GERMANY Munster / Dieburg - Live Arena 14, BELGIUM Gavere - Racing 15. The band, Athera - vocals, Memnock - bass guitar, Tjodalv - drums, Elvorn and Cyrus - guitars, recently completed a video for the album track "Devil May Care" from their third full-length album, Unlimited. It features highlights from SUSPERIA's recent and most successful tour of Europe, including footage from their impressive performance at 2004's Inferno Festival. Susperia are expected to start work on their official 4th album in late summer. In the meantime the band have bowed to pressure from fans and will release the cover songs that they have occasionally been performing at selected shows. The songs "Lack Of Comprehension" originally recorded by Death, "Wild Child" originally recorded by WASP and the much sought after version of "The Sun Always Shines On TV" -- a worldwide hit for fellow Norwegians A-Ha, are set for inclusion on a special edition album entitled Devil May Care, which is expected to be released in Europe in May. The album will also include the Unlimited album track "Devil May Care" as well as a new song "Venting The Anger." As an added bonus the release will contain the promo videos for "Chemistry" and "Devil May Care." Susperia released their third full length album Unlimited, last year through the TUBA label in Europe and Candlelight in the USA. The album went on to become a firm favourite with both fans and media around the world, being recognised with a nomination in the Metal category for Norway's respected Alarm awards. The video for the song "Chemistry" continues to receive regular TV airplay on stations including MTV Headbangers Ball, Havoc TV,NRK, Scuzz. Testament - Susperia - Divine Empire - Demolition MAY 2005 8th LONDON Koko (Formerley The Camden Palace) (UK) 9th PARIS La Locomotive (FR) 10th ESCH SUR ALZETTE Kulturfabrik ( LU ) 11th MILAN Rolling Stone (IT) 12th INNSBRUCK Hafen ( AT ) 13th LICHTENFELS Stadthalle (DE) 14th MUNSTER DIEBURG Live Arena (DE) 15th GAVERE Racing ( BE ) www.totalconceptmanagement.com www.candlelightrecordsusa.com www.tubarec.com Metal Maniacs NIGHTRAGE Release New Album The Swedish melodic death metal masters NIGHTRAGE have returned with a new and dynamic yet devastating offering, Descent Into Chaos, that is sure to help propel them into the genre's elite status. With a more dedicated lineup intact, the group worked closer together to create a more focused and intense album sure to please the oldschool death metal fans while also catching the attention of an entire new audience. The main songwriters, Marios Iliopoulos (guitars) and ex-At The Gates vocalist Tomas Lindberg (Lock Up, The Great Deceiver, Disfear, ex-The Crown), prove that there is no limitation to their abilities and clearly have raised the bar for their peers a bit higher with this release. Iliopoulos checks in with his thoughts on the new album and how the band has progressed: "I feel that with the new album we managed to capture all the right elements that categorize the NIGHTRAGE sound, the really intense rhythm guitars mixed with the smooth '80s lead guitar work and the super tight drums along with the sheer intensity from Tomas Lindberg vocals. He did an awesome job on the vocals, which in contrast with the music make the album sound even heavier. "The new album has a rawer sound, a more in your face kind of production and there are less clean vocals. We tried to be more aggressive and at the same time not loose the melodic approach of the band. Patrik J. Sten (The Haunted) handled the whole production and mixing of the album and as a result the material is more brutal and in your face. I think that on this album we are more focused and we tried to write simpler songs in order to have heavier and stronger results." www.nightrage.com Metal Maniacs ANTIGAMA "Discomfort" CD out now on SELFMADEGOD Originally released a year ago, here is the second effort of the highly acclaimed Polish powerhouse, now fully refreshed for a release on Selfmadegod with two bonus tracks. "Discomfort" delivers twelve discordant and chaotic shots full of mind-bending speed, technicality and savagery. It proves that vast grindcore made by ANTIGAMA is unparalleled. Punishing, shredding super-heavy modern-day sonic blast with most brutal and sickest vocals, powerful, precise guitar work and unbelievably fast and tight drumming stand out from most of the nowadays grind and metal bands. This greatly talented, unique quartet is the undisputed herald of a grind-squad assassination. Swallow. Order online now for 7 euros or $8 + postage at shop.selfmadegod.com IMMOLATION w/Deicide, Skinless, Misery Index and With Passion 05/26 Mavericks-Ottawa, ON 05/27 Penny Arcade-Rochester, NY 05/28 Albie's Bar-Utica, NY 05/29 House of Rock-Baltimore, MD (Maryland Death Fest) 05/30 BB King's-New York, NY 05/31 Jaxx-West Springfield, VA 06/01 Saratoga Winners-Cohoes, NY 06/02 L'Imperial-Quebec City, QUE 06/03 Club Soda-Montreal, QUE 06/04 The Opera House-Toronto, ONT 06/05 Joe's on Weed St-Chicago, IL 06/06 Ranch Bowl-Omaha, NE 06/07 Ascot Room-Minneapolis, MN 06/08 Pyramid-Winnipeg, MB 06/09 Riddel Center-Regina, SK 06/10 Starlite Room-Edmonton, AB 06/11 MacEwan Hall Ballroom(University of Calgary)-Calgary, AB 06/13 Commodore Ballroom-Vancouver, BC 06/14 Studio Seven-Seattle, WA 06/15 Roseland Theater-Portland, OR 06/16 The Boardwalk-Orangevale, CA 06/17 The Pound at Pier 96-San Francisco, CA 06/18 Galaxy Theatre-Santa Ana, CA 06/19 Key Club-West Hollywood, CA 06/20 Marquee Theater-Tempe, AZ 06/21 Sunshine Theater-Albuquerque, NM 06/22 Sanctuary-San Antonio, TX INCANTATION tour update April 2005 For more info you can check out www.incantation.com European Decimation tour 2005 with Funerus April 21 - Club Music Caffe - Celje - Slovenia April 22 - La Sfinge - Brescia - Italy April 23 - Steel Warrior VIII - Barroselas - Portugal w/ NARGAROTH [GERMANY] - DESECRATION [UK] - GOREROTTED [UK] - SUMMON [USA] - CATASTROPHIC [USA] - JUNGLE ROT [USA] - CORPUS CHRISTII [PORTUGAL/SWEDEN] European Decimation tour 2005 w/ CATASTROPHIC, FUNERUS, JUNGLE ROT, HEXENHAMMER April 26 - Frontline - Gent - Belgium April 27 - Electrowerkz - London - England April 28 - Rio - Bradford - England April 29 - Gigant - Apeldoorn - Holland April 30 - Alte Post - Emden - Germany May 1 - Baroeg - Rotterdam - Holland May 2 - Kulturwerkstatt - Paderborn - Germany May 3 - Rock Club - Hildesheim - Germany INCANTATION, DIVINE EMPIRE, FUNERUS, HEXENHAMMER, GOD DAMNED X, DARKFALL May 4 - Fuck The Commerce warm up show - MZA - Luckau - Germany June 3-5 - Louder Harder Faster Festival - 520 Hamilton Street - Allentown - PA - USA w/ OBITUARY, TROUBLE, TESTAMENT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, MUSHROOMHEAD, AGNOSTIC FRONT, MACABRE, GODFORBID, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, TURMOIL, INCANTATION, SPEED KILL HATE, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, CHAMPION, MARTYR AD, VAMPIRE MOOOSE, BEYOND THE FLESH, TWILIGHT ODYSSEY, SLIKHELVETIKA, ION VEIN, HYDROGYN, FUNERUS, TRY REDEMPTION, BELT FED WEAPON, HURTLOCKER, WITHOUT END, THE AURORA, ENAMORED, LUPARA, THE KISS OF DEATH, KRUCIFIER North American Tour with Hate Eternal, Krisiun, Into Eternity, All Shall Perish June 16 - Jaxx - West Springfield - VA - USA June 17 - The Loft - Poughkeepsie - NY - USA June 18 - The Palladium - Worcester - MA - USA June 20 - Trocadero - Philadelphia - PA - USA June 25 - Penny Arcade - Rochester - NY - USA June 26 - BB Kings Blues club - New York - NY - USA July 28 - Peabody's Down Under - Cleveland - OH - USA June 30 - Ranch Bowl - Omaha - NB - USA July 1 - Ascot Room - Minneapolis - MN - USA July 8 - Studio Seven - Seattle - WA - USA July 9 - Ash ST Saloon - Portland - OR - USA July 10 - The pounds at pier 96 - San Francisco - CA - USA July 12 - The Boardwalk - Orangevale - CA - USA July 13 - Key club - Los Angeles - CA - USA July 14 - Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana - CA - USA July 15 - The Clubhouse - Tempe - AZ - USA July 16 - Launch Pad - Albuquerque - NM - USA July 18 - Sanctuary - San Antonio - TX - USA July 19 - Mary Jane's - Houston - TX - USA July 21 - The Masquerade - Atlanta - GA - USA July 22 - The Imperial - Jacksonville - FL - USA July 23 - The Masquerade - Tampa - FL - USA THE GATHERING are currently rehearsing again for new upcoming DVD recordings, as well as work in a new album. The band plans to hit the studio in autumn 2005, with a possible release date at the beginning of 2006. Website: www.gathering.nl Ambient darkwave/metal act PECATUM completed the release of The Moribund People EP. This release contains two new songs and a special cover of Bathory’s legendary “For All Those Who Died”. The EP will also include a music video for the title track. Website: www.peccatum.com SCULPTURED is continuing to write music for their third as of yet untitled full-length album. The new material is a large step ahead from Apollo Ends and will continue to push the boundaries of Metal harmony. The music is being written using four-tone matrix systems that provide the foundational guitar riffs and harmonies. This is death metal for brave new ears. Due to Anderson's continued work with Agalloch, there is no estimation for when this album will be recorded or released. Website: www.lasteve.com/sculptured Bassplayer VUIST replaced Due to lasting personal discomforts bassplayer Jeff van Putten decided to leave Dutch metallers VUIST. His folllow up will be Ronald van Veen (Demalion). Ronald is familiar to the band. He filled in the gaps for the last 2 years when they appeared, but now he will stay on a permanent basis. Jeff will stay entangled to the band as roadie and perhaps in the future he will be an active musician again! ENMITY Illuminations of Vile Engorgement OUT NOW (Europe and Pre-orders) Finally ready for European Market ENMITY - Illuminations if Vile Engorgement CDs, no doubt one of most extreme bands on Earth. The Band agrees confirming Illuminations... CD is their most Brutal shit Recorded. Expect over 30 minutes of a Ultra Brutalic WallSound, Ultra-Fast parts and Pure Guttural Attitude.Coming out with a Sick Cover art (Andy Dicochea) and an annihilating Artwork courtesy of Joel Sta. Enmity unleashes a new level of Brutality. That's really one of the most extreme Brutal Death Metal outfit ever released, non-stop savageness mixed with ultra relented heavy parts. If you never listened to Enmity, you can imagine a lethal mix of US styled most brutal bands, like Disgorge, Cinerary and Devourment, ever extremer. You won't be disappointed! Order your copy now! We've launched also Enmity new website, designed by Permeated Websolutions Listen to the mp3 of Skinned Alive and Judge Yourself! You can download it on Permeated Records and Enmity website We've also Enmity - Illuminations Of Vile Engorgement Tshirts (sizes available M, L, XL, XXL) and Hoodies (L, XL, XXL) available. http://www.enmity.us

April 28th, 2005	SATHANAS will be releasing their new mcd FLESH FOR THE DEVIL soon on AGONIA RECORDS. Hear samples at www.myspace.com/sathanas MODERN DRUMMER FESTIVAL WEEKEND 2005 SET FOR MAY 28-29 WORLD'S GREATEST DRUMMING EVENT MOVING TO NJPAC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ, FOR BIGGEST DRUMMING FESTIVAL EVER PERFORMERS INCLUDE IAN PAICE, SHEILA E., CHAD SMITH, ROY HAYNES, DANNY CAREY AND MANY MORE OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST DRUMMERS AND PERCUSSIONISTS Modern Drummer, the world's first and most popular magazine for drummers and percussionists, has scheduled the Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2005 for May 28-29 at Prudential Hall at NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center) in Newark, New Jersey. Shows begin at 1:00 p.m. each day. Special guest artists from the rock, jazz and R&B worlds confirmed to take part in the event at this time include Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Prince/Ringo Starr percussionist Sheila E., jazz living legend Roy Haynes, Tool's Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith, Shadows Fall's Jason Bittner and many others. "We are very excited about our festival this year," says Bill Miller, Modern Drummer's Editor In Chief. "It's by far the most impressive lineup of drumming greats ever assembled. And having our festival at a world-class facility like NJPAC will make it an even better experience for attendees." Thousands of dollars' worth of drums, cymbals, percussion instruments and accessories will be given away as door prizes. Every audience member will receive a free commemorative T-shirt and a souvenir bag filled with catalogs and fliers from all of the festival's sponsoring manufacturers. Artists also meet and talk with the attendees and will sign autographs at a booth set up in the lobby. Every year since the festival's inception, the world's greatest drummers come to teach special clinics and perform one-of-a-kind concerts. In its 17 years, nearly every major drumming talent of the modern age has performed at the Modern Drummer Festival. The level of talent involved illustrates the importance of expanding knowledge and appreciation of drumming and the crucial role it plays in virtually every style of music. Each day, the scheduled guest drummers and percussionists will perform either individually or in special combinations. Here are the current schedules for the weekend: SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2005 * Danny Carey (Tool) and Volto featuring Kirk Covington * Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) * Ian Paice (Deep Purple) * Keith Carlock (Steely Dan/Sting) * Rodney Holmes (Steve Kimock/Santana) * Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall) SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2005 * Roy Haynes & His Quartet * Sheila E. (Ringo Starr, Prince), Raul Rekow, Alex Acuna (Weather Report) and Karl Perazzo (Santana) * Zoro (Lenny Kravitz) * Jojo Mayer & Nerve * Chris Adler (Lamb Of God) One of the highlights of the weekend is the percussion summit planned for Sunday, May 29 with Sheila E., Raul Rekow, Alex Acuna and Karl Perazzo. Modern Drummer is read by more than 250,000 drummers worldwide every month. 2006 marks the magazine's 30th anniversary. Tickets are $60 for a second-tier seat for one day ($105 for both days), $65 for a standard orchestra seat ($115 for both days) and $70 for a premium orchestra seat ($125 for both days). Tickets are available by calling NJPAC toll-free within the United States at 1-888-466-5722; patrons from outside the United States purchasing tickets need to call 973-642-0404. The venue's phone center is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Purchases may also be made online anytime at www.njpac.org. For more information about Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2005, visit www.moderndrummer.com. ABIGAIL is finishing up the recordings of their 3rd full length album, for a release via Nuclear War Now! Productions late summer. From Beyond will issue a limited vinyl version of the very first ASPHYX album, 'Embrace the dead'. Originally written in 1988/89 and recorded in 1990, the original label couldn't manage, and the album ended up as a CD release via Century Media in 1996. For the first time on vinyl, this version will contain original artwork from that era as well as early days pictures and a biography by Bob Bagchus (drummer). Chicago death veterans CIANIDE will participate in an Antiseen tribute album. A split 7" with Spanish horror grinders Machetazo is expected late next month. 'Downward spiral: the promise of worse to come' is the working title of the fully recorded new album by INCRIMINATED. Sublime depraved primitive black death! Out late September 2005. MANEGARM will do a small tour through Holland in the first week of June. The band is currently finalizing their upcoming album 'Vredens tid'. NACHTMYSTIUM and From Beyond agreed on a limited 7" and Pic7", to be issued late May 2005. Expect harsh black metal. UTUK XUL just issued a split CD with fellow country men MEPHIZTOPHEL., via Colombian label Hell Attacks. AXENSTAR's third album entitled “The Inquisition” will be released on 6th May. The album was recorded at Underground Studios and mastered by Peter in de Betou (Amon Amarth, Hypocrisy). Cover artwork is painted by Toxic Angel (Sonata Arctica, Children Of Bodom). Clips from BLIND STARE's forthcoming album have been posted at: http://koti.mbnet.fi/~etu/bs/mp3/Blind_Stare_-_An_Insanes_Diary_pt_II.mp3 http://koti.mbnet.fi/~etu/bs/mp3/Blind_Stare_-_All_for_the_Unspoken_CLIP.mp3 BLIND STARE “Symphony Of Delusions” album will be released on 13.05.2005. Cover artwork available at their official website http://www.blindstare.net A clip of SINISTHRA´s debut album has been posted at http://www.sinisthra.com/music/teaser.mp3 SINISTHRA “Last Of The Stories Of Long Past Glories” album was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios & mastered at Finnvox.The album is planned to be released on 13.05.2005. First Tour dates will be confirmed very soon! Clips from RAINTIME´s forthcoming album have been posted at http://www.raintime.com/media.html RAINTIME “Tales From Sadness” was recorded at New Sin Studios (Dark Moor, Labyrinth).Mattias Norén (Lost Horizon, Evergrey) painted the cover artwork. The album will be released on 6th May A reissue of DARK MOOR's first album “Shadowland” will be released on 13.05.2005. This edition will contain a bonus Cd with their official demos “Flying” & “Dreams Of Madness” and a new cover artwork by Derek Gores (Kamelot) . The band will announce tour dates very soon. “Shadowland “ Tracklisting : 1- Shadowland 2- Walhalla 3- Dragon Into The Fire 4- Calling On The Wind 5- Magic Land 6- Flying 7- Time Is The Avenger 8- Born In The Dark 9- The King ´s Sword 10- The Call Bonus Cd tracklisting: 1. God Save The King – Intro - (Taken from the demo “Flying”) Unreleased track 2. Walhalla (Taken from the demo “Flying”) 3. Flying (Taken from the demo “Flying”) 4. For You (Taken From the demo “Flying”) Unreleased track 5. Infinite Dreams (Taken from the demo “Dreams Of Madness”) 6. Dreams of Madness (Taken from the demo “Dreams Of Madness”) Unreleased Instrumental track 7. Time is the Avenger (Taken from the demo “Dreams Of Madness”) 8. The King’s Sword (Taken from the demo “Dreams Of Madness) CHEVELLE ADD NEW TOUR DATES BAND RETURNS TO THE ROAD AS NEW SINGLE "THE CLINCHER" ROCKETS TO #4 ON BILLBOARD'S ACTIVE ROCK CHART Just weeks after their triumphant run as headliners of this year's Winterfresh SnoCore Tour, Epic recording artists CHEVELLE are returning to the road. The trio is launching a new tour that begins April 8th at Jillian's in Louisville, KY. The brothers Loeffler (vocalist/guitarist Pete, drummer Sam and bassist Joe) are touring in support of acclaimed new album THIS TYPE OF THINKING (COULD DO US IN), the follow-up to 2002's platinum-plus-selling chartbuster, Wonder What's Next. The Chicago-based band is picking up where it left off, debuting on Billboard's Top 200 at #8, scoring a number one hit in lead single "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" and going gold in just six weeks. In addition, they've appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and CNN. New single "The Clincher," which is already a fan favorite thanks to its inclusion on EA Sports' top-selling video game Madden NFL 2005, is maintaining momentum with heavy airplay on radio, MTV2 and Fuse. The track currently stands tall at #4 on Billboard's Active Rock Chart and Top 15 at Modern Rock. This past week, Epic released a special DualDisc version of THIS TYPE OF THINKING (COULD DO US IN), complete with enhanced sound, a 25-minute behind-the-scenes documentary and a newly recorded version of "The Clincher" entitled "The Clincher (Version 103)." The following are tour dates for Chevelle: Date City Venue 4/8 Louisville, KY @ Jillian's 4/9 Athens, GA @ The Ritz 4/11 Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall 4/12 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel 4/13 Knoxville, TN @ Blue Cat's 4/14 Hilton Head, SC @ Monkey Business 4/16 Columbia, SC @ Headliners 4/17 Jacksonville, FL @ Freebird Live 4/19 Ft. Walton Beach, FL @ The Swamp 4/20 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues 4/22 Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa 4/23 Odessa, TX @ Dos Amigos 4/24 Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff Music Center 4/26 Little Rock, AR @ CCE Metroplex 4/27 Baton Rouge, LA @ The Texas Music Hall 4/28 Fayetteville, AR @ University of Arkanasas 4/30 Richmond, VA @ Classic Amphitheatre (WRXL Show) 5/01 Memphis, TN @ Beale Street 5/02 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown 5/04 Chattanooga, TN @ Rhythm and Brews 5/05 Raleigh, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (supporting Velvet Revolver) 5/06 Fayetteville, NC @ Jesters 5/07 Greenville, NC @ Handlebar 5/09 Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock 5/10 State College, PA @ Crowbar 5/12 Rochester, NY @ Water Street 5/13 Binghamton, NY @ Magic City 5/14 Washington, DC @ The Zone (WWDC Show) 5/15 Wantaugh, NY @ Mulcahy's 5/17 Buffalo, NY @ Sphere 5/18 Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon 5/21 Urbana, IL @ Canopy Club Additional dates to follow. MUDVAYNE ADDED TO OZZFEST MAIN STAGE BAND JOINS LINEUP FEATURING BLACK SABBATH AND IRON MAIDEN NEW ALBUM LOST AND FOUND IN STORES APRIL 12th LEAD SINGLE "HAPPY?" #2 ON BILLBOARD'S ACTIVE ROCK CHART Epic recording artists MUDVAYNE will take their furious live show on the road as part of this summer's highly anticipated OZZFEST tour. The powerhouse quartet has landed the much-coveted third spot on the tour's main stage, just before headliners Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. This will be Mudvayne's second tour of OZZFEST duty, having headlined the second stage back in 2001. "Ozzfest is the ultimate summer tour," says Mudvayne lead vocalist Chad Gray." We're excited to be part of its 10-year anniversary and its great lineup of legends and rising stars. We're looking forward to ripping the roof off every shed on this tour." OZZFEST celebrates its 10th anniversary with the staggering lineup of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Rob Zombie, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall and Black Label Society. Originally launched in 1996 as a limited two-city trek, OZZFEST has become a virtual breeding ground for up-and-coming bands. The heavy metal juggernaut has earned a hallowed position in the busiest tour season with a relentless commitment to its core fans and the consistency of quality they demand. Mudvayne (Gray, guitarist Greg Tribbett, bassist Ryan Martinie and drummer Matt McDonough) are currently gearing up for the April 12th release of their new album LOST AND FOUND with a seven-week headlining tour that began March 29th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minnesota with openers Life of Agony, American Head Charge and bloodsimple. The band will celebrate the album's release in New York City on April 12th with a show at Roseland, followed by a late night in-store appearance at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. Paving the way for LOST AND FOUND and blazing its way up the charts is lead single "Happy?" The track is currently standing tall at #2 on Billboard's Active Rock Chart and Top 20 at Modern Rock. The song's video, directed by Lex Halaby, is in rotation on both "Headbanger's Ball" and Fuse. LOST AND FOUND, which recently garnered a three-star review in Stuff, a four-K write-up in Kerrang! and was hailed by Revolver as "gloriously twisted," will be available in two configurations: the full CD and a DualDisc. The latter features the album in enhanced stereo and a jam-packed DVD highlighting never-before-seen footage, rare photos, videos of new songs "Determined" and "IMN" and the pre-CGI cut of the "Happy?" video. Fans can pre-order the DualDisc at the band's official site, www.mudvayne.com. Dates for Mudvayne's headlining tour and Ozzfest are as follows: MUDVAYNE HEADLINING TOUR DATE MARKET VENUE 4/6 Montreal, Que@ Metropolis 4/8 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater 4/9 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory 4/10 Boston, MA @Palladium 4/12 New York, NY @ Roseland 4/13 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club 4/15 West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx 4/16 Norfolk, VA @ Norva 4/17 Atlanta, GA @ Earthlink Live 4/19 Charleston, SC @ The Plex 4/20 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues 4/22 New Orleans @ Twi-Ro-Pa 4/23 Spring, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 4/24 McAllen, TX @ La Villa Real 4/26 Corpus Christi TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater 4/27 Live Oak, TX @ Live Oak Civic Ctr 4/29 Lubbock, TX @ The Pavilion 4/30 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater 5/1 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues 5/3 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre 5/4 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre 5/6 Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre 5/7 San Fran, CA @ The Warfield 5/8 Reno, NV @ The New Oasis 5/10 Boise, ID @ The Big Easy 5/11 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue 5/13 Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre 5/14 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium 5/15 St. Louis, MO @ UMB Bank Pavilion MUDVAYNE WITH OZZFEST DATE CITY/STATE VENUE 7/15 Boston, MA @ Tweeter Center 7/17 Hartford, CT @ Meadows 7/19 Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Waterfront 7/21 Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lakes 7/23 Pittsburgh, PA @ Post Gazette 7/24 Washington, DC @ Nissan Pavilion 7/26 New York, NY @ PNC 7/30 Chicago, IL @ Tweeter Center 7/31 Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center 8/2 Columbus, OH @ Germain Amphitheatre 8/4 Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre 8/6 East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley 8/7 Minneapolis, MN @ Floatrite Park 8/11 Seattle, WA @ White River 8/13 San Francisco, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre 8/14 Sacramento, CA @ Sleep Train 8/16 Salt Lake City, UT@ USANA Pavilion 8/18 Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket 8/20 Los Angeles, CA @ Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen 8/23 Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion 8/25 Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff 8/27 Houston, TX @ Cynthia J. Woods Pavilion 8/28 San Antonio, TX @ Verizon Wireless Amp 8/31 Nashville, TN @ Starwood Amphitheatre 9/2 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon 9/4 West Palm Beach@ Sound Advice DOG FACED GODS Release Debut CD ‘Stoned Council’ on Voodoo Nation/AGU Music Dog Faced Gods, a no-holds-barred, rock quartet from the ancient San Manuel Indian Reservation in California, recently released its debut CD ‘Stoned Council’ on Voodoo Nation/AGU Music. Incorporating the traditional sounds of their native heritage with the pulse-pounding sounds of today’s alt-metal movement and even a little hip-hop and psychedelic rock rhythms thrown in for good measure, Dog Faced Gods’ debut effort is a mature and eclectic album which stands out among today’s young rock acts. Considered rare for a new band to demonstrate such a deep understanding of musical genres, guitarist “Snakeyez” Torres says it all comes naturally. In fact, he believes that every sound that they produce is the combined result of their experiences living on the reservation as well as their individual tastes. “Having grown up on the rez, our past definitely sticks with us. Those experiences—and what we’ve seen around us and the world at large—are reflected in our music,” he says. “I think a lot of today’s music is music without meaning. Songs should take you on a voyage. I’m proud of our diverse influences and where they help take our music.” And, according to drummer Paul Garcia, the band’s influences couldn’t be any more diverse. “I listen to a lot of punk, hardcore and metal music—nothing mainstream. My influences are a bit different from the rest of the group. I’m trying to corrupt them!” he laughs. But all kidding aside, Dog Faced Gods has achieved in one album what most bands can’t seem to accomplish in a lifetime. Which they say can be greatly attributed to producer Bobby Brooks’ efforts. Previously working with bands like P.O.D. and Zebrahead, Brooks brought a unique perspective to the project that Dog Faced Gods say made all the difference, especially with their first single “Brings Me Down.” Already enjoying early spins at such stations as KASS FM (Casper, WY) and WQAK FM (Union City, TN), “Brings Me Down” is receiving positive feedback from program directors across the country and is being hailed as the song that may just catapult the band to the next level. Yet, Dog Faced Gods know that the real key to capturing audiences’ attention is through their live performances, which bass guitarist Fernando “Nando” Gonzalez says is the band’s strong point. “Our performances are much heavier and more intricate than our album,” he says. “We tend to stretch out and detour into funky instrumental jams.” The band has started mapping out a tour that is expected to keep them on the road all summer long with gigs at such well-known venues as the Whiskey A Go-Go and the Roxy. The next appearance is scheduled for Friday, April 29 at the Whiskey. For all the latest news and tour dates, visit www.dogfacedgods.com. BLOOD TEARS - Demo songs - The brazilian doomsters of Blood Tears released a new demo, titled "Demo Songs". The band is working on new compositions which will be part of a debut cd to be released soon. The track list of the demo is: 01. Jail of Solitude 02. In a Sea of Sadness 03. Poems and Songs are Never Born in Vain 04. Requiem for a Dying Love It's available for download on their website some complete songs of this demo as old songs that were remastered on 2004 like "Blood Tears", "Elehcor" and "The Orphan Girl In The Graveyard", check it at www.bloodtears.net MANOWAR TOUR DATES. MANOWAR will once again march into battle in the name of True Metal. This worldwide metal crusade will begin on June 2nd 2005 and will span the globe during 2005/2006. This is more than just a tour this will be the greatest metal assault ever! Italy's premier symphonic metal band RHAPSODY will make their debut performance in America as MANOWAR's special guests. Having achieved sales of more than 1 million records, known the world over for thrilling audiences with their unforgettable stage show as well as their very own style of "Film Score Metal" RHAPSODY have elevated symphonic metal to unheard of extremes. With their newest release Symphony Of Enchanted Lands Part Two - The Dark Secret featuring legendary actor Christopher Lee as guest narrator, RHAPSODY have risen to a new height in the world of metal and as the special guests of MANOWAR you can be sure that this will be everything fans expect from them and more. Joining the fight to make this a triple threat is the newest signing to Magic Circle Music, HOLYHELL. This Pandora's box of intense melodic power features the newest must hear voice in metal today Maria Breon. This is an all star band of master shredders featuring Joe Stump "The Shred Lord" known worldwide for his power metal style of playing and writing, who will burn down one side of the stage while being joined by Tom Hess, Chicago's premier guitar demon who will unmercifully scorch the other side of the stage. HOLYHELL promises total metallic and melodic devastation with their brand of mystical, magical metal. "All who witness this shall know True Metal" MANOWAR Confirmed North American dates are listed below: Thursday, June 2nd 2005 Cleveland, OH, USA - House Of Blues Friday, June 3rd 2005 Winston Salem, NC, USA - Ziggy's Saturday, June 4th 2005 Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA - The Culture Room Sunday, June 5th 2005 Orlando, FL, USA - House of Blues Tuesday, June 7th 2005 Atlanta, GA, USA - The Masquerade Wednesday, June 8th 2005 Charleston, SC, USA - The Music Farm Thursday, June 9th 2005 Baltimore, MD, USA - Sonar Saturday, June 11th 2005 Buffalo, NY, USA - The Icon Sunday, June 12th 2005 Toronto, ON, Canada - Opera House Monday, June 13th 2005 Quebec City, QU, Canada - Albert-Rousseau Tuesday, June 14th 2005 Montreal, QU, Canada - Metropolis Thursday, June 16th 2005 Philadelphia, PA, USA - Theatre Of Living Arts Saturday, June 18th 2005 Worcester, MA, USA - The Palladium Sunday, June 19th 2005 New York, NY, USA - B.B. King's Friday, July 15 2005 Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Festival. Saturday, July 16 2005 Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Festival. Sunday, July 17 2005 Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Festival. Thursday, July 21 2005 Nuremburg, Germany- EARTHSHAKER FEST 2005. Friday, July 22 2005 Nuremburg, Germany - EARTHSHAKER FEST 2005. Saturday, July 23 2005 Nuremburg, Germany - EARTHSHAKER FEST 2005. DAVE MUSTAINE'S 'GIGANTOUR' SET TO LAUNCH IN LATE JULY; DREAM THEATER, FEAR FACTORY, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN AND NEVERMORE CONFIRMED TO JOIN MEGADETH ON THE MAINSTAGE FOR SIX-WEEK NORTH AMERICAN TREK It's called GIGANTOUR, and it's the brainchild of MEGADETH frontman/guitarist DAVE MUSTAINE. Set to launch in late July, GIGANTOUR is a six-week festival trek co-headlined by MEGADETH and DREAM THEATER, who'll be accompanied by other mainstage acts Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan and Nevermore. Artists for the second stage will be announced in the coming weeks. GIGANTOUR follows MEGADETH's sold-out 2004 "Blackmail The Universe" Tour in support of 2004's THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED-- MEGADETH's tenth studio album--which debuted on the charts at #18 and was critically hailed as a brilliant return to form. Bandmates Glen Drover (guitar), James MacDonough (bass) and Shawn Drover (drums) will once again join MUSTAINE on the road. GIGANTOUR--whose moniker was inspired by the classic 1960's cartoon "Gigantor"--will criss-cross North America, with stops in amphitheatres and arenas in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Montreal, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, Denver and Minneapolis, among others. The tour is implementing the "fan friendly" ticket price of approximately $35 each. MUSTAINE notes: "I think people may want an affordable alternative to the choices out there--along the lines of a pure music festival--like Monsters of Rock or Clash of the Titans." MASTODON Sign With WARNER BROS. According to the U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine, MASTODON have inked a worldwide record deal with Warner Bros. Records and are expected to issue a new album in early 2006. MASTODON, currently in the midst of a U.S. headlining tour, just completed work on a video for "Blood and Thunder" with director Jonathan Rej. The video, described as "far-and-away different than most any modern day music video", is expected to make its world network premiere(s) imminently. As previously reported, MASTODON has been added to Ozzfest 2005, where they will join BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN, ROB ZOMBIE and others for the 10-year anniversary of the heralded festival. Blabbermouth MERCENARY confirmed for Danish Roskilde Festival! Mercenary is very proud to announce that we will perform on this year's Roskilde Festival, one of the biggest festivals in Europe. We will play on the Odeon stage, more info to follow later. Other metal acts this year: Black Sabbath, Isis, The Haunted, a.o. Official festival page: www.roskilde-festival.dk Upcoming concerts: Apart from the impending European tour with Brainstorm, Mercenary is scheduled to play the following concerts this summer: May 7th DynamoOpen Air 2005 Hellendoorn (NL) w.Anthrax, Gorefest a.o. May 13th Badeanstalten Slagelse (DK) (Headlining ) May 14th Imperiet Herning (DK) (Headlining) June 3-4th Aarhus Metal Fest 2005 Århus (DK) w. Behemoth, Volbeat a.o. June 18th Karmoygeddon Festival Kopervik (N) June 30th- July 3rd Roskilde Festival Roskilde (Dk) Aug. 4-6 Wacken Open Air 2005 Wacken (DE) w. Accept, Nightwish etc. mercenary.dk Cyprian removed from DEVILYN! The musicians of band DEVILYN undertook difficult the and unambiguous decision about removal Cyprian from rows of band. Cyprian did not apply you belong to bassplayer's duties he - left the majority of tests, he was not on them you belong prepared, he did not bring in no ideas in creating new numbers. It dealy then progresses band, we on what can not me it knows this moment to permit absolutely. We wish him in his mother band success. Current bass player DEVILYN became Cyclone which replaced recently Cyprian during his absence on tour concert Hate.- Bony & DEVILYN Official Website: http://devilyn.metalkings.com IMMEMORIAL without Karla Frost: After a longer break we are back with some updated information from Immemorial. the first and apparently important one is the fact, that Karla, the female vocalist , is no longer a member of the band.such a decision was caused by her lack of evotion and engagement in the band`s matters as well as some major approach differences that unabled any further co-operation and jeopardised the coherence of the band. Immemorial have been in touch with the former band`s musician and as a 4 manned band started working on the "AFTER DENY"s follower, now under a working title: "I.M.L." the personal data and the updated line-up will be revealed in the close future. Official Website: http://www.immemorialband.prv.pl We with joy can inform, that new drummer DEAD BY DAWN would become good colleague Michal "Troll" Zieli_ski, well-known from such bands how DeFucto or Oblivion. Michal began already with us work over material, therefore soon we will return to full concert activity. Our hitherto exists drummer Tomasz "Starkey" Starczewski lowered us with reason of disease. Whole band thanks him for huge trouble put in work on thing Dead By Dawn and they would wish him return to full moon strengths!. We finished several days this production our debut releases which should appear in shops on breakthrough of April also and May expenditure Conquer Records. Are satisfied from this very, which was successful to us for You to prepare and we with impatience wait the premiere of disc "And Blind Is Leading And Blind" and first comments on his subject. We invite to time of appearing of cd to listening with title announcing whole album work "And Blind Is Leading And Blind", which we can take here. Official Website: http://www.deadbydawn-metal.com

April 18th, 2005	Funeral services for NASUM vocalist/guitarist Mieszko Talarczyk were held on March 30th in Orebro, Sweden. It was officially announced on February 17th that Mieszko did not survive the Tsunami on December 26th that hit Phi Phi Island in Thailand where he was vacationing. Mieszko helped to pioneer the Swedish grindcore movement, and also worked as an engineer and producer at his studio, Soundlab. Metal Update ANTHRAX held a global press conference April 1st on Sirius Satellite Radio to discuss the reuniting of their classic line up. In regard to rumors that they would be appearing on the main stage at this year's Ozzfest, the band replied, "You shouldn't believe everything you hear on the Internet." The band's summer plans are to play several European festivals, including headlining at Dynamo. They will kick off the reunion with two sold-out dates in Chicago, then head off to tour internationally, before returning to tour the U.S. in the fall. A DVD and box set are planned and they hope to see them released by the end of the year. They stated that they do not know how long the reunion will last, and in regard to John Bush and Rob Caggiano, they responded that there are no negative feelings and they are still a part of the "extended Anthrax family" but the band does not know what the future holds. The band also announced they are teaming with the Slave to the Metal Foundation to raise awareness of the health risks of the Anthrax vaccination which is being administered to military personnel. Metal Update JUDAS PRIEST's new album 'Angel of Retribution' debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart at number 13, making it the band's highest-charting album ever. Previously the band's highest ranking had been number 17 with 'Screaming for Vengeance' in 1982 and 'Turbo' in 1986. Metal Update LACUNA COIL's 'Comalies' has surpassed the U.S. Sound Scan plateau of 200,000 copies sold. They are the first Century Family artist to achieve this distinction. The band is currently in pre-production on their follow-up album and plans to perform some of the new songs at European festivals this summer. Metal Update TESTAMENT - Chuck Billy, Eric Peterson, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, Johnny Tempesta will team up for a 10 date Reunion Tour in Europe, May 6th -15th. Metal Update TRIVIUM and DEVILDRIVER have dropped off the SUBLIMINAL VERSES TOUR with Slipknot, Lamb of God and Shadows Fall. According to a statement issued by Roadrunner Records, the cause is "unforeseen Union enforced time constraints with venues." Metal Update OZZY OSBOURNE / OZZFEST: 'Prince of Darkness,' Ozzy's first ever box set was released on March 22nd. The four disc, 52 song set is "a testament to the iconic rockers 25-year solo career." Fans purchasing the set will be able to obtain a free general admission to Ozzfest 2005 with their purchase of a ticket. The line up for Ozzfest 2005 has been officially announced. Main stage: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Shadows Fall, Black Label Society. Second stage: Rob Zombie, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Mastodon, The Haunted, In Flames, Arch Enemy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Bury Your Dead, Soilwork, Trivium, It Dies Today, A Dozen Furies. One additional act, to play on the main stage between Shadows Fall and Iron Maiden, has yet to be announced. Metal Update A new summer festival tour will be launched this summer. Dubbed the 'SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND TOUR,' participants in the tour are scheduled to be: Clutch, Poison The Well, Opeth, Unearth, From Autumn To Ashes, Chimaira, Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, Strapping Young Lad, Throwdown, High On Fire, Devil Driver, All That Remains, A Life Once Lost. Madball and Terror are planned to split the East and West legs of the tour, with East Coast appearances by The Red Chord, Midwest and Southeast appearances by Fear Before the March of Flames, and West Coast appearances by Himsa. A "special half-time performance" by Gwar is also planned. A "special headliner" is yet to be announced. Metal Update Peter Tagtgren has left BLOODBATH due to "conflicting schedules." Mikael Akerfeldt will return to take over vocal duties for Bloodbath's performance at Wacken on August 5th. A statement on the band website says this will be an "exclusive one time happening...something that you're guaranteed to never see again as Mike will not be rejoining the band in any way apart from committing to this performance." The line up for Wacken will be: Mikael Akerfeldt - Vocals, Blakkheim - Guitar, Dan Swano - Guitar, Jonas Renkse - Bass, Axe - Drums. Metal Update Following the arrest of Ryan Ball, CRISIS recently named as the band's new drummer, the band announced Ball had been let go over two weeks before his arrest. The band is currently working with Justin Arman (ex-Society 1), while they search for a permanent replacement. Metal Update Newly appointed VEHEMENCE vocalist, Sean Vandegrift, will be unable to join the band for their spring tour with Crematorium and The Red Death. Adam Cody of Glass Casket will fill in on this run, except for the April 23rd date in Augusta, GA, which will be handled by a guest vocalist. Bryan Edwards of Clifton will fill in on the dates with Thine Eyes Bleed through April 5th as previously announced. Metal Update MONSTER MAGNET guitarist, Phil Calvano, has left the band in an amicable split. The band is auditioning for a replacement and Dave Wyndorf will be filling in the meantime. The band is continuing to write the new album and the change is not expected to affect the schedule. Monster Magnet will be supporting Motorhead on two Northeast dates in May. Metal Update GZR, FEATURING BLACK SABBATH'S GEEZER BUTLER, TO RELEASE 'OHMWORK' ON MAY 10, 2005, VIA SANCTUARY RECORDS 'OHMWORK' IS THE THIRD SOLO BAND PROJECT FROM THE LEGENDARY BASS GUITARIST AND LYRICIST GZR, the quartet led by legendary Black Sabbath bass guitarist and lyricist Geezer Butler, will release its new studio album 'Ohmwork' through Sanctuary Records on May 10, 2005. 'Ohmwork' is Butler’s first album in eight years. The 10 songs on 'Ohmwork' are "Misfit," "Pardon My Depression," "Prisoner 103," "I Believe," "Aural Sects," "Pseudocide," "Pull The String," "Alone," "Dogs Of Whore" and "Don't You Know." "I Believe" is the first single. Butler is joined by vocalist Clark Brown and guitarist Pedro Howse, his longtime collaborators, and new drummer Chad Smith. 'Ohmwork' is Butler's third solo band release. His first project under the GZR banner was 1995's 'Plastic Planet' while 1997's 'Black Science' was credited to Geezer. Howse has worked on all three albums. Brown performed on 'Black Science.' "I feel that this album is more like our first album, 'Plastic Planet.' On this album I wanted to strip everything down to the bare essentials, so every song would have a live band feel, which I think we achieved.” The band went hurtling into the studio with a hectic 10-day recording schedule. “There’s a spirit of spontaneity and freshness that can only be achieved when you approach a record in that manner,” recalls Geezer. “It’s the way the first two Sabbath albums were done. 'Black Sabbath' was recorded in two days and 'Paranoid' took a week and that’s what I wanted with my new record – 10 days done ‘n’ dusted.” A potent, tangible band dynamic is crucial for Butler. He does not ever want an album credited to "Geezer Butler" when it is a true band effort. "It's important to me that we have a band identity, because the album is a band collaboration. Everyone brings their own specialties to the songs, and we all know our capabilities, and we all work extremely hard together," Butler says. Butler is proud of the fact that GZR's music appeals to both young metal fans as well as Black Sabbath fans. He attributes this fact about cross-generational appeal to heavy metal's very essence. GZR touring plans are being put together for Fall 2005. www.gzrmusic.com www.geezerbutler.com www.sanctuaryrecords.com