Old News / Tours - January 2004


Old News / Tours - January 2004 - Back
January 30th, 2004	The new started Swedish Heavy Metal Rock band DECEIVER, featuring members from Maze of Torment and Serpent Obscene, will enter The Abyss studio with Tommy Tägtgren in May 2004 for the recording of their debut M-CD. Will be released through Singapore label KONQUEROR RECORDS in August 2004. Fans of Judas Priest, Motörhead and Venom should look out for this Metal release. REMEMBER THE ANCIENT SPIRIT THE DECEIVER HORDE http://www.cruor.com/emf/ The Swedish Death Metal band SKYFIRE signs with Arise Records, after 2 albums released through Hammerheart Records ("Timeless Departure" (2001) and "Mind Revolutions" (2003)), the band will record their third album in February/March 2004 at Los Angered Studios & Underground Studios to be released in May 2004. Skyfire are: Jonas Sjögren: Bass Andreas Edlund: Guitar/Synth Henrik Wenngren: Vocals Martin Hanner: Guitar/Synth Joakim Jonsson: Drums/Guitar OPETH Releases First-Ever DVD Lamentations – Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire 2003 on February 24th through KOCH Entertainment Winter Tour Confirmed with DevilDriver Sweden’s OPETH is a unique entity. The band balances an intense focus on musicianship with a singular sonic intrigue imbued by their mix of driving aggression and prog-influenced exploration. OPETH’s notoriety has been built over a succession of ground-breaking releases over the past few years on KOCH Records/Music For Nations: From 2001’s eclectic Blackwater Park to the 2003’s double shot of the menacing Deliverance (which Rolling Stone Magazine deemed “…shockingly beautiful thunder”) and its polar opposite, the sedate, thought-provoking Damnation (described by Guitar World Magazine as “…a stunning demonstration of the group’s versatility”). Damnation also yielded the band’s first video, for the track “Windowpane”, which received considerable airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. An intense touring schedule over the intervening years proved to the world that OPETH was not merely a studio band, but a sight to behold. “Each song is a suite…,”proclaimed the New York Times. The Village Voice concurred, “Opeth schooled even the most metal among us.” In recognition of the band’s achievements and its rapidly increasing fan base, KOCH Records is pleased to announce the February 24th release of OPETH’s first-ever DVD, entitled Lamentations – Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire 2003. This special release not only exhibits the band’s palpable technical prowess but also OPETH’s inimitable charm as performers, drawing the viewer into the mesmerizing web of atmospheric musicianship. The DVD, presented in High Definition widescreen format, offers audio options in Stereo, 5.1 Surround, and DTS, and the 2-hour set list offers a brilliant mix of OPETH’s finest offerings, including a performance of the Damnation album in its entirety! The track listing includes: Windowpane Weakness In My Time of Need Harvest Death Whispered a Lullaby The Leper Affinity Closure Master’s Apprentices Hope Leaves Deliverance To Rid The Disease The Drapery Falls Ending Credits A Fair Judgment Lamentations – Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire 2003 also includes a 65-minute documentary on the making of the Deliverance and Damnation albums, where fans can actually witness the actual composition and production of the two releases. Composed of in-depth behind-the-scenes footage, studio outtakes, and interviews with the entire band (guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt, guitarist Peter Lindgren, bassist Martin Mendez, drummer Martin Lopez) as well as producer/collaborator Steven Wilson (vocalist/guitarist for the progressive outfit Porcupine Tree), the “making of” feature offers an intuitive glimpse of true masterminds at work. Åkerfeldt offers, “What we tried to do with this release was to put out something that had the same quality and honesty of our studio albums. I truly feel that the DVD represents what we sound like in a live situation, and the documentary also offers insight on how it is recording an album, or albums in our case. I'm really proud over this DVD!” OPETH is promoting the DVD release throughout winter on an extensive North American tour with aggro-rockers DevilDriver and the enchanting Moonspell on a rotating bill. Tour dates include: Tuesday, January 20th - Edmonton, AB, Can. - Red’s Wednesday, January 21st - Calgary, AB, Can. - MacEwan Hall Ballroom Friday, January 23rd - Vancouver, BC, Can. - Commodore Ballroom Saturday, January 24th - Seattle, WA - Graceland Sunday, January 25th - Portland, OR - Roseland Tuesday, January 27th - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre Wednesday, January 28th - San Diego, CA - Canes Bar & Grill Thursday, January 29th - W. Hollywood, CA - House of Blues (LA) Friday, January 30th - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues (Anaheim) Saturday, January 31st - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore Monday, February 2nd - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre Tuesday, February 3rd - Lawrence, KS - Bottleneck Wednesday, February 4th - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom Thursday, February 5th - Dallas, TX - Trees Friday, February 6th - Austin, TX - The Back Room Saturday, February 7th - Houston, TX - Engine Room Monday, February 9th - Tampa, FL - Masquerade Tuesday, February 10th - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room Thursday, February 12th - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House Of Blues (Orlando) Friday, February 13th - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Saturday, February 14th - Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall Sunday, February 15th - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club Monday, February 16th - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s Wednesday, February 18th - Minneapolis, MN - The Quest Thursday, February 19th - Chicago, IL - House of Blues Friday, February 20th - Detroit, MI - Harpo’s Concert Theatre Saturday, February 21st - Latham, NY - Saratoga Winners Sunday, February 22nd - Montreal, QC, Can. - The Medley Tuesday, February 24th - Toronto, ON, Can. - Opera House Wednesday, February 25th - Rochester, NY - Steel Music Hall Thursday, February 26th - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero Friday, February 27th - New York, NY - Irving Plaza Saturday, February 28th - Worcester, MA - The Palladium www.opeth.com ZAKK WYLDE TAKES TOP HONORS IN GUITAR WORLD MAGAZINE 2004 READERS POLL Readers vote Zakk Wylde #1 MVP and “The Blessed Hellride” #1 Best Metal Album HOLLYWOOD (January 13, 2004) – The votes are in and have been tallied up. Zakk Wylde sweeps two categories in Guitar World Magazine 2004 Readers Poll. For two years straight, Zakk Wylde has been recognized as the MVP of the year by the fans. This is the highest honor on the annual poll. “It’s definitely an honor to be chosen as Guitar Worlds MVP for the second year in a row,” states Wylde. Zakk Wylde has played a significant role for Ozzy Osbourne as one of his legend lead guitarist. Zakk joined Ozzy at the early age of 19, handpicked for his wicked-ass riffs and bone-crunching six-stringed mastery, now he has come “into his own”. “When I first started playing guitar the guys that won awards like this were the players that I idolized,” explains Wylde. “Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Al Di Meola, Albert Lee, John McLaughlin and Frank Marino are all my heroes to name a few.” Zakk’s band, Black Label Society broke nationally at #50 on Billboards prestigious Top 200 charts with their latest album “The Blessed Hellride” on Spitfire Records, while the DVD – Boozed, Broozed and Broken Boned entered Billboards Top Music Video charts at # 3. The first single “Stillborn” was named "One Of The Top 10 Tracks of 2003 at Rock radio". “For every 14 year old kid out there, who’s practicing their ass-off, strive to be great. You want your name to be among the players I named. Stay strong and bleed guitar.” Anathema’s A Natural Disaster New Set From British Rock Legends Bows February 24th on KOCH Records/Music For Nations In a climate where music has become formulaic and predictable, Liverpool’s Anathema is a rare pleasure. The band’s unique brand of ethereal, neo-progressive rock is in full regalia with the unveiling of their latest masterpiece, A Natural Disaster, on KOCH Records/Music For Nations on February 24th. The new album, the band’s seventh full-length studio album, displays Anathema at their very finest, honing a most distinctive sound to the climax of absolute perfection. The current lineup consists of three brothers: vocalist/guitarist Vincent Cavanagh, guitarist Danny Cavanagh, bassist Jamie Cavanagh, as well as keyboardist Les Smith and drummer John Douglas. A Natural Disaster, the follow-up to 2001’s critically-lauded A Fine Day To Exit, is a collection of beautiful, powerful compositions performed with uncommon feeling and intelligence. Launching from the band’s bedrock foundation of hard progressive rock, predominantly mellow numbers such as “Balance,” “Closer,” “Are You There?” and “Flying” use sparse arrangements and hypnotic nuances to first seduce and then enthrall the listener. These core elements are further enhanced by instantly memorable choruses, driving riffs and well-timed bursts of aggression. And this is only the beginning, as additional wonders like the evocative instrumental interlude “Childhood Dream,” the frighteningly explosive “Pulled Under at 2000 Metres a Second,” and the colossally building closer “Violence” are revealed apace to devastating effect. Although deceptively simple in their construction, all of the above are really anything but, and, taken as a whole, their soaring layers of sound conspire to weave an intricate painting for the ears that is at once emotionally draining and a wholly inspiring listening experience. The full album track listing includes: Harmonium Pulled Under at 2000 Metres a Second Balance A Natural Disaster Closer Flying Are You There? Electricity Childhood Dream Violence Song samples of “Pulled Under at 2000 Metres a Second” and “A Natural Disaster” are available at www.anathema.ws Primary songwriter Danny Cavanagh describes the album, as “A collection of songs that reflect personal experience, thoughts and feelings that have been building up for the past few years. [It’s] a journey of light and shade, love and hate, yin and yang.” Perhaps even more remarkable in light of these achievements, is the fact that A Natural Disaster is the first opus produced by Anathema themselves. Thus empowered, the band has attained an enviable position of strength and creative independence, which only bodes well for a band so dedicated to constant reinvention and facing new challenges. A Natural Disaster was recorded at Parkgate Studios and engineered by Dan Turner. The album will undoubtedly find its way into the hall of fame alongside the albums of bands whose existence triggered the chain of events that resulted in this classic album. Anathema has long since been known as one of the most incredible live bands to materialize from the UK, and is consistently asked to headline festivals around Europe and America. With the release of A Natural Disaster, Anathema will certainly achieve worldwide recognition. www.anathema.ws IMMEMORIAL's tour through EUROPE has been finally confirmed in Febuary 2004. During this tour their will be promote new album "After Deny". IMMEMORIAL will hit the road as a guest of DIMENSION ZERO. DIMENSION ZERO is the band of Jesper Strömblad the guitarist and main songwriter of IN FLAMES and of Jocke Göthburg the ex-MARDUK vocalist. The other band on the tour is HANDFUL OF RAIN. The Tour will begin in the middle of Febuary. 14.02.04 D-Engelsdorf, Hellraiser 15.02.04 D-Essen, Zeche Carl 16.02.04 D-Hamburg, Markthalle 17.02.04 D-Frankfurt, Batschkapp 18.02.04 D-Münster/Breitefeld, Live Arena 19.02.04 UK-London, The Underworld 20.02.04 F-Nancy, Azimut 854 21.02.04 NL-Arnheim, Goudvishal 22.02.04 D-Aaalen, Rock It 23.02.04 D-München, Garage 24.02.04 CH-Pratteln, Konzertfabrik Z7 25.02.04 I-Bergamo, Motion 26.02.04 A-Innsbruck, Hafen A Finnish lady dubbed Miss K has been enlisted as STRATOVARIUS' new vocalist - she is said to have a 3 octave range and according the the band's website: "she is capable of transforming Stratovarius' sound to something unique, something that has never been heard in metal before - in addition, the drummer for the next album will be Anders Johansson, the brother of Jens Johansson - meanwhile, Sanctuary Records is asking Timo Tolkki to pay back 1 Million Euros from the recording agreement advance based on their position that the agreement was for the old line up - Tolkki disagrees with their position and refuses to pay. Metal Update HYPOCRISY has officially replaced drummer Lars Szöke with Horgh (Immortal). Metal Update JUDAS PRIEST former drummer David Holland has been accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy who visited his home for drum lessons - Holland reportedly faces one charge of attempted rape and five counts of indecently assaulting the teenager. Metal Update LABRAT drummer Nathan Perrier was rushed to Naas General Hospital in Southern Ireland for emergency surgery to remove part of his lower intestine after being diagnosed with "necro-intesto" - he will be laid up for 2 to 3 months while he recovers - the band was forced to cancel scheduled tour dates. Metal Update Drummer John "JC" Cona (Matriarch) has been added to the lineup of VYNDYKATOR. Metal Update JACOBS DREAM has announced that Chaz Bond (Biogenesis) is the new vocalist. Metal Update Vocalist Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) has been added as main vocalist to SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE for the highly anticipated debut EP "Temporary Psychotic State". Metal Update HAMMERFALL's vocalist, JOACIM CANS, recently recorded his first solo album with the help of Matt Sinner (Sinner), Metal Mike Chlasciak (Halford), Stefan Elmgren (Hammerfall) and Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) - "Beyond The Gates" is due to be released on Noise Records on April 26, 2004. Metal Update David Ellefson (Megadeth) makes a guest appearance on three tracks and assisted in the production of WARMACHINEs forthcoming debut. Metal Update Bassist Pawel Maciwoda (Section 31, Urbanator) has replaced Ralph Rieckermann in the SCORPIONS. Metal Update

January 28th, 2004	On "Blood Delirium", THE RAVENOUS second full length, this twisted Death-Horror-Metal act shows they are more than just another puked-up side-project! Even more bizarre and sick-to-the-bone, The Ravenous presents no less than 11 new and fucked-up Death Metal tracks! This release is packaged in an excellent digipak with disgusting art that is not suitable for children. Blood Delirium.......agggg......sick.......fuckin mental! TESLA Releases Long-Awaited New Studio Album 'INTO THE NOW' On SANCTUARY RECORDS On March 9, 2004 Tesla will release its eagerly anticipated new studio album 'Into the Now' on Sanctuary Records on March 9, 2004. The original lineup of vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Frank Hannon, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, bass guitarist Brian Wheat and drummer Troy Luccketta spent more than two years writing and recording 'Into the Now.' Tesla co-produced the album with Michael Rosen. The 12 songs on 'Into the Now' include: "Into the Now," "Look @ Me," "What a Shame," "Heaven Nine Eleven," "Words Can't Explain," "Caught In a Dream," "Miles Away," "Mighty Mouse," "Got No Glory," "Come to Me," "Recognize" and "Only You." These stellar songs fit with Tesla's well established melodic style of gritty and emotionally resonant hard rock that sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and yet many of them add fresh, satisfying sonic textures and arrangement twists. The band has grown, and the music has followed. 'Into the Now' marks a completely new beginning for Tesla. The quintet had reunited, toured extensively and released the acclaimed double live album 'Replugged Live' on Sanctuary, but the real test came with writing new material. Tesla changed its entire way of working for 'Into the Now' and that included serious personal and musical reconnections as the foundation for the new album. After such a long layoff, the band members wondered whether they would be able to write strong songs and produce an album largely by themselves. Keith, Hannon, Skeoch, Wheat and Luccketta agreed that they had to be satisfied with the songs, and that wasn't always the case in the past. They realized how important this new album was going to be, and the quality of the songs was the most important consideration. The band often rewrote full sections or entire songs and sometimes recorded as many as three different demos for each one. Writer's block was a problem at times and the members would not settle on songs they weren't comfortable with. They knew instinctively which songs were great and which ones were not. "To try to get away from a Tesla feel just wouldn't be natural, but we still tried new things. The songwriting process was exciting and rewarding but was, at times, very hard and aggravating. I was a little scared. 'Can I still write?' thoughts were poisoning my mind. But our songs have to have heart. We must believe in them and feel it," Keith says. "Producing the album largely by ourselves added an extra element of fun too." "The trick on the whole is to keep the Tesla style in place and yet still grow musically and satisfy yourself but not change so much that your fans are caught offguard," says Wheat. "We wrote about 20 or 30 songs and these were the 12 best." "The whole songwriting process was different from previous records. We didn't settle for the first thing we wrote," Hannon says. "A lot of that had to do with us being better friends and being more together than ever. It felt totally comfortable. Having the songs totally ready before recording is like sanding a house before painting it; the foundation has to be there." "Looking back at it now, it was all worth it. It was scary producing it on our own but it turned out great. And we really focused on every nook and cranny on every song. We couldn't have written and produced the new album without the newfound communication within the band," Skeoch says. "The emphasis had to be on great songs. About half the material was written before the Rock Never Stops summer tour in 2002 and the other half was written after that. We were really eager to get a new album out there, but then we realized that the songs had to be great and that we shouldn't hurry. Why do it if it's not great?" The give-and-take guitar interplay between Hannon and Skeoch has always been crucial to Tesla's music, and that natural relationship was even more important on 'Into the Now.' "There's always been a magic between us. I can't put my finger on it," Skeoch says. "We've never fought over solos or who was going to play what part. It just works out. For example, there were some guitar solos on this album that we each tried but it just didn't feel right until the other one did it. 'Words Can't Explain' and 'Got No Glory' were retracked a couple of times, and 'Heaven Nine Eleven' and 'Recognize' were rewritten with different chords and verse structures." "When we were writing songs, we were able to live with them. We relied on a voting process to decide which ones we loved and were going to use. That was something new for us," Hannon says. "A song took a majority vote -- three out of five votes -- to get it approved. It worked. We'd always feel better after making a decision," Luccketta says. "I knew we'd pull it together. This was our biggest growth spurt. We're tighter than ever. We've learned a lot of lessons." "Each song is a snapshot of an event that took place during the making of the record. There were a lot of experiences we had to go through during these last two years. A lot of pain and growth. For example, several friends of ours died during this time," Hannon says. "I have really learned a lot making this record. There are so many benefits to taking your time and making sure songs stand up months after you've written them and you're still working." One major luxury Tesla had making 'Into the Now' was recording in Hannon's Sacramento studio. Hannon worked on the preproduction demos there as well. Using this studio gave them plenty of time and saved a lot of money. Producing and recording the album themselves offered unlimited creative flexibility. Rosen helped with engineering and restructuring the tempos of certain songs. For example, Hannon says that Rosen's tempo suggestions for 'Heaven Nine Eleven' resulted in a "street beat." The autobiographical title track "Into the Now" is one of the most intriguing songs. It addresses the past while also becoming a statement of purpose about the present and future. Musically speaking, its relentlessly pounding rhythmic thump explores new territory. "A big part of production was the writing and, sometimes more importantly, the editing. There were several songs where there were sections that just didn't work, so we'd just cut those out and tighten things up," Hannon remembers. "And we are more aggressive with rhythm guitar parts on this album than ever before too. Using technology is a balancing act, but one of the fun things that it allowed us to do was manipulate some sounds. There's a part on the song 'Into the Now' that sounds like it's record scratching but it's actually a guitar sound that we got." "There were a lot of things to write about. I wrote most of the lyrics although Frank was a big help. He wrote all the lyrics himself for 'Heaven Nine Eleven' which was inspired by September 11 and what it was like witnessing this terrible tragedy," Keith says. Tesla enjoyed the creative freedom that modern recording technology provided but it was important that the songs could be performed live. "We did use overdubs, but we have to be able to play our songs live. We don't want to have a keyboard player behind the scenes or anything like that. If people aren't believing it's you on stage playing the music then it loses the magic," says Keith. Luccketta puts it simply: "We are a live band." Tesla, named for the important but historically overlooked scientist Nikola Tesla, certainly built a well-deserved reputation as one of the best live bands in existence. Touring behind successful albums such as the platinum debut 'Mechanical Resonance,' double platinum 'The Great Radio Controversy,' platinum 'Psychotic Supper' and gold 'Bust a Nut' earned a rabidly loyal fan base. Songs like "Modern Day Cowboy," "Little Suzi," "Love Song," "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" and "Edison's Medicine" were fireballs. Tesla's major commercial breakthrough was the unprecedented live acoustic platinum-selling album 'Five Man Acoustical Jam' and its smash single "Signs," a remake of the Five Man Electrical Band's hit. Past successes have secured Tesla a place in the storied history of hard rock but now it's time the band brings itself and its fans 'Into the Now.' www.teslatheband.com Dan Morteo (formerly of Madhops and Taproot) has signed on to take over the guitar duties for THE BLANK THEORY. He has been a friend to the band for a long time and they are very excited to have him on board. The production team of Ben Moody (former guitarist of Evanescence) and Dave Fortman (producer on SuperJoint Ritual, Evanescence, Boy Sets Fire) have been lined up to helm TBT's 2nd record. The band will be heading to Los Angeles soon to begin recording, tenatively scheduled for March. More will be announced on this shortly. http://www.blanktheory.com JASAD hail from Indonesia yet have a very American sounding style of brutality. Melding New York groove and technicality with Texas styled brutality Jasad will bring new respect to the Indonesian scene along with other great bands from the region such as Siksakabur. Indonesia is really turning out some good bands and Jasad is at the front of the pack. While Jasad's "Witness of Perfect Torture" has been out for some time now, this is a re-recorded and remastered version that includes their demo as bonus tracks. Previously released on Rottrevore Records. Fans of all things brutal should check this CD out. Now available on Forever Underground! www.foreverunderground.com Finally... at long last the second release from Chicago band VENEFICUM is at press. The CD is scheduled for release on February 2nd. This Cd is by far Forever Underground's best release to date. I am very impressed with the entire CD. Musically Veneficum have come a long way and are sure to impress fans of Symphonic Black Metal. Only it is not fair to put it solely in the Symphonic Black Metal genre as there are so many different layers musically. This Cd must be heard! Everything is top notch on this CD from the recording to the mastering which was done by Finnvox and the artwork which came out amazing thanks to Niklas Sundin. Don't miss this one! Artwork is being finalized for CONVERGENCE FROM WITHIN's release "Only The Strong" and is scheduled for a March 9th release. Also long overdue! www.foreverunderground.com STUMP and DECRYPT are finishing up material for their upcoming split release. Expect insane grinding madness from Decrypt and top notch old school death metal from Stump. Not an ordinary split as both bands will be doing full length CDs and the total time of the CD will top out at around 75 minutes or so. Artwork is being done now and the CD should be released late March early April. www.foreverunderground.com GORED is finishing up a few more tracks to complete their upcoming Forever Underground release which is slated for a May / June release. Expect the most brutal album that Forever Underground has unleashed. www.foreverunderground.com BLOODTHRONE have re-signed to Forever Underground. Their new CD titled "Shield Of Hate" will be out in March or April. An exact date has not been set yet. www.foreverunderground.com REPROBATION are back in the news... their first CD "The Colour Of Gore" is being re-released with bonus tracks and new artwork. The CD is also being re-recorded to give the re-release the best possible sound. www.foreverunderground.com BREAKPOINT, the french power heavy band, has just finished their second album at P'n'F studios with Fred Rochette.The next release will be more melodic and catchy than the first one. The mix process is planned in February / March. Many labels are shown interested and the band is looking for the best deal. The website has changed and the new adress is: http://www.breakpointmusic.net During the days of October and November PYORRHOEA recorded in Hertz studio debut full lenght entitled "Desire for torment". Album includes 14 tracks of raw brutal death/grind... Some titles are "Slave", "Dead orgy scene", "Addicted to killing", "Anal arousal", "Excrements on your face", "Consume you"... Pyorrhoea contains musicians from Hate, Vesania, Devilyn and Amok. The band is searching for proper record label to release it... http://pyorrhoea.org Drummer Richard Evensand (Soilwork, Ebony Tears) has replaced Andy Herrick in CHIMAIRA. Metal Update Dirk Verbeuren (Scarve) will be filling in as a session drummer for the upcoming European tour for SOILWORK in the wake of Richard Evensand's departure. Metal Update Leon del Muerte (Impaled, Murder Construct) will be filling in on bass for EXHUMED on the upcoming tours. Metal Update THE RED CHORD has enlisted bassist Gregory Weeks (Beyond the Sixth Seal) and drummer Jon Dow (Dead Water Drowning) - the splits with former members Adam Wentworth (b) and Mike Justain (d) were amicable - Justain will continue playing in Unearth and Wentworth has assumed the role of permanent bass player for Premonitions Of War. Metal Update HASTE has officially parted ways with vocalist Kelly Reaves due to irreconcilable differences - they will continue on as a five-piece with Chris Mosley taking over all lead vocals. Metal Update Sam Aliano has been drafted as permanent drummer for PROTOTYPE. Metal Update Moritz Neuner (Abigor, Darkwell, Shadowcast) will be playing drums for GRAVEWORM during the upcoming year. Metal Update Emppu Vuorinen (Nightwish) has parted ways with ALTARIA by mutual agreement - they will continue as a four-piece, but Petri Aho (Blindside) will be added as second guitarist for live shows. Metal Update DISLIMB has parted ways with vocalist Ryan A. Inman due to personal indifferences. Metal Update Fauzzt and Fyaun have left IMPIETY - new recruits are: bassist/vocalist Shyaithan, drummer Oscar Garcia (Hacavitz, Ravager) and lead guitarist Antimo (Hacavitz, Ravager, Disgorge). Metal Update Jared Butler has joined PROPHECY on vocals. Metal Update DEVIN TOWNSEND will be releasing two CDs in February through his website - 'Ass-sordid II' includes all the old demos from his early bands Noisescapes and Grey Skies as well as a bunch of lost songs from the early days - 'Devlab' is an assemblage of laptop workings that amount to a 72 minute ambient record. Metal Update RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson was arrested for what police described as drunken, violent behavior at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Naples, FL on New Year's Eve. Metal Update ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has gotten engaged to Meatloaf's daughter, Pearl Aday. Metal Update LIFE OF AGONY are gearing up for their headlining US Tour with Flaw & Skrape supporting. LIFE OF AGONY 2004 US TOUR DATES: 01/20/04 - Northern Lights - Albany, NY 01/21/04 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA 01/23/04 - Paladium - Worcester, MA 01/24/04 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ 01/25/04 - Webster Theater - Hartford, CT 01/27/04 - Crocodile Rock - Allentown, PA 01/28/04 - Club Laga - Pittsburgh, PA 01/29/04 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA 01/30/04 - Al Rosa Villa - Columbus, OH 01/31/04 - Bogarts - Cincinnatti, OH 02/02/04 - Peabodys - Cleveland, OH 02/04/04 - Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI 02/05/04 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL 02/06/04 - Harpos - Detroit, MI 02/07/04 - The Rave - Milwaukee, MN 02/08/04 - The Quest - Minneapolis, MN 02/10/04 - Royal Groove - Lincoln, NE 02/11/04 - Pop's - St. Louis, MO 02/13/04 - Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City, OK 02/14/04 - Live Room - Dallas, TX Live Room show w/Sevendust & Ill Nino 02/15/04 - Sunset Station - San Antonio, TX Sunset Station show w/Sevendust & Ill Nino 02/17/04 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA 02/20/04 - Norva - Norfolk, VA 02/21/04 - Extreme Wheels - Buffalo, NY Metal Maniacs

January 24th, 2004	After thirteen years of silence, classic swedish metallers LEVITICUS returns with style and authority! Björn, Peo and the whole gang did a reunion show for the Swedish metal festival, Bobfest in 2003. They recorded the show with the intention of treating fans to a live release. After hearing how good everything sounded, the band was ecstatic to release it themselves. The audio sounds amazing. This is classic Christian heavy metal from a band that helped lay the foundation of the Christian music hard rock scene, beginning with their EP release in 1982! This is great stuff, offering everything a live concert CD release is supposed to be. BPD rates the audio, fidelity, and production 10 out of 10. It's that good! The songs are Flames of Fire, Saved, Messiah, Oh Lord, Majestic in Power, On The Rock, All is Calm, Born Again, The Suffering Servant, Deborah & Barak, I'm Gonna Rock. The cd is distributed all over USA through Brutal Planet Distribution. Retailers can contact brutalplanet7@lycos.com For more info about Leviticus visit their official website www.leviticus.se It was anounced some weeks ago by guitarist Fábio Rocha, the end of the band SHINING STAR due to various problems occurred during the recording of the second CD. According to Fábio, the situation has become instable between the envolved on the project. Fábio Rocha warns the fans that he has plans to join a new band in the near future, with a new musical direction. In the mean time, the drummer Juliano Collombo will have his solo álbum "Fire" released in the beginning of the next year by Frontline/Avantage. The CD is instrumental, and there will be participation of his former band mates of Shining Star. Since Shining Star no longer exists, Juliano, is looking for other options. Site: www.jcolombo.hpg.com.br NARNIA will play on Sweden Rock Festival! Sweden Rock Festival is one of Europes and the World's biggest metal festivals and Narnia will be the first christian metal band ever to appear on this festival. Narnia will also release a live-DVD next year! www.narniaworld.com TAIWANESE METAL BAND CHTHONIC TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF PRESIDENT’S HALL AND CHOSEN TO RECORD MANDARIN THEME FOR ‘FREDDY VS. JASON’ RELEASE TAPEI, Taiwan – Taiwanese metal band Chthonic will finish out a momentous year in its career with two more extraordinary events: playing the annual New Year’s Eve concert in front of President’s Hall and the release of the band’s Mandarin theme for the 21st Century Fox Taiwan release of “Freddy vs. Jason.” Chthonic will play with New Year’s Eve concert alongside the country’s biggest artists, including Jolin Tsai, Jay Chau and more. The show will be broadcast live by FTV (Formosa TV). Earlier this year, Chthonic won Best Rock Group award at the 14th annual Golden Melody Award, the biggest music award in Mandarin countries. The award was presented to the group by Taiwan’s president Chen Shui-bian. Though the “Freddy vs. Jason” film will not be released until January 22, Chthonic’s theme single, “Satan’s Horns” is set for release on December 30. A music video for the track will combine footage of Chthonic and film clips for a truly horrifying visual experience. “Personally, I like ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ movies, and my name is Freddy coincidently,” said Chthonic vocalist Freddy. “I don't think this movie is scary, but I like the concept that you can’t tell if it’s dream or reality. After writing to New Line Cinema U.S. to inquire about the film’s release in Taiwan, Freddy was directed to contact 21th Century Fox Taiwan, its distributor in Taiwan. “I sent an email to them to find out the ‘in theater’ date and I also introduced myself,” said Freddy. “That led to a discussion about a cooperation between us.” Chthonic will be at the January 17 “Freddy vs. Jason” premier and press conference to promote the film. The band will also play a “Freddy vs. Jason” concert on January 31 at The Wall House Live in Taipei. The concert is free to anyone with a “Freddy vs. Jason” ticket stub. Chthonic has released three full-length albums: “Where the Ancestors' Souls Gathered,” “9th Empyrean,” and “Relentless Recurrence.” The group made it’s United States debut at the 2002 Metal Meltdown festival and returned that year for a performance at the Milwaukee Metalfest. www.chthonic.org

January 19th, 2004	MACABRE EUROPE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2004 WITH CEPHALIC CARNAGE & BRUTUS 29-1 HOLLAND Arnhem Goudvishal 30-1 BELGIUM Vosselaar Biebob 31-1 GERMANY Wermelskirchen AJZ Bahndamm 01-2 HOLLAND Rotterdam Baroeg 02-2 GERMANY Hamburg Markthalle/Marx 03-2 DENMARK Kopenhagen TBA 04-2 SWEDEN Stockholm Debaser 05-2 NORWAY Oslo TBA 06-2 SWEDEN Karlstad Metalclub 07-2 TBA 08-2 TBA 10-2 GERMANY Berlin Halford 11-2 GERMANY Halle TBA 12-2 GERMANY Aalen Rock-It 13-2 AUSTRIA Vienna Arena 14-2 CZECH REPUBLIC Ostrava Hala Tatran w/ Pungent Stench 15-2 CZECH REPUBLIC Prague Black Pes 16-2 GERMANY TBA 18-2 FRANCE Marsaille 19-2 SWITZERLAND TBA 20-2 FRANCE Nancy Azimut 854 21-2 UNITED KINGDOM London TBA 22-2 HOLLAND Tilburg 013 with Morbid Angel/Chimaira and others MACABRE MARCH 2004 U.S. DATES with THE END from Canada (Relapse Records) and PREMONITIONS OF WAR (Victory Records) 3/3/04 St. Louis, MO @ Creepy Crawl w/ The End & Premonitions Of War 3/4/04 Nashville, TN @ The 5 Spot w/ The End & Premonitions Of War 3/5/04 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade w/ The End & Premonitions Of War 3/6/04 Pinellas Park, FL @ Sun N Steel Festival 3/8/04 Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero w/ The End & Premonitions Of War 3/12/04 Irvington, NJ @ March Metal Meltdown VI 3/15/04 Boston, MA Monday Night Metal @ Bill's Bar w/ Premonitions Of War 3/16/04 Hagarstown, MD @ Wilson Ruritan w/ Premonitions Of War 3/19/04 Indianapolis, IN @ Rehersal Studios w/ Rune www.murdermetal.com After years of silence, THRONED is back with a new MCD. It's titled "...There where the moon rises" and contains four Black Metal chants. In 1994 a black-metal band, without an official name, is born, Throned is the singer and Armseel the drummer and they prepare tracks for 2 never published CDs due to the unexpected split of the group. For that reason Throned, in 1995, decides to found a solo-project, always with the collaboration of Armseel playing drums. We must wait until 1997 for the debut of Throned, with the first MCD "Watching the Lands of Purity", released by the label BTOD and featuring four tracks of black-metal with symphonic parts. In 1998 Throned records a new track called "Nemthorsted" for the compilation cd vol. VI of BTOD label, released the following year. And the kind of music is "pure Black Metal". Between 1995 and 1998, Throned writes other tracks that, for personal reasons, remain unreleased. Then subsequently completed and finally recorded in 2003 at the Twilight Studio. A new MCD is ready, it's called "...There Where the Moon rises" featuring four tracks of "pure black-metal". For this MCD Throned, always writer and composer of lyrics and music, collaborates with Equinoxe (Mystical Fullmoon) as drummer and Astraghon (The True Endless) as singer. GF93 new album to be mixed by Kurt Ballou from Converge ! We are really excited to announce that GF93 forthcoming new album will be mixed by Kurt Ballou from most wanted hard-core cult band Converge !!! GF93 are currently working on the new songs that will be later mixed in june at Godcity Studios, in Massachusett USA, home to bands like Converge, Cave In, Supermachiner, Curl Up and Die, American Nightmare, Old Man Gloom, Limpwrist, In pieces, Suicide Notes, Orchid, Drop Dead, Garrison, Drowningman and the Hope Conspiracy. http://www.mechanismrecords.com Melodic metallers STRYPER's tour in the USA was a big success to say the least! According to the concert reports they sounded better than ever and Michael could still hit all the high notes just like he used to. If you were not able to attend the tour I have some great news for you... There will be a DVD released from the tour! There will also be a live cd released!! WOW!!! Now we really have something to look forward to! Both the cd and dvd will be released sometime during next year probably in Spring/Summer 2004. Concert reports from the tour and lots of other interesting stuff are available on http://www.stryper.com/. MORTIFICATION from Australia is in the studio recording their new album. It will be titled Brain Cleaner and will be 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. Mike Forsberg (ex Cybergrind) comes into the band on drums replacing Adam Zaffarese who left the band in February for career reasons. Steve thanks Adam for his 3 years of youthful input into the band. The World Tour was a high point for the band in 2001. Mike Forsberg has many years experience playing in Extreme Metal bands and brings a big feel of early Mortification back into the sound. Steve is the main man on Bass & vocals with Mick Jelinic continuing on Guitar to complete the new lineup. Expect a February 2004 release through Rowe Productions initially. www.roweproductions.com BOBFEST 2004 - Europes biggest Christian Metal Festival Bobfest 2004 will be an event you don't want to miss! There will be great gigs with some of the best bands in christian metal as well as interesting seminars and great teachings. The first five bands have now been announced. They are EXTOL (progressive thrash/death masters from Norway), HARMONY (excellent melodic guitar metal from Sweden), ORATORIO (the annointed melodic metal wonder from Finland), KEKAL (black metal from Indonesia!), SHADOWS OF PARAGON (fresh black metal from Sweden). More bands will soon be announced so stay tuned... Seminar speakers will be longhairy Metal Pastor Bob Beeman from Santuary, USA and Ole Halvard Sveen from Subchurch, Norway. The festival will be held March 5-7, 2004 in Ryttargårdskyrkan, Linköping in Sweden. The concerts will be held Friday and Saturday evenings at Cupolen, Folkets Park, Linköping. There will also be a gallery where people will show their artistic talents. Festival Tickets cost 270 SEK for Swedish visitors (if paid before 15th February) or 300 SEK if paid later or at the door. For non-swedish visitors the price is only 200 SEK (approx. 22 EUR) for whole weekend. Accomodation is also available nearby for an additional fee of 50 SEK (approx. 5,50 EUR) per night. For those that want to attend the gigs only, the tickets cost 100 SEK for Friday and 120 SEK for Saturday or 200 SEK for both gigs. Look forward to a great weekend with 500+ likeminded metalheads coming from all around the world! For more info about this cool festival visit www.bobfest.org or mail info@bobfest.org or press@bobfest.org ORATORIO is a new melodic power metal band from Finland. They recently released their their debut album titled The Reality of Existence on Rivel Records. The album has sold very well and first pressing has already sold out! The album is filled with melodic metal harmonies, hooks and great guitar solos. For more info about the band visit www.oratoriometal.com. You can also contact their label Rivel Records at www.rivelrecords.com or info@rivelrecords.com THEOCRACY is the new metal wonder from USA. They recently released their first cd and it's a must have for fans of bands like Narnia, Harmony, Stryper, Avantasia, Iron Maiden, Edguy, Savatage and Iced Earth are gonna like this band. It has something for everyone yet maintains its own unique sound. The cd is released on MetalAges Records cdsales@metalages.com For more info about the band visit www.theocracymusic.com

January 14th, 2004	ENTHRALLMENT look for new label !!! After two albums (by Dark Mist Productions and Butchery Music Co Records), one split, tons of compilations and some great shows, bulgarian Death metalers ENTHRALLMENT look for new company. The band play 100% US Death Metal (Suffocation, Pyrexia, Deeds Of Flesh, etc) and they are ready to send now promotional CD-R to everyone label, who have interest. Band contacts: Chris / ENTHRALLMENT 87 "Russe" Blvd., Vh.Z. ap.8., 5803 Pleven Bulgaria Mobil: 00359 887 863481 E-mail: enthrallment@yahoo.com STRANGE LAND would like to welcome new drummer, Esteban Gonzalez, into the band. Esteban joined the group in late September 2003 and he's been getting up to speed on the material very quickly. The band has already played a few shows with Esteban and is preparing material for a new full length CD. On the recording front the band's previous plans for a fall release were put on hold due to the member change. The band has also just moved into a new rehearsal space and recording studio. They are in the process of getting the new space suitably set up for recording and plan to self produce and record their new material. Tracking should begin by late December. Strange Land is also pleased to announce the signing of a new distribution deal with Nightmare Records (www.nightmarerecords.com). This will help the band bring our music to a wider audience and they look forward to a long relationship with Nightmare. www.strange-land.net Heading for the forthcoming year, DIVINE LUST have already written most of the songs to be featured on a next release. The group is strongly convinced that the new stuff - including titles like "Devilish Deliverance", "Duskful Of Bliss, Morningful Of Misery" or "Hunting" - shows a solid step ahead on what concerns to song-writing and maturity, not to mention some heavy degrees not so often found in this band before... DIVINE LUST plan to come back to studio in 2004. Some Label contacts have been taking place but, at this time, the band hasn't signed any deal. About "Divine Lust", the debut album self-released in 2002, it has now distribution in Germany (Grau), Austria (Resound Records), Russia (More Hate Productions) and France (Adipocere Records). In early 2004 it will also be available in other European countries as well as North and Latin America. This effort has gathered many encouraging reactions abroad and two examples are "Obskure" (http://www.obskure.com/fr/index_2_redir.php/?url=/fr/kro_model.php3?n_kro=1317) and "Maitres du Metal" (http://www.maitresdumetal.fr.st) webzines. You are strongly invited to visit the "REVIEWS" section at www.divinelust.com.

January 7th, 2004	KINGCROW would like to announce the release of their new album "Insider", a prog-rock/class metal concept. 3000 copies will be printed and distrubuted via mailorder. One track from the album, "Eyes Of A Betrayer", is available here: http://www.vitaminic.it/cgi-php/get_file.php3?modo=1&bid=493914&cob=0. For further news and info, please visit the renewed official web site http://www.kingcrow.it/. The new album from the swedish death squad CENTINEX "Decadence - Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos" will be released through Candlelight Records on March 8th [Europe] and 9th [USA]. The limited vinyl version will surface in May through american Hells Headbangers. The first Centinex shows for 2004 are also confirmed. These gigs are the first ones to feature new drummer, Ronnie Bergerståhl [Julie Laughs Nomore/Amaran/Mynjun]. The dates are: 11.01 2004 England - London - Underworld 06.02 2004 Sweden - Borlänge - S2 More dates tba soon. This new talented swedish heavy metal band DEDICATION, will release their debut album "Reflections Of Time" in March through italian Underground Symphony. Available both as digipack CD and limited vinyl. The band plays true heavy metal a'la the legendary NWOBHM bands with marvelous vocals by Per Englund [ex-Blacksmith]. WORLD BELOW is amazing doom metal featuring Carnal Forge and Centinex members. After numerous problems with labels it has now been decided that Underground Symphony will release the debut "Sacrifices To The Moon" in January. Available both as digipack CD and limited vinyl. This is slow and heavy, like a mix between Candlemass, Black Sabbath and old Cathedral. CREST OF DARKNESS banned by censorship Once again censorship hits Extreme Metal. One of the most important European manufacturing companies refused to print CREST OF DARKNESS new album "Evil Knows Evil" out in January with their new label My Kingdom Music, due to the lyrics and the artwork considered too blasphemous, satanic and absolutely anti-Christian. To their request of modifying the lyrics and the artwork, the label according with band desire, didn't accept any change. In this way and for the nth time the freedom of expression is repressed and one more time artists are banned for their ideas. The release date of the album has been now temporarily fixed to February 9th, 2004 and we proudly announce that no change will be made. www.crestofdarkness.com www.mykingdommusic.net DREAMAKER formed by the ex-Dark Moor members: Elisa C. Martín (vocals), Albert Maroto (guitar) and Jorge Sáez (drums) will release their debut album "Human Device" in March 2004. "Human Device" should not be described as a Power Metal album. The unique style of Elisa_s voice is the bridge between Dark Moor and Dreamaker but Dreamaker prefers to offer a more direct music based on a powerful guitar sound and ambient keyboards, but persevering the good melodies in the vocal lines. "Human Device" could be called as a new step in the metal genre. "Human Device" tracklist: 1. Dream Machines 2. The Eye Of War 3. Nightmares Factory 4. Without Angels 5. Killing 6. Enemy 7. Forever In Your Arms 8. Alone Again 9. Welcome To My Hell 10. Eternal Love 11. Crystaline Eyes 12. Awakening WIZ "Shattered-Mind-Therapy" will be released in March 2004. Wiz is not the typical Heavy Metal band, their music is based on a raw sound far from the standard Power Metal's bands and their compositions keep a unique essence created to offer something different to the typical cliches of the genre. Freddy Persson (vocals) and Jake Fredén (guitar) (both members of Nostradameus) have created a unique and creative musical proposal. Wiz has signed with JVC for the Asiatic territory. "Shattered-Mind-Therapy" tracklist: 1.Mr Sandman 2.In Your Eyes 3.Super Psychic Woman 4.One Chapter Of A Fairyland 5.Sun Moon Stars 6.Down 7.Understand 8.Return Of Atlantis 9.Empty Words 10.From The Ashes We Rise ASPERITY the band presents their debut album in March 2004. Asperity was formed by the Carnal Forge members Stefan Westerberg (drums) and Petri Kuusisto (guitar). "The Final Demand" contains a good amount of Heavy Metal Hymns with an own sound. "The Final Demand" tracklist: 1-Pleasure and pain 2- The pray 3- Past life 4- The man with 1000 faces 5- Rebellion 6- Soul collector 7- Sad eyes 8- I`ll never understand 9- Will they come? 10- Final demand HIGHLORD will enter at New Sin Studios (Labyrinth, Dark Moor) in January 04 for the recording of their fourth album, "Medusa's Coil". Highlord is one of the more representative bands in the Italian scene and this album will show the real potential of this band."Medusa's Coil" will be released in May 04. OZZY OSBOURNE, the madman will have his neck reinforced with a 7-inch steel plate in the wake of his recent quad bike accident. Metal Update HEATHEN, the legendary bay area thrash band has reformed and is working on new songs, as well as revamping old material - as it stands now, guitarist Doug Piercy is not part of the reunion lineup. Metal Update THROCULT drummer Jeremy Portz has left the band to focus on school - the current lineup is as follows: Inferno (v,g), Gremor Azazel (g) Forneus Amon (b) and Lord Naberius (d). Metal Update After more than 10 years with ROYAL HUNT, Steen Mogensen (b) and Jacob Kjaer (g) have left the band in order to explore different aspects of their musical careers. Metal Update THE KYBOSH, this new "riff rawk" act features Eric Kuthe (Sea Of Green) on vocals, Ron Bechard (Edwin & The Pressure) on guitar, Frank Sargent (Sons Of Otis) on bass and Jeff Zurba (Plasma Blast) on drums. Metal Update COLOUR TRIP recently joined forces with drummer Gary Williams and bassist Shaun Varney from the New England hardcore band 5 Seconds Expired. Metal Update ANTHRAX announces 20th Anniversary Plans In every band’s career they have that one show that stands out from the rest. Whether it be their breakthrough or their crowning glory, there is always one that stands the test of time. Be it Shea Stadium, Budokan, Madison Square Garden, or Red Rocks, some performances transcend the realms of the live concert experience. For ANTHRAX, their show at a sold out Metro in Chicago on Friday December 5th 2003 will forever stand as the show to define the bands legendary career. And we got it all on tape! One band, eight cameras, and thousands of crazed fans all came together for what will prove to be one of the most lethal live albums and DVDs of all time. Ninety minutes of pure destruction covering the entire career of this influential band. From their raw debut Fistful Of Metal through their critically acclaimed latest We’ve Come For You All its all here. Songs like “Metal Thrashing Mad,” “Caught In A Mosh,” “Be All End All,” “Only,” and “Safe Home,” among others were performed with all the power and passion that ANTHRAX has been known for throughout their 20 year career. Look for this incredible concert to be unleashed on DVD/CD sometime in 2004. In other ANTHRAX news, there is still time for fans to vote for which songs they would like to hear recorded on the band’s upcoming CD Metallum Maximus Aeturnus, a project in which the band will re-record classic ANTHRAX songs originally recorded by previous line-ups of the band (circa 1984-1990) live in the studio as part of their 20th Anniversary Celebration. The songs recorded will be chosen by the fans who are currently voting online at www.anthrax.com. First up though, the band will be heading to LA in January to film the video for “What Doesn’t Die” the punishing opening track off of their latest album We’ve Come For You All. As reported earlier, the video was written and conceived by comic/writer Brian Posehn, know best for his work on Mr. Show, Just Shoot Me and his own stand up routine. Posehn will co-direct the clip with Michael Sarna who has previously worked on videos for 50 Cent, Smashmouth, and Counting Crows. A management spokesperson describes the concept of the video as “ the most kick-ass, zombie-filled video of all time.” www.anthrax.com THE GATHERING / AGALLOCH Mid-February East Coast tour: We are very glad to announce the following set of dates for THE GATHERING. This is the first USA appearance of the band since their last tour in 1999. It will also mark the appearance of Marjolein Kooijman on bass, who replaced Hugo Prinsen Geerligs last month. Main support on all the shows will be AGALLOCH, who will perform shows on the East coast for the first time. We are also planning in offering exlcusive merchadise for both bands so stay tuned! Feb. 12 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Feb. 13 - Toronto, CAN @ Club Rockit Feb. 14 - Brooklyn, NY @ L'Amour Feb. 15 - Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East Feb. 16 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club http://www.theendrecords.com Metal Maniacs CANNIBAL CORPSE tour announced! - “We are pleased to confirm the first US tour for The Wretched Spawn, starting on February 14 2004 until March 13 2004. Other acts will be Hypocrisy and Vile. Dates and venues will be announced shortly once they get confirmed. See you all out there!” www.cannibalcorpse.net Metal Maniacs

January 4th, 2004	Florida Death Metal veterans MALEVOLENT CREATION have titled they're 9th full length album "WARKULT". The said album will be recorded in February with producer Jean Francois Degenais in control once again in a few undisclosed Florida Recording Studio's. Release date is set to be in June 2004 which will coincide with the bands European Summer Festival appearances. As is with each Malevolent Creation album our goal is to create the heaviest album we can and this album is no exception! Some song titles to appear on "WARKULT" are: 1)Murder Reigns 2)Dead March 3)Supremacy Through Annihilation 4)Merciless 5)On Grounds Of Battle Atleast 10 song's will be recorded for "WARKULT" and a few cover's from some obscure thrash metal bands. First up is a cover from australian cult band Hobbs Angel Of Death's song "Crucifixion" from there debut album in 1988.Second up is a cover of atleast one song from the 1986 4 song demo from Buffalo, NY thrash outfit Leviathan. Leviathan was fronted by vocalist Chris Barnes (Six Feet Under, x-Cannibal Corpse) along with guitarist Jeff Juszkiewicz (x-Malevolent Creation). Malevolent Creation and Leviathan were the only thrash/death metal bands in Buffalo in 86/87 and we were totally blown away when we heard they're demo. They totally influenced us to being a better band and record our first demo in early 87. The band was amazing and all 4 song's kill on that demo, but we will atleast record one song from that classic demo tape. Upcoming Live Shows And Festival Appearances : June 18th - 2004 - Rock Harz Open Air Festival - Germany - http://openair.rockharz.de July 2nd - 2004 - With Full Force Open Air Festival - Germany - www.withfullforce.de August 27- 28 - Up From The Ground Festival - Germany - www.upfromtheground.de More shows and festivals are likely to be added in Europe and South America upon the release of "Warkult" this summer. One last thing concerning the comment's and e-mails we get from pissed off people from the US about us touring everywhere else but here in the states.Truth is we have not been offered any good tours in the US and we do not have a booking agent here.We did about 35 shows earlier this year in the states but missed out on the west coast and other cool cities to invade.Hopefully this will change with the release of the new album "Warkult" this summer through Nuclear Blast Records in the US and everywhere else.We promise to do what we can to make a proper US Tour happen in 2004 !!! Phil Fasciana/Malevolent Creation www.malevolentcreation.cjb.net OZZY OSBOURNE the prince of darkness suffered a fractured left collarbone, eight fractured ribs and a fractured vertebrae in his neck in a quad bike accident on his Buckinghamshire property in southern England – the accident has put Ozzy’s singing career in jeopardy as it is unknown at this time if he will make a full recovery. Metal Update STRATOVARIUS vocalist Timo Kotipelto and drummer Jörg Michael have left the band – bandleader Timo Tolkki is actively seeking replacements. Metal Update DISSECTION drummer Bård "Faust" Eithun has left the band as he is unable to stand behind the band's satanic ideology – according to Faust: “My relation to Dissection is simply musical. The problem occurs when the band takes form more as a cult where there are rules for behaviors and strict codes.” Metal Update JON OLIVA, Savatage’s mastermind has recruited the former members of Circle II Circle to perform a series of concerts showcasing his new solo material as well as classic Savatage material - some of the Savatage songs have never been performed live - Jon's voice is in excellent shape and he is handling all lead vocals. Metal Update CRISIS recently signed to The End Records, the lineup is as follows: Karyn Crisis (v), Afzaal Nasirudden (g), Gia Chaun Wang (b), Jwyanza Hobson (g) and Josh Florian (d). Metal Update USURPER vocalist General Diabolical Slaughter has quit – the band has declared that they are not breaking up. Metal Update DRY KILL LOGIC bassist Dave Kowatch has left the group – the search for a replacement is underway. Metal Update RAGING SPEEDHORN has parted ways with guitarist Tony Loughlin on good terms. Metal Update Joining Paul Speckmann (b, v) for the recording of the new MASTER album ‘The Spirit Of The West’ are Zdenek Pradlovsky (d) and Ale_ Nejezchleba (g) both from the band Shaark. Metal Update Jason Bowld (Pitchshifter) will play drums for the recording of BLAZE Bayley and Co.’s third album. Metal Update LORD WORM RETURNS! The original member and legendary vocalist/lyricist Lord Worm is back with Cryptopsy. Lord Worm who appeared on the band’s first two albums Blasphemy Made Flesh (1994) and None So Vile (1996) has posted this statement on the group’s official web site: "Un mal pour un bien", I've heard it said, and those seven long years ago, unhappy though I was at leaving (for a private question of honour, not beer), it was none the less for the best. Now, we've come full circle, and again a private question of honour finds me back in the fold. "It is so. It cannot be otherwise." See you soon...» Cryptopsy are currently working on their fifth studio album and they’re planning to start the recording next March at Wild Studio with producer Pierre Remillard. www.cryptopsy.net Metal Maniacs CANNIBAL CORPSE/HYPOCRISY/DECAPITATED/VILE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED! HYPOCRISY are gearing up to conclude the DIMMU BORGIR tour and embark on yet another brutal death march across the United States, this time around as direct support for CANNIBAL CORPSE with DECAPITATED and VILE as opening sparring partners. The 2004 tour will begin directly before the release of HYPOCRISY's latest opus, The Arrival, due out on February 24th, 2004. This release will reinvent the glorious times of Abducted, The Final Chapter and Hypocrisy through a full load of nine new, catchy and absolutely stunning tracks. Look forward to a release filled with the signature gloomy doom attitude and heavy mid-tempo ingredients that make HYPOCRISY so special among the masses of Scandinavian death metal bands nowadays. Start drafting your new years resolutions now, and remember to add the most brutal tour of the New Year to your list. *Dates and venues are tentative. CANNIBAL CORPSE, HYPOCRISY, DECAPITATED & VILE Feb-13 Houston, TX Feb-14 Dallas, TX Feb-15 San Antonio, TX OR Austin, TX Feb-16 OFF Feb-17 Phoenix, AZ Feb-18 Los Angeles, CA Feb-19 San Francisco, CA Feb-20 Portland, OR Feb-21 Seattle, WA Feb-22 OFF Feb-23 Salt Lake City, UT Feb-24 Denver, CO Feb-25 Lawrence, KS Feb-26 St. Louis, MO Feb-27 Milwaukee, WI Feb-28 Minneapolis, MN Feb-29 Chicago, IL Mar-01 OFF Mar-02 Detroit, MI Mar-03 Cleveland, OH Mar-04 Philadelphia, PA Mar-05 Boston, MA OR Worcester, MA Mar-06 Brooklyn, NY Mar-07 Pittsburgh, PA Mar-08 OFF Mar-09 Springfield, VA Mar-10 Winston-Salem, NC Mar-11 Atlanta, GA Mar-12 Orlando, FL Mar-13 Tampa, FL Mar-14 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Morbid Rec. proudly present IMMORTAL RITES from Schwäbisch Gmünd / Germany, who play fascinating, groovy & unique blackend Death Metal ! The debut Art Of Devolution was produced at Alex Krull´s (ATROCITY) Mastersound Studio. Guest musicians are Alex Krull & Martin Schmidt from ATROCITY, as well as Liv Kristine ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY/LEAVES EYES. Release is scheduled for March 2004. The guys plan to appear on various summer festivals as the Summer Breeze or the Partisan. www.morbidrecords.de The Illinois Porn Gore heroes LIVIDITY have found a new guy to handle the low end frequencies, CHRIS CHAMPBELL, and plan to record the successor to Til Only The Sick Remain release is planned for late 2004. www.morbidrecords.de Czech Death Metal institution HYPNOS have decided to produce their third inferno under the supervision of Harris Johns again. Release can be expected late 2004. The band will then tour with Altar, as matters stand right now. www.morbidrecords.de

January 3rd, 2004	BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, Featuring Nikki Sixx, Tracii Guns, Scot Coogan & London Legrand, Sign with SANCTUARY RECORDS Debut Album HERE COME THE BRIDES Set for North American Release on March 9th, 2004 The evolution of hard rock and heavy metal takes another step forward with the formation of Brides of Destruction. The new quartet -- featuring bassist Nikki Sixx, guitarist Tracii Guns, drummer Scot Coogan and vocalist London LeGrand -- has signed with Sanctuary Records. Here Come the Brides, the band's debut album, is scheduled for North American release on March 9, 2004. Brides of Destruction signed a three-album deal with Sanctuary through Sixx's company 12-11 Productions. The nine songs on Here Come the Brides include: "Shut the Fk Up," "I Don't Care," "I Got a Gun," "2 X Dead," "Brace Yourself," "Natural Born Killers," "Life," "Revolution" and "Only Get So Far." Here Come the Brides was produced by Steve Bruno and mixed by Steve Thompson, known for his production work with Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Korn. Drummer Kris Kohls, a member of Adema, plays on half of Here Come the Brides. "Shut the Fk Up" has been used in a skateboard video shot by Drew Stone of Stone Films. The talent and past success the members of Brides of Destruction bring with them to this band is a cause for celebration in the world of heavy rock. Sixx was the founding member and primary songwriting force behind Motley Crue, the most successful hard rock band of the 1980s. After bursting out of and then dominating the Los Angeles hard rock and heavy metal scene that exploded more than 20 years ago, Sixx and Motley Crue have sold more than 40 million copies of landmark albums such as Shout at the Devil, Theatre of Pain, Girls, Girls, Girls and Dr. Feelgood. Their wild, decadent, rock-star lifestyle became legendary -- shaming all previous, supposed masters of excess. Guns shot to fame with his band L.A. Guns. The band's 11 albums have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Their biggest hit single was "The Ballad of Jayne." Guns was a founding member of Guns N' Roses but left and was replaced by childhood friend Slash. He has worked with the likes of Motörhead, Johnny Thunders and the Misfits, and he co-founded the supergroup Contraband with UFO guitarist Michael Schenker. Guns' skills and diversity has led to a great deal of work as a session guitarist in LA. Coogan, after hitting some dead ends, got his big break when he landed the gig as the touring drummer for the boy band All 4 One. He also became an in-demand session player and touring drummer for other artists. Coogan has played with Pete Yorn, Sinead O'Connor and Otep to name a few. Guns saw him play and after an electrifying studio jam, he was hired on the spot. LeGrand is a total unknown, but he is obviously something special to hold his own with Sixx, Guns and Coogan. His restless, vagabond background and frustrating music experiences in Georgia ultimately led to a move to LA where he met Sixx and Guns. He won't be anonymous for much longer as the frontman for Brides of Destruction, which Sixx calls a "band of underdogs." Brides of Destruction plays rock 'n' roll the way it was meant to be played: sweaty, sticky, sleazy and savage. The universe has now been sufficiently warned. Watch out, because Here Come the Brides! www.bridesofdestruction.com www.sanctuaryrecordsgroup.com After their successful European tour with Nevermore and the "Jägermeister" tour in North America together with Slayer & Hatebreed, Swedish/German Melodic-Death-Metal sensation ARCH ENEMY will return with a long awaited headlining tour to Europe! If you missed the band until now, do not miss them again... you will regret it. Of course the band will present old classic tunes and new hits from their current masterpiece "Anthems Of Rebellion". The support acts will be confirmed soon. Be prepared for something great! ARCH ENEMY European Headlining Tour Presented by Rock Hard Magazine (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and France) 17-Feb-2004 (Tue) Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall 18-Feb-2004 (Wed) Aalen/Stuttgart, Germany - RockIt 19-Feb-2004 (Thu) Munich, Germany - New Backstage 21-Feb-2004 (Sat) Vidia, Italy - Cesena 22-Feb-2004 (Sun) Bergamo, Italy - Motion 24-Feb-2004 (Tue) Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz II 25-Feb-2004 (Wed) Madrid, Spain - Caracol 27-Feb-2004 (Fri) Paris, France - Elysee Montmartre 28-Feb-2004 (Sat) Hellendoorn, Netherlands - Lantaarrn 29-Feb-2004 (Sun) Eindhoven, Netherlands - Effenaar 02-Mar-2004 (Tue) Hamburg, Germany - Logo 03-Mar-2004 (Wed) Osnabruck, Germany - Works 04-Mar-2004 (Thu) Essen, Germany - Zeche Carl 05-Mar-2004 (Fri) Antwerpen, Belgium Hof Ter Loo German dates booked by Scorpio Ticket Hotline: 040 - 853 88 853 Online: http://www.fkpscorpio.de http://www.archenemy.net THE GATHERING - tourdates confirmed THE GATHERING announces German "Sleepy Buildings - A Semi Acoustic Evening" tour dates presented by HAMMER and SONIC SEDUCER Accompanying the "Sleepy Buildings - A Semi Acoustic Evening" release, out on 26th of January 2004, THE GATHERING is proud to present German tour dates. More gigs in European and abroad will follow! Please note, all of this shows will play in seated venues, so be quick with tickets! Ticket price for all gigs in Germany is 15€. 08.03.2004 Essen "Zeche Carl" 09.03.2004 Hamburg "Markthalle" 10.03.2004 Berlin "Passionskirche" 11.03.2004 Erfurt "Gewerkschaftshaus" Dutch tourdates: 08.01.2004 Huize Maas (Eurosonic), Groningen (NL) - Festival 30.01.2004 De Groene Engel, Oss (NL) 02.03.2004 Paradiso, Amsterdam (NL) 04.03.2004 Bosuil, Weert (NL) 05.03.2004 Lux, Nijmegen (NL) 06.03.2004 Lux, Nijmegen (NL) 07.03.2004 Oosterpoort, Groningen (NL) http://www.gathering.nl