Taz
01-21-2003, 05:22 PM
...and again... get out your reading glasses... There's enough news to make your head hurt! <img border="0" alt="[Big Laugh]" title="" src="graemlins/biglaugh.gif" />
*from <a href="http://www.HardRadio.com" target="_blank">www.HardRadio.com</a> *
QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali contact BW&BK recently with the following update. "The DVD, Quiet Riot Live In The 21st Century - 20 Years Of Metal Health, is scheduled for release in mid-March 2003. We filmed it at the Key Club in Hollywood, California. The club was the old famed Gazzari's where VAN HALEN often played in the early days, but Quiet Riot had never performed there in the past. Technically I suppose you could say we played three shows in one day. The evening before we played in Santa Ana, CA but went on after midnight. We played the entire set the next afternoon at the Key Club to have safety footage in case there would be technical problems during the actual evening shoot. Then of course, the actual show. When I proposed making this live DVD to Quiet Riot I wanted to make sure that it was a real live show without overdubs in a studio. That was the reason for the day shoot. The entire show is a live representation of Quiet Riot. With the release of the DVD early this year, we will concentrate on touring to promote it. I hope to have Quiet Riot in the studio late in 2003 to record and release new studio material in early to mid 2004. We are already writing new material and deciding what we want to musically do on the next CD."
UFO bassist PETE WAY has announced that the live show recorded in Cleveland on October 4, 2002 is going to be released February 18, 2003. Preorders for the CD will be taken on <a href="http://www.peteway.net" target="_blank">www.peteway.net</a> starting January 20th. The CD, titled Alive In Cleveland will be available exclusively on <a href="http://www.peteway.net." target="_blank">http://www.peteway.net.</a> Everyone who orders between January 20 and February 18 will receive an autographed CD.
DEF LEPPARD's website, DefLeppard.com, and the Help A Hallam Child foundation are running a contest where the lucky winner will join the band on stage to perform 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'. On February 20th, Def Leppard is returning to their home city Sheffield for a show at the HallamFM Arena, and the winner of this auction will attend the band's soundcheck, then join them on stage, and then scream into the microphone while the band are actually backing you up. The winner and a friend will also be invited to attend the band's show later that night. All proceeds of the auction will go to Help A Hallam Child, helping sick and needy children from South Yorkshire and the North Midlands. See <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3000761600" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3000761600</a> now to place your bid!
AEROSMITH and KISS will embark on a co-headlining North American tour beginning in August and running through October, sources confirm. The tour of approximately 40 dates will be produced by Clear Channel Entertainment and is expected to play 90% amphitheaters, with arenas and possibly a couple of stadiums also in the mix. Kiss will perform in full makeup, sources say, and Aerosmith will be touring in support of a new Columbia blues album. In other tour news, on Sunday, March 16, KISS will perform a very special show in the intimate setting of the Rain In The Desert inside The Palms Casino Resort. At 10am on Saturday January 25, tickets will go on-sale at <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com," target="_blank">www.ticketmaster.com,</a> <a href="http://www.cc.com," target="_blank">www.cc.com,</a> and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available at Stuff inside the Palms Casino Resort. To charge by phone, call 702.474.4000. All tickets are subject to service and/or convenience charges. Tickets are priced at $125 and $300. For additional show information, please visit <a href="http://www.cc.com." target="_blank">www.cc.com.</a>
KISS' frontmen GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY shot a commercial on January 10th for Universal Orlando Resorts. A posting at the band's official website reveals: "They stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and the shoot was there poolside. The actual shooting with Gene and Paul lasted about two hours, 9:30 - 11:30am. They had to start makeup very early, about 7:30am. Gene and Paul appeared Friday in their new stage costumes reminiscent of the Alive! '75 - '76 era. This was the first appearance of Gene in the new outfit and Paul's second, the first being the Samick guitar shoot in December."
JUDAS PRIEST has released a new "exclusive" version of the Live In London CD featuring seven additional songs and a new mix. Hyped as featuring more songs than the DVD (which contained more tracks than the original CD run), this new version of Live In London comes in a silver slipcase and tops 130 minutes of music, with 'Heading Out To The Highway', 'Grinder', 'The Sentinel', 'Green Manalishi', 'Beyond The Realms Of Death', 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' and 'Hellion/Electric Eye' having been added to the track list. It should be noted that all of these songs except 'The Sentinel' appeared on the band's 1998 live album, '98 Live Meltdown.
DAVID WAYNE, formally of METAL CHURCH and current REVEREND frontman, was involved in a three car pile up in Tacoma, Washington. Sources say Wayne was traveling West on 56th and I5 at about 1:30pm in his late model Chevrolet Caprice Classic when he was forced to stop quickly. As a result Wayne was rear-ended by a car that was following much to close. This triggered a three car pileup in which Wayne suffered trauma in his neck and back and had to be rushed to a local hospital to treat his injuries. Wayne was treated and released but under Doctor's orders will need therapy and medications to meet his rehabilitation's requirements. All others involved in this accident were treated and released. David Wayne was unavailable for comment, however Davey Lee, guitarist for Reverend, BYFIST, said he was in touch with Wayne and that he was shook up but progressing nicely and in good spirits. For more info go to: <a href="http://www.Reverend.cx." target="_blank">www.Reverend.cx.</a>
ROCK HARD Turns 20! Germany's Rock Hard Magazine celebrates 20 years of mayhem with a festival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 7th and 8th. Bands confirmed thus far include BLIND GUARDIAN, CANDLEMASS, BOLT THROWER and THRESHOLD, with eight to ten acts to be added. A ticket for the two days costs 55 Euros (approximately $55 American) plus 3 Euros service charge. Go to <a href="http://www.rockhard.de" target="_blank">www.rockhard.de</a> for more information.
MARCH METAL MELTDOWN 5 takes place March 7th and 8th at Irvington, NJ's Cricket Club. Acts confirmed to perform include OVERKILL, DARKANE, SINNER, EXCITER, GRAVE, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, ALL THAT REMAINS, BEHEMOTH, BLOODSTORM, BUDGIE, DAVE BROCKIE EXPERIENCE, DIVINE EMPIRE, DOG FASHION DISCO, GOAT*****, IMPALER, NILE, OBSCENITY, PYREXIA, SEVEN WITCHES, SPEARHEAD, STATUS QUO, GOD AWFUL THUNDERCORE, WITHERED EARTH, YAKUZA, SLEEZE BEES and ZANDELLE. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.
The 2003 INFERNO FESTIVAL takes place April 17th - 19th at the Rockefeller Music Hall/John Dee with performances from among others, IMMORTAL, CHILDREN OF BODOM, TAAKE and VADER. On January 18th a festival kick-off party will take place at John Dee where the full festival line-up will be announced. Performing at the party will be a cover band consisting of members of DIMMU BORGIR, RED HARVEST, KOVENANT, BLOOD RED THRONE, MAYHEM, SUSPERIA and others. The once-in-a-lifetime line-up will perform covers of classics from the likes of ANTHRAX, KISS, ACCEPT, BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER, DEATH and more.
Just 24 hours before news broke that FATES WARNING guitarist JIM MATHEOS was to re-team with original Fates front man John Arch on a new EP, he spoke with BW&BK about his OSI project, the prog dream team also including DREAM THEATER percussionist Mike Portnoy and Chroma Key/ex-DT keyboardist Kevin Moore. Still, Matheos couldn't resist letting the cat out of the bag - almost. "I'm doing this project that starts tomorrow, which I can't tell you anything about because I'm not supposed to - but I wish I could. It's not a supergroup; it's an EP that someone's doing for Metal Blade that me and Mike are helping out with. That will be done very quickly, because it's only an EP, so I'll be done with that in a few weeks." And then? "I talked to Ray (Alder, current Fates Warning vocalist) last night, and we're going to sit down and start writing right after that. We're going to shoot for this year, although lag times are long these days - like three months - so we don't know if we're going to get it out this year or not." In the meantime, Fates Warning will release its second DVD, The View From Here. "It's got all the MTV videos on there, two or three bootlegs and some studio footage from (2000's) Disconnected," Matheos says. But even with so much on his plate, the New Hampshire-based guitarist was clearly most enthused about OSI, whose debut album, Office Of Strategic Influence, will be released by InsideOut on February 18th. BW&BK #67 will have a full feature on the record, but here are some teasers excerpted from Matheos' interview: On Portnoy: "We're great friends. On a professional level, he's just an amazing drummer. I love everything he does. Watching him live 40 or 50 times and listening to him on record a million times is a completely different experience than watching him in the studio. I was blown away by him. This was something we wanted to do for a long time, and it was a really great experience." On Moore, with whom he collaborated on the last two Fates Warning albums: "I can't say enough good things about Kevin. I'm a huge fan of his, and I think the guy's a genius. Any time I can work with him, it's great. I'm in awe of his talent." On PORCUPINE TREE vocalist Steven Wilson, who guests on one OSI track: "This was kind of my wish-list of people who I admire and who I'd like to work with. I first started talking to Steven about a year and a half ago, when I approached him to maybe produce the next Fates record. Things just didn't work out schedule-wise, but I knew I'd want to work with him sometime in the future. When (OSI) came up, he was one of the first people that I thought of. I sent Steven some of the material; he liked it; he had a hole in his schedule; and that's pretty much the end of the story." And the end of this one. For more with Matheos, pick up BW&BK #67, on sale February 14th.
YES are the latest act to be confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival, taking place June 6th - 8th. It's the premier gig on the band's Full Circle Tour. Other confirmed acts include TWISTED SISTER, QUEENSRYCHE, URIAH HEEP, MOTORHEAD, JETHRO TULL and others. For more info go to <a href="http://www.swedenrock.com." target="_blank">www.swedenrock.com.</a>
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's new album, The Blessed Hellride, will feature a special guest vocal performance from OZZY OSBOURNE. Ozzy appears on the track 'Stillborn'. Convinced he has recorded a hit, Ozzy told BLS leader ZAKK WYLDE: "If this is not a hit record, you should just pack up and quit!" Ozzy was quite impressed with the full album and told Zakk: "You are going to rule the world!" The Blessed Hellride is out through Spitfire in April. In other Zakk news, the guitarist will be inducted into the Hard Rock museum in Orlando, FL on January 16th. One of Zakk's vests, a guitar and the issue of Guitar World featuring Ozzy and Zakk on the cover will be kept in a display case. Others being inducted include KISS, PANTERA and METALLICA. For more info check out <a href="http://www.hardrockcafe.com." target="_blank">www.hardrockcafe.com.</a>
PARTY.SAN OPEN AIR 2003 takes place August 7th - 9th, 2003 in Bad Berka, Germany. Confirmed acts include DIMENSION ZERO, VADER, BEHEMOTH, TENEBRE, MALEVOLENT CREATION, NAGLFAR, DESTROYER 666, POSTMORTEM, LORD BELIAL, BURIED GOD, DARK FORTRESS, RESSURECTED and FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMMING. More acts will be announced as they are confirmed. For more info visit the festival's homepage at <a href="http://www.party-san.de." target="_blank">www.party-san.de.</a>
AUDIOSLAVE will embark on their first national tour beginning February 21st in Denver, CO. The tour will cover the US and will conclude on March 22 in Seattle, WA. The next single from the band's debut album will be 'Like A Stone', and will hit radio this month. The video for the track was directed by Meiert Avis and is currently in post-production.
QUEENSRYCHE guitarist MICHAEL WILTON spoke to Music Insight last October and offered his views on the forthcoming album, due out in April. "I believe this album should be hard and intense, but what I have heard so far is not that. I have no desire to change Queensryche into an adult contemporary band. This should be a Queensryche album and not a Geoff Tate solo album. I love the hard aggressive music, but I think those days are dwindling in Queensryche."
BALANCE OF POWER singer Lance King has split from the band. The remaining members have hired an internationally known lead singer and an announcement will be made after legal details are ironed out. The band will also soon announce a new label deal for the US. Meanwhile, Balance Of Power have begun work on their next album, due out through Massacre in Europe and Avalon Marquee in Japan this Spring. Heathen Machine is the disc's working title. Tracks on the release will include 'Chemical Imbalance', 'Just Before You Leave', 'I Wish You Were Here' and 'Heathen Machine'. The album will be, "a steamy, Inner Space exploration, visiting the darker side of our most base emotions". Tracks on the release are written by Tony Ritchie and Peter Southern with production being handled by Lionel Hicks.
MP3s of two new songs from the upcoming STRATOVARIUS release, Elements Part I, are available for download on the band's official website, <a href="http://www.stratovarius.com." target="_blank">http://www.stratovarius.com.</a> The songs are 'Soul Of A Vagabond' and 'Find Your Own Voice'. Also available is a video shot during the rehearsal sessions for Elements Part I and the filming of the 'Eagleheart' video clip. The single for 'Eagleheart', which also includes the unreleased track 'Run Away', is available through Century Media mail-order. The new disc is due February 11th.
EVERGREY bassist, Michael Hakansson, was in an tram accident in his home town of Gothenburg, Sweden on January 10th and had to spend Friday night in the hospital. 39 people were injured when two trams made a head-on collision. The collision was so powerful that both drivers became pinned in the wreckage. Two people were seriously injured in the crash, though not life threatening. Hakansson is a little banged up, but seems to be doing fine. It is unknown at this time whether the accident was caused by human or mechanical error. "Well, at least I was lucky compared to a lot of others," said Hakansson. "My back and neck are a bit f**ked up at the moment but, as far as the doctors could see now it doesn't look like any permanent damage." Meanwhile, Evergrey's new album, Recreation Day, is out in the US on March 11th through InsideOut. The band are also preparing for some festival dates in Sweden, France and Holland. They are also considering a smaller co-headline tour in Europe with KAMELOT in early spring. No word yet on any US dates.
SOLACE, the band that GODSPEED morphed into, releases their sophomore album, 13, on January 28th. The album features ten Solace originals, PENTAGRAM and AGNOSTIC FRONT covers, and a tune with Wino (THE OBSESSED/SAINT VITUS) on guest vocals. Solace is also looking for the right band to hit the road with. Labels and bands interested, contact Solace's label MeteorCity: info@meteorcity.com.
Guitarist Tim Donahue contacted BW&BK to let everyone know that he and singer James LaBrie have enlisted drummer Mike Mangini (MULLMUZZLER, ex-EXTREME) to provide the backbone for their upcoming MADMEN & SINNERS project. Recording will take place through February, with a tentative release date scheduled for July/August in Japan.
METAL BLADE RECORDS' 20TH ANNIVERSARY that took place on Wednesday, December 4 at The Palace in Hollywood, California (which featured the likes of VEHEMENCE, CATTLE DECAPITATION, ENGINE, LIZZY BORDEN, ARMORED SAINT and headliners CANNIBAL CORPSE) will air on MuchMusic US (http://www.mmusa.tv/) in two parts - on Friday, January 17 and the second on Friday, January 24, 2003. Air times should be 4pm PST/7pm EST & 10pm PST/1am EST.
ICED EARTH have inked a deal with SPV/Steamhammer. The band, Jon Schaffer (guitar), Matthew Barlow (vocals), Larry Tarnowski (guitar) and Richard Christy (drums), are recording their new album which will be released this year worldwide through the label. SPV Managing Director Manfred Schutz comments on the signing: "Iced Earth is one of the best bands in Heavy Metal and there is still a lot of potential in the creativity. Iced Earth fits our repertoire perfectly and I am very happy that the band decided to continue their success with SPV."
According to Total Rock, the rumors that ANGEL WITCH has disbanded are not true. The current line-up, Kevin Heybourne, Jon Torres, Lee Altus and tom Hunting reformed in December 2002 for what Kevin calls "the most powerful line-up to date". The band are in the process of writing a new album. They are scheduled to perform at Bang Your Head 2003 and will be out on tour from June to August this year where they'll perform Angel Witch classics. Another tour will take place after the album of new material is released. Angel Witch leader Kevin Heybourne comments on the band: "I think that fans of Angel Witch will be just as excited as I am with the new line-up and won't be disappointed."
Producer KEVIN SHIRLEY provided this recent IRON MAIDEN studio update: "Widdleywiddleywiddleywiddley-Weeeeeeeeee!!! went Tuesday. Day of the solos. Janick and Adrian are headlining, guitars screaming like Pete Townsends hard drive. Dave did not get his chance today - all the more time to sharpen his axe! So just the three amigos in today. Bruce and Nicko have shore leave due to (circumstances) in the Harris household (keeping Steve away - C'man). The Brew. Ah indeed, and that about sums it up! I guess Brad and Drew are now "The Brew", and what a fabulous moniker, a little too apt I fear, by 'arf; so I'll post their updates regularly too! Yes, we did some guitar solos yesterday, concentrating on two songs! "Harry" was indisposed, as he will be today as well, so tracking is off the agenda for the moment, and I suppose today will be more of the same - 'cept we'll be getting Davey off his butt and away from the tea pot! I'm pushing them quite hard, as I would like every note on this album to be valid. We experimented with different amp sounds and room microphones, and Jan ended up using a Peavey 5150 into his Marshall cabinets for the solo's while Adrian stuck with his Marshall amp and cabs that he's been using for the rhythm tracks.( Well, he cut one solo whilst tracking live which was blistering, as I may have mentioned before!) Both were using their black Fender Strats, with the hyped up pick-ups, and so far so good! Dave Pattenden dropped 'round with a goody bag for me, he'd found a gold disc award for Brave New World from Sweden for me, amongst some things and so brought it for me along with a copy of Edward The Great and the fine Eddie's Archive box! Thanks for all the e-mails - I really don't have time to get to them, and will have even less from next week when I begin a rigorous fitness routine to drop some unwanted excess pounds, accumulated from years in the studio, and the ensuing after hours in the local watering holes of whichever environment I'm in! Cheers"
IRON MAIDEN's website, <a href="http://www.ironmaiden.com," target="_blank">www.ironmaiden.com,</a> reports that the CLIVE BURR MS TRUST has collected a total of £235,000, after costs. The Trust has made considered donations which include: Clive Burr, home, health, life quality and the future: Due to his illness, Clive was unable to keep up the payments on his house and was in danger of losing it and becoming homeless. The Trust made a loan of £60,000 which solved Clive's immediate accommodation worries. Clive is currently involved in a special treatment program with a specialized Professor in Belgium and has to travel there for treatment and tests. The Trust donated £9,000 to help cover these expenses, and to sponsor a much needed short holiday. Clive also received £3,500 towards specialized equipment to improve the quality of his life. This included a special bed, a computer (to help link Clive with the outside world) and a DVD player (to play Rock In Rio and Classic Albums - The Making Of The Number Of The Beast). Looking ahead: The Trust is making regular payments to help with Clive's living expenses, and will prioritize the need to help with the cost of medical treatment in the future. Other beneficiaries to The Trust: The terms of the Trust enabled the Trustees to help a couple of other selected MS sufferers. These special donations were made to MS suffers close to the band and their friends. The Trust was therefore able to assist Ralph (an MS sufferer who was at school with Steve and who was a great support to the Band in the early East End days) buy a vehicle specially adapted to carry his wheelchair. The Clive Burr MS Trust fund also helped the wife of one of the members of an Iron Maiden tribute band who also suffers from MS. This contribution has gone towards modifications to their home to help with her mobility problems. The remaining Trust funds will be targeted to ease and improve the quality of Clive Burr's life. Thank you for your support.
GRAVE DIGGER have announced that Rheingold is the title for their forthcoming CD, due on May 26th through Nuclear Blast Records. The band posted the following at their official website, <a href="http://www.grave-digger.de:" target="_blank">www.grave-digger.de:</a> "The concept is following the Saga of the Nibelungs. We worked out The Ring Of The Nibelungs from Germany's famous composer Richard Wagner. The record is split in four parts as there are: Rheingold, Valkyrie, Triumph-Glory-Agony and Twilight of the Gods. These are the four operas of the Ring Of The Nibelungs. It's a very mystical story based on the old German saga of the Nibelungs. We worked also with some melody lines of the operas. The music includes all typical Grave Digger trademarks like simple and epic melody lines, aggressive vocals, guitars like chainsaws and a pounding rhythm section. You will see Dwarfs, Nymphys, Maidens, Giants, Swords, Dragons, Heroes, a golden Treasure, Liars, Murderer and of course Love, Death and Agony appear in the lyrical concept. If you are interested in the story, please check out the following link to prepare yourself for Rheingold. We have also short interpretations of the story in the booklet. 'Rheingold' will have 10 songs and an intro. The digipack will have one more song based also on the concept story. It's not a cover version!!!" Rheingold was recorded at Principal Studios near Muenster, and was produced by The Resetti Brothers and Grave Digger frontman Chris Boltendahl.
NEIL TURBIN (ex-ANTHRAX) is set to release his debut solo album, Threatcon Delta, in March through Metal Mayhem. The label's website, <a href="http://www.metalmayhem.com," target="_blank">www.metalmayhem.com,</a> has posted a track from the forthcoming release. 'Keep The Fire' was written by Turbin and Vernon Anderson.
AMON AMARTH's website, <a href="http://www.amonamarth.com," target="_blank">www.amonamarth.com,</a> recently posted the following band update: "At the moment we are negotiating an American tour and if everything turns out for the best, we'll be hitting the shores of North America in February/March. Apart from that we're working on a four-show tour of the UK in May, we have a couple of more European festivals lined up for the summer and with any luck we'll be able to go to Poland and Czech Republic for a couple of shows."
The latest act confirmed for this year's WACKEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL is RAUNCHY. The festival runs from July 31st to August 2nd and will also feature performances from: CRADLE OF FILTH, GAMMA RAY, ICED EARTH, NILE, PRIMAL FEAR, SENTENCED, STRATOVARIUS, VADER, KATAKLYSM, EIDOLON and many more. Raunchy will begin recording their new album in July with producer Jacob Hansen.
MENTAL HOME have finished pre-production for their next album. These leaders of the Russian metal scene have recorded a pre-production tape for their new album entitled Synaesthesia. Besides ten brand new songs, there will be two bonus tracks, a cover of Depeche Mode's In Your Room' with the second one being a peculiar tribute to the oriental past of one of the band's members. Mental Home is looking at a late 2003 release through an yet-unknown-label. The band was displeased with their collaboration with Century Media: "I think they (Century Media) didn't undertake enough efforts, to do more or less significant promotion," said the band's manager Michael "Maiden" Smirnoff (Band's manager). For more, see <a href="http://www.rusmetal.ru/mentalhome/" target="_blank">www.rusmetal.ru/mentalhome/</a>
On March 4th Miramax Home Entertainment will release the DVD THE OSBOURNES: The First Season (Uncensored). Starring OZZY OSBOURNE and his family, wife Sharon, son Jack, daughter Kelly and Nanny Melinda Varga, the unrated set features: all 10 episodes of the first season with commentary, never before seen, un-aired footage from six episodes, four never-before-seen episodes, commentary track, "Too Oz For TV" blooper reel, Ozzy's Ten Commandments, Diary Of An Osbourne/Random Acts Of Ozzy, never-before-seen interviews with the cast, Ozzy translator (decodes the Prince Of Darkness), conversation with the Osbournes including life on the road, family values, first season stories and the untold story of Michael the Security Guard. Set Top Materials include: name that dookie, edit a scene and Osbournes Bingo Game (use supplied cards or download new cards off the internet to play bingo). DVDRom features include: food nuisance and a guide to The Osbournes website links.
Sony will release OZZY OSBOURNE's new collection, The Essential Ozzy Osbourne, on January 28th. The digitally remastered 29 track 2CD set is filled with Ozzy classics. The tracklisting; CD1 - 'Crazy Train', 'Mr. Crowley', 'I Don't Know' (Live), 'Suicide Solution', 'Goodbye To Romance', 'Over The Mountain', 'Flying High Again', 'Diary Of A Madman', 'Paranoid' (Live), 'Bark At The Moon', 'You're No Different', 'Rock 'n' Roll Rebel', 'Crazy Babies', 'Miracle Man', 'Fire In The Sky' and 'Breakin' All The Rules'. CD2 - 'Mama, I'm Coming Home', 'Desire', 'No More Tears', 'Time After Time', 'Road To Nowhere', 'I Don't Want To Change The World' (Live), 'Perry Mason', 'I Just Want You', 'Thunder Underground', 'See You On The Other Side', 'Gets Me Through', 'Dreamer' and 'No Easy Way Out'.
On February 11, Metal Blade is releasing the DVD version of ARMORED SAINT's classic A Trip Through Red Times video. The package includes seven unreleased videos, a 2002 interview and slide show with the band, photo gallery of rare pics from the band's archives, complete discography with track listings and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound audio. The tracklisting is as follows: 'Lesson Well Learned', 'March Of The Saint', 'Can U Deliver', 'Aftermath', 'Raising Fear', 'Nervous Man', 'Human Vulture', 'Chemical Euphoria', 'Stricken By Fate', 'Book Of Blood' and 'Long Before I Die'. Bonus videos include: 'Reign of Fire', 'Last Train Home', 'Feel Me Tonight', 'Isolation', 'Madhouse', 'Over The Edge' and 'You're Never Alone' (previously unreleased)
FATES WARNING's forthcoming DVD, The View From Here, will be out in North America in March. The DVD features the following: The Making Of Disconnected 2000, The Making Of Parallels 1990, Interviews with original members Joe Dibiase and Frank Aresti and the Complete Video Archive including: 'Silent Cries' (1988), 'Anarchy Divine' (1988), 'Through Different Eyes' (1989), 'Nothing Left To Say" (live 1998), 'Point Of View' (1991), 'Eye To Eye' (1992), 'Monument' (1994), 'Pleasant Shade Of Gray Parts X-XII' (1997), 'At Fates Hands' (live 1998), 'Prelude To Ruin' (live 1998) and 'The Eleventh Hour/Point Of View' (live at Dynamo 1998).
Rhino Records plans to release a RONNIE JAMES DIO box set that will include material from ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and DIO. Although no rare studio tracks have been announced, live rarities may exist.
EMI are set to release PINK FLOYD's The Dark Side Of The Moon on Super Audio CD on March 4th to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the title. This is the first time the album will be presented in full 5.1 surround sound, having been remixed and remastered for hybrid SACD by long time Pink Floyd producer/engineer James Guthrie.
Black Mark is reissuing six classic BATHORY's records on vinyl on February 24th including the following: Bathory, The Return Of Darkness And Evil, Under The Sign Of The Black Mark, Blood Fire Death, Hammerheart, Twilight Of The Gods. Meanwhile Nordland II will be out on March 31st as a limited digi pack (North American street date is April 28th). On April 14th Nordland I and II will be released as a double vinyl set.
DEEP PURPLE are working on a new album with KID ROCK producer Michael Bradford. Currently in the writing stage, the album is due out on August 1st. The lineup includes Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keyboards).
BON JOVI is recording a full acoustic live set at the Yokohama Arena in Japan on January 19th. Rumor has it the gig is being filmed for a live DVD.
Miami, Florida's Lascivious Records are set to release SAIGON KICK frontman MATT KRAMER's new solo album, War & Peas. The album is described as "a raw self produced hard rock reflection of the changing times".
The CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO will embark on another round of tour dates in support of their CG3+2 album, out through InsideOut. The shows are concentrated primarily in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Dates kick off on January 21st at Generations in St. Louis, MO and wrap up on January 31st at Borders (Kips Bay) in New York, NY. For more info go to: <a href="http://www.cgtrio.com." target="_blank">www.cgtrio.com.</a>
The Oakland Tribune recently spoke with guitarist Vivian Campbell about his band, DEF LEPPARD. Campbell told the paper: "I don't think that Def Leppard has ever been a heavy metal band. Certainly in the early days, it was part of that movement and it got lumped in with that whole new wave of British heavy metal. Def Leppard has been a pop band disguised as a rock band.". Also, Vivian Campbell recently did some writing with the other members of RIVERDOGS for a new album, due out later in 2003.
TNT's new EP, Taste, will be released this Spring. The set is to feature new tracks, demo material (Tell No Tales era) and possibly a rare live track. Tracks to be featured on the release include: 'Satellite', 'Hey Love', 'Live Today', 'Give Me A Sign', 'Magic Little Nightmare' and 'Destiny' (demo).
ROBERT PLANT has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the track 'Darkness, Darkness' and for Best Rock Album for Dreamland.
Y&T singer DAVE MENIKETTI is performing selected dates in Japan this month. The shows in Osaka and Kawasaki will be recorded for a live album.
STEVE MORSE's new CD is entitled Sects, Dregs & Rock 'N Roll. The disc includes footage shot live in 2001 and also features bonus live footage from 1992. Other features include: Guitar Show interview, a promo clip for 'Cruise Missile', guitar clinic, Roger Glover and Ian Gillan interview and a photo gallery.
Perris Records are distributing RIKKI ROCKETT's Glam tribute album, Glitter 4 Your Soul. Artists featured on the release include BRET MICHAELS, C.C. DeVILLE, BLUES SARACENO, JIZZY PEARL and many more. The 11 track album covers tracks from SWEET, DAVID BOWIE, T-REX, STARZ and more.
DANGEROUS TOYS will tour Japan for the second time from February 18th to 23rd. They will also do a show at Austin, Texas' Red River club on February 15th, prior to the Japanese dates.
The latest act confirmed for this year's BANG YOUR HEAD FESTIVAL is THIN LIZZY featuring John Sykes and Scott Gorham.
SKID ROW's spring 2003 tour begins on March 27th in Rochester, NY and runs to April 25th in Lemont, IL.
METALLICA's forthcoming new album will be released on June 10th or June 17th (date subject to change).
HALFORD have confirmed a gig at L'Amour in Brooklyn, NY on February 28th. They share the bill with SYMPHONY X. Halford are currently planning a North American tour, tentatively set to begin in late March.
SEPULTURA are in Rio de Janeiro recording songs for their new album at AR Studios. Recording began on the 12th and drummer Igor Cavalera already has completed the drums for three tracks. The band will be in the studio through mid-February and will work from 12pm to 12am with cameras on them at all times. The band's website, <a href="http://www.sepultura.com," target="_blank">www.sepultura.com,</a> will post pictures, videos and news each day.
HELLION have inked a deal with Germany's Massacre Records. Their new album, Will Not Go Quietly, will be released on January 27th.
SPIRITUAL BEGGARS are confirmed to headline the March 21st Rockstugan show in Halmstad, Sweden. The band will also do a 4-date tour of Japan this April.
Although nearly a year off, organizers of the X-MASS FEST 2003 European Tour have announced that NILE, MISERY INDEX, HYPOCRISY, VADER, DISBELIEF and DEW-SCENTED are all confirmed to take part in the tour. The dates will run from December 7th - 21st, 2003. Info on dates and venues will be made available as they are announced.
Former VOIVOD frontman Eric Forrest contacted BW&BK with the following update recently about his new project, E-FORCE: "To all VOIVOD fans that liked my work on Negatron and Phobos, you are definently going to dig E-Force's Evil Forces (due out later this year). Our music is like a sound track for World War 3.
ANTHRAX' upcoming European tour kicks off on March 5th at the Ambassador Theater in Dublin, Ireland. The dates conclude on March 23rd at Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
DORO has lined up a sting of live German dates. They are: March 7 - Halle 101 - Speyer, 15 - Megadrom - Radebeul, April 12 - Bang Your Head Revisited - Balingen, July 4 - Biker Festival - Nehren, 5 - Venue TBA - Kemnath and 6 - With Full Force Festival - Leipzig.
New Sanctuary signing LIVING COLOUR have lined up the following US dates: January 16 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA, 19 - Galaxy Theater - Santa Ana, CA and February 14 - Toad's Place - New Haven, CT.
HAMMERFALL are filming their hometown show in Gotenborg, Sweden on February 20 for an upcoming DVD. At the show, the band will be presented with gold albums for sales in excess of 30,000 copies of their new album, Crimson Thunder, in Sweden.
IN FLAMES are nominated in two categories (best album and best group) for Rockbjrnen (Sweden's biggest newspaper Aftonbladets' people choice awards. No metal band has been nominated for the award since Europe in 1986.
Nuclear Blast have pushed back the release of HELLOWEEN's forthcoming album to May 5th.
BYFIST featuring Davey Lee and Nacho Vara of REVEREND have signed a Management contract with the Blackrose Foundation for Europe.
FastLane Records have just released ROMEOS DEAD's It's All Your Fault, produced by DAVY VAIN.
MONSTER MAGNET have finished work on a new demo that is currently being shopped around to different labels. According to a recent online posting, frontman "Dave Wyndorf is in L.A. working on the music to the Ice Cube movie we are in that is slated to come out next summer.
According to his website, ZAKK WYLDE and his BLACK LABEL SOCIETY have announced a string of Japanese live shows. April 17 and 18 Black Label Society will be performing at Club Quattro in Tokyo, and April 19, BLS will be live at Club Quattro in Osaka.
80's NWOBHM band SOLDIER will be releasing an EP at the end of March. It will consist of two old tracks (including the long awaited 'Infantrycide') and two new tracks, one of which is entitled 'I'm Taken In'.
The SUMMER BREEZE 2003 FESTIVAL will now include a performance from CALLENISH CIRCLE. They join a list of acts that includes AMON AMARTH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, GRAVEWORM, PRIMAL FEAR and many others who will perform from August 21st - 23rd in Abtsgmund, Germany.
This year's MOTALA METAL FESTIVAL takes place on April 19th in Motala, Sweden. Acts scheduled to perform include: PARAGON, FINNTROLL, STORMWARRIOR, EVERGREY and VADER.
CLUTCH will perform a string of dates on the US East Coast beginning on February 14th at L'Amour's in Brooklyn, NY and concluding on February 23rd at Agora in Cleveland, OH.
Rapper ICE-T's BODY COUNT project will release a new album in 2003.
SUPARED release release their self-titled album in Europe through Noise on January 20th. The first edition comes in a special colored jewel case.
Germany's WITH FULL FORCE FESTIVAL takes place July 4th - 6th at the Roitzschjora Airport in Lobnitz. Confirmed acts performing at the festival include NAPALM DEATH, DESTRUCTION, SIX FEET UNDER, RYKER'S and MESSIAH.
EXODUS are looking for a replacement for the recently ousted frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza. Those interested can send their demos to the following address: EXODUS, 10026 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA.
CORPORATION 187 will support ARCH ENEMY on their upcoming Scandinavian tour that begins on January 26th in Stockholm and runs to Helsingborg.
BLACK SABBATH drummer BILL WARD will co-host with Mike Stark on WPMD Radio 1700 AM's Rock 50 show in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11:00am PST.
New on DVD from Warner on January 21st: DEEP PURPLE's Heavy Metal Pioneers, YARDBIRDS' Yardbirds and CREAM's Strange Brew.
<img border="0" alt="[Wide Eyes]" title="" src="graemlins/wideyes.gif" /> That's a chock full!
*from <a href="http://www.HardRadio.com" target="_blank">www.HardRadio.com</a> *
QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali contact BW&BK recently with the following update. "The DVD, Quiet Riot Live In The 21st Century - 20 Years Of Metal Health, is scheduled for release in mid-March 2003. We filmed it at the Key Club in Hollywood, California. The club was the old famed Gazzari's where VAN HALEN often played in the early days, but Quiet Riot had never performed there in the past. Technically I suppose you could say we played three shows in one day. The evening before we played in Santa Ana, CA but went on after midnight. We played the entire set the next afternoon at the Key Club to have safety footage in case there would be technical problems during the actual evening shoot. Then of course, the actual show. When I proposed making this live DVD to Quiet Riot I wanted to make sure that it was a real live show without overdubs in a studio. That was the reason for the day shoot. The entire show is a live representation of Quiet Riot. With the release of the DVD early this year, we will concentrate on touring to promote it. I hope to have Quiet Riot in the studio late in 2003 to record and release new studio material in early to mid 2004. We are already writing new material and deciding what we want to musically do on the next CD."
UFO bassist PETE WAY has announced that the live show recorded in Cleveland on October 4, 2002 is going to be released February 18, 2003. Preorders for the CD will be taken on <a href="http://www.peteway.net" target="_blank">www.peteway.net</a> starting January 20th. The CD, titled Alive In Cleveland will be available exclusively on <a href="http://www.peteway.net." target="_blank">http://www.peteway.net.</a> Everyone who orders between January 20 and February 18 will receive an autographed CD.
DEF LEPPARD's website, DefLeppard.com, and the Help A Hallam Child foundation are running a contest where the lucky winner will join the band on stage to perform 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'. On February 20th, Def Leppard is returning to their home city Sheffield for a show at the HallamFM Arena, and the winner of this auction will attend the band's soundcheck, then join them on stage, and then scream into the microphone while the band are actually backing you up. The winner and a friend will also be invited to attend the band's show later that night. All proceeds of the auction will go to Help A Hallam Child, helping sick and needy children from South Yorkshire and the North Midlands. See <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3000761600" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3000761600</a> now to place your bid!
AEROSMITH and KISS will embark on a co-headlining North American tour beginning in August and running through October, sources confirm. The tour of approximately 40 dates will be produced by Clear Channel Entertainment and is expected to play 90% amphitheaters, with arenas and possibly a couple of stadiums also in the mix. Kiss will perform in full makeup, sources say, and Aerosmith will be touring in support of a new Columbia blues album. In other tour news, on Sunday, March 16, KISS will perform a very special show in the intimate setting of the Rain In The Desert inside The Palms Casino Resort. At 10am on Saturday January 25, tickets will go on-sale at <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com," target="_blank">www.ticketmaster.com,</a> <a href="http://www.cc.com," target="_blank">www.cc.com,</a> and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available at Stuff inside the Palms Casino Resort. To charge by phone, call 702.474.4000. All tickets are subject to service and/or convenience charges. Tickets are priced at $125 and $300. For additional show information, please visit <a href="http://www.cc.com." target="_blank">www.cc.com.</a>
KISS' frontmen GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY shot a commercial on January 10th for Universal Orlando Resorts. A posting at the band's official website reveals: "They stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and the shoot was there poolside. The actual shooting with Gene and Paul lasted about two hours, 9:30 - 11:30am. They had to start makeup very early, about 7:30am. Gene and Paul appeared Friday in their new stage costumes reminiscent of the Alive! '75 - '76 era. This was the first appearance of Gene in the new outfit and Paul's second, the first being the Samick guitar shoot in December."
JUDAS PRIEST has released a new "exclusive" version of the Live In London CD featuring seven additional songs and a new mix. Hyped as featuring more songs than the DVD (which contained more tracks than the original CD run), this new version of Live In London comes in a silver slipcase and tops 130 minutes of music, with 'Heading Out To The Highway', 'Grinder', 'The Sentinel', 'Green Manalishi', 'Beyond The Realms Of Death', 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' and 'Hellion/Electric Eye' having been added to the track list. It should be noted that all of these songs except 'The Sentinel' appeared on the band's 1998 live album, '98 Live Meltdown.
DAVID WAYNE, formally of METAL CHURCH and current REVEREND frontman, was involved in a three car pile up in Tacoma, Washington. Sources say Wayne was traveling West on 56th and I5 at about 1:30pm in his late model Chevrolet Caprice Classic when he was forced to stop quickly. As a result Wayne was rear-ended by a car that was following much to close. This triggered a three car pileup in which Wayne suffered trauma in his neck and back and had to be rushed to a local hospital to treat his injuries. Wayne was treated and released but under Doctor's orders will need therapy and medications to meet his rehabilitation's requirements. All others involved in this accident were treated and released. David Wayne was unavailable for comment, however Davey Lee, guitarist for Reverend, BYFIST, said he was in touch with Wayne and that he was shook up but progressing nicely and in good spirits. For more info go to: <a href="http://www.Reverend.cx." target="_blank">www.Reverend.cx.</a>
ROCK HARD Turns 20! Germany's Rock Hard Magazine celebrates 20 years of mayhem with a festival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 7th and 8th. Bands confirmed thus far include BLIND GUARDIAN, CANDLEMASS, BOLT THROWER and THRESHOLD, with eight to ten acts to be added. A ticket for the two days costs 55 Euros (approximately $55 American) plus 3 Euros service charge. Go to <a href="http://www.rockhard.de" target="_blank">www.rockhard.de</a> for more information.
MARCH METAL MELTDOWN 5 takes place March 7th and 8th at Irvington, NJ's Cricket Club. Acts confirmed to perform include OVERKILL, DARKANE, SINNER, EXCITER, GRAVE, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, ALL THAT REMAINS, BEHEMOTH, BLOODSTORM, BUDGIE, DAVE BROCKIE EXPERIENCE, DIVINE EMPIRE, DOG FASHION DISCO, GOAT*****, IMPALER, NILE, OBSCENITY, PYREXIA, SEVEN WITCHES, SPEARHEAD, STATUS QUO, GOD AWFUL THUNDERCORE, WITHERED EARTH, YAKUZA, SLEEZE BEES and ZANDELLE. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.
The 2003 INFERNO FESTIVAL takes place April 17th - 19th at the Rockefeller Music Hall/John Dee with performances from among others, IMMORTAL, CHILDREN OF BODOM, TAAKE and VADER. On January 18th a festival kick-off party will take place at John Dee where the full festival line-up will be announced. Performing at the party will be a cover band consisting of members of DIMMU BORGIR, RED HARVEST, KOVENANT, BLOOD RED THRONE, MAYHEM, SUSPERIA and others. The once-in-a-lifetime line-up will perform covers of classics from the likes of ANTHRAX, KISS, ACCEPT, BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER, DEATH and more.
Just 24 hours before news broke that FATES WARNING guitarist JIM MATHEOS was to re-team with original Fates front man John Arch on a new EP, he spoke with BW&BK about his OSI project, the prog dream team also including DREAM THEATER percussionist Mike Portnoy and Chroma Key/ex-DT keyboardist Kevin Moore. Still, Matheos couldn't resist letting the cat out of the bag - almost. "I'm doing this project that starts tomorrow, which I can't tell you anything about because I'm not supposed to - but I wish I could. It's not a supergroup; it's an EP that someone's doing for Metal Blade that me and Mike are helping out with. That will be done very quickly, because it's only an EP, so I'll be done with that in a few weeks." And then? "I talked to Ray (Alder, current Fates Warning vocalist) last night, and we're going to sit down and start writing right after that. We're going to shoot for this year, although lag times are long these days - like three months - so we don't know if we're going to get it out this year or not." In the meantime, Fates Warning will release its second DVD, The View From Here. "It's got all the MTV videos on there, two or three bootlegs and some studio footage from (2000's) Disconnected," Matheos says. But even with so much on his plate, the New Hampshire-based guitarist was clearly most enthused about OSI, whose debut album, Office Of Strategic Influence, will be released by InsideOut on February 18th. BW&BK #67 will have a full feature on the record, but here are some teasers excerpted from Matheos' interview: On Portnoy: "We're great friends. On a professional level, he's just an amazing drummer. I love everything he does. Watching him live 40 or 50 times and listening to him on record a million times is a completely different experience than watching him in the studio. I was blown away by him. This was something we wanted to do for a long time, and it was a really great experience." On Moore, with whom he collaborated on the last two Fates Warning albums: "I can't say enough good things about Kevin. I'm a huge fan of his, and I think the guy's a genius. Any time I can work with him, it's great. I'm in awe of his talent." On PORCUPINE TREE vocalist Steven Wilson, who guests on one OSI track: "This was kind of my wish-list of people who I admire and who I'd like to work with. I first started talking to Steven about a year and a half ago, when I approached him to maybe produce the next Fates record. Things just didn't work out schedule-wise, but I knew I'd want to work with him sometime in the future. When (OSI) came up, he was one of the first people that I thought of. I sent Steven some of the material; he liked it; he had a hole in his schedule; and that's pretty much the end of the story." And the end of this one. For more with Matheos, pick up BW&BK #67, on sale February 14th.
YES are the latest act to be confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival, taking place June 6th - 8th. It's the premier gig on the band's Full Circle Tour. Other confirmed acts include TWISTED SISTER, QUEENSRYCHE, URIAH HEEP, MOTORHEAD, JETHRO TULL and others. For more info go to <a href="http://www.swedenrock.com." target="_blank">www.swedenrock.com.</a>
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's new album, The Blessed Hellride, will feature a special guest vocal performance from OZZY OSBOURNE. Ozzy appears on the track 'Stillborn'. Convinced he has recorded a hit, Ozzy told BLS leader ZAKK WYLDE: "If this is not a hit record, you should just pack up and quit!" Ozzy was quite impressed with the full album and told Zakk: "You are going to rule the world!" The Blessed Hellride is out through Spitfire in April. In other Zakk news, the guitarist will be inducted into the Hard Rock museum in Orlando, FL on January 16th. One of Zakk's vests, a guitar and the issue of Guitar World featuring Ozzy and Zakk on the cover will be kept in a display case. Others being inducted include KISS, PANTERA and METALLICA. For more info check out <a href="http://www.hardrockcafe.com." target="_blank">www.hardrockcafe.com.</a>
PARTY.SAN OPEN AIR 2003 takes place August 7th - 9th, 2003 in Bad Berka, Germany. Confirmed acts include DIMENSION ZERO, VADER, BEHEMOTH, TENEBRE, MALEVOLENT CREATION, NAGLFAR, DESTROYER 666, POSTMORTEM, LORD BELIAL, BURIED GOD, DARK FORTRESS, RESSURECTED and FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMMING. More acts will be announced as they are confirmed. For more info visit the festival's homepage at <a href="http://www.party-san.de." target="_blank">www.party-san.de.</a>
AUDIOSLAVE will embark on their first national tour beginning February 21st in Denver, CO. The tour will cover the US and will conclude on March 22 in Seattle, WA. The next single from the band's debut album will be 'Like A Stone', and will hit radio this month. The video for the track was directed by Meiert Avis and is currently in post-production.
QUEENSRYCHE guitarist MICHAEL WILTON spoke to Music Insight last October and offered his views on the forthcoming album, due out in April. "I believe this album should be hard and intense, but what I have heard so far is not that. I have no desire to change Queensryche into an adult contemporary band. This should be a Queensryche album and not a Geoff Tate solo album. I love the hard aggressive music, but I think those days are dwindling in Queensryche."
BALANCE OF POWER singer Lance King has split from the band. The remaining members have hired an internationally known lead singer and an announcement will be made after legal details are ironed out. The band will also soon announce a new label deal for the US. Meanwhile, Balance Of Power have begun work on their next album, due out through Massacre in Europe and Avalon Marquee in Japan this Spring. Heathen Machine is the disc's working title. Tracks on the release will include 'Chemical Imbalance', 'Just Before You Leave', 'I Wish You Were Here' and 'Heathen Machine'. The album will be, "a steamy, Inner Space exploration, visiting the darker side of our most base emotions". Tracks on the release are written by Tony Ritchie and Peter Southern with production being handled by Lionel Hicks.
MP3s of two new songs from the upcoming STRATOVARIUS release, Elements Part I, are available for download on the band's official website, <a href="http://www.stratovarius.com." target="_blank">http://www.stratovarius.com.</a> The songs are 'Soul Of A Vagabond' and 'Find Your Own Voice'. Also available is a video shot during the rehearsal sessions for Elements Part I and the filming of the 'Eagleheart' video clip. The single for 'Eagleheart', which also includes the unreleased track 'Run Away', is available through Century Media mail-order. The new disc is due February 11th.
EVERGREY bassist, Michael Hakansson, was in an tram accident in his home town of Gothenburg, Sweden on January 10th and had to spend Friday night in the hospital. 39 people were injured when two trams made a head-on collision. The collision was so powerful that both drivers became pinned in the wreckage. Two people were seriously injured in the crash, though not life threatening. Hakansson is a little banged up, but seems to be doing fine. It is unknown at this time whether the accident was caused by human or mechanical error. "Well, at least I was lucky compared to a lot of others," said Hakansson. "My back and neck are a bit f**ked up at the moment but, as far as the doctors could see now it doesn't look like any permanent damage." Meanwhile, Evergrey's new album, Recreation Day, is out in the US on March 11th through InsideOut. The band are also preparing for some festival dates in Sweden, France and Holland. They are also considering a smaller co-headline tour in Europe with KAMELOT in early spring. No word yet on any US dates.
SOLACE, the band that GODSPEED morphed into, releases their sophomore album, 13, on January 28th. The album features ten Solace originals, PENTAGRAM and AGNOSTIC FRONT covers, and a tune with Wino (THE OBSESSED/SAINT VITUS) on guest vocals. Solace is also looking for the right band to hit the road with. Labels and bands interested, contact Solace's label MeteorCity: info@meteorcity.com.
Guitarist Tim Donahue contacted BW&BK to let everyone know that he and singer James LaBrie have enlisted drummer Mike Mangini (MULLMUZZLER, ex-EXTREME) to provide the backbone for their upcoming MADMEN & SINNERS project. Recording will take place through February, with a tentative release date scheduled for July/August in Japan.
METAL BLADE RECORDS' 20TH ANNIVERSARY that took place on Wednesday, December 4 at The Palace in Hollywood, California (which featured the likes of VEHEMENCE, CATTLE DECAPITATION, ENGINE, LIZZY BORDEN, ARMORED SAINT and headliners CANNIBAL CORPSE) will air on MuchMusic US (http://www.mmusa.tv/) in two parts - on Friday, January 17 and the second on Friday, January 24, 2003. Air times should be 4pm PST/7pm EST & 10pm PST/1am EST.
ICED EARTH have inked a deal with SPV/Steamhammer. The band, Jon Schaffer (guitar), Matthew Barlow (vocals), Larry Tarnowski (guitar) and Richard Christy (drums), are recording their new album which will be released this year worldwide through the label. SPV Managing Director Manfred Schutz comments on the signing: "Iced Earth is one of the best bands in Heavy Metal and there is still a lot of potential in the creativity. Iced Earth fits our repertoire perfectly and I am very happy that the band decided to continue their success with SPV."
According to Total Rock, the rumors that ANGEL WITCH has disbanded are not true. The current line-up, Kevin Heybourne, Jon Torres, Lee Altus and tom Hunting reformed in December 2002 for what Kevin calls "the most powerful line-up to date". The band are in the process of writing a new album. They are scheduled to perform at Bang Your Head 2003 and will be out on tour from June to August this year where they'll perform Angel Witch classics. Another tour will take place after the album of new material is released. Angel Witch leader Kevin Heybourne comments on the band: "I think that fans of Angel Witch will be just as excited as I am with the new line-up and won't be disappointed."
Producer KEVIN SHIRLEY provided this recent IRON MAIDEN studio update: "Widdleywiddleywiddleywiddley-Weeeeeeeeee!!! went Tuesday. Day of the solos. Janick and Adrian are headlining, guitars screaming like Pete Townsends hard drive. Dave did not get his chance today - all the more time to sharpen his axe! So just the three amigos in today. Bruce and Nicko have shore leave due to (circumstances) in the Harris household (keeping Steve away - C'man). The Brew. Ah indeed, and that about sums it up! I guess Brad and Drew are now "The Brew", and what a fabulous moniker, a little too apt I fear, by 'arf; so I'll post their updates regularly too! Yes, we did some guitar solos yesterday, concentrating on two songs! "Harry" was indisposed, as he will be today as well, so tracking is off the agenda for the moment, and I suppose today will be more of the same - 'cept we'll be getting Davey off his butt and away from the tea pot! I'm pushing them quite hard, as I would like every note on this album to be valid. We experimented with different amp sounds and room microphones, and Jan ended up using a Peavey 5150 into his Marshall cabinets for the solo's while Adrian stuck with his Marshall amp and cabs that he's been using for the rhythm tracks.( Well, he cut one solo whilst tracking live which was blistering, as I may have mentioned before!) Both were using their black Fender Strats, with the hyped up pick-ups, and so far so good! Dave Pattenden dropped 'round with a goody bag for me, he'd found a gold disc award for Brave New World from Sweden for me, amongst some things and so brought it for me along with a copy of Edward The Great and the fine Eddie's Archive box! Thanks for all the e-mails - I really don't have time to get to them, and will have even less from next week when I begin a rigorous fitness routine to drop some unwanted excess pounds, accumulated from years in the studio, and the ensuing after hours in the local watering holes of whichever environment I'm in! Cheers"
IRON MAIDEN's website, <a href="http://www.ironmaiden.com," target="_blank">www.ironmaiden.com,</a> reports that the CLIVE BURR MS TRUST has collected a total of £235,000, after costs. The Trust has made considered donations which include: Clive Burr, home, health, life quality and the future: Due to his illness, Clive was unable to keep up the payments on his house and was in danger of losing it and becoming homeless. The Trust made a loan of £60,000 which solved Clive's immediate accommodation worries. Clive is currently involved in a special treatment program with a specialized Professor in Belgium and has to travel there for treatment and tests. The Trust donated £9,000 to help cover these expenses, and to sponsor a much needed short holiday. Clive also received £3,500 towards specialized equipment to improve the quality of his life. This included a special bed, a computer (to help link Clive with the outside world) and a DVD player (to play Rock In Rio and Classic Albums - The Making Of The Number Of The Beast). Looking ahead: The Trust is making regular payments to help with Clive's living expenses, and will prioritize the need to help with the cost of medical treatment in the future. Other beneficiaries to The Trust: The terms of the Trust enabled the Trustees to help a couple of other selected MS sufferers. These special donations were made to MS suffers close to the band and their friends. The Trust was therefore able to assist Ralph (an MS sufferer who was at school with Steve and who was a great support to the Band in the early East End days) buy a vehicle specially adapted to carry his wheelchair. The Clive Burr MS Trust fund also helped the wife of one of the members of an Iron Maiden tribute band who also suffers from MS. This contribution has gone towards modifications to their home to help with her mobility problems. The remaining Trust funds will be targeted to ease and improve the quality of Clive Burr's life. Thank you for your support.
GRAVE DIGGER have announced that Rheingold is the title for their forthcoming CD, due on May 26th through Nuclear Blast Records. The band posted the following at their official website, <a href="http://www.grave-digger.de:" target="_blank">www.grave-digger.de:</a> "The concept is following the Saga of the Nibelungs. We worked out The Ring Of The Nibelungs from Germany's famous composer Richard Wagner. The record is split in four parts as there are: Rheingold, Valkyrie, Triumph-Glory-Agony and Twilight of the Gods. These are the four operas of the Ring Of The Nibelungs. It's a very mystical story based on the old German saga of the Nibelungs. We worked also with some melody lines of the operas. The music includes all typical Grave Digger trademarks like simple and epic melody lines, aggressive vocals, guitars like chainsaws and a pounding rhythm section. You will see Dwarfs, Nymphys, Maidens, Giants, Swords, Dragons, Heroes, a golden Treasure, Liars, Murderer and of course Love, Death and Agony appear in the lyrical concept. If you are interested in the story, please check out the following link to prepare yourself for Rheingold. We have also short interpretations of the story in the booklet. 'Rheingold' will have 10 songs and an intro. The digipack will have one more song based also on the concept story. It's not a cover version!!!" Rheingold was recorded at Principal Studios near Muenster, and was produced by The Resetti Brothers and Grave Digger frontman Chris Boltendahl.
NEIL TURBIN (ex-ANTHRAX) is set to release his debut solo album, Threatcon Delta, in March through Metal Mayhem. The label's website, <a href="http://www.metalmayhem.com," target="_blank">www.metalmayhem.com,</a> has posted a track from the forthcoming release. 'Keep The Fire' was written by Turbin and Vernon Anderson.
AMON AMARTH's website, <a href="http://www.amonamarth.com," target="_blank">www.amonamarth.com,</a> recently posted the following band update: "At the moment we are negotiating an American tour and if everything turns out for the best, we'll be hitting the shores of North America in February/March. Apart from that we're working on a four-show tour of the UK in May, we have a couple of more European festivals lined up for the summer and with any luck we'll be able to go to Poland and Czech Republic for a couple of shows."
The latest act confirmed for this year's WACKEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL is RAUNCHY. The festival runs from July 31st to August 2nd and will also feature performances from: CRADLE OF FILTH, GAMMA RAY, ICED EARTH, NILE, PRIMAL FEAR, SENTENCED, STRATOVARIUS, VADER, KATAKLYSM, EIDOLON and many more. Raunchy will begin recording their new album in July with producer Jacob Hansen.
MENTAL HOME have finished pre-production for their next album. These leaders of the Russian metal scene have recorded a pre-production tape for their new album entitled Synaesthesia. Besides ten brand new songs, there will be two bonus tracks, a cover of Depeche Mode's In Your Room' with the second one being a peculiar tribute to the oriental past of one of the band's members. Mental Home is looking at a late 2003 release through an yet-unknown-label. The band was displeased with their collaboration with Century Media: "I think they (Century Media) didn't undertake enough efforts, to do more or less significant promotion," said the band's manager Michael "Maiden" Smirnoff (Band's manager). For more, see <a href="http://www.rusmetal.ru/mentalhome/" target="_blank">www.rusmetal.ru/mentalhome/</a>
On March 4th Miramax Home Entertainment will release the DVD THE OSBOURNES: The First Season (Uncensored). Starring OZZY OSBOURNE and his family, wife Sharon, son Jack, daughter Kelly and Nanny Melinda Varga, the unrated set features: all 10 episodes of the first season with commentary, never before seen, un-aired footage from six episodes, four never-before-seen episodes, commentary track, "Too Oz For TV" blooper reel, Ozzy's Ten Commandments, Diary Of An Osbourne/Random Acts Of Ozzy, never-before-seen interviews with the cast, Ozzy translator (decodes the Prince Of Darkness), conversation with the Osbournes including life on the road, family values, first season stories and the untold story of Michael the Security Guard. Set Top Materials include: name that dookie, edit a scene and Osbournes Bingo Game (use supplied cards or download new cards off the internet to play bingo). DVDRom features include: food nuisance and a guide to The Osbournes website links.
Sony will release OZZY OSBOURNE's new collection, The Essential Ozzy Osbourne, on January 28th. The digitally remastered 29 track 2CD set is filled with Ozzy classics. The tracklisting; CD1 - 'Crazy Train', 'Mr. Crowley', 'I Don't Know' (Live), 'Suicide Solution', 'Goodbye To Romance', 'Over The Mountain', 'Flying High Again', 'Diary Of A Madman', 'Paranoid' (Live), 'Bark At The Moon', 'You're No Different', 'Rock 'n' Roll Rebel', 'Crazy Babies', 'Miracle Man', 'Fire In The Sky' and 'Breakin' All The Rules'. CD2 - 'Mama, I'm Coming Home', 'Desire', 'No More Tears', 'Time After Time', 'Road To Nowhere', 'I Don't Want To Change The World' (Live), 'Perry Mason', 'I Just Want You', 'Thunder Underground', 'See You On The Other Side', 'Gets Me Through', 'Dreamer' and 'No Easy Way Out'.
On February 11, Metal Blade is releasing the DVD version of ARMORED SAINT's classic A Trip Through Red Times video. The package includes seven unreleased videos, a 2002 interview and slide show with the band, photo gallery of rare pics from the band's archives, complete discography with track listings and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound audio. The tracklisting is as follows: 'Lesson Well Learned', 'March Of The Saint', 'Can U Deliver', 'Aftermath', 'Raising Fear', 'Nervous Man', 'Human Vulture', 'Chemical Euphoria', 'Stricken By Fate', 'Book Of Blood' and 'Long Before I Die'. Bonus videos include: 'Reign of Fire', 'Last Train Home', 'Feel Me Tonight', 'Isolation', 'Madhouse', 'Over The Edge' and 'You're Never Alone' (previously unreleased)
FATES WARNING's forthcoming DVD, The View From Here, will be out in North America in March. The DVD features the following: The Making Of Disconnected 2000, The Making Of Parallels 1990, Interviews with original members Joe Dibiase and Frank Aresti and the Complete Video Archive including: 'Silent Cries' (1988), 'Anarchy Divine' (1988), 'Through Different Eyes' (1989), 'Nothing Left To Say" (live 1998), 'Point Of View' (1991), 'Eye To Eye' (1992), 'Monument' (1994), 'Pleasant Shade Of Gray Parts X-XII' (1997), 'At Fates Hands' (live 1998), 'Prelude To Ruin' (live 1998) and 'The Eleventh Hour/Point Of View' (live at Dynamo 1998).
Rhino Records plans to release a RONNIE JAMES DIO box set that will include material from ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and DIO. Although no rare studio tracks have been announced, live rarities may exist.
EMI are set to release PINK FLOYD's The Dark Side Of The Moon on Super Audio CD on March 4th to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the title. This is the first time the album will be presented in full 5.1 surround sound, having been remixed and remastered for hybrid SACD by long time Pink Floyd producer/engineer James Guthrie.
Black Mark is reissuing six classic BATHORY's records on vinyl on February 24th including the following: Bathory, The Return Of Darkness And Evil, Under The Sign Of The Black Mark, Blood Fire Death, Hammerheart, Twilight Of The Gods. Meanwhile Nordland II will be out on March 31st as a limited digi pack (North American street date is April 28th). On April 14th Nordland I and II will be released as a double vinyl set.
DEEP PURPLE are working on a new album with KID ROCK producer Michael Bradford. Currently in the writing stage, the album is due out on August 1st. The lineup includes Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keyboards).
BON JOVI is recording a full acoustic live set at the Yokohama Arena in Japan on January 19th. Rumor has it the gig is being filmed for a live DVD.
Miami, Florida's Lascivious Records are set to release SAIGON KICK frontman MATT KRAMER's new solo album, War & Peas. The album is described as "a raw self produced hard rock reflection of the changing times".
The CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO will embark on another round of tour dates in support of their CG3+2 album, out through InsideOut. The shows are concentrated primarily in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Dates kick off on January 21st at Generations in St. Louis, MO and wrap up on January 31st at Borders (Kips Bay) in New York, NY. For more info go to: <a href="http://www.cgtrio.com." target="_blank">www.cgtrio.com.</a>
The Oakland Tribune recently spoke with guitarist Vivian Campbell about his band, DEF LEPPARD. Campbell told the paper: "I don't think that Def Leppard has ever been a heavy metal band. Certainly in the early days, it was part of that movement and it got lumped in with that whole new wave of British heavy metal. Def Leppard has been a pop band disguised as a rock band.". Also, Vivian Campbell recently did some writing with the other members of RIVERDOGS for a new album, due out later in 2003.
TNT's new EP, Taste, will be released this Spring. The set is to feature new tracks, demo material (Tell No Tales era) and possibly a rare live track. Tracks to be featured on the release include: 'Satellite', 'Hey Love', 'Live Today', 'Give Me A Sign', 'Magic Little Nightmare' and 'Destiny' (demo).
ROBERT PLANT has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the track 'Darkness, Darkness' and for Best Rock Album for Dreamland.
Y&T singer DAVE MENIKETTI is performing selected dates in Japan this month. The shows in Osaka and Kawasaki will be recorded for a live album.
STEVE MORSE's new CD is entitled Sects, Dregs & Rock 'N Roll. The disc includes footage shot live in 2001 and also features bonus live footage from 1992. Other features include: Guitar Show interview, a promo clip for 'Cruise Missile', guitar clinic, Roger Glover and Ian Gillan interview and a photo gallery.
Perris Records are distributing RIKKI ROCKETT's Glam tribute album, Glitter 4 Your Soul. Artists featured on the release include BRET MICHAELS, C.C. DeVILLE, BLUES SARACENO, JIZZY PEARL and many more. The 11 track album covers tracks from SWEET, DAVID BOWIE, T-REX, STARZ and more.
DANGEROUS TOYS will tour Japan for the second time from February 18th to 23rd. They will also do a show at Austin, Texas' Red River club on February 15th, prior to the Japanese dates.
The latest act confirmed for this year's BANG YOUR HEAD FESTIVAL is THIN LIZZY featuring John Sykes and Scott Gorham.
SKID ROW's spring 2003 tour begins on March 27th in Rochester, NY and runs to April 25th in Lemont, IL.
METALLICA's forthcoming new album will be released on June 10th or June 17th (date subject to change).
HALFORD have confirmed a gig at L'Amour in Brooklyn, NY on February 28th. They share the bill with SYMPHONY X. Halford are currently planning a North American tour, tentatively set to begin in late March.
SEPULTURA are in Rio de Janeiro recording songs for their new album at AR Studios. Recording began on the 12th and drummer Igor Cavalera already has completed the drums for three tracks. The band will be in the studio through mid-February and will work from 12pm to 12am with cameras on them at all times. The band's website, <a href="http://www.sepultura.com," target="_blank">www.sepultura.com,</a> will post pictures, videos and news each day.
HELLION have inked a deal with Germany's Massacre Records. Their new album, Will Not Go Quietly, will be released on January 27th.
SPIRITUAL BEGGARS are confirmed to headline the March 21st Rockstugan show in Halmstad, Sweden. The band will also do a 4-date tour of Japan this April.
Although nearly a year off, organizers of the X-MASS FEST 2003 European Tour have announced that NILE, MISERY INDEX, HYPOCRISY, VADER, DISBELIEF and DEW-SCENTED are all confirmed to take part in the tour. The dates will run from December 7th - 21st, 2003. Info on dates and venues will be made available as they are announced.
Former VOIVOD frontman Eric Forrest contacted BW&BK with the following update recently about his new project, E-FORCE: "To all VOIVOD fans that liked my work on Negatron and Phobos, you are definently going to dig E-Force's Evil Forces (due out later this year). Our music is like a sound track for World War 3.
ANTHRAX' upcoming European tour kicks off on March 5th at the Ambassador Theater in Dublin, Ireland. The dates conclude on March 23rd at Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
DORO has lined up a sting of live German dates. They are: March 7 - Halle 101 - Speyer, 15 - Megadrom - Radebeul, April 12 - Bang Your Head Revisited - Balingen, July 4 - Biker Festival - Nehren, 5 - Venue TBA - Kemnath and 6 - With Full Force Festival - Leipzig.
New Sanctuary signing LIVING COLOUR have lined up the following US dates: January 16 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA, 19 - Galaxy Theater - Santa Ana, CA and February 14 - Toad's Place - New Haven, CT.
HAMMERFALL are filming their hometown show in Gotenborg, Sweden on February 20 for an upcoming DVD. At the show, the band will be presented with gold albums for sales in excess of 30,000 copies of their new album, Crimson Thunder, in Sweden.
IN FLAMES are nominated in two categories (best album and best group) for Rockbjrnen (Sweden's biggest newspaper Aftonbladets' people choice awards. No metal band has been nominated for the award since Europe in 1986.
Nuclear Blast have pushed back the release of HELLOWEEN's forthcoming album to May 5th.
BYFIST featuring Davey Lee and Nacho Vara of REVEREND have signed a Management contract with the Blackrose Foundation for Europe.
FastLane Records have just released ROMEOS DEAD's It's All Your Fault, produced by DAVY VAIN.
MONSTER MAGNET have finished work on a new demo that is currently being shopped around to different labels. According to a recent online posting, frontman "Dave Wyndorf is in L.A. working on the music to the Ice Cube movie we are in that is slated to come out next summer.
According to his website, ZAKK WYLDE and his BLACK LABEL SOCIETY have announced a string of Japanese live shows. April 17 and 18 Black Label Society will be performing at Club Quattro in Tokyo, and April 19, BLS will be live at Club Quattro in Osaka.
80's NWOBHM band SOLDIER will be releasing an EP at the end of March. It will consist of two old tracks (including the long awaited 'Infantrycide') and two new tracks, one of which is entitled 'I'm Taken In'.
The SUMMER BREEZE 2003 FESTIVAL will now include a performance from CALLENISH CIRCLE. They join a list of acts that includes AMON AMARTH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, GRAVEWORM, PRIMAL FEAR and many others who will perform from August 21st - 23rd in Abtsgmund, Germany.
This year's MOTALA METAL FESTIVAL takes place on April 19th in Motala, Sweden. Acts scheduled to perform include: PARAGON, FINNTROLL, STORMWARRIOR, EVERGREY and VADER.
CLUTCH will perform a string of dates on the US East Coast beginning on February 14th at L'Amour's in Brooklyn, NY and concluding on February 23rd at Agora in Cleveland, OH.
Rapper ICE-T's BODY COUNT project will release a new album in 2003.
SUPARED release release their self-titled album in Europe through Noise on January 20th. The first edition comes in a special colored jewel case.
Germany's WITH FULL FORCE FESTIVAL takes place July 4th - 6th at the Roitzschjora Airport in Lobnitz. Confirmed acts performing at the festival include NAPALM DEATH, DESTRUCTION, SIX FEET UNDER, RYKER'S and MESSIAH.
EXODUS are looking for a replacement for the recently ousted frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza. Those interested can send their demos to the following address: EXODUS, 10026 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA.
CORPORATION 187 will support ARCH ENEMY on their upcoming Scandinavian tour that begins on January 26th in Stockholm and runs to Helsingborg.
BLACK SABBATH drummer BILL WARD will co-host with Mike Stark on WPMD Radio 1700 AM's Rock 50 show in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11:00am PST.
New on DVD from Warner on January 21st: DEEP PURPLE's Heavy Metal Pioneers, YARDBIRDS' Yardbirds and CREAM's Strange Brew.
<img border="0" alt="[Wide Eyes]" title="" src="graemlins/wideyes.gif" /> That's a chock full!