Archive News Apr 17, 2001

BIOHAZARD and GRAVITY KILLS have both officially signed with Sanctuary Records, according to informed sources.

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BIOHAZARD's upcoming album, Uncivilization, is presently scheduled for a June 25th European release through SPV / Steamhammer Records, and it is expected that Sanctuary will attempt to issue the CD in the US as close to that date as possible so as to avoid a flood of imports coming into the country and cutting into the group's domestic sales.

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As previously reported, Uncivilization was self-produced at the group's Rat Piss Studio in Brooklyn, New York, and it features guest appearances from PANTERA's Phil Anselmo, SEPULTURA's Igor Cavalera and Derrick Green, TYPE O NEGATIVE's Peter Steele, CYPRESS HILL's Sen Dog and members of HATEBREED.

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Uncivilization is tentatively set to include the following tracks:

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01. Unified

02. Population Control

03. HFFK (Hate, F.ck, Fight, Kill) (feat. PANTERA's Phil

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Anselmo)

04. Last Man Standing (feat. CYPRESS HILL's Sen Dog)

05. Getaway

06. Gone

07. Treason

08. Never Turn Your Back On Me

09. Sellout

10. Crossed The Line

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GRAVITY KILLS have reportedly written 30 songs for the band's forthcoming third record, tentatively titled Superstarved, of which 12 will likely make it to the finished CD. Although many of the songs will reportedly feature a 'heavier' direction than anything the band had done in the past, the album as a whole will be 'more diverse than that,' according to guitarist Matt Dudenhoeffer. 'Not every single track will be 'heavy' '. Among the songs that are tentatively set to appear on Superstarved are:

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01. Shame

02. Enemy

03. Forget Your Name

04. Suffocate

05. Wide Awake

06. Beg &amp Borrow

07. Personal Jesus

08. Shake

09. Break Down

10. Photograph

11. Monsters &amp Astronauts

12. Hollow

13. One Thing

14. Superstarved

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Superstarved is tentatively scheduled to be released in the fall.

SUPERFIX, the Los Angeles-based band featuring former DRAIN STH drummer Martina Axen (who handles lead vocals in the new group) and bassist Anna Kjellberg, are still in the process of writing the music for their forthcoming debut CD, according to a brand new studio update by Axen. 'It's gonna take some [more] time [for us to get all the material ready], since we don't want to release a CD with 2 good songs and 10 sh.tty ones, [which] seems to be the most common thing to do [nowadays]. Also, we are talking to different management [companies] to find [the right] people [for us] to work with.'

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Although it has not been officially confirmed, sources indicate that much of the funding required to keep Axen and Kjellberg afloat during their extended stay in Los Angeles has been provided by none other than Max Martin (real name: Martin Sandberg),the legendary Swedish producer (and former singer for hard rock band IT'S ALIVE) whose previous songwriting credits include all the biggest BACKSTREET BOYS and BRITNEY SPEARS hits, along with two tracks on the last DRAIN STH album ('Right Through You' and 'Simon Says').

As first reported here on Sunday, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN has now officially canceled the remainder of his US tour after plans to regroup with former singer Jeff Scott Soto and an unspecified drummer failed to materialize quickly enough for the band to be able to return to the road early this week.

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Here is the official press release from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's manager Mike Spitzer:

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'Following the departure of both singer and drummer from Yngwie's touring band on the War To End All Wars tour last week, the tour was placed on temporary hold until replacement members could be put into place. Plans were to resume the final 12 days of the tour on Tuesday the 17th in St. Louis.

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'Unfortunately, the replacement drummer scheduled to step in and finish the tour had to fulfill other label obligations. After flying new musicians to Miami, it became clear that even the best drummers being auditioned could not properly learn the entire 1.5-2.0 hour set in only a 2-3 days.

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'Yngwie then made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining U.S. shows for now and spend the next two weeks properly rehearsing new band members for the remaining three months of touring in Europe, Asia, and Japan.

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'In expressing his regret to the agents and venues, Yngwie requested that upon a successful return from Japan, he would like to reschedule the second half of the U.S. tour, which was missed this time. This would, of course, include the dates between Chicago and California.

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'Since last week, several sources on the Internet have made 'official announcements' regarding who would be the singer for the remainder of the tour. In many of these news reports, Jeff Scott Soto's name was mentioned. Jeff and Yngwie have indeed been speaking about this tour. Other singers in discussion have included Mark Boals and [ex-RAINBOW singer] Doogie White. Jeff has prior obligations with his band TALISMAN during the month of May, which obviously prevents him from being able to be onboard the entire tour from beginning to end. He is indeed available for some regions.

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'The point to be made is that fans must be selective and careful regarding the accuracy of information reported on the Internet. In regards to 'Official Press Releases' from Yngwie, you can rest assured that such statements will appear on www.yngwie.org as soon as the information is confirmed and accurate.'

OZZY OSBOURNE has reportedly recorded nine songs and is working on eight more for his upcoming solo album, which is tentatively scheduled for an October release. Described as 'a contemporary rock record' by producer Tim Palmer, the as-yet-untitled CD is being recorded with a band that includes returning guitarist (and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY leader) Zakk Wylde, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Robert Trujillo and former FAITH NO MORE drummer Mike Bordin. OZZY's first solo album since 1995's Ozzmosis, the upcoming release will feature songwriting contributions from producer and ex-BLACK GRAPE collaborator Danny Saber (MARILYN MANSON, DAVID BOWIE),Wylde, Palmer and producer Scott Humphrey (ROB ZOMBIE, METHODS OF MAYHEM).

Former ANNIHILATOR drummer Ray Hartmann has issued the following statement explaining the reasons behind his departure from the Canadian metal band following the completion of the group's recent European tour:

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'My decision to leave ANNIHILATOR has been a difficult one. I can't remember the band sounding any better. Everyone is getting along fine, and [vocalist] Joe [Comeau] is fitting in great. I had to make a decision based on my love for drumming and playing with ANNIHILATOR vs quitting my day job of ten years. My 9-year old son has moved in with me, and I feel he should have a full-time father. Financially, I cannot survive with the money generated from drumming. Up until now, I've been able to tour during my holidays, but I cannot get any more time off, so I am reluctantly stepping down. By no means am I retiring!!! Myself and Aaron Randall will continue with a second SPEEED recording. Dean from RANDOM DAMAGE will be replacing Jack Frost on guitar. Jack is now in SAVATAGE. Hopefully Jeff and I will still write and record together at some level. You never know what's going to happen in the ANNIHILATOR world!! So, a big cheers to Jeff, Joe, Russ, Dave. Thanks Guys. Also, all the best to Randy (kick ass Blackjack)!! Thanks to all my fans and anyone who cared to listen. SeeeeeYaaaaaaaaa!!!! Prez-Ray Hartmann (fartmann)'

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As previously reported, the drumming duties in ANNIHILATOR are currently being handled by Randy Black, who originally sat behind the kit for the Canadian outfit during the 1993-1996 period.

DANZIG are in the studio putting the final touches on their seventh studio album, provisionally titled Danzig 7: Kiss The Skull. Tentatively scheduled for a September release, the new album is set to include the following tracks:

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01. Black Mass

02. Kiss The Skull

03. Dead Inside

04. God Of Light

05. Angel Blake

06. Wicked Pussycat

07. Halo Goddess Bone

08. The Coldest Sun

09. Dying Serph

10. Dark Secret Side

11. Soul Eater

12. Malefical Bride of Hell

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In other DANZIG news, the group's first full live CD, entitled Live On The Black Hand Side (featuring two hours of live DANZIG material from 1992, 1994 and 2000),will be in the stores on April 24th.

NINE INCH NAILS will contribute a new song titled 'Deep' to Paramount Pictures' upcoming Tomb Raider soundtrack. 'Deep' will reportedly hit radio stations the first week in May. According to NIN's official web site, 'the song was written, arranged, and performed by Trent, with production by Trent and Alan Moulder.' Reznor apparently met with designer David Carson over the weekend to discuss DVD artwork and packaging. More information as it develops.

Two more additions to to the list of artists confirmed to perform at Holland's Waldrock Festival, taking place on June 30th near the town of Bergum-Friesland, have been announced: APOCALYPTICA and FANTÔMAS.

SIX FEET UNDER vocalist Chris Barnes has posted the following update on the status of the group's ongoing mixing sessions for the follow-up to the Maximum Violence CD:

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'Here we go, sick f.cks. It's all coming together. I want to tell you all that this new stuff is sounding brutal as f.ck. [Mixer] Dave Schiffman is doing a great job, keeping it raw! The best drum sound I've heard in a long time. Mixing is going great!! Mixing our third song today. On Friday, [April] 13th, we recorded guest vocals on one of the tracks ('Sick And Twisted') with Karyn Crisis of the band CRISIS. CRISIS has been one of my favorite bands for a long time, and I have been mesmerized by Karyn's voice since [CRISIS'] Deathshead Extermination [CD]. Karyn brings a real intense feeling to the song with her vicious vocal style. We both wrote the lyrics for the song, and like the title says, it is 'Sick And Twisted'. You will not be disappointed. Next week, we record with another guest vocalist. —Barnes'

Speaking of CRISIS, the Los Angeles-based band have finished recording a new three-song demo with an as-yet-unspecified drummer, who may or may not end up joining the band on a permanent basis. CRISIS will be mastering the recording in the coming weeks, with plans to make the tracks available for download via their MP3.com web site shortly thereafter.

PAPA ROACH have cancelled the second leg of their Raid the Nation tour because of a wrist injury sustained by drummer David Buckner. The 13-date second leg of Raid the Nation, which was to include openers FEAR FACTORY and ALIEN ANT FARM, was scheduled to begin April 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and wind down May 11 in Phoenix. In light of the latest developments, FEAR FACTORY plan to hit the tour's scheduled markets, only in smaller venues.

FANTÔMAS, featuring ex-FAITH NO MORE vocalist Mike Patton, former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo, THE MELVINS guitarist Buzz Osbourne and MR. BUNGLE bassist Trevor Dunn, will be embarking on a European tour beginning in late May. Here is how the tour is shaping up so far:

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May 20 - Victoriaville, Québec, CAN @ FIMAV

June 22 - Paris, FRA @ Elysee Montmartre

June 23 - Neuhausen, GER @ Southside Festival

June 24 - Scheessel, GER @ Hurricane Festival

June 26 - Torino, IT @ Chico Bum Festival

June 27 - Genova, IT @ Goa Boa Festival

June 28 - Rimini, IT @ Velvet

June 29 - Bad Bonn, SWI @ Bad Bonn Festival

June 30 - NETH @ Waldrock

July 01 - Bochum, GER @ Zeche

July 02 - Berlin, GER @ Columbriafritz

July 03 - Darmstadt, GER @ Central Station

July 04 - Zurich, SWI @ Rote Fabrik

July 05 - Prague, CZ @ Rock for People Festival

July 06 - AUS @ Forrestglade Festival

July 07 - BEL @ Dour Festival

July 08 - Belfort, FRA @ Les Eurockoennes Festival

July 10 - Bergara, SPA @ Sala Jam

July 11 - Barcelona, SPA @ Bikini

July 14 - Vigo, POR @ Vila de Mouros Festival

July 17 - London, UK @ Mean Fiddler (LA2)

July 18 - Cardiff, Wales, UK @ TJ

DEEP PURPLE, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and TED NUGENT are joining forces for a North American tour in June. Here are the confirmed dates so far:

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June 02 - Tinley Park, IL @ Tweeter Center

June 07 - Bossier City, LA @ CenturyTel Center

June 08 - Valley Center, KS @ Kansas Coliseum

June 09 - Council Bluffs, IA @ Westfair Amphitheatre

June 10 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center

June 12 - Scranton, PA @ Coors Light Amph.

June 14 - Wantagh, NY@ Jones Beach Amph.

June 15 - Holmdel, NJ @ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center

June 16 - Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center

June 17 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Performing Arts Center

June 19 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheatre

June 20 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center

June 22 - Burgettstown, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion

June 23 - Hartford, CT @ ctnow.com Meadows Music

June 24 - Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Six Flags P.A.C.

June 26 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

June 28 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre

June 29 - Noblesville, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center

June 30 - Columbus, OH @ Polaris Amphitheater

July 01 - Trinity, NC @ Kyle Petty Farm

July 03 - Bonner Springs, KS @ Sandstone Amphitheatre

July 05 - Tulsa, OK @ Mohawk Park

July 06 - Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff Music Centre

July 07 - Schertz, TX @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

July 08 - Spring, TX @ C.W. Mitchell Pavilion

NOTHINGFACE will be participating in a Yahoo Chat on April 30 at 6:30PM EST. For more information, click here.

PLANET X, featuring drummer Virgil Donati, guitarist Tony MacAlpine, keyboardist Derek Sherinian, and bassist Dave La Rue, have lined up a few US dates during May before heading over to Australia for more shows. Here is where they will be performing:

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May 19 - Modern Drummer Festival - Montclair, NJ

May 20 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre

May 21 - Burlington, VT - Club Metronome

May 22 - Montreal, QUE, CAN - Venue TBA

May 23 - Albany, NY - Venue TBA

May 24 - Cambridge, MA - Ryles

May 25 - Philadelphia, PA - Five Spot

May 26 - New York, NY - The Bottom Line

May 27 - Baltimore, MD - Recher Theater

June 02 - Ultimate Drummers Weekend - Melbourne, AUST

June 03 - Ultimate Drummers Weekend - Melbourne, AUST

June 04 - Corner Hotel - Melbourne, AUST

June 05 - The Metro - Sydney, AUST

June 06 - Venue TBA - Newcastle, AUST

June 07 - Tivoli Theater - Brisbane, AUST

June 10 - Venue TBA - Perth, AUST

June 11 - Governor Hindmarsh - Adelaide, AUST

June 13 - Corner Hotel - Melbourne, AUST

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea has bowed out of the JANE'S ADDICTION reunion to concentrate on the follow-up to the PEPPERS' 1999 album, Californication. The move comes as JANE'S looks to expand the scope of the reunion to include an extensive tour not unlike Lollapalooza, according to the Los Angeles Times. Flea was scheduled to perform later this month with JANE'S founding members Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, and Stephen Perkins at a pair of gigs, including the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival near Palm Springs, California. This would have been the second stint for Flea in the group — he joined them for a reunion in 1997 when original JANE'S bassist Eric Avery declined to participate.

AEROSMITH's North American tour in support of its new ColumbiaRecords album Just Push Play will kick off June 6th at the Meadows in Hartford, Connecticut. The first two legs of the trek will reportedly consist primarily of dates in outdoor amphitheaters, with a third leg of arena shows to run October 7th through the end of the year. FUEL will be the support act at all the dates.

The UK's RACHEL STAMP have inked a deal with Recognition Records and are entering a London studio this week to start recording their new album. In the meantime, you can catch them on the Short Sharp Shock Tour next month at the following dates:

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May 25 - Bradford, UK @ Rios

May 26 - Tunbridge, UK @ Wells Forum

May 27 - Cardiff, UK @ Club Ifor Bach

May 28 - Dudley, UK @ JB's

According to Renegade2K, original VICIOUS RUMORS members Dave Starr (bass) and Larry Howe (drums) have reunited for the first time since 1993 to compose material for the upcoming CHASTAIN album, featuring guitarist David Chastain and vocalist Kate French (Larry's wife).

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