Archive News Aug 16, 2001

Ex-VOIVOD bassist/vocalist Eric Forrest has denied that he is personally suing his former band for expenses incurred in relation to the near-fatal road accident in Germany in August 1998 that resulted in Forrest being thrown out of the band's van (who were on tour at the time) and suffering broken bones and internal damage. In a posting made on VOIVOD's official web site, the frontman stated that the group and the management are in fact being sued by Forrest's insurance company, who are evidently attempting to recoup some of the medical costs that were laid out on Eric's behalf following the above-mentioned accident. Here is Forrest's message on the matter: “Hi, Eric Forrest here... How is it that I am the victim and now the enemy???? I would like to say to all the VOIVOD fans, thank you for the support thru the years. This situation has been blown way out of proportion!! I am NOT suing VOIVOD or management personally, has anybody heard of insurance???? Don't believe everything that you hear......... It was an honor to play in VOIVOD…” As previously reported, Forrest is believed to have recently completed work on an eight-song demo with his new band E-FORCE, the musical direction of which is being described as MINISTRY-meets-VOIVOD-meets-SLAYER. Consisting of Forrest, two guitarists and a drum machine (for the time being),E-FORCE allegedly includes former members of ENTROPY and HOMICIDE, who are also involved with Eric in a cover band called THAT 70'S BAND, which occasionally jams out renditions of tunes by the likes of BLACK SABBATH, THE RAMONES, SEX PISTOLS and JUDAS PRIEST at various bars around Quebec.

Friday, August 31st is the confirmed air date for former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted's Rock Show-hosting gig on the VH1 cable channel. Taped last week, the show apparently features Newsted discussing his split with METALLICA and his latest project, ECHOBRAIN, whose debut, self-titled CD has just been issued through the bassist's own Chophouse Records. In other news, ECHOBRAIN will be joined by New York musicians and longtime collaborators Chris Scianni (guitar, harmonica &amp vocals) and David Borla (keyboards &amp percussion) from the power-duo DANGERMAN at their first-ever live appearance, which is set to take place on on Sunday, August 19th at Bimbo's in San Francisco as part of Nadine's Wild Weekend, a music festival that highlights local talent. ECHOBRAIN has also set up a hotline, which the fans are encouraged to call for more information on the band, or to simply leave a message for the members of the group. The number to call is: (925) 295-0335.

According to Inter Sandman, Finland's APOCALYPTICA have stated in a recent Dutch newspaper interview that METALLICA has invited the cello-playing act to collaborate with the California supergroup on their upcoming studio album, which is not expected to surface before late 2002, at the earliest.

Another track off ENTOMBED's forthcoming Morning Star CD, which is due for release in Europe through Music For Nations Records on September 3rd, has been made available for download via the group's official web site. “I For An Eye” can be downloaded from this location.

The opening cut from MACHINE HEAD's long-awaited Supercharger release, “Bulldozer”, has been made available for download via the Roadrunner Records web site at this location. In other news, MACHINE HEAD frontman Robert Flynn and guitarist Ahrue Luster will be appearing on TotalRock as Krusher's special guests today, Thursday, August 16th. Tune in from 3-6 PM (UK time),or 10 AM – 1 PM (EST),to hear tracks from Supercharger, and “some serious dribbling”.

SEPULTURA will be performing the tracks “Sepulnation” and “Ninguém Regula a América” (accompanied by the Brazilian band RAPPA) at the MTV Brasil Video Music Awards, which are being held in Brazil today, Thursday, August 16th.

ARCH ENEMY have been forced to cancel their show at the Camden Underworld in London, UK on August 16th due to vocalist Angela Gossow having developed nodules on her throat. This latest development appears to indicate that Gossow will likely have to undergo an operation before being able to sing again, thus putting in jeopardy all of the group's previously-scheduled live gigs, including the upcoming Japanese tour and the band's appearance at the Beast Feast Festival at the end of August. As you may recall, ARCH ENEMY cancelled their appearance at the Wacken Festival earlier this month due Angela's “throat infection”, which was initially dismissed as a minor setback. However, it now appears that the situation is more serious than originally thought, with Gossow appearing likely to remain out of commission for a period of several weeks while recovering from the impending surgery. More information on this as it becomes available.

SYSTEMATIC have reportedly recorded a cover version of AC/DC's “Overdose” with METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich (who does double duty as the boss of The Music Company, SYSTEMATIC's record label) on drums. No plans currently exist for this recording to be released to the public.

KREATOR's much-anticipated new album, entitled Violent Revolution, will finally see release through SPV/Steamhammer Records in Europe on September 24th.

According to Brave Words, PANTERA's Philip Anselmo is in discussions with Trey Azagthoth and Pete Sandoval of MORBID ANGEL about possibly forming a band/project that may also include NECROPHAGIA frontman Killjoy on vocals. 'I agreed to be the vocalist if all I have to do is show up and sing,” Killjoy commented on the prospective collaboartion. “I want nothing to do with lyrics, no thinking of names, no interviews, no photo sessions, no cover concepts and only if agree that I can just be the singer. All I've been told is that its gonna be extremely fast...'.

THE TOILET BOYS will be shooting a video for the track “The Future Is Now”, off the group's self-titled debut album (which is due on September 11th through the group's own Masterplan Entertainment label, to be distributed by Southern),on August 22nd at SPA in New York City. SPA is located at 76 E 13th St. You have to be 21 and over with ID in order to get in. 'Show up in your rock'n'roll finest for this event. It's at 8 PM sharp.' In other news, there will be a listening party for the new record at Don Hill's in New York City on August 31st. The band will not be taking the stage, but they will be at the club on the night in question. CANDY ASS and SPITFIRE will be performing.

Virginia's MISURA, whose debut CD was produced by guitarist Logan Mader (formerly of MACHINE HEAD and SOULFLY, now in MEDICATION),have acquired a temporary drummer by the name of Ian Newton.

SIX, the new Los Angeles-based act featuring frontman Lauren (i.e. DROWN, FAMOUS),guitarist Alfunction (i.e. CYPRESS HILL, OPM, MALFUNCTION),producer/ bassist/programmer Bob K (ROND.CORE, ALTERD STATE, DREAD ZEPPELIN),and drummer Rob Woods, have reportedly written 23 tracks for their upcoming debut CD, which is due at the end of the year through an as-yet-unspecified label. In addition to the previously announced East Coast dates as support to CLUTCH, SIX will be performing the following headlining gigs:

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Sept. 14 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Junkyard (w/187)

Sept. 19 - Hollywood, CA @ Pretty Ugly Club (Dragonfly)

ANOTHERDAY, the New York-based outfit that includes in its line-up former DRAIN STH guitarist Flavia Canel, has lined up several more gigs on the East Coast in the coming weeks. Here are the confirmed dates so far:

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Aug. 17 - Island Park, NY @ L'Amour-East

Aug. 31 - Brooklyn, NY @ L'Amour-Brooklyn

Sept. 02 - Springfield, MA @ Fat Cats

Sept. 06 - Springfield, VA @ Jacks (w/SYMPHONY X)

Sept. 28 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theater

Sept. 29 - Commack, NY @ The King Club

Finland's TO/DIE/FOR are tentatively planning to issue their third full-length album, entitled Jaded, in January 2002. According to the band, “the darkness is going to stay [in] the songs. [The] music is going to be a little bit heavier, but will still include a lot of programming. [However], [the] melodies [will] still [be] there.” In other news, TO/DIE/FOR are still searching for a guitarist to replace the recently departed J-P, who reportedly left the group because “he is totally tired of spending days in sh.tty buses and touring all over the globe. If you are a good player, a nice guy, good-looking and everything that J-P was”, you can contact the band for an audition via: [email protected]. Meanwhile, Nuclear Blast has secured North American licensing for TO/DIE/FOR's latest effort, Epilogue. The album will receive a US release on November 13th. Plans also exist for the group to embark on a 38-day European tour in October/November, with LACRIMOSA and either ENTWINE or LULLACRY in the opening slot. In the meantime, the band will continue to keep busy by playing local gigs, with the following show having already been confirmed:

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Sept. 06 – Turku, FIN @ Club Feeniks (w/NIGHTWISH)

Sept. 07 - Tampere, FIN @ Pakkahuone (w/NIGHTWISH

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp&amp LULLACRY)

Sept. 08 - Alavus, FIN @ Aulava (w/NIGHTWISH)

Sept. 13 - Kuopio, FIN @ Puijonsarvi (w/NIGHTWISH)

Sept. 15 - Nivala, FIN @ Tuiskula (w/NIGHTWISH)

Sept. 22 - Kauhajoki, FIN @ Kasino

Sept. 28 - Jyväskylä, FIN @ Lutakko

Norway's ZYKLON, featuring EMPEROR members Zamoth (guitars) and Trym (drums),as well as MYRKSKOG guitarist Destructhor, have officially parted ways with vocalist Daemon (LIMBONIC ART) following the group's first-ever North American appearance at this year's Milwaukee Metalfest. Currently seeking a replacement, ZYKLON have outlined their criteria for a frontman in an official statement released yesterday via the official web site of the group's record company, Candlelight Records: 'We seek one easy-going individual to handle bass and lead-vocals, both in the studio and on stage. Vocal style: black/death and 'shouting' type. We're also interested in hearing from you even if you only think you can do the vocals. You must feel confident being a frontman on stage. Must be open for playing live and show general dedication to the band. We are willing to help you relocate if you live far away/in another country. If you think you are up for it or got any more questions, please send immediately an e-mail to: [email protected].” No explanation was given for Daemon's departure.

Warner Bros. Records and Sonic Foundry are sponsoring the STATIC-X“Black and White” remix contest at ACIDplanet. Just download samples taken directly from the master tracks. All the tools and sounds you'll need to create a killer remix are available for free! Enter and win Sonic Foundry software and limited-edition STATIC-X merchandise. Click here to remix “Black and White'.

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STATIC-X is heading to Europe to take part in the Tattoo The Planet tour with PANTERA, SLAYER and CRADLE OF FILTH in mid-September. Before they head out, they will headlining a few west coast shows. The dates are as follows:

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Aug. 30 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

Aug. 31 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues

Sept. 01 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Palace

Sept. 02 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues

Sept. 05 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Cajun House

Sept. 07 - Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Live

Sept. 08 - San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden

Sept. 09 - Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street

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STATIC-X is also confirmed for the Family Values Tour in October/November with LINKIN PARK, STAIND, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and other, as-yet-unconfirmed acts.

GODSMACK and NICKELBACK will be appearing at former VAN HALEN frontman Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico between October 12th and 14th to celebrate Hagar's birthday. Sammay's own band, SAMMY HAGAR AND THE WABORITOS, will perform as well.

Long-running Birmingham doomsters CATHEDRAL have parted company with Earache Records and have inked a new deal with Dream Catcher Records. 'CATHEDRAL is delighted to announce the signing of a new recording deal with Dream Catcher', stated CATHEDRAL frontman LeeDorrian in an official press release. 'It is a new era and fresh beginning for CATHEDRAL. Also we can't wait to get out on the road with ENTOMBED in September. It's a tour that's been waiting to happen for many years, as we haven't played together since the Gods Of Grind Tour way back in ྘. This is one heavy duty bill that you cannot afford to miss – it's gonna be f.cking brutal .....'

BIOHAZARD's upcoming Uncivilization opus will be released in Canada on September 11th and in Japan on September 21st.

LED ZEPPELIN's 1997 release, BBC Sessions, has been certified double-platinum for sales in excess of 2,000,000 copies in the US.

IRON MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson's upcoming retrospective collection of solo material, entitled The Best Of Bruce Dickinson, is reportedly scheduled for release via the Sanctuary label on September 10th. As previously reported, the set will include two new tracks, “Silver Wings' and 'Broken', both of which were written by Bruce and longtime collaborator Roy Z. It should also be noted that the two new tracks were recorded with Roy playing guitar, bass and keyboards and Dickie Fliszar (who played with Bruce on the Tattooed Millionaire tour) playing the drums. The album will be a double CD for the price of a single CD, although this will only be on initial orders only. Once the double CD initial orders have run out the album will revert to a single CD as per the track listing on CD 1. IRON MAIDEN fans should also be aware that the track listed as “the original version” of “Wicker Man” is actually a cut that was originally written for, but not included on, Bruce's Accident Of Birth solo release, which as NOTHING in common (musically speaking) with the MAIDEN song of the same name. To check out the cover for this upcoming compilation, click here.

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(source: The Bruce Dickinson Well Being Network / The Bruce Dickinson And Then Some Page)

Finland's NIGHTWISH will be shooting a video to 'Over The Hills And Far Away' prior to the start of their Russian tour. The video will be filmed in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and it will feature the whole band, unlike the group's previous outing, which only included only vocalist Tarja.

Holland's THE OFFICIAL CHUCK SCHULDINER TRIBUTE FESTIVAL will be held on October 14th in Tilburg, and it will include the following line-up of performers:

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GOD DETHRONED

ALTAR

GODDES OF DESIRE

OCCULT

CALLENISH CIRCLE

SEVERE TORTURE

THANATOS

MANGLED

SHADOWBREED

OUTBURST

FLESH MADE SIN

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For more information, write to [email protected], or visit the web site at: http://come.to/chucktribute

The following item appeared in today's edition of the New York Post:

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“Carmen Electra wasn't kidding when she said she'd found her soulmate in hedonistic rocker Dave Navarro. Pals of the Playmate said the ex-guitarist for the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and JANE'S ADDICTION asked Electra to marry him late Tuesday night, and she emphatically consented - which is bad news for her ex-husband Dennis Rodman, who claims he still pines for her.”

DREAMTALE have signed a record deal with Spinefarm Records.

Progressive metal gods SYMPHONY X have been confirmed as the support act for SAVATAGE on the latter band's European tour in October. The dates for the package are as follows:

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Oct. 05 - Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller

Oct. 06 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega Small

Oct. 07 - Malmo, Sweden - KB

Oct. 10 - Berlin, Germany - Music Hall

Oct. 11 - Cologne, Germany - LMH

Oct. 12 - Langen, Germany - Stadhalle

Oct. 13 - Osnabruck, Germany - Halle Gartlage

Oct. 14 - Dortmund, Germany - Soundgarden

Oct. 15 - Stuttgart, Germany - Longhorn

Oct. 17 - Lichtenfels, Germany - Stadhalle

Oct. 18 - Prattelen, Switzerland - Z7 Koncertfabrik

Oct. 20 - Athens, Greece - Rodon Club

Oct. 21 - Athens, Greece - Rodon Club

Oct. 24 - Florence, Italy - Flog

Oct. 25 - Rome, Italy - Palacisalfa

Oct. 26 - Brescia, Italy - Palatenda

Oct. 28 - Antwerp, Belgium - Hof Ter Lo

Oct. 29 - Tilburg, Holland - 013

Oct. 30 - Paris, France - Elysee Montmartre

Oct. 31 - London, England - Garage

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In other news, SYMPHONY X will be releasing a live CD, tentatively titled SYMPHONY X — Live In Europe, through Inside Out Music Europe to coincide with the SAVATAGE European dates. A possible two-CD set, the album will reportedly include material recorded at the group's shows in Strasbourg, Ludwigsberg, and Paris on the V tour. Finally, SYMPHONY X drummer Jason Rullo has recorded the drum tracks for an upcoming CD by Nick Van Dyk, which is being produced by FATES WARNING vocalist Ray Alder. Described as “on the prog side”, the album will reportedly feature one track sung by Alder himself.

SULPHER vocalist Rob Holliday will reportedly play guitar for THE MISSION (UK) on the latter group's European tour as the support act for H.I.M. Due to “current touring commitments”, THE MISSION (UK) guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite will not be performing with THE MISSION(UK) on the upcoming tour. No further details are presently available.

BAD RELIGION's recently-recorded The Process Of Belief CD has had its release date pushed back to February 2002.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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New York, NY - ALICE COOPER is back with his new CD, Dragontown, to be released on Spitfire Records, October 9th, 2001. Dragontown is the third chapter in the trilogy he began with The Last Temptation back in 1994. The story continued with last year's critically acclaimed CD, Brutal Planet (Spitfire) in which ALICE vents his fury on a world pre-occupied with sex, death and greed. As narrator of this latest installment, the legendary artist conveys his anger and outright disgust throughout an album that is both hard-hitting and thought provoking.

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This latest offering was produced, arranged and mixed by Bob Marlette with Bob Ezrin as executive producer, the same team who recorded Brutal Planet with ALICE last year. Ezrin is renowned for such classic COOPER hits as 'School's Out', 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' and 'I'm Eighteen'. Dragontown is an honest and often shocking look inside the mind of an artist that has influenced the likes of KISS, MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE, MOTLEY CRUE, GUNS N' ROSES and SLIPKNOT to name a few.

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In support of Dragontown, ALICE will take his dynamic show, (complete with the famous guillotine) on the road late September. Fans can get a preview of Dragontown by downloading the MP3, 'Triggerman' at www.SpitfireRecords.com August 21st.

Germany's GUANO APES will have their performance at the Rockpalast Bizarre Festival on Friday, August 17th broadcast live by the German WDR TV channel. The same concert will be available in streaming audio on the www.rockpalast.de homepage the same day. In other news, GUANO APES will be chatting on this Internet-Page during the Festival. For the chat go to www.rockpalast.de/chat/. The Chat starts at 10:30 PM (CET) on Friday, August 17th.

MACABRE will be recording their brand new studio album, entitled Murder Metal, in early 2002. Future plans include a possible live recording and the possibility of a video/DVD.

Norway's BLOOD RED THRONE, featuring former EMPEROR / SATYRICON / EINHERJER bassist-turned-guitarist Tchort, will be releasing their Monument of Death CD through Hammerheart / The Plague Records on October 22nd. The first 1,000 CDs will reportedly come in a suicide-kit, including printed razor-blades, and will be handnumbered with real blood of the bandmembers (only being sold through mailorder).

Holland's SINISTER will be issuing their brand new studio album, entitled Creative Killings, through Hammerheart Records on November 19th. The full track listing for the CD is as follows:

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01. Moralistic Suffering

02. Altering The Beast

03. Early Gothic Horror

04. Creative Killings

05. Reviving The Dead

06. Season Of The Wicked

07. Judicious Murder

08. Bleeding Towards The Wendigo

09. Storm In My Mind (POSSESSED cover)

MONSTROSITY's two-CD set Enslaving The Masses, featuring demos with Corpsegrinder of CANNIBAL CORPSE on vocals and a live recording of the group's current line-up, will be released through Hammerheart Records on November 26th. MONSTROSITY is currently working on material for the follow-up to Dark Purity, which is scheduled to be issued in 2002.

Former MR. BIG bassist Billy Sheehan has issued an official statement about his getting fired from the group that he started in the late '80s. Here is Sheehan's press release in its entirety:

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“Dear MR. BIG fans &amp friends,

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“I'm sad to inform you that I've been fired from MR. BIG. I'm very upset and shocked at being fired from the band I started more than 12 years ago. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support over the years. Some of the best moments of my life were spent on stage in front of you with MR. BIG.

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'My future plans are very uncertain at this time. This has been quite a shock to me to say the least! Of course, they are not taking me with them on the upcoming Japanese promotional trip &amp I won't be with them for any promotional activities. So I hope somehow I see you all again sometime soon. I love you all. Your friend, Billy Sheehan.”

Former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy will be partaking in a night of “HANOI Revisited” at the Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland on Friday, August 24th.

SONATA ARCTICA's most recent CD, Silence, entered the Finnish charts at #3 and went to #6 for the second week and dropped down to #8 in its third week of release.

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