Archive News Aug 31, 2001

The reunited EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, FORBIDDEN and SADUS are tentatively set to join forces in a combined touring package that is due to go out under the moniker Bay Area Invasion, and which is presently being put together by Walter Morgan's Deadly Embrace Productions (the people behind this month's Thrash Of The Titans benefit concert for TESTAMENT vocalist Chuck Billy, who was recently diagnosed with cancer). According to Morgan, several US and Japanese dates are being planned during the coming months, with the possibility that additional European gigs will take place at a later time.&nbsp Although unconfirmed at this time, other possible additions to the bill include DEATH ANGEL and LEGACY, both of whom also performed at the aforementioned event and who are said to be interested in taking their shows out on the road. We will have more information on this as it becomes available.

SATYRICON mainman Satyr has broken his silence over the band's recent signing with EMI Records for the Scandinavian territory, a move that has earned the group some criticism from their hardcore following, many of whom feel that this latest development will compromise the group's musical integrity and long-term personal vision. Here's Satyr's statement in its entirety: 'It seems that we are the talk of the town due to the signing with EMI and I feel that it's time to speak to our supporters directly. The deal we have signed is for the Nordic countries and it is not decided yet who will release our new album outside of this territory. There's no drama involved in this (although I know black metal people like drama). SATYRICON have signed a record contract, which is going to provide us with a better recording budget and a stronger machinery behind us. As SATYRICON has grown bigger and bigger it has also become increasingly difficult to be the artist and the label manager at the same time. Maybe that is why MONUMENTUM is signed to Moonfog and not Avantgarde, ZYKLON and EMPEROR to Candlelight and not Nocturnal Art and so on. Still though, we will release certain things on Moonfog in the future because it is so important to us to still be a part of the Moonfog family. We started this! Already next year there will be a SATYRICON 10 years jubileum album called: Ten Horns, Ten Diadems on Moonfog. We'll see, but I think our deal with EMI is a good step for black metal. It was certainly a good step for heavy metal when they started working with IRON MAIDEN (which they still do). Why can't people listen to us or a band like MORBID ANGEL (previously on Giant Records in U.S.A) instead of LIMP BIZKIT and KORN? Let darkness prevail, not rap metal. There's always going to be a portion of envy, alienating and jealousy in cases like this but we can't think about this. We have to continue to record our darkest and heaviest album to this date. Enough said.'

SYSTEM OF A DOWN have turned down an offer to take part in the upcoming Black Christmas festival tour—which is set to include OZZY OSBOURNE and ROB ZOMBIE, among others—citing their commitment to the Pledge Of Allegiance package (also featuring SLIPKNOT) and the pressure from said tour's promoters to turn down other high-profile gigs taking place too soon after the latter tour as the main reason for their non-involvement.

TESTAMENT's upcoming collection of re-workings of early original compositions, which is currently being mixed in the UK with producer Andy Sneap (i.e. MACHINE HEAD, NEVERMORE, KREATOR, STUCK MOJO, etc.),will be entitled First Strike Still Deadly and NOT First Strike Is Deadly, as previously reported here and via other online sources. The CD is due to be released through Spitfire Records at the end of the year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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STATUS UPDATE - CHUCK SCHULDINER

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Many of you will recall that when we started our fundraising efforts, approximately 3 months ago, that DEATH/CONTROL DENIED founder, Chuck Schuldiner, was brought to Los Angeles to take part in a trial for a still experimental chemotherapy agent called Vincristine. Although the family was assured that the drug is virtually non-toxic in nature, the large dosage which Schuldiner received over the span of five days did indeed poison him, causing residual difficulties and weakness which he has been recovering from since. These effects are all considered to be temporary and in fact Chuck is making progress and gaining his strength back day by day. We're expecting Chuck is now receiving follow-up treatments of a related but milder drug in an effort to eradicate any further cancer cells that remain, although the outcome of that treatment cannot be assessed at this time.

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We would like to announce the second wave of eBay auctions that will be posted on September 10th and can be accessed through http://www.hammerheartamerica.com. Future items up for bidding include guitars donated by [KING DIAMOND's] Andy LaRocque and NOVEMBERS DOOM, drum sticks and a snare drum donated by CONTROL DENIED's Richard Christy, autographed memorabilia from Ozzy Ozbourne, an autographed cymbal from Bill Ward, the original CANNIBAL CORPSE banner used at their live shows (Barnes-era) and much much more! Thanks go out to everyone that has donated items and helped us to keep this effort going. We have raised about $7,500 so far and although that may not put a HUGE dent in the Schuldiners' financial burden, it HAS helped and it HAS made many things possible for Chuck during his recovery. On behalf of the Schuldiner family, we sincerely thank you.

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Recent benefit shows in Orlando and Milwaukee have contributed to the medical fund as well as the sold-out Thrash of The Titans benefit in San Francisco, CA. To everyone that has shown their true metal spirit, once again we thank you!! Please support the upcoming benefits in NJ, Cleveland, Orlando, Holland, Austria and Portugal. More info can be found on the Hammerheart America website as well.

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Previously unreleased DEATH demo material will be released by Hammerheart Records, worldwide, in an effort to raise additional funds. After costs, proceeds will be donated into Chuck's account. The release, although still not scheduled, will be called Zero Tolerance.

Germany's BRAINSTORM will issue their latest studio effort, entitled Metus Mortis, in North America on October 30th, South America on November 6th, Japan and South East Asia on November 22nd and in Europe on October 29th. Metus Mortis comes with “fantastic” cover artwork and layout and will be released as limited digipack edition in some parts of the world. As previously reported, a European tour has been confirmed with GRAVE DIGGER and TIERRA SANTA in January 2002.

PAPA ROACH are tentatively scheduled to enter the studio in November/December with producer Brendan O'Brien (KORN, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, PEARL JAM) to begin work on the group's sophomore effort for the Dreamworks label and the follow-up to the triple-platinum Infest. Among the song titles set to appear on the CD are “Eat The World', 'AA', 'The Tyranny Of Normality', and 'Digging In The Dirt I Found Mud'.

MOTLEY CRUE singer Vince Neil's wife of 15 months, Heidi Mark, filed a petition for divorce Wednesday, August 29th in Los Angeles Superior Court. The two were married on May 28th, 2000. According to the petition, Mark is citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split and is seeking spousal support, to be determined after the assets are reviewed.

German axe-slinger AXEL RUDI PELL has just signed a new recording contract with his longtime record company SPV/Steahmammer Records in Germany. This contract covers the whole world apart from the Asian territory, where Axel still has a contract with JVC/Victor Entertainment. Pell's next studio album will be recorded between December and February and will be released at the beginning of May 2002.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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METAL GOD IN JUDAS PRIEST DOCUMENTARY

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British TV Channel 5 will be airing a one hour documentary on JUDAS PRIEST and their legendary recording of British Steel as part of the special Classic Albums series.

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All original members of PRIEST were interviewed for the programme and it includes the views and memories of producer Tom Allom and journalists around at the time. The documentary is an in depth look at the album, the creative processes that made this album the benchmark for Heavy Metal when it was released as well a track by track breakdown of how the songs were put together and recorded. It also has all the band remembering (or trying to!) life on the road and the trials and tribulations of being a Metal God!

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The Classic Album series has been running for a few years now and has covered a variety of artists from FLEETWOOD MAC (Rumours),MEAT LOAF (Bat Out Of Hell) and recently METALLICA (Black) and has been broadcast around the world so don't worry if you don't live in the UK and can't get Channel 5. You can find out more on the series on their website www.classicalbums.com

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The show will be aired this Sunday 2nd September at 22.30 and will be released as a DVD later in the year through Eagle Rock Records.

More bullsh.t hype from the DESTRUCTION camp: “New problems with the new DESTRUCTION LP! The hidden bonus track, no. 66 on the CD, 'Curse the Gods', has some unexplainable cracking noise at the end! The first CDs to be delivered to Switzerland were stopped at the border but are now being brought into the stores. The release date of the vinyl version of The Antichrist was postponed until the 5th of September, because of problems with getting it pressed. The T-Shirts will be available next week. Nuclear Blast is already speculating about the entry position in the german charts: place 66...”

Swedish sleaze rockers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR have had the release date of their upcoming CD and first single pushed back. The single, “Shine”, is now due on September 24th, while the album will emerge on October 15th.

Finland's H.I.M. have had their brand new album, Deep Shadows And Brilliant Highlights, certified gold for sales of over 150,000 copies in Germany alone within two days of the album's release.

The excellent Up The Irons unofficial IRON MAIDEN web site has posted the following interview exchange with AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen (ex-BODINE, VENGEANCE) about his now-aborted band with MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who reportedly pulled out of the project earlier this year due to time constraints:

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Q: Just wondering about the Bruce Dickinson project. I heard that this collaboration doesn't take place because of Bruce's time schedule...

Arjen: Yes, something like that. Too much too explain, and I'd rather forget it.. -(

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Q: What is the actual state of this co-operation??

A: It won't (ever) happen. He really let me down...

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Q: Are you writing new songs for a new Bruce Dickinson solo album?? Or not?

A: No.

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Q: Is he working on a new solo album ?

A: I wouldn't know, and to be honest, I don't care anymore.

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Q: What about your plans ?

A: I'm recording the album (that I already finished for Dickinson) with other singers. It will be great! Hope you will like it nevertheless!

HEAVEN AND EARTH, featuring former JOHN NORUM/BATON ROUGE vocalist Kelly Keeling and guitarist Stuart Smith, will be appearing at Paladinos at 6101 Reseda Boulevard, Tarzana, CA (1 mile North of the 101 Freeway) on Friday, August 31st. Special surprise guests are also scheduled to perform.

Sweden's MIDNIGHT SUN will release their new album, entitled Metal Machine, on September 24th in Europe via the LMP label. Featuring the brand new line-up of Jakob Samuel (vocals),Magnus Karlsson (guitars),Jonas Reingold (bass),and Jaime Salzaar (drums),Metal Machine was produced by Jonas Reingold and Anders “Theo” Theander and features MAJESTIC member Richard Andersson on keyboards. The full track listing for the album is as follows:

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01. Metal Gods

02. Dungeons Of Steel

03. Temple Of The Graal

04. Steel To Steel

05. Metal Machine

06. Fight

07. Distorted Eyes

08. Your Blood Burns In Hell

09. Keeper Of The Gate

10. Metal Will Stand Tall

+ a hidden bonus track

Finland's H.I.M.-wannabes ENTWINE are scheduled to perform the following gigs in their home country:

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Sept. 06 - Kuopio, FIN @ Henry´s pub

Sept. 07 - Jyväskylä, FIN @ Lutakko

Sept. 08 - Helsinki, FIN @ Gloria

Sept. 22 - Kauhajoki, FIN @ Kasino (w/TO/DIE/FOR)

VIRGO, the much talked-about musical project of former ANGRA/current SHAMAN frontman Andre Matos and HEAVEN'S GATE guitarist Sascha Paeth, will have its debut album released in France on September 25th. A special live performance in Paris is planned for September 26th.

Frontiers Records / Now &amp Then Productions are proud to announce the signing of a multi album deal with DREAMTIDE for the territory of Europe. DREAMTIDE is the band featuring FAIR WARNING's lead guitar player Helge Engelke and their sound can be considered very similar to the classic sound of the German band with more diverse and symphonic influences. The full line up of the band is as follows: Olaf Senkbeil (vocals),Torsten Lüderwaldt (FAIR WARNING keyboards),Ole Hempelman (bass),CC Behrens (ex-FAIR WARNING drums),and Helge Engelke (ex-FAIR WARNING guitar). Among the song titles set to appear on the group's upcoming album—scheduled for a late November release—are “Promised Land”, “Ten Years Blind”, “Dreamers”, “Come With Me”, “Moment Of Truth”, “What You Believe In”, and “Heaven Knows”.

Reunited Australian rockers ROSE TATTOO are reportedly working on a new studio album.

SIMON SAYS have recruited a new drummer: Dave Maritch.

Norway's TRISTANIA will hold a late release party for their new album, entitled World of Glass, in Stavanger on November 17th, at Folken.

DEEP PURPLE guitarist STEVE MORSE's upcoming solo effort, entitled Split Decision, is due on February 24th through the Magna Carta label.

A repeat of EVERGREY's recorded performance at Kåren earlier this year will air on Swedish National Radio P3 on September 13th at 21:03-22:00 (CET +1) on 99,4 Mhz.

Sweden's HELLACOPTERS, featuring ex-ENTOMBED drummer Nicke Andersson (aka Nick Royale) on guitar/vocals, make an appearance on the soundtrack to an underground C-movie, entitled Terror at Rock N Roll Önsjön (Rockaway Entertainment),with the track “Pscyhed Out &amp Furious” (same version as on the group's Payin´ The Dues CD). The compilation is a 10' vinyl (Rockaway Records),limited to 500 copies. Other bands appearing on the compilation include THE HIVES and SUPERSHIT 666. For more info, go to: www.rockawayrec.com

MUSIC BUSINESS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

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Century Media Records USA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Send resumes to:

Fax (310) 574-7414 or e-mail [email protected]

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All CM employees must be knowledgable about the Century Family artists, heavy metal in general, and be dedicated to the cause with a strong work ethic.

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Graphic Design:

We're looking for a full-time graphic design person knowledgable primarily on a MAC (but some PC experience is a plus) with programs such as Quark, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. This person is responsible for all of the ads and fliers, and some poster, sticker, t-shirt, sampler and CD design for Century Media, Nuclear Blast and Noise Records. We are looking for someone skilled, efficient and versatile. Please send resume and samples of your work.

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Office Manager/Administrative Assistant:

This person is responsible for the general upkeep of the office environment and ensuring that everyone is supplied with the necessary tools to do their job. This person will also handle some general clerical and phone responsibilities and work closely with company management and A + R doing research or follow-up on a wide variety of tasks. A positive outlook, a strong sense of organization, grammar and oral skills and an overall enthusiasm is necessary.

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Sales/Marketing rep:

We are looking for a motivated individual to assist our Director of Sales &amp Distribution. Duties will include building a working relationship with our U.S. and Canadian distributors, conceiving and developing marketing ideas, determining manufacturing amounts on initial product and maintaining current inventory in both our warehouse and our distributors. Individual needs to be self-motivated, organized, have good communication skills and be familiar with basic computer programs like Word and Excel. A background in retail, sales and/or distribution is encouraged.

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Summer Internships:

We are looking for hard-working, dedicated individuals to intern at our main office and warehouse locations in the Los Angeles area. Interns would assist in everyday operations and projects within certain departments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the music industry as well as gain valuable work experience.

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