Archive News Mar 08, 2001 - update 2

TAPROOT are tentatively set to take some time off in April/May to continue writing new material for their next album, which they hope to begin recording shortly after their Ozzfest stint ends later in the summer. Among the tracks set to appear on TAPROOT's sophomore offering for Velvet Hammer / Atlantic Records is 'Poem To Self'.

COAL CHAMBER have completed pre-production work with ORGY guitarist Amir Derakh and are set to enter the studio within the next couple of months with an as-yet-unspecified producer to record their third full-length album, due out later in the year. Working song titles include 'Three Steps', 'Drove' and 'Beckon'. A previously completed new track, 'Jumping Fences', has now apparently been scrapped.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES have replaced drummer Brooks Wackerman with 18-year-old Ron Bruner, Jr. Wackerman recently left the group to pursue other musical interests.

The reunion album of the legendary Swedish neo-classical metal outfit SILVER MOUNTAIN is scheduled to be released on June 21st, 2001, with the Japanese edition of the CD (to be issued by Marquee Inc.) set to include a bonus track. There is no firm release date for Europe or USA yet, but negotiations are reportedly underway and something should be lined up fairly shortly. Titled Breakin' Chains, the CD features the classic SILVER MOUNTAIN line-up of Jonas Hansson (guitar/vocals),Jens Johansson (keyboards ex-YNGWIE / DIO),Per Stadin (bass) &amp Anders Johansson (drums HAMMERFALL ex-YNGWIE),and it includes the following tracks:

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01. Prophet Of Doom

02. Before The Storm

03. Felo De Se

04. Man Of No Present Existence

05. Scarlet Pimpernel

06. Maniac

07. Axeman And The Virgin

08. Breakin' Chains

09. Rider Of The Sky

10. A.S.W.A.S.T.

11. Butterfly

12. Dance Around The Fire

13. Millattack

14. Resurrection (Japanese bonus track)

FU MANCHU has reportedly written 19 songs during the pre-production stage for the group's upcoming record, of which 10 songs will be selected for the final cut. Set to include such songs as 'Go For It', 'Planet of the Ape Hangers', 'Hang On', 'Ampin', 'Downtown In Dogtown', and 'Make Them Believe', the as-yet-untitled effort 'will be a little less fuzzy,' according to guitarist/vocalist Scott Hill. 'We are really working on the arrangements, so that each song will have a strong impact. A lot of the guitar sounds will be different on almost every song.' Tentatively scheduled for release during August/September, the album's recording sessions will be preceded by a handful of live shows where the band will be tying out new songs in front of a live audience.&nbsp

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In other FU MANCHU news, drummer Brant Bjork is starting up his own record label, most likely called Duna, and he will be releasing various FU MANCHU-related records, and 'whatever else he is digging at the moment.'

Ex-RAINBOW vocalist Doogie White has been hard at work on an as-yet-untitled solo album, which will appear under the moniker ICE. Also involved with the LP's recording sessions are bassists Gary Liedeman (PSYCHO MOTEL) and Neil Murray (BLACK SABBATH / WHITESNAKE),as well as guitarists Ashley Limer and Alex Dickson (ROBBIE WILLIAMS). According to Mr. White, 'This will not be an album for the faint-hearted.' Plans are to have the record finished by the end of April for a late summer release date.

Norway's THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL are reportedly close to inking a deal with Century Media Records.

Finland's MANNHAI, featuring former AMORPHIS bassist O-P Laine and ex-XYSMA vocalist Janitor, are currently recording their debut album, which is being produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa (i.e. SENTENCED, H.I.M.). The group's music is being described as a cross between ENTOMBED and MONSTER MAGNET.

Finland's LULLACRY are currently recording their second album at Astia Studios in Lappeenranta, Finland.

Alaska's 36 CRAZYFISTS (now residing in Portland, Oregon) are due to enter the studio shortly with producer Eddie Wohl (i.e. PRIMER 55, HINGE, ILL NINO) to begin tracking their upcoming Roadrunner debut, Bitterness The Star. The album is tentatively scheduled for release during September.

Dallas, Texas' DROWNING POOL are scheduled to release their Wind-Up Records debut, Sinner, during June. The album was produced by Jay Baumgardner (PAPA ROACH, COAL CHAMBER, ALIEN ANT FARM) and an MP3 of the track 'Bodies', is currently available for download via band's official website (www.drowningpool.com). DROWNING POOL have also been confirmed for this year's Ozzfest tour.

Legendary drummer Carmine Appice has been asked to play the Modern Drummer Festival, taking place on May 19th and 20th in an as-yet-unspecified New Jersey theater. Carmine's performance on the 20th will include a 'jam' with former VANILLA FUDGE bandmates Vince Martell, Tim Bogert and Bill Pascali.

Showcase Entertainment will soon be issuing a documentary entitled The Making of Bret Michaels: The Rocumentary, a video that will reportedly showcase the life and times of Bret Michaels, his failures and successes as the front man for the band POISON and as a solo artist. You'll be able to check out never-before-seen footage of Bret growing up in Pennsylvania as well as live footage from POISON's many successful tours. Also included will be footage of Bret singing the National Anthem at Three Rivers Stadium.

WARRANT and ENUFF Z'NUFF have reportedly been added to the Glam Slam Metal Jam 2001 tour, headlined by POISON and scheduled to begin in late May.

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