Archive News Mar 13, 2001 - update 1

New York's reunited MERAUDER (featuring ex-ILL NINO vocalist Jorge Rosado) have entered Billy Milano's Big Blue Meanie Studio in New Jersey to record their long-awaited third album, tentatively titled Spiritual Assassins. According to guitarist Anthony, the musical direction of the new material represents a bit of a departure for the band, with some of the songs being described as 'a mix between old MERAUDER and SOUNDGARDEN'.

Portugal's MOONSPELL is currently finishing up material for their fifth album, tentatively entitled Darkness And Hope. Scheduled to be recorded between April and May at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland, Darkness And Hope will be produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa, whose producing credits include such acts as H.I.M., APOCALYPTICA and SENTENCED. Due for release at the end of the year, the album will likely contain the following track listing:

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01. Firewalking

02. Nocturna

03. Devilred

04. Made Of Storm

05. Than The Serpents In My Arms

06. Ghostsong

07. How We Became Fire

08. Psikik Vampire

09. Darkness And Hope

10. Heartshaped Abyss

Swedish guitarist/singer Conny Bloom (ex-ELECTRIC BOYS) has rejected the rumors of an imminent SILVERGINGER 5 split, despite the fact that former/current THE WILDHEARTS guitarist/vocalist Ginger (who also fronts SG5) has publicly announced his desire to get back into action with his previous outfit. 'Some people seem worried since Ginger is doing some dates with THE WILDHEARTS in June. He likes to keep himself busy, that's all,' states Conny. 'We have a band. That doesn't mean we're married! (In fact, I like mine a little curvier than that...) So, we speak everyday and we're very excited about the future. Many labels &amp some big-name producers etc. have shown their interest in working with the band. There's also discussions about some major gigs, which IF they happen (!),will be very cool.'

DESTRUCTION's gig in Venezuela has been cancelled. Plans are currently underway for the band to visit Brazil before the end of the year.

Finland's SUFFOCATION soundalikes DEEPRED will be opening for Sweden's AMON AMARTH at the latter band's first-ever Finnish show on May 12th in Turku. INSOMNIUM are also featured on the bill.

Doom metallers LONG WINTER'S STARE, featuring mainman Clint Listing (guitar/vocals),Gary (MORGION synth/guitar),Rick (GREY SKIES FALLEN guitar/voice),Sal (GREY SKIES FALLEN drums),will be recording new material in May in an attempt to score a new record deal.

Sweden's BLAZING SKIES will enter Soundscreation Studios (LEFAY, TAD MOROSE) at the end of May to record their debut album, to be released by Gothenburg's Plasmatica Records later in the year.

HALFORD / DIESEL MACHINE guitarist Patrick Lachman and DIESEL MACHINE drummer Shane Gaalaas will appear on a tribute album to guitarist Jason Becker entitled Warmth In The Wilderness from Lion Music. The track is called 'A Jam For Jason', an original song written and performed by Jeff Kollman with Shane on drums and Barry Sparks on bass. In addition, this track will include a guest solo from Pat and amazing guitar performances by celebrity players Chris Poland, Steve Morse, and Vinnie Moore, Jeff Watson. All proceeds will be donated to the Becker family.

FOO FIGHTERS will be introducing QUEEN at their induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the ceremonies which will be held on Monday, March 19th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. For the fifth year in a row, VH1 will exclusively air the ceremony this year's telecast will take place on Wednesday, March 21st at 9:00p.m. FOO FIGHTERS are reportedly huge QUEEN fans, having twice played with Brian May and Roger Taylor in concert and often covered the QUEEN classic 'Now I'm Here' at live shows. FOO FIGHTERS have also collaborated with QUEEN guitarist Brian May on the cover of 'Have A Cigar' for the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack.

H.I.M. mainman Ville Valo will hold a one-off solo perfomance at the Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland on Friday March 23rd. The show is apparently a tribute to the defunct Finnish goth band MUSTA PARAATI. Also performing will be VIERAINA A.W. YRJÄNÄ, YLPPÖ and KALLE AHOLA.

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In other H.I.M. news, the band has been confirmed for several festival appearances this summer:

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June 02 - Rock Am Ring, GER

June 03 - Rock Im Park, GER

June 04 - Spark 7 Festival, Linz, AUST

June 05 - Spark 7 Festival, Pieberstein, AUST

June 06 - Spark 7 Festival, Innsbruck, AUST

June 22 - Open Air, Bex, SWIT

IN FLAMES are in the studio mixing the upcoming live album that was recorded during the 2000 Japan tour. The album has the working title of The Tokyo Showdown, and it should be released during the summer. IN FLAMES are also writing material for the next studio album, due to be recorded later in the year.

Ex-OZZY OSBOURNE / BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee will be contributing to Versailles Records' forthcoming Joe Satriani / Steve Vai tribute album with his version of Satriani's 'Surfing with the Alien'. The album will feature seven songs from each artist's catalog.

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