Archive News Oct 26, 2001

German thrashers DESTRUCTION have officially confirmed the departure of drummer Sven Vormann, a move that was first reported here back on October 22nd. A replacement skinsman has already been found, but his identity has yet to be revealed. More details will be forthcoming in the next few days.

GODFLESH have parted ways with Ben Green, bass player and co-founder of the band, who reportedly left the group in order to “go to university and pursue another career'. The group's upcoming European tour with FEAR FACTORY will still take place, with Paul Raven (ex-KILLING JOKE, PRONG) filling in on bass.

SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn “The Clown” Crahan told BBC Radio 1's Mary Anne Hobbs in a recent interview that the band are bitterly disappointed about having had to cancel their scheduled European tour due to the current political climate and he urged fans to hold on to their tickets: 'We're very, very sorry. The thing is, we're just trying to be responsible, with everything that's going on in the world right now, instead of rushing out and making bad decisions. We're just trying to educate ourselves with the feelings that are going through us.

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'All tickets are good for the future shows. The band can't stand cancelling, and because we had to cancel it, it's going to be a twice as good a show next time, and we've got more things coming anyway.'

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In the same interview, Crahan insisted safety is their main concern: 'There are a lot of heavy-duty things going on in the world today. We want everybody to be safe, we want to make sure all the shows are safe, we want to make sure everything is cool so the vibe is up and not down.'

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SLIPKNOT's rescheduled European tour is tentatively set to take place during January/February.

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To hear the entire interview in Real Audio, click here.

EMPEROR's Prometheus - the Discipline of Fire &amp Demise CD has entered the Norwegian album charts at position number 48.

PROBOT, the metal side project of FOO FIGHTERS mainman Dave Grohl, will likely release its long-awaited debut CD during 2002, according to an interview with Grohl published in this week's edition of Britain's Kerrang! magazine. 'I've got to mix a song that Max [Cavalera] from SOULFLY did, and I'm still trying to nail down a song with Tom [Araya] from SLAYER,” Dave told the magazine. “Once those two things are done it'll be finished. There's no label for it but it'll come out I'm sure.' As before, Grohl comes across as extremely enthusiastic about the project, reserving special praise for Lee Dorian from CATHEDRAL. 'Lee's track is f.cking ace! He really did a great job. There's maybe four or five songs that everybody responds to, even people who don't dig old school metal, and that's one of 'em. but everybody did an amazing job. I cant wait until you hear it. So many bands love old VENOM and MERCYFUL FATE and old school death metal but they never get a chance to get into it. It's the perfect side-project for me to have fun with. It was a dream come true to have Wino from THE OBSESSED sing on a song I wrote, y'know?'

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As previously reported, PROBOT's upcoming CD will include a dozen-or-so tracks featuring some of metal's most celebrated and respected vocalists, including Cronos (VENOM),King Diamond (MERCYFUL FATE/KING DIAMOND),Tom G. Fischer (ex-CELTIC FROST),Snake (VOIVOD),Eric Wagner (TROUBLE),Tom Araya (SLAYER), Max Cavalera (SOULFLY),Mike Dean (C.O.C.),Wino (ex-THE OBSESSED) and Lee Dorrian (CATHEDRAL). Among the tracks that are set to appear on the effort are the following:

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01. Dictatorsaurus (feat. Snake)

02. Centuries Of Sin (feat. Cronos)

03. Access Babylon (feat. Mike Dean)

04. Sweet Dreams (feat. King Diamond)

05. Ice Cold Man (feat. Lee Dorrian)

06. My Tortured Soul (feat. Eric Wagner)

07. Big Sky (feat. Tom G. Fischer)

08. Emerald Lies (feat. Wino)

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In related news, FOO FIGHTERS are preparing to enter Dave's home studio in Virginia during November to begin recording the group's fourth studio album, which is tentatively scheduled to be released in the spring. According to Grohl, 'the new songs are a lot heavier in the way they were written as a band, playing through amps. The last [CD] was written on the couch with an acoustic guitar.' Among the confirmed song titles set to appear on the as-yet-untitled album are “Knucklehead” and “Halo”.

METALLICA are currently working on “Fan Can 5” for their die-hard fans, with tentative plans to release the package in the spring of 2002. Details are sketchy at the moment, but according to an update posted at the band's official fan site at www.metclub.com, “we're finding some great live stuff from the early ྌ's in [drummer] Lars [Ulrich]'s attic and the early years will be the overall theme of the can”. More information will be available shortly.

MOTLEY CRUE vocalist Vince Neil fueled the rumors of former drummer Tommy Lee's imminent return to the band when he told the press in Argentina—where he appeared in concert as a solo artist in late September—that he will begin writing new songs with MOTLEY CRUE bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars next March for a new studio album to be recorded with Lee on drums. According to Neil, a Christmas 2002 release was expected, with plans for the original, re-united band to embark on a world tour early in 2003. However, in a message posted at www.metal-sludge.com, Sixx squashed the rumors by stating, in no uncertain terms, that there is “no truth to it. I know I told [Vince and Mick] I really feel the original line-up is the best there has ever been. (and they agreed) I told Vince that, in a few years, I would love to see the original band make a killer hard rock record ..but nobody has agreed or even had talks about it yet... We're still all on hiatus (and Tommy's doing another METHODS OD MAYHEM record)... I'm busy writing songs with no destination in mind... You know how these f.gs in the press blow everything outta proportion (oh ya, that's you too). Love and clean tracks… Sixx. The past is the past, the future is unknown, right now is a gift, and that's why its called a present...”

IRON MAIDEN vocalist Bruce Dickinson will be making several appearances around Europe to promote his recent Best of Bruce Dickinson double album release, which was issued last month. You can catch up with Bruce at the following places:

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November 5th, 2001

In-store appearance

Stockholm, Sweden

Store: Skivhuset

Address: Drottningggatan 20

Time: 18:00

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As Special Guest at the Radio 106.7 Rockklassiker's Party at the Hard Rock Cafe, Stockholm @ 21:00

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November 6th, 2001

In-store appearance

Store: Tipo Vallekas

Address: Avda Albufera 96, Madrid.

Time: 18:30

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November 7th, 2001

In-store appearance

Store: Revolver

Address: C/Tallers 13, Barcelona

Time: 17:30

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November 16th, 2001

In-store appearance

Store: FNAC Montparnasse

Address: 136 rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris.

Time: 17:30

According to former BLUE MURDER bassist Tony Franklin, he “just returned back from Lake Tahoe after a week with [former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE vocalist] David Coverdale. I was assisting him with his demos for his forthcoming album which involved me playing bass (of course!),guitar, keyboards and assisting with the operation of the recording equipment (Pro Tools). It was a fun and productive time and David and myself connected very well, even more than we did on the Restless Heart tour back in 1997. I'll be going back there in about a week's time for more of the same.”

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Meanwhile, Coverdale himself posted the following update on the pre-production process via his official web site at www.davidcoverdale.com: “Mr. Franklin, after a job VERY well done...is heading, as we speak, toward Reno International'... (yeah...RIGHT!!!)... Airport... We had a BLAST!!!... 5 new toons committed to...er...tape???...no... 'hard drive'... I believe the technical jargon is... and very potent they be, too...To answer the ever-popular...'Who's playing geetar???'... Tony and myself... Don't forget... these are DEMO'S... Working ideas... Altho' his bass-playing on the tracks is very likely to be seriously considered for the 'master' track... He is indeed a 'master musician'... Anyway, as soon as he has finished his commitments in LA, we'll fly him back in...FOR MORE FUN!!!

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“This is not an album, as such... It is 'preparing' for the album... I'll be working on song ideas and arrangements...and then make the decision which songs I'm going to actually record for the album...and THEN I'll decide on which musicians I feel will get the best out of the songs... I'm very happy to report that there is no shortage of fine players whom have offered their very talented services to me...Very flattering, actually.”

Aaron Lewis of STAIND reportedly joined LINKIN PARK live on stage for 'One Step Closer' during Wednesday night's Family Values stop in East Rutherford, NJ. At the same show, Wayne Static of STATIC-X joined STAIND on 'Crawl' and Chester from LINKIN PARK made an appearance with STONE TEMPLE PILOTS.

Norway's ZYKLON, featuring EMPEROR members Zamoth (guitars) and Trym (drums),as well as MYRKSKOG guitarist Destructhor, will be issuing a vinyl version of their World ov Worms album through Holland's Displeased Records during November. In other news, ZYKLON's “smashing” version of MORBID ANGEL's “Dominate” will be appearing on an upcoming MORBID ANGEL tribute album, which is due to be released via Hellspawn Records in January.

In the December issue of Spin magazine, KID ROCK says the following of girlfriend Pamela Anderson's ex, former MOTLEY CRUE drummer and current METHODS OF MAYHEM mainman Tommy Lee: “I don't play that 'I'll dis you, suck my [bleep, bleep]. I'll [bleeping] rip your [bleeping] heart out . . . and eat it.'” Meanwhile, KID, who is reportedly expecting a child with Anderson, claims that 'Pam and I have a lot of fun with our kids,' he told the magazine. 'We go tubing on this river in northern Michigan - just floating down the river, drinking some Cristal and Budweiser.'

DOG EAT DOG guitarist Sean Kilkenny will be playing guitar for NYHC legends MURPHY'S LAW on Halloween (October 31st) at The Continental club in New York City.

TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider will appear at the Chiller Theatre in New Jersey this Saturday, October 27th. Dee will be signing autographs, and taking questions about his Strangeland movie.

Los Angeles' MEDICATION, featuring former MACHINE HEAD / SOULFLY guitarist Logan Mader, ex-UGLY KID JOE / LIFE OF AGONY vocalist Whitfield Crane, ex-ADAYINTHELIFE guitarist Blunt, are due to issue a full-length album in the summer of 2002 through WEA. Meanwhile, the group's recently-completed five-song EP, which was mixed by Bill Kennedy (i.e. MORBID ANGEL, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT),is being pressed now and the band is taking pre-order through their e-mail address at [email protected]. The full track listing for the EP is as follows:

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01. What It Is

02. Need To Never

03. Underwater

04. Something New

05. Inside

PARADISE LOST will be performing at Woughton Centre in Milton Keynes, UK on Friday, November 30th.

Hot on the heels of the departure of BUCKCHERRY bassist JB in August, the band have now announced that guitarist Yogi has also left the fold. According to an official statement, “the split was friendly and [Yogi] plans to get a new band started.” No replacement has yet been announced.

Finland's LULLACRY have been nominated as Best Finnish Heavyband 2001 in Suosikki magazine. Suosikki is a big national music magazine in Finland. Finns can visit http://www.jippii.fi/suosikki/grandprix/ and vote for their favorites. In other news, LULLACRY will release their new video, for the track “Damn You” off their excellent Be My God sophomore effort, just before their upcoming European tour with EDGUY. Two different versions of the video will be available.

Frontiers Records and Now &amp Then Productions are glad to announce that a multi album licensing deal has been struck for Europe with ARTENSION. The first fruit of this new cooperation will be the European release on January 14th of the band's fifth studio album entitled Sacred Pathways. The final track listing shall be as follows:

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01. Voyage To Nasca (instrumental)

02. Your Victory

03. Running Out Of Time

04. Sacred Pathways

05. Silent Temple (instrumental)

06. The Emperor

07. Nightmare

08. The Killing

09. The Calm Before The Storm

10. March To Ruin (instrumental)

11. Flower Of The Orient

12. Nightmare (radio edit)

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Sacred Pathways is a very special album for ARTENSION as it features the reunion of the classic line-up of Vitalij Kuprij (keyboards),John West (vocals),Roger Staffelbach (guitars),Mike Terrana (drums),and Kevin Chown (bass). The cover art shall be designed by Eric Philippe (RHAPSODY, RIOT, RING OF FIRE).

AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE will be heading out on tour with SLAYER and CHIMAIRA in November. The dates are as follows:

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Nov. 02 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues

Nov. 03 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

Nov. 04 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa

Nov. 07 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

Nov. 08 - Pittsburgh, PA @ M (Formerly Metropol)

Nov. 09 - Toronto, ON @ Warehouse

Nov. 10 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

Nov. 11 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre

Nov. 13 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

Nov. 14 - Boston, MA @ Avalon

Nov. 15 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

Nov. 16 - New York, NY @ Roseland

Nov. 17 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre

Nov. 19 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's

Nov. 20 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

Nov. 21 - Chicago, IL @ Aragon Theatre

Nov. 23 - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's

Nov. 24 - Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

Former GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan will be performing three shows at the House of Blues with his new band LOADED. The dates are as follows:

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Nov. 14 - House of Blues, Anaheim, CA (w/KING'S X)

Nov. 18 - House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV (w/KING'S X)

Nov. 19 - House of Blues, West Hollywood, CA (w/KING'S X)

SAVATAGE have announced the new confirmed tour dates for the European Leg of the group's Poets &amp Madmen World Tour. The band decided to postpone their European Tour that was scheduled for October 2001 following the tragic events in September. The new dates are as follows:

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Jan. 17 – Malmo, SWE @ KB

Jan. 18 – Ronneby, SWE @ Club Ron

Jan. 19 – Oslo, NOR @ Rockefeller

Jan. 20 – Copenhagen, DEN @ Vega Small

Jan. 21 – Aarhus, DEN @ Voxhall

Jan. 23 – Dortmund, GER @ Soundgarden

Jan. 24 – Berlin, GER @ Musichall

Jan. 26 – Athens, GRE @ Rodon Club

Jan. 27 – Athens, GRE @ Rodon Club

Jan. 29 – Langen, GER @ Stadthalle

Jan. 30 – Stuttgart, GER @ Longhorn

Jan. 31 – Pratteln, SWI @ Z7

Feb. 01 – Wörgl, AUS @ Komma

Feb. 02 – Wien, AUS @ Planet Music

Feb. 03 – Graz, AUS @ Orpheum

Feb. 05 – Florenz, ITA @ Tenax

Feb. 06 – Rome, ITA @ Palacisalfa

Feb. 07 – Brescia, ITA @ Palatenda

Feb. 09 – Antwerpen, BEL @ Hof Ter Lo

Feb. 10 – Paris, FRA @ Elysee Montmatre

Feb. 11 – Tilburg, NETH @ 013

Feb. 12 – Hardenberg, NETH @ Podium

Feb. 13 – London, UK @ Garage

Classic Swedish metal band OVERDRIVE will release a live album entitled Mission Of Destruction — Live on November 24th. The CD will contain: eight tracks recorded at the Rockslaget Festival 1982, one track from the final OVERDRIVE gig in 1985, five tracks from the re-union gig in 1997, and two studio bonus tracks recorded in 1982, previously only released on the compilation from Rockslaget. For further information on this live CD, visit www.crook-drecords.com. LOCOMOTIVE BREATH, the new band of former OVERDRIVE mainman Janne Stark, will shortly start recording their new album, entitled Heavy Machinery, for a March 2002 release.

The Family Values tour stops in Charlotte and Phoenix have changed locations. The October 30th, Charlotte show has moved from the Charlotte Coliseum to Cricket Arena (formerly Independence Arena). The November 11, Phoenix show moves from America West Arena to Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Austria's HOLLENTHON, featuring PUNGENT STENCH guitarist/vocalist Martin Schirenc, will embark on a European tour in late January/early February with labelmates SIEBENÜRGEN. In other news, contrary to previous reports, HOLLENTHON will no longer participate in a forthcoming LED ZEPPELIN tribute album.

RAMMSTEIN will release a double CD, entitled Mutter Limited Tour Edition, on October 29th. The extra edition of RAMMSTEIN's Mutter album features alternative artwork and a bonus CD including live versions of 'Ich Will', 'Links 2 3 4', 'Sonne' and 'Spieluhr”.

REVEREND, featuring former METAL CHURCH vocalist David Wayne, will enter the studio shortly to record a version of UFO's “Lights Out” for an upcoming UFO tribute CD.

CYCLEFLY's forthcoming album, entitled Crave, is scheduled for a February 19th release. It features Chester Bennington from LINKIN PARK as guest vocalist on the track “Karma Killer”.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS, the new band of former GRIM REAPER/ONSLAUGHT vocalist Steve Grimmett, have lined up a few gigs in early 2002. The dates are as follows:

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Feb. 02 – Swindon, UK @ The Queens Tap

Feb. 07 – Nottingham, UK @ The Old Vic

TBA – London, UK @ The Standard (w/DIRTY DEEDS)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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CLUB CITTA AND HOWLING BULL ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATE BEAST FEAST 2001 AND START PLANNING FOR 2002

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TOKYO – Promoters of Beast Feast 2001, Asia's first arena-sized heavy metal festival, are pleased with the results of last month's show, held August 25 and 26 at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, and plan to make the festival into an annual tradition.

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“We had been working on shows in this genre for the past few years, and from that experience, we thought we would be the only ones to stand up and make this kind of fest happen in Japan,” said Nobu Maruyama of Club Citta, promoter of Beast Feast. “We all know that pioneer actions are the most difficult in step, and some result in a failure, however, we believe Beast Feast 2001 has turned out an apparent great success.”

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Beast Feast 2001 was the first show of its kind in Japan, featuring performances by PANTERA, SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SEPULTURA, STATIC-X, ONE MINUTE SILENCE, BIOHAZARD, V.O.D., MORBID ANGEL, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, KITTIE, RAGING SPEEDHORN, SOILENT GREEN, CANDIRIA, SKINLESS, SHADOWS FALL, UNITED, YELLOW MACHINEGUN, CALIBAN, COCOBAT, SUCK DOWN, SUNS OWL, PULLING TEETH, DEVIATE, BAT CAVE, DIABLO, MINOR LEAGUE, UZUMAKI, UP HOLD, and JIGOKUGURUMA. The show drew 10,000 fans daily.

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“It had been said that this kind of festival in Japan, biased to one particular musical genre, without a doubt would turn out to be a failure,” said Shigeru “Geess” Kosugi, President of Howling Bull Entertainment and Beast Feast Producer. “Frankly, who else would have believed this fest would turn out a success? The excitement that we felt from the kids, the bands, all the parties involved, and the media proved them wrong. Japan is a pop music dominated country, and I have been trying to expose this type of aggressive music all these years through numerous approaches. Beast Feast 2001 is definitely our comprehensive work, and by taking this success as a step forward, we hope to continue supporting the extreme music scene worldwide for more exposure in Japan.”

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With the success of Beast Feast 2001, Kosugi and Maruyama are confident that Beast Feast 2002 will surpass this year's show. “We are very happy that a heavy music fest was able to take place for the first time in Japanese history,” said Maruyama. “We are hoping to expand our vision out to the world, and continue this event at an annual basis, as we hope to take this event to a global magnitude. We look forward to hearing from more bands for Beast Feast 2002.”

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