Detritus
Issue #269
Week of May 10, 2004
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Tim Wadzinski, Editor
tsw512@...

Steve Shumake
vongoober@...
http://listen.to/vongoober-radio/

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-What's this about Michael Schenker??? Earlier today BraveWords.com
ran a news bit about a post Schenker's personal manager Nancy Lewis
made at a Japanese fan site,
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/%7Evr9m-ark/michael/notice2-e.htm . As of a
couple days ago Schenker was out of the US and "very sick," and Lewis
said if he didn't get better the illness might "end him as well as his
career." BraveWords.com then reported Schenker is back in the US and
recovering. Dunno what's up, but if any of this is true we here at
Detritus sure hope Michael is getting better!

-I haven't really begun seriously picking through Judas Priest's
METALOGY box set yet, but at first glance it seems kinda chincy. The
booklet looks nice but the four CDs and one DVD are packaged in cheap
little cardboard sleeves, just like some record company promos that
reviewers get in the mail. It's a wee bit light in the way of rare
tracks, too, but I can't really complain there since we got so many on
the recent catalog re-masteres. I need to digest this more.

-In my current playlist: Judas Priest - METALOGY, Razorback - ANIMAL
ANGER, TOC - LOSS ANGELES, Seventh Key - THE RAGING FIRE, Bruce Kulick
- TRANSFORMER, Iced Earth - THE GLORIOUS BURDEN, Wicked Sensation -
EXCEPTIONAL. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-HammerFall Vocalist Joacim Cans Releases Aggressive Solo Debut Beyond
The Gates Through Sanctuary/Noise Records On May 11th

Sweden's HammerFall has become world renowned in a relatively short
time. Releasing 4 studio albums and one double-live album since the
band's 1997 origin has led the band not only to much critical acclaim,
but to countless world tours, including full North American treks with
legendary acts Death and Dio respectively. The attention has led
vocalist Joacim Cans to become highly recognized in the scene.
However, during the band's downtime, Cans began sowing the seeds for a
side project, one that would expand his musical boundaries beyond the
niche HammerFall had benevolently carved for itself.

Released on May 11th through Sanctuary/Noise Records under the moniker
Cans, Joacim and an all-star lineup of friends & associates composed a
more visceral, poignant album entitled Beyond The Gates. The lineup
for the album consists of Cans on vocals, HammerFall co-conspirator
Stefan Elmgren on guitar, Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner) on bass,
Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) on drums, and Metal Mike Chlasciak
(Halford, PainmuseuM, Testament) on lead guitar. Cans explains the
composition of the album, "HammerFall is a trademark that represents a
very specific style of music, that's just the way it is. That was
mainly why I wanted to do this album -- to be able to try some fresh
ideas and not be locked into a certain way of writing." His plan
worked, with dynamic results.

Asking some of his personal heroes and friends to contribute riffs &
ideas, he was quickly overwhelmed with transmissions and riff tapes,
and he utilized those that he deemed the darkest and heaviest to
create an album unlike anything HammerFall has ever created yet is
sonically perfect for his vocal style. Beyond The Gates contains
collaborations between Cans and the likes of Jeff Waters
(Annihilator), David T. Chastain (Chastain, CJSS), Ronny Milianowicz
(Dionysus, Sinergy), Corbin King, and the aforementioned Mat Sinner,
Stefan Elmgren and Metal Mike Chlasciak.

Spoken liner notes for each track on the album can be found here:
http://208.203.139.81/cans/btg/cd.shtml

An MP3 for the track "Fields of Yesterday" is available here:
http://www.noiserecords.com/downloads/Cans@www.noiserecords.com-Fields_Of_Yester\
day.mp3

Be sure to check out the interactive CANS e-cards at the following
locations:
http://208.203.139.81/cans/btg/info.html
http://208.203.139.81/cans/btg/lycard.html

http://www.noiserecords.com/
http://www.sanctuaryrecords.com/
http://www.joacimcans.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Spacedrums: The 2003 Los Angeles Music Awards Winners Of Best
Electronica, Dance, And Trance Artist Of The Year

Spacedrum's new full length self-titled release is now available!
Pyram-Axis Records in conjunction with Front Row Seat Media. Features
the Hollywood dance club hit "Spike Up" and the remake of Pink Floyd's
"Set the Controls (For the Heart of the Sun)."

The Spacedrums' single "Spike Up" is energizing Hollywood's top dance
clubs including Spundae, Vinyl, and Naked LA through regular rotation
from DJs in top record pools that include the likes of Paul Oakenfold,
Jason Bentley, and BT.

The tracks "Feed My Chakra" and "Reborn" have reached worldwide
attention with licenses to Sony Playstation, DMX Digital Music
Service, & I-Tunes.

Formed by the auspicious random meeting of keyboardist Jim DeCicco,
vocalist Kim LaChance, formerly lead singer for Marty Friedman
(ex-Megadeth) and his band Vixen, and percussionist Chaim Gueta at a
Sunset Strip coffee shop, Spacedrums was destined to bring live music
back into the club scene and transform dance music forever.

In his recent bio, Play techno-master Moby says we've all been
listening to techno ever since we were born: "When you're born the
first sound you hear is a screaming woman, unless your mother was
anesthetized. So your most primal sounds are, first of all the
heartbeat, which is like the kick drum, and then a screaming woman."
As you hear La Chance's cosmic screams and the steady beat of Gueta's
drums, and DeCicco's soaring synth melodies, it's easy to believe that
Spacedrums has been making techno music since they were born.

Front Row Seat Media
http://www.frontrowseatmedia.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Z Records News

KING KARMA SET FOR RELEASE!

King Karma's amazing debut album will be released this coming Monday
May 10th. The release has already been compared to Badlands and Bad
Company with Z Records expecting a great response from the general
public when the album is released. Visit http://www.zrecords.net/ to
hear sound samples from the album, you will not be disappointed!

Z ROCK 2004 UPDATE:

The confirmed lineup to date for Z Rock 2004 on September 19th in
Liverpool is as follows....

WAR & PEACE [feat Jeff Pilson of Dokken]

JESSE DAMON [Silent Rage]

MITCH MALLOY

ADAM BOMB

ENZIGN

TORINO [Liverpool based act reformed for one off appearance]

a further act will be announced shortly with Hotel details etc

Tickets are now on sale priced at £20 each [booking fee will apply]
via the following credit card hotlines:

T: +44 [0] 1484 643392
T: +44 [0] 1782 522370
T: +44 [0] 1489 603549

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Ebony Tears Label News

Your gateway to the best atmospheric and gothic metal...

Imperia

The band is finishing the recordings of their debut CD called 'The
Ancient Dance Of Qetesh'. Imperia is also planning to do a video clip.
Imperia's website has finally been launched on
http://www.helena-michaelsen.com/ . Sound samples are
available...check them out! Expect an early June release.

Track list of 'The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh':

Awakening (Instrumental)
The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh
Entering The Perspective
Escape
Scared For Love
Mysted By Desire
Requiem
Mordor
In Your Mind
Angelchild
Secret Garden
Chill Out (Instrumental)

Nemesea

Nemesea are in the middle of the recordings of their debut album at
Franky's Recording Kitchen! Don't forget to check out their studio
diary on the official Nemesea website: http://www.nemesea.com/ . Of
course you can still check the band out live as steady support act for
After Forever! You won't be disappointed!

The Wounded

The Wounded are receiving incredible feedback on their new album
'Atlantic'. The band is busy promoting their album live; interviews
can still be requested by the media. For bookings, get in contact with
their booking agency at nienke@... .

To Elysium

To Elysium have just released their second album 'Nightmare's Nest'
which got very good reviews up till now! Interviews can still be
requested! The band is ready to perform 'Nightmare's Nest' live on
stage... New merchandise is available at http://www.toelysium.com/ .

New Releases Coming Soon:

Imperia - 'The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh'
Check out http://www.helena-michaelsen.com/ for sound samples on MP3
format.

New Releases Out Now:

The Wounded - 'Atlantic'
Aardschok (NL): 85/100
Zware Metalen (NL): 95/100
Rock Tribune (B): 86 / 100
Mindview (B): 6/7
Rock Hard (DLD): 8/10
Orkus (DLD) 85/100

The Wounded - "Hollow World" MP3 LISTEN!
http://www.ebonytears.com/music/hollowworld/

New Releases Out Now:

To Elysium - 'Nightmare's Nest'
Aardschok (NL) 78/100
Rock Tribune (B) 76/100
Mindview (B) 5/7

To Elysium - "Dualism" MP3 LISTEN!
http://www.ebonytears.com/music/toelysium/

Tour Dates:

The Wounded
30 Jul Peerock, Colijnsplaat NL

Imperia
22 May JC Komplex, Heerhugowaard NL (MOLFEST - headliner)
25 Sept Leeuwarden (Freeze Festival - headliner)

Nemesea
30 Apr Hof Ter Loo, Antwerpen B (+ After Forever + Flowing Tears)
14 May De Bosuil, Weert NL (+ After Forever)
22 May JC Komplex, Heerhugowaard NL (MOLFEST)

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Multi-Cultural Power Metal Heroes DragonForce Release Potent
Sophomore Effort Sonic Firestorm May 11th

On European Tour with W.A.S.P.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, DragonForce is quickly becoming a
force with which to be reckoned. The band releases their rampaging
sophomore effort Sonic Firestorm through Sanctuary/Noise Records on
May 11th. Not only is the band a unique entity in that they perform a
brand of music that is nowadays nearly non-existent in their British
home, but the band is comprised of such multi-cultural members, such a
union would seem impossible. Composed of Herman Li (lead guitar --
born in Hong Kong), ZP Theart (vocals -- born in South Africa), Vadim
Pruzhanov (keyboards -- born in the Ukraine), Sam Totman (guitar --
born in England), Adrian Lambert (bass -- born in England), and David
Mackintosh (drums -- born in England), the band has evolved very
quickly over the course of two albums.

Having released their debut Valley of the Damned in 2003 to much
critical acclaim, the release granted them amazing touring
opportunities with heroes & legends like Halford, Stratovarius, Virgin
Steele, and Helloween, as well as prestigious spots on such festivals
as Sweden Rock, Torres Rock (Spain), Young Metal Gods (Germany), and
Bloodstock (UK).

Early DragonForce can best be described as a mix of modern melodic
power metal with the fury of speed metal. Since then, the band's style
has evolved into an even more distinctive sound. By combining their
favorite aspects of different rock and metal styles -- ranging from
classic/power/thrash/speed/death/progressive/hard rock -- played with
high-octane energy, DragonForce's sound may now best be described as
Extreme Power Metal. The supremely potent and instantly memorable
melodies that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with outrageous speed, power,
complex twin-guitar wizardry and extreme metal drumming are just some
of the qualities that separate this band from the masses. Truly a
Sonic Firestorm!

DragonForce is currently touring Europe with shock-rock stalwarts
W.A.S.P.

An MP3 of the track "My Spirit Will Go On" is currentl available at
this location:

http://208.203.139.81/downloads/DragonForce@www.noiserecords.com-My_Spirit_Will_\
Go_On.mp3

For a glimpse of the power of DragonForce's live fury, be sure to
sample the live videos here:

http://www.dragonforce.com/sound_music_videos.html

http://www.noiserecords.com/
http://www.sanctuaryrecords.com/
http://www.dragonforce.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-MTM Music Newsletter

[Note: This is an excerpt of the label's latest newsletter. - Tim]

Hello and welcome the new MTM Music newsletter!

Please find the short info about the current and forthcoming releases.
Detailed info, bios and original statements by the artists are
available on our website.

http://www.mtm-music.com/

Current May Releases:

707 "Mega Force" release: 10.05.2004
SHORTINO NORTHRUP "Afterlife" release: 17.05.2004
EDGE OF FOREVER "Feeding The Fire" release: 24.05.2004

Upcoming June Releases:

DARE "Beneath The Shining Water" release: 07.06.2004
TOKEN "Punch" release: 14.06.2004
HUMAN TEMPLE "Insomnia" release: 21.06.2004

Upcoming July Releases:

FATE "A Matter Of Attitude" release: 05.07.2004
MTM COMPILATION "Ballads Vol. 5" release: 12.07.2004

A concert highlight this summer for hard rock fans: DEEP IMPACT Open
Air:

GOTTHARD + TNT (excl. show for Germany) + DARE (excl. show for Europe)
+ PRIMAL FEAR + FATE (excl. reunion show) + KINGDOM COME + SKEW SISKIN

Date: 24. Juli 2004
Doors: 12 h
Showtime: 13 h
Curfew: 22 h
Backstage Party at the GARAGE: 23 h
Location: Open Air Kultfabrik area (Grafinger Str. 6, 81669 München)

More info: http://www.deep-impact2004.de/

Tickets:
- advance money: 28,00 Euro incl. shipping at info@...
- http://www.musicbuymail.com/ , http://www.eventim.de/ ,
http://www.Metaltix.com/

DARE / DEEP IMPACT Package available at http://www.musicbuymail.com/ :

Original signed DARE 'Beneath The Shining Water' + Ticket for the DEEP
IMPACT Open Air Festival (24.07.2004, München with GOTTHARD, TNT,
PRIMAL FEAR, DARE, KINGDOM COME, FATE, SKEW SISKIN) 40,00 / 34,48

FATE line-up for the reunion show at the DEEP IMPACT open air:

Here is the line-up for the FATE show in Munich:

Sørren Hoff - guitaist
Claus Lindy - drums
Peter Steincke - bass
Finn Zieler - keybords (guest musician from BEYOND TWILIGHT)
Per Johanson - vocals
Drummer Bjarne Holm is unfortunely busy with other festivals.
Tickets are available @ MUSICBUYMAIL.COM

Two great new MTM signings:

KICK AXE:

During the '80s the Canadian Hard Rockers KICK AXE released 3 albums -
"Vices" in 1984, "Welcome To The Club" in 1985 and "Rock The World" in
1986. Now, after many years, band leader and guitarist LARRY GILLSTROM
decided to do another album, KICK AXE "IV", which will be released on
MTM MUSIC. The direction of the song writing is similar to what KICK
AXE was known for: brilliant rough Hard Rock. All their fans will
think there was no break ever. Welcome to a great come back!

GREENHOUZE:

With GREENHOUZE MTM signed a phantastic, very promising norwegian
Melodic Rock act. Their music style could be discribed as a mix of RED
RIDER, DARE and DIRE STRAITS. The brilliant singer in GREENHOUZE is
SOLLI, who was vocalist in 21 GUNS and SONS OF ANGELS. He also worked
very briefly with VAGABOUND before joining ex-IRON MAIDEN guitarist
ADRIAN SMITH in PSYCHO MOTEL. LARS LEVIN did the outstanding
electric-, acoustic & bass guitar work on the album. He also
contributed keyboards and backing vocals. Additional musicians: Frank
Tostrup: Drums & percussion, Celio de Carvahlo: Percussion, Leif
Johansen: Backing vocals. The release is scheduled for the early fall
2004.

MTM MUSIC RECENT & UPCOMING RELEASES:

Thanks to all the press / journalists and of course the TNT fans for
the enthusiastic feedback. Here are some comments:

ROCK HARD (Germany) (8,5 out of 10)
... A disc chock-full of phantastic ideas and energy ... already one
of the Melodic Rock highlights of 2004! Welcome back, TNT!

ROCK IT (9 out of 10)
... The men around Tony Harnell, who celebrates yet another heavenly
performance, are coming back to the sound of the '80s ... Great! Not a
single bad track on this album ... one of the most heavenly bands of
the 80's is back at the top of the Hardrock scene, delivering with 'My
Religion' the strongest album since 'Intuition' from 1989.

MELODICROCK.COM / 100%
... I'm not sure I can put into words how much I love this album ...
there's a very strong chance this could be their best album ever ...
The album features the band's most loved trademarks ... A monster
album to get 2004 off to a flying start. Fans of TNT are going to go
nuts, I guarantee.

ROCK HARD (France) (9,0 out of 10)
... absolutely brilliant ! One of the strongest albums ever recorded
by TNT. A perfect mix of modern and classic tunes with huge melodies,
killer guitar solos, and the outstanding voice of Tony Harnell, full
of emotion as always. TNT is back with a superb album, don't miss it !

BREAK OUT
... Truly, a rocket of Melodic Rock, presenting a rejuvenated band,
that is able to make it back to the top of their own career. A MUST
for all afficionados of this genre and for all fans of intelligent,
ambitioned Rock Music!

HEAVY, ODER WAS!? (10 out of 12)
... On 'My Religion', TNT show their ability to take the right path to
become one of the strongest band of the Melodic Rock world again.

SWEDEN ROCK MAGAZINE
... I thought they had lost their sense of melody. Thank God they
proved me wrong! ...

BURN MAGAZINE / UK
After years in the wilderness, the comeback album for TNT is what
House Of Lords should have made. It's inspirational records like this
that make me wish that I could play an instrument or write and sings
songs. The crew of HMS TNT have assembled together a record of
galeforce rockers, rich and diverse in styles ..."My Religion" is a
very lively album, the general standard is very high, TNT have just
cut their finest record with no disappointments to be heard anywhere,
buy this sucker now.

CLASSIC ROCK NEWS
TNT have penned and recorded an album chock full of hard rock delights
... Along with Seventh Key and Power Quest, an essential 2004 purchase
...

POWERPLAY MAGAZINE
And with a few weeks to go before its official release, advance
reports have already started to wax lyrical about 'My Religion', and
now I finally hold a finished copy in my hands, that hype seems
entirely justified ... And it just gets better and better every time
you play it. Highlights? Well, it's one long series of highlights
really, but my own personal favourites (for today at least!) are the
pulsing title track ... A devastatingly good return to form which
should put the name TNT back where it rightfully belongs ...
brilliant!

aordreamzones.com / 90 von 100
With an excellent production from Harnell and Le Tekro , and with the
added rice of Tommy Newton's sympathetic mix, "My Religion" is in
every way the perfect album for TNT , their fans, long standing and
future. Bloody glorious.

There are still some limited digi version available at
http://www.musicbuymail.com/ .

Thanks for your attention and see you next time!

MTM Music
http://www.mtm-music.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-IcebergRadio.com's Metal Radio Adds

The following albums were added this week to IcebergRadio.com's Metal
Stations: BWBK.com, '80s Hair Bands, BlackDeath, ProgPower, Hair
Transplant, Doom & Distortion, '80s Aggression, Roots Of Metal.

ANNIHILATOR - All For You (AFM): BWBK.com, ProgPower
DESTINY - The Tracy Chapter (Lifeforce): BWBK.com
DIONYSUS - Anima Mundi (AFM): BWBK.com, ProgPower
INSOMNIUM - Since The Day It All Came Down (Candlelight): BWBK.com,
BlackDeath
JORN - Out To Every Nation (AFM): BWBK.com, ProgPower
MARYSLIM - Split Vision (Sound Pollution): Doom & Distortion
MESSIAH'S KISS - Metal (SPV): BWBK.com, ProgPower
MOB RULES - Among The Gods (SPV): BWBK.com, ProgPower
NASTY SAVAGE - Psycho Psycho (Metal Blade): BWBK.com
NEPHASTE - Conceieved By Inhuman Blood (Mighty): BlackDeath
ORANGE GOBLIN - Thieving From The House Of God (Rise Above): BWBK.com,
Doom & Distortion
THE QUIREBOYS - Well Oiled (SPV): Hair Transplant
THY PRIMORDIAL - Pestilence Upon Mankind (Blackened): BWBK.com,
BlackDeath
UPHILL BATTLE - Wreck Of Nerves (Relapse): BWBK.com
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Spin The Bottle: A Tribute To KISS (Koch): BWBK.com,
Hair Transplant
WITCHCRAFT - Witchcraft (Rise Above): Doom & Distortion

Brave Pick Of The Week: DEATH ANGEL - The Art Of Dying (Nuclear Blast)

BWBK.com is BW&BK Magazine's noisy audio brother and can be found at
www.BWBK.com and via the Metal News section at www.HardRadio.com!

For more info about BWBK.com contact metaltim@icebergmedia or
metaltim@...

BWBK.com is the noisy audio brother to BW&BK Magazine!

www.BWBK.com - 24/7 Audio Assault!

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Joe Satriani Sets Summer Tour With Deep Purple

G3 Live DVD Goes Gold; Is There Love In Space? In Stores Now

(Venice, CA) -- Fresh off the heels of his latest release, Is There
Love In Space?, guitar legend, Joe Satriani announces his Summer tour
plans. Joining Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy, Satriani will perform his
rockin' live show across the U.S. starting August 13 in Gilford, NH
and ending September 10 in Seattle, WA. Before setting out on his
nationwide trek, Satriani will join fellow G3 veteran, Steve Vai, for
a European G3 jaunt, adding Robert Fripp to round out the trio.

Satriani's 11th solo album, Is There Love In Space?, was released on
April 13, 2004 and features the performer's core trio of Matt
Bissonette on bass and Jeff Campitelli behind the drums. The 11
diverse cuts on the album range from the pulsating, brash opener
"GNAAHH," to the drop-tuned menace of "Hands in the Air" to the
poignant ballad "Just Look Up." Yet all of the tracks are unified by
Satriani's love of old-school hard rock. On the day of release for Is
There Love in Space?, Satriani set out on a U.S. promotional tour
making special in-store appearances including, for the first time
ever, a live performance at each stop. Each appearance drew from
500-1000 fans who were not only able to get an up-close-and-personal
look at the virtuoso perform live, but were also able to meet him
afterwards to get an autograph.

Fri 8/13 Meadowbrook Farms Gilford, NH
Sat 8/14 FleetBoston Pavilion Boston, MA
Sun 8/15 Jones Beach Amphitheatre Wantagh, NY
Tue 8/17 Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY
Wed 8/18 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
Fri 8/20 Erie County Fairgrounds Hamburg, NY
Sat 8/21 Molson Amphitheatre Toronto, ONT
Mon 8/23 Marcus Amphitheatre Milwaukee, WI
Wed 8/25 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Kansas City, MO
Fri 8/27 Verizon Amphitheatre San Antonio, TX
Sat 8/28 Cynthia Woods Pavilion Houston, TX
Sun 8/29 Smirnoff Music Centre Dallas, TX
Tue 8/31 Universal Lending Pavilion Denver, CO
Thurs 9/2 Reno Hilton Pavilion Reno, NV
Sat 9/4 Greek Theater Los Angeles, CA
Sun 9/5 Sleep Train Amphitheatre Marysville, CA
Mon 9/6 Chronicle Pavilion Concord, CA
Thurs 9/9 The Amphitheater at Clark County Ridgefield, WA
Fri 9/10 White River Amphitheatre Seattle, WA

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Cruz Del Sur Music News

Eternal Flight work with Geoffrey Gillespie for the cover-art!

Our recent signing, French progressive power metallers Eternal Flight
are actually recording the songs that will be part of their debut
album. The band has almost completed their work in the studio, with a
special guest on drums: Arnaud Corbaty of Alkemyst (courtesy of
Nuclear Blast GMBH) played on 4 out of 10 tracks. But the real big
news regards the cover-art for which Eternal Flight have had the
pleasure to work with Geoffrey Gillespie, the Irish gentleman
responsible (in an almost exclusive way) of Warlock/Doro artworks!
Their album, by the not yet confirmed title of Positive Rage shall see
the light in mid October 2004, will be mastered at New Sin Studio by
Luigi Stefanini.

Gothic Easter Tour

Novembre, Ensoph and Asterius toured Italy during the Easter weekend.
A great chemistry between the bands allowed a fair success of the
event, partly ruined by the really hard weather conditions that hit
Italy. Code666 artist Handful Of Hate joined the tour on the Firenze
and Roma's dates, adding a portion of their sheer brutality to the
whole. With a medium attendance of 200+, all bands provided an
enjoyable and varied show, with Asterius opening the dances with their
crushing and originally-mixed offer. Then Ensoph introduced their new
album Opus Dementiae to many new fans, spicing the show with a Depeche
Mode cover of "Personal Jesus," while Novembre closed the night(s)
with their extremely professional and emotional show.

Next Releases On Cruz Del Sur Music

ETERNAL FLIGHT (France) - Positive Rage out October 2004.
MAHAVATAR (USA) Go with the NO! out November 2004.

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

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-S.O.D. And Megaforce Records Release Speak English Or Die On Vinyl

May 4, 2004 -- Megaforce Records and metal/hardcore pioneers S.O.D.
will issue the classic, Speak English Or Die, on colored vinyl on June
29, 2004. S.O.D. began in the mid-1980's during a break in the
recording of Anthrax's album, Spreading The Disease. What started out
as a quick, satirical release for Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Dan
Lilker, and the infamous Billy Milano, has turned into a seminal
record that has influenced countless hardcore, metalcore,
post-hardcore bands.

Blood red has been chosen as the color and will be limited edition.
You may pre-order it at http://www.megaforcerecords.com/ .

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-Celldweller - "Switchback" Video Update

The "Switchback" music video has completed filming and begun the
editing stage. The high-definition video shoot took four days to
complete, not including the construction of the set. Klayton is busy
editing the video, and is scheduled to have a final version complete
within a few weeks. A key character in the story of the video is named
"Greygirl." A behind the scene production still of Greygirl can be
seen here: http://www.celldweller.com/2003/greygirl.html .

"This vibrant and versatile debut release firmly establishes
Celldweller as a force to be reckoned with on the industrial rock
scene." - Dark Realms

"...Klayton makes appealing, thoughtful and emotionally driven
music...at times the dude can crush with the sledgehammer ethos of
Biohazard, just as he's capable of weaving together acoustic guitars
and techno beats so subtly it's hard to tell where the organic starts
and the artifice begins." - Sea of Tranquility

"Every song is a richly layered work..." - MusicTAP.com

"...unique and diverse..." - The Pit Monthly

"Celldweller burns through every blistering barrier with a white-hot,
self-titled, debut release!" - Gothic Beauty

http://www.celldweller.com/

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*
-Hirax Update

L.A. thrashers Hirax have signed a European deal with Belgian label
Mausoleum Records. "The New Age of Terror" will be released on May 15
in Europe and on May 18 in the U.S. on Black Devil Records and Deep
Six Records. The band headlined two successful nights of the Thrash
'Em All Festival in Reseda, Calif., recently.

"...heavy on the riffing, shredding, and leads. Pummeling guitar work,
which is exposed flawlessly... thundering bass lines. Drumming is
excellent...strong double bass, high hat, snares and toms, it's all
used with abandon." - ddays-revenge.com

Live dates:
5/15 - JJ Kelley's, Lansing, IL (Classic Metal Festival)
6/12 - Sweden Rock Festival, Sweden
6/19 - John McLaren Park Amphitheatre, San Francisco, CA (Tidal Wave
666 Festival)
7/10 - Headbangers Open Air Festival, Germany
7/24 - Metal Bash Open Air Festival, Germany

The band will do a meet and greet at the Classic Metal Festival at
7:30 p.m.

http://www.hirax.org/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-"Metalheads" Out Now On DVD

The new comedy "Metalheads," available nationally on DVD, is a
humorous glimpse into the lives and adventures of a group of heavy
metal dregs over the course of a week. Set to a heavy metal
soundtrack, which includes such rarities as "Wicked Warlock" by Paul
Speckman's Warcry, "Metalheads" chronicles a week in the lives of
several friends that revolves around the main character's metal plan
for rising out of loserdom. "Metalheads" is available through Music
Video Distributors.

"Explains why the world laughs at metal." - The Chicago Metal Review

"Deliciously offensive!" - New York Indie Gazette

http://www.musicvideodistributors.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-The Dio Message Board Vs. Craig Goldy

[Note: This is taken from a Dio Message Board mass mailing. You need
to be a registered member of the board to access its content. - Tim]

Hi all,

Just to let you know that I've just received the Answers back from
Craig Goldy's Q&A. They are now posted in the 'Hide in the Rainbow'
forum. So log onto the board and enjoy.

I would also like to inform you that ex-keyboardist Claude Schnell has
also agreed to do a Q&A. So if you would like to ask him a question or
two then simply go to the 'Stand up and shout' forum and post it
there.

And once again I'd like to remind you that the board is now totally
'Members only'.

Thank you for your continued support.
Keep on rockin'

warlord..

Regards,

The Team
http://dioboard.proboards4.com/index.cgi

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-2000 Decibel: The Festival That Supports Swedish Metal

A last reminder about the 2000 Decibel-festival!

Now it is less than two weeks until the 2000 Decibel-festival takes
place, in Bengtsfors, Sweden (180 km north of Gothenburg). The dates
for our fifth anniversary festival are 21st and 22nd May.

2000 Decibel is the only festival that is totally dedicated to Swedish
Hard Rock and Metal. The previous festivals have gained a lot of
attention from all over the world, with visitors from as far away as
Canada and New Zeeland. The Swedish Metal scene has never been better
or more interesting so it is definitely a winning formula.

This year's festival offers the strongest line-up so far, namely Cans
(world premiere with the HammerFall vocalist's solo project), The
Haunted, Hypocrisy, Dark Tranquillity, Pain Of Salvation, Vintersorg,
Ablaze My Sorrow, Amaran, Arise, Astral Doors, Beseech, Beyond, Count
Raven, Draconian, Electric Earth, God Among Insects, Gorefight, Grand
Magus, Ironware, Lefay, Merciless, Morifade, Månegarm, Naglfar, Notre
Dame, Persuader, Repulse, Shattered, Shiftlight, Silent Scythe,
Sovereign, Syconaut, Tad Morose, The Generals, Trendkill and Wolf.

Now we can present the schedule for this year's signing sessions. The
bands and times are:

Friday

16:55 Pain Of Salvation
18:50 Vintersorg
20:50 The Haunted

Saturday

13:00 Naglfar
14:45 Lefay and Tad Morose
16:45 Hypocrisy
18:40 Cans
20:40 Dark Tranquillity

Unfortunately neither Metal Mike nor Mat Sinner will play with Cans at
the festival. Metal Mike has recently joined Testament as their new
guitarist, which means that he won't be able to work with Cans in the
future. Mat Sinner will not be able to join the band as Primal Fear
has extended their tour. They will be replaced by Danny Gill (guitar)
and Stefan Pascolino (bass). This means that Cans will contain four
members that played with Warlord at 2002's Wacken Open Air. Cool!

For more information visit our homepage:
http://www.mfdecibel.com/

or contact:

Lennart Larsson
2000 Decibel
Box 84
660 10 Dals Långed
Sweden
Phone/fax: +46 531 407 47
Mobil: +46 531 52 60 22
phantom@...

SPREAD THE WORD!

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-New Release From Radiant Records!

Hello music lover,

How are things in your world? Wonderful we hope.

Here's the info on a new release from the American progressive rock
band Glass Hammer. It's their first DVD and we have it in stock and
ready to ship!

GLASS HAMMER LEX LIVE DVD

In a recent Background Magazine (Holland) article, Henri Strik calls
Glass Hammer's Lex Rex a masterpiece, and names Glass Hammer as
America's leading prog band. 1340.mag.com names Glass Hammer as its
pick for number one indie group of the year, and the band to watch
explode in 2004.

Indeed, 2004 began on a high note for Glass Hammer with its critically
acclaimed eighth album Shadowlands. Now comes Lex Live, the very first
Glass Hammer DVD release.

Lex Live showcases Glass Hammer's legendary 8-piece NEARfest 2003
lineup featuring Steve Babb, Fred Schendel, Walter Moore, Matt
Mendians and Susie Bogdanowicz. Glass Hammer's highly acclaimed Lex
Rex album is performed in near-entirety, along with music from
Chronometree and Perelandra.

Prog fans will discover a high-energy concert, and an edgier
incarnation of the band than GH studio albums reveal. Progressive
metal drummer Matt Mendians sees to that, as does front man and
guitarist Walter Moore. The keyboard sounds are as big as ever though,
and prog icon Fred Schendel delivers his greatest performance ever.
Needless to say, the Hammond organ is dominant in the mix!

"Just killer! Everything was perfect. The sound was awesome, the
setting was great, everything seemed to click magically. I have seen
lots of concerts, videos and rock-u-mentaries, but this will be a
classic." - Flyingman 91.5 FM WAWL

Format DVD / NTSC / Region 0

Total Running Time is 122 Minutes

Order now at http://www.radiantrecords.com/

News: Neal Morse's Testimony DVD will be coming out at the end of
June. We will start taking pre-orders as soon as weve seen it and KNOW
there are no problems!

Thanks for your support!

Jessica Mears
Radiant Records
http://www.radiantrecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Meliah Rage Track Featured On Upcoming Episode Of FX TV's "The
Shield"

Boston's reformed metal heroes Meliah Rage are laying the groundwork
to make 2004 truly a landmark year for the band. While putting the
finishing touches on their comeback studio album Barely Human (to be
released through Screaming Ferret Wreckords/Escapi Music during the
summer) and coordinating plans for a major North American tour, the
band secured a deal with FX TV to have music from the forthcoming
album's title track appear in an upcoming episode of the hit series
"The Shield."

On June 8th, "Barely Human" will be spotlighted in a critical scene in
Episode #314 "The Barn" involving one of the show's detectives and a
gasoline truck. "The Shield" stars Michael Chiklis (winner of the 2002
Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series), Walton Goggins,
and CCH Pounder. More information on the show can be found at the
following location:
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/the_shield/

Meliah Rage's video for "Barely Human", which was filmed on the set of
the horror film "God Of Vampires," is currently available for download
on the Screaming Ferret Wreckords website:
http://www.screamingferret.com/screamingpages/audio-video.php . An MP3
of the new song "Hate Machine" is available here:

http://www.screamingferret.com/sfw_audio/meliahrage_av/Meliah_Rage_Hate_Machine.\
mp3

Meliah Rage's Unfinished Business, featuring Godsmack's Sully Erna, is
currently available at http://www.screamingferret.com/ , the source
for all official Meliah Rage merchandise.

Stay tuned to http://www.screamingferret.com/ and
http://www.meliahrage.com/ for additional developments in the return
of Meliah Rage.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-ProgPower USA V Officially Sells Out

ATLANTA -- Tickets for ProgPower USA V have officially sold out in
less than one week.

"I simply want to thank the fans for their continued support," said
promoter Glenn Harveston. "I cannot help but feel that ProgPower USA
has become the premiere metal festival in North America now."

This is the third consecutive year the festival has sold out more than
four months in advance.

ProgPower USA V will take place on Friday, September 17 and Saturday,
September 18 Earthlink Live.

Sabian, Pacific Drums, Evan Drumheads, Planet Waves, Shure
Microphones, and D'Addario are sponsoring ProgPower USA V.

http://www.progpowerusa.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-The "Down Boys" Are On Tour For The Summer - Warrant Coming To Your
Town Soon

HOLLYWOOD (May , 2004) -- Warrant is heading out on a U.S. summer tour
starting May 27th in York Pennsylvania @ The Hardware Bar. They will
get down and dirty playing all of their hard-hitting biggest hits.

Hitting 7 million in record sales worldwide, 5 top 40 hits and 5 top
MTV videos, the "Down Boys" can still leave the crowds wanting more.
Performing their popular songs "Heaven," "Down Boys" and of course
"Cherry Pie," Warrant gives the fans what they want, non-stop.

Warrant's line-up consists of original members Erik Turner (guitar),
Jerry Dixon (bass), Joey Allen (lead guitar), Steven Sweet (drums) and
new addition Jaime St. James (vocals).

Confirmed dates:

MAY
05.27.04 - York, PA - The Hardware Bar
05.28.04 - Scranton, PA - Shakerz
05.29.04 - Nelson, OH - Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

JUNE
06.17.04 - Burlington, IA - Steamboat Days
06.18.04 - Fargo, ND - Red River Valley Fair
06.19.04 - Des Moines, IA - Waterworks Park
06.25.04 - Lafayette, LA - Night Town
06.26.04 - Shreveport, LA - Alligator Joe's

JULY
07.01.04 - Bottineau, ND - Rockin The Hills
07.02.04 - Bay City, MI - Wenona Park
07.08.04 - Batesville, AR - Riverfront Park
07.15.04 - Springville, IN - The Boogie
07.16.04 - Evansville, IN - JT Baileys
07.18.04 - Comstock, NE - Second Wind Ranch
07.22.04 - Paducah, KY - Summer Festival
07.30.04 - Jefferson City, MO - Cole County Fair
07.31.04 - Rice, MN - River's Edge

More dates to be added soon~

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Isengard News

ISENGARD DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR A NEW SINGER.
If you want the job or know one that wants the job, please contact us.

ISENGARD HAS A POLISH FAN SITE.
A BIG thanks to Bartosh in Poland who is behind the site. Visit at
http://www.isengard.metal.pl/ .

More information at:

ISENGARD HQ
SWEDISH POWER METAL
Email: isengardhq@...
Homepage: http://www.isengard.se/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Armored Saint DVD Due Next Week

On May 17, 2004 Metal Blade Records Europe will release the brand new
Armored Saint DVD "Lessons NOT Well Learned 1991-2001"!

Flip through the pages of time as your host "Gahnzo" takes you through
various live shows of Armored Saint. Filmed by the fans, these
concerts span the band's career from 1991-2001 and all is exposed! As
a sort of continuation from the Saint's "A Trip Thru Red Times",
"Lessons NOT Well Learned" is chock full of live videos, off stage
time wasting antics, a new production video for "Symbol Of Salvation",
several blooper out take reels, a bonus live-CD plus more! So put a
grin on your face and get ready for the Pulitzer wannabe, "ARMORED
SAINT MAGAZINE: LESSONS NOT WELL LEARNED!"

In this issue:

- Armored Saint Magazine Feature
- Reign of Fire Video
- Last Train Home Video
- Symbol of Salvation Video
- Photo Gallery
- Promotional Stunt
- Soundcheck
- Promotional Bloopers
- Gahnzo's Bloopers
- Interactive Menus

Live Videos:

- Intro
- Pay Dirt (2001) – San Diego
- Warzone (1991) – Los Angeles
- Commercial Break # 1
- The Truth Always Hurts (1991) – Los Angeles
- After Me, The Flood (2000) – Bochum
- Red Onion
- Take a Turn (1991) – Anaheim
- Symbol of Salvation (2000) – Bochum
- Red Onion revisited
- Tainted Past (1991) – Los Angeles
- Commercial Break # 2
- Creepy Feelings (2000) – Bochum
- Another Day (1991) – Los Angeles
- For the Sake of Heaviness (1991) – Anaheim
- Tension (2001) – Los Angeles
- New Song
- Tribal Dance (2001) – San Diego
- Outro

Production Videos:

- Reign of Fire
- Last Train Home
- Symbol of Salvation

Bonus Live CD (recorded in 1984):

- Envy
- Glory Hunter
- False Alarm
- Can U Deliver
- Lesson Well Learned
- Madhouse

"ARMORED SAINT MAGAZINE: LESSONS NOT WELL LEARNED!" will be released
the 17 th of May, 2004 !

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
*
-Beyond The Embrace Update

Beyond The Embrace have finished recordings for their second album
"Insect Song", to be released the 17th of May, 2004 via Metal Blade
Records Europe.

"Recording this album was very different from recording our first
album", says vocalist Shawn Gallagher. "The whole process was
something totally new in that with 'Against the Elements' we had been
playing the songs for years so when we went into the studio we didn't
really need a producer to help us figure out where the songs needed to
go. With this one we sat down with Ken (guitarist from Unearth) and
played all of the songs live. Ken took notes on each song and was able
to give us suggestions as an outside listener. The pre-production
process was all new to us as well and Ken really helped us trim down
our songs, find the best tones and nail the breakdowns. All in all we
are really happy with the finished result. Ken said he would get us
the guitar sounds that we wanted and he really came through."

Here's the tracklisting for "Insect Song":

Fleshengine Breakdown
Plague
My Fall
...of every strain
Redeemer
Insect Song
Ashes
Weak and the Wounded
Absent
Within

"Insect Song" will be released the 17th of May, 2004 via Metal Blade
Records Europe.

http://www.beyondtheembrace.com/

*
*** FLAMES FROM THE LAKE ***
*
by Sean P. Gahgan (lof@...)

-Random thoughts for the week... Talk about a bummer! After announcing
that Sun Caged was going to play the pre-show party for ProgPower USA
V this year, it was just announced that with Joost v.d. Broek leaving
the band in favor of joining After Forever, Andre Vuurboom (vocals)
was prompted to split as well. The band is still scheduled to play
ProgPower provided they find replacements. I was really impressed with
their last CD (Detritus #252 - Week of January 12, 2004) and am really
looking forward to seeing Marcel Coenen as he is just a fabulous
guitar player... Don't let the list of bands fool you on the BW&BK
6-Pack Weekend Web site -- the running order for the bands has yet to
be finalized. I was told that Primal Fear has one of the headlining
spots but I'll believe it when I see it... If you haven't checked out
the new Megadeth song, "Kick the Chair," go to
http://www.megadeth.com/ and download it now -- sounds like Dave is
getting back to his roots... I read that guitarist Wojtek Lisicki
(a.k.a. Transcendental Protagonist) has rejoined Sweden's Lost
Horizon. Now we just have to get these guys over to the US for a show
or two... There are talks that Ronnie James Dio is midway through
production of Hear 'N' Aid II and that it could see release around
Christmastime this year...

[Note: Regarding Primal Fear at this year's BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend 2
festival, BraveWords.com posted yesterday (May 11) the band will play
the second night, June 5, from 11:10 p.m. - 12:20 a.m., just before
Metal Church closes the fest with a set scheduled to run from 12:35 -
1:55 a.m. - Tim]

-Quote of the Week: "A man is not old until regrets take the place of
dreams" -- John Barrymore

-Song of the Week: "You Cross The Line" by Seventh Key

-Playing in the Lake of Fire this week: AWAKE by Dream Theater, THE
RAGING FIRE by Seventh Key, SILVER by 7th Heaven, and UNWEAVING THE
RAINBOW by Frameshift.

*
*** FROM THE MEGA-VAULT ***
*
by Keith Abt (keithabt@...)

-This Week: BRINGIN' THE NOISE...

Few can deny the impact that Fox's "American Idol" competition has had
on US popular culture over the past couple of years. Even those of us
who can't stand reality shows (like me) or pop music (me again) have
to admit that it's pretty damn addictive television. My wife has been
a regular "Idol" viewer since the show's inception, and despite my
best attempts to avoid being sucked in, eventually I found myself
glued to the set alongside my spouse each week as an ever-declining
parade of young hopefuls performs for the TV audience one night, then
finds out who gets the axe the next night. (I actually prefer those
heartbreaking "results shows" over the performance episodes... but
then, I'm a cruel person.) Fascinating as the whole weeding-out
process is, when you get right down to it, "American Idol" is still a
pretty soulless, empty enterprise. I mean, do we really NEED another
squeaky-clean, bland, radio-friendly pop prince or princess clogging
up our airwaves, even one that's democratically elected by the people?
(Here's a rather ominous piece of trivia, by the way: I read somewhere
that more votes were cast during the last season of "American Idol"
than there were in the last Presidential election. If that scares you
as much as it did me, then remember to get out there and VOTE this
November, people!) As soon as this show premiered I remember thinking,
"This is a neat idea, but why can't this concept be applied to REAL
music?" Leave it to our metallic brethren in Europe to improve on the
"Idol" format and cater it to the heavy metal crowd. Early in 2003,
Noise Records, in conjunction with several major European metal
magazines, announced the first "Young Metal Gods" talent search. Their
mission was to find the best unsigned young heavy metal bands in
Europe. Hundreds of bands (all of whom had to come in under the age
limit of 23 years old) sent in their demo tapes, which were reviewed
by the editorial boards of the various magazines, then the ones who
sounded most promising were tapped to perform in a final "Battle of
the Bands" contest held in May 2003 at the famed Zeche concert venue
in Bochum, Germany. The top three bands in the contest would win a
record contract with Noise, and Iron Savior overlord Piet Sielck would
produce their debut albums. Nearly a year later, the CDs from the
three winning bands -- Persuader (Sweden), Beyond Surface (Germany)
and Dyecrest (Finland) -- have been released, and now it's up to the
record-buying public to decide which band might become the metal
version of mega-selling Kelly Clarkson, or heavy music's answer to the
here-today, gone-tomorrow Justin Guarini. (Or even worse, William "She
bengs! She bengs!" Hung! YIKES!) So how does this fresh crop of
young'uns stack up? Whaddaya say we press "play" on the ol' MEGA-VAULT
sound system and find out...

Persuader may be a baby-faced bunch, but after listening to EVOLUTION
PURGATORY it's evident that they grew up on the best of '80s thrash
and speed metal. (They must've had some cool older brothers, huh?)
From the totally old-school cover art (a blasted, nuked-out landscape,
complete with mushroom cloud and a hand rising from the radioactive
soup), which looks like something that would've graced an old Nuclear
Assault album, to the chugging power thrash of the music, CRUNCH is
the word of the day here. "Strike Down" sets the speedy "We're NOT
here to f*ck around!" tone and the band doesn't let up for the rest of
the ten tracks. Imagine a blend of early Testament and vintage
Annihilator, topped by the vocals of Jens Carlsson, who sounds like
Hansi Kursch tweaked out on crystal meth! The album does start to lose
steam near the three-quarter mark, so maybe this should've been a
six-song EP, but I imagine these guys will still be whippin' up their
share of mosh pits on the European festival circuit this summer.

Gothic Metal isn't usually my thang (unless you're talking early Type
O Negative or Lacuna Coil) so I really didn't' expect much from Beyond
Surface's DESTINATION'S END. Though this generally isn't my favorite
genre, I will say that Beyond Surface aren't as depressed as, say,
Sentenced, and they have a decent enough metallic base, due mostly to
the guitar team of Thorsten and Marten -- if it weren't for these guys
keeping it heavy, you'd be reading about this band in Alternative
Press (yuk!) instead of Detritus. The bio compares Beyond Surface to
bands like H.I.M. and End Of Green, which is no help to me since I've
never heard either band, but if you're familiar with them, this will
likely be right up your alley. However, when I'm in the mood for
something dark, I think I'll still reach for COMALIES or BLOODY KISSES
over this one. Sorry lads! :-)

Dyecrest's THE WAY OF PAIN pretty much went in one ear and out the
other on its initial spin, but once I had the chance to really sit
down and give it a good listen I enjoyed it more than I expected. One
thought was going through my head as it played: "Stratovarius' Angry
Younger Brothers." Well, maybe they don't sound EXACTLY like
Stratovarius; they're a bit grittier and their lyrics are WAY darker
than you'd expect from a power metal troop (song titles like "Lost
Faith," "Until Death Do Us Part," and "With Pain" should be a dead
giveaway that this ain't exactly "Happy happy Helloween" metal!) but
they've got the whole melodic speed metal thing down to a tee, so the
similarity is definitely there. (I suppose that since they also hail
from Strato's homeland of Finland, the influence was probably
unavoidable...) Janne Oksanen's warbling vocal style was a little
grating at first (this guy's high voice makes Timo Kotipelto sound
like e Mr. Tough Guy by comparison!), especially on the first track
"For All The Weak," but eventually the CD's excellent musicianship and
varying moods won me over. Considering that Stratovarius seem to be on
the brink of imploding any day now, Dyecrest could be a suitable
replacement for many of their fans.

To sum up, it seems that proclaiming this trio as the new "Metal Gods"
might be a bit premature. I personally found all three to be...okay.
None of the albums were fantastic enough to send me running out into
the street screaming, "You HAVE to hear this band!" to random
passersby, but on the other hand, none of them were awful enough to
make me hurl the CD out the window, either. Each band definitely has
talent and potential to grow, but based on these first efforts I
wouldn't say that Noise has found the next Iron Maiden or Metallica by
any means. Obviously the true test of whether or not these bands will
have any staying power would be their second albums. If Noise decides
to do another installment of this contest next year, it could be
interesting to see what they uncover.

Relevant Links:

http://www.beyondsurface.de/
http://www.dyecrest.com/
http://www.persuader.nu/
http://www.youngmetalgods.com/

P.S. Personal message to Piet Sielck - I realize you're probably
exhausted after spending months in the studio recording the debuts
from all three of these bands, but it's time to get back to work on a
new Iron Savior album! :-)

[He must've heard you. Iron Savior's newie called BATTERING RAM is due
out next month. - Tim]

-THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST: Probot - s/t; Mercyful Fate - INTO THE UNKNOWN;
Fight - WAR OF WORDS; Lacuna Coil - COMALIES; Warrior Soul - LAST
DECADE DEAD CENTURY.

-WATCHING: Dokken's UNCHAIN THE NIGHT VHS tape, which I purchased at a
garage sale last weekend for a buck! :-)

*
*** REALM OF SHRED ***
*
by Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

-I received information regarding the release of the new Scorpions CD
UNBREAKABLE; it looks like it will come out in the US at the end of
this month. The sound samples and early reports I've heard indicate it
will be a strong return to their hard-rocking early '80s style --
excellent! Check out clips at http://www.the-scorpions.com/ .

-Sound samples of the upcoming Dokken CD HELL TO PAY are available on
their Web site, http://www.dokken.net/ . They are not very long but
from what I can tell this is going to be exceptional, a real treat for
Dokken fans. Check out the clips of Jon Levin's solos, he sounds more
like Lynch than Lynch does these days! Ordinarily I would prefer a
player have their own style but in Dokken you really need that Lynch
element for it to sound authentic (similar to how the new vocalist in
Journey has nailed Steve Perry's vocals to make the band sound like
Journey). With the Scorps and Dokken coming out with blazing new
releases, you can be assured this summer will rock!!!!!

-Found another good Web site for shred fans, this one is
http://www.guitarmania.com/ . Lots of reviews, interviews and lessons
featuring new and obscure shred style artists, take a look...

-Watched the new Queensryche DVD THE ART OF LIVE over the weekend.
Decent performances of some classics but I think it can be safely said
that their best days are behind them, unfortunately. I can't see them
ever returning to the style that made them progressive metal icons,
unless Geoff Tate has a change of heart and Chris DeGarmo returns for
real. Time will tell but I'm not holding out much hope...

-ProgPower USA V is officially sold out. Don't give up if you are
still interested in going, check the forum at
http://www.progpowerusa.com/ close to September and you will probably
find a good number of people who are not able to attend for whatever
reason trying to sell tickets at the last minute. I had several extras
last year due to unexpected cancellations and I noticed a quite a few
others did as well...

-Let me encourage you to obtain a copy of the new Evergrey release THE
INNER CIRCLE right now. Sean was correct in his review last week --
Evergrey continue to astound with great songwriting, deeply emotional
vocals, intriguing lyrics and excellent musicianship. Now they just
need their own headline tour! MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" premiered the
new video for "A Touch Of Blessing" on Saturday and as it is quite
good, they will probably show it again this weekend.

-I'll have a review of the new Spastic Ink CD INK COMPLETE next week;
for now I can recommend it without reservation to all fans of
avant-garde metal. Some of the most complex and creative guitar work
I've heard in a long time, incredible!

-On the playlist this week: Evergrey: THE INNER CIRCLE, W.A.S.P.: THE
NEON GOD PART 1, Spastic Ink: INK COMPLETE, Various Artists: THE
SPIRIT LIVES ON: THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX REVISITED VOLUME 1, Tygers
Of Pan Tang: WILD CAT. Vintage pick of the week - Racer X: STREET
LETHAL.

-Keep it cranked!!!

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
DROP – SUCKERPUNCH (C) Dark Star Records, 2004
12 tracks, RT: 48:27
[ http://www.drop-music.com/ ]
[ http://www.darkstarrecords.com/ ]
[ info@... ]
Perspective: I saw Drop back in January at the legendary Brat Stop in
Kenosha, Wisconsin (what makes it so legendary?). I did not know who
they were at the time but I do remember their impressive stage
presence and strong physical show they presented. The lead singer was
very animated and entertaining. I did not know any of their songs but
I was intrigued. Review: So, here it is four months later and
SUCKERPUNCH shows up on my desk. I hate to classify bands and compare
but for those of you who are unfamiliar with Drop you could say they
are a mix of Nu-Metal, STP, and Black Sabbath. I dislike that label
"Nu-Metal" but they do have a similar sound as some the other bands in
this category. The heaviness of their riffs remind me of old Black
Sabbath on steroids, and lead singer Russ Stevens sound a lot like
Scott Weiland, although he can really get on it at times and sound a
lot angrier, powerful, and heavier. The songs are more Nu-Metal with a
lot of stop time guitar chugging and stuttering. What they don't have
in common with the Nu-Metal crowd is that they actually play guitar
solos. Songs like the opener "Walk Away" and "What You Say" are catchy
and heavy and knock you over with attitude. The lyrics for "Superdead"
sound a little cliche although are conveyed quite convincingly by
Stevens. My problem is I just don't care for this style of music. When
Russ sings quieter and more subdued he sounds out of key, as in the
almost melodic "Towards The Sun," which actually has one of the better
solos on the CD in it. With the exception of the aforementioned song,
there isn't much diversity on here, just a lot of heavy in-your-face
music. The production is good for this style of music though it seems
to lack a little in the low end. While it is a heavy sounding CD, they
definitely came off heavier live. Summary: Don't let my not liking
this style turn you off. If you like some of the Nu-Metal styling out
there than you should definitely give these guys a shot. If you are
open to that style than it's probable you would grade this CD much
higher as it has the potential to please fans into this genre. There
is some good solid music on here and you actually get to hear some
good guitar solos which are rare for this style. And be sure to check
them out live as they are doing many shows all over the states in
support of SUCKERPUNCH. Their live show is pretty intense. - Sean P.
Gahgan (lof@...)

VARIOUS - THE SPIRIT LIVES ON: THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX REVISITED
VOLUME 1 (B-/C+) Lion Music, 2004
13 tracks, RT: 55:02
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.jimi-hendrix.com/ ]
[ http://www.guitar9.com/ ]
Tribute albums are difficult to review for a number of reasons, most
notably because you have so many different musicians covering songs
often spanning the featured artist's entire career. THE SPIRIT LIVES
ON: THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX REVISITED is no exception. It's a mixed
bag of sincere and energetic performances by some of today's most
accomplished "shred" style guitarists. Basically what you have here
are 13 well-produced versions of some of Jimi's most familiar songs,
with excellent overall musicianship (the lead and rhythm guitars
especially good, as you might expect) and good dynamics. The problem
for me lies with the vocals. Jimi's music relied heavily on his
soulful and original voice and it seems the emphasis here is more on
the virtuoso guitar playing (it's also a little strange to hear
ripping arpeggios and intervallic licks played in Hendrix songs,
although Yngwie has certainly shown it can be done convincingly). The
vocals aren't bad, they just sound strange to my ears -- perhaps it's
just they are not at the same level as the guitar work and that
affects the feel of the songs. Having said that, there are some really
good performances on here, several of my favorites being opener
"Freedom," ultra funky "Stone Free," the sensitive "Bold As Love" sung
by Jimi's cousin Regi Hendrix and a grinding "Foxy Lady" with a superb
solo by newcomer Edward Box. Billed as "VOLUME 1," I expect we'll see
additional releases in the series, and it will be interesting to hear
more obscure songs covered with perhaps more suitable vocalists. I
would recommend this to open-minded fans of Hendrix, along with shred
lovers interested in examining the foundations of modern guitar
playing. Not an essential purchase but it does accomplish it's purpose
of honoring a musical icon and is definitely worth a listen. - Neal
Woodall (MysticX10@...)

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*** OUT ***
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Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/detritus/




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