Detritus
Issue #278
Week of July 12, 2004
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Tim Wadzinski, Editor
tsw512@...

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

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Boy, if you're a National League fan like me then that All-Star game
last night in Houston really sucked. Nothing like taking the entire
crowd and TV audience out of it after only half an inning! (So how,
exactly, is this bit related to music? Well, it's well-known that Mets
catcher Mike Piazza is a big metalhead.)

-Now in my current playlist: Cans - BEYOND THE GATES, Iron Savior -
BATTERING RAM, Shotgun Messiah - SECOND COMING, and DragonForce -
SONIC FIRESTORM. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Ilium News

[Note: This is a composite of two of Jason Hodges' updates to the
band's mailing list. - Tim]

A Tribute To the Glory of '80's Metal

Just letting you know that the tribute album that we're on (we do
Dio's "Rainbow In The Dark") is released May 25. I will have a very
limited number for sale, so if you do want put away just contact me on
jason@....

We have just finished mixing our second album "Permian Dusk" and are
about to start shopping around for a deal. Thanks for those of you who
have bought "Sirens Of The Styx" - we promise you that this album will
be even better!

http://www.ilium-metal.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Jailor: Official Web Jail

Hails, headbangers!

Firstly, we apologize for sending you a message, but we want to talk a
subject of common interest: metal! We would like to introduce Jailor
band, that has as a main focus to celebrate the metal spirit and the
real underground. Therefore the band executes a 80's school thrash
metal, using heavy and rapid riffs, destroying rhythms, 1000 miles per
hour lead guitars and violent vocals. All the things headbangers
searches and demands hearing in metal.

Despite the influence from the great names of thrash metal, the band
has achieved its own punch and musicality, combined with themes that
portrays the thrash metal aggressiveness. In the constantly update
website you can find information about the band, musics, official
merchandising, news, and many other resources about to come.

Jailor's website was UPDATED!!! News about the first album EVIL
CORRUPTS and confirmed gigs.

Visit us and don't forget to sign our guest-book!!!

The underground salutes you!

Thrash Till Death!!!

Jailor
Website: http://www.jailor.com.br/
Contacts: jailor@...

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-Now & Then / Frontiers News

NTS
===
The first two releases from our collaboration with NTS are now in
stock. Pyramaze, the new band fronted by ex-Balance Of Power frontman
Lance King are picking up fantastic reviews for their debut album
"Melancholy Beast" (see reviews section of the website) and the superb
release from Patrick Rondat "An Ephemeral World" showcases exactly why
he is the most respected guitarists in France.

ION VEIN
========
Ion Vein are prepared to take on the world with their long awaited
second album, "Reigning Memories". While the bands first album,
"Beyond Tomorrow", yielded many successes including appearances on
five tribute albums, several compilations, awards, media appearances,
great reviews, Powermad and ProgPower festival slots etc., Ion Vein
knew their sophomore album had to be something very special in order
to catapult them to the next level.

Realizing that the bar had to be raised in all areas, the band
approached Grammy winning producer, Neil Kernon (Queensryche, Judas
Priest, Nevermore, Shy, FM, Kansas, Autograph etc.), about producing/
recording the album and trying to capture the live power that so many
fans raved about. "We were very excited that Neil decided to take on
the project, we knew he would get the best out of us and out of the
record," states guitarist Chris Lotesto.

Building on the melodic foundation that defines Ion Vein, Reigning
Memories reflects a darker, more introspective look at the challenges
life presents, resulting in a very dynamic and emotional album that
every listener can relate to.

From the blistering dual guitar work of "Another Life" to the rhythmic
pounding of "Faith & Majesty" to the progressive madness of the eight
plus minute title track all while Russ Klimczak, pours his heart into
each vocal melody, "Reigning Memories" will take you on a musical
journey that you will want to experience again and again.

Just look at the type of reaction that the album is already garnering
-

"I can wholeheartedly recommend the second album by Ion Vein to
anybody, who still mourns the past Queensryche heydays. But also
friends of Balance Of Power, Pagan's Mind or Kamelot should have a
great time with the high standing compositions of these specialists.
The absolute zenith is reached with the three-part epos 'Adrian's
Ladder'. Here you can talk about a coming Prog classic, which can take
on songs such as 'Roads To Madness' (Queensryche), '2112' (Rush),
'Epitaph' (Fates Warning) or 'Metropolis Part 2' (Dream Theater).
'Reigning Memories' is an absolute must for Metal fans, who for one
like it melodic, but at the same time also like progressive, yet
accessible songs, which put an emphasis on technical abilities, an
incredible singer and a grandiose production. 10/10" - Metal Observer

"This is the album all apalled Queensryche fans will love! Not only
because a good old friend from the 'Rage For Order' days - producer
Neil Kernon - was responsible for the clear and powerful sound of the
album, that makes the songs shine even more. Catchy melodies, twin
guitars and a strong vocalist, that makes you shiver, are more than
enough reasons to buy this CD. 11/12" - Heavy Oder Was Magazine,
Germany

"The band has created a truly awesome high quality record that sounds
like the perfect mixture between 80s Queensryche, Crimson Glory and
Balance Of Power. The musicianship is excellent, and lead singer Russ
Klimczak has a terrific high pitched voice that makes you forget Geoff
Tate ever existed! Anyone waiting for Queensryche to return to their
old style, forget it, and just purchase yourself a copy of this
masterpiece by the Chicago settled Ion Vein. 9/10" - Strutter

"Ion Vein bring together a very good balance of Iron Maiden, 'Perfect
Symmetry/Parallels' era Fates Warning, and Queensryche. Trust me, if
you're looking for a fix of great prog/power metal, it is time to tap
into the Ion Vein." - Glory Daze Website

Now And Then Records is planning to release "Reigning Memories" in
Europe and the Far East during August.

FEED THE RHINO
==============
Feed The Rhino is a melodic rock band from Hyde Park, New York
consisting of Joe Cutrera - Vocals, Arthur Papanastasiou - Guitar,
Mark Allardyce - Bass, Joe Kelly - Guitar and Mark Massey - Drums.

Their debut CD, "I Like It", is s uperb slice of classic rock
showcasing the awesome vocals, stellar musicianhip and first rate
songwriting of the band.

It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that the album
will be made available throughout Europe and the Far East in August.

Feed The Rhino features ex Loud And Clear bassist Mark Allardyce and
sonically the band has a lot in common with the hughly rated AOR act.
Early reactions to the album have been fantastic -

"One of the best independent bands to arrive at AOR Underground this
year. It kinda reminds me of classic Danger Danger, Bone Machine and
Tyketto/Vaughn. With a huge sound, tracks like 'Breaking Down These
Walls', 'I Like It' and 'Getting It' are first rate hard rock songs.
With Mark Allardyce from cult rock band Loud SAnd Clear in their
ranks, great songs and a superb vocalist in Joe Cutrera, this lot
should go far." - Rob Evans, Powerplay Magazine

"Singer Joe Cutrera has a tremendous voice very similar to Steve
Perry. The funny thing is that some of the members are from Loud And
Clear (another great AOR band with the Perry clone Jess Harnell) and
now they have this new band with another good singer in the same vein.
Life is strange but oh so nice! I LIKE IT-I LIKE IT-I LIKE IT just
like the title...." - Melodic.net

"There are some seriously glorious tracks here especially the huge
Journey inspired ballad 'Breaking Down These Walls'. The vocals from
frontman Joe Cutrera are smooth and silky right up there with the
likes of Steve Perry and Kevin Chalfant of The Storm. 'I Like It' is a
little like Lillian Axe and Loud 'N' Clear, 'Getting It' is a
fantastic upbeat catchy melodic rocker. It's scary how close Cutrera's
voice comes close to Tyketto's Danny Vaughn on this track, pure catchy
melodic rock bliss...utterly awesome, the heat is definitely on." -
AOR Dreamzones

MILLENIUM
=========
Millenium's new CD "Jericho" will be previewed at the following album
release parties in Germany -

16.07.2004 Garage, München (Germany)
16.07.2004 Logan's, Coburg (Germany)
23.07.2004 Rockclub U2, Ingolstadt (Germany)
24.07.2004 Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg (Germany)
30.07.2004 Parkhaus, Duisburg (Germany)

In other Millenium related news, guitarist Ralph Santolla has just
released the following press statement -

"I have decided to leave Iced Earth. There are several reasons for
this decision and for the moment I will keep them to myself. The other
guys know my reasons and hopefully this won't turn into a public
pissing match. On the other hand, if it does, at least execution by
musketry has gone out of style. I made some great friends, played some
great, albeit difficult(!) metal tunes and learned a lot from the
experience. Whatever anyone else says about Jon, he IS a phenomenal
rhythm guitarist.

"On a different note, I am the new lead guitarist for Sebastian Bach.
We start playing July 22nd, and I can't wait. We'll do a new album
later this year, so look for that, and I hope to see some of the cool
people I met on tour with I.E. at some of these gigs. I am also in
talks with Steve DiGiorgio, Gene Hoaglan, and Tom Englund from
Evergrey about making an epic, orchestral metal album called Ex
Cathedra. More on this later."

For updates / further info check out the Now & Then website at
http://www.nowandthen.co.uk/ , email us at info@... or
ring us on 01942 513298.

Or join the email news list for latest updates.

Send a blank email to:
NowAndThen-Frontiers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Or go to the Yahoo Groups page to subscribe:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NowAndThen-Frontiers

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Z Records News

JESSE DAMON RELEASE NEARLY COMPLETED!

Jesse Damon is currently putting the finishing touches to his brand
new studio album "Nothin Else Matters" which will be released on
September 20th. Songs that have made the final running order include:

MESSIN' WITH MY HEAD / FAME THAT'S CALLIN' / DON'T YOU KNOW / NOTHIN'
ELSE MATTERS, RAINS WITH FIRE / YOUR MY REASON FOR LIVIN' / WHERE YOU
GOIN I KNOW (WHAT YOUR DOIN' TO ME) / and GOOD LIFE / I WANT YOU

Sound samples will be online in a few weeks time.

Z ROCK 2004 UPDATE

Ticket sales for Z Rock 2004 have been healthier than had been
expected over the summer months, and with advertising already in place
with Classic Rock, Fireworks and Burn in England the show looks set to
be a success.

Fans can now obtain tickets from the following locations from today
onwards.....

The Royal Court Theatre Box Office, Liverpool
X Records, Bolton
Quirks Records, Ormskirk

in addition to the following credit card hotlines:

0151 709 4321
01484 643392
01782 522370
01489 603549

We can also happily confirm that the rumours are true, the show will
be recorded for future release!

ROCK THE NATIONS 5

The release of Rock The Nations 5 has been delayed until the last week
of July to accommodate new material from 3 as yet undisclosed acts.
The full track listing will be posted on July 17th at www.zrecords.net
and we are sure that everyone will agree that Vol5 will be the label's
strongest sampler to date.

HELL YEAH!

The wait is nearly over, Black 'N Blue's long awaited release Hell
Yeah! has been set for October 25th!

NEW CANADIAN SENSATIONS SIGN DEAL

Z Records are proud to announce the signing of whom they believe are
hottest new act to emerge out of Canada in ten years.

Sonic X recently signed a multi album worldwide deal with the UK based
label, after being pointed towards them by non other than Mladen of
Von Groove and Final Frontier. The bands material stands proud against
material within the melodic rock genre from the likes of Harem Scarem
and classic Hardline, indeed the label believes that the band's debut
will cause alot of excitement when released on September 27th.

Based in Ontario, Sonic X's lineup is:

Joseph Cumbo - Bass Guitar
Lawrence Falcomer - Lead Guitar
Adam Troy - Vocals
Michael Marquez - Drums

Lead singer Joseph made the following comment: "Sonic X is extremely
pleased and honoured to be added to the Z Records label. We look
forward to our Debut release on September 27th. Cheers and I hope
everyone enjoys the disc."

Sonic X will also be previewed on the all new Rock the Nations sampler
which will be released in three weeks time!

ARABIA PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Despite numerous rumours that Arabia no longer exist and others that
the band are no longer with Z Records, we are pleased to be able to
confirm that Arabia are still very much an active part of the Z
roster, and after a recent meeting with lead singer John Blaze we are
able to confirm that the band's new studio album will be released by Z
Records during 2005.

John made the following comment: "Good things comes to those who wait!
The record will be a monster!!!"

further news to follow.....

JEFF PILSON CALLED UP BY FOREIGNER

Jeff Pilson will be performing one show with Foreigner on July 25th.
The Foreigner camp called Jeff a few days ago to ask if he could play
in the band for this show, It's a charity event benefiting The
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Santa Barbara and will be held in
Santa Barbara at Fess Parkers Doubletree Resort.

SNAKERYDER ANNOUNCE NEW BASS PLAYER

Original Snakeryder bass player Joey Reno has been replaced by Mikk
Black [see above].

Check out sound samples of the band's forthcoming release at:

http://www.aordreamzones.com/Soundfiles4.php

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Hammers Of Misfortune New Album And US Tour

Hammers Of Misfortune will start the recordings of their third album
at the beginning of 2005. The working title is The Locust Years and it
is announced as extremely EPIC!

H.O.M. will also be on an extensive US tour during July and August. A
great chance to check them live! Here are the confirmed dates as shown
on http://www.tonedeaftouring.com/ :

07/06/04 Cat Club, San Francisco
07/08/04 The Alibo, Arcata
07/09/04 Sabala's Rock Mecca, Portland
07/10/04 Sunset Tavern, Seattle
07/11/04 TBA, Missoula
07/12/04 TBA, Bozeman, MT
07/13/04 Larimer Lounge, Denver
07/14/04 The Hurricane, Kansas City
07/15/04 Busted Lift, Iowa
07/16/04 Big V's, St. Paul
07/17/04 TBA, Milwaukee/Madison
07/18/04 Bottom Lounge, Chicago
07/19/04 TBA, Lansing
07/20/04 Elbow Room, Ypsilanti, MI
07/21/04 Grog Shop, Cleveland
07/22/04 Water St. Music Hall, Rochester
07/23/04 Chopping Block, Boston
07/24/04 TBA, NYC
07/25/04 TBA, Philadelphia
07/26/04 Sidebar Tavern, Baltimore
07/27/04 Nanci Raygun, Richmond
07/28/04 The Wizard, Hickory, NC
07/29/04 The Jinx, Savannah
07/30/04 TBA, Atlanta
07/31/04 Dixie Tavern, New Orleans
08/01/04 Axiom, Houston
08/02/04 TBA, Austin
08/03/04 Wreck Room, Ft. Worth
08/05/04 TBA, Amarillo
08/06/04 Launch Pad, Albuquerque
08/07/04 Mason, Jar Arizona
08/08/04 TBA, LA/Long Beach
08/09/04 TBA, LA/Long Beach
08/10/04 TBA, San Francisco

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Pharaoh And Jezabel Cover Artworks: JP Fournier Confirmed

Artwork Master JP Fournier (Edguy, Mystic Circle, DragonForce,
Stormlord, etc.) has gladly accepted to take care of both Pharaoh and
Jezabel covers!

Pharaoh's The Longest Night and Jezabel's yet untitled third album
will be released, respectively, in May and June 2005.

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-"Blackest Of The Black" Tour 2004 Announces Fall Lineup And Last
Danzig Tour

HOLLYWOOD (July 9, 2004) -- The Fall bill for "Blackest Of The Black"
2004 Tour has been announced. It will be Danzig w/ X-Misfits Band-mate
Doyle in a guest set, original Black Metal Legends Mayhem, Devil
Driver featuring former Coal Chamber front-man Dez Farfara, Death
Angel Reunion (S.F. Death Metal Legends) and dark newcomers Eyes Of
Fire.

"Blackest Of The Black" organizer Glenn Danzig had this comment: "At
least in the foreseeable future... this will be my last tour. It seems
like I have been touring my whole life and I want to take some time
for myself and do many of the things I've always wanted to do, like
direct my first feature film, which I will be doing this next year."

As this may be the last show for Glenn Danzig to tour as Danzig, he
explains about the show and lineup with former band-mate Doyle. "So,
to do this right, I invited Doyle to join Danzig on Stage at 'Blackest
Of The Black' for a 'Special Guest' Misfits set. This is the first
time we will be performing on stage together in 20 years. It's the
closest thing to a Misfits Reunion anyone is ever going to see!"
Danzig will be supporting their new album "Circle Of Snakes" on sale
August 31st, 2004. This year's "Blackest Of The Black" looks to be an
Epic and Darkly monumental event. Tickets will go on sale July 25.

BLACKEST OF THE BLACK 2004

DANZIG
w/ Special Guest DOYLE (x-MISFITS)
MAYHEM
DEVIL DRIVER
DEATH ANGEL (Reunion)
EYES OF FIRE

Booking information: BOTBBooking2004@...

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Thundertrain Hell Tonite! CD Release Party Starts This Tuesday!!!

Thundertrain - Hell Tonite!
(Gulcher 424)

Tour 2004!!!

"How about some hot rock'n'roll? From the Hell's Angels in Salem and
the Summit Club...I bring you Thundertrain!"

After offering up her introduction, petite deejay Leslie Palmiter runs
for cover as the floodgates open up behind her. The year is 1979 and
Thundertrain is being recorded for a midnight broadcast on Boston's
powerhouse FM station WCOZ. The band rumbles to life and erupts into
an orgy of fire-breathing Gibsons and massive Ludwig fury. "We're
gonna raise some HELL TONITE!" promises leather-voiced Mach Bell. The
hot'n'horny wailing guitar of Steven Silva, cockrockin' Bobby Edwards
on drums and the two-fisted Provost brothers Cool Gene and Ric on
rhythm guitar and Thunderbird bass seal the deal. Five years paying
dues with nothing to show for it except a roadcase full of songs, a
wall of Marshall stacks and a ferociously precise rock attack.

Back in 1974 these five suburban rockers decided rock'n'roll was their
ticket out of nowhere. Thundertrain was the vehicle they constructed
to take them to the top. Cram Eddie Cochran, Black Oak Arkansas and
Slade into a blender. Pour in a shot of 70s decadence and a dash of
the puritanical New England environment that the Thundertrain boys
were raised in. Gulp that cocktail down and hop into the Thundertrain
hot rod. Hold on tight because these lads never bothered to install a
steering wheel or brakes.

While the music industry romanced disco, punk and the new wave crazes,

Thundertrain stubbornly stuck to their mega-watt Chuck Berry riff'n'
roll formula. Studying their rock forefathers but never copying them,
Thundertrain forged a distinct and original sound. They became one of
the early Boston DIY bands, producing their own concerts, fanzines and
records to the delight of their devoted fans, whom the band called
"Thundertroopers."

Thundertrain -- Hell Tonite!!!

Five years later on February 1, 1979, with over 1000 one-nighters
under their belts, Thundertrain swaggered onto the Summit stage
rocking harder, heavier and hairier than ever before. Now a quarter
century later, hear the climatic, never-before-told final chapter of
the Thundertrain story. Hell Tonite! takes off like a deathrace and
burns rubber through 13 hellraising tracks. Guitarists Steven Silva
and Gene Provost provide five new original songs. The lyrical theme is
classic Thundertrain, with Thundertrain vs. Parental Authority
("Counterattack"), Thundertrain vs. Girls ("Afterschool") and
Thundertrain vs. High School ("Readin'Riotin'Rock'n'Roll"). Hear a
supercharged run-through of their Rat anthem "I Gotta Rock"
(Thundertrain vs. Disco) and an extended version of their breakthrough
1976 underground hit "Hot For Teacher!"

Hell Tonite! also features Thundertrain's kustomized version of the
Standells "Dirty Water" and a no-holds-barred blast through Slade's
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now." Listening to Hell Tonite! it becomes
immediately clear how far the group had progressed sonically since
their widely known earlier 1975-1977 recordings, collected on Teenage
Suicide (Gulcher 411).

The '79 Summit performance turned out to be one of the final
Thundertrain shows and homemade tapes of the original WCOZ Playback
program have been trading hands for decades now. Thundertroopers
regard the Summit recording as the band's holy grail--the real
Thundertrain sound captured as they remember hearing it at The Rat,
CBGBs and a hundred biker bars and high school cafeterias around the
northeast.

Gulcher Records has gone back to the original Starfleet Mobile master
reel to include two "lost" tracks that were cut from the original
radio broadcast. The entire concert has been restored, re-mastered and
is presented today in its finest uncut form. The Gulcher package
includes recently uncovered photos and new liner notes from lead
vocalist Mach Bell detailing the final days of the legendary
Thundertrain. Hell Tonite! is truly the ultimate Thundertrain trip.

Catch Thundertrain LIVE!!
Thundertrain Hell Tonite! Tour 2004!!!

Get Yer Gulcher At:
http://www.gulcher.gemm.com/

Captain Trip Japanese Imports!!
Now Only $12 Each!!
(Great prices on multiples too!)
http://www.hometown.aol.com/gulcherrecords/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Transmission0 US Release Date Set

Philadelphia: Go Kart Records today confirms August 24 as the US
release date for the debut album from Netherland-based aggressive
metal/hardcore band Transmission0. Simply titled 0 (Zero), it is the
band's first introduction to stateside audiences as previously related
projects and recordings have been primarily unavailable for most US
music listeners.

An impressive recording that is expected to firmly launch the band's
US profile, 0 was completely created (recorded/mixed) at the band's
own Behind Green Door Studios in Tilburg, The Netherlands with
guitarist Mischa van Rodijnen serving as both album producer and
mixer. "At first it didn't look as if we would ever really start this
band," says bassist Dave van Beek of the album and the band's early
formation. "After the break up of our former band (Reveal), Mischa and
I decided we wanted to start a dark, heavy and atmospheric band. And
it took us three years to get everything to our liking in place."

Originally planning to work with small European indie Garden of Exile
Records, Transmission0 switched paths earlier this year when
recordings by the band were received by long-respected US label, Go
Kart Records. More known for punk rock, in which the label is home to
The Meatmen, Buzzcocks, G.B.H., Lunachicks, Ten Foot Pole and the
recent reissue of Pigmy Love Circus (featuring Tool drummer Danny
Carey), the two agreed to align together. Three months of work would
find 0 completed and ready for the worldwide stage.

"I cannot express really how happy I am with the result, especially
considering we have done it all on our own." says van Beek. "We didn't
have a producer or really expensive studio equipment. It was just us
and the stuff we had at that moment. We are really proud of this
album."

To first time listeners, Transmission0 is best likened to a mix of
Isis, Neurosis, Mastodon and Cave-In. The band seemlessly steers from
the highly charged and fast album opener "Journey" and "San Miguel" to
the somber and hypnotic "U-Boot." Their musical ying and yang finds
comfort in the mixing of opposites - once passive then chaotic.

Completed by keyboardist Michiel van de Avoird, drummer Bart Waalen
and guitarist Leon de Goot, Transmission0 have crafted an impressive
first recording. Track listing for 0 is confirmed as: Journey, vs
Vampire, San Miguel, **, The Return, U-boot, Dust Like Sand, Ether,
Serenity, ***.

Go Kart Records is distributed exclusively in the US and Canada by
Koch Entertainment and Plastichead Music Distribution for all European
territories.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Seasons Of The Wolf Update

**New live photo page update.

SOTW introduces drummer Scott Thaker and bassist Steve Satyr in the
line-up. Over the next few months SOTW will be hard at work finishing
up recordings for the 4th album titled "Orna Verum" to be released in
early 2005. Photos of the new line-up first live show at the
Masquerade Ybor City, FL are posted.

http://www.sotwmetal.com/photopagenew.html

**Horror show host Butch R. Cleaver from Cincinnati, OH has a feature
page on SOTW. For several months Butch has been passing out SOTW
sample CD's at horror show conventions and featuring SOTW music videos
on his show Meet Cleaver Theatre.

http://www.meetcleaver.com/eyeball.html

**SOTW has just finished scoring the main theme and other backing
concept music to be used in Tri-Toad Productions new horror film
titled "The BloodStained Bride."

SOTW music titles for the film include main theme BloodStained Bride,
The Kill Scene, Freaky Madeline, Happy Humping, The Bite, and a vocal
song Apocalyptic Sex.

http://www.tritoadfilms.com/BloodStainedBride.htm

** Reviews for 3 SOTW releases from our new supporters in Romania.

http://www.metal-silvae.tk/

**Newest Interview with SOTW guitarist Skully at Longhairedmen Heavy
Metal & Rock N Roll Webzine.

http://www.longhairedmen.com/html/sotw.html

Thanks
Wes - Skully - Dennis - Steve - Scott
SOTW
http://www.sotwmetal.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-John5 Going Solo

Former Manson Family Shredder Releases New Instrumental "Vertigo" On
Shrapnel Records

"John5 is an underrated guitar Giant. It's rare to hear a musician
fuse various styles and create a unique blend and brand all his own.
It takes balls but that's what's needed to be truly original." --
Steve Vai

HOLLYWOOD (July 13, 2004) – John5 is best known for his tour-of-duty
with the controversial Marylin Manson. "I had a great run with Marilyn
Manson. It was a lot of fun and it was a really great experience, but
I've got a lot of other stuff going on. I'm busier now than I was on
tour," explains John5. A lot of stuff going on indeed. While playing
with famed guitar guru Les Paul in New York, Paul gave John5 some good
old-fashioned advice. He told the player to venture out with his
monster playing ability and go solo. Influenced by Les Paul's advice,
John5 is unleashing solo project aptly named Vertigo.

John5's signature brand of crunching metal & Delta dynamite pickin has
been a long time in the making. At 7 years old, John5 picked up the
guitar and was influenced by all the sounds his father and radio
subjected him too. "My Dad listened to country and bluegrass, which
directly influenced me. I used to watch Hee Haw and loved the guy on
the banjo. Of course KISS was another defining factor in my playing. I
love it all," exclaims John5. Vertigo is the bastard child of this
intriguing combination of influences.

Vertigo is deemed caustic and aggressive, but the disc also covers a
range of diverse music, far detached from Manson's style, including
bluegrass, jazz and classical. Rearranging 100 year old country
standards like Sugar Foot Rag and Sweet Georgia Brown, John5 recorded
these treasures pursuant to a younger generation being a cross between
heavy rock and aggressive country. "I'm so f---ing proud of this
thing," John5 said. "Marilyn Manson's music is somewhat limiting, so I
sometimes felt like I was watching a porno movie and couldn't get off.
It was really frustrating. Now I feel fully satisfied." Vertigo is his
first release under his own name and marks a return to John5's roots
as a guitarist. It is also the first instrumental guitar album of his
career.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-New Release At Radiant!

We at Radiant hope things are going well for you this summer. We just
got the American version of Neal Morse's Testimony DVD in stock
yesterday so, if you were waiting, now's your chance. It really is an
incredible experience.

Here's a new release we just got in:

Glass Hammer - Live At NEARfest

Live At NEARfest is Glass Hammer's follow-up to the critically
acclaimed DVD Lex Live. Glass Hammer is in top form, performing
selections from Chronometree, Perelandra, and the symphonic
masterpiece, Lex Rex.

Soaring keyboards, poignant guitars, and top-notch vocals, rounded out
with an 18-member chorus and a surprise guest appearance by Richard
Williams of Kansas make this a one-of-a-kind live recording. The album
was meticulously mixed and mastered by Steve Babb and Fred Schendel at
Sound Resources to ensure maximum sound quality.

"One of the top 5 live CDs I have ever heard." -- Jon Yarger,
ProgRadio.net

"This is the definitive Glass Hammer CD, an essential purchase for any
fan of keyboard based symphonic prog rock." -- Rob LaDuca, President
and Co-Founder of NEARfest and NEARfest.com

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

Happy Listening,

Jessica Mears
Radiant Records

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Judas Priest Segment Planned To Air On "Entertainment Tonight"

"Entertainment Tonight" recently caught up with the reunited Judas
Priest this past weekend at their 2004 tour kick-off in Hartford, CT.
The show is planning to air the behind-the-scenes feature which led up
to the band's debut U.S. performance with legendary vocalist Rob
Halford this Wednesday, July 14th.

Check local listings for times and stations "Entertainment Tonight"
airs in your town.

ET's official website is: http://et.tv.yahoo.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Ex-Blood Feast Member Forms New Band: Lament

Ripping Thrash Metal with Devastating Female Vocals.

Ex-Blood Feast drummer forms new band Lament. Members include Kevin
Kuzma - Drums (Blood Feast), John Blicharz - Guitar, Karl Odenwalder -
Bass Guitar & Linda Alexander - Vocals. Formed early 2004, Lament has
been in the studio writing material for a recording due out by the end
of the year & will be shopping for a label.

Lament will be playing its first ever live show on Friday July 23rd at
"the Arena at Georges" located at 245-249 Ave. E (corner of 22nd St. &
Ave. E) Bayonne NJ.

For further info please visit the official site at:
http://www.LAMENTBAND.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Reminder: Robin McAuley In Concert This Friday

Robin McAuley in concert, this Friday, July 16th, 2004 @ the
Paladino's Club in Tarzana, CA.

For more information/tickets visit http://www.robinmcauley.com/ .

Help to support Robin and come to the show if you can.

http://www.robinmcauley.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-MTM Music Newsletter

Current July Releases:

FATE "A Matter Of Attitude" release: 05.07.2004
MTM COMPILATION "Rock Ballads" release: 12.07.2004

Upcoming August Releases:

ANNICA "Badly Dreaming" release: 16.08.2004

Upcoming September Releases:

KICK AXE "IV" release: 06.09.2004
PULSE "Worlds Apart" release: 13.09.2004
707 "The Bridge" release: 20.09.2004

MTM is proud to announce the signing of Silver!

The main men behind Silver are singer Gary Barden who already worked
for MSG, Statetrooper and Praying Mantis, guitarist Michael Voss
(Demon Drive, Casanova, Mad Max, ex-Bonfire), and current Deep Purple
keyboard player Don Airey who also played for Ozzy Osbourne,
Whitesnake, Gary Moore and many more. Besides the fact that the Silver
debut album "Dream Machines" (2002) had sensational sales figures in
Europe, it even held the number 1 position in the Japanese import
charts for about 5 weeks. Many people may have thought Silver was one
of those "all star projects" that are history after just one album.
For fans of the European style of classic melodic hard rock, this
album has a lot to offer: a strong feel for melodies combined with
perfect musicality of top-notch artists. The line-up of Silver reads
like a "who is who" of rock history! The new album is called
"Addiction" and scheduled for a worldwide release in late October
2004.

Deep Impact Open Air: TNT, Dare, Fate live on stage!

Top acts playing at the Deep Impact Open Air Festival in Munich
include ( http://www.deep-impact2004.de/ ): Gotthard, TNT, Primal
Fear, Dare, Kingdom Come, Fate and Skew Siskin.

Regular tickets: http://www.musicbuymail.com/

MTM Classix signed Annica!

"Badly Dreaming" was the title of the first and only album released by
the Finnish artist Annica Viclund. For the time being, it was only
released on vinyl. Being a fan of bands like Van Halen, David Lee
Roth, Dio or Havana Black, it was clear for Annica to devote herself
to rock music. So, an album in the vein of late '80s hard rock was
created. Annica impresses the listener with her strong, expressive and
husky voice. All songs and lyrics on "Badly Dreaming" were almost
solely penned by Annica herself. Later, the album was released on CD
but it was only available for a short time and in very limited
quantity. Fans from all over the world paid lots of money to get hold
of a copy, which was mostly sold on internet auctions. Now, "Badly
Dreaming" will finally be re-released -- fully digitally re-mastered
and including 5 bonus tracks taken off the very rare album by Annica's
later band Pink Flamingo.

The release is scheduled for August, 16th, 2004 and the album is only
available through MusicBuyMail.com

MTM will release an unreleased 707 album!

After many years a long lost treasure has finally been found and the
forgotten album "The Bridge" will be released in September. In 1977
Jim McClarty (drums) and Kevin Russell (guitar) founded the band 707.
Later, Duke McFadden (keyboards) and Phil Bryant (vocals) completed
the line-up which had big radio hit "I Could Be Good For You". 1981
saw a very successful tour together with REO Speedwagon throughout the
United States of America. Afterwards, the band wrote songs for the
next album "The Bridge", which was 'forgotten on the shelf' and has
never been released until now. Phil Bryant had to quit his vocal
duties which were then inherited by Kevin Chalfant. Numerous songs had
to be re-recorded with Kevin's vocals and so the album could finally
be completed. The first single "Mega Force" -- which was also used as
the theme for the same-titled movie -- hit the charts and made its way
up to the US Top 10. In 1983, the group disbanded. Now and many years
later the forgotten album "The Bridge" will be released by MTM
Classix. All songs have been re-mastered and remixed. The gem contains
3 bonus tracks, which were recorded during the album sessions, but
never planned to be released.

MTM signed Nightvision:

Nightvision (Sweden) has been writing songs and rocked a lot of souls
on local pubs n' bars seens the start in the early year of 2001. Peter
Högberg on vocals is very much influenced by Ray Gillen (Badlands). By
the rest of the members you can hear a lot of Zakk Wylde, John Bonham,
John Lord etc....

The members of Nightvision has also played in many different
constellations of bands before Nightvision, like rock- Pop- Blues and
of course Hard rock bands. Stylewise Nightvision delivers songs in a
mix between, Pink Cream 69, Ozzy, Magnum etc.... Songs like "Soldier
of a dark land", "Enemy lines" and "Thin line between love n'hate" are
some of the heavy melodic songs on the coming debut album. The yet
untitled album will see its light in a speedy future to come.

MTM signed Pulse:

The Pulse mainman Vince O'Regan came to prominence playing in Magnum
vocalist Bob Catley's solo band, playing on all tours since 2000 & the
highly acclaimed "When Empires Burn" album. One of the most striking
elements of the Pulse material is the superb vocalist Simon Abbotts.
Following the release of the debut album, the band quickly set the
standard on the live circuit with appearances opening for Company Of
Snakes, Toby Jepson (Little Angels) and appearing at the prestigious
Gods Of AOR festivals in both 2001 and 2002. The new album "Worlds
Apart" produced by Vince O'Regan sees the band adapt a stronger guitar
feel, with the silky vocals of Simon Abbotts and memorable keyboard
lines which makes the album so memorable. Joining Vince & Simon in the
studio for the new album are Andy Mills on bass and Scott Barrow on
drums. "Worlds Apart" is a classic slice of pure british AOR in the
vein of vigilante era Magnum, Heartland, Atlantic, and early Dare. The
new album is expected for a September release.

Tommy Denander is working on a new Radioactive album:

Tommy Denander is back in the studio working on a follow-up album to
"Yeah" which received enthusiastic feedback. The Powerplay magazine
stated among others: "The album is full of great songs bristling with
an impressive wealth of ideas, haunting melodies, passionate vocals by
the world-class guest singers, and Tommy Denander's extra-ordinary
guitar playing. No matter how hard I struggle, it's impossible to give
any of the 12 songs a negative review. ... Go and listen for
yourself!" On the new album you can expect classy AOR songs and as
usual Tommy managed to get some big names as guest musicians: Steve
Lukather, Neal Schon, Fergie Frederiksen, Bobby Kimball, Jim Peterik,
Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Franklin, Reb Beach, Michael Landau, Michael
Thompson.

The album is scheduled for early 2005.

MTM signed Broke[N]Blue!

Broke[N]Blue, Sweden is an AOR project playing the original music of
guitar/keyboardplayer Lars Abrahamsson. The vocals are shared between
Eva Eggesjö-Abrahamsson and Peter Gustavsson. Ulf Vestlund plays bass
and drums and produces their music together with Lars. Stylewise
Broke[N]Blue delivers good melodic songs in a mix between Heart and
Roxette, due to the double vocalists. Influences are wide and varied
from bands like Journey, Toto, Foreigner, Def Leppard and Van Halen.
The debut album "Northern Light" gained a lot of good reviews and the
concept with shared male/female vocals turned out to be a winner,
giving a new dimension and great variety to the whole CD. During 2002-
2003 new songs were written by Lars, and a new album was planned, but
was postponed due to lack of time for all involved in the project. The
work with the new album is proceeding for a planned release later this
year. Lars' own words about the new album: "It will be the same style,
keyboard-dripping guitar driven melodic songs with great vocals, this
time maybe leaning more to a classic rock sound with piano and organ,
and not so much of those synthesizer sounds of the '80s".

MTM Music recording update of forthcoming releases:

The new Shy album is nearly finished.

Tony Mills: "The material is guitar based, both electric and acoustic.
Shy have decided to continue along the lines of a writing style that
moves away from keyboards, utilising acoustic guitar to colour the
sound rather than using strings and pianos. Initial sounds remind me
of a heavy 'Journey', mixed with previous Shy material as you would
expect."

Roy Davis: "We're all doing pretty good. There are some great ideas
for the new album, up to now there are about 12 songs in the melting
pot that need to be sorted out. It sounds very much like Unfinished
Business, but with a natural progression, and remember we have two
guitar players now so it will be massive. A fairly commercial album
all round, with Mr. Harris utilising his new found habit of playing
long guitar solos as much as he did on 'Unfinished Business'. A very,
very, guitar based album. However, saying that, we have drafted in a
session keys player in Joe Basketts. Joe worked for me on the first
half of the solo project and can get the best of a keyboard upside
down and inside out. I think Paddy McKenna has moved to Bristol now,
so he obviously didn't have any intentions with regard to recording
with Shy again. Quite a surprise, really.

"We have made moves to record with Sound Engineer and all round sonics
whizzkid Simon Bishop.

"Simon has recorded several projects that I've helped produce, and is
front man to an awesome band called Seven Cycles. I managed Simon for
a while in the late nineties and gathered interest in London for him.
Above and Beyond this, he is a remarkable sound engineer and I am
eager to be working with him again. Simon has his own studio in
Highgate, Birmingham and it may be that we record at his place instead
of the Music Station afterall."

It's lookin' to be a twelve track album, with a running time of around
60-70 minutes and a fall release date.

Safe Haven, Michael Vescera: "The recordings or going great!! We've
just finished all the guitars and they sound killer. Eric Rordan did a
great job with the guitars, very melodic. We will be finished with the
vocals sometime next week. The drum tracks (Phil Suarez of
Soundscape), bass (Chris McCarvill of Jeff Scott Band, XFactorX,
Obsession) and keys (Eric Riordan) are also finished and sound great
as well. We will begin mixing the following week and off to be
mastered and delivered. The whole CD sounds amazing (songs, playing,
etc.), all the guys did a great job. Mats Olausson was meant to guest
on the CD, but his scheduling didn't allow it. Mats will most likely
be part of the touring group and the next Safe Haven CD."

Edge Of Forever, Alessandro DelVeccio: "This week the 'Feeding The
Fire' is released worldwide but we are closed in the studio writing
and recording the new material for the next record! We have 10 new
fresh songs...I can assure you that are really killer songs...in the
vein of the first record....but stronger in the music...I am e-mailing
with Bob Harris about the recordings and Bobby Barth will produce the
new album! We have booked the flights from 24th august till 14
september...Bob will reach us the 12th september so that we can talk
about the vocals and shoot the photographs..."

Greenhouze, Lars Levin Berget: "As Mario told me, the release of the
1. Greenhouze album will be early fall 2004, right? I think I will be
finished with the cover-packaging design and the remix of 'Waterline'/
remaster in the middle of June. Greetings from Solli, we celebrated
the signing together last Thursday, as we live far apart, and Norway
is a long Country. I'm allready into auditioning live-musicians for
Greenhouze, and I have gotten positive feedback from some top-players.
I'll get back to you later with that. I'm also looking at a place to
install my studio gear nearby my appartement in Oslo, as we will start
recording demos for the 2.album during the fall of 2004. Just too much
going on at one time - I guess you know what I'm talking about... I
will also design a new web-site during the summer."

Heartplay, Sakari Salli: "Heartplay start recording their new album
30.5.2004. There has been lot of talk about the way that this record
should be done, should we record everything live, even without a click
track, which I suppose is quite rare these days, or then the usual
way, first drums and bass and then everything else. Now it seems that
we are going to do both ways since the songs are bit different to each
other. There are going to be very Heartplayish classic rock songs with
Kimmo Blom's soaring voice, but also few, could we say, deeper and
dramatic songs. As this record is going to be ready by July 2004 it's
going to be very, very busy June for us, but as we have done our
preproduction very carefully there's no worries. We are going to
record 15 songs and then deside which songs end up to the upcoming
album! best regards, Sakari"

Kick Axe, Larry Gillstrom: "Things are falling into place quite well
for North America. The mastering is now complete. We used Craig Wadell
at Gotham City studio, he is considered one of the best in this part
of the world, and he did a great job. I'm just trying to raise enough
money for our video production and the US publicist. Yes, the 6th of
September is confirmed. I expect to have the final artwork and the
master recording to you by the first week of June."

Seven Wished, Tony Westgård: "Drums and almost all bass parts has been
recorded. Toby will begin to record the guitar (hopefully) on
wednesday or thursday, and after that we'll start to record the
vocals. All the trax are almost finished (Just some lyricslines for me
to take care of) I think I've mentioned it earlier, we would like to
call the album 'Destination: Alive'".

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

Have fun and best regards!

MAJOR MTM MUSIC & PUBLISHING
Pariser Str. 1
D - 81669 München, Germany
http://www.mtm-music.com/

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

-Random thoughts for the week... Saxon's new album, LIONHEART, is due
September 20 on SPV Records. I am really looking forward to this one
as 2001's KILLING GROUND was a superb release. Saxon seems to get
heavier and better with age. On a side note, drums will be compliments
of Jörg Michael (Stratovarius), who will also join the group on their
upcoming tour. Fritz Randow has reportedly left the band in order to
concentrate on other projects and might rejoin the group at some point
in the future... Megadeth mastermind Dave Mustaine has been quite
vocal on Megadeth's Web site as of late, http://forums.megadeth.com/ ,
with interesting read on why Dave Jr. is no longer in the band...
Primal Fear's song "The Healer" from DEVIL'S GROUND is slotted to be
on the soundtrack for the upcoming movie "Alone In The Dark." That's
pretty cool... Masterplan's new CD is scheduled to be out in the
beginning of 2005. I enjoyed their last offering but believed it
failed to live up to expectations. Now that the band has had time to
gel I expect this new CD to be one of the best Metal releases of next
year. They are working with producer Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy,
Nevermore, Fozzy) so we will see if he can bring the best out of the
boys... I heard some fabulous news from the Mountain King himself, Jon
Oliva, that Damond Jiniya is still an active member of Savatage. I am
still crossing my fingers and saying my prayers that he shows up at
ProgPower USA V, as seeing Damond, Zak Stevens, and Jon on the stage
at the same time would be mind-blowing!

-Quote of the Week: "I have never advocated war except as a means of
peace" -- Ulysses S. Grant

-Song of the Week: "Ambassador" by Evergrey

-Playing in the Lake of Fire this week: THE GOD THING by Vanden Plas,
DEVIL'S GROUND by Primal Fear, OVER THE EDGE by Over The Edge
(featuring Mickey Thomas), and WAITING FOR THE SUN by Unruly Child.

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

-This Week: "UNFINISHED BUSINESS"

Author's Note: Earlier this year I ended one of my "Mega-Vault"
columns with the promise of a follow-up entitled "CD Wars." Then, as
regular "Mega-Vault" readers should be used to by now, the
responsibilities of life (fatherhood, home ownership and yard
maintenance, pet care and other husbandly duties) took me away on a
sabbatical that lasted damn near three months(!). By the time I
started to get back into the "Mega-Vault" groove again I had other,
more current things to write about and the promised "CD Wars" column
never materialized. However, in response to overwhelming public demand
(sound of crickets chirping...) the Mega-Vault Management has decided
that it's finally time to dust off this "lost column," give it a few
tweaks to bring it up to date, and present it to the masses. (In other
words, I had nothing better to write about this week.) So sit back and
enjoy this blast from the not-so-distant past!

Most of you know by now that I work in the advertising department of a
major newspaper conglomerate in New Jersey. I sit in a somewhat quiet
corner and fortunately my boss doesn't have a problem with her
employees listening to music during working hours, as long as it isn't
loud enough to piss off the people at the surrounding desks. For quite
some time I was the only music geek in my department, so I was the
only one who bothered to bring CDs in to work. Naturally, I reveled in
the freedom of feeding a never-ending series of discs into the iTunes
player on my Mac and rockin' out while I worked all day, every day. Of
course, I should've known it couldn't last forever. Late last year a
new guy joined my department whose musical geekery rivaled my own.
Frank's in his early 20s and is a fellow metalhead, but as you might
expect given his young age, he's into the current metal sound, meaning
he's a regular OZZfest attendee and a follower of the death, black and
"metal-core" scenes that all the kids seem so crazy about these days.
(SIGH...) Needless to say, his first few weeks in our department
resulted in some musical friction. Frank would dismiss my Iron Maiden
and Helloween CDs as "dated" or "passé" (the nerve!), while cueing up
CDs by bands with names like "Every Time I Curl Up Between The Buried
And Me And Watch Them Die In Three Inches Of Blood" that to my aged
ears simply sounded like cats being thrown into a cement mixer. At
first we both tried to listen to CDs at the same time, which didn't
really work too well since Frank sat directly behind me. The
combination of old school and new school metal blaring from our
computers would result in a wall of white noise so chaotic that
neither of us could possibly enjoy our music (and it was starting to
annoy our surrounding co-workers as well), so we eventually settled
into a truce of sorts. We now take turns spinning CDs instead of
trying to outdo each other (much to the relief of the rest of our
department) and in the few months since then we've actually found SOME
common ground. For example, we both appreciate Black Sabbath, Alice In
Chains, and In Flames (although Frank disputes my opinion that In
Flames' last CD that was worth a crap was CLAYMAN...), Dream Theater
puts us both to sleep, and we both agree that HammerFall's video for
"Hearts On Fire" is one of the funniest damn things we've ever seen.
I've even learned that some of Frank's bands like Machine Head, Dark
Tranquillity and Dimmu Borgir have their moments (who knew?),
musically at least. (I still can't handle the "extreme vocal" style.
Never could, never will. Besides, I swear Dimmu's vocalist sounds like
an old guy having a rough time on the can...) On the other hand, I've
also learned that I HATE Slipknot. I mean, I REALLY, REALLY hate
Slipknot. :-) Frank, for his part, seemed genuinely surprised that I
have a working knowledge of some of "his" bands like Prong and Morbid
Angel (and that I actually saw both bands live back in my college
days), and has even occasionally asked my old-schooler opinion on a
metal trivia question. (We had a lively discussion not long ago about
who could be considered the first "death metal" band...and though much
credit has to go to Chuck Schuldiner and Death, the nitpicker in me
still says that, various demo bands aside, the first group to truly
unleash the "Arrgle barrrgle farrrgle snarrrgle" vocal style on an
album was Possessed, whose SEVEN CHURCHES debut dropped way back in
1985, a full two years before Death's SCREAM BLOODY GORE appeared.
Possessed had a song called "Death Metal" on that album too. So
THERE!) All in all, it's been an educational experience for me.
Besides, I still find ways to get my digs in and stand up for us
old-school metal types. If you, like me, are faced with the prospect
of sharing a workspace with a "young metaller," you might be
interested in the following list of suggestions on how to wage your
OWN "CD Wars." You may not win the war, but you'll have a hell of a
lot of fun trying.

...When the person is listening to a Slipknot CD, ask, "Who is this,
Mushroomhead?" Then when they listen to Mushroomhead, ask, "Who is
this, Slipknot?" (Variation: Whenever Mushroomhead comes on, ask,
"These are the guys who have a beef with Slipknot, right?" Do this
EVERY TIME he listens to the CD. It drives 'em crazy!) :-)

...If the person plays a particularly annoying CD, respond with
something from the King Diamond or Mercyful Fate catalogs when it's
your turn. Metalcore fans apparently REALLY hate King Diamond's voice.
They react to the King the way the Knights Who Say "Nee" react to the
word "It" in "Monty Python & The Holy Grail." Actually, just about any
band with a high-pitched vocalist (i.e. Queensryche, Judas Priest,
Jacobs Dream, etc., etc.) works well, but K.D. seems to be the most
grating. :-)

...Take every available opportunity to let the younger fan know that
you pity him because he wasn't around in the '80s, therefore he
"doesn't understand" your music because he "wasn't THERE." Follow this
up with stories about how all metal bands, concerts and videos were
"SO much better" back in your day, while imitating Grampa Simpson's
voice. ("Back in MY day we didn't HAVE 'Headbanger's Ball'... we had a
little device called the radio, or 'wireless' to you and me...")

...If you hear the same black metal CD more than three plays in a row,
threaten to retaliate with a weeklong marathon of hair metal albums,
which are Kryptonite to a black metal fan. "I have the entire Warrant,
Cinderella, and Stryper discographies with me today, kid... DON'T
FORCE ME TO USE THEM!"

...During those black metal CDs, ask him if any of the musicians
involved have ever burned a church or killed any former band members.
If the answer is "no," reply "Pffft... amateurs!" :-)

These suggestions should get you on the road to endless workplace fun
and games. As for me, I will continue to fight the good fight for all
us old metal farts, even though I'm slowly becoming outnumbered where
I work. Last week Frank got one of his friends (whose taste in music
closely mirrors his own) a job in our department. So now it's two
against one? That doesn't seem very fair...ahhh, the hell with it,
bring 'em on!

-THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST: Trouble - s/t (1990); Lacuna Coil - COMALIES;
Recon - BEHIND ENEMY LINES; The Cult - HIGH OCTANE CULT; Deliverance -
GREETINGS OF DEATH, ETC.

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
VISION - ON THE EDGE (C+) Lion Music, 2004
10 tracks, RT 47:01
[ jjt_papagiannidis@... ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
PERSPECTIVE: I had not heard Lars Eric Mattsson's Vision (not to be
confused with Vision from Chicago, IL) before although I am familiar
with his guitar playing on numerous other projects, most of which were
rooted in the progressive style. So when this CD was billed as AOR/
Melodic Rock I was intrigued to hear it. REVIEW: This is an
interesting mix of melodic/classic AOR styled songs with a hint of
progressiveness and multiple styles of Latin/waltz/rock flavors
sprinkled in for good measure. Lars plays some great guitar solos on
here and they are definitely the highlight of the CD. The leads are
well constructed and played within the song structure as apposed to
over-the-top. Lion Music's Web site states that singer John Jeff Touch
"does sound just like Freddie Mercury at times..." I must totally
disagree with this; he sounds nothing like Freddie, but moreso like a
dynamic version of Terry Ilous from XYZ. If you like Terry's style of
vocals you will be very satisfied with the singing on this release.
John shows a colorful range and sounds good, though his high register
may be too much for some. The production is good but the rhythm
guitars are lacking punch and some of these songs could have benefited
from the extra emotional boost that some heavier rhythms would have
added. This critically holds back the impact that these songs could
have had. "Feel The Cold Wind" could be a definitive power ballad with
a heavier bottom end. John really lays it all out on this song with a
great vocal performance. "Feels So Strange" has a very cool power
waltz feel to it and exhibits the diversity that this collection of
songs on this CD has. It just disappoints me for as good as the lead
guitar sound is on this the rhythm guitar sounds so dead. This very
well could have been the sound they were going for as they might not
have wanted to sound too heavy, but in this humble listener's opinion
I think the songs could have benefited greatly form it. SUMMARY: ON
THE EDGE is definitely for fans of Lars Eric Mattsson and those of you
who like diverse melodic rock with a wide range of styles incorporated
into the songs. It would have gotten a better grade if the rhythm
guitar sound had not bothered me so much. - Sean P. Gahgan
(lof@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*

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



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