Detritus
Issue #300
Week of December 13, 2004
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Tim Wadzinski, Editor
tsw512@...

Steve Shumake
vongoober@...
http://www.vongoober.com/

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Three hundred issues...wow. Time to pat ourselves on the back and
take a break. :) This is going to be the last issue for the year, but
we'll be back in January with our "2004 year in review" spiel. You
know the drill. :) Happy Holidays everyone! Be safe.

-I can't believe I didn't say this in the Newsflashes the last few
days, but we here at Detritus of course express our deep condolences
to all friends and family of Dimebag Darrell, Pantera, and Damageplan.
Still utterly shocked that happened... - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Z Records News

SONIC X DEBUT RELEASE IS WELL RECEIVED!

The debut release from Sonic X has sold extremely well since its
release. The band's critically acclaimed debut has already become one
of the top selling albums during November at most respected online
stores!

Meanwhile the band have begun preproduction work for their second
release which can be expected September 05.

SILENT RAGE ARE STILL ALIVE:

LA's Silent Rage have written three new songs for the their planned
4th studio album, we hope to have more news during early 2005.

HELL YEAH! THE RETURN OF BLACK 'N BLUE

Despite a few alleged credible sources stating that the Black 'N Blue
comeback release Hell Yeah! will never be released, we are very happy
to confirm that the album is still planned for early 05 and sound
samples will be available online here for review hopefully during
January. An update from Jaime St. James will also be online here
before Christmas.

Z NEED STREET TEAM MEMBERS IN THE UK

We are looking for street team members in the UK to help distribute
flyers, etc., in the following areas: Midlands, the North West, the
North East and London.

If you would like to help spread the word re: our artistes and the
evolution rock night please e-mail us at info@... with
"street teams" as your subject header [ please include your telephone
number etc.].

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Win A Ratt "Invasion Of Your Privacy" Gold Award

Perris Records is proud to announce a giveaway of an autographed Ratt
"Invasion Of Your Privacy" Gold Award.

This is from Stephen Pearcy's own personal collection that was given
to him in the '80s commemorating 500,000 albums sold.

The first 50 customers that buy Stephen Pearcy's "Fueler" CD from
Perris will go into a drawing to win the Gold record. The drawing will
be held on December 21st.

Hurry and buy now! You have a one in fifty chance of winning.

The picture of the award and details regarding the CD is posted at
Perris web site.

http://www.perrisrecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Zakk Wylde And 357 Custom Choppers Join Forces

357 Custom Choppers Releases A Series Of 9 Custom BLS Choppers With
Matching Die-Cast Replicas

HOLLYWOOD -- Zakk Wylde and 357 Custom Choppers are joining forces to
build a series of 9 custom choppers signed personally by Zakk himself
with matching die-cast replicas*. The Nine Custom Choppers are
designed to reflect the styles of Mr. Wylde's famous guitar schemes.

The Metal Chopper is #1 in the Zakk Wylde Chopper Series. This is
Zakk's personal ride. An undetermined number of this chopper design
will be die cast and made available to the public.

The second Chopper is fashioned after Zakk's new Camo Gibson Les Paul,
and is a numbered limited edition and is due out just in time for
Christmas.

The Bullseye Chopper, created after The Grail, Zakk's famous bullseye
guitar is #3 in the Zakk Wylde Chopper Series. Only 300 of each
chopper design will be die cast and made available to the public. The
Bullseye Chopper is a Special Collector's Edition and currently 125 of
this die-cast are left.

#4 of this series is Zakk's black & orange Saw Blade Chopper. An
undetermined number of this chopper design will be die cast and made
available to the public.

The last 5 choppers are works in progress as The King of Shred is
working hard on the designs of each and every one of the upcoming
choppers and die-casts. Also available is Zakk Wylde gear associated
with these choppers to complete your collection.

Collect Them All! Each Die Cast measures approximately: 2 1/2 inches
in height by 7 3/4 inches in length. Order yours online at
http://357customs.com/zakk.php . Pre-orders are available. Orders take
approx. 4 months to fill.

* Please note the die casts are not signed by Zakk Wylde.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Seasons Of The Wolf News

12/06/04 SOTW Newsletter

Hello

We hope all is well for you in life.

Now to catch up on some things going on in the world of SOTW.

SOTW now has a artist page at http://www.myspace.com/ . Anyone can
sign up as a member there, build your own personal profile page and
add yourself to our friends list. Its a cool place to meet other SOTW
friends. So check it out and go for it.

On with the News -

*Thanks goes out to Bill Bois for filling in on bass and Mark Empire
for filling in on drums during 2003 and the early part of 2004.
Finally after a long hard search we welcome aboard Steve Satyr as our
new bassist. And for a short time we had Scott Thacker on drums but
distance traveling from Orlando was a bit too much. We thank Scott for
being a cool drummer and hope to work with him again in the future.
Scott departed on good terms and is now on the list along with Mark as
fill-in drummers for times in case a important gig comes up. So, SOTW
is on the prowl again for a permanent replacement drummer. Anyone
seriously interested should contact us directly at this email address:
sotw@...

In the meantime we still have long time drummer Wayne Hoefle taking
part on his 4th album with SOTW. Although Wayne is not available for
live shows the recording is coming along fine with all drum tracks
complete for the new album. We are currently finishing off vocal
tracks, bass tracks and mixing. The album will be titled ORNA VERUM -
( Latin for "adorn the truth") and should be making its way into
circulation in late summer 2005 only 8 months away from now.

NEW REVIEWS INCOMING

Hammerblow - Cult Metal Webzine from Italy
http://www.hammerblow.org/

Metal Silvae Magazine Online from Romania
http://www.metal-silvae.tk/

HEADS UP!!

*SOTW's Lost In Hell music video will be on Chicago channel 19 Boom TV
*Episode #136
Tuesday nite, December 28th., 2004 @ 11:30
& Thursday nite, December 30th., 2004 @ 12:30

FILM

*THE BLOODSTAINED BRIDE
Starring Renee Madison Cole, Dave Moreton, and Joe Sperando. The
newest film from Tri-Toad Productions features the main theme scored
by SOTW and premiered on Sept. 1st 2004 at CineSpace in Hollywood, CA.
Also Sept. 4th at "The Little Show Of Horrors" Film Festival in
Fresno, CA. The film should soon be making its way in video stores.
Also look for SOTW in other film titles already out THE SEEKERS,
GOREGOYLES, THE VAN, UNDERBELLY, and TIME ENOUGH (part 2 in the Alien
Conspiracy series)
Reviews of BloodStained Bride
http://www.cultcuts.net/
http://www.monstersatplay.com/

Thanks
That's all for now. Hopefully soon after the first of the year we will
be back out playing shows again with a new drummer intact. Take care
and have a wonderful holiday season.

Seasons Of The Wolf
Skully, Wes, Dennis, Steve, and Wayne
http://www.sotwmetal.com/

***For more detailed news with film covers please visit
http://www.sotwmetal.com/news.html

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Screaming Ferret Wrecords/Escapi Music Reissues Rare CIA Release
Attitude

Intense Solo Album By Glenn Evans Of Nuclear Assault Delivers 9 Tracks
Of Pure Aggression

In whetted anticipation of the forthcoming Nuclear Assault studio
effort, Screaming Ferret Wreckords/Escapi Music has delved into the
vaults and, on January 4th, is issuing a re-mastered edition of
Attitude, the extremely rare sophomore solo effort by Nuclear
Assault's legendary drummer Glenn Evans under the moniker CIA.

Originally released to limited capacity in 1992, Attitude displays
both Glenn's amazing musical prowess, and his humanity. According to
Glenn, "The CIA Attitude album was recorded in a period of my life
when things were beginning to fall apart…my marriage, Nuclear Assault,
and life in general. Everyone has those periods in their life at one
time or another. I had a lot of emotions flowing through me and the
easiest way to get them out was through music. I was proud of it then,
and I'm proud of it now. It never really had a proper release, and
this time around it will."

Glenn describes this album as "one of the proudest moments of my
insane life." And for good reason. The 9 blistering tracks on Attitude
really show Glenn's abilities beyond just amazing skills as a drummer.
Glenn is a songwriter, and it shows. The opening track "Ace in the
Hole" compels the listener to chant along to the chorus, while "No
Need to Impress" illustrates Glenn's feelings of self-reliance.

The complete tracklisting for Attitude includes:

Ace In The Hole
Don't Waste My Time
Can't Find My Way
Sword Of Democles
Right Or Wrong
No Remorse
Pull The Trigger
No Need To Impress
Land Of Gloom And Doom

An MP3 of the track "Ace In The Hole" is available for download here:
http://www.screamingferret.com/sfw_audio/CIA_av/CIA_Ace_in_the_Hole.mp3

Perhaps the most impressive fact about this album is that it couples
Nuclear Assault's trademark aggression with Glenn's advanced technical
musicianship as he plays guitar, drums, bass, and provides vocals.
Glenn shares guitar duties with original Nuclear Assault axeman
Anthony Bramante and longtime friend, Dave DiPietro. This revival of a
creative teaming from the past would later lead to a strong addition
to the Nuclear Assault ranks: "It was also the beginning of re-uniting
with Dave DiPietro, my early co-band mate with T.T. Quick" says Glenn,
"In fact, this album was the stepping-stone for Dave to joining
Nuclear Assault for the Something Wicked album and tour. He is an
amazing guitarist, and I was proud to have him perform on the record."

With fans eagerly awaiting the new Nuclear Assault album due for
release in early 2005, Attitude is guaranteed to keep the metal masses
satisfied.

Check out the interactive CIA e-card here:
http://www.letstalkmetal.com/Bands/CIA/ecard.html

http://www.screamingferret.com/
http://www.escapi.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Overlorde Update

Just four days left until D-DAY! The December 17th release date for
Overlorde's debut full length CD "Return of the Snow Giant"! Our own
OPERATION OVERLORDE!

Big update at http://www.overlorde.com/ ! New section added! Enter THE
REALM OF THE SNOW GIANT for info about the CD release! Go there to
read the EXCELLENT reviews that have been pouring in!

SONIC AGE RECORDS can proudly announce official & exclusive
distribution of all its forthcoming releases in Germany, Austria &
Switzerland by TWILIGHT DISTRIBUTION. Other distribution deals are in
place or in process which will ensure all major territories except the
North America will have substantial distribution in place to meet for
the CD's December 17th release date (North American release date will
be delayed until after December 17th).

The Sonic Age Records Online Store is now open and accepting orders
worldwide!

Lyrics for the song STARCASTLE added.

The shirts being sold at the Overlorde's Cafe Press webstore will
cease being sold in December 2004. These being the original shirts
announcing Overlorde's signing with Cult Metal Classics (which is now
Sonic Age Records), so grab your collector's item before its gone!

Visit the CURRENT NEWS page at http://www.overlorde.com/ for links and
to read more!

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Sweden Rock Festival: Bomber News!

9 - 10 - 11 JUNE 2005 SÖLVESBORG

MOTORHEAD TO SWEDEN ROCK WITH A UNIQUE SHOW.
Will bring their bomber light rigg to Sweden for the first time!

We presume England's biggiest trio don't need any deeper introduction.
However, we do have a highly interesting and unique addition to make.
Motorhead will this time bring on the BIG machine!!! They will, for
the first time in Sweden, bring the entire aeroplane stage-rigg from
the "Bomber" tour! This is the first time it lands in Sweden, a one
time event only at Sweden Rock! The band has also been nominated for a
Grammy in the "Best Metal "Performance" category, where they compete
against bands like Slipknot, Hatebreed and Cradle Of Filth. He said
lights and there were massive lights, he said sound... and there was
Motorhead! Lemmy "Perpetuum Mobile" Kilminster, Phil Campbell and
Mikkey Dee will once again rock Sweden!

CONFIRMED BANDS SO FAR:

Motley Crue (US) only in Sweden
Accept (D) only in Sweden, Norway, Denmark.
DIO (UK)
Saxon (UK)
Kansas (US) only in Scandinavia
Styx (US) only in Scandinavia
Blackfoot (US) only in Scandinavia
Magnum (UK)
Hammerfall (S)
Helix (CAN) only in Europe
Vixen (US) only in Scandinavia
Sonata Arctica (FIN)
Robin Trower (US) only in Sweden
Nazareth (UK)
Shakra (CH)
Hellfueled (S)
Morgana Lefay (S)
Satanic Slauter (S)
Symphorce (S)
Crystal Eyes (S)
A.C.T (S)
Thyrfing (S)

For more information about Sweden Rock Festival:
http://www.swedenrock.com/

TICKETS

SAME PRICE AND SAME AMOUNT AS LAST YEAR
Visit our homepage for information about how to obtain tickets outside
Sweden. Tickets now available online in Denmark, Norway, Finland,
Germany, England. Remember that last year's festival was sold out 6
weeks before the opening day!
http://www.swedenrock.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-16 Years Of Silence... The Glorious Return Of A Legend -- Midnight

Black Lotus is really proud to announce the signing of the legendary
Crimson Glory singer, Midnight, who returns after 16 years in absolute
silence!

Words are not enough to describe his truly unique voice, which has
marked the history of recorded music and placed him among the most
influential singers of the 1980s.

The years have passed, but Midnight refused to get involved in any
musical projects after the amazing Crimson Glory albums... and the
silence breaks so he returns to the frontline with his first stunning
solo work titled SAKADA to be released around April 2005.

In his comeback (always shall be referred as the comeback of the
century!), he is surrounded by new musicians (Phil Anderson/Hammer
Dulcimer, Drums, Washboard, other percussion, Scott Gibson/ Electric
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin) as well as old friends, like Ben Jackson (the
rhythm guitarist of Crimson Glory) and other special guests.

Prepare your souls for a unique journey across the desert at night on
a camel that has no eyes... riding far away to a lonely paradise...

Midnight is here to stay...

http://www.black-lotus-recs.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-Virgin Steele Confirmed To Play At Bang Your Head!!! 10th Anniversary
Festival

Virgin Steele are confirmed to play at Bang Your Head!!! 2005
festival. The event is set to take place in Germany at the
Messegelände of Balingen on the 24th and 25th of June.

Bang Your Head!!! 2005 will be the 10th Bang Your Head!!! in a row and
is therefore themed "The Best of ten Years". To celebrate this
anniversary, the festival's organizers invited the most popular acts
of all former events. Alongside 22 acts that have rocked the
festival's stage before, another well-known very special guest will be
invited.

The list of artists set to perform at the Bang Your Head!!! festival
2005 at Balingen, Germany, 24th/25th of June:

TWISTED SISTER
MOTORHEAD
DIO
SAXON
DORO
SEBASTIAN BACH
GAMMA RAY
NEVERMORE
KROKUS
AXEL RUDI PELL
DESTRUCTION
VIRGIN STEELE
AMON AMARTH
TANKARD
CANDLEMASS
JAG PANZER
EXCITER
NASTY SAVAGE
VICIOUS RUMORS
DEMON

+ 2 more popular acts
+ 1 very special guest

All further details about the Bang Your Head!!! may be found at the
BYH!!! homepage at http://www.bang-your-head.de/ .

Tickets are availaible at ticket-hotline (+49-74 57-9 13 93) and via
homepage http://www.bang-your-head.de/ . Prices are 59, - Euro (plus
shipping) at presales. Tickets are limited to a number of 20000. By
this it the organisators want to ensure that the special and relaxed
atmosphere of the event won't suffer.

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Acacia Entertainment recording artist J.D. Bradshaw is now officially
endorsed by U.S.Music Corp, makers of Randall amps and Washburn
guitars. He signed a three-year emerging artist agreement on December
1. See http://acacia_entertainment.tripod.com/ for more.

-There are conflicting reports on the 'net regarding the future of the
Brides Of Destruction. Bassist Nikki Sixx is back with Motley Crue for
at least the next 12 months, and according to one report has
supposedly indicated the Brides will not continue without him.
However, other reports have him wishing the rest of the band luck
while he's back with the Crue. Also, guitarist Tracii Guns has posted
at BridesOfDestruction.com that the band is looking for a new bassist
who may or may not become a permanent member, depending on whether
Sixx returns to the fold at some point.

-California Guitar Trio's 2005 tour dates so far:
1/19 - Dizzy's, San Diego, CA (w/ Tom Griesgraber & Jerry Marotta)
1/20 - Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
1/26 - Ram's Head, Anapolis, MD (w/ Tony Levin & Pat Mastelotto)
1/27 - Rosewood Theater, Morgantown, WV (w/ Tony Levin & Pat
Mastelotto)
1/28 - School Of Rock, Downington, PA (w/ Tony Levin & Pat Mastelotto)
3/18 - Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR
3/19 - Wallenstein Theatre, Moses Lake, WA
3/20 - Triple Door, Seattle, WA
4/2 - McWherter Theatre, Jackson, TN
4/6 - Granada Theatre, Dallas, TX
4/7 - Mucky Duck, Houston, TX
4/8 - One World Theatre, Austin, TX
6/17 - Union Provident Stage @ Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga, TN
7/9 - Lakes Art Center, Okoboji, IA
7/17 - Manitou Music Festival @ Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore,
Glen Haven, MI
See http://www.cgtrio.com/ and http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ for
more.

-Upcoming Century Media Records release schedule: 1/25 - Behemoth's
DEMIGOD, Dark Tranquillity's CHARACTER, Nightwish's FROM WISHES TO
ETERNITY (live DVD); 2/8 - Blind Guardian's BATTALIONS OF FEAR, FOLLOW
THE BLIND, and THE FORGOTTEN TALES, Krisiun's THE BLOODSHED,
Mercenary's 11 DREAMS; 2/22 - Children Of Bodom's TRASHED, LOST &
STRUNGOUT EP; 3/8 - Bloodbath's NIGHTMARES MADE FLESH, Impaled's DEATH
AFTER LIFE, Morgoth's 1987-1997 THE BEST OF MORGOTH. See
http://www.centurymedia.com/ for more.

-Children Of Bodom's TRASHED, LOST AND STRUNGOUT EP is due February 22
on Century Media Records. The EP will include the title track,
"Knuckleduster," an Alice Cooper cover, an Andrew W.K. cover, a video
for the title track, and "a CD-ROM enhanced video of the band taking
the viewer on a tour around their hometown of Helsinki." The EP is the
first official recording to feature new guitarist Rope Latvala
(Stone). See http://www.cobhc.com/ for more.

-Doro's CLASSIC DIAMONDS DVD is out now in Europe via AFM Records. The
concert footage features Doro, her band, and the Classic Night
Orchestra. Track list: Live At Wacken (43 mins.): "Fear Of The Dark"
(featuring Blaze Bayley), "I Rule The Ruins," "Touch Of Evil," "Metal
Tango," "Fur Immer" (featuring Chris Caffery), "Let Love Rain On Me,"
"Breaking The Law," "All We Are." Impressions Of The Tour (15 mins.):
behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and excerpts of "Love Me In
Black" and "Fur Immer." Live In Hamburg (61 mins.): "I Rule The
Ruins," "Metal Tango," "She's Like Thunder," "Let Love Rain On Me,"
"Hellraiser," "Touch Of Evil," "Fall For Me Again," "Tausend Mal
Gelebt," "Breaking The Law," "Fear Of The Dark" (featuring Blaze
Bayley), "All We Are." Extras: (63 mins.): making of "Let Love Rain On
Me" video clip, "Let Love Rain On Me" video, "Rockpalast" TV show
footage featuring "Metal Tango," "True As Steel," "Für Immer,"
"Breaking The Law," interview, and tour documentary.

-The Gathering has put some great photos of Peter Blok's collection
for auction on eBay, to benefit Warchild Netherlands, which "strives
for the healthy mental development of children who have lived through
war, so that they can contribute to a peaceful future." The auction
runs until December 16. Check it out now at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3857604229 .

-The printed rock magazine _Hard RoxX_, a.k.a. _HR2_, is back and
available again as a free e-magazine in .PDF format. To subscribe,
just e-mail Hardrocxx@... with "HR2 yes please" in the
subject line. The latest issue (#27) features reviews of CDs by
Evidence One, The More I See, Bleed, Richie Kotzen, Iommi With Glenn
Hughes, Arwen, Boy Meets Girl, Gary John Barden, Fortune, M&R Rush,
Thunder, Charade, Second Heat, Dragonland, Pride Of Lions, and Shakra.
New issues come out every other week.

-The January issue of _Hustler_ magazine has an "erotic entertainment"
section featuring Lizzy (Starwood, Lizzy Borden), Josh Todd
(Buckcherry), and Buzz Osbourne (The Melvins) all "reviewing porn and
discussing their links with porn stars."

-Upcoming InsideOut Music America releases: 1/11 - Ayreon's ACTUAL
FANTASY REVISITED (Special Edition); 2/1 - Spock's Beard's OCTANE,
Arena's PEPPER'S GHOST, RPWL.'s WORLD THROUGH MY EYES, Klause
Schultze's DREAMS and MIRAGE (both reissues), Paatos' TIMELOSS
(reissue); 2/22 - Kino's PICTURE (with Pete Trewavas from Marillion
and TransAtlantic, John Mitchell from Arena, John Beck from It Bites,
and Chris Maitland formerly of Porcupine Tree), Klause Schultz's X and
LE MOULIN DE DAUDET (both reissues); March - Evergrey's "A Very
Special Evening" double live CD; April or May - Evergrey "A Very
Special Evening" DVD; later in 2005 - James Labrie's newie, Russell
Allen's ATOMIC SOUL, Pain Of Salvation's new DVD, and newies from
Pallas, Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, and possibly Symphony X. See
http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ for more.

-Judas Priest's comeback album will be called...<drum roll>...ANGEL OF
RETRIBUTION. It's due out on Sony in Europe on February 28, and in
North America on March 1. See http://www.judaspriest.com/ for more.

-Labyrinth's FREEDOM is due in March on Arise Records. A re-mastered
version of 1996's NO LIMITS, featuring two bonus tracks and former
vocalist Fabio Lione (also of Rhapsody), is also due from the label.

-TotalRock.com reported M3, featuring ex-Whitesnake members Bernie
Marsden (guitar), Mickey Moody (guitar) and Neil Murray (bass), will
play the following dates in 2005:
2/24 - Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly, UK
2/25 - Carnegie Theatre, Workington, UK
2/26 - Mechanics, Burnley, UK
3/3 - Pavilion, Falmouth, UK
3/5 - JB's, Dudley, UK
3/6 - Butlin's Classic Rock Festival, Bognar, UK

-Joe Perry (Aerosmith) will release a self-titled solo album in March,
his first such outing in over 20 years.

-TotalRock.com reported Styx is heading to the UK in June:
6/14 - Auditorium, Clyde, UK
6/15 - Apollo, Manchester, UK
6/17 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK
6/18 - Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK
6/19 - Colston Hall, Bristol, UK

-Velvet Revolver will play a string of shows in Australia and New
Zealand starting in mid-February.

Thanks to Jacob H. Christ, Matthew Honey, and Eric Corbin for help
gathering some of this information.

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

-Well it's been a long time since a "Realm Of Shred" so thought I
would put down some ideas. The recent tragedy involving Dimebag
Darrell got me thinking about all the times I saw Pantera in Texas
back in the early to mid-'80s, what a great live band they were! They
always played about three sets and you could count on hearing their
bad-ass original material along with some awesome cover versions of
songs by bands like Judas Priest, Ozzy, Van Halen and Accept, complete
with face melting explosions, dry ice and volume that would knock you
back ten feet! Good times...

I spent the weekend listening to some of the great music that Dimebag
left us. Unlike most fans, who probably cranked up COWBOYS FROM HELL,
VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER and FAR BEYOND DRIVEN, I went back to the
"hidden gems" of their first four independent releases: METAL MAGIC,
PROJECTS IN THE JUNGLE, I AM THE NIGHT and POWER METAL. METAL MAGIC
has some good songs but at that point Pantera was obviously a young
band still finding their style -- lots of Kiss and Def Leppard
references on this one but listen to some of the solos, as Dime was
already showing an unusual talent for such a young age (I think he was
about 16 when he recorded it). Check out "Tell Me If You Want It" and
the title track. PROJECTS IN THE JUNGLE upped the heaviness a notch
while retaining the melodic qualities of the first, delivering some
great songs and shredding guitar work on par with Randy Rhoads, Van
Halen and Michael Schenker. "All Over Tonight," "Like Fire," the title
track, "Takin My Life"...just a great disc all the way through. I AM
THE NIGHT is my favorite from that time period, with some absolutely
fantastic melodic metal with a surprisingly good production courtesy
of Dime and Vinnie's dad. Crank up "Onward We Rock," "Daughters Of The
Queen", "Down Below" or "Right On The Edge" for some of Dime's best
guitar work. POWER METAL was the first to feature Phil Anselmo and you
could see a change was coming on tracks like "Over And Out" and
"Deathtrap" but the melody was still strongly in evidence along with
Dime's incredible solos, "We'll Meet Again" ranking among one of his
most soulful. I highly recommend you check these albums out if you've
never heard them; younger fans may be put off by their image and the
'80s style of the music but I think most hard rock/metal lovers would
appreciate the song quality, intensity and fire in the playing.

I don't have any words of wisdom or anything original to add to what
has already been said a million times by fans and fellow musicians
about the loss of Darrell. I just hope nothing like this ever happens
again.

-I've enjoyed writing the column and doing the CD reviews. I'm not
sure about the future of Detritus at this point but I hope to be back
in some capacity soon. Thanks to Tim for giving me the opportunity to
share my views!

-Cheers, happy holidays and keep rockin'!

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
HAPPY THE MAN - THE MUSE AWAKENS (B-/C+) InsideOut Music, 2004
11 tracks, RT: 56:05
[ http://www.happytheman.com/ ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
InsideOut is becoming quite the label for progressive rock, with an
avalanche of great releases recently. Happy The Man is actually a
reformed prog band from the late '70s who are cut from the same cloth
as bands such as Gentle Giant and Brand X, although it must be said
that Happy The Man are quite a bit mellower and restrained in their
showmanship. The music is technically impressive here with precise
keyboard passages melding with excellent off-time drumming. Check out
opener "Contemporary Insanity" for some exciting instrumental
interplay, or "Stepping Through Time" for a pleasant mix of New Age
textures and surprisingly tight playing by the band. My difficulty
with CDs like THE MUSE AWAKENS is the overall pace of the album, as
much of it relaxes into a dreamy, lulling flow that threatens to put
you down for the night. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as every
band doesn't have to blast out metal riffs and solos to be
captivating, but Happy The Man do not mix in quite enough dynamics to
keep an entire album of this type of thing interesting. "Lunch At The
Psychedelicatessen" has some great moments of humor and spontaneity
and "Barking Spiders" contains some heavier, jazzy guitar work but
pieces like "Maui Sunset" and "Adrift" just serve to make the eyelids
heavy. Happy The Man may be at their best on songs like "Il Quinto
Mare," which allows them to step out a bit instrumentally before
returning to lotus-land. Recommended for fans of '70s prog tempered
with a generous dose of New Age. - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

IRON MAIDEN - THE HISTORY OF IRON MAIDEN - PART 1: THE EARLY DAYS
(DVD) (A+) Iron Maiden Holdings Lmt./Columbia, 2004
Disc 1: RT: 120:00
Disc 2: RT: 155:00
[ http://www.ironmaiden.com/ ]
Time is preventing me from writing a full review of this but I
probably really don't need to. Most Maiden fans are likely already in
possession of this treasure, which features abbreviated but
exceptional live shows from 1981, 1982 and 1983 along with priceless
interviews of former and current band members and associates, TV
appearances, a documentary and a fan video of an early show at the
Ruskin Arms. Many fans have probably already seen the LIVE AT THE
RAINBOW gig as well as the videos for such Maiden staples as "Run To
The Hills" and "The Number Of The Beast," but it's the shows from
London's Hammersmith Odeon and Dortmund's Rock & Pop Festival that
will have you head-banging and fist-pumping as if you are right there
in the audience, shot back in time 20 odd years. I won't tell you all
the cool things that are on here, I'll let you discover them for
yourself. Iron Maiden have done their fans a great service with this
collection, and the good news doesn't stop here -- in the next
installment we are promised the long awaited DVD release of LIVE AFTER
DEATH with more rarities and goodies from the next stage in Maiden's
illustrious career as one of the world's greatest metal bands. Don't
even think about not obtaining THE EARLY DAYS or Eddie may pay you a
visit. Up the irons!!! - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

JOOP WOLTERS - SPEED, TRAFFIC & GUITAR ACCIDENTS (A-) Lion Music, 2004
17 tracks, RT: 63:16
[ http://www.joopwolters.com/ ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Ever since I heard Joop Wolters on Vitalij Kuprij's FORWARD AND BEYOND
disc I've been interested in hearing more of his stuff, so I was happy
to recently receive his second solo album SPEED, TRAFFIC & GUITAR
ACCIDENTS. Joop is probably best known as the guitarist in the Dutch
band Arabesque, and man is this guy an incredibly skilled player! Fans
of classy shred guitar are gonna love this one -- just wrap your ears
around "Hi-Jacked," "A Day And This," "Beggin' For A Trip To The
Stars," or "Funkonexsion" for some mind-blowing fretburning. It's not
all technique though; Joop has a really nice touch that translates
emotionally and melodically as well. There is a lot of variety to
maintain interest and Joop's creativity is through the roof. The only
weak area on the album is the occasional use of drum programming,
which is well done but gives a few of the segments a somewhat stiff
feel. Most of the disc is phenomenal, however, Joop proving himself
more than capable of following in the footsteps of Allan Holdsworth,
Joe Satriani, John Petrucci and Eric Johnson. Surely one of the best
instrumental shred type albums I've heard this year, Joop makes me
wish I was a better player. Investigate this without hesitation... -
Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

ZELLO - FIRST CHAPTER, SECOND VERSE (B/B-) Lion Music, 2004
13 tracks, RT: 51:40
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
FIRST CHAPTER, SECOND VERSE is the re-release of Zello's 1996 debut
album, this time with the addition of guitars. The music was
originally said to be a tribute to Kansas, Jethro Tull and U.K. and
those influences are all here, especially the Kansas, although I hear
bits of '70s and '80s hard rock and AOR like Styx in there as well.
P.O Saether's vocals are not quite as strong as those of Steve Walsh
but he does a good job of conveying emotion; check out his work on
"The Children Are Crying." The band features two keyboard players and
they often remind of Gregg Giuffria, while Lennart Glenberg's violin
is quite prevalent throughout the disc, adding variety on songs like
the Celtic flavored "Kelpie" and the Arabian intro to the hard rocking
"Voyager." The guitar work and rhythm playing is solid with some
heavier material spicing up proceedings nicely on tracks like "Traffic
Jam" and "Through The Clouds Of Virgin Angels." The live version of
"Hold On" could have been omitted as it isn't a very good recording
and the arrangements may come across a bit too poppy at times but
there are some great songs on here worthy of the attention of any fan
of classic AOR and prog. - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

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