Detritus
Issue #302
Week of January 31, 2005
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@c...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@e...

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@y...

Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@v...
http://www.vongoober.com/

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
Welcome back to Detritus; we're happy to still be here. After the
holidays, the birth of the future heir to the Detritus Empire, and a
small shift in editors, Detritus is once again here for all you hard
rock/metal needs. We hope you continue to read this every week and
as always, your feedback helps make this better so feel free to email!
-Patrick

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-LIVE @ THE KEYCLUB IN HOLLYWOOD FEBRUARY 7th
VH1 Classic Metal Mania STRIPPED CD RELEASE PARTY
LIVE PERFORMANCES BY JANI LANE, L.A. GUNS, GREAT WHITE, SLAUGHTER,
WINGER AND MANY MORE
HOLLYWOOD (January 28, 2005) – VH1 Classic Metal Mania: STRIPPED,
an acoustic compilation of the biggest hard rock ballad hits of all
time, is set for release February 8, 2005 on Sidewinder Music.
Gathered from imports, live recordings, rare performances,
hard-to-find albums, and six NEW recordings, STRIPPED is an extensive
collection of acoustic tracks from hard rock's multi-platinum metal
gods.
While Heavy Metal artists were known for their hard-rocking ways and
arena rock anthems, it was often their ballads that crossed over and
gave them more popularity and exposure, as well as their highest chart
positions and mainstream recognition.
STRIPPED offers fans intimate, one-of-a-kind versions of such classic
cuts as Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and Queensryche's "Silent
Lucidity"(from MTV Unplugged); Scorpions' "Wind Of Change" (from
Acoustica Live), Firehouse's "When I Look Into Your Eyes" (from Good
Acoustics), Warrant's "I Saw Red;" Slaughter's "Fly to The Angels"
(from Stick It To Ya) and a solo performance by Kip Winger of Winger's
"Miles Away." This rare power ballad compilation also features a live
acoustic version of Tesla's "The Way It Is," and an a capella track of
"More Than Words" from Extreme.

VH1 Classic Metal Mania: STRIPPED Full Track Listing:
"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" Poison (4:27)
"Sister Christian" Night Ranger (5:08) (New Recording)
"Wind of Change" Scorpions (5:30)
"Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" Cinderella (5:09) (New
Recording)
"Silent Lucidity" Queensryche (5:29)
"More Than Words" Extreme (4:09)
"I Saw Red" Warrant (3:44)
"The Way It Is" Tesla (6:03)
"Miles Away" Winger (3:58)
"Ballad of Jane" L.A. Guns (4:56) (New Recording)
"When The Children Cry" White Lion (4:30) (New Recording)
"When I Look Into Your Eyes" Firehouse (4:04)
"Fly To The Angels" Slaughter (3:22)
"More Than Words Can Say" Alias (3:51) (New Recording)
"Save Your Love" Great White (5:25) (New Recording)

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-DREAM THEATER CONFIRMED TO PLAY SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL
9 - 10 - 11 JUNE 2005 SÖLVESBORG
We are proud to present one of the cornerstones of progressive metal -
DREAM THEATER. With masterpieces such as "Awake", "Six Degrees Of
Inner Turbulence" and the latest studio release "Train Of Thought"
they show their outstanding class. They claim they were influenced by
bands such as Kansas, Rush and Yes, but have now become a main source
of influence of many of today's progressive bands. On the new DVD/CD
"Live At Budokan" they once more prove they can live up to their
musical Houdini-acts even on stage. A new studio album will hit
streets in good time for the festival. You wanted a progressive band -
your prayers can hopefully be considered answered!

Confirmed bands so far:
Mötley Crüe (US)
Accept (D)
DIO (UK)
Saxon (UK)
Kansas (US)
Styx (US)
Blackfoot (US)
Yngwie Malmsteen (S)
Magnum (UK)
Candlemass (S)
Sebastian Bach (US)
Hammerfall (S)
Therion (S)
Helix (CAN) ONLY SHOW IN EUROPE!
Vixen (US)
Sonata Arctica (FIN)
Robin Trower (US)
Nazareth (UK)
Shakra (CH)
Hellfueled (S)
Statetrooper (S)
A.C.T (S)
Thyrfing (S)
Force Of Evil (DK)
Morgana Lefay (S)
Satanic Slauter (S)
Symphorce (S)
Crystal Eyes (S)

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

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-7TH ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL
MassConcerts is proud to announce that the New England Metal &
Hardcore Festival will return once again to the Palladium in
Worcester, Mass., on Friday, April 22, Saturday, April 23 and Sunday,
April 24. Single day tickets are $35.00 per day. Three-day passes are
$99. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28 at all Strawberries Record
Stores, online at tickets.com, or by calling tickets.com at (800)
477-6849.

Now in its seventh year, the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
has been lauded as one of the best heavy music festivals in the United
States. "If you decide to go to only one fest this year, this should
be it," Revolver magazine wrote. Last year's festival sold out more
than two weeks before the show and was the subject of features on Fuse
TV's "Uranium," MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball," and Sirius Satellite
Radio's "Hard Attack." The LIVE DVD of last year's fest will be
released soon.

This year's line-up looks to be the biggest yet with Hatebreed,
Unearth and Obituary confirmed as headliners for Friday night.
Saturday's headliners will include Nightwish, Chimaira and
Cryptopsy. Sunday's headliners will include King Diamond, Nile and
Soilwork.
Also appearing are A Life Once Lost, All Shall Perish, All That
Remains, As I Lay Dying, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder, Blood Has Been
Shed, Bury Your Dead, Dark Tranquility, Darkest Hour, Evergreen
Terrace, Full Blown Chaos, Glass Casket, Hypocrisy, If Hope Dies,
Internal Bleeding, Ion Disonanance, It Dies Today, Kylesa, Maroon,
Misery Signals, Nimic, Premonitions Of War, Pro-Pain, Red Chord,
Reflux, Remembering Never, Scurvy, Sonatarctica, Stemm, Strapping
Young Lad, The Acacia Strain, The Agony Scene, The Esoteric, The
Killing, The Minor Times, Throwdown, Trivium, Winter Solstice and many
more to be added. Talent is subject to change.

The show will once again take place on the two stages in the
Palladium. This year there will once again be a film crew recording
every second of action on the stage and behind the scenes for another
LIVE DVD. Record labels, vendors, and record distributors will set up
shop in the balcony of the upstairs room. Sponsors this year include
Prosthetic Records who is sponsoring the 2nd Stage upstairs, Revolver
Magazine, Metal Maniacs Magazine, Relapse Records, Mazur PR, The
Syndicate and many others.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-CELTIC LEGACY LINE-UP CHANGE
The band would like to welcome new singer Damien Molloy to Celtic
Legacy. Damien has up until recently been a member of tribute band
Erin Maiden and his arrival into this band is very welcome. He has
already begun to get his teeth into both the old and new material. The
new (and we hope, final) line-up will begin rehearsals immediately
after Christmas where we will start to knock the material into shape
for the next album.

Damien replaces Sean McBride, who left in November by mutual consent
after it became clear that the new arrangements weren't working too
well in the studio. However, Sean will contribute backing vocals to
the next Legacy album and may even make an appearance at the launch
gigs next year. We wish him the best of luck.

*THE THIRD LEVEL to begin in early 2005!

Celtic Legacy will begin work on their upcoming album between
February and March 2005. The album will be recorded at Dirty Dog
Studios, Clane, CO. Kildare, which has been especially set up by the
band and will be engineered and produced by Dave Morrissey.

Songs are still being written for the album and the songwriting
sessions will continue right up to the start of recording. It is
anticipated that the entire band will have a much greater input than
on the previous two albums. New singer Damien Molloy is keen to get to
grips with the vocals and he will be working closely with Dave Boylan
on broadening the vocals on this album.

*The Third Level Album Artwork confirmed!

Celtic Legacy are delighted to announced that acclaimed artist Mark
Wilkinson has been commissioned to produce the album artwork for THE
THIRD LEVEL. Mark is currently putting the finishing touches to the
new Judas Priest album. Mark will bring a new identity to Celtic
Legacy's albums and we have no doubt that the end results will be
visually striking. Mark's site: http://www.the-masque.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-THINE EYES BLEED SIGN WITH THE END RECORDS
THE END RECORDS and KISS OF INFAMY MANAGEMENT are proud to announce
the signing of a multi-album deal with Canadian act THINE EYES BLEED.
Their debut album, 'In The Wake Of Separation', is scheduled for an
April 26 release. Highlighted by a disciplined ferocity and
over-the-top instrumentation, the band fuses modern metal extremity
with touches of dissonant, oddly constructed riffing, engaging vocal
variation, ripping guitar-soloing and memorable songwriting. The band
was voted Best Underground Metal Band by Uranium.com and boasts an
exceptional line-up, including former Kittie guitarist/technician Jeff
Phillips, Justin Wolfe from Acacia and John Araya (brother of Slayer's
Tom Araya). Having toured with Kittie, Superjoint Ritual, MTV's
"Jackass/Wildboys" Steve O, Candiria, Twelve Tribes, 36 Crazy Fists,
etc., they are now gearing up for extensive national touring in 2005!
LINE-UP:
Justin Wolfe | Vocals
Jeff Phillips | Guitar
Derek Ward | Guitar
Johnny Araya | Bass
Darryl Stephens | Drums
http://www.ThineEyesBleed.com

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-STATETROOPER SIGN TO TOSHIBA-EMI
Statetrooper are pleased to announce that they have signed to
Toshiba-EMI. The deal will see the release of their new album, 'The
Calling' released across Japan.

This is a prestigious deal, and will see singer Gary Barden once more
returning to the territory with big memories for him. Gary is known
for performing on some of the biggest selling albums in Japan,
including MSG's 'Live at the Budokan.'

The critics have loved 'The Calling', calling it the one of the best
rock albums of 2004. To capitalise on this, and the signing of this
deal, Statetrooper, which in addition to Gary consists of Jeff
Summers, Bruce Bisland, Martin Mikkels, Tony O'Hora and Steve Glover,
will be embarking on a world tour in 2005. The dates of this tour
will be announced shortly

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-NEW TIWANAKU DRUMMER
We are extremely proud to announce a new addition to TIWANAKU!
Drummer Chris Pistillo (YETI/DESPERATE CRY) of St. Petersburg, Florida
has officially joined the ranks of TIWANAKU! Chris is known for his
highly technical drumming and his "Dual prop helicopter" kick drum
technique. New material for another upcoming release is being created
now. TIWANAKU has finally risen from project status to band status!
Regular rehearsals will commence next week.

TIWANAKU IS:
EMO MOWERY(Nocturnus/Leash Law) - VOCALS/BASS
WADE BLACK(Crimson Glory/Leash Law) - VOCALS
MIKE ESTES(Acheron/Burning Inside) - GUITARS
CHRIS PISTILLO(Yeti/Desperate Cry) - DRUMS

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-ModiFY SIGNS WITH FASTLANE RECORDS
FastLane Records are proud to announce the signing of Minnesota
natives ModiFY. ModiFY bring to the table, skilled musicianship and a
incredible knack for structured, detailed song writing. Formed in
2002, when Bassist Krys Baratto (Samantha 7/Great White) hooked-up
with singer/song writer Lance Stevens and drummer Sean Sauder. After a
short lived demo deal with Maverick Records, ModiFY (then known as
Mars To Mercury) moved onto other various opportunities, which brings
us to the present, when FastLane Records received demos from the band
and were amazed that the trio from the Midwest were not already a
house-hold name.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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- JET MOTOR CRASH HEADS OUT ON NATIONAL TOUR
California indie rockers Jet Motor Crash are taking to the road for
their first nationwide tour in support of their new album,"Personal
Space." "We love being on the road and are all stoked about the
tour," said singer Rich. "Our first tour was just us, and this time
we get to go out and party with another great band, Slack." "Personal
Space" was released in October by Mastodon Infantry and followed by
short tour of the Midwest and western United States. "We have been
blown away by the positive response since we put out `Personal pace,'"
Rich said. "The best part about it is the touring and interacting with
new fans." Jet Motor Crash was recently honored with the Best Pop Punk
band award at the First Annual Inland Empire Music Awards, an event
celebrating the talent found in the Inland Empire area of California.

Jet Motor Crash/Slack tour dates:
01/21/05 Fri. Walters on Washington, Houston, TX
01/22/05 Sat. The Hi-Ho, New Orleans, LA
01/24/05 Mon. The Nick, Birmingham, AL
01/25/05 Tue. Big Daddy's, Tallahassee, FL
01/26/05 Wed. Eddie C's, Gainesville, FL
01/29/05 Sat. Rockerfellas, Sarasota, FL
01/31/05 Mon. Jack Rabbitts, Jacksonville, FL
02/01/05 Tue. The Jinx, Savannah, GA
02/02/05 Wed. The Soapbox, Wilmington, NC
02/06/05 Sun. The Fire, Philadelphia, PA
02/07/05 Mon. Pianos, New York, NY
02/10/05 Thu. Nyabinghi, Youngstown, OH
02/11/05 Fri. Roseville Theater, Detroit, MI
02/12/05 Sat. The Wired Café, Evansville, IN
02/13/05 Sun. Subterreanean Café, Chicago, IL
02/21/05 Mon. Gabes Oasis, Iowa City, IA
02/22/05 Tue. The Setlist, Warrensburg (KC), MO
02/23/05 Wed. 32 Blue, Colorado Springs, CO
02/24/05 Thu. X Saloon, Denver, CO
02/26/05 Sat. The Starlight, Ft. Collins, CO

www.jetmotorcrash.com
www.mastodoninfantry.com

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-BW&BK 6-PACK WEEKEND III - OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
North America's premier Heavy Metal magazine is proud to announce the
third installment of their annual two-day festival, the BW&BK 6-Pack
Weekend, May 6-7, 2005 at The Odeon in Cleveland, OH. In conjunction
with The Odeon, the fun returns to Cleveland, in a slightly different
format. Unlike past years, single day tickets will be available,
although for the month of February, a discounted Early Bird two-day
pass ($55) will be available SOLELY through
www.belkinproductions.com/bravewords.html. Beginning March 1,tickets
can be purchased as follows:

Friday - $30 advance/$35 day of show / Saturday - $35 advance/$40 day
of show. As of March 1, the price of a 2-day pass reverts back to full
price - $60, so don't be left out!
On March 1, 2-day pass and individual day tickets will go on sale
EXCLUSIVELY thru the Odeon box office, all Ticketmaster locations or
charge by phone.

Two years later and people still talk about TROUBLE's performance at
the inaugural BW&BK show. We are pleased to announce the return of the
legendary doomsters, for an even longer set, of vintage tracks and
material from the forthcoming Seven album. Be the first to witness the
new stuff LIVE! JAG PANZER will be making their ONLY North American
appearance! Says guitarist Mark Briody, "We're not going to tour here
(in the States) for Casting The Stones. We're saving our vacation time
to tour Europe this summer and play some festivals over there." So
BW&BK will be your only opportunity to see the longstanding Colorado
metallers this year. Similarly, Ottawa based EXCITER is making a rare
US appearance. On the strength of New Testament, a career spanning
re-working of Exciter classics, guitarist Jon Ricci returns to
Cleveland for the first time in a long time, a city he remembers well.
"Pop Shop, it was like a downstairs small venue. It got to the point
where we had to stop playing, because the fans were all over the stage
headbanging with us, and we had to wait until the bouncers cleared the
stage! We are really looking forward to play BW& BK 6-Pack Weekend,the
invitation really blew us away. We will deliver the most intense,
powerful 60 minute set, in Exciter tradition." That's onlythe start,
as additional acts will be announced, as confirmed.

Friday, May 7th, the line-up will include SOILWORK, DARK TRANQUILLITY,
HYPOCRISY and MNEMIC. While these bands will be on tour throughout
parts of the USA, the BW&BK 6-Pack will afford them significantly
longer than the 40-45 minutes they'll play everywhere else! It's also
the next-to-last night of the tour, so apart from some musical
rarities, the festival mood ensures onstage craziness is a real
possibility. Savatage/TSO guitarist CHRIS CAFFERY will close the
evening, debuting his new solo outfit. It will be their first show
ANYWHERE and only US date! More bands will be announced shortly.

Once again, the Hilton Garden Inn is the official hotel of the BW&BK
6-Pack Weekend. A special ($65 per night) rate can be had through
www.belkinproductions.com/bravewords.html, or by calling Hilton Garden
Inn toll free at 1-877- STAY-HGI. When making your reservation,mention
the festival and room code, BWC for the discount. Come stay the with
the bands!

In addition to two nights of heavy metal, the BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend
provides fans the opportunity to hang out with the musicians, both in
formal signing sessions and just wandering through the crowd.
Throughout the weekend, people can browse the vendors area, possibly
win any of hundreds of CDs/DVDs given away, or catch a glimpse of the
always popular FREE Saturday afternoon acoustic sets. Those arriving
early are invited to the kick-off party/concert on Thursday, May 5th.

For complete up to date information on this year's event, log onto
www.belkinproductions.com/bravewords.html!

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*

-Wildhearts frontman Ginger has joined the BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION as a
second guitarist. No word on what that does to future Wildhearts
touring plans.

-According to Total Rock, CRADLE OF FILTH bassist Dave Pybus has left
the band for 'personal reasons'. As yet, no replacement has been
announced for him. Cradle Of Filth, who release a special edition of
their current album 'Nymphetamine' on February 21, are due to tour the
UK in April.

-Total Rock reported Children Of Bodom, Rhapsody, Feinstein and
Testament have all been added to the bill for the EARTHSHAKER
FESTIVAL, which happens in Geiselwind, Germany on July 22 and 23. Also
playing are Grave Digger, Graveworm, Overkill, Masterplan and
Bludgeon. Manowar were the first band confirmed for the festival, and
will be one of the headlining attractions.

-Total Rock reported Bay Area thrashers EXODUS have a new vocalist -
Rob Dukes. He was one of their roadies on the band's recent US tour
supporting Megadeth.

-Chicago has a new prog entity on the local music scene. Big
Electric's guitarist Peter Allen and drummer Victor welcome 80's band
Tempest's bassist Paul Allen into THE NEW CHINESE PROFESSIONALS. Show
dates upcoming and I, personally, will be there.

-RAZORBACK (Massacre Records) the Band around vocalist Stefan Berggren
(Snakes in Paradise, M 3 Classic Whitesnake) and guitarist/producer
Rolf Munkes (Majesty, Empire) have started working on their second CD.
The Band entered Rolf's new studio (www.empire-studios.de) last week
to work on a follow-up on their first effort "Animal Anger".

- JOHN TAGLIERI has a show this Friday, February 5, at Bar East, 1733
1st Ave., New York, NY 10010, 212-876-0203, 9:00pm sharp. You can
also be his MySpace pal at: www.belkinproductions.com/bravewords.html!

Thanks to Rolf Munkes and Peter Allen for helping gathering some of
this information.


*
*** AT THE ALTER ***
*
by Patrick Brower (patrickbrower@c...)

-Wow… how pompous. My first issue of Detritus and I have the first
column. Not even a column, really, more of a rant. Actually, this
issue should have gone out by Wednesday morning, but I didn't have
time to write this until Wednesday night, so I got to abuse my power
already and postpone the release date.

Hands up, how may of you own a copy of Jon Oliva's Pain's TAGE MAHAL?
I've been trying to get a copy, any copy, of this disc for a few
months now. It's been out as an import but I just could not locate a
copy. For Christmas I got a CD Universe gift certificate. I wanted
both Lennon's "I AM" and the aforementioned "TAGE MAHAL." CD Universe
offered them both, as imports, which is fine with me. So I ordered.
I also ordered Frost's "RAISE YOUR FIST TO METAL" and Andy Kuntz's
"ABYDOS." Anyway, the two imports were immediately listed as
backorders and each week since I have gotten an email saying they are
still unavailable. The Jon Oliva disc's official release date in the
states was this Tuesday. I live in Chicago, home of many, many CD
stores; national chains down to quirky local shops. SO I cancelled
the CD Universe backorder and set out to find the US release. No one
had it. Most stores never heard of it. And don't forget, these are
national chains! It's on SPV!! Someone has to have it. One of the
chain stores said they had the import a few weeks ago but were out. I
had called that exact location a few weeks ago and was told that it
wasn't even in their system. Even the local all-metal store didn't
know it was released yet. So to end this annoying, pointless story,
my Lennon CD finally shipped and I'll get it on Friday and I
re-ordered the Jon Oliva disc domestically and it's supposed to arrive
next wee, but it hasn't actually shipped yet. Guh.

And on an unrelated note, I own the neat-o Ayreon box edition of "THE
HUMAN EQUATION." As I play it in the car frequently and it's the size
of a hardcover novel, I have it tucked in my overhead visor. On an
average turn tonight on my way home, it slid out of the visor and
cracked me stiff in my right eye. Now I have a bizarre gash under my
eye and a stupid story to go with it. Oh how I suffer for metal!
This I offer up as a sacrifice to the Metal Gods. Thus endeth the
sermon.

*
*** IT'S ALL ABOUT THE METAL! ***
*
by John Erigo (Erigo1@w...)

-Hello fellow Detritus readers! Yes, I am still alive and my apologies
to Tim for this being so late. My personal time to write and
contribute regularly has been hampered for most of 2004 because of my
work schedule, but better late than never -- right? OK! Onto looking
back at 2004.

Sadly, 2004 ended with the whole Dimebag tragedy. We lost a true METAL
brother in what was a senseless act of violence. Honestly, I am
surprised nothing like this had happened before. I think we take it
for granted how easy it is for one whacked-out person to flip in
public and just go crazy. It was sad and it's another event that will
of course make people look down on metal. But we know better, so let's
get to the good stuff!!!

I don't know what it is, but I don't like "lists" to sum up a year, or
anything for that matter. So, I am just gonna spew on what I
encountered over the year. I started 2004 off right, New Year's Eve in
Las Vegas seeing Metallica. That's the way to Headbang in a new year!
Sure, we all know the mighty 'tallica boyz haven't been the same since
the black album, but they are starting to play some older songs live.
I saw Metallica a few more times on their "Madly In Anger" tour in
2004. I was treated to seeing them play "Metal Militia" and "Dyers
Eve" -- pretty cool! Overall their shows were OK, but I hated the
in-the-round staging. It's impossible to sound good that way (and
Metallica has never sounded good to my ears live), and it's even
harder to light it correctly. Maybe I'm too picky -- I don't know?! I
also saw a few KISS shows over the summer. Always fun to see KISS, and
with the revamped lineup they sounded fine musically. But, with both
Gene and Paul suffering from illnesses that prevented their pipes from
being up to par, the vocals could've been better. It was nice to see
them change the set list and drag some older tunes out, and play a few
they never played before ("Love Her All I Can" and "All The Way").
Man, I got to see MSG and UFO within a month of each other!! So, live,
it was an old school assault!! But, straying from the metal a little,
I also saw two young bands that I feel should be huge. The Finnish
band H.I.M. played in NYC and it is amazing. Not one new album
released Stateside and they sell out two shows. I saw 1,000 kids
pumping their fists, singing every word to every song. Hmmm, no
airplay, no videos, no USA distribution and all this reaction? Kinda
reminds me of the first band I saw live in 2004 (so, were you paying
attention?! HAHA!). I also witnessed THE most energetic performance
from The Datsuns. OMG people, 60 minutes of straight-ahead,
down-your-throat rock 'n' roll! If you get the chance, check 'em out!!
Reunion-wise, it was awesome seeing Rob Halford back in Judas Priest.
Although, after taking a step back and really "listening" to him, he
was really struggling to hit his trademark high notes. Hopefully he'll
be in fine form when the 2005 tour hits the world!

Now, onto CDs. I don't have any kind of list, or intense research here
at the "It's All About The Metal" Headquarters, so here goes! I can
remember being honestly disappointed with the effort put forth by the
new UFO. That's one of my all-time fave bands, revitalized with new,
young, members, but YOU ARE HERE just fell short. Not falling anywhere
near short was Anvil! BACK TO BASICS was just that. Now, my buddy Lips
took some heavy criticism for "ripping off" some Judas Priest riffs.
After speaking to Lips himself, he told me he kind of expected it, but
didn't understand why people didn't say anything about the Nugent
riffs!!! When you've been around as long as Lips, very little bothers
you. BACK TO BASICS is a raw return to a more straight-ahead Anvil,
and less thrashing than they had been doing in recent albums. I can't
wait for TIT. That's right -- Anvil's next album is #13 for them, so
hence the title THIS IS THIRTEEN, or TIT. Brilliant!!! I also enjoyed
UNBREAKABLE by Scorpions. Klaus and the boys hadn't done too much
recently, and I thought this was a good starting point for them to
return to what they do best (no, not hiding bald spots!!). 2004 was a
busy year in the Far East. My old buddies Loudness were mighty active.
Detritus faithful know I still follow this band, and I usually review
their albums here. In late 2004, Loudness released two albums within a
month of each other (and an Akira Takasaki solo CD thrown in also --
the album SPLASH MOUNTAIN contains cover versions of "Back In Black"
and "Sweet Emotion," both featuring Taksaki on vocals) -- an album
called ROCK SHOCKS, which was a self-cover album. The band had fans
vote on songs from their first five albums, and then the top 13 were
re-recorded. The release of ROCK SHOCKS coincided with the re-release
of the first five Loudness albums, re-mastered with bonus tracks, and
packaged in cardboard sleeves. Very cool concept, and the album is
amazing. Akira proves he is still one of the best guitar players on
the planet. One month after ROCK SHOCKS, Loudness released a new
studio album titled RACING, another hybrid album from Loudness which
features a combo of old and new school sounds. Picture ST. ANGER, with
better production, shorter songs, better vocals and ripping guitar
solos!!!! Oh yeah, just like KILL 'EM ALL!! LOL! Sorry, I had to!!
Also from Japan was the release of Anthem's ETERNAL WARRIOR. Yes, the
same Anthem that 20 years ago tried to follow Loudness to America. If
you crave old-school Loudness, check out this album. Anthem has a
wealthy catalog of kick-ass metal -- check 'em out!!!! I also got deep
into Japanese metal bands from the '90s that aren't even around
anymore. I'll save that for another article though!!! Other albums off
the top of my head I enjoyed -- Saxon's LIONHEART was awesome,
Aerosmith's HONKIN' ON BOBO was OK, Rock Feinstien's second solo CD
THIRD WISH got some spins, Dream Evil's THE BOOK OF HEAVY METAL was
cool, and I am sure there are more that while I am reading this I'm
gonna be like "How'd I forget that album?!"

Every year has disappointments also. I found the Velvet Revolver to be
the biggest. God, after all the hype and the waiting, I really thought
that album was a dud. I was also disappointed Jaime St. James joined
Warrant. Dude, I understand you gotta pay the bills, but Warrant?! God
damn!!! I was also bummed there was no new Raven album. Hopefully Mark
Gallagher's leg injury will heal well enough so he and brother John
can release some mayhem on the metal community!!! I was gonna write
about it under live shows, but a major bummer was seeing Eddie Van
Halen onstage, so drunk he couldn't play his own solos! Dude, you're
Eddie freakin' Van Halen, YOU rewrote how our generation plays guitar
-- for God's sake please clean up your act and use that God-given
talent you have and stop wasting your life away!!! I mean, the dude
survived tongue cancer, and he still smokes!!!! It's just so
aggravating!!!! I can put this one in every year now, but no new KISS
studio album. Yeah, Gene released ASSHOLE, and Paul has a solo CD
coming out, but what about a KISS album? I think it's about time,
don't you? And lastly, the biggest news the music world has had in a
long time, Tim Wadzinski stepping down for his King Detritus throne!!
HAHA -- gotcha! Seriously Tim, on behalf of all the staff, readers and
metalheads worldwide, thanks for all the work you did to keep this
going as long as you did. You reviewed my band, you let me write and
share my metal opinions with the world. Thanks for everything you've
done! I am sure the new regime will do just fine. Here's to 2005!!!
Remember, it's all about the METAL!!!!!!


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*** FEEDBACK ***
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1. From: kyletarag@a...
Re: Nellie McKay/Pyramaze
Patrick, I noticed that you had Nellie McKay on your year-end best of
list. Where did you hear about her? That was my favorite record of
the year and it's rare I come across anyone that's even heard of her
(much less on a metal group). She is unbelievably talented,
especially for someone so young!!

Also, I have been hearing about Pyramaze quite a bit, and have seen
them on a lot of Best Of lists...how would you describe them? I think
I need to check that one out.

[I first heard Nellie McKay on NPR and was immediately hooked. She's
so diverse and talented—and so young! Anyway, I plan to marry her
as soon as we meet. As for Pyramaze, "Meloncholy Beast" is on my `to
review' list. I will cheat now and tell you it's getting a "B" from
me and that it's definitely worth owning. - Patrick]

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*** OUT ***
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