Detritus
Issue #311
Week of April 4, 2005
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@...

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
- Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2005 Set For May 28-29

World's greatest drumming event moving to NJPAC Performing Arts Center
in Newark, NJ, for biggest drumming festival ever.

Performers include Ian Paice, Shelia E., Chad Smith, Roy Haynes, Danny
Carey and many more of the world's greatest drummers and percussionists.

Modern Drummer, the world's first and most popular magazine for
drummers and percussionists, has scheduled the Modern Drummer Festival
Weekend 2005 for May 28-29 at Prudential Hall at NJPAC (New Jersey
Performing Arts Center) in Newark, New Jersey. Shows begin at 1:00
p.m. each day.

Special guest artists from the rock, jazz and R&B worlds confirmed to
take part in the event at this time include Deep Purple's Ian Paice,
Prince/Ringo Starr percussionist Sheila E., jazz living legend Roy
Haynes, Tool's Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith, Shadows
Fall's Jason Bittner and many others.

"We are very excited about our festival this year," says Bill Miller,
Modern Drummer's Editor In Chief. "It's by far the most impressive
lineup of drumming greats ever assembled. And having our festival at a
world-class facility like NJPAC will make it an even better experience
for attendees."

Thousands of dollars' worth of drums, cymbals, percussion instruments
and accessories will be given away as door prizes. Every audience
member will receive a free commemorative T-shirt and a souvenir bag
filled with catalogs and fliers from all of the festival's sponsoring
manufacturers.

Artists also meet and talk with the attendees and will sign autographs
at a booth set up in the lobby.

Every year since the festival's inception, the world's greatest
drummers come to teach special clinics and perform one-of-a-kind
concerts. In its 17 years, nearly every major drumming talent of the
modern age has performed at the Modern Drummer Festival.

The level of talent involved illustrates the importance of expanding
knowledge and appreciation of drumming and the crucial role it plays
in virtually every style of music.

Each day, the scheduled guest drummers and percussionists will perform
either individually or in special combinations.

Here are the current schedules for the weekend:

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2005
* Danny Carey (Tool) and Volto featuring Kirk Covington
* Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
* Ian Paice (Deep Purple)
* Keith Carlock (Steely Dan/Sting)
* Rodney Holmes (Steve Kimock/Santana)
* Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall)

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2005
* Roy Haynes & His Quartet
* Sheila E. (Ringo Starr, Prince), Raul Rekow, Alex Acuna (Weather
Report) and Karl Perazzo (Santana)
* Zoro (Lenny Kravitz)
* Jojo Mayer & Nerve
* Chris Adler (Lamb Of God)

One of the highlights of the weekend is the percussion summit planned
for Sunday, May 29 with Sheila E., Raul Rekow, Alex Acuna and Karl
Perazzo.

Modern Drummer is read by more than 250,000 drummers worldwide every
month. 2006 marks the magazine's 30th anniversary.

Tickets are $60 for a second-tier seat for one day ($105 for both
days), $65 for a standard orchestra seat ($115 for both days) and $70
for a premium orchestra seat ($125 for both days). Tickets are
available by calling NJPAC toll-free within the United States at
1-888-466-5722; patrons from outside the United States purchasing
tickets need to call 973-642-0404. The venue's phone center is open
Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Purchases may also be made online anytime at
www.njpac.org

For more information about Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2005, visit
www.moderndrummer.com

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
- Derek Sherinian Teams Up With Zakk Wylde, Steve Stevens And Other Greats
Sherinian Releases His 4th Instrumental Metal Masterpiece MYTHOLOGY,
In Stores Now.

(This is a more current version of a similar press release from last
issue. -Patrick)

HOLLYWOOD (March 29, 2005) – Famed keyboardist, Derek Sherinian,
releases yet another masterpiece on InsideOut Music. Mythology,
Sherinian's fourth solo album is a true brilliant work of art. Playing
with a cast of virtuoso's, Mythology is a combination of styles -
rock, prog and metal with splashes of jazz. As the composer, Sherinian
left a lot of room for the guest artists to feel natural in playing.
So much so that Zakk Wylde was inspired by the flow of the music that
he wrote lyrics for the track The River Run and also performed the
vocals.

The cast o' characters are comprised of Steve Stevens (Billy Idol),
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy), Allan Holdsworth, Steve
Lukather (Toto), Simon Phillips (Toto), John Sykes (Thin
Lizzy/Whitesnake, Blue Murder), Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder),
Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy/Blue Murder/Whitesnake/Ted Nugent/Ozzy),
Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra/Dixie Dregs) and Brian Tichy
(Billy Idol, Ozzy, Slashes Snakepit). With a line-up like that you can
only expect the best.

Much of the album was recorded at Sherinian's own Beachwood Manor
Studios in Burbank, CA. Considering that he has released eight
full-length recordings in the last five years – three solo albums, two
with Planet X, two with all-star quartet Platypus and one with
Platypus offshoot Jughead – the studio is always busy. That's just the
way Sherinian likes it. "All I'm trying to do is create music that
moves me first," he says. "I hope other people dig it too."

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

Exclusive Cover Preview...

The Mitch Perry Project's
We are delighted to be able to exclusively show the front cover for
Mitch Perry's [MSG, Cher, war & Peace] forthcoming release at the
official Z website. The album release date has been changed to April
21st due to some minor delays. Sound samples are now online at
www.zrecords.net so check them out!

Law And Order Hit The Stop Shelves!

Law And Order's long awaited third studio album "The Glass House" is
now finally out. All pre orders have been shipped and the album is now
available at our online store!

website: www.zrecords.net

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
- Improvisational Violin Master John Ellington Blair Performs Free
Concert In Harlem

NEW YORK – Improvisational violin virtuoso and Vietnam veteran John
Ellington Blair is giving back to the hospital that once helped him by
playing a free concert this Saturday, April 2 at the C.S. 154
Auditorium in Harlem.

Blair, who was wounded in Vietnam, had hip replacement surgery last
year at the Veterans' hospital. "This is a way of giving back to the
people that helped me," said Blair.

Blair has been playing violin for over 50 years. He attended the
Eastman School of Music, and during that time, discovered the music of
master of tenor saxophone John Coltrane, which inspired Blair to learn
to play the music known as "jazz."

After Blair was injured in Vietnam, he was sent to a Washington, D.C.
Veterans' Hospital to recuperate.

"It's interesting how life unfolds," said Blair. "As I got better, I
started to play the violin in the hospital and word spread. Instead
of going back to Vietnam, I was requested to be a part of President
John F. Kennedy's orchestra."

Blair also performed for Lyndon B. Johnson's administration as part of
the Air Force Strolling Strings, playing light classical violin pieces.

After his tenure at the White House, Blair went on to perform and
record with hundreds of artists, including Miles Davis, Quincy Jones,
Isaac Hayes, Barbra Streisand, Roberta Flack, B.B. King, Tito Puente,
etc., etc. He also co-invented the world's first custom designed
electric violin, viola and guitar combination now known worldwide as
"the vitar." The late John Wilson of the New York Times once
proclaimed, "John Blair is the best jazz violinist in the world."

Blair's latest release, "The Master Creed," is available through his
website (www.vitarmaster.com) and other select outlets
(www.theorchard.com) (www.cdbaby.com).

The concert will be presented by the Veterans Quality of Life Action
Network (VQLAN). The C.S. 154 Auditorium is located at 250 W. 127th
Street in Harlem. Blair will perform from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
- Paul Nelson Update

[Note: This is taken from the most recent issue of Paul's newsletter.
- Tim]

http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com/

OUT NOW!!!

Wacken Open Air History (The Ultimate Book) - Wacken Open Air

Paul Nelson is featured sharing his thoughts on what it was like to
perform at this monster festival in Germany in 2000. This beautifully
illustrated hard cover book released by the W:O:A proudly celebrates
the 15th Anniversary of the world's largest rock festival.

The book is jam-packed with interviews, color photos and stories from
15 years of this extraordinary event. A must for any true rock fan, it
is now available at online retailers and of course during the yearly
event. Visit: http://www.wacken.com/ ,
http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com/ , or Contact:
oidium@..., for info on ordering a copy! View the book
and or buy it here:

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/3980969703/powermetalde-21/302-0846759-775\
4464

Australian Radio - Featured on "Bitches Brew" PBSFM 106.7

Saturday morning 11 am Australian eastern daylight time on the weekly
instrumental electric Jazz Fusion show called "Bitches Brew" PBSFM 106.7

http://www.bitches-brew.com/

Guest columnist

Paul Nelson takes time to discuss his unique music concepts as a
special guest columnist. His articles entitled Master Guitar Class
"Making Sense And Practical Use Of Music Theory" Vol. I and II are
posted at this well respected instructional guitarist resource site:

USA
http://www.chopsfromhell.com/
http://www.chopsfromhell.com/guest_nelson1.html
http://www.chopsfromhell.com/guest_nelson2.html

47th Grammys

Photos of Paul's attendance at last month's awards telecast are now
posted at:

http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com/gallery3.htm
http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com/gallery1.htm

News compiled and supplied by BWB Entertainment (
http://www.bigwavebuz.com/ )
and Euro publicist http://www.egagency.com/it/band/paul_nelson.php .

Paul Nelson endorses ErnieBall/Musicman, DiMarzio Pickups, Levy's
Leathers and Anoname jeans.

Also visit:

http://www.johnnywinter.net/
http://www.piedmonttalent.com/
http://www.virginrecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
- Legacy Sign with Valhalla Records

The Los Angeles based hardrock group Legacy founded by bass ace Marten
Andersson (LIZZY BORDEN/GEORGE LYNCH) has inked a deal with UK's
Valhalla Records. The label will re-master and release Legacy's debut
CD with new artwork, bonus tracks as well as future releases through
this agreement. Marten Andersson will be starting to work on new
material for a follow up CD, slated for a 2006 release.

LEGACY's debut CD features bass player Marten Andersson (LIZZY
BORDEN/GEORGE LYNCH), guitarist Jonas Hansson (SILVER MOUNTAIN/JONAS
HANSSON BAND), vocalist Chris Roseberry and drummer Stephan Emig with
special appearances from drummer Sammy J. Watson (Apex Theory, Ricky
Lee Jones) and guitarist Joy Basu (Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson,
Coco Lee).

The self-titled debut album has received wonderful reviews so far and
is described as "addictive, in-your-face hard rock." Metalvault calls
it "Possibly one of the best Metal records I will hear this year".
WCRC 104 FM says, "This CD rocks. Its like Malmsteen meets Krokus
meets nothing you ever heard before, a high octane metal fest",
Hardradio calls it "Very cool stuff! Check it out", KNAC.com says,
"Legacy delivers straight-forward, honest, melodic rock with some
great guitar playing".

Legacy's CD was mixed and produced by Marten Andersson and Jonas
Hansson at Mastergroove Studio's in Granada Hills, California, with
the assistance of Mastergroove studio owner Dave Morse (Aerosmith,
Guns 'N Roses, Van Halen and Warrant).

Eddie Marsh, Valhalla Records UK, Label Manager commented, "Legacy" is
one of the best hardrock bands we have heard in a very long time. We
are very excited to release this killer album and we hope to welcome
the band live in the UK and mainland Europe very soon!

A summer release is expected. The final track listing is as follows:

1. Troubleshooter
2. Underdog
3. Tool
4. Autumn Rising
5. Mission of Mercy
6. Leave it Alone
7. 2.4.1
8. Can't Remember Love
9. My Last Sunrise
10. Astral Sundown
11. Thank You (Extended Version)
12. Bonus 1 TBA
13. Bonus 2 TBA
For more information and song samples, visit www.legacylive.com or
www.valhallarecords.co.uk

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
- BRAINSTORM's "Liquid Monster" ready for takeoff!

All engines are running on full steam, and here's some final news
before the monster is unleashed!

BRAINSTORM have shot a video for the song "All Those Words". The clip
will be online at www.metalblade.de and www.brainstorm-web.net from
Saturday (April, 2nd) on! The video was shot in an old mine in
Germany, perfectly capturing the special atmosphere deep inside these
mighty mountains.

An edited streaming audio track of the (title) song "Inside The
Monster" is already online at the above-mentioned websites!

The band has also announced a special appearance by female singer
Carmen Schäfer performing the song "All Those Words" at their shows in
Ludwigsburg (27.04.) and Budapest (30.04.) on the upcoming tour.
"Besides these two special performances, all fans can expect amazing
shows on the whole tour with tons of lighting effects and fantastic
stage sets! Be there! Since we always promised to bring our own show
with us, now you will see what a real Brainstorm show is all about!"
says drummer Dieter Bernert. Guitar player Milan adds: "We really
can't wait to unleash the fury again!"

Additionally, the previously cancelled Release Party at Matrix, Bochum
will finally happen tonight (Friday, 1st of April). Don't miss the
chance to experience the "Liquid Monster" before it is officially
released!

Worldwide press darling "Liquid Monster" will hit the stores next
Monday, April 4th. The limited edition of "Liquid Monster" will be
released as a CD+DVD digibook, featuring the album, a video
documentary of the bands latest World Tour and some additional bonus
stuff. Make sure to get your copy in time!

The long awaited "Inside The Monster – World Tour" kicks off on April
19th!

Here are the facts again:

Presented by Rock Hard, Metal Heart
Support Acts: AT VANCE, MERCENARY

19.04.05 Copenhagen (DK) · The Rock (without MERCENARY)
20.04.05 Hamburg (D) · Markthalle
21.04.05 Essen (D) · Zeche Carl
22.04.05 Vosselaar (B) · Biebob
23.04.05 Andernach (D) · JUZ
24.04.05 Helmond (NL) · Plato
26.04.05 Paris (F) · La Locomotive
27.04.05 Ludwigsburg (D) · Rockfabrik
28.04.05 Milano (I) · Transylvania
29.04.05 Ljubljana (SLO) · Metalkova
30.04.05 Budapest (H) · Petöfi Hall
01.05.05 Vienna (A) · Prater Open Air (without AT VANCE, MERCENARY)
03.05.05 Munich (D) · Backstage
04.05.05 Pratteln (CH) · Z7
05.05.05 Nürnberg (D) · Hirsch
06.05.05 Langen (D) · Stadthalle

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
- Fates Warning Release "Awaken The Guardian" Expanded Edition!

Fates Warning will be releasing an expanded edition of the 1986
classic "Awaken the Guardian". This double CD and DVD set not only
features full, re-mastered versions of the original eight tracks, but
also features an entire disc of rare live and demo tracks and a DVD
that includes a dozen Fates Warning videos. The set will be released
in through Metal Blade Records and will be available in stores June
28, 2005.

The complete track listing is as follows:
Disc 1
1. The Sorceress
2. Valley of the Dolls
3. Fata Morgana
4. Guardian
5. Prelude to Ruin
6. Giant's Lore (Heart of Winter)
7. Time Long Past
8. Exodus

Disc 2
1. The Sorceress (Demo)
2. Valley of the Dolls (Demo)
3. Prelude to Ruin (Demo)
4. Fata Morgana (Live)
5. Damnation (Live)
6. The Apparition (Live)
7. The Sorceress (Live)
8. Guardian (Live)
9. Die Young (Live)

Disc 3
DVD
Valley of the Dolls
Pirates of the Underground
Orphan Gypsy
Fata Morgana
Traveler in Time
The Sorceress
Guardian
Prelude to Ruin
Damnation
The Apparition
Die Young
Kiss of Death

http://www.fateswarning.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
- Dog Faced Gods Release Debut CD `Stoned Council' on Voodoo
Nation/AGU Music

Dog Faced Gods, a no-holds-barred, rock quartet from the ancient San
Manuel Indian Reservation in California, recently released its debut
CD `Stoned Council' on Voodoo Nation/AGU Music.

Incorporating the traditional sounds of their native heritage with the
pulse-pounding sounds of today's alt-metal movement and even a little
hip-hop and psychedelic rock rhythms thrown in for good measure, Dog
Faced Gods' debut effort is a mature and eclectic album which stands
out among today's young rock acts.

Considered rare for a new band to demonstrate such a deep
understanding of musical genres, guitarist "Snakeyez" Torres says it
all comes naturally. In fact, he believes that every sound that they
produce is the combined result of their experiences living on the
reservation as well as their individual tastes.

"Having grown up on the rez, our past definitely sticks with us. Those
experiences—and what we've seen around us and the world at large—are
reflected in our music," he says. "I think a lot of today's music is
music without meaning. Songs should take you on a voyage. I'm proud of
our diverse influences and where they help take our music."

And, according to drummer Paul Garcia, the band's influences couldn't
be any more diverse. "I listen to a lot of punk, hardcore and metal
music—nothing mainstream. My influences are a bit different from the
rest of the group. I'm trying to corrupt them!" he laughs.

But all kidding aside, Dog Faced Gods has achieved in one album what
most bands can't seem to accomplish in a lifetime. Which they say can
be greatly attributed to producer Bobby Brooks' efforts. Previously
working with bands like P.O.D. and Zebrahead, Brooks brought a unique
perspective to the project that Dog Faced Gods say made all the
difference, especially with their first single "Brings Me Down."

Already enjoying early spins at such stations as KASS FM (Casper, WY)
and WQAK FM (Union City, TN), "Brings Me Down" is receiving positive
feedback from program directors across the country and is being hailed
as the song that may just catapult the band to the next level.

Yet, Dog Faced Gods know that the real key to capturing audiences'
attention is through their live performances, which bass guitarist
Fernando "Nando" Gonzalez says is the band's strong point. "Our
performances are much heavier and more intricate than our album," he
says. "We tend to stretch out and detour into funky instrumental jams."

The band has started mapping out a tour that is expected to keep them
on the road all summer long with gigs at such well-known venues as the
Whiskey A Go-Go and the Roxy. The next appearance is scheduled for
Friday, April 29 at the Whiskey. For all the latest news and tour
dates, visit www.dogfacedgods.com.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
- Symphony X Shredder, Michael Romeo Guests On Icarus Witch Track For
Alice Cooper Tribute.

Considered in many underground circles as the ultimate shredding
guitar hero of this metal generation, Symphony X axe master Michael
Romeo was the first choice of upstart true metal mavens Icarus Witch
to be their special guest on the upcoming Magick Records release,
Welcome To The Nightmare: An All Star Salute To Alice Cooper. With the
help of producer Eric Klinger, (Pro-Pain, Built Upon Frustration), the
band revamped the mid-era Cooper obscurity, "Roses On White Lace,"
which they had recently released on their debut EP of the same name
(note: the version on the EP does not feature Romeo).

On a tribute record that also features heavyweights like Iced Earth,
Children Of Bodom, Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Dave Mustaine, Marty
Friedman, Vince Neil, Dee Snider, George Lynch and a stellar cast,
Icarus Witch wanted to pay respects to both their classic hero,
Cooper, as well as a band their own 6-string prodigy, Steve Pollick
considers to be the kings of the modern prog/power metal movement,
Symphony X. Pollick had talked shop with Romeo at several X gigs and
when this tribute came up, Icarus Witch got in touch with Michael
through his label, Inside Out Music (also based in the Witch's
hometown of Pittsburgh). Romeo was excited about the idea and produced
his guitar contribution with as much speed and professionalism as he
approaches his world-renowned, 8 finger tapping technique!

Due to additional manufacturing time for the limited, red leather-like
digipak, Welcome To The Nightmare has been pushed back to a new
official street date of April 19 through Navarre Distribution.

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*

- Allhelluja, whose sound has been described as "something unique and
explosive between Entombed, Motorhead and Kyuss," will release its
debut album INFERNO MUSEUM on May 23 through Scarlet Records. The
lyrical concept for the album's songs is "taken from the
psycho-sex-serial killer book 'Dead Men Upright' by Derek Raymond."
Track list: "A Perfect Man," "Your Savior Is Here," "Ego Te Absolvo,"
"Miss M," "Inferno Museum," "Who's Gonna Kill My Lady?" "God Is
Laughing," "Nervous Titter," "Gettin' Closer," "Devil's Kiss." Check
out MP3s and pictures now at http://www.allhelluja.com/.

- Blind Guardian has parted ways with drummer Thomen Stauch. The
official statement from Hansi Kursch (http://www.blind-guardian.com/)
reads as follows:

"No news is good news. This obviously is bad news. After walking along
the same musical paths for about 20 years and after several long, open
and honest discussions between the four band members, we have all
(including Thomen) come to the same conclusion that it is now best for
Thomen to leave the band. "Since we developed different musical and
personal directions for quite a while now, it turned out to be more
and more difficult to find acceptable and suitable solutions for
everyone in the band. Such circumstances would have eventually caused
severe internal problems. Therefore, to avoid any damage to our close
relationship this difficult step is essential. In terms of creativity
or progression neither one of us would like to hold the other one
back. Due to that fact the split seems to be a sad, but reasonable
solution. We wish Thomen all the best for the future and hope to come
up with more positive news in the near future. …and day shall come
again" Hansi

Thomen Stauch also posted the following;
"As you may have read in Hansi's statement, I am no longer the drummer
of Blind Guardian. From now on we are going our separate ways, at
least musically. I must admit it is quite a sad, but necessary
decision in order for us to remain friends. I stand fully behind
Hansi's declaration, so I will keep my statement as short as possible,
and wish Blind Guardian all the best for the future, hoping that they
find another drummer without any hassle. I would also like to use this
opportunity to thank each and every one of you who stood by us through
all those years, especially our fans. You are the best!!! I hope to
see you again soon! A big thank you to my old colleagues, Hansi, Andre
and Marcus, for all the amazing times we've shared.

Take care, Thomen

- Demons & Wizards, the incredible Metal project featuring Hansi
Kursch of Blind Guardian and Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth, have chosen
the name TOUCHED BY THE CRIMSON KING as the title of their second CD,
due June 27 on SPV Records. The reported track listing is as follows:
Crimson King / Beneath These Waves / Terror Train / Seize the Day /
The Gunslinger / Love's Tragedy Asunder / Wicked Witch / Dorian / Down
Where I Am / Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover).

- News on Rik Emmett's (ex-Triumph) and Mike Shotton's (singer/drummer
for Von Groove) new project from the members only section of Rik's
website http://www.rikemmett.com: 12 songs have been completely
written, and the tracking of drums has just gotten underway. 10 of the
tunes are very 'classic', hard, melodic rock tracks, with some
[slightly] modern influences. The titles are as follows: Find Your Way
/ Midnight Black & Blue / Liberty / Cryin' Shame / Addicted / Edge Of
Your Mind / River Runs Deep / Tomorrow's Promise Holds [Clapton-esque
ballad] / Code Nine / Moving Day [acoustic 12 string ballad] /
Instrumental [working title - Stein-Y-Z --- cuz it seems like a kind
of cross between Frankenstein and Rush's YYZ]. Rik added this comment:
"And the record is very, very straightforward - heavy, hard, melodic
rock. Make no mistake. [Like SRV, or Slash, or Lenny Kravitz, or Jimmy
Page - like Gordie Johnson ---- a pure, roots-based, physical,
rock-locked-in-the-DNA kind of musical gene pool...] ... no lie --- I
am genuinely excited about how this thing is shaping up. We are months
away from finishing, but I gotta say --- this thing hasn't got a weak
song on it. And I was out listening to the beginning of the drum
tracking today --- HEAVY drum sounds. Imagine AC/DC meets Queen
imagine Led Zeppelin. Imagine Velvet Revolver and throw in a little
bit of Edgar Winter Frankenstein."

- Former Glenn Hughes bassist Sampo Axelsson has officially joined the
Swedish melodic heavy metal band Lion's Share. Sampo co-wrote several
songs with Hughes for his ADDICTION and THE WAY IT IS CDs, besides
being a touring member with Hughes during the late '90s. Axelsson and
Lion's Share main man Lars Chriss are currently writing material with
an as-yet-undisclosed singer for a fifth album to be released some
time during 2006. The songs written so far are being described as
"heavier and more straight-ahead with tons of energy and attitude."
Check out http://wwwlionsshare.org for more info.

- Issue #33 of HR2, which is the new e-zine format of Hard RoxX
magazine, is out now featuring reviews of new releases by Kamelot,
Glass Tiger, Crucified Barbara, Liesegang/White, Honeymoon Suite,
Kino, Dark Moor, Jadis, Evergrey, Marc Ribler, Fozzy, Labyrinth,
Darren Smith/Black Star, Terry Bozzio, and Lanfear. Also, the
publishers have now compiled the first 30 issues of HR2 onto CD-R in
PDF format, and the disc is available for £6.00/$12.00/E11.00,
including shipping and handling. Payment by UK cheque, PayPal, or cash
(£, $ or E only, and sent at your own risk!) can be made to: Matthew
Honey, Hard RoxX, 23 Stoneyfield Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2HP,
UK. Contact hardroxxhoney@... or hardrocxx@... for more
information.

- Helloween's first single from the upcoming album will now be "Mrs.
God," not "Come Alive". It's still due out in early July and will
include a B-side, an album track, and the "Mrs. God" video.

- Judas Priest and Queensryche have confirmed (according to
http://ww.judaspriestcom) the following dates:

Jun. 01 - Xcel Energy Center - Minneapolis, MN
Jun. 03 - Tweeter Center - Chicago, IL
Jun. 04 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI
Jun. 07 - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Buffalo, NY
Jun. 08 – Verizon - Manchester, NH
Jun. 10 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
Jun. 11 - Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, CT
Jun. 12 - Tweeter Center - Boston, MA
Jun. 14 - Montage Mountain - Scranton, PA
Jun. 15 - Giant Center - Hershey, PA
Jun. 18 - Tweeter Waterfront - Philadelphia
Jun. 19 - Nissan Pavilion - Washington, DC
Jun. 22 - Ford Ampitheatre - Tampa, FL
Jun. 23 - Sound Advice Amp - West Palm Beach, FL
Jun. 25 - Verizon Wireless - San Antonio, TX
Jun. 26 - Smirnoff Ampitheatre - Dallas, TX

- Vocalist Michael Kiske (Helloween, SupaRed) has completed
pre-production on 14 new songs for his next album, and he's looking
for a deal now. He has also agreed to perform on an 11-song album from
the project Place Vandame for Frontiers Records. According to the
SupaRed Newsletter these songs are "in [an] AOR style, comparable with
bands like Foreigner or Journey." Kiske recently had an operation for
some stomach problems and is recovering nicely. See
http://www.SupaRed.de/ for more.

- http://www.kissonline.com reports that Paul Stanley will be
appearing on the upcoming Montrose record. Paul commented: "Barring
any unforeseen contractual problems, I'm hoping to do it since Ronnie
Montrose is a friend and killer guitar player. The first album by the
original lineup of Montrose is one of my all-time favorites".

- Metal Church news, Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitars/songwriter) has a new
project called Presto Ballet. The debut album is expected in June on
Inside Out Music. The style of music is described as progressive and
melodic with some heavy moments.

- Metal Mike Chlasciak (Halford, PainmuseuM) has officially joined
Sebastian Bach's solo band. The band is scheduled to hit the road in
June for some European dates.

- Ozzy news; Rudy Sarzo is said to have written a book, Off the Rails
- My Adventures in the Land of Ozz. The book chronicles the life on
tour with Ozzy during the early 1980s. The book is due this September.
Preorders can be placed at http://www.amazon.com

- Velvet Revolver has confirmed plans to be part of this year's
Ozzfest. The band will play the last ten 10 dates starting on August
16 in West Valley City, Utah. The last seven dates listed will not
include Iron Maiden. Velvet Revolver will play in the third slot
(third to last) on the first three dates and then assume Iron Maiden's
(second) slot on the August 23rd.

Ozzfest 2005 featuring VELVET REVOLVER:

Aug. 16 - West Valley City, UT - USANA Pavilion
Aug. 18 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket
Aug. 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen
Aug. 23 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
Aug. 25 - Dallas, TX - Smirnoff
Aug. 27 - Houston, TX - Cynthia J. Woods Pavilion
Aug. 28 - San Antonio, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 31 - Nashville, TN - Starwood Amphitheatre
Sep. 02 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon
Sep. 04 - West Palm Beach - Sound Advice

Special thanks to Mark Iddings for helping gather this information.
And thanks to Joe Siegler for helping gather LAST WEEK's information.
I have no idea whom "Joe Sielger" is who was thanked in Joe Siegler's
place…

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

- I'm taking a break from doing reviews this week so I can have time
to listen to all of this great music coming out! 2005 is shaping up
to be a killer year for metal and hard rock, just too much to get to…
Spending a ridiculous amount of time in my player lately has been both
of Astral Door's excellent releases, OF THE SON AND THE FATHER and
EVIL IS FOREVER. This band really took me by surprise, featuring the
superb vocal talents of Nils Patrik Johansson from Wuthering Heights,
Astral Doors play music that would have been right at home on any of
Black Sabbath's 80's releases with Dio and Tony Martin. Really good
songs, tight musicianship and ass-kicking production make these two
required listening for any fan of traditional melodic metal. Check out
samples at http://www.astraldoors.com/

- Hopefully you read my interview with Vinnie Moore recently; fans of
the virtuoso will be happy to know that Guitar One magazine has voted
his MIND'S EYE album #6 in their poll of the top guitar albums of all
time, complementing his win at #3 for top shred album. We should have
some new music from Vinnie in the not-too-distant future, keep up with
him at http://www.vinniemoore.com/

- There seems to be a bit of buzz in the Dokken camp about a new
album, reports indicate it is quite good, although stylistically it's
not clear how it will sound. Updates at http://www.dokken.net/

- Haven't seen any live shows lately and am starting to get withdrawal
symptoms (contemplating long road trips, watching old live videos,
looking sorrowfully at concert tickets from days gone past, etc.). I
don't know what it is this year but there just doesn't seem to be much
in the way of good live shows scheduled, at least for my area; even
Ozzfest is skipping us so once again no Maiden. I understand Manowar
and Rhapsody will be on tour, that might be worth checking out but I'm
hoping for more bands to announce tours for this summer.

- In more positive tour news, I see Queensryche is scheduled as
support for Judas Priest on their ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION tour; word is
they will only play pre-MINDCRIME material so that will be something
to see! Still not convinced that MINDCRIME II will set the world on
fire but time will tell...

- Speaking of Priest's ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION, the verdict is now in - I
really like everything on there except closer "Lochness." Britain's
Classic Rock magazine recently featured a great review of the album
that I almost totally agree with, I don't know what they were thinking
finishing off such a good album with that clunker but the chorus is
just horrible! They should have scrapped that and put on two more
songs in the style of "Demonizer" and "Hellrider," that would have
been the shit! Oh well, I guess 9 out of 10 ain't bad and the
dual-disc DVD kinda makes up for it.

- I see we have lost another giant from the classic rock pantheon,
following the tragic loss of Danny Joe Brown (Molly Hatchet) and
Jakson Spires (Blackfoot) we now must add Rod Price from Foghat to the
list. Rod was more of a blues-rock player than metal but what a great
guitarist, I have some fond memories of listening to Foghat on record
and seeing them live, R.I.P.

Besides Astral Doors, on the playlist this week: Rage - FROM THE
CRADLE TO THE STAGE DVD, Kiko Lourerio - NO GRAVITY, Headrush - S/T,
Vicious Rumors - S/T, Evergrey - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, Symphorce -
TWICE SECOND. Vintage Pick: Angel - S/T

Keep it loud!

*
*** OUT ***
*