Detritus
Issue #325
Week of July 11, 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/

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-Detritus would like to send our condolences to the friends and
families of record producer Pat Glasser who died recently. Pat was
known best for producing Night Ranger's three most successful albums,
DAWN PATROL, MIDNIGHT MADNESS, and SEVEN WISHES, as well as Brad
Gillis' 2001 solo album ALLIGATOR.

We'd also like to express our deepest condolences to John Taglieri,
who lost his mother last week. We're thinking about you, John. - Sean
& Tim

-In lighter news, yes, I know the two Helloween press releases below
are remarkably similar but I got them quite a few days apart and
didn't have time to Dr. Stein 'em together. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Guitar Shredder John5 Will Join Rob Zombie Headlining The Second
Stage @ OZZfest 2005

HOLLYWOOD -- John5 is "shredder of choice" for Horror Rocker Rob
Zombie for this year's OZZfest 2005 tour. "I'm totally stoked about
this because this guy is a fucking shredder," explains Zombie. "I
played 'Thunder Kiss '65' with him at The Arrowhead Pond Arena for a
benefit a couple weeks back and it never sounded so fucking good."
John5 is elated that he will be playing guitar for Rob Zombie on the
Hot Topic Second stage at this year's OZZfest. "I'm totally ecstatic
about having the opportunity to play with Rob on OZZfest," exclaims
John5. "He has been one of my favorite artists for the longest time. I
had the opportunity to play with him a few weeks back, and never
thought that I would have the chance to share the stage with him
playing the Zombie songs we all know and love!"

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

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Steamhammer/SPV New Release: Helloween's "Mrs. God"

Release Date: September 5th, 2005
Territory: World excl. Japan and South East Asia

CD Cat. Nr.: 99583
SPV Pricecode: 060
EANcode: 693723995830
Format: CD Single Digi-pak
Genre: Melodic Metal

TRACK LISTING:

1. Mrs. God (2:55)
2. King For A 1000 Years (13:54)
3. Run (The Name Of Your Enemy) - (exclusive Bonus Track) (4:11)

OVERVIEW:

Few albums in the history of the German heavy metal scene enjoy as
legendary a reputation as Helloween's KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS, PART I &
II. More or less overnight, their two 1987 and 1988 cult releases
catapulted the band from Hamburg among the international elite of
metal music, where they have been reigning -- except for a brief
interruption -- without noticeable signs of wear or tear. On October
31, 2005, 17 years after the arrival of KEEPER II, Helloween are due
to present the album's legitimate successor: KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS -
THE LEGACY. The first single release from this album, the haunting
"Mrs. God," is much more than merely an appetizer: it will document as
early as September 5 that even in the twentieth year of their career,
Helloween still set the standard for the international scene.

In summer 2005, the current line-up consisting of Andi Deris (vocals),
Michael Weikath (guitar), Markus Großkopf (bass), Sascha Gerstner
(guitar) and new addition Dani Loeble (ex-Rawhead Rexx, drums)
presents Helloween as a stronger band than they have been for a long
time. The intense atmosphere during the preparatory phase leading up
to the new album, the mix of compositional and technical expertise
inspired Helloween to link their upcoming album to their two most
distinguished recordings to date. Even more pronounced than other
recent compositions, the new tracks feature complex arrangements,
numerous tempo changes, intricate breaks and epic sonic landscapes.
Initial comments on the new album are already talking of a landmark
release. So it's no wonder that the "Mrs. God" was selected as the
first single release: Helloween 2005 are as awesome as ever!

Line-Up:

Andi Deris - vocals
Michael Weikath - guitars
Sascha Gerstner - guitars
Markus Großkopf - bass
Dani Loeble - drums

Sales Arguments:

- Helloween is one of the biggest german metal bands worldwide

- Helloween is back -- stronger than before -- the keeper returns!

- The single is a definite fan item -- digi-pak plus Bonus Track which
is only on this single

- Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (Blind Guardian, Halford, Rage)

- This single is a taster for the new studioalbum KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS
- THE LEGACY which will be released October, 31st (Halloween day)

- Helloween will embark on a massive european tour from December 2005
to February 2006

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Radiant Records Announcements: New Releases From Radiant!!

Hello,

We at Radiant Records are hoping you are having a wonderful summer!
Before saying anything more we'd like to let you know that the new
Neal Morse Christian 'normal song' album GOD WON'T GIVE UP will be
available soon! It has turned out great and we think even our
non-Christian friends will like it. Think IT'S NOT TOO LATE with
spiritual lyrics.

Also, the new Neal Morse Inner Circle DVD is done and in production.
It is a very cool look inside Neal's life with footage of him clowning
around with his brothers, singing "Cradle To The Grave" with his son
Wil at his piano recital, and playing "Sing It High" live on the radio
in Nashville. There's also an interview in the studio where Neal talks
about how he writes and does some nice proggy improvisations as well.
We're sure you'll LOVE it! (Format NTSC region free) Sign up for the
Inner Circle by July 15th to receive this great collectors item. To
sign up go to http://www.nealmorse.com/ , click on the Inner Circle
icon, click on sign up and follow the instructions.

Here are some new releases we think you will like! New from Glass
Hammer and a re-release of classic echolyn!

Glass Hammer - THE INCONSOLABLE SECRET

America's greatest progressive rock band is back with a double-album
of epic proportions. One that literally redefines the entire concept
of "epic."

Back with the beautiful pipe organs, the melodic Moogs, and
Mellotrons. Back with a huge, fantastically intriguing story that even
tops the one of their highly successful album, LEX REX. Back with a
full orchestra and amazing choir. Back with the classic Glass Hammer
line-up, including Matt Mendians on drums, Susie Bogdanowicz and
Walter Moore on vocals, and prog icons Steve Babb and Fred Schendel on
...well, practically everything else.

This elaborate enhanced CD Digipak features the amazing artwork of
legendary artist, Roger Dean, and a generous portion of added-value
bonus material, including Roger Dean computer desktop art, a video of
the band in the studio, complete lyrics in gorgeous, full-color high
resolution PDF format, and much more.

Release date: July 12

echolyn – AS THE WORLD

AS THE WORLD is the fourth album by echolyn. Originally released by
Epic records, AS THE WORLD deserves every bit of acclaim it has
received. Enjoy this powerful recording of one of America's most
dynamic bands, echolyn.

This collection of songs, sixteen in all, will inspire listeners. The
melodies drive the songs bringing to life the signature echolyn vocal
harmonies. Produced by Glenn Rosenstein, co-produced by echolyn, mixed
by Jeff Balding and mastered by Greg Calbi.

*Includes a bonus DVD of echolyn performing the music from as the
world, filmed just 2-days before the actual release of in 1995 in
Michigan at The Ritz.

*Special packaging with new full-color artwork

We will be out of town from July 12 – 17 so if you want these titles
to ship soon get your order in right away! Otherwise it will ship on
the 18th.

http://www.radiantrecords.com/

Thanks,
Cherie Morse
Radiant Records

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Helloween - New Album KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS – THE LEGACY (Release
Date: October 31st, 2005)

New Single "Mrs. God" Out On September 5, 2005

Extensive World Tour To Start Mid-November

Steamhammer/SPV are proud to announce their signing of Helloween,
marked by the release of the band's new album, KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS –
THE LEGACY, distributed in Canada by Fusion 3. This is the start of a
new cooperation, twenty years after the first collaboration between
SPV and the band from Hamburg, which earned Helloween their first two
gold awards.

Founder member Michael Weikath: "SPV was at the beginning of it all,
and that is already the basis for a successful cooperation." SPV's
managing director, Manfred Schütz, is also looking forward to the
impending alliance: "Helloween are one of the first metal acts to set
the standard for German heavy metal worldwide. The outstanding success
of their first two gold records still remains one of the most
beautiful moments in my memory, and I am proud that Helloween are now
a SPV/Steamhammer act."

The new album, KEEPER OF THE 7 KEYS – THE LEGACY, is due out on
October 31, 2005. The first single "Mrs. God" will be released as an
appetizer on September 5, 2005. Helloween's line-up consists of Andi
Deris (vocals), Michael Weikath (guitar), Markus Großkopf (bass),
Sascha Gerstner (guitar) and new addition, Dani Loeble (ex-Rawhead
Rexx, drums). November will see the band embark on a world tour
scheduled to last several months.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force To Release UNLEASH THE FURY In North
America On July 26, 2005, Through Spitfire Records

The long wait is over for fans of neo-classical rock guitar genius
Yngwie Malmsteen. The new Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force album
UNLEASH THE FURY will be released in North America on July 26, 2005,
through Eagle Rock Entertainment's Spitfire Records.

UNLEASH THE FURY has already received rave reviews since hitting the
streets overseas. Malmsteen played all guitar and bass guitar parts on
the album and "Cherokee Warrior" features his lead vocals as well. His
Rising Force band includes vocalist Doogie White, keyboardist Joakim
Svalberg and drummer Patrick Johansson.

The new album bursts with 18 songs, including four instrumentals:
"Locked And Loaded," "Revolution," "Crackin' The Whip," "Winds Of War
(Invasion)," "Crown Of Thorns," "BogeyMan," "Beauty And A Beast,"
"Fuguetta (Instrumental)," "Cherokee Warrior," "Guardian Angel
(Instrumental)," "Let The Good Times Roll," "Revelation (Drinking With
The Devil)," "Magic And Mayhem (Instrumental)," "Exile," "The Hunt,"
"Russian Roulette," "Unleash The Fury" and "Paraphrase
(Instrumental)." Both "Fuguetta" and "Paraphrase" are variations of
themes composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of Malmsteen's favorite
composers. UNLEASH THE FURY also features CD-ROM bonus clips of
Malmsteen demonstrating his signature guitar technique.

With 24 albums to his credit, Malmsteen has been a highly respected
musical visionary around the world for more than two decades for his
groundbreaking neo-classical style. But the Stockholm, Sweden native
is proud of the early praise UNLEASH THE FURY has earned. He realized
early on that he nailed it with this album.

"In the last several years I've done a lot of experimental things in
this vein or that vein. Some were very song-oriented or classically
oriented or focused on a dark production. They were done deliberately.
On the last album, ATTACK!!, I went with whatever came out. It was
very spontaneous," Malmsteen says.

"With UNLEASH THE FURY I was very, very meticulous and very, very
particular about what I wanted. I was really involved with everything,
including drums -- even when to use crash or ride cymbals. It was a
bit like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. I knew exactly what I
wanted to do with this album."

Malmsteen spends a great deal of time writing his songs, and that
includes everything: overall instrumental and vocal melodies, solos
and lyrics. He enjoys writing lyrics as much as writing guitar and
bass guitar parts, and works on them carefully.

"I express myself with my lyrics just as much as I do with my guitar.
To me, the whole thing is one expression. Lyrics are poetry in time
with a melody," Malmsteen says. "When the music comes, it's easy. It's
all improvisation. If I'm not inspired, I don't bother. But writing
lyrics is a difficult process; when it's done, I find it was an
enjoyable experience."

He is also incredibly prolific, and one of the rewarding challenges he
embraces is choosing material.

"I have two recording studios at home, and one of them is a live
setup. Me and the drummer, Patrick Johansson, recorded about 43 demos
for this album," says Malmsteen.

Having his own recording studios allows Malmsteen the luxury of
creative freedom without any restraints. Unexpected benefits happen
too. The main reason he sings lead vocals on "Cherokee Warrior" is
that he and the engineer were simply doing a soundcheck with a new
microphone and it sounded so good they decided to keep it.

Malmsteen, White, Johansson, Svalberg and touring bass guitarist Mick
Cervino have already begun a world tour, which will arrive in North
America later this year.

UNLEASH THE FURY is one of the finest albums of Malmsteen's career,
and its creation is rooted in one simple, yet profound belief: "I have
a philosophy: More is more, less is less. The idea that less is more
is illogical."

Malmsteen's Concerto DVD, featuring his performance with the New Japan
Philharmonic orchestra, is also due from Eagle Rock on September 20,
2005. For more information, including all the latest news and tour
dates, visit http://www.yngwie.org/ .

Eagle Rock Entertainment develops, acquires and produces music
programming for a wide range of notable and high profile artists,
which the company distributes on a worldwide basis. Eagle Rock
Entertainment, Eagle Vision and Eagle Eye Media are wholly owned
divisions of Eagle Rock Group, LTD. The company's North American
headquarters are in New York City. Its corporate headquarters are in
London, with offices in Paris and Hamburg.

http://www.yngwie.org/
http://www.eaglerockent.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-FastLane Records Are Proud To Announce The Signing Of Tilterworld

Tilterworld consists of Hollywood seasoned veterans, such as, Lonny
Paul (Heart Throb Mob), Michael Thomas (Fastback), Stevie Deluxe
(Space Age Playboys) and Jasin Barajis (Stars From Mars). Tilterworld
bring to the table a mixture of melodic, guitar driving rock with a
knack for style and flair. More details on this great release as they
unfold. Please click the link below to hear streaming audio. Their
debut record will be titled VICIOUS CIRCLES. Look for a
August/September release.

Click http://www.fastlanerecords.com/tunes/tw/ for audio streams.

http://www.tilterworld.com/

The Band:

Members Lonny, Jason and Stevie all having mutual frinds on the scene
and through watching each other separtely in local L.A. bands decided
to pull together and form the band Tilterwold. In Jan. of 2005 the
band immediately went to work in the studio writing and developing
their sound. Michael later joined the project bringing to the band a
sound and style that flat out just kicks ass. Tilterworld has taken to
the streets performing in clubs throughout Hollywood and the L.A. area
and have proudly signed a record deal w/ FastLane Records and will
release there cd entitled VICIOUS CIRCLES this summer. The band will
also shoot a video and tour the last half the summer in support of
there first release.

Lonny
Lonny Paul has been making waves in the music scene since the early
nineties starting off playing cover songs in a Texas based band, to
making his way to Hollywood and forming and fronting such groups as
The Endorphins, Superficials and The Sinthetics. He has worked with
many artists, songwriters and producers. Lonny has written and
produced songs for other L.A. based bands and some television. He is
currently fronting Tilterworld, plans to take the band all the way to
the top of the charts and keep them there indefintely.

Michael
Michael (guitar) does his thing with a few other Hollywood acts
including his own Fastback, well worth checking out. He has a big
sound and is definitely adding alot to the Tilterworld project.

Stevie
Stevie Deluxe (drums), raised in Hollywood, played in his first band
The Bats during the mid-'90s. After a few hundred shows and
hair-raising tour through Thailand, he split from the band and joined
The Space-Age-Playboys. Released two records in Europe, toured and
barely made it back alive to met Lonnie Paul who was playing in a
local Hollywood band. Later joined forces with Lonny and Jason to form
Tilterworld.

Jason
Jason (bass) says his early years were spent rockin' in such groups as
Better Off Dead, Stars Of Mars and The Amy Jo Johnson Project. He's
currently playing bass in Tilterworld and lovin' it.

http://www.fastlanerecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Fear Factory Announce Track Listing To TRANSGRESSION

Fear Factory has announced the final track listing for their upcoming
release TRANSGRESSION due out August 23 on Calvin Records, an imprint
of Liquid 8 Records. The band has just finished up in the studio with
producer Toby Wright (Alice in Chains, Korn, Metallica) and are
preparing for the Gigantour for which they were selected by Dave
Mustaine.

"It's really cool to be writing a new record. We are all feeling very
positive and it's moving quickly since we have overcome some major
obstacles. Now we can work on a fucking great album. 2005 is the year
of TRANSGRESSION for Fear Factory!" said Burton Bell.

1. 540,000 Degrees Fahrenheit
2. Transgression
3. Spinal Compression
4. Contagion
5. Empty Vision
6. Echo Of My Scream
7. Supernova
8. New Promise
9. I Will Follow
10. Millennium
11. Moment Of Impact
12. *Empire (bonus track for Best Buy only)

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Revolver Rocks Summer Festivals

Live On Stage

SARNIA, ON - Saturday, July 16th - 5:25pm sharp
BAYFEST 2005 support for Billy Talent and Kid Rock

TWEED, ON - Saturday, July 30th - 11:00pm
TRUDEAU PARK (festival) - headlining

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Monday, August 1st - 7:30pm
PLAYDIUM ROCKFEST - headlining

More details and ticket information located on our website at
http://www.revolvertv.com/ .

Revolver's new video "Blue Sky" has just been added to MUCHLOUD's
rotation, request it now by e-mailing muchloud@....

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-Bastille Day 2005 (July 14) Marks The Countdown To The Release Of
Roger Waters' Long-Awaited Classical Opera, ÇA IRA, From Sony BMG
Masterworks/Columbia Records

Lavish First Edition DigiPack Includes Full Opera On Two Hybrid SACDs,
Bonus "Making Of ÇA IRA" DVD, & 60-Page Four-Color Booklet Containing
Libretto, Cast Credits, & Original Illustrations

ÇA IRA In Stores Tuesday, September 27

NEW YORK -- On July 14, the people of France, and history enthusiasts
the world over, will celebrate the 216th anniversary of Bastille Day,
the day the citizenry of France stormed the state prison in Paris that
increasingly symbolized their hatred of the monarchy and their
willingness to fight and die for "Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!"
Bastille Day marks the birth pangs of the French Revolution and, like
America's Independence Day, is a celebration of the overthrowing of an
old oppressive order and a toast to the emergence of freedom and
democracy.

This year's Bastille Day provides a fitting prelude to the impending
release of ÇA IRA, Roger Waters long-awaited "operatic history of the
French Revolution," on Tuesday, September 27.

The lavish first edition of ÇA IRA, an opera in three acts for full
orchestra, soloists and choirs, will include a double SACD DigiPack
and a deluxe 60 page four-color booklet including Roger Waters' lyrics
based on Etienne Roda-Gil's original French libretto, the original
illustrations created by Nadine Roda-Gil, biographies of Waters and
the opera's cast, background and production notes on the opera.

As a bonus for Roger Waters fans, ÇA IRA includes a special DVD
documentary chronicling the "making of" the opera. The ÇA IRA DVD
traces the history of the project, from conception to completion, and
includes revelatory interviews with Waters and the musicians and cast
of ÇA IRA as well as exclusive in-the-studio footage of the recording
of the opera.

ÇA IRA is being released in the hybrid SACD (Super Audio CD) format in
Dolby Digital 5.1 SurroundSound. The hybrid SACD disks are compatible
with standard CD players.

Waters, who co-founded the groundbreaking rock group Pink Floyd in
1966, began to bridge the worlds of rock and classical music in such
pioneering major works as THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (1973) and THE
WALL (1979) in which he incorporated elements of operatic form --
theatricality, coherent narrative, dramatic arcs, thematic music and
song cycles -- in a pop context.

Waters' work on ÇA IRA, his first opera for full orchestra and voice,
began in 1989, during the Bicentennial of the French Revolution. The
well-respected and successful songwriter Etienne Roda-Gil and his
wife, Nadine, had created an original libretto for an opera, written
in French, as part of the Bicentennial. Entitled ÇA IRA, after a
revolutionary song of the period, the Roda-Gil's original manuscript,
copiously and beautifully illustrated by Nadine, portrayed the events
and the spirit of the French Revolution through a multitude of
perspectives -- ranging from Marie Antoinette to the eyes and ears of
the period's revolutionaries and common people -- using a circus as a
central theatrical framing device and metaphor.

Introduced to Etienne Roda-Gil by a mutual friend, Waters was
immediately and deeply impressed by the passion and the power of
Etienne's manuscript and began work on creating a full orchestral
score for ÇA IRA. Work on the project was suspended when Nadine died
tragically of leukemia. Several years passed before Roger and Etienne
returned to ÇA IRA.

In 1997, Roger began writing an English version of the text. "It's not
just a translation," he says. "I've stuck very much to the spirit of
Etienne's original, adding to it somewhat. Although it's rooted in the
history of the revolution, its philosophical slant is, I suppose,
contemporary as well. It's more than just a history of the French
Revolution, it's a piece about the human potential for change."

The finished version of ÇA IRA features orchestration and choral
arrangements by Roger Waters with Rick Wentworth. Waters and Wentworth
are also the album's producers. Principal characters in the opera are
brought to life by the Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel (the
Ringmaster, the Troublemaker, Louis Capet - the King of France);
internationally acclaimed soprano Ying Huang (Marie Marianne - the
Voice of Liberty, Reason and the Republic, Marie Antoinette - the
Queen of France); American tenor Paul Groves (A Revolutionary Priest,
A Military Officer); and Senegalese "one man orchestra" Ismael Lo (a
Revolutionary Slave). Other parts are sung by Jamie Bower (Honest Bird
- the young Revolutionary Priest) and Helen Russill (Madame Antoine -
the young Marie Antoinette).

Before the rise and fall of the guillotine, before the terror took
hold, the People of France fought for a better world based on the
ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity rather than one ruled by a
callous and outmoded nobility. It is this story of hope and promise
that inspired ÇA IRA. Set during the optimistic early days of the
French Revolution, ÇA IRA is a work of stunning power and beauty,
invoking the passion, madness, and triumph of faith in a time that
forever changed the nature of the world.

http://www.roger-waters.com/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Glam-Metal.com has a great interview with Animal guitarist Randy
Piper (ex-W.A.S.P) at http://glam-metal.com/randypiper.html .

-Anthrax has been confirmed to play the last five shows of Gigantour
(taking Dream Theater's spot):

9/6 - TBA, Edmonton, AB
9/8 - TBA, Calgary, AB
9/9 - TBA, Vancouver, BC
9/10 - TBA, Seattle, WA
9/11 - TBA, Portland, OR

-Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi's new solo album FUSED, featuring
Glenn Hughes, is out this week. Black-Sabbath.com Web master Joe
Siegler ran his track-by-track review of the disc in issue #1209 of
his site's mailing list; he called FUSED "brilliant" and "a masterful
work," and says of all the Sabbath-related solo and side projects
released since the band's last album (1995's FORBIDDEN), FUSED is "the
one that has that feel of carrying the Sabbath banner best." See
http://www.black-sabbath.com/discog/fused.html for more information.
In related news, Iommi.com reported there are three bonus tracks from
the FUSED sessions available in various formats: "Let It Down Easy" is
a bonus track on the Japanese version of the album (due out July 21),
"The Innocence" is reportedly now available from iTunes, and "Slip
Away" is available either "as a bonus track download as part of a link
up with magazine Rolling Stone and Real.com," or, in the UK, as part
of the album if purchases from Napster. (See Iommi.com for more on
"Slip Away," as it seems like the track can only be had if you buy the
entire album as a special download version from one of various Web
sites.) Finally, Ozzyhead.com (in association with Electric Artists)
is running a contest to give away two copies of FUSED; to enter,
simply send an e-mail with your name and mailing address to
Iommi_Contest@.... Winners will be selected at random on July
19.

-Deep Purple's next album, RAPTURES OF THE DEEP, is due in October.

-Rumor has it Dio plans to record one of its shows on the upcoming
tour of Russia, for a DVD release next year. The show is scheduled to
include the HOLY DIVER album played in its entirety.

-Gamma Ray's new CD, MAJESTIC, is scheduled to be released September
26 on Sanctuary Records. Track list: "My Temple," "Fight," "Strange
World," "Hell Is Thy Home," "Blood Religion," "Condemned To Hell",
"Spiritual Dictator," "Majesty," "How Long," "Revelation." The
Japanese version will include a bonus track.

-GetReadyToRock.com has been updated with new Steve Howe (Yes), Tony
Clarkin (Magnum), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy), Girschool, James LaBrie
(Dream Theater), and Candlemass interviews; contests to win new
releases from the Eagles, Tony Iommi, and Steve Walsh; reviews of new
release by Alice Cooper, Gotthard, and Kick Axe; and live reviews of
Motorhead, Kansas, and the Sweden Rock festival.

-Upcoming Hirax live dates:

9/24 - Metal Devastation 2 (record store), Phoenix, AZ
11/23 - Urbam Square, Kobe, Japan
11/24 - Nanba Rockets, Osaka, Japan
11/25 - Club Chaos, Yokkaichi, Japan
11/26 - Taurus, Nagoya, Japan
11/27 - Sanctuary, Tokyo, Japan

See http://www.hirax.org/ for more.

-Jacobs Dream has been added to the lineup of the Beyond The Mountain
festival in San Bernardino, CA, which takes place August 27-28 at the
Roosevelt Bowl in Perris Hills Park. Jacobs Dream will perform on the
afternoon of the 28th. See http://www.BeyondtheMountain.com/ and
http://www.jacobsdream.us/ for more.

-Killer Dwarfs drummer Darrell "Dwarf" Millar's other band,
Automan.ca, is slated to play The Second Last Call in Orillia,
Ontario, on July 23. See http://www.darrellmillar.com/ and
http://www.automan.ca/ for more.

-Guitarist Matt Konfirst (Earthcubed, Ecclectica, ex-Acriminous) has a
new solo disc out entitled AN EFFIGY OF SOLITUDE. Konfirst describes
his style as "progressive instrumental metal" that combines "the
strong melodic approach used by Joe Satriani on THE EXTREMIST with
heavier rhythms found on old Megadeth and Metallica albums. Throw in
intricate changes ala Death and Dream Theater and some neo-classical
ideas like Symphony X, and you'll have a good idea of my musical
style." Other influences include Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Anthrax,
Angra, and Steve Morse. See http://www.mattkonfirst.com/ for more, and
check out a sample at http://cdbaby.com/allmp3/mattkonfirst.m3u .

-It's been confirmed that Lillian Axe's next album will be called
WATERS RISING. In related news, new vocalist Derrick LeFevre sings
"Living On A Prayer" on Versailles Records' new release, ALWAYS: A
MILLENNIUM TRIBUTE TO BON JOVI, due out next week; see
http://www.versaillesrecords.com/ for more. Bassist Darrin DeLatte has
another new band, Lowside, with former Lillian Axe vocalist Ron
Taylor. Lowside is an originals band where DeLatte plays guitar (as he
also does in his cover band The Daze); see http://www.Lowside.net/ for
more.

-Manowar vocalist Eric Adams has posted a video message on the band's
official Web site, http://www.manowar.com/ .

-Masterplan's AERONAUTICS will finally get an official US release via
Candlelight Records/AFM Records, on September 20. Track list: "Crimson
Rider," "Back For My Life," "Wounds," "I'm Not Afraid," "Headbanger's
Ballroom," "After This War," "Into The Arena," "Dark From The Dying,"
"Falling Sparrow," "Black In The Burn."

-There's a trailer for Mob Rules' new DVD/CD release SIGNS OF THE TIME
LIVE at http://www.spv.de/tmp/mobrules.html .

-Guitarist Paul Nelson (ex-Liege Lord) will perform live with the
Katrina Chester Band, replacing Ian Hatton, at Canadian festival gigs
on July 16 in London, Ontario, and on July 17 in Windsor, Ontario. See
http://www.thebluesfest.com/ for more on the festivals, and
http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com/ and http://www.katrinachester.com/
for more on the artists.

-Pharaoh, featuring vocalist Tim Aymar (Control Denied) and guitarist
Matt Johnsen, will release its second full-length album THE LONGEST
NIGHT this fall on Cruz Del Sur Music. Early hype has the disc taking
"the band's traditional metal sound in a more sophisticated
direction." The disc is being co-produced by Johnsen and Matt Crooks
(Twisted Tower Dire, Division) and will feature a "special guest
guitarist." Tracks: "Sunrise," "I Am The Hammer," "Violet Fire," "By
The Night Sky," "Kill The Dreamer," "The Longest Night," "Fighting,"
"Time Goes By," "Windchaser," "Never Run." See
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/ for more.

-In a new interview with Digital Noise, Queensryche vocalist Geoff
Tate revealed OPERATION:MINDCRIME II is just the working title of the
band's next album. Check out the interview at
http://www.digital-noise.net/interviews/queensryche.php .

-Riverside will release its new eight-track disc, SECOND LIFE
SYNDROME, in November via InsideOut. One new track title is "Reality
Dream III," which has already been performed live, and the lyrics on
the disc will continue the story from OUT OF MYSELF.

-Various on-line reports indicate David Lee Roth will be one of
possibly many new radio personalities hired by Infinity Broadcasting
to replace Howard Stern, who is set to move to Sirius satellite radio
in January.

-We heard rumors about this recently but apparently it's true -- there
is a new Michael Schenker Group covers disc called HEAVY HITTERS,
which features Schenker and a number of "all-star" type performers.
Here's the track and performer list, according to
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~vr9m-ark/michael/notice2-e.htm : "All
Shook Up" - Joe Lynn Turner, Schenker, Bob Kulick, Jeff Pilson,
Aynsley Dunbar; "Blood Of The Sun" - Leslie West, Schenker, Kulick,
Rudy Sarzo, Simon Wright; "Doctor Doctor" - Jeff Scott Soto, Schenker,
Marco Mendoza, Brett Chassen; "War Pigs" - Tim "Ripper" Owens,
Schenker, Kulick, Mike Inez, Dunbar; "I'm Not Talking" - Mark
Slaughter, Schenker, Kulick, Pilson, Dunbar; "Money" - Tommy Shaw,
Schenker, Tony Levin, Edgar Winter (on saxophone), Mike Baird; "I
Don't Live Today" - Sebastian Bach, Schenker, Kulick, Tony Franklin,
Eric Singer; "Hair Of The Dog: - Paul Di'Anno, Schenker, Kulick, Phil
Soussan, Vinny Appice; "Out In The Fields" - Gary Barden, Schenker,
Kulick, Chuck Wright, Chassen; "Politician" - Pilson (vocals and
bass), Schenker, Chassen.

-MelodicRock.com reported Shark Island has reformed and will release a
new album. The band's lone studio release, 1989's LAW OF THE ORDER,
was reissued last year in Europe, and that album's lineup is the one
set to reconvene: vocalist Richard Black (Contraband), guitarist
Spencer Sercombe (MSG), bassist Chris Heilmann (Bernie Torme), and
drummer Greg Ellis.

-Upcoming John Taglieri gigs:

7/13 - Joey Harrison's Surf Club, Ortley Beach, NJ (opening for The
Machine)
7/14 - Coogan's Parrot Bay, New York City, NY
7/15 - Zig's Bar, Alexandria, VA
7/16 - Sailing Through Summer Festival @ The Town Green, Essex, CT
7/20 - Shea Stadium, Flushing, NY (Mets vs. San Diego Padres,
performing the national anthem)
7/22 - Mastermind Music Festival, Williamsburg, VA
7/26 - Songwriters In the Round @ Circa, Rochelle Park, NJ
7/30 - Quick Check Balloon Festival, Readington, NJ (opening for
Dennis DeYoung)
8/6 - Finnegan's Cove, Harrisonburg, VA
8/15 - Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA
8/17 - Wild Wing's Cafe, Wilmington, NC
8/18 - Zig's Bar, Alexandria, VA
8/19 - Cafe Arabica, Morristown, NJ
8/23 - The Brick House, Milford, NH
8/24 - Club Metronome, Burlington, VT

The shows from 8/15 onward are part of a tour with Robert Matarazzo.
For more info check out http://johntaglieri.com/ ,
http://epk.johntaglieri.com/ , http://streetteam.johntaglieri.com/ ,
and http://myspace.com/johntaglierimusic/ .

-Michael Kiske's SupaRed site, http://www.SupaRed.de/ , is now selling
Renato Tribuzy's EXECUTION disc in its Web shop. Why? Kiske guests on
the album. The disc is available in both "normal" and "strictly
limited digi-pak" formats.

-BraveWords.com reported WayneFest USA, a festival in honor of late
vocalist David Wayne (Metal Church, Reverend), will be held May 12-13
next year in San Antonio, Texas, roughly a year after Wayne's May 10,
2005, day of passing. The festival will support the American Diabetes
Foundation, and organizers are currently "seeking bands and/or
bandmates who have ever toured with David Wayne and other heavy metal
participants." Contact waynefestusa@... and see
http://www.tacomascene.com/waynefestusa.html for more.

Thanks to Simon Fauteux, Apocalypse.production@..., BASTI,
Capt. Peters, Jason Ritchie, Bill "Hammerhead Shark" Kotowski, and
tnivek1976@... for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

-OK, I confess, I'm watching "Rock Star: INXS" on CBS this week and I
quite like it! The point of the show is to whittle a group of 15
people down to the one who will "join" INXS, at least long enough to
sing on the band's next album. A lot of the boring, tedious drama that
plagues reality shows is missing, though, as the two episodes so far
have pretty much just jumped right into live performances. The singers
take turns fronting the same house band (which is pretty good, by the
way), covering all manner of "classic rock" songs. The remaining
members of INXS pass judgment on each performance, Dave Navarro
(Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers) for some reason also adds
his two cents, and hottie Brooke "Eye Candy" Burke hosts.

So far 29 songs have been performed over the two nights, including
Kiss' "Rock And Roll All Night," Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want
Me," Living Colour's "Cult Of Personality" (yes!!!), The Who's "Baba
O'Riley", The Kinks' "All Day And All Of The Night" and "You Really
Got Me," Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," The Guess Who's "American
Woman," a couple from the Black Crowes, and more from Blondie, The
Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Clash, and others. (And,
alas, Nirvana and Hole... Out of 29 songs two were Nirvana's. Yuck.)

As I said, there's not a lot of dicking around -- the people just get
up on stage and sing, and then the commentators give brief critiques.
As with NBC's "Hit Me Baby One More Time," it's not metal but it is
fun. Plus, to be sexist, a fair number of the female candidates are,
shall we say, "not hard to look at." :)

Here's a list of the performers and their songs so far:

Monday night 7/11:
1. Jordis - The Who's "Baba O'Riley"
2. Marty - The Kinks' "You Really Got Me"
3. Tara - The Pretenders' "Middle Of The Road"
4. Neal - The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar"
5. Daphna - Blondie's "One Way Or Another"
6. Ty - Living Colour's "Cult Of Personality"
7. Dana - Bob Dylan's "Knocking On Heaven's Door" (barf!!!)
8. Deanna - Janis Joplin's "Piece Of My Heart"
9. MiG - Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (barf!!!)
10. Jessica - Hole's "Celebrity Skin" (surprisingly...not bad)
11. Wil - David Bowie's "Heroes"
12. Heather - Talking Heads' "Burning Down The House"
13. Brandon - Kiss - "Rock And Roll All Nite"
14. J.D. - The Guess Who's "American Woman"
15. Suzie - Black Crowes' "Remedy"

Tuesday night, 7/12:
1. Heather - Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody To Love"
2. Marty - Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" (actually pretty cool!)
3. Daphna - The Doors' "People Are Strange"
4. Suzie - Blondie's "Call Me"
5. Brandon - Black Crowes' "Hard To Handle"
6. Jordis - Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" (double BARF!!!)
7. MiG - The Kinks' "All Day And All Of The Night"
8. Deanna - The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go"
9. Wil - Jesus Jones' "Right Here, Right Now" (yawn...)
10. Jessica - Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me"
11. Tara - The Eagles' "Take It Easy"
12. Neal - Credence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son"
13. Ty - Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker"
14. J.D. - The Mamas And The Papas' "California Dreaming"

If you care, see http://rockstar.msn.com/ for more.

-Now in my current playlist: Masterplan - AERONAUTICS (AFM Records),
Battlelore - THIRD AGE OF THE SUN (Napalm Records), Misfits Meet The
Nutley Brass - FIEND CLUB LOUNGE (Misfits Records).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
TOMAS BODIN - I AM (B-) InsideOut Music, 2005
3 tracks, RT: 63:23
[ http://www.tomasbodin.com/ ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
[ info@... ]
You know you're in progressive rock territory when there are only
three tracks on the album! Tomas Bodin (The Flower Kings, The Tangent)
delivers his fourth solo album and it's an interesting listen, if not
totally satisfying. I AM is billed as a Prog-Opera and you can't deny
the musical talent to be found within. The album is split into three
segments, "I," "A," and "M" (clever) and beginning with, surprise,
"The Beginning," you're immediately hit with a spectrum of progressive
rock influences -- from the classic sounds of Pink Floyd, Yes, Styx
and Deep Purple to modern prog prototypes Pain Of Salvation and The
Flower Kings. One thing Tomas Bodin knows how to do well is create
nuance, with some well-arranged pieces featuring emotionally charged
vocals by Anders Jansson, Pernilla Bodin and Helene Schonning.
Frankly, it's the vocals that reduce the effectiveness of the album
for me, Anders at times straining so hard to convey pain it makes
Roger Waters sound positively upbeat. You can't fault some of the
dynamics, however, with the musicianship of the entire band shining
through brilliantly in parts that often take the listener by surprise.
Second segment "A" contains elements reminiscent of Daniel Gildenlow's
songwriting, as mellow interludes give way to heavy guitar/bass
interplay and vocals alternate from suffering to elation (not unlike
Gospel music). Tomas' keyboard work is a highlight, as is the
technical drumming by Marcus Liliequist and the awesome bass work of
Jonas Reingold. I would like to have heard more from guitarist JJ
Marsh, as his solos are very effective but too sporadic. The songs are
very long and they take awhile to digest so a good bit of patience
will be required to get the most from I AM; you won't get immediate
gratification from this but the more you listen the more interesting
things will be revealed. I would put Tomas Bodin up with the best
composers/musicians of the current era. Those looking for some quality
modern progressive rock with strong ties to the influences of past
giants will likely enjoy this, as will anyone who counts themselves a
fan of Tomas' other projects. - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

DEMONS & WIZARDS - TOUCHED BY THE CRIMSON KING (A) SPV, 2005
10 tracks, RT: 49:24
[ http://www.demons-wizards.com/ ]
[ http://www.spv.de/ ]
[ http://www.spvusa.com/ ]
Well it's finally here...we have waited for five years for a new
Demons & Wizards CD and as of June 27th, 2005, the world can now enjoy
the second chapter in Jon Schaffer and Hansi Kursch's incredible
project. Now I must preface this review with the fact that when I
first got Demons & Wizards' first release I wasn't that enthralled
with it. Maybe I was not in the right frame of mind but it did not
appeal to me at first and up in the shelves it went. A couple months
later I pulled it out and was like "WOW, this thing really kicks ass!"
So I was curious as to how fast or slow this new offering would hit
me. Knowing what to expect from these two masterminds put me in the
correct headspace and this one jumped all over me... I can't stop
listening to it...I absolutely love the intensity of it! The songs are
very solid, emotional, heavy and soft, and gutsy and intense. The
production is very similar to that of the first self-titled album
thanks to the tight and powerful production of Jim Morris who also
plays some very tasteful lead guitar. Jim really lays out some melodic
solos that are never over-the-top but always just what the song calls
for. The most notable difference with this CD as compared to the first
one is that TOUCHED BY THE CRIMSON KING has more acoustically driven
songs on it. "Seize The Day," "Wicked Witch," and "Down Where I Am"
all have fluid acoustic guitar throughout and at first listen sound
similar, but, with repeated listenings take on lives of their own. But
hey, don't get me wrong...this is no mellow album; the title track
kicks off with a bang and rips all the way through. Hansi has one of
those special voices where he conveys the emotion of his words so
intensely and convincingly, he could sing about the chicken crossing
the road and convince you it was the most dramatic thing you ever
witnessed. Three of the songs are loosely based around Stephen King's
"Dark Tower" books: "Touched By The Crimson King," "Gunslinger" and
"Terror Train." All three, with the exception of the short intro to
"The Gunslinger" are up-tempo and in your face, very heavy, double
bass drums flying and Hansi's patented multi-layered choruses. The
second track, "Beneath These Waves," is my favorite song on the CD.
It's a mid-tempo song with Hansi giving his best performance in my
humble opinion. This song deals with Captain Ahab and his hunt for
Moby Dick. This is just a solid song with moody set of verses and a
big hook for the chorus. "Seize The Day" is an acoustically driven
song that puts you in the mindset of what Frodo and Sam were going
through on their journey to Mount Doom. "Love's Tragedy Asunder" is
another solid mid-tempo song with a huge catchy chorus. "Wicked Witch"
is a strictly acoustic number that shows off just how beautiful
Hansi's voice meshes with Jon's playing. "Dorian" is a straightforward
rocker that tells the tale of Dorian Grey's obsession with staying
young. "Down Where I Am" is my second favorite song on here and is
reminiscent of a power ballad. Here Hansi's amazing vocals turn joy
into pain effortlessly and Jon's music builds to the perfect
crescendo. To follow suit with their first release ending with a cover
song ("White Room" by Cream), Jon and Hansi decided here on "Immigrant
Song" by Led Zeppelin. They do a great job with Hansi upping the
intensity of the vocals and the music is tight and powerful. Overall
this is a fabulous CD. If you liked the first, you'll warm to this one
quickly. Nothing out of left field here, just more of the great
songwriting and killer performances that were ever so apparent on the
first Demons & Wizards CD. - Sean P. Gahgan (lof@...)

ALEX MASI - IN THE NAME OF BEETHOVEN (B+) Lion Music, 2005
6 tracks, RT: 42:20
[ http://www.alexmasi.net/ ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Alex Masi delivers the final album in his trilogy of tributes,
following the successful Bach and Mozart releases with one dedicated
to the works of the great German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven. Most
shred aficionados are well acquainted with the skills of Alex Masi,
who has clearly demonstrated his talents for playing hard rock, heavy
metal, jazz-fusion and classical guitar on numerous projects since the
mid '80s. If you've heard the last two albums in this series then you
are probably pretty much aware of what to expect here, although there
are a few notable differences. Starting with the (very) familiar theme
of Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5 (First Movement)," Masi tears through
the composition with confidence and near-flawless technique, only some
string noise detracting from the flurry of cleanly picked melodic
statements. "Sonata no. 01 (Waldstein Sonata)" follows and is a
definite highlight, Masi again turning in an exceptional performance
as he navigates the intricacies of Beethoven's tricky passages.
Purists may recoil at hearing Masi's interpretation of "Romance For
Violin No. 5," as he takes an approach similar to what Yngwie did on
his CONCERTO SUITE FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA album, using electric
guitar to recreate the sound of the violin; there is some great
playing here, however, that even rivals that of Mr. Malmsteen. My only
real complaint is the inclusion of parts of "Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight
Sonata)": "Adagio Sostenuto," a nice piece but one that is a little
too subdued, and "Allegretto," which is a bit on the "dainty" side for
my tastes. Alex closes things in awesome form though, as he nails
"Rondo Agitato" beautifully, leaving no doubt that he is an amazing
guitarist. Initially I wasn't sure Beethoven would translate to
classical guitar as well as Bach and Mozart but I have to say Masi has
once again given us an exemplary demonstration reflecting the
brilliance of a classical master. - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*

Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
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