Detritus
Issue #362
Week of May 1, 2006
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/

To subscribe to the e-mail version do one of the following:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
Detritus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (send a blank e-mail here)

To unsubscribe from the e-mail version:
Detritus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com (send a blank e-mail here)

To contact us:
Detritus-owner@yahoogroups.com

*
*** 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/

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-I actually had this issue done and ready to send out on Wednesday but
work's been kicking my butt again. Excuses, excuses. - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-VH1 Metal Month

[Note: I'm not sure where this came from but feast your eyes on it. :)
Lots of metal related stuff on VH1 in May. - Tim]

From the rocking sounds of metal music and the stories behind the men
and women who created them to the continued legacy that is rock and
roll, VH1 debuts all-new series, documentaries, specials and movies
this May that will leave you praying at the altar of rock.

Premieres:

"40 Greatest Metal Songs"
Premieres Monday-Thursday, starting May 1 at 11 p.m.

Hosted by Sebastian Bach, "40 Greatest Metal Songs" brings you the 40
most notable metal songs of all time in four rockin' half hour
episodes. Whether epic, political, scary or downright silly, these
tunes have one thing in common: they will rock your friggin' socks
off. Who could resist jumping into the pit during Pantera's "Walk,"
banging your head 'til it hurts to Metallica's "Master Of Puppets," or
throwing up the devil horns to Iron Maiden's "The Number Of The
Beast." VH1 will count down the greatest metal songs that made a whole
generation turn the volume up, way up. If you can't get enough of
VH1's "40 Greatest Metal Moments" then tune in to VH1 Classic Monday,
May 1 beginning at 11:30 PM.* to see a sneak peak of episodes two,
three and four.

"Behind The Music: Ratt" and "Behind The Music: Pantera"
Premiere Thursday, May 11 starting at 9:00 p.m.

This special edition of "Behind the Music: Ratt" contains exclusive
behind-the-scenes footage of the band, as well as a never-before-seen
interview with Robbin Crosby, conducted three years before his death.
In the beginning, the band crawled up from the Sunset Strip's hair
metal scene in the early '80s to record a fistful of multi-platinum
albums and fill arenas around the globe.

Then at 10:00 p.m., "Behind The Music" returns with the story of hard-
hitting band Pantera. In the early 1990s, when hair metal was being
sheered from the charts by grunge and earnest hard-rockers like Guns
N' Roses, Pantera righteously flew the hard-edged heavy metal flag,
almost single-handedly saving the genre from extinction.

"SuperGroup"
Premieres Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 p.m.

VH1's "SuperGroup": Ted Nugent, Scott Ian, Sebastian Bach, Evan
Seinfeld and Jason Bonham, are poised to re-conquer the rock world
(and hopefully spread a little debauchery in the process) in the
ultimate musical experiment. "SuperGroup" will bring together these
five hard rocking icons and present them with the opportunity to
create the heaviest "supergroup." Ultimately viewers will see whether
or not the band will come together as hard rock's saviors or simply
implode.

"Heavy: The Story Of Metal"
Premieres Monday-Thursday, starting May 22 at 9 p.m.

What Ken Burns did for jazz, VH1 does for heavy metal -- only a lot
louder. VH1's new "rock doc," "Heavy: The Story Of Metal" traces the
evolution of heavy metal music and culture, from its dark, grim
beginnings in Birmingham, England to the worldwide force that it
remains to this day. In a series of four chronological hours, "Heavy:
The Story Of Metal" explores four decades of music, each hour
examining this powerful and often misunderstood genre, from metal's
pioneers to its love of glam and excess; from the fight for metal's
rebellious soul to its storied flirtation with the devil. VH1 Classic
will sneak peek the second, third and fourth installments of the
series on Monday, May 22 beginning at 10 p.m.*

"VH1 Rock Honors"
Premieres Wednesday, May 31 AT 9:00 p.m.

VH1 debuts the first-ever show to pay homage to the legends who
influenced the sound of hard rock with the first annual "VH1 Rock
Honors." This year's celebration will honor the music and influence of
Kiss, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Additional performers,
presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are
confirmed.

Premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 9:00 p.m., "VH1 Rock Honors" will
be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday,
May 25. The two-hour tribute will salute the groundbreaking bands of
rock, the once-in-a-lifetime events and the influential people who
made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-XYZ's Terry Ilous Doubles Your Fun

XYZ frontman Terry Ilous has taken to lending his voice to the world
of television commercials. In his newest voiceover, rock veteran Ilous
can be heard portraying one of the twins frolicking in a town square
singing about a new Wrigley's Doublemint product, Doublemint mints.
http://www.doublemint.com/tvspot/

One of approximately four hundred people who auditioned for the part,
Ilous impressed the commercial's directors with his versatility and
style. "This jingle was not an easy one to land, and I'm very proud to
be part of the Wrigley's family."

Ilous is known for his powerhouse vocals on songs such as "Face Down
In The Gutter" and "Inside Out." Fluent in French, English and
Spanish, Ilous, who earned two Gold Albums during his career, and has
recorded with members of such diverse bands as Ozzy Osbourne, Peter
Gabriel, Sting, Steve Wonders, AC/DC, Mariah Carey and many others.
Previously signed to Capitol Records, his voice can be heard on
numerous television shows, film soundtracks, and cartoons: "He can
sound like the guy next door or a European rock star," says one top
Los Angeles agent.

Terry Ilous is excited about his next project, a sensual Latin rock CD
sung entirely in Spanish, which he expects to complete later this
year.

http://www.terryilous.com/

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

DANTE FOX INK WORLDWIDE DEAL

Dante Fox have signed a worldwide deal with Z Records for the release
of their long awaited third studio album. Featuring the immense vocal
talents of Sue Willetts and song writing of Tim Manford the band
recently appeared at Z Rock 06 Pt 1 despite illness.

The band are currently preparing to enter the studio to record their
third studio album, a September release is currently planned.

Tim and Sue made the following statement:

"We are very excited and focused on this release and look forward to
presenting and promoting it to our fans and Mark who have never given
up on us, for this we are deeply, deeply thankful. Mark is very
positive about the music we create and has the fire, enthusiasm and
determination to support and further our future success."

Z LAUNCH MYSPACE SITE:

All news will still be on-line at http://www.zrecords.net/ as usual
but we have some extra sound samples, etc., now available at
http://www.myspace.com/zrecordsrocks . Check it out!

LOST WEEKEND JOIN Z ROSTER

England's Lost Weekend have signed a multi album deal with Z Records.
Both parties had been in touch for sometime but over recent months
talks had moved along whilst other labels also showed interest. The
spark that led to the agreement being signed was the band's show with
Bob Catley in Sheffield when Z attended to check out the band. Z boss
Mark Alger was amazed by the band's live performance and the amount of
fans they where winning over and the band where handed a draft
contract on the night for review!

The news of the record deal with Z Records as been received with great
enthusiasm by the band. Paul Uttley (lead vocalist) comments, "As some
of you know we have been busy not only writing our fourth album but
also writing the critically acclaimed Bob Catley album SPIRIT OF MAN.
In fact we have just finished a hugely successful British tour in
support of Bob Catley and it was at one of the shows that Mark came to
see us when we realized we all wanted the same thing. Dave Thompson
(guitarist) said we are a gigging band -- not as some of the acts
around projects -- so not only will you be able to hear new material
from us you will see us play the material live at venues near where
you live. Also Mark wants to develop the live area of what we do and
with the option of a fifth album we feel the deal offers us as a band
all we could ask for at this time and look forward to a fruitful time
by all concerned."

The band's fourth studio album will be released August / September
2006.

Check out our Web sites at:

http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest
http://www.myspace.com/zrecordsrocks

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Summer Breeze News

Hi there Summer Breeze community.

The highlight of this year's festival season is coming closer. The
Summer Breeze team keeps working intensively on organising everything
to your convenience and make sure you will be experiencing a relaxing
Summer Breeze Open Air 2006.

Many of you have probably read about it already and it's being
discussed in the Internet forum: the glass prohibition. No glass
allowed on the entire festival site and the camping ground. It is
necessary and essential as otherwise the festival ground will not be
available for us anymore in 2007. Therefore our security will be
checking every car entering the camping ground and also during your
stay. We seriously hope you do understand the reason for this. But we
are certain our alternative offers in our supermarket will be to your
full satisfaction. More info to follow!

Right here and right now we will also present some more names to round
up this year's billing.

They're living legends! Their records belong to any death metal
collection which wants to be called as such. Many copycats all over
the world. Live shows they just do a few. Obey to the kings of death
metal. Morbid Angel will conquer the stage in Dinkelsbuehl. What else
to say? Extreme music for extreme people!

Amorphis are back again and stronger than ever. The new album ECLIPSE
combines death metal trade marks from TALES FROM THE THOUSAND LAKES
times with the great melodies of ELEGY and psychedelic rock of the
last records in a canny way. Just above everything else, on record as
well as on the Summer Breeze stage.

Katatonia, a band with each record being a monument. Progressive,
dark, melancholy, cold, suffering, unique. Needles and pins up and
down your spine. Promised!

1349 actually started of as a side project of Satyricon's Frost.
Meanwhile the band's developed to be one of the leading black metal
acts in Norway. Furiously fast, black as the dead of night and
merciless they grind everything to the bone. Nothing for whimps and
bozos.

When it comes to intelligent death metal made of Sweden's old school
Fragments Of Unbecoming are Germany's biggest hope doubtlessly.
Technically brilliant they never deny their roots. In older days they
would've been competing with names such as At The Gates and equally
others.

Once again an overview of the billing 2006:

FEAR FACTORY - LACRIMOSA - KREATOR - MORBID ANGEL - GAMMA RAY -
NEGATIVE - FINNTROLL - MY DYING BRIDE - AMORPHIS - MOONSPELL -
KATATONIA - CORVUS CORAX - DEATHSTARS - EXILIA - UNLEASHED - ASP - THE
HAUNTED - HEAVEN SHALL BURN - THYRFING - 1349 - BLOODFLOWERZ - TURISAS
- PSYCHOPUNCH - ONE MAN ARMY & THE UNDEAD QUARTET - ANGEL BLAKE - SCAR
SYMMETRY - SALTATIO MORTIS - REBELLION - POTENTIA ANIMI - TOTENMOND -
REGICIDE - CARNAL FORGE - LEGION OF THE DAMNED - TRAIL OF TEARS - THE
OCEAN - UNDERTOW - NEAERA - NEGROPHAGIST - FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING -
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS - FEAR MY THOUGHTS - GOJIRA - SCARVE - LENG TCH'E
- PERZONAL WAR - LUMSK - THE OTHER - VOLBEAT - APOSTASY

Of course we will keep you updated.

With immediate effect tickets can be bought at all Easyticket (
http://www.easyticket.de/ ) ticket agencies. The computerised tickets
can be exchanged into the original summer breeze hard tickets. Further
ticket agencies can be found at http://www.summer-breeze.de/ . Being
on our homepage tickets can of course be bought in our online shop,
too. While stocks last with any ticket bought you can pick a free CD
of your choice. Please see the list on our site.

Finally we would like to draw your attention to the fact that last
year in August we were completely sold out. Therefore order your
ticket soon to make sure to get one.

Take care

Achim

http://www.summer-breeze.de/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Exclusive, Previously Unheard Black Sabbath Track On-line!

Rockdetector.com is hosting an entire chapter from Garry Sharpe-
Young's new "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" book at
http://www.rockdetector.com/interviews/artist,1108.sm?id=94 .

The chapter in question deals with the mystery surrounding David
Donato's term of duty with Black Sabbath in 1985. Speaking exclusively
to Garry Sharpe-Young, Donato (together with comments from other band
members) details exactly how long he worked with Tony Iommi, Geezer
Butler and Bill Ward. The chapter also contains a link to a Black
Sabbath recording never previously heard, the only such song aired to
feature the Donato / Iommi / Butler / Ward lineup.

Says author Garry Sharpe-Young: "I was kindly sent a ton of audio
material whilst putting this book together, some fascinating unheard
stuff. Because of the pervading interest in those pre-'SEVENTH STAR'
mystery years, I've asked David for his permission to air a portion of
this track. Sabbath fans will take about two seconds to recognize it.
This is a rehearsal (complete with original tape hiss) recorded in
1984, but the song was later used on an album, with totally different
lyrics and melody, much later on. I'm not putting up the other demo
songs, approximately half a dozen tracks, because those have not been
used yet and, you never know, Tony Iommi might still have a use for
those riffs! By the way, please don't ask -- none of this is for trade
or sale in any form. It gives a valuable pointer to what Sabbath might
possibly have sounded like. The chapter I've put online comes after
Ron Keel's audition tape was rejected and before Jeff Fenholt got his
shot. It makes for fascinating reading."

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" contains exclusive interview content with
Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Cozy Powell, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan,
Glenn Hughes, Ray Gillen, Tony Martin, Geoff Nicholls, Rob Halford,
Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, Carmine Appice, Tommy Aldridge, Neil
Murray, Dave Spitz, Eric Singer, David Donato, Jeff Fenholt, Bobby
Rondinelli, Rudy Sarzo, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo, Bernie Torme,
Brad Gillis, Jo Burt, Pete Way, Dana Strum, Terry Chimes, Lita Ford,
Steve Vai, Don Airey, Lindsey Bridgewater, Terry Nails and many, many
more, plus exclusive photographs of Black Sabbath and the Ozzy band
onstage, backstage and in the studio.

The 442-page book is is available NOW at Amazon.com.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Angtoria Launch New Web Site And Full Lineup

With the release of the new album GOD HAS A PLAN FOR US ALL, a brand
new site design has been done to further enhance the release. The site
will continue to grow over time as more information is gathered, but
most of the information on the old site has been transferred to the
new site: http://www.angtoria.com/

We are also happy to announce that Angtoria now have a complete
lineup! John Henriksson from the band My Own Grave, who did an
excellent job behind the drums in the video despite getting only a
couple of days notice to practice and learn the song, has been added
to the band, as well as Dave Pybus who participated both on the album
and in the video.

In the "Diaries" section we've added a detailed videodiary done by
Sarah.

http://www.angtoria.com/videodiary.html

+ information and pictures from the making of the video for the title
track of the album. There will also be a "behind the scenes" video
clip from the making of the video available to download on the site
shortly, we'll keep you posted.

http://www.angtoria.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Sean Chambers Gets Religion Jamming With Muddy Waters Band

ORLANDO -- Tampa, Fla., blues/rock guitarist Sean Chambers jammed with
the legendary Muddy Waters Band on Monday, April 24 at a private
corporate show in Orlando.

"It was great experience to play with these guys," said Chambers.
"I've learned so much listening to their music growing up and to be
able to hear the band live is a really cool thing, but to be lucky
enough to play a little bit with them is somewhat of a religious
experience for me."

Chambers jammed with musicians on the "Gypsy Woman" and the up-tempo
"Got My Mojo Working."

Chambers has had the opportunity to play with these icons in the past
at the Antone's 25th Anniversary Party in Austin, where he was with
Howlin' Wolf's guitarist Hubert Sumlin.

"It's a humbling experience," the guitarist said. "These are the guys
that laid the groundwork for all blues musicians to work from. They
are the originators and have inspired so many generations of rock and
blues players alike."

Chambers has just released HUMBLE SPIRITS on Rockview Records. The
record including several special guests like Bernard Allison, The
Toler Bros. And more, was recorded at Spirit Farm Recording Studios
and Suite A Studios, both in Sarasota, Fla. He will be playing
extensively throughout the Southeast this year.

http://www.seanchambers.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-HourCast To Release STATE OF DISGRACE On Alkamedia Records

Album In Stores June 6, 2006

US Tour In Support Of Sevendust

Heavy music is often the result of deep emotions. Sadness, frustration
and anger combined with a musician's talent can result in music which
is awesomely powerful, uniquely deep, and thought-provoking. Such is
the case with HourCast.

Born out of Boston, Massachusetts, HourCast combines elements of hard
rock and metal with a distinct electronic influence. "We had no
preconceptions as to what the band would sound like," says vocalist
Patrick McBride. The members of HourCast -- McBride, drummer Jerry
Clews, guitarist David Henriquez and bassist David Sullivan -- have
combined their varied influences to create a unique sound that
incorporates the heavy flavor of Deftones and Tool with the dark
electronic atmosphere of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode.

The somber tones of STATE OF DISGRACE are a result of these efforts.
From the introspective opening track "This Life," to "Freeze" (which
McBride describes as an "epic, desperate song") STATE OF DISGRACE has
a cold, sharp intensity. The self-loathing "Smash Up" eschews a bitter
tone, while "Lunar" tells a tale of longing and loneliness. "The music
and lyrics are a reflection of what was going on at the time,"
explains McBride. "I found myself in a new environment and was going
through a big change in my life and that comes out in the songs."
STATE OF DISGRACE will be available at iTunes on May 2nd and in stores
on June 6th, 2006.

Not being signed to a label could serve as a liability to some bands,
but not HourCast. "We didn't have a label telling us what to do and
that allowed us to add variety and flavor to the album," says McBride.
HourCast is a band looking to gain ground in the current music scene.
"MySpace and live shows are definitely helping us to build a fan
base," says McBride.

The track listing for STATE OF DISGRACE comprises:

This Life
Sakkara
Freeze
God Failed
Lunar
Smash Up
Almost Like Life
Numb
3rd Of July
Stillwater
Memories And Lies
Uhaul
Imbalance

HourCast will be on tour with Sevendust throughout the month of May:

DATE - CITY - VENUE
May 4 - La Crosse, WI - La Crosse Center
May 5 - Superior, WI - Wessman Arena
May 6 - Peoria, IL - Expo Gardens
May 7 - Saginaw, MI - Dow Events Center
May 9 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
May 11 - San Antonio, TX - Sunset Station
May 12 - Mc Allen, TX - La Villa Real
May 13 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street
May 15 - Baton Rouge, LA - Texas Music Hall
May 17 - Memphis, TN - The New Daisy
May 18 - Raleigh, NC - Disco Rodeo
May 19 - Columbus, GA - Bradley Theatre
May 20 - Greenville, SC - Anderson County Fair

For more information, visit:
http://www.hourcast.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-Lion Music Updates

Welcome to the latest Lion Music happenings.

LION MUSIC FORUM NOW OPEN

You asked for it, now it's here. Interact with music fans worldwide
and the Lion Music team in our new forum. Tell us what you like or
dislike, discuss your favourite releases, artists and support the
music you love.

Enter the forum: http://pub49.bravenet.com/forum/4136498944

HOUSE OF SHAKIRA SWEDEN ROCK DETAILS CONFIRMED

House Of Shakira will be onstage at 1620 (Zeppelin stage) on the
opening day of the festival at 1620 playing a 40-minute set. The
festival starts on June 8th so be sure to catch the band live. For a
taster of the band in the live arena be sure to check out the new
House Of Shakira - LIVE AT FIREFEST 2005 DVD:
http://www.lionmusic.com/hos_dvd.htm .

SPHERE OF SOULS RELEASE PARTY INFO

http://www.lionmusic.com/images/sos_partyad.jpg

During the last couple of weeks a number of people have asked us
whether they can pre-order tickets for the official Sphere Of Souls
release party at Plato ( http://www.plato.helmondweb.nl/ ) in Helmond
on Friday, May 12. In answer to your questions, there will be no pre-
sales for this particular gig. Tickets will be available at the door
of the venue on the evening in question.

FROM THE ASHES... is out now! Order your copy now from the Lion Music
store at http://www.lionmusic.com/ShopSelect.htm .

The album has already been picking up rave reviews:

Virtuosity One - 93%
http://www.virtuosityone.com/sphereofsouls.htm

Ytse Jam - 4.5/5
http://www.ytsejam.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=926

The Mayfair Mall Zine
http://www.themayfairmallzine.com/cdrev/sphereofsouls.html

ProGGnosis [8/10]
http://www.silverdb.com/MUSIC_DBCDInfo.asp?txtCDID=19021

Sleaze-Metal.com [7.5/10]
http://www.sleaze-metal.com/reviews.html?do=view&id=2276

SUN CAGED RECRUIT NEW BASSIST & STUDIO REPORT

Dutch progressive metallers Sun Caged have announced the addition of
bassist Roel Vink to the group's ranks. "He is a young bass player
with a lot of good musical ambitions, and we will start to work hard
on learning him all the songs," comments guitarist Marcel Coenen.

Rob Van Der Loo [previous bassist] will play for the last time with
the band on April 27th in Tilburg (013, Batcave). Free entrance. Roel
Vink will play live with the band for the first time at the Elsrock
festival in Rijssen, The Netherlands on August 26th.

The band is currently in the studio recording the follow-up to the
self-titled debut, tentatively due before the end of the year. All
drums have been recorded, and now Marcel and Rene Kroon [keyboards]
are recording their tracks, Barend Tromp (ex-Lemur Voice) will play
bass on a few songs, as well a sitar solo in one of the songs.

Song titles set to appear on the new CD include "Unborn," "Dialogue,"
"City Walls," "Re-Enter The Dream," "Doldrums," "Afraid To Fly,"
"Engelbert," "Blood Lines," "A Fair Trade" and "Missing Third."

More information to follow soon.

VOTE FOR LISTERIA

Got a spare 10 seconds? Then why not vote for Listeria at the new
Euromet UK festival, simply click the link below, and in the new
window tick the box with Listeria and five other bands and press
submit.

http://www.metalmusicfest2006.com/bandvote.htm

IRON MASK UPDATE

Dushan Petrossi's Iron Mask headline the 'Rock Au Village' festival in
Pau, France on Sunday April 30th. In addition Dushan has finished
writing the the third Iron Mask album entitled SHADOW OF THE RED
BARON. Recording of the album will commence later this year with a
2007 release planned.

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW

This month's releases...

Sphere Of Souls - FROM THE ASHES...
Venturia - THE NEW KINGDOM
House Of Shakira - LIVE AT FIREFEST 2005 (DVD)

Order now from our online store:
http://www.lionmusic.com/ShopSelect.htm

MAY 19TH 2006 RELEASES

From Behind - GAME OVER
Genre - Classic Rock
Released - May 19th 2006

From Behind plays for the great masses, hungry for twin-guitar based
songs, and features two all-time rock legends in vocalist Nicky Moore
(Samson, Mammoth) and guitarist Manuel "Manny" Charlton (Nazareth),
with the lineup completed by Andreas Grufstedt, Mikael Fässberg,
Fredrik Borg and Carl-Michael "Hilton" Hildesjö, who have kept a high
profile on the south Swedish music scene, playing with Jet Black
Combo, Burning Engines and Confactor to name a few. Mikael and Andreas
current occupation sees them backing former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul
DiAnno while on his 2005-2006 tour.

From Behind play music that is firmly rooted in a time when Rock was
about reaching out to an audience, instead of your own bellybutton. A
time when the Les Paul was king, and singers we're allowed to sing...
It's Good, Clean, and Mean Entertainment performed with Emotion and
Pride.

more info: http://www.lionmusic.com/frombehind_cd.htm

Hauteville - RELIEF DATA INCOMPLETE
Genre - Progressive Rock/Metal
Released - May 19th 2006

Hailing from France, Hauteville conjure up a highly original blend of
progressive rock, AOR and hard rock on their new album RELIEF DATA
INCOMPLETE. Yet to pigeon hole the band to any musical category is to
do disservice to the blend of sounds heard throughout the album.

The range of sounds on RELIEF DATA INCOMPLETE features many different
profiles and styles opening with two heavy numbers in "Monster (The
Race)" and "From Adam To Atom," before slipping into a symphonic 3/4
rhythm for "Perfectablism," then easing into a cover of Dalbello's
"Immaculate Eyes" which the band rearranged as a power ballad. The
albums 10 tracks see the bands own vision shine through all ten tracks
on offer with a maturity of sound and the beautiful female vocals of
Lydie Gosselin.

more info: http://www.lionmusic.com/hauteville_reliefdata.htm

Thorbjorn Englund - INFLUENCES
Genre - Guitar Instrumental
Released - May 19th 2006

Thörbjorn Englund, the guitar magician behind Winterlong is set to
release his debut instrumental solo album entitled INFLUENCES. As the
title suggests this album pays homage to Thorbjorn's influences and
covers a wide range of styles.

The songs on INFLUENCES are a collection of old ideas, some that date
back to the first Winterlong promo demos as well as brand new
compositions written especially for this album. In addition are some
rarities such as covers of old NES game soundtracks! Anyone that has
appreciated Thorbjorn's virtuoso guitar work on the last four
Winterlong albums will find INFLUENCES a great insight into what makes
Thorbjorn tick as a musician.

more info: http://www.lionmusic.com/thorbjorn_influences.htm

For more info on any of the above please contact promo@....

Over and out.
http://www.lionmusic.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Blind Guardian has a planned orchestral-only album in the works for
2008. The album is slated to be all-new music and to include just the
orchestra and Hansi Kursch's vocals.

-Chris Caffery's new album PINS & NEEDLES is due out in October.
Caffery has lined up Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) Alex Skolnick
(Testament, Savatage) as special guests.

-Doro's new album, WARRIOR SOUL, is scheduled for release in North
America on May 23 via Locomotive Records. All the latest can be found
at http://www.doropesch.com/ .

-From the good folks at Metal Dreams:

"Metal Dreams originally began in 1997 as a hard copy newsletter and
later a full scale magazine. After six issues, we moved over to the
web, floating around with a long ass URL. Finally, we decided to get
with the program and just launched our site with a real domain name,
http://www.metaldreams.net/ . Check out our new material (and our
archived interviews and reviews). New stuff includes a recent concert
review of the reformed Rhino Bucket, CD reviews of Whitesnake, Mike
Tramp's White Lion, Brazen Abbot, XYZ, Wet Animal (featuring ex-
Trouble guitarist Rick Wartell), and Billy Sheehan, and DVD reviews of
Whitesnake and Manowar. While you are looking around, please join our
mailing list and send us an e-mail at mtldreams@...."

-Vinnie Moore update... Check out a new diary entry at
http://www.vinniemoore.com/ for the latest on the new UFO album (due
later this year), his upcoming solo album, and his endorsement with
ENGL Amps.

-Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo will perform, participate in a Q&A, and
sign autographs at the following in-store appearances during the
band's US tour next week:

5/9 - Dave Phillips Music, Allentown, PA
5/11 - Vintage Vinyl, Ford, NJ
5/12 - Manny's Music, New York, NY

All in-stores start at 7:00 p.m. Check out clips from previous Rizzo
in-stores at http://www.myspace.com/marcrizzo , and an article on
Rizzo in the July 2006 issue of Metal Edge that comes out May 16.

-Salem's "Live Demise" show has been purchased by Hot, Israel's cable
TV, and is available on the V.O.D. channel. See
http://www.salemband.com/ for more.

-Michael Schenker is all over YouTube.com... Check out the "Armed And
Ready" video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNQBv9TrHw4 , and then
click the "See All Results" link to see tons more., including more MSG
stuff and clips from Contraband and UFO. Also check out the "04/14/06
update No.2" post at http://rbaraki.com/notice2-e.htm for links to
even more videos.

-The Scorpions will use veteran producer/songwriter Desmond Child to
produce their next album, which is due out early in 2007. The group is
in song writing mode now and has to wait for Child to finish working
with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman on a third BAT OUT OF HELL album.

-Stratovarius has the following tour dates planed for 2006:

6/3 - Gods Of Metal, Milano, Italy
6/17 - Vantaa, Finland
6/22 - Rauma, Finland
6/23 - Jämsä, Finland
6/24 - Bang Your Head!!!, Balingen, Germany
7/12 - Tammerfest, Tampere, Finland
7/14 - Rockperry, Vaasa, Finland
7/15 - Bloodstock, Catton Hall, UK
7/28 - Gernika, Spain
7/30 - Jerez, Spain
9/27 - Salle Albert Rousseau, Quebec City, QC
9/29 - Le Medley, Montreal, QC
10/1 - Jaxx, Springfield, VA
10/2 - B.B. King's Blues Club, New York, NY
10/4 - House Of Blues, West Hollywood, CA

See http://www.stratovarius.com/ for all of the updates.

-Check out Vicious Rumors' "Only Live Twice" (recorded live in Japan
in 1992), completed with brief intro and outro segments from band
members, on-line now at YouTube.com:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-CCxJW-1X0Q&search=vicious%20rumors . The
quality is a little poor due to age but it's pro-shot, so it has to be
from some old home video or TV show, right?

Thanks to Batttttty, Chris Dugan, Nancy B. Sayle, and
zrtenenb@... for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
IRON FIRE - REVENGE (B/B-) Napalm Records, 2006
12 tracks, RT: 55:27
[ http://www.ironfire.dk/ ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
The press kit begins with a quote from Manowar's "Heart Of Steel" and
the accompanying sales sheet says REVENGE is "...a classic power metal
release sure to challenge HammerFall, Manowar, and Edguy ..." Now hold
on there! :) With those band and album names, cover art depicting an
armor-clad swordsman, and song titles like "Metal Messiah," "Stand As
King," and "Brotherhood Of The Brave," you certainly know the disc
features blazing, pumping power metal (with a couple token ballad
moments for a change of pace). And you have to respect main man Martin
Steene for keeping the band's flag flying... After watching label
support and the original lineup disintegrate following two albums
(2000's THUNDERSTORM and 2001's ON THE EDGE), and hooking up with
folks from the King Diamond/Mercyful Fate camp to form Force Of Evil
(still an ongoing concern), he's returned half a decade later with a
retooled Iron Fire and this new album on Napalm. But back to that
album hype... REVENGE is good, sure, but honestly, it is neither as
spirited as Edguy, as catchy as HammerFall, nor as downright powerful
in its Metal-ness as Manowar. It comes close, though. (Note: The promo
I reviewed did not include the two bonus tracks from the album's
limited edition digi-pak version, "Gates Of Cybertron" and "Odin's
Call.") - Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

RITUAL - LIVE (B) Inside Out Music, 2006
Disc 1: 11 tracks, RT: 59:21
Disc 2: 7 tracks, RT: 55:42
[ http://www.ritual.se/ ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
[ info@... ]
Now this was a difficult package to review; nearly two hours of
progressive Swedish rock with strong folk and avant-garde elements.
What you get immediately from LIVE is that this is not music to be
easily digested in one sitting; indeed the vocals alone will likely
produce negative initial reactions in those not used to Patrik
Lundstrom's anomalous style. Ritual are quite adept at awesome
musicianship and I'll gladly hand out full points for the tight
cohesion of the players -- just sample tracks like "What Are You
Waiting For," "Think Like A Mountain," and "Seasoning For The Moomin
Pappa" to judge for yourself. Many of the arrangements and certainly
the vocals are just plain bizarre, reflecting a zany, Zappa-like humor
and incongruity in places. Actually, I tend to get more into Ritual
when they leave the peculiarities for more melodically satisfying
pieces like "Infinite Justice" and "Solitary Man," as they have the
capability to write in a manner potentially more engaging without
losing that "off-the-wall" factor that is such an important part of
their music. Production is top-notch and there is enough variety to
entertain most discerning prog fans, but honestly Ritual - LIVE will
appeal primarily to those who are already into the band and their
curious approach, and to them I would recommend this highly. Fans of
more traditional prog rock may want to approach this one with caution.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*