Detritus
Issue #369
Week of June 19, 2006
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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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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-We're late 'cuz I was AWOL from Detritus Land for most of the week --
yes these day jobs can be a real nasty inconvenience to one's hobbies.
Have a great weekend. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Queensryche To Rock And Ride Across America

The Band Partners With Buell Motorcycles To Raise Money For The VH1
Save The Music Foundation

Massive Summer/Fall Tour Of United States Begins In August In Support
Of Latest Release, OPERATION: MINDCRIME II, On Rhino Records

Queensryche will rock and ride across America for charity beginning in
August as the band partners with Buell Motorcycles to raise money for
the VH1 Save The Music Foundation during their upcoming US tour (see
full itinerary below) sponsored by VH1 Classic.

Throughout the 60-plus date tour, Queensryche is offering fans the
rare and exciting opportunity to join singer Geoff Tate and guitarist
Mike Stone as they ride custom Buell Ulysses bikes, complete with
custom riding jackets and helmets, between select tour stops on the
band's tour for OPERATION: MINDCRIME II, the sequel to Seattle-based
quintet's 1988 platinum-certified concept album.

All concert performances will feature a full stage show, including
surround sound, new video imagery and actors playing out both parts of
the OPERATION: MINDCRIME saga -- OPERATION: MINDCRIME (1988's
acclaimed concept album that quickly reached double-platinum status)
and OPERATION: MINDCRIME II -- in their entirety.

Fans that make a donation to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will be
invited to join Tate and Stone as they ride between shows. A full list
of start and finish points are available on the band's website --
http://www.queensryche.com/ .

Anyone who makes a donation will be eligible to receive a limited
edition sticker patch commemorating the Queensryche charity ride. Log
on to http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/ and click on the Queensryche
donation page to contribute.

In addition to the ride-along opportunity, Queensryche is also
donating exclusive prize packages to be auctioned off for the
following seven tour stops: Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, New York,
Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The exclusive prize packages
include two prime tickets to the show in that city, two "meet and
greet" backstage passes, a copy of OPERATION: MINDCRIME II signed by
the entire band, tour swag and a personal item from one of the band
members. Buell Motorcycles will also host a sweepstakes on its own
website ( http://www.buell.com/ ) prior to the tour where they'll give
away two concert tickets and an autographed copy of OPERATION:
MINDCRIME II every day from Monday, June 26th ­ Thursday, July 13th.

On Wednesday, September 20th -- prior to their shows at the Nokia
Theater in New York City -- Tate and Stone will lead a caravan of
approximately 3,000 riders who made a donation to the Save The Music
Foundation. Starting at the renowned Harley-Davidson dealership
Legends in Ledgewood, New Jersey, the caravan will travel over 40
miles to Times Square. The riders will then be invited to attend an
exclusive performance by Queensryche at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York
City (1501 Broadway).

At the end of the first leg of the tour, there will be a ride in
Seattle on October 16th and afterwards, both of the custom Buell
Ulysses motorcycles ridden by Tate and Stone, along with their custom
Buell riding jackets and helmets, will be auctioned to raise money for
the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

"As a band, we've always believed in music's profound power to change
lives," Tate explains. "Personally, music has always been my saving
grace because it's given me a positive way to express my emotions.
This charity ride along is a simple way for me to make sure that a new
generation will have the same opportunities through music that I had."

A nonprofit organization founded in 1997, the VH1 Save The Music
Foundation is dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in
America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance
of music as a part of each child's complete education.

Come out for the ride and stay tuned!

QUEENSRYCHE TOUR 2006
Presented by VH1 Classic

Date - Venue - City

August

25 ­ Friday - House of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL
26 ­ Saturday - House of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL
27 ­ Sunday - Barbara B Mann - Fort Myers, FL
29 ­ Tuesday - Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
30 ­ Wednesday - Saenger Theater - Mobile, AL
31 ­ Thursday - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, FL

September

1 ­ Friday - Pompano Amphitheatre - Pompano Beach, FL
2 ­ Saturday - Florida Theater - Jacksonville, FL
3 ­ Sunday - House of Blues - Myrtle Beach, SC
6 ­ Wednesday - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO
7 ­ Thursday - Pageant - St. Louis, MO
8 ­ Friday - Orpheum Theatre - Madison, WI
9 ­ Saturday - Myth - Minneapolis, MN
11 ­ Monday - Potawatomi Casino - Milwaukee, WI
12 ­ Tuesday - Potawatomi Casino - Milwaukee, WI
14 ­ Thursday - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
15 ­ Friday - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
16 ­ Saturday - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
17 ­ Sunday - Emerald Theater - Mt. Clemens, MI
19 ­ Tuesday - Turning Stone Casino - Verona, NY
21 ­ Thursday - Nokia Live - New York, NY
22 ­ Friday - Nokia Live - New York, NY
23 ­ Saturday - House of Blues - Atlantic City, NJ
25 ­ Monday - Majestic Theater - San Antonio, TX
26 ­ Tuesday - Verizon Theater - Houston, TX
27 ­ Wednesday - Nokia Live - Dallas, TX
29 ­ Friday - Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO
30 ­ Saturday - The Depot - Salt Lake City, UT

October

1 ­ Sunday - Kiva Auditorium - Albuquerque, NM
3 ­ Tuesday - Dodge Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
4 ­ Wednesday - Humphrey's - San Diego, CA
5 ­ Thursday - Gibson Amphitheatre - Los Angeles, CA
6 ­ Friday - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
7 ­ Saturday - Pechanga Resort - Temecula, CA
8 ­ Sunday - Konocti - Kelseyville, CA
10 ­ Tuesday - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
11 ­ Wednesday - Warfield - San Francisco, CA
12 ­ Thursday - Roseland - Portland, OR
13 ­ Friday - Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
14 ­ Saturday - Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
15 ­ Sunday - Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
17 ­ Tuesday - Reno Hilton Theater - Reno, NV
18 ­ Wednesday - The Big Easy - Boise, ID
19 ­ Thursday - Big Easy Concert House - Spokane, WA
20 ­ Friday - Wilma Theater - Missoula, MT
21 ­ Saturday - Shrine Auditorium - Billings, MT

November

1 ­ Wednesday - Kool Haus - Toronto, CAN
2 ­ Thursday - Palace Theatre - Albany, NY
3 ­ Friday - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA
4 ­ Saturday - 930 Club - Washington, DC
5 ­ Sunday - Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD
7 ­ Tuesday - Palace Theatre - Greensburg, PA
8 ­ Wednesday - State Theater - New Brunswick, NJ
9 ­ Thursday - The Avalon - Boston, MA
10 ­ Friday - Chevrolet Theater - Wallingford, CT
11 ­ Saturday - Hampton Beach Casino - Hampton Beach, NH
12 ­ Sunday - Metropolis - Montreal, CAN
14 ­ Tuesday - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
15 ­ Wednesday - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
17 ­ Friday - Dow Center - Saginaw, MI
18 ­ Saturday - Madison Theater - Covington, KY
19 ­ Sunday - Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN
21 ­ Tuesday - House of Blues - New Orleans, LA
22 ­ Wednesday - Selena Auditorium - Corpus Christi, TX
24 ­ Friday - Hogg Auditorium - Austin, TX
25 ­ Saturday - Abrahm Chevez PAC - El Paso, TX
26 ­ Sunday - Tucson Music Hall - Tucson, AZ
28 ­ Tuesday - The Depot - Salt Lake City, UT
30 ­ Thursday - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV

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-Rob Zombie Performs LIVE In Hollywood On "Jimmy Kimmel Live" -
Friday, June 23rd

Zombie To Guest & Perform His New Smash Hit Single "American Witch"

HOLLYWOOD -- As Rob Zombie prepares for June 30th, the start of his
summer US trek the "American Witch Tour," he will hold court with late
night talk-show guru Jimmy Kimmel.

The two will have a sit-down tête-à-tête on Zombie's new CD release
EDUCATED HORSES, upcoming American Witch Tour and his fall tour with
Godsmack. Besides his music, Zombie will discuss his new movie
projects currently in the works including his new feature cartoon "The
Haunted World Of El Superbeasto" and his re-write of John Carpenter's
movie "Halloween."

After all the action-packed banter in the studio, Rob Zombie and band
will then join a crowd of fans on Jimmy Kimmel's outdoor theatre for a
live concert featuring Zombie's Billboard Top 20 hit "American Witch"
off the EDUCATED HORSES CD [Geffen Records].

Rob Zombie's American Witch Tour will kick-off June 30th in El Paso,
TX at the County Coliseum. The single "American Witch" is the latest
release off the EDUCATED HORSES CD (Geffen Records) and is currently
on Billboard's Top 20 Mainstream chart after only five weeks out.
EDUCATED HORSES entered the Billboard Top 200 at #5. Joining Zombie
will be metal icons Anthrax.

For more information on all Rob Zombie music and projects go to
http://www.robzombie.com/ , http://www.myspace.com/robzombie , and
http://www.elsuperbeasto.com/ .

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-Z Records News

CLASSIC ROCK NIGHT TO DEBUT JULY 27

July 27th is the first classic rock night at the Tivoli, Buckley,
Clwyd. Doors 8 p.m. - late. Admission is £5 before 9 p.m.

Not only is there a classic rock DJ you will also get to see Lost
Weekend and support act Silver Jet live on stage!

In addition Tony Mills [TNT / Shy] will also be present to sign copies
of his brand new album.

And if that wasn't enough for you, the first 100 people through the
door will receive a melodic rock / AOR compilation album totally free
of charge!!!!

See you on July 27th!!!!

Please pass this on to all your friends....
http://www.myspace.com/tivolirocks

CLUB Z ROCK TO OPEN AUGUST 5TH

The UK's essential AOR & Classic Rock experience is about to be
unleashed on the unsuspecting UK public.

Club Z Rock is an all new venue which will open its doors on Saturday
August 5th with a very special AOR and Classic Rock night which will
continue once a month on either the first or second Saturday [see Web
site for details]. The remaining Saturday nights will be mainstream
whilst also keeping the classic vibe.

Our doors will open 9 p.m. - 2 p.m. with special drink offers to all
whom attend prior to 10:30 p.m., in addition the first 100 people
through the door on opening night will receive a free compilation
album!!

Club Z Rock will also stage live events in the near future and has a
full size stage with a capacity of 600 making this an ideal night. The
club has recently been refurbished and features an extensive light
show and sound system.

Club Z Rock is situated at the Cricketer, Keats Ave, Poolstock, Wigan.
For further information e-mail midas.ent@... / call 01695
725725 or visit our Web site at http://www.myspace.com/clubzrock .

The venue is located just off Junc 26 of the M6 for those travelling
South and Junc 25 of the M6 for those travelling North with more than
ample secure free parking right outside the venue!

COME JOIN THE REVOLUTION!

Help us spread the word, please forward this to your friends or post
on noticeboards.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Perris Records Summer Releases Available June 27th

Demon Angels - TIME OF CONFUSION

Former MSG vocalist Robin McAuley will release his new project Demon
Angels via Perris Records in June. The Demon Angels album called TIME
OF CONFUSION sees Robin handle lead vocal duties as well as producer
and composer. Demon Angels is a pure hard rock project drawing
inspiration from bands such as Mr. Big, Europe, Yngwie Malmsteen,
McAuley Schenker Group, and Motley Crue. TIME OF CONFUSION was
recorded at August Again Studios in Los Angeles and features the first
single and video "Freedom."

Babylon A.D. - IN THE BEGINNING

The latest release from California hard rockers Babylon A.D. The
Former Arista Records recording artists offer a first look into what
the industry buzz was all about when legendary music mogul Clive Davis
signed them in 1989 to his label. This CD is comprised of the band's
12-song demo that eventually snagged them a record deal. The band went
on to record two critically acclaim CDs. And with heavy rotation at
radio and MTV, Babylon A.D. became one of Rock fans' favorite acts.
The CD contains what should have been surefire hits such as "I'm No
Good For You," "She Likes To Give It," and "Tears" as well as nine
other well-done rockers which never saw the light of day until now.
This is a must-have for any music collector of hard rock history.

Zan Clan - KICKZ THE LIVIN' SHIT OUTTA OF STOCKHOLM CITY

Sweden's own Zan Clan are about to release their brand new live album
KICKZ THE LIVIN' SHIT OUTTA OF STOCKHOLM CITY via Perris Records. This
album was recorded and produced by Chris Laney live at GlamFest (a
tribute to the late Dave Lepard of Crashdiet) at Klubben Stockholm
City on Feb. 11th, 2006. KICKZ... also features two brand new studio
bonus tracks recorded in 2006 featuring Ryan Roxie (Slash's Snakepit,
Alice Cooper) and Marcus Jidell and a third bonus track that was
recorded during the WE ARE ZAN CLAN... sessions.

Tracy Starr - s/t

Tracy Starr is best described as a revival of gutsy, hard hitting,
tongue-in-cheek rock and roll. The band was formed in late 2002 when
East Coast Music Award winners and former members of An Acoustic Sin
Daniel Dupuis and Stephen Leblanc, also ex-Exotic Gypsy, decided to
leave the band to head in a different musical direction. Their aim
became to write songs that were solid, as Leblanc puts it, "The kind
that want to make you crank the car stereo. These songs just make you
want to drive FAST!" Whether on stage or in the studio, Tracy Starr
exhibits a wealth of creative energy, as exhibited in their first
single "Ride," which wowed listeners of on-line radio station Radio
xXx so much that the band destroyed their opposition in voting for the
weekly Unearthed award in January 2006. Tracy Starr has also had their
music appear in several Extreme Sports DVDs in their native Canada.
Appropriately, their live shows leave nothing to be desired either;
they are the release of pent-up artistic intensity... as well as the
realization of a dream, five years in the making.

Stampede Queen - s/t

It's been six years of Sex Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll for Stampede Queen.
Incarceration, rehabilitation, a worldwide release, member split,
national music festivals, international conferences, limos, jets and
relocation, video shoots, television spots with a handful of press and
new tattoos have all added up to one year of writing and recording
their soft more self-titled CD over the Internet. You can't keep a
kick-ass group down. These forefathers of the New Rock Revival --
i.e.: Jet, The Darkness, The Living Things and Velvet Revolver -- have
stood the test of time and are on a path of global Rock 'n' Roll
domination. Look out world and say Hell Yeah to Stampede Queen.

Wolfchild - s/t

The story of Wolfchild began in 2002, when Purosto, Koivusilta, and
Nousiainen were looking for a new singer. With the addition of new
vocalist/guitar player Kim Hogberg (ex-Helion, Bulldozer, etc.), the
band crystallize their idea of classic '70-'80s hard rock style. With
band chemistry finally right, the band began to work at their first
offering, TALES OF THE URBAN DECADENCE. The EP got great reviews, and
a number of gigs followed, from festivals to smoky bars all over
Finland. Including a gig for opening Paul DiAnno & Killers,
Encoremetal.com also recorded the show for a further release. In 2004
the band began to work on a new (now sold-out) release called TOXIC.
Recordings began in November of 2004 at Rockstar Studios, with the
producer Lari Takala; the CD was mastered March 2005 at Sound Supreme
by Janne Saksa. TOXIC got great reviews around the world and gained
great interest in record companies in Finland and USA. Wolfchild
decided to record their self-financed debut album with same producer
Lari Takala once again behind the mixing desk. Recordings began in
October 2005; CD was mastered March 2006 at sound supreme by Janne
Saksa.

Starrats - REBELUTION

Starrats were formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in '03, and began
recording their debut album BROKEN HALO (released by Adrenaline
Records '04) instantly! In between recording sessions, the guys played
gigs with Alice Cooper and Skid Row, which created quite a buzz in the
Danish rock/metal world. With the state of music in the underground
scene (mostly Death Metal, Grindcore, NU Metal...), it had been years
(if not a decade...) since there had been an old school heavy Rock 'n'
Roll band, who weren't afraid to show their musical skills, along with
actually enjoying themselves on stage (as well as off stage :)...).
The critically acclaimed album opened a lot of doors for the foursome,
as they went on to headline gigs throughout Scandinavia, as well as a
high profile gig at the legendary Marquee Club in London. It also
landed the band support gigs with Dokken, Freak Kitchen, Magnum, and
Royal Hunt, as well as a co-headliner with Statetrooper and Million.
Recordings for their yet untitled follow-up (this one :)) began in '05
in between gigs, and were wrapped up in December the same year. This
time around, the guys rediscovered their taste for sleazy punk-rock,
and added that to their sound!

HOLLYWOOD HAIRSPRAY 6

HOLLYWOOD HAIRSPRAY 6 features new and unreleased tracks from the
Perris roster such as Joker Five Speed, Starrats, Wolfchild, and a
Bonus Track with Robin McAuley's (MSG) new project Demon Angels. Also
making a comeback is glam kings Mother Mercy with a new track called
"Devil's Tool." More highlights with bands from Switerland, Italy,
Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the USA.

PERRIS NETWORK CD "VOLUME 1"

Perris Records has started a new division called Perris Network. It is
a way for musicians to promote their band and also network by doing
shows nationwide. PERRIS NETWORK CD "VOLUME 1" features 17 bands from
all over the USA including New York, California, Utah, Colorado,
Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The CD
features tracks from The Addictions from Austin, Texas, and Hang Face
from Norway/Hollywood. The Addictions' songs have been used by A&E's
"Rollers Girls" reality TV show and they also appear on the A&E
soundtrack CD. The Addictions' CD was recorded by Stuart Sullivan
(Meat Puppets, Sublime). Hangface -- originally from Norway, now in
Hollywood, California -- recorded their CD FREAK SHOW with legendary
Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, etc).
The Perris Network CD will be promoted in an upcoming Metal Maniacs
magazine ad. The CD will also be distributed by Perris through
Select-o-Hits to major chain stores nationwide. Perris Network is
soliciting USA bands for "VOLUME 2." Get more info at
http://www.perrisnetwork.com/ . Perris Network is planning a Network
CD for Europe. Europeon bands interested should contact Perris Network
at perris@....

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-Sweden's Drug Of Choice: Cosmic Ballroom

ESKILSTUNA, SWEDEN -- High energy punk-infused Swedes Cosmic Ballroom
have release their third album, titled YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE, via
Roasting House/Locomotive Records in America.

Though technically Cosmic Ballroom falls into the punk category, the
Scandinavian quartet throws in an equal amount of glam rock influence
for an infectious sound that's all their own. "The influences are
many," said bassist/lead vocalist Nilz. "I'll say Rancid, GN'R Kiss,
and AC/DC are the once we mainly listened to when we grew up."

YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE was recorded in three weeks at Roastinghouse
Studios and produced by in-house producer and friend Anders "Theo"
Theander. Cosmic Ballroom's use of three singers and songwriters on
YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE elso echoes the dynamics of bands like Kiss.

Cosmic Ballroom began some eight years ago in Eskilstuna, Sweden, with
the same lineup they have today. Their debut album, ROCK N' ROLL
OVERDOSE, was released by the Danish label Kick Music and Japan's EMI/
Toshoba in Japan in 2001. STONED, BROKE & READY TO RUMBLE followed in
the Spring of 2003.

"I think we're the same as when we started, only better at
everything," Nilz said. "We always wanted to do upbeat songs with lots
of guitars and catchy melodies." And what's the band's gauge for a
good song? "If the songs we write make us wanna have a beer, then we
consider it good a song!"

http://www.cosmicballroom.com/
http://www.roastinghouse.com/

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-Sweden's Pax Offers Up 10,000 WORDS

MALMO, SWEDEN -- Formed after stints as hire guns in other bands, Pax
is a realization of a musical the Swedish brothers Christian and
Michael Fridh.

"Me and my brother have always done things together," said Christian
Fridh. "We know every thought that runs through our heads, and we
don't have to explain things to each other. Our musical foundation is
the same but we have different influences as well. This makes our
writing interesting. We have a direction to move in, but the way there
can get quite interesting!"

The brothers began playing together in 1989 -- Christian on guitar and
lead vocals and Michael on keyboards -- in a band called Excalibur.
After disbanding several years later, the duo followed separate
musical paths but reunited in 2000 to form Pax with friend Jamie
Salazar and Oz.

The foursome brought together a variety of influeneces to create a
sound that is at once melodic, powerful, sometimes catchy, and
sometimes challenging. The group's debut album, 10,000 WORDS, marks
the culmination nearly 30 songs, which the band sifted through to
record for their debut at Roastinghouse Studios.

The dark rock style of Pax's 10,000 WORDS features strong harmonies
and melodies while maintaining a certain moodiness that traps
listeners.

"I tend to get more and more back to my roots," said Christin Fridh.
"The band has also gone through that change and if you see the band
live, you will notice the energy and hunger. The whole band worked for
many years as hired guns, and it feels so good that everybody really
has that energy and hunger -- a desire to always sound better!"

"Why This Had To Be" from 10,000 WORDS has gone into the Top 50 single
charts in Sweden and received significant radio airplay. Reviews of
the album in the top rock magazines in Germany anb Sweden have been
glowing.

http://www.paxbros.nu/
http://www.roastinghouse.com/

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-Radiant Records Update

NEAL MORSE TOUR DATES ADDED

There have a been a few dates added on Neal Morse's summer tour of
Europe. They are:

June 20 - Barcelona, solo acoustic 21:00 SALA APOLO 2
http://www.sala-apolo.com/index.asp?sala=2
July 10 - Verviers, Belgium Spirit of 66 with band

Neal's going to put up a little video of him practicing for these gigs
on the his site before we leave on Monday, so watch for it!

Come if you can. You never if it will happen again!!

COVER TO COVER

A year ago, Mike Portnoy said to Neal, "You know, you should take
these seven new tracks we've just cut (extra tracks from the Question
Mark sessions) and combine them with all the other covers from the
bonus discs of TESTIMONY and ONE and make one new CD out of it." Well,
it's taken Neal a while to finally do it but now it's done. Clocking
in at 63 minutes and change! Featuring a killer version of Paul
McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" and Cat Steven's "Where Do The Children
Play," just to mention a few. Inside Out and Radiant/MB will be
releasing it at the beginning of September, however, it will be
available for the first time at Neal's concerts in Europe!

Title: COVER TO COVER
Artist: Morse, Portnoy and George

Here's the track list:

2005 ? Sessions:
1. Pleasant Valley Sunday
2. Badge
3. Maybe I'm Amazed
4. Where Do The Children Play
5. I'm The Man
6. Feeling Stronger Everyday
7. Rock And Roll Suicide

2004 One Sessions:
8. Where The Streets Have No Name
9. Day After Day
10. What Is Life
11. I'm Free / Sparks

2003 Testimony Sessions:
12. Tuesday Afternoon
13. Find My Way Back Home

INNER CIRCLE NEWS

The next Inner Circle release is called HODGEPODGE - INNER CIRCLE CD
JULY 2006. It's already done and in production and will certainly be
shipped on time! Neal had to finish it before leaving the country.
FEATURES: Demo of "Reunion" from the ONE album, the newscast from
SNOW, Live stuff from Calprog, Jams with Phil Keaggy, forgotten
classical pieces and artwork by the man in the mountain!! What more
could an Inner Circle ask for? If you haven't joined, sign up by July
15 to receive this CD. Sign up at http://www.nealmorse.com/ , click on
the inner circle icon and follow the instructions.

Radiant Records
http://www.radiantrecords.com/

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-Godt Selskap Studio Bankrupt -- Morningstar Records Takes Over!

Godt Selskap studio in Trondheim, Norway, has filed for bankruptcy,
but the competance moves on under the Morningstar Records banner with
the producers Rune Stavnesli and Knut "Fug" Prytz. The studio has
relocated which means the production will not cease. The two producers
have gathered a lengthy resumè regarding good quality as with the new
Keep Of Kalessin album ARMADA getting multiple 6 out of 6 reviews in
Norwegian newspapers alongside other rave reviews like a 7 out of 7 in
the German Metal Hammer. Other artists produced include the latest
Bloodthorn album GENOCIDE, Manifest, Chton, Necrophagia, Griffin,
Rifu, etc., and this minor setback in activities will not by any means
decrease the quality of the future productions. Right now Max Midsun
is in the final phase of the recording of their debut album with
producer and guitarist/songwriter in Max Midsun, Rune Stavnesli. The
music on their debut is best described as massive and in-your-face yet
atmospheric rock somewhere in between Tool, Entombed and Queens Of The
Stone Age. Their album is set to be released by Morningstar Records on
October 30th with worldwide distribution by Plastichead. In the
meantime, check out the video for the track "The Pain" from their
earlier promo here:

The Pain (Low - 512 k)
http://www.morningstarrec.com/pages/downloads/videos/maxmidsunlow.wmv
The Pain (High - 1000 k)
http://www.morningstarrec.com/pages/downloads/videos/maxmidsun.wmv

We can also mention that the first Morningstar Records' release
GENOCIDE by Bloodthorn gathered some enormous reviews around the world
and that they now, after their European tour with Carpathian Forest,
is ready for Germany's Wacken Open Air in August. After that it's back
on the road again for a Scandinavian tour with Vader and Nightrage.

Bloodthorn's GENOCIDE is available now via Plastichead in Europe!

Morningstar Records DA
http://www.morningstarrec.com/
http://www.myspace.com/morningstarrec
info@...

Phone: (+47) 92 82 41 24
P.O. Box 8809
N-7481 Trondheim
Norway

Distribution: PLASTIC HEAD
http://www.plastichead-distribution.com/
info@...

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-Manes Signs To Candlelight Recorsd

Manes has signed to Candlelight Records. Two albums are currently in
pre-production and the recording of the first of these, given the
working-title INVENTION..., will start this summer with an estimated
release in early 2007. The band comments via their MySpace blog:
"We'll be collaborating with some external people again on this, both
musical, lyrical and visual artists, so that's keeping the
unpredictability-meter dangerously close to the red zone for us as
well, which we find very satisfying. Some of the songs has already
been given names like 'Deeprooted,' 'Every Passenger A Pilot,'
'Controlled Escalation' and 'Dira Necessitas.' We find the new stuff
very dark and atmospheric in a close-to-suicidal way, and some of you
will probably hate us forever and wish we'd just die after this one.
Which we also find very satisfying." Read more at
http://www.myspace.com/manes .

The first sign of life from the Manes camp will however come in the
form of the demo/pre-prod track "Indiscretion First Draft" featured on
the upcoming Candlelight Records compilation PHOENIX RISEN (out
03/07/06). This is a comprehensive double CD compilation featuring the
latest tracks from the label's entire current roster.

Manes was founded back in late 1992 and released three demos and their
debut album UNDER EIN BLODRAUD MAANE on Hammerheart Records as a two-
piece, but has since then evolved to become a multi-headed monster.
With members from bands like 3rd and the Mortal, Atrox and Chton the
band released the album VILOSOPHE on the Italian label Code666 in 2003
to great reviews like 15/15 in Legacy (Ger), 10/10 at Metal.de and 5/7
in Metal Hammer (Ger). As a stepping-stone before the next album is
released the EP [view] came out as a limited edition in February 2006
on Aural Music, the mother-label of Manes' earlier label Code666. The
band left Aural Music not long after the release of this EP and signed
to Candlelight Records. The music defies any easy genre definitions,
but can best be described as a dark mix of metal, rock and
electronica. Manes has played gigs with bands like Isis, Katatonia,
Red Harvest, Madder Mortem, Theater Of Tragedy, etc., and played
festivals like Quart, Inferno, Hole In The Sky and Southern
Discomfort.

http://www.manes.info/
http://www.myspace.com/manes
manes.info@...

http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-MQMusicfest In Canada

MQMusicfest
July 7, 8 & 9, 2006
Trudeau Park, ON
$25 in advance, $35 at gate

45+ Bands - 2 Stages! Rain or Shine
All Ages. Camping accommodations only (tents, vehicles, campers)

Official MQMusicfest Web site: http://www.myspace.com/MQMusicfest

Directions: http://www.trudeaupark.com/ (halfway between Toronto &
Montreal, near Belleville, off Hwy. 401)

Bands:
Warmachine - Shatterpoint - Crazy Babies - Little Sunday - Sin Dealer
- Ash Lee Blade - Rehab For Quitters - Endorphins - Triton - Burn To
Black - Dook - Chaos Machine - Slaves - The Mighty Nimbus - Beyond
Within - 7th Reign - The Hollow - Betrayer - Evirus - Sixes & Sevens -
The Womb - Scarlet Sins - AraPacis - Redeemer - Valkyrie's Cry - Omega
A.D. - Sutterkain - Hollywood Murder - Psychopathos - Sex Without
Souls - Hollywood Murder - Severity - Heartless Past - No Data -
Burning The Day - Labra - The Dr. Lang Band - Breadfan - Papa Fogals
Chair - Insurrection - Deterrence - I Hate Sally - Hello Beautiful -
Bury The Past - Ape - Pitch Union - Empyrean Plague - Remainameless +
more!

Ticket Info:
$25 in advance, $35 at the gate, includes 3 days of camping & music,
available at:

*On-line at http://www.metalqueenmgmt.ca/catalog/index.php

*Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
925 Bloor Street West (at Ossington)
Toronto, ON
--see JON LONG for Tickets

*or see your favorite band playing MQMusicfest, HMV Superstore,
Sunrise Records

Bus Service Available:
Bus service available to Trudeau Park on Friday July 7 or Saturday
July 8, returning the evening of July 9. Please contact the Party Bus
Service at (416) 841-0512 for more information and to reserve your
seat.

Sponsored by:
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles
Pearl Drums

Visit http://www.myspace.com/MQMusicsfest for more details or e-mail:
festinfo@...

Metal Queen Management
P.O. Box 47038, RPO 425
220 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2P9
http://www.metalqueenmgmt.ca/
http://www.myspace.com/MQM

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Thram's New Songs Available At MySpace

The follow-up to LOST MIND, PICTURES OF REALITY, is finished and ready
to be released. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Creative Studios
(Shaaman, Paul DiAnno, Krisiun, etc.), under production and experience
of Ricardo Nagata, the new album brings ten tracks with the
ingredients that make the sound of the band, melody, heaviness and
speed, telling ten little stories, ten "pictures" of our day life.

PICTURES OF REALITY has a detach to the insane version to Fight's
"Into The Pit" of Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and the special guest of
Edu Ardanuy (Dr. Sin's guitar player) on the hit "Bomb."
The band also has been posted at http://www.myspace.com/thram two
songs ("Bomb" and "Frozen Hope") for the fans listening while the CD
is not released.

Related links:
http://www.thram.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thram

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Crucified Barbara To Support Motorhead On UK Tour

The all-female Swedish quartet Crucified Barbara will tour alongside
rock legends Motorhead on an 18-city trek of the United Kingdom this
November. The pairing is fitting, for the group's new album, IN
DISTORTION WE TRUST, was recently released in the United States with a
cover of Motorhead's "Killed By Death" as a bonus track.

"A lot of people have told us that it would be the perfect match to go
on tour with Motorhead," says vocalist/guitarist Mia Coldheart. "Of
course we agree -- which band doesn't? -- but until now, it's been
just a dream. It's almost too good to be true, and it will be a blast!
We are very honored to be invited to join this tour."

Although Crucified Barbara hasn't toured the UK since playing
alongside Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Slayer, System Of A Down, Velvet
Revolver and many more at the Download Festival last summer, Coldheart
says the group "has been longing for an opportunity to get back, and
there couldn't be a better way than to tour with the Kings Of England
themselves!"

In recent weeks, Crucified Barbara has performed at such renowned
European festivals as Sweden Rock, Rock Hard and Gods Of Metal
alongside a who's who of hard rock and heavy metal. They'll continue
to tour the festival circuit throughout the summer, and they've also
confirmed a week's worth of shows in Australia this fall.

In other Crucified news, the group's European label, GMR Music, has
just released a limited edition (500 copies) picture disc of IN
DISTORTION WE TRUST. For more information, visit
http://www.crucifiedbarbara.com/ .

Crucified Barbara On Tour (* supporting Motorhead)

6/24 - Montalivet - Les Bains, France
7/7 - Motorradfreunde Festival - Nehren, Germany
7/8 - Rock Harz Festival - Osterade, Germany
7/9 - Decibuelle Decibulle Bière & Rock Festival - Neuve Eglise,
France
7/15 - Masters Of Rock Open Air Festival - Zlin, Czech Republic
7/29 - Tobacco Rock Festival - Herxheim, Germany
7/30 - Metal Way Festival - Gernika, Spain
8/4 - Metal Dayz Festival - Pratteln, Switzerland
10/13 - Gaelic Club - Sydney, Australia
10/14 - Hi Fi Bar - Melbourne, Australia
10/19 - Ruby's Lounge - Belgrave, Australia
10/20 - Fowlers Live - Adelaide, Australia
10/21 - Greenroom - Melbourne, Australia
11/2 - City Hall - Newcastle, U.K.*
11/4 - Scotland Academy - Glasgow, U.K.*
11/5 - Apollo - Manchester, U.K.*
11/7 - St Georges - Bradford, U.K.*
11/8 - City Hall - Sheffield, U.K.*
11/9 - Academy - Birmingham, U.K.*
11/11 - University - Cardiff, U.K.*
11/12 - New Theatre - Oxford, U.K.*
11/13 - De Montfort Hall - Leicester, U.K.*
11/15 - UEA - Norwich, U.K.*
11/17 - Corn Exchange - Cambridge, U.K.*
11/18 - Regent - Ipswitch, U.K.*
11/19 - Rock City - Notthingham, U.K.*
11/20 - Colston Hall - Bristol, U.K.*
11/21 - Pavilion - Plymouth, U.K.*
11/23 - Guildhall - Portsmouth, U.K.*
11/24 - Leas Cliff Hall - Folkestone, U.K.*
11/25 - Brixton Academy - London, U.K.*

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Moonspell Headline "Nocturnal Mourning" Tour

Moonspell, Portugal's #1 heavy metal export are preparing to embark on
their first headlining tour in five years. Vocalist Fernando Ribeiro
fondly recalls, "Last time we headlined was late 2001, after the
release of DARKNESS AND HOPE. The support band was Lacuna Coil on
their very first American experience. We can't wait to get back to
play our own show and to underline the great ties we built in all of
our tours there with our small but very dedicated fan basis. MEMORIAL
is intense live and we want our American shows to follow up what we
have been doing in Europe so far."

This is the first American tour for Moonspell in support of MEMORIAL,
the band's latest release which was hailed by Decibel magazine as "by
far the strongest and heaviest album Moonspell have made since SIN/
PECADO." Metal Maniacs deemed MEMORIAL "full of powerful songs" and
Outburn simply calls it "stunning." This time around fans can expect
"better and bigger production. We are finally bringing our light team
with us. We will have the full strength of MEMORIAL, the theatrics...
the passion... it will all be there" enthuses Ribeiro.

Supporting Moonspell on the appropriately labeled "Nocturnal Mourning"
Tour are Katatonia and Daylight Dies. Ribeiro raves, "I love Katatonia
and I think they are the most brilliant band around. DANCE OF DECEMBER
SOULS is still my album for the rainy days. Daylight Dies caught my
attention with an advance single and since then I purchased NO REPLY
and DISMANTLING DEVOTION to get really deeply into this band that,
with a life of their own, brings me back to the glorious days of Death
Doom, a style so close to my heart and soul. I believe it is a great,
great package with original, individual bands that do it for the
passion and for the music. The moonfest for all undergrounders!!! The
Euro fans are very jealous!"

The "Nocturnal Mourning" Tour tour is scheduled to kick off October
20th at The Loft in Poughkeepsie, New York. Dates and venues are
subject to change.

Nocturnal Mourning Tour w/ Moonspell, Katatonia, Daylight Dies

10/20/06 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft
10/21/06 - Bedford, NH - Mark's Showplace
10/22/06 - New York, NY - B.B. King's Blues Club
10/23/06 - Montreal, QC - Le Medley
10/24/06 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial
10/25/06 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
10/26/06 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's Down Under
10/27/06 - Detroit, MI - I-Rock Nightclub
10/28/06 - Mokena, IL - Pearl Room
10/29/06 - Columbia Heights, MN - Star Central
10/31/06 - Aurora, CO - Illiff Park Saloon
11/02/06 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
11/03/06 - Portland, OR - Rock N Roll Pizza
11/04/06 - San Francisco, CA - The Pound SF
11/06/06 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
11/11/06 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
11/17/06 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
11/18/06 - Latham, NY - Saratoga Winners
11/19/06 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre / Underground

http://www.moonspell.com/
http://www.myspace.com/moonspell
http://www.spvusa.com/moonspell

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Axemaster & Dragonight Agency

Axemaster is now working with Dragonight Agency (Poland) on European
promotion. Dragonight made the following statement on their Web
site.....

"Axemaster, the US-based heavy metal legend of the '80s, finally
landed under Dragonight Agency wings. Guys are currently working (in
the original lineup!) on the new songs for the forthcoming comeback
album, and are planning official re-release of the legendary BLESSING
IN THE SKIES LP. Please check the Interviews page for an in-depth talk
with Joe Sims, and our Download section for the classic 'Slave To The
Blade' video clip!"

For information and to see the interview with Joe Sims, check out
Dragonight's Web site at http://www.dragonight.de/ . Also see their
MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/dragonightagency .

The band is currently preparing to record new material. New songs
include "Marching To Madness," "Lost," and "Unresting Place." More
news to come!

http://www.myspace.com/thebandaxemaster
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Axemaster/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Dario Lorina On Mini-Tour With Jani Lane

Guitar Prodigy Chosen To Swing His Axe For Jani Lane's Summer Tour

"One fireball spitting guitarist."
...Ted Nugent

"I've heard of you, you're one bad mother f*cker."
...Sebastian Bach

HOLLYWOOD -- Teen guitar virtuoso Dario Lorina has been making waves
in the music industry in the last few years. Lorina has caught the eye
of many fans and rockstars alike with his fired-up live performances
and his Randy Rhoads styling. Enough so that he was the choice, out of
a hundred-plus players, that Jani Lane had to have. Lorina nailed
every song set before him with complete accuracy and grace.

Living in Las Vegas and taking advantage of the Los Angeles music
scene has given Lorina the opportunity to meet and perform his talent
for such notable rock icons as John Petrucci of Dream Theater, Mark
Slaughter and Dana Strum of Slaughter, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, Skid
Row, Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton of Queensryche, Michael Anthony
of Van Halen, George Lynch and Billy Sheehan.

Now you can see him live on tour. For more information on Dario Lorina
click on http://www.dariolorina.com/ or join him on
http://www.myspace.com/dariolorina .

TOUR DATES – MORE TO COME:

Jun 27 - Soft Rock Cafe - Dayton, OH
Jun 29 - Jaycee's Festival - Hobart, IN
Jun 30 - Alrosa Villa - Columbus, OH
Jul 01 - Annie's Outdoor Pavilion - Cincinnati, OH
Jul 02 - Rhythm House Cafe - Bridgeville, PA
Jul 13 - Revolution - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jul 15 - Bourbon Street Concert Club - New Port Richey, FL
Jul 19 - House of Blues - Myrtle Beach, SC
Jul 21 - N Club - Greensboro, NC

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Statement From Tigertailz Regarding Name Dispute

CARDIFF, WALES, UK -- Tigertailz (featuring Pepsi Tate, Jay Pepper,
Kim Hooker and Matt Blakout) have today (22/06/06) received the UK
Patent Office ruling on their opposition to the registration of the
Tigertailz name as a Trademark made by Steevi Jaimz. Jaimz, a former
vocalist with Tigertailz, was replaced by Kim Hooker back in 1988.

The background to this case is that Steevi Jaimz (and an associate)
registered the Tigertailz name as a Trademark with the UK Patent
Office in June 2004. On hearing of this registration the original
Tigertailz band members Pepsi Tate and Jay Pepper (along with later
and current member Kim Hooker) launched a formal opposition to this
registration with the Patent Office in October 2004. Their opposition
was based on the following Trademark Law sections:

Section 3(6) - the registration made by Steevi Jaimz was made in bad
faith
Section 5(4) - the law of passing off

After two years of formal proceedings and evidence submission the
final Patent Office hearing was held on Tuesday 30th May 2006 with the
formal decision being delivered in writing on Tuesday 20th June 2006.

On the two main counts of opposition brought against Steevi Jaimz'
registration the hearing officer upheld Pepsi Tate, Jay Pepper and Kim
Hooker's claims as follows:

1. He ruled that in all circumstances the opposition succeeds in
Section 5(4)a - Steevi Jaimz is indeed "passing off" as Tigertailz

2. He also ruled that opposition succeeds in Section 3(6) - Steevi
Jaimz registered the Tigertailz name as a Trademark in bad faith.

In summary, after two years of legal wrangle we are pleased to
announce that we have won our case with regard to our right to the
Tigertailz name.

Many thanks for your support through this difficult time.

Best Regards

Pepsi Tate, Jay Pepper, Kim Hooker, Matt Blakout

Tigertailz
http://www.tigertailz.co.uk/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Stormlord Back From The Canadian Tour, New Album In Progress

...and finally we're back in Rome, and hopefully back in the rehearsal
room in a few days. This June was amazing to us: we played for the
second time at the Gods Of Metal festival in Milano (Italy), that on
2006 celebrates his tenth anniversary, and we headlined a tour across
Canada playing over the ocean for the very first time in our career.

The response of the crowd has been amazing, we were astonished to
witness these crazy Canadian metalheads screaming our names, wearing
our shirts and knowing all of our songs better than us!!! Toronto,
Montreal and Quebec City were wonderfully nice with us, that's why we
promise them that we'll be back as soon as possible: let the Canadian
legions grow! We want to thank the Metal Addict Productions for
letting this come true, we hope to meet them once again in their
beautiful lands.

We're gonna release online a shitloads of pics and videos taken by
that experience, so don't forget to check our Web site
http://www.stormlord.net/ during the next weeks.

Talking about the new album, we've stopped the live activity right now
in order to focus ourselves on the new material only. Some songs are
ready, some others not, the only defined thing is that we've already
played some new shit during our last shows in Italy, Switzerland and
Canada, and the reaction of the crowd has been goddamn overwhelming!
We'll try to release the album during the next year: as many of you
may know, we've never been such a quick band, we're doing that for the
music and we don't give a fuck about releasing one new album every
year because the market needs it that way! We want to take our time
and we need not to be in hurry to develop our sound at its best, our
fans know that it'll worth the wait.

For the new album we'll work with the keyboard player Maurizio
Pariotti, former member of the well known progressive metal band DGM.
He has been playing with us during all the last shows, and the feeling
with the rest of the band was just great.

We'll be back with more news from the Stormlord headquarter as soon as
we'll be ready to enter in the recording studio. Soon "The Gorgon
Cult" will have an heir, from now on you just need a little patience
because we're on our way.

http://www.stormlord.net/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Armored Saint is planning on recording a DVD during their tour of the
United Kingdom later this year and released on Metal Blade Records.
Check out http://www.armoredsaint.com/ for all of the official
updates.

-Conception, featuring Roy Khan and Tore Ostby, is working on
releasing a live CD from its incredible set that was recorded at
ProgPower VI in Atlanta in September of 2005. Check out
http://www.rollthefire.com/ for all the updates.

-Paul DiAnno has a new CD of classic Iron Maiden songs available for
purchase on his Web site. The track listing is as follows:
"Wrathchild," "Strange World," "Charlotte The Harlot," "Killers,"
"Prowler," "Murders In The Rue Morgue," "Running Free," "Remember
Tomorrow," "Phantom Of The Opera," "Sanctuary," "Women In Uniform,"
"Iron Maiden." Check out http://www.pauldianno.com/ to order.

-GetReadyToRock.com has competitions to win DVDs from Alice Cooper,
Bruce Dickinson, The Who. See http://www.getreadytorock.com/comps.htm
for more.

-Manticora will release its new album, THE BLACK CIRCUS PT 1: LETTERS,
in late August. See http://www.manticora.dk/ for all of the official
release dates.

-Upcoming Pyramaze tour dates:

6/21 - Banehuset, Sommersted, Denmark
6/23 - Kløften Festival, Haderslev, Denmark
6/24 - The Rock, Copenhagen, Denmark
7/14 - Bloodstock Open Air Festival, Derbyshire, UK
7/15 - Headbanger's Open Air Festival, Brande Hornerkirschen, Germany
9/15 - ProgPower @ Earthlink Live, Atlanta, GA

See http://www.myspace.com/PYRAMAZE for more.

-Stripes Bar in Brentford FC in the UK will host a charity gig Friday,
August 4, to benefit White Lodge and Spelthorne Crossroads. "Local
rockers" Big Truck -- compared to Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and others
-- will co-headline with The Heal. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets
cost £4. Contact (07952) 378271 via phone or visit one of these sites
for more information: http://www.myspace.com/theheal ,
http://www.myspace.com/bigtruckmusic ,
http://savecentres.blogspot.com/ , http://www.ents24.com/ ,
http://www.whitelodgecentre.co.uk/ ,
http://www.myspace.com/stripesmusic .

-TNT will perform one last show with singer Tony Harnell. The final
show will take place at the Polar Rock Festival in Storsteinnes,
Troms, Norway on June 30.

-Check out bootleg video of the Van Halen brothers guesting on stage
last weekend with Kenny Chesney, on "You Really Got Me," at
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=844749274&n=2
.

-Check out an E-card for Voivod's KATORZ at
http://voivod.theendrecords.com/ .

Thanks to Jason Ritchie, Mark Blair Glunt, and Bill "Gollum" Kotowski
for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE - MENTAL TORMENTS (B+) Nightmare Records,
2006
9 tracks (10th hidden), RT: 69:09
[ http://www.SphericUniversExp.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/sphericuniverseexperience ]
[ http://www.intromental.com/SphericUniverseExperience ]
[ http://www.Nightmare-Records.com/ ]
France is certainly distinguishing itself in the area of progressive
metal as of late, with notable releases by such artists as Adagio,
Lalu, Venturia and now, Spheric Universe Experience. Seems every new
prog metal band is inevitably compared with the giants of the style,
especially Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Symphony X, and Spheric
Universe Experience will be no exception here as their music bears
more than a passing resemblance to those influences; what stands out
about MENTAL TORMENTS is the clever song writing and forcefully
delivered metal found within its nine cuts. "So Cold" has one of those
intros that you just know will build into something special and it
does, with moody keyboards, a melodic verse and practiced instrumental
section revealing it to be one of the album's best tracks. We don't
have to go far to find another highlight, as "Now Or Never" slips into
a hypnotic groove before exploding into a glorious metal section and
finishing off with strong keyboard/guitar interaction. "Saturated
Brain" contains more crunchy rhythm passages and guitarist Vince
Benaim's most effective lead playing, while "Echoes Of The Stars"
shows the band is capable of toning things down effectively. Vocalist
Franck Garcia utilizes a variety of styles tailored to each individual
song and is adept at injecting plenty of emotion into the music.
Keyboardist Frédéric Colombo is real find, able to switch between
atmospheric support passages and virtuosic displays instantly. Bassist
John Drai and drummer Ranko Muller have their work cut out for them
and deliver the rhythmic goods with impeccable skill. I would like to
hear the band move away from their influences a bit and carve out a
distinct niche for themselves, as well as edit some of the longer,
drawn-out instrumental segments such as on the epic title track.
Spheric Universe Experience are obviously not trying to reinvent the
wheel and what they do, they do very well -- which is why I can
recommend MENTAL TORMENTS to anyone looking for a dose of damn good
progressive metal. - Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*