Detritus
Issue #421
Week of July 23, 2007
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

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

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-July 24 was a big day at the office -- Steve had a birthday and Keith
welcomed a new baby to the world. Congrats! Group hug!! - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-MusicBuyMail.eu Presents: Survivor - European Tour 2007

We are proud to present the legendary Survivor back in the ring after
such a long time. Their latest album REACH featured all the signature
trademarks of the Survivor sound and after many years they are back
with a long awaited tour!

14.09. Günzburg / Rock Army Open Air / Germany
16.09. Oslo / Smuget-Club / Norway
17.09. Aschaffenburg / Colosaal / Germany
19.09. München / Metropolis / Germany
20.09. Bochum / Zeche / Germany
21.09. Bremen / Tivoli / Germany
22.09. Osnabrück / Hyde Park / Germany
23.09. Hamburg / Docks / Germany
25.09. Traun / Spinnerei - Austria
26.09. Nürnberg / Hirsch / Germany
27.09 Reichenbach / H2O – Halle / Germany
28.09. Madrid / Spain
29.09. Pasardjik / Open Air / Bulgaria

Info & Tickets: http://www.rom-music.com/
0049 – (0)7123 889919

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Brainstorm Updates

[Note: These both came from Metal Blade. - Tim]

Andi Mailaender Leaves The Band!

"[18/07/07] Time To Say Goodbye!!!!!!!!!!!

"15 years of Brainstorm -- a d*mn long time!

"... a dream I have worked hard for: record deal, successful releases,
festivals all over the world! Endless tours, bands and friends all
over the world.

"Because my professional situation is not going to ease up in the long
run and I won't be able to combine it with the upcoming touring for
the new Brainstorm release, I'm left with no choice but to leave
Brainstorm... Too often the guys had to do without me, in difficult
times they always stood beside me as friends, as the BS family and
supported me in every possible way. I don't want to strain this
friendship any further!!

"I'm certain that the new BS album will deservedly bring the band
further forward, the pay for the hard work of the band!! After so many
hardworking years with each other, I don't want to hold the band back
anymore and allow the band a kickstart for the release of the new
album and the upcoming world tour. Of course I'll continue to be
present through my MySpace page ( http://www.myspace.com/ ) and will
follow Brainstorm's career with mixed feelings... and please feel free
to contact me whoever you are!

"My thanks go out to the BS guys, Todde, Andy, Mille, Dieter and their
families, our super BS crew, webmistress Marlies, my family, my
parents, my brother, Metal Blade Records and most of all our fantastic
BS fans all over the world!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's our doorway
to survive

"Best wishes,

"Andi Mailaender"

The Brainstorm guys are now in search of a new four-stringer to fill
the vacant spot. If you think you are the right guy for the job send
your application (including MP3 or CD, photo and info on musical
history) to info@... or to Metal Blade Records, attn.
Brainstorm, P.O. Box 1332, D-73054 Eislingen, Germany.

HONEY At #18!

German power metal monsters Brainstorm just entered the Hungarian DVD
charts at #18 with their most recent release of the two-DVD set HONEY
FROM THE B'S - BEASTING AROUND THE BUSH. Congrats, guys!!!

Brainstorm also announced their attendance to Zenei Napok Open Air
taking place in Szekesfehervar, Hungary on September 7th 2007!

http://www.brainstorm-web.net/
http://www.brainstormweb.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Indianapolis Metal Fest 1

[Note: This is a pair of press releases about the fest, from
ballbustermusic.com. - Tim]

Blind Prophecy Records Presents Indianapolis Metal Fest 1

September 22, 2007
"2 Venues" 40 Bands!

Featuring:
OBITUARY
FULL BLOWN CHAOS
ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY
TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY (Featuring Dave Ellefson - Megadeth and Stet
Howland - W.A.S.P.)
DAATH
BENEATH THE SKY
DESTROPHY
EMMURE
HEMLOCK
SINGLE BULLET THEORY
ASHES OF YOUR ENEMY

Plus:
Int'l Renowend Underground Ball Bustin Guitar Rocker "DAVID LADUKE"

Also:
SHUNNED & many more to be announced soon!

INDIANAPOLIS METAL FEST I:
Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 on the day of show.

Location:
Venue 1 - ALL AGES!
KOC Grand Ballroom
2100 East 71st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Venue 2 - AGES 21+
Birdie's Live
2131 East 71st Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220

Tickets are good for BOTH venues if you're at least 21 years old.
Ticket holders under the age of 21 will only be allowed access to the
all-ages ballroom. Venues are located across the street from one
another. The show will kick off at 12 p.m. on 9/22/07. Band slot times
will be listed in coming weeks.

Event tickets for Indianapolis Metal Fest are now on sale! To order
tickets online, go to http://indianapolismetalfest.indietickets.com .

You may also order tickets by phone by calling: (888) 690-9875.

Mail order tickets. Send your request to: metalfest@....
Please note: For those of you who reserve tickets by e-mail, a
confirmation will be sent to you along with a mailing address where
you may send payment. Payment for tickets must be received within
seven days of receipt of your confirmation.

Indianapolis Metal Fest I is sponsored by:

Blind Prophecy Records - http://www.myspace.com/blindprophecyrecords
Chavis Records - http://www.chavisrecords.net/
Double Tap Entertainment - http://www.doubletapentertainment.com/
Metal Warrants Radio - http://www.metalwarrants.com/
Ball-Buster Music - http://www.ballbustermusic.com/
Project Independent - http://www.projectindependent.net/
X Factor Gear, 525.com Power Tracks, Explicitly Intense Magazine,
Metal Storm Magazine

http://www.indianapolismetalfest.com/
http://www.myspace.com/indymetalfest

Rock Author And Police Hero Scheduled To Attend Indianapolis Metal
Fest

INDIANAPOLIS -- Rock author, writer and photographer Chris A. is very
pleased to announce that he has been invited to sign copies of his new
book "A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage And Carnage At the Alrosa
Villa" at the Indianapolis Metal Fest One on September 22, 2007. The
book details the people and the events leading to the horrific on-
stage murder of guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, roadies Erin Halk
and Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson and fan Nate Bray in December 2004. In
addition, Officer James Niggemeyer, the Columbus Ohio police officer
who courageously entered the Alrosa Villa alone and ended the
situation, is scheduled to attend and sign books. "I'm confident that
a lot of folks who attend this show will be incredibly moved by the
book and will appreciate the chance to meet Jim Niggemeyer. After all,
how often does one get to meet a genuine hero." related Chris A.

100% of the proceeds from all books sold at the Indianapolis Metal
Fest will be donated to the Anthony Bray College Fund. It's a cause
that's important to the author. "Anthony's father, Nate Bray gave his
life while trying to help others. Of the men killed that night, only
Nate Bray had a child and besides commemorating his father's life I
felt it was important to do something for Anthony's future. A good
education will serve this young man well throughout his life."

Festival organizer, Rob Mason extended the invitation after reading an
excerpt from the book and speaking with the author directly. "What
Chris and Officer Niggemeyer are doing is extremely important. We're
proud to be a part of their mission to support Nate Bray's son, and
the families of the victims of the Alrosa Villa tragedy."

Regarding the metal festival itself the rock writer can't wait. "As
cool as it is to occasionally hang out with rock stars the up and
coming bands, the guys and gals slugging it out in the trenches is
what I really dig. Festivals are vital to keeping metal moving
forward! I hope to photograph most of the bands playing! I look
forward to seeing all the bands and hanging out with the headbangers
in the great city of Indianapolis!" For information about the book "A
Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage And Carnage At The Alrosa Villa"
visit http://www.avdop.com/ or http://www.mjspublications.com/ .

For more information about Indianapolis Metal Fest visit
http://www.indianapolismetalfest.com/ or
http://www.myspace.com/indymetalfest .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Sleaze Roxx Interviews

Sleaze Roxx has recently posted the following interviews:

Jani Lane -- the former Warrant front man talks about his Saints Of
The Underground project with Bobby Blotzer and Keri Kelli as well as
claiming that CHERRY PIE "has stood the test of time."
http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/lane.shtml

Matt Matthews -- the Sweet Teaze vocalist talks about the Suncity
Records release WALKIN' ON A TILT and how he would consider re-
releasing DO IT TILL IT HURTZ if the demand was there.
http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/matthews.shtml

Phil Varone -- the former Saigon Kick and Skid Row drummer discusses
his latest DVD WAKING UP DEAD and how he has traded in his drumsticks
for a comedy microphone.
http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/varone.shtml

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Dofka News Update: New Lineup, New Shows, New EP, New Deal, MORE
METAL 925

JULY 2007

OK it's time to get everyone updated!

First and most importantly, we have a new member! Please welcome Mr.
Andrew D'Cagna as the new lead vocalist for Dofka! We auditioned
singers for what seemed to be eternity! Andrew's been right in our
backyard! Go figure! Andrew is a well known METAL CELEBRITY. He comes
from two of my all time favorite Tri-State metal bands -- The mighty
Angelrust and the southern chuggin' Wilderkin! We're really happy to
have him aboard.

Our official debut show is Friday July 27th at Yesterday's in downtown
Wheeling, West Virginia! Everyone come give Andrew the \m/ METAL SIGN
\m/ and give him a warm welcome.

This is the first show with the all new lineup. So it's not just
Andrew that's new. It's ALL NEW!

Members are:

Andrew D'Cagna (Voices)
James Babcock (Bass)
Stu Dowling (Guitar)
Jim Dofka (Guitar)
Jeff Kalp (Drums)

We're playing a ton of brand new tunes, some older tunes, some Dyer's
Eve tunes and some surprises from the past! It's overwhelming, all the
e-mails, feedback and messages we've received since announcing this
show! It's surely going to be a night of METAL to remember!

New Stuff

We are working on a new EP entitled HUMANITY BLEAK. At this point,
we're not sure how many tunes will be on it. Drummer Jeff Kalp laid
down a ton of drum tracks! We may or may not have a new sampler CD
available at the show. We will definitely have new Dofka "True Metal"
T-shirts.

New Deal

For the first time in Dofka digital download history! Dofka – TOXIC
WASTELAND will be available to all you iPoders and MP3ers. Catapult
Distribution will be handling the duties! Finally you can find us on
all of the major Digital Download Networks:

*ITUNES *RHAPSODY *NAPSTER *SONY CONNECT *EMUSIC *PURE TRACKS
*BURNLOUNGE *COMMISSION JUNCTION *SPIRAL FROG *TOWER RECORDS *SNOCAP

It will take about six weeks to hit all the digital download
junctions, so be patient if you do not see it there right away!

Well that is all for now, hope everyone is doing well! As you can see
a new era is upon us.

We will see you at the shows!

METAL SALUTES

http://www.myspace.com/dofka

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Nightmare Records Release Schedule / Mindflow Tour

Ladies and Metalmen,

The following is a Nightmare Records release schedule for most of
2007. We may add one or two more in there before the end of the year.
Nightmare CDs are Distributed by Oarfin / Koch International for the
U.S.A., and by Fontana North / Universal for Canada, and available at
Century Media, The End, CDbaby and Lasers Edge as well as at the
Nightmare Records store. Nightmare titles are also available at all
fine digital download locations like iTunes, Napster, AOLmusic,
Emusic, Snocap, Rhapsody, and many others.

Nightmare Records 2007 Release Schedule

GRAND LUX - CARVED IN STONE
scheduled July 10TH

MINDFLOW - MIND OVER BODY
scheduled July 10TH (IN STORES NOW)
IN SUPPORT OF THE PRESENT MINDFLOW TOUR

SCELERATA - DARKNESS AND LIGHT
scheduled July 10TH Canada

SHIFT - CREATING A MONSTER
scheduled August 7th U.S.A.

HEART OF SUN - HEART OF SUN
scheduled August 28, 2007 (both U.S.A. and CANADA)

DARKWATER - CALLING THE EARTH TO WITNESS
scheduled August 28, 2007 / CANADA
scheduled Sept. 11th, 2007 / U.S.A.

EVIL MASQUERADE - THIRD ACT + 2 bonus tracks
scheduled September 11, 2007 U.S.A.

GEMINI - double album reissue (s/t & OUT FOR BLOOD)
scheduled September 25, 2007

KATAGORY V - HYMNS OF DISSENSION
scheduled October 9, 2007

DIMENSION - EGO
scheduled October 9, 2007

ETERNAL FLIGHT - UNDER THE SIGN OF WILL
scheduled October 9, 2007

We're also talking with Order Of Nie and Asian Typhoon (a.k.a.
Loudness guitarist solo project) about formal release dates for their
new albums coming up, but these may be early 2008 releases.

Hit our MySpace pages and check out the bands!!!
http://www.myspace.com/nightmarerecords1

Nightmare Records Forum
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/nightmare-records-436

Mindflow Tour Happening Now!!!!

Get out and see these guys, they're unfreaking believable live!! Like
a combination of Symphony X, Dream Theater and Pain Of
Salvation...simply amazing band. Check their music out at
http://www.myspace.com/letyourmindflow or http://www.mindflow.com.br/
.

MINDFLOW TOUR
JULY
24th / ***TONIGHT*** ORANGE COUNTY FAIR - http://www.ocfair.com/ ; /
Los Angeles, CA
25th / Showcase / Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA 7:45 slot time
26th / Comic Con / San Diago (possible acoustic set)
* Promoting the 26-page comic book included in their fantastic new
release MIND OVER BODY
27th / Time Out / Concord, CA (Bay Area)
30th / TBA - either St. Paul or Chicago

AUGUST
1st / Melodic Revolution / New York - w/ Shattersphere
3rd / Top Cat's / Cincinnati, OH
4th / Blastzone Free Fest (outdoors at Old Mill Park - West Liberty,
KY)
* Mindflow Headlines w/ 12 other great bands; for more info:
http://myspace.com/blastzonefreefest
6th / TBA - Dallas, TX
8th / Reptillez / San Antonio, TX
9th / F.B.I. / Houston, TX
16th / Metal Heart Festival / Notodden, UK - w/ Queensryche and Blind
Guardian
* More info at http://www.metalheart.no/
17th / Bloodstock Open Air Festival / Derbyshire, UK /
http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/
18th / Cambridge Rock Festival / Cambridgeshire, UK
19th / Robin 2 / Wolverhampton, UK
24th / Bond S. Lounge / Tambsworth, UK
25th / Rockers Live / Taunton, UK
28th / The Spirit Of 66 / Verviers, Belgium

SEPT.
14TH / Komma (Austria) - w/ Sterling and Bonfire

All my best, Lance King

Lance MEGALOUD (ShadeSlayer)
Vocalist and Owner of....

NIGHTMARE RECORDS & DISTRIBUTION
7751 Greenwood Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112
U.S.A.

Tel: 763-784-9654
Fax: 763-784-7914

Check out these pages!

http://www.Nightmare-Records.com/
http://www.myspace.com/nightmarerecords1
http://www.heavymetalmilitia.com/NIGHTMARE_RECORDS

Check out our OFFICIAL NIGHTMARE RECORDS FORUM on ULTIMATE METAL
FORUMS:
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/nightmare-records-436

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Zombie's Bass Demon Piggy D. Announces Solo Record

THE EVACUATION PLAN Releases July 31st On Black Victory Records

Pre-sale July 24th On PiggyD.com

HOLLYWOOD -- THE EVACUATION PLAN [Black Victory Records] is the
sophomore solo works of bassist Piggy D. from Rob Zombie. Taking the
opportunity to write and record while the band (Zombie) takes a short
hiatus from touring, Piggy D. wrote 35 hard-driving rock songs pulling
all the lyrics from journals kept throughout the years.

Hailing from New Orleans Piggy D. experienced the tragedy of the
hurricanes that left the state in complete devastation. Diving
headfirst into the experience he pulled all the lyrics from journals
kept throughout the years. "Living through this disaster and seeing
all the real drama prompted me to write this album," explains Piggy D.
The result was a collection of brutally honest rock songs and
unexpected classic ballads.

Playing in several bands in his teens, Piggy D. relocated to Boston
and met Wednesday 13 of the Murderdolls. Piggy was invited to play
guitar in 13's solo band. Piggy stayed with the band until early 2006
when he left the band to join up with rock legend Rob Zombie.

THE EVACUATION PLAN is set for release on July 31, 2007. The album
features Tommy Clufetos of Rob Zombie on all drums, and Calico Cooper
on guest background vocals. The album was co-produced by Dave Spreng
(Valient Thor, Damone).

Pre-buy THE EVACUATION PLAN on July 24th, be one of the first 200 and
receive a signed copy of the CD with a signed full color poster from
Piggy D. For more information go to http://www.piggyd.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Contrive Australian TV Special Online Now

Did you miss the recent mini documentary / rockumentary on Melbourne's
Contrive? You can now view it via the band's MySpace page --
http://www.myspace.com/contriveaustralia -- as well as download it via
the JTV Vodcast page -- http://www.abc.net.au/jtv .

For those who know Contrive may not be aware that drummer Andrew Haug
is also host of Triple J's weekly National Metal Program "Full Metal
Racket" since 2001 -- http://triplej.abc.net.au/racket .

Over the years Andrew has interviewed such greats as Metallica, Tool,
Pantera, Slayer, Ozzy Osbourne and more. ABC-TV in Australia recently
screened a segment on the late night music program JTV featuring
Andrew, focussing on his impressive metal knowledge, as well as his
relationship with his twin brother and Contrive guitarist/vocalist
Paul Haug.

Contrive are currently writing new material to follow up their debut
album THE MEANING UNSEEN -- mixed @ Studio Fredman, Sweden by Fredrik
Nordstrom (Opeth, Arch Enemy).

The band have also set up a Channel on YouTube --
http://www.youtube.com/contriveaustralia . You'll see recent Live
footage when they supported Stone Sour in May.

Write Contrive:
PO Box 134
East Keilor 3033
Melbourne, Victoria

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-HitThePit.com Is Back!!! But This Time As A Wiki...

What's a wiki you ask? Basically anyone can now write reviews of their
favorite bands. Hell, bands can write their own reviews anonymously,
as can labels, and yes you the fan!!! Basically anyone can post their
own reviews, while anyone can edit and add to the pre-existing
content. It is an open source platform for the masses to create their
collective opinion on Metal, Punk, Hardcore, and Rock. Go play and
post here http://www.hitthepit.com/ .

Be respectful (of people's work), have fun, and be thought provoking.
This is your chance to let YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Go write about the
music YOU are passionate about now! It is free! I hope you like the
format, I know it will become very robust quickly. I suggest you
become a member of HitThePit.com (it is free and takes five minutes)
so you can get credit for any edits or reviews you post. Otherwise all
work is posted as "anonymous." To sign up, click here:
http://hitthepit.wetpaint.com/accountnew

Derek Showerman
HitThePit.com
Metal, Punk & Hardcore Community (Wiki)
43 Electric Ave # 2
Somerville MA 02144
978-604-0270
hitthepit_update@...

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hitthepit

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Shark Island Finally Resurfaces!

Legendary Band That Defined Sunset Strip Rock In The '80s Joins Forces
After A Decade-plus Hiatus To Record Their Long Awaited Reunion
Project, A True GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL

Following In The Tradition Of Van Halen And Motley Crue, The Group
Helmed By Lead Singer Richard Black And Guitarist Spencer Sercombe Was
The House Band At Gazzari's And Did Hundreds Of Gigs In SoCal And
Throughout The U.S. In Addition To Releasing Their 1990 Album LAW OF
THE ORDER

GATHERING Was Instigated And Executive Produced By Longtime Fan And
Manifest Music Founder Robert Marshall, Who Reached Out To Black In
L.A., Sercombe In Germany And Bassist Chris Heilmann In England To Get
The Ball Rolling

Can a band that only released one official full-length album in its
career be considered legendary? Ask any of the throng of Shark Island
fans who flocked to the band's hundreds of shows during their reign on
Sunset Strip in the '80s. Their answer: a resounding yes! It's a good
bet that most still have their copy of 1990's LAW OF THE ORDER as
they've waited over the years for more.

Those fans, their kids and a whole new generation of rock and rollers
will be ecstatic to hear that Shark Island is finally resurfacing
after over a decade apart with an explosive new collection, GATHERING
OF THE FAITHFUL, that features 13 exciting new tracks co-composed by
lead singer Richard Black and guitarist Spencer Sercombe, who
originally met in high school and formed the group (originally known
as The Sharks) in 1979.

GATHERING has already caught fire in Europe, where Shark Island enjoys
a rabid cult status, and it is currently available on iTunes and other
major outlets. A heavy street team promotion is underway along with a
push to college and Internet radio in the U.S.

A little history is in order before Black, Sercombe, bassist Christian
Heilmann (who first joined in 1989) and new drummer Glen Sobel get
itchy from all the new activity and hit the road again. In the ten
years leading up to Shark Island's 1990 hit collection LAW OF THE
ORDER, Black estimates that he and Sercombe clocked from 300-400 hours
a year onstage -- some shows jamming up to four hours. They were the
kings of SoCal rock, playing everywhere from Pasadena to Huntington
Beach, Los Angeles to Orange County hotspots like The Whisky, The
Roxy, The Troubadour and The Palace. They also hit the road on
occasion and worked their magic on fans throughout the country.

Following in the tradition of Van Halen, Motley Crue and other L.A.
bands, Shark Island was also the house band for several years at the
world famous Gazzari's on the Sunset Strip. Before signing their major
label deal at Epic, they independently released three albums, ALTAR
EGO, S'COOL BUSS, and BASTILLE DAY: ALIVE AT THE WHISKEY. In 1989,
their signature tunes "Dangerous" and "Father Time" were featured in
the movie and on the soundtrack for "Bill & Ted's Excellent
Adventure." Their song "My City" was also featured on the soundtrack
for the film "Point Break."

The impetus behind GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL was the tireless passion
of one fan, Robert Marshall, the owner of the label Manifest Music And
Entertainment, who has known the guys for years and was looking for
strong artists to sign to his new company. He pitched the idea for a
new project first to Black in L.A., then Sercombe who has been living
in Germany for the past ten years, and finally, to Heilmann in
England.

The three joined forces with new drummer Glen Sobel. Shark Island
dusted off and updated some old songs they had never had the chance to
record, wrote a batch of new ones, and started recording new tracks at
Henson Sound on La Brea. Back in the day, that facility was known as
A&M Studios, where they recorded "Dangerous," "Father Time" and other
tracks as part of a development deal with A&M in the late '80s.

"Because we were scattered around the world, there was a lot of time
and space between us that had to be breached," says Sercombe, who
during the intervening years played in Riverdogs, The Bill Ward Band
(Black Sabbath drummer) and The Michael Schenker Group.

"One of the coolest things about the way this came together was that
we got to do it at the old A&M Studios, where we recorded our first
professional quality track over 20 years ago. Robert was shocked to
learn that we hadn't recorded in so long and really shook the tree to
make things happen again. It had been 13 years since Richard and I had
been in the studio together, yet it felt like it always did,
comfortable and with great energy, like we had never stopped. It's
like the time had never gone by. We were also lucky to find Glen since
our original drummer wasn't available. Sometimes you don't know how
the chemistry is going to work, but in this case, we all locked in."

For Black, who had been inactive in recent years after joining the
supergroup Contraband (with members of Ratt, Vixen and L.A. Guns) and
starting Black 13 in the mid-'90s, GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL was a
chance to make up for a lot of bad luck and poor decisions that
ultimately dogged Shark Island's career the first time around.

"This album is a little closer to the original intent of the band
compared to any other project we ever recorded," he says, "including
LAW OF THE ORDER, which was created as much by us as by a consensus of
our manager and the record company as a more distilled and packaged
product. This time, we were really into recording solid rock songs
that had words that meant something, songs you could listen to over
and over and always find new, exciting sounds in the tracks. We had
performed some of these before, but others were skeletal and had never
been finished. We went in with no expectations at all, and our only
mission was to please ourselves and put out songs for people to enjoy.
We're less worried about picking a hit single than simply letting
listeners decide what they like because there's something for
everyone."

The coolly grooving, anthemic opening track "Blue Skies" sums up the
spirit of the Shark Island reunion. "It came from the moment of
clarity we have when we're pursuing a certain kind of dream and
chasing after success or happiness at the end," says Black. "Then,
when you get it, it's kind of a letdown so you realize that the
journey was much more fulfilling than the end product." Other key
tracks are "The Stranger," a song that questions the changing nature
of a romantic relationship; the optimistic "Looking For The Sun"
(about breaking through horrible moments of depression); and "Go
West," which they wrote in their heyday when hundreds of bands
migrated to L.A. from back East, hoping to strike gold and platinum.

"We chose the title GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL because that's what this
felt like, getting the remnants of the old Shark Island together along
with others like our old road manager who played a part in our early
success," Black adds. "We've been through so many ups and downs,
successes and failures, ins and outs, but honestly, it's a real
blessing to have the chance to make a living making music at all. Each
of us has had the chance to touch so many people with what we're
doing. It's wonderful to have someone like Robert champion us again,
and getting back in the studio was like revisiting with old friends.
We're already writing songs for our next album and are excited about
starting the recording process later in the summer."

http://www.myspace.com/sharkisland
http://www.sharkislandmusic.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Overlorde Update

Overlorde announces that Chris Colfax has permanently joined as the
band's vocalist! The band looks forward to working with Chris as they
write and prepare for the release of their second CD on Sonic Age
Records.

A live MP3 of "Snow Giant," taken from the band's set at Brooklyn
Metalfest II, is now available for download at the band's MySpace
page. This is the first publicly available Overlorde recording with
Chris on vocals. Check out pictures of the show both at the band's
MySpace page and Web site.

In other news, Kong will be appearing at a "Meet & Greet" at Dragon
Con in Atlanta, Georgia as a guest of Heaven And Hell Records. The
convention runs from August 31 to September 3, 2007.

http://www.overlorde.com/
http://www.myspace.com/overlorde

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Monster Energy Drink Presents: Win Your Own Private Warped Tour Show
Sweepstakes

HOLLYWOOD -- Monster Energy Drink is offering up the ultimate "Win
Your Own Private Warped Tour Show Sweepstakes" to kick off your summer
fun. Monster will award (1) grand prize and (100) first prizes via a
random selection of valid entries.

The Grand prize consists of (1) 2007 Warped Tour concert stop in your
hometown for winner and 100 guests. The 100 first prize winners will
receive a custom Monster ESP/LTD guitar.

Who will play at your private concert is a secret, but some of the
Monster bands that are on Warped are Escape The Fate, Street Drum
Corps, The Dear & Departed, The Briggs and Authority Zero. Enter today
to rock your summer out with Monster Energy and the Warped Tour -- be
the cool kid on your block and win a private concert!

To enter, visit http://www.monsterenergy.com/ , click on the
sweepstakes registration link and complete the on-line registration.
Remember only (1) one entry per person, per e-mail address. This
promotion begins at 12:00 a.m., May 1, 2007, U.S. Pacific Daylight
Time (PDT) and ends August 31, 2007 at 12:00 a.m., U.S. Pacific
Standard Time (PST). Remember, only one entry per person, per e-mail
address.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Salem Update

Two fan-filmed videos of Salem performing the song "Recall" on June
23, 2007 at the Hellfest Clisson, France, have been posted on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TLmU_lKU8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kUVAdGczAY

BSPIX.FR - Photos de concert has posted Salem's pictures from the
Hellfest June 23, 2007 in Clisson, France:

http://www.bspix.fr/metal/Groupe/Index2-hellfest.php?page=Salem

The song "Once Upon A Lifetime" from Salem's new album NECESSARY EVIL
appeared on the CD compilation released by the French magazine
Metallian. Other bands participating on the CD are King Diamond,
U.D.O., and Cephalic Carnage, among others. Cover can be seen here:

http://www.salemband.com/salem_lp3.html#2

An article about Salem's show at the French Hellfest Festival was
published in the biggest Daily Newspaper in Israel, "Yediot Ahronot's
YNET," selling around half a million magazines per day. The article
covers the legendary Hellfest Festival in 2007 and includes rare band
pictures from the event. Can be seen here:

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3425366,00.html

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Soulfly Guitarist Marc Rizzo Invites You To His Record Release Party
For New Album THE ULTIMATE DEVOTION

Private Performance @ Musician's Institute In Hollywood, CA

The venue is Musician's Institute, and all MI students are welcome,
plus I will be giving away 75 pairs of FREE TICKETS to the public.

To win a pair of free tickets, just write to publicity@...

Write G.I.T. TICKETS as the subject of your e-mail. Please include
your FULL NAME and CITY where you live in the e-mail.

I will reply to the FIRST 75 PEOPLE who respond and add you to the
guest list along with directions, show time, and other details.

Winners will be required to show picture I.D. to match the name on the
guest list. So don't request tickets unless you are coming!

If you live outside the Los Angeles area, please don't request tickets
unless you are really going to travel here for the gig.

THE ULTIMATE DEVOTION will be available for sale at the show, and I'll
be happy to sign your copy after the show and say hello.

Thank you, and write soon before the tickets run out.

Marc~~

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Listenable Records News

"We made the songs, recorded them live, most of them in just one take,
and barely mixed them. The album was completed in 26 hours!"

Sybreed - New Track Available On MySpace

Switzerland's futuristic metal band Sybreed has posted a new song,
entitled "Permafrost," on their MySpace page. The track comes off the
group's new album, ANTARES, due in early October on Listenable
Records.

The CD, which is described by the band as "the red pulsing noise
celebrating the fall from grace, the loss of hope and innocence, and
our own human nature confronted to eternity," features Dirk Verbeuren
(Soilwork, Scarve) on drums.

ANTARES track listing (in no particular order):

Emma 0
Permafrost
Neurodrive
Technocracy
Ego Bypass Generator
Orbital 07. Dynamic
Ex-Inferis
12 Megatons Gravity
Plasmaterial
Revive My Wounds
Isolate
Ethernity

http://www.myspace.com/sybreed
http://www.sybreed.com/

Sweden's Tyrant RECLAIM THE FLAME With Listenable

According a statement from the debut black metal band you must hear:

"On the edge of the precipice, there is only one way back, and that is
by taking a step forward.

"The band that was to become Tyrant was something we had been wanting
to create for a long time. But it was nothing we planned, it just
happened. But now afterwards we realize that it was inevitable. And
when something comes naturally, it's a result of honesty. We were
simply pissed off about the development in music today, it needed to
be reminded of how it's supposed to be.

"January 2007.

"We were in studio Beast drinking beer like we often do. Peter had
been drunk the day before and had recorded an idea, which he shared
with the rest of us, and to us it was obvious how we needed to develop
it further. Once you start working, the inspiration sets in. We made
the songs, recorded them live, most of them in just one take, and
barely mixed them. The album was completed in 26 hours! We realized we
had created something unique. Tyrant was born. When others talk about
perfectionism, we talk about simplicity. When others talk about
beautifying, we talk about uglifying. Sometimes it's right to be
wrong."

-D.F. Bragman, July 2007

Tyrant release their debut album RECLAIM THE FLAME in October and will
tour Europe with Gorgoroth and Enthroned on the following dates:

Tyrant with Gorgoroth and Enthroned
Presented by Terrorizer an Metal Hammer

08-11 - Denmark - The Rock - Kobenhavn
09-11 - Holland - Romeijn - Leeuwarden
10-11 - Holland - Waterfront - Rotterdam
11-11 - Germany - Matrix - Bochum
13-11 - Germany - Martkhalle - Hamburg
14-11 - Germany - K 17 - Berlin
15-11 - Germany - Batschkapp - Frankfurt
16-11 - Switzerland - Transilvania Live - Erstfeld
17-11 - France - Le Portail Coucou - Marseille
18-11 - spain - Mephisto - Barcelona
20-11 - France - La Loco - Paris
21-11 - UK - Scala - London
22-11 - UK - Rock City - Nottingham
23-11 - Ireland - The Voodooo lounge - Dublin
24-11 - Ireland - An Cruiscin Lan - Cork
25-11 - Scotland - Cathouse - Glasgow
27-11 - France - Antipod - Rennes
28-11 - Belgium - Biebob - Vosselaar
29-11 - Germany - Backstage - Munchen
30-11 - Austria - Planet - wien
01-12 - Germany - Eastclub - bischopswerda
02-12 - Denmark - Studenthuset - Aarhus

http://www.myspace.com/officialtyrant

Listenable Records
http://www.listenable.net/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Ibex Moon Records update: Dawn Of Azazel, Denial Fiend, Estuary,
Incantation

More upcoming Ibex Moon Releases:

Bloody Sign - EXPLOSION OF ELEMENTS
Nervochaos - QUARREL IN HELL
Pentacle - UNDER THE BLACK CROSS
Thornafire - EXACERBATED GNOSTIC MANIFESTATION

Dawn Of Azazel

Dawn Of Azazel would like to extend a hearty thank you to all involved
in their latest tour through Europe:

"Yet again we have had the pleasure of supporting some of our greatest
influences and the opportunity to take our music from one of the most
obscure corners of the earth to the stages of the northern hemisphere.
The members of Dawn Of Azazel would like to send our collective thanks
to Krisiun, Immolation, Grave, Leng Tche the Massive Music crew and
the European Metal scene for making our second European outing what
has been definitely our best tour yet. Definite proof that hard work
can pay off no matter what your circumstances happen to be. Hails!"

http://www.myspace.com/dawnofazazel

Denial Fiend

Denial Fiend, the new project that unites vocalist Kam Lee (Masscare,
Death) with bassist Terry Butler (Massacre, Death, Six Feet Under),
drummer Curtis Beeson (Nasty Savage), and Sam Williams (Down By Law,
Pseudo Heroes) expressed their excitement for the current recording
including Mike Browning's (Morbid Angel, Nocternus, After Death) guest
vocal spot on the track "Return To The Tombs Of The Cursed Blind Dead"
for their latest release THEY RISE.

"Mike did a f*cking great job, and his signature evil demonic voice
just makes the song that much more dark and sinister!" A huge macabre
thanks to Mike for his contribution to the album! Denial Fiend have
been at MANA studios mixing the new album and everything is going
mayhem! Brian Elliot is a f*cking evil genius behind the board, and is
really making our sound complete! Drums are mixed as well as Bass
tracks, and we'll be starting with guitars next... then onto the
vocals. Everything is f*cking blazing and solid and truely captures
that raw feel and style that is Denial Fiend!"

Additionally Denial Fiend are excited to finally get on the road.
Recently Kam Lee had some passport problems which hindered their
traveling, but now everything has been cleared up and Denial Fiend are
100% doing an upcoming tour. This exceptionally rare, "Massacre Re-
animated Tour," will reunite Massacre and lay ground for Denial
Fiend's first tour ever. The proposed dates will be from Oct. 25th -
Nov. 19th of this year through Europe.

Current confirmed dates for the "Massacre Re-animated Tour"
Featuring Massacre, Jungle Rot, Denial Fiend, Suicidal Angel,
Exterminator and Ashura

10.26 Berlin (GER) K 17
10.29 Osnabrück (GER) N 8
10.30 Glauchau (GER) Alte Spinnerei
11.01 Adelsheim (GER) Live Factory
11.03 München (GER) Metropolis
11.09 Athen (GREECE) An Club
11.10 Mailand (ITALY) Transylvania Live
11.12 Paris (FRANCE) La Loco
11.13 Saarbrücken (GER) Garage
11.16 London (UK) tba
11.17 Dublin (IRE) Voodoo Lounge
11.18 Manchester (UK) tba

http://www.myspace.com/denialfiendband

Estuary

Guitarist, Jack Owen (Deicide, Ex-Cannibal Corpse) will be joining
forces with Ohio Death Thrashers Estuary for the upcoming "Balkans
Assassination Tour" taking place this October alongside Krisiun,
Incantation and Inactive Messiah.

"It's an honor to be performing with my long time friends in Estuary.
It just makes perfect sense to me. Deicide is on hiatus, Estuary are a
tight technical outfit, Massive Music is one of the best booking
agents in Europe right now, and the cities and countries we'll visit
make it appealing as well. And I'll be hanging with metal brothers
Krisiun and Incantation! It will be like a death metal vacation! And
my love of death metal just can't be denied! See everyone in the
Balkans!" -Jack Owen

Both parties are excited about the collaboration and eager to thrash
with the Balkan Metal horde. Estuary vocalist Zdenka Prado commented,
"Needless to say, we are extremely excited and thankful for this
amazing opportunity. It will be a pleasure to slay the stage with one
of the world's best death metal musicians, and one of the coolest
people I know. This tour will rage!"

Estuary will be playing as many shows as possible in the states this
summer supporting their new release THE CRAFT OF CONTRADICTION,
including their recent addition to The Central Illinois Metal Fest '07
taking place July 19th – 21st.

http://www.myspace.com/estuary
http://www.estuarymetal.com/

Incantation European Tour Lineup

John McEntee of Incantation:

"This will be a devastating lineup, Rayash (Supreme Lord) did a
amazing job on the Rotting Christ, Malevolent Creation tour earlier
this year. He is a great guy to work with and a true metal warrior. It
will also be a honor to work with long time friend Craig Smilowski
(Goreaphobia, Immolation), he is a killer drummer and all around great
guy. I think you guys will be impressed with this unholy force of
metal we have ready for this tour!"

Rayash:

"Once again my American Metal Brother John McEntee from Incantation
had offered me the participation in their European Tour. I'm excited
as hell and very proud of the fact that I will be able to enforce the
Incantation lineup and support them on bass guitar during the
upcomming 50 gigs in September and October of 2007. Together with John
McEntee and Craig Smilowski we will kick your asses! You will die
motherf*ckers! It will be a true hellish Death Metal Domination! See
you in Poland!"

Craig Smilowski:

"I am extremely excited about this news! I have been rehearsing with
long time friend John McEntee Incantation/Funerus along with Alex
Bouks/Goreaphobia I received a phone call via Alex that John wanted to
talk to me about a tour and when we spoke I told John 'I would be
honored.' What makes this so special for me is that I get to see
Poland. There are many shows scheduled in Poland and I am extremely
excited to play there. I personally would like to take a moment to
thank John McEntee for giving me this opportunity and I am looking
forward to upcoming tour and to meeting all my (Polish brethren.)"

Here are the Incantation dates for Europe:

Incantation with Krisiun, Rotting Christ and Crionics

31.08.07 - LIT - Vilnus @ Mulen Ruzas
01.09.07 - LAT - Riga @ Melna Piektdiena
02.09.07 - EST - Tallin @ Nomme Cult
03.09.07 - FIN - Tampere @ Hella
04.09.07 - FIN - Turku @ Klubi
05.09.07 - FIN - Helsinki @ Nosturi
06.09.07 - FIN - Kuopio @ Henry's Pub
07.09.07 - FIN - Oulu @ tba
08.09.07 - SWE - Umea @ Midnight
09.09.07 - NOR - Trondheim @ Zone/Blaest
10.09.07 - NOR - Oslo @ Maiden
11.09.07 - SWE - Goteborg @ Belsepub
12.09.07 - GER - Kiel @ Pumpe
13.09.07 - GER - Hannover @ Headbanger Ballroom
14.09.07 - GER - Berlin @ K17

Incantation with Vader, Rotting Christ and Krisiun

16.09 - RUS - St. Petersburg @ Orlandina
18.09 - RUS - Ufa @ Ogni Ufy
19.09 - RUS - Ekaterinburg tba
20.09 - RUS - Magnitogorsk @ DK Ordzhonikidze
21.09 - RUS - Samara @ Strokovski Park
22.09 - RUS - Moscow @ Tochka
23.09 - BY - TBA

Incantation with Krisiun, Inactive Messiah and Estuary

12.10.07 - SK -Bratislava @ Randal
13.10.07 - CZ - Brno @ Faval
14.10.07 - HUN - Budapest @ Blue Hell
15.10.07 - ROM - Cluj Napoca @ tba
16.10.07 - ROM - Bucarest @ Preoteasa
17.10.07 - BUL - Sofia @ tba
18.10.07 - GRE - Thessaloniki @ Eightball
19.10.07 - GRE - Atheens @ Underworld Club
20.10.07 - GRE - Kozani @ Otherside
21.10.07 - MAC - Skopje @ MKC
22.10.07 - travel day
23.10.07 - SER - Belgrade @ SKC
24.10.07 - BOS - Tuzla @ Palma
25.10.07 - CRO - Zagreb @ Mochvara
26.10.07 - SLO - Kranj @ Izbruhov Kulturni Bazen
27.10.07 - A - Gleisdorf @ Kulturkeller
28.10.07 - A - Wien @ Escape

Incantation with Vader, Krisiun, Rotting Christ and Funerus

27.09.2007 - Warszawa @ Progresja
28.09.2007 - Lublin @ Graffiti
29.09.2007 - E?k @ Centrum Kultury
30.09.2007 - Toru? @ Od Nowa
01.10.2007 - Gdynia @ Ucho
02.10.2007 - Bydgoszcz @ Vanila Club
03.10.2007 - Pozna? @ Zeppelin
04.10.2007 - Zielona Góra @ Winiarnia
05.10.2007 - Lubin @ CK Muza
06.10.2007 - Zabrze @ Wiatrak
07.10.2007 - Bielsko Bia?a @ Rudeboy
08.10.2007 - Kraków @ Rotunda
09.10.2007 - Rzeszów @ Pod Palm?
10.10.2007 - ?ód? @ Funaberia 2

http://www.myspace.com/incantation

Ibex Moon Records
http://www.ibexmoonrecords.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Amaseffer announced singer Mats Leven (Krux, Therion, Yngwie
Malmsteen) will be "the new holy voice on [the] Amaseffer trilogy,"
three albums "recounting the Bible story of Moses and the Exodus from
Egypt." See the official announcement at http://www.amaseffer.com/ .

-Angel Dust will release its seventh album, VII, before the end of the
year. See http://www.angel-dust.de/ for more.

-Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has left Perry Farrell's Satellite Party.
Online reports indicate he "felt uncomfortable with the direction of
the lineup and live show," though he "truly [does] believe in the
songs and music on the album" and wishes the band well.

-Jon Bon Jovi's lawyer sent a letter to energy drink maker Marcos
Carrington, objecting to the name of the drink, Mijovi, and other
words used in the drink's marketing materials: "itsmijovi" and
"itsmilife." Carrington says the drink is named after his girlfriend,
Jovita, and the other words have nothing to do with the band or its
song entitled "It's My Life."

-Check out a new Candlemass interview and KING OF THE GREY ISLANDS
review at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/3wp9 .

-Juan Croucier (Ratt, Liquid Sunday) announced guitarist Carlos Cavazo
(Quiet Riot) has joined his new project with drummer John Medina (Bret
Michaels). See http://www.juancroucier.com/ for more.

-The Dead End Kidz will soon upload live rehearsal footage to their
MySpace site, http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic .

-Former Styx front man Dennis DeYoung's stage musical, "The Hunchback
Of Notre Dame," will run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theater
starting next May. DeYoung wrote the "book, music and lyrics" for the
show, which is a revised version of one that appeared in 1997 at the
Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN.

-Check out the new video for Dream Theater's "Constant Motion" at
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/DreamTheater/showVideo.aspx?
fileID=2762
.

-Girlschool lead guitarist Kelly Johnson passed away at age 49 after
"a six-year battle with cancer of the spine." Check out a clip of the
band performing "C'mon Let's Go" on German TV in 1981 at
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CPRl2nBf-8k , and check out a
RollingStone.com piece featuring quotes from Lemmy at
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/07/16/farewell-
to-girlschools-kelly-johnson-1958-2007/
.

-Kiss stuff... The latest videos from A&E's "Gene Simmons Family
Jewels":

"Private Simmons: Up Gun Training"
http://newsletters.aetv.com/cgi-bin15/DM/y/hZsi0LaPaA0DuT0cGC0E1

"Vegas, Baby!: Carrot Top"
http://newsletters.aetv.com/cgi-bin15/DM/y/hZsi0LaPaA0DuT0azI0Ev

-Maximum Rock Festival organizers announced Cynic has been added to
the lineup. The festival takes place August 12-12 in Romania. See
http://www.promusicprod.ro/mrfest for more.

-Former Pagan's Mind guitarist Thorstein Aaby passed away on July 24
after suffering a long-lasting illness. Aaby also spent time in
Smalltown Rockets and Wild Side. For more see
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=74324175&blogID=291279841
.

-Queensryche has in-store / guitar clinic / Q&A session appearances
scheduled at Sam Ash locations:

9/8 - 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ Carle Place, NY
9/16 - 12 p.m. -2 p.m. @ Orlando, FL
9/22 - 12 p.m. -2 p.m. @ Burbank, IL
10/6 - 12 p.m. -2 p.m. @ Westminster, CA

-Threshold vocalist Andrew "Mac" McDermott has left the band, and
original singer Damian Wilson will perform at the band's next show --
the Subtacto Festival in Norway on August 4. No news yet on any shows
past that date. See http://www.thresh.net/ for more.

-Online reports/rumors/etc. indicate Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck will
tour this fall as The Yardbirds, along with original bassist Chris
Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty. Eric Clapton will not be part of the
proceedings, and there's no word yet on who will sing. (Original
vocalist Keith Relf died in 1976.)

Thanks to Chad Bowar, Bill Kotowski, Rob Sheffield, and
Mikey@... for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** REALM OF SHRED ***
*
by Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

-Looks like it's about time for my annual column (feels like that
anyway). Unfortunately I have to begin on a sad note by acknowledging
the passing of several members of the metal community. You've most
likely read the news by now that Kelly Johnson, former lead guitarist
for NWOBHM veterans Girlschool, passed away on July 15th after a
battle with cancer. Kelly certainly was an exciting guitarist and a
role model for countless female musicians, starting the band up at a
time in history when you could count the number of female hard rock
guitarists on one hand (indeed, only Nancy Wilson, Lita Ford and Joan
Jett come to mind offhand). I had the great pleasure of seeing
Girlschool in their prime in 1982, opening up for Iron Maiden and the
Scorpions, and I can attest to Kelly's live prowess. Check out the
MySpace tribute page set up for Kelly and remember her life with joy.

We also lost former Pagan's Mind guitarist Thorstein Aaby at the young
age of 36. I met Thorstein at ProgPower USA IV after the band's killer
performance and I remember him as really cool and down-to-earth.
Thorstein had to leave Pagan's Mind shortly afterward due to illness
and passed away on July 24th.

Condolences to the family, friends and fans of Kelly and Thorstein.

[ http://www.myspace.com/kellyjohnsontributepage ]
[ http://www.girlschool.co.uk/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/girlschool1 ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/pagansmind ]
[ http://www.pagansmind.com/ ]

-In my last column I mentioned that I had not heard many good
"shredders" as of late; it still seems to me that the majority of new
players coming out are technically good but are lacking in
originality, that unique signature sound that immediately separates a
Van Halen, Malmsteen, Schenker, Lynch or Satriani from everyone else.
I don't know if we'll ever hear another guitarist make an impact like
Hendrix did, but here are a few excellent (and virtually unknown)
guitarists I can recommend for your fretburning pleasure:

Prashant Aswani -- This Los Angelas based musician has been a hidden
gem for too long; go to his Web site or MySpace profile and enjoy some
of the best fusion this side of Greg Howe and Brett Garsed:

[ http://www.myspace.com/prashantaswani ]
[ http://www.prashantaswani.com/ ]

David Valdes -- Here is another player who is not yet a household name
but has released two killer albums of straight up neoclassical shred
in the style of Jason Becker, Vinnie Moore and Marty Friedman. His
latest album is called IMHOTEP and is recommended for fans of over-
the-top playing in a well arranged melodic structure:

[ http://www.davidvaldes.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/davidvaldesguitarist ]

Chris Brooks -- I don't want anyone to forget about this awesome
Australian player while we await his new album; this guy has a lot of
technique and fire in his playing and knows how to write exciting
instrumentals:

[ http://www.chrisbrooks.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/chrisbrooksmusic ]

Give those guys a listen and watch this spot for more up-and-coming
guitar greats...

-In other shred news, Vinnie Moore appears to be finishing up his long
awaited new solo album. Keep updated here:

[ http://www.vinniemoore.com/ ]

-There is some cool Greg Howe news over at his Web site -- you can
send Greg a sample of your playing via YouTube or MySpace for
assessment and you might be featured on Greg's MySpace page. Also,
Greg is auditioning drummers for his band now; check out his site for
details:

[ http://www.greghowe.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspce.com/greghoweguitarist ]

-Some new content at this cool instructional site:

[ http://www.guitarshredshow.com/ ]

-In melodic metal news, I've been listening to the new Scorpions album
HUMANITY - HOUR 1 pretty much non-stop this Summer; yeah, there are
too many ballads and mid-tempo numbers on there for the old-faithful
hoping for BLACKOUT II but man can these guys write songs! It has yet
to see a U.S. release date but if you are a die-hard fan I'd recommend
grabbing the Japanese import with awesome bonus track "Cold." At least
check out samples on their new MySpace page, I don't think you'll be
disappointed...

[ http://www.the-scorpions.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/scorpionshumanity ]

-Judas Priest has a new official MySpace page, check it out:

[ http://www.myspace.com/judaspriest ]

-Finally, I was in Biloxi last week for a mini-vacation and caught
Cheap Trick at the new Hard Rock Casino. Man, those guys still sound
great after all these years. I remember them from my young teen days
and they played all the expected hits like "I Want You To Want Me,"
"Surrender," "If You Want My Love," "The Flame" and of course, my
personal favorite, "Dream Police." Unlike some bands who have only one
original member left, it was cool to see the same four guys who were
there from the beginning. Robin Zander's voice is in great shape and
Rick Nielsen is wildly entertaining with his humorous banter and a
change of guitar for every song! Bun E. Carlos is no longer constantly
puffing a cigarette (probably why he is still with us), and is
pounding the skins as if it was '79. The classic lineup completed by
excellent bassist/vocalist Tom Petersson. If you get a chance check
'em out live, definitely a fun show!

[ http://www.cheaptrick.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/cheaptrick ]

-Well, I've taken up enough space already so I'll sign off for now.
Hopefully I'll have another column out before the Summer ends. Have a
great one and turn it up!!!

-Currently on the playlist: U.D.O. - MASTERCUTOR, Riot - BRETHREN OF
THE LONG HOUSE, TNT - REALIZED FANTASIES, Ozzy Osbourne - BLACK RAIN,
Rush - SNAKES & ARROWS, Nocturnal Rites - THE 8TH SIN, Symphony X -
PARADISE LOST. Vintage Pick: Tygers Of Pan Tang - CRAZY NIGHTS.

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

-I got an e-mail last week advertising the new A&E show "Private
Sessions," which debuted over the weekend. Here's the hype: "Featuring
musical guests and showcases exclusive performances and conversations
with top names in contemporary music and film." The show is hosted by
Lynn Hoffman -- I believe she's from VH1 Classic -- and the first
episode featured Avril Lavigne, with other upcoming artists being Goo
Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, Blues Traveler, and Meat Loaf. I watched the
Avril episode and it was a pretty cool show, format-wise, as it
alternated between one-on-one "couch interviews" with Hoffman and the
guest, and in-studio, full-band live performances. I'm not really a
fan of Lavigne's, but her songs were pretty good. Her band -- which
includes "Rock Star" House Band / Paul Stanley guitarist Jim McGorman
-- played six songs amid the interview segments. The Meat Loaf episode
oughta be pretty interesting.

-Huge week for me because I got the new Lillian Axe (WATERS RISING)
and Great White (BACK TO THE RHYTHM) albums within days of each other.
When I was in college from '88 - '92, these basically were the only
bands that all the guys and girlfriends in my circle of friends could
agree on. I saw them both live numerous times -- to this day, Lillian
remains the band I've seen in concert the most -- and was never
disappointed. I'm ecstatic both bands are back on the radar. Stay
tuned for reviews...

-Now in my current playlist: Great White - BACK TO THE RHYTHM
(Shrapnel Records), Lillian Axe - WATERS RISING (Metro City
Records/Screaming Ferret Wreckords), Simone Fiorletta - MY SECRET
DIARY (Lion Music).

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*** REVIEWS ***
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AUTUMN BLACK – BENEATH THE SHADOWS (C-) Tyburn Records, 2006
12 tracks, RT: 38:25
[ http://www.AutumnBlackmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/autumnblack ]
[ http://www.ThrowdownRecords.com/ ]
Reading the bio sheet that came with Autumn Black's BENEATH THE
SHADOWS caused quite a few chuckles, as it makes them sound like some
kind of totally new, revolutionary force that's rewriting the book of
extreme music, instead of just another metalcore act. It contains such
pearls of wisdom as "What separates us from a lot of bands is we
attract a diverse crowd of hardcore and metal fans" and "East coast
metal plus West coast hardcore equals Autumn Black." Oooo-kay, so how
exactly does this description set them apart from any of about a
zillion other bands making the rounds right now? Answer: It DOESN'T!!
What ya got here is yet another disc full of decently-played thrash
riffs, tough-guy "circle pit" breakdowns and vocals that alternate
between clean and WOOOOAAARRRGH (which began to grate on my nerves as
soon as the second track), performed with conviction by some angry
young men with jet black hair. The 12 tracks are served up hot and are
ready for consumption via MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" or at the Hot
Topic store near you. I hate to piss on Autumn Black's parade but
obviously this sorta stuff is not my cup of java at all. If you're a
fan of this particular style (Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, etc.),
I suppose that BENEATH THE SHADOWS will satisfy your urges, but when
I'm in the mood for metal and hardcore crossover, I think I'll
continue to reach for my well worn copies of S.O.D.'s SPEAK ENGLISH OR
DIE or Corrosion Of Conformity's ANIMOSITY, thanks very much. Wow,
this was pretty harsh, wasn't it? I guess this means that I won't be
receiving a "friend request" from these guys on MySpace anytime
soon...oh well. Next disc please.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

BLOOD TSUNAMI – THRASH METAL (B-) Candlelight Records, 2007
8 tracks, RT: 42:57
[ http://www.bloodtsunami.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/bloodtsunami ]
[ http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/ ]
[ http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/candlelightusa ]
[ http://www.nocturnalart.com/ ]
"Blood Tsunami"...what a hilariously awesome band name!! The album
title THRASH METAL is a perfect example of truth in advertising too,
because that's exactly what you get when you pop this into your stereo
-- eight tracks of punishing, no-frills, homicidal THRASH f**kin'
METAL!!! The members of this Norwegian foursome (vocalist Pete,
guitarist Dor, bassist Bosse, and former Emperor drummer Faust (these
guys are in such a hurry that they only have time to give us their
first names, haha!) are proudly carrying the torch for the vintage
European and Bay Area bands, and THRASH METAL is a nod to the old
school that honors such Teutonic thrash titans as Kreator (Pete's
screechy vox are a dead ringer for The Big K's Mille Petrozza), Sodom,
and Destruction, mixed with a healthy dollop of Slayer-esque guitar
torture. Be prepared to get pinned to the wall as soon as you hit the
"play" button on such ferocious tracks as "Evil Unleashed," "Rampage
Of Revenge," and (my vote for Best Song Title of 2007) "Infernal Final
Carnage," all of which sound as if the hounds of Hell are gathering on
your doorstep! I'll be honest, this is the sort of stuff I can only
handle in small doses, as I was always more into the "refined"
sounding thrash of the late '80s/early '90s (I preferred stuff like
Metallica's ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, Exodus' FABULOUS DISASTER,
Annihilator's ALICE IN HELL, etc., to more savage-sounding offerings
like Kreator's PLEASURE TO KILL, Sodom's IN THE SIGN OF EVIL, and so
forth) but this disc still makes me smile and raise the horns due to
its complete and total reverence for the sound of old and how
convincingly it's played. THRASH METAL would've easily been on the
lips of every thrasher and on the front cover of every fanzine if it
had been released back in 1985. If you were one of the infernal
legions entranced by the leather-and-bullet-belted Euro-thrash brigade
back in the '80s, then Blood Tsunami may well be your new saviors.
Long live THRASH METAL!
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

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*** OUT ***
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