Detritus
Issue #441
Week of January 14, 2008
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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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 ***
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-We're gearing up for our 2007 year-end mini-issue late next week, so
keep an eye out for that. Also, please check us out on MySpace --
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine -- and take a gander at the new
"Detritus" logos Patrick has been putting together. There's some cool
stuff, fer sure. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Iced Earth To Headline ProgPower USA IX

ATLANTA -- American power metal giants Iced Earth have been confirmed
as the headliner for ProgPower USA IX, which returns to Atlanta's
Center Stage on September 26 & 27.

Iced Earth founder, Jon Schaffer had the following to say regarding
the festival: "Well, it's been a long time coming, but things have
finally lined up right for us to be able to do Glenn's festival. It's
truly an honor for Iced Earth to play the ProgPower USA festival. I
flew down several years ago to check it out and it is definitely a top
notch operation. It's really a model for the way festivals should be
run, good people with integrity make all the difference in any
organization, and Glenn and his crew are all that and more. This is
something that we've wanted to do for a long time and it's finally
going to work out perfectly for our plans in 2008. Part 2 of the
SOMETHING WICKED epic will be out right around this time and it will
be a killer celebration! This will be very cool, and a good time will
be had by all! We look forward to seeing you there!"

"I am beyond excited to have America's premiere metal band on stage at
America's premiere metal festival," said promoter Glenn Harveston. "I
may be the promoter, but I'm just as big a fan boy as everyone else in
wanting to see them here in Atlanta. I want to personally thank Jon
Schaffer for believing in me and the festival."

ProgPower USA IX marks the first confirmed show with returning
vocalist Matt Barlow to the group.

Joining Iced Earth at the festival are Florida's Jon Oliva's Pain,
Poland's Riverside, Germany's Iron Savior, Denmark's Volbeat, Sweden's
Andromeda, Italy's Elvenking, France's Spheric Universe Experience,
Austria's Serenity, and Italy's Pathosray.

The second festival headliner is scheduled to be announced within the
next few weeks.

Harveston also has announced a roster change, "I'm afraid that Astral
Doors will not be able to make their scheduled appearance. This is
100% my fault as I knew there was a risk involved with booking them so
early. I appreciate the professionalism the band has shown and can now
announce that they are the first band confirmed for ProgPower USA X.
Florida's Rob Rock has graciously stepped into their former slot."

Tickets for ProgPower USA IX go on sale March 1st and limited to 900
tickets.

Advance gold badges are sold-out for the seventh consecutive year.

http://www.progpowerusa.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Winger LIVE: Two-Disc CD & DVD Coming To The U.S.

Releasing February 5th, 2008 On Shrapnel Records

HOLLYWOOD -- Platinum recording artist Winger is releasing their first
double live album and live DVD from their successful 2007 world tour
for Winger - IV. In 2007 the founding members of Winger, Kip Winger
(bass/vocals), Reb Beach (guitar), Rod Morgenstein (drums), reunited
for their fourth record, which is touted as their finest album ever.
Winger is joined by Jon Roth (guitars/vocals), a Winger member since
1993's PULL.

This double live album and DVD were recorded on the road for the new
Winger - IV album. Both will also include all the hits Winger's fans
will want from "Seventeen," "Madelaine," "Miles Away" and more. If you
want to see the concert live and in person, Winger will hit the road
in February for a small U.S. tour.

TOUR DATES -- more to come:

Date / City / Venue

14-Feb - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theater
15-Feb - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
16-Feb - Buffalo, NY - Rock N Roll Heaven
17-Feb - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
19-Feb - Mechanicsburg, PA - West Shore Hardware Bar
20-Feb - New York, NY - B.B. King's
21-Feb - Wantagh, NY - Mulcahy's
22-Feb - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony
23-Feb - Boston, MA - Middle East
24-Feb - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
27-Feb - Cleveland, OH - Agora
28-Feb - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
29-Feb - Columbus, OH - Al Rosa Villa
1-Mar - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
4-Mar - Sauget, IL - Pops
5-Mar - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont
7-Mar - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
8-Mar - Denver, CO - Ecks Saloon
10-Mar - SLC, UT - Club Vegas
13-Mar - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Coach House
14-Mar - Los Angeles, CA - Crash Mansion

For more information go to http://www.kipwinger.com/ or
http://www.myspace.com/kipwingermusic .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Jag Panzer Announces New Guitarist

Colorado Metal Kings Jag Panzer have announced the addition of
Christian Lasegue as their new lead guitarist.

Those familiar with the band's CHAIN OF COMMAND release will recognize
his name as the lead guitarist on that album.

Guitarist Mark Briody comments: "We had set the bar pretty high for
lead guitar playing with our first full-length album. There was much
concern among fans and critics as to whether or not we could maintain
such a high level of musicianship in the lead guitar department.
Christian quelled those concerns about two seconds into his first
solo. A large part of the underground popularity of CHAIN OF COMMAND
is easily attributed to the electrifying guitar playing of Christian
Lasegue. Christian was a great guitar player back then and his chops
are light years beyond that today. I'm excited to be working with him
again."

Christian's first gig back with the band will be on stage as
headliners at the prestigious Keep It True festival this April in
Germany.

Regarding former Jag Panzer guitarist Chris Broderick's new gig as a
member of Megadeth, Briody said, "It's not enough to just say 'Best of
luck to Chris.' We're a close-knit band and Chris is a brother to all
of us. He's a great guy and a close friend. We're all very excited and
happy for Chris. Megadeth fans are in for a treat, Chris is a world-
class player."

http://www.jagpanzer.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Z Records News

BLACK 'N BLUE CONFIRMED AS HEADLINE ACT FOR Z ROCK 08

After months of negotiations we are very proud to announce the
headline act for Z Rock 08 on May 17th has been fully confirmed. Black
'N Blue have signed contracts for the event which will be the band's
first European appearance since 1983! The band will feature all
original members except for Tommy Thayer. Everybody at Z is excited
about the band's appearance which will lay to rest much speculation
about the band and their forthcoming release which has been bandied
about by uninformed sections of the press over recent years.

Jaime St. James issued the following comment regarding the band's
appearance on European shores...

"We have not rocked on any European soil since 1983, so if you weren't
at Hammersmith Odeon when we opened for Whitesnake then you missed
us...wow, hitch up your panties and get ready for an Autoblast you
lovely bastards... I can't wait."

The lineup for Z Rock 08 is now:

BLACK 'N BLUE [exclusive]
BONFIRE [exclusive]
BRITNY FOX [exclusive]
VON GROOVE [exclusive]
SHY
STORMZONE
REDLINE

with further acts to be announced

Tickets on sale now via http://www.zrecords.net/ and
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest only.

VENUE: "The Asylum" Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham
DATE: May 16 /17th 2008

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Magic Circle Festival 2008 Update

More bands confirmed for the Magic Circle Festival 2008

Holyhell, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Majesty and Stormwarrior have
been confirmed for the Magic Circle Festival 2008.

The four-day festival is set to take place in Bad Arolsen, Germany and
it will feature two historical shows by Manowar where they'll perform
their first six classic albums in their entirety! 20,000 free beers,
20,000 free copies of the new Manowar single and four Custom Built
Choppers owned by the Manowar band members will be given away during
what is set to be the biggest metal event of 2008!

For more information about the Magic Circle Festival 2008 and to buy
tickets visit http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

Exclusive MP3 compilation with the purchase of a Magic Circle Festival
2008 Package

Starting immediately -- and for a limited time only -- all fans who
purchase a Magic Circle Festival 2008 package will receive not only a
ticket for what's going to be the biggest metal event of 2008 but they
will also get one exclusive CD jam-packed with high-fidelity MP3s
including:

- Magic Circle Festival - Volume 1 MP3s (feat. Manowar, Holyhell)
- Manowar - GODS OF WAR LIVE
- Holyhell - APOCALYPSE
- David Shankle Group - HELLBORN
- Bludgeon - WORLD CONTROLLED

This massive compilation contains over 80 songs for a total playtime
of almost seven hours... That's a value of over $88.00 just in MP3s!
And there's no need to download anything as you'll receive an
exclusive disc with all files included!

Don't miss this limited time offer. Visit The Kingdom Of Steel Online
Store now: http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Jeff Kollman To Appear At NAMM With Cosmosquad, Chad Smith, & Glenn
Hughes!

Acclaimed guitarist/producer Jeff Kollman (Glenn Hughes, Mogg/Way) has
lined up a number of performances at this year's NAMM show in Anaheim,
CA. Kollman is teaming up with bassist Christopher Maloney and drummer
Glen Sobel (in place of Shane Gaalaas) to play a set of Cosmosquad
tunes at the Fender Frontline stage on Thursday, January 17 (2:00
p.m.) and Friday, January 18 (5:00 p.m.), respectively.

In addition, Jeff will unveil his as-of-yet unnamed new band with the
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith (dr), Kevin Chown (bs), and Ed Roth
(keys); showtime will be 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 18 immediately
following Cosmosquad at Fender. Later that night, Kollman and Smith
will be funking it up with the one and only Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple,
Trapeze) at the annual Sabian party at the Sheraton Hotel.

In related news, Kollman is finishing up work on the first ever
Cosmosquad live DVD, filmed at the band's recent Musician's Institute
gig in Hollywood, CA. The group will also be heading off to Japan for
a series of shows in mid-March before drummer Shane Gaalaas continues
his road stint with Japanese superstars B'z who are celebrating their
20-year band anniversary with an extended tour.

http://www.myspace.com/officialcosmosquad
http://www.cosmosquad.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Sweden Rock Festival: Breaking News Friday!

Sweden Rock Festival
4-5-6-7 June 2008
Solvesborg, Sweden

On Friday, January 18 at 3 p.m. local time / 9 a.m. Eastern U.S. time,
we will announce yet another band confirmed for Sweden Rock Festival
2008. This is not another "headline act" but it is a very exclusive
show from a band that will unite at Sweden Rock Festival and play
together for the first time in 20 years. This will also be the only
show in Europe this summer. Keep your eyes open, you don't want to
miss the news that this band is back together again!

http://www.swedenrock.com/

This year you buy the tickets directly online:

TICKETS - CLICK HERE
http://www.tickster.com/c/swedenrock/Default.aspx?lang=en

Sweden Rock Festival
Norjebokevδgen 2
294 76 Sφlvesborg
Sweden
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail: info@...
http://www.swedenrock.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Nightmare Metal Fest Announces Official Web Sites And Three More
Bands

Nightmare Metal Fest announces their "Official Web site"
http://www.NightmareMetalFest.com/ and their "Official MySpace" page
http://www.myspace.com/NightmareMetalFestival .

Along with naming the next three bands confirmed on the show for the
March 21st / 22nd weekend just outside Tampa, FL, held at Bourbon
Street -- http://www.clubbourbonstreet.com/ .

Nightmare Records owner metal vocalist Lance King, announces the
following bands added to the festival lineup:

Disasterpeace, featuring Wade Black of Crimson Glory and Leatherwolf
fame and Lead guitarist Pete Blakk of the classic King Diamond lineup.
http://www.myspace.com/disasterpeaceusa

Warmachine, a four-piece melodic/power/thrash metal band, who strive
to carry the torch of this coveted genre. Topping the metal sales
charts in Canada for over 25 weeks in 2005 in HMV's top 10, proving
their a force of metal to notice. http://www.myspace.com/warmachine

Shades Of Twilight, a fresh face from the Florida area with their
roots planted firmly in the technical thrash realms we expect a
blistering set of youthful exuberance.
http://www.myspace.com/shadesoftwilightband

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Napalm Records News

Atrocity Download Single Released

Atrocity have released the download single "Smalltown Boy." The single
will be available on every download portal including iTunes, eMusic,
legaldownload, mp3.de, etc.

"Smalltown Boy" is taken from the upcoming album WERK 80 II (North
American Release: March 4th), which features the greatest pop hits of
the '80s, heavier than ever before.

http://www.atrocity.de/

Alestorm & Isole - Pre-listening

From the upcoming album Alestorm - CAPTAIN MORGAN'S REVENGE
North American Release: Jan. 29
http://www.myspace.com/alestorm

"Over The Seas"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm01_OverTheSeas_Edit.mp3

"Captain Morgan's Revenge"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm02_CaptainMorgansRevenge_3m
ins.mp3

"The Huntmaster"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm03_TheHuntmaster_Edit.mp3

"Nancy The Tavern Wench"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm04_NancyTheTavernWench_Edit
.mp3

"Death Before The Mast"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm05_DeathBeforeTheMast_Edit.
mp3

"Terror On The High Seas"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm06_TerrorOnTheHighSeas_Edit
.mp3

"Set Sail And Conquer"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm07_SetSailAndConquer_Edit.m
p3

"Of Treasure"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm08_OfTreasure_Edit.mp3

"Wenches And Mead"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm09_WenchesAndMead_Edit.mp3

"Flower Of Scotland"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Alestorm10_FlowerOfScotland_Edit.mp
3

Pirates! The "Alestorm" is on the high seas and its crew, four madmen,
are ready to enslave you with their own brand of Scottish Pirate
Metal! With their canons fully loaded and their rum-induced songs
about raids, treasures, and women, Alestorm delivers jolly drunken
Battle Metal full of energy, power, and good humor. Join the crew and
let the raid begin.

"There are more hatches battened down, timbers shivered, and planks
walked than if a certain Disney franchise went on until 'Pirates Of
The Carribean XX: Retirement Home Renegades'" – Metal Maniacs

"Falling-down-drunk singable...Rollicking riffs, clever dramatic
progressions, silly fantasy lyrics: with a beer in your hand, and a
few under your belt, Alestorm are untouchable" – Zero Tolerance [5/6
rating]

"A fun listen...think I'll have another round!" – Brave Words & Bloody
Knuckles

"Moves from power metal to thrash metal with glee, giving the
proceedings a distinct edge that distances them from most European
fare...be assured closet buccaneers will rattle their air-cutlasses to
this one" – Explicitly Intense

From the upcoming album Isole - BLISS OF SOLITUDE
North American Release: Jan. 29
http://www.myspace.com/isole

Exclusive 24-hour Pre-listening of the ENTIRE album: Jan 23 on
http://www.heavylaw.com/ .

"By Blood"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole01_ByBlood_Edit.mp3

"From Clouded Sky"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole02_FromCloudedSky_3mins.mp3

"Imprisioned In Sorrow"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole03_ImprisionedInSorrow_Edit.mp
3

"Bliss Of Solitude"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole04_BlissOfSolitude_Edit.mp3

"Aska"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole05_Aska_Edit.mp3

"Dying"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole06_Dying_Edit.mp3

"Shadowstone"
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Isole07_Shadowstone_Edit.mp3

Doom masters Isole deliver an abundance of Scandinavian gloom on their
latest album BLISS OF SOLITUDE. Morose epic melodies written in the
minor keys and highlighted by desolate harmonies that are refined with
choral chants draw the listener into the Swedes' dark musical world,
until heavy riffs and pounding drums smash away any trace of suicidal
thoughts, inevitably causing the spinal cord to twitch. Switch off the
lights, put on the headphones, and surrender yourself to a symphony of
despair and isolation.

"Towering...resembles a blustery elegy on the longest of nights" –
Decibel

"A regal, mature effort, one which deserves to be heard by any fan who
desires only the most epic of doom metal" – Zero Tolerance

"A thunderclap of misfortune that ushers a storm of blackened
torment...If you're a fan of epic doom metal, then BLISS OF SOLITUDE
is essential listening" – Explicitly Intense

"Doom metal has forever been altered or at least given portal to an
alternate view, one that allots for splendor and titania amidst slow,
heavy tempos and striking power chords...Remember this name when the
third coming of doom creeps upon us in full" – AMP

NAPALM RECORDS HOMEPAGE
http://www.napalmrecords.com/

NAPALM YOUTUBE
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=napalmrecords

NAPALM MYSPACE
http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Akashic's Guitarist Posts New Videos Online

Marcos de Ros, guitarist of the progressive metal band Akashic, posted
new videos online, check it out:

"I Feel Good" (James Brown)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz9pB9TAmZY

"Taste Of Poison" (De Ros)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r6YKIKzz88

"Black Night" (Deep Purple)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzdBJGo4MIM

"Hungarian Dance #5" (Brahms)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaSz2gNBhvw

More information and samples of Akashic's and Marcos de Ros' works are
available on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/akashicrock and
http://www.myspace.com/marcosderos .

Akashic
http://www.akashic.com.br/
http://www.myspace.com/akashicrock

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-Monster Magnet's 4-WAY DIABLO

With 12 new Dave Wyndorf compositions and a fascinating cover of the
Rolling Stones classic "2000 Light Years From Home," the new album 4-
WAY DIABLO displays every bit of the raw and primal rock-n-roll
urgency that has earned them the undying respect of fans, critics and
fellow musicians around the globe. 4-WAY DIABLO is a rock-o-delic ride
directly into the brain of one of music's most fascinating figures and
has already been haled as "powerful," "visceral" and "haunting" by
critics.

"Wyndorf is undeniably the 'real deal' -- this record rules." –
Boston's Weekly Dig

"Easily among their best work to date and arguably their best album
post-POWERTRIP." - UWI Badger Herald

"4-WAY DIABLO signals a strong return to form for a band that came
very close to being cut short." - All Music Guide

"Dave Wyndorf -- boogie rock's Dave Grohl, if you will." – Exclaim!

"Wyndorf still possesses one of the most commanding vocals of rock and
roll; when in full effect you can not only hear him drop syllables but
you can feel his presence hovering in the room." - Deaf Sparrow

"Dave is spitting those wonderful lyrics we have come to know and
love, which can only be described as Wyndorfian." - U! Weekly

http://www.monstermagnet.net/
http://www.myspace.com/monstermagnet
http://www.spvusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spvusa

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*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
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-Singapore Rockers Firebrands Gearing Up To Unleash FIRST THE FLASH
THEN THE PULSE, To Play India In January And United States In February

Think hard rock with a modern rap/funk edge, and Singapore is not
necessarily the first locale that comes to mind. But that is exactly
where local sensation Firebrands hail from, who are creating a buzz
with their debut album, FIRST THE FLASH THEN THE PULSE. This multi-
national band (three Singaporean, one Russian, and one American) is
comprised of members Exe on vocals, Roman Tarrasov on guitars, Ghost
on bass, Jachin Pousson on drums, and doctormix on turntables and SFX.
The group's explosive debut album is currently available for purchase
via iTunes and the CDBaby Web site. Additionally, Firebrands recently
performed in Hanoi, Vietnam, and will be playing Saarang in Chennai,
India on Saturday, January 27th and in the United States on Wednesday
February 6th in Los Angeles at the Viper Room and Wednesday February
13th in New York at Don Hill's.

Firebrands has played alongside such renowned rock acts as Puddle Of
Mudd and Jet, while Motley Crue's Tommy Lee once introduced the band
on stage as "My boys."

As evidenced by such tracks as "Rebellion" and "Black Stripes," FIRST
THE FLASH brings to mind such popular western rock bands as Korn and
Rage Against The Machine, but also includes their own unique spin.

According to Pousson and doctormix, there are several specific
standout tracks on FIRST THE FLASH THEN THE PULSE. "Although the
single, 'Scarecrow And The Fire,' received the most response in terms
of radio airplay and music video popularity as far away as Paraguay
and Finland, the song that seems to carry the spirit and movement of
Firebrands most is 'Black Stripes.' Especially in a live setting,
'Black Stripes' is always a killer ace."

Signed to EMI in Singapore, Firebrands is fielding offers from U.S.
labels, and it appears as though it won't be long until the U.S. are
formally introduced to Firebrands, as the quintet will be playing a
special Concrete Marketing produced label showcase gigs in Los Angeles
and New York City in February.

With a steady stream of live shows both back home, their U.S. live
debut, and the plotting/recording of their sophomore full length
underway, you're sure to hear more from Firebrands in the immediate
future.

Upcoming Firebrands live dates:

Saturday, January 27th, Chennai, India, Saarang
Wednesday February 6th, Los Angeles, Viper Room
Wednesday February 13th, New York, Don Hills

For more information, go to:

http://www.firebrandsrock.com/
http://www.myspace.com/firebrandsrock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Pbfwkzhaw [TV coverage of Firebrands'
Hanoi performance]

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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-Legendary Drummer Nick Barker Joins Atrocity And Leaves' Eyes!

The news is official: The new drummer of Atrocity and Leaves' Eyes is
Nick Barker, who was the former drummer of Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu
Borgir and Testament. Says Atrocity/Leaves' Eyes vocalist/producer
Alex Krul, "It's with great pleasure that we can announce Nick Barker
is joining the Atrocity and Leaves' Eyes family! We always were great
fans of his way of drumming, and we are happy that we will kick some
ass in the future together! Nick was our No. 1 choice! When we heard
he would join us, we invited him right away!"

Here's a first statement from Nick Barker about joining the two bands:

Nick, how long do you know Alex and the guys of Atrocity and Leaves'
Eyes?

"I've known Atrocity for many years, I think the first time we met was
on the Deicide/Atrocity tour in 1992 when I was the drum tech for
support band Cancer, and since that time we've always ran into each
other on the European summer festival circuit during the years that
followed. Whenever I would play in the Stuttgart area with any of my
previous bands, some of the guys would always be there and show their
support."

How did it come about that you joined the two bands now?

"Alex (Krull) approached me at the Metal Hammer award ceremony in
London last June (2007) and said that he was looking for a drummer
that could handle the complexity and savagery of Atrocity as well as
the softer, more groove-laden beauty of Leaves' Eyes, and he thought I
could be the right man to do both jobs. I had some prior commitments
and obligations to fulfil at that time, but we spoke over the
Christmas period and arranged for me to come to Stuttgart and
audition; everything was fantastic both musically and from a social
and personal aspect."

How do you like the music of both bands? They are quite different from
each other.

"I absolutely love the diversity of both bands. With Atrocity, you
have such brutal songs from the ATLANTIS album such as 'Reich Of
Phenomena,' 'Apocaplyse' and 'Clash Of Titans,' which I can't wait to
play live and sink my teeth into. Then, on the other hand, you have
Leaves' Eyes, which for me is something very new and very exciting as
a drummer coming from a mainly black/death metal background. Liv has
the most beautiful voice in the whole world within this genre, and the
music is very moving, beautifully crafted and almost spiritual."

You just jammed the first time with the guys at Mastersound Studio.
How was it? What are your impressions?

"When I first arrived at Mastersound Studios, my first impression was
'WOW!!!' I had no idea of the sheer scale of dedication, time, money
and professionalism that had been invested into the studio itself.
Over the years, I have been in many first-class recording studios
myself, but I have to say, Mastersound is a cut above the rest. The
whole band were extremely friendly and there was an overwhelming sense
of 'family' among them all, which made me feel very relaxed and at
ease almost immediately. We jammed some classic songs by Metallica,
Slayer and Morbid Angel to warm up before concentrating on the more
serious matters of Leaves' Eyes and Atrocity, and like I said earlier,
everything was fantastic, both musically and socially."

What are you going to do next with the two bands?

"Next up is a video shoot with Atrocity in Berlin next month for the
WERK 80 II album, and then in March, Leaves' Eyes will play in Mexico
City. April we will be working our asses off writing songs for the new
Leaves' Eyes record in the brand new, relocated Mastersound studios.
In May, Leaves' Eyes and Atrocity will tour Asia (China, Taiwan, etc.)
for the first time ever. Upon our return from the Orient, we will
continue to work hard on the new record, which is planned for an
Autumn 2008 release."

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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
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-Blood Stands Still To Release SALVATION THROUGH STRUGGLE This Spring;
Two Tracks From The Album Posted Online

Blood Stands Still has completed work on their new album titled
SALVATION THROUGH STRUGGLE, and will release the album this spring
through Mediaskare. The band teamed up with producer Zack Ohren (As
Blood Runs Black, All Shall Perish) to record 13 tracks of face
pummeling hardcore. Two tracks from the album, "Disconnected" and
"Fight Hard," have been posted online at the band's newly revamped
MySpace profile located at http://www.myspace.com/bloodstandsstill .

Additionally, the band's previously out of print EP THE THRILL AND THE
AGONY has been re-released with new artwork through Mediaskare and is
available only through Mediaskare's online store at
http://www.shop.mediaskarerecords.com/product.sc?
categoryId=2&productId=85
and the band's MySpace page.

Before SALVATION THROUGH STRUGGLE hits stores, the band will head over
to Europe with Furious Styles and Your Demise for a month long run.
Dates for that tour can be found below.

Blood Stands Still tour dates
1/11 Palmdale, CA – Palmdale Vets Hall
1/12 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction (w/ xAFBx, Wintch Mob, Miles
Between)
1/27 Pomona, CA - The Spot (w/ CDC, Lose None, Skare Tactic)

(w/ Furious Styles, Your Demise)
2/1 Konstanz, Germany – Contrast
2/2 Florence, Italy – K100
2/4 Ljubljana, Slovenia – Orto Bar
2/5 Wien, Austria – Arena
2/6 Munchen, Germany – Feierwerk
2/7 Schweinfurt, Germany – Alter Stattbahnhof
2/8 Hengelo, Netherlands – Innocent
2/9 Leper, Belgium – Leperfest (w/ HeavenShallBurn, Municipal Waste)
2/10 Nottingham, UK – Junction 7
2/11 London, UK – Underworld
2/12 Birmingham, UK – Market Tavern
2/13 Stoke On Trent, UK – Sugarmill
2/14 Norwich, UK – Queen Charlotte
2/15 Bournemouth, UK – Gander
2/16 Essen, Germany – Rise Or Die Fest (w/ HeavenShallBurn)
2/18 Hamburg, Germany – Hafenklang
2/22 Erfurt, Germany – Sound And Culture
2/23 Lichtenstein, Germany – JZ Riot
2/24 Warszaw, Poland – Radio Luxemburg

http://www.myspace.com/bloodstandsstill
http://www.mediaskare.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Dutch Brutal Thrash Metal Band Dead Head Signs With Displeased
Records

Expect the new full-length in the summer of 2008

Current line-up:
Tom van Dijk - vocals, bass
Ronnie van der Wey - guitar
Robbie Woning - guitar
Hans Spijker - drums

http://www.deadhead.nl/
http://www.myspace.com/deadheadthrash

Dead Head was formed April 8th, 1989, in Kampen, Holland. On that day
the four original members Tom van Dijk (bass, vocals), Robbie Woning
(guitar), Ronnie van der Wey (guitar), and Hans Spijker (drums),
decided to form a band and to become the most intensive and brutal
thrash metal band Europe ever had seen. In the fine tradition of bands
like Dark Angel, Kreator and Sadus they distilled their own way to
compose songs and to make a solid impact on stage by pounding out
their songs as if every minute could be their last.

Over the course of nearly 18 years the band recorded several
impressive full-length albums, bringing their thrashing fury to new
hights with each following release. While the band did several tours
in the early 1990s, they picked their shows more well-considered from
1995 on. Taking their time to record each new full-length, the band
never felt the urge to convert into a musical assembly line. The band
still likes to stick to its own pace. It's quality over quantity when
it comes to Dead Head.

Previous impressive full-length HAATLAND (2005) brought a refreshed
interest in the band, and after good response by both reviewers and
public, Dipleased Records decided to contact the band. A contract was
signed soon thereafter. Currently the band is in its final stages of
writing new material for the new full-length (working title DEPRESSION
TANK) with release date in the summer of 2008. Some song titles are
"Firegate," "Less Than Zero," "Murder" and "Pesticide" (a 1989 demo
track re-recorded).

Displeased Records
http://www.displeasedrecords.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Big Noize is a new super-group featuring singer Joe Lynn Turner
(Rainbow, Deep Purple), guitarist Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot), bassist
Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne), and drummer Vinny Appice (Dio, Black
Sabbath). A DVD featuring cover songs is due soon; check out the
trailer at
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=292863572&blogID=335895153
.

-There will be a limited edition "Jakebox" version of Brainstorm's
DOWNBURST (Metal Blade) featuring the regular album, two bonus tracks,
a special 3-D cover, a free poster, and a CD opener. Track list:
"Falling Spiral Down," "Fire Walk With Me," "Stained With Sin,"
"Redemption In Your Eyes," "End In Sorrow," "How Do You Feel,"
"Protect Me From Myself," "Surrounding Walls," "Frozen," "All Alone,"
"Crawling In Chains" (bonus track), "Hold Tight" (bonus track). Check
out the band's pages at MetalBlade.de for links to MP3s, videos, and a
new interview with vocalist Andy B. Franck about DOWNBURST --
http://www.metalblade.de/index.php?mod=artists&page=detail&id=12 . See
http://www.brainstorm-web.net/ and
http://www.myspace.com/officialbrainstorm for more.

-The track list for Dream Theater's upcoming "best of" release, DREAM
THEATER'S GREATEST HIT (...& 21 OTHER PRETTY COOL SONGS) is: CD #1
(THE DARK SIDE) - "Pull Me Under" (2007 Kevin Shirley Remix), "Take
The Time" (2007 Kevin Shirley Remix), "Lie" (Single Edit), "Peruvian
Skies," "Home" (Single Edit), "Misunderstood" (Single Edit), "The Test
That Stumped Them All," "As I Am," "Endless Sacrifice," "The Root Of
All Evil," "Sacrificed Sons." CD #2 (THE LIGHT SIDE): "Another Day"
(2007 Kevin Shirley Remix), "To Live Forever," "Lifting Shadows Off A
Dream," "The Silent Man," "Hollow Years," "Through Her Eyes"
(Alternate Album Mix), "The Spirit Carries On," "Solitary Shell"
(Single Edit), "I Walk Beside You," "The Answer Lies Within,"
"Disappear." The set is due April 1 from Rhino. See
http://www.dreamtheater.net/ for more.

-Heaven & Hell (a.k.a. Black Sabbath) will hit the studio to write a
new album this spring.

-House Of Lords's COME TO MY KINGDOM is due March 14 on Frontiers
Records. Check out samples at
http://www.frontiers.it/Default.aspx?tabid=85&pl=H . See main man
James Christian's official site http://www.jameschristianmusic.com/
for more.

-Upcoming Mad Margritt shows:

1/18 - Plum Krazy's Too, Greensboro, NC
1/19 - Napper Tandy's, Raleigh, NC
1/25 - 1/26 - Time Out Bar & Grill, Bremen, GA
2/3 - "Loaded Gun" video shoot, Atlanta, GA
2/5 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Marietta, GA (Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party)
2/15 - Chills, Thomaston, GA
2/16 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Augusta, GA
2/22 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Marietta, GA
2/29 - The Dixie Tavern, Marietta, GA

See http://www.madmargritt.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/madmargritt
for more.

-Regarding Megadeth choosing Jag Panzer guitarist Chris Broderick to
replace Glen Drover, check out the official statements from all
parties involved at http://www.megadeth.com/ .

-Check out a new interview with W.A.S.P.'s Blackie Lawless at
http://www.metalexpressradio.com/ .

-A reunited Zebra -- Randy Jackson on lead vocals and guitar, Felix
Hanemann on bass, vocals, and keyboards, and Guy Gelso on drums --
will play February 15 at B.B. King's in New York City. The Race
Odyssey Band will open, the Zebra will reportedly play a two-hour set,
take a break, and then return to the stage at midnight for a one-hour
set of Led Zeppelin covers. See http://www.bbkingblues.com/ for more.

Thanks to Eddie Smith and Mikey@... for help gathering
some of this information.

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

-I spent some birthday money on CDs thusly: Sebastian Bach - ANGEL
DOWN, Manowar - GODS OF WAR and GODS OF WAR LIVE, Jon Oliva's Pain -
MANIACAL RENDERINGS, Tobias Sammet's Avantasia - THE SCARECROW (pre-
order), Tarot - CROWS FLY BLACK, and W.A.S.P. - DOMINATOR. I also
ordered myself a copy of Marton Popoff's appears-to-be-excellent Judas
Priest biography, "Judas Priest: Heavy Metal Painkillers - An
Illustrated History." I picked up the first three at Best Buy but the
others are all on order.

So now I've been on a Manowar kick. Man, GODS OF WAR is an odd
release. I heard it before I bought it, so it's not like I was
surprised here, but wow is it tedious to get through... But I don't
want to talk about the msuic here. In case you haven't heard it's a
concept album about / tribute to the Norse god Odin -- who isn't
exactly a stranger to Manowar's lyrics -- and the cover art features
the album title printed in runes. That's all well and good, as it sets
the atmosphere, but imagine my surprise when I opened the booklet and
found EVERY PAGE printed in those same runes. Wow. Yes, there is a
runes-to-English letters translation key at the end of the booklet,
but still. Who in their right mind has the time to go through 20+
pages of this? (Yes, *I* did sit down to translate the runes/symbols
found in Crimson Glory's TRANSCENDENCE but that was only a few
sentences...) Turns out the band has graciously made available on its
Web site, http://www.manowar.com/ , a PDF file containing the booklet
written in English. Kudos.

Then while listening to GODS OF WAR LIVE I rediscovered how much I
love the "The Oath" from 1984's SIGN OF THE HAMMER. Man, this song
brings me back to those heady high school days... I had to dust off
SIGN OF THE HAMMER this morning. "Animals" still rules, too. That
opening scream is an all-time classic. Hail.

And howzabout that Magic Circle Festival press release above? Manowar
is going to play its first six(!) albums in their entireties over the
course of two shows. I'm just astounded at how this band can continue
to (over-the-) top itself and everyone else.

Finally, on a related note, I discovered ex-Manowar guitarist David
Shankle has a new (well, '07 anyway) disc out called HELLBORN on Magic
Circle Music. I did a little Googling and found out Michael Angelo
Batio (Holland, Nitro, C4) and others guest on it. Hafta find that one
now...

-Now in my current playlist: Mystic Prophecy - SATANIC CURSES
(Locomotive Records), Manowar - GODS OF WAR LIVE (Magic Circle Music),
Sebastian Bach - ANGEL DOWN (Get Off My Bach/MRV), Load Point Pull -
DOWN IN FLAMES (WTO Records), Onslaught - LIVE POLISH ASSAULT 2007
(DVD) (Metal Mind Productions/MVD Visual).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
ROGER STAFFELBACH'S ANGEL OF EDEN - THE END OF NEVER (A-/B+) Lion
Music, 2007
11 tracks, RT: 51:07
[ http://www.angelofedenband.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/angelofedenband ]
[ http://www.rogerstaffelbach.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/rogerstaffelbach ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/angelofeden.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel ]
Artension guitarist Roger Staffelbach's Angel Of Eden project flew
right under the radar for me since it was released back in November,
but here we actually have one of the year's coolest surprises. THE END
OF NEVER starts off very strong with the one-two punch of the title
track and "Dreamchaser," two powerful, well-written pieces showcasing
the considerable skills of this outfit. Joining Staffelbach is Carsten
"Lizard" Shulz (Evidence One) on vocals, keyboardist Mistheria (Bruce
Dickinson), bassist Steve Di Giorgio and drummer Rami Ali (Evidence
One), with guest appearances by David Shankle, John West and Ferdy
Doernberg. The album keeps a fast pace, with songs like "Into The
Black," "Keys To Avalon" and "Stampede" mixing crunching riffs with
catchy melodies and Staffelbach's speedy runs. Vocalist Shulz shows
himself to be one of the best singers on the scene today, with a
confident delivery not unlike Jeff Scott Soto and Mark Boals. THE END
OF NEVER is obviously heavily influenced by TRILOGY era Yngwie, but
they also manage to mix in some Metallica on "The Battle Of 1386," and
inject a healthy dose of '80s melodic metal into the proceedings.
Sure, instrumentals "Return Of The Pharaoh (Pt. I)" and "Towards The
Light" aren't going to make anyone forget Mr. Malmsteen, but when it's
all done as admirably as this, who's to complain? You even get a
killer version of Yngwie's "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget."
Neoclassical release of the year.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*