Detritus
Issue #442
Week of January 21, 2008
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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 ***
*
-Sliding this issue in late, and it'll be followed up later today by a
mini-issue with our 2007 "year in review" spiel. You know you want it!
- Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Triumph Unites For Sweden Rock Festival!

The classic Triumph lineup -- Rik Emmett/Mike Levine/Gil Moore --
could not have selected a better way to reunite after a two-decade
absence, with what will undoubtedly be a show-stopping appearance at
the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival. Held over a four-day span (June 4-7),
the Sweden Rock Festival has been an annual event since 1992, and over
the past few years, has been held in Norje, outside of Sφlvesborg.

This year's festival is featuring one of its strongest lineups ever --
in addition to Triumph's highly anticipated appearance, such renowned
groups as Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Blue Φyster Cult, and Whitesnake
(among others) have also been confirmed.

"We have had Triumph in mind for many years and hoped that they would
play together again one day. When we saw Triumph was inducted into the
Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame, then read some statements from
the members that 'maybe one day we will do something together again,'
we jumped in with an immediate offer -- and it looks like we're
helping write some new history! A fantastic band with so many classic
albums is just what Sweden Rock Festival is all about. I am very proud
to be able to present this band at this years Sweden Rock Festival.
I'm just one of many fans that are looking forward to this fantastic
show." - Ingolf Persson, Sweden Rock Festival.

As one of the godfathers of prog metal and leading lights of arena
rock, Triumph formed in 1975, and built a large and loyal fanbase by
the late '70s on the strength of their non-stop touring schedule
throughout Canada and the U.S.A. and the success of their classic
albums, ROCK & ROLL MACHINE and JUST A GAME. But it was in the 1980's
when Triumph truly became a force to be reckoned with, as a string of
gold/platinum-certified albums (PROGRESSIONS OF POWER, ALLIED FORCES,
NEVER SURRENDER, and THUNDER SEVEN) and classic hits ("Fight The Good
Fight," "Magic Power", "Lay It On The Line") solidified the group as
one of rock's top concert attractions.

With their music continuing to live on during their absence, fans will
now finally get the opportunity to catch this live legend on stage
once more.

For more information, visit:
http://www.triumphmusic.com/
http://www.rikemmett.com/
http://www.swedenrock.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Nightmare Metal Fest -- Spring Break In Florida!

[Note: This is a composite of two separate announcements. - Tim]

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

Nightmare Metal Fest is scheduled 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 partial band lineup. California's own Cage will be co-
headlining Friday night with 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

Also playing Friday will be:

Order Of Nine (Pittsburgh, PA)
http://www.orderofnine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/orderofnine

Sacred Dawn (Chicago, IL)
http://www.SacredDawn.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sacreddawnmusic

Shades Of Twilight
http://www.myspace.com/shadesoftwilightband

Saturday's Headliners: Avian Announced For Nightmare Metal Fest

Avian, the melodic metal band featuring singer Lance King and
guitarist Yan Leviathan, has been confirmed for the Nightmare Metal
Fest. Avian's new lineup is rounded out by guitarist Bill Hudson
(Cellador, The Supremacy), bassist Mika Horiuchi (Cellador) and
drummer Jerry B.
http://www.AvianBand.com/
http://www.myspace.com/AvianBand

The following bands have also been confirmed for Saturday:

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

X-Thirtien
http://www.myspace.com/xthirtien

Pownd (New Richmond, KY)
http://www.pownd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pownd

Six Minute Century (Houston, TX)
http://www.sixminutecentury.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sixminutecentury

Organizers are looking for companies that would like to SPONSOR the
event, please get in contact with us through our Web site "CONTACT"
area.

A brand new Metal Festival is born...out of the Nightmare.

Metal vocalist Lance King (owner of Nightmare Records / previous
vocalist of bands Balance Of Power and Pyramaze) has now started a new
music festival in conjunction with Rock Solid Pressure Radio Show
hosted by J. Rock and Patty, with help from Maximum Bands and Bourbon
Street. This festival will be a step beyond the sum of its parts. As
the weeks count down to the event, we will be sure to surprise a few
of you and I'm sure bring a smile to others faces.

Nightmare Records is known for finding amazingly talented dark yet
uplifting progressive, power and thrash metal bands with stunning
senses of melody.

J. Rock and Patty run the gambit with their rock and metal
appreciation and are sure to bring in a few welcome surprises as will
Rich Rubin at Maximum Bands.

"Being that Nightmare is based in Minnesota, home of snow drifts and
corn, I decided that, what better way to spend my spring break than
going to Florida, and while I'm there, have a metal party when others
are sure to be heading South! A New festival is born, this is going to
be fun, that is all I can say..." - Lance King

Stay tuned in, there will be more announcements posted here and in our
official forum on ULTIMATE METAL FORUMS (
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/nightmare-metal-fest-474/ ) each
week ticking down to the main event!

This is just the beginning of things to come!

When: FRIDAY & SATURDAY MARCH 21ST AND 22ND
Where: BOURBON STREET ( http://www.clubbourbonstreet.com/ )
Cost: $10 PER DAY ADV. $15 PER DAY DAY OF SHOW!

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Lion Music News

Information on our February 15th, 2008 releases.

GEORGE BELLAS - PLANETARY ALIGNMENT
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/bellas_pa.html

Released February 15th 2008
LMC228
EAN6419922002285

One of the most prolific and innovative composers of our time, world
renowned Guitarist and Composer George Bellas presents his latest
instrumental album PLANETARY ALIGNMENT. This album is so uniquely
crafted that most listeners will find many composition elements they
have never heard before. The style of the album is extremely modern
and very progressive, it does not contain any neoclassical songs that
George Bellas is also reputable for, but the album stays completely
within the progressive realm.

As usually the case on George Bellas releases, George composed
everything one note at a time and performed all of the instruments,
plus had Drummer extraordinaire Marco Minneman perform the drum parts.
Marco's drum performance's are nothing short of awe inspiring. The
time signatures and rhythms contained on the album are extremely
complex which Marco brought to life with his organic and immaculate
drumming style. Leading guitar virtuoso George Bellas is back with his
most modernly progressive solo album to date -- expect the unexpected.

The concept and inspiration behind PLANETARY ALIGNMENT was the science
of astrophysics. Each song was based on a particular subject ranging
from the smallest matter known to man, to the largest and distant most
objects in the universe. The goal was to compose ultra-modern music
using scales, chords and rhythms not heard too often in music. The
main interval the songs are all based on is the Tritone, with the root
tone as middle C. It is quite a mystery where inspiration comes from
when one is creating music, and it seems to only all come together
when one is well practiced, emotions are stirring and the planets are
aligned.

COMPOSITION ELEMENTS
CHORDS - Bitonal, Tritonal, Quartal, Quintal, Secondal, Pyramid Chord,
Scriabin's Mystic Chord, Vienesse Trichords, Mother Chord, Grandmother
Chord, Split Note Chords, Chord of the Minor 23rd and more.
RHYTHM - Odd Meters, Polyrhythms, Polymeters, Pyramid Rhythms,
Fibonacci Number Series Meters, Contracting and Expanding Meters and
more.
SCALES - Numerous (no name) scales from Nicolas Slominski's Thesaurus,
Scale of A. Therepin, Verdi's Enigmatic, Wholetone, Half Whole,
Pentatonics, Melodic Minor Modes, Harmonic Major and many more.

PLANETARY ALIGNMENT was initiated using only rhythmic motives, and
then later on scale choices were determined while composing the
melodic and harmonic content. Most of the musical elements appearing
on this album have never been used on previous George Bellas albums
and offer a very fresh, ultra-modern sound.

Most all of the compositions revolve around a Middle C root while
employing various tritone based elements. The production on the album
was kept dry and natural sounding, with effects used quite sparingly.
Expect the unexpected and enjoy listening to what may be the most
progressive release by George Bellas.

GEORGE BELLAS DISCUSSES THE TRACKS

"Color By Numbers"

"This song was the start of creating numerous rhythmic motives and
then adding notes (color) to the motives. This method was then used
for the entire album.

"This song contains many improvised guitar solos and has some nice
dynamic contrast between the various sections."

GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

"Encoded In Light"

"This song's concept was inspired by the idea of photons and what type
of information can presently, and may in the future, be sent through
this fastest known particle to man. We are currently using light to
transmit sights and sounds, but perhaps in the future an entire DNA
strand."

GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

"Subatomic Particles"

"This song's concept was inspired by the smallest bits of matter known
to mankind. Everything we know of in the universe contains these
essential, tiny building blocks of matter. What is keeping it all
together, and why isn't it all flying apart like the large objects in
the universe?"

GUITARS USED: Stratocaster, Baritone Guitar

"New Worlds Discovered"

"This song's concept was inspired by the thought of discovering new
worlds inhabited by intellegent beings. The fact that there are
billions of other galaxies which harbor their own countless planets
makes it seem that if we are the only ones in the universe that there
is a lot of wasted space out there. Thanks to Carl Sagan."

GUITARS USED: Flying V

"Parallel Universe"

"This song's concept was inspired by the idea that our known universe
is one of many that are differentiated by unique actions we all choose
to make. These implications are supported by factual astronomical
observations. Is there another you?"

GUITARS USED: 7-String & Stratocaster

"Overlapping Dimensions"

"This song's concept was inspired by the fact that Scientists are
finding evidence of extraterrestrial presence in higher dimensions all
around us even overlapping our immediate environment overlapping the
Physical Universe. The idea is that our real being exists in a higher
dimension and interacts with the visible one we know of."

GUITARS USED: Flying V

"Escape Velocity"

"This song's concept was inspired by the amount of energy that is
required to escape an object's gravitational force. The amount of
velocity required to leave Earth is much less than one would need to
escape the force of much larger objects, and ultimately no velocity
that can escape a black hole."

GUITARS USED: Les Paul

"Gravitons"

"This song's inspiration is drawn from the particles that carry the
gravitational force. Gravitons are supposedly massless particles,
which would travel only at the speed of light. When these particles
were intercepted, and re-exchanged, gravity would be the intended
result. A Graviton is a Boson particle and is theorized to interact
with Quarks and Leptons."

GUITARS USED: Flying V

"Planetary Alignment"

"If several planets are orbiting the sun at known speeds and current
positions, how many years will it be before those planets are
perfectly aligned and what effects will it have? Will the magnetic and
gravitational forces be so strong as to create floods, earthquakes and
other catastrophes? The next planetary alignment is expected to occur
in the year 2438."

GUITARS USED: Flying V

"Supersymmetry"

"This song's concept was inspired by the mathematical symmetry
relating to bosons and femions. AKA an attempt of a Unified Field
Theory using acceleration in place of gravity. Force = Mass multiplied
by Acceleration (F=MA)."

GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

Track Listing
01. Color By Numbers
02. Encoded In Light
03. Subatomic Particles
04. New Worlds Discovered
05. Parallel Universe
06. Overlapping Dimensions
07. Escape Velocity
08. Gravitons
09. Planetary Alignment
10. Supersymmetry

Running Time 61:05

Personnel
George Bellas - Guitars, Bass & Keys
Marco Minneman - Drums

Credits
Composed by George Bellas
Produced by George Bellas
Mixed and Mastered by George Bellas
Artwork and Design by George Bellas
Recorded at Bellas Music Studio
Published by Bellas Tune Factory, BMI

Web Links
http://www.georgebellas.com/
http://www.myspace.com/georgebellas

MARCO SFOGLI - THERE'S HOPE
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/thereshope.html

Released February 15th 2008
LMC228
EAN6419922002285

Marco Sfogli is arguably the world's hottest guitarist of the next
generation. With a style equally at home in almost every genre, from
full on shred to straight pop tunes to mind blowing fusion songs, its
little wonder that Marco was the guitarist of choice when Dream
Theater vocalist James LaBrie went looking for a guitarist to perform
and then tour for his ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION album.

Marco has more recently been heard on the critically acclaimed John
Macaluso & Union Radio debut THE RADIO WAVES GOODBYE and it's now that
guitar fanatics worldwide have the chance to hear what Marco can do
when given free reign in the instrumental realm.

His debut THERE'S HOPE is 11 tracks with a mix of influences Marco has
absorbed since he took up the guitar at age 9. On the album Marco
comments, "There are plenty of shred records out there and sounds like
many guitarists are losing the melodic component. My goal was to make
it very melodic with the right amount of fire!"

THERE'S HOPE delivers Marco's aims with stunning precision, detail and
emotional content sure to make it a "must own" release for fans of
quality music and virtuoso guitar work.

TRACK BY TRACK ANALYSIS BY MARCO SFOGLI

"'Still Hurts': This is my tribute to the '80s influences that I
listened many years ago. I was born as hard rock guitar player,
listening to bands like Europe, Winger, Danger Danger, Def Leppard and
so on and this track reflects my earlier passion. In fact I choose it
as opening track for its majestic 'in style' intro."

"'Andromeda': When I started writing this record my goal was to be as
much spontaneous as possible. Wouldn't have been 'my' record without a
modern, progressive tune...and there it is! Odd times, crazy runs,
absolutely the most difficult and tricky song I recorded so far. Main
verse in 11/16..."

"'Seven': Early traces of 'Seven' can be found back in 2002 I guess,
when I first heard it from my former keyboard player. The main theme
was so strong that I decided to pick it up again and give it a new
fresh 'Methenyan' middle part (with a beautiful synth solo courtesy of
Alex Argento). One of my favourite moment of this record."

"'There's Hope': I wrote this one as soon as I came back from the
recording sessions of James LaBrie's ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION. I was
lock and load and in the right mood to pop out a metal tune and here
it is. John Macaluso did a great job on it! The title reflects my
feelings I had after getting the LaBrie gig."

"'Spread The Disease': One of my dad's favourite. I always liked the
blues players' 'tastiness' and this is my humble tribute to this
beautiful music."

"'Farewell': Probably the earliest song (and my dad's favourite...).
When I was 6, after the Van Halen binge, I discovered Joe Satriani
who's been (and still is) one of my favourite guitar players. I wrote
this one back in 1999 and recorded a demo just later. The lead on the
demo had so much fire in it that I decided to keep it instead of
trying to go for a 'good one.' I love this one, has so many memories
in it."

"'Sunset Lights': The seventh track of an album is generally the
'ballad' track. Originally intended to sound more folk-prog than now
(think about The Corrs who meet Genesis). Later on was heavily modded
to sound more guitar oriented than folk (Matt Guillory provided some
cool tradeoffs in the middle). It's one of my favourite tunes if not
my favourite one."

"'Genius': I discovered fusion music very late (and I thank my buddy
Alex Argento about this). I wrote 'Genius' around 2004 but wasn't
satisfied enough about the arrangement. So I asked Alex to put his
hands on it and ended up being our first collaboration. The same tune
(with different sounds and solo) can be found on Alex's solo record as
well."

"'Never Forgive Me': I wasn't sure about this tune at first. To my
ears might have sounded good if I had to put vocals on it. Since I'm a
poor singer I decided to give it a try and record a very vocal
oriented melody on the guitar. It worked for me and ended up on the
record?"

"'Memories': Whereas 'Genius' reflects my first collaboration with
Alex Argento, 'Memories' marks my first collaboration with Matt
Guillory. Was originally written before leaving for the ELEMENTS OF
PERSUASION world tour (and we actually played it during the tour as
our solo spot). Very intimate and sweet, it shows how good guitar and
piano can match."

"'Texas BBQ': One of my many passions...country? I admit it, I'm not a
country player (and probably I'll never be), but I love the happiness
that country music spread. Instead of saying 'bye' with a sad tune I
decided to put this one as the ending track to leave the listener with
a big smile on his face. It works for me, I wish it'll work for you as
well!!!"

Track Listing
01 Still Hurts
02 Andromeda
03 Seven
04 There's Hope
05 Spread The Disease
06 Farewell
07 Sunset Lights
08 Genius
09 Never Forgive Me
10 Memories
11 Texas BBQ

Personnel
Marco Sfogli: all guitars, bass on tracks (5-6-7-11), keyboards on
tracks (1-2-3-7)
Salvyo Maiello: drums on tracks (1-2-7-8-9)
Ennio Giannone: drums on tracks (5-6)
John Macaluso: drums on tracks (3-4)
Raffaele Natale: drums on track (11)
Andrea Casali: bass on tracks (1-2-4-8-9)
Dino Fiorenza: bass on track (3)
Alex Argento: keyboards on track 8 and keyboard solos on tracks
(3-5-8)
Matt Guillory: keyboard solos on tracks (1-7), piano on track (10)
Fabio Tommasone: piano on track (3)

Web Links
http://www.marcosfogli.com/
http://www.myspace.com/marcosfogli

ALBERTO RIGONI - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/somethingdifferent.html

Released February 15th 2008
LMC227
EAN6419922002278

SOMETHING DIFFERENT is Alberto Rigoni's debut solo album. Comprising
of ten tracks, eight of which arranged as instruments and two of them
with vocals showcase one of today's hottest bass players in a variety
of musical climates away from his work with progressive metallers
Twinspirits.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT features on one side of its character the extreme
variety of the tunes, on the other side the union of experimental
research with the comeback of melody. Progressive, funky, rock,
fusion, ambient suggestions blend in an original poetical mix that
frees from any defined genre and turns out to be immediately catchy
release to every kind of listener.

The CD features appearances by guests such as guitar players Tommy
Ermolli (Twinspirits/Khymera) and Daniele Gottardo. SOMETHING
DIFFERENT has already been successfully broadcast by the Italian
national radio channel RAI Radio 3 along with an interview with
Alberto already prior to its press and public release.

On the album Alberto comments, "I wanted to compose a solo-oriented
album, without following any scheme, rule or trend, but I kept myself
open to various musical genres and I invited some musicians friends of
mine, to collaborate in this project. Although I am in a progressive
rock band, in my album I tried to reach a freer and more poetic
musical expression that matched to my melodic sensitivity. I therefore
think that the album is accessible and can be appreciated by every
kind of listener and not just by bass players."

SOMETHING DIFFERENT represents a different side from a multi faceted
musician.

Track Listing
01 The Factory
02 Trying To Forget
03 Glory Of Life
04 SMS
05 BASSex
06 One Moment Before
07 Roller Coaster
08 Desert Break
09 Jammin' On Vocal Drums
10 Sweet Tears

Personnel
Alberto Rigoni: bass
Lorenzo Nizzolini: keyboards on tracks 1, 3, 6, 7 & 10
Enrico Buttol: drums on tracks 3 & 5, e-drums on tracks 4 & 7, vocal
drums on track 9
Marco Torchia: e-drums on track 1
Tommy Ermolli: guitar on tracks 1, 3 & 7
Daniele Gottardo: guitar on track 9
Irene Ermolli: vocals on track 5
Daniele "Kenny" Conte: vocals on track 7

Credits
All songs written and composed by Alberto Rigoni, except for tracks 3,
7 & 10 composed by Alberto Rigoni & Lorenzo Nizzolini
Producer: Alberto Rigoni
Co-producers: Enrico Buttol & Lorenzo Nizzolini
Mixed and mastered by Marino De Angeli at Majestic Studio (Scorzθ, TV
- Italy)
Alberto Rigoni's pics: Alessandro Eusebi
"Abstract Smoke" pic: Jamie Duke
"Smoke Female Figure" pic: Akhilesh Sharma
"PsychoBabble" pic: Shawn Cope
Photo editing: Davide Guidoni
Graphic design: Nicolς Luppino

Web Links
http://www.albertorigoni.net/
http://www.myspace.com/albertorigoni

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Metal Sisters Unveil Their U.S. Premier With Testosterone Driven
Music

TRENTON, N.J. -- Meldrum has unveiled its premiere North American
release, BLOWIN' UP THE MACHINE, a brand new album of fierce, hard-
rocking metal on Locomotive Records.

The multinational act -- singer Moa Holmsten and bassist Frida Stεhl
from Sweden, and American guitarist Michelle Meldrum -- released its
European debut, LOADED MENTAL CANON, in 2002 but has good reason for
the delay of its follow-up.

"What can you do when Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society and Motorhead
take you under their wings and on extensive tours with them?" said
Michelle. "You can't say no. We are so thankful to have worked with
the people we have."

During breaks from touring, Meldrum hunkered down to work on BLOWIN'
UP THE MACHINE, and when it came time to record, they enlisted the
drumming prowess of Michelle's former Phantom Blue band mate Linda
McDonald and none other than Gene Hoglan (Death, Strapping Young Lad,
Dethklok [Metalocalypse]), with whom Michelle formed her first band
Wargod as teenagers.

"It's kinda like coming full circle for both of us," Michelle said.
"It feels like it did when we were kids. I mean, when you know someone
so well musically and as friends, it is definitely a special
chemistry. I love him like a brother."

"Now, I may joke about how cool it is to play with three 'hot
bitches,' but lemme tell ya, Meldrum are some damned fine and talented
musicians," Hoglan said. "Moa can sing like an angel or summon the
devil, Michelle can riff and lead with the best of 'em, and Frida is
simply one of the best bassists I've ever worked with. I'm proud to be
a part of the team."

Motorhead's Lemmy also makes a special guest appearance on BLOWIN' UP
THE MACHINE, writing the lyrics for the song "Miss Me When I'm Gone"
and contributing vocals to the track.

"I was sitting in a hotel room warmin' up before a gig and I thought,
'I'm gonna crank out a riff that would sound like us but with Lemmy's
vocal style," Meldrum said. "Then we asked him if he would be
interested in writing some lyrics for the song and he was totally into
it. When the time came to record it, we asked him if he wanted to
special guest on the CD and he did. It is definitely an honor to work
with someone like Lemmy."

"You say girls can't play rock'n'roll?" said Lemmy. "Well listen to
Meldrum and bite your tongue!"

BLOWIN' UP THE MACHINE was mixed by Michelle, Brett Chasen, Bob
Kulick, and Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Korn, Metallica, Fear
Factory). Michelle also engineered the vocals and guitars, and served
as Executive Producer, with Stahl and Holmsten Co-Producing.

"We are the real thing," Michelle said. "We live, eat, and breathe
this lifestyle of music. We sound brutal and heavy, but we are really
nice gals and love having a good time!"

http://www.meldrum.nu/
http://www.myspace.com/meldrumrocks

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Z Records News

Z Rock 08 Festival Important Update

Z Rock 08 Goes Two Day

Z Rock 08 is now a two day event; further acts will be announced
shortly for Day one so watch this space.

We decided to move the event to an all new venue with state of the art
sound and light in-house. The Venue "The Asylum" is situated in
Birmingham, England. The new venue will be 600 capacity and only 400
tickets are remaining for the main event on May 17th. Whilst we do
have the facility to run a second day on May 18th we cannot guarantee
that we will so fans are urged to not delay getting their ticket to
avoid disappointment.

The lineups so far are.....

Day One - May 16th: Shy, Rockstar [further acts to be announced]

Day Two - May 17th: Black 'N Blue, Bonfire, Britny Fox, Von Groove,
Snow, Stormzone & Redline

Tickets on sale now...
Day One May 16th - £25.00 Doors 6:30 p.m. 'til late
Day Two May 17th - £45.00 Doors 1 p.m. 'til late

Available online at http://www.zrecords.net/ or
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

For further info e-mail info@... or call 07724 606920.

House Of Lords Confirmed For Z Rock 08

House Of Lords have been confirmed for Day One of Z Rock 08. The
band's appearance will be on May 16th, the opening day of the
festival. The organizers are extremely happy to welcome the band back
after their superb appearance at Z Rock 07.

Tickets have gone on sale today via the online store at
http://www.zrecords.net/ . Priced at £25.

In addition the following date has also been confirmed [more to
follow]

Wed. May 14th - House Of Lords + support - Limelight, Crewe
tickets £15, box office: 01270 251929

Fri. May 16th - House Of Lords, Shy, Rockstar plus further acts
Z Rock 08, Asylum, Birmingham
tickets £25, available from online store at http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Faroese Metal Band TYR Officially Confirmed For First "Paganfest"
Tour Across North America!

Faroese pagan metal band TYR have been confirmed for the first
Paganfest Tour across the United States and Canada. Joining the band
on the tour will be Turisas, Ensiferum, and Eluveitie. The tour marks
TYR's first journey to these shores, and it's guaranteed to be a very
special event. In the past two years, TYR's two Napalm Records-
released albums, ERIC THE RED and RAGNAROK, have continued to find
fervent followers mostly by word of mouth. Now, with the imminent
release of their new album on Napalm this spring, TYR are prepared to
take the next forward and etch their name into legend. So far, these
dates and venues are confirmed:

4.25 Can - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
4.26 Can - Montreal, QC @ Medley
4.27 USA - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
4.28 USA - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
4.29 USA - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
4.30 USA - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
5.01 USA - Chicago, IL @ The Pearl Room
5.02 USA - St. Paul, MI @ The Lab
5.03 USA - Denver, CO @ Cervantes Ballroom
5.05 USA - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
5.06 USA - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
5.07 USA - Sacramento, CA @ The Boardwalk
5.08 USA - Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
5.10 USA - Long Beach, CA @ The Vault
5.11 USA - Phoenix, AZ @ The Cell Block
5.12 USA - El Paso, TX @ Chic's
5.14 USA - Tulsa, OK @ Crush Lounge
5.15 USA - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX @ Ridglea
5.16 USA - San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
5.17 USA - Houston, TX @ Java Jazz
5.19 USA - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

More dates to be announced soon. For more info, consult
http://www.paganfest.eu/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Axemaster: New Bassist & Special Guest

Axemaster is happy to announce that it has completed its lineup with
the addition of bassist Jim Curtis. Jim's a world class player with
vast experience in a wide range of music. He says "I'm honored to be
in Axemaster and ready to help the band kick ass." With him and new
singer Dan Kaisk, the band's lineup is by far the best in its long
history and will display it on their new CD.

The band would also like to announce that a special guest guitarist
will appear on the new release. Ivan Hurd, who recorded seven releases
with the classic band Anvil during a 12 year span, will be featured
playing a solo on a selected song from the band's upcoming release.
Special thanks goes to Tiziana Hurd of Sol Music Management for making
it all happen!

http://www.solmusicmanagement.com/

Hope everyone will check out the clip of the new Axemaster singer at
http://www.myspace.com/thebandaxemaster .

If you're on Facebook, look up the new Axemaster profile at
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=19845438448 .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Wino Solo Album!

It has been a long time coming and now it is finally a reality!
Legendary guitarist: Scott "Wino" Weinrich (Saint Vitus, Obsessed,
Spirit Caravan, Place of Skulls, The Hidden Hand) has an album's worth
of "solo" recordings in the works.

Assisting Wino will on the album will be Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch) on
drums and Jon Blank (Rez n) on bass. The album will be called
PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM and tracks are currently being layed down with
J. Robbins (producer of the Hidden Hand's MOTHER TEACHER DESTROYER) in
Maryland. Wino is really excited about the results so far and said:
"PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM will bring my career into focus." Stay tuned
for more info regarding this incredible album!

http://www.southernlord.com/
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-Rusty Cage Records News

Hi metal heads,

First of all we want to thank you all for the great feedback we
received during 2007. It was a busy year for RCR and our bands:

o RCR anniversary fest with Jewel, L.W.S. Inc., Defender, Cypher, Non-
Divine and Paul Clark
o Non-Divine, Obsidian and Magnacult added to the RCR roster
o Non-Divine supported Queensryche, Nevermore, Primal Fear, W.A.S.P,
U.D.O., Alchemist, Sabaton, After Forever & Autumn
o Cypher and Obsidian played the prestigious Arnhem Metal Meeting 2007
o Defender on the road again in Greece, Germany and with metal legends
Diamond Head

But, enough about the past, let's continue with the present!!

Izegrim signs with Rusty Cage Records

Again, a great band is added to the ranks of Rusty Cage Records. This
time we have signed Dutch thrashers Izegrim. Their upcoming CD TRIBUTE
TO TOTALITARIANISM will be released (as an exclusive digi-pack) on
February 29th.

Expect an Izegrim-style Thrash/Death Metal hybrid with quite a few
Stoner influences and faint Gothenburg-style melody, accompanied with
some ferocious polemics that will not leave much to the imagination
regarding the current state of world affairs.

TRIBUTE TO TOTALITARIANISM is an album that firmly kicks one right in
the balls. With its exceptionally savage yet groovy brand of thrash-
metal, Izegrim is a band unlike any other. Although their
personalities are modest, their ambitions are not: Izegrim is
determined to conquer the stages of Western Europe and abroad.

All recordings are mixed and mastered by Jochem Jacobs (Split Second
Sound), who has worked for bands such as Textures, Autumn, The Lucifer
Principle and many others (including Cypher, Magnacult and Obsidian!).

Izegrim will join Non-Divine at the European Tour of Flotsam And
Jetsam, where they also play the Metal Mania Festival in Poland
(Megadeth, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Satyricon, Overkill and many
others). Check out the tour dates at the GIGS section of the RCR site
or check out the Izegrim Web site http://www.izegrim.nl/ .

Non-Divine news: European tour as support of Flotsam And Jetsam

Non-Divine announces their European tour as a support of U.S.
metallers Flotsam And Jetsam. Label mates Izegrim will also joins the
tour. Check out the tour dates at the GIGS section of the RCR site.

Read more news at the Non-Divine Web site, http://www.non-divine.com/
.

Obsidian news: "Footprints" video clip online

MTV take note! Obsidian decided to take advantage of their stunning
looks. Together with Dennis Lubbers, a very talented filmmaker of the
filmcademy in Amsterdam, Obsidian shot their first video clip
"Footprints" of their album EMERGING. Check it out!

Read more news at the Obsidian Web site, http://www.obsidian.nu/ .

Magnacult news: "Line Of Attack" techno mix available

MagnaCult uploaded a techno mix of the song "Line Of Attack," taken
from their RCR debut record SYNORE. Visit their MySpace page (
http://www.myspace.com/magnacult ) and download the oldskool techno
metal mix for free.

Read more news at the Magnacult Web site, http://www.magnacult.com/ .

Cypher news: Cypher parted ways with drummer

Due to musical differences, Cypher and drummer Frank have parted ways.
RCR and Cypher want to thank him for his dedication and we wish him
all the best in his future musical endeavors. Koen Herfst (Baggabownz,
I-Chaos, ex-Epica, ex-After Forever) has agreed to help Cypher out
until they find a permanent replacement. So as of now Cypher is
looking for a new drummer. Interested drummers can contact the band at
hatefeed@....

Read more news at the Cypher Web site, http://www.cyphercore.com/ .

Defender news: Drum parts for new album recorded

During the last month of 2007 all drum parts of the forthcoming
Defender album have been recorded. The next months will be used to
record all other parts. Defender will give all their fans the
opportunity to become a part of their new album by creating the new
title!! Send your title to defender@.... The winner
will get an exclusive "Defender" package.

Read more news at the Defender Web site, http://www.defender-music.nl/
.

Stay heavy,
The Rusty Cage Records Team
Rusty Cage Records Web site
http://www.rustycagerecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Immortal Dominion Lands Five Songs In Horror/Comedy "Teeth,"
Finishing Up Third Full-Length
Release

With extreme metal being one of the more "theatrical sounding" types
of rock music out there, it's a bit puzzling why more of these types
of bands don't pop up in movie soundtracks. But perhaps the tide is
changing, as evidenced by the presence of Immortal Dominion throughout
the movie, "Teeth." After the band's distributor, Fist Music/Hapi
Skratch Entertainment, hooked them up with the filmmakers, Immortal
Dominion was asked to contribute a total of five songs to the
soundtrack. The film won a juror's award for best actress at the
Sundance Film Festival, and was then purchased by Lionsgate/The
Weinstein Company.

The film is due for release nationwide in February '08 via Roadside
Attractions, and is already drawing attention to Immortal Dominion, on
the strength of the instantly memorable song, "Sold My Soul."

Formed in 1992 in Fort Collins, Colorado, Immortal Dominion is
comprised of members Ray Smith (guitars/lead vocals), Brian Villers
(guitars/vocals), Bryan (Edward) Schmidt (bass), and Ben Huntwork
(drums/vocals). The group has issued two full-lengths (ENDURE and
AWAKENING - THE REVELATION) and an EP (BIRTH), and are hard at work on
a new studio album, set to be released later this year. Additionally,
Immortal Dominion are in talks with music video director Frank Nasso
(who has previously worked with Mudvayne, Hatebreed, All That Remains
for the "Saw III" soundtrack) about working on some clips for the
songs that appear in "Teeth." With all these simultaneous projects,
2008 is quickly shaping up to be the year that Immortal Dominion break
through to the metal masses, while AWAKENING - THE REVELATION is also
still contributing to the buzz.

"This album is a soundtrack to one of the darkest periods we have ever
been through as a band," recalls Villers, "Yet as we stayed tight with
each other, and found new ways to collaborate in the songwriting
process, we experienced an 'Awakening' as far as who we are as a band.
We hope the listener feels the wide range of emotions we were
experiencing as we compiled this material."

Track listing for AWAKENING - THE REVELATION:

1. Punishment
2. Will To Survive
3. Eat Your Flesh
4. Sold My Soul
5. World
6. Something To Change
7. Fear Free
8. Not Good
9. Awakening
10. Christian Witchcraft
11. Blasphemy
12. Untouchable
13. Shallows In The Vatican Darkness
14. The Other Side Of Pain

For more information, visit:

http://www.myspace.com/immortaldominion
http://www.mileghighmusicstore.com/ [to order the AWAKENING CD, or
visit iTunes.com, rhapsody.com, and napster.com to purchase downloads]

Immortal Dominion

Immortal Dominion (aka, I.D.) is a powerhouse of heavy, driving metal.
Comprised of members Ray Smith (guitars/lead vocals), Brian Villers
(guitars/vocals), Bryan (Edward) Schmidt (bass), and Ben Huntwork
(drums/vocals), the Fort Collins, CO-based group has an appeal that
crosses metal genres and audiences. Metal Maniacs has called them "a
futuristically-influenced breed of modern commercial metal comparable
to what Pantera, Prong and Slipknot all did in their day...I see them
as a band that could be f***ing huge if marketed right," while
Westword Magazine credited the band for creating "some of the most
brutal and unflinching metal Colorado has ever seen."

I.D.'s most recent CD, AWAKENING - THE REVELATION, was released in
July of 2005, and follows the album ENDURE and the EP BIRTH. AWAKENING
has been released through Alliance Entertainment via partnership with
Hapiskratch Entertainment for world-wide distribution, while downloads
of the album are available via iTunes.com, rhapsody.com, napster.com
or by visiting http://www.mileghighmusicstore.com/ to order the CD.
After the band's distributor, Fist Music/Hapi Skratch Entertainment,
hooked them up with the filmmakers, Immortal Dominion was asked to
contribute a total of five songs to the soundtrack for the independent
horror/comedy "Teeth." The film won a juror's award for best actress
at the Sundance Film Festival, and was then purchased by Lionsgate/The
Weinstein Company. The film is due for release nationwide in February
'08 via Roadside Attractions. Also forthcoming in '08 is Immortal
Dominion's third studio full-length overall, EMPOWER.

Often amazing new listeners with their unique and catchy rhythms, I.D.
have successfully reinvented the local Colorado metal scene, paving
the way for many bands to follow in their path. And the group is also
beginning to spread the word throughout the United States, as
evidenced by performances in California, Wyoming, Utah, Indiana,
Missouri, and Kansas -- opening for such renowned acts as Macabre,
Fear Factory, Vader, Cephalic Carnage, Adema, Darkest Hour, Trust Co.,
Neurosis, Malevolent Creation, Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Today Is The
Day, Living Sacrifice, and Napalm Death. The pieces are already in
place, and with I.D. undoubtedly set to be introduced to a new legion
of fans via "Teeth" and EMPOWER, it appears to be only a matter of
time until metalheads worldwide are familiar with the group's
theatrical yet heavy sound.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Clutch, CKY, Fireball Ministry And Puny Human Members Release EP In A
Merger Known As The Company Band

Official Release On MTV's "TRL," Feb. 9th

The Company Band Founders:

Neil Fallon, Clutch – Vocals
James A. Rota II, Fireball Ministry – Guitar and Vocals
Dave Bone - Guitars
Jason Diamond, Puny Human - Bass
Jess Margera, CKY – Drums
Produced by Andrew Alekel (Fu Manchu, Fireball Ministry) Grandmaster
Recorders, Hollywood, CA

Mission Statement: The Company Band seeks to integrate the needs of
the aural consumer while anticipating the consumer's unforeseen needs.
While many companies attempt to distance themselves from the term
"globalization," The Compnay Band embraces the "global" concept as an
inevitable and welcome reality. For T.C.B. employees, it is truly a
blessing to guide the less fortunate toward their natural entitlement:
security, prosperity, and a wealth of hope.

Their four-song debut EP, SIGN HERE, HERE, AND HERE, is available now
on iTunes, and teaser clips can be heard now at
http://www.thecoband.com/ ; the full-length physical CD will be
available on the site, February 9th when The Company Band performs on
"TRL" during the "Jackass" 24-hour MTV takeover in Times Square, New
York City.

The Company Band's hard rock sound prides itself on keeping an ear to
the past, an eye to the future, and a strong arm in the present. With
songs like "Company Man" and "Fortune's Mistress" the music takes as
much influence from the genres greats as it does from the titans of
oil industry.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-The Ghost Inside Set Release Date For New Album, Post Three Tracks
Online

Los Angeles, CA's THE GHOST INSIDE has set an April 15th release date
for their debut album FURY AND THE FALLEN ONES through Mediaskare
Records. Recorded in Oakland, CA with producer Zack Ohren (As Blood
Runs Black, First Blood), FURY AND THE FALLEN ONES features 12 tracks
of hardcore inspired metal that is fast and in your face; three of
those tracks "Faith Or Forgiveness," "Destined," and "Provoke" can be
heard on the band's MySpace page located at
http://www.myspace.com/theghostinside .

FURY AND THE FALLEN ONES track listing:

1. Provoke
2. Destined
3. Faith Or Forgiveness
4. Disintegrator
5. The Brave
6. Siren Song
7. Shiner
8. Revolutionary (Bang The Drum)
9. Inherent Youth
10. Smoke And Signal Fires
11. The Lion War
12. Blue And Gold

A video for the track "Faith Or Forgiveness" was recently filmed with
director Nicole Bossier (Belay My Last) in Ventura, CA. Currently in
the final stages of the editing process, the video will be made
available for viewing online shortly.

To support the album, the band is already in the middle of a U.S. tour
with The Classic Struggle, From Graves Of Valor, and The Breathing
Process and will follow that trek up with runs alongside Stick To Your
Guns / Veil Of Maya, It Prevails, and HeavenShallBurn / Embrace The
End.

The Ghost Inside on tour

(w/ The Classic Struggle, From Graves Of Valor, The Breathing Process)
1/21 Bakersfield, CA – The Dome
1/22 Downey, CA – The Epic Lounge
1/24 Albuquerque, NM – The Compound
1/26 Arlington, TX – Dream World Music Complex
1/27 San Antonio, TX – The Underground
1/28 Houston, TX – Java Junction
1/29 Baton Rouge, LA – The Darkroom
1/30 Pensacola, FL – American Legion Post 33
1/31 Gainesville, FL – Common Grounds
2/01 Winter Park, FL – Island Oasis
2/02 Homestead, FL – Life Pointe Church
2/03 Melbourne, FL – The Melbourne Jaycees
2/04 Tampa, FL – Transitions Art Gallery
2/05 Jacksonville, FL – The Pit
2/06 Augusta, GA – Sector 7g
2/07 Buchanan, GA – The Hangar Venue
2/08 Johnson City, TN – The Hideaway
2/09 Raleigh, NC – The Brewery
2/10 Virginia Beach, VA – Steppin' Out

(w/ Stick To Your Guns, Veil Of Maya)
2/13 Phoenix, AZ – Cell Block
2/15 Westlake, CA – Kung Foo Corner
2/16 Livermore, CA – The Burros
2/17 Santa Cruz, CA – The 418
2/18 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
2/19 Spokane, WA – The Blvd
2/20 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
2/21 Boise, ID – The Venue
2/23 Stockton, CA – Empire Theatre

(w/ It Prevails)
3/01 Palmdale, CA – Palmdale Veterans Hall
3/02 Bakersfield, CA – The Dome
3/04 Modesto, CA – The Rock
3/05 Alameda, CA – Rooster's Roadhouse
3/07 Sacramento, CA – Club Retro
3/08 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction (w/ Taken)

(w/ HeavenShallBurn, Embrace The End)
4/11 Orangevale, CA – The Boardwalk
4/12 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
4/13 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
4/16 St Paul, MN – Station 4
4/17 Mokena, IL – The Pearl Room
4/18 Cleveland, OH – Peabody's
4/19 Toronto, ONT – Wreck Room
4/20 Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
4/21 Louisville, KY – Uncle Pleasants
4/22 Nashville, TN – The Muse
4/23 Charlotte, NC – The Casbah
4/24 West Springfield, VA – Jaxx Nightclub
4/25 Pompton Lakes, NJ – Mainstage

4/26 Worcester, MA – The Palladium (New England Metal & Hardcore
Festival)

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

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out About Heavy Metal's list of most anticipated metal albums
for '08 at http://slclk.about.com/?zi=1/gVy .

-There's a new interview with Annihilator main man Jeff Waters at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/4jKK .

-There's a new "Hot Spot" feature for Ayreon's 01011001 at
http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?a=338 featuring a slide show, audio
samples, and album information. The concept album continues the story
begun on 1998's INTO THE ELECTRIC CASTLE. Besides main man Arjen
Lucassen the album's list of musicians and guests includes Tom Englund
(Evergrey), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Bob Catley (Magnum), Jorn
Lande, Steve Lee (Gotthard), Ty Tabor (King's X), Daniel Gildenlow
(Pain Of Salvation), Anneke Van Giersbergen (Agua De Annique, The
Gathering), Floor Jansen (After Forever), Simone Simons (Epica), Tomas
Bodin (The Flower Kings), Derek Sherinian (Planet X), and Michael
Romeo (Symphony X). Track list: CD #1 - Y: "Age Of Shadows,"
"Comatose," "Liquid Eternity," "Connect The Dots," "Beneath The Waves"
(in five parts), "Newborn Race" (in six parts), "Ride The Comet," "Web
Of Lies." CD #2 - EARTH: "The Fifth Extinction" (in five parts),
"Waking Dreams," "The Truth Is In Here," "Unnatural Selection," "River
Of Time," "E=MC2," "The Sixth Extinction" (in six parts). The release
is available in two-CD, two-CD with DVD, and limited edition two-CD
with DVD versions.

-The Dead End Kidz are in cahoots with Digi Station (a $.99-per-song
download site), CDDB (Grace Note), Sound Scan, and CD Baby for the
imminent release of UNFINISHED BUSINESS. The band will also have a
track on an upcoming Kiss tribute album dut out March 25 on Versailles
Records. See http://www.myspace.com/dek music and
http://www.youtube.com/john8186 for more.

-Check out http://www.dokken.net/ for samples of three tracks from
Dokken's upcoming LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN: "Heart Of Stone," "Point Of
No Return," and "Standing On The Outside." The band's MySpace site,
http://www.myspace.com/dokken1 , is also streaming the track "Oasis."
The disc is due out this spring on Rhino Records (U.S.) and Frontiers
Records (Europe). Don Dokken has a solo album out called SOLITARY, and
it's currently only available at his solo gigs supporting Queensryche.
Samples of three tracks -- "Green," "Everything," "Never Forget" --
are now available at Dokken.net.

-Ace Frehley reportedly has 10 tracks recorded with longtime drummer
Anton Fig and new bassist Anthony Esposito (Lynch Mob), and may work
on a few more before releasing a new studio album this spring.
Upcoming tour dates:

2/20 - Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD
2/22 - Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
2/23 - House Of Blues, New Orleans, LA
2/24 - House Of Blues, Dallas, TX
2/26 - Pop's, Sauget, IL
2/28 - House Of Blues, Cleveland, OH
2/29 - 3/1 - The Bear's Den, Niagara Falls, NY
3/3 – Metropolis, Montreal, QC
3/4 – Theatre Capitole, Quebec City, QC
3/8 - Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
3/9 - Emerald Theater, Mt. Clemens, MI
3/11 - Fargo Theatre, Fargo, ND
3/12 - The Garrick Centre, Winnipeg, MB
3/14 - Flames Central, Calgary, AB
3/15 - Edmonton Events Centre, Edmonton, AB
3/17 - Wilma Theater, Missoula, MT
3/18 - Big Easy, Spokane, WA
3/19 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
3/21 - Grand Ballroom @ Regency Center, San Francisco, CA
3/29 - Rushmore Civic Theater, Rapid City, SD
4/1 - House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
4/11 - Astoria, London, England

-There's a new interview with Gamma Ray's Dirk Schlachter at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/4jKL .

-Great White tour dates for Europe:

1/25 - The Rock, Copenhagen, Denmark
1/26 - Club Plato, Helmond, Holland
1/28 - Carling Academy, Newcastle, UK
1/29 - The Cat House, Glasgow, UK
1/31 - Robin 2, Wolverhampton, UK
2/1 - The Brook, Southampton, UK
2/2 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK
2/4 - Colossall, Aschaffenburg, Germany
2/6 - Heineken, Madrid, Spain
2/7 - The Apollo, Barcelona, Spain
2/9 - Z-7, Pratteln, Switzerland
2/10 - Estragon, Bologna, Italy
2/11 - Alcatraz, Milan, Italy
2/13 - Debaser, Stockholm, Sweden
2/14 - Smuget, Oslo, Norway
2/15 - KB, Malmφ, Sweden
2/16 - Yardbirds, Grimsby, UK

See http://www.mistabone.com/ for more.

-We've all heard the rumors about Judas Priest touring with Scorpions
in '08, but now HeadbangerNYC.com is saying there are rumors about
Priest hitting the road with Heaven & Hell instead. Either one would
rule.

-Kiss is still slated to play the closing of the 2008 Grand Prix in
Melbourne, Australia, on March 16 and has now added two more dates
Down Under:

3/18 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbaine, Australia
3/20 - ACER Arena, Sydney, Australia

See http://www.kissonline.com/ for more.

-There's a new "Hot Spot" feature on Leverage's BLIND FIRE, featuring
a slide show, song clips, and album info, at
http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?a=339 . The disc is due out January
25 on Frontiers. Hype has the disc appealing to fans of Magnum, Saga,
House Of Lords, Rainbow, Scorpions, Stratovarius, Masterplan. Track
list: "Shadow In The Rain," "King Of The Night," "Stormchild,"
"Sentenced," "Hellhorn," "Mr. Universe," "Don't Touch The Sun," "Run
Down," "Heart Of Darkness," "Learn To Live."

-There's an excellent Lizzy Borden interview at
http://www.lucemfero.com/lizzyborden112007.php .

-Lordi's single for "Beast Loose In Paradise" -- a brand new song --
has a special cover inspired by the Kiss - CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
artwork, and features the radio edit and "Dark Floors" version of the
track.

-The release of Metallica's new studio album has reportedly been
delayed from April to September.

-Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee has a new "DJ duo" project with DJ
Aero; check out an interview with both men at
http://slclk.about.com/?zi=1/gVw .

-Rush tour dates:

4/11 - Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
4/13 - Bank Atlantic Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
4/15 - Amway Center, Orlando, FL
4/17 - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
4/19 - Arena, New Orleans, LA
4/20 - Woodlands Pavilion, Houston, TX
4/23 - Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
4/25 - The Music Center At Fair Park, Dallas, TX
4/26 - Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
4/29 - Journal Pavilion, Albuquerque, NM
5/1 - Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
5/3 - Reno Events Center, Reno, NV
5/4 - Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord, CA
5/6 - Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
5/10 - Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV
5/11 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA
5/20 - iWireless Center, Moline, IL
5/22 - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
5/24 - MTS Center, Winnipeg, MB
5/25 - Brandt Center, Regina, SK
5/27 - Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB
5/29 - GM Place, Vancouver, BC
5/31 - The Gorge Amphitheatre, Seattle, WA
6/1 - Clark County Amphitheatre, Portland, OR
6/3 - Idaho Center, Boise, ID
6/5 - Red Rocks, Denver, CO
6/7 - Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO
6/9 - United Center, Chicago, IL
6/10 - Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
6/12 - Bell Center, Montreal, QC
6/14 - Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
6/15 - Tweeter Center, Boston, MA
6/25 - Verizon Amphitheatre, Indianapolis, IN
6/27 - Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI
6/28 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO
6/30 - Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
7/2 - Post Gazette Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA
7/4 - Marc Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ
7/5 - SPAC, Saratoga, NY
7/7 - Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
7/9 - The Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON
7/11 - Verizon Arena, Manchester, MA
7/12 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
7/14 - Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY
7/17 - Hershey Stadium, Hershey, PA
7/19 - Nissan Pavilion, Washington, DC
7/20 - Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
7/22 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre At Encore Park, Atlanta, GA

See http://www.rush.com/ for more.

-There's a "Hot Spot" feature on Saint Demon's IN SHADOWS LOST FROM
THE BRAVE, featuring a picture slide show, audio samples, and album
information, at http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?a=339 . The band
features Dionysus rhythm section Nobby Noberg (bass) and Ronny
Milianowicz (drums), Highland Glory vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad, and
guitarist Toya Johansson. The music compares to "commercial" Dream
Theater, Stratovarius, Primal Fear, Vice, HammerFall, and Manowar.
Track list: "The Exodus" (intro), "My Judas," "In Shadows Lost From
The Brave," "My Heart," "The Burden," "No Mans Land," "Ride Forever,"
"Black Symphony," "Deamons," "The Brave Never Bleeds," "My Sorrow,"
"Run For Your Life," "My Heart" (video; bonus track).

-Check out a "Hot Spot" feature on Tobias Sammet's Avantasia's newie,
THE SCARECROW, at http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?a=340 , featuring a
picture slide show, song clips, and album info. The disc is due out
January 25 from Nuclear Blast. Guests/musicians include Eric Singer
(Kiss, Alice Cooper), Jorn Lande, Alice Cooper, Roy Khan (Kamelot),
Michael Kiske (Helloween), Bob Catley (Magnum), and Rudolf Schenker
(Scorpions). Track list: "Twisted Mind," "The Scarecrow," "Shelter
From The Rain," "Carry Me Over," "What Kind Of Love," "Another Angel
Down," "The Toy Master," "Devil In The Belfry," "Cry Just A Little,"
"I Don't Believe In Your Love," "Lost In Space." There's a limited
edition version available with a DVD featuring the "Lost In Space" and
"Carry Me Over" videos, "making of" features on both videos, an
Avantasia Electronic Press Kit, and a photo gallery.

-Sum 41 will play at the Daytona International Speedway on January 26,
on the Pontiac Garage Stage on the infield. Clips from the performance
will then air January 30 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC. See
http://www.sum41.com/ for more.

Thanks to Rupert Withers, Chad Bowar, Michael Schnabel, John Erigo,
and Bill Kotowski for help gathering some of this information.

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

-I recently rented some rock-themed movies I haven't heard anyone talk
about in a while. The first was 2003's "Prey For Rock & Roll" starring
Gina Gershon, Drea De Matteo, and Lori Petty as three-fourths of a
trashy L.A. all-girl band called Clam Dandy. Gershon's character is
the nearing-40 band leader who's wondering if it's really worthwhile
to keep slugging it out in the dingy club scene, and putting up with
various problems (and tragedies) in her personal and band life.
There's plenty o' profanity, drug use, sex, and (of course) shady
industry folks flying around. Overall it's a pretty good drama with
comedic moments, but the songs -- which Gershon sang -- are just bad.
The dialogue also gets a tad ridiculous with all the "dudes" and
"f*cks" tossed back and forth among the women. I'm no prude, mind you,
but c'mon...

Next up was 1998's "Still Crazy," a dramedy about the (fictitious)
classic rock band Strange Fruit trying to reunite 20 years after
breaking up following a horrendous '70s festival gig. Seems the son of
the original festival promoter is trying to organize a 20th
anniversary show with as many of the original groups as possible, and
after a chance meeting with Strange Fruit's keyboardist, the wheels
are set in motion to "put the band back together." The only actor I
recognized was Billy Connolly as the road warrior roadie Hughie;
otherwise everyone was an "unknown," which actually helped me get lost
in believing the guys were a real band. The quest to find all the band
members -- one might be dead, one has a roofing business with his
wife, one's holed up in his mansion with his shrew of a wife, etc. --
is awesome, and the old conflicts that arise between some of the guys,
even 20 years later, are all very realistic and engaging. And -- very
importantly -- the music here is actually quite good and believable.
The flick is like a way more serious and realistic version of "This Is
Spinal Tap!"

-Man, let's hope that Triumph reunion translates into some North
American tour dates and a new studio album, eh? Nothing against the
Sweden Rock Festival but there better be more to all this than just
that one gig. (We're trying to set up an interview with Rik Emmett --
stay tuned!) So after I read about the reunion I decided to pull out
some Triumph, and ACK!, I discovered I have *no* Triumph CDs. All my
stuff is on, double ACK!, cassette... Thus, I dusted off 1987's
SURVEILLANCE and jammed "Never Say Never" and "Headed For Nowhere."
(Note to my pal Arnie: Thanks again for turning me on to "Headed For
Nowhere." That song rules.)

-I'm writing this as I ride home on the train and the dude next to me
is farting. I'd like to kick his ass. That's just not cool in an
enclosed train car.

-Finally, it *hurt* to read that George Bellas album info in the Lion
Music press release above. Seriously, I have a headache. Scriabin's
Mystic Chord???

-Now in my current playlist: Lizzy Borden - APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH
(Metal Blade Records), Eden's Curse - s/t (AFM Records), Shaaman -
REASON (AFM Records), Hermano - ...INTO THE EXAM ROOM (Regain
Records), Kelly Clarkson - MY DECEMBER (RCA Records).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
SIMONE FIORLETTA - MY SECRET DIARY (B-) Lion Music, 2007
10 tracks, RT: 50:56
[ http://www.simonefiorletta.it/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/simonefiorletta ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/mysecretdiary.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Italian guitarist Simone Fiorletta is back with his second solo album
MY SECRET DIARY, and this one is an improvement on his debut PARALLEL
WORLDS. Simone's strength is in writing pleasant, melodious
instrumentals that sometimes recall Shrapnel hotshots like Darren
Householder and Steven Ross, with a bit of mellow Vinnie Moore thrown
in. Simone uses a lot of interesting techniques, and on pieces like "I
Came Back," "To Fly Over The Rainbow" and "The Beginning Of A New Era"
he definitely has a way with feeling-drenched themes that stick in
your head. I think his best work might be on the more sensitive tracks
like "Welcome, Anita!" and "Only Three Minutes To Dream." The
inclusion of Labyrinth keyboardist Andrea De Paoli really adds color
to the proceedings, warmly complemented by the smooth bass lines of
Pasko and basic (but thankfully real) drummer Tony Liotta (Sting, Tina
Turner). Simone plays some nice runs using legato and tapping but his
speed picking is his Achilles heel, as it often sounds forced and
unsynchronized, especially on "Brawl In A Saloon." That criticism
aside, Simone is a tasty player with strong compositional skills and a
great deal of potential.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

MOONSPELL – UNDER SATANAE (B-) SPV USA, 2007
10 tracks, RT: 50:30
[ http://www.moonspell.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/moonspell ]
[ http://www.spvusa.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/spvusa ]
[ http://www.youtube.com/spvamerica ]
THE VISION BLEAK – THE WOLVES GO HUNT THEIR PREY (C) Napalm Records,
2007
9 tracks, RT: 43:24
[ http://www.the-vision-bleak.de/ ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Both of the above bands have been around for a while now (Moonspell
since the early '90s, The Vision Bleak since 2001), but this is the
first time I've heard either one of them. Since they both tread
somewhat similar musical paths, I'm combining my reviews of both CDs
into one article rather than risk repeating myself in two separate
pieces. Portugal's long running Moonspell are described as "Dark
Metal" in their bio, and Germany's The Vision Bleak are given the
"Horror/Gothic Metal" tag, but to my ears this all sounds like the
kinda stuff that death and black metal musicians start playing when
they get tired of doing death and black metal all the time. They gotta
spread their creative wings and think outside the box once in a while,
I guess. Of the two CDs, I greatly prefer Moonspell's UNDER SATANAE,
which is far more ambitious, progressive, and cinematic sounding than
Vision Bleak's rather dry and basic THE WOLVES GO HUNT THEIR PREY.
UNDER SATANAE apparently consists of re-recorded versions of some
early Moonspell works (similar to Sodom's recent THE FINAL SIGN OF
EVIL, also released through SPV), taken from their 1994 UNDER THE
MOONSPELL debut and some "pre-WOLFHEART songs," whatever those may be.
I hear a lot more interesting things going on (classical
instrumentation, choirs, female vocalists, Mediterranean sounding
passages, etc.) amongst the solid musicianship of UNDER SATANAE, while
THE WOLVES GO HUNT THEIR PREY merely sounds like a German-accented
version of BLOODY KISSES era Type O Negative (with a robotic-sounding
singer.) Both bands share a penchant for long, occasionally
unpronounceable song titles (i.e. Moonspell's "Halla Alle Halla Al
Rabka Halla (Praeludium/Incantatum Solistitium)" and Vision Bleak's
"The Black Pharaoh Trilogy: Part I: The Shining Trapezohedron" or "By
Our Brotherhood With Seth" -- well, at least the latter band's titles
are in English!), and a penchant for "grimness" that doesn't really
fit well with my normal musical palate. Both bands have their moments
that made me raise my devil horns briefly, and Moonspell sound like
they'd be perfect for the soundtrack to the next Anne Rice vampire
film, but overall I can't see myself adding either of these CDs to my
permanent listening rotation once this review is finished. If you or
someone you know dresses in black 24-7 or needs some new background
music to listen to while reading horror novels, then feel free to buy
both.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

MOUNTAIN - LIVE IN PARIS (DVD) (B+) Voiceprint/MVD Visual, 2006
RT: 49:41
[ http://www.mountaintheband.com/ ]
[ http://www.mountainthebanddvd.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/mountainfans ]
[ http://www.voiceprint.co.uk/ ]
[ http://www.MVDb2b.com/ ]
In 1985 Mountain released their comeback album GO FOR YOUR LIFE and
were asked to open as special guests on Deep Purple's European tour.
LIVE IN PARIS was, as you might have guessed, shot on that tour in the
City Of Lights and features the band, including co-originator Leslie
West (who started the band with original bassist Felix Pappalardi in
1969), longtime drummer Corky Laing and then bassist/keyboardist Mark
Clarke performing six songs for the surprisingly large audience. At
the time Leslie was still struggling with weight problems and honestly
he looks quite wired during this performance, often wide-eyed and
playful as he throws drum stands around and catches Corky's sticks
mid-air, obviously having as good a time as the excited crowd.
Compared to today's extravagant DVD releases this is a rather no-
frills affair as the running time clocks in at under an hour and there
is no bonus material included, but I must admit it's a treat to see
these guys crank out solid renditions of old favorites like "Nantucket
Sleighride" and the obligatory "Mississippi Queen," as well as what at
the time was one of their new songs "Spark." The sound quality is
rather inconsistent in places, with some vocal and guitar dropouts and
keyboards not always sounding as full as they could have due to Mark
Clarke pulling double duty (triple if you count the vocals he does as
well), but overall the show is very listenable, especially if you
crank the volume to the appropriate concert level. Perhaps not the
best document to introduce someone new to the band, LIVE IN PARIS is
certainly a must have for Mountain fans and an interesting look back
at the group's mid-'80s period.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

PRONG – POWER OF THE DAMAGER (B) 13th Planet Records/Megaforce
Records, 2007
12 tracks, RT: 48:33
[ http://www.prongmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/prong ]
[ http://www.thirteenthplanet.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/13thplanetrecords ]
Every time I hear Prong, I immediately chuckle at the memory of one of
their gigs I attended in Staten Island, New York back in the Fall of
1991, where I witnessed the Dumbest Mosh Pit Moment of my concert
going career: while the band were raging through their set, two
drunken audience members/morons thought it would be cool to grab a
couple of the little cafι tables from the back of the room and bring
them into the pit with them, where they took turns slamming them on
the floor in time with the music until club security wisely decided to
intervene. That's not something you see every day, eh? Back in those
days such now-classic Prong works as BEG TO DIFFER and PROVE YOU WRONG
got numerous spins in my CD player, but I never really considered
myself a huge fan and I lost track of them sometime during the early
'90s. Prong went on hiatus after 1995's RUDE AWAKENING disc and
guitarist/vocalist/mastermind Tommy Victor then went on to numerous
other projects (including a stint in Danzig) but eventually
reassembled an all-new Prong lineup (Victor is now accompanied by
bassist Monte Pittman and drummer Aaron Rossi) several years ago.
POWER OF THE DAMAGER is the second studio effort from the
reconstituted band, and though Victor may have all new players backing
him up, it still sounds like the same ole Prong to me. The album kicks
off convincingly with the catchy "Looking For Them" and it's nice to
hear that Prong's trademark "groovy," bouncing guitar riffs are still
intact (Does anyone else think that Pantera borrowed a lot of their
COWBOYS FROM HELL guitar sound from these guys? I do.), and that
Victor's voice is as hoarsely compelling as ever. If memory serves,
Prong was starting to incorporate more electronic/industrial flavors
into their music towards the end of their '90s tenure, but there's
little to none of that going on during POWER OF THE DAMAGER -- it
appears that Victor is content to crush with the simple power trio of
guitar, bass and drums, and that's just fine by me. Nearly every track
on here got my head bobbin' along after a few spins, but I
particularly enjoyed "Can't Stop The Bleeding," "The Banishment," and
the title track. Maybe I didn't miss them while they were gone, but I
can't deny that it is good to hear Prong back on the scene.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*