Detritus
Issue #450
Week of March 17, 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 ***
*
-Blarney! Make sure to get one last Shamrock Shake at McDonald's
before they're gone for another year, okay? - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Halford And Fight Announce New Releases!

INTO THE PIT Four-Disc Fight Box Set
Releasing May 26, 2008

Halford - LIVE AT ROCK IN RIO III 5.1 DVD
Includes: RESURRECTION - REMASTERED
Two-Disc Halford Digi-Pak Releasing September 23, 2008

Halford - LIVE INSURRECTION - REMIXED AND REMASTERED Available in CD &
5.1 Hi-Definition Audio on Blu-Ray Disc
Releasing September 23, 2008

Metal God Entertainment and Rob Halford are pleased to announce the
release of two custom-designed Digi-Paks with exclusive new DVD
content for 2008.

INTO THE PIT a four-disc collection from Fight releases May 26, 2008
and includes Fight's original recordings re-engineered for release:
WAR OF WORDS - REMIXED AND REMASTERED; MUTATIONS - REMASTERED; A SMALL
DEADLY SPACE - REMIXED AND REMASTERED as well as a new DVD release
LIVE IN PHOENIX featuring rare and unreleased Fight footage.

INTO THE PIT will debut in a Numbered Digi-Pak Edition, original Rob
Halford autograph and 24-page booklet. World-wide release begins May
26th at local and online retailers.

Halford - LIVE AT ROCK IN RIO III a 5.1 DVD also includes Halford's
debut recording RESURRECTION - REMASTERED and releases September 23,
2008. Thirteen cameras are fixed on Metal's most diverse band of the
decade as The Metal God delivers one of his best live performances in
front of two-hundred thousand+ Brazilians.

Halford's 2001 double-live CD LIVE INSURRECTION makes its debut in
Blu-Ray Hi-Definition 5.1 Surround Audio September 23, 2008. LIVE
INSURRECTION - REMASTERED Blu-Ray will feature a custom-designed
Digi-Pak, original Rob Halford autograph and 20-Page Booklet including
rare pictures and exclusive liner notes. LIVE INSURRECTION will dazzle
Metal God music fans possessing the latest in 5.1 Blu-Ray
technologies.

Visit iTunes.com -- Keywords Halford and Fight,
http://www.HalfordMusic.com/ or dozens of international digital
service providers for Videos, MP3s, CD-quality Fight and Halford
downloads.

U.S. iPhone consumers may customize Fight and Halford Ringtones at
iTunes beginning May 1, 2008. Visit http://www.RobHalford.com/ April
2008 for more details.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Iron Maiden Announce Full U.S.A. Tour Dates For "Somewhere Back In
Time - World Tour '08"

From onstage Friday night (March 14th) at a packed Izod Center New
Jersey, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson announced the second and
final U.S. leg of their eagerly anticipated "Somewhere Back In Time -
World Tour '08."

Tickets for these shows will go on sale to the public soon as listed
below.

A special pre-sale will be made available exclusively to members of
the Iron Maiden fan club. Full details can be found on
http://www.ironma1den.com/ .

"Somewhere Back In Time - World Tour '08" U.S.A. Tour Dates:

Sat 6/14/08 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center - on sale 3/22/08
Sun 6/15/08 - New York, NY - *Madison Square Gardens - on sale 3/22/08
Tues 6/17/08 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Centre - on sale 3/29/08

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Alice Cooper Signs With Steamhammer/SPV

Recording Already Underway

New Album Scheduled For Fall 2008 Release

Steamhammer/SPV are proud to announce another spectacular new signing
in rock icon Alice Cooper. The label from Hanover, Germany, has agreed
on a worldwide contract with the legendary American star. Autumn 2008
will see the arrival of the eagerly awaited new studio album, which
Cooper began recording in February. The working title of the upcoming
release is ALONG CAME A SPIDER. The album is being co-produced by Greg
Hampton and Danny Saber in Los Angeles.

Alice Cooper ranks among the top echelon of great rock stars who first
achieved success in the Seventies and who are still actively touring
and recording. His spectacular live shows, skillfully staged using
visual effects, elaborate outfits, his trademark make-up and props
including guillotines, gallows, electric chairs, snakes, and plenty of
blood, are legendary, and he has recorded a myriad of celebrated
worldwide classic hits including, among others, "I'm 18," "School's
Out," "Elected," "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Billion Dollar Babies,"
"Only Women Bleed," "I Never Cry," "Poison," "Bed Of Nails," "Hey
Stoopid," and "Feed My Frankenstein." He has long enjoyed a reputation
as a musical enfant terrible, an artist who has been described as "a
chaotic reflex of the electronic age" by the media and referred to
himself as the "end product of an affluent society."

Alice's "Nights With Alice Cooper" syndicated classic rock radio show
continues to air Monday through Friday on 90 stations throughout North
America plus outlets in Australia, Ireland, the U.K., and other
countries. And the paperback edition of his recent "Golf Monster" book
hits the stores in May 2008.

Cooper will interrupt the current studio production for March shows in
Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and plans extensive touring later in
2008 covering Europe, Canada, and the U.S.A. His band features
longtime drummer Eric Singer, guitarists Keri Kelli and Jason Hook,
and bassist Chuck Garric.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Serenity Cancels ProgPower USA IX Appearance

[Note: This is from ProgPower USA guru Glenn Harveston. - Tim]

I have just received notification that Serenity has been forced to
cancel their performance due to reasons beyond their control. I will
have no further comment on the situation other to say that those
wishing to see the band in the future should probably book a flight to
Europe.

So... Say hello to Sweden's Saint Deamon.

I would like to thank the 63 bands that took time to apply for the
position. There is no way for me to reply to all of you with personal
notes, but please note that I have filed away your contact information
for the future. I'll also be passing them along to Shane for when the
Showcase returns next year. I'd also like to thank all of the fans
that took time to be involved with the process as well.

Cheers,
Glenn

For more info see http://www.progpowerusa.com/ .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Metal Blade To Reissue Fates Warning's PERFECT SYMMETRY

Metal Blade will release a special edition of Fates Warning's 1989 LP
PERFECT SYMMETRY in June.

The package will include:

* Re-mastered Audio!
* A bonus disc of PERFECT SYMMETRY demos!
* DVD with over 90 minutes of live footage!

Stay tuned for more information, including a possible video preview,
as it becomes available.

PERFECT SYMMETRY was recorded and mixed between April 1989 and May
1989 at Carriage House Studios, Stamford, CT. The CD was produced by
Roger Probert for Major Productions and was mixed by Phil Magnotti and
Max Norman. It was the first album to feature Mark Zonder on drums.

Watch video for "Through Different Eyes" (taken from PERFECT SYMMETRY)
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqF732AIpUQ

http://www.fateswarning.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Revolver Update

THE NEW BLOOD ROCK SHOW Available Now

Revolver's new release entitled THE NEW BLOOD ROCK SHOW is a live
concert that was filmed at The Reverb Concert Hall in Toronto, Ontario
last October. This is a two-disc set DVD & CD featuring two studio
radio singles "Love Stands Still" and "On Broken Wings."

The show includes live video for 11 songs: "Atomic Arcade,"
"Wasteland," "On Broken Wings," "Love Stands Still," "Turbulence,"
"Wheel Of Misfortune," "Bullet Train," "Dead Weight," and "Nosebleed"
plus two Slik Toxik hits "Helluvatime" and "Sweet Asylum." Other bonus
features include the band documentary "Evolution."

Total running time: 72 minutes (for a sneak preview go to
http://www.revolvertv.com/ )

THE NEW BLOOD ROCK SHOW is available through these fine retail stores
across Canada (HMV, CD Plus, Archambault and Sunrise Records) or order
online here: http://aimmusicshop.com/product.php?product_id=3611

++ audio tracks will also be available for downloads on iTunes shortly

Two Singles To Canadian Radio

Revolver's studio singles "Love Stands Still" and "On Broken Wings"
were dropped to Canadian radio on Tuesday March 4th, 2008. Request
lines are posted on our official Web site, Facebook, and MySpace
pages.

iTunes

Revolver's debut release TURBULENCE featuring 11 tracks is now
available for download at iTunes.

NBRS Super Grand Prize Contest Winner

Cathy Pemberton of Bowmanville, Ontario wins the Dot On Shaft
"Carparelli Series" autographed guitar.

Revolver fans can receive 15% off any purchase at Dot On Shaft by
mention of Promo Code: REV001 -- not valid with other specials, offer
expires April 31, 2008.

http://www.dotonshaft.com/

Revolver
http://www.revolvertv.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Leaves' Eyes North American Tour This Fall!

Napalm Records recording artists Leaves' Eyes, featuring former
Theatre Of Tragedy vocalist and Roadrunner solo artist Liv Kristine,
will team up with Amorphis, Samael and Virgin Black for a North
American tour this fall.

The complete schedule is as follows:

Sep. 27 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
Sep. 28 - West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Sep. 29 - New York City, NY @ B.B. King's
Sep. 30 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theater
Oct. 01 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theater
Oct. 02 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
Oct. 03 - Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques
Oct. 04 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Oct. 05 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
Oct. 06 - Mokena, IL @ The Pearl Room
Oct. 07 - St Paul, MN @ Station 4
Oct. 09 - Spokane, WA @ Big Easy Concert House
Oct. 10 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Oct. 11 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
Oct. 12 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
Oct. 13 - West Hollywood, Ca @ House Of Blues
Oct. 14 - Phoenix, AZ @ Brickhouse
Oct. 16 - Ft Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theater
Oct. 17 - San Antonio, TX @ Scout Bar
Oct. 18 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

For more information, consult http://www.leaveseyes.com/ and
http://www.napalmrecords.com/ .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Reviolence From Brazil Releases New EP Free For Download

The Brazilian band Reviolence release the new EP VIOLENT PHOENIX. It's
the band's return with a new lineup, after two years off the scene.
The EP has four tracks and is free for download.

Access the page DOWNLOAD/AUDIO and make the download of the tracks and
the cover art in high definition.

Bang your head, metal to the bones!

http://www.reviolencemetal.com/

Also visit Reviolence's MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/reviolence

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

Z Rock 08 The Complete Lowdown

We are now just two months away from Z Rock 08 on May 16 / 17 and the
full running order and set times have been completed.

Tickets are only available online at http://www.zrecords.net/ [online
store] or http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest . If you do not have a
credit card and wish to send a postal order or cheque please e-mail
zrockagency@... or call 07724 606920.

Tickets will go on sale from one over the counter outlet only: ST
Records will commence over the counter sales on March 22nd. All
pre-ordered main day tickets will be sent out via recorded delivery
also on March 22nd with day one tickets following one week later.

Ticket sales to date have been good but really do need to increase
drastically if we are to ever stage another festival. We did have the
option to rerun the show on May 18th if the 17th sold out but this
idea has been scrapped. The Asylum has a state of the art PA and
lights system but is also smaller capacity wise than last year's
venue. We therefore urge people to buy now rather than risk
disappointment. Our full scale promo starts on Monday which will
automatically increase sales so be forewarned. We would like nothing
better than to announce another Z Rock on the day for 2009 so your
support in advance is greatly appreciated and we look forward to
seeing you all.

A special Z Rock 08 review will be broadcast on
http://www.rock247online.co.uk/ on Saturday March 29th at 5 p.m. - 7
p.m. [Chris Nelson "Hair Metal Haven" show].

The lineup / running order for day one on May 16th is....

HOUSE OF LORDS 10:35 - 'til late
BOMBAY BLACK 9:25 - 10:15
7DAYZ 8:30 - 9:05
BULLITT 7:35 - 8:10
ROCKSTAR 6:40 - 7:15

Doors: 6 p.m.
tickets: £25.00

The lineup / running order for day two on May 17th is...

BLACK 'N BLUE 10:25 - 'til late
BONFIRE 8:30 - 10:00
SHY 6:55 - 8:05
VON GROOVE 5:30 - 6:30
EDEN 4:10 - 5: 00
STEVE GRIMMETT BAND 2:55 - 3:45
STORMZONE 1:45 - 2:35
REDLINE 12:40 - 1:20

Doors: 12 noon
tickets: £45.00 advance [if any remaining £50.00 on door]

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Napalm Records News

Atrocity - Chartbreaker & New Video

Atrocity strikes back! Their latest album WERK 80 II is, not unlike
its predecessor, a huge success, breaking its way into the German Top
20. The collection of hits is currently holding on to the 19th spot on
the charts and is also ranked among Austria's Top 100!

Atrocity and Napalm Records would like to thank all their fans for the
tremendous support!

To accompany the release of WERK 80 II, Atrocity has just completed
the music video to "The Sun Always Shines On TV." (
http://www.napalmrecords.at/files/atrocity-sun08.wmv ).

http://www.atrocity.de/

Draconian - Swedish Charts

Draconian has successfully made their way into the Swedish charts.
TURNING SEASON WITHIN is currently ranked 68th!

The band will demonstrate its unique fusion of Doom and Gothic Metal
on their upcoming tour. Fans of sullen yet beautiful art should make
it a point not to miss Draconian live.

http://www.draconian.se/

Alestorm Over Europe

The Scottish buccaneers continue their raid! Raving reviews and
shiploads of new fans elevate Alestorm to the nobility of Metal. The
band will set sail for European festival grounds later this year.
Expect to see Jolly Roger at all major festivals this summer --
including the legendary Wacken Open Air in Germany!

28.03.2008 D - Lichtenfels, Stadthalle / RAGNARÖK FESTIVAL
07.06.2008 CH - Schmerikon a. See / FIESTA PAGANA
27.06.2008 B - Dessel / GRASPOP METAL MEETING
04.07.2008 SI - Tolmin / METAL CAMP
12.07.2008 CZ - Vizovice / MASTERS OF ROCK
18.-19.07.2008 D - Osterode/Harz / ROCK HARZ OPEN AIR
31.07.-01.08.2008 D - Wacken / WACKEN OPEN AIR
15.08.2008 ENG - Derby / BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR
29.08.2008 SCO - Glasgow, Ivory Blacks
30.08.2008 ENG - Telford, The Place Theater / fromHELL FESTIVAL

http://www.alestorm.net/

More Napalm Records News here:

http://www.napalmrecords.com/news.shtml

Release Schedule 2008:

Heidevolk CD - WALHALLA WACHT - USA: Apr 22 - Folk Metal
Power Quest CD - MASTER OF ILLUSION - USA: May 13 - Power Metal
Edenbridge CD - MYEARTHDREAM - USA: May 13 - Symphonic Metal
Tyr CD - LAND - USA: TBA - Viking Metal
Lacrimas Profundere CD - SONGS FOR THE LAST VIEW - USA: TBA - Gothic
Rock
Hollenthon CD - OPUS MAGNUM - USA: TBA - Heavy/Black/Death metal
Serenity CD - TBA - USA: TBA - Progressive Melodic Metal
Leaves' Eyes 2-DVD - TBA - USA: TBA - Gothic Metal
Kampfar CD - TBA - USA: TBA - Pagan Folklore Metal
Asmegin 2-CD - TUSIND TABTE SJAELES KAKOFONI - USA: TBA - Folk Metal

Upcoming Releases:

Heidevolk - WALHALLA WACHT (April 22)
http://www.heidevolk.com/

With WALHALLA WACHT the titans of Heidevolk revive the traditional
history of their native province of Gelderland and their Germanic
ancestry by providing lavish quantities of lore and legend cloaked
with Folk Metal garb. Traditional instruments fuse skillfully with
powerful guitars and thrashing drumming to provide the stage for the
clear male vocals of the two front men. Whether tackling traditional
ballads, crushing neckbreakers, drinking songs, or epic battle hymns,
Heidevolk remains true to their Folk Metal roots, while delivering a
uniquely authentic album sure to appeal to fans of Otyg or early
Vintersorg. Their pagan convictions will undoubtedly contribute in
raising the next Teutonic storm. Heidevolk cometh!

Pre-listening Links:

Saksenland
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk01_Saksenland_Edit.mp3

Koning Radboud
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk02_KoningRadboud_Edit.mp3

Wodan Heerst
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk03_WodanHeerst_Edit.mp3

Hulde Aan De Kastelein
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk04_HuldeAanDeKastelein_Edi
t.mp3

Walhalla Wacht
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk05_WalhallaWacht_Edit.mp3

Opstand Der Bataven
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk06_OpstandDerBataven_Edit.
mp3

Het Wilde Heer
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk07_HetWildeHeer_Edit.mp3

Naar De Hal Der Gevallenen
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidvolk08_NaarDeHalDerGevallenen_E
dit.mp3

Zwaarden Geheven
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevolk09_Zwaarden%
20Geheven_Edit.mp3

Dageraad
http://videos.napalmrecords.at/mp3/Heidevol10_Dageraad_Edit.mp3

Midnattsol - NORDLYS (April 1)
http://www.midnattsol.com/

With NORDLYS the Nordic Folk Metal rising stars deliver their long
anticipated album. The sympathetic sextet revolving around the two
blonde beauties has developed further to emphasize emotion and melody
more than ever before, but without forgetting to add a good dose of
heaviness in their latest songs that alternate between fast attacks
and gentle ballads. Nordic myths and tales told by the gentle and
charming voice of Carmen Elise Espenaes give the album the perfect
finishing touch. Allow the Northern Lights to sweep you away and charm
you to your heart's content.

Edenbridge - MYEARTHDREAM (May 13)
http://www.edenbridge.org/

Edenbridge makes an unforgettable entrance on MYEARTHDREAM delivering
Symphonic Metal a cut above the rest. Grandiose hymns, driving double
bass, and sensual melodies form a homogeneous and complete work. The
musical achievement of Lanvall's crew is crowned by the excellent
vocal work of Sabine Edelsbacher, who undoubtedly outdoes herself on
this release. She understands how to perfectly bring out the nuances
of this profound concept album. MYEARTHDREAM is a magnificent
conglomeration of sweeping and sophisticated epic tracks. Fans of
Nightwish and Within Temptation should not not hesitate obtain a copy
of this early 2008 highlight!

Power Quest - MASTER OF ILLUSION (May 13)
http://www.power-quest.co.uk/

Power Quest (featuring former DragonForce member Steve Williams)
celebrates the resurgence of classic Power Metal. Driving double bass
attacks, sweeping melodies, and virtuous solos are bound to speed up
every man's heartbeat. Catchy hook-lines and top-notch traditional
riffs are naturally a part of the deal, thus assuring Power Quest's
induction into the premier league of melodic Power Metal. Undoubtedly
a must-have for fans of DragonForce and Stratovarius.

Recent Releases:

Alestorm - CAPTAIN MORGAN'S REVENGE
http://www.alestorm.net/

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.

"Dead serious in their approach. After all, if you want to sing about
anything in metal, be it Vikings, hobbits, or even pirates, you sure
as hell better sell it, and to their credit, Alestorm does just that,
pounding out their nautical-themed power metal with verve" – Metal
Edge

Pre-listening Links:

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

Isole - BLISS OF SOLITUDE
http://www.forevermore.se/

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.

"Majestic, gorgeously forlorn...carry the flickering, old-school torch
[of Candlemass and Solitude Aeternus]...there's a richness to Isole's
music that sets them apart from their more monochromatic
peers...bleeds the aching beauty the traditional doom sound needs" –
Metal Edge

Pre-listening Links:

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

Draconian - TURNING SEASON WITHIN
http://www.draconian.se/

The latest work from the Swedish masters of doom is both tragic and
beautiful, and filled with songs of longing and drama. Only Draconian
is able to so skillfully follow romantic passages and wonderful female
vocal arrangements with the tuned-down walls of darkish riffs and
violent vocal passages or even compose dreamy melodies fit for an
eternity, only to forcefully tear them down. A beguiling yet heavy
fusion of Doom and Gothic Metal.

"Has the potential to not only preach to the converted, having
digested early Anathema and Katatonia, but also to offer the right
hooks and arrangements to reel in the uninitiated...makes the
doom-and-gloom painfully tangible yet luminous...the kind of record
which proves that the too-often cryptic genre known as death/doom can
have mass public appeal without losing its integrity" – Terrorizer
[8/10 rating]

Atrocity - WERK 80 II
http://www.atrocity.de/

"The mega hits of the '80s -- heavier than ever before!" is the motto
of the latest Atrocity hit collection, WERK 80 II. Not unlike the
highly acclaimed forerunner, the German extreme Metal pioneers have
chosen only the best of the golden '80s and given each song a Heavy
Metal twist. WERK 80 II is an album that will undoubtedly fill the
dance floors.

"Making a return trip to the '80s an adventure rather than an
embarrassment" – Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles

Napalm Records
http://www.napalmrecords.com/

Tour Dates
http://www.napalmrecords.com/indexl.html

Napalm YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=napalmrecords

Napalm MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Sweden Rock Festival: Four-Day Tickets Sold Out!

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

Four-day tickets to Sweden Rock Festival 2008 are now sold out. We
still have about 400 one-day tickets to Wednesday June 4 left in case
you really want to go all four days and of course, we still have the
regular three-day ticket up for sale!

4-day ticket: limited - 1990:- SOLD OUT
3-day ticket: regular - 1790:-
3-day ticket: limited w/ exclusive CD - 1890:-
1-day 4 june: 390:-
1-day 5 june: 990:-
1-day 6 june: 990:-
1-day 7 june: 990:-

All prices are in Swedish Krona!

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

All information: http://www.swedenrock.com/

CONFIRMED BANDS SO FAR:

JUDAS PRIEST (UK)
DEF LEPPARD (UK)
POISON (US)
TRIUMPH (CAN)
WHITESNAKE (UK/US)
DISTURBED (US)
TOBIAS SAMMET'S AVANTASIA (D)
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (UK)
former members of ELO and ELO Part II
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT (US)
SAXON (UK)
RATT (US)
ACE FREHLEY (US)
TESTAMENT (US)
JOE SATRIANI (US)
TESLA (US)
APOCALYPTICA (FIN)
AT THE GATES (S)
SEBASTIAN BACH (US)
SATYRICON (N)
HANOI ROCKS (FIN)
DERRINGER BAND (US)
MINISTRY (US)
BLACK STONE CHERRY (US)
HAVANA BLACK (FIN)
PRIMORDIAL (IRL)
SIR LORD BALTIMORE (US)
THE BLUES BAND (UK)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA (US)
CARCASS (UK)
AIRBOURNE (AUS)
HENSLEY/LAWTON & LIVE FIRE (UK)
PICTURE (NL)
DARE (UK)
MUCC (JAP)
ULI JON ROTH (D)
SHAKIN' STREET (FR)
ELÄKELÄISET (FIN)
GOTTHARD (CH)
MUSTASCH (S)
SABATON (S)
PRIMAL FEAR (D)
LIZZY BORDEN (US)
BONAFIDE (S)
SONIC SYNDICATE (S)
GLYDER (IRL)
FASTWAY (UK)
AXEWITCH (S)
FIVE FIFTEEN (FIN)
ASTRAL DOORS (S)
AVATAR (S)
VOLBEAT (DK)
ROYAL HUNT (DK)
VIVIAN (CH)
H.E.A.T. (S)
NEGATIVE (FIN)

All-inclusive
SWEDEN AT ITS BEST - WELCOME TO VISIT SOUTH SWEDEN AND SWEDEN ROCK
FESTIVAL 2008 THE 4-5-6-7 JUNE

We offer you the complete All-inclusive Sweden Rock packages,
accommodation and festival transfer.

Check up our services. http://www.visitsouthsweden.com/

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294 76 Sölvesborg
Sweden
Tel: 0456-317 95
Fax: 0456-317 94
E-mail: info@...
http://www.swedenrock.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Lair Of The Minotaur Coming To Your Town To Burn It To The Ground

Lair Of The Minotaur announce even more tour dates for the coming
months, including some newly added and changed dates to the previously
announced tour with Today Is The Day, Mouth Of The Architect and
Complete Failure, as well as add a burst of dates touring with Kylesa,
Intronaut, Withered, The Ocean and more.

"Rewarding in its abuse, Lair Of The Minotaur's bastardized
thrash/sludge simply rules. Praise the (Southern) Lord!" 9/10 -
Tartarean Desire

"Storming out of the gates with a dirty combination of thrash laden
doom similar to that of High On Fire, and old school death metal
reminiscent of Bolt Thrower, but with considerably less polish, WAR
METAL BATTLE MASTER is a ferocious album from start to finish." -
Live4Metal

Lair Of The Minotaur's road schedule:

03/25/2008 Reckless Records - Chicago, IL (Wicker Park) All ages/Free

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ Today Is The Day, Mouth Of The Architect,
Complete Failure
03/28/2008 The Ritz - Warren, MI
03/29/2008 Ravari Room - Columbus, OH
03/30/2008 Peabody's Pirate's Cove - Cleveland, OH
03/31/2008 Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN
04/01/2008 The Note - Chicago, IL (record release show)
04/02/2008 The Blue Note - Muskegon, MI
04/03/2008 Cactus Club - Milwaukee, WI
04/04/2008 The Picador - Iowa City, IA
04/05/2008 Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN
04/06/2008 Vaudeville Mews - Des Moines, IA

05/22/2008 Mac's Bar - Lansing, MI
05/23/2008 Michalina's Bistro - Buffalo, NY

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean, Kylesa, Withered
05/24/2008 Church Of Boston - Boston, MA
05/25/2008 Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT
05/26/2008 Knitting Factory - New York, NY
05/27/2008 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
05/28/2008 Reggie's Rock Club - Chicago, IL
05/29/2008 Mad Hatter - Covington, KY
05/30/2008 Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
05/31/2008 The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean, Kylesa
06/01/2008 Back Booth - Orlando, FL
06/02/2008 Brass Mug - Tampa, FL
06/03/2008 The Beta Bar - Tallahassee, FL

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean
06/04/2008 The High Ground - Metarie, LA

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean, The Destro
06/05/2008 *TBA - Houston, TX
06/06/2008 Red 7 - Austin, TX
06/07/2008 Rubber Gloves - Denton, TX
06/08/2008 Rock Bottom - San Antonio, TX

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean
06/10/2008 Chic's - El Paso, TX
06/11/2008 Gator's - Farmington, NM

Lair Of The Minotaur w/ The Ocean, Intronaut
06/12/2008 Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ
06/13/2008 Audie's Olympic - Fresno, CA
06/14/2008 Annie's Social Club - San Francisco, CA
06/15/2008 Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA
06/16/2008 Downtown Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA
06/17/2008 Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Hermano To Play Only U.S. Show In Lexington, KY

TRENTON, N.J. -- Hermano has scheduled its sole U.S. show for
Saturday, March 29 at A1A in Lexington, KY.

With its members scattered across the country, one-off shows are
virtually impossible for Hermano, and the band tours infrequently,
making this show a truly special opportunity for fans to experience
Hermano live.

Also appearing will be The Oxford Farm Report, Fabric, and Earle Grey
featuring Steve Earle. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance
through http://www.ticketfusion.com/ and $10 at the door.

...INTO THE EXAM ROOM, the third release from American heavy blues
rockers Hermano, was released January 22 in North America via Regain
Records. The group, which features musical heavyweights John Garcia
(Kyuss/Unida), David Angstrom (Black Cat Bone/Supafuzz), Steve "Dandy"
Brown (Dock Ellis/Orquesta del Desierto), Chris Leathers (Supafuzz),
and Mike Callahan (Disengage/Earshot), went for a classic old-school
escape-ism approach with ...INTO THE EXAM ROOM. No messages, no hidden
meanings -- just pure heavy rock lined with beautiful harmonies and
Garcia's distinct yowl.

Formed in 1998 as a side project, Hermano has flourished for nearly a
decade. The group's writing sessions happen in its members' respective
cities, with ideas tossed into the song library by every member until
the quintet sifts through and chooses the best.

Regain Records opened its North American office New York in late 2006.
The label plans to expand and develop its diverse roster. Based in
Sweden, the label's European operation has a deep catalog that had
previously been licensed out in North America.

http://www.hermanorocks.com/
http://www.myspace.com/hermanorocks
http://www.regainrecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/regainrecords
http://www.myspace.com/a1aconcerthall

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Absu Parts Ways With Guitarist (Again), Announces Replacement &
Prepares To Record New Album

Texas-based mythological occult metal outfit Absu has announced the
addition of guitarist/keyboardist Zawicizuz (ex-Rape, Pillage &
Burn/Infernal Oak) to the group's ranks. He replaces Vastator who
recently quit the band due to musical and personal differences.
Drummer/vocalist Proscriptor says of the replacement, "We are very
proud to welcome Zawicizuz as the newest musician of Absu! He is one
of the best-kept secrets in the extreme Texas music environment and we
are delighted to convey our next chapter of mythological occult metal
with him."

Absu will enter Nomad Recording Studio in April 2008 to begin
recording the self-titled CD for a tentative autumn release on
Candlelight Records. The album will be engineered/produced by none
other than Sterling Winfield (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Solitude
Aeternus, Usurper, Blood Of The Sun, etc.) and mastered by Proscriptor
at his studio Tarot Productions.

ABSU projected track listing: (in no particular order)

1. 13 Globes
2. In The Name Of Auebothiabathabaithobeuee
3. Between The Absu Of Eridu & Erech
4. Night Fire Canonization
5. Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter
6. Nunbarshegunu
7. Girra's Temple
8. Magick Square Cipher
9. Ye Uttuku Spells
10. Amy
11. ...Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of
Familiar Spirits...Including:
a.) Diversified Signs Inscribed
b.) Voor
c.) Sceptre Command
d.) Twix Yesterday, The Day & The Morrow
e.) Our Earth Of Black

Proscriptor adds: "Lyrically, I am concentrating more on
Sumerian-based occult themes of magick and mythology versus the Celtic
aspect of my previous writings, which was heavily expressed on the
last few Absu studio albums. Musically speaking, the material will be
quite similar to TARA, but with more of a '70s progressive/psychedelic
texture within it. You will not be disappointed -- trust me. I will be
utilizing the first logo created by Equitant and Belgian artist Kris
Verwimp will handle the cover illustration once again. In other news,
I am also pleased to announce the following guest musicians that will
appear on the album: Ashmedi (Melechesh), Jex Thoth (Jex
Thoth/ex-Totem), Mindwalker (The Firstborn), Nornagest (Enthroned),
Sataniac (Desaster), Vorskaath (Zemial)."

http://www.absu.us/
http://www.myspace.com/absu
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Darsombra: Album And Tour Updates

Darsombra's ETERNAL JEWEL CD on Public Guilt is now available at
http://www.darsombra.com/ . This disc will not be in stores until
April 29th.

ETERNAL JEWEL, the second full-length album from Baltimore's Brian
Daniloski, is a mix of improvised and structured recordings primarily
composed on the baritone guitar. The tracks are best described as
equal parts doom, psychedelic experimentation and 20th Century
composition. From powerful and doom drenched sections to minimal and
shimmering to aggressive rhythms that sound like a pounding string
section, ETERNAL JEWEL is some of the strongest material yet from
Darsombra.

The packaging for this release features letter-pressed metallic silver
ink on thick black gatefold sleeve with a six panel, art only booklet
with two mixed media pieces by artist/package designer Stephen Kasner.
Check out the full layout on Darsombra's MySpace.

Darsombra will also be touring in April to promote the album; all TBA
dates listed are still open. If you'd like to book a show e-mail:
booking@....

03/25/2008 Talking Head Club - Baltimore, MD w/ Wildildlife,
Pygmylush, VBS, Ghastly City Sleep

04/02/2008 Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH w/ Fistula, Dissolute,
Zylkus II
04/03/2008 *TBA
04/04/2008 Annabell's - Akron, OH w/ Fistula, Black Mayonnaise,
Deathcrawl, CxDx
04/05/2008 Mac's - Lansing, MI w/ Rabid Rabbit, Mary Shaw, Hordes
04/06/2008 Subterranean - Chicago, IL w/ Raise The Red Lantern
04/07/2008 High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI w/ Mouth Of The Architect,
Dagger Mouth
04/08/2008 Points East Pub - Milwaukee, WI w/ Test-Site, This Specific
Dream
04/09/2008 Bernie's Bar - Ft. Madison, IA w/ Shores Of The Tundra
04/10/2008 Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN w/ A Caesar Holiday, Llange
04/11/2008 *TBA
04/12/2008 *TBA - Dayton, OH w/ Mouth Of The Architect
04/13/2008 Bernie's - Columbus, OH

04/25/2008 *TBA
04/26/2008 Danger Danger Gallery - Philadelphia, PA w/ Planet Y
04/27/2008 O'Brien's - Allston, MA w/ The Modern Voice, Proselyte
04/28/2008 Lit Lounge - New York, NY w/ Bezoar, Ogima
04/29/2008 AS220 - Providence, RI w/ Kintaan, The Black Hollies
04/30/2008 Cousin Larry's - Danbury, CT w/ De Omega

Darsombra's "Deliriums & Death" limited 3" CDEP has sold but is now
available for download at:
http://www.fina-music.com/

"Darsombra strikes pure gold with this record... I dig this record
more than the first because it peels away the darker coating for a
sound that manages to balance the pain of old with a new found
tenderness." - Hellride Music

"2006's ECDYSIS only hinted at what was to come from this creative
soul, as the new ETERNAL JEWEL wraps the listener around sheer volume,
both layered and frayed." - Digital Metal

http://www.darsombra.com/
http://www.myspace.com/darsombra
http://www.publicguilt.com/
http://www.myspace.com/publicguilt

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-New Label Launched By Producer Brian Virtue (Deftones, Jane's
Addiction), Releasing Next Look What I Did Album

Renowned producer practices an innovative and honest method of working
with musicians

New partnership model benefits Artists creativity and their bank
accounts

Producer Brian Virtue (Jane's Addiction, Deftones, 30 Seconds To Mars)
and industry veteran Jean Lazarus have launched a new
label/partnership company, Modernist Movement. Modernist Movement has
thrown out all of the rules from yesterday's music industry. Every
artist will have their own partnership with the company and that
partnership will have its own unique expectations of each other.
Filling the void where the DIY band can get overwhelmed with how to
make the next step and where signed artists get stuck with the
conflicting agendas of the people they do business with. Modernist
Movement shares in the artists concerns for their career in the
greater long-term picture.

"Artist development is no longer available in this industry. Today's
companies can only be concerned with music as a product and only in
the current product at hand. Artists need to be able to experiment and
find themselves. We want to give our artists this luxury. We don't
want them to feel like every recording could end they're career. I
want to give the artistic control back to artists. They are the ones
with the vision; I just want to help them find it."
-Brian Virtue, Co-founder Modernist Movement

"With most corporate-distributed independent labels not being able to
ship a significant number of discs to the few remaining stores, the
old business model is just broken. This has driven these small vanity
indies to take on the same old shortsighted flaws of the majors. A
partnership like this both encourages musical creativity and is a
stronger more financially viable model for all parties."
-Barry Donegan, singer Look What I Did

The first two releases from Modernist Movement will be Nashville based
bands Look What I Did and Born Empty. Both releases are produced by
Modernist Movement's own Brian Virtue. These releases will be
available through all major digital outlets, the Modernist Movement
online store, at artist's shows and at various specialty record stores
around the country.

"With retailers drastically cutting their recorded music floor space,
why go with a third party distributor only to be giving away a large
portion of the profits? This money will end up with our artists. They
will actually see real revenue from their music. I'm excited to have
artists be able to make music a viable way to earn a living without
compromising their visions. There are a lot of fans that still will
give money to artists out there; they just want to know that the
artist will see it. The public has learned how the industry accounting
works and they don't want to pay $13.98 only to have $1.00 go towards
the artist's debt. They would rather buy a shirt and know the money is
going directly to the band"
-Brian Virtue, Co-founder Modernist Movement

"We want to work with true talent that is willing to put forth as much
effort and energy as we are. There are no hidden agendas here, just
the desire to get amazing music out to the masses and set up a new
format for doing so that doesn't leave the artist broke(n) at the end
of the day."
-Jean Lazarus, Co-founder Modernist Movement

Modernist Movement is currently excepting artist submissions. And is
excited to build its current roster.

Artist submissions can be sent to:

Modernist Movement
PO Box 475
Hermitage, TN 37076

http://www.myspace.com/lookwhatidid
http://www.myspace.com/bornempty

http://www.modernistmovement.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-R.I.P. former Bonham singer Daniel McMaster. McMaster sang on
Bonham's two albums THE DISREGARD OF TIMEKEEPING and MAD HATTER. For
more info check out http://www.myspace.com/monkeymacmaster .

-The Feds tour dates:

4/5 - Hailey's, Denton, TX
4/12 - Curtain Club, Dallas, TX
4/18 - The Warehouse, Shreveport, LA
4/19 - Blue Monkey, Monroe, LA
5/3 - Exit 6C, Tulsa, OK

-Iron Maiden's set list from last week's gig in New Jersey: "Intro -
Churchill's Speech," "Aces High," "2 Minutes To Midnight,"
"Revelations," "The Trooper," "Wasted Years," "The Number Of The
Beast," "Run To The Hills," "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner,"
"Powerslave," "Heaven Can Wait," "Can I Play With Madness?," "Fear Of
The Dark," "Iron Maiden." Encore: "Moonchild," "The Clairvoyant,"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name."

-Kiss' set list from last Sunday's Grand Prix concert: "Deuce," "Shout
It Out Loud," "C'mon And Love Me," "Lick It Up," "I Love It Loud,"
"Calling Dr. Love," "Shock Me" (Tommy Thayer on vocals), "Let Me Go,
Rock 'N' Roll," "Firehouse," "100,000 Years," "God Of Thunder," "Black
Diamond" (Eric Singer on vocals), "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City,"
"Shandi," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," "Rock And Roll All Nite."

-Liquid Tension Experiment -- featuring Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess
and John Petrucci of Dream Theater, as well as Tony Levin of King
Crimson -- will head out on the road for a short 10th Anniversary
Reunion Tour:

6/21 - NEARfest, Bethlehem, PA
6/23 - B.B. King's, New York City, NY
6/25 - Vic Theater, Chicago, IL
6/27 - Downey Theater, Downey, CA
6/28 - Bay Area Rock Fest, San Francisco, CA

For more info check out http://www.dreamtheater.net/news_portnoy .

-Molly Hatchet has a new site at http://www.mollyhatchet.com/ .

-Rumor has it Motley Crue will launch a tour called Cruefest this
year, featuring themselves headlining over Buckcherry, Papa Roach, and
Drowning Pool. For more, see
http://idolator.com/369541/motley-crues-colossal-announcement-may-be-
just-as-much-of-a-letdown-as-we-thought
.

-UFO North American tour dates, which will feature Rob DeLuca
(Sebastian Bach, Spread Eagle) on bass because Pete Way was denied a
working visa:

4/9 - Club Mate, Baltimore, MD
4/10 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY
4/11 - Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
4/12 - B.B. King's, New York, NY
4/13 - Tangiers, Akron, OH
4/15 - Rex Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
4/16 - Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville, TN
4/17 - Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI
4/18 - Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN
4/19 - House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
4/21 - Pops, Sauget, IL
4/22 - The Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK
4/23 - House Of Blues, Dallas, TX
4/24 - HemisFair Park, San Antonio, TX
4/26 - Boulder Station Casino, Las Vegas, NV
4/27 - Majestic Ventura Theater, Ventura, CA
4/28 - The Clubhouse, Phoenix, AZ
4/30 - Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA
5/1 - Coach House, Santa Ana, CA
5/2 - Key Club, Los Angeles, CA
5/3 - The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
5/4 - The Independent, San Francisco, CA
5/7 - El Corazon, Seattle, WA
5/8 - Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
5/9 - The Grail, Coeur D'Alene, ID

See http://www.ufo-music.info/ for more.

-Rescheduled Van Halen shows:

5/13 - Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ
5/20 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
5/23 - Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

In other Van Halen news, HeadbangerNYC.com reported on an article in
Distinctly Oklahoma magazine that focuses "on the touring history of
the legendary band as it pertains to Oklahoma during the David Lee
Roth era," and includes "several previously unpublished vintage 1970s
- '80s pictures, set lists, and concert dates." Check it out at
http://distinctlyoklahoma.com/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=62
.

Thanks to Matthew Rudzinski and Jeff "Tailgunner" Adee for help
gathering some of this information.

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

-For the last two weeks, the contestants on "American Idol" have been
singing Beatles songs. The other night David Cook sang "Day Tripper"
but mentioned beforehand that he'd be referencing Whitesnake's version
of the song (from 1978's TROUBLE). He then proceeded to sing it while
playing guitar, and even threw in a talk box solo. Not exactly your
typical "Idol" fare! My friend Bill clued me in to the video of the
Whitesnake version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub8rPHBXd20 .

-Neal pointed this one out to me: UFO just released the double live
SHOWTIME DVD in HD-DVD format (it's out now in Europe and is due April
8 in the U.S.) just in time for the world to declare the HD-DVD format
dead. Oops. See http://www.ufo-music.info/news.htm for more.

-Now in my current playlist: Rebellion - MIKLAGARD - THE HISTORY OF
THE VIKINGS VOLUME II (Locomotive Records), Saga - 10,000 DAYS (Inside
Out Music), Rude Awakening - A TRIBUTE TO THIN LIZZY (Nidus Music
Productions), Resistance - PATENTS OF CONTROL (Lion Music).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
GYPSY CARNS - THE WATCHMAN (B) TTM Records, 2007
12 tracks, RT: 36:42
[ http://www.gypsycarns.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/gypsycarns ]
I'd never heard of Gypsy Carns until this CD arrived in my mailbox,
but it appears that this guitar-slingin', blues-rock wailin' Nashville
native has led quite an interesting life, according to the bio on his
Web site. Though his musical career dates back to the early 1960s (!),
Gypsy became a Christian in the early '90s and since then he has been
traveling the world, playing what he calls "Apocalyptic Messianic
Rock," i.e. bluesy hard-edged music with a deeply religious message
about the "end times" we are currently living in. THE WATCHMAN is his
eighth religious album and though I may not terribly well versed in
this particular musical style, I gotta say that I was very impressed
by the soulful grooves that emanated from my stereo during my very
first spin of THE WATCHMAN. Gypsy's emotional guitar playing and
rough-and-ready vocal style will immediately make you feel like you're
ankle-deep in a swamp somewhere way down South. THE WATCHMAN is hard
core, pedal-to-the-metal biker rock, best described thusly: imagine if
members of the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, and heck, maybe even a couple
of George Thorogood's Destroyers got some of that old-time religion
and then got together to kick out some sanctified jams. Tracks like
"End Of The Age," "Pray For Love," and my personal favorite
"Searchin'" are catchy, to-the-point, and don't overstay their welcome
with endless soloing/jamming. The extremely bold, in-your-face
religious content in each and every lyric may become tiresome quickly
for non-Christian listeners and therefore might prevent Gypsy from
making any kind of crossover into the "secular" blues/rock market, but
I'd imagine that crossing over is not a major priority for him anyway.
All I can say is "jam on brother, jam on!"
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

DOG FACED GODS - SPIT IN MY EYE (C) Voodoo Nation Records, 2008
12 tracks (13th hidden), RT: 55:20, multimedia section
[ http://www.dogfacedgods.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/dogfacedgods ]
[ http://www.voodoonationrecordsinc.com/ ]
Talk about false advertising! This band shares its name with a song
title from Testament's classic LOW album (1994), and the CD cover
bears a bit of a resemblance to Prong's CLEANSING artwork, so I
thought I'd be hearing a thrash CD. What I got was a pretty dull,
modern groove-rock/aggro CD with occasional metallic moments. Take a
bit of Pantera, add a LOT of Godsmack, and throw in a pinch of Black
Label Society, bingo -- Dog Faced Gods. This sort of thing is not my
deal at all, but if you're into the stuff that passes for "metal" on
commercial radio these days, you should be all over this one. The band
is tight, the album is well played, and the band's hulking,
shaven-headed, heavily pierced and tattooed vocalist "Short Dawg" has
a pleasant enough croon to his voice, but unfortunately SPIT IN MY EYE
was another case of "in one ear, out the other" for me, even after
about a dozen spins. In the end, the only song that even raised a grin
on my face was the silly-on-purpose "Bad Mother F**ker." For those who
are still interested, the CD also contains a multimedia section for
your computer that offers Web links, a photo gallery, screen savers,
wallpapers, a bio, and the video for the album's opening track
"Meltdown," which is a nice touch that you don't see very often
anymore. Sorry fellas, I guess it's pretty obvious that this disc
didn't do a thing for me, but I personally wouldn't be surprised to
see 'em on OzzFest's Second Stage or on the cover of Metal Edge
Magazine sometime in the near future, since that's obviously the
market they're shooting for. They'll just have to do it without me.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

HERMANO - ...INTO THE EXAM ROOM (C) Suburban/Regain Records, 2008
12 tracks, RT: 43:46
[ http://www.hermanorocks.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/hermanorocks ]
[ http://www.suburban.nl/ ]
[ http://www.regainrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/regainrecords ]
Somehow or other I managed to miss out on the entire Kyuss
mini-phenomenon during the early-to-mid '90s. I remember reading about
that now-legendary stoner-metal outfit in nearly every rock magazine
during that period and wondering who they were and why they were
getting so much love, but still heard very little, if any, of their
musical output, so if you put a gun to my head right now and asked me
to name five Kyuss songs, I'd have to tell you, "pull the trigger."
The reason I bring this up is because former Kyuss guy John Garcia is
now a member of Hermano, which naturally is one of the major selling
points in the label's bio and promotional material for ...INTO THE
EXAM ROOM. Since I'm clueless about Kyuss, the connection meant next
to nothing to me, of course, so therefore I was able to listen to
...INTO THE EXAM ROOM with no preconceptions or expectations
whatsoever. I've only recently begun dipping my toes into the "stoner
rock" realm via recent outputs by bands like C.O.C. and Monster
Magnet, but Hermano doesn't sound much like either one of them;
instead, ...INTO THE EXAM ROOM seems far more laid back and "trippy"
sounding. This is one of those bands that doesn't exactly "jam," so to
speak, but "flows," if you know what I mean. I get the feeling that
the Hermano dudes spend a lot of time doing mushrooms and listening to
Hendrix, maaaaaan....! John Garcia's vocals remind me of Cinderella's
Tom Keifer at times (I swear to God!), and the musicians are amazingly
tight considering how sprawling and all-over-the-place this album
sounds at times. Unfortunately, other than when an occasional riff
would catch my attention (as in "Left Side Bleeding" and "Hard Working
Wall"), most of this album went in one ear and out the other for me.
I'll admit that it sounds great while it's playing but I'm damned if I
can remember a bit of it once it's over. Are these guys a little TOO
laid back and spacey sounding for their own good, or is my A.D.D.
getting worse as I get older? Either way, I'd recommend this to folks
who've followed Garcia since his Kyuss days and maybe to folks who do
a lot of the aforementioned mushrooms, but that's about it. I guess
that means I failed this EXAM.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

SLIK HELVETIKA - KRYPT KICKER 5 (C) Screaming Ferret Wreckords/Metro
City Records, 2007
9 tracks, RT: 20:42
[ http://www.slikhelvetika.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/slikhelvetika ]
[ http://www.purevolume.com/slikhelvetika ]
[ http://www.screamingferret.com/ ]
[ info@... ]
I reviewed the self-titled debut from this Pennsylvania-based band for
Detritus back in '05, and if memory serves, I compared the disc to a
mix of early W.A.S.P., Accept, and a pinch of CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
era Kiss, and found them to be a fun (if somewhat dunderheaded)
retro-metal listening experience, but not a must-hear. A few years
have passed since then and now "The Slik's" follow-up EP, KRYPT KICKER
5, has arrived in my mailbox. After a couple of spins it sounds like
my now three-year-old description of the band still holds water; in
fact, KRYPT KICKER 5 sounds like it could have been recorded at the
same time as the debut. However, I didn't find this one to be nearly
as much fun as the previous disc. KRYPT KICKER 5 technically has nine
tracks on it, but only five of these are actual songs, with a couple
of supposedly humorous skits (!) in between songs taking up the rest
of the run time. Unfortunately, these bits (which the band bills as
"Various Skits of Phrenia" on the back of the CD -- har de har har!
That's about as sophisticated as this band GETS, kids!) are incredibly
silly and should've been left off the album so the music could do more
of the talking. Song-wise, KRYPT KICKER 5 is solid enough stuff, let
down a bit by the fuzzy production job and lyrics that are heavy on
the cheese factor. The strongest track is the opening song, "Bastard,"
which is a classic screaming metal anthem with a bit of a Judas Priest
feel and plenty of shredding guitar. "You & Me" isn't half bad either,
but "Crack The Sky" gets annoying due to the over-use of Mikhail
Myers' high-pitched screams. "Pain" and "Pray For The Future" both
have their decent chugging moments as well, but in the end, KRYPT
KICKER 5 is an underwhelming release from a band that seems content to
merely run in place and rehash their previous material rather than
progress any further with their sound.
- Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

STEVE STEVENS - MEMORY CRASH (A-/B+) Magna Carta, 2008
10 tracks, RT: 53:50
[ http://www.stevestevens.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/stevestevensmemorycrash ]
[ http://www.billyidol.com/ ]
[ http://www.magnacarta.net/ ]
Longtime Billy Idol guitarist/collaborator Steve Stevens flexes his
substantial musical muscle on his third solo album MEMORY CRASH, this
time not quite waiting 10 years as he did following his first outing
ATOMIC PLAYBOYS. On his second solo album FLAMENCO A GO-GO, Steve
explored more eclectic territory than on ATOMIC PLAYBOYS, but he's
back to his hard rock roots on MEMORY CRASH and it's a high-powered
college course in Steve's unique guitar style. Following the rather
customary but lively boogie of "Hellcats Take The Highway," we get the
driving title track, full of in your face riffs, sound effects and
Steve's spirited solos. Steve delivers a killer cover of Robin
Trower's "Day Of The Eagle," complete with no less than Dug Pinnick on
vocals, then stuns us with the excellent "Small Arms Fire," a track
that never loses its cool groove even when Steve unleashes a torrent
of tasty and tricky leads spiced up with creative effects (yes, the
ray gun does make an appearance). Steve again reveals his love of
Trower on "Cherry Vanilla," intro-ing "Prime Mover" with some
beautiful acoustic playing followed by another killer groove over
which he plays a deft mix of Gilmore, Beck, and Satriani-inspired
licks along with his own formidable techniques. Throughout the album
great production is paired with Steve's always interesting playing
making this a collection with something for just about all guitar
enthusiasts, and certainly if you're not familiar with this master I
recommend you grab yourself a copy of MEMORY CRASH and get acquainted!
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

TILES - FLY PAPER (B) Inside Out Music, 2008
8 tracks, RT: 49:36
[ http://www.tiles-music.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/tilesmusic ]
[ http://www.insideout.de/ ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/insideoutamerica ]
Rush devotees Tiles are back with their fifth album and it's another
one that will probably be happily devoured by fans but likely leave
the band again struggling to find that larger audience. There is a
dark vibe on songs like the lyrically somber opener "Hide In My
Shadow," urgent "Sacred & Mundane," tenebrous rocker "Markers" and the
lengthy finale of "Hide & Seek." I feel kinda bad making the Rush
comparisons yet again, but the band do invite it, with veteran Rush
alum Terry Brown handling the production, Hugh Syme furnishing the
artwork plus some keyboards and orchestration, and a guest appearance
by Alex Lifeson himself -- this in addition to segments that sound as
if they were constructed after intense listening to "Natural Science."
Ignoring the Rush influences, there is a bit of Dream Theater (minus
the clever instrumental overdosing) thrown in along with a curious
alternative streak, especially evident in the vocal melodies. I don't
know, this is really not my type of prog metal but it is well-played
and sincere, the album benefiting from repeated listens and simply
being in the right frame of mind for it. Recommended for fans of
modern Rush.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

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