Detritus
Issue #452
Week of March 31, 2008
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
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Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

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

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

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

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
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-I was too lazy to think up any cool April Fool's Day jokes. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-AARP Presents "Feels Like The First Time Tour" With Foreigner

[Note: This is "old" but we just heard about it. Gotta get a new
hearing aid battery, I guess. - Tim]

On March 14 AARP will launch the 14-city "Feels Like The First Time
Tour" with the classic rock band Foreigner. Foreigner -- led by its
founder, chief songwriter and legendary guitarist Mick Jones -- will
draw from its repertoire of Top 10 hits, including "Cold As Ice,"
"Double Vision," "Hot Blooded," "Urgent" and "Waiting For A Girl Like
You." Foreigner is one of several hot classic rock groups on the
concert circuit, playing to multi-generational crowds in concert
halls, arenas and college venues across the country and around the
world. For each venue, selected AARP members will have access to
priority seating to meet the band and receive photos and autographs
while mingling at Foreigner's exclusive VIP reception.

City / Date / Venue / Showtime

Nashville, TN - Fri 3/14 - Wildhorse Saloon - 8:00 pm
Albuquerque, NM - Sun 4/20 - Kiva Auditorium - 8:15 pm
Red Bank, NJ - Thurs 5/15 - Count Basie Theater - 8:00 pm
Westbury, NY - Fri 5/16 - North Fork Theater - 8:00 pm
Santa Rosa, CA - Sat 5/23 - Wells Fargo Center For The Performing Arts
- 9:00 pm
Stateline, NV - Sat 5/24 - Harrah's South Shore Room - 7:30
Stateline, NV - Sun 5/25 - Harrah's South Shore Room - 7:30
Torrington, CT - Fri 5/30 - Warner Theater - 8:00 pm
Greensboro, NC - Tues 7/29 - Greensboro Memorial Auditorium - TBD
Glen Allen, VA - Wed 7/30 - Innsbrook Pavillion - 8:00 pm
Myrtle Beach, SC - Thurs 7/31 - House of Blues - 8:00 pm
Chicago, IL - Sun 8/24 - Paramount Arts Center - TBD
Saratoga, CA - Thurs 9/18 - Mountain Winery - 8:30 pm
Salt Lake City, UT - Tues 9/23 - The Depot - TBD
Spokane, WA - Fri 9/26 - Spokane, WA - 8:00 pm
Lincoln City, OR - Fri 10/17 - Chinook Winds Casino - 8:00 pm
Lincoln City, OR - Sat 10/18 - Chinook Winds Casino - 8:00 pm

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Lordi Update

The End Records has set a release date of May 13th, 2008 for the
reissue of the 2002 debut album GET HEAVY from Finnish monster rock n'
roll band Lordi. The reissue comes with the exclusive bonus track,
"Don't Let My Mother Know."

The full track listing is:

1. Scarctic Circle Gathering
2. Get Heavy
3. Devil Is A Loser
4. Rock The Hell Outta You
5. Would You Love A Monsterman?
6. Icon Of Dominance
7. Not The Nicest Guy
8. Hellbender Turbulence
9. Biomechanic Man
10. Last Kiss Goodbye
11. Dynamite Tonite
12. Monster Monster
13. 13
Bonus track: Don't Let My Mother Know

You can hear the song "Devil Is A Loser' on The End Records' official
MySpace page by clicking here: http://www.myspace.com/theendrecords

The debut album showcases the band's early sound and style, potently
packed with anthemic choruses and memorable riffs.

About the songwriting process, Mr. Lordi explains, "Create the band
that you would like to see on stage. Write the songs you'd love to
sing along to. That's pretty much all that we love to do." Lordi
released THE AROCKALYPSE in March of 2007 and toured all summer as one
of the mainstage acts on OzzFest 2007 alongside Ozzy Osbourne and Lamb
Of God. In other recent news, New Zealand's TV3 conducted an interview
with Lordi mainman Mr. Lordi and filmed some of the band's performance
at last month's Rock2Wgtn festival in Wellington (where the band
performed alongside Kiss and Alice Cooper). Go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni_mbbhmWUM

Lordi
07/02/08 Wed @ Castle Fest - Smederevo, Serbia
07/05/08 Sat @ Waldrock 2008 - Bergum, Netherlands
07/12/08 Sat @ Oluset-festival - Iisalmi, Finland
07/25/08 Fri @ Noc. Festival - Benatska, Czech Republic
08/02/08 Sat @ Wacken Festival W:O:A - Wacken, Germany

http://www.lordi.org/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Firewind - THE PREMONITION Out Now!

The Greek metal phenomenon Firewind, led by the young guitar sensation
Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Arch Enemy), has
returned with THE PREMONITION, which is easily their defining moment.
The much anticipated offering received a March 25th release in North
America.

Firewind will make their much anticipated return to North America in
May on the Tyranny And Bloodshred Tour '08, which could be hailed as
one of the best guitar-shredder packages of the year. This crushing
headlining trek kicks off on May 10th and also features labelmates
Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity and Divine Heresy.

Firewind eCard
http://www.centurymedia.com/eCard/Firewind/thepremonition/

http://www.myspace.com/firewind

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Sweden Rock 2008: More Confirmed Dates

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

Running Order

Confirmed dates for some of the bands:

Wednesday 4 June

Satyricon
Airbourne
Sabaton
Five Fifteen
Bonafide
Korpiklaani
Graveyard
Sweet Savage
Faith
Dampungarna

Thursday 5 June

Judas Priest
Disturbed
Testament
Sebastian Bach
ELO -- former members of ELO and ELO part II
At The Gates
Coheed And Cambria
Black Stone Cherry
Primal Fear
Sonic Syndicate
Derringer
Pain Of Salvation
Picture
Volbeat

Friday 6 June

Def Leppard
Whitesnake
Ace Frehley
Saxon
Joe Satriani
Hanoi Rocks
Ministry
Carcass
MUCC
Fastway
Birth Control
Tesla
The Poodles
Shakin Street

Saturday 7 June

Poison
Triumph
Avantasia
Blue Öyster Cult
Ratt
Apocalyptica
Mustasch
Hensley/ Lawton & Live Fire
The Blues Band
Sir Lord Baltimore
Havana Black
Eläkeläiset
Lizzy Borden
Primordial
Vivian
Archer

We reserve us for changes in the running order.

We will announce other confirmed dates as soon as we have them.

4-DAY TICKETS SOLD OUT!

4-day tickets to Sweden Rock Festival 2008 are now sold out. We still
have about 150 1-day tickets to Wednesday June 4 left in case you
really want to go all 4-days and of course, we still have the regular
3-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/

THE BANDS 2008!

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)
THE POODLES (S)
BLACK STONE CHERRY (US)
PAIN OF SALVATION (S)
HAVANA BLACK (FIN)
PRIMORDIAL (IRL)
SWEET SAVAGE (US)
SIR LORD BALTIMORE (US)
THE BLUES BAND (UK)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA (US)
CARCASS (UK)
AIRBOURNE (AUS)
HENSLEY/LAWTON & LIVE FIRE (UK)
BIRTH CONTROL (D)
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)
KORPIKLAANI (FIN)
SONIC SYNDICATE (S)
GLYDER (IRL)
FASTWAY (UK)
AXEWITCH (S)
FIVE FIFTEEN (FIN)
FAITH (S)
ASTRAL DOORS (S)
ARCHER (US)
AVATAR (S)
VOLBEAT (DK)
GRAVEYARD (S)
ROYAL HUNT (DK)
VIVIAN (CH)
H.E.A.T. (S)
NEGATIVE (FIN)
FATAL SMILE (S)
SVÖLK (N)
SISTER SIN (S)
45 DEGREE WOMAN (FIN)
BOIL (DK)
HAPPY PILL (S)
DAMPUNGARNA (S)

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/

CD AND MERCHANDISE WITH THE BANDS?
http://www.swedenrockshop.com/

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

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Voivod Update

Canada's pioneering metal band Voivod will enter the studio this
spring to record their final album using songs left behind by founding
guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour who died in August 2005 from colon
cancer. An official band statement reads: "There remain 13 songs that
guitarist Denis D'Amour (Piggy) had written with the band before his
death, yet to be recorded. Michel Langevin (Away) and Denis Belanger
(Snake) will track the last songs this spring bringing all the past
and present members together to participate in a homage to the guitar
legend of Piggy and the legacy of 25 years of a brotherhood forged by
exploring metal, rock and punk ethics with an other worldly premise.
Jean-Yves Theriault (Blacky) and Eric Forrest (E Force) have eagerly
agreed to contribute bass tracks along with current bass player Jason
Newsted (Jasonic). The End Records and Nuclear Blast Europe will
release this final record once completed. Voivod may play select shows
after the release as a thank you to the fans and to bring closure to a
great career."

http://www.voivod.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-New England Metal And Hardcore Festival Announces Complete Lineup For
Tenth Anniversary Show

WORCESTER, Mass. -- The complete lineup for the 10th Anniversary of
the New England Metal And Hardcore Festival, set for weekend of April
25-27 at the Palladium in Worcester, Mass., has been confirmed.

The largest and most successful metal festival in the United States
will be presented this year by ESP, Randall, EMG, exclusive magazine
presenter Metal Maniacs Magazine, and "Summer Slaughter Tour" second
stage sponsor Sumerian Records.

"When we first started, we never could have much this festival would
have grown," said festival co-founder Scott Lee. "It started out of
our love for metal and it's been amazing to be able to share that with
fans who love it as much as we do. It's also gratifying to be able to
give exposure to up-and-coming bands and watch them develop into
international stars."

The New England Metal And Hardcore Festival will present Gigantour
featuring Megadeth, In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy and
High On Fire on Friday night. Doors will open Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday will kick off the full two-stage set up at 11:30 a.m. with
For The Fallen Dreams, Veil Of Maya, Trap Them, COCKPUNCH!, Xtryrantx,
Winds Of Plague, From A Second Story Window, Soilent Green, Arsis,
Sleeping Giant, Stick To Your Guns, First Blood, Disfear, Municipal
Waste, The Ghost Inside, Embrace The End, The End, Keep Of Kalessin,
Monstrosity, Skeletonwitch, Through The Eyes Of The Dead, Animosity,
As Blood Runs Black, Heaven Shall Burn, Vital Remains, Kataklysm, Hate
Eternal, The Acacia Strain, Overkill, Behemoth, Shadows Fall, and
Dimmu Borgir.

Sunday's lineup includes Classic Struggle, Stray From The Path, Waking
The Cadaver, Unholy, Cold World, Recon, Elysia, Tony Danza Tap Dance
Extravaganza, On Broken Wings, Dead To Fall, Full Blown Chaos, Ligeia,
Since The Flood, Shai Hulud, Hemlock, After The Burial, Unexpect, Thy
Will Be Done, Born Of Osiris, Impending Doom, Kid Deposit Triumph,
Vanna, Emmure, A Life Once Lost, Despised Icon, God Forbid, Eluveitie,
Tyr, Turisas, Ensiferum, Nevermore, Meshuggah, and Ministry. The show
will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The full schedule of set times will be announced soon.

The festival will also host the popular vendor area, where fans can
pick up an assortment of rare CDs, T-shirts, and other memorabilia.
Artists performing at the show will be on hand for meet and greets
throughout the three days.

The New England Metal And Hardcore Festival is also sponsored by Metal
Edge Magazine, Monster Energy, All In Merchandise, 518 Prints, MTV's
Headbanger's Blog, The Syndicate, Mazur PR, Heavy Hitter, Scott Lee
Clothing, and many more to be announced.

Tickets are $47.50 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, $45 for Sunday, or
$129 for a three-day pass.

Tickets are available at all Strawberries and FYE Stores, online at
http://www.tickets.com/ and http://enterthevault.com/ , or by calling
1-800-477-6849.

The Palladium is located at 261 Main Street in Worcester, Mass.

http://www.metalandhardcorefestival.com/
http://www.myspace.com/metalandhardcorefestival
http://www.mazurpr.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mazurpr

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-The Original Asia On Tour

In addition to the tour, the group is releasing PHOENIX, its first
studio album since 1983. Recorded last August by all four original
members, PHOENIX will be released on CD and digitally by EMI America
Records in North America and by Frontiers Records in the rest of the
world. Since 1982, Asia has sold more than 15 million albums globally,
and the band has announced a world tour to support the release of
PHOENIX, with U.S. dates confirmed for April and May.

PHOENIX marks a return to the classic Asia sound, with some surprising
contemporary twists. "Everything that was there 25 years ago is still
there, and quite simply, if you liked it then, you'll love it now,"
says Asia's singer and bassist John Wetton. "It does exactly what it
says on the tin." "The recording has gone very well, especially since
John is writing, singing and playing great," adds guitarist Steve
Howe. "I believe we've all found the teamwork creatively rewarding and
we look forward to playing some new songs onstage." PHOENIX is a
collection of songs that speak to the millions of core Asia fans who,
like the group, have come a long way since the dawn of the MTV age in
1982.

"We're older now, and our audience has grown up with us," says drummer
Carl Palmer. "I think the lyrical themes on this record are some of
the best John has ever developed. One track in particular,
'Extraordinary Life,' is among the best tracks we've ever recorded,
and I believe could go on to be another Asia classic."

PHOENIX has a very poignant underlying theme placed at the
intersection of love, discovery and reflection, no doubt due, at least
partly, to Wetton's unexpected serious health issues (which included
open heart surgery), and forced the cancellation of Asia's 2007 West
Coast North American tour and a sold-out tour of the United Kingdom.

"It kind of knocked me sideways on another level," said Wetton of his
recent surgery and physical rehabilitation, in an interview with
journalist Jeb Wright. "You tend to become very aware of your
mortality and your vulnerability." Fortunately for his fans, Wetton
has recovered fully and his band mates say he is singing and playing
better than ever. "John is a survivor," adds Asia keyboardist Geoff
Downes. "He has proved that a few times now. There was never any doubt
in our minds that he would recover and be better than ever. We all
look forward to hitting the road once again."

Says Carl Palmer: "The last few years since we reunited have been a
very natural process. The recording started and ended on a big high
with the sense that Asia now was truly reborn and ready to move
forward once again -- onto the global stage where we all feel it
justly belongs."

Asia's four original members reunited in 2006, 23 years after all four
had last played together. The much publicized reunion resulted in two
highly successful world tours in 2006 and 2007; an acclaimed double
live LP and DVD (FANTASIA: LIVE IN TOKYO); and an overwhelming
response from fans and the media, which continues today.

This will be the third world tour for the four accomplished musicians,
whose debut album, ASIA, was released 26 years ago in 1982 and remains
one of only four albums in history to hold the #1 Billboard album
chart position for a staggering nine weeks. Formed at the dawn of the
MTV era, Asia was the first "supergroup" of the 1980s, featuring
members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles.
Videos made for the band's first two albums, ASIA and Alpha, were
staples of the historic music channel's initial programming.

U.S. - 2008

April 4 - Wilkes Barre, PA - Kirby PAC
April 5 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino Wolf Den
April 7 - Harrisburg, PA - Sunoco Performance Theater
April 8 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere
April 10 - Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium
April 12 - Westbury, NY - North Fork Theatre
April 13 - Peekskill, NY - Paramount Center For The Arts
April 15 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort & Casino
April 16 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre
April 17 - Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center
April 19 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
April 20 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
April 21 - Indianapolis, IN - Music Mill
April 23 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater
April 26 - Marksville, LA - Paragon Casino
April 27 - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
April 29 - Espanola NM - Big Rock Casino
April 30 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
May 2 - Agoura Hills, CA - Canyon Club
May 3 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
May 4 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House
May 5 - San Francisco, CA - Grand Ballroom @ The Regency Center

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Sound And Fury Reject All Things Pop For Real, Rampaging, Rock On
SOUND AND FURY Out June 24th 2008!

Bamboozle Festival Appearances Confirmed!

There was a time when rock n' roll was regarded as some kind of
terrible, howling, beast from the abyss, ready to pounce upon and
devour the unsuspecting youth of the world -- hurling them into a wild
life of freedom and outrageous adventure.

Well, the beast is back!

Toronto Canada's Sound And Fury is undeniably all about the rock, as
heard throughout their self-titled debut full-length album, SOUND AND
FURY due June 24th via Rebel Youth Records/MRI-RED Distribution.

"I've had a lot of crazy experiences and rowdy times," recalls Sound
And Fury singer/songwriter, Luke Metcalf.

"I mainly write about when I was in high school and then afterward,
when I was living homeless with the gutter punks in California."

"Right from the start I knew exactly what I wanted when I wrote the
music and lyrics for this album," continues Metcalf.

"I wanted to make a killer rock album to party your ass off to... an
album to let loose, leave all the bulls**t behind and run wild to.
When I hit high school I went totally out of control. It was just a
rampage of crazy partying.

"At the time, I was incredibly pissed off and f**ked up because I was
dealing with a lot of really harsh s**t... but I decided: 'f**k it
all... I'm gonna have some f**king fun'... and I managed to have a
hell of a lot of fun. I made some really great friends and had some
really wild times and this is what the album is all about."

In hooking up with guitarists Daz and Griffin, bassist John Kerns, and
drummer Chris Avalos, Metcalf has found the band to play the music he
lives to create.

Sound And Fury is all about power chords and no-bullsh*t rock 'n roll,
total sonic assault. "We are all huge fans of 1970's rock and punk.
AC/DC were at their peak between '76-'80, same with The Ramones, The
Sex Pistols and The Misfits, and of course Zeppelin and Sabbath were
at their best earlier in the decade. This music was ferocious!
Dangerous! Like a wild wolf let out of its cage. That's what we're all
about, creating no-bullsh*t Rock N' Roll to get down and dirty and
party your ass off to!!!"

In addition to perfectly capturing their raw power on album, the group
has been gaining fans by the truckload by opening up for Canada's
leading pop-punk band, Sum 41, throughout the great white north (as
well as the U.K.).

Don't believe us?

Check out what Sound And Fury fanatic Sarky Bastid from Fazer Magazine
had to say about the group's March 19th performance at the Oshawa
General Motors Centre.

"These guys blew away what little pubes the all ages crowd had growing
on them. Straight from the get-go, they plugged in and turned the
volume up to 11. This band had elements of AC/DC, G n' R, Sabbath, and
the Pistols (if you don't know those bands... then quit music). The
vocals were incredible. The singer wore a cool bowler hat and gave the
crowd more than they needed to rock out. It was like watching Alex
from 'Clockwork Orange' in the band. And the lead guitarist... BAM!
That dude was on f@#k'n fire! With songs like '18,' 'Night Of The
Ghouls,' and the catchy sing-along 'Bad Touch'...this band is only
going upwards from here."

With dates upcoming on the Bamboozle Festival, Sound And Fury's live
roar is bound to only grow louder.

Metcalf also promises that Sound And Fury will never attempt to "save
the world" with their music. But rather, will continue to party and
rock as hard as humanly possible.

"We don't take ourselves that seriously. This is about going out and
getting crazy, for kids who want to go out and have a good time. I
wanna party with the kids who live for rock 'n roll -- no bullsh*t,
down 'n dirty, ferocious rock 'n roll. People who really sincerely
live for that music and don't give a sh*t about anything else.
Basically I write about myself; who I am, what I've experienced. I
write about what its like to be a wild wolf living in a culture of
sheep."

On SOUND AND FURY, Sound And Fury is off to one hell of a start.

Confirmed track listing for SOUND AND FURY.

1. School's Out
2. Teenage Rampage
3. Can't Get Enough
4. 18
5. Bad Touch
6. Night Of The Ghouls
7. High School Hotbox
8. Runaway Love
9. Supercharged
10. The Stranger
11. Hellhound

Sound And Fury will be playing the following dates, as part of the
Bamboozle Festival:

Saturday, April 5th, 2008 at 3 P.M on the MLB stage at the Verizon
Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA.

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East
Rutherford, NJ. Time and stage TBA

For more information on the band, visit:

http://www.myspace.com/soundandfuryrocks
http://www.soundandfury.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Shadowside Confirms Appearance At Three Great Rock N' Roll Festivals

Shadowside barely came back from a successful U.S. Winter tour and are
ready to go back to North America. The band are confirmed in three
large North-American festivals: Rocklahoma, considered the biggest
event of its type, Flight Of The Valkyries and Indianapolis Metal
Fest.

Rocklahoma takes place July 10-13 2008 in Pryor, Oklahoma and features
four days of uninterrupted partying and Rock n' Roll. Last year, over
100,000 fans worldwide attended the festival. For this year's edition,
tickets were already sold in all 50 American states, every province in
Canada and over 30 countries representing every continent except for
Antarctica. The announcement was made official during the Rocklahoma
Press Conference at the historical Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame member
Whiskey A Go-Go in West Hollywood, California. Master of ceremonies at
the press conference was Host of VH1 Classic, Eddie Trunk.

"We are extremely proud to announce a very special date to what's
becoming an amazing and prestigious tour for Shadowside. We have just
been confirmed to perform at this year's Rocklahoma, the biggest Rock
n' Roll festival of its kind. We will also be presenting our brand new
album songs with intense heaviness, energy, catchy melodies, heavy
guitars and soaring vocals!" says the band.

Some of the headliners this year are Warrant featuring their original
singer Jani Lane, Cinderella, Extreme, Lynch Mob and many others. More
information on the fest can be found at http://www.rockfeverfest.com/
.

Shadowside will also co-headline the Flight Of The Valkyries Fest set
to take place June 28 in St. Paul, Minnesota. To the event's promoter,
bringing Shadowside to the festival is an old dream. "It is with great
pleasure that I announce the star of Brazilian Metal as our festival
headliner. The were extremely praised around here and are building a
loyal fan base with their music filled with personality and
devastating stage presence," commented Nathan "SwordLord" Block,
organizer of the Flight Of The Valkyries Metal Fest and founder of
SwordLord Productions.

Flight Of The Valkyries is the only North American festival that
gathers only female fronted Rock/Metal bands. More available about the
festival at http://www.myspace.com/femalemetalfest .

Besides, Shadowside are also confirmed at the mainstage of
Indianapolis Metal Fest, an event that's quickly becoming one of the
most important Metal festivals in United States. More at
http://www.indianapolismetalfest.com/ .

Confirmed Shadowside tour dates so far:

May 24 - Santos, Brazil - Venue TBA - Benefit concert
June 27 - In-store appearance @ FYE in St. Paul, MN
June 28 - Flight Of The Valkyries Festival - St. Paul, MN
July 10-13 - (exact date TBA) Rocklahoma - Pryor, OK
September 25 - In-store appearance @ FYE in Indianapolis, IN
September 26 - Indianapolis Metal Fest 2 - Indianapolis, IN

In the following days, more dates will be announced for Brazil and
worldwide.

More at:

http://www.myspace.com/shadowsideband
http://www.chavisrecords.net/
http://www.rockfeverfest.com/
http://www.myspace.com/femalemetalfest
http://www.indianapolismetalfest.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Agua De Annique Update

Anneke Van Giersbergen -- ex-Gathering singer who now fronts Agua De
Annique -- has posted an update about writing new material and
upcoming shows.

"Hello all, I am currently writing new songs. We plan to record this
summer. I'll keep you updated. In other news, we are playing the
upcoming 'Ticket For Tibet' festival in Holland on April 20th, 2008.
The event organizers plan to release a single, which I have been
invited to sing on, to help make people more aware of Tibet and its
current problems. More info on the event here
http://www.ticketfortibet.com/en/ .

"The other participants who will also sing on the single are a few of
the finest Dutch musicians and I'm proud they've asked me to join
them. Also, I am working on a few more solo shows together with Danny
Cavanagh (Anathema). We played one show together in Tilburg Holland
earlier this year and that was such a great time that we really wanted
to do that again this year. Greetings!

"Anneke"

The band's video for the song "Day After Yesterday" from the debut
album AIR (on The End Records) can be seen on YouTube.com. Click here
to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Z6Tvd4CtY

04/05/08 Sat @ De Lantaarn - Hellendoorn
04/06/08 Sun @ AdA Light: Bat Cave (013) - Tilburg
04/11/08 Fri @ ZERO 412 Rock - Oss
04/18/08 Fri @ P60 - Amstelveen
04/19/08 Sat @ Escape - Veenendaal
04/20/08 Sun @ NDSM Werf - Amsterdam (Ticket For Tibet benefit
concert)
04/25/08 Fri @ La Locomotive - Paris
04/26/08 Sat @ Le Splendid - Lille
04/29/08 Tue @ AdA Light: Café De Boemel - Winterswijk
04/30/08 Wed @ Oranjepop - Nijmegen
05/03/08 Sat @ Nirwana - Lierop
05/09/08 Fri @ Gigant - Apeldoorn
05/10/08 Sat @ Fenix - NEW DATE: END OF 2008 - Sittard
05/17/08 Sat @ MTV Brand New Festival - 013 Tilburg
05/18/08 Sun @ Plein 79 - Den Bosch
05/22/08 Thu @ Waterfront - Rotterdam
06/20/08 Fri @ De Peppel - Zeist
07/06/08 Sun @ RosRock - Rossum
07/18/08 Fri @ Artmania Festival - Sibiu
07/20/08 Sun @ wesSUMMER BREEZE - Wessum
09/13/08 Sat @ Appelpop - Tiel
09/26/08 Fri @ AdA Light: Het Front - Vroomshoop
10/17/08 Fri @ Effenaar - Eindhoven (with Lolly Jane Blue and Epica)

http://www.aguadeannique.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Walter Trout Unleashes Breakout U.S. Release On Provogue Records

THE OUTSIDER Hits The U.S.A On June 24th

North American Tour Starts Now!

HOLLYWOOD -- On June 24th, Walter Trout will release his long awaited
studio album, THE OUTSIDER, through Provogue Records. The Jersey born
Guitar Master delivers a triple threat CD that is an autobiographical
reflection, inspired by a multi-faceted life. THE OUTSIDER was
produced by John Porter famed for his work with B.B. King.

With over 500,000 records sold to date, this album will turn all
preconceptions about Walter Trout firmly on their head. As the title
implies, THE OUTSIDER is a thought-provoking collection of songs that
shows his true diversity. Often being pegged "too blues for rock" and
"too rock for blues," Trout stays true to his belief that genres
exists only for the critics. THE OUTSIDER is a not so subtle stab at
the blues and rock establishments who try to brand, label and limit
the expression within the genres.

THE OUTSIDER confirms Trout has always had more than one string to his
bow. Indeed, he has always shown his range from his first solo effort
in the self-titled WALTER TROUT, to the follow-up release of FULL
CIRCLE, to each and every Walter Trout release by including rocking
riffing which highlight his duality of the two genres.

Joining Trout, who wrote all songs and sings in addition to playing
guitar, is drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp), bassist Hutch
Hutchinson and pianist John Cleary, as well as Skip Edwards and Samuel
Avila on the Hammond B3 and harmonica player Jason Ricci. This lethal
combination of talent will embed into your soul and ease into your
heart as the shredding notes meld blues and rock.

THE OUTSIDER on Provogue Records was produced by John Porter (B.B.
King). THE OUTSIDER contains the following 13 songs:

"Welcome To The Human Race"
"The Next Big Thing"
"All My Life"
"The Love Song Of J. Alfred Bluesrock"
"Don't Wanna Fall"
"Child Of Another Day"
"Turn Your Eyes To Heaven"
"The Restless Age"
"Gone Too Long"
"A Matter Of The Heart"
"Can't Have It All"
"Sanjay"
"The Outsider"

Prior to the release of THE OUTSIDER, Trout will embark on a North
American tour beginning in April and culminating in August in Quebec.
Confirmed dates are listed below.

April
5 - Long Beach, CA - Blue Café
12 - St Petersburg, FL - Tampa Bay Blues Festival
16 - San Francisco, CA - Biscuits n' Blues
17 - New Castle, CA - Constable Jack's
18 - Paradise, CA - Paradise Performing Arts Center
19 - Grant's Pass, OR - Rogue Theatre
21 - Portland, OR - Roseland Grill
22 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door
23 - Port Townsend, WA - The Upstage
24 - Vancouver, BC - Yale Hotel
25 - Bellingham, WA - The Wild Buffalo
26 - Tacoma, WA - Jazz Bones
27 - Tacoma, WA - Jazz Bones
29 - Eureka, CA - Red Fox
30 - San Louis Obispo, CA - Downtown Brewing CO.

May
7 - St. Louis, MO - BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups
8 - Springfield, MO - Blues Down Under Series
9 - Kansas City, MO - Knucklehead Saloon
10 - Bixby, OK - Bixby Blues Festival

June
14 - Las Vegas, NV - Cannery Casino Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
29 - Silverado, CA - Irvine Lakes Blues Festival

July
6 - Thunder Bay, Ont - Thunder Bay Blues Festival
10 - Mt. Tremblant, Ont - Mt. Tremblant Blues Festival
12 - Rockland, ME North - Atlantic Blues Fest
17 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center For The Arts
19 - Roanoke, VA - Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
25 - Prairie du Chien, WI - Prairie Dog Blues Festival
30 - Grand Rapids, MI - Blues On The Mall

August
6 - Buffalo, NY - Art Park Concert Series
9 - St. Laurent, Que - L'ille En Blues Fest

For more information click on http://www.waltertrout.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Rusty Cage Records News

Hi metal heads,

Because we want to be a label "for metalheads, by metalheads" we made
a special section where you can give your feedback, download free
stuff, spread your opinion about the worldwide metal scene, etc. We
called it YOUR RCR and parts of this section will be for registered
users only:

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/component/option,com_fireboard/I
temid,301/

We began setting up a forum where all bands hang out on a daily basis
and will continue to let it grow. We need your opinion to make it a
great place to be, so don't wait and register!

Argentine Metal Band JesusMartyr Signs With Rusty Cage Records

Brutality, vibe, precision, melody and violence carrying a message of
life and death. This is JesusMartyr, one of the best South American
metal bands.

A musical career of more than 10 years, three albums, three European
tours, three Brazilian tours and two live TV performances broadcasted
to the entire Latin American continent by Much Music TV Network have
given JesusMartyr their well deserved good reputation.

Their latest album THE BLACK WATERS will be released in Europe in the
beginning of this summer.

Check out the JesusMartyr section or listen to two tracks with our MP3
payer at the homepage of the RCR site!

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/content/blogcategory/142/320/

RCR Market Also At Eggfest 2008

Eggfest 2008 will be held in Eibergen at June 7th 2008.

The village lies between Enschede and Doetinchem, so for both Dutch
and German metal fans an ideal place to meet each other. Up to 1,200
visitors are welcome to see various metal acts and check the diverse
metal market. This all takes place inside an open air theater with a
big dome where everybody is able to rest, drink and eat.

Read more news at the Eggfest MySpace Web site.

http://www.myspace.com/eggfest

Izegrim News: TRIBUTE TO TOTALITARIANISM German Release Date

All thrash metal fans in Germany, Austria and Switzerland can check
out the album in stores April 18th.

You can still vote for TRIBUTE TO TOTALITARIANISM in the Lowlands top
25 at http://www.popinstituut.nl/Schedule/LowlandsList.aspx and
support the Dutch metal underground.

Read more news at the Izegrim section.

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/content/blogcategory/111/253/

MagnaCult To Support Ill Nino And DevilDriver

After a period of silence you can see the band doing what they do
best: Kick ass on stage!!

Supporting Ill Nino
31-03 - Koln (D), Underground
02-04 - Haarlem (NL), Patronaat
03-04 - Eindhoven (NL), De Effenaar

Supporting DevilDriver
28-04 - Koln (D), Die Werkstatt
29-04 - Paris (FR), Le Trabendo
30-04 - Luxembourg (LUX), Rockhal Club

Read more news at the Magnacult section.

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/content/blogcategory/50/167/

Cypher Supports Death Angel

Cypher will support Death Angel at their Dutch show in Rotterdam.
04-04 - Rotterdam (NL), Baroeg

Read more news at the Cypher section.

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/content/blogcategory/48/155/

Obsidian Radio Special At "Zaans Metaal"

You can listen to an Obsidian special made by our friends at "Zaans
Metaal." They will broadcast it live Tuesday April 1st at 22.00 (Dutch
Time) and repeat it Friday April 4th at 00.00 (Dutch Time).

Download the streaming live link here.

http://www.zaanradio.nl/?m=programma&pid=15

Paul Clark Marshall Endorsement

Clarky has just been endorsed by Marshall Amplification. "I've been a
Marshall user for many years and I am deeply proud to become an
endorsee."

Read more news at the Paul Clark section.

http://www.rustycagerecords.com/label/content/blogcategory/51/224/

Stay heavy,
The Rusty Cage Records Team

Rusty Cage Records Web site
http://www.rustycagerecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Dark Suns - GRAVE HUMAN GENUINE

Label: Sensory / The Laser's Edge

Following two highly successful tours with established Progressive
metallists Pain Of Salvation and two years of exacting work, Dark Suns
have finished their third album GRAVE HUMAN GENUINE.

GRAVE HUMAN GENUINE -- this unconventional title was chosen with care
and purpose, as it represents the three characteristic elements of
this work: "Grave" signifies darkness, the sinister force, and the
inevitable fate. "Human" is synonymous with the music's inherent soul-
depth, while "Genuine" means "real" or "authentic" and hence refers to
Dark Suns' uncompromising approach to music.

But what about the music? Dark Suns don't merely pick up where the
successful predecessor EXISTENCE (2005) left off, they present
themselves as many-facetted as never before. A clear nod to Doom,
complex polyrhythms, unusual and diverse instruments and, last but not
least, drummer Niko Knappe's characteristic yearning vocals comprise
the album's cornerstones. The variety of sounds stretches from angular
Metal riff attacks via atmospheric ambient soundscapes and Techno
reminiscences to Avant-garde influences -- despite this complexity, an
accomplished musical mosaic of enormous expressiveness.

Exciting nuances are created by the incomparable bass of Pain Of
Salvation's long-time member Kristoffer Gildenlow, a friendly turn
that resulted from the tours mentioned above, and Disillusion's
Schmidt's guest vocals in "Flies In Amber."

With GRAVE HUMAN GENUINE, Dark Suns have created a haunting album full
of autonomy and instrumental class, self-consciously charting new
musical territory. In this, the band from Leipzig embodies the essence
of every true progressive band: compositional genius coupled with
advancement. The dark suns radiate: gloomy, human and egregiously
genuine.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Nefastus Dies Debut Set For American Release

Candlelight Records in cooperation with Siege Of Amida Records
confirms June 10 as the U.S. release date for URBAN CANCER, the debut
album from Canada's Nefastus Dies. Featuring former Ion Dissonance
vocalist Ill-Fate, the album was produced by Yannick St-Amand
(Despised Icon).

Formed in 2002, Montreal-based Nefastus Dies completed their lineup by
the addition of former Ion Dissonance vocalist Ill-Fate in 2005. His
presence sparked an intense period of creativity; gigging and writing
material that their already growing local fan base found to be a much
more extreme approach than their earliest material. Excited about the
upcoming release of URBAN CANCER, the band are already busy scheduling
regional performances and hope to hit the U.S. later this fall on
their first stateside tour. The band recently confirmed performances
with Anaal Nathrakh; dates noted below.

05/17/2008 - The Kathedral - Toronto, ON
05/18/2008 - Gig Theater - Kitchener, ON
05/20/2008 - Café Dekcuf - Ottawa, ON
05/22/2008 - Plaza Theater - Montreal, QC

Track listing for Urban Cancer includes: "Fragments Of Poisoned
Components," "Primal Chaos Layers," "Hate Vector," "The Irony Of Anti-
Establishment," "Ideologies, "None Of The Above," "Spawns Of
Illegitemacy," "Cost-Effective Mergers."

Other Siege Of Amida titles available from Candlelight Records include
Martriden - THE UNSETTLING DARK, Whitechapel - THE SOMATIC DEFILEMENT,
Knights Of The Abyss - JUGGERNAUT, Diskreet - INFERNAL RISE, and Rose
Funeral - CRUCIFY KILL ROT.

http://www.nefastusdies.com/
http://www.myspace.com/nefastusdies
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Ascend...

Ascend is a new collaborative musical project between Gentry Densley
(Iceburn, Eagle Twin) and Greg Anderson (sunn 0))), Goatsnake, Engine
Kid). Both have been making music that has crossed paths several times
in the last 19 years, the most notable being during the '90s when
Anderson's band Engine Kid toured with and shared a split album with
Densely's band Iceburn. During that time both were heavily
experimenting with the fusion of jazz (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles
Davis, John Coltrane) and the dark behemoth tones of influences such
as The Melvins, Gore, Slint, and Caspar Brotzman.

Hitting stores on May 27th, Ascend re-visits some of the tones and
moods of their past works as well as traveling into uncharted
territory all done with the utmost focus on heaviness and power, with
the album AMPLE FIRE WITHIN. Of particular note is the vocal
performance by Gentry Densley. His voice is deep and ominous with a
subtle Tom Waits influence within the growls and gruffness that is
emoted. Anderson gushes enthusiastically: "We were extremely fortunate
to have a lot of help from our friends with this recording. Andy
Patterson pounded the hell out of the drums, and Steve Moore (a.k.a.
Stebmo, also in Earth and often times sunn 0))) ) added some trombone
('Obelisk Of Kolob' and 'Dark Matter'), organ ('Her Horse Is Thunder,'
'Dark Matter') and some amazing wurlitzer ('Amplifier Within,'
'Divine'). His playing brings a dark, sophisticated jazz atmosphere to
the album. On the track 'V O G' we were blessed to have Bubba Dupree
(Void) AND none other than Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) put down some
incredible lead work!"

The entire album was mixed by Randall Dunn (Earth, sunn 0))), Kinski)
and mastered by Mell Dettmer who is turning into the "house-mastering
wizardress" for the Southern Lord label.

Below are a few shavings from the horns of the beast...

"Ample Fire Within": http://www.mediafire.com/?jsqvyjzcnoy
"Divine": http://www.mediafire.com/?mitghoztmnx
"V O G": http://www.mediafire.com/?wvmdiyexaxy

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Candlelight Records: Farmakon & Distorted U.S. Release Dates
Confirmed

Candlelight Records has set Tuesday, April 29 as the U.S. release date
for new albums from Finland's Farmakon, and their new album ROBIN, as
well as Israel's Distorted's new album VOICES FROM WITHIN. Both albums
are part of Candlelight's ongoing Cult series; a special-priced
product line introducing up-and-coming international artists into the
U.S. marketplace. The series provides for artists of varying styles
and specifically focuses on establishing initial fanbases for which
the artists can grow and connect with American audiences. New tracks
from both albums have been posted on Candlelight USA's MySpace page
today.

Tampere-based Farmakon saw the release of their debut album (A WARM
GLIMPSE, Earache) back in 2003. Quickly making waves through prog
metal circles the band make their long-awaited return. The new album
ROBIN witnesses the band experimenting with darker sounds and their
trademark twists. Released late least year in Europe, U.S. fans now
can enjoy ROBIN. Album track listing includes: "Time-Tables," "Coma
September," "Sixty-Nine," "Faint Light," "Recondite," "Wings," "A
Temporary Death," "Helpless," "Monster," "Outro."

Distorted are a band of keen curiosity. The Bat-Yam quartet's dual-
vocal attack is articulated by their precise musicianship and classic
metal composition. The band made their first appearance outside their
native country October 2007 as part of the Metal Female Voices
Festival performing alongside Leaves' Eyes, Epica, After Forever and
more. The band will appeal to fans of Within Temptation, Madder
Mortem, How Like A Winter, The Foreshadowing and more. Album track
listing includes: "One Last Breath," "What Remains," "Voices From
Within," "Fading," "A Soft Whisper," "Reveal My Path," "Escaping The
Mind-Grid," "Obscure," "Theom," "Consistent Duality," "Letting Go."

Candlelight Cult series includes release from Furze, Mithras,
Pantheon-I (featuring members of 1349), Throne Of Katarsis, and
others.

http://www.farmakonband.com/

http://www.distortedband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/distortedband

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Selfmadegod Records Releases Out Now

Third Degree, the quintet from Olsztyn, Poland strikes back with the
second full-length PUNK SUGAR. Coalescing grind/crust elements
characteristic of early recordings and gloomy, complex song structures
that veer away from most of today's modern metal acts' extreme face,
Third Degree explore what has yet been unexplored, forging their own
path in heavy music.

PUNK SUGAR was produced and mixed by Third Degree's guitarist Szymon
Czech (Nyia, Antigama). Check out the track "Surrounded By Victims"
here: http://selfmadegod.com/mp3/mp3_smg039.mp3

Third Degree lineup:

Wojtek Blaszkowski - drums
Andrzej Pawlowski - guitars
Szymon Czech - guitars
Piotr Paltian - bass
Jaroslaw Mielczarek – vocals

http://www.myspace.com/thirddegreewarmia

The Fourth Installment of Agathocles' "Mince Core History"

The fourth installment of the amazing Selfmadegod Records series
featuring hard to find songs from long out of print seven inches is
out now.

MINCE CORE HISTORY 1996-1997 is certainly the most obscure and raw
sounding part of the entire "Mince Core History" series! Includes the
splits with Abstain, Autoritar, BWF, Die, Excruciating Terror, Krush,
Praparation H, Shikabane, Unholy Grave, "Live And Noisy" 2X7" and the
10" split with Vomit Fall.

A must have for every fan of Agathocles and fan of good, old fashioned
grindcore!

Agathocles lineup:

Tony - bass
Nils - drums and voice
Jan - guitar and vocals

http://www.agathocles.com/

Retaliation's Collection Disc On Selfmadegod

Selfmadegod Records will release a 115-song discography CD of Swedish
grindcore band Retaliation.

Compiling all the songs recorded and released in nearly a decade in a
half the disc includes the splits with Gut, Exhumed, The Kill,
Grindwork four-way split w/ Nasum, Vivisection and C.S.S.O., V/A
REALLY FAST VOL. 9, and two first classic albums: THE EXECUTION and
VIOLENCE SPREADS ITS DRAPE, as well as BOREDOM AND FRUSTRATION/DDD
demo.

EXHUMING THE PAST - 14 YEARS OF NOTHING is unadulterated grindcore
insanity of the highest form and the best style. Devastating,
hammering, and relentless: these are proper words to describe the
sound of Retaliation.

Retaliation lineup:

Henke - vocal violence
Jonas - 666-string
Andreas - verbal abuse
Jon - slaying stringulation
Jocke - war and hate

http://www.myspace.com/retaliationgrindcore

http://www.selfmadegod.com/
http://www.myspace.com/selfmadegodrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-Earth: Eastern U.S. Tour Announced

Upon returning from more than a month touring Europe on their new
album THE BEES MADE HONEY IN THE LION'S SKULL, Seattle's masters of
Americana-style drone Earth begin waves of U.S. touring. Beginning
this month they'll hit the Midwest and South a bit then travel up the
East Coast. More waves of dates will be announced over the coming
months as the band confirms more regional touring.

04/25/2008 Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL w/ Helen Money
04/26/2008 Wexner Center for the Arts - Columbus, OH w/ Sword Heaven
04/27/2008 The Dame - Lexington, KY
04/28/2008 *TBA - Nashville, TN
04/29/2008 Bottletree - Birmingham, AL w/ Fur Elise, Liz Durrett
04/30/2008 The Earl - Atlanta, GA w/ Fur Elise, Liz Durrett
05/01/2008 Calendonia - Athens, GA w/ Fur Elise, Liz Durrett
05/02/2008 Rocket Club - Asheville, NC
05/03/2008 Downtown Events Center - Raleigh, NC
05/04/2008 Rock And Roll Hotel - Washington, DC w/ Kayo Dot
05/05/2008 Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA w/ Kayo Dot
05/06/2008 Knitting Factory - New York, NY w/ Kayo Dot

http://www.thronesanddominions.com/
http://www.myspace.com/earthofficial

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

http://www.eclipsebooking.com/
http://www.myspace.com/eclipsebooking

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out the new Anguish Force video for "Evilheart" at
http://www.talent1.mediaset.it/talentone/video/videotalent_8565.shtml
. See http://www.anguishforce.com/ for more.

-Auger Bane's ON WINGS OF FALLEN ROCK is now available digitally, via
iTunes "and all legitimate download sites." See
http://www.myspace.com/augerbane for more.

-Check out a new piece on The Dead End Kidz at the Indie Ezine,
http://www.indieezine.com/ . See http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic for
more.

-Hype for the new LICK IT UP: A MILLENNIUM TRIBUTE TO KISS disc says
it's the "first all-star Kiss tribute of the millennium" with
"current/former members of Skid Row, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper Band,
White Lion, Warrant, Pretty Boy Floyd, Keel, Britney Fox, Zebra, Ratt,
Riot, Rainbow, Slash's Snakepit, Dio, the Ace Frehley Band, Rat Race
Choir, Dad's Porno Mag, L.A. Guns, Lillian Axe, Doro, Dangerous Toys,
[and] WatchTower," plus "millennium rockers including Richard
Kendrick, A.J. Caruso and Ross Stephens of Straitjacket Smile, Lee
Thompson, Marko Pukkila, Mind's Eye featuring Daniel Flores, the
Slashtones, Chris Heaven, Rose Reiter, Teenage Rampage, Chris Catena,
Snowblynd, Chuck Bonnett III, Dead End Kidz, Andrew Santagata,
Supermodel Autopsy, and Katet." Even more, included is a two-disc
sampler -- STRIP CLUB ROCK VOL. 1/2 -- with "a variety of unsigned
millennium rock bands" including including One Bad Son, Dour,
Inflicted System, The Meddling Kids, Alligator Jackson, Strikeforce,
Ground Level, The Clear, Veritas, 7 Deadly Sins, Viper, The Jack,
S.E.X. Department, Elephant Hunter, Unequaled Clarity, Beest Spawn,
Disarray, Trinity, Joetown, Radiovipers, Phearus, Hell Razor, 6 AM,
Cellbound, Signal 99, Lovebone, 12 Years Coming, Freebleeder, 6 Days
To Nowhere, Aedose, Shattersphere, Deadly Tide, Souls On Monday,
Skitzo, Schmelvis Band, and the Karen Single Band." [Note: That is a
*lot* of entertainment. - Tim] Check out
http://www.versaillesrecords.com/ for more.

-The (extremely) uncensored cut of Lair Of The Minotar's "War Metal
Battle Master" is at http://www.lairwarmetalvideo.com/ . See
http://www.lairoftheminotaur.com/ ,
http://www.myspace.com/lairoftheminotaur ,
http://www.southernlord.com/ , and
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings for more.

-Metallica's new studio album may be out this fall.

-Poison drummer Rikki Rockett was arrested early last week on a rape
warrant, "at or near Los Angeles International Airport." Reports
indicate a Mississippi woman filed a complaint alleging she was raped
last September at the Silver Star Casino.

-Rumor has it Rocklahoma will add Yngwie Malmsteen, Ace Frehley, and
Scorpions to its lineup for Sunday, July 13.

-Scott Weiland is out of Velvet Revolver, and soon will announce tour
dates with a reunited Stone Temple Pilots.

Thanks to HeadbangerNYC.com, Rupert Withers, and Jeff "Ozone" Adee for
help gathering some of this information.

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
RITUAL - THE HEMULIC VOLUNTARY BAND (B+/B) Inside Out Music, 2007
6 tracks, RT: 53:00
[ http://www.ritual.se/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/ritualsweden ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
Folk-infused Scandinavian prog rock is the order of the day on
Ritual's latest opus THE HEMULIC VOLUNTARY BAND, an ambitious and
thoughtful work sure to have fans of traditional prog nodding their
heads in approval. The title track is one of the clear highlights,
with its complex instrumentation, infectious melody and medieval
statement of intent. "In The Wild" is probably my favorite off the
album, very well constructed with a grand theme that really benefits
from repeated listens. "The Groke" is a little longer with a somewhat
plodding rhythm to match the stringent subject matter, but the prize
for length goes to closer "A Dangerous Journey," 26 (!) minutes of
progressive storytelling with some nice contrasts but a bit too long
for what it is. Ritual were obviously heavily influenced by '70s
founders such as Yes, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull and Genesis, but they
manage to steer clear of mindless imitation, especially in the vocal
department, Patrik Lindstrom not really resembling Ian or Jon
Anderson. Well produced and sincere, THE HEMULIC VOLUNTARY BAND is a
strong album with a lot of engaging moments to enjoy...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

RIVERSIDE - RAPID EYE MOVEMENT (A-/B+) Inside Out Music, 2007
9 tracks, RT: 55:52
[ http://www.riverside.art.pl/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/riversidepl ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
Riverside are one of those difficult-to-categorize bands that are
enjoyable to listen to just because of that; the influences are
certainly there -- Pink Floyd, Tool and Porcupine Tree being some of
the most prominent -- but Riverside have a way of using those as
ingredients in the creation of their own unique concoction. "Beyond
The Eyelids" launches things off and it's a strong statement, with
haunting vocals and an awesome groove courtesy of Mariusz Duda, Piotr
Grudzinski's killer rhythms and soaring guitar work, Michal Lapaj's
atmospheric keyboards and Piotr Kozieradzki's precise and involved
drumming. An easy favorite is next up with "Rainbow Box," another
great groove leading to a rather accessible piece, despite the
somewhat dark vocal. "Parasomnia" is sure to be an excellent live
number, intense and driving, while "Cybernetic Pillow" has that
mesmerizing quality the band excel at. It took me awhile to warm up to
RAPID EYE MOVEMENT, but indeed I did, and I must say I'm looking very
forward to Riverside's performance at ProgPower IX. RAPID EYE MOVEMENT
is highly recommended to those who like their music hypnotic and
subtly absorbing.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

RUDE AWAKENING - A TRIBUTE TO THIN LIZZY (REISSUE) (B+) Nidus Music
Productions, 2007
13 tracks, RT: 53:28
[ http://www.rudeawakening.org/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/rudeawakening ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/rudeawakeningla ]
[ http://www.nidusprod.com/rude-v3.html ]
[ http://www.nidusprod.com/ ]
Tribute albums are always difficult to review, mainly because no
matter how great a version of the songs you do, it remains someone
else's music. Rude Awakening are an L.A. band that has apparently been
doing live Thin Lizzy tribute shows for quite some time, and doing
them so well that even Phil Lynott's mother Philomena proclaimed them
the best at reproducing the Lizzy magic. Listening to these guys tear
through 13 of Thin Lizzy's most memorable songs, it's easy to see why
they have received such accolades: they really do the tunes justice!
Their focus is on material from the classic '70s lineup of Lynott,
Gorham, Robertson and Downey, the band doing particularly vibrant
renditions of "Hollywood," "Johnny The Fox," "Emerald," "Massacre,"
"Sha La La," and "Warrior." The rhythm guitars crunch, the twin leads
wail, drums and bass are rock solid and punchy, and Phil's vocals are
respectfully invoked. I think I might have switched out a few of the
songs and replaced them with some of Lizzy's later recordings (e.g.,
something from THUNDER AND LIGHTNING), but overall this tribute does
exactly what it sets out to do, honoring a great band while
stimulating interest in seeing these guys deliver the goods live. Come
to think of it, this also raises my interest in hearing the band's own
compositions...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

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