Detritus
Issue #497
Week of April 20, 2009
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*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
spgahgan@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

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

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*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Howdy y'all. Surprised we're a bit early this week? Me, too. - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
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-Transatlantic Flies Again -- Prog Rock Supergroup Reunites For New
Studio Album

Possible Late 2009 Release Planned

Transatlantic, the progressive rock "supergroup" comprised of Mike
Portnoy (Dream Theater), Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Roine Stolt (The
Flower Kings) and Neal Morse (ex-Spock's Beard), have reunited after a
seven-year hiatus to begin work on a brand new studio album.

The band began work on the album in early April in Nashville and are
expected to have it released by year's end if all goes as planned.

Transatlantic have previously released two studio albums to tremendous
critical and fan acclaim: 2000's SMPTE and 2001's BRIDGE ACROSS
FOREVER. The band toured on the heels of each release with an American
Tour in 2000 and a European Tour in 2001 and released subsequent live
DVDs/CDs from both tours before going their separate ways for an
indefinite hiatus which lasted almost the entire decade.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Magic Circle Music Update

Four More Bands Confirmed For Magic Circle Festival III

Hail Brothers and Sisters of Steel! Just when you thought the lineup
couldn't get any better, FOUR more bands have signed on to kick some
metal ass at Magic Circle Festival III!! The united nations of metal
is expanding with additions from Germany in the form of Kingdom Come
and Die Sklaven! Then Age Of Evil from the U.S.A. and Heat Seekers
from Norway couldn't resist the chance to be part of the metal
madness!!

Magic Circle Festival III, scheduled for July 18, 2009 at the Loreley
on the Rhine River in Germany, is shaping up to be the ULTIMATE metal
experience of the year! The lineup of hard rocking, mega wattage bands
is ready to unleash their energies for the sole purpose of keeping the
spirit of metal alive AND to unite our international family of metal
fans!

The lineup thus far includes: Headliners Manowar and HolyHell from the
U.S.A., Crystal Viper from Poland, Ulytau from Kazakhstan, Jack
Starr's Burning Starr from the U.S.A., Van Canto, Metalforce, Domain,
Kingdom Come and Die Sklaven from Germany, Heat Seekers from Norway
and newcomers to the metal scene, Age of Evil from the U.S.A.

Guaranteed to be a unique event! Premieres abound at this one! Many of
the bands will debut new music from releases set to drop in 2009,
including Manowar, HolyHell, Jack Starr's Burning Starr and
Metalforce! The festival will also be the only place to view the
exclusive unveiling of the collaboration between Manowar and Wolfgang
Hohlbein, Germany's best-selling fantasy author! That is just the
beginning! Stay tuned for more details as they develop! This festival
is metal history in the making, a FANtasy come to life!! So don't miss
it! Tickets are now available online at
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

Wizard Joins The Lineup For Magic Circle Festival III

Wizard, the noteworthy German power metal band that was inspired by
the style of Manowar has joined its metal allies in the crusade to
keep the spirit of true metal alive! Just announced, Wizard will be
joining the lineup of incredibly kickass bands scheduled to perform at
Magic Circle Festival III on July 18, 2009 at the Loreley on the Rhine
River in Germany!! The staying power of true metal and the themes that
perpetuate its spirit are the reasons bands like Wizard continue to
survive. Now celebrating 20 years in heavy metal, Wizard will share in
history as it is being made when Manowar's collaboration on the
ultimate fantasy project with Wolfgang Hohlbein is unveiled at the
festival. For more details and online ticket sales, log onto
http://www.manowar.com/ , http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ , and
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ .

Manowar Fan Wanted For German TV Documentary

You want to go to the Manowar concert on July 18 at the Loreley?

And your parents say: NO?

Are you crazy about Manowar?

Do you speak German? Are you between 16 and 19 years old? Are you
female? Then we want you!

For a TV documentary! Manowar and Magma TV are looking for Manowar
fans whose parents are against their musical taste.

Please contact us at: wanted@...

Manowar
http://www.manowar.com/

Magic Circle Festival
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/

Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
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-Testament: North American Tour Starts In May!

Presented by Revolver Magazine and sponsored by Dean Guitars,
MusicSkins.com, and Dark Star Skateboards, Testament's upcoming North
American headlining tour will begin on May 2, 2009 which also features
Unearth and Lazarus A.D. as support.

Testament is offering fans special VIP packages that includes a
special meet and greet opportunity, as well as access to sound check,
ticket to the show, merch items, autographed poster, collectible
laminate, personalized Music Skins + a grand prize raffle for a Dean
Guitars Eric Peterson "Old Skull" Flying V Signature guitar, a Dark
Star Testament skateboard, and more...

Links to purchase your tickets (and VIP tickets) are provided on the
band's MySpace page.

Guitarist Alex Skolnick commented on the upcoming tour:

"This is the first 'proper' Testament tour since our reunion a few
years ago. It is our best routing of North American cities yet,
including places such as Philadelphia and Atlanta, which we haven't
been able to hit since reuniting. As a band, we've never sounded
better. With our full-length set, reasonable ticket prices and show
that is going to knock you out, now is the time to get out of the
house and come see us!"

http://www.testamentlegions.com/
http://www.myspace.com/testamentlegions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Testament/23598655331

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
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-Lacuna Coil Release SHALLOW LIFE; Call On Fans For Photo Submissions!

Lacuna Coil have been hard at work on tour with Disturbed, Killswitch
Engage and Chimaira on the Music As A Weapon IV tour this spring and
now the day has come that they are unveiling the long-awaited new
album, SHALLOW LIFE, which is on sale in stores and online everywhere!
The band would also like to invite fans to create their own
interpretation of SHALLOW LIFE and the songs on the album. All fan
submissions can be uploaded to Lacuna Coil's group album which can be
found here:

http://gs0005.photobucket.com/groups/0005/EXKMUKRMJD/?pbaffsite=759

A video introduction of the contest from Cristina Scabbia and Andrea
Ferro can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEvXAd0sXOw

Lacuna Coil recorded SHALLOW LIFE with producer extraordinaire Don
Gilmore (Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Pearl Jam) at the world famous
NRG Studios in North Hollywood, CA. The band also released a video for
the track "Spellbound" that can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_VS2B48c24

For tour dates and more information, visit Lacuna Coil's official
MySpace page. Also be sure to check out the iTunes Exclusive version
of SHALLOW LIFE that features the bonus track "Oblivion"!

Lacuna Coil
Music As A Weapon IV w/ Disturbed, Killswitch Engage & Chimaira
04/21 - Izod Center - East Rutherford, NJ
04/22 - Arena at Harbor Yard - Bridgeport, CT
04/24 - Crown Coliseum - Fayetteville, NC
04/25 - Sovereign Center - Reading, PA
04/26 - The National - Richmond, VA (w/ Killswitch Engage)
04/27 - Glens Falls Civic Center - Glens Falls, NY
04/28 - Petersen Center - Pittsburgh, PA
04/30 - Kellogg Arena - Battle Creek, MI
05/01 - Pierre's - Ft. Wayne, IN (w/ Killswitch Engage)
05/02 - Cobo Arena -Detroit, MI
05/03 - The Wolstein Center - Cleveland, OH
05/05 - Value City Arena - Columbus, OH
05/06 - Peoria Civic Center - Peoria, IL
05/08 - Target Center - Minneapolis, MN
05/09 - Balloon Classic Field - Des Moines, IA
05/10 - Resch Center - Green Bay, WI
05/11 - Ramkota Exhibit Hall - Sioux Falls, SD (w/ Killswitch Engage)
05/12 - Lacrosse Center - Lacrosse, WI
05/13 - Roberts Stadium - Evansville, ID
05/15 - Mid America Center - Council Bluffs, IA
05/16 - Charter One Pavillion - Chicago, IL
05/17 - Resch Center - Green Bay, WI

http://www.lacunacoil.it/
http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
http://www.youtube.com/lacunacoil

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Devin Townsend Project: KI

In a world of increasing conformity and musical banality, Devin
Townsend is among the few real personalities who have character,
charisma and surprising innovative creativity. As a solo artist and
producer, a member of the (by now disbanded) Strapping Young Lad, with
whom he played Ozzfest and the main stage at the Download festival,
and vocalist on Steve Vai's album, SEX AND RELIGION, Townsend has
always inspired fans and critics alike. The latest chapter of his
extremely diverse career is entitled KI and will be out in May/June
2009. "KI is the first in a series of four albums under the moniker
'Devin Townsend Project.' Each album is essentially a different band
or collection of session musicians playing my music," Townsend
explains. "They were chosen based on what the theme of the album is
and the vibe that the album is trying to project. The album KI is very
specific in this quartet of albums in that it controls its anger
throughout, barring one song -- 'Heaven Send- -- and really is an
exercise in having little to prove."

The most renowned project member on KI is drummer Duris Maxwell (62),
who has played with many acts, such as Heart, Jefferson Airplane, The
Powder Blues, Tommy Chong and The Temptations. Maxwell even jammed
with Hendrix. "I am very conscious of drummers and the energy they
bring to the bands," Townsend says. "I went to a blues club way up in
the North of Canada and watched Duris. He has the vibe I wanted for
the drums here: nothing to prove, but strong and a bit angry. Duris is
an older cat but he's heavy." He is supported by bassist Jean Savoie.
"Jean plays in a Beatles cover band and spent years playing the cruise
ships all over the world. Name a style and he can jam it for hours.
His technique is accomplished, and the fact that he had never played
heavy music made him and Duris perfect for the project." Dave Young is
the keyboardist, and Townsend has been working with him for years:
"He's the most schooled musician out of all of us and can play any
instrument. Keyboard players typically annoy the hell out of me, but
Dave is more of an ambient musician and fills the spaces with fitting
but unusual note choices simply by watching where I am on my
fretboard."

After an extremely difficult phase ("I quit many bad habits in my life
after SYL ended. I felt depressed, angry and unhealthy and was not
satisfied with living that way for the rest of my life. I quit all
drugs, alcohol and a host of other addictions that were controlling me
and my world"), KI now sees him embark on an unmistakably new path.
Although not overly aggressive, the album oozes a haunting intensity,
a vitality which hides below a seemingly smooth surface. "KI is a
subtle, severe album, a challenge in some ways. The point to the music
is that the whisper is louder than the roar in many ways. KI is -- on
the surface -- quiet and unassuming. Whenever it begins to lose its
temper, it stops and doesn't let go. It is avoiding that temptation,
as that sort of anger is really gratifying but ultimately just leaves
me unhappy."

In perfect unison with this thoroughly unusual, gripping and
intelligent album, Townsend presents a three-dimensional cover
artwork. As the music on KI, the graphic design is also consciously
multilayered. Townsend: "I live in the North of Canada and I believe
that the native cultures of the world have it really down in terms of
spirituality. Nature is 'God,' in all its subtlety and terror. And we
are all a part of it, whether or not we want to be. The mask on the
cover is based on native North American and Chinese paintings. It is
not authentic and is just meant to be two faces in one."

And what will the future bring? "When all four records in the DTP
series are done and the ultimate box set is released at the end (eight
records plus a DVD), I will play selected shows throughout the world.
I will not climb into a van and play clubs in the middle of nowhere,
though, I am going to assemble a sober team of incredible musicians to
play ALL the records, perfectly, to many people. You will see me soon,
and get ready for the next three records in the series; KI is a subtle
introduction to a sprawling theme. Please enjoy, it's good to be
back."

http://www.devintownsend.com/
http://www.myspace.com/devintownsenddtb

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Z Records News

Running Order For Z Rock 09 - May 29th Unveiled

We are proud to unveil the running order for this year's first day.
The event will run as follows:

Friday May 29th:
Venue: JB's, Dudley [food will be available inside the venue]

doors 6 p.m.
06:45 - 7:25 - ANGELHOUSE
07:45 - 8:25 - REDLINE
08:45 - 9:40 - STAMPEDE
10:00 - 10:55 - STEVE GRIMMETT
11:15 - 1:00 - WIG WAM

Running Order For Z Rock 09 - May 30th Unveiled

We are proud to unveil the running order for this year's main day. The
event will run as follows:

Saturday May 30th:
Venue: JB's, Dudley [food will be available inside the venue]

doors 12:30 p.m.

01:00 - 1:45 - CORNERSTONE
02:05 - 2.55 - LEC ZORN PROJECT
03:15 - 4:05 - H.A.R.D
04:25 - 5:25 - NEWMAN
05:45 - 6:45 - EDEN
07:00 - 8:00 - DAN REED
08:20 - 9:20 - VON GROOVE
09:40 -10: 50 - TED POLEY
11:10 - 00:45 - JOHN WAITE

Tickets for May 30th are selling extremely well. If any are remaining
on the the day (which is highly doubtful) entry will be £55.00.

Tickets for both days are still available online at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest or by PayPal via
zrockagency@... for £30.00 (May 29th only) and £47.50 (May
30th only) + £1 recorded mail [please remember to include your address
and details regarding your order] or call 07818 258294 for mail-order
details [Mon - Fri 9 - 7 / Sat 10- 12].

A minimal amount of tickets are available from the following outlets
on a first come first served basis:

ST Records, Dudley tel: 01384 230726
JB's, Dudley tel: 01384 253597
X Records [over counter] Bolton

For hotel info mail zrockfest@... and you'll receive an auto
email with all the details you require or call 07818 258294.

http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

FA Cup Final To Be Screened On Main Day

A lot of the Z crew are Evertonians and yesterday returning home from
Wembley :O) we sorted out two large screens which will be up without
sound during Z Rock 09 on May 30th showing the FA Cup final live
between Everton and Chelsea. So you can see the match and all the
bands you want a double wammy. ;O)

Z Rock 09: Five Days Left To Grab Your Chance To Win This Amazing
Package

A special Z Rock 09 package is up for grabs. Simply buy a ticket for
May 30th online at http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest and you'll be
entered into a special free draw which will take place on April 27th.
All tickets purchased prior this date will have a chance to win the
following exciting package...

A room for two on May 30th at the Z Rock hotel, a special pre-show
insight behind the scenes before the doors even open, a VIP laminate,
John Waite T-shirt, Z Rock fest T-shirt and CDs by the acts appearing
that day.

Remember to enter this free draw simply purchase a ticket for May 30th
ONLINE only at http://www.mysapce.com/zrockfest before midnight April
26th.

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Exodus Video Interview + Live Wacken DVD In The Works

HardTimes.ca conducted an interview with guitarist Gary Holt and
vocalist Rob Dukes of San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans
Exodus on April 11, 2009 when the group performed at Medley in
Montreal, Quebec with Kreator. Watch the 20-minute chat here:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=55699917

Exodus is currently putting together a DVD containing the band's 2008
performance at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival, plus a 90-minute
documentary as well as about 30 minutes of bonus footage, and all of
the group's promotional videos. The set will consist of two DVDs plus
an audio CD of the Wacken performance and is expected to be released
in August.

Holt offers these details about their upcoming live DVD:

"Right now, we're working on finishing up our first official live DVD,
LIVE AT WACKEN... which also comes with a bonus audio-only CD, so you
actually are getting a live album out of the deal... and like an hour-
and-a-half of behind-the-scenes insanity."

Dukes had this to say about his favorite moments captured for the DVD:

"All of it is really just parts of the band that the fans never get to
see. There's some really funny sh*t on there. There's us just being
regular people... It seems people have a perceived idea of what it's
like [to be in a band], and they'll get to see a lot more of it. It's
surprisingly funny. My favorite is [guitarist] Lee [Altus] drunk on
vodka. We'd sneak the camera in and hide it on him and just let him
talk... [laughter] It's f*ckin' hysterical."

View current HORDES OF CHAOS tour dates, Exodus headlining show dates,
and advanced ticket purchase links at the band's MySpace page.

"When it comes to live bootlegs or rarities and stuff like that I'm
all for people going and doing all the trading that they want," [Holt]
continues. "People ask me how I compare tape trading to downloading --
some people have actually said, 'Oh, it's kind of the same thing,
isn't it?' And I said, 'No, it's not.' A tape trader loved the band.
He had to physically copy that tape. He had to go down to the post
office, address it, send it to his pen-pal friend across the world at
his own expense and time, so he put love and effort into that. Now you
just click a mouse and, 'Ah, I don't like this album, I'll delete it.'
Those guys were helping the band by spreading the word. Downloaders,
they're just taking it."

Read the entire interview with the band at VueWeekly:
http://www.vueweekly.com/article.php?id=11630

View live photos here:
http://dirtjunior.com/exodus15.html

View Slayer's Kerry King representing Exodus:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/f3hwzrQQygP/1st+Annual+Epiphone+Revolver+Golden+G\
ods+Awards/BTPi0gKCH2Q

View the band featured in SikWorld:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=2747462&blogId=\
483326770

http://www.exodusattack.com/
http://www.myspace.com/exodus
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exodus/7667169706

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Powerwolf Posts Second New Song Online, Relaunch Web Site, Support
HammerFall

With the release of BIBLE OF THE BEAST drawing near, there's lot of
news out of the Powerwolf camp.

First of all: There's a second song from BIBLE OF THE BEAST online on
their MySpace page, to shorten the wait until you can grab the whole
bible at your trusted record dealer on April 24th. So turn off the
lights and listen to "Werewolves Of Armenia."

Furthermore there's a completely relaunched Web site online at
http://www.powerwolf.net/ . Take a pilgrimage everybody!

And, last but not least, to complete the holy trinity of news: There's
a new show confirmed. The wolves will join Swedish metal kings
HammerFall on their show in Antwerp (Belgium) on April 22nd.

BIBLE OF THE BEAST will be released in Europe on April 24th / 27th!
The limited first edition will be released as a Digi-pak including the
bonus DVD THE WACKEN WORSHIP - LIVE AT WACKEN OPEN AIR 2008!

http://www.powerwolf.net/
http://www.myspace.com/powerwolfmetal

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Jeff Loomis Guitar Lesson Added To Comcast On Demand

Guitar players will be happy to know that the blistering guitar work
of Nevermore's Jeff Loomis is currently featured on Comcast On
Demand's Cable TV Media Channel. To watch the Jeff's video, use your
Comcast remote control to view the ON Demand menu, click through to
the "Music" section, then hit "Guitar Lessons" and select "Jeff Loomis
Lesson". After this has been accomplished, turn on your amp, plug in
the guitar, and learn some great new moves from the master himself.

Also be sure to pick up your copy of ZERO ORDER PHASE by Jeff Loomis
over at CM Distro for only $12.00!

Check out Jeff Loomis on MySpace!
http://www.myspace.com/jeffloomis

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-"Behind The Player..." DVD Series

BEHIND THE PLAYER: An intimate behind-the-scenes look at the featured
artist's life as a professional musician, from their background,
influences and gear, to rare photos and video footage. Each DVD
features a slew of artists giving personal in-depth lessons for how to
play two of their songs, starting with effects and special tunings,
then breaking down each part and transitions. The video tab by
Animated VideoTab™ shows exactly how the featured artist plays their
part in the two tracks, while they play along. Lastly, the Jam Feature
has artists jamming out to the tracks with a special guest to show how
their part interrelates with the other instrument parts in the two
songs. A MUST OWN for any musician or musician-in-training.

Behind The Player - Blasko (Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Duff McKagan (Loaded, Velvet Revolver) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Fieldy (Korn)
Behind The Player - John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie)
Behind The Player - Mike Inez (Alice In Chains, Ozzy Osbourne) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Munky (Korn)
Behind The Player - Paul Gray (Slipknot) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Robbie Merrill (Godsmack) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Shannon Larkin (Godsmack)
Behind The Player - Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction, Porno for
Pyros) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Tim Skold (KMFDM, Marilyn Manson) (DVD)
Behind The Player - Tommy Clufetos (Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie) (DVD)

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-Chicago Metal Pioneers Form Rebels Without Applause

RWA Brings The LOW END HEAD STOMP April 21

CHICAGO, IL -- Chicago metal mainstay Greg Fulton (Znowhite/Cyclone
Temple) has joined forces with former Znowhite drummer Tony Heath to
form Rebels Without Applause. RWA is scheduled to release their debut
album LOW END HEAD STOMP April 21 on EMA/Polydisc with a full-scale
digital roll-out. Mark Alano (guitar) and Kirk Behrendt (bass) join
Fulton (guitar/vocals) and Heath (drums) in rounding out the lineup.

After years of burning below the radar, tearing through the Midwest,
playing everything from sweatbox toilet-like clubs all the way up to
House Of Blues and all points in between, RWA has racked up over 300
shows in 39 cities and 54,000 miles touring. Playing with everyone
from Mudvayne, Soil, Disturbed, Black Label Society, and Shadows Fall,
to Stone Sour, Lacuna Coil, Stuck Mojo, and Bad Brains, to name just a
few, RWA's been grinding mile after mile, brick by brick, all the
while leaving a constantly growing and rabid fan base.

Rebels Without Applause have been steadily working the underground
connecting with and crossing genres, coming off like a "Heavy Groove,
Mack Truck-Concussion Dispenser" creating an eclectic range in which
their sound thrives.

The band released an EP in 1998 called RIP-HOP, SOULCORE, CRUSH. Their
full-length debut, LOW END HEAD STOMP, features a thick roux of crunch
and heaviness with added dashes of big grooves and soulful melodies to
make a potent metal gumbo!

RWA is currently gearing up for a run in their native Midwest. Catch
'em live at:

MAY 16 - Tornados - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
MAY 28 - Cobra Lounge - Chicago, Illinois
JUNE 5 - Pearl Room - ALL AGES!! - Mokena, Illinois
JUNE 13 - North Beach Club - Downers Grove, Illinois
JUNE 26 - Shakers - Cambridge, Ohio
JULY 11 - Chicago City Limits - Schaumburg, Illinois
JULY 16 - Double Door - Chicago, Illinois
JULY 31 - Reggie's Rock Room - Chicago, Illinois

LOW END HEAD STOMP Track Listing:

My Success
Rain Or Shine
Weak
Someday
Sublime
Shallow Genius
Paperthin
Chalkline
I Don't Wanna Know
Shout Outs

LOW END HEAD STOMP is available at: iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, and
Rhapsody.

To hear music please visit http://www.myspace.com/rwachicago .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
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-Hemme Makes iTunes Debut With WHERE ARE YOU EP And Lead-Off Single,
"Don't Give Up" Via Mighty Loud!

The debut digital release by former WWE diva turned rocker Christy
Hemme arrived on Tuesday, April 14 with the four-track EP, WHERE ARE
YOU. The lead-off single, "Don't Give Up," is a melodic rocker that
will stick in your head long after you hear it, while the EP's other
tracks "Footprints," "I Am," and "Enough" will surely not disappoint
either. In addition to her fast-rising music career, Hemme is a
Playboy cover girl, a current "TNA" knockout on Spike TV, and is proud
to support the U.S. Troops -- especially overseas, where she recently
performed in front of troops stationed in the Middle East. And the
buzz continues to grow around Hemme, as her MySpace site, Hemme
Powered, is nearly 60,000 fans strong.

"We are so excited to release a sound that continues to evolve as we
strengthen and grow as a band," says Hemme. "This is just the
beginning! It is so fitting that 'Don't Give Up' is the first song
released, because it has been such a winding road up to this point. As
a band, this was the song that we played and it kept us going, kept
our heads up, and wouldn't let us stop believing in what we know we
have to give from our hearts through our music."

Go ahead and experience Hemme's brand of rock for yourself here:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=311261528&s=14344\
1

http://www.myspace.com/hemmepowered

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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-Lazarus A.D. Update

"Thou Shall Not Fear" Video Premiered This Week

Kenosha, Wisconsin's Lazarus A.D. recently shot a video for the song
"Thou Shall Not Fear" in the "storied and (supposedly) haunted Eagle's
Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin." The clip, which "will give you a
good idea of the band's powerful and engaging live performance,"
premiered online at http://www.headbangersblog.com/ on April 16.

Their debut album THE ONSLAUGHT was released by the end of February
this year on Metal Blade Records.

New Podcast With Psyopus And Lazarus A.D. Online

Please click on http://www.metalblade.de/index.php?mod=podcasts to
check out the latest Metal Blade podcast featuring insane tech
grinders Psyopus and ferocious thrashers Lazarus A.D.! It contains
special interviews, music and more!

Psyopus (ODD SENSES) and Lazarus A.D. (THE ONSLAUGHT) both have their
new albums out NOW on Metal Blade Records! Check some tunes out here:

http://www.metalblade.de/

Lazarus A.D.
http://www.myspace.com/lazarus1

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Les Claypool Starts Summer Escapade

OF FUNGI AND FOE Releasing On Vinyl On May 12th

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Les Claypool will take over the northern hemisphere
on his summer tour starting May 26th in Charlotte, NC. This is the
second leg of his year-long tour in support of his critically
acclaimed latest masterpiece OF FUNGI AND FOE out now on Prawn Song
Records.

A special collectors' edition of OF FUNGI AND FOE will come out on
vinyl May 12th. This is a MUST HAVE for all Les Claypool fans. This is
a limited run so go to http://www.clubbastardo.com/ and get your copy.

OF FUNGI AND FOE is the expansion of material Claypool has recorded
over the past few years for the video game "Mushroom Men" and the
motion picture "Pig Hunt." Being inspired by these two projects
Claypool decided to keep creating and turn it into an album. The song
"Mushroom Men" on this release is a more in depth version of the theme
song from the video game. Additionally a jam session with Gogol
Bordello's charismatic front man Eugene Hutz turned into the track
"Bite Out Of Life." The band is comprised of Les Claypool on bass/
vocals, Paulo Baldi (Cake) on Drums, Mike Dillon (Ani Difranco) on
Percussion, and Sam Bass (Deadweight) on Cello.

Les Claypool summer dates:

May
23 - Chilicothe, IL - Summer Camp
24 - Thornville, OH - Hookahville
26 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre
27 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
28 - Hilton Head, SC - Shoreline Ballroom
30 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheater - w/ Matisyahu
31 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues - w/ Matisyahu

June
1 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Landing - w/ Matisyahu
2 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle - w/ Matisyahu
4 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall - w/ Matisyahu
5 - Ozark, AR - Wakarusa
7 - Dallas, TX - The Palladium - w/ Matisyahu
8 - Houston, TX - House of Blues - w/ Matisyahu
9 - Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall - w/ Matisyahu
11 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
12 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
13 - Ventura, CA - Ventura Theatre
19 - Sacramento, CA - The Grove @ Radisson Hotel
20 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
21 - Medford, OR - Britt Pavilion
23 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
24 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
25 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore
27 - Edmonton, AB - Event Center
28 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall
30 - Winnipeg, MB - Burton Cummings

July
1 - Fargo, ND - The Venue
4 - Rothbury, MI - Rothbury
5 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
6 - Nashville, TN - War Memorial Auditorium
7 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theater
9 - Norfolk, VA - Norva
10 - Masontown, WV - All Good Fest
11 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
12 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
17 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues

For more information go to http://www.lesclaypool.com/ or
http://www.myspace.com/thereallesclaypool .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Third Eye Blind On Tour Now

Guitarist Tony Fredianelli Gearing Up Solo Project

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Third Eye Blind is on tour performing their hits and
songs from their current EP titled RED STAR with hit song "Non Dairy
Creamer." "Non Dairy Creamer" is currently added on 17 Alt/Indie
stations and has been in the top few as the most requested week after
week hitting the charts out of nowhere. In December 2008 Third Eye
Blind quietly released the EP for online/iTunes only. Surpassing
expectations of the EP, Third Eye Blind has succeeded in doing what
few bands have been able to achieve after being crossed over to pop/AC
radio -- they regained their alternative base. The song "Non Dairy
Creamer," which Fredianelli wrote the music for, is doing very well at
alternative radio charting respectively. "This song is off the EP and
we did not push or press and it blew up on its own. That to me is
amazing," explains Fredianelli. "We must be doing something right, we
have really solid music. The new album coming is some of our best
work."

Fredianelli is also working on a solo project to be released later in
2009. "Before I joined 3EB I was a solo artist. I started playing at
14 and really excelled at guitar. I want to go back to my roots and
create some of that shredding guitar that started my career." At 16
Fredianelli was teaching guitar and caught the eye of famed guitar
shred aficionado Mike Varney, owner and president of Shrapnel Records.
After listening to a demo tape Varney signed Fredianelli to Shrapnel
Records. He formed the speed metal neo-classical band Apocrypha
releasing three records. Marty Friedman (former Megadeth ax-slinger)
produced the first two albums and the third Fredianelli produced
himself. In late 1992 Varney introduced Fredianelli to the then
unknown singer, Stephan Jenkins and was asked to join the band Third
Eye Blind. History was made.

Third Eye Blind has a new record tentatively titled URSA MAJOR set to
be released later this year. Catch them live now!

Third Eye Blind tour dates 2009

Sun. - 4/26/09 - Brockport, NY - SUNY Brockport - Tutle North Arena
Mon. - 4/27/09 - Harrisburgh, PA - The Forum
Wed. - 4/29/09 - Tucson, AZ - University Of Arizona - Arizona Stadium

Sat. - 5/2/09 - East Rutherford, NJ - Bamboozle - Meadow Lands Sports
Complex
Sun. - 5/3/09 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
Mon. - 5/4/09 - Scranton, PA - Weinberg Theatre
Tue. - 5/5/09 - Burlington, VA - Higher Ground
Fri. - 5/8/09 - Erie, PA - Mercyhurst College - University Gym
Sat. - 5/9/09 - Albany, NY - WEQX "Tulip Festival" - Washington Park
Sun. - 5/10/09 - Providence, RI - Kennedy Plaza Skating Center
Tue. - 5/12/09 - Stamford, CT - Palace Theatre
Thurs. - 5/14/09 - Hampton, NH - Hampton Beach Casino
Fri. - 5/15/09 - Atlantic City, NJ - House Of Blues
Sat. - 5/16/09 - Washington, DC - DC 101 Chili Cook-Off - RFK Stadium
Sun. - 5/17/09 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva
Tue. - 5/19/09 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino
Wed. - 5/20/09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Palace Theatre
Thurs. - 5/21/09 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore
Fri. - 5/22/09 - Columbus, OH - LC Outdoor Amphitheater
Sat. - 5/23/09 - Cleveland, OH - Great American Rib Cook-Off
Sun. - 5/24/09 - St. Louis, MO - Great American Rib Cook-Off
Wed. - 5/27/09 - Cincinnati, OH - Madison Theater
Thurs. - 5/28/09 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room @ The Murat Centre
Fri. - 5/29/09 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
Sat. - 5/30/09 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre
Sun. - 5/31/09 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

Thurs. 6/4/09 Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theatre
Fri. 6/5/09 Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
Sat. 6/6/09 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
Thurs. 6/18/09 San Jose, CA - "Music In The Park" - Plaza de Cesar
Chavez

For more information go to http://www.3eb.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Das Reich Releases SOUNDS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD

Brazilian heavy metal band Das Reich recently released their new EP,
entitled SOUNDS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD, recorded, mixed and
mastered in Estúdio Nitro ( http://www.estudionitro.com.br/ ) by the
producer Roger "Earth" Fingle, vocalist and multi-instrumentist of
Blood Tears and Seduced By Suicide bands.

Das Reich was born in 1998 when the guitarists Deleon and Carlos
joined Deco and decided to intensify their studies, to form a band. In
that time, with the band still untitled, they began playing covers of
several bands. In the following years Charles was called for the
drums, and Fabricio for the vocals. The band was ready and was called
Das Reich. In 2004, the band entered in studio to record its first
release, A PERFECT SIGN OF GOD. The main influence of their music is
the traditional heavy metal, and its lyrics are based on history,
mythologies and social criticism.

SOUNDS FROM THE END OF THE WORLD has the following track list:

1. Orpheu's Dreams
2. The Path of Gods
3. Seeds of Rage
4. Sedna Screams
5. The Blind Shepherd and His Deaf Sheeps

Audio samples are available at http://www.myspace.com/dasreichmetal .

Das Reich
http://www.dasreich.com.br/
http://www.myspace.com/dasreichmetal

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Halcyon Way Update

Welcome to the Halcyon Way Newsletter! This is your source for all
things Halcyon Way!

Upcoming Gigs

July 11, 2009 - Rocklahoma - Pryor, OK

HW To Headline North Stage At Rocklahoma!

Halcyon Way has been confirmed as the headliner for the Retroactive
Records-sponsored North Stage on Saturday night at Rocklahoma 2009. In
support of their debut album, A MANIFESTO FOR DOMINATION, which was
released on November 25, 2008 via Nightmare Records, and fresh off an
appearance at Nightmare Metalfest II, this will mark Halcyon Way's
second appearance at Rocklahoma!

Zane Featured On Bugera-Amps.com!

From Bugera's site:

Zane has played through many amps through the years, but has found a
home with Bugera. "I went to a retail outlet when I first heard about
Bugera and gave them a try. The sound was amazing! It gave me what I
needed in tone to finally achieve the live sound I always wanted. And
it's versatility is something I truly value. I can go from beautiful
cleans to heavy riffs with no trouble or noise. I recently spent four
days with my band in the studio, at about 8-10 hours a day, pushing
this amp to its extremes, and it proved itself thoroughly reliable. I
couldn't recommend this amp enough."

See the full article at:
http://www.bugera-amps.com/EN/Stars/ZaneMatthews.aspx

Pamela Moore To Guest On Next HW Album!

Halcyon Way is very honored and excited to announce that Pamela Moore,
who played the character of Sister Mary on Queensryche's
OPERATION:MINDCRIME I & II will be making appearances on several songs
that will appear on the follow-up to 2008's A MANIFESTO FOR
DOMINATION!!!! The sessions are scheduled for September of 2009 and we
will keep you posted!

For an interview with Pamela go to:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsite\
mID=116782

The subject comes up at about 6:50 into the first video.

Get Halcyon Way Stuff!

Need some Halcyon Way stuff? How about a T-shirt, hoodie or maybe a
CD? Check out our online store!

For questions or comments please send an e-mail to info@...
.

To book Halcyon Way, send an e-mail to booking@... .

Free Stuff!

Head on over to http://www.VolumMonster.com/ and enter the code
DOMINATION for FREE Halcyon Way downloads! Check this spot in each
newsletter for new codes to get more free stuff!

http://www.halcyonway.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-New Demians Album In The Works!

Demians' singer Nicolas Chapel recently stated that he is currently
writing new music for the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut
BUILDING AN EMPIRE. The new material will be recorded during the
summer.

Chapel says he is excited about writing and producing new music again,
and has no plans for a tour this year since this new album has "turned
to an obsession": "I don't want to do anything but sit behind the
piano or smash fuzz pedals right now. Writing this new music has
really washed away my frustrations."

"The new material is haunting," he describes. "It's purer in so many
ways. Contemplation through chaos. A lot of the negative energy I
accumulated throughout the past few years from putting a live band
together, mixed with the life-changing joys of touring all over Europe
last winter and meeting hundreds of fantastic people has finally
turned into a massively beautiful experience. I feel like now is the
right time to put it all on tape."

When asked if the members of the live band will be contributing to the
new album, Chapel answers: "I'd love Antoine and Gaël to add their two
cents on a song or two, though not necessarily with the instruments
they're known for. They are both very talented people, and are
respectful of the way i tend to disappear for months when I have
something in mind, so we might end up with something surprising. Aside
from that, the music of Demians is still too much of a personal matter
to have a producer or anyone else involved in the creative process."

The recording sessions will take place "wherever I can find enough
quiet and wall sockets to turn the volume up to 11 all day long,"
starting in May until the end of the summer.

The new Demians album is expected to hit your eardrums in early 2010,
with an extensive world tour to follow.

Check out Demians on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/demiansmusic

BUILDING AN EMPIRE available now on Inside Out Music / SPV.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-Tardy Brothers Release BLOODLINE

Since forming Xecutioner, later renamed Obituary, in 1984 brothers
John and Donald Tardy have unquestionably become a household names for
metal fans. Each have earned the respect of their peers: John for his
distinct and unrivaled guttural voice and Donald for his supreme drum
abilities. With BLOODLINE, the duo expand their musical playcard
showcasing not only a new artistic outlet but also extending
opportunity for them to take their global fanbase on an exciting new
journey. BLOODLINE features guitar work by Ralph Santolla (Obituary/
Death/Deicide) and original Xecutioner guitarist Jerry Tidwell and
solo work from 19-year-old John Lee and long time friend Scott
Johnson.

Obituary -- featuring core brothers John and Donald Tardy with
guitarist Trevor Peres -- are considered one of death metal's most
successful and respected bands. Releasing the majority of their
material for Roadracer, a now defunct division of Roadrunner, the band
signed to London-based Candlelight Records in May of 2007.
XECUTIONER'S RETURN was released late August 2007 and would find
support around the globe. "The distorted sludge and swampy groove that
made Obituary one of the most distinctive of death metal's first wave
are well and truly intact," said Kerrang! "XECUTIONER'S RETURN totally
smokes everything they've done since 1992's THE END COMPLETE,"
confirmed Decibel. Obituary delivered the special/limited LEFT TO DIE
EP in mid-September 2008. Featuring two brand new songs, a re-
recording of the band's classic "Slowly We Rot," plus the legendary
thrash band's remake of Celtic Frost's "Dethroned Emperor," the EP
also contains the "Headbanger's Ball" video favorite "Evil Ways."

Said John Tardy of the project: "This is something Donald and I have
talked about and planned for many years and we just never had the time
to do it. With the addition of our new studio, it has finally given us
the abilitity to get this music recorded. It is not going to affect
anything that Obituary is doing nor is it supposed to sound like
Obituary." BLOODLINE is the first of several planned releases for the
duo. Inviting some of their many musician friends, the pair hope to
explore ranges outside the norm of their regular recording commitments
and avenues (fact: Donald stepping out from behind the kit to tackle
many of the rhythm guitar duties on BLOODLINE). Tardy Brothers are
planning some live performances while continuing work on the new
Obituary album planned for release later this year.

http://www.tardybrothers.com/
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Biclops Album Nears Completion; Summer Tour Announced

Biclops (ex-Postman Syndrome, current East Of The Wall) are currently
in the studio at The Machine Shop (King Crimson, Clutch, Lamb Of God)
with producer Will Putney, completing their debut full-length for a
to-be-determined label. Demos for three of the nine songs can be heard
at http://www.Biclops.net/ .

Immediately following the completion of the recording, the band will
hit the road with tour mates Knife The Glitter for a short east coast
run. Several dates are as yet unconfirmed.

The tour routing is underway as follows:
6/05/2009 *TBA - Brooklyn, NY
6/06/2009 Nara Sushi - Richmond, VA
6/07/2009 The Milestone - Charlotte, NC
6/08/2009 *TBA - GA
6/09/2009 JJ's Bohemia - Chattanooga, TN
6/10/2009 *TBA - AL
6/11/2009 *TBA - FL/LA/GA
6/12/2009 Head On The Door - Montgomery, AL
6/13/2009 *TBA - SC
6/14/2009 *TBA - NC/DC/VA/MD
6/15/2009 *TBA - PA

http://www.Biclops.net/
http://www.myspace.com/BiclopsIsABand

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Southern Lord Signs The Accused

Southern Lord Records is pleased to announce the signing of legendary
Seattle splatter rock kings The Accused! Said label head Greg
Anderson: "The Accused and guitarist Tommy Niemeyer were basically
responsible for turning me onto hardcore/punk and underground metal.
If it wasn't for me witnessing The Accused slay the audience -- and me
-- in 1985 I may be writing this today!"

Added Niemeyer on joining the Southern Lord roster: "Because we are a
pretty unclassifiable band, The Accused has had a rough time finding a
label who really knows what this band is about; that our fans are all
over the place demographically. Greg Anderson at Southern Lord is the
guy who totally 'gets it' when it comes to The Accused. He knows
exactly 'how metal' we are and 'how punk' we are and all the other
weird sh*t in between that makes The Accused what it is: splatter
rock. Hooking up with Anderson and the great staff of Southern Lord is
the best thing that's happened with this band in a long time. It feels
like The Accused are strapped onto a huge bottle rocket and Greg's
about to light the fuse."

The band will enter the studio with uber producer Billy Anderson
(Melvins, Neurosis, Brutal Truth, Cattle Decapitation, High On Fire,
etc.) to record 14 new tunes. Appropriately titled THE CURSE OF MARTHA
SPLATTERHEAD, the release will mark their first full-length studio
effort in four years. The band will be making several live appearances
in support of their new opus, including a freshly announced slot at
SuperSonic Festival in Birmingham England July 25, 2009 alongside
Corrupted and Thorr's Hammer. Prepare to hear a lot more from MARTHA
and the boys via Southern Lord in the very near future! You have been
warned...

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
*
-Translation Loss Records Signs City Of Ships And Co-release New
Record

Translation Loss Records are extremely excited to announce the
addition of Richmond, VA's City Of Ships to their roster! City Of
Ships has been touring relentlessly since its inception in 2005,
promoting self-released EPs as well as CD and Vinyl releases from
independent Richmond, VA labels Forcefield Records and the Perpetual
Motion Machine. The trio will embark on an extensive European tour
this summer, first with label mates Rosetta and later joining The End
Records' Braveyoung (previously named Giant, from NC). In addition,
the band is currently booking a run of East Coast U.S. dates with
Liquid Limbs happening late May through mid-June.

LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US is City Of Ships' first release with
Translation Loss. The album will be co-released with indie label Sound
Study Recordings from Gainesville, FL. Translation Loss will take
charge of the CD release (expecting a mid-late summer release) while
Sound Study will handle the vinyl and digital versions for this
remarkable 10 song full-length debut. Both record labels are intensely
passionate about the band's music and look forward to helping present
City Of Ships to the world. Drew Juergens from Translation Loss on the
signing and co-release: "I could not be more excited about working
with City Of Ships. Ever since I heard their tour EP and saw them
live, I knew they were destined to create greatness. The new record is
absolutely amazing and will take the world by surprise with its
intrinsic groove and the jaw-dropping musicianship it presents."

City Of Ships' Translation Loss debut entitled LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US
was tracked and mixed over two sessions in February and March of this
year with producer Andrew Schneider at Translator Audio (Pelican, Made
Out Of Babies, Unsane) in Brooklyn, NY and will be mastered by Nick
Zampiello at New Alliance East in Boston.

"Pounding bass lines and quirky rhythms and structures that almost
have a math metal sort of vibe, but there's also a constant flow of
all kinds of incredibly tactful 'post-' influences, from lush clean
passages and swirling, spacey effects to noisier layers of intense
guitar work. I'm really f*ckin' impressed by this material.
Excellent." - Aversionline.com

"The group's frenetic energy and obvious emotional stake in the music
which they play is simultaneously impressive and inspiring." -
Scenepointblank.com

"Amidst the ocean of droney post-rock, post-hardcore clones, there are
only a couple bands that catch my attention. City Of Ships had me
hooked from beginning to end." - Razorcake

"This takes me back to a time of discovering exciting new sounds in
the underground scene that really blew minds, from Kerosene 454 to
Ethel Meserve -- bands unhindered by genre and expressing endless
enthusiasm for just playing great music. City Of Ships are hard to
describe and easy to enjoy, both great things." - Exclaim!

http://www.cityofships.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cityofships
http://www.translationloss.com/
http://www.myspace.com/translationlossrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #23 ***
*
-Castevet Drops Debut 7-inch; Full-length Details Emerge

Castevet's debut 7", "Stones/Salts," has been officially released
through Paragon Records. The 7" is available on clear vinyl, and is
limited to 300 copies worldwide. You can preview "Stones/Salts" now at
the following site: http://castevet.bandcamp.com . "Stones/Salts" can
be purchased through the band's Web site or from Paragon's site now.

In the demonology tome "The Lesser Key Of Solomon," Paimon is keeper
of the secrets of music, art and philosophy. His appearance is
heralded by demons in the form of men blaring discordant trumpets and
rattling cymbals. In order to receive Paimon's knowledge, a conjurer
must first allow him to ask any question he wishes. "Stones/Salts"
reshapes the grim, dissonant riffing and anguished rasp of black metal
into a new form that asks questions of the listener before revealing
the secrets hidden within its epic structures.

Castevet will be entering PAINcave Studios this September to record
their debut full-length with engineer Colin Marston (Dysrhythmia,
Behold...The Arctopus, Krallice). The album, which is not yet titled,
will be seeing a 2010 release.

Castevet will be performing alongside Bone Awl, Ashdautas, and Volahn
on 6/17 at Cherry St. Station in Wallingford, CT.

http://www.castevet.com/
http://www.paragonrecords.net/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-About Heavy Metal's list of "Best Finnish Metal Bands" is online now
at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/6zAr . Hype: "Variety is the name of
the game with this list, as all genres are represented, from doom to
folk to death, and even a little folk on the side."

-The video and audio for the Italian band Clepsydra's new single,
"Lost In The Universe," are now available at both
http://www.clepsydraband.it/ and http://www.myspace.com/clepsydraband
. The track comes off the album IN OTHER SUNSETS.

-The Brazilian prog/power metal band Daydream XI just finished
recording its debut EP, HUMANITY'S PROLOGUE, and samples are available
now at http://www.myspace.com/daydreamxi . The release was produced by
guitarist Renato Osorio (Magician, Scelerata, Fighterlord). See
http://www.daydreamxi.com/ for more.

-Former Styx front man Dennis DeYoung just re-released his 2007 solo
album ONE HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW in the U.S. The disc had previously
been out in Canada, where the title track was a big hit. DeYoung is
currently writing songs for theatrical production entitled "101
Dalmations: The Musical."

-Hardline -- featuring singer Johnny Gioeli, guitarist Josh Ramos,
keyboardist Michael T. Ross, bassist Jamie Brown, and drummer Atma
Anur -- has released LEAVING THE END OPEN on Frontiers. Track list:
"Voices," "Falling Free," "Start Again," "Pieces Of Puzzles,"
"Bittersweet," "She Sleeps In Madness," "In This Moment," "Give In To
This Love," "Before This," "Hole In My Head," "Leaving The End Open."
Check out http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=26971 and
http://www.nehrecords.com/shop/HardlineLeaving.htm for song clips, and
see http://www.myspace.com/hardlinerocks for more on the band.

-Former Survivor front man Jimi Jamison has his video for "When Rock
Was King" (from the excellent CROSSROADS MOMENT) available at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2R0ruyk_9A ,
http://www.jimijamison.com/video4.html , and
http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords . The cut features guest spots
from Dave Bickler (Survivor), Mickey Thomas (Starship), Joe Lynn
Turner, Don Barnes (.38 Special), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Jim Peterik
(Survivor). The lyrics name-check such '80s and classic rock stalwarts
as AC/DC, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Cheap
Trick, Rainbow, Journey, and many more. See
http://www.jimijamison.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/jimijamison for
more.

-Check out DJ Ladyhawk's "Metal Madness" show every Friday night at
http://live.ilike2rock.net/ . The show comes highly recommended by our
friends in The Dead End Kidz.

-Cult '80s band Odin has a new 18-track BEST OF that reportedly
features the entire DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER EP plus tracks from
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE, THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY, and CAUTION, and one
previously-unreleased track called "Let The Show Begin." The disc was
re-mastered by Roy Z. You may remember the band from scenes in 1988's
"Decline Of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years," or as Armored
Saint guitarist Jeff Duncan's previous gig.

-Rock Gone Wild announced seven more bands added to the lineup:
Dokken, Jackyl, L.A. Guns (Phil Lewis version), Black 'N Blue, Saving
Abel, Armored Saint, and Texas Hippie Coalition. See
http://www.rockgonewild.com/ for more.

-Check out a "Hot Spot" feature on MSG's GIPSY LADY at
http://musicbuymail.eu/index.php?a=464 , where you can read album
info, check out song clips, and view a photo slideshow. The disc is
out April 24 on In-Akustik. See http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/
for more.

-Sunstorm, featuring Joe Lynn Turner, has HOUSE OF DREAMS out now on
Frontiers. Track list: "Divided," "Don't Give Up," "The Spirit
Inside," "I Found Love," "Say You Will," "Gutters Of Gold," "Save A
Place In Your Heart," "Forever Now," "Tears On The Pages," "House Of
Dreams," "Walk On." Hype has the disc being "an AOR masterpiece." "I
Found Love" was played live by Turner on his RESCUE YOU tour a while
back, and some notable song writers involved with the disc are Paul
Sabu ("Forever Now" and "Save A Place In Your Heart"), Russ Ballard
("Tears On The Pages"), and Jim Peterik ("Say You Will" and "Gutters
Of Gold"). See http://www.joelynnturner.com/ for more, and check out
song clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=26970 and
http://www.thehighwaystar.com/news/2009/03/19/sunstorm-house-of-dreams/
.

Thanks to John Erigo, Music Buy Mail, Chad Bowar, MOG, and Jeff Adee
for help gathering some of this information.

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

-Online reports spoiled Queensryche's set list on the current AMERICAN
SOLDIER tour, where the shows are divided into "suites" of songs from
RAGE FOR ORDER (1986), EMPIRE (1990) and the current release. RAGE FOR
ORDER suite: "Neue Regel," "The Whisper," "Screaming In Digital," "I
Dream In Infrared," "Walk In The Shadows," "Surgical Strike," "I Will
Remember." AMERICAN SOLDIER suite: "Sliver," "The Killer," "If I Were
King," "A Dead Man's Words," "Home Again," "Man Down!," "The Voice."
EMPIRE suite: "Best I Can," "The Thin Line," "One And Only," "Hand On
Heart," "Jet City Woman," "Silent Lucidity," "Anybody Listening?"
Encore: "Empire," "Take Hold Of The Flame." For more, see
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/music-talk/542620-queensryche-american-soldier-concept-\
album-spring-2009-a-2.html
.

-That Third Eye Blind press release got me thinking... I had no idea
Tony Fredianelli was their guitarist. I remember the dark days of the
early/mid 1990s when my friends and I were starved for good domestic
metal, and we'd buy ANYTHING that looked cool. I remember buying one
of Fredianelli's solo discs out of a cut-out bin, because it was on
Shrapnel and we figured, "Hey, he must be good!" My friends and I sat
in my basement listening to the disc and after about two songs we were
all going, "Ugh..." I barely remember it but I think it was all
grungified and gnarly. Certainly NOT the neoclassical shredfest we
were hoping for.

-Anvil truly is everywhere right now, and God bless 'em. I was talking
to my mom the other night and she floored me with this question: "Do
you know of the metal band called Anvil?" After I picked my jaw up off
the floor she said there was a funny/cool article on them in the
Chicago Sun-Times Sunday. I couldn't believe I was talking to my mom
about Anvil. It sucked I couldn't make it to the band's film
screening/show at the Metro in Chicago this week, but at least I can
share with you the newspaper article, by Anthony Breznican:
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/movies/1533219,SHO-Sunday-anvil19.article
.

-Now that Phil Lewis' version of L.A. Guns will be at Rock Gone Wild,
my friend Bill suggested the Tracii Guns version should also be there,
for a battle of the bands. I say they should assemble a third version,
too, comprised of ex-members from both versions. Ralph Saenz could
sing. They'd rule.

-I saw a killer Chicago Cubs T-shirt today. It's all-black with
"CUBSS" in the Kiss font on the front, and the back has the Cubbie
bear logo rendered with the "Kiss Icons" makeup on its face. I want
one!

-In my current playlist: Jimi Jamison - CROSSROADS MOMENT (Frontiers),
Halford - LIVE INSURRECTION - REMASTERED (Metal God Entertainment),
Elvenking - TWO TRAGEDY POETS (...AND A CARAVAN OF WEIRD FIGURES) (AFM
Records).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
EDENBRIDGE - MY EARTH DREAM (C+) Napalm Records, 2008
10 tracks, RT 52:09
[ http://www.edenbridge.org/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/edenbridge ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edenbridge/65841432999 ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Hailing from Austria, Edenbridge is a Gothic Symphonic Metal band.
This female-fronted band plays straightforward metal incorporated with
a light and airy symphonic style. On their MySpace page, they describe
themselves as gothic, which seems misleading. I didn't see or hear
anything gothic with its colorfully clad front woman and euphonic
vocals. This is another band that I don't have any real grievances
against; it's just that I'm not fond of the sound. MY EARTH DREAM is
their most recent album. The use of symphonic instruments is prevalent
and the employment of typical guitars and drumming are easily heard in
the foreground. Vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher is a talented singer,
there's no doubt about it. The "metal" aspect is there, it's just that
it's overshadowed by the dominant symphonic sound. Echoing and
chanting choruses can be heard in songs like, "Shadowplay" and
"Paramount." I'd say that if you're looking for a pristine and angelic
sounding voice amongst metal instruments, you might like this album.
If you're like me and want your metal loud, brutal, and menacingly
fast, you're better off with something else.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@...)

ELVENKING - TWO TRAGEDY POETS (B-) AFM Records, 2009
12 tracks, RT: 43:11
[ http://www.elvenking.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/elvenking ]
[ http://www.afm-records.de/ ]
A folk-tinged Italian metal band that sings about elves? Um, what?
That's crazy enough that it just...might...work... So yeah, I'd seen
the band name a few times over the years but I never heard any music.
Turns out this disc -- my first exposure to Elvenking -- is a slight
departure from the band's usual fare, as it's a full-on "folk album,"
featuring nine new songs, a cover, and two acoustic re-workings of
older tracks. Taken on its own merits, TWO TRAGEDY POETS -- subtitled
(...AND A CARAVAN OF WEIRD FIGURES) -- is mostly acoustic and pretty
darn fun. After an odd little intro piece, "Another Awful Hobs Tale"
and "From Blood To Stone" start things off on a rollicking note. As
stated the songs are mostly acoustic-based, and they are full-band
affairs, ably buttressed by fiddles (violins?) and other folksy wind
and string instruments. Piano, electric guitars, and shouted backing
vocals pop up every now and again, and at its best the whole deal
comes off kind of like a group of friends spending a crazy summer
night sitting around a campfire, drinking and singing (with Italian
accents of course). There's a fair bit of good old-fashioned pop
sensibility here as well, epitomized by a bizarre-but-cool cover of
Belinda Carlisle's radio hit "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." And sure
there are some more serious/poignant moments on display, but I
preferred the more carefree, grooving stuff. Highlights: "Not My Final
Song," "Another Awful Hobs Tale," "The Wanderer," "From Blood To
Stone," and "Miss Conception." TWO TRAGEDY POETS has convinced me to
seek out the band's older, folk-influenced metal stuff now. Final
note: Certain versions have a bonus track #13, which is another
acoustic re-working of an older track called "The Perpetual Knot."
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

GREAT WHITE - RISING (B) Shrapnel, 2009
11 tracks, RT: 54:54
[ http://www.greatwhiterocks.com/ ]
[ http://www.mistabone.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/officialgreatwhite ]
[ http://www.shrapnelrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/shrapnelrecordsshreds ]
Great White follows up the reunion disc BACK TO THE RHYTHM with
RISING, and it's a mixed bag of classic sounding rockers and laid-back
ballads which will resonate with some fans but leave others wanting
more of what made the band a radio and concert favorite back in the
late '80s. RISING starts off in fine form with "Situation," a
traditional Great White rocker with great vocals from Jack Russell.
"All Or Nothin'" swings with a commercial appeal that would have been
huge back in the ...TWICE SHY era, "Shine" features some choice rhythm
work from Mark Kendall and a satisfying chorus, and "Danger Zone"
rocks with a Billy Idol flavor, showing Mark has still got his lead
chops. I can't help thinking there could have been a few more hard
rockers on here, though, as things seem to ramp down with material
such as "Last Chance" (which could almost fit on country radio),
relaxed "Only You Can Do" and the R&B vibe of "My Sanctuary." So yeah,
some good stuff here that will go down a storm live but a bit too
mellow overall to compete with the bite of Great White's glory days...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

KATRA - BEAST WITHIN (C-) Napalm Records, 2008
12 tracks, RT 48:59
[ http://www.katra.fi/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/katramusic ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Formed in 2006, Katra is female-fronted, self-described gothic metal
band from Finland. Their newest album, BEAST WITHIN, is not what I had
expected it to be. The vocalist, Katra Solopuro, does not have a light
and flowing voice. She sounds more like an opera singer at times, but
has nowhere near the range or high pitch of an opera singer. This is
another album that I felt lacked a predominately "metal" feel. There's
some keyboard playing, in a synthesized form on some songs. Songs
like, "Beast Within" have a somewhat memorable and decent chorus.
Solopuro herself seems to be the ringleader, and everyone else in the
band has fallen into the cracks of subordination. This evident by her
the band's MySpace page prominently featuring only pictures of
Solopuro (with the exception of one picture showing the band
together). The band has talent, but the album can get a tad
repetitive. As for the rest of the band, they sound okay, typical
metal. Instrumentally, the band has consistent hard hitting drumming
and heavy, amped-up guitars. It's just that the guitars and drumming
are in the shadow of Solopuro's singing.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@...)

LUNATICA - NEW SHORES (C) Napalm Records, 2009
11 tracks, RT 50:02
[ http://www.lunatica.ch/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lunaticametal ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Lunatica is a Symphonic Melodic Metal band hailing from Switzerland. I
found this band's sound hard to classify as far as fitting into the
metal genre. Both adjectives, melodic and symphonic, describe this
band accurately, but I'm not entirely convinced that the word metal
does. Instrumentally, this band could be considered metal, with the
heavy sounding guitars and with the use of other trademark metal
components. However, vocally, this band is headed by a female with a
soft and very coherent, clean voice. Her voice is harmonious and
pleasantly sounding. NEW SHORES is Lunatica's newest contribution to
the music world. There is nothing really bad I can say about it, just
that I don't like the fusion of a consistently gentle and tranquil
sounding voice mixed with classic metal guitar playing and drumming.
There's some piano playing executed, which adds to smooth and tame
nature of the album. Some choruses can get catchy, like the one on the
song, "Two Dreamers." On their MySpace page, Lunatica invites those
interested in "moving on to greener pastures," to do so by becoming
one of their fans. This statement is a hallmark of what Lunatica is
all about. If you happen to like your metal toned down with a flowing,
ethereal kind of voice, then give this a try. If you want something to
bang your head to -- this is not it.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@...)

MR. PLOW - APOCALYPSE PLOW (C) Reversed Records, 2007
15 tracks (16th hidden), RT: 51:39
[ http://www.myspace.com/mrplow ]
[ http://www.crustyrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.reversedrecords.com/ ]
Wow, the stuff that crosses your desk sometimes! Listening to
APOCALYPSE PLOW took me back to my young teen days when I watched
"Animal House" and listened to stuff like Richard Pryor with a
perverse delight at the raunchy humor. Well, Mr. Plow is all about
taking us back to what made us laugh as adolescents via some rather
catchy numbers, kind of like what would happen if Andrew Dice Clay
wrote some material for Weird Al Yankovik to deliver in a stripped
down punk/rockabilly-flavored style. Don't believe me? Titles such as
"Don't Get Any On Ya," "Handjobs For The Homeless," "I Like Your Tits"
and "Golden Shower Girl" should give you a pretty good indication of
what you are in store for here. The vocals are terrible (adds to the
humor though), and the lyrics are of the extremely crude, obscenity
laden variety. There are some funny bits here, I quite liked "Biscuits
And Gravy" and "Let's Get Fat Together," but really this is a bit much
to take. Definitely not one for the kids, but APOCALYPSE PLOW may just
make the 13 year-old in you smile in disgust...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

THE UNDERWATER - FORCES (C+) Megaforce Records, 2008
11 tracks, RT 41:42
[ http://www.theunderwater.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/theunderwater ]
[ http://www.megaforcerecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/megaforcerecords ]
Formed in late 2001, The Underwater is a rock/alternative band from
Pennsylvania. Their latest album, FORCES was released in May of 2008.
This band is unique because of their unusual sound. They sound like an
equal parts metal band and equal parts pop band. Instrumentally, the
band sounds like average metal. It's not too heavy. To me, it's more
along the lines of progressive metal in some ways. The vocalist is
what makes this band sound like a contemporary pop band. If you're
used to listening to mostly metal, then you might be taken aback by
this vocalist. It's hard to get past at first, but it began to grow on
me after a while. While listening to FORCES, I had to wonder who
exactly the audience would be for a band like this. Just because I'm
so acquainted to heavy metal, I imagine this band would probably have
more pop fans than metal fans. Songs like "Fallen One" might get metal
fans' hopes up, with a heavy guitar riff opener -- but only after a
few seconds into the song it begins to mellow out. Songs like
"Breathing," "Let Go," and "Redemption" start off slow and light, then
gradually transform into pop songs. I see this band having potential
because they're not really limited to one genre. However, I'd say that
if you're looking for hard-hitting drums, commanding vocals, and
guitar solos -- you're probably not going to care for this album much.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@...)

VOLBEAT - GUITAR GANGSTERS & CADILLAC BLOOD (A-/B+) Mascot Records
U.S.A., 2009
14 tracks, RT: 48:23
[ http://www.volbeat.dk/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/volbeat ]
[ http://www.mascotrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/mascot ]
Volbeat have been described, perhaps unfairly, as "Metallica meets
Elvis," and indeed, when I first heard their last album ROCK THE
REBEL, METAL THE DEVIL that's exactly the impression I had. Volbeat
have again delivered a quirky concoction on GUITAR GANGSTERS &
CADILLAC BLOOD, cranking out rockabilly-infused metal anthems on
killer tracks like the title cut, "Hallelujah Goat," and "Find That
Soul," but listeners may find more of a pronounced punk-pop feel not
unlike Green Day and The Offspring on tracks such as "Back To Prom"
and "We." Volbeat are at their best, however, on the more serious
sounding material like "Mary Ann's Place" and "Still Counting." GUITAR
GANGSTERS & CADILLAC BLOOD will have some scratching their heads at
the odd mixture of influences, but after a few spins (and possibly a
few beers), Volbeat's offbeat amalgamation should have you banging
your head and smiling at the cool contrast...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*