Detritus
Issue #509
Week of July 13, 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

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Keep an eye out for Neal's interview with Sacred Oath main man Rob
Thorne -- it's coming Friday. - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Crimson Glory To Headline ProgPower USA 10th Anniversary

[Note: This is from the ProgPower USA Forum, at
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/progpower-usa/511294-crimson-glory-press-rele\
ase.html
. - Tim]

"We are proud to announce that Crimson Glory have been asked by
ProgPower USA founder/promoter Glenn Harveston to headline the
ProgPower USA tenth anniversary festival on Friday, September 11th,
2009 in Atlanta, GA.

"It is both a privilege and an honor to perform at this now-infamous
American metal fest, and we see this as a beautifully serendipitous
opportunity to pay a final and meaningful tribute to Midnight in a
truly special manner by including the fans, as well as a stretching of
our collective wings in anticipation of a new era of Crimson Glory.

"Initially we had only intended to come to ProgPower as a band to
commemorate Midnight by presenting a memorial dedicated to his life
and his work with Crimson Glory.

"We had of course hoped for the chance to play the festival at some
point in the future, but from the ashes of circumstances beyond
Glenn's control, this opportunity arose for Crimson Glory to perform
sooner rather than later.

"This was totally unexpected, but after much deliberation between all
members of the band, we feel that it is absolutely the 'right' thing
to do.

"We see this as the perfect scenario for us to reconnect with the many
fans who have followed Crimson Glory over the years, as well as to
present our music to those fans who have never seen the band play
live.

"Indeed, we plan to use this performance as a bridge between the past
and future of Crimson Glory. As one door closes, another opens; as one
chapter ends, another is begun; this promises to be a very intimate,
magical and memorable event for us as well as for the fest.

"Wade Black will be the main vocalist for the show, but we are making
plans to have several guest singers performing the classic Crimson
Glory songs and honoring Midnight's legendary legacy in their own
personal and unique ways.

"John Zonner (Savatage/Crimson Glory/Jon Oliva's Pain) will also be
joining the band for this performance and we feel very fortunate to
have him sharing his talent with us again.

"We plan to film the performance in its entirety for a DVD release
later next year as part of the 25th anniversary of Crimson Glory.

"While we had remained hopeful to write and perform again with
Midnight, the cosmic powers-that-be clearly had other plans, both for
our departed brother traversing the stars, as well as for the rest of
us still here, surviving together on this beautiful little blue
planet.

"However, it does not mean the end...it never really ends."

--The members of Crimson Glory

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 2 ***
*
-ProgPower USA X: Major Roster Changes

[Note: This is from http://www.progpowerusa.com/ . - Sean]

After nine shows, I think I have earned everyone's trust and the right
to speak brutally honest. In fact, I think this is what most fans want
to hear: the truth. Nobody wants to hear another lame two sentence
explanation about "visa problems." I will not hide behind anything.

I have been doing my own visa applications since ProgPower USA IV for
75% of the roster. Hiring a professional company to do the visas for a
single performance is prohibitive due to costs. Imagine paying $36,000
just for visas up front before any other expense is incurred. The
process has become so convoluted and intricate that it pushes me to
insanity's edge at times. However, I have had no choice but to suck it
up and deal with it in order to maintain the festival. I have never
had a problem prior to this year with obtaining visas for bands that I
have applied for myself. Think of how many bands that is over the last
six years. This is the same model used by other successful festivals
such as NEARfest. However, this year has left me questioning whether
or not to continue with the festival after 2010.

We started the visa application process back in early May. It takes
three weeks to obtain approval from AFM (American Federation of
Musicians). Once that approval is obtained, you send it in along with
your 40+ pages of paperwork for governmental processing. There is a 90
day window for this decision process. I received approval for the
majority of the bands in early June. The process was moving regularly.
I then received a request for "further information" on the remaining
four bands in mid-June. That has happened once before about four years
ago and I resolved it quickly. I scrambled and sent in an additional
25 pages of documentation including peer letters, reviews, etc. for
each band in order to prove the designation request that I have always
used.

I just received notification on Monday that the visa applications for
Andre Matos, Vanden Plas, Tomorrow's Eve, and Power Quest were denied.

Each individual case is reviewed by one person at the visa processing
center. Evidently, if you get the right person, you have no problems.
You get the wrong person and you get rejected. It's as simple as that.
There is no possible way to speak to any officer directly involved
with your case to clarify, ask questions, etc. There is absolutely no
method to the madness. How else can you explain how the remaining
bands were approved with the standard documentation compared to the
other bands that with more that failed? How else can you explain that
I have never had a problem in the past using the exact same process
and documentation? I have even had a situation in the past with half
of a band approved (different nationality/consul) and the other half
rejected initially based on the exact SAME documentation. Yes, you
read that correctly. That proves that no two screeners follow the same
reviewing standards.

Recently, there have been numerous articles on this same problem that
all promoters are experiencing. I invite you to read the following
article that describes this nightmare process:

http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/63473-Immigrant-song/?page=2

I could appeal the cases. That costs an additional $700 per case and
has a 30-60 day time frame for a decision. That would probably be
money wasted as it is too close to the festival date with absolute no
guarantees. In the case of Matos & Vanden Plas, I did seek out a
professional consultation and was willing to pay the additional costs
to get the processing completed within 30 days. They would seek out
the a different designation that is used in all touring situations. I
was going to do whatever it took to get them here. However, I just
heard back from them and they do not believe it would be a quick and
easy case based on the previous denial of the designation that I have
been using for the past six years! The visa consultants told me I have
been "lucky." Evidently, I have been lucky for six years straight? If
someone would have failed me previously, I would have done things a
different way this year. I had no reason to believe otherwise. Even if
the band was approved, there is no guarantee the visas would be
received until mid-August. That would leave the bands only 2-3 weeks
to complete their interview processes in their own country. In most
countries, you must have the approval in hand before you even schedule
your interviews. Once again, there would be no guarantees even if I
spent an additional $5,000 per band on every possible last ditch
attempt.

These bands did nothing wrong. I attempted to play by the rules and
the government's process failed me. A quick google search will find
that I am not alone. I cannot wait until the last minute to fix this
and risk further cancellations; nor will I do anything illegal to get
a band in the country. That is not fair to the bands or to the fans.
Each of these bands will be brought back in the future using a
different process and designation. That is the only fair thing to do.
I do not see this as a problem for the bands in the future. We are
simply out of time for this year.

I take pride in my work. I take pride in doing things the right way. I
take pride in this festival. I take pride in being honest with the
fans who are family to me. This situation has hit me hard and caused
me many sleepless nights. I sincerely apologize to everyone. All I can
say is that I promise to do my best in the future to prevent this from
happening again. I will make a decision on continuing the festival in
2011 based on how smoothly 2010 goes. I simply cannot have this happen
again.

That said, the show must go on...

Crimson Glory has been selected as the new headliner for Friday night.
This will be the band's tribute show to honor and commemorate the
musical legacy left behind by their recently departed brethren,
Midnight. Wade Black, along with several guest vocalists, will join
the band on stage to perform classics from the band's entire career.
The band promises to make this a once in a lifetime show.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-All New KISSOnline Site Coming Next Week!

Attention Kiss Army!

We are excited to announce that we will be launching the new
KISSONLINE early next week! The site will feature several new areas
including:

o ALL NEW Kiss Kommunity Section
o Klassic Kiss videos
o New Kiss Kulture section
o New Home Page layout
o ...and much, much more!

Most of content from the current KISSONLINE will automatically move
over but if you have uploaded any photos, tattoos or artwork to the
current KISSONLINE, we suggest that you download the images now so you
can resubmit them to the new KISSONLINE next week. The new Kiss
Kommunity allows fans to upload both photos and videos to the site!

If you have not renewed your Kiss Army membership and you want access
to presale tickets, now is your chance!

Renew your Kiss Army membership and get an exclusive, Kiss Army fan
club T-shirt!

For only $35, Kiss Army members will get all of the following:

o EXCLUSIVE Kiss Army Fan Club T-shirt
o $10 coupon to the Kiss Online Shop
o 10% discount and members-only merchandise from the Kiss Online Shop
o Presale access to Kiss concert tickets and VIP packages before the
public on-sale
o Members-only portion of KISSOnline.com

IMPORTANT: Members will first have to log in to the site and will be
redirected to complete the renewal purchase once logged in. If your
membership expires in more than 30 days, you will not be directed to
the renewal purchase page.

Stay tuned to KOL for all the latest updates.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 4 ***
*
-Edguy's F***ING WITH FIRE - LIVE -- Approaching July 28th In North
America!

Eguy isn't only a national phenomena, but worldwide their name has
received a high reputation for being one of the most entertaining live
acts around. Epecially in South America, where the band are viewed by
their fanbase as real 'Superheroes.'

Experience Edguy's impressive live performance (recorded in the
Brazilian witch's cauldron of Sao Paolo) on their first and new live
DVD entitled, F***ING WITH FIRE - LIVE, which was released on May 2,
2009 (Europe) and will be released on July 28, 2009 (North America).

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE TRACK LIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=27296019&blogId\
=500395780

Besides the show, this DVD also has an hour lasting road movie, which
includes their spectacular helicopter flight to the Wacken Open Air,
lots of interviews, cool statements and more.

Edguy are headed back to the U.S. and Canada this September to play 18
shows armed with their trademarked unbreakable spirit, unbeatable
tongue-in-cheek attitude, and truckloads of talent to back everything
up.

Direct support will come from Minnesota's Epicurean. Wisconsin's Luna
Mortis will be openers.

http://www.edguy.net/
http://www.myspace.com/edguy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edguy/7890846826

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-AFM Label Update!

New Signing: Dark Age

AFM recently inked a deal with Hamburg, Germany-based melodic death
metallers Dark Age. Commented the band on their official MySpace page:
"We are really looking forward to working hand in hand with this
renowned label!" The as yet untitled full-length is slated for a Fall
2009 release. Dark Age entered Eikey Studio, owned by vocalist/
guitarist Eike Freese, in May. "You can expect the typical Dark Age
melodies and some surprises in our sound as well, mainly because every
band member was involved in the songwriting [more so] than ever
before." For fans of In Flames, Soilwork, Machine Head and Metallica.
More info TBA...

http://www.dark-age.de/
http://www.myspace.com/darkage404

Out Now On AFM

The New Black - THE NEW BLACK

Recently signed to AFM, The New Black released their self-titled debut
in June. Featuring former members of Sinner, Runamok, Abandoned and
Paradox, The New Black play rock. Real rock; real heavy with all the
requisite hooks, leads and riffs galore. Singer Fludid has been
compared to "Zakk Wylde, James Hetfield and Phil Anselmo" (Rock Hard)
and "sometimes even Mike Patton in a 'sane' state of mind" (Metal
Hammer). The screams, the roaring, the harmonies, they're all there,
but most importantly, the guy can actually sing. Add to this shredding
guitars, a well-developed sense of melody and a professional work
ethic, and you get a solid piece of metallic rock. Fans of Thin Lizzy
and Black Label Society, beware. Said Canada's BW&BK magazine: "[This
is] The Real Thing as opposed to the often disposable Next Big Thing.
The New Black makes it on sheer over-the-top delivery and very obvious
love for the simple rock-driven life." Germany's Guitar took note of
the "assured sense of style and passion," while Metal Hammer simply
stated: "Whoever said that bands can't form their own sound anymore
these days, should listen to this -- and then shut up!"

In Related News: Various U.S. and European radio stations picked up on
The New Black, and the band -- unsigned at the time -- was asked to
write the title track for an American road movie called "Ballad Of
Broken Angels." Check out the video of the same name here:

http://www.lastfm.de/music/The+New+Black/+videos/24929355

The band is currently working on a clip for "More Than A Man."
Explained the band, "it's a little tune about temptation and that
funny feeling you get when... well, you know what we mean. And we like
what we're seeing so far. Given the subject matter, the video has to
have some serious 'hotness' in it. And it will. The band needs to be
in there, too, at some point. Even in the same scenes as the
'hotness.' So someone had to do it, and Fludid, er, stood up for the
team and did." Check out some of the screen shots here:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=240422154&blogI\
d=495408522

The model's name is "Lucky Charm" from Rockstar Sessions (
http://www.myspace.com/rockstarsessions_group -- a rock & roll model
agency) and according to the band, "she rules."

The band is confirmed for several upcoming festivals in Germany this
year including Summer Breeze! If you happen to be traveling overseas,
don't miss them!

The New Black Festival Dates

8/14/2009 Summer Breeze Open Air - D-Dinkelsbühl
8/15/2009 Rock Im Wald-Festival - D-Neuensee bei Lichtenfels
8/22/2009 Rockmania Festival - D-Dettelbach/Würzburg
8/29/2009 Wacken Rocks South - D-Rieden/Kreuth
10/16/2009 Börsencrash-Festival - D-Wuppertal
10/23/2009 Sundown-Festival - D-Gaildorf
12/12/2009 L.A. Eventhalle - D-Cham

http://www.thenewblackofficial.de/
http://www.myspace.com/thenewblackofficial

Shakra - EVEREST

The follow-up to 2007's critically-acclaimed INFECTED offering, Swiss
hard-rockers Shakra unleash EVEREST. Featuring 12 tracks of powerful,
passionate hard rock anthems that sound modern without denying
tradition. Said Lords Of Metal, "EVEREST is a logical step in Shakra's
path, but more than that an appealing and honest hard rock album....
Those who have a heart for melodic hard rock and heavy metal and the
ones who can't get enough of Edguy's last album, should definitely
give this album a shot." Check out the videos for "Ashes To Ashes" and
"Why" HERE:

http://www.myspace.com/shakrarock

Shakra will make several festival appearances this year. All info
below:

Shakra Festival Dates
07/17/2009 Open Air Pförringer Baggersee - Pförringen DE
07/18/2009 Bellaluna-Openair - Filisur CH
07/31/2009 Feelgood OpenAir - Niedergösgen CH
08/09/2009 Brienzersee Rockfestival - Brienz CH
08/16/2009 Gampel Open Air - Gampel CH
09/04/2009 Pentorama - Amriswil CH
10/08/2009 Bierhübeli Bern Bern CH

Tankard - THIRST

Beer-soaked German thrash legends Tankard recently released THIRST
stateside to riotous applause. The album was produced again by band
friend Andy Classen at his Stage One Studio. A video clip for "Stay
Thirsty" appears on the limited edition of the record. Formed in 1982
in the boiler room of the Matthäus Church, Frankfurt/Main, Tankard
first took the stage in 1983. In 1984 they released the first demo and
two years later cult record ZOMBIE ATTACK (Noise). The self-proclaimed
"most ugly band in Germany" would move on to a worldwide musical
crusade to implement the German Purity Law of 1516. James Hetfield and
Lars Ulrich are said to have commented on the band following a bar-
hopping mission through Manhattan (and before deciding on an official
name): "Hey, you guys sound like a mix of Tank and Discharge." Later,
German language magazine Stern, in an article about the subculture of
heavy metal wrote, "their music sounds like a train laden with beer
tankards.... derailed!" Whatever the case, and from whomever the
quote, there's little doubt that Tankard are indeed the founders of
"Alcoholic Metal" and for that they are proud. Said Decibel magazine
in a recent review of THIRST: "These Krauts love beer and fart jokes
and zombies and they beat Municipal Waste to he whole 'party thrash'
thing by a good 20 years AND they do it well..."

"[More Than] 25 Years In Beer"

http://www.tankard.info
http://www.myspace.com/tankardfrankfurt

Upcoming:

RAM - LIGHTBRINGER
Release Date: August 25, 2009

AFM is proud to announce the signing of Gothenburg, Sweden-based
traditional heavy metal troupe RAM. Featuring Morgan Pettersson, a
former member of Swedish crossover metallers B-Thong, the band's
second album, LIGHTBRINGER, is scheduled for U.S. release on August
25th. A darker, more concept-oriented record than their more
straightforward debut, LIGHTBRINGER features guest vocals from E of
Swedish black metal overlords Watain, Mexican poet Adelaida Caballero
and and the band's longest song ever in "Suomussalmi (The Few Of
Iron)," a RAM-epic based on the 1939 battle at Suomussalmi during the
Finnish Winter War. The 10-track disc was produced by Johan Reivén
(Transport League). Check out "Awakening The Chimaera," (featuring
Watain's E) on the band's MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/rammetal .

Also Coming Soon:

U.D.O. - DOMINATOR
Axxis - UTOPIA
Destruction - THE CURSE OF THE ANTICHRIST - LIVE IN AGONY
Theatre Of Tragedy - FOREVER IS THE WORLD
Nightmare - INSURRECTION
Brainstorm - TBA

http://www.afm-records.de/
http://www.myspace.com/afmrecordsgermany
http://www.youtube.com/afmrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Magic Circle Music Update

All important information for the Magic Circle Festival, 18th July
2009, Loreley

Arrival

By car:
- St. Goarshausen, please follow the signs
- Enough parking space available, parking charge is included in the
festival ticket

By bus / train:
- Get off the train at Sankt Goarshausen station / the Loreley is
reachable by bus or by foot path

By ferry boat:
- See ferry times at http://www.faehre-loreley.de/

Tickets
- Available until Saturday, 18th July 2009 at all ticket agencies
(Germany) and at the online shop http://www.magic-circle-festival.de/
through 15th July 2009.
- Tickets also available at the box office on the festival ground

Ticket Systems
- The tickets of the various ticket systems (CTS / Eventim,
Ticketoline (G & NL), SMG Entertainment, Ticketmaster / Kartenhaus,
Ticketcorner (CH), Ticketweb (GB), Bank Austria (Austria), FNAC (F),
Primera (NL), Ö-Ticket) will be exchanged at the box office for
original tickets once it has been verified that they are genuine.

Camping
- Festival camping ground Loreley: Friday, 17th July 2009 from 10 a.m.
Camping charge from 17th til 19th July: 25 € / a piece. Tickets
available via camping hotline: 0049 1805 160 140
- Private camping ground costs 10 € per person / per night. All
information at http://www.loreley-camping.de/

Magic Circle Festival 2009 Schedule For Friday July 17th Is Now
Online!

Below is the schedule of activities for the Magic Circle Festival
Kickoff Party on Friday July 17th:

12:00 Opening Ceremony (feat. Manowar & Wolfgang Hohlbein) @ VIP
Campground
12:30 Manowar Trivia Contest @ MCF Activity Tent
13:30 Arm Wrestling Contest @ MCF Activity Tent
14:30 Manowar Autograph Signing Session @ VIP Campground
17:30 Fastest Beer Drinking Contest @ MCF Activity Tent
20:30 Q&A Session About The Asgard Saga (feat. Manowar & Wolfgang
Hohlbein) @ Activity Tent
21:00 Miss Manowar Contest @ MCF Activity Tent
21:30 Heatseekers (AC/DC Tribute Band) @ Side Stage
23:00 Fire-Eating Girl Show @ Side Stage

Exclusive schedule for all fans who purchased the Ultimate Fan
Package:

17:00 Ultimate Fan Package Meet & Greet @ Stage Right
17:30 Ultimate Fan Package Soundcheck Experience @ Stage
18:00 Ultimate Fan Package Photo With Manowar @ Stage
19:00 Ultimate Fan Package BBQ @ Beergarden

All-day activities include:

Penalty Kicking Wall by Vodafone @ VIP Campground
Asgard Saga Story Reading in English and German @ Nomadetent VIP
Campground
Asgard Info Booth @ Asgard Tent

For more information about the Magic Circle Festival please visit
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

All times are subject to change.

Campground
Asgard Info Stand @ Asgard Tent

Lineup / Timetable - Saturday, 18th July 2009

12:00 Die Sklaven
12:45 Age Of Evil
13:30 Crystal Viper
14:15 Wizard
15:05 Jack Starr's Burning Starr
15:55 Van Canto
16:50 Metalforce
18:00 Domain
19:05 HolyHell
20:20 Ulytau
21:10 Kingdom Come
22:30 Manowar

Jack Starr's Burning Starr Official Web Site Online

On the tail of new release, DEFIANCE by Jack Starr's Burning Starr,
Magic Circle Music has launched the OFFICIAL Jack Starr's Burning
Starr Web site at http://www.burningstarr.com/ . Look for Jack Starr's
Burning Starr live at the Magic Circle Festival on July 18th, 2009 in
Loreley, Germany. Visit http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ for more
information.

Metalforce Samples Now Online!

On July 10, 2009, the world began to quake!

Metalforce uploaded the first samples from their forthcoming debut
album online. The self-titled album is set to be released in mid-
September on the Magic Circle Music label.

Don't miss your chance to see the band performing new songs live for
the first time at the upcoming Magic Circle Festival on July 18th,
2009 at Loreley, Germany!

http://www.metalforce.eu/

Jack Starr's Burning Starr
http://www.burningstarr.com/

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

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

Metalforce
http://www.metalforce.eu/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Lion's Share - "Behind-The-Scenes" Video Footage

Swedish melodic metal masters Lion's Share have posted "behind-the-
scenes" video footage from the making of their critically acclaimed
DARK HOURS album on their YouTube channel
http://www.youtube.com/darkhours2009 .

DARK HOURS grabbed the #3 "Most Added" slot on the CMJ Loud Rock chart
and #5 on FMQB's Metal Detector chart, where it also debuted on the
metal airplay chart at #50 with a bullet! The video for "Judas Must
Die" has been accepted by "Headbanger's Ball" (air date to be
announced) and is currently being played on over 100 stations in
U.S.A.

DARK HOURS, which features a guest appearance by Michael Romeo of
Symphony X, was voted "album of the month" in Sweden Rock magazine and
made the Top 10 in most of the other major European metal
publications.

DARK HOURS is out now on Blistering Records (Europe & North America)
and King Recors (Japan).

Band links
http://www.lionsshare.org/
http://www.myspace.com/lionsshare

Blistering Records
http://www.blisteringrecords.se/
http://shop.blisteringrecords.se
http://www.myspace.com/blisteringrecords

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*** PRESS RELEASE 8 ***
*
-Sonata Arctica: New Album Details Revealed

Finnish melodic metallers Sonata Arctica will release their new album,
THE DAYS OF GRAYS, on September 18, 2009 in Europe and September 22,
2009 in North America through Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the new album can be viewed by clicking here.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=29758396&blogId\
=500392433

Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik "Lance" Klingenberg previously
described the band's new material as "a bit darker and maybe not so
complex as [2007's] UNIA. Nevertheless, it's definitely not a back-to-
the-roots album with fast power metal. All the trademark Sonata
Arctica stuff is on there, solos, lots of singing some slower songs."

Sonata Arctica will play a handful of headlining dates prior to and at
the end of their North American Tour with DragonForce. To view
complete list of tour dates please visit the bands MySpace Page.

http://www.sonataarctica.info/
http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonata-Arctica/21128872968

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

Watchmen's Self-Titled Out Now + Sound Samples Available!

Watchmen's amazing debut is out now and available at
http://www.zrecords.net/ online store section for just £10 including
postage. Don't buy blind -- listen to tracks from the album at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk . You'll agree that this album
is a MUST HAVE ITEM!

Z's Return Steps Up Another Gear As Watchmen Set The Airwaves Alight

Watchmen's prolific debut is now in stock at all good outlets, the
album is currently on rotation with over 20 radio stations and growing
in Europe with U.S. radio just starting to pick up the baton. If you
have not heard this serious piece of ear candy go to
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk -- you will not be disappointed.

Z One-Hour Radio Special: "It's Time To Clear The Air"

Mark Alger has agreed to do a one-hour Z special on a respected radio
station in the near future to as he stated "It's time to clear the air
and let people know the facts, I'm tired of my name being attacked and
the truth will actually prove that other forces who claim to be
bastions for the scene are very much the opposite. This as far as I am
concerned will be closure!" In addition it will also feature
exclusives of forthcoming material from the label.

One not to be missed for sure, further details will be posted shortly.

Britton Sound Sample Unleashed

A special MP3 has been uploaded of "Hold On" which is taken from the
reissue of Britton's classic 1988 release ROCK HARD, which will be
released for the first time on CD August 21st with 10 bonus tracks!
The album can be pre-ordered now at our online store
http://www.zrecords.net/ so take a listen for yourself at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk .

http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

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

Saltatio Mortis: Renew Contract & New Video

"We are happy to announce that we have renewed our contract with
Napalm Records. Over the past few years, band and label have
established a close relationship. Thus, we look forward to future
projects and upcoming CDs! Napalm rocks the Middle Ages!" To ease the
anticipatory wait, fans may watch the clip to the album opener
"Ebenbild" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3IJ_1VxwKs . The
upcoming full-length WER WIND SAT will be released on August, 28th.

http://www.saltatio-mortis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mittelalterpunk

Lacrimas Profundere: MySpace Video Premiere

Exciting news just came in from the Lacrimas Profundere camp:

"The new video to the song 'And God's Ocean' will premiere exclusively
on MySpace on Thursday, July 16th. The latest clip presents the viewer
with the band's hard work from last three months. With this clip, the
band supports 'Die Sandmänner' -- an initiative that fights against
child poverty in Germany. Lacrimas Profundere want to give each and
every Euro made from this single available to 'Die Sandmänner.' Make
sure to get in touch with your local radio and TV station -- every
Euro is welcome. Last but not least, the band sends a big 'Thank you'
to MySpace for supporting this noble cause! Come back for further
information on Thursday next week! Greetings, Lacrimas Profundere"

http://www.lacrimas.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lacrimasprofundere

Tyr: New Video

The Vikings have completed the clip to their latest anthmen "Hold The
Heathen Hammer High." The video captures the atmosphere and tone of
the song brilliantly and will take the hearts of Viking Metal fans by
storm. Friends of the Viking warriors may watch the clip at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu2bgwcv43o .

http://www.tyr.net/
http://www.myspace.com/tyr1

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 11 ***
*
-Therion: Video Interview With Snowy Shaw

Germany's StreetClip.tv conducted an interview with Swedish multi-
instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (Therion, Dream Evil, King Diamond,
Mercyful Fate) at this year's Sweden Rock festival, which was held
June 3-6, 2009 in Solvesborg. Watch the chat by clicking here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y2qFpTbXzg

Out in Europe on June 5, 2009 and on August 25, 2009 in North America,
Therion mastermind and only remaining founding member Christofer
Johnsson decided to go for a rather special project: the band's
appearance at the remarkable and renowned International Opera Festival
in Miskolc / Hungary in 2007, resulting in THE MISKOLC EXPERIENCE (2CD
+ DVD).

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE TRACK LIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=68326081&blogId\
=500392861

The event was taped on and off stage to preserve a truly unique
classic metal event for the Therion fanbase!

The first part -- dubbed "Classical Adventures" -- features some of
Christofer's favourite composers (especially his alltime fave, Wagner)
and does completely without guitars or any metal instrumentation, just
orchestra and choir.

Part two, "Therion Songs," delivers exactly that: the finest Therion
material performed by the band with a huge orchestra and choir.

Rounding off THE MISKOLC EXPERIENCE is an entertaining documentary
which gives insight in the complicated organization and the no less
complicated execution with all ups and downs for the involved crew and
musicians.

THE MISKOLC EXPERIENCE is the testimony of the brilliant Johnsson,
Niemann, Niemann, Karlsson Therion lineup which dissolved in late
2008. This chapter of Therion is closed, but a new chapter is about to
begin, and Therion will soon open the book once again!

http://www.megatherion.com/
http://www.myspace.com/therion
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Therion/6810453602

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 12 ***
*
-Death Angel's SONIC GERMAN BEATDOWN Coming July 28th In North
America!

Entitled SONIC GERMAN BEATDOWN: LIVE IN GERMANY, the package -- which
came out on April 17, 2009 (Europe) and will be released on July 28,
2009 (North America) -- includes footage from the 2007 edition of the
Rock Hard Festival and a 2008 performance in Adelsheim!

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE TRACK LIST, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=3522903&blogId=\
500394001

This is the first live DVD ever in the history of Death Angel and it
will be released as a Live CD (North America), Live DVD (North
America), and a Live DVD+CD / CD+DVD / 2LP (Europe).

Watch a preview clip of SONIC GERMAN BEATDOWN: LIVE IN GERMANY by
clicking here:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=56138431

http://www.deathangel.com/
http://www.myspace.com/deathangel
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Angel/9938175758

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Celtic Legacy To Split

[Note: This is from the band's Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/celticlegacy . - Steve]

Celtic Legacy is sorry to announce that the band is to be put on hold
indefinitely with immediate effect.

We had already begun the process of following up GUARDIAN OF ETERNITY,
but financial woes have put paid to the prospect of a new album. The
band is in heavy debt following the recording of the previous CD. It
was hoped that sales of the last release would finance new recordings
but subsequent heavy downloading massively outstripped actual album
sales, effectively putting paid to any chance we had of financing new
projects.

Putting it simply -- we're broke. We put everything we had into the
last album, but the music scene has changed to the point where we
simply can't afford any further band activity, especially with the
recession adding to the money squeeze. We've made back only a fraction
of the money it cost us to record the last album and we can't afford
to do another one. It's as simple as that.

We would like to thank everyone who supported the band since it
started way back in 1997. We've had our share of ups and downs since
we began, but leaving 3 albums behind -- all recorded and released
using our own resources is an achievement we're all very proud of.

The band's websites will remain live and the albums will still be
available to buy from those locations.

All members of the band go their separate ways on excellent terms and
we would not rule out a return somewhere down the line. But for the
present, we need to take a long time away until things drastically
improve.

All the best,
Dave, Slim, Ciaran, Keith, Joe

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Paul Kleff: MACHINED

Band: Paul Kleff
Album Title: MACHINED
Genre: Heavy, Progressive Instrumental & Vocal Metal
Release Date: Out Now!!

Web site:
http://www.paulkleffmusic.com/

With over 20 years as a musician, instructor, composer and performer,
Paul Kleff is a rock/metal guitarist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan,
U.S.A. Starting out on an acoustic guitar, he learned basic chords and
songs and worked hard at mastering the basics of the guitar.

As he continued to grow as musician, Paul was drawn to the fire,
expression and speed of artists like Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhoads,
George Lynch and Yngwie Malmsteen. Now armed with an electric guitar,
he set out to learn the styles of his heroes and began practicing and
developing a lead guitar style based on both blues-influenced rock and
the neoclassical shred styles of his newer influences.

Paul's current CD release, titled MACHINED, is a four-song E.P. with
two instrumental songs and two songs featuring guest vocalist Jerry
Keyzer. Compositionally, the songs cover a wide palette of rock, metal
and shred guitar styles.

Heavy, progressive instrumental metal blends with epic vocal songs
with intense, melodic lead guitar to form a bold musical statement in
MACHINED. Paul was also featured on the 2008 compilation CD, GUITARS
FROM THE SHADOWS, along with 12 other musicians from all over the
world. In 2008, Paul was part of an instructional clinic tour through
the Midwest U.S.A. The clinics were held at Guitar Center and local
music stores in each city. Six other guitarists and international
touring and recording artist Tom Hess were also featured on the clinic
tour. Paul will be presenting more clinics in Grand Rapids and the
U.S.A. throughout 2009. Paul teaches private guitar lessons at his
studio in Grand Rapids. He has been an instructor for over 20 years.
Having helped hundreds of students reach their musical goals, he
continues to develop specialized programs of study for each individual
student based directly on their musical goals. As a featured
instructor on several guitar Web sites, Paul is continuing to develop
his Web instructional presence and will be featured on additional
guitar instructional websites in the future. He is also developing new
instructional products set to be released in late 2009. A full-length
CD is also planned for release in 2009.

As a guitarist, composer, teacher and performer, Paul has established
himself as a top instructor and emerging recording artist. In the
future, look for Paul to continue to gain exposure as a performer,
artist and instructor.

Track listing:
1. Grind
2. Last Stand
3. DeadLine
4. As If...

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Total Metal Festival 2009 -- Pino Scotto Added To The Bill!

Vivo Management proudly announces that Pino Scotto has been added to
the bill of the Total Metal Festival scheduled for the next 19
September at the New Demodè Club in Bari (Southern Italy) with
Finntroll, Malevolent Creation, Vomitory, The Modern Age Slavery and a
lot more.

Pino Scotto represents almost 30 years of Italian Metal History, he is
an important icon for all the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Italian fans.
His fame endure since three generations of metalheads till the present
when the rocker is at the top of his success with the album DATEVI
FUOCO - LO SCOTTO DA PAGARE.

In a few days the final bill of the TMF will be announced. Tickets are
already available on http://www.bookingshow.com/ .

TOTAL METAL FESTIVAL 2009
Finntroll
Malevolent Creation
Pino Scotto
Vomitory
The Modern Age Slavery
Kernel Zero
Golem
No More Fear
Ecnephias
Shank
And more...

DATE: 19 Sept. 2009
LOCATION: New Demodè Clud - Via dei Cedri - Modugno (BA)
TICKET: 20 euro + d.d.p. available on http://www.bookingshow.com/
DOORS OPEN: h. 13:30
START: h. 14:00

INFO:
http://www.totalmetalfestival.it/
http://www.myspace.com/totalmetalfestival
http://www.vivomanagement.it/
http://www.myspace.com/vivomanagement
info@...

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Fosterchild To Have Debut Video Produced By Chris Raab From
"Jackass"/"Viva La Bam"

Band To Also Appear In New Reality Show "Road Scholars" By Raab

Fosterchild has announced that its debut music video will be directed
and produced by Chris Raab, the infamous mastermind behind "Jackass,"
"Viva La Bam," "CKY" and more. The Philadelphia-based rock group will
also be featured in the pilot for "Road Scholars," a new reality show
directed and produced by Raab, featuring himself, Lord Bottaro (also
from "CKY" and "Minghags: The Movie"), Colt Darling, Big Dirty Al, and
Mitchell Canter.

Fosterchild was discovered by Raab at a recent "Charity of the Bands"
event held at Finnegan's Wake (Philadelphia) earlier this summer. The
event, which benefitted the United Services Organization of
Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, was hosted by the "Road Scholars
Crew," featuring Raab and Lord Bottaro.

"We are thrilled to be working with Chris on this project and couldn't
ask for a better crew to help produce our first video," said Brian
Quinn, founder and guitarist for Fosterchild.

Fosterchild's video will be for its upcoming single "After The Fire,"
which will appear on the group's upcoming album.

Fosterchild is Brian Quinn (guitarist), Danny Beissel (vocals), Bob
Pirylis (drums) and Mike Vlaanderen (bass).

For more information about Fosterchild, visit
http://www.Fosterchildrocks.com/ or
http://www.myspace.com/Fosterchildmusic .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 17 ***
*
-Swashbuckle's BACK TO THE NOOSE -- Exclusive Bundle

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! Avast Ye!

New Jersey's thrashing pirates Swashbuckle have made available a
special package bundle PRE-ORDER of their new album, BACK TO THE
NOOSE, exclusively at the Nuclear Blast America Web Shop.

http://store.nuclearblastusa.com/Artist/Swashbuckle/93250

Shiver me timbers! This is where X marks the spot!

Watch Part 3 of the album trailer by clicking here below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX1K9RewpPs

Metal Injection recently conducted an interview with Swashbuckle.
Watch the video interview below:

http://www.metalinjection.net/interviews/swashbuckle-wifi-seas

Watch performance footage of Swashbuckle from May 2009 during the
Paganfest tour of North America below:

"Back To The Noose"
http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/3280/swashbuckle-back-to-the-noose-live

"Drink Up"
http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/3281/swashbuckle-live-at-pagan-fest-2009

BACK TO THE NOOSE is scheduled for release on July 24, 2009 (Europe)
and August 11, 2009 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records.

Check out the online "Cruise Ship Terror" game and e-card here:
http://www.nuclearblast.de/splash/swashbuckle_ecard/index.html

Swashbuckle will be on this year's Paganfest Europe tour alongside
Korpiklaani, Unleashed, Alestorm, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter and Ex
Deo. The trek kicks off on September 11 in Munich, Germany and
concludes on October 3 in Linz, Austria.

"Cruise Ship Terror," the new video from Swashbuckle, can be viewed
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53A4GyB96RI

http://www.swashbuckle.info/
http://www.myspace.com/swashbuckle
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swashbuckle/71641780327

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 18 ***
*
-Arkaea Unleashes Debut Album Worldwide TODAY

YEARS IN THE DARKNESS Out TODAY on E1 Music

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Arkaea, featuring members Raymond Herrera and
Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory and Threat Signal, have just
finished their debut album YEARS IN THE DARKNESS. The album is out
today, July 14, 2009 on E1 Music, formerly KOCH Records.

YEARS IN THE DARKNESS was produced by Christian Olde Wolbers and
Arkaea and mixed by legendary Producer Terry Date, best known for his
work with the Deftones, Slipknot, White Zombie, Soundgarden and
Pantera. The CD was mastered by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, who also
mastered Fear Factory's gold album, OBSOLETE.

"We are truly proud of this record," states Olde Wolbers. "Ironically
half of the Arkaea album consists of songs that were intended to be
the next Fear Factory record."

Track listing for YEARS IN THE DARKNESS is as follows:

Locust
Beneath the Shades of Grey
Years in the Darkness
Gone Tomorrow
Awakening
Black Ocean
Break the Silence
Lucid Dreams
My Redemption
War Within
The World As One
Rise Today
Away From the Sun

First song on the album, "Locust," is available streaming on the
band's MySpace.

http://www.myspace.com/arkaeamusic

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-Spider Rockets Offer Free Download Of Standout Song "Cold," From
Their New Self-Titled Album

With the Spider Rockets tearing up the concert circuit throughout the
summer and beyond, the band also recently issued their latest album --
a self-titled affair -- which is the perfectly balance of melodic and
modern rock. And the group is now offering an exclusive free song to
download until September 30th, "Cold," and it just happens to be one
of their latest album's highlights. To download the song, follow this
link:

http://www.myspace.com/windows?homepage=spiderrockets

Comprised of band members Helena Cos (Vocals), Johnny Nap (Guitar),
Bones Hackett (Bass), and Dan Prestup (Drums), this New Jersey-based
band has issued a trio of acclaimed albums -- FLIPPED OFF, EVER AFTER,
and their aforementioned/latest self-titled release. In the process,
the quartet has been a strong presence on the CMJ charts and has
played with some of rock's biggest names (just this past May, they
played alongside Duff McKagan -- formerly of Guns N' Roses).

And a steady stream of accolades continue to come in, including praise
from John Haseltine at Metal Warrants, who said, "We can't pigeon-hole
Spider Rockets as just another female fronted rock band. There are
many that all sound alike. Not the case here...there's touches of
goth, hard rock, metal, punk and alternative. Will appeal to fans of
Slunt, Lullacry, No Doubt, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Velvet
Revolver and many, many more. You're going to have to give 'em a
listen for yourself if you don't believe me." Now, with Spider Rockets
offering a free download and coming to a concert stage near you, there
is no reason not to check out this unforgettable band.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.spiderrockets.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spiderrockets

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Martyr Supports Flotsam And Jetsam

After a very successful tour with Lizzy Borden last year, and
performances at festivals such as "Keep It True" in Germany, Dutch
metal cult band Martyr will be supporting Flotsam And Jetsam at their
upcoming European tour.

News about Martyr will be updated often at the official Martyr Web
site ( http://www.martyronline.nl/ ) or at the Martyr section of the
Rusty Cage Records Web site ( http://www.rustycagerecords.com/ ).

8/21 - Treibsand - Lubeck - Germany
8/22 - Rock Mania - Dettelbach - Germany
8/23 - Rock Temple - Kerkrade - Holland
8/24 - Die Halle - Frankfurt - Germany
8/25 - Exit Chmelnice - Praha - Czech Republic
8/26 - Heya Club - Szczecin - Poland
8/27 - Wacken Rocks - Kreuth - Germany
8/28 - Turock - Essen - Germany
8/29 - Wacken Rocks - Aurich - Germany
8/29 - Elsrock - Rijssen - Holland

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Whiplash - Thrash Metal Hot Sauce Line Available

Reactivated New Jersey thrash metallers Whiplash have joined forces
with From Mild To Wild Hot Sauce Shop to produce and release the
first-ever thrash metal hot sauce line. The band says: "This moderate
hot sauce should appeal to anyone with taste buds. It's been a
favorite of ours for a long time and we're thrilled to be providing it
under this label."

The "three-sauce gift pack" featuring Power And Pain, Last Nail In The
Coffin and Swallow The Slaughter is now available for a limited time
only -- "Get 'em while they're hot!"

For more information visit:
http://www.frommildtowild.com/xcart/home.php?cat=24

The band's long-awaited new full-length UNBORN AGAIN was scheduled to
be release on July 15th via Pulverised Records; the release date has
since been pushed back until the end of July.

UNBORN AGAIN track listing:

"Swallow The Slaughter"
"Snuff"
"Firewater"
"Float Face Down"
"Fight Or Flight"
"Pitbulls In The Playground"
"Parade Of Two Legs"
"Hook In Mouth"
"I've Got The Fire"
"Feeding Frenzy"

The cover artwork was created by Ed Repka (Death, Atheist, Megadeth,
Nuclear Assault, Possessed). The LP will be made available in digi-pak
CD/DVD format, which documents the making of UNBORN AGAIN.

http://www.myspace.com/whiplashusa
http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
*
-Basick Records Update

Evita: MINUTES & MILES Album Out Now!

So it's finally here; Evita's incredible debut album MINUTES & MILES
is out in stores today!

This absolute belter of a record is available now through HMV | PLAY |
AMAZON and iTUNES.

Or if you're looking for something a bit special, we've still got the
rather tasty CD and Tee combo deal on the go, so make sure you check
out the Basick Store and grab yourself a bargain. ;)

http://basickrecords.bigcartel.com/artist/evita

Look out for some rather sweet Evita coverage in all your favourite
Mags and Zines in the weeks to come too!

CHECK IT!

Bury Tomorrow: Video On "Scuzz TV" + New Album Track!

The BT boys have started their highly anticipated build up for their
debut album PORTRAITS by posting the first track 'You & I' up on their
MySpace Page!

http://www.myspace.com/burytomorrowband

Early indications are that this debut album is going to be one of the
biggest from the U.K. Underground this year, so make sure you stay
tuned and dont miss out.

You can also check out the band's previous single 'Her Bones In The
Sand' on The Digital Darkside show on "Scuzz TV" right now! Sky
Channel 374.

http://www.scuzz.com/Videos/VideoDetails.aspx?cid=25395&st=0

Basick Sign: Between The Screams!

We're as happy as Larry to announce the signing of U.K. progressive
outfit, Between The Screams and will be releasing their debut album,
OUR LAST DAYS ON EARTH on October 5th of this year.

The band were first brought to the attention of Basick back in Spring
'08 after receiving a copy of the critically acclaimed E.P., EMBRYO.

The band's love for emotive, ambient, progressive metal has attracted
attention from many quarters, having recently won them a spot on the
Metal Hammer CD covermount, a "Band Of The Week" spot on the Radio 1
Rockshow as well as the highly coveted Rock Sound KBY Band of the
Month award.

For the press release click:

http://www.basickrecords.com/site/bands/between_the_screams

Stay tuned for No Made Sense, A Dark Orbit, No Consequence and
Fellsilent news in the coming weeks!

For more info on all Basick bands including tour dates and latest
news, etc., head over to http://www.basickrecords.com/ .

And you can now also tweet us on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/basickrecords

Basick Records
PO BOX 4334
Dunstable
LU6 1JH
United Kingdom

http://www.basickrecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/basickrecords
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/The-Basick-Recording-Company/20729285113
http://www.youtube.com/user/basickrecords
http://twitter.com/basickrecords

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #23 ***
*
-Evile Release Brand New Track For Streaming And Download

British thrashers Evile have released a brand new track, called
"Infected Nation," which is available now for streaming and download.

The new track, which is the first song off the band's highly
anticipated upcoming new album, INFECTED NATIONS -- due on September
21st in Europe and September 22nd in the U.S.A. -- is available for
streaming at Evile's official MySpace page at
http://www.myspace.com/evileuk .

You can download a DRM-free copy of the track to keep and blast as
often as you like. Get "Infected Nation," available to download as an
MP3 as well as a high quality WAV file, at
http://earache.com/infectednation .

You can also listen to the new track on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSVay96OdY .

Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake comments:

"Finally, we can show you a track off the upcoming album INFECTED
NATIONS, funnily enough the first track being 'Infected Nation.' It's
been very hard to pick out just ONE track to initially show the world,
as there is such diversity on this album and I wanted to showcase the
different direction we're going in. I think 'Infected Nation' is a
good place to start in showing you, as it still has the pure thrash
feel to it but with an injection of our new path musically.

"Please do the production justice; download it and play it on some
good speakers, not some sh*tty PC ones (although granted you can't get
much out of an MP3 -- the CD will blow it away).

"Can't wait for everyone to hear the mass of variation on the entire
album! More news to come so keep your eyes peeled and sign up to the
Evile Newsletter at http://www.evile.co.uk/lists/?p=subscribe ."

INFECTED NATIONS is available for pre-order now and is available as a
limited edition version with an exclusive bonus track and a bonus DVD
with behind-the-scenes and studio footage. Make sure you don't miss
out on the limited edition version by pre-ordering it now in Europe at
http://www.earache.com/webstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41 or in the
U.S.A. at http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41 .

Evile, whose trademark anthem "Thrasher" appeared as downloadable
content for the Rock Band video game, recorded INFECTED NATIONS with
producer Russ Russell (Napalm Death) at Parlour Studios during May
2009. The cover art for the album was created by Michael Whelan, who
is famous for his sci-fi artworks along with classic album covers from
such bands as Sepultura and Obituary.

For more Evile news and info, head to http://www.myspace.com/evileuk .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #24 ***
*
-Black Cobra Complete Album; New Track Posted

Black Cobra, the heaviest two-piece band in the universe, have
completed their upcoming Southern Lord Recordings debut album,
CHRONOMEGA. With a tentative worldwide release date set for September
29, 2009 the album's nine tracks rage with Black Cobra's patented
megacrushing, groove-heavy style of fuzztone doom-metal angst. With
the grandmaster of sludge Billy Anderson manning the soundboard for
this mammoth recording, CHRONOMEGA promises to be one of the most
tonally destructive and overall damaging releases of the year.

Check out the Black Cobra MySpace page to hear the new track "Negative
Reversal" from the upcoming album now!

CHRONOMEGA track listing:

1. Negative Reversal
2. Machine
3. Catalyst
4. Chronosphere
5. Zero Point Field
6. Lightning In His Hand
7. Storm Shadow
8. Glacies En Spiritu
9. Nefarian Triangle
*10. Behaved (Buzzov*en cover - bonus track for Japanese CD and vinyl
release)

Rafa Martinez and Jason Landrian have been coalescing Black Cobra's
sonic brew for nearly seven years now, yet neither were strangers to
heaving heavy riffage prior; Rafa did time with Acid King and -16-,
Jason with Cavity. The pair unleash a tone heavier than a trio of both
guitar and drums. Their impenetrable hardcore doom chemistry evokes an
intensity that sets them apart from the others, both live and
recorded. The band have toured seemingly endlessly on both U.S. and
foreign soil since their 2002 inception, sharing the stage with The
Sword, Weedeater, High On Fire, Torche and countless other bands in
the upper ranks of metal and doom, many times blowing the competition
away.

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #25 ***
*
-Subhumans Back-Catalog Reissued

Subhumans were at the forefront of the U.K. anarcho-punk scene in the
early '80s, alongside such bands as Crass, Flux Of Pink Indians,
Rudimentary Peni and Conflict. From the start Subhumans were praised
for their ability to stretch the boundaries of punk rock with their
unique blend of structured dynamic tunes and incisive sociopolitical
lyrics.

Subhumans were, between 1980-85, one of the most prolific and original
bands of the evolving U.K. punk scene; they were based in Warminster,
Wiltshire, SW England, and the lineup was Dick on vocals, Bruce played
guitar, Phil on bass, and Trotsky on the drums. Dick had previously
sung for The Mental, who released one E.P. and embodied the "can't-
play-will-play" early punk "anyone-can-do-it" attitude. Bruce had been
in The Stupid Humans, also based in Warminster; these two met at an
Angelic Upstarts gig in 1980, and when their bands split they got
together to form Subhumans.

Musical influences were a mix of Sex Pistols, The Damned and similar
punk originators, and pre-punk bands like King Crimson and Frank
Zappa, which led to a style of punk more intricate in its structure
than their contemporaries, without losing the base energy and dynamics
of punk. Dick's lyrics, at once socially aware and heavily critical of
social norms, placed them in the anarcho-punk area of the ever-
expanding U.K. punk scene of the early '80s, alongside Crass,
Antisect, Conflict and Flux Of Pink Indians, who released the band's
first three E.P.s (DEMOLITION WAR, REASON FOR EXISTENCE, and RELIGIOUS
WARS) and their first LP THE DAY THE COUNTRY DIED, which became an
instant classic that went on to sell 100,000 copies (largely at the
cover price of "pay no more than £3.25," which was as cheap as
possible in order to make the music more accessible).

In '83 they formed their own label, Bluurg Records, and over the next
two years released the FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE LP (which included
a 16 minute track of the same name that had the music press calling
for a redefinition of "punk"!) EVOLUTION E.P., TIME FLIES 12" E.P.,
RATS E.P., WORLDS APART LP, and 29:29 Split Vision LP, which was
released after splitting up in '85. By then the band had played 262
gigs including several European tours and two in the U.S.A., (which
was in the '80s a rare achievement for a non-commercially minded
band).

Bluurg Records are proud to announce the forthcoming reissues of the
Subhumans back catalog. Re-mastered and presented in deluxe digi-paks
with all original artwork, these re-releases give you another chance
to hear one of the original U.K. punk bands at their very best.

http://www.subhumans.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/subhumansuk
http://www.southern.net/southern/band/SUBHM/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #26 ***
*
-Pantheon I: WORLDS I CREATE

The newest display of symphonic savagery from Norwegian metal
craftsmen Pantheon I is upon us! WORLDS I CREATE is the third full-
length from these brilliant barbarians, out this month on Candlelight
Records. The band, featuring current and ex-members of 1349,
Trollfest, Den Saakaldte and more, have dropped jaws on their previous
outings, including their previous Candlelight release, 2007's THE
WANDERER AND HIS SHADOW, and the latest opus shall surely carry with
it that same reaction.

Fueled by blinding whirlwinds of blackened riff and rhythm wizardry,
cello-soaked melancholic madness and a an overall riotous, empowering
vibe, Pantheon I take their black metal influences to otherworldly
levels of intoxication on WORLDS I CREATE, to be released by
Candlelight records July 28th.

http://www.pantheon-i.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pantheoni
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

*
*** PRESS RELEASE 27 ***
*
-Nervecell Update On Summer Festival Tour In Europe/Germany

Dubai-based Metal band Nervecell are back to the UAE from Europe,
after completing most of their major summer festival tour dates. They
are the first Middle Eastern band to ever perform at such large-scale
events in Germany and the feedback has been very positive overall.

Conquest of new territories

The summer tour kicked off in Germany at Rock Im Park (Nürnberg) on
June 5th, whose fine lineup included The Prodigy, Limp Bizkit,
Slipknot, The Killers, Marylin Manson to name a few. As the only death
metal band on the bill and performing for the first time in Europe and
Germany, they wowed the 60,000+ strong audience. The four-member band
was working against a tight schedule and were due to Co-Headline the
very next day at Metal GDL (Grandola) in Portugal.

With a lineup matching their musical genre, they made many Portuguese
metal fans. But once again Nervecell had to fly back to Germany to
perform at Rock Am Ring (Nürburgring) the next day, with an attendance
of 90,000+ and a mainstream lineup very similar to Rock Im Park's,
where they met new local fans in person and signed autographs.

Next stop on the map was Leipzig for the acclaimed With Full Force
Open Air. Every year, more than 29,000 metal heads attend the festival
where, on July 4th, Nervecell shared the Main Stage with rock and
metal legends Motörhead, Sepultura, Soulfly, Hatebreed, Down, to name
a few.

Nervecell will appear on the annual With Full Force DVD to be released
next year, where they will be interviewed and introduced by their all-
time guitar hero Andreas Kisser from Sepultura who has been in the
band since 1987. They also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
interview Phil Anselmo in return, lead vocalist of Down and former
front man of legendary heavy metal band Pantera.

Recently confirmed gigs

Nervecell have added three new European dates and will be performing
at Marktwirtschaft Club in Halle, Germany on September 18th and at
Escape Metalcorner Club in Vienna, Austria on September 20th.

In addition, the band has been confirmed at Mass Deathtruction
Festival 2009 in Namur, Belgium on October 3rd with Vader, Marduk and
more.

Below is a list of their confirmed dates set to take place until
October 2009:

July 31st - Wacken Open Air (Wacken, Germany) - one of the leading
summer open air Heavy Metal music festivals with an estimated 72,000
audience
Sep 5 - Occultfest (Hoogeveen, Netherlands)
Sep 18 - Marktwirtschaft Club (Halle, Germany)
Sep 19 - New Jam Festival (Marchtrenk, Austria)
Sep 20 - Escape Metalcorner Club (Vienna, Austria)
Oct 2 - Way of Darkness Festival (Lichtenfels, Germany)
Oct 3 - Mass Deathtruction Festival (Namur, Belgium)

Nervecell recently posted on their Web site that they "had an absolute
blast at With Full Force, definitely by far the best European festival
we have experienced on this tour to date. It was great to meet up with
some of our old friends and bands at the festival. Thanks to the
organizers for treating us so well and for putting together such a
killer line up this year. We hope to come back and see all you crazy
people in the pits again!"

Part 1 of their European tour - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIKP2PA7Hck

Live photos
http://www.nervecell.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=46

Misc. photos
http://www.nervecell.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=47

For more info visit:
http://www.nervecell.net/
http://www.myspace.com/nervecell
http://www.twitter.com/nervecellband

"Nervecell are without a doubt one of the biggest names in the Middle
Eastern metal movement." - Terrorizer Magazine, U.K

"...deathcore has spread to the Arab world." - Metal Hammer Magazine,
U.K

"highly dramatic, technically experienced Death Metal" - Rock Hard,
Germany

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #28 ***
*
-The Accused Album + Tour Update!

The Accused's long awaited new full-length, THE CURSE OF MARTHA
SPLATTERHEAD, is scheduled for release August 18, 2009 via Southern
Lord Records. The band teamed up with Billy Anderson at Seattle's
Soundhouse Recording studio to create the epic beast of a long player.
With Anderson at the controls, The Accused have indeed splattered the
carnage far and wide. THE CURSE OF MARTHA SPLATTERHEAD -- their first
full-length in four years -- features 14 tracks of brutal splatter
rock mayhem chock full of the band's trademark buzzsaw-guitar riffs
and manic, glass-shard-swallowing vocals. Commented founding guitarist
Tommy Niemeyer on the new record, "...old fans of the band will not be
disappointed in the feel and intensity on this record... and those
who've never really heard The Accused are in for something like
they've never heard before!" Song titles include "The Splatterbeast,"
"Bodies Are Rising" and "Martha's Disciples."

The band will kick off a string of live dates starting at the
Supersonic Festival in Birmingham on July 25th with Thorr's Hammer,
Corrupted, Skullflower and more. The official record release
celebration for THE CURSE OF MARTHA SPLATTERHEAD is scheduled for
August 5th at Neumo's in Seattle where The Accused will be joined by
headliners Sunn O))) as well as Black Breath and Trap Them.

THE ACCUSED Tour Dates
7/25/2009 Supersonic Festival - Birmingham, UK w/ Corrupted, Thorrs'
Hammer, etc.
7/26/2009 Scala - London, UK w/ Corrupted, Thorrs' Hammer
8/05/2009 Neumo's - Seattle, WA THE CURSE OF MARTHA SPLATTERHEAD
Release Show!!! w/ Sunn O))), Black Breath, Trap Them
8/08/2009 Independent - San Francisco, CA w/ Sunn O))), Eagle Twin
8/09/2009 Historic Brookdale Lodge - Brookdale, CA w/ Sunn O))), Eagle
Twin
8/11/2009 Center for Arts, Eagle Rock - Los Angeles, CA w/ Sunn O))),
Eagle Twin
8/13/2009 Bluebird Theatre - Denver, CO w/ Sunn O))), Eagle Twin
8/14/2009 Avalon Theatre - Salt Lake City, UT w/ Sunn O))), Eagle Twin

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

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #29 ***
*
-Absu's Proscriptor Discusses The North American CIII Tour + Upcoming
Festival Dates

Candlelight Records has just completed its third label packaged tour
for North America, which featured Philadelphia thrashers
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder and support from Los Angeles-based Sothis. The
tour visited 21 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, which began in
San Marcos, California and unexpectedly ended in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on
June 27. Absu's scheduled Ft. Worth, TX performance on Monday, June 29
was canceled due to the band's tour bus breaking down outside of Baton
Rouge, LA. The concert will be rescheduled for later this summer and
all tickets for the canceled show will be honored for the new date or
refunded at the point of purchase.

Proscriptor comments on the tour: "For not touring in 12 years, I must
admit I was extremely pleased with not only the tour, but overall
turnout for all the performances. However, I am still a bit
disappointed the original bands that were initially included on the
tour (Destroyer 666, Averse Sefira and Glorior Belli) dropped off,
which would have made the tour stronger, but still pleased. At least
we successfully conveyed our message of mythological occult metal
across the North American terrain -- mission accomplished."

Absu will perform at the following festivals this summer:
7/17/2009 Hell's Pleasure Metal Festival - Pößneck, Germany
7/18/2009 Kaltenbach Open Air - Spital am Semmering, Austria
7/25/2009 Stonehenge Festival - Steenwijk, Netherlands
8/28/2009 Hole In The Sky - Bergen Metal Fest X - Bergen, Norway

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

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out About.com's (highly debatable) list of "Essential Power
Metal Albums" at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7REx .

-Acero is asking fans to vote for their video in the "Hard Rock"
category at "Los De La Casa" at VM Latino's contest site,
http://www.losdelacasa.com/ . See http://www.grupoacero.com/ for more.

-BulletBoys -- now featuring vocalist/guitarist Marq Torien, guitarist
Tory Stoffregen, bassist Rob Lane, and drummer Ryche Green -- have 10¢
BILLIONAIRE out now on Chavis Records. The disc was recorded at High
Caliber Sound in Florida with executive producer Anthony Focx. Track
list: "Asteroid," "Blessed By Your Touch," "Born To Breed," "Bringing
Home The Gun," "Girls Kissin' Girls," "Jenna Star," "Road To Nowhere,"
"Save The World," "Wasted," "Witness." An MP3 of the radio version of
"Road To Nowhere" is available at
http://www.AirPlayDirect.com/bulletboys . See
http://www.myspace.com/officialbulletboys for more on the band, and
http://www.chavisrecords.net/ and http://www.myspace.com/chavisrecords
for more on Chavis.

-Savatage/Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery's HOUSE OF
INSANITY is out now on AFM Records, featuring a guest appearance from
vocalist Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle, Machines Of Grace).
Track list: "Seasons Change," "House Of Insanity," "I Won't Know,"
"The Fleas," "Madonna," "Big Brother," "Back's To The Wall,"
"Solitaire," "I'm Sorry," "Shame," "Winter In Hamburg," "No Matter
What," "Get Up, Stand Up!" (Another track list for the album lists
"House Of Insanity," "Shame," "The Fleas," "Schizophrenia," "Back's To
The Wall," "No Matter What," "Seasons Change," "I'm Sorry,"
"Solitaire," "Winter In Hamburg," "Get Up, Stand Up!") See
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28179 for clips of all the songs, and see
http://www.chriscaffery.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/chriscaffery
for more on Caffery.

-Dirty Looks is now taking pre-sale orders for a package including the
new 21-song "best of" disc THE WORST OF DIRTY LOOKS, a limited edition
T-shirt, an all-access tour laminate, a button, and a sticker -- all
for $17.99. The CD can be ordered by itself for $11.99. See
http://www.dirtylooksmusic.com/ for more, and send orders to
stickyrec@....

-Foreigner's LIVE: SOUNDSTAGE DVD is out now, featuring the band's
recent live performance filmed for PBS's "Soundstage" program. Track
list: "Night Life," "Head Games," "Cold As Ice," "Waiting For A Girl
Like You," "Too Late," "Say You Will," "Long Long Way From Home,"
"Double Vision," "Blue Morning Blue Day," "Dirty White Boy,"
"Starrider," "Feels Like The First Time," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero,"
"I Want To Know What Love Is," "Hot Blooded." See
http://www.foreigneronline.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/foreignermusic for more.

-Upcoming gigs for The Iron Maidens:

7/17 - The Underground, Reno, NV
7/18 - Bar 24 / Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV
7/28 - Trevi Entertainment Center, Lake Elsinore, CA (all ages)
7/30 - Second Wind, Santee, CA
8/1 - The Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA (all ages)
8/8 - Aliante Casino, North Las Vegas, NV
8/14 - The Voodoo Lounge, San Jose, CA
8/15 - Annie's Social Club, San Francisco, CA

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

-There's a new interview with Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7REw .

-Check out clips of the new Lynch Mob songs "21st Century Man," "Smoke
And Mirrors," and "We Will Remain" -- from the album SMOKE AND MIRRORS
-- at http://www.frontiers.it/Default.aspx?tabid=85&pl=L .

-Ozzy Osbourne has reportedly begun work on a new studio album, and
has split with guitarist Zakk Wylde in hopes of finding a new partner
to provide a new sound. Rumors have him looking at John 5 (Marilyn
Manson, Rob Zombie) and Greek sensation Gus G. (Firewind). See
http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=46078 for
more.

-ShipRocked -- "a five-day rock and roll music cruise" -- will feature
Broken Teeth, Endeverafter, Lynam, Queensryche, Ratt, Skid Row,
Stereoside, Stonerider, and Tesla. The cruise will depart from Ft.
Lauderdale, FL, on November 15; it will stop at Ocho Rios, Jamaica and
Georgetown, Grand Caymon, and return November 20. Passengers "will be
treated to an array of on-board events and activities, including meet
and greets with the artists, theme nights, heavy metal karaoke,
contests, charity auctions, and maybe even a few all-star jam
sessions!" See http://www.GetShipRocked.com/ for more.

-John Taglieri has a new "Mobile Texting Club" to send out touring
updates and more. To sign up, visit
http://www.broadtexter.com/JohnTaglieri . Taglieri's street team is
asking fans to rate him at the Web site for New York City radio
station RXP-FM 101.9; do so at
http://www.1019rxp.com/bands/northnjbands/view.aspx?id=109209&r=10 .
Afterwards, e-mail the Tag Team to let them know, and they will send
you a free unreleased live MP3. See http://www.JohnTaglieri.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/johntaglierimusic for more.

-Victory is working on a new album, and rumor has it some of the
tracks recall the TEMPLES OF GOLD era.

Thanks to Chad Bowar, Dan Marsicano, Bill Eikost, Music Buy Mail,
HeadbangerNYC.com, and Jeff "Smoke This!" Adee for help gathering some
of this information.

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

-I landed on some E! "news" show the other night and they were showing
the cover of an English magazine -- Q, I believe -- that features what
is believed to be the last pro-shot photo taken of Michael Jackson. I,
however, was more interested to see the words "SPINAL TAP" also on the
cover. Now I need to battle with all the MJ fans to track down that
magazine. :)

And speaking of Tap, I finally got around to watching the bonus DVD
that came with BACK FROM THE DEAD. As mentioned before, it's got the
three main guys -- David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel
(Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) -- discussing
the various tracks on the album. It's pretty typical Tap humor, but I
have to say the guys seem a bit tired, most noticeably Tufnel/Guest. I
did laugh heartily, though, when they made an Yngwie joke, something
about Tap having to shoo away away all these pesky bands/artists who
have wanted to jam with them.

-The show filmed for that Foreigner DVD mentioned above apparently was
in Chicago last year -- cool. I kinda want to get this now. Foreigner
is one of those bands I never think about, but they have so many cool
songs. And lest ye forget, Kelly Hansen (Hurricane), Jeff Pilson
(Dokken), and Jason Bonham (UFO) are now in the band with main man
Mick Jones. 'Tis a good lineup. Check out a great review of the DVD at
http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-dvd-review-foreigner-live-soundstage/
.

-Can't say I disagree with Ozzy for wanting to change things up for
his next album. Neal and I were discussing this -- I really, REALLY
liked the initial output with Zakk Wylde (1988's NO REST FOR THE
WICKED and 1991's NO MORE TEARS) but ever since those Ozzy's albums
haven't really done much for me. You can't just pin the "blame" on
Zakk, of course, but sometimes you gotta shake things up. I'd love to
see Jeff Kollman get a shot.

-Regarding "Soundstage" on PBS, Billy Idol is on tonight (July 16),
and Fall Out Boy is on in the next few days. I guess I'll have to
start checking the TiVo more often for this show!

-I recorded A&E's "Private Sessions" the other day with Dennis DeYoung
(Styx) but I haven't watched it yet. Hopefully it's pretty good.

-In my current playlist: Judas Priest: A TOUCH OF EVIL - LIVE (Epic),
Empyria - THE LONG ROAD HOME (Empyria Productions/Nightmare Records),
Saga - THE HUMAN CONDITION (InsideOut Music), Saint Deamon -
PANDEAMONIUM (Frontiers).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
DON AIREY - A LIGHT IN THE SKY (B+) Mascot Records U.S.A., 2008
17 tracks, RT: 60:33
[ http://www.donairey.com/ ]
[ http://www.deeppurple.com/ ]
[ http://www.mascotrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.mascotrecordsusa.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/mascot ]
Considering his live performances and studio contributions with
Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore and most recently Deep Purple -- to
name a very few (check out this guy's discography!) -- it's likely
that keyboardist Don Airey requires little in the way of introduction
to fans of classic rock and metal, his familiar Hammond Organ and
otherworldly synth virtually a staple during the '70s and '80s. On his
latest solo album A LIGHT IN THE SKY, the veteran musician offers Deep
Purple/Rainbow flavored tracks such as "Shooting Star," "Endless
Night" and "A Light In The Sky (Pt. 2)", all featuring Carl Sentance
(Persian Risk, Krokus) on vocals, along with spacy, fusion-drenched
fair like "Ripples In The Fabric Of Time" and "Big Crunch." Don
finishes the album with the epic "Lost In The End Of Time," which
would not be out of place on a movie soundtrack. A bit scattered
perhaps, as A LIGHT IN THE SKY kind of walks you through a little of
everything Don has been associated with in the past, but if you like
great keyboard playing you'll find some fine examples of it here...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

*
*** OUT ***
*