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After Forever Enter Dutch Album Chart At No. 56
AFTER FOREVER's recently issued mini-CD, "Exordium", has entered the official Dutch Album chart at position No. 56.
As previously reported, "Exordium" ? which contains four originals and two covers ? was recorded at Excess studios in Rotterdam, Holland with producers Hans Pieters and Dennis Leidelmeijer. The Dutch gothic/atmospheric doom metal group ? who recently filmed a video for the song "My Choice" off "Exordium" ? have already completed the bulk of the recordings for their upcoming full-length CD, tentatively due in early 2004. AFTER FOREVER's last full-length effort, "Decipher", was released in 2001.
As previously reported, "Exordium" ? which contains four originals and two covers ? was recorded at Excess studios in Rotterdam, Holland with producers Hans Pieters and Dennis Leidelmeijer. The Dutch gothic/atmospheric doom metal group ? who recently filmed a video for the song "My Choice" off "Exordium" ? have already completed the bulk of the recordings for their upcoming full-length CD, tentatively due in early 2004. AFTER FOREVER's last full-length effort, "Decipher", was released in 2001.
| Band profile: | After Forever |
Pantera Is Officially Over
Former PANTERA guitarist Dimebag Darrell recently spoke to the U.K.'s Rock Sound magazine about the current status of the band that is widely considered to be one of the most influential American metal acts of the '90s.
When asked point-blank if PANTERA is officially over, Dimebag said, "Oh yeah, it's been officially over since our lead singer started announcing it from stages across the United States." Dimebag went on to explain that " threatened it before but when he started announcing it in the press and from onstage, that was when it became official. He never had the decency to talk to us about it. Nobody would return our calls so me and Vinnie just sat at home not knowing what the fuck was going on."
Despite all the obvious bad blood, Dimebag admited "we're not ashamed of a fuckin' thing we've done. It was a great ride and we wanted it to last forever. It didn't but we're back with DAMAGEPLAN and we're ready to kick some muthafuckin' dick!"
DAMAGEPLAN, which features Darrell, Vinnie, singer Patrick Lachman (former HALFORD/DIESEL MACHINE guitarist) and bassist Bobzilla, will release their debut album, "New Found Power", on February 10 through Elektra Records. The group expect to begin playing select shows in January, with a full-scale North American tour to follow shortly after the album's release.
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When asked point-blank if PANTERA is officially over, Dimebag said, "Oh yeah, it's been officially over since our lead singer started announcing it from stages across the United States." Dimebag went on to explain that " threatened it before but when he started announcing it in the press and from onstage, that was when it became official. He never had the decency to talk to us about it. Nobody would return our calls so me and Vinnie just sat at home not knowing what the fuck was going on."
Despite all the obvious bad blood, Dimebag admited "we're not ashamed of a fuckin' thing we've done. It was a great ride and we wanted it to last forever. It didn't but we're back with DAMAGEPLAN and we're ready to kick some muthafuckin' dick!"
DAMAGEPLAN, which features Darrell, Vinnie, singer Patrick Lachman (former HALFORD/DIESEL MACHINE guitarist) and bassist Bobzilla, will release their debut album, "New Found Power", on February 10 through Elektra Records. The group expect to begin playing select shows in January, with a full-scale North American tour to follow shortly after the album's release.
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Pantera |
Illnath - Part Ways With Drummer
Danish melodic black metal band ILLNATH have parted ways with drummer Benjamin Johannesen shortly after the completion of the group's European tour with KONKHRA and CORPUS MORTALE. "However, as far as we can tell he is not entirely out of the music business," the band write on their web site. "You might well find him on an upcoming Danish metal album."
ILLNATH are currently working on the material for the follow-up to this year's "Cast Into Fields Of Evil Pleasure" (Worldchaos Production), tentatively due in late 2004. In the meantime, guitarist Peter Falk and keyboardist Artur Meinild (a.k.a. Tyr) have joined forces in a brand new "progressive power metal" side-project, the exact details of which have yet to be divulged.
ILLNATH are currently working on the material for the follow-up to this year's "Cast Into Fields Of Evil Pleasure" (Worldchaos Production), tentatively due in late 2004. In the meantime, guitarist Peter Falk and keyboardist Artur Meinild (a.k.a. Tyr) have joined forces in a brand new "progressive power metal" side-project, the exact details of which have yet to be divulged.
| Band profile: | Illnath |
SLAYER: 'Apocalypse' Packaging Previewed
SLAYER fan site SlayerSaves.com has posted a "sneak peek" at the packaging for the group's "Soundtrack To The Apocalypse" box set, which is set to be officially released tomorrow (Nov. 25) through American Recordings/Ume.
As previously reported, "Soundtrack To The Apocalypse" includes tracks spanning every SLAYER album since 1986, soundtrack cuts, Japan-only tracks, more than a dozen rarities, and a DVD of live performances spanning 20 years, all digitally remastered. The deluxe edition adds a full-length concert CD from SLAYER's 2002 "God Hates Us All" tour stop in Anaheim, California, presented in a "blood pack" sleeve (with faux blood and floating skulls). The tour was the band's first with original drummer Dave Lombardo since 1992. The deluxe edition also includes a wall banner and replica backstage laminate. Both editions have an extensive, 60-page booklet spotlighting a history based on interviews with each bandmember and long-time producer Rick Rubin.
Check out the Package Here: http://www.slayersaves.com/stta.jpg
As previously reported, "Soundtrack To The Apocalypse" includes tracks spanning every SLAYER album since 1986, soundtrack cuts, Japan-only tracks, more than a dozen rarities, and a DVD of live performances spanning 20 years, all digitally remastered. The deluxe edition adds a full-length concert CD from SLAYER's 2002 "God Hates Us All" tour stop in Anaheim, California, presented in a "blood pack" sleeve (with faux blood and floating skulls). The tour was the band's first with original drummer Dave Lombardo since 1992. The deluxe edition also includes a wall banner and replica backstage laminate. Both editions have an extensive, 60-page booklet spotlighting a history based on interviews with each bandmember and long-time producer Rick Rubin.
Check out the Package Here: http://www.slayersaves.com/stta.jpg
| Band profile: | Slayer |
Fear Factory New Album
FEAR FACTORY have officially signed a new record deal with D3 Entertainment in the US, and Roadrunner Records in Europe. The new album, titled Archetype, is currently being recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Los Angeles with engineer Ken Marshall. Archetype is expected to be released in April 2004. Byron Stroud has been added to the lineup to handle the bass guitar.
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| Band profile: | Fear Factory |
DIMMU BORGIR: Two Songs In 'Hellboy' Trailer
Norwegian black metallers DIMMU BORGIR beat out hundreds of other bands to land two songs in the trailer of the upcoming movie "Hellboy".
The supernatural action adventure film, which was written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro ("Blade 2") and based on the enormously popular Dark Horse Comics series of the same name, will be released nationally on April 2, 2004.
The supernatural action adventure film, which was written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro ("Blade 2") and based on the enormously popular Dark Horse Comics series of the same name, will be released nationally on April 2, 2004.
| Band profile: | Dimmu Borgir |
Vader Prepares New Album
Polish death metallers VADER have set "Spiritual Disease" as the working title for their sixth full-length album, tentatively due in May/June through Metal Blade Records.
The follow-up to 2002's "Revelations" will be recorded in February 2004 at PR Studio in Gdañsk with producer Piotr £ukaszewski and will mark the group's final release for Metal Blade under the terms of their present contract with the label.
In March 2004, VADER are going to invade Slovakia and Czech Republic, sharing the stage with HYPNOS and some local bands. A European tour with MALEVOLENT CREATION, NAGLFAR and BLOOD RED THRONE will follow in June.
The follow-up to 2002's "Revelations" will be recorded in February 2004 at PR Studio in Gdañsk with producer Piotr £ukaszewski and will mark the group's final release for Metal Blade under the terms of their present contract with the label.
In March 2004, VADER are going to invade Slovakia and Czech Republic, sharing the stage with HYPNOS and some local bands. A European tour with MALEVOLENT CREATION, NAGLFAR and BLOOD RED THRONE will follow in June.
| Band profile: | Vader |
Nobody feels like leaving the band voluntarily
And the controversy on Stratovarius future goes on...
STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson has offered the following comment via the group's official message board regarding the status of the band's lineup:
"Within the band we made the agreement that Timo will decide who plays in the band, I mean on the records, live etc. I actually drew up the agreement myself, so that none of us would be able to entertain any illusions of 'hijacking' the band by a democratic majority vote or something. To me, I think this is a useful arrangement, I would say even if I get booted out as a result, believe it or not! I am a man of principles. And anyone is free to leave on their own volition too, of course. It's a band, not a concentration camp, like Yngwie used to say.
"I can assure you, nobody feels like leaving voluntarily. But what goes on in the hearts and minds of Finns is sometimes difficult to detect. Especially if they don't answer their phone!!!! If Timo wants to have new people in the band I would of course be very sad, because I quite enjoy working with these guys. But there is nothing I can do about how people feel. Either musically or about other things. Timo is a stubborn guy, or he wouldn't have gotten this far!"
Read more ››
STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson has offered the following comment via the group's official message board regarding the status of the band's lineup:
"Within the band we made the agreement that Timo will decide who plays in the band, I mean on the records, live etc. I actually drew up the agreement myself, so that none of us would be able to entertain any illusions of 'hijacking' the band by a democratic majority vote or something. To me, I think this is a useful arrangement, I would say even if I get booted out as a result, believe it or not! I am a man of principles. And anyone is free to leave on their own volition too, of course. It's a band, not a concentration camp, like Yngwie used to say.
"I can assure you, nobody feels like leaving voluntarily. But what goes on in the hearts and minds of Finns is sometimes difficult to detect. Especially if they don't answer their phone!!!! If Timo wants to have new people in the band I would of course be very sad, because I quite enjoy working with these guys. But there is nothing I can do about how people feel. Either musically or about other things. Timo is a stubborn guy, or he wouldn't have gotten this far!"
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
Stratovarius - Three Bandmembers Have To Leave
STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"I am in the process of talking seriously with each bandmember about the future of STRATOVARIUS.
"There are lots of rumours circling around and this statement is issued to clear some of those.
"The band is in a severe crisis at the moment.
"Looking back now, it is very clear to me why the situation has catapulted into crisis.
"I have my own way to lead STRATOVARIUS and since being in this band since '84 (almost 20 years) I have had a very clear vision about the musical direction of STRATO. To put it short and simple, this is my band.
"I decide what STRATOVARIUS sounds like. Stylists might decide how STRATOVARIUS looks like. I don't give a fuck about that though, I love music and we are not some fucking BACKSTREET BOYS. We eat metal and shit chains.
"Before some of you start shouting 'dictator', I would like to tell you that we have always shared the income from the band equally. Everyone gets the same from all income. I can tell you many bands when it's not like this.
"Up until very last weeks I though things were fine, there have been arguments, but nothing fancy. At this point I feel that my vision of where to take STRATOVARIUS next is threatened. Along with many other things, which I cannot tell you due to legal reasons. Let me just say this: when the things get so heated that some people in the band enter into fistfight, then something is wrong, wouldn't you agree?
"I am talking with Kotipelto and Kainulainen here in Finland at the moment and next week I fly to New York to talk to Johansson. Then I fly to Germany to talk to Michael. And then I have to think.
"So you guys have to wait for some more time for some more news.
"At this point it seems 95% sure that 3 bandmembers have to leave. I really hope I can work things out with them, but if not, then they will have to go.
"And to those who say I should leave STRATOVARIUS I say, hmmm well, perhaps it's better that I don't say anything, so I just say, 'Fuck Off!' I am not leaving anywhere, we just signed this new deal and I am going to continue writing new songs and there will be more albums, no matter what the line up will be.
Read more ››
"I am in the process of talking seriously with each bandmember about the future of STRATOVARIUS.
"There are lots of rumours circling around and this statement is issued to clear some of those.
"The band is in a severe crisis at the moment.
"Looking back now, it is very clear to me why the situation has catapulted into crisis.
"I have my own way to lead STRATOVARIUS and since being in this band since '84 (almost 20 years) I have had a very clear vision about the musical direction of STRATO. To put it short and simple, this is my band.
"I decide what STRATOVARIUS sounds like. Stylists might decide how STRATOVARIUS looks like. I don't give a fuck about that though, I love music and we are not some fucking BACKSTREET BOYS. We eat metal and shit chains.
"Before some of you start shouting 'dictator', I would like to tell you that we have always shared the income from the band equally. Everyone gets the same from all income. I can tell you many bands when it's not like this.
"Up until very last weeks I though things were fine, there have been arguments, but nothing fancy. At this point I feel that my vision of where to take STRATOVARIUS next is threatened. Along with many other things, which I cannot tell you due to legal reasons. Let me just say this: when the things get so heated that some people in the band enter into fistfight, then something is wrong, wouldn't you agree?
"I am talking with Kotipelto and Kainulainen here in Finland at the moment and next week I fly to New York to talk to Johansson. Then I fly to Germany to talk to Michael. And then I have to think.
"So you guys have to wait for some more time for some more news.
"At this point it seems 95% sure that 3 bandmembers have to leave. I really hope I can work things out with them, but if not, then they will have to go.
"And to those who say I should leave STRATOVARIUS I say, hmmm well, perhaps it's better that I don't say anything, so I just say, 'Fuck Off!' I am not leaving anywhere, we just signed this new deal and I am going to continue writing new songs and there will be more albums, no matter what the line up will be.
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
METALLICA Threatened With Copyright Infringement
Metallian.com is reporting that the members of the defunct punk/metal fusion band EXCEL are considering legal action against METALLICA over the latter's song "Enter Sandman" which they claim borrows heavily from the EXCEL track "Tapping Into The Emotional Void"
"Tapping Into The Emotional Void" was originally included on EXCEL's "The Joke's On You" LP, which surfaced in 1989 ? two years prior to the release of METALLICA's self-titled CD.
"Enter Sandman" currently stands as the biggest hit of METALLICA's career, having peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in August 1991. METALLICA's self-titled "black album" has sold more than 13 million copies in the U.S., according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
"Tapping Into The Emotional Void" was originally included on EXCEL's "The Joke's On You" LP, which surfaced in 1989 ? two years prior to the release of METALLICA's self-titled CD.
"Enter Sandman" currently stands as the biggest hit of METALLICA's career, having peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in August 1991. METALLICA's self-titled "black album" has sold more than 13 million copies in the U.S., according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
| Band profile: | Metallica |
'Binge & Purge' To Be Re-Released In Europe In DVD
METALLICA's "Live Shit: Binge & Purge" ? the unprecedented box set featuring three complete concerts on three CDs and three VHS tapes ? will finally be re-released in Europe as a 3-CD, 2-DVD box set on November 24.
The package, which was originally issued in 1993, was made available in the U.S. in DVD format last year.
"Live Shit: Binge & Purge" content (nine hours of live material):
- Live Concert - Seattle 1989 (DVD)
- Live Concert - San Diego 1992 (DVD)
- Live Concert - Mexico City 1993 (3 CDs)
- a 72-page digital book on DVD #2.
- an old snakepit pass
- a scary-guy stencil
The box is priced at 42.99 EUR
The package, which was originally issued in 1993, was made available in the U.S. in DVD format last year.
"Live Shit: Binge & Purge" content (nine hours of live material):
- Live Concert - Seattle 1989 (DVD)
- Live Concert - San Diego 1992 (DVD)
- Live Concert - Mexico City 1993 (3 CDs)
- a 72-page digital book on DVD #2.
- an old snakepit pass
- a scary-guy stencil
The box is priced at 42.99 EUR
| Band profile: | Metallica |
DRAGONFORCE Begin Work On New Album
London-based power metallers DRAGONFORCE have started work on the follow-up to their debut album, "Valley Of The Damned", released earlier this year.
The majority of the recording is taking place at Thin Ice Studios, Virginia Water, Surrey, England with producer Karl Groom, while all the guitars are being recorded at guitarist Herman Li's own private studio in West London.
Li, Z.P. Theart (vocals), Sam Totman (guitars), and Vadim Pruzhanov (keyboards) have now been joined by new bassist Adrian Lambert and drummer David Mackintosh (also with BAL-SAGOTH).
Said Li, "We are working hard every day in the studio, and I can tell you that the new album will exceed the boundaries of melodic, speed power metal."
The new, as-yet-untitled album will be released on the Noise Records label on March 22, 2004.
In other news, DRAGONFORCE will be heading out on their debut Japanese tour late January 2004 as special guests of German legends HELLOWEEN.
The majority of the recording is taking place at Thin Ice Studios, Virginia Water, Surrey, England with producer Karl Groom, while all the guitars are being recorded at guitarist Herman Li's own private studio in West London.
Li, Z.P. Theart (vocals), Sam Totman (guitars), and Vadim Pruzhanov (keyboards) have now been joined by new bassist Adrian Lambert and drummer David Mackintosh (also with BAL-SAGOTH).
Said Li, "We are working hard every day in the studio, and I can tell you that the new album will exceed the boundaries of melodic, speed power metal."
The new, as-yet-untitled album will be released on the Noise Records label on March 22, 2004.
In other news, DRAGONFORCE will be heading out on their debut Japanese tour late January 2004 as special guests of German legends HELLOWEEN.
| Band profile: | DragonForce |
APOCALYPTICA will release REFLECTION REVISED
The revised version of the latest Apocalyptica-Album offers a bonus DVD, containing all videos from the Album (incl. Seemann), EPKs and three different up-to-date live-performances. Additionally there are also a couple of songs on the revised-cd, such as rare vinyl-tracks, b-sides, vocal verisons of Faraway and the mega-single Seemann! The revised-version of "Reflections" will hit stores monday 17-11-03!
| Band profile: | Apocalyptica |
In Flames, Title And Release Date For New Album
Sweden's IN FLAMES have set "Soundtrack To Your Escape" as the title for their forthcoming album, due in Europe on March 29, 2004.
The follow-up to 2002's "Reroute To Remain" was recorded at a rented house/converted studio in Denmark with producers Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) and Örjan Örnkloo (ex-MISERY LOVES CO.) and is currently being mixed at Galaxy Studios in Mol, Belgium. Mastering will take place at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden.
The following is the tentative track listing for "Soundtrack To Your Escape" (in no particular order):
01. F(r)iend
02. The Quiet Place
03. Borders And Shading
04. Discover Me Like Emptiness
05. Touch Of Red
06. Bottled
07. Dead Alone
08. Superhero Of The Computer Rage
09. Like You Better Dead
10. Dial 595-Escape
11. Evil In A Closet
12. In Search For I
13. My Sweet Shadow
"Soundtrack To Your Escape" will be released in Europe through Nuclear Blast Records, with whom the group have two albums remaining under the terms of their present contract. IN FLAMES are currently in negotiations with several labels about a possible North American record deal. More information will be made available soon.
The follow-up to 2002's "Reroute To Remain" was recorded at a rented house/converted studio in Denmark with producers Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) and Örjan Örnkloo (ex-MISERY LOVES CO.) and is currently being mixed at Galaxy Studios in Mol, Belgium. Mastering will take place at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden.
The following is the tentative track listing for "Soundtrack To Your Escape" (in no particular order):
01. F(r)iend
02. The Quiet Place
03. Borders And Shading
04. Discover Me Like Emptiness
05. Touch Of Red
06. Bottled
07. Dead Alone
08. Superhero Of The Computer Rage
09. Like You Better Dead
10. Dial 595-Escape
11. Evil In A Closet
12. In Search For I
13. My Sweet Shadow
"Soundtrack To Your Escape" will be released in Europe through Nuclear Blast Records, with whom the group have two albums remaining under the terms of their present contract. IN FLAMES are currently in negotiations with several labels about a possible North American record deal. More information will be made available soon.
| Band profile: | In Flames |