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Dream Evil - New album
DREAM EVIL, the Swedish band featuring acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström (HAMMERFALL, IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, etc.) and drummer Snowy Shaw (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME), have set "The Book of Heavy Metal" as the title of their upcoming third album, tentatively due in early 2004 through Century Media Records.
The follow-up to last year's "Evilized" is currently being recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden and will feature a special guest appearance by former HALFORD/current PAINMUSEUM guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak.
In related news, Shaw's NOTRE DAME project will release their new album, "Demi Monde Bizarros", on April 1, 2004 through Osmose Productions.
The follow-up to last year's "Evilized" is currently being recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden and will feature a special guest appearance by former HALFORD/current PAINMUSEUM guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak.
In related news, Shaw's NOTRE DAME project will release their new album, "Demi Monde Bizarros", on April 1, 2004 through Osmose Productions.
| Band profile: | Dream Evil |
Metallica - Guitar World Awards 2003
A poll of readers of Guitar World magazine picked Kirk Hammett of METALLICA as "Best Metal Guitarist", while Zakk Wylde of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY was named "Most Valuable Player."
METALLICA's poor-selling new album, "St. Anger", was named biggest disappointment, but it also came in at No. 2 as the "Best Metal Album", ranking behind BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "The Blessed Hellride".
FOO FIGHTERS' Dave Grohl was picked as "Best Rock Guitarist", beating out Jack White of THE WHITE STRIPES and Tom Morello of AUDIOSLAVE.
Readers said the best rock album of 2003 was "How The West Was Won" by LED ZEPPELIN.
On the flip side of things, LIMP BIZKIT earns the distinction of "Worst Band", edging out CREED and THE STROKES.
The other big disappointments of the year were listed as "all new music," the break-up of Texas metal veterans PANTERA, the continued absence of a new GUNS 'N ROSES album, and Marcos Curiel's departure from Christian rock band P.O.D.
METALLICA's poor-selling new album, "St. Anger", was named biggest disappointment, but it also came in at No. 2 as the "Best Metal Album", ranking behind BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "The Blessed Hellride".
FOO FIGHTERS' Dave Grohl was picked as "Best Rock Guitarist", beating out Jack White of THE WHITE STRIPES and Tom Morello of AUDIOSLAVE.
Readers said the best rock album of 2003 was "How The West Was Won" by LED ZEPPELIN.
On the flip side of things, LIMP BIZKIT earns the distinction of "Worst Band", edging out CREED and THE STROKES.
The other big disappointments of the year were listed as "all new music," the break-up of Texas metal veterans PANTERA, the continued absence of a new GUNS 'N ROSES album, and Marcos Curiel's departure from Christian rock band P.O.D.
| Band profile: | Metallica |
Dan Swano starts working on new Nightingale album
Multi-talented Swedish musician/producer Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY) has commenced work on the fifth NIGHTINGALE album, tentatively due at the end of 2004 through Black Mark Records. "I am in the first stages of demoing new tracks right now and Nouga a bunch of new stuff ready," Dan writes on his official web site. "This far it sounds very promising. Most of my ideas are hard-rocking stuff in the vein of 'Shadowman' and 'Steal The Moon', Nouga's stuff is a bit more varied? This time we will try to take the production more in a '70s direction, the Canadian way!! The album will be recorded by Pelle Saether at Studio Underground in May and mixed there in August."
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Theatre of Tragedy: new singer possibly found
Norway's THEATRE OF TRAGEDY have posted several photos taken during a recent rehearsal session with an as-yet-unidentified female singer who may ? or may not ? end up becoming the official replacement for departed vocalist Liv Kristine.
Kristine issued a statement in late August slamming her former THEATRE OF TRAGEDY bandmates over her dismissal from the group, saying that she learned of their plans to carry on without her via an e-mail. Liv has since teamed up with members of the German band ATROCITY (fronted by Liv's husband Alexander Krull) in a brand new group called LEAVES' EYES. LEAVES' EYES recently spent time at Alex's Mastersound studios in Stuttgart/Fellbach, Germany recording material for their debut album, "Lovelorn", due on May 24, 2004 through Austria's Napalm Records.
Kristine issued a statement in late August slamming her former THEATRE OF TRAGEDY bandmates over her dismissal from the group, saying that she learned of their plans to carry on without her via an e-mail. Liv has since teamed up with members of the German band ATROCITY (fronted by Liv's husband Alexander Krull) in a brand new group called LEAVES' EYES. LEAVES' EYES recently spent time at Alex's Mastersound studios in Stuttgart/Fellbach, Germany recording material for their debut album, "Lovelorn", due on May 24, 2004 through Austria's Napalm Records.
| Band profile: | Theatre Of Tragedy |
Gorgoroth
Two new gigs are confirmed, Athens (Greece) and Krakow (Poland). Athens will be invaded the 10th of January 2004. Near Mataron will support Gorgoroth in Athens. In Krakow on the other hand, the sin of Satan will be seen the 1st of February 2004. The gig in Krakow will filmed for a planned live DVD, which hopefully also will include interviews and other bonus material, the DVD is planned to be released in 2005.
| Band profile: | Gorgoroth |
Enslaved
THE ENCHANTED and SKALDIC CURSE have been confirmed as the support acts for ENSLAVED at their one-off show in London on January 23, 2004. The gig, which will take place at The Underworld in Camden, will mark ENSLAVED's only European show in support of their latest CD, "Below The Lights", outside Scandinavia and the Piorno Rock Festival 2004 in February. Tickets are priced at £10 in advance and £12 at the door and are currently available from Ticketweb (www.ticketweb.co.uk) and Stargreen (www.stargreen.com). Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
| Band profile: | Enslaved |
Dan Swano: new website
Multi-talented Swedish musician/producer Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, MOONTOWER) will launch his new official web site (http://www.swano.com/) on January 1, 2004. The site, sponsored by The End Records, will focus on all of Dan's projects and will include a huge download section full of MP3s, videos, etc.
Machine Head confirmed for summer festivals
MACHINE HEAD have been confirmed for the Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park festivals, set to take place June 4-6, 2004 in Nürnberg and Nürburgring, Germany (respectively). The band are also slated to appear at the U.K.'s Download festival, which is tentatively scheduled for June 6-7 in Glasgow and Donington.
MACHINE HEAD are currently seeking a North American record deal following their split with the U.S. branch of Roadrunner Records. The band, who recently completed a European headlining tour, are expected to return to the road in early 2004. The group's fifth studio album, "Through The Ashes Of Empires", has been available in Europe since October.
MACHINE HEAD are currently seeking a North American record deal following their split with the U.S. branch of Roadrunner Records. The band, who recently completed a European headlining tour, are expected to return to the road in early 2004. The group's fifth studio album, "Through The Ashes Of Empires", has been available in Europe since October.
| Band profile: | Machine Head |
Six Feet Under: Graveyard Classics 2
SIX FEET UNDER frontman Chris Barnes has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"Just wanted to check in with all of our dedicated fans this holiday season and let you all know what to expect from SIX FEET UNDER in the New Year? Well, first off, I want to thank all the bands on our last U.S. roadtrip, Unnatural Born Killers Tour, especially my good friend Sherwood and SKINLESS ? my favorite band to tour with, for the simple fact ? they rule! ? on all levels. If it wasn't for their dedication to that tour, among other things, that tour may not have happened ? and also would like to apologize to everyone that may have been hoping to see us at a couple shows (i.e. Brooklyn, Palo Alto) on that tour that canceled out, we want you all to know that if there is a way we will be making those dates up in the near future ? missing those shows was unavoidable, and it pissed us off? We are currently planning another U.S. tour starting at the end of January 2004 for 3 or 4 weeks. We'll have dates and support acts up within the next couple days.
"Right after the U.S. tour well be heading over to Europe to play 2 weeks of dates with FLESHCRAWL and CRIMINAL ? tour dates are up ? more TBA soon. Lookin' forward to seein' all you freaks over in Europe. Hopefully we can thaw you out this winter!
"What else? Right after the holidays, I'll be heading into the studio to start editing a new video clip for the title track, 'Bringer Of Blood' from our latest release. Look for that real soon. We've also recently confirmed With Full Force 2004 as well as Summer Breeze and more fests in Europe this summer TBA soon!
"As for getting into the studio to record, the next thing on the list is 'Graveyard Classics 2'. We'll be in the studio recording in late April/early May for a fall release date.
"That's all about that, for now...just wanted to keep you all as informed as I can. I'd also like to thank everyone at Metal Blade Records U.S.A. and Europe for a great year once again and their continued support and belief in this band.
"I hope everyone will have a great Christmas and holiday season and a sick fuckin' New Year."
"Just wanted to check in with all of our dedicated fans this holiday season and let you all know what to expect from SIX FEET UNDER in the New Year? Well, first off, I want to thank all the bands on our last U.S. roadtrip, Unnatural Born Killers Tour, especially my good friend Sherwood and SKINLESS ? my favorite band to tour with, for the simple fact ? they rule! ? on all levels. If it wasn't for their dedication to that tour, among other things, that tour may not have happened ? and also would like to apologize to everyone that may have been hoping to see us at a couple shows (i.e. Brooklyn, Palo Alto) on that tour that canceled out, we want you all to know that if there is a way we will be making those dates up in the near future ? missing those shows was unavoidable, and it pissed us off? We are currently planning another U.S. tour starting at the end of January 2004 for 3 or 4 weeks. We'll have dates and support acts up within the next couple days.
"Right after the U.S. tour well be heading over to Europe to play 2 weeks of dates with FLESHCRAWL and CRIMINAL ? tour dates are up ? more TBA soon. Lookin' forward to seein' all you freaks over in Europe. Hopefully we can thaw you out this winter!
"What else? Right after the holidays, I'll be heading into the studio to start editing a new video clip for the title track, 'Bringer Of Blood' from our latest release. Look for that real soon. We've also recently confirmed With Full Force 2004 as well as Summer Breeze and more fests in Europe this summer TBA soon!
"As for getting into the studio to record, the next thing on the list is 'Graveyard Classics 2'. We'll be in the studio recording in late April/early May for a fall release date.
"That's all about that, for now...just wanted to keep you all as informed as I can. I'd also like to thank everyone at Metal Blade Records U.S.A. and Europe for a great year once again and their continued support and belief in this band.
"I hope everyone will have a great Christmas and holiday season and a sick fuckin' New Year."
| Band profile: | Six Feet Under |
Helloween
Former STRATOVARIUS drummer Jörg Michael and current HELLOWEEN skinsman Stefan Schwarzmann have recorded guest appearances for the solo project of FEUERENGEL frontman Boris, dubbed DER BOTE.
The band's debut album, which has yet to be officially released, features Jörg on six songs ("Intro", "Einsam", "Todgeweiht", "Vorbei", "Kalt" and "2003") and Stefan on three ("Ich Bin Gekommen", "Lebendig Begraben" and "Ich Bekenne Mich Schuldig"). More information on the project, including audio and video samples, can be downloaded from the official web site: www.der-bote.com.
The band's debut album, which has yet to be officially released, features Jörg on six songs ("Intro", "Einsam", "Todgeweiht", "Vorbei", "Kalt" and "2003") and Stefan on three ("Ich Bin Gekommen", "Lebendig Begraben" and "Ich Bekenne Mich Schuldig"). More information on the project, including audio and video samples, can be downloaded from the official web site: www.der-bote.com.
| Band profile: | Helloween |
Arch Enemy
ARCH ENEMY guitarist Mike Amott recently spoke to MetalReview.com about the accusations from some of the group's "fans" that the band have "sold out" by making their sound more commercially accessible on their latest release, "Anthems of Rebellion". "We sold out after the first album according to some people!" he said. "You start a band and record that first album and that will be the best thing you ever do for some people.
"We don't really pay attention to that stuff, I don't anyway," he continued. "I've been in this business long enough to know whether I've sold out or not. 'Anthems of Rebellion' doesn't sound like EVANESCENCE or LIMP BIZKIT, I know that! It's our fifth studio album, it's got tons of screaming, downtuned guitars, guitar solos, SLAYER beats?.. I don't see how that's selling out?. I love the people who write this stuff, I'm sure they don't know as much about metal as I do, so I find it funny!"
Asked about the latest sales reports for "Anthems of Rebellion", Amott said, "I hear it's doing really well. We're selling a lot on the road too, supporting SLAYER , people can just come to our merchandise table and buy 'Anthems?' and it's doing really well, which is really encouraging. Maybe people are hearing us for the first time when they see us on this tour and thinking, 'Fuck yeah!' I think a CD is the coolest thing you can sell at a show. Obviously a T-shirt is cool to sell too, but a CD is a piece of music they can take home, you know?"
When pressed for his opinion on how much of the band's newfound success can be attributed to Angela Gossow fronting the band, Mike said, "People never talk about our drummer, he's such a good-looking young man! (Laughs) I think it's due to him really, the recent success of the band! Obviously what you're talking about helps with our media profile, but the music's got to be good too. If you just have a good-looking singer then people will buy the magazines we're in and not the albums. You know, a lot of people at the SLAYER shows that are seeing us think we have a guy singing, 'Hey what's up with your singer, he looks like a chick!' " Read the rest of the interview here.
Since its release in late August, ARCH ENEMY's "Anthems of Rebellion" has sold 25,005 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. Its predecessor, 2001's "Wages of Sin", has shifted 30,018 units to date.
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"We don't really pay attention to that stuff, I don't anyway," he continued. "I've been in this business long enough to know whether I've sold out or not. 'Anthems of Rebellion' doesn't sound like EVANESCENCE or LIMP BIZKIT, I know that! It's our fifth studio album, it's got tons of screaming, downtuned guitars, guitar solos, SLAYER beats?.. I don't see how that's selling out?. I love the people who write this stuff, I'm sure they don't know as much about metal as I do, so I find it funny!"
Asked about the latest sales reports for "Anthems of Rebellion", Amott said, "I hear it's doing really well. We're selling a lot on the road too, supporting SLAYER , people can just come to our merchandise table and buy 'Anthems?' and it's doing really well, which is really encouraging. Maybe people are hearing us for the first time when they see us on this tour and thinking, 'Fuck yeah!' I think a CD is the coolest thing you can sell at a show. Obviously a T-shirt is cool to sell too, but a CD is a piece of music they can take home, you know?"
When pressed for his opinion on how much of the band's newfound success can be attributed to Angela Gossow fronting the band, Mike said, "People never talk about our drummer, he's such a good-looking young man! (Laughs) I think it's due to him really, the recent success of the band! Obviously what you're talking about helps with our media profile, but the music's got to be good too. If you just have a good-looking singer then people will buy the magazines we're in and not the albums. You know, a lot of people at the SLAYER shows that are seeing us think we have a guy singing, 'Hey what's up with your singer, he looks like a chick!' " Read the rest of the interview here.
Since its release in late August, ARCH ENEMY's "Anthems of Rebellion" has sold 25,005 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. Its predecessor, 2001's "Wages of Sin", has shifted 30,018 units to date.
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Arch Enemy |
Ozzy voted rock star of 2003
Injured singer Ozzy Osbourne has been voted rock star of the year in a poll of music fans, according to BBC News.
Osbourne, who is recovering from a quad bike crash and recently secured his first U.K. No. 1 single, won the accolade from Virgin Radio listeners.
Justin Hawkins, frontman with THE DARKNESS, came a close second in the poll of 3,000 fans.
U2's singer Bono was voted into third place, ahead of Robbie Williams and COLDPLAY's Chris Marti.
"Ozzy Osbourne is the kind of rock legend we would all secretly love as a dad," said Ben Jones, the presenter of Virgin's "Most Wanted" show.
"He's in a massive rock band and has lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to the full ? the kind of fatherly advice you get from Ozzy Osbourne comes from experience.
"And Justin Hawkins from THE DARKNESS has spent the year jumping around in a catsuit when he's not flying around in his space-ship ? it's definitely been his year."
Other rock stars to make it in to the top ten included two Sixties legends ? ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards at No. 6 and THE BEATLES' Sir Paul McCartney at No. 7.
WHITE STRIPES' singer Jack White and Pete Docherty of new British band THE LIBERTINES also made it into the top ten.
Osbourne, who is recovering from a quad bike crash and recently secured his first U.K. No. 1 single, won the accolade from Virgin Radio listeners.
Justin Hawkins, frontman with THE DARKNESS, came a close second in the poll of 3,000 fans.
U2's singer Bono was voted into third place, ahead of Robbie Williams and COLDPLAY's Chris Marti.
"Ozzy Osbourne is the kind of rock legend we would all secretly love as a dad," said Ben Jones, the presenter of Virgin's "Most Wanted" show.
"He's in a massive rock band and has lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to the full ? the kind of fatherly advice you get from Ozzy Osbourne comes from experience.
"And Justin Hawkins from THE DARKNESS has spent the year jumping around in a catsuit when he's not flying around in his space-ship ? it's definitely been his year."
Other rock stars to make it in to the top ten included two Sixties legends ? ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards at No. 6 and THE BEATLES' Sir Paul McCartney at No. 7.
WHITE STRIPES' singer Jack White and Pete Docherty of new British band THE LIBERTINES also made it into the top ten.
| Band profile: | Ozzy Osbourne |
Finntroll, New EP in March
Finland's FINNTROLL will be releasing an EP, titled "Trollhammaren", in March containing one song off their forthcoming album plus four bonus tracks recorded in the same session. As previously reported, the upcoming full-length CD, "Nattfödd" (Swedish for "Nightborn"), will be issued in April. The follow-up to "Visor Om Slutet" was recorded at Sundicoop Studio in Savonlinna, Finland and features 10 songs. The band will also be making their debut video to coincide with the release of the full-length CD.
| Band profile: | Finntroll |
Impaled Nazarene - European tour cancelled
IMPALED NAZARENE's previously announced European tour with THE LEGION has been cancelled. "The reason is that IMPALED NAZARENE are going on a European tour in May and the booking agency wanted to move the tour from February/March to a future date which wasn't possible for IMPALED NAZARENE," according to a post on THE LEGION's web site.
In other THE LEGION-related news, the group recently went into Art Decay studio to record two exclusive bonus tracks for the limited-edition gatefold-sleeve version of their debut album, "Unseen To Creation": a reworked version of an old original song plus a cover of TESTAMENT's "Curse Of The Legions Of Death". A late February 2004 release is expected.
THE LEGION's next live gig will take place on January 31, 2004 at Kulturhuset in Jönköping, Sweden. Also scheduled to appear are INSISION and NOMINON.
In other THE LEGION-related news, the group recently went into Art Decay studio to record two exclusive bonus tracks for the limited-edition gatefold-sleeve version of their debut album, "Unseen To Creation": a reworked version of an old original song plus a cover of TESTAMENT's "Curse Of The Legions Of Death". A late February 2004 release is expected.
THE LEGION's next live gig will take place on January 31, 2004 at Kulturhuset in Jönköping, Sweden. Also scheduled to appear are INSISION and NOMINON.
| Band profile: | Impaled Nazarene |
Sodom confirmed for Gods Of Metal Festival
SODOM are the latest act confirmed for the Gods of Metal Festival, scheduled to take place June 5-6 at l'Arena Parco Nord in Bologna, Italy. ALICE COOPER will top the bill on Sunday, June 6, while JUDAS PRIEST will headline the event on Saturday, June 5 ? the same day that Finland's STRATOVARIUS are scheduled to appear in what is being billed as their only Italian appearance of 2004. Other bands confirmed for the festival include TWISTED SISTER, TESTAMENT, SYMPHONY X, NEVERMORE, W.A.S.P., and MOTÖRHEAD.
| Band profile: | Sodom |