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Iced Earth - European tour postponed
ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"Hello All,
"As some of you may have heard I recently had lower back surgery. It seemed early on that things were going well with my recovery, however in recent weeks a new problem has developed. I will be undergoing some intense testing in the next week to 10 days to see what the next steps will be. Which leads to the bad news, due to the serious complications with my back, we're going to have to postpone the European leg of the tour and possibly even the first 2 weeks or so of the US Tour. It really depends on what the doctor says after all testing is done and the options are on the table. If another surgery is necessary it may push the tour back even more. Obviously this is the absolute last thing that we ever want to do, but my health has to come first, and the potential of causing permanent damage is very real.
"Those of you that have been following the band for a long time know that it's always top priority to give you the best show possible. At the current and very intense level of pain that I'm in, there's no way that I'd be able to do my part and give 100%, and you don't deserve anything less.
"The guys in the band are as disappointed as I am but they are understanding and supportive at the same time.
" 'The Glorious Burden' is by far the album that has received the best reviews in the band's history, charted the best around the world, sold more than double in the early stages compared with 'Horror Show' in all major territories, and continues to grow full steam ahead. It is the album that I knew it would be and I hate that we have to change our plans due to my back problems. However, in the big picture, it's the only decision that I can make.
"I hope you all can understand the seriousness of the situation. Please know that as much as this sucks, it's the best thing for me, the band, and for you.
"The tour WILL happen, and when it does, I guarantee you will see the best ICED EARTH show you ever have! I feel 10 years younger and am having fun again, it totally sucks that my back is causing these problems!
"I thank you in advance for your support through this tough time and will keep you posted as to my progress...
"Take care, Jon Schaffer"
"Hello All,
"As some of you may have heard I recently had lower back surgery. It seemed early on that things were going well with my recovery, however in recent weeks a new problem has developed. I will be undergoing some intense testing in the next week to 10 days to see what the next steps will be. Which leads to the bad news, due to the serious complications with my back, we're going to have to postpone the European leg of the tour and possibly even the first 2 weeks or so of the US Tour. It really depends on what the doctor says after all testing is done and the options are on the table. If another surgery is necessary it may push the tour back even more. Obviously this is the absolute last thing that we ever want to do, but my health has to come first, and the potential of causing permanent damage is very real.
"Those of you that have been following the band for a long time know that it's always top priority to give you the best show possible. At the current and very intense level of pain that I'm in, there's no way that I'd be able to do my part and give 100%, and you don't deserve anything less.
"The guys in the band are as disappointed as I am but they are understanding and supportive at the same time.
" 'The Glorious Burden' is by far the album that has received the best reviews in the band's history, charted the best around the world, sold more than double in the early stages compared with 'Horror Show' in all major territories, and continues to grow full steam ahead. It is the album that I knew it would be and I hate that we have to change our plans due to my back problems. However, in the big picture, it's the only decision that I can make.
"I hope you all can understand the seriousness of the situation. Please know that as much as this sucks, it's the best thing for me, the band, and for you.
"The tour WILL happen, and when it does, I guarantee you will see the best ICED EARTH show you ever have! I feel 10 years younger and am having fun again, it totally sucks that my back is causing these problems!
"I thank you in advance for your support through this tough time and will keep you posted as to my progress...
"Take care, Jon Schaffer"
| Band profile: | Iced Earth |
Masterplan working on sophomore album
MASTERPLAN, the new band featuring ex-HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow, ex-HELLOWEEN drummer Uli Kusch and former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/ARK singer Jorn Lande, are currently in Los Angeles with producer Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, HELLOWEEN) working on the material for the follow-up to their highly acclaimed self-titled debut, tentatively due this fall through AFM Records. A single will precede the album in late summer. The group are tentatively planning on embarking on their first European headlining tour shortly following the album's release.
As previously reported, MASTERPLAN were honored with a European Border Breakers Award at this year's MIDEM convention in Cannes, France.
The European Border Breakers Awards are a European Commission initiative which reward ten artists or groups (and their record companies, authors and publishers) for achieving the highest sales for a debut album across the European Union, outside their country of production in 2003.
The ten artists were revealed at the European Border Breakers Awards ceremony, which took place on January 25.
In other news, Lande will be releasing his third solo album, "Out To Every Nation", on April 26 through AFM Records.
Joining Lande during the recording sessions for the new CD were bassist Magnus Rosèn (HAMMERFALL), guitarist Jõrn Viggo Lofstad, and drummer Stian Kristoffersen.
The tentative track listing for "Out To Every Nation" is as follows:
01. Young Forever
02. Out To Every Nation
03. Something Real
04. Living With Wolves
05. Vision Eyes
06. One Day We Will Put Out The Sun
07. Behind The Clown
08. Rock Spirit
09. Through Day And Night
10. When Angel Wings Were White
A video clip for "Living With Wolves" is also in the works. Lande's last solo effort, "Worldchanger", was released in 2001.
As previously reported, MASTERPLAN were honored with a European Border Breakers Award at this year's MIDEM convention in Cannes, France.
The European Border Breakers Awards are a European Commission initiative which reward ten artists or groups (and their record companies, authors and publishers) for achieving the highest sales for a debut album across the European Union, outside their country of production in 2003.
The ten artists were revealed at the European Border Breakers Awards ceremony, which took place on January 25.
In other news, Lande will be releasing his third solo album, "Out To Every Nation", on April 26 through AFM Records.
Joining Lande during the recording sessions for the new CD were bassist Magnus Rosèn (HAMMERFALL), guitarist Jõrn Viggo Lofstad, and drummer Stian Kristoffersen.
The tentative track listing for "Out To Every Nation" is as follows:
01. Young Forever
02. Out To Every Nation
03. Something Real
04. Living With Wolves
05. Vision Eyes
06. One Day We Will Put Out The Sun
07. Behind The Clown
08. Rock Spirit
09. Through Day And Night
10. When Angel Wings Were White
A video clip for "Living With Wolves" is also in the works. Lande's last solo effort, "Worldchanger", was released in 2001.
| Band profile: | Masterplan |
Gorgoroth face two years in Polish prison
Norwegian black metal band GORGOROTH are being investigated in Poland for causing religious offense after a show that included dozens of sheep heads on stakes, a literal blood bath and a naked, crucified woman, newspaper Aftenposten reports.
The concert in Krakow was broadcast by state TV station TVP and the resulting scandal was the center of attention in Polish media, according to Aftenposten. The band are now being investigated for causing religious offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison.
The police are also considering an investigation of cruelty to animals.
"On stage there was blood everywhere. About ten decapitated sheep heads and naked people, alive, on large crosses," TVP director Andrzej Jeziorek told newspaper VG. "Everyone was painted with 100 liters of sheep blood. Also there were Satanist symbols everywhere. One of the hanging female models fainted and an ambulance had to be called,".
Jeziorek said that the TVP staff were shocked and reported the show to police.
"This kind of thing should happen on state TV and especially not in Krakow, which is the Pope's city," Jeziorek said. Jeziorek wanted to halt the concert but feared a riot from enthusiastic, bloodied fans who had paid for tickets.
The band were recording a concert DVD and had promised fans a very special show in Poland, and had rigged the stage behind curtains to keep the content secret.
Recent troubles with sects and Satanist groups have made the issue especially sensitive in Poland.
Here are links to several other media reports on the incident:
NRK (Norwegian) http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_sogn_og_fjordane/3490664.html
Bergensavisen (Norwegian) http://www.ba.no/puls/musikk/article866521.ece
VG (Norwegian) http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=213083
Die Presse (German) http://www.diepresse.com/Artikel.aspx?channel=k&ressort=ku&id=403117
The concert in Krakow was broadcast by state TV station TVP and the resulting scandal was the center of attention in Polish media, according to Aftenposten. The band are now being investigated for causing religious offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison.
The police are also considering an investigation of cruelty to animals.
"On stage there was blood everywhere. About ten decapitated sheep heads and naked people, alive, on large crosses," TVP director Andrzej Jeziorek told newspaper VG. "Everyone was painted with 100 liters of sheep blood. Also there were Satanist symbols everywhere. One of the hanging female models fainted and an ambulance had to be called,".
Jeziorek said that the TVP staff were shocked and reported the show to police.
"This kind of thing should happen on state TV and especially not in Krakow, which is the Pope's city," Jeziorek said. Jeziorek wanted to halt the concert but feared a riot from enthusiastic, bloodied fans who had paid for tickets.
The band were recording a concert DVD and had promised fans a very special show in Poland, and had rigged the stage behind curtains to keep the content secret.
Recent troubles with sects and Satanist groups have made the issue especially sensitive in Poland.
Here are links to several other media reports on the incident:
NRK (Norwegian) http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_sogn_og_fjordane/3490664.html
Bergensavisen (Norwegian) http://www.ba.no/puls/musikk/article866521.ece
VG (Norwegian) http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=213083
Die Presse (German) http://www.diepresse.com/Artikel.aspx?channel=k&ressort=ku&id=403117
| Band profile: | Gorgoroth |
Rhapsody - Best of on 23rd February
Rhapsody's former label, Limb Music, is releasing a "Best Of..." of the band called "Tales From The Emerald Sword Saga". This compilation comprises selected songs from the "Legendady Tales" to the "Power Of The Dragonflame" full-length albums and the EP.
View album cover here: http://www.metal-archives.com/images/37374.jpg
"Tales From The Emerald Sword Saga" tracklist:
1. Warrior of Ice
2. Rage of the Winter
3. Forest of Unicorns
4. Land of Immortals
5. Emerald Sword
6. Wisdom of the Kings
7. Wings of Destiny
8. Riding the Winds Of Eternity (edit)
9. Dawn of Victory
10. Holy Thunderforce
11. The Village of Dwarves
12. Rain of a Thousand Flames
13. Knightrider of Doom
14. March of the Swordmaster
15. Power of the Dragonflame
16. Lamento Eroico
There will be available a Special Edition Box (with a different cover) with photo cards, video, poster and sticker. This version comes with the "Holy Thunderforce (Videoclip)" as a bonus track.
Read more ››
View album cover here: http://www.metal-archives.com/images/37374.jpg
"Tales From The Emerald Sword Saga" tracklist:
1. Warrior of Ice
2. Rage of the Winter
3. Forest of Unicorns
4. Land of Immortals
5. Emerald Sword
6. Wisdom of the Kings
7. Wings of Destiny
8. Riding the Winds Of Eternity (edit)
9. Dawn of Victory
10. Holy Thunderforce
11. The Village of Dwarves
12. Rain of a Thousand Flames
13. Knightrider of Doom
14. March of the Swordmaster
15. Power of the Dragonflame
16. Lamento Eroico
There will be available a Special Edition Box (with a different cover) with photo cards, video, poster and sticker. This version comes with the "Holy Thunderforce (Videoclip)" as a bonus track.
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Rhapsody |
For My Pain soon in studio
For My Pain?, the Finnish "gothic metal" band featuring Tuomas Holopainen (NIGHTWISH) on keyboards, Altti Veteläinen (ex-ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW) on bass, Lauri Tuohimaa (EMBRAZE) on guitar, Olli-Pekka Törrö (ex-ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW) on guitar, Juha Kylmänen (REFLEXION) on vocals, and Petri Sankala (ex-ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW) on drums, will enter the studio in March to record a couple of new songs for an upcoming EP/single. A late spring release through Spinefarm Records is expected.
As previously reported, FOR MY PAIN have been nominated for a Femma Gala 2004 award in the "Listeners' Choice" category. Voting is currently open online at this location. The award ceremony will be held on February 20 at Nosturi in Helsinki.
As previously reported, FOR MY PAIN have been nominated for a Femma Gala 2004 award in the "Listeners' Choice" category. Voting is currently open online at this location. The award ceremony will be held on February 20 at Nosturi in Helsinki.
The Haunted are searching for album name
Swedish thrashers THE HAUNTED are offering fans a chance to name their upcoming fourth CD.
Their official website adds: "We have decided to unleash yet another competition for February. This competition focuses on the Album Title for the forthcoming fourth CD. To enter the contest, you simply submit one suggestion for a "title". Prize and winner will be posted here 29th of February, so we need your submissions by the 25th. Send your name, address and your suggestion for a title to haunted@cyklode.com.
As previously reported, The Haunted are in the studio for the preproduction of four new songs. Some titles are: 'Almost Alive' and 'Who Will Decide'. The followup to 2003's One Kill Wonder will be recorded in Studio Fredman during five weeks in February/March 2004.
"Everything is looking great indeed," commented bassist Jonas Bjorler.
Their official website adds: "We have decided to unleash yet another competition for February. This competition focuses on the Album Title for the forthcoming fourth CD. To enter the contest, you simply submit one suggestion for a "title". Prize and winner will be posted here 29th of February, so we need your submissions by the 25th. Send your name, address and your suggestion for a title to haunted@cyklode.com.
As previously reported, The Haunted are in the studio for the preproduction of four new songs. Some titles are: 'Almost Alive' and 'Who Will Decide'. The followup to 2003's One Kill Wonder will be recorded in Studio Fredman during five weeks in February/March 2004.
"Everything is looking great indeed," commented bassist Jonas Bjorler.
| Band profile: | The Haunted |
Accident at Sepultura's Brasilian show
SEPULTURA's performance at Festival de Verão in Salvador, Brazil Friday night (Jan. 30) almost turned into a tragedy when "a huge tower holding some advertisements, placed by the side of the stage, come down pushed by the rain and the wind," according to a posting on the band's web site. "It destroyed half the projection screen and stayed suspended over the audience.
"After being assured by the technicians that the crowd would be safe, SEPULTURA resumed their show and kept going until the end. Not the rain nor the tower incident could ruin this excellent show. 100% support from crowd."
"After being assured by the technicians that the crowd would be safe, SEPULTURA resumed their show and kept going until the end. Not the rain nor the tower incident could ruin this excellent show. 100% support from crowd."
| Band profile: | Sepultura |
Nightwish to film video with renowned director
Finland's NIGHTWISH have announced that they will be working with renowned director Antti Jokinen on the video clip for the first single off their forthcoming full-length album. Jokinen has directed music videos for such huge artists as CELINE DION, EMINEM and SHANIA TWAIN and is currently in Rome working as an assistant director on Renny Harlin's new film, "Exorcist: The Beginning".
The budget for the new NIGHTWISH video ? for the track "Nemo" ? will be biggest so far in NIGHTWISH's history. The storyboard of the video, by Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen, is ready but Jokinen is said to have "permission" to change the story if necessary. "This is a very sad and heavy, ballad-like song," said NIGHTWISH manager Ewo Rytkönen. " video has a thin storyline which tells not so much of love but more like despair and hope."
The budget for the new NIGHTWISH video ? for the track "Nemo" ? will be biggest so far in NIGHTWISH's history. The storyboard of the video, by Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen, is ready but Jokinen is said to have "permission" to change the story if necessary. "This is a very sad and heavy, ballad-like song," said NIGHTWISH manager Ewo Rytkönen. " video has a thin storyline which tells not so much of love but more like despair and hope."
| Band profile: | Nightwish |
New Megadeth music online
Megadeth.com is currently hosting a clip of "new MEGADETH music" along with an audio message from Dave Mustaine. Check it out here: http://www.megadeth.com/btu/pop.html
As previously reported, Mustaine is currently collaborating with one-time MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland on new MEGADETH material which he plans to release later in the year through the Sanctuary label. Bassist Jimmy Sloas and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta have also contributed to the album, which Mustaine expects to have done by the end of March.
As previously reported, Mustaine is currently collaborating with one-time MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland on new MEGADETH material which he plans to release later in the year through the Sanctuary label. Bassist Jimmy Sloas and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta have also contributed to the album, which Mustaine expects to have done by the end of March.
| Band profile: | Megadeth |
Akerfeldt comments on the 'Lamentations' DVD
OPETH main songwriter and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt recently spoke to Wichita's F5 about the group's recently released live DVD, "Lamentations - Live At Shepherds Bush Empire". Asked what he thought the first time he saw the finished product, Mikael said, "I was nervous. I thought it was going to be shit. But I was happily surprised. I was surprised about the way it looked and just the way I looked. I didn't look like a fat blob as I expected. I think it's a very good DVD, especially compared to some low-budget DVDs by extreme metal bands such as ourselves. I think it fully represents us."
With regards to whether he was also nervous about the detailed documentary about the making of "Deliverance" and "Damnation", Mikael said, "Not so much. It's a friend of mine who did that documentary. I've known him since I was a kid and talking with him was ... we're such good friends that there was nothing weird about talking about intimate details. He was there, he knew all about all the stuff that went on. It was pretty easy and I like the fact that we exposed ourselves in a deeper way than many other bands."
With regards to whether he was also nervous about the detailed documentary about the making of "Deliverance" and "Damnation", Mikael said, "Not so much. It's a friend of mine who did that documentary. I've known him since I was a kid and talking with him was ... we're such good friends that there was nothing weird about talking about intimate details. He was there, he knew all about all the stuff that went on. It was pretty easy and I like the fact that we exposed ourselves in a deeper way than many other bands."
| Band profile: | Opeth |
Deathwitch - Statement on promo CD controversy
Dan Slaughter, drummer of the Swedish "raw, bestial death metallers" DEATHWITCH, has issued the following statement regarding the group's most recent CD, "Violence Blasphemy Sodomy":
"I have received a lot of negative reactions from journalists and press because of a line on our promo CD of our latest album 'Violence Blasphemy Sodomy' released by Earache Records/Wicked World. The line is 'Note to Journalists: DEATHWITCH don't give a FUCK what you think."
"This was written by some one working for Earache/Wicked World and was NOT approved by me or the band. I didn't know a FUCK about this line until I got reactions on it and finally got the promo my self. So that line do not comes from the band! We hate it and of course we care about journalists and especially the underground scene. I think it's a very stupid thing to write on a promo CD. Then why send promos???
"So FUCK this shit and hail the metal of morbid death!"
"I have received a lot of negative reactions from journalists and press because of a line on our promo CD of our latest album 'Violence Blasphemy Sodomy' released by Earache Records/Wicked World. The line is 'Note to Journalists: DEATHWITCH don't give a FUCK what you think."
"This was written by some one working for Earache/Wicked World and was NOT approved by me or the band. I didn't know a FUCK about this line until I got reactions on it and finally got the promo my self. So that line do not comes from the band! We hate it and of course we care about journalists and especially the underground scene. I think it's a very stupid thing to write on a promo CD. Then why send promos???
"So FUCK this shit and hail the metal of morbid death!"
Marduk confirmed for Rock The Nations festival
Swedish black metallers MARDUK and former IRON MAIDEN singer PAUL DI'ANNO are the latest bands confirmed for this year's Rock The Nations Open Air Festival, scheduled to be held July 3-4 in Istanbul, Turkey. Also set to appear are U.D.O., PAIN OF SALVATION, AMON AMARTH and ASAFATED SOLITUDE. More confirmations will be announced soon.
| Band profile: | Marduk |
Nasum Win Manifest Award
Swedish grindcore merchants NASUM won the Manifest award in the "Best Hard Rock/Punk" category for their most recent album, "Helvete".
The band beat out such impressive competition as ARCH ENEMY ("Anthems of Rebellion"), KATATONIA ("Viva Emptiness"), CULT OF LUNA ("The Beyond") and BURST ("Prey On Life").
The award ceremony took place at Debaser in Stockholm Thursday night (January 29).
The Manifest Awards are held by SOM (Svenska Oberoende Musikproducenter) (Swedish Independent Musicproducers), an organization that consists of over 100 record labels.
Last Friday (January 23), NASUM won the "P3 Guld" award from radio station P3 in the "Best Rock/Metal Album Of The Year" category. That award ceremony took place in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The band beat out such impressive competition as ARCH ENEMY ("Anthems of Rebellion"), KATATONIA ("Viva Emptiness"), CULT OF LUNA ("The Beyond") and BURST ("Prey On Life").
The award ceremony took place at Debaser in Stockholm Thursday night (January 29).
The Manifest Awards are held by SOM (Svenska Oberoende Musikproducenter) (Swedish Independent Musicproducers), an organization that consists of over 100 record labels.
Last Friday (January 23), NASUM won the "P3 Guld" award from radio station P3 in the "Best Rock/Metal Album Of The Year" category. That award ceremony took place in Gothenburg, Sweden.
| Band profile: | Nasum |
Grip Inc set release date for new album
GRIP INC., the forward-thinking metal outfit featuring Dave Lombardo (SLAYER, FANTOMAS), will release "Incorporated", their fourth studio album, on March 16 in the U.S. through SPV Records. The GRIP INC. lineup is rounded out by guitarist/composer/in-demand producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, MOONSPELL) and vocalist Gus Chambers.
The track listing for "Incorporated" is as follows:
01. Curse (Of the Cloth)
02. The Answer
03. Prophecy
04. Endowment of Apathy
05. Enemy Mind
06. Skin Trade
07. (Built to) Resist
08. The Gift
09. Privilege
10. Blood of Saints
11. Man With No Insides
The track listing for "Incorporated" is as follows:
01. Curse (Of the Cloth)
02. The Answer
03. Prophecy
04. Endowment of Apathy
05. Enemy Mind
06. Skin Trade
07. (Built to) Resist
08. The Gift
09. Privilege
10. Blood of Saints
11. Man With No Insides
Katatonia confirmed for Athens Open Air Festival
Sweden's KATATONIA have been confirmed for Athens Open Air 2004 festival in Athens, Greece. The one-off concert will take place on July 6.
Upcoming KATATONIA tour dates:
Feb. 04 - Klubi - Tampere, FIN
Feb. 05 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, FIN
Feb. 06 - Loop - Oulu, FIN
Feb. 07 - Tavastia - Helsinki, FIN
Feb. 19 - John Dee - Oslo, NOR
Feb. 20 - Byscenen - Trondheim, NOR
Jun. 04 - BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend - Cleveland, OH
Jul. 06 - Athens Open-Air 2004 - Athens, GRE
Aug. 20 - Summer Breeze Open Air - Abtsgmünd, GER
As previously reported, KATATONIA have set a February 23 release date through Avantgarde Records for their two-disc compilation of all of their previously out-of-print mini-CDs, plus sampler tracks from old full-length albums and one unreleased track.
Titled "Brave Yester Days", the double CD will feature artwork by Agni Kaster and will be released in a digipack format together with a 16-page booklet.
KATATONIA are currently editing their first DVD, due later in the year. A Polish Cracow gig from April 2003 will be the main attraction of the disc, but there will also be more exclusive bonus footage to go along with it. In addition, one or two of the unreleased tracks from the "Viva Emptiness" sessions will also show up on the DVD.
Upcoming KATATONIA tour dates:
Feb. 04 - Klubi - Tampere, FIN
Feb. 05 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, FIN
Feb. 06 - Loop - Oulu, FIN
Feb. 07 - Tavastia - Helsinki, FIN
Feb. 19 - John Dee - Oslo, NOR
Feb. 20 - Byscenen - Trondheim, NOR
Jun. 04 - BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend - Cleveland, OH
Jul. 06 - Athens Open-Air 2004 - Athens, GRE
Aug. 20 - Summer Breeze Open Air - Abtsgmünd, GER
As previously reported, KATATONIA have set a February 23 release date through Avantgarde Records for their two-disc compilation of all of their previously out-of-print mini-CDs, plus sampler tracks from old full-length albums and one unreleased track.
Titled "Brave Yester Days", the double CD will feature artwork by Agni Kaster and will be released in a digipack format together with a 16-page booklet.
KATATONIA are currently editing their first DVD, due later in the year. A Polish Cracow gig from April 2003 will be the main attraction of the disc, but there will also be more exclusive bonus footage to go along with it. In addition, one or two of the unreleased tracks from the "Viva Emptiness" sessions will also show up on the DVD.
| Band profile: | Katatonia |