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Iced Earth: Guitarist leaves, joins Sebastian Bach
Guitarist Ralph Santolla has officially left ICED EARTH and joined SEBASTIAN BACH's solo band. "There are several reasons for this decision, and for the moment I will keep them to myself," Santolla writes in a statement sent to BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "The other guys know my reasons, and hopefully this won't turn into a public pissing match. On the other hand, if it does, at least execution by musketry has gone out of style. I made some great friends, played some great, albeit difficult (!) metal tunes, and learned a lot from the experience. Whatever anyone else says about Jon , he IS a phenomenal rhythm guitarist.
"On a different note, I am the new lead guitarist for Sebastian Bach. We start playing July 22nd, and I can't wait. We'll do a new album later this year, so look for that, and I hope to see some of the cool people I met on tour with at some of these gigs. I am also in talks with Steve DiGiorgio , Gene Hoglan , and Tom Englund from EVERGREY about making an epic, orchestral metal album called 'ex Cathedra'. More on this later."
Read more ››
"On a different note, I am the new lead guitarist for Sebastian Bach. We start playing July 22nd, and I can't wait. We'll do a new album later this year, so look for that, and I hope to see some of the cool people I met on tour with at some of these gigs. I am also in talks with Steve DiGiorgio , Gene Hoglan , and Tom Englund from EVERGREY about making an epic, orchestral metal album called 'ex Cathedra'. More on this later."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Iced Earth |
Opeth begin work on new material
OPETH frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt has started writing material for the group's next album, tentatively scheduled to be recorded sometime in the early spring of 2005. In other news, Åkerfeldt recently visited No Man Studios in Hemel Hampstead, U.K. to lay down some guitars and backing vocals for the next, as-yet-untitled PORCUPINE TREE record. Mikael plays guitar on one track and sings backing vocals on another five songs. The album is due for release late this year. Also on the OPETH-related front, it is likely that OPETH will put out an audio version of the Shepard's Bush (DVD) concert. If this becomes a reality, there will be some "fantastic and super-exclusive extra features," according to a posting on the band's web site. With regards to their label situation, the band write, "Music For Nations is likely to close their doors within a near future, leaving their roster in the hands of BMG. What will happen to the bands is so far unknown, but it's possible that OPETH will be without a record contract in the near future. This is an effect of the massive merge between Zomba Records and BMG."
| Band profile: | Opeth |
Karmageddon Media: new signings
Karmageddon Media recently signed two new bands:
Siege Of Hate (Brazil) introduced as " Killer exotic Grindcore from Brazil, mixed with groovy Hardcore, Death Metal & Thrashy parts"
and
Finnugor (Hungary): " Symphonic Black Metal with Folkish elements"
Siege Of Hate (Brazil) introduced as " Killer exotic Grindcore from Brazil, mixed with groovy Hardcore, Death Metal & Thrashy parts"
and
Finnugor (Hungary): " Symphonic Black Metal with Folkish elements"
Death - Chuck Schuldiner Tribute
Even if it's quite late, here is a notice from James Murphy about the development of Chuck Schuldiner tribute album.
"JUNE 07, 2004
Update from James:
Hi Everyone,
It's been a good while since my last update and I apologize... been quite busy with the Within The Mind project, which for those who don't already know is the star studded tribute to Chuck Schuldiner and Death that I have been working on, as well as a few guest appearances which you will be able to read about here on my personal site.
Here's a list of everyone who has recorded so far... this includes all the way to back to the start of the project and brings us right up to date as of last week:
Richard Christy (drummer from Death, Control Denied, and Iced Earth)
Mark Hunter (vocalist from Chimaira)
Matt Thompson (drummer from King Diamond)
Matt Difabio (vocalist/guitarist from Single Bullet Theory and Pissing Razors)
Bill Mezic (bassist from Single Bullet Theory and Seven Witches)
and most recently...
Jason Bittner (drummer from Shadow's Fall)
and
Matt Bachand (guitarist from Shadow's Fall)
Yes!! A couple weeks ago I traveled to Albany, NY where I was picked up at the airport by Jason Bittner and we headed directly over to Hydrostatic Recording Studios to begin setting up the drums and getting tones for the session.
We started recording the drum tracks and rough guitar tracks for 3 Death songs (not telling yet)! The following day and Shadow's Fall guitarist Matt Bachand showed up a little later that morning to be on hand to record guitar parts for one of the songs.
The session went very smoothly and it was easy to tell that Jason had been playing the songs for quite a while and when you finally hear his performance on the CD there will no doubt as to why Modern Drummer Magazine recently awarded him the #1 Up And Coming Drummer Award. Matt and Jason both kicked ass on the tracks and once again the high standard set by Richard Christy at the beginning of the project was maintained!
Next up I'll be heading to the NY area again to record for the project with Dave Culross, Brett Hofmann, Ross Dolan, and others.
Check the tribute site for pics from the session.
Thanks... I will also soon be sending out a personal update and a Disincarnate update.. thanks again!
~James Murphy"
sources:
http://msanthrope.com/jamesmurphy/index2.htm James Murphy's web page.
http://www.msanthrope.com/deathtribute/ Death Tribute site.
"JUNE 07, 2004
Update from James:
Hi Everyone,
It's been a good while since my last update and I apologize... been quite busy with the Within The Mind project, which for those who don't already know is the star studded tribute to Chuck Schuldiner and Death that I have been working on, as well as a few guest appearances which you will be able to read about here on my personal site.
Here's a list of everyone who has recorded so far... this includes all the way to back to the start of the project and brings us right up to date as of last week:
Richard Christy (drummer from Death, Control Denied, and Iced Earth)
Mark Hunter (vocalist from Chimaira)
Matt Thompson (drummer from King Diamond)
Matt Difabio (vocalist/guitarist from Single Bullet Theory and Pissing Razors)
Bill Mezic (bassist from Single Bullet Theory and Seven Witches)
and most recently...
Jason Bittner (drummer from Shadow's Fall)
and
Matt Bachand (guitarist from Shadow's Fall)
Yes!! A couple weeks ago I traveled to Albany, NY where I was picked up at the airport by Jason Bittner and we headed directly over to Hydrostatic Recording Studios to begin setting up the drums and getting tones for the session.
We started recording the drum tracks and rough guitar tracks for 3 Death songs (not telling yet)! The following day and Shadow's Fall guitarist Matt Bachand showed up a little later that morning to be on hand to record guitar parts for one of the songs.
The session went very smoothly and it was easy to tell that Jason had been playing the songs for quite a while and when you finally hear his performance on the CD there will no doubt as to why Modern Drummer Magazine recently awarded him the #1 Up And Coming Drummer Award. Matt and Jason both kicked ass on the tracks and once again the high standard set by Richard Christy at the beginning of the project was maintained!
Next up I'll be heading to the NY area again to record for the project with Dave Culross, Brett Hofmann, Ross Dolan, and others.
Check the tribute site for pics from the session.
Thanks... I will also soon be sending out a personal update and a Disincarnate update.. thanks again!
~James Murphy"
sources:
http://msanthrope.com/jamesmurphy/index2.htm James Murphy's web page.
http://www.msanthrope.com/deathtribute/ Death Tribute site.
| Band profile: | Death |
New Album by the Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan set the release date to his new album "Miss Machine" to July 20 in the USA, and August 2nd in the rest of the world.
Check the E-card and listen to some music from the new album here: http://www.relapse.com/ecards/dep/
Check the E-card and listen to some music from the new album here: http://www.relapse.com/ecards/dep/
Confessor: New Song Online
The doom american band is back, there are some words from Scott Jeffreys:
"Hi everybody, how's it going? We just wanted to let you know that we are signing a management contract with a company based in Raleigh, NC. They are the same company who used to manage Corrosion Of Conformity. The company will shop our demo which is already getting a big buzz out in the public and at some labels. We have had a premixed version of a song from the demo entitled, "Sour Times" up on our music page for the last month. The response has been amazing!!! We have now upload a final mixed version of another song from the demo entitled, "Blueprint Soul". Just wanted to update everyone on the latest news and the heads up on the new song up on the website!!! Thank you so much for your support, we truly appreciate it."
check the Confessor website: www.confessorband.com
"Hi everybody, how's it going? We just wanted to let you know that we are signing a management contract with a company based in Raleigh, NC. They are the same company who used to manage Corrosion Of Conformity. The company will shop our demo which is already getting a big buzz out in the public and at some labels. We have had a premixed version of a song from the demo entitled, "Sour Times" up on our music page for the last month. The response has been amazing!!! We have now upload a final mixed version of another song from the demo entitled, "Blueprint Soul". Just wanted to update everyone on the latest news and the heads up on the new song up on the website!!! Thank you so much for your support, we truly appreciate it."
check the Confessor website: www.confessorband.com
| Band profile: | Confessor |
Hirax: New Album
The Bay Area thrashers Hirax, bring out a new album called "The New Age of Terror" that will be released on July 5th through Maosoleum, the album is spected to be more technical and to has better production. The track list for the album is as follow:
1. Kill Switch
2. Hostile Territory
3. The New Age of Terror
4. Swords of Steel
5. Into the Ruins
6. Massacre of the Innocent
7. Hell on Earth
8. Suffer
9. El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)
10. El Diablo Negro
11. Unleash the Dogs of War (Open the Gates)
1. Kill Switch
2. Hostile Territory
3. The New Age of Terror
4. Swords of Steel
5. Into the Ruins
6. Massacre of the Innocent
7. Hell on Earth
8. Suffer
9. El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)
10. El Diablo Negro
11. Unleash the Dogs of War (Open the Gates)
| Band profile: | Hirax |
KOTIPELTO at ProgPower USA V
Century Media is proud to announce that ProgPower USA V's Special Guest will be Timo Kotipelto (Kotipelto, Stratovarius). Kotipelto, whose new album Coldness was released in early 2004 by Century Media Records, will be signing autographs, hosting a meet and greet, and will also be attending the ProgPower pre-Party on September 16th. Excited to be included in the festivities Timo said, "I have heard a lot about ProgPower USA, as some of my friends have played this festival. They have told me about the great atmosphere and the cool crowd. I've never been to the U.S. before so I am really looking forward to seeing the bands and meeting a lot of fans. See ya there! Rock on!"
The festivals promoter Glenn Harveston is thrilled that Kotipelto will be a part of ProgPower USA V, and says, "It's an honor to finally get Timo over here. Hopefully we will be able to convince him to come back in a performing manner next time. Special thanks to Century Media for stepping up to the plate and making a great event even better."
As ProgPower's Special Guest, Kotipelto follows in the footsteps of Fates Warning's Ray Alder 2001, Iced Earth's John Schaffer 2002 and Savatage's Jon Oliva 2003.
The festivals promoter Glenn Harveston is thrilled that Kotipelto will be a part of ProgPower USA V, and says, "It's an honor to finally get Timo over here. Hopefully we will be able to convince him to come back in a performing manner next time. Special thanks to Century Media for stepping up to the plate and making a great event even better."
As ProgPower's Special Guest, Kotipelto follows in the footsteps of Fates Warning's Ray Alder 2001, Iced Earth's John Schaffer 2002 and Savatage's Jon Oliva 2003.
| Source: | centurymedia.com and www.progpowerusa.co... |
| Band profile: | Kotipelto |
Into Eternity - Tour Impressions From Tim Roth
From the Century Media website:
Into Eternity has just returned from Europe where they performed at Germany's Rock Hard and Italy's Gods Of Metal festivals, in addition to three dates with Sweden's Naglfar. Guitarist Tim Roth kept a tour diary and sent this message to fans worldwide:
Hello Everyone....
Well, we made it back from our tour in Europe. It was a brutal flight to get there and it took at least 20 hours of traveling. Melanie and Century Media picked us up at the airport and took us to a four star hotel. After check in we made it to the Rock Hard Festival to see Exodus, Gamma Ray and others, it was a very cool night.
Our first show: Day two of the Rock Hard Festival. There must have been about 5,000 fans. We played as hard as we could and we won over the crowd. After the show, we did a signing session and after a half hour the fans had to be told it was over. I feel bad for everyone who didn't get something signed, as the fans treated us so well in Germany. Also, the press was extremely cool and has really supported Buried In Oblivion.
After a day off, we started our mini-tour with Sweden's Naglfar, who are extremely cool guys. We all bonded instantly as they share the same sick sense of humor. Our first stop was Hamburg, a small show, but the fans packed in really tight and enjoyed it. It was 120 degrees onstage. We also got to hang out with Mike from Rage, and he was a great guy as well.
Next stop: Berlin. The show was cool and fans showed up to support both bands. I was a bit worried at first, but the crowd was great to us. Our hotel was across from the Berlin Wall, so we got photos of it. The one problem was staying up all night drinking with Rob, Marcus and Andreas from Naglfar. My stomach was sore from laughing all night. The tour manager was surprised to see us up at breakfast. We said we wanted an early start! I don't think he believed us.
Osnabruck was the next gig. It was supposed to be a four-hour drive, but turned into eight because of crazy traffic and construction. The club was nice, though. Small, but everything was all done in marble. The show was really good and Century Media staff came out to watch us. Actually, we even took an encore, even though Naglfar was headlining. After the show we said our good byes. It was sad to see the Naglfar guys go: hopefully we'll tour with them again soon!
We then were off to the airport to catch a flight to Italy, and we ran into Rage again there and talked to them the whole flight. Italy is an amazing country. The weather is perfect and the people are beautiful. Again we stayed in a four-star hotel. The Gods of Metal Festival must host 20,000 + fans. It was Into Eternity's biggest show to date, and the show itself was a lot of fun! The only time I got nervous was when I looked over and saw the guys from Nevermore and Symphony X watching us! After we played we hung out backstage and met all the bands. Our dressing room was by Anathema, Judas Priest, Rage and Symphony X, so it was amazing company. One of the coolest guys there was Jason Bonham. He is a guy who is already well off but he's still out there touring. You've got to respect that. I had a long talk with him and he was a real gentleman. Also hanging out with Nevermore was a real treat, as they put on one hell of a show!
Read more ››
Into Eternity has just returned from Europe where they performed at Germany's Rock Hard and Italy's Gods Of Metal festivals, in addition to three dates with Sweden's Naglfar. Guitarist Tim Roth kept a tour diary and sent this message to fans worldwide:
Hello Everyone....
Well, we made it back from our tour in Europe. It was a brutal flight to get there and it took at least 20 hours of traveling. Melanie and Century Media picked us up at the airport and took us to a four star hotel. After check in we made it to the Rock Hard Festival to see Exodus, Gamma Ray and others, it was a very cool night.
Our first show: Day two of the Rock Hard Festival. There must have been about 5,000 fans. We played as hard as we could and we won over the crowd. After the show, we did a signing session and after a half hour the fans had to be told it was over. I feel bad for everyone who didn't get something signed, as the fans treated us so well in Germany. Also, the press was extremely cool and has really supported Buried In Oblivion.
After a day off, we started our mini-tour with Sweden's Naglfar, who are extremely cool guys. We all bonded instantly as they share the same sick sense of humor. Our first stop was Hamburg, a small show, but the fans packed in really tight and enjoyed it. It was 120 degrees onstage. We also got to hang out with Mike from Rage, and he was a great guy as well.
Next stop: Berlin. The show was cool and fans showed up to support both bands. I was a bit worried at first, but the crowd was great to us. Our hotel was across from the Berlin Wall, so we got photos of it. The one problem was staying up all night drinking with Rob, Marcus and Andreas from Naglfar. My stomach was sore from laughing all night. The tour manager was surprised to see us up at breakfast. We said we wanted an early start! I don't think he believed us.
Osnabruck was the next gig. It was supposed to be a four-hour drive, but turned into eight because of crazy traffic and construction. The club was nice, though. Small, but everything was all done in marble. The show was really good and Century Media staff came out to watch us. Actually, we even took an encore, even though Naglfar was headlining. After the show we said our good byes. It was sad to see the Naglfar guys go: hopefully we'll tour with them again soon!
We then were off to the airport to catch a flight to Italy, and we ran into Rage again there and talked to them the whole flight. Italy is an amazing country. The weather is perfect and the people are beautiful. Again we stayed in a four-star hotel. The Gods of Metal Festival must host 20,000 + fans. It was Into Eternity's biggest show to date, and the show itself was a lot of fun! The only time I got nervous was when I looked over and saw the guys from Nevermore and Symphony X watching us! After we played we hung out backstage and met all the bands. Our dressing room was by Anathema, Judas Priest, Rage and Symphony X, so it was amazing company. One of the coolest guys there was Jason Bonham. He is a guy who is already well off but he's still out there touring. You've got to respect that. I had a long talk with him and he was a real gentleman. Also hanging out with Nevermore was a real treat, as they put on one hell of a show!
Read more ››
| Source: | centurymedia.com |
| Band profile: | Into Eternity |
Stratovarius: Reconciliation?
Former STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto has revealed via his official website that he and the band's guitarist/founder Timo Tolkki are now on speaking terms following months of slagging one another in the press: "I can announce that I am talking to Timo Tolkki and actively trying to come to terms with what happened between us. Despite what many people would wish, I can not confirm that I am back in the band, but whether I do go back or not, at least I can say that we have some sort of dialogue now and that we all are trying to help solve all the many problems that his mental illness has caused. Recently (promoter) Olof Wikström from Skrikhult had a real emergency when Running Wild dropped out of their commitment to headline Gates Of Metal. I have agreed to sing more show with Stratovarius, partly because I want to help Olof, partly because I want to help Jörg, Jens, Jari and Timo, and of course also because I love to perform live. This means that I will be at Gates of Metal in Hultsfred on July 31st with Stratovarius, and with my solo band at Ankkarock on August 1st instead of the previous day. So, hope to see you there on either concert! Timo"
Kotipelto was given the boot last year along with drummer Joerg Michael following some severe disagreements within the band. The hiring of AURORA K singer Katriina Wiiala as Kotipelto's replacement was met with a brutal thumbs down from the fans, and Tolkki ended up checking himself into a mental hospital following a nervous breakdown. Through all the upheaval, however, the beloved Stratovarius line up of Tolkki, Kotipelto, Michael, bassist Jari Kainulainen and keyboardist Jens Johansson - together since 1995 - honoured all of the band's live commitments.
Kotipelto was given the boot last year along with drummer Joerg Michael following some severe disagreements within the band. The hiring of AURORA K singer Katriina Wiiala as Kotipelto's replacement was met with a brutal thumbs down from the fans, and Tolkki ended up checking himself into a mental hospital following a nervous breakdown. Through all the upheaval, however, the beloved Stratovarius line up of Tolkki, Kotipelto, Michael, bassist Jari Kainulainen and keyboardist Jens Johansson - together since 1995 - honoured all of the band's live commitments.
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
Aura Noir return on new label
New Label Signing and Release Date
In the dark Norwegian mountain range Aura Noir have have just signed a contract with Tyrant Syndicate (sub-label of Peaceville/Snapper). The new Aura Noir "Merciless" is the first release on this label. The label is run by Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone and administratively by Peaceville/Snapper.
Fenriz of Darkthrone and Nattefrost of Carpathian Forest will contribute with their hate and alcohol infested throats. Dirge Rep (Orcustus ex Gehenna/Enslaved) has offered us lyrical blasphemy with "Funeral thrash". Other confirmed songtitles are "Condor","Hell's Fire","Black Metal Jaw" and probably a title track called "The Merciless".
"Merciless" is due to be released sometime in August.
In the dark Norwegian mountain range Aura Noir have have just signed a contract with Tyrant Syndicate (sub-label of Peaceville/Snapper). The new Aura Noir "Merciless" is the first release on this label. The label is run by Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone and administratively by Peaceville/Snapper.
Fenriz of Darkthrone and Nattefrost of Carpathian Forest will contribute with their hate and alcohol infested throats. Dirge Rep (Orcustus ex Gehenna/Enslaved) has offered us lyrical blasphemy with "Funeral thrash". Other confirmed songtitles are "Condor","Hell's Fire","Black Metal Jaw" and probably a title track called "The Merciless".
"Merciless" is due to be released sometime in August.
Kataklysm
KATAKLYSM will spread their deadly hyperblast all over the metal word in autumn:
The Canadians are planning a huge Europe and US headliner tour in October 2004!
The dates shall be announced soon, before the tour you have the chance to catch KATAKLYSM in August at the Up From The Ground festival in Gemünden, Germany.
In 2005, KATAKLYSM will take most of the time to put together a new album.
"Hell we want it to be our Masters of Puppets, our Reign in Blood!!!" says a very excited singer Maurizio Iacono about plans and expectation for the new record. Brutality flowing to the next level - watch out for more information about the new KATAKLYSM material soon!
The Canadians are planning a huge Europe and US headliner tour in October 2004!
The dates shall be announced soon, before the tour you have the chance to catch KATAKLYSM in August at the Up From The Ground festival in Gemünden, Germany.
In 2005, KATAKLYSM will take most of the time to put together a new album.
"Hell we want it to be our Masters of Puppets, our Reign in Blood!!!" says a very excited singer Maurizio Iacono about plans and expectation for the new record. Brutality flowing to the next level - watch out for more information about the new KATAKLYSM material soon!
| Band profile: | Kataklysm |
Nightwish: no.1 in Germany
NIGHTWISH have entered the German Media Control Charts on # 1 with their new album "Once"! That marks the biggest success for the band thus far and also for record company Nuclear Blast, as this is the first number 1 album in the label's history! The current single "Nemo" remains in the German Top 10 as well with a strong 9th place (top position so far: # 6) NIGHTWISH songwriter Tuomas Holopainen reacted to the great news as follows: "Holy fuck! I will get drunk now!"
"Once" also captured the rest of the European charts:
Finland: # 1 (platinum record for more than 30.000 sold copies!)
Norway: # 1
Greece: # 1
Slovenia: # 1
Hungary: # 1
Switzerland: # 4
Austria : # 4
France: # 9
Netherlands: # 11
"Once" also captured the rest of the European charts:
Finland: # 1 (platinum record for more than 30.000 sold copies!)
Norway: # 1
Greece: # 1
Slovenia: # 1
Hungary: # 1
Switzerland: # 4
Austria : # 4
France: # 9
Netherlands: # 11
| Band profile: | Nightwish |
Misery Index: A New EP & DVD
Baltimore's Death behemoths MISERY INDEX are currently recording a 3 track EP titled "Dissent". The CD, which will include the songs 'The Imperial Ambition', 'Exception To The Ruled' and 'Multiply By Fire', shall be released in late summer.
The band also prepares a DVD at the moment named "Misery Index DVD Volume 1". It features shootings of MISERY INDEX concerts all over the world, bonus footage and more.
On Friday, June 17th, MISERY INDEX will hit the road again, tour info will follow
The band also prepares a DVD at the moment named "Misery Index DVD Volume 1". It features shootings of MISERY INDEX concerts all over the world, bonus footage and more.
On Friday, June 17th, MISERY INDEX will hit the road again, tour info will follow
| Band profile: | Misery Index |
Dissection to play in Stockholm
Sweden's groundbreaking Death metallers DISSECTION are going to play a comeback gig on October 30th 2004 in Stockholm. It's the band's first concert after seven years. As supporting act, Industrial newcomers DEATHSTARS - featuring Jon's younger brother Emil Nödtveid on guitar - have just been confirmed.
Because of the overwhelming demand it's now also possible for fans all over the world to order tickets for the show. For more information, please visit http://www.dissection.nu
Because of the overwhelming demand it's now also possible for fans all over the world to order tickets for the show. For more information, please visit http://www.dissection.nu
| Band profile: | Dissection |