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Iced Earth bassist explains line-up changes
ICED EARTH bassist James MacDonough has posted a message on the ICED EARTH fan message board Iced-Realm.de regarding the recent departures of drummer Richard Christy and guitarist Ralph Santolla:
"Ok, just so you can stop freaking out and saying all kinds of outlandish things this statement should be sufficient for the situation.
"All of us were worried because this situation was dumped in our laps, in the middle of a tour. Richard got in touch with Bobby as soon as everything was transpiring and within days were talking to him personally at the shows. Bobby practiced his ass off for the gig and when we rehearsed he jumped in the pocket like he had been there all along. There's a true sense of chemistry with this line up and I'm happier more than I've ever been with the rhythm section. So yes, he's in for the duration. It's kind of hard to describe, you play with awesome musicians and you think 'well that's the peak' then another 'fated' face comes into the fold and you're like' DAMN, that's what it's supposed to be like, well that's the feeling I get when I'm grooving with Bobby, enough said. Richard is an awesome drummer and one of the best I've ever played with and a damn good true friend at that. I'm overjoyed he got his position with the Stern show and it's because of Richard that we have Bobby, he didn't want to leave us high and dry. I've had some of the best times of my life playing with Richard and he is on his way to achieving all of his dreams. Kudos to Richie, he's my bro and I'll miss him always. However, people are destined for their roles, and like I said, Bobby is the man and every time I look back at him on stage it's telepathy, perfect symmetry.
"Ok, on to Ralph. Ralph is the best guitarist I've worked with on this level and there are always things to be considered. There are personal goals to consider on both ends, the way you interact, what you get out of your performance, the whole nine yards. Chemistry. Some things are destined to be and others aren't. I love Ralph's solos and his style, it was exactly what Jon wanted for this album. There was no 'out or in' for Ralph. It was as you saw it. Jon writes the songs, and the solos are the ear-candy, and I love that ear-candy by the way, but other issues come into play and Ralph was destined to do other things instead. Ralph has become a good friend of mine and will definitely do things in the future with him. He's a character and we talk all the time, his plate is pretty full and I'm glad for him. There are no hard feelings between the ICED EARTH camp and Ralph and that's the bottom line, sometimes things fit and sometimes they don't. There is no reason to look further than that. We are in talks with a few people for that role and all will be 'very well' before the next leg. Jon and I talked the other day, and we were wanting to find that person where before they even played a note you could tell that your souls were connected, exactly what Jon felt with Tim the first time they met. In closing, I hope this answers some questions and when we find that last link to the puzzle you'll be the first to know. We're looking for that soulmate that belongs in the band and when we meet 'like Jon and Tim met' then we'll have the stable lineup we've always wanted."
Read more ››
"Ok, just so you can stop freaking out and saying all kinds of outlandish things this statement should be sufficient for the situation.
"All of us were worried because this situation was dumped in our laps, in the middle of a tour. Richard got in touch with Bobby as soon as everything was transpiring and within days were talking to him personally at the shows. Bobby practiced his ass off for the gig and when we rehearsed he jumped in the pocket like he had been there all along. There's a true sense of chemistry with this line up and I'm happier more than I've ever been with the rhythm section. So yes, he's in for the duration. It's kind of hard to describe, you play with awesome musicians and you think 'well that's the peak' then another 'fated' face comes into the fold and you're like' DAMN, that's what it's supposed to be like, well that's the feeling I get when I'm grooving with Bobby, enough said. Richard is an awesome drummer and one of the best I've ever played with and a damn good true friend at that. I'm overjoyed he got his position with the Stern show and it's because of Richard that we have Bobby, he didn't want to leave us high and dry. I've had some of the best times of my life playing with Richard and he is on his way to achieving all of his dreams. Kudos to Richie, he's my bro and I'll miss him always. However, people are destined for their roles, and like I said, Bobby is the man and every time I look back at him on stage it's telepathy, perfect symmetry.
"Ok, on to Ralph. Ralph is the best guitarist I've worked with on this level and there are always things to be considered. There are personal goals to consider on both ends, the way you interact, what you get out of your performance, the whole nine yards. Chemistry. Some things are destined to be and others aren't. I love Ralph's solos and his style, it was exactly what Jon wanted for this album. There was no 'out or in' for Ralph. It was as you saw it. Jon writes the songs, and the solos are the ear-candy, and I love that ear-candy by the way, but other issues come into play and Ralph was destined to do other things instead. Ralph has become a good friend of mine and will definitely do things in the future with him. He's a character and we talk all the time, his plate is pretty full and I'm glad for him. There are no hard feelings between the ICED EARTH camp and Ralph and that's the bottom line, sometimes things fit and sometimes they don't. There is no reason to look further than that. We are in talks with a few people for that role and all will be 'very well' before the next leg. Jon and I talked the other day, and we were wanting to find that person where before they even played a note you could tell that your souls were connected, exactly what Jon felt with Tim the first time they met. In closing, I hope this answers some questions and when we find that last link to the puzzle you'll be the first to know. We're looking for that soulmate that belongs in the band and when we meet 'like Jon and Tim met' then we'll have the stable lineup we've always wanted."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Iced Earth |
Tristania - News from the band
Here are some good news on their new album, on the contract with SPV and on touring intentions.
New album close to finished
Tristania has returned from 9 weeks in the TopRoom studio and report great confidence in the new-recorded material. Only minor elements remain before everything is completed. The final title has not yet been decided, but the planned release date is 18th of October. The band is anxious to release this album and show their fans what they have been up to these last few years. They are also looking forward to get back on tour and present the new material live.
Anders' summary of the new album is "heavy and organic". They are working on a comprehensive studio report, which we will post here on their site in the next few days.
New record contract with SPV
Tristania is about to sign with SPV. The band is very happy with the contract, which is being finalized now. They are satisfied with SPV as their future collaborator. Several companies were interested, but SPV made the strongest offer and seemed to be the ones who would best support the band's efforts.
SPV is a strong contender that will promote and distribute Tristania worldwide. SPV has previously acted as a distributor for Tristania, which the band regards as an advantage. They are looking forward to the cooperation with SPV in the coming years.
Tour in planning
The next few days will reveal the dates for the first tour after the release of the new album. It will be an extensive European tour. Tristania is looking forward to getting back on the road and back on stage after this long break from touring, due in large to work on the new album. The last European tour the band had was almost three years back - it's about time they headed back out!
New album close to finished
Tristania has returned from 9 weeks in the TopRoom studio and report great confidence in the new-recorded material. Only minor elements remain before everything is completed. The final title has not yet been decided, but the planned release date is 18th of October. The band is anxious to release this album and show their fans what they have been up to these last few years. They are also looking forward to get back on tour and present the new material live.
Anders' summary of the new album is "heavy and organic". They are working on a comprehensive studio report, which we will post here on their site in the next few days.
New record contract with SPV
Tristania is about to sign with SPV. The band is very happy with the contract, which is being finalized now. They are satisfied with SPV as their future collaborator. Several companies were interested, but SPV made the strongest offer and seemed to be the ones who would best support the band's efforts.
SPV is a strong contender that will promote and distribute Tristania worldwide. SPV has previously acted as a distributor for Tristania, which the band regards as an advantage. They are looking forward to the cooperation with SPV in the coming years.
Tour in planning
The next few days will reveal the dates for the first tour after the release of the new album. It will be an extensive European tour. Tristania is looking forward to getting back on the road and back on stage after this long break from touring, due in large to work on the new album. The last European tour the band had was almost three years back - it's about time they headed back out!
| Source: | tristania.com |
| Band profile: | Tristania |
Spiritual Beggars - FINALLY BREAKING THE SILENCE
Spiritual Beggars are entering Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden next week. They are working with producer Fredrik Nordström again (who produced the bands previous albums "Ad Astra' and "Mantra III').
Guitarist Michael Amott comments; "We have been working on this new music for over a year, on and off. We have got a great collection of songs that we think are of a slightly heavier and more intense direction than the songs on "On Fire' (2002). The spirit of HEAVY rock is still alive and well in the camp here and it´s all smiles as we rehearse this stuff, we just know this is going to sound absolutely HUGE when we lay it down on Fredrik Nordströms Studer 2' tape machine!!!'?
Guitarist Michael Amott comments; "We have been working on this new music for over a year, on and off. We have got a great collection of songs that we think are of a slightly heavier and more intense direction than the songs on "On Fire' (2002). The spirit of HEAVY rock is still alive and well in the camp here and it´s all smiles as we rehearse this stuff, we just know this is going to sound absolutely HUGE when we lay it down on Fredrik Nordströms Studer 2' tape machine!!!'?
| Source: | spiritualbeggars.com |
| Band profile: | Spiritual Beggars |
Lilitu New album update
Lilitu is almost done with their next studio album, "The Delores Lesion." The band is very satisfied with the result thus far! Mixing will be completed at the end of June after their gig in Augusta, GA. The group is looking forward to getting this beast completed and ready to go! Release date is scheduled for September.
This is the band's more elaborate release to date. According to the members: "Featuring lush strings, grand piano, female vocals, electronic bits, and a little something extra, has made this record exciting to record and mix. The guitars are more up front, and the leads are rocking. "The Delores Lesion" is catchier, great arrangements, and more expressive than anything we have released. We don't want to spill too much, so you guys will have to wait and see! Until the next time?..rock"
This is the band's more elaborate release to date. According to the members: "Featuring lush strings, grand piano, female vocals, electronic bits, and a little something extra, has made this record exciting to record and mix. The guitars are more up front, and the leads are rocking. "The Delores Lesion" is catchier, great arrangements, and more expressive than anything we have released. We don't want to spill too much, so you guys will have to wait and see! Until the next time?..rock"
| Band profile: | Lilitu |
The End Records signs Novembers Doom
From The End website:
THE END RECORDS are proud to announce we have signed a wordwide deal with the acclaimed US act, NOVEMBERS DOOM. Hailing from Chicaco, IL NOVEMBERS DOOM have established themselves through the years as one of the top doom acts in the world and possibly the most prominent one in North America. The initial release will be a re-issue of the last full length "To Welcome the Fade." It will contain a bonus CD with unreleased material such as live songs from our tour with The Gathering, the entire and long out-of-print EP "For Every Leaf That Falls," as well as some other possible surprises. Look for it in stores everywhere this October.
The writing process for the 5th full length CD is complete, and will be recorded in October 2004, for an early 2005 release. The early plan is to once again utilise the talents of Grammy winning Neal Kernon for the final mix of the CD. Entitled "The Pale Haunt Departure" it will contain 8 songs, at close to an hour of music. Tracklisting in no specific order: The Pale Haunt Departure, In the Absence of Grace, Dark World Burden, Swallowed By the Moon, The Dead Leaf Echo, Through a Childs Eyes, Collapse of the Falling Throe, and Autumn Reflection.
Plans are still in the works for a live performance to be pro shot for a DVD release in 2005. The band has lots of old footage, and some great handheld camera shows from the last tour, so the bonus material will be plenty. A video shoot for the new CD is also being planned, and possibly something containing old material compiled of old handheld camera clips to also be included.
THE END RECORDS are proud to announce we have signed a wordwide deal with the acclaimed US act, NOVEMBERS DOOM. Hailing from Chicaco, IL NOVEMBERS DOOM have established themselves through the years as one of the top doom acts in the world and possibly the most prominent one in North America. The initial release will be a re-issue of the last full length "To Welcome the Fade." It will contain a bonus CD with unreleased material such as live songs from our tour with The Gathering, the entire and long out-of-print EP "For Every Leaf That Falls," as well as some other possible surprises. Look for it in stores everywhere this October.
The writing process for the 5th full length CD is complete, and will be recorded in October 2004, for an early 2005 release. The early plan is to once again utilise the talents of Grammy winning Neal Kernon for the final mix of the CD. Entitled "The Pale Haunt Departure" it will contain 8 songs, at close to an hour of music. Tracklisting in no specific order: The Pale Haunt Departure, In the Absence of Grace, Dark World Burden, Swallowed By the Moon, The Dead Leaf Echo, Through a Childs Eyes, Collapse of the Falling Throe, and Autumn Reflection.
Plans are still in the works for a live performance to be pro shot for a DVD release in 2005. The band has lots of old footage, and some great handheld camera shows from the last tour, so the bonus material will be plenty. A video shoot for the new CD is also being planned, and possibly something containing old material compiled of old handheld camera clips to also be included.
Release date upcoming album & concert impressions
From Lake of Tears website:
The release date for Black Brick Road has been set to August 30.
The gig at the Sweden Rock Festival was a sucess! It was the first gig in seven(!) years and the band was overwhelmed by the great audience (~3000 people). Daniel: "We would like to thank everyone who attended the gig... we had a fantastic time and it was all thanks to you!".
After being called in a second time to play "Headstones" as the encore, the band met up with the fans in front of the stage for a short signing/photo session. Worth mentioning is that it was the first time Magnus Sahlgren played with the band live.
Setlist:
Boogie Bubble
Cosmic Weed
Making Evenings
Crazyman
Hold on Tight
Pagan Wish
The Greymen
Encore:
Headstones
The release date for Black Brick Road has been set to August 30.
The gig at the Sweden Rock Festival was a sucess! It was the first gig in seven(!) years and the band was overwhelmed by the great audience (~3000 people). Daniel: "We would like to thank everyone who attended the gig... we had a fantastic time and it was all thanks to you!".
After being called in a second time to play "Headstones" as the encore, the band met up with the fans in front of the stage for a short signing/photo session. Worth mentioning is that it was the first time Magnus Sahlgren played with the band live.
Setlist:
Boogie Bubble
Cosmic Weed
Making Evenings
Crazyman
Hold on Tight
Pagan Wish
The Greymen
Encore:
Headstones
| Band profile: | Lake Of Tears |
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!
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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 |