*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Absu Forced To Cancel Dallas/Ft. Worth Appearance On June 29, 2009

Absu's scheduled Ft. Worth, TX performance on June 29 was canceled due
to their tour bus breaking down earlier in the day outside Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. The show, the final on the band's current tour, was
to feature Rumpelstiltskin Grinder and a "special guest." The band has
already confirmed with the promoter for the show that the performance
will be rescheduled later this summer and anyone who purchased tickets
will have them successfully redeemed for the rescheduled performance.

The band will perform at this weekend's Hostile City Festival in
Philadelphia. Tickets are available http://www.etix.com/ .

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/hostilecitydeathfest
or http://www.hostilecitydeathfest.com/ .

http://www.myspace.com/absu
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-I'm Better Than Everyone To Release Eyehategod Vinyl

New Orleans' Eyehategod have spent the last two decades at odds with a
corrupt music industry, using their music as a proverbial middle
finger aimed at everything from government officials to sanctimonious
sh*theads hiding behind organized religion. They have defied all odds
and continue to exist and persist despite personal and professional
setbacks, from drug addiction to natural disasters. In the midst of
all this turmoil Eyehategod have become the high water mark when it
comes to "sludge metal," having birthed rock's unholy bastard feasting
on the teat that Black Sabbath and Black Flag built. They became the
cornerstone for countless of sonic acolytes following in their fetid
footsteps and continue to inspire bands around the world.

CONFEDERACY OF RUINED LIVES is their fourth and latest studio album,
released in late 2000. I'm Better Than Everyone Records is extremely
proud and honored to collaborate with Eyehategod and finally give this
a vinyl release, the way it was intended to be heard, without
compromises nor excuses: A beautiful f*ck you to all the non-
believers.

CONFEDERACY OF RUINED LIVES is slated for an August release. Stay
tuned for further details.

http://www.myspace.com/eyehategod
http://www.imbetterthaneveryonerecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/imbetterthaneveryonerec

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Weedeater Confirmed To Support North American Down Tour

That is right, sound the alarms: North Carolina's sludge pillagers
Weedeater have been confirmed as support for a full-on North American
Down tour! The lineup changes throughout the routing; The Canadian
dates feature secondary support from Voivod, while the bulk of the
American dates feature The Melvins. Other opening support for the tour
will be Danava for the first half and Evil Army for the latter half of
the dates.

Weedeater will play several shows in North Carolina and Tennessee on
the way to the opening and after the closing of the tour, and will
headline sporadically in chunks throughout the main tour. And of
course they will do what they do best: sonically reduce every venue
they enter to a resin-coated heap of rubble.

Weedeater's latest album GOD LUCK AND GOOD SPEED was released in 2007
on Southern Lord Recordings; a deluxe double LP version just released
in 2009. They have ruled the stage with their filth-mongering approach
within the doom, stoner and metal circuits for over a decade now, and
it appears things are about to get a whole lot filthier for us all.

Weedeater live:

7/28/2009 Drips' - Hickory, NC
7/29/2009 Rocket Club - Asheville NC
7/30/2009 The Muse - Nashville TN w/Zoroaster
7/31/2009 Hi Tone Cafe - Memphis TN w/Rwake, The Lewd, Royal Thunder
8/01/2009 Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City OK w/Down, Danava
8/03/2009 Beaumont Club - Kansas City MO w/Down, Danava
8/04/2009 The Venue at Playmaker's - Fargo ND w/Down, Danava
8/05/2009 Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg MB w/Down, Voivod, Danava
8/07/2009 Edmonton Events Centre - Edmonton MB w/Down, Voivod, Danava
8/08/2009 MacEwan Hall - Calgary AB w/Down, Voivod, Danava
8/10/2009 Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver BC w/Down, Voivod, Danava
8/11/2009 Showbox SoDo - Seattle WA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/12/2009 Roseland Theater - Portland OR w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/14/2009 Grand Ballroom - San Francisco CA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/15/2009 The Wiltern - Los Angeles CA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/16/2009 House of Blues - San Diego CA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/18/2009 House of Blues - Anaheim CA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/19/2009 House of Blues - Las Vegas CA w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/21/2009 In The Venue - Salt Lake City UT w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/22/2009 Gothic Theatre - Denver CO w/Down, Melvins, Danava
8/24/2009 Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
8/28/2009 Red 7 - Austin, TX w/Dixie Witch
8/29/2009 Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar - San Antonio, TX w/Dixie Witch
8/30/2009 Walters On Washington - Houston, TX w/Dixie Witch
9/01/2009 CW Center Stage - Atlanta GA w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/02/2009 House of Blues - Lake Bueno Vista FL w/Down, Melvins, Evil
Army
9/03/2009 Brass Mug -Tampa, FL
9/06/2009 Volume 11 Tavern - Raleigh, NC
9/07/2009 The Half Shell - Virginia Beach, VA
9/08/2009 Sonar - Baltimore MD w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/09/2009 Northern Lights - Clifton Park NY w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/11/2009 Nokia Theatre Times Square - New York NY w/Down, Melvins,
Evil Army
9/12/2009 Electric Factory - Philadelphia PA w/Down, Evil Army
9/13/2009 House of Blues - Boston MA w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/14/2009 AS220 - Providence, RI
9/15/2009 Webster Theater - Hartford CT w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/16/2009 Main Street Armory - Rochester NY w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/18/2009 Koolhaus - Toronto ON w/Down, Voivod, Evil Army
9/19/2009 Emerald Theatre - Detroit MI w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/21/2009 The Vogue Theatre - Indianapolis IN w/Down, Melvins, Evil
Army
9/22/2009 House of Blues - Cleveland OH w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/24/2009 Sokol Auditorium - Omaha NE w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/25/2009 Pop's - Sauget IL w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/26/2009 The Pearl Room - Mokena IL w/Down, Melvins, Evil Army
9/28/2009 Jackpot - Lawrence, KS
9/29/2009 The Gypsy - Fayetteville, AR
10/02/2009 The Jinx - Savannah, GA
10/03/2009 Soapbox - Wilmington, NC w/ASG

http://www.myspace.com/weedeater
http://www.southernlord.com/
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings
http://www.tonedeaftouring.com/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out About Heavy Metal's "Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1981"
article at http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7Mby .

-HeadbangerNYC.com reported a new Alice In Chains song called "A
Looking In View" is available from iTunes and Amazon, and the single
"Check My Brain" will be released to radio next month. The band's new
studio album, BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE, is due September 29.

-Black Robot features ex-Buckcherry members Yogi Lonich on guitar,
Jonathon Brightman (J.B.) on bass, and Devon Glenn on drums, along
with vocalist Huck Johns. Hype says Black Robot "taps into the
influences of classic hard rock acts like AC/DC and Aeromsith, while
creating something new and refreshingly cool." The band's self-titled
debut is due later this year. Track list: "Baddass," "Cocaine," "Momma
Don't Cry," "I'm In Love," "Money," "In My Car," "Black Robot," "Love
On A .45," "Stop The World," "Dissatisfaction," "Nervous Breakdown."
Check out a few songs at http://www.myspace.com/blackrobot and check
out other clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28011 . See
http://www.blackrobotmusic.com/ for more.

-Vocalist Tony Martin plans on celebrating the 20th anniversary of the
release of the Black Sabbath's HEADLESS CROSS by touring the U.S.
Martin's band -- which will also be called Headless Cross -- will
consist of the following musicians: Rolf Munkes (guitar), Jamie
Mallender (bass), Geoff Nicholls (keyboards), Danny Needham (drums).
Check out http://www.myspace.com/headlesscrosstour2009 for the latest
tour dates.

-Century Media Records' CM Distro site has big sale going on through
Monday, July 6, with every item on sale. Additionally, if you spend at
least $150 you're get a free CM Distro T-shirt. See
http://www.cmdistro.com/ for more.

-The Dead End Kidz have a live video of "The One" on Famecast.com, and
are asking fans to vote for it. See http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic ,
http://www.youtube.com/john8186 , http://twitter.com/thedeadendkidz ,
and http://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-DEAD-END-KIDZ/6323764485 for
more on the band, and check out the video at
http://www.famecast.com/contest/stage.php?sid=1&rid=1498&aid=20654&vid=20694
.

-The set lists from the first night of the Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap
Trick tour, in Camden, NJ:

Cheap Trick: "On Top Of The World," "I Want You To Want Me," "These
Days" (new), "She's Tight," "Sick Man Of Europe" (new), "If You Want
My Love," "Dream Police," "The Flame," "Surrender."

Poison: "Look What The Cat Dragged In," "I Want Action," "Ride The
Wind," "I Won't Forget You," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Fallen Angel,"
"Something To Believe In," "Unskinny Bop," "Every Rose Has Its Thorn,"
"Talk D1rty To Me," "Nothin' But A Good Time."

Def Leppard: "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)," "Rocket," "Let's Get
Rocked," "Too Late For Love," "Nine Lives," "Love Bites," "Rock On,"
"Two Steps Behind," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Switch 625,"
"Hysteria," "Animal," "Armageddon It," "Photograph," "Pour Some Sugar
On Me," "Rock Of Ages."

-Iced Earth main man Jon Schaffer announced a third Demons & Wizards
is in the works for a mid- to late 2010 release. Read his full
commentary at http://www.icedearth.com/ .

-Europe's new single "Last Look At Eden" is out now on Edel. Track
list: "Last Look At Eden," "U Devil U," "Superstitious" (live), "Start
From The Dark" (live), "Since I've Been Loving You" (live), "Last Look
At Eden" (video). Check out the video at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28014 . See http://www.europetheband.com/
and http://www.myspace.com/europe for more.

-The fourth album from power metallers Ilium, AGELESS DECAY, is on
Escape Music. The band now consists of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan)
on vocals, Jason Hodges on guitar, Adam Smith on guitar, bass, and
keyboards, and Tim Yatras on drums. The disc was produced by Smith and
mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen. Track list: "Mothcaste," "Hibernal
Thaw," "Tar Pit," "Omnipaedia," "Xerophyte," "Nubia Awakes," "Ageless
Decay," "Eocene Dawning," "Fragmented Glory," "The Neo-Mortician,"
"The Little Witch Of Madagascar," "Idolatry." Check out clips of every
song at http://www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/IliumAgeless.htm and
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27971 . See
http://www.myspace.com/iliummetal for more on the band.

-Upcoming shows for The Iron Maidens:

7/11 - Sunset Station Casino Pool Party, Henderson, NV
7/12 - Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, Santa Fe Springs, CA
7/17 - The Underground, Reno, NV
7/18 - Bar 24/Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV

See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ for more.

-Upcoming Mad Margritt shows:

7/3 - Muscle Racing Festival, Sarasota, FL (w/ BulletBoys)
7/12 - Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK
7/17 - Lubys, Lawrenceville, GA
7/18 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Augusta, GA
7/24 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Marietta, GA
7/25 - 37 Main, Buford, GA
7/31 - Chills, Thomaston, GA
8/14 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Macon, GA
8/15 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Suwanee, GA
8/21 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Raleigh, NC
8/22 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Greenville, SC
8/29 - S.A. Rocking Summer Fest, San Antonio, TX (w/ Moxy, Broken
Teeth, & more)

See http://www.madmargritt.com/ for more.

-Megadeth is set to debut a new song from its upcoming album, ENDGAME,
on July 7 at 11:00 a.m. EDT at
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/headcrusher .

-Phoenix -- comprised of ex-Argent members John Verity (vocals,
guitar), Jim Rodford (bass, guitar), and Robert Henrit (drums) -- has
its 1977 self-titled debut reissued now on Airmail Recordings. Track
list: "Easy," "Drowning In Tears," "From The Ashes," "Winnebago," "Try
A Little Rock 'N' Roll," "A Woman Like You," "Mississippi Neckbone,"
"I'll Be Back For More," "Honey," "I'll Be Gone. Check out short clips
of the first four tracks:

http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Phoenix_Same/00000001.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Phoenix_Same/00000002.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Phoenix_Same/00000003.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Phoenix_Same/00000004.mp3

See http://www.phoenixrocks.eu/ for more.

-Steel Panther's FEEL THE STEEL is out now on Universal. Hype says the
band -- Michael Starr on vocals, Satchel on guitar, Lexxi Foxxx on
bass, and Stix Zadinia on drums -- "takes us back to a time where sex,
drugs and pure balls to the wall metal of the '80s reigned supreme
with bands such as Motley Crue and W.A.S.P. created insanity with
their establishment baiting lyrics and to use a cliché cranks it up to
11!" Track list: "Death To All But Metal," "Asian Hooker," "Community
Property," "Eyes Of A Panther," "Fat Girl," "Eatin' Ain't Cheatin',"
"Party All Day," "Turn Out The Lights," "Stripper Girl," "The
Shocker," "Girl From Oklahoma," "Hells On Fire." Check out clips at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28040 , and see
http://www.steelpantherrocks.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/steelpantherkicksass for more.

-Stryper will release its new album MURDER BY PRIDE via Frontiers
Records next month.

-U.D.O.'s new limited edition E.P. called INFECTED is out now on AFM
Records. Track list: "Infected," "Systematic Madness" (non-album),
"Bodyworld" (non-album), "Platchet Soldat" (remix), "Poezd Po Rossii"
(live in Moscow 2008). Check out song clips at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=28012 . U.D.O.'s new album DOMINATOR is due
next month. The basic version of the album includes "The Bogeyman,"
"Dominator," "Black And White," "Infected," "Heavy Metal Heaven,"
"Doom Ride," "Stillness Of Time," "Devil's Rendezvous," "Speed Demon,"
and "Whispers In The Dark." The European limited edition digi-pak
version adds a bonus track "Pleasure In The Darkroom," whereas the
Japanese version adds a bonus track "Bleeding Heart." See
http://www.udo-online.de/ and http://www.myspace.com/udoonline for
more.

-Eddie Van Halen married his girlfriend Janie Liszewski on June 27,
with son Wolfgang serving as best man and brother Alex officiating the
non-denominational service. In related news, Chickenfoot had to
postpone its July 1 show in Madrid due to an arm injury drummer Chad
Smith suffered at the band's Paris gig.

-Verity -- featuring Argent/Phoenix's John Veirty -- has its 1983
album INTERRUPTED JOURNEY re-mastered and reissued now by Airmail
Recordings Japan. The album is described as "classic AOR." Track list:
"Rescue Me," "Just Another Day (In The Life Of A Fool)," "Stay With
Me," "Love Is Blind," "Are You Ready For This," "You're The Loser,"
"It's Coming Right," "Chippin' Away At The Stone," "In The Arms Of
Someone Else," "Fallin'." Check out clips of the first four tracks at:

http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Verity_Inter/00000001.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Verity_Inter/00000002.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Verity_Inter/00000003.mp3
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Verity_Inter/00000004.mp3

See http://www.johnverity.com/ for more.

-Vindictiv's GROUND ZERO is out now via Escape Music. The band
features Goran Edman on vocals, Stefan Lindholm on guitar and
keyboards, Nalle Pahlsson on bass, Pontus Larsson on keyboards, and
Zoltan Csorsz on drums; Oliver Hartmann and Mark Boals contribute
additional vocals. The disc was produced by Lindholm and mixed by
Chris Laney, and has this track list: "Modern World," "Ground Zero,"
"Reach Out," "Golden Gate," "Venom," "Tweedledum And Tweedledee," "I'm
Back Home," "Martha's Song," "Overshoot Day," "No Matter What," "The
Sacrifice." Check out band an album info, plus clips of all the
tracks, at http://www.nehrecords.com/shop/VindictivGround.htm and
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27970 . See http://www.vindictiv.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/vindictivmusic for more.

Thanks to John Erigo, Eddie Smith, Chad Bowar, HeadbangerNYC.com,
Robert Pancur/Target Records, Music Buy Mail, and wipemybox@aic.com
for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

-My wife and I went up to Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last
Saturday and saw Kiss. It was our first time at Summerfest (sad, yes I
know) and it's quite the cool set-up: numerous outdoor stages are
spread along a strip filled with tons of food, beer, merchandise, and
-- surprisingly -- very polite people. The south end of the strip
leads to the "big" venue, the Marcus Amphitheater, which is very
similar to most outdoor pavilion-with-a-lawn section venues. There
were sooo many people -- particularly young kids -- decked out in Kiss
makeup; I was amazed. Chevelle opened but due to a snafu at the front
gate, it took forever to get inside and we missed most of their set.
Based on the three songs we did catch, though, I was okay with missing
most of their set...

I hadn't seen Kiss' Stanley/Simmon/Thayer/Singer lineup, and it'd been
nearly a full decade since I'd seen Kiss at all, so I was a little
curious to see how everyone was holding up. The stage show seemed
pretty similar to what's documented on the 2005 ROCK THE NATION LIVE!
DVD, and since it's the "Alive 35" tour the set list featured nearly
all of the songs from ALIVE! plus a lengthy encore of post-ALIVE!
material. The set list: "Deuce," "Strutter," "Got To Choose," "Hotter
Than Hell," "Nothin' To Lose," "C'mon And Love Me," "Parasite," "She,"
Tommy Thayer's solo, "Watchin' You," "100,000 Years," Eric Singer's
solo, "Cold Gin," "Let Me Go, Rock And Roll," "Black Diamond," "Rock
And Roll All Nite." Encore: "Shout It Out Loud," "Lick It Up," Gene
Simmons' solo, "I Love It Loud," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," "Love
Gun," "Detroit Rock City." And I forget exactly where in the set this
occurred, but Paul Stanley led some noodling around with Led Zeppelin
and The Who covers... He also confirmed a new studio album is due out
in September.

The band looked and sounded good, and although I thought the whole
"revisiting ALIVE!" theme was cool, my wife was sort of bummed because
she's more familiar with the total classics and the newer stuff. (A
couple families seated near us were in the same boat -- I could tell
the parents were digging it but the kids seemed lost until stuff like
"Rock And Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City" fired up.) My wife
hadn't ever seen a "big show" like this, and in that regard Kiss
definitely did not disappoint -- all the usual bombs, fireballs,
sparklers, confetti blasts, etc. were present, as were Gene's fire-
breathing, blood-drooling, and flying antics.

Check out some video and photos from this show:

Videos of "Nothin' To Lose," "C'Mon And Love Me," "Hotter Than Hell,"
"Detroit Rock City," "Deuce," and "Rock And Roll All Nite":
http://davelawrenceonline.com/2009/06/28/tour-tracker-video-kiss-summerfest-milwaukee-wi-june-27/

Photos:
http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/49345907.html?c=y&index=1&page=0

(Thanks to John Erigo for helping jog my memory on some of the details
here!)

-My friend Bill turned me on to an excellent feature at Pop Dose.
Famed producer Tom Werman -- take a gander at his discography at
http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/credits/tom-werman/508682 -- is
writing weekly blog entries at http://www.popdose.com/tag/tom-werman/
where he recalls his experiences and run-ins with artists like Ted
Nugent, Cheap Trick, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Molly Hatchet,
Krokus, and Blue Oyster Cult. Apparently Werman is writing a book and
some or all of this material may appear there; after reading the first
several blog entries I must say I'm definitely looking forward to the
complete book!

-Check out some *early* footage of Loudness performing the songs
"Loudness" and "Burning Love" on TV at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q588jDGJuAA&feature=rec-HM-r2 . (Thanks
again, John!)

-And finally, more funny stuff sent over by my friend Bill:

Before They Were Heavy: 10 Awkward Yearbook Photos of Metal Stars
http://www.funkjelly.com/2009/06/before-they-were-heavy-10-awkward.html

The 16 Funniest Fake Bands of All Time
http://www.funkjelly.com/2009/06/16-funniest-fake-bands-of-all-time.html

The 12 Most Bad Ass Album Covers of the Week
http://www.funkjelly.com/2009/06/12-most-bad-ass-album-covers-of-week.html

-In my current playlist: Chickenfoot - s/t (Chickenfoot, LLC/Redline
Entertainment), Twisted Sister - STAY HUNGRY - 25TH ANNIVERSARY
EDITION (Rhino), Lion's Share - DARK HOURS (Blistering Records), VII
Gates - IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (Lion Music).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
CAGE - SCIENCE OF ANNIHILATION (A-/B+) Connecting Music, 2009
13 tracks, RT: 55:30
[ http://www.cageheavymetal.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/cageheavymetal ]
[ http://www.connecting-music.eu/ ]
[ info@connecting-music.eu ]
It would be easy to dismiss Cage as just another comic book themed
power metal band, but on SCIENCE OF ANNIHILATION they effectively put
that notion to rest with a performance that can only be described as
explosive. You'll have these guys on your short list of acts to see
live when you hear such metal chargers as "Scarlet Witch," "Operation
Overlord," "Power Of A God," and "Die Glocke." Cage just really excel
at intensity, with special recognition going to that force of nature
vocalist of theirs Sean Peck, good grief man! Not to take anything
away from the rest of the band, however, as you have simply one of the
best dual guitar attacks currently working in metal with Anthony Wayne
McGiness and Dave Garcia, along with kinetic bassist Mike Giordano and
hyperactive new skinsman Norm Leggio (ex-Psychotic Waltz). Peck really
drives it home though, with his devastating blend of Rob Halford, King
Diamond, and Ripper Owens in full force here. Production wise I wish
the drums had been mixed a bit better and I thought the lead guitar
work was somewhat abbreviated in places, but these are relatively
minor citations. At the end of the day this is the type of thing you
either like or don't, so I'll just summarize by saying if you are a
fan of Judas Priest, Halford, King Diamond and Vicious Rumors you'll
most certainly get a kick in the ass from SCIENCE OF ANNIHILATION, as
these professors of headbanging have killing with metal down to, well,
a science!
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

DORO - FEAR NO EVIL (C+) AFM Records, 2009
11 tracks, RT: 47:51
[ http://www.doropesch.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/doroband ]
[ http://www.afm-records.de/ ]
.. Well, the cover art is very cool. :) I hate to say this but
Doro's latest just leaves me flat. The aforementioned cover art and
the first track's title -- "The Night Of The Warlock" -- had me
thinking this disc was going to be a fun, cool return to the '80s
metal days of her old band Warlock. And in a way it is, as there *are*
anthems and an overall "metal" vibe, but most of the songs just aren't
very memorable. "The Night Of The Warlock" is an anthem but it's too
repetitive and too long at nearly six minutes, and "Running From The
Devil" has a stomping, gnarly bass drive and a decent guitar solo but
the anthemic elements come off as fairly silly/childish. Things start
to gel a bit better with track #3, "Celebrate," which is yet another
simplistic anthem, but the chorus is downright catchy and the song
just feels more accomplished than its predecessors. "Caught In A
Battle" strains credibility though, with it's comically over-the-top
fast/heavy approach; the drums just seem totally fake and goofy, and
the song seems pieced together on a computer rather than played live
by a band. Thankfully, the lovely Ms. Pesch dials it back down for
"Herzblut," which is another of her trademark German-language power
ballads; she does these things so, so well. The album's high point is
"On The Run," which has a cool, dark vibe and a driving beat -- hark!
methinks I hear a "Painkiller" riff in there! -- and it sounds 10
times more organic and complete than, say, "Caught In A Battle." (More
like this one, please!) "Walking With The Angels" is another good,
heartfelt power ballad; it's a duet sung with another woman and the
effect is striking. "I Lay My Head Upon My Sword" falls back into the
mid-tempo, lyrically repetitive anthem range. "It Kills Me" throws a
bit of a curveball; it's slow, dark, and unquestionably sultry in
parts; Pesch emotes all over the place in this one. "Long Lost For
Love" chugs along well enough and has a nice ending solo...but it gets
buried by vocals. Oh well. The closer, "25 Years," is intended to be a
valentine to Doro's longtime fans. It starts with 90 seconds of her
saying "thank you" and "I love you," and then morphs into a slowwwwww
plod. The song certainly means well but it's just not something you'd
probably want to listen to over and over. Frankly, aside from a few
tracks, that's how I feel about the whole album.
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

ENSOPH - REX MUNDI X-ILE (B) Cruz Del Sur Music, 2009
12 tracks, RT: 54:42
[ http://www.ensoph.it/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/ensoph ]
[ info@ensoph.it ]
[ http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/cruzdelsurmusic ]
[ info@cruzdelsurmusic.com ]
Ensoph has got to be one of the strangest bands I have ever come
across, and that's not a bad thing. Unique, avant-garde, experimental,
and weird -- all these words combined may not even be enough to
describe everything that Ensoph is doing. The title of their newest
album alone, REX MUNDI X-ILE, sounds like something foreign, something
scientific or otherworldly. That is the way I would describe the
ambiance of every song, although every song holds its own unique
charm. To get a better idea of what Ensoph sounds like, they say that
they draw influence from black metal, gothic metal, experimental/
extreme metal, and electro-industrial metal. More than any of the
others, I would say electro-industrial metal describes them the best,
but they do fuse the other genres of metal that I just listed with
this. Ensoph seems to be a band where you are not just a fan of their
music, but of their radical philosophy. They are a well researched
band with an elaborate aesthetic persona. The vocal style sounds
demonic for the part, sung in a high pitched, black metal-esque tone.
At some times, it is more decipherable and is almost sung in a
straightforward way. The use of typical metal instruments can be
heard, but they are overshadowed by other bizarre techno sounds. The
band is talented, and I really appreciated seeing the use of
unconventional instruments and sounds. During listening to this album,
I couldn't help but think that it could easily be used as a soundtrack
for some kind of sci-fi, adventure movie. A song that I'd recommend to
check them out with is, "Dance High & Shine, Shiva!" This should give
you an idea of what the band is all about.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

BILL LEVERTY - DEEP SOUTH (A-) Leverty Music, 2009
10 tracks, RT: 44:59
[ http://www.leverty.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/billleverty ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Leverty/1736764379 ]
[ http://www.reverbnation.com/billleverty ]
[ http://www.twitter.com/Leverty ]
The FireHouse guitarist returns with solo album #3, and takes 2007's
all-instrumental SOUTHERN EXPOSURE several steps further. DEEP SOUTH
is a true "back to the roots" album in every sense of the term --
Leverty presents his takes on some very old, traditional songs that
are part of his family's southern U.S. heritage. Leverty proves to be
quite the man of 1,000 faces as he does damn near EVERYTHING here; all
the technical chores are his, and all the musical chores except one
bit of guest harmonica and some female vocals are his, too. So this is
truly a "solo" album as well. And to further show how personal this
album is, those female vocals come courtesy of his wife, Kristina, and
the artwork pieces are reproductions of wood cut / blockprints done by
his grandfather, William G. Leverty. All of this is truly amazing,
yes, but what about the music? The album is a heady mix of blues,
southern rock, country, bluegrass, funk, and straight-up rock, and it
sports all manner of instruments such as a guitarelele, accordian,
banjo, dobro, piano, lap steel guitar, and mandolin. The crazy thing
is Leverty is truly adept at all of this -- he's not just doinking
around with everything in the closet for vanity's sake. The most
"rocklike" songs would have to be the excellent "Boll Weevil" (whose
first 90 seconds are so ominous and downright cool that I have to
declare it my song of the year so far; I wish Queensryche was still
this interesting), the percussion-driven "Samson And Delilah," the
combo funk/blues number "Trouble So Hard," and the foreboding "Wade In
The Water." But by no means should you overlook the more diverse
tracks. "Hit The Road Jack" (complete with Mrs. Leverty and some
killer guitar and piano from Bill) is jazzy fun; "Man Of Constant
Sorrow" is a swampy jam; "Nine Hundred Miles" has some great guitar
hero moments over an acoustic/electric ramblin' tune; and the acoustic
"Walk Beside Me" (a contemporary track) and "Rain And Snow" showcase
unique vibes and atmosphere. If you're looking for heartfelt,
nonstandard solo album from an accomplished guitarist, then road trip
into the DEEP SOUTH.
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

TED NUGENT - MOTOR CITY MAYHEM (DVD) (A-) Eagle Vision, 2009
RT: 2:05:23
TED NUGENT - MOTOR CITY MAYHEM (B+) Eagle Records, 2009
Disc 1: 11 tracks, RT: 43:11
Disc 2: 12 tracks, RT: 1:04:14
[ http://www.tednugent.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/tednugent ]
[ http://www.eaglerockent.com/ ]
Hey, wow, ANOTHER live set from Ted Nugent. But before you roll your
eyes you need to realize this one commemorates a special gig: Terrible
Ted's 6,000th show, which took place July 4, 2008. Whether you dig the
Nuge or not, you have to give the man his props, as that is quite an
accomplishment. The set list is the same on both the two-CD and DVD
versions, with some of the onstage banter edited out for the CD: "Ted
Nugent Intro," "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Motor City Madhouse,"
"Wango Tango," "Free For All," "Stormtroopin'," "Dog Eat Dog," "Need
You Bad," "Weekend Warrior," "Love Grenade," "Honky Tonk," "Wang Dang
Sweet Poontang," "Bo Diddley/Lay With Me," "Baby Please Don't Go,"
"Geronimo And Me," "Jenny Take A Ride," "Soul Man," "Hey Baby," "Cat
Scratch Fever," "Stranglehold," "Great White Buffalo," "Fred Bear,"
"Outro." As you can see, this is a nice mix of '70s Nuge classics,
early Amboy Dukes stuff, some choice covers, and a few newer tracks
right on up to 2007's LOVE GRENADE. The show is at an outdoor venue;
the stage is adorned with guns, a big LOVE GRENADE prop, cattle
skulls, flags, etc., and a very cool "Ted as Uncle Sam"-style backdrop
banner. Everything starts off with Ted, surrounded by members of the
military, being presented with a giant cake onstage, and -- surprise!
-- a bikini babe jumps out and grinds while he salutes the U.S.A. with
his rendition of the national anthem. Overall the show is very
enjoyable, with copious amounts of bluesy jamming, and Ted's backing
band of bassist Greg Smith and drummer Wild Mick Brown is top-notch.
(Smith does a great job singing "Need You Bad," by the way.) But the
highlights are definitely the educational cover songs and the guest
appearances. Ted brings out his very first guitar teacher, Joe
Podorsek, to trade licks on "Honky Tonk" (you'll immediately recognize
it when you hear it) and the moment somehow manages to simultaneously
be very tender and very rock 'n' roll. The "Bo Diddley/Lay With Me"
medley is basically Ted's solo; it features a brief sing-along, then
various blues riffs where he name-checks every guy named King who's
ever played the blues, and then launches into "Lay With Me." "Baby
Please Don't Go" and "Geronimo And Me" pretty much blend right into
the medley and the whole affair extends into a full-band solo section;
very cool. Brown steps aside during "Jenny Take A Ride" so that Mitch
Ryder & The Detroit Wheels drummer Johnny "Bee" Badanjek can jam with
Ted; very cool and very classy. But the top highlight for me is when
once and future(?) sideman Derek St. Holmes joins the band for the
trifecta of "Hey Baby," "Cat Scratch Fever," and "Stranglehold" to
great effect. Man, the harmony guitars from Nugent and St. Holmes in
"Stranglehold" are spot-on. (While I do appreciate Nugent soldiering
on as a power trio, I've long maintained he needs that additional
guitarist/singer to give his songs that extra live kick.) The encore
consists of a rousing "Great White Buffalo" (complete with Ted in a
headdress, shooting a flaming arrow through a big white guitar) and
"Fred Bear," Nugent's touching tribute to a fallen friend. The closing
credits roll over footage of fireworks and the recent re-recording of
the Amboy Dukes' "Journey To The Center Of Your Mind." Great stuff all
the way around, with the only quibbles being 1) a lack of DVD bonus
features and 2) the crazy vocal ad libs get a little distracting. I
know that sounds like blasphemy -- Nugent's always been a hilarious
fast-talker live, and "Soul Man" has a funny part about BBQs, but
man... Just try and count the number of times he says "spirit,"
"freedom," "celebrate," and "Independence Day" over and over and
over... I swear it's on par with hearing "metal," "power," and "die"
at a Manowar concert. Ah well, no matter. Pick this up in time for
your own backyard BBQ this weekend -- light off some fireworks and jam
with Uncle Ted this 4th.
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

SAGA - THE HUMAN CONDITION (B+) InsideOut Music, 2009
9 tracks, RT: 47:14
[ http://www.sagaontour.ca/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/sagaca ]
[ http://www.insideout.de/ ]
[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/insideoutamerica ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/spvusa ]
You've got to commend Saga, after the departure of celebrated vocalist
Michael Sadler they would have been justified in calling it a day, but
they've opted to move ahead with new vocalist Rob Moratti to release
the surprisingly strong THE HUMAN CONDITION. The title track starts
things off in fine form, the band quick to show they're still in
possession of the chops that made them a household name for
progressive rock fans during the late '70s/early '80s. Saga have
always utilized keyboards as a big part of their signature sound,
their ethereal foundation often breaking to mirror the guitarist in
thrilling fashion -- well, longtime fans will be happy to know that
this aspect has remained constant, along with the flashy but tasteful
guitar work, engaging bass playing and solid, captivating drumming;
what fans may not be prepared for is the difference Moratti makes to
the overall sound of Saga, for make no mistake about it, the vocal
aspect here is completely different to what Sadler brought to the
party. Moratti is a very good vocalist, for sure, but his style will
almost certainly bring to mind Journey, Styx and latter day Yes,
smooth and assured on cuts such as the vital "Step Inside," spirited
"Let It Go," and the rockin' "Crown Of Thorns." The whole band really
gels on the classic sounding "A Number And A Name," probably the
closest thing on here to traditional Saga. A few of the tracks kind of
meander into pedestrian territory but there's nothing here to
embarrass. In summary, a well produced album of quite enjoyable
tracks, Saga's hard rock side more prevalent, with a new singer who
brings a decidedly different atmosphere to the proceedings but somehow
makes it work. Definitely worth checking out.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

JOHN TAGLIERI - LIVES (B+) Leap Dog Music/danaCreative, 2009
8 tracks, RT: 25:35
[ http://www.JohnTaglieri.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/johntaglierimusic ]
[ http://www.facebook.com/people/John_Taglieri/508614900 ]
[ http://www.reverbnation.com/johntaglieri ]
[ http://www.TheLivesProject.com/ ]
[ http://www.leapdogmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.danacreative.com/ ]
Singer/guitarist/mastermind John Taglieri and guitarist Brad Whitley
have quite the project going on here. LIVES is the first installment
of the "Lives Project," a storyline that's expected to include four
six-song E.P.s, accompanying/complementing books/graphic novels, and
online presences for the two main characters. Pretty ambitious, no?
Well, if this first volume is any indication I believe the guys are up
to the task. Shave off two minutes' worth of "carnival barker" intros
and outros, and this release is comprised of six nice, concise power
pop/rock tracks. On the rockier, more up-beat side, "Ferris Wheel"
comes off like a bouncy, glammy mix of Cheap Trick and the Beatles;
"Breathe" is 100% catchy modern pop; and "Make A Mistake With Me" is
an aw-shucks, happy-go-lucky bounder that will put a smile on your
face, guaranteed. On the other hand, "The Lives Of Splattered Flies"
has some sweet moments and strikes me as a more serious, non-goofy
Green Day song; "With You I Want To Be" (I think Yoda wrote this one)
is an intriguing, stringed, full-band ballad with a Queen-like climax;
and the bittersweet "Farewell" is like good ol' Billy Joel beer-waving
song that says "good-bye...for now?" Good stuff all the way around,
musically, except sometimes it seems the drums are mixed too loud. As
far as the book is concerned, I must admit up front that when I do
read it's usually sci-fi or fantasy, so contemporary relationship
stories aren't exactly in my wheelhouse, so to speak. But I found the
near 80-page story (written by Gil Gonzalez) to be breezy, engaging,
and entertaining, if a bit heavy on the exposition in the first two
chapters where we meet Max and Cate. The former is a bartender who was
raised by a hard-ass military man, and the latter is a carefree artist
with a number of bad relationships under her belt. They meet by chance
and agree to travel cross-country, from the East Coast to San Diego;
along they way they fall in love, hit some bumps in the proverbial
road, and...I can't give it away now can I? There are some funny and
poignant exchanges between the two characters, an in-joke about a
Taglieri live show, a Simon Cowell name-drop, and some serious product
placement for Apple. (Like they need it.) Taglieri, Whitley, and
Gonzalez do a great job of keeping the six main songs and the book's
six chapters -- all named alike -- aligned. Regarding the "extras"
like the Web site and characters online, regrettably I haven't had
time to investigate all that. If you're curious keep an eye out for
"MrLuckyMax" and "CateTries" on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and
Blogspot. The remaining installments of the project are due in
October, April 2010, and October 2010. Give LIVES a shot -- you might
get hooked.
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

*
*** FEEDBACK ***
*
1. From: jeffwalsh@aol.com (Jeff Walsh)
Re: Chickenfoot CD

Hey Tim, I have left mine both in the sun and even on my laptop and in
both cases the artwork shifted from the heat sensitive to completely
viewable and was stuck in that state... until... I put it in my
freezer for about 2 minutes. Then it went black, again.... so, maybe
that will work in your case too. I am not sure if there is some
prolonged level of exposure that changes it... or if it loses the heat
sensitivity either over time or over various extreme exposures.

Good luck.

[The freezer?! That's awesome. Thanks for the tip. I ended up just
taking my CD inside the house and after a couple hours the "none more
black" front and back cover had basically returned. I probably
should've put it in the freezer though -- just to see what my wife
would say. :) - Tim]

*
*** OUT ***
*

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Happy July. Let's start it off with a bonanza of album reviews, eh? -
Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Kiss To Headline New Orleans Voodoo Experience!

Special Price On A Three-Day Pass Available To The Kiss Army!

Attention Kiss Army!

Kiss, one of the most influential and successful rock and roll bands
of all-time, will anchor this year's Voodoo Experience!

More than 150 artists are confirmed for this year's Voodoo Experience,
Friday, October 30, Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1. The
11th annual Voodoo Experience -- and the third to coincide exactly
with Halloween -- will once again celebrate music, as well as New
Orleans' bohemian culture, arts and cuisine.

Kiss Army fan club members receive a special discount price on the
three-day pass for Voodoo Experience!

The special Price is avaialable from Friday @ 10 a.m. - Monday @ 5
p.m. (local venue time). Kiss Army fan club members will find a
special code after logging in to the tour page:
http://www.kissontour.com/

If you have not renewed your Kiss Army membership and you want access
to presale tickets, now is your chance!

Click http://www.kissontour.com/service.php?module=subscribe_step_one
to renew your Kiss Army membership and get this exclusive, Kiss Army
fan club T-shirt!

For only $35, Kiss Army members will get all of the following:

o EXCLUSIVE Kiss Army Fan Club T-shirt
o $10 coupon to the Kiss Online Shop
o 10% discount and members-only merchandise from the Kiss Online Shop
o Presale access to Kiss concert tickets and VIP packages before the
public on-sale
o Members-only portion of KISSOnline.com

IMPORTANT: Members will first have to log in to the site and will be
redirected to complete the renewal purchase once logged in. If your
membership expires in more than 30 days, you will not be directed to
the renewal purchase page.

Stay tuned to KISSOnline.com for all the latest updates.

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Magic Circle Music Update

Ultimate Tour Passes Not Available For Show In Romania

Due to logistical reasons, the previously announced Ultimate Tour Pass
will not be available for the Manowar show in Romania. We apologize
for any inconvenience. Regardless, we hope to see you at B'estfest
Aftershock in Bucharest where we will rock Romania like it has never
been rocked before!

The Loreley: A Festival Site Unlike Any Other In The World

The Loreley Open-Air Theatre lies on a mighty plateau not far from the
top of the Loreley rock (133 metres high). It is not only surrounded
by myths and legends, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to
its unique natural acoustics and architectural style, it is also one
of the most legendary open-air venues anywhere. It was Genesis that
started the rock festival tradition in 1976. The years that followed
saw all the international icons of pop and rock performing in the
theatre. Immortal festivals such as the Bizarre Festival and the
Summer Jam premiered at the Loreley. And now the story continues with
the Magic Circle Festival 2009.

Travel Information: To The Loreley By Car, Train Or Plane

The legendary Loreley Open-Air Theatre is in St. Goarshausen
(postcode: 56346), Germany. Whether you're coming from the north,
south, east or west, if you're travelling by car you'll find all the
directions and a route planner at the Magic Circle Festival site. If
you're travelling by train you should get off at the "Sankt
Goarshausen" train station and then take the bus to the festival site.
You'll find information on train connections the Magic Circle Festival
site at the "Deutsche Bahn" (German Rail). If you want to fly to the
Magic Circle Festival, there are four airports within a radius of 150
kilometres: Frankfurt-Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne-Bonn and
Mannheim. You'll find all the information you need at the Magic Circle
Festival site.

DEFIANCE By Jack Starr's Burning Starr Now Available On MP3!

DEFIANCE by Jack Starr's Burning Starr is now available for sale
online in high-quality, DRM-free, MP3 format only at The Kingdom Of
Steel Online Store. The downloadable version of the E.P. will contain
the same content as the original CD.

Keep posted to http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ for more information
and look for Jack Starr's Burning Starr at Magic Circle Festival III
at the Loreley on the Rhine River on July 18, 2009. For tickets and
details visit http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

THE ESSENTIAL SHRED GUITAR COLLECTION By Joe Stump Now Available On
MP3!

THE ESSENTIAL SHRED GUITAR COLLECTION by Joe Stump is now available
for sale online in high-quality, DRM-free, MP3 format only at The
Kingdom Of Steel Online Store. The downloadable version of the E.P.
will contain the same content as the original CD.

Keep posted to http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ for more information
and look for Joe Stump on tour with HolyHell and Manowar on the Death
To Infidels Tour 2009. For tour dates and details visit
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

The World Reacts To "Father"

The response to "Father" has been phenomenal! The first song released
on Manowar's new E.P. THUNDER IN THE SKY was recorded in 16 languages
and included as a Bonus CD. As soon as the fans heard their respective
languages, the mail started pouring in!

"Hi, my name is Ayten Karasakal from TURKEY. I am 15 years old. I love
your BABA/FATHER song. I love MANOWAR so much. You are the greatest.
You'll always carry heavy metal's flag. We want to see you in Turkey!
Please, please, please, please, please come to Turkey. Thanks for your
Turkish song."

"There is no such words, that can express my feelings when I listen to
this song in my national language. It was a great idea to record it in
so many languages. I think that you gave a feeling of being special to
all fans, if not, you gave it to me. Congratulations to Eric for
singing in Polish, because it's quite difficult for foreigners to even
speak in it. You did very well, Eric! My woman said that she would
like to sing this song to her parents on the day of our wedding. I'm
sure I'll do it with her cause I sing in band and it would be great to
sing it in two voices! hehe... Manowar song on my wedding party. Just
thinking about it is making me crazy! HAIL TO YOU ALL!!!" Merin

"I want to thank you for amazing show you did Finland at Provinssi
rock. I watched a documentation about the song Father on Finnish fan
page of Manowar and you talked about the song and how it touches many
with its message. The lyrics truly are touching and compelling, I
don't know whether you write your songs from your own experiences or
not, but the song is really profound. To me this song is important
because I'm not that close to my father and the lyrics don't really
reflect the relationship between me and my father, but Eric's voice
and the sound of this track makes me feel content that I even have a
father. I want to say you that your songs touch me deeply and help me
carry on."

"Hail from Romania! My name is Mihai Popescu , I am 16 years old. You
are the truly kings of metal. This song, Father [TATA], WOW it's...
like I don't know how to say, but my grandfather has listened to it
and he loves this song, and he doesn't listen to metal. He lost his
father in WW2. Anyway... you are the first band doing this...and this
is absolutely awsome."

"Father" is available at all festivals on the "Death To Infidels Tour
2009" recorded in German, Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian,
Norwegian, Spanish, French, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Japanese,
Croatian, Portuguese and Finnish. Along with THUNDER IN THE SKY the
new E.P. It is also available for sale online in high-quality, DMR-
free, MP3 format only at The Kingdom Of Steel Online Store. The
downloadable version of the E.P. contains the exact same content as
the version on sale during the tour: "Thunder In The Sky," "God Or
Man," "Let The Gods Decide," "Father," "Die With Honor," "The Crown
And The Ring" (2008) and 16 versions of "Father."

Watch the "Father" video here. Be sure to share it with yours! Hail
and Kill!
http://www.youtube.com/watch--Q-v--E-3sXSEPSppDQ

Manowar
http://www.manowar.com/

Magic Circle Festival
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/

Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

Kingdom Of Steel Online Store
http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-"Rocknation TV" Interviews Deep Purple's Steve Morse

West coast VJ Jeffrey Easton got this exclusive interview with Steve
Morse for "Rocknation."

The interview can be previewed online at http://www.rocknation.us/ and
featured on Episode 46.

"Rocknation TV"

"Rocknation TV" is a weekly 30-minute metal program featuring videos
such as Halford, Devil Driver, Lamb Of God, Jetboy, Megadeth & more.
The TV show is online and aired nationwide on Time Warner, Comcast,
Service Electric and Charter Communications. Some of the cities airing
the show include Manhattan-NY, Houston-TX, Anaheim-CA, Chicago-IL,
Austin-TX, Denver-CO, Atlanta-GA, Cleveland-OH, Dallas-TX and
Sacramento-CA.

"Rocknation TV" has had exclusive TV interviews with Judas Priest,
Buckcherry, Heaven & Hell, Testament, Deep Purple, Story Of The Year,
MXPX, Dream Theater and more.

For more info, check out the "Rocknation TV" Web site
http://www.rocknation.us/ or http://www.myspace.com/rocknationtv .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Paul Gilbert Hits The Charts With New Release UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES Out Now On Mascot Records U.S.A.

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- UNITED STATES is the first collaboration of Paul
Gilbert and Freddie Nelson. The album features 10 new songs which they
wrote, performed, and produced together in the summer of 2008. As the
new album gets rave reviews UNITED STATES takes a hold of the airwaves
this week nation-wide!

Week 1 on the radio and Gilbert's adds and spins are coming in strong:

CMJ Loud Rock
18 total adds

FMQB Metal Detector
#7 Most Added w/26 adds
Debut #67 on the charts w/30 spins!

Commercial Specialty
KFLY Eugene, OR
KFTE Lafayette, LA
KMKF Manhattan, KS
KZZE Medford, OR
Rebel Radio Northbrook, IL
WBYR Ft. Wayne, IN
WCHZ Augusta, GA
WEDG Buffalo, NY
WHEB Portsmouth, NH
WKGB Binghamton, NY
WKLL/WKRL Waterville, NY
WOBX Nags Head, NC
WPUP Bethlehem, GA
WVBR Interlaken, NY

College / Community
KNON Dallas, TX
KSJS San Jose, CA
KZSC Santa Cruz, CA
WBGU Bowling Green, OH
WEOS Waterloo, NY
WMPG Portland, ME
WNHU West Haven, CT
WXOU Rochester Hills, MI

Paul Gilbert began his career with the legendary shred-metal band
Racer X in 1986. Since then, his guitar playing has brought him number
one hits with the band Mr. Big, and a devoted following of guitar and
music lovers all over the world. Gilbert's recent foray into
instrumental guitar music brought him even more attention, and has
resulted in extensive touring with Joe Satriani's "G3" tour in North
America and over 100 shows as a headliner in Europe, Japan, and South
America.

UNITED STATES is one Paul Gilbert album you must add to your
collection.

Track listing:
1. The Last Rock'n Roll Star
2. Hideway
3. Waste Of Time
4. Bad Times Good
5. Paris Hilton Look-alike
6. The Answer
7. I'm Free
8. Pulsar
9. Girl From Omaha
10. I'm Not Addicted

For more information go to http://www.paulgilbert.com/ or
http://www.mascotrecordsusa.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Napalm Records News

Saltatio Mortis: Orkus Cover Story & New Video Clip

The latest issue of Orkus offers fans of the gleemen (and those who
would like to join their ranks) an exclusive look behind the scenes.
The focus of the in-depth cover story is of course the upcoming album
WER WIND SAT..., which will be released on August 28. However, it is a
known fact that Saltatio Mortis never rest on their laurels and thus
are already providing the finishing touches to their newest video, the
album opener "Ebenbild." Fans will not have to wait much longer, as
the video will go online in merely seven days. The countdown has begun
and the gleemen will soon rock the Middle Ages!

http://www.saltatio-mortis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mittelalterpunk

Alestorm: New Video

Scottish bucaneers and chartbreakers (number 60 in the German LP
charts and 14 and 17 in the British Independent Album Charts and Rock/
Metal Charts respectively) have finished filming their brand new
video. The new band anthem "Keelhauled" was transferred successfully
to the visual medium and offers fans a one-of-a-kind pirate adventure
including just the right amount of rum, gold and of course, Nancy the
Tavern Wench. Privateers and landlubbers may watch the clip at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta-Z_psXODw .

http://www.myspace.com/alestorm

Draconian: Israel Clip

The Swedish Doom/Gothic metal band brought a special video document
from their recent trip to Israel. The clip to "Bloodflower" -- the
brightest jewel on their latest album TURNING SEASON WITHIN --
captures the unique atmosphere of these special gigs. Fans may watch
the clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOe7uvm-kp4 .

http://www.draconian.se/
http://www.myspace.com/draconianmusic

Upcoming Releases:
July
Ahab CD - THE DIVINITY OF OCEANS - Nautik Funeral Doom Metal -
24.07.2009
Syrach CD - A DARK BURIAL - Doom Metal - 24.07.2009
Leaves' Eyes MCD - MY DESTINY - Gothic Metal - 24.07.2009

August
Saltatio Mortis CD+DVD - WER WIND SAT... - Medieval Rock - 28.08.2009
Leaves' Eyes CD - NJORD - Gothic Metal - 28.08.2009

http://www.napalmrecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Executive Producer Jesse James Dupree Develops New TV Show, "Full
Throttle Saloon"

[Note: Two very similar press releases came out back-to-back, so here
they both are. - Tim]

Following the success of the Emmy-nominated hit MTV show, "Two-A-
Days," executive producer Jesse James Dupree of Mighty Loud
Entertainment, has partnered with Arnold Rifkin of Cheyenne ("Die
Hard," "Armageddon") and A. Smith & Co ("Hell's Kitchen," "I Survived
A Japanese Gameshow") and has just placed his next show with the Tru
Television Network. Based on the world's largest biker bar in Sturgis,
South Dakota, the show follows bar owner Mike Ballard through the
rally, and what it takes to run the Full Throttle Saloon. Ballard
manages over 300 employees (100 of which are quite voluptuous
bartenders) -- all the while having only nine days to generate
millions of dollars. Jesse describes the show as, "'The Deadliest
Catch' meets 'Coyote Ugly' on steroids. Everyone should show up to the
Full Throttle Saloon this year and be a part of our new show." "Full
Throttle Saloon" will air mid-summer.

In addition to Executive-producing cable television shows, JJD has
produced three Pay-Per-Views and the "Dirt Poor Comedy" show. He also
runs Mighty Loud, which is a full-service entertainment company, that
produces television shows, band management, and a record label
distributed through Universal / Fontana. Jesse is also the General
Manager of Kiefer Sutherland and Jude Cole's label, Ironworks (Billy
Boy On Poison, Rocco Deluca & The Burden, and honeyhoney). In 2008,
Jesse James Beer was launched, which is currently available in Kansas,
Missouri, and South Dakota, while JJD released a solo album REV IT UP
AND GO-GO, as Jesse James Dupree & Dixie Inc. In addition to all of
the above, JJD remains the front man of the rock group Jackyl, that
continues to perform more than 50 shows a year headlining festivals
across the country. Jackyl has sold more than three million albums and
is currently planning on releasing a new album at the end of the
summer. Jackyl holds the Guinness World Record for 100 shows in 50
days. Jesse James Dupree is an executive producer, rock star,
entrepreneur, record label exec, and all around hardest working man in
show business.

Mike Ballard's Full Throttle Saloon To Be Featured In New TV Show

Mike Ballard, owner of the world's largest biker bar, has partnered
with Jesse James Dupree (Mighty Loud), Arnold Rifkin (Cheyenne), and
A. Smith & Co. ("Hell's Kitchen," "I Survived A Japanese Gameshow") to
solidify a new TV show, "Full Throttle Saloon," that will soon air on
the Tru Network. The show centers around Mike Ballard and what it
takes to run the world's largest biker bar -- managing 300 employees,
including 100 voluptuous bartenders, over nine days to make as much
money as possible. When roughly 700,000 bikers descend upon Sturgis
for the annual rally week, things are bound to get interesting! "I'm
so proud to be working with the Tru Network," says Ballard. "It's been
a long time coming. Jesse Dupree and I have worked day and night to
land a show for the last seven years. We both knew I had built
something golden, and Jesse had seen it the first time he played the
Full Throttle Saloon. I have put everything on the line multiple times
to keep growing the Full Throttle Saloon brand. I've rolled the dice
every year and I've been lucky so far -- but you never know what
tomorrow will bring."

"I'm ready for everyone to see what it's like to run the world's
largest biker bar, Full Throttle Saloon," adds Ballard. "I would like
to give you something to compare it to but it doesn't exist. With that
being said you will have to tune into TruTV this fall and watch the
series. "My hat's off to TruTV for having the foresight to film the
Full Throttle Saloon in action, and bringing us into your living room
or bedroom."

Shot last year, the second cycle of "Full Throttle Saloon" will be
filmed at the 2009 Sturgis Rally this August. Look for the first
airing to hit late summer. For more information about the Full
Throttle Saloon, visit http://www.fullthrottlesaloon.com/ .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Z Records News

Marseille Confirmed For Z Rock 2010

It is with great pleasure that Z can announce that Liverpool's very
own Marseille are the latest addition to Z Rock 2010 on May 8th next
year. The addition of Marseille is one that will hopefully make more
people realise that the band should have been huge and at the
forefront of the Hard Rock scene revival back in the late '70s and
early '80s; sadly that was not meant to be due to factors beyond the
band's control. Marseille are currently recording a new album for
release circa the time of Z Rock 2010 so watch this space for more
info.

Promoter and fellow scouser Mark Alger commented "I saw the band live
many many times during the late '70s and the debut for me had the same
impact that Def Leppard's HIGH 'N' DRY had during the early '80s. They
were melodic, had the riffs and dare I say an attitude that many other
English acts lacked at that time, they should have been simply huge.
They got me through my o'levels lol and people really will still be
impressed with material such as 'Armed And Ready,' etc. It will be a
great performance for sure."

Neil Buchanan and Steve Dinwoodie of Marseille chatted with Paul
Anthony of 106.1 Rock Radio Manchester about the recent reformation of
the band that were actually right at the forefront of the NWOBHM scene
until the untimely demise of their label, whilst the band were touring
the U.S.A. in 1980. Check it out for yourself at
http://www.rockradio.co.uk/ .

Lineup for the event now stands as follows.....

May 7th: VON GROOVE, EDEN
May 8th: THE STORM, STEVE AUGERI, ARABIA, MARSEILLE

venue: JB's Dudley

Further acts will be announced shortly.

Those still wishing to take advantage of the special offer to Z Rock
09 attendees only are reminded that the ticket discount is only
available for a few more weeks at which point tickets will revert to
full price and general sale on July 17th. For details email
zrockagency@zrecords.net or visit http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

Z Searches For Radio/Club/Internet Contacts

We are currently upgrading our radio mailing list, club promo list,
etc. If you are a presenter, journalist or DJ and would like to
receive promos please contact us now at zrockrecords@btinternet.com.
You should include Web site details, club verification or Web site/
magazine details with your application.

Join Z On MySpace And Facebook

If you're a member of MySpace or Facebook you can keep right up to
date with everything by adding us to your friends.

On MySpace go to http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk or Facebook
search Z ROCK FEST in groups.

We look forward to hearing from you.

House Of Lords / Eden U.K. Tour Rescheduled

The House Of Lords and Eden U.K. tour scheduled in September has been
put back slighty. Tickets already purchased for the September shows
are still valid.

October 31: JB'S, DUDLEY
November 1: THE CAVERN, LIVERPOOL

[Tickets on sale at X Records, Bolton / Music 90, Wigan / Probe,
Liverpool / Action Records, Preston / and the Cavern Club, Liverpool.]

http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-3 Inches Of Blood Announce HERE WAITS THY DOOM Official Track
Listing; Comment On Cover Track Selections

The world is eagerly awaiting the triumphant return of one of the
biggest defenders of traditional heavy metal, 3 Inches Of Blood, and
the anticipation continues to build to epic proportions. The stunning
new album, HERE WAITS THY DOOM, was tracked in Seattle's Sound House
Recordings with renowned producer Jack Endino (High On Fire) and is
soon to be hailed as the gospel of all things heavy. The album's
official track listing is below along with some very interesting
covers that span the hard rock spectrum and will be appearing as B-
sides and/or bonus tracks for the upcoming release.

HERE WAITS THY DOOM is set for a Sept. 8th release and stay tuned to
the bands official MySpace page (below) for all tour dates, videos and
current news.

Track listing - HERE WAITS THY DOOM
1. Battles And Brotherhood
2. Rock In Hell
3. Silent Killer
4. Fierce Defender
5. Preachers Daughter
6. Call Of The Hammer
7. Snake Fighter
8. At The Foot Of The Great Glacier
9. All Of Them Witches
10. 12:34
11. Execution Tank

Covers:
*Not Fragile (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
*Cities On Flame (Blue Oyster Cult)
*Daytona (Zeke)

Cam Pipes (vocals) further explains the band's decision process when
picking out what songs to pay homage to: "We decided to cover 'Not
Fragile' by Bachman-Turner Overdrive because they're a Canadian band
and we wanted to represent our Canadian musical roots. BTO had many
hits, but we wanted to do a deeper cut from their catalog plus 'Not
Fragile' has a heavy driving riff at the core of the song which we
felt translated well with our style.

"Blue Oyster Cult's 'Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll' is a song
that our guitarist Justin had played the main riff to at soundcheck
for a few years now and I guess it just got stuck in our heads, so we
decided to learn it and record it. We've also been friends with Zeke
for many years and 'Daytona' has always been a favorite Zeke song of
ours. It's another one we've loosely jammed out in the rehearsal space
and soundchecks before. It's a rare, slow Zeke song, which is good
because we'd probably butcher one of their fast songs."

Shane Clark (guitars) states: "Our new album is finished and we've
named it HERE WAITS THY DOOM. Much like our last record it is a step
beyond the album that precedes it. We've again taken what we do a step
further and not made FIRE UP THE BLADES PART 2, we've stuck to our
formula -- no formula. We are true metal fans and we've made an
unapologetic metal record. I think this our most focused record to
date, from writing all the way to mixing there was no unnecessary
drama or too many cooks in the kitchen. This is 3 Inches Of Blood at
its most punishing, epic and mighty."

http://www.3inchesofblood.com/
http://www.myspace.com/3iob

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-Digital Exclusive "Best Of" Comps From... Lacuna Coil, Nevemore,
Sentenced, Arch Enemy & Dark Tranquillity!

Century Media's metal brigade has unleashed havoc via iTunes (and
other online services) with digital releases of your favorite bands
including Italy's alternative rock band Lacuna Coil, Seattle's
Nevermore, Finland's Sentenced (R.I.P.), as well as Sweden's Arch
Enemy and Dark Tranquillity.

Keep it cranking with these individual albums from the "Manifesto"
collection that include a compilation of Century Media releases and
are available to purchase online. What better way to complete your
collection than these "best of" releases, suited to scratch that metal
itch? Check out the Digital Compilations on iTunes!

*Manifesto of Lacuna Coil
*Manifesto of Nevermore
*Manifesto of Sentenced
*Manifesto of Arch Enemy
*Manifesto of Dark Tranquillity

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Available Now! In This Moment's THE DREAM (Ultra Violet Edition);
Snap Photos Of The Band On Warped Tour!

Just a few days after their Warped Tour kick off show in Pomona,
California comes the release of the Ultra Violet Edition of In This
Moment's glorious album THE DREAM. The new edition features their new
Active Rock hit single "Call Me," plus the B-sides "A Dying Star," and
"Sail Away" along with an instrumental version of "Call Me" and
"Forever"!

If you head over to Warped Tour this summer, be sure to catch In This
Moment and snap a few pictures while you're at it. Share all your
photos with other ITM fans by uploading them to In This Moment's group
album on photobucket.com:

http://www.photobucket.com/inthismoment

The eye-popping new video for the track "Call Me" was shot in London
by up-and-coming director Nathan Theys of Link Productions, which we
think showcases the band in a whole new light. To watch the video for
yourself, check out In This Moment on MySpace by clicking below!

http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Delain Album Released In North America

The much anticipated second album from Delain is finally here!
Originally conceived by ex-Within Temptation keyboardist Martijn
Westerholt as an all-star studio project, the success of the debut
album LUCIDITY tipped his hand and Delain evolved into a full blown
active band. With Charlotte Wessels on vocals, Ronald Landa on guitar
and grunt vocals, Sun Caged bassist Rob Vander Loo, and Sander Zoer on
drums, Delain took Europe by storm. The band initially opened for many
acts including sister band Within Temptation, and performed at
numerous festivals. Ultimately they became a headliner in their own
right. With that behind them they went into the studio to create their
sophomore opus, APRIL RAIN.

Martijn Westholt is clearly at the helm -- the epic symphonic sounds
that he brought to Within Temptation and Delain's debut are obvious.
There are differences though...engineer Jacob Hansen's mix slams with
immediacy and crunch. With all the band members now contributing, a
clear style has been defined. APRIL RAIN also benefits from the guest
performances of Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala who sings male vocals
on two tracks, as well as world renowned cellist Maria Ahn.

The comparisons to Within Temptation and Nightwish will continue but
it's evident that Delain has come up with a sound that stands on its
own. APRIL RAIN is THE symphonic gothic metal album of 2009. The album
debuted on the Dutch Top 100 album charts at #14, and at #1 on the
Dutch Alternative Charts. The band just completed a tour as direct
support for Kamelot, which was immediately followed by their European
headlining tour. Licensed from Roadrunner Records, who released the
album in Europe and Japan, we are able to offer a digi-pak edition,
with the exclusive bonus track "Come Closer."

More news to be announced soon...

http://www.delain.nl/
http://www.myspace.com/delainmusic
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-Stormental Presents Heavy Metal With Contemporary Music On New Video
Clip

Brazilian metallers Stormental launched a video clip for "In Front Of
You," the first single of their forthcoming CD/DVD, which shall be
released between September and October. The album is a soundtrack made
for "Perception Of The Other" show, created in a partnership with
Siedler Cia. de Dança de Florianópolis (Siedler dance company), mixing
heavy metal and contemporary music, which won FUNARTE's Klaus Vianna
award.

According to the band, "'Perception Of The Other' is based in human
perceptions and 'In Front Of You' is about searching distance places,
which, sometimes, are just in front of you."

Stormental
http://www.stormental.com.br/
http://www.myspace.com/stormental

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-D.O.A To Release THE MEN OF ACTION 30th Anniversary DVD

Classic footage of the band's 30-year career is packaged with their
new album NORTHERN AVENGER, and 12-page photo booklet

Sudden Death Records ( http://www.suddendeath.com/ ) and MVD Visual (
http://www.mvdvisual.com/ ) are pleased to announce the release of
D.O.A's THE MEN OF ACTION 30th Anniversary DVD for worldwide
distribution on August 11, 2009.

D.O.A., Canada's legendary punks and the progenitors of hardcore punk,
have produced an extraordinary DVD that covers the band's 30 year
career. It's an essential collection of songs and punk/activist
stories.

The DVD consists of 26 songs, 10 that the band produced storyline
videos for and 16 that are live productions. There are two ways to
view the DVD: "Chaos Program" features the music videos only, while
"Anarchy Program" features Joe Sh*thead Keithley, Canada's godfather
of punk, telling the story of D.O.A. and punk in general as the videos
play.

The anniversary DVD package also includes as a bonus, D.O.A.'s
critically acclaimed new album NORTHERN AVENGER, produced by the
legendary Bob Rock. The album has received rave reviews around the
world. Also included is a 12-page booklet that includes rare photos of
D.O.A. On the DVD itself, included are some hilarious hidden tracks.

Track Listing: "D.O.A.," "Disco Sucks," "World War 3," "New Age," "Get
Out Of My Life," "Last Night," "War," "001 Loser's Club," "F*ck You,"
"I'm Right, You're Wrong," "America The Beautiful," "Liar For Hire,"
"General Strike," "F*cked Up Ronnie," "Lumberjack City," "Midnight
Special," "The Warrior Lives Again," "Let's Wreck The Party," "2+2,"
"The Prisoner," "Behind The Smile," "Death Machine," "I See Your
Cross," "We're Drivin' To Hell N' Back," "Police Brutality," and
"Human Bomb"

Hi Res Cover Art
http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/mvdv4893.jpg

Direct Link to Item
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVDV4893

In other news, D.O.A. have just released the first video from their
new album NORTHERN AVENGER. When D.O.A. leader Joe Keithley was
finishing writing the songs for NORTHERN AVENGER, Polish immigrant
Robert Dziekanski was unnecessarily tasered five times by the R.C.M.P.
at the Vancouver Airport and died as a result of that callous action.
The song and the video "Police Brutality" are D.O.A.'s reaction to
that brutal act.

"Police Brutality" Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji1M6G4361o&feature=related

The hardcore kings D.O.A. have two short tours this summer. See the
men of action in Germany, Holland and California in July and August.
At the Force Attack Festival in Rostock, Germany, D.O.A. is one of the
headliners at Europe's biggest punk festival. In California, D.O.A.
have four great shows lined up on the Warped Tour in late August.

D.O.A. in Europe
- Wednesday July 29, Zakk in Duesseldorf, Germany (w/ Dickies,
Adolescents, SNFU, + more)
- Thursday July 30, The Stage in Arnheim, Netherlands
- Saturday August 1, Force Attack in Klingendorf/Rostock, Germany
- Friday July 31, NO-OK in Bremen,Germany (w/ Misfit Society &
Roughcast)
- Sunday August 2, AU in Frankfurt, Germany

D.O.A. in California - Warped Tour Dates
- Thursday August 20, Shoreline Amphitheater, Sacramento, CA
- Friday August 21, Sleep Train Amphitheater, San Francisco, CA
- Saturday August 22, Cricket Amphitheater, San Diego, CA
- Sunday August 23, Home Depot Center, Los Angeles, CA

D.O.A. at the Commodore Ballroom (Vancouver, BC) Friday September 26
with SNFU

MVD Entertainment Group
PO BOX 280
Oaks PA 19456
http://www.mvdb2b.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-The Black: ALONGSIDE DEATH Full-Length Streaming Now!

Long overdue new album, ALONGSIDE DEATH, from Swedish cult black
metallers The Black is now streaming in its entirety here:
http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords .

The stream will be active until July 3, 2009. ALONGSIDE DEATH will be
available worldwide on July 29, 2009. Featuring eight tracks of
unholiness, ALONGSIDE DEATH is the band's first full-length since
1994's THE PRIEST OF SATAN and is an attestation that pure black metal
is alive, well and more abhorrent than ever! Featuring members of
Tyrant, Eternal Darkness and Vinterland, the long player was recorded,
mixed and mastered at Studio Beast in Sweden by Peter Bjärgö (Tyrant,
Arcana, Crypt Of Kerberos) with cover artwork and layout by The Black
vocalist D.F Bragman.

http://www.myspace.com/officialtheblack

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-First Egyptian Band To Perform At With Full Force Festival (Germany)
-- United We Rock Competition

DUBAI, UAE -- The battle of the bands United We Rock's winner Scarab
will be performing at With Full Force festival in Germany on July 5th
2009, as part of their grand prize! The contest reward also included a
slot to play live at Dubai Desert Rock Festival earlier this year.

Scarab @ With Full Force

With Full Force is a yearly three-day metal festival held in Leipzig
(Germany), whose 16th edition will be held from the 3rd until 5th of
July 2009, with over 70 bands, headlined by Motorhead, Sepultura,
Soulfly to name a few.

Scarab, from Cairo (Egypt), won the United We Rock online battle of
the bands earlier this year, giving them the once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to perform at both Dubai Desert Rock Festival on March 6th
and With Full Force early afternoon of Sunday 5th of July.

Formed of a combination of different musical tastes and personalities,
Scarab stand as a united musical entity. The music is heavy, powerful,
raw and brutal yet melodic, while the lyrical theme is mainly about
Spirituality, theories and philosophy in how they perceive the world
around them.

Despite the many barriers and financial problems the band has faced,
2008 has been a major leap for the band with the recording of their
first full-length album entitled BLINDING THE MASSES, considered a
continuation over VALLEY OF THE SANDWALKERS.

"We are very excited to be playing with great bands that have
influenced us for years now and defiantly looking to have the German
metal fans see, feel our music and agree to it. We have a message of
globalizing metal and having a unity regardless of what culture you're
from. WFF and CSM granting us the chance to showcase our music is a
dream come true. This will mark history in the metal world for us
coming from Egypt." - Scarab.

United We Rock and Desert Rock

Continuously witnessing the enormous potential of unknown artists
spread across the Middle East, Desert Rock's organizers Center Stage
Management (CSM) decided to develop their annual local battle of the
bands formerly known as Shamal, into a greater opportunity called
United We Rock. The latter would give the chance to unsigned Arab and
German bands to perform at both Desert Rock and With Full Force
festivals, established in the hard rock capitals of South West Asia
and Europe: Dubai and Germany!

The finalists' biographies, photographs, videos and original songs
were uploaded online enabling visitors to elect the opening act who
will perform at both festivals, an all expenses paid trip to Dubai and
Germany.

With Full Force festival
http://www.withfullforce.de/

Scarab MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/scarabtheband

United We Rock
UAE - http://www.unitedwerockbattle.com/
Germany - http://www.united-we-rock.de/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Static-X Announces Additional Headlining Tour Dates

Pedal To The Metal Tour With Mudvayne And Black Label Society This
Summer

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Static-X announces additional headlining tour dates
along with the Pedal To The Metal tour coming your way this summer
2009.

The Pedal To The Metal Tour 2009 will kick off July 24 in Portland,
ME, and conclude September 9, in Oklahoma City, OK (see complete
itinerary below). Pre-sale tickets were available to all of the bands'
fan club members beginning Wednesday, June 10, at 12 p.m. local time
at http://www.pedaltothemetaltour.com/ , general public went on sale
Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. local time.

Static-X front man Wayne Static says of the tour: "I'm very picky
about who we tour with. I think Static-X slaughter most bands live,
and I pride myself in our show -- I refuse to open for a band that I
don't think is worthy, so that says a lot about Mudvayne, Zakk Wylde,
and this entire package."

TOUR DATES:

July
24 - Portland, ME - Cumberland County Civic Center
25 - Lowell, MA - Tsongas Arena
27 - New York, NY - Fillmore *
28 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
29 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Center
31 - Big Flats, NY - Tag's Summer Sale

August
01 - Albany, NY - Altamont Fairgrounds
03 - Dayton, OH - Mc Guffy's *
04 - Ft. Wayne, IN - War Memorial Coliseum
05 - Battle Creek, MI - Kellog Arena
06 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop *
07 - Moline, IL - iWireless Coliseum
08 - Rockford, IL - Metro Center
09 - Madison, WI - Willow Island
11 - Topeka, KS - Landon Arena
12 - Mankato, MN - Alltel Center
13 - Sioux Falls, SD - Ramkota *
15 - Little Rock, AR - NS River Water Park
16 - Wichita, KS - KS Coliseum Lot
18 - Boise, ID - Napa Idaho Amphitheatre
19 - Missoula, MT - Ryan Creek Meadows
25 - Eugene, OR - Cubhert Amphitheatre
26 - Reno, NV - Events Center
28 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic Center
29 - Bakersfield, CA - Rabobank Arena
31 - Anaheim, CA - HOB *

September
01 - San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
02 - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Amphitheatre
04 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street Pavilion
05 - San Antonio, TX - Sunken Gardens
06 - Lubbock, TX - Lonestar Amphitheatre
09 - Oklahoma City, Ok - Zoo Amphitheatre

* - Static X Headline Shows

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Fattooth "Natural Disaster" Tour Takes A Bite! East Coast Canadian
Dates Postponed

Kicking off their Natural Disaster tour last week at the NXNE music
fest in Toronto, Fattooth were in preparation for a kung pow fury to
storm the Canadian East Coast, but due to scheduling conflicts that
stretch of the tour has been postponed.

"We're really bummed out to put the eastern leg of the tour on hold,
especially since the East Coast fans have been so good to Fattooth,"
comments Fattooth bassist Buddha.

The tour will continue with the next tour date to begin in Oshawa,
Ontario on July 2nd and will see the band continue across North
America until the end of August. East Coast Canadian tour dates will
be announced upon confirmation.

Fattooth's Upcoming "Natural Disaster" Tour Dates:

June 20, 2009 - NXNE Festival @ The Hideout Toronto, Ontario
June 24, 2009 - The A-Chord (postponed) Saint. John, New Brunswick
June 26, 2009 - TBA (postponed) TBA
June 27, 2009 - TBA (postponed) TBA
June 28, 2009 - Coconut Grove (postponed) Halifax, Nova Scotia
July 2, 2009 - The Atria Bar and Grill Oshawa, Ontario
July 4, 2009 - Katacombes Montreal, Quebec
July 8, 2009 - BOGIES Albany, New York
July 9, 2009 - The Trash W/ KUNG FURY New York, New York
July 10, 2009 - TBA Philladelphia, Pennsylvania
July 11, 2009 - MOJO13 W/ Moonshine Mile Wimington, Delaware
July 15, 2009 - The MetalShaker Chicago, Illinois
July 16, 2009 - Madison Frequency Madison, Wisconsin
July 17, 2009 - NorShor W/ Lucyd, Blue Felix Duluth, Minnesota
July 18, 2009 - BLACK PIRATES PUB Thunder Bay, Ontario
July 21, 2009 - TBA St. Cloud, Minnesota
July 23, 2009 - Nestor's Pub Fargo, North Dakota
July 24, 2009 - The Viking Gimli, Manitoba
July 25, 2009 - The ZOOW/Dreadnaut, Winnipeg, Manitoba
July 28, 2009 - North Hill Brandon, Manitoba
July 29, 2009 - w/ Dreadnaut Regina, Saskatchewan
July 30, 2009 - The Roxy Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
July 31, 2009 - TBA Edmonton, Alberta
August 1, 2009 - The Stetson Calgary, Alberta
August 6, 2009 - The Dirty Jersey Kamloops, British Columbia
August 13, 2009 - The Cambie w/ Mendozza Nanaimo, British Columbia
August 14, 2009 - Logan's Pub W/ Mendozza Victoria, British Columbia
August 15, 2009 - Pub 340 Vancouver, British Columbia
August 20, 2009 - The Funhouse Seattle, Washington
August 22, 2009 - The Samurai Duck w/Omega Crom Eugene, Oregon

Check Out Fattooth's recent NXNE music fest photos -

"With their randy sense of humour and witty one-liners, Fattooth boast
an amusing slice of tongue-in-cheek punk rock 'n' roll heavily
influenced by the likes of hardcore, metal and even elements of c*ck
rock." - Exclaim!

"These nine tracks become almost a deli platter of variety where one
can pick and choose whatever entices them at that moment." - Exclaim!

"The energy and talent coming outta this band is phenomenal... I love
the sound" - Snap! Magazine

"You'll be hooked" 4/5 - Shockwave Magazine

"Fattooth brings on a mix of Punk, C*ck Rock and Metal roots that make
the sluts rip their shirts off..." - Komodo Rock

Check out Fattooth via their MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/Fattooth

Fattooth Promo Clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=jsogvWcEgcc

Fattooth Studio Outtakes - http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mNLvx9RaMnA

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Fattooth

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-Lightning Swords Of Death To Take Part In Video Game Soundtrack

California black metallers Lightning Swords Of Death were recently
invited to take part in the soundtrack to "Undead Knights," a new
PlayStation game from leading video game/publisher TECMO. The game was
unveiled earlier this month at the illustrious E3 Expo -- the
Electronic Entertainment Expo -- an annual trade show for the computer
and video games industry.

In "Undead Knights," the player is the anti-hero, battling the wrath
of fearless enemies to build the nastiest, most irreverent army
possible. Your inherently foul-mouthed army and raging metal
soundtrack helps you channel your inner anger. If you can deal with
the gut-wrenching, smack-talking, fluid-spitting, and limb amputating
ways of your battalion, you can embark on your journey of vengeance to
defeat the king!

TECMO sought a supremely evil soundtrack to coincide with the game's
morbid concept and thus, Lightning Swords Of Death, along with fellow
black metal brigade Valdur, was called upon to do the unholy deed.
"'Undead Knights' follows a being from hell as he destroys his enemies
and turns them into undead soldier-slaves for his army," reiterated
LSOD vocalist Autarch excitedly. "Once the premise of the game was
presented to us, it was clear that this rare opportunity provided yet
another form of media that could be used to spread our message,
without sacrificing the principles and ideology of the band. We also
take delight in the idea of children all over the world receiving the
glory of our hymns while enslaving the dead." "Undead Knights" will be
released this Fall. At press time, the game had not yet been rated by
the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

In related news, Lightning Swords Of Death will embark on string of
live dates this summer, including a spot on this year's Kansas City
Power Metal Fest where LSOD will be the only black metal band on the
bill. "Since our inception, we have always felt it necessary to
perform this ritual beyond the comfort of Satan-centric gatherings,"
said Autarch from the confines of his dimly lit abode. "We take great
pleasure in spitting bile, cursing upon the uninitiated. It's a
feeling that could only be described as jubilation."

LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH Tour Dates
6/28/2009 The Knitting Factory - Los Angeles, California
8/09/2009 Java Lounge - Sacramento, CA
8/11/2009 Club Expose - Salt Lake City, UT
8/14/2009 Kansas City Power Metal Festival with Manilla Road @ The
Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
8/17/2009 The Lit Lounge/Precious Metal Night - New York, New York
8/21/2009 Viaduct Theatre - Chicago, IL

http://www.myspace.com/lightningswordsofdeath

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-Marduk U.S. Tour Dates Announced!

Following a last minute visa issue that forced the band to sit out
Blackenedfest, Swedish black metallers Marduk, their visas securely in
hand, have scheduled the following U.S. tour dates with support from
Withered and Black Anvil. Said guitarist Morgan Håkansson, "We are
excited to finally be over in the states and do these shows after all
the problems with the visas. The three shows in August are just the
start. We are preparing for a full tour in the winter that will cover
all the areas we missed on Blackenedfest. Please join us as we raise
the Banner Of The Wolf!"

MARDUK Confirmed Dates:
8/12/2009 Sonar - Baltimore, MD
Tickets on sale:
http://sonar.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=9462

8/13/2009 Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
Tickets on sale via:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=1954144

8/15/2009 Gramercy Threatre - New York, NY also w/ Tombs
Tickets on sale via:
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/409910

Marduk entered Endarker Studios in Norrkoping, Sweden last month to
begin recording their eleventh album, due before the end of the year
via Regain Records.

http://www.marduk.nu/
http://www.myspace.com/truemarduk
http://www.regainrecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Sunn O))) West Coast Tour Aktions Announced

Sunn O))) is pleased to unveil more U.S. tour dates in support of
their latest opus MONOLITHS & DIMENSIONS.

Following their previously announced Midwestern U.S. tour beginning
next week, the band will devastate the West Coast this August. The
tour kicks off in Seattle where Sunn O))) will headline two Southern
Lord label showcase events. The first night will be as a duo
performing the the SHOSHIN/GRIMMROBE DEMOS in its entirety! They will
be joined by label mates The Accused (this show serving as a record
release show for the Accused album THE CURSE OF MARTHA SPLATTERHEAD!).
An encore Seattle performance follows the next night, this time
alongside Southern Lord brethren Earth, Pelican and Eagle Twin. Sunn
O))) then surges south along the coast through California and into
Utah and Colorado alongside label mates Eagle Twin and The Accused.

Sunn O))): MONOLITHS & DIMENSIONS West Coast 2009
8/05/2009 Neumo's - Seattle, WA w/ The Accused (record release show!),
Trap Them, Black Breath
8/06/2009 Neumo's - Seattle, WA w/ Earth, Pelican, Eagle Twin
8/08/2009 Independent - San Francisco, CA w/ The Accused, Eagle Twin
8/09/2009 Historic Brookdale Lodge - Brookdale, CA w/ The Accused,
Eagle Twin
8/11/2009 Center for Arts, Eagle Rock - Los Angeles, CA w/ The
Accused, Eagle Twin
8/13/2009 Bluebird Theatre - Denver, CO w/ The Accused, Eagle Twin
8/14/2009 Avalon Theatre - Salt Lake City, UT w/ The Accused, Eagle
Twin

MAXIMUM VOLUME YIELDS MAXIMUM RESULTS.

http://www.ideologic.org/
http://www.southernlord.com/
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Master Tour Update

In less than two weeks, death metal icons Master -- who recently
signed with Singapore's Pulverised Records -- will kick off their
long-awaited Slaves To Society U.S. tour with support from Ibex Moon
recording artists Dreaming Dead and Goreaphobia. The tour kicks off
July 2nd at a FREE Tones Of Death-sponsored [
http://www.tonesofdeath.com/ ] show at Fontana's in New York City and
will run through 19 cities before winding down on July 31st at the
Central Illinois Metalfest in Urbana, IL. Said Master main man Paul
Speckmann of the tour, "I am once again looking forward to returning
to my home turf and crushing along with Goreaphobia and Dreaming Dead
for three incredible weeks of underground metal!"

MASTER Tour Dates
7/02/2009 FREE Tones Of Death Show @ Fontana's - New York, NY (w/o
Dreaming Dead)* Just added
7/05/2009 Hostile City Death Fest - Philadelphia, PA [
http://myspace.com/hostilecitydeathfest ]
7/09/2009 Broadway Joe's - Buffalo, NY (Master only)
7/10/2009 Big V - St Paul, MN
7/11/2009 Nite Caps - Chicago, IL
7/12/2009 Mac's Bar - Lansing, MI
7/14/2009 The Muse - Nashville, TM
7/15/2009 Room 710 - Austin, TX
7/16/2009 Schotzi's - College Station, TX
7/17/2009 Walter's - Houston, TX
7/18/2009 The Pit at Josabi's - San Antonio, TX
7/20/2009 The Compound - Albuquerque, NM
7/21/2009 UB's Bar, Mesa, AZ
7/22/2009 The Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA
7/23/2009 The Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA
7/24/2009 Annie's Social Club - San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009 The Cheyenne Saloon - Las Vegas, NV
7/27/2009 Union Station - Colorado Springs, CO
7/28/2009 Knickerbockers - Lincoln, NE
7/29/2009 The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
7/31/2009 The Canopy Club/CIM 2009 - Urbana, IL [
http://www.myspace.com/centralillinoismetalfest ]

http://www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann
http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Dynazty -- featuring singer Nils Molin, guitarists Rob Love (Zan
Clan) and John Berg, bassist Joey Fox, and drummer George Egg -- has
BRING THE THUNDER out now on Perris Records. Hype says the band is
"for fans of Whitesnake, Skid Row and Shotgun Messiah." The album was
recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, with producer Chris Laney (Zan Clan,
Animal). See http://www.myspace.com/dynaztyband for more.

-Former "American Idol" contestant Carly Smithson has teamed up with
former Evanescence members Ben Moody, Rocky Gray, and John Lecompt,
plus Marty O'Brian, in a new group called The Fallen.

-Check out a cool discussion on Jimi Jamison, with a focus on the song
"As Is" from his new album CROSSROADS MOMENT, at
http://popdose.com/death-by-power-ballad-jimi-jamison-as-is/ .

-Kiss' Gene Simmons has reportedly confirmed Walmart stores will soon
have "entire sections" devoted to the band.

-Lillian Axe's SAD DAY ON PLANET EARTH is out now on Blistering
Records. Track list: "Cocoon," "Megaslowfade," "Jesus Wept," "Ignite,"
"The Grand Scale Of Finality," "Sad Day On Planet Earth," "Hibernate,"
"Within Your Reach," "Down Below The Ocean," "Blood Raining Down On
Her Wings," "Cold Day In Hell," "Nocturnal Symphony," "Divine," "Kill
Me Again," "Fire, Blood, The Earth And Sea." Hype says the album
"packs more dynamics and diversity than many bands do in their entire
career." Check out http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27969 for song clips. See
http://www.lillianaxe.com/ live video of "Jesus Wept," and see
http://www.myspace.com/lillianaxe for more.

-Manimal's DARKEST ROOM is out now on AFM Records, and is described as
"melodic metal with a few progressive influences as a mix of Crimson
Glory, Conception and Chroming Rose." Track list: "Shadows," "The
Darkest Room," "Living Dead," "I Am," "Ordinary Man," "Human Nature,"
"Spinegrinder," "Dreamers And Fools," "The Life We Lived." The band
consists of vocalist Samuel Nyman, guitarist Henrik Stenroos, bassist
Pether Mentzer, and drummer Richard Mentzer. Check out
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27918 for song clips, and see
http://www.manimal.se/ for more.

-Duff McKagan's Loaded is interviewed in the latest issue of Fight
Magazine. Check out the online version of the interview now at
http://blog.fightmagazine.com/junes-deleted-scene-duff-mckagan-873/ .

-Metallica.com is now selling "To Live Is To Die: The Life And Death
Of Metallica's Cliff Burton," the biography by Joel McIver. The book
features a foreword by guitarist Kirk Hammett, and interviews with
Burton's bass teacher Steve Doherty, Exodus' Gary Holt, Metal Blade's
Brian Slagel, Burton's guitar tech Chuck Martin, former Metallica fan
club manager K.J. Doughton, producer Flemming Rasmussen, Metal
Church's John Marshall, Burton's former girlfriend Corinne Lynn, and
others. In related news, the third edition of McIver's earlier book,
"Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica," is due soon from Omnibus
Press.

-Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot) has teamed up with guitarist
and producer Michael Voss (MSG, Casanova, Silver) for a new album
called CHASING MY DAY. Track list: "Remember You," "To The Cross,"
"Prelude Missing," "Missing," "Nocturnal," "Side FX," "Alone They
Ride," "Chasing Your Dream," "Great Dreamer," "Take My Heart And Run,"
"Promises," "Plan Of Attack" (bonus track). Joining Shortino and Voss
are bassists Roland Bergmann (Mad Max) and Michael Mueller (Jaded
Heart), lead guitarist Johnny Douglas (K2), and guitarist Ralf Heyne
(Doc Heyne, Biss). See http://www.paulshortino.com/ and
http://www.metalheaven.net/ for more, and check out MP3 samples at
http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news09/0501sho.shtml .

-There's a new Devin Townsend interview at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7KL2 .

-Voivod's INFINI, the band's last studio album, is out now on Relapse.

Thanks to Bill "DB" Kotowski, Chad Bowar, Music Buy Mail, and
HeadbangerNYC.com for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

-I thought I was way, way beyond done with tribute albums but then of
course I found HELL BENT FOREVER - A TRIBUTE TO JUDAS PRIEST from
Deadline/Cleopatra. It snuck out last year and I'm surprised I didn't
hear about it. The track list: Motorhead - "Breaking The Law," Fozzy -
"Metal Gods," Jani Lane - "Electric Eye," Vince Neil - "Desert
Plains," Great White - "Diamonds And Rust," Angel City Outlaws -
"Heading Out To The Highway," Broken Teeth - "Devil's Child," Warrant
(w/ Jaime St. James) - "Hell Bent For Leather," FireHouse - "You've
Got Another Thing Comin'," L.A. Guns (Phil Lewis version) - "Living
After Midnight," Sin City All-Stars (w/ Lou Merlino and Brent Muscat)
- "Turbo Lover," Tim "Ripper" Owens - "Exciter," Sepultura -
"Screaming For Vengeance," Icarus Witch - "The Ripper." And dang it if
this thing isn't really good! Frankly, what drew me in were the tracks
by Great White, FireHouse, Broken Teeth, and L.A. Guns. And, to be
totally honest, I had a morbid curiosity concerning Vince Neil.
They're all pretty good; "Diamonds And Rust" is the coolest thing
Great White has done in a while, Bill Leverty's guitar work stands out
in "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," and Broken Teeth sound suitably
angry. Elsewhere, Motorhead bashes ahead in typical fashion, Owens has
a blast twisting his track around, and Angel City Outlaws turn in a
fine performance. The lowlight is definitely the Sepultura song -- the
vocals are horrible but I must say, the guitar work almost saves the
day. And I don't quite get the inside artwork that depicts a pile of
skulls and bones, but...eh...you don't listen to these things for the
artwork!

-Further to Stephanie's Sweet live album below, I was looking at the
track list recently and I marveled at how many of the band's hits have
been covered by other artists. Just off the top of my head, I came up
with "Action" by Steve Stevens and Def Leppard, "Love Is Like Oxygen"
by Audiovision, "Set Me Free" by Heathen and Vince Neil, and "Ballroom
Blitz by Krokus. And I have to assume the bands Sweet F.A. and Wig Wam
took their names from Sweet songs. I'm sure there are at least 20 more
examples I'm overlooking... That's influence.

-When you read the cool Jimi Jamison article mentioned above, be sure
to take the time to click the link for "Frankie Sullivan" in the first
paragraph. Somebody's got some strong feelings there.

-I've kinda been on a Ted Nugent kick lately, trying to get a review
of his new live set MOTOR CITY MAYHEM done. Man, I'm lame. I had NO
IDEA Meat Loaf sang a few of Ted's old songs.

-It's been REALLY hot in the Chicago area this week. I left the
Chickenfoot CD in my car for a few days. I hope that nifty cover art
with the heat-sensitive ink isn't trashed...

-Going to see Kiss this weekend in Milwaukee. Woo-hoo!

-In my current playlist: Iron Maiden - FLIGHT 666: THE FILM (DVD)
(UMe), Ted Nugent - MOTOR CITY MAYHEM (DVD) (Eagle Vision), Magnum -
INTO THE VALLEY OF THE MOONKING (SPV/Steamhammer), Crescent Shield -
THE STARS OF NEVER SEEN (Cruz Del Sur Music).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
ARTAS - THE HEALING (A-) Napalm Records, 2008
13 tracks, RT 50:53
[ http://www.myspace.com/artasmetal ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Hailing from Austria, Artas is out with their debut album, THE
HEALING. They are described simply as "modern metal." Modern they may
be, but this is too basic of a description for this powerfully intense
band. They've got elements of death metal, some thrash, some groove
and even a little bit of hip hop and rap. Not only that, but lyrics
are sung in three languages, English, German and Spanish. Artas got
their rise to fame by winning the Metalchamp 2007 competition, and
subsequently signed with Napalm Records. After listening to THE
HEALING, it is easy to see why Artas won that competition. The album
opens with a brutal, yet catchy song, "Barbossa." This song sees
vocalist Obi using ranges from vicious death metal, to a slightly
softer, more decipherable range. The cover song "Gangsta's Paradise"
stood out to me as truly unique, not only for this album, but in the
world of metal as a whole. It's not often that you hear the lyrics
delivered in a rap-like style, but sung in a death metal tone. It's
kind of humorous, but they really pull it off well. The song has
strong metal overtones. It was my favorite song on the album! The cool
thing about this album is that you don't know what to expect next. On
the song "Through The Dark Gates," we see a slower pace, only to be
launched into metal mode at rocketing speeds. And then the song slows
down again, only to ricochet back into a rapid death metal pace. There
wasn't a lot of guitar soloing on this album, but I can say that this
band is very talented and they know what they're doing. I think that
Artas can appeal to all kinds of metalheads, because their style is so
eclectic. Instrumentally, their music is expertly executed. This album
does not disappoint. Very impressive!
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

EARSHOT - THE SILVER LINING (C) InDeGoot Recordings/Fontana, 2008
11 tracks, RT: 42:07
[ http://www.earshotmusic.biz/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/earshot ]
[ http://www.indegoot.com/ ]
[ http://www.indegootrecordings.com/ ]
Earshot's MySpace page is not easy to find; it will be the last entry
in a search, but it's the only one with the trademark (®) symbol. The
page only lists three members: Wil Martin on vocals, Daren Pfeifer on
drums, and Edward Rodriguez playing bass. However, there are more
musicians involved in the sound of this band than their homepage would
make you think (check out the photo shoots of the band and read their
liner notes). Earshot has been around a while; their first CD from
2002, LETTING GO, gave us the hit single "Get Away." "Wait" came from
their second CD in 2004 called TWO. From this 2008 CD, there are
already two singles worth listening to, "Closer" and "Don't Hate Me."
Other than that, don't expect much from THE SILVER LINING. It's
evident from their singles that the band has potential, but they are
spreading the good stuff too thinly over too many releases. The
disappointment of THE SILVER LINING is that you can hardly tell when
one song ends and the next begins, with 7 of the 11 tracks rating at 5
or less on a scale of 1-10. Track #5 ("Sometimes") and track #8
("Beside Myself") are so similar that one of them should have been
left off the disk. It is definitely possible to go overboard with
vocal technical effects and THE SILVER LINING is a perfect example. On
the upside, the whole mood of "Wasted" fits the words perfectly and
the drums are outstanding on "Where The Pain Begins." Earshot fans
will probably want this CD in their collection, but while "Closer" and
"Don't Hate Me" are both definite winners, they are not worth
purchasing the entire release -- go get them from iTunes. "Get Away"
and "Wait" are at iTunes also, so give them a listen while you are
there if you have not heard them already. Earshot deserves the chance
to come out with another CD, because with a little more variety, I
think they stand a chance of breaking further out of the smaller tour
circuit they are stuck in now.
- Jan W. (jw4jzon@hotmail.com)

REBELS WITHOUT APPLAUSE - LOW END HEAD STOMP (B+) EMA/Polydisc, 2009
10 tracks, RT: 38:43
[ http://www.myspace.com/rwachicago ]
Take a healthy dose of King's X, mix in some Armored Saint and a bit
of aggressive hip hop and you might come close to the sound of Rebels
Without Applause. You may remember guitarist/vocalist Greg Fulton and
drummer Tony Heath from their killer '80s thrash outfit Znowhite, but
on LOW END HEAD STOMP Greg and Tony have traded breakneck speed for
chunkier and funkier territory, conjuring crushing rhythms, crying
solos and soulful singing to ignite such tasty fare as kinetic opener
"My Success," groovin' rocker "Rain Or Shine," the smoldering
"Someday" and explosive "Sublime." Joined by guitarist Mark Alano and
bassist Kirk Behrendt, the band seem to be pretty much firing on all
cylinders here. I found "I Don't Wanna Know" a bit strange with its
reference to Fleetwood Mac's "Players" and you have some salty
language mixed in several of the jams including an off-the-wall but
hilarious closer called "Shout Outs," but this ultimately just adds to
the raucous fun. I really think this is the type of thing you almost
certainly have to hear live to fully appreciate, but LOW END HEAD
STOMP is a very good recorded representation of what these veterans
are all about. Make sure to check it out and look for them in a town
near you soon.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

SWEET - LIVE! IN AMERICA (B+) indie, 2009
16 tracks, RT: 1:16:08
[ http://www.thesweetband.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/thesweetband ]
Sweet began their music career way back in the 1970s and emerged as
one of Britain's breakout glam rock bands. Their style was
characterized by an Archie's-like bubblegum style. They started to
rise in fame with 13 Top 20 hits in the 1970s. Sweet started out
writing songs that fell under the pop genre, with hits like, "Little
Willy," and "Wig Wam Bam." Later on, Sweet stated writing hard rock
songs, much to their fan's approval. From that point forward, they
continued to write more rock oriented songs. LIVE! IN AMERICA is
Sweet's latest album showcasing songs spanning from their long career.
Immediately when I first started listening to this album, I could tell
this was a band of the past. It's very much classic rock, fused with
some pop elements. Vocalist Joe Retta has a very clean, easy to
understand voice. Songs like "Fox On The Run" have a style that brings
you back in time, to halcyon days when life was carefree. It's got a
light and catchy chorus that can appeal to anyone. I noticed a great
deal of rhyming on some songs, which is clever from a lyrical
standpoint, but it can be excessive at some points. But then again,
you must remember that many of these songs were penned years ago when
that kind of style was the norm. "Hell Raiser" is a song that is a
little bit tougher in theme, but still retains that pop-like innocence
that all of the songs seem to exude. "Love Is Like Oxygen" stood out
to me. The lyrics and the theme call to a melancholy mood, but the
instruments are upbeat; so it kind of collides and makes for a
conflicting song. The song also has a nice piano interlude, which was
a welcome break. The song "The Six Teens" is another nostalgic song,
this time reminiscing about teenage years. It seems like some of
Sweet's songs are reflective like this. "Sweet F.A." was a bit darker,
but had Sweet's intrinsic catchy beat to it. This song reminded me of
a '70s Queen style. Some of the songs had lengthy instrumental pieces,
which were all very good and I really appreciated that. Some songs I
would say are for Sweet fans only, like "Little Willy." You can tell
it's an older song, and the lyrics are very goofy to complement the
overly pop theme of the song. I can't stress the word "goofy" enough.
This album will most likely appeal to those who have always been a fan
of Sweet as well as people who just want to have fun. Since the songs
are a few generations old, they also probably would appeal to people
who lived through that time period. Instrumentally, they are talented,
and I must say they sounded phenomenal for this being a live album.
Some may want to call them hard rock, but I'd say they're really just
rock or AOR by today's standards; hard rock mixed with pop. But this
dichotomy works for them. Overall, they did a nice job on this
recording and it makes me want to see these guys live.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

*
*** OUT ***
*

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Not much is happening around here, other than sitting around enjoying
the heat and humidity. Yum. - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Twisted Sister Storms New York For Two In-Store Appearances And
Signings

Constantine Maroulis To Present Band With Gold Plaques

Twisted Sister will make back-to-back in-store appearances in New York
City and Long Island on Tuesday, June 30. Dee Snider, Jay Jay French,
Eddie Ojeda, Mark Mendoza, and A.J. Pero will all be on hand to
celebrate the release of the 25th Anniversary Edition of STAY HUNGRY,
out June 30 on Rhino. Constantine Maroulis from the five-time Tony®
nominated musical "Rock Of Ages" will be on hand at J&R Music World to
present the band with RIAA certified Gold plaques for the single
"We're Not Gonna Take It." The J&R Music World event takes place
Tuesday, June 30 at 12:30 p.m. Please call J&R Music World at (212)
238-9000 or visit http://www.jr.com/information/liveEvents.jsp for
more information. The Looney Tunes Event takes place at 7:30 p.m.
Please call Looney Tunes at (631) 587-7722 or visit
http://www.looneytunescds.com/ for more information.

WHO: TWISTED SISTER & CONSTANTINE MAROULIS
WHAT: Signing the 25th Anniversary Edition of STAY HUNGRY
WHEN: TUESDAY, JUNE 30

12:30 p.m. ­ J & R MUSIC WORLD ­ LOWER MANHATTAN
23 Park Row
New York, NY 10038

7:30 p.m. ­ LOONEY TUNES ­ LONG ISLAND
31 Brookvale Ave
West Babylon, NY 11704

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Magic Circle Music Update

Magic Circle Festival 2009 Tickets And Outlets

The Magic Circle Festival is being staged at the Loreley
"Freilichtbühne" (Open-Air Theatre) in just a few weeks now, so it's
high time you thought about getting your tickets (EUR 75.00 plus
booking fee). The simplest way to order them is from the online shop.
The tickets will then be sent straight to you within 2-3 days. Tickets
are also available from all the regular ticket outlets and at the box
office as well on the day for €85.00 for those deciding to go at the
last moment.

You can order your tickets online here:
http://www.magic-circle-festival.de/

Death To Infidels Ultimate Tour Pass!

Manowar has embarked on the Death To Infidels Tour 2009! Last stop was
France where Hellfest attendees wanted to get backstage for personal
time with the band...! Thus the Ultimate Tour Pass was born! Similar
to the Ultimate Fan Package for the Magic Circle Festival, the
Ultimate Tour Pass entitles a few ultimate fans to a personal
backstage tour, a meet-n-greet with Manowar, photos with the band,
personal autographs and a bag of exclusive merchandise for the
purchaser of each UTP.

Tour passes are available for 150 Euros for the following shows on the
Death to Infidels Tour: Metalway Festival on June 27th in Zaragoza,
Spain, B'estfest Aftershock on July 5th in Bucharest, Romania and
Norway Rock Festival on July 10th in Kivndesal, Norway. Fans can
purchase the passes online at The Kingdom of Steel Store:
http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/

For details on the tour, the new E.P. THUNDER IN THE SKY, the Asgard
Saga and all things Manowar, keep posted to OFFICIAL sites
http://www.manowar.com/ , http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ ,
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ , http://www.asgard-saga.com/ .

Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Testament Update

Full Metal Jackie of Altitude TV conducted an interview with vocalist
Chuck Billy of San Francisco Bay Area metal veterans Testament on June
11, 2009 backstage at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood,
California.

Watch the chat w/ Full Metal Jackie in two parts by clicking below:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRoxVtv_GqU

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxJJO2ixPG8

HardTimes.ca recently interviewed Testament on May 21, 2009 at
Metropolis in Montreal, QC - Canada. Watch the chat w/ HardTimes.ca by
clicking below:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=57877930
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=57816571

Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick will make an appearance at the
National Guitar Workshop between June 27 and July 2 in McLean,
Virginia.

The National Guitar Workshop is dedicated to bringing the best in
music education to guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, drummers and
vocalists regardless of style of music or level of ability. The NGW
acclaimed faculty and world-renowned guest artists, combined with
highly developed courses and supportive learning environment, foster
meaningful experiences through performance instruction, jamming and
master classes.

For more information, click here:

http://www.guitarworkshop.com/guest.php?guest=Alex+Skolnick&guestID=45

Away-Team.com senior staff writer Jim Keller recently conducted an
interview with guitarist Alex Skolnick. Read the interview by clicking
here:

http://www.away-team.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1245722013&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&

http://www.testamentlegions.com/
http://www.myspace.com/testamentlegions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Testament/23598655331

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Sonata Arctica Returns To North America With...

Finland's Sonata Arctica will return to tour North America this Fall
(September / October '09) as direct support to British epic power
metallers DragonForce. Opening each night of the tour will come from
Las Vegas' Taking Dawn.

Confirmed dates so far:
09/17/09 The Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA (SONATA ONLY)
09/18/09 House of Blues - Hollywood, CA
09/19/09 Regency Center @ The Grand - San Francisco, CA
09/20/09 Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
09/21/09 Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC - CANADA
09/23/09 Edmonton Events Centre - Edmonton, AB - CANADA
09/24/09 MacEwan Hall Ballroom - Calgary, AB - CANADA
09/25/09 Odeon Events Centre - Saskatoon, SK - CANADA
09/26/09 Burton Cummings - Winnipeg, MB - CANADA
09/28/09 Beaumont Club - Kansas City, MO
09/29/09 The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
09/30/09 House of Blues - Chicago, IL
10/02/09 Sound Academy - Toronto, ON - CANADA
10/03/09 Le Medley - Montreal, QC - CANADA
10/04/09 Theatre Imperial - Quebec City, QC - CANADA
10/06/09 The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza - New York City, NY
10/07/09 Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD
10/09/09 The Palladium - Worcester, MA
10/10/09 The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
10/11/09 Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
10/12/09 Webster Theater - Hartford, CT (SONATA ONLY)
10/13/09 Rex Theater - Pittsburgh, PA (SONATA ONLY)
10/15/09 Music Hall - London, ON - CANADA (SONATA ONLY)
10/16/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH (SONATA ONLY)
10/17/09 Uncle Pleasants - Louisville, KY (SONATA ONLY)
10/18/09 Rave - Milwaukee, WI (SONATA ONLY)

Tickets to Sonata Arctica headlining dates went exclusively on pre-
sale on June 19th via EnterTheVault.com. On July 10th, tickets will be
available thru all ticketing outlets.

In early May 2009, Sonata Arctica issued the following update:

"Many... OK, let's not kid ourselves here, but at least some of you
wonder how the [new Sonata Arctica] album is progressing. So far the
drums, bass and rhythm guitars are done. Some weeks ago we had a
meeting with the boys and among other things we decided which songs
are going to be on the album and in what order. Hell yeah!! So we're
right on schedule and... still have a couple of weeks until the mixing
starts. Those dear days will be spent on working out the keyboard
tracks, Tony's [Kakko] got a bunch of vocals left to do, we're still
waiting on some guest 'tracks, etc. All in all we're once again
excited as hell about the new stuff and if everything goes well you'll
have a new Sonata album in your hands next fall."

Klingenberg previously described the new Sonata Arctica material as "a
bit darker and maybe not so complex as [2007's] UNIA. Nevertheless,
it's definitely not a back-to-the-roots album with fast power metal.
All the trademark Sonata stuff is on there, solos, lots of singing
some slower songs."

Members of Sonata Arctica recently joined forces with Dark
Tranquillity members to form Rockstars Of Poker, a poker team which
aims to give fans a chance to meet their heroes while playing poker
online.

Rockstars Of Poker works together with Betfriends.com and gives
everyone a chance to challenge the team totally free. In addition to
the prizepool sponsored by Betfriends.com, whoever kicks any of the
team members out of each tournament gets special band-related prizes.

Rockstars Of Poker co-founder Henrik Klingenberg (of Sonata Arctica)
explains: "Me and Marko (Paasikoski, Sonata Arctica) and Martin
(Brandstrom) as well as Martin (Henriksson, both of Dark Tranquillity)
met over a couple of beers at a festival in Italy last summer and
found out that we're all really into poker. Later we stayed in touch
and at some point a poker playing friend of ours asked us why we don't
have our own tournaments."

As both bands have gotten several requests for chat meetings and
different online interaction with their fans, they decided to join
forces and combine a dear hobby with a little bit of "work."

"Instead of just chatting online which is not really our thing (mind
you, we're a bunch of rock dudes in our 30, who like beer), we thought
that we might as well play some poker while we meet up with whoever
has something they want to know... or say," says Klingenberg.

"The best thing is that it's totally free for everyone so you really
don't have to be good at poker, but you still have a chance to win
some money and prizes as well as ask us anything, so everybody wins."

Log on to http://www.rockstarsofpoker.info to find out how to
register.

http://www.sonataarctica.info/
http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonata-Arctica/21128872968

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-Asia Featuring John Payne Kicks Off Summer Tour At American Music
Festival July 5th

Classic AOR Band Hits Festivals/Venues Around The Nation

Los Angeles, CA -- Classic AOR band Asia Featuring John Payne is
scheduled to appear at festivals and venues around the U.S.A. this
summer beginning July 5th at the American Music Festival in Riverfront
Park, Harrisburg, PA. Asia Featuring John Payne will perform many of
Asia's hit songs plus new material from their upcoming release
MILITARY MAN.

Asia Featuring John Payne's tour dates are as follows with additional
dates TBA:

July 5, 2009 - American Music Festival, Riverfront Park in downtown
Harrisburg, PA 6:30 p.m. http://www.harrisburgevents.com/
July 11, 2009 - Riverfest, East Hartford, CT
http://www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Info1
July 12, 2009 - Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry, NH 03053
7 p.m. http://www.tupelomusichall.com/
July 14, 2009 - Mohegan Sun Casino, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
8 p.m. http://www.mohegansun.com/
July 16, 2009 - The Boogie Festival, Springville, IN 11 p.m.
http://www.abateofindiana.org/events/boogie.html
July 18, 2009 - Rock N Resort Music Festival, Clays Park Resort, North
Lawrence, OH 44666 7:30 p.m. http://www.rocknresort.com/
August 7, 2009 - Crestwood Fest, Caesar Park, Crestwood, IL 9:45 p.m.
August 9, 2009 - Valley Cultural Arts, Warner Park Ctr., 5800 Topanga
Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 6 p.m.
http://www.valleycultural.org/concerts_park.php
August 12, 2009 - Trocaderos Event Center, 107 Third Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 8 p.m. http://www.trocaderos.com/
August 13, 2009 - Waterfest, Riverside Park, Oshkosh, WI (with Night
Ranger) 8 p.m. http://www.waterfest.org/
August 15, 2009 - Wisconsin State Fair, Cousins Subs Amphitheater,
West Allis, WI 8 p.m. http://www.wistatefair.com/
September 12, 2009 - Sky City Casino, Interstate 40 Exit 102, Acoma,
NM 87034 8 p.m. http://www.skycity.com/

John Payne became the front man of the supergroup Asia in 1992 at the
invitation of keyboardist Geoff Downes, replacing vocalist/bassist
John Wetton. Asia extensively toured the world for the next 14 years
performing new classics and old favorites. With John Payne fronting
the band, Asia released eight stunning studio albums and several live
recordings. In 2006, Geoff Downes left the band to reform the 1982
lineup for their 25th anniversary. On the 9th of May 2006, John Payne,
Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe contractually
agreed that John Payne would continue his 14 year legacy with Asia as
"Asia Featuring John Payne." Asia Featuring John Payne have commenced
touring in North America and a new studio album is planned for release
in late 2009.

Asia Featuring John Payne Member Bios

Guitarist Mitch Perry joins Asia Featuring John Payne for the 2009
summer tour. Gold records, sold-out concert tours, MTV video and
network TV appearances, numerous magazine features and recognition in
the form of several guitar awards, over the last 25 years Mitch Perry
has accomplished all of the above in a career working alongside some
of the most renowned and popular musicians in the world. Mitch's
discography and touring experience reads like a who's who of rock
ranging from Aerosmith to Michael Schenker Group to Cher and Edgar
Winter. His performances both live and in the studio show him to be a
truly world class guitarist. http://www.myspace.com/mitchperry

Drummer Jay Schellen joined as Asia's premiere drummer in 2005, toured
in Europe with the band and recording the album Asia Featuring John
Payne EXTENDED VERSIONS for Sony in 2006 when he remained with Asia
Featuring John Payne. Before joining Asia, Jay played drums for
Hurricane, Unruly Child, Badfinger and Conspiracy with Chris Squire
from Yes. http://www.jayschellen.com/

Keyboardist Erik Norlander joined Asia Featuring John Payne in
November of 2007. Erik's evocative synthesizer technique is
reminiscent of the legendary Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson and Jon Lord
while still very unique made him an obvious choice for the band. His
works include over 25 releases with Lana Lane, Rocket Scientists and
solo titles. http://www.eriknorlander.com/

Vocalist/bassist John Payne fronted Asia for 14 years replacing John
Wetton in 1992. Eight studio albums and six live albums followed
including extensive world touring with the band. In 2006, John formed
"Asia Featuring John Payne" and is performing shows with his current
lineup. Previous to Asia, John sang with Roger Daltrey, CCCP, ELO Part
2 and more recently GPS plus being chosen as the Parson in Jeff
Wayne's The War Of The Worlds stadium tour.
http://www.johnpaynemusic.com/

For more information about Asia Featuring John Payne, please visit
http://www.theasiaband.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/asiafeaturingjohnpayne .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-Exodus Featured In Johnny Orlando Video Podcast

"The world's leading metal journalist," Johnny Orlando Jr., has
released his first roundtable interview featuring Exodus and Kreator.
The discussion is available as part of this week's episode of the UVTV
Podcast, which also features promotional and and live videos of Exodus
and Kreator.

The podcast can be watched from iTunes at this location:

http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fax.itunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewPodcast%253Fi%253D55861468%2526id%253D168075141

Read an interview with Rob Dukes at TheGovernersBall.com:

http://www.puregrainaudio.com/govsball/exodus-sacred-oath

Read an interview with Tom Hunting at TheDailyRock.com and
Away-Team.com:

http://www.thedailyrock.com/2009/06/03/interview-with-tom-hunting-of-exodus-the-10-commandments/
http://www.away-team.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1243895199&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&

http://www.exodusattack.com/
http://www.myspace.com/exodus
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exodus/7667169706

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Death Angel: First Footage Of New Drummer Posted Online

Capital Chaos has uploaded the first footage of San Francisco Bay Area
metal veterans Death Angel performing with their new drummer -- Will
Carroll, formerly of Scarecrow, Old Grandad and Vicious Rumors. The
clip, which was shot this past Sunday afternoon (June 14) at the 32nd
annual Haight Street Fair -- the most celebrated street fair in San
Francisco -- can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6a8uWAgqZg

Death Angel's longtime drummer and original member Andrew Galeon left
the band in April. Carroll will hande the drum duties for the upcoming
local shows in June and the Summer Madness Tour in Europe with
Kataklysm and Keep Of Kalessin.

The group said, "Will's been jamming with us for over a month now and
is tearing it up! We'll be performing songs from FROLIC and ACT III
that we haven't played live since back in the day so prepare for a
dose of some serious old-school thrash!"

Five years after the release of the band's acclaimed comeback album,
THE ART OF DYING, and the follow-up effort, KILLING SEASON,
influential Bay Area metallers Death Angel have just issued a DVD with
two full-length concerts filmed in Germany.

Entitled SONIC GERMAN BEATDOWN: LIVE IN GERMANY, the package -- which
came out on April 17, 2009 (Europe) and will be released on July 28,
2009 (North America) -- includes footage from the 2007 edition of the
Rock Hard Festival and a 2008 performance in Adelsheim.

http://www.deathangel.com/
http://www.myspace.com/deathangel
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-Angel/9938175758

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-In This Moment Launches Video For "Call Me" On MySpace!

As the members of In This Moment prepare themselves to spend their
entire summer as part of this year's Warped Tour the group returns
with a new offering, THE DREAM (Ultra-Violet edition), which features
their new Active Rock hit single "Call Me." The eye-popping new video
for the track was shot in London by up-and-coming director Nathan
Theys of Link Productions and showcases the band in a whole new light.
This clip is a must-see and the video made its worldwide debut today
exclusively on MySpace, so click below now to check it out.

THE DREAM (Ultra-Violet edition), which is set for a June 30th
release, bonus disc also features "Dying Star" and "Sailing Away,"
which are two unreleased studio tracks from THE DREAM recording
session. It is rounded out with the "Forever" radio edit and "Call Me"
Karaoke version, alongside a slew of bonus video material. The Warped
Tour kicks off on June 28th and head over to the band's official
Myspace page (below) in order to view the complete touring itinerary.

Chris Howorth (guitars) further comments: "Here we go again, video
number four, this was a last minute quickie video that we did while on
tour in England. We did it in London and had a great time making it.
We hope you like the video as much as we enjoyed making it."

"I also have to tell you how excited we are to announce the revamped
version of THE DREAM with all new artwork, unreleased songs that we
can't wait for everyone to hear along with some crazy video footage
that we have been compiling over the past year!"

In This Moment kicked off 2009 with a bang embarking on a massive
North American trek alongside Mudvayne and Nonpoint. The Mudvayne run
came on the heels of the band's most successful year yet which saw
Brink landing major cover features in Inked, Revolver and Metal Edge
as their latest album, THE DREAM, debuted at #70 on the Billboard Top
200 chart, marking the group's first Billboard entry.

IN THIS MOMENT
Warped Tour 2009
06/26 Pomona Fairplex - Pomona, CA
06/27 Pier 30/32 - San Francisco, CA
06/28 10 Seaside Park - Ventura, CA
06/30 Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
07/01 NMSU Pan American Center - Las Cruces, NM
07/02 AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX
07/03 The Showgrounds at Sam Houston race Park - Houston, TX
07/05 Superpages.com Center - Dallas, TX
07/07 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Indianapolis, IN
07/08 Post Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake - Pittsburgh, PA
07/09 Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre - Cleveland, OH
07/10 Arrow Hall - Toronto, ON (CAN)
07/11 Park Jean Trapeau - Montreal, QC (CAN)
07/12 Meadows Music Theater - Hartford, CT
07/14 Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD
07/15 Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain - Scranton, PA
07/16 Darien Lake P.A.C. - Buffalo, NY
07/17 Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
07/18 Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
07/19 Monmouth Park Racetrack - Oceanport, NJ
07/21 Comcast Center - Boston, MA
07/22 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Virginia Beach, VA
07/23 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC
07/24 Central Florida Fairgrounds - Orlando, FL
07/25 Cruzan Amphitheatre - Miami, FL
07/26 Vinoy Park - St. Petersburg, FL
07/28 Lakewood Amphitheatre - Atlanta, GA
07/29 Riverbend Amphitheatre - Cincinnati, OH
07/30 Marcus Amphitheatre - Milwaukee, WI
07/31 Comercia Park - Detroit, MI
08/01 First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
08/02 Canterbury Park - Minneapolis, MN
08/03 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO
08/04 Sandstone Amphitheatre - Kansas City, KS
08/07 Idaho Center Amphitheatre - Boise, ID
08/08 Utah State Fairgrounds - Salt Lake City, UT
08/09 Invesco Field at Mile High - Denver, CO
08/12 Race City Speedway - Calgary, AB (CAN)
08/14 Thunderbird Stadium - Vancouver, BC (CAN)
08/15 The Gorge Amphitheatre - Seattle, WA
08/16 Washington County Fairgrounds - Portland, OR
08/19 Save Mart Center - Fresno, CA
08/20 Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View - Mountain View, CA
08/21 Sleep Train Amphitheatre - San Francisco, CA
08/22 Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre - San Diego, CA
08/23 Home Depot Center - Los Angeles, CA

Check out the "Call Me" Music Video on MySpace Now!
http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
*
-The Iron Maidens Update

The Iron Maidens -- "World's Only Female Tribute To Iron Maiden" --
are proud to announce that their own Courtney Cox who portrays
guitarist "Adriana Smith" in the band has now added "Jackson Guitars"
to the band's list of endorsers which include DigiTech, Dunlop, GHS
Strings and Rocktron, SIT, G&L, Rotosound, Soldano, BBE Sound, Monster
Energy Drinks, Coffin Cases, ENGL Amps, Paiste, Vic Firth, DW Drums,
pedals & hardware.

She has also been picked as the "Runner Up" for the "2010 Guitar World
Buyers Guide Model Search" which hits the stands on July 14, 2009.

More info on The Iron Maidens can be found at their Web sites:
http://www.theironmaidens.com/
http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens

Jackson Guitar Endorsers Link:
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:v1XwGa1Lz14J:www.jacksonguitar.com/artists/index.php%3Fid%3D460+%22the+iron+maidens%22&cd=69&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

The Iron Maidens have performed with Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill,
Nevermore, Danzig, Nightwish, Motorhead, Bachman-Turner Overdrive,
Live, Great White, Nicco McBrain, Alex Skolnik, Jackyl, The B-52's,
Kiss, Steven Pearcy and more.

UPCOMING 2009 APPEARANCES of THE IRON MAIDENS

Sat, June 27- Cane's San Diego, CA
Sat, July 11 - Sunset Station Casino Pool Party, Henderson, NV
Sun, July 12 - Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, Santa Fe Springs, CA
Fri, July 17 - The Underground, Reno, NV
Sat, July 18 - Bar 24/Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV
Thur, July 30 - Second Wind, Santee, CA
Sat, Aug 1- The Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
Sat, Aug 8 - The Aliante Casino- Las Vegas, NV
Fri, Aug 14 - The Voodoo Lounge- San Jose, CA
Sat, Aug 15- Annie's- San Francisco, CA
Fri, Aug 21- Cane's San Diego, CA
Sat, Aug 22- Paladino's, Tarzana, CA
Sat, Aug 29- The Brixton, Redondo Beach, CA
Mon, Aug 31- San Manuel Casino, Highland, CA

"World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden"
http://www.theironmaidens.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Steevi Jaimz - MY PRIVATE HELL Out Now Through Cargo/SCS Records

Recent Album reviews:

: Melodic.net Scandinavia
http://www.melodic.net/reviewsOne.asp?revnr=7784

: RockEyez
http://www.rockeyez.com/reviews/cd/steevi-jaimz/rev-my-private-hell.html

: glorydazemusic
http://www.glorydazemusic.com/articles.php?article_id=3572

Track of the day on Classic Rock magazine Web site:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/

Brand new and long-awaited studio album from the tenacious vocalist.

Steevi was a member of Tigertailz for their first album YOUNG & CRAZY
and wrote their Top 40 single "Livin' Without You."

MY PRIVATE HELL combines Steevi's trademark Glam style melodies with
Kiss and Ozzy Osbourne style Hard Rock. The album was written,
performed and produced in Sweden with Chris Laney and Anders Ringman
a.k.a. Platform (Crash Diet, Europe, Candlemass) and mixed at Polar
Studios (Led Zeppelin, Genesis and ABBA) in Stockholm during 2008.

This is easily Steevi's most accomplished release to date. All the
songs are written by Jaimz with Laney and Ringman except for "Don't
Say It's Over" that was written by Laney with Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper
/ Slash's Snakepit). A version of "Amazing" was recently featured on
the Classic Rock magazine cover mount CD.

Track listing: "Amazing," "Don't Say It's Over," "Something Good
Something Bad," "Still Crazy," "Little Sistah," "My Private Hell,"
"Kiss Of Death," "I Don't Wanna Walk Away," "Dancin' With Danger,"
"Kikk It Down"

Reviews:
"...Steevi is flying solo with a crack band of lipstick smearers. As
the raucous, '80s-fuelled headbanger 'Amazing' shows, Steevi is still
delightfully crazy after all these years. Absolutely awesome!!..."
- Classic Rock Magazine

"...I'm listening to your music right now, I really like what you're
doing, great voice, 'Amazing' kicks some serious ass...kudos..."
- Beau Hill (Producer: Alice Cooper, Warrant, Ratt, Europe)

Video:
"Amazing" (live clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9eTdIK0jc

"Still Crazy" (live clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJp-ycIeCCI

"Livin' Without You" (live clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG07fTjLzj0

"Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" (slideshow)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=401QuPIAsdQ

Contact:
http://www.steevijaimz.com/
http://www.myspace.com/steevijaimz
http://www.cargorecords.co.uk/release/8306

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Swashbuckle: Videogame, E-card And Album Trailer: Part 2

The second trailer for BACK TO THE NOOSE, the new album from New
Jersey's thrashing pirates SWASHBUCKLE, can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEo23inPgTQ

The album is scheduled for release on July 24, 2009 (Europe) and
August 11, 2009 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records.

Check out the online "Cruise Ship Terror" game and e-card here:

http://www.nuclearblast.de/splash/swashbuckle_ecard/index.html

Swashbuckle has been added to this year's Paganfest Europe tour
alongside Korpiklaani, Unleashed, Alestorm, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter
and Ex Deo, after recently completing the North American edition of
Paganfest. The trek kicks off on September 11 in Munich, Germany and
concludes on October 3 in Linz, Austria.

"Cruise Ship Terror," the new video from Swashbuckle, can be viewed
here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53A4GyB96RI

Commented the band: "Arrg, legendary metal music video director David
Brodsky (Kataklysm, Arsis, The Black Dahlia Murder) by chance caught
us pirates in the act of looting and pillaging a fine vessel along the
seas of the Atlantic. With nary a chance of escape, David bartered
passage to dry land in exchange for rendering a motion picture tale of
our nautical pilferings."

http://www.swashbuckle.info/
http://www.myspace.com/swashbuckle
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swashbuckle/71641780327

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
*
-We Are Hollywood Tease!

Formed out of the ashes from the once smog city of Stoke-on-Trent, we
have risen to bring back what's been missing from the music scene of
today.

It's time for a band to be different and that band is us.

Powder, paint and guitarmageddon, what you see is what you get!

A bunch of hard hitting lads with just as much attitude to go with it.

With an ever growing fan-base, we're gonna storm the world with our
raw presence and plant a great big Hollywood Tease kiss on the asses
of your girlfriends!

This band are looking to book gigs in and around the U.K. and will be
selling their self-financed E.P. ALL HOOKED UP at all venues.

Ashe Masters - Vocals
Jay Starr - Guitars
Scotii Horror - Guitars
King - Bass
Paul e. Raw - Drums

Reviews:
"...Hollywood Tease are definitely one of a kind. They are kind of a
big deal. It may sound over-glorifying but it's true. And I know you
can only say 'they're so rock 'n' roll' so many times before it gets
old, but these guys are rock 'n' roll personified.

"So, if you're looking to be highly entertained, aspired, entranced,
amazed and enthralled and want to get your kicks to some pretty damn
good rock tunes, DO NOT miss your next chance to see HT live...."
- Sian Eardley

Contact:
http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodteaseuk

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
*
-Arkaea: New Video

Debut Album Worldwide YEARS IN THE DARKNESS To Release July 14th, 2009
On E1 Music

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- Arkaea has premiered their first video "Locust" from
their debut album YEARS IN THE DARKNESS Saturday night, 6/20 on MTV's
"Headbanger's Ball." If you missed the premier take a look here:

http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2009/06/18/video-premiere-arkaea-locust

"'Locust' was our first pick for a music video and as the opening
track for the album because it really sets the tempo of the album,"
explains Raymond Herrera, Arkaea drummer. "It is a strong track that
shows a great introduction to what Arkaea is all about. We knew that
we needed to come out swinging and 'Locust' definitely offers that
Punch."

Arkaea, featuring members Raymond Herrera and Christian Olde Wolbers
of Fear Factory and Threat Signal, debut album YEARS IN THE DARKNESS
is set to be released on July 14, 2009 on E1 Music, formerly KOCH
Records.

YEARS IN THE DARKNESS was produced by Christian Olde Wolbers and
Arkaea and mixed by legendary Producer Terry Date, best known for his
work with the Deftones, Slipknot, White Zombie, Soundgarden and
Pantera. The CD was mastered by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, who also
mastered Fear Factory's gold album, OBSOLETE.

Track listing for YEARS IN THE DARKNESS is as follows:

Locust
Beneath The Shades Of Grey
Years In The Darkness
Gone Tomorrow
Awakening
Black Ocean
Break The Silence
Lucid Dreams
My Redemption
War Within
The World As One
Rise Today
Away From The Sun

First song on the album, "Locust," is available streaming on the
band's MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/arkaeamusic

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-Ravenland Posts New Song Featuring Ex-Theatre Of Tragedy Guitarist

Gothic metallers Ravenland posted two new songs online from their
forthcoming album, ...AND A CROW BRINGS ME BACK. The tracks are
"...Till Death Unite Again" and "Velvet Dreams." The last one features
Tommy Lindal (ex-Theatre Of Tragedy). The songs are available at the
band's MySpace profile, which was recently updated with a new layout
based on the album artwork.

"We decided to post two songs of ...AND A CROW BRINGS ME BACK so the
fans can listen a little bit more of our album. The CD will be
available untill the end of July through Free Mind Records and in
August it will be available all over Brazil and some foreign
countries," comments vocalist and violinist Camilla Raven.

"Ravenland's MySpace page was relaunched based on the artwork cover
and booklet so we can present its atmosphere to the fans. We are very
happy with the final result and feedback that the CD is receiving even
before being available for ordering. 'Velvet Dreams' was one of the
two songs chosen by Tommy Lindal, and his part can be checked and
appreciated in the end of the song, when it has a doom metal
atmosphere, beginning at 3:47 in the song," added the vocalist
Dewindson Wolfheart.

Official links:
http://www.ravenland.net/
http://www.myspace.com/ravenland
http://www.youtube.com/ravenlandchannel

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-Total Metal Festival 2009: New Bands On

After Finntroll, Malevolent Creation and Vomitory, waiting for the
final complete lineup, Vivo Management Agency officially annouce a few
bands more that will take part of the Total Metal Festival 2009 next
19 September at the New Demodè club in Bari (Southern Italy).

Those bands have been Confirmed: Modern Age Slavery, Kernel Zero,
Golem and Shank.

So this is the current situation of the Total Metal Festival 2009.

FINNTROLL
MALEVOLENT CREATION
VOMITORY
MODERN AGE SLAVERY
GOLEM
KERNEL ZERO
SHANK

Soon more bands will be announced.

LINKS:

Total Metal Festival - http://www.myspace.com/totalmetalfestival
Vivo Management Agency - http://www.vivomanagement.it/
Finntroll - http://www.myspace.com/officialfinntroll
Malevolent Creation - http://www.myspace.com/malevolentcreation
Vomitory - http://www.myspace.com/vomitoryswe
The Modern Age Slavery - http://www.myspace.com/themodernageslavery
Golem - http://www.myspace.com/golemneverdies
Kernel Zero - http://www.myspace.com/kernel0
Shank - http://www.myspace.com/shank555

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
*
-Whiplash To Co-Headline Mexico's Monterrey Metal Festival IV

New Record To Be Released July 15th Via Pulverised

Legendary New Jersey thrashers Whiplash will co-headline this year's
Monterrey Metal Festival! The Monterrey Metal Fest IV will be held on
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 (Mexican Independence Day) at the Santa
Lucia Arena in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The
confirmed band lineup (minus the soon-to-be revealed headliner) is:

CHILDREN OF BODOM (Finland)
AMORPHIS (Finland)
WHIPLASH (U.S.A.)
STRAVAGANZZA (Spain)
MALIGNO (Mexico)
SPLIT HEAVEN (Mexico's Wacken Metal Battle winners)

Only 3,000 VIP tickets will be made available for the new re-designed
metal festival.

For additional information, check out the official festival Web sites:

http://www.mmf.com.mx
http://www.myspace.com/monterreymetalfest

Whiplash recently put the finishing touches on upcoming full-length
UNBORN AGAIN. The record, recorded at Mozart Studio with engineer/
producer Harris Johns (Sodom, Kreator, Helloween, Sepultura) and mixed
and mastered at Spiderhouse Studio in Berlin, is scheduled for release
on July 15 via Pulverised Records.

The three-piece power trio formed in 1984 when Tony Portaro (guitar,
vocals) and Tony Scaglione (drums) joined forces, recruited Tony Bono
on bass and released their first CD, POWER AND PAIN, in 1985 on
Roadrunner Records. The debut CD was followed up by their first live
performance at Ruthie's in Berkley, California with Possessed and
Death Angel.

Whiplash's current lineup:
Tony Portaro - Guitar/Vocals
Joe Cangelosi (ex-Kreator, ex-Massacre ) - Drums
Rich Day Bass (ex-Primal Scream) - Bass

The band will make their first hometown appearance in ten years later
this month!

When: Saturday - June 20th
Where: Dingbatz - 620 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, NJ
http://www.dingbatznj.com/
w/ Deathrash, Ashes Of Your Enemy, Gas, Arch Demon Choir

http://www.myspace.com/whiplashusa
http://www.pulverised.net/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Fattooth! "Natural Disaster" Tour Storms NXNE Musicfest - June 20th

http://www.myspace.com/fattooth

There's nothing more juicy than a good old Fattooth! as the Montreal
punk/metal thrashers will be grinding down the 401 en route to Toronto
to be blowing up their North American Tour at this year's NXNE Music
Festival on Saturday, June 20th at The Hideout, 482 Queen Street West.

"I hope the Toronto riot squad is ready for some testorone fueld rock
n' roll! It's a punch in the face!" says Fattooth bassist PowPow.

Fattooth recently released their debut self-titled E.P. produced by
Rob Shallcross (Strapping Young Lad, Gwar, Mr. Plow) and released via
Reversed Records. Fattooth is a new form of punk/metal that
methodically touches every genre of rock and roll imaginable. They
wear costumes, they have an awesome drummer, and they're intent on
world domination.

Fattooth @ NXNE
The Hideout - 482 Queen Street West
Showcase Time: 2 a.m.
Supporting Acts: Psychotropical Orchestra (Montreal), Dirtblonde
(U.K.), HotKid (Cambridge, ON), The Shondes (Brooklyn, NY), Trigger
Effect (Montreal)

Fattooth "Natural Disaster" North American Tour Dates
June 20, 2009 - NXNE Festival @ The Hideout - Toronto, Ontario
June 24, 2009 - The A-Chord - St. John, New Brunswick
June 27, 2009 - Coconut Grove - Halifax, Nova Scotia
June 28, 2009 - Pavillion - Halifax, Nova Scotia
July 2, 2009 - The Atria Bar & Grill - Oshawa, Ontario
July 4, 2009 - Katacombes - Montreal, Quebec
July 8, 2009 - Bogies - Albany, New York
July 9, 2009 - The Trash - New York, New York - w/ Kung Fury
July 10, 2009 - TBA - Philladelphia, Pennsylvania
July 11, 2009 - Mojo13 - Wimington, Delaware - w/ Moonshine Mile
July 15, 2009 - The MetalShaker - Chicago, Illinois
July 16, 2009 - Madison Frequency - Madison, Wisconsin
July 17, 2009 - NorShor - Duluth, Minnesota - w/ Lucyd, Blue Felix
July 18, 2009 - Black Pirates Pub - Thunder Bay, Ontario
July 21, 2009 - TBA - St. Cloud, Minnesota
July 23, 2009 - Nestor's Pub - Fargo, North Dakota
July 24, 2009 - The Viking - Gimli, Manitoba
July 25, 2009 - The Zoo - Winnipeg, Manitoba - w/ Dreadnaut
July 28, 2009 - North Hill - Brandon, Manitoba
July 29, 2009 - TBA - Regina, Saskatchewan - w/ Dreadnaut
July 30, 2009 - The Roxy - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
July 31, 2009 - TBA - Edmonton, Alberta
August 1, 2009 - The Stetson - Calgary, Alberta
August 6, 2009 - The Dirty Jersey - Kamloops, British Columbia
August 13, 2009 - The Cambie - Nanaimo, British Columbia - w/ Mendozza

August 14, 2009 - Logan's Pub - Victoria, British Columbia - w/
Mendozza
August 15, 2009 - Pub 340 - Vancouver, British Columbia
August 20, 2009 - The Funhouse - Seattle, Washington
August 22, 2009 - The Samurai Duck - Eugene, Oregon - w/ Omega Crom

"With their randy sense of humour and witty one-liners, Fattooth boast
an amusing slice of tongue-in-cheek punk rock 'n' roll heavily
influenced by the likes of hardcore, metal and even elements of c*ck
rock." - Exclaim!

"These nine tracks become almost a deli platter of variety where one
can pick and choose whatever entices them at that moment." - Exclaim!

"The energy and talent coming outta this band is phenomenal... I love
the sound" - Snap! Magazine

"You'll be hooked" 4/5 - Shockwave Magazine

"Fattooth brings on a mix of Punk, C*ck Rock and Metal roots that make
the sluts rip their shirts off..." -Komodo Rock

Check out Fattooth via their MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/Fattooth
Fattooth Promo Clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=jsogvWcEgcc
Fattooth Studio Outakes - http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mNLvx9RaMnA
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Fattooth

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-Black Skies Tour Update

Chapel Hill, NC doom trio Black Skies recently kicked off a string of
tour dates in support of their latest E.P., HEXAGON, issued as a
limited edition 12" via I'm Better Than Everyone Records. This will
mark the band's first time ever playing on the West Coast!

From the aptly named opening track "The Quiet Before The Storm"
through the thundering conclusion of "Chain Of Command," Black Skies
throw their heavy hat into the ring with HEXAGON. Together for just
over three years, guitarist/vocalist Kevin Clark, bassist Michelle
Temple and drummer Cameron Weeks weave their songs with well-thought
and executed riffs playing alongside a churning organic groove. This
is tonal chemistry befitting of a legendary band sharing the same
initials, yet with a decidedly American flavor. Through hard work
Black Skies has been making waves across the eastern half of the
United States and continue gaining momentum with tours booked
throughout 2009. If these six tracks serve as a fitting prelude of
greater things to come, the next waves of attack from this sonic
strike-force will truly be something to behold.

Black Skies Tour Dates
6/18/2009 Cobra Lounge Bullwhip Solution - Chicago, IL w/ Imperial
Battlesnake
6/19/2009 The Picador - Iowa City, Iowa w/ Russian Circles & Coliseum
6/20/2009 O'leaver's Pub - Omaha, NE w/ Bloodcow
6/21/2009 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO w/ Mobile Deathcamp Workhorse
6/22/2009 Burt's Tiki Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT w/ Old Timer & The
Water's Deep Here
6/24/2009 Funhouse - Seattle, WA w/ Sod Hauler & Dark Skies
6/25/2009 East End - Portland, OR w/ Danava, Radio Moscow, Dark Skies,
& Dudelord
6/26/2009 Cafe Coda - Chico, CA w/ The Abominable Iron Sloth!
6/27/2009 Annie's Social Club - San Francisco, CA w/ Totimoshi
6/28/2009 The Z Club - San Luis Obispo, CA
6/29/2009 The Scene Bar - Glendale, CA
6/30/2009 The Radio Room - San Diego, CA
7/01/2009 The Slurp - Tempe, Arizona w/ Drone Throne
7/03/2009 Headhunter's - Austin, TX
7/04/2009 JJ's Bohemia - Chattanooga, TN w/ Night Of The Wolf, etc.
7/17/2009 Divebar Raleigh - Raleigh, North CA
8/14/2009 Devilneck Metalfest @ Lenny's - Atlanta, GA
8/15/2009 The Milestone - Carrboro, NC w/ Giant Squid & Grayceon

http://www.blackskies.us/
http://www.myspace.com/losblackskies
http://www.imbetterthaneveryonerecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/imbetterthaneveryonerec

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-City Of Ships Reveal New Tracks From Upcoming Album LOOK WHAT GOD DID
TO US; Exclusive Preorder Packages Available

Today City Of Ships posted two new tracks -- "Wraiths In Flight" and
"Praise Feeder" -- from their Translation Loss Records/Sound Study
Recordings release entitled LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US due July 21st,
2009 to their MySpace Page. Check the tracks out here:
http://www.myspace.com/cityofships .

LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US was recorded at Translator Audio in Brooklyn,
NY by Andrew Schneider (Pelican, Made Out Of Babies, Unsane) and
mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East (Bloodhorse,
Battlefields, Pelican). LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US is now available for
exclusive preorder w/ package deals only available at the Translation
Loss Records and Sound Study Recordings Web-stores! Packages include
the CD (digi) w/ exclusive T-shirt designs (two color variations
available) only found at the Translation Loss web-store. Sound Study
Recordings has the LP version w/ exclusive hand numbered screen print
poster and coozie!

To Preorder the CD+T-Shirt package (two color variations available) of
LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US from Translation Loss Records, click
http://translationloss.com/store/ .

To Preorder the LP+Poster+Coozie package of LOOK WHAT GOD DID TO US
from Sound Study Recordings, click
http://soundstudyrecordings.com/shop.html .

CITY OF SHIPS CURRENT TOUR DATES:
6/11/2009 - Pilam - Philadelphia, PA - w/ Liquid Limbs, Irepress,
Junius
6/12/2009 - The Charleston - Brooklyn, NY - w/ Liquid Limbs
6/17/2009 - Firlej Club - Wroclaw, PL - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/18/2009 - Klub 007 Strahov - Prague, CZ - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/19/2009 - An Club - Athens, GR - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/20/2009 - Yacht Club - Brno, CZ - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/21/2009 - Dürer Kert - Budapest, HU - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/22/2009 - Arena Dreiraum - Vienna, AT - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/23/2009 - TBA - Munich, DE - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/23/2009 - Atari - Leipzig, DE - w/ Rosetta & Blindead
6/24/2009 - JH Eglantier - Berchem, BE - w/ Rosetta, Blindead,
Maudlin, Timer
6/25/2009 - Offerandum Fest - Knokke-Heist, BE - w/ Rosetta, Blindead,
Maudlin, Sensual Noise
6/26/2009 - TBA - Ghent, BE - w/ Rosetta, Blindead
6/26/2009 - Rota Flora - Hamburg, DE - w/ Rosetta, Blindead
6/28/2009 - 013 - Tilburg, NL - w/ Rosetta, Blindead
6/30/2009 - Black Fleck - Potsdam, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/01/2009 - Az Conni - Dresden, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/02/2009 - Zoro - Leipzig, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/03/2009 - Elfer Club - Frankfurt, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/04/2009 - De Rots - Antwerpen, BE - w/ Braveyoung
7/06/2009 - Le Select - Lille, FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/07/2009 - Harry's Bar - Stoke on Trent, UK - w/ Braveyoung
7/08/2009 - Criterion - Leicester, UK - w/ Braveyoung
7/09/2009 - Captain's Rest - Glasgow, UK - w/ Braveyoung
7/10/2009 - Royal Park Cellars - Leeds, UK - w/ Braveyoung
7/11/2009 - Groomfest - Lincoln, UK - w/ Braveyoung
7/12/2009 - Kingstown Cafè - Le Havre, FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/13/2009 - The Secret Place - Montaigu (Nantes), FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/14/2009 - Basement Show - Tulle, FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/15/2009 - Le Pavillon Sauvage - Toulouse, FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/16/2009 - "La Vieja Escuela" Open Air Fest, Leon, ES - w/ Braveyoung
7/17/2009 - Altar Cafè Concerto - Porto, PT - w/ Braveyoung
7/18/2009 - tba - Madrid, ES - w/ Braveyoung
7/19/2009 - Estraperlo Club - Badalona, ES - w/ Braveyoung
7/20/2009 - Centre Civic La Fonteta - St. Feliu De Codines, ES - w/
Braveyoung
7/21/2009 - Lyon's Hall - Lyon, FR - w/ Braveyoung
7/22/2009 - Big Rooster - Cittadella (PD), IT - w/ Braveyoung
7/23/2009 - Habitat Skatepark - Arezzo, IT - w/ Braveyoung
7/24/2009 - Sunny Red - Meunchen, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/25/2009 - Waldmeister Club - Solingen, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/26/2009 - Lokal - Berlin, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/28/2009 - AZ - Aachen, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/29/2009 - Immerhin - w/Braveyoung Wuerzburg, DE - w/ Braveyoung
7/30/2009 - Winston - Amsterdam, NL - w/ Braveyoung
7/31/2009 - ACU - Utrecht, NL - w/ Braveyoung
8/01/2009 - Offshore Fest - Blankenberge, BE - w/ Braveyoung
8/01/2009 - La Taverne du Théâtra - La Louvière (Hainaut), BE - w/
Braveyoung

What folks are saying about City Of Ships:

"Pounding bass lines and quirky rhythms and structures that almost
have a math metal sort of vibe, but there's also a constant flow of
all kinds of incredibly tactful 'post-' influences, from lush clean
passages and swirling, spacey effects to noisier layers of intense
guitar work. I'm really f*ckin' impressed by this material.
Excellent." - Aversionline.com

"The group's frenetic energy and obvious emotional stake in the music
which they play is simultaneously impressive and inspiring." -
Scenepointblank.com

"Amidst the ocean of droney post-rock, post-hardcore clones, there are
only a couple bands that catch my attention. City Of Ships had me
hooked from beginning to end." - Razorcake

"This takes me back to a time of discovering exciting new sounds in
the underground scene that really blew minds, from Kerosene 454 to
Ethel Meserve -- bands unhindered by genre and expressing endless
enthusiasm for just playing great music. City Of Ships are hard to
describe and easy to enjoy, both great things." - Exclaim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Susperia Vocalist Set To Return At Steinkjer Festival In Norway

Athera (Pål Mathiesen), vocalist for Norwegian thrashers Susperia is
set to return to the stage at the Steinkjer Festival [
http://www.steinkjerfestivalen.no/ ] in Norway on Friday 26 June 2009.
The singer, who earlier this year suffered a heart attack which
resulted in major open heart surgery, has made a rapid recovery and
doctors have now given him the go ahead to make his comeback.

Athera recently gave his first interview since the heart attack to
Belgium's Metal Nose. Talking about his new perspective on life he
said, "I haven't seen the light or anything but things are certainly
different. I would never ever dare to touch any kind of drugs anymore
and I don't understand now how people can pull smoke into their lungs
and stuff like that, even though I used to love it. I guess you must
go through something like this to realize the dangers and insanity of
some of the bad things in life." Read the full interview here:

http://www.metal-nose.org/news.php?item.575.16

Susperia's fifth studio album ATTITUDE was released last month via
Candlelight Records, entering the official Norwegian Album Charts at
position No. 28, whilst in the U.S.A. it was the No. 3 most added
album on specialist Rock Radio Playlists. ATTITUDE is the band's debut
for the Candlelight label and features guest appearances from Chuck
Billy (Testament) and Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir). Recording took place at
Strand Studio and Studio Cyrus, Norway, with the mix being completed
at Studio Fredman in Sweden by Henrik Udd and Fredrik Nordstrom (Dimmu
Borgir, Arch Enemy, Opeth).

http://www.susperia.net/
http://www.myspace.com/susperiafans

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-Check out About Heavy Metal's list of "Best Hair Metal Ballads" at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7I2E .

-Killer Metal Records has reissued Dark Mirror's VISIONS OF PAIN with
four bonus tracks, new artwork, and a 12-page booklet. See
http://www.killermetalrecords.de/ for more.

-The Dead End Kidz were asked to contribute a track to a compilation
CD that will accompany the release of an upcoming Nikki Sixx
biography, entitled "An Education In Rebellion: The Biography Of Nikki
Sixx!" The book is due out in August. See
http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic ,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-DEAD-END-KIDZ/6323764485 , and
http://www.twitter.com/thedeadendkidz for more on the band.

-"Deluxe" versions of Def Leppard's PYROMANIA and ADRENALIZE are out
this month. Each disc comes with re-mastered audio plus a bonus disc
of rarities. PYROMANIA's track list: "Rock! Rock! (Til You Drop),"
"Photograph," "Stagefright," "Too Late For Love," "Die Hard The
Hunter," "Foolin'," "Rock Of Ages," "Comin' Under Fire," "Action! Not
Words," "Billy's Got A Gun." The bonus disc features tracks recorded
live at the L.A. Forum in 1983: "Rock! Rock! (Til You Drop)," "Rock
Brigade," "High 'N' Dry (Saturday Night)," "Another Hit And Run,"
"Billy's Got A Gun," "Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)," "Foolin',"
"Photograph," "Rock Of Ages," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Switch
625," "Let It Go," "Wasted," "Stagefright," "Travellin' Band"
(featuring Brian May). ADRENALIZE track list: "Let's Get Rocked,"
"Heaven Is," "Make Love Like A Man," "Tonight," "White Lightning,"
"Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)," "Personal Property," "Have You
Ever Needed Someone So Bad," "I Wanna Touch U," "Tear It Down." The
bonus disc features "rare, live, acoustic and demo" tracks: "Hysteria
- In The Clubs In Your Face" (Bonn 05/29/92), "Photograph - In The
Clubs In Your Face," "Pour Some Sugar On Me - In The Clubs In Your
Face," "Let's Get Rocked - In The Clubs In Your Face," "You Can't
Always Get What You Want" (B-side), "Little Wing" (with Hothouse
Flowers) (B-side), "Tonight" (version 2) (demo version) (B-side), "Now
I'm Here" (live featuring Brian May) (B-side), "Two Steps Behind"
(acoustic) (B-side), "Tonight" (acoustic - Sun Studios version)
(B-side), "Too Late For Love" (live) (B-side), "Women" (live)
(B-side). See http://www.defleppard.com/ for more.

-Empyria's a new release called THE LONG ROAD HOME through Nightmare
Records.

-The Gods Of Now, an "Alternative / Metal / Screamo" band from
Montreal, currently has its album available for free download at
http://www.thegodsofnow.com/download/ . The band consists of Schrecker
on vocals and guitar, Zasta on drums and live vocals, Jon on lead
guitar, and Alex JD on bass. See
http://www.reverbnation.com/thegodsofnow for more.

-Metal Sludge reported XYZ vocalist Terry Ilous filled in at a recent
Great White gig in Iowa, when Jack Russell "was injured and was not
able to perform." Check out a clip at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxr3qOurJ2E&feature=player_embedded .

-Ex-Tigertailz vocalist Steevi Jaimz has a new solo album out called
MY PRIVATE HELL. The disc also features Chris Laney and Anders
Ringman, both on guitar, bass, and drums. Hype has the songs combining
"Steevi's trademark Glam style melodies with Kiss and Ozzy Osbourne
style Hard Rock." Track list: "Amazing," "Don't Say It's Over,"
"Something Good Something Bad," "Still Crazy," "Little Sistah," "My
Private Hell," "Kiss Of Death," "I Don't Wanna Walk Away," "Dancin'
With Danger," "Kikk It Down." "Don't Say It's Over" was co-written by
Laney and Alice Cooper/Slash's Snakepit guitarist Ryan Roxie. Check
out clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27787 and see
http://www.steevijaimz.com/ and htt://www.myspace.com/steevijaimz for
more on Jaimz.

-Lizzy Borden is now sporting a revamped lineup with Chris Sanders and
Dario Lorina on guitar. See http://www.lizzyborden.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/lizzybordenband for more.

-Upcoming Mad Margritt shows:

6/19 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Marietta, GA
6/20 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Macon, GA
7/3 - The Muscle Racing Festival, Sarasota, FL (w/ BulletBoys)
7/12 - Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK (w/ Twisted Sister, Skid Row, Great
White, L.A. Guns, Vixen, Nelson, etc.)
7/17 - Lubys, Lawrenceville, GA
7/18 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Augusta, GA
7/24 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Marietta, GA
7/25 - 37 Main, Buford, GA
7/31 - Chills, Thomaston, GA
8/14 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Macon, GA
8/15 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Suwanee, GA
8/21 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Raleigh, NC
8/22 - The Wild Wing Cafe, Greenville, SC
8/29 - The S.A. Rockin Summer Fest, San Antonio, TX (w/ Moxy, Broken
Teeth, etc.)

See http://www.madmargritt.com/ , http://www.myspace.com/madmargritt ,
and http://www.reverbnation.com/madmargritt for more.

-Magnum's INTO THE VALLEY OF THE MOONKING is out now. Track list:
"Intro," "Cry To Yourself," "All My Bridges," "Take Me To The Edge,"
"Th Moon King," "Noone Knows His Name," "In My Mind's Eye," "Time To
Cross That River," "If I Ever Lose My Mind," "A Face In The Crowd,"
"Feels Like Treason," "Blood On Your Barbed Wire Thorns." The disc
comes with a bonus DVD featuring a 48-minute band interview with BBC
Radio's Paul Franks; "You're The One," "Stormy Weather," "How Far
Jerusalem," and "On Christmas Day" recorded live in 1992; "Endless
Love" recorded live in 1985; a segment with guitarist Tony Clarkin
introducing Richard Mason's edited footage to "Les Mortes Dansants";
and album lyrics, artwork, and credits. Check out song clips at
http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27765 and see http://www.magnumonline.co.uk/
for more on the band.

-Megadeth will release ENDGAME this September on Roadrunner Records.
The disc was produced by main man Dave Mustaine and Andy Sneap, and
will include songs entitled "Headcrusher," "1,320," "How The Story
Ends," and "This Day We Fight." See http://www.megadeth.com/ for more.

-Check out http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20090612/en_music_eo/128818
for Poison main man Bret Michaels' take on his recent mishap at the
Tony awards.

-Slayer will play at Wacken Rocks Seaside and Wacken Rocks South
Festival. See http://www.wackenrocks.com/ for more.

-The "Summer Rock Fest" tour features Faster Pussycat, BulletBoys,
Bang Tango, and Swirl. The dates so far:

7/31 - Shark City, Glendale Heights, IL
8/1 - Riverstar Entertainment Complex, Cincinnati, OH
8/6 - Jaxx, Springfield, VA
8/7 - Crazy Donkey, Farmingdale, NY
8/8 - New Wave Café, New Bedford, MA
8/19 - Scoutbar, Houston, TX
8/20 - Scoutbar, San Antonio, TX
8/21 - Trees, Dallas, TX
8/22 - Red Eyed Fly, Austin, TX
8/27 - Galaxy Theater, Santa Ana, CA

-Tribe's PRAY FOR CALM... NEED THE CHAOS is out now on SAOL/CMM. The
disc was produced by Sascha Paeth, and features Paul Kettley on
vocals, Nick Dunne on guitar, piano, and vocals, Gaz McKenzie on bass,
and Adam Goldsmith on drums. Track list: "Head," "Sons Of Bukowski,"
"Absolution," "The Beating Of Black Wings," "Ghost Ballet,"
"Milovani," "Oberon," "Catch Me," "Havels Hurricane," "Words That
Kill," "Arual," "Bad Dreams," "Rise Up (And Fuel The Flame)" (bonus
track). Check out clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27786 and see
http://www.tribe.uk.net/ and http://www.myspace.com/tribeband for
more.

Thanks to Mike Kischnick, Chad Bowar, Roscoe, Jens Häfner, John Erigo,
Music Buy Mail, HeadbangerNYC.com, and Bill "Twice Shy" Kotowski for
help gathering some of this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

-I just got the two-disc 25th anniversary edition of Twisted Sister's
STAY HUNGRY, so watch for a review soon. The first disc is the
original album, and the bonus disc features a whopping 18 tracks!
There are five early demos of songs that wound up on the album, 10
non-album tracks, 1 radio spot, a new song entitled "30," and an
unlisted track featuring Dee Snider goofing around in the studio. So
yeah, on the surface I figured this bonus disc basically was a "lost"
Twisted album, what with 10 non-album tracks plus the new song and
all. But, alas, not quite... Most of the non-album tracks are really
just pieces of songs. To give you an idea the entire 18-song disc
clocks in at just over 39 minutes. (Remember when Gene Simmons always
used to boast that he'd written like 40 songs for whatever the latest
Kiss album was, and he had to whittle it down to only four or five for
the record? This is probably what he was talking about -- a bunch of
90-second or two-minute song fragments.) So anyway, this all got me
thinking, because the main album is also quite short: just over 37
minutes. I looked back at some long CDs I'd received recently, and the
beefiest ones I could find were SuidAkrA's 13 YEARS OF CELTIC WARTUNES
and Sweet's new live album LIVE! IN AMERICA; curiously, both clock in
at 1:18:12. So I'm thinking they easily could've put all this Twisted
material on one disc. But the prospects of a 27-song CD probably
turned off the record company folks. I bet they worried people would
think it was an S.O.D. album or something. :)

-This past Monday I picked up the Best Buy ad and saw Spinal Tap had a
new release coming out called BACK FROM THE DEAD. Then, purely by
coincidence, I noticed they were scheduled to perform that night on
"The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien." I watched; they did a rather
tepid performance of "Heavy Duty" and then sat for a brief interview
segment with O'Brien. Dutifully, the next evening I cruised out to
Best Buy. Turns out BACK FROM THE DEAD is a bit of an odd release. It
features newly re-recorded versions of all 11 tracks from the 1984
soundtrack to "This Is Spinal Tap!," so in some strange way you could
deem this a 25th anniversary package. In addition, there are a handful
of all-new songs plus newly re-recorded versions of "Back From The
Dead" and "Warmer Than Hell," two tracks that surfaced over the years
since 1992's BREAK LIKE THE WIND. (But, sadly, "Goat Boy" from the old
mid-'90s IBM TV commercial is nowhere to be found.) A DVD is also
included, featuring the three main band members -- Michael McKean as
guitarist/vocalist David St. Hubbins, Christopher Guest as lead
guitarist Nigel Tufnel, and Harry Shearer as bassist Derek Smalls --
talking about (and sometimes demonstrating) each track from the CD.
The set is a fold-out digi-pak that twists into a stage set-up
featuring 10" standees of St. Hubbins, Tufnel, and Smalls. It's funny
at first but having to deal with it every time you want to dig out one
of the discs quickly gets tiresome.

-Very cool to hear Empyria is back.

-In my current playlist: Bill Leverty - DEEP SOUTH (Leverty Music),
Spinal Tap - BACK FROM THE DEAD (The Label Industry Records),
Mastercastle - THE PHOENIX (Lion Music), XXX - HEAVEN, HELL OR
HOLLYWOOD? (Perris Records), Saidian - EVERCIRCLE (Blistering
Records).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - SKULLAGE (CD/DVD) (B+) Eagle Vision, 2009
CD: 16 tracks, RT: 1:15:20
DVD: RT: 1:55:00
[ http://www.ZakkWylde.com/ ]
[ http://www.blacklabelsociety.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/blsnet ]
[ http://www.blacklabelsocietystore.com/ ]
[ http://www.eaglerockent.com/ ]
[ http://www.eagle-rock.com/ ]
Infamous Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde's long-running Black Label Society
project gets the "best of" treatment with this CD/DVD combo, and it's
a satisfying collection of BLS highlights and some rather, ahem,
interesting Wylde extras. For the uninitiated, Black Label Society
dispenses a fairly brutal form of southern flavored biker metal,
laying down traditional heavy crunch on "Doomsday Jesus," "Stillborn,"
"Bleed For Me" and "Suicide Messiah," although Zakk also has a softer
side as evidenced on the acoustic "The Blessed Hellride" and "Spoke In
The Wheel." The DVD includes live and conceptual videos, the best of
which are the raging "13 Years Of Grief" and explosive "Fire It Up."
Zakk is well-known for his guitar skills, but he has an interesting
vocal style as well, eerily blending Ozzy with Layne Staley. One of my
favorite aspects of the package is "Welcome To The Compound,"
featuring bonus footage of Zakk hanging out at home; in addition to
some fascinating philosophical musings and insight into the songs you
also get Mr. Wylde emotionally recalling comrade Dimebag Darrell, all
this balanced by hilarious segments of Zakk drinking while exercising
and paying offbeat homage to Ozzy by appearing in a dress (!?).
There's additional zaniness but it will be more fun if you discover it
yourself. Hardcore fans may find they already have much of this
material, and I was surprised that "Blood Is Thicker Than Water"
wasn't included, but for casual fans and neophytes to Black Label
Society this is a solid compilation, offering even the Zakk fanatic
some must-see moments...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

CRIMFALL - AS THE PATH UNFOLDS... (B+) Napalm Records, 2009
11 tracks, RT: 46:46
[ http://www.crimfall.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/crimfall ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Crimfall's music is classified as "epic folk metal" but, really, this
band goes way beyond these already descriptive boundaries. They are
not shy to call their music "weird," and that is exactly what some
people may use to sum up what this band sounds like after giving it a
listen. Their debut album, AS THE PATH UNFOLDS..., showcases the
musical vision of Jakke Viitala. There are two vocalists that sing on
two different extremes: female vocalist Helena Haaparanta sings in a
light, melodic tone, while a male vocalist Mikko Hakkinen sings
hardcore black metal. Yet, these two sing harmoniously together,
taking turns singing their pieces in every song. There are some parts
of the album that could be described as folk. There are some chanting,
echoing and voice layering on some songs. While listening to this
album, I couldn't help but think that nearly every song could probably
be used as a movie soundtrack for some kind of epic adventure movie.
There are orchestral components to be heard on nearly every song. The
one that I liked the best was "The Crown Of Treason"; you'll hear a
straightforward sounding metal opener, but sung by the female
vocalist. Without warning, the vocalist with the black metal sounding
voice steps in...and blows you away. The chorus is catchy and you'll
probably have it memorized by the time the song is over. Towards the
end, there are some mysterious sounds thrown in, like metal clanking,
wind chimes, and what sounds like fire burning. It conjures up images
of being in a distant, ancient land, where a battle is going to take
place. Every song seems to hold with it something unique. I could hear
the piano being played in one song, and a few other songs had acoustic
instrumentation. The songs do a good job of creating an ambiance. Some
songs are full of passion and vigor; some of the folk inspired ones
are lively and light-hearted in a sense; then others give off a
melancholy, reflective feel. This is a very compelling album for a
debut.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

FEJD - STORM (C+) Napalm Records, 2009
12 tracks, RT: 59:51
[ http://www.fejd.se/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/fejd ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
I was skeptical of this album when I first saw the genre it was
classified into: Nordic Medieval Folk. Having the word "metal"
conspicuously absent, I was hoping that maybe this was just a mistake.
But after listening to STORM, I knew it wasn't. To get better
acquainted with this band, Fejd is from Sweden, comprising of folk
music duo Patrik and Niklas Rimmerfors and a third of the Swedish
metal act Pathos. While listening to this album, I could definitely
hear a lot of folk instruments. Some of the songs go at a slightly
darker, melancholy pace, but most of them are upbeat and enchanting.
The vocals are clean, a little raspy at times, but nothing over the
top. Patrik sings at the same range most of the time. The most metal
thing about this album is Esko Salow's drumming, which is for the most
part very straightforward. The guitars are not heavy; in fact you'll
hear more acoustic playing than anything else. The lyrics are not sung
in English. The song "Älvorna Dansar" has a clean and angelic sounding
female guest vocalist singing alongside Patrik. Songs like
"Bergakungen" are catchy and flow at a faster pace. The band is
clearly very talented and knows how to make beautiful music; folk
music. If you want something even remotely heavy, this is not for you.
On the other hand, if you like any kind of folk music, I'd recommend
this.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

IAN GILLAN - ONE EYE TO MOROCCO (B) Eagle Records, 2009
12 tracks, RT: 43:26
[ http://www.gillan.com/ ]
[ http://www.gillansinn.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/iangillan ]
[ http://www.eaglerockent.com/ ]
[ http://www.edel.com/ ]
When the name Ian Gillan is mentioned one rightfully thinks of Deep
Purple, as his voice informs many of Purple's best moments; what is
often forgotten is that Mr. Gillan has also released an impressive
number of albums outside of the Deep Purple camp, including his Ian
Gillan Band and Gillan projects along with his solo work. ONE EYE TO
MOROCCO is Ian's first solo album of original material since 1997's
unusual DREAMCATCHER release, and finds the venerable vocalist evoking
a variety of tones and moods. Some of the tracks have a pensive
quality, such as the brooding title track, while "Don't Stop," "Change
My Ways," and "Ultimate Groove" have more of an upbeat, party feel, in
part as a result of the tasteful use of harmonica, saxophone and
Hammond organ. Favorite has to be the atmospheric groove of "Deal With
It," which is really quintessential Gillan, from the lyrics to the
urgency of the vocals. Overall an engaging album that departs from
Deep Purple's hard rockin' formula but will likely still appeal to
their fan base, while certainly capturing the attention of longtime
Gillan followers.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

JSS - BEAUTIFUL MESS (B) Frontiers, 2009
14 tracks, RT: 51:17
[ http://www.jeffscottsoto.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/sewtoe ]
[ http://www.frontiers.it/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords ]
Vocalist extraordinaire Jeff Scott Soto rechristened himself "JSS" for
this solo project, just to mess with those of us who file are music in
alphabetical order. Moving past that... BEAUTIFUL MESS will surprise
fans who only know Soto's more metallic, old school work with artists
such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Axel Rudi Pell. Soto's been involved with
innumerable projects over the years -- metal, AOR, unplugged, funk
rock, even disco (remember The Boogie Knights?) -- and I daresay this
album's title sums it all up perfectly. Just about every aspect of
Soto's past is on display here, with an emphasis on modern rock with
groove, and a funk/soul/R&B flair. (The man abbreviates his song
titles in Prince-like fashion for a reason!) A few heavier riffs are
on display in tracks like "21st Century" and "Mountain" -- and I swear
to God that "Testify" sounds like a vintage Black Sabbath riff put to
a dance beat -- and a few songs remind me of what Paul Stanley was
doing on 2006's LIVE TO WIN, particularly "Our Song" and the bonus
track "Heart Starts Healing." But the best stuff is the more mature
material that seems to flow effortlessly, like the smooth "Cry Me A
River" and the radio-ready "Hey." "Bring It Home" could be pretty
good, too, in the right environment -- put it on, grab your
significant other, darken the lights, and see what pops up. [Note: The
CD version of this album comes with a DVD; I didn't receive a copy but
it reportedly contains the videos for "21st Century," "Gin & Tonic
Sky," and "Hey," plus a 20-minute EPK, photo gallery, and desktop
wallpapers.]
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

UFO - THE VISITOR (B+) SPV/Steamhammer, 2009
10 tracks, RT: 42:25
[ http://www.ufo-music.info/ ]
[ http://www.spv.de/ ]
[ http://www.spvusa.com/ ]
[ http://www.mypace.com/spvusa ]
Third time out with guitarist Vinnie Moore turns out to be the charm
for rock veterans UFO on their latest offering THE VISITOR. After two
albums of generally solid but admittedly hit-and-miss material Vinnie
has shed his role as a hired gun and taken his place as a natural
member of what has become a decidedly different but still vibrant UFO,
the revered axeman delivering spirited rhythms and blistering solos
throughout. Bluesy hard rock is the order of the day here as the band
tear through some sure-to-be crowd pleasers like opener "Saving Me,"
this one starting off with some nice slide work from Vinnie before
establishing a classic UFO rhythm actualized by that distinctive Phil
Mogg vocal. Other highlights include the robust "Hell Driver," hard
livin' lamentation "Can't Buy A Thrill," tenacious and tasty rocker
"Stranger In Town," and my favorite, the melodic '80s vibe of "Stop
Breaking Down," this one finding Vinnie sprinkling notes everywhere
for one of the album's best solos. Drummer Andy Parker shows he has
lost precious little of the power that fueled so many of the early UFO
staples, and Paul Raymond's keyboards remain and integral part of the
band's signature sound. Unfortunately bassist Pete Way is absent for
this one, but his duties are ably filled by stand-in Peter Pichl.
Front man Phil Mogg sounds great here, his performance nuanced and
affective. Several standard numbers bring the score down slightly,
including the obligatory Stones-y ballad "Forsaken," but overall this
is an album that can be appreciated by fans of both the old and new
style UFO. While THE VISITOR may not be up there alongside classics
such as NO HEAVY PETTING, LIGHTS OUT and OBSESSION, it is quite good
and likely their best since the excellent reunion disc WALK ON WATER.
Suffice it to say, this one will be visiting my CD player frequently
all summer long!
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

*
*** OUT ***
*

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Sorry we're late this week. Time's been flyin' by over here. - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-Magic Circle Music Update

Thunder Online! New E.P. On MP3!

THUNDER IN THE SKY, the new E.P. from Manowar, is now available for
sale online in high-quality, DMR-free, MP3 format only at The Kingdom
Of Steel Online Store. Click HERE to buy!

http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/product/976/Manowar-MP3-Thunder-In-The-Sky-Hi-Fi-00---Entire-CD

The downloadable version of the E.P. contains the exact same content
as the version on sale during the tour: "Thunder In The Sky," "God Or
Man," "Let The Gods Decide," "Father," "Die With Honor," "The Crown
And The Ring" (2008) and versions of "Father "recorded in German,
Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Norwegian, Spanish, French,
Greek, Turkish, Polish, Japanese, Croatian, Portuguese and Finnish.

Keep posted to your Official Manowar Web sites for more information on
The Asgard Saga, Magic Circle Festival III and The Death To Infidels
Tour!

The Fans Have Waited Long Enough! New HolyHell CD On MP3!

HolyHell fans have been patient enough! Now the band wants to reward
them with pre-sales of their long awaited debut album! Even before the
self-titled CD is officially released on June 26, 2009, HolyHell will
offer it online in high-quality, DRM-free, MP3 format only at The
Kingdom Of Steel Online Store. Click HERE to buy!

http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/category/171/HolyHell

The downloadable version of the CD contains the exact same content and
features epic material set to climb straight up the charts! Track list
includes: "Wings Of Light," "Prophecy," "Revelations," "Eclipse," "The
Fall," "Angel Of Darkness," "Holy Water," "Mephisto," "Gates Of Hell,"
"Resurrection," "Last Vision," "Apocalypse," "Armageddon."

So get your HolyHell before anyone else does! Keep updated on HolyHell
via official Web sites: http://www.holyhell.com/ ,
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ .

Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Warrant Update

"The Sweet Spot"
Steven Sweet Road Report: Comanche Nation Casino, Lawton, OK. May,
16th 2009

This was a strange trip to say the least. As a band, you become
accustomed to traveling together which equates to spending time
together in close quarters most of the time. Four of us live in the
"Greater" Los Angeles area; one in the San Fernando Valley, one in the
Foothills between the valley and Pasadena, one in the Hills of Anaheim
and one in the lovely wine country a little further South (okay two of
us live in the "Greater" Los Angeles -- not sure why they refer to it
as "Greater" because I've been to many places on this globe and L.A.
is not necessarily what I would call "Greater" than any place else,
maybe "Bigger," or "Stranger" or full of more "Fake-pretenders" --
yes). Let's begin again... two of us live around L.A. and two of us
live in the O.C. (Orange County -- and yes, they are rich and fabulous
beyond all comprehension -- the television show is spot-on!). Now the
fifth of Warrant and quite possibly the most travel savvy of us all is
a desert dweller -- Arizona to be more specific. Why am I telling you
this, well, because there are occasions when we don't all fly out of
the same airport (LAX = "Los Angeles Xairport"). For this particular
Warrant outing we came in from three different locales which meant we
were.... "dun, dun DUUUUUUUU"... traveling separately, not only were
we traveling from different ports of air, we were flying into
different cities all together. I KNOW -- WTF Right?! Jerry and I flew
from Burbank's Bob Hope Airport ("let me tell ya something..." that
was my Bob Hope impression... loses something in translation, not to
mention when it's only written word without audio, sorry) directly
into Lawton, out-ternational airport (since it's a small airport not
sure what to call it when it's not International). Joey and Erik flew
from Ontario (California, NOT Canada -- that would be stupid since
Ontario Canada, albeit the most populous and second-largest province
of Canada, is in no way near Southern California let alone the O.C. --
NOT an acronym for Ontario Canada) into Oklahoma City (or the O.C.,
not Orange County or even Ontario Canada, that would be really, I MEAN
REALLY stupid because then they would have to get to Lawton Oklahoma
by show time the next day which would be a pain, not to mention
horrible travel planning). Robert travelled by Camel to Oklahoma City,
which is what Desert-dwellers do. (Sure, I made that last part up
because I'm sure you know that Robert doesn't even own a Camel -- it's
an Alpaca Llama, which as we all know don't take kindly to people
jumping on their backs, as I found out the hard way once -- they're
cute, but really quite nasty when provoked). So, there we all are in
different Oklahoma cities (not that there are more than one city in
Oklahoma named Oklahoma City, but different cities in Oklahoma) the
night before the show at the Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton,
Oklahoma -- which turns out, you don't even need a passport to get
into, just a willingness to throw your money away in exchange for some
free drinks... "ca-chingg" (cash register sound)... "burp" (free drink
sound).

Another fun detail about this particular trip was that we were
accompanied by the Brown brothers, Ryan and Joe. Ryan is our fearless
get'er done guy who handles various duties like production detail,
travel detail, food detail, drink detail, merchandise detail, can I
get some duct tape please detail, etc. (fun fact: Ryan did a summer
tour of duty with the "Girls Gone Wild" party bus -- woo hoo, which
doesn't explain at all why he came back to Warrant -- or DOES it????).
Joe is Ryan's brother who is an accomplished sound engineer, currently
taking a break from Extreme travel (not "extreme" extreme, as in "Man
VS Wild" stuff where he has to find his way back from the wilds of
South America with only a pair of socks and some swizzle sticks). What
I mean to say is that he's usually out on the road with the band
Extreme (incidentally, Joe is a man of few words, ironic
considering.... never mind, you see where I was going?). So here we
are with Ryan and Joe, "The Brown Brothers" (they are both White
Italian boys from Boston -- NOT actually Brown-Brothers which would be
a redundant nick name anyhow) they are quite something to witness,
they aren't twins, there is an age difference of about 3 years but
there remains something eerily twin-like about them nonetheless. Their
mannerisms and their pattern of speech are incredibly similar as is
the way that the lights glint off their neatly polished heads --
though they have two distinctly different physical appearances from
the cranium down. Ryan bears the appearance of a man who might dabble
in Cage Fighting now and then (does one really "dabble" in things like
Cage Fighting? Dabbling is better suited to activities like baking and
needlepoint, even pharmacology but not mashing someone else's face
into a bloody chain-link cage while twisting their arm behind their
back with a forearm-breaking knee-drop maneuver), while Joe looks as
though he has run the Boston Marathon, more than once in his lifetime
(which spanned the mark of 40 years on this exact weekend) or perhaps
more than once in the same day even. Great guys to be around and to
work with, I consider myself blessed that even with all our
differences as a band and as a people we manage to pull together to
bring the Warrant show to life each chance we get, even if it means
dealing with sometimes difficult travel arrangements (referring to our
6 hours of missed flights and delays returning home from this weekend)
Note to self: avoid out-ternational airports if given the choice!

I realize I haven't even mentioned the show. Here I am babbling on
about different O.C. locations, airports and Brown brothers and
haven't even mentioned the show... it was fun, great crowd -- thank
you Comanche Nation and all your Comanche nationals (no passport
needed), and of course all you Warrant fans, for without you... I'd
have no one to purge my writing upon. Gotta go for now -- I am
expecting a case of O.C.D. shortly (no, not Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder -- I am expecting a delivery of Orange Crush Diet -- it's
very hard to come by, most stores don't stock it anymore, you have to
special order online). Okay, that was really dumb I realize that, and
my apologies go out to each and everyone of you who spent all this
time reading through my aimless text only to be whapped with something
like that at the end. So I will leave you with this... a little
something in honor of Father's Day:

The memories of my family outings are still a source of strength to me
and have informed who I am today. I remember we'd all pile into the
car (I forget what kind it was) and drive and drive. I'm not sure
where we'd go, but I think there were some trees there, maybe some
water too. The smell of something was strong in the air as we played
whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, older guy we called
"Dad." We'd eat some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home at
some point. I guess some things never leave you.

Happy Father's Day Dad's -- you know who you are (or maybe you don't?)

Steven

WARRANT Tour Dates

Jun 25 - Hard Rock Hotel - Orlando, FL
July 04 - Toyota Park - Bridgeview, IL
July 10 - Rocklahoma - Pryor, OK
July 21 - Chameleon Club - Lancaster, PA
July 22 - Inner City Harbor Amphitheater - Syracuse, NY
July 23 - Crocodile Rock Cafe - Allentown, PA
Aug 14 - Galaxy Concert Theater - Santa Ana, CA
Aug 15 - Storm Stadium - Lake Elsinore, CA
Aug 20 - Rock Gone Wild - Algona, IA
Aug 29 - DuQuion State Fair - DuQuion, IL
Oct 02 - Northern Lights - Clifton Park, NY
Oct 03 - Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT
Oct 09 - Brixton South Bay - Redondo Beach, CA
Oct 10 - The Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CA

WARRANT
PO Box 301
Murrieta CA 92564
info@warrantweb.net
http://www.warrantweb.net/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Nightwish's END OF AN ERA Now Available On Blu-Ray Disc

END OF AN ERA is a massive documentation of Nightwish's incredible
power as a live band. The highly anticipated Blu-Ray version of this
popular concert contains footage from the final show of the legendary
ONCE tour (and the historic last performance with ex-singer Tarja
Turunen)!

A must have for Nightwish's rabid fanbase, this crystal clear quality
will be the beginning of a new era indeed for metal fans worldwide!

DVD Track list:
1. Dark Chest Of Wonders
2. Planet Hell
3. Ever Dream
4. The Kinslayer
5. Phantom Of The Opera
6. The Siren
7. Sleeping Sun
8. High Hopes
9. Bless The Child
10. Wishmaster
11. Slaying The Dreamer
12. Kuolema Tekee Taitelijan
13. Nemo
14. Ghost Love Score
15. Stone People
16. Creek Mary's Blood
17. Over The Hills And Far Away
18. Wish I Had An Angel

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Z Records News

Watchmen Signal The Big Push From Z

Watchmen's critically acclaimed debut will be unleashed on June 29th.
Fans of Whitesnake, Burning Rain, etc., should seriously check out
this release you wont be disappointed. A Special preview track can
currently be found at http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk . All
copies purchased direct at http://www.zrecords.net/ will also come
with a special 10 track promo compilation.

Von Groove And Eden To Tour U.K.

Following on from Z Rock 09 we are proud to announce a Z double
whammy: Von Groove and Eden will tour the U.K. this October in support
of both bands' forthcoming releases for Z.

Dates confirmed so far...

October 10th - JB's - Dudley
October 11th - The Engine Room - Skelmersdale

[Tickets on sale from June 19th from X Records, Bolton / Vibes, Bury /
Music 90, Wigan / Probe, Liverpool / Action Records, Preston and
online at http://www.zrecords.net/ .]

Watchmen Launch And Preview Night This Saturday

A special Watchmen playback will take place at the Salutation Inn,
Nottingham this Saturday June 20th between 9 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Make
sure you check out this amazing album which will be released on June
29th. There will also be a chance to win a Z Records baseball shirt.
After the playback you'll be able to stay for the classic and melodic
rock night held by our good friends at Frontiers rock nights.

Eden Have Confirmed For May 7th 2010

The lineup for Z Rock 2010 on May 7th and 8th has another addition.
Z's very own Eden have confirmed their involvement on the Friday night
of May 7th. The lineup now looks as follows:

May 7th: VON GROOVE, EDEN
May 8th: THE STORM, STEVE AUGERI, ARABIA

Further acts will be announced shortly. Those still wishing to take
advantage of the special offer to Z Rock 09 attendees only are
reminded that the ticket discount is only available for a few more
weeks at which point tickets will revert to full price and general
sale. For details e-mail zrockagency@zrecords.net.

Eden Join House Of Lords For U.K. Tour

Eden will be hitting the road with House Of Lords during September for
four days, three dates are confirmed so far...

Thurs. Sept. 3rd - tbc
Fri. Sept. 4th - Coroporation - Sheffield
Sat. Sept. 5th - The Engine Room - Skelmersdale

[Tickets on sale from June 19th from X Records, Bolton / Vibes, Bury /
Music 90, Wigan / Probe, Liverpool / Action Records, Preston and
online at http://www.zrecords.net/ .]

Sun. Sept. 6th - JB's - Dudley

Tickets for all shows are priced at £17.50.

Z Records And Z Rock 09 Shirts Now Available Online

The following shirts and baseball shirt are now available via mail-
order priced at £15 incl p&p [to U.K. addresses]. The Z Rock 09 shirt
is also available in babydoll format as well as all sizes. To order e-
mail the size and quantity you require to mark@zrecords.net. Visit
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest for close-up views.

http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

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-Napalm Records News

Alestorm & Tyr: Chartbreakers

The Scottish bucaneers have hoisted the black sails, entered the
German LP charts, and made it to the sensational number 60! In
addition, the British Independent Album Charts and Rock/Metal Album
Charts welcome Alestorm at number 14 and 17 respectively. The band and
Napalm Records raise their rum-filled mugs and send out a hearty
"Yarr!" to all pirates and landlubbers who made it possible!

http://www.myspace.com/alestorm

The vikings are in close pursuit and land their dragonships at number
88 of the German LP charts. In accordance with the title of their new
anthem "Hold The Heathen Hammer High," the Faroese warriors and Napalm
Records thank the fans for their incredible support!

http://www.tyr.net/
http://www.myspace.com/tyr1

Mortemia: New To Napalm Records

Gothic Metal icon Morten Veland (Tristania, Sirenia) has inked a deal
with Napalm Records for his new band Mortemia. Morten promises his
fans a sweeping listening experience, which will follow the path of
Tristania's masterpiece BEYOND THE VEIL. The first songs stay true to
his promise and offer beautiful melodies and bombastic choir passages,
thus creating the perfect blend of traditional Gothic Metal and modern
elements.

"I am happy to have signed to Napalm Records for my new project
Mortemia. I am looking forward to the cooperation with the label and
to bring out more music to all the metal fans out there."

Glittertind & Stream Of Passion: Further Chart Entries

The Folk Metal band has sky-rocketed into the Norwegian national album
charts with their latest offering LANDKJENNING and made it to number
21! Even the Norwegian international LP charts are not safe from the
folk melodies and welcome Glittertind at number 56. A big "Thank You"
to all supporters!

http://www.glittertind.net/
http://www.myspace.com/glittertind

Stream Of Passion caused quite a stir by entering the Dutch LP Charts!
Their latest album THE FLAME WITHIN made it to a spectacular number
57! In addition, THE FLAME WITHIN made it to number 2 of the
Alternatice Charts. The band and label thank everyone involved for the
tremendous support! Fans should make sure to keep checking the band's
Web site for upcoming live dates and other events.

http://www.streamofpassion.com/
http://www.myspace.com/streamofpassionband

Trail Of Tears: Special Feature

German webzine sounds2move.de has posted an in-depth Trail Of Tears
online feature. In addition to reviews of each release of the Gothic
Metal pioneers, Ronny and Cathrine comment on all songs of their
latest album BLOODSTAINED ENDURANCE. Fans may check out the special
HERE:

http://www.sounds2move.de/Stories/trailoftears_bse_special/trailoftears_bse_special_09.htm

http://www.trailoftears.no/
http://www.myspace.com/trailoftearsmetal

COMING IN SUMMER 2009:

July
Ahab CD - THE DIVINITY OF OCEANS - Nautik Funeral Doom Metal
24.07.2009
Syrach CD - A DARK BURIAL - Doom Metal 24.07.2009
Leaves' Eyes MCD - "My Destiny" - Gothic Metal 24.07.2009

August
Saltatio Mortis CD+DVD - WER WIND SAT... - Medieval Rock 28.08.2009
Leaves' Eyes CD - NJORD - Gothic Metal 28.08.2009
Schelmish CD - DIE HASSLICHEN KINDER - Medieval Rock 28.08.2009

Napalm Records
http://www.napalmrecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=napalmrecords

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-Radiant Records: News From Neal Morse!

Hello,

How are you doing? We are in Germany and are having a great time! Neal
played at Sweden Rock and then we were in London for a week; now we
are back in good old Germany and are excited about what is coming up!

The Get Closer weekend is THIS WEEKEND! We are thrilled to be having
these meetings here in the beautiful mountains outside Cologne,
Germany in the city of Bergneustadt (Translated: new mountain city).

Sue and I (Cherie Morse) are considering cooking some food between the
meetings and it will be a good time to just hang out.

Please let us know if you are coming so we can get an estimate of how
many people to cook for. Email: matthiasstegmann@gmx.de

Here are the details:

Get Closer Weekend
June 20th - June 21st
Ev. Gemeindezentrum Bergneustadt
Breslauerstr. 20 a
51702 Bergneustadt
Web site: http://www.ev-kirche-bergneustadt.de

Start each day: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Break: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
next service time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Finish each day: 8 p.m.

If someone needs a hotel room for the weekend check out
http://www.feste-neustadt.de (a very nice hotel in the historical old
part of the town approx 5 min. by car from the get closer location) or
http://www.booking.com/ .

We have a new worship night just added in Hamburg! Here are the
details:

IBC Hamburg, on Friday, July 10 at 7 p.m.
Address: IBC Hamburg, c/o FEG-Holstenwall, Michaelispassage 1
20459 Hamburg

I guess that's all for right now. We'll keep you updated!

Take care,

Cherie Morse

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-Foghat Goes Gold With Rhino's BEST OF CD, Will Tour Throughout Summer

British classic rockers Foghat continue to experience an incredible
resurgence throughout the world -- but especially the U.S., where
their 16-track compilation, THE BEST OF FOGHAT, recently obtained Gold
certification (500,000 copies sold).

The collection, which was originally issued in 1989, includes all of
Foghat's hits and rock radio standards, including such anthems as
"Slow Ride," "I Just Want To Make Love To You," "Fool For The City,"
"Drivin' Wheel," and "Ride, Ride, Ride," among others.

As a result of this latest landmark accomplishment in the history of
Foghat, the band -- which consists of Charlie Huhn (vocals, guitar),
Bryan Bassett (guitar), Craig MacGregor (bass), and Roger Earl (drums)
-- recently received gold plaques for THE BEST OF FOGHAT, presented by
DJ Adam Furious from the New Hampshire radio station WGIR ROCK 101 and
Noisy SOD management.

This is the group's eleventh gold or platinum award overall. Footage
of the event can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppUsvcy8C_8

"My wife told me that I could have a new Aston Martin with my next
gold record," says Earl, "But apparently this one doesn't count! But
on a serious note, I am very grateful to our fans -- both old and new.
It's so cool to see all of those young faces out there, and showing
them how a bunch of old bastards can really rock. And to still be
rockin' with my co-captain, Craig MacGregor, after 35 years, and
especially to Charlie and Bryan. They are such a blast to play with,
and they had some big shoes to fill. And in the immortal words of
Lonesome Dave, 'We're gonna roll 'til we're old, and rock 'til we
drop.' Thanks!"

While MacGregor and Earl are the longest-tenured Foghat members in the
lineup (all the way back to the '70s), both Huhn and Bassett have been
Foghat members for nearly a full decade by this point, and for their
contribution for keeping the Foghat legacy alive, also received gold
plaques for THE BEST OF FOGHAT. Much can be attributed to Foghat's
long-lasting popularity and increased album/ticket sales of late, as
the quartet continues to tour relentlessly -- as evidenced by such
strong recent live releases LIVE II [2007] and LIVE AT THE BLUES
WAREHOUSE [2009], and strong concert reviews. Foghat has also reached
a whole generation of young fans due to their all-time classic road
anthem, "Slow Ride," being the first song on the popular "Guitar Hero
III" video game, in addition to recently being sung by Adam Lambert
and Allison Iraheta on "American Idol" to millions of viewers, as well
as being used in various commercials (Honda Odyssey, Carl's Jr., Ace
Hardware) and movies ("Wild Hogs"). And Foghat refuses to stand still,
as the group continues to tour -- as evidenced by their live summer
and fall schedule -- and is hard at work on a blues CD and a new DVD,
both of which will be issued by the end of year.

Foghat U.S. Live Dates:

WED 6/17/2009 - San Diego, CA - The Paddock Concert Series
FRI 6/19/2009 - Chicago, IL - Beverly Arts Center
SAT 6/20/2009 - Oswego, IL - Prairie Festival
SAT 6/27/2009 - Festus, MO - Municipal Airport
WED 7/1/2009 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest - Clasisc Rock Stage
FRI 7/3/2009 - Avon, CO - Avon Town Park
SAT 7/4/2009 - Pennsauken, NJ - Cooper River Park
THU 7/9/2009 - Penticton, BC (Canada)- So. Okanagan Event Centre
FRI 7/10/2009 - Abbotsford, BC (Canada) - Abbotsford Entertainment &
Sports Center
THU 7/16/2009 - Walker, MN - Moondance Jam 18
FRI 7/17/2009 - Sloan, IA - Winnavegas Casino
SAT 7/18/2009 - Modesto, CA - Xclamation Festival
SAT 7/25/2009 - Clatskanie, OR - Biker Rally - Run 21
FRI 7/31/2009 - Aurora, IL - Downtown Alive! Rocks The Fox
SAT 8/1/2009 - Billings, MT - Bones Brewing Pub
MON 8/3/2009 - Sturgis, SD - Broken Spoke Saloon County Line
FRI 8/7/2009 - Pittspurgh, PA - South Park Amphitheatre
SAT 8/8/2009 - Kettering, OH - Fraze Pavilion For The Performing Arts
SUN 8/9/2009 - Scituate, MA - Scituate Harbor Heritage Fest
SAT 8/15/2009 - Elizabethtown, KY - Freeman Lake Park
SAT 9/5/2009 - Omaha, NE - Septemberfest - Salute To Labor
MON 9/7/2009 - Denver, CO - A Taste Of Colorado
SAT 9/12/2009 - Hot Springs, AR - Hot Springs Rally - Biker Event
FRI 9/18/2009 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino (2 shows)
SAT 9/19/2009 - West Springfield, MA - The Big "E"
SAT 10/10/2009 - Gulf Shores, AL - 33rd Annual National Shrimp
Festival
SAT 10/17/2009 - Ormond Beach, FL - Broken Spoke Saloon
SUN 10/18/2009 - Stuart, FL - Lyric, Theatre
FRI 2/5/2010 - Morristown, NJ - The Community Theatre

http://www.foghat.net/
http://www.myspace.com/Foghat1

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
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-Seventh Rize Inks A Worldwide Deal On Perris Records

Perris Records is pleased to announce the worldwide signing of Seventh
Rize, a Texas hard rock band that will release their FULL MOON CD this
summer. The CD is now available for pre-order at Perris Records' Web
site, http://www.perrisrecords.com/ .

Seventh Rize was formed in the Fall of 1991 and hails from the rural
oil fields of West Texas. Averaging over 200 shows per year, Seventh
Rize headlined in clubs and festivals, opened numerous major concerts
and was a featured artist on several regional radio stations and
publications. Seventh Rize has performed shows with the likes of
Warrant, FireHouse and White Lion... not to mention several headlining
events, including a VH1 special, along with numerous in-store
appearances. Seventh Rize also appeared at Rocklahoma '08! Seventh
Rize began the next logical step... writing new material. The core
writing sessions went extremely well and the band decided to bring
back Bobby Rock to produce the new album, FULL MOON. The entire
recording/mixing/mastering process for FULL MOON was spread between
Texas and Los Angeles. Seventh Rize worked with an outside writer --
namely Bruce Turgon from Foreigner -- a chemistry which proved
successful! The band worked night and day on FULL MOON to live up to
its motto, "Let The Music Do The Talking." Once FULL MOON was
complete, Seventh Rize began searching for the "right" label to
promote it. The band was set on finding a label that shared their
vision and truly lived for rock 'n' roll music! They found these
qualities in Perris Records and signed with the label in April 2009.
The first single, also the title track, will hit airwaves soon and
FULL MOON is set for a nationwide release on July 14, 2009! Seventh
Rize will be heavily touring in support of the FULL MOON from coast to
coast...and maybe beyond! Whatever the case, Seventh Rize is prepared
to deliver a unique Arena Rock Experience!

Seventh Rize co-founder/drummer Sulli states "I speak for myself and
the entire Seventh Rize organization when I say that we very excited
to join the Perris Family! Perris Records has a rich history of
signing and promoting some amazing groups... and Seventh Rize is
honored to join the ranks. Tom Mathers is a stand up guy with a
serious work ethic. I can honestly say that Perris is the perfect
match for Seventh Rize and the only label I trust to handle our newest
recording, FULL MOON. Seventh Rize looks forward to a long, productive
relationship with Tom and Perris Records!"

In response to numerous inquiries about the release of Full Moon on
July 14th and tour dates to support it, Seventh Rize is excited to
announce that they will hit the road for a limited number of exclusive
dates with friend Mark Slaughter of SLAUGHTER!

The Brothers In Arms Tour - An Evening With Seventh Rize And Mark
Slaughter will only hit a small number of selected markets and
promises to burn the roof down... and keep ya Up All Night! The first
four shows of the tour have been officially announced:

July
15 - The Music Vault - Harker Heights, TX
16 - River Stage Complex - San Angelo, TX
17 - Tequila Jungle - Lubbock, TX
18 - Dos Amigos - Odessa, TX

These shows will not only celebrate the release of FULL MOON, but they
will also serve as a way for the band to help create more awareness of
St. Jude Children's Hospital.

As stated by Sulli, drummer and co-founder: "St. Jude Children's is a
wonderful organization that battles cancers of all kinds on a daily
basis... and from the doctors to the nurses to the support staff, they
are all committed to creating cures for every child that walks through
their doors... regardless of a family's ability to pay. Being that
this will be a very special tour, I thought we should help raise funds
for a very special cause! St. Jude's operates 100% on donations and
it's my pleasure to work with St. Jude's on our Brothers In Arms Tour!
A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to St. Jude's
Hospital.

"Stay tuned for more details and watch for added shows!"

Go to http://www.myspace.com/seventhrize and
http://www.seventhrize.net/ for information on Seventh Rize.

Stacy "Big Daddy" Humphries - Vocals
Darin Andersen - Guitars
Jerry Stone - Guitars
David Hamilton - Bass
Sulli - Drums/Percussion

Perris Records
http://www.perrisrecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Swashbuckle: BACK TO THE NOOSE Album Trailer

A trailer for BACK TO THE NOOSE, the new album from New Jersey's
thrashing pirates Swashbuckle, can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDPN9Ew-muc

BACK TO THE NOOSE is scheduled for release on July 24, 2009 (Europe)
and August 11, 2009 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records.

Swashbuckle has been added to this year's Paganfest Europe tour
alongside Korpiklaani, Unleashed, Alestorm, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter
and Ex Deo, after recently completing the North American edition of
Paganfest. The trek kicks off on September 11 in Munich, Germany and
concludes on October 3 in Linz, Austria.

"Cruise Ship Terror," the new video from Swashbuckle, can be viewed
here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53A4GyB96RI

Commented the band: "Arrg, legendary metal music video director David
Brodsky (Kataklysm, Arsis, The Black Dahlia Murder) by chance caught
us pirates in the act of looting and pillaging a fine vessel along the
seas of the Atlantic. With nary a chance of escape, David bartered
passage to dry land in exchange for rendering a motion picture tale of
our nautical pilferings."

Swashbuckle was one of three winners of last year's Nuclear Blast
MySpace Bands Contest.

http://www.swashbuckle.info/
http://www.myspace.com/swashbuckle
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swashbuckle/71641780327

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
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-Contrive To Enter The Studio This Month

Australia's Contrive will enter the Toyland Studios, Melbourne this
week to begin recording the follow-up to their acclaimed debut from
2005 THE MEANING UNSEEN (Mixed by Fredrik Nordstrom - Studio Fredman,
Sweden)

Read Reviews:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=14581
http://metalobsession.net/contrive-the-meaning-unseen

The band's drummer Andrew Haug issued this update:

"Finally, we're hitting the studio to record what has been dubbed by
friends and even us as the CONTRIVE DEMOCRACY! Meaning, the album has
taken what seems like an eternity to complete. There were several
setbacks that can lay blame for this delay over the last few years
including our bassist Tim's motor accident whilst holidaying in
earlier this year. Am happy to report he's now all mended and ready to
thrash! Ok, what can I say about the album without creating a long
drawn out tangent on just how damn great it's going to be? Ha! Well I
can tell you it will contain eight songs and musically? Well, WE DIG
IT! You'll have to make up your own minds when it's done! More updates
soon! Horns - m/"

Contrive live in Bangkok, w/ Parkway Drive Feb. 2009; TV footage &
interview from SPINearth TV:

http://www.myspace.com/contriveaustralia

Contrive now on Facebook -- become a fan -- join up

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CONTRIVE/16792407242?ref=ts

Write Contrive

PO Box 134
East Keilor 3033
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
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-Rusty Cage Records Update

Debut Fractal Gates Available Now!

This weekend the debut album of French metallers Fractal Gates called
ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS has been released. It's a six-page
digi-pak, containing 14 great doom/death/rock tracks. It will also be
available at all major downloadstores, such as iTunes, eMusic.

When ordering this album at the Rusty Cage webstore, you will receive
another RCR release for free during the month of June! (use
vouchercode: RCR19 and pay only €10,- for 2 CD's!)

Non-Divine News: Non-Divine To Support Testament

Non-Divine will support Testament on their Dutch gig at the Hedon in
Zwolle (Netherlands) on July 2nd.

Magnacult News: Magnacult To Support Mastodon

Dutch metallers Magnacult will support Mastodon on their only
headlining date in Europe at the Le Trabendo in Paris (France) on July
6th.

The band is currently writing material for its as-yet-untitled
sophomore album. They will enter the studio in April to start the pre-
production. "We are very excited to enter the studio again and record
our new material. We just played at two festivals in Holland this past
weekend and already unleashed two new songs and the reactions from the
crowd were great," says drummer Bionic.

Stay heavy,
The Rusty Cage Records Team
http://www.rustycagerecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
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-Ravenland: BACK E.P. Available On MySpace

When waiting for the release of their new album, entitled "...AND A
CROW BRINGS ME BACK, which shall be available in a few weeks by Free
Mind Records, Brazilian goth metallers Ravenland released the BACK
E.P., which is now available on MySpace at
http://www.myspace.com/ravenland .

BACK was recorded in Studio Fusão/Plug in, with production and drums
by Ricardo Confessori (Angra, Shaman) and it has the following track
list:

1 - Soulmoon
2 - End Of light
3 - Regret

Recently Ravenland launched a new YouTube channel, where is available
a video clip for "End Of Light." Check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlYlfxo59GU .

Ravenland
http://www.ravenland.net/
http://www.myspace.com/ravenland

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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-Music News From Paul Speer

New Album

I am excited to announce that coming very soon will be the new album
WONDERS, a collaboration with Paul Lawler ( http://www.paullawler.org/
) from the U.K. and Satine Orient ( http://www.satineorient.com/ )
from Paris, France. We created musical impressions of awe inspiring
places on Planet Earth. Paul Lawler and I composed all the music and
Satine contributed vocals to two tracks. It will be released Tuesday,
July 7th 2009 assuming everthing goes according to plan.

OCULUS At #38 For 2008

OCULUS came in at #38 on the World/Ambient/New Age radio chart for all
of 2008. Not too shabby! It received and continues to receive airplay
on numerous terrestrial, internet, cable TV, and satellite radio
stations. A shout out to ace radio promoter Kathleen Monahan (
http://www.mc-kdm.com/ ) for her hard work on the project. If you
don't have a copy and would like one, click here:

Solo Projects
http://www.paulspeer.com/soloprojects.cfm

Free Stuff!

I can't fix the economy, end the wars, or stop global warming but what
can I do to make the situation a little better? Spread some music
around! And what better way to do that than give it away for free?
This time, instead of one free download to all my friends on this
list, I'm giving away a whole album download.

All you have to do is email me paulspeermusic@aol.com and mention the
album you want and I'll send back a link to the download site. It is
just my way of saying thanks for your support all these years.

Until next time,

PS

http://www.paulspeer.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
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-Texas Guitar Great Chris Duarte Sees Life From Fresh VANTAGE POINT At
The War Memorial On June 25

TRENTON, N.J. -- The Chris Duarte Group will take the stage for two
memorial sets at the Trenton War Memorial on June 25 at 7 p.m. as part
of the "On Patriots Stage - The Kaplan Series."

"On Patriots Stage - The Kaplan Series" is a unique experience in
musical performance distinguishing itself from any other concert
series in America by offering audiences a rare opportunity to share
the stage with world-renowned musical artists and enjoy an up-close
and personal evening of music as well as an opportunity to meet the
performers. Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, with its
breathtaking architecture and state-of-the-art lighting and sound
systems make it the perfect backdrop for the series.

When Sun Records founder Sam Phillips first heard Howlin' Wolf sing,
he spoke the now famous words: "This is where the soul of man never
dies." If Phillips had ever met Texas guitar great Chris Duarte he
might have been moved to offer a similar insight into the eternity of
the blues, Duarte's triumph over personal adversity and the firebrand
passion to which this blues-rock guitar master brings to his music.

In a celebrity-driven industry rife with Faustian deals served up to
the public via false advertising, Duarte has demonstrated that his
soul -- and his love of the blues -- is not for sale. When listening
to the Chris Duarte Band's new record, VANTAGE POINT (Blues Bureau/
Shrapnel), one senses Duarte's rejuvenated spirit, renewed creative
breadth, an ability to tap into the blues' timelessness, and Duarte's
rekindling of the youth exuberance he possessed during the making of
his breakthrough debut TEXAS SUGAR/STRAT MAGIK.

The very title (VANTAGE POINT) alludes to Duarte's newfound self-
awareness, his shedding of some bad personal habits, and his ability
to view life from a different perspective. "I think I'm playing better
than ever," claims Duarte. "Working with producer Mike Varney has
really opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities regarding melody and
what to listen for to make a good record even better."

Once pegged as a Stevie Ray Vaughan-abee, Duarte (a one-time longtime
Austin resident now living in Atlanta) has emerged as an artist (worn
Fender Stratocaster in hand) with his own, original kick-ass, stinging
guitar-playing style. For years the name Stevie Ray hung like an
albatross around Duarte's guitar's neck. VANTAGE POINT is not only
Duarte's most fresh-sounding disk in years but also unabashedly
acknowledges and embraces his longstanding influences.

"I don't deny my influences," says Duarte. "If people compare me to
Stevie Ray, well, to me that's a compliment. My Stevie Ray tendencies
are just one characteristic of my musical identity."

Expecting a blues artist to exist in a vacuum and not be influenced by
music around him is unrealistic. The blues (back before there even was
a formalized genre) has always been about building, borrowing and
creating one's own artistic voice within a tradition. So it is not
surprising that a dash of Stevie Ray mojo can still be found in
Duarte's inspired six-string acrobatics. But listen closely enough and
you'll also spot 'Trane, Bird, Zeppelin, Miles, John McLaughlin,
Albert King, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf's Hubert Sumlin, and a host of
other artists.

Duarte sprinkles these influences across a baker's dozen of tracks
appearing on VANTAGE POINT: check the Robert Plant vocal wail/Jimmy
Page-Les Paul vibe of "Babylon"; the Hendrix-meets-Govt. Mule-meets-
Mahavishnu Orchestra freak out guitar jams of "She Don't Live Here
Anymore"; and the jazzy, goofy, witty and ridiculous mood of
instrumental "Woodpecker," which could very well have been a recently
unearthed Dixie Dregs track from deep inside the Capricorn vaults.

Fittingly, the slow, major blues "Troubles On Me" not only references
Stevie Ray Vaughan's take on Albert King's version of the Elmore James
classic "The Sky Is Crying," but also the blues standard "Goin' Down
Slow" (specifically the 1961 Howlin' Wolf version, itself based on St.
Louis Jimmy Oden's 1941 song). Duarte adds his own poignant twist to
the soulful lyrics, which speak to his once turbulent personal life.

"The song is saying, 'Sorry, mom. I know this is not the life you
would have wanted for me,'" says Duarte.

A self-described child of the Beatles generation, Duarte first picked
up his brother's guitar when he was just 15 years old and learned the
Fab Four's tunes via guitar-chord tablature texts. After quitting
school at 16, Duarte moved from San Antonio, Texas, to Music City
U.S.A. (a.k.a. Austin, Texas) with a great musical potential and an
unchecked, naïve jazz "snobbishness."

"I was turning my nose up at it the blues, but when I did some serious
investigation, suddenly I'm asking myself, 'Why don't I sound like
that guy on the record?,'" Duarte says.

Duarte worked his butt off through constant practice, soaking up as
much knowledge as he could from veteran blues cats, and pounding the
boards in venues throughout Austin (and greater Texas). He witnessed
the rise of Austin as a music Mecca; caught a young Stevie Ray Vaughan
at the Continental Club when the future blues-rock icon was still
finding his own voice; founded his own trio; and began playing 25
shows a month when fans and critics alike stood up and took notice.

Suddenly the Midwest and upper South were Duarte's breadbasket. He was
on the road constantly and cut such critically acclaimed records as
TEXAS SUGAR/STRAT MAGIK, TAILSPIN HEADWHACK and 2007's BLUE VELOCITY.

Duarte's excitement is palpable when speaking about VANTAGE POINT.
"There are some moments on VANTAGE POINT that hit me the same way as
TEXAS SUGAR," says Duarte. "I was a young player then, didn't have the
vocabulary I do now, but there is a certain vibe about the tracks --
then and now. I'm just really excited about and proud of this record."

Tickets are $25.00 and available at The Patriots Theater Box Office at
(609) 984-8400, (800) 955-5566 or online at
http://www.thewarmemorial.com/ or http://www.tickets.com/ and a 10%
Military Discount (Box office only, must show ID).

A free 60-minute master class guitar instruction will be available on
a first come first served basis starting at 5 p.m.

Blues Guitarist Extraordinaire Chris Duarte Hosts Exclusive Master
Class At The Trenton War Memorial

TRENTON, N.J. -- Thursday, June 25, represents a fantastic opportunity
for those whose thirst for knowledge is never quite satiated by the
plethora of instructional DVDs and books out on the market.

Virtuosic bluesman Chris Duarte, once voted Best New Talent from
readers of Guitar Player magazine, will be sharing his vast depth of
knowledge in a 60-minute clinic at 5 p.m., preceding his performance
at the Trenton War Memorial. Duarte, who has toured internationally
for the past 18 years now, is thrilled to impart his philosophy on not
only crafting memorable guitar solos, but also finding great tones in
which to deliver them. This master class is free for all interested on
a first come basis. For those interested, you are welcome to bring
your own electric guitar.

The seminar will cover everything from basic soloing techniques to
advanced application of melodic ideas toward soloing. Duarte will also
expand on his own practice routine and devices that have proven
helpful towards, making him the incredible player he has become. Time
permitting, attendees will also enjoy the ability to jam out with
Duarte, who will then advise them on ways to spruce up their playing,
or maybe offer an insight that could help change their perspective on
the instrument. Whether you are a serious player, or simply a curious
hobbyist, the master class has something to offer anyone who has the
passion to play the right notes.

http://www.thechrisduartegroup.com/
http://www.myspace.com/chrisduartegroup
http://www.thewarmemorial.com/
http://www.meconcerts.com/
http://www.masterclass.us/Iss

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #17 ***
*
-Get A Stand At The Total Metal Festival 2009!

As every year a few stand positions will be available at the Total
Metal Festival, the most important Metal happening in southern Italy.
There will be stands of every kind: merchandise, artistes,
advertisement, etc. The organizing agency, Vivo Management, announce
that from now, for all those that would be interested, it's possible
to book a position in the festival area to get a personal stand.

The date of the festival is fixed for Saturday, September 19 2009
(doors open at 1:30 p.m.) and that the confirmed location is the New
Demodè Club in Modugno, Bari (the same of last edition). At the moment
just a few bands are confirmed: FINNTROLL, MALEVOLENT CREATION and
VOMITORY. Soon a lot of bands more will be announced.

Every stand can expose stuff off any kind provided that everything
must be legal and not offensive.

The organizers could also provide for gazebos, tables and chairs if
needed. Also is possible to expose in the festival area advertisement
Banners and stuff like that.

If you want to get a place for your activity contact Vivo Management
at the number +39.333.65.99.784 or write an e-mail to
info@vivomanagement.it.

TOTAL METAL FESTIVAL 2009
September 19, 2009
1:30 p.m.
New Demodè, Modugno, Bari (IT)

http://www.myspace.com/totalmetalfestival

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #18 ***
*
-Ninetail To Release HALF TRUTHS & HAND GRENADES Through MVD Audio On
July 14

Tour Dates With Mensrea (f/ Members of Gwar) Announced For June

With HALF TRUTHS & HAND GRENADES, the York, Pennsylvania-based metal
monster known as Ninetail have taken their devastatingly intense
variety of metal music to an entirely new level. This, their sophomore
effort released by DRP Records ( http://www.drprecords.com/ ), is
faster, heavier and more technically complex than their previous
release.

In anticipation of the album's national release, Ninetail toured the
country on the 2008 Project Independent Showcase Tour from August 29th
- November 2nd, 2008. The tour, which consisted of 58 performances in
33 different states, introduced Ninetail to metalheads all across the
country, and gave the band a chance to connect with countless new
fans.

Ninetail was established in the Summer of 2005. The band -- with Don
Belch and Chris Evan (guitars), J. William Heitmann (vocals), Griff
(bass), Greg Weber (keys & samples) and Chris Appenzeller (drums) --
has enjoyed a slow and steady rise to the forefront of the American
underground metal scene. Having thrilled more than 200 audiences in 35
different states with its ultra-violent, high-energy live performance,
Ninetail has built a fanatically loyal fan base across the United
States.

With the release of their debut full-length album, THE PROCESS OF
CONVERSION, in June of 2006, Ninetail quickly introduced the world to
a crushingly brutal new brand of heavy metal, with its down-tuned,
jackhammer guitar riffs, growling, hound-of-hell vocals and
atmospheric, industrial-esque keyboard/sample work inspired by bands
like American Head Charge, Bloodsimple, Pantera and Lamb Of God. A
fervent response to the album throughout the Mid-Atlantic States
prompted invitations to share the stage with many different national
acts, including: Static-X, Soulfly, Chimaira, God Forbid,
Mushroomhead, Devildriver, Otep, High On Fire, In This Moment, and
many more.

In the Fall of 2007, the band's blistering performance at the Project
Independent Pennsylvania State Invitational earned Ninetail a coveted
spot alongside seventeen of the underground metal world's elite on the
nationally-distributed Project Independent Volume 4 compilation CD --
leading to a worldwide, online vote at
http://www.projectindependent.net/ to determine the best unsigned
metal act in the United States. With Ninetail's newly recorded track,
"Westboro," the band was awarded the title of "2008 Project
Independent Featured Artist" on January 1, 2008. These days, the band
is touring like crazy in support of HALF TRUTHS & HAND GRENADES.

Upcoming Tour Dates withMensrea (f/ Members of Gwar):
June 18 - KC's Music Alley (All Ages) - Fredericksburg, VA
June 19 - Sonar (All Ages) - Baltimore, MD
June 20 - The Depot (21+) - York, PA
June 21 - Croc Rock Underground (All Ages) - Allentown, PA
June 22 - Club Echo (18+) - Huntington, WV
June 25 - Village Tavern - Mt. Pleasant, SC
June 27 - Zakk's Coffeehouse (All Ages) - Murfreesboro, NC

"Half Truths & Hand Grenades" Music Video
http://vimeo.com/channels/drp

Hi-res Cover Art and Additional Info
http://www.mvdb2b.com/search/item.php?SESSION_NO=NADWND9DEN2M44L1N9RUNU271&sku=DRP030

Ninetail Web site
http://www.ninetail.org/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #19 ***
*
-Hartless Hind Records Releases UP END ATOM: A TRIBUTE TO ATOM AND HIS
PACKAGE

A Portion of the Album's Proceeds To Benefit the American Diabetes
Association

Hartless Hind Records and MVD Audio are pleased to announce the
release of UP END ATOM: A TRIBUTE TO ATOM AND HIS PACKAGE for
worldwide distribution on July 14, 2009.

UP END ATOM is a tribute to seminal nerd rock icon, Atom And His
Package. His quirky music and undeniable personality made him
Philadelphia's most unique performer, and the world's most unlikely
rock star. A chubby kid with a high voice on stage, armed with nothing
but a musical synthesizer and a good sense of humor, played his way
into the hearts of many. His musical journey would eventually be
halted by Diabetes.

His contemporaries pay tribute to him on this record. Showing the
breadth and width of his influences, artists such as Adult Swim's
mcchris, German rock band Locas In Love, the originator of post-punk
laptop rap MC Lars, Aussie punk band Yidcore, and hockey rock band The
Zambonis all recorded tracks specifically for this tribute. All these
artists come together with a common goal: to share their love for Atom
And His Package and help fight Diabetes.

A portion of the album's proceeds are going to the American Diabetes
Association, to fight the disease that forced Atom to retire from
music.

"Atom never played a prison tour but, he is honestly for us right up
there with Johnny Cash as a smart, musical, funny, innovative punk
rock bad ass. We love him and are very proud to be on the CD."
- Dave Schneider, THE ZAMBONIES

Track listing:
1. Steinbeck - "Possessions (Not The One By Danzig)"
2. mcchris - "Punk Rock Academy"
3. Math The Band - "Upside Down From Here"
4. The Zambonis and Atom - "Goalie"
5. Yidcore - "Avenger"
6. MC Lars feat. Worm Quartet - "(Lord It's Hard To Be Happy, When You
Aren't Using) The Metric System"
7. Worm Quartet feat. Curt Allen - "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad
Mad Lib 2008"
8. Locas In Love - "I Am Downright Amazed At What I Can Destroy With
Just A Hammer"
9. The Emotron - "Me And My Black Metal Friends"
10. Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer - "Happy Birthday Ralph"
11. Golden Bloom - "Lying To You"

Link to Hi Res Cover Art
http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/hartless001.jpg

MVD Entertainment Group
PO BOX 280
Oaks PA 19456
http://www.mvdb2b.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #20 ***
*
-Impiety End All Life With Latest Album

Singapore's almighty maelstrom returns, possibly with their most
furious release to date. Impiety are one of the world's most
notoriously destructive bands, gaining that reputation over the course
of their near 20-year existence. The band's incalculably destructive
nature amalgamates insanely high-speed blasting, brutally-fast riff
structures and relentless guttural torment, resulting in some of the
most destructive blackened death metal on the planet.

Impiety's sixth studio album -- appropriately entitled TERROREIGH:
APOCALYPTIC ARMAGEDDON COMMAND -- is arguably the band's most hellish
bloodstorm of relentless rage to date. Dedicated to and based upon the
pitiful scum that humans are, the album presents a grim look at man's
final days on Earth. The album presents ten tracks in total, including
an Intro and Outro exclusively provided by Holocausto Vengeance of
Beherit!

TERROREIGN: APOCALYPTIC ARMAGEDDON COMMAND track listing:
1. Intro
2. Vientos De Holocausto
3. Atomic Angel Assault
4. Terroreign
5. As Judea Burns
6. Goatfather
7. Bestial To The Bone
8. The Black F*ck
9. My Dark Subconscious
10. Outro

http://www.mightyimpiety.com/
http://www.agoniarecords.com/

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #21 ***
*
-Sunn 0))) Announce American Live Aktions

Sunn 0))) will be heading to the Midwest for the first time in quite a
while, playing shows in many cities and states they have not been to
before. The lineup for these Midwestern sonic rituals will be:

Attila Csihar - Invocations
Steve Moore - trombone, keys
Stephen O'Malley - Guitar
Greg Anderson - Bass

Joining Sunn 0))) on these live aktions will be one of Southern Lord's
latest signings, Eagle Twin. West coast dates for sunn 0))) in August
and east coast dates for September are in the planning stages and will
be announced soon.

Sunn 0)))'s recently released seventh studio full-length MONOLITHS &
DIMENSIONS is currently being devoured by the media; the band's
constant/inherent tonal devastation and atmospheric tension have
soared to traumatic new heights on the album. On stage, the band has
just recently conquered shows in Japan, Mexico, and have just wrapped
up a European tour.

You can witness one of Sunn 0)))'s recent shows in a massive church in
Leuven, Belgium at this location:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a0Z2yndlOs

Sunn 0))) w/ special guests: Eagle Twin

7/02/2009 Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
7/05/2009 Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN
7/06/2009 Sokol Auditorium / Underground - Omaha, NE
7/07/2009 The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
7/08/2009 The Firebird - St. Louis, MO
7/10/2009 House Cafe - Dekalb, IL
7/11/2009 Eagle Theater - Pontiac, MI
7/12/2009 Southgate House - Newport, KY

"Sunn's music has shown an astonishing capacity for expansion and
transformation." - Signal To Noise

"...inverts all expectations; negative space infuses their pulverizing
tendencies, revealing that light is the new heavy." - Spin Magazine

"Needless to say, this is not your dad's heavy metal... John Cage-
inspired sonic experimentation, elements of modern classical music,
folk, post-rock, and free jazz are embedded under the crush of ambient
feedback. Ozzy it's not." - New York Magazine

"Per Sunn O)))'s long-standing dogma, 'Maximum volume [still] yields
maximum results.' But this time, there's enough musical range and
temperance to usher even the most resolute naysayer into this
intricate wonderland." - Pitchfork.com

"This is an album for people who love their music, not something that
can be dropped into a playlist for easier digestion. MONOLITHS &
DIMENSIONS is tremendous in every way." - Brainwashed.com

MAXIMUM VOLUME YIELDS MAXIMUM RESULTS.

http://www.ideologic.org/
http://www.southernlord.com/
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #22 ***
*
-Pulverised Records Signs Pestilential Shadows

Australian black metallers Pestilential Shadows recently inked a
worldwide deal with Pulverised Records for their latest opus IN
MEMORIAM, ILL OMEN.

In a world filled with disease and mindless genocide, it is no wonder
why Pestilential Shadows chose the term "Anti-Human Plague Black
Metal" to represent their brand of devastation. IN MEMORIAM, ILL OMEN
is a pummeling onslaught of sorrow-drenched riffs with a sonic
production that mirrors the early '90s black metal sound, courtesy of
guitarist/singer Balam. Featuring past and present members of Naxzul,
Rift, Illium, Funeral Moruning and many others. IN MEMORIAM, ILL OMEN
is a timeless piece of art that transcends all forms of mournful
resentment towards human nature. Recorded and mixed by Balam and
mastered by D.Backovic. Stunningly beautiful oldschool artwork and
layout by Balam.

Track listing:
1) Weapon Against The Sun
2) Beautiful Demise
3) With Serpents I Lay
4) Of Loss And Suffering Inherit
5) For Man And Heavens Ruin
6) Sundered
7) Ecclesia Moriendi (insrumental)
8) Bathed In Ashes

http://www.myspace.com/pestilentialshadows
http://www.pulverised.net/

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-AC/DC has chosen Anvil to open two upcoming stadium shows: July 28 at
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, and July 31 at Giants Stadium in
E. Rutherford, NJ.

-Alice In Chains will release a new studio album through Virgin
Records in September.

-Sebastian Bach joined the guys from IFC's "Z Rock" to judge the
"America's Hottest Rocker Mom" contest. Check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAiODlrjdw8&feature=player_embedded for
more.

-Death On Two Wheels summer tour dates:

6/12 - The Roxy, Hollywood, CA
6/14 - Cinespace, Silver Lake, CA
6/17 - Lestat's, San Diego, CA
6/18 - Monterey Live, Monterey, CA
6/19 - The Wood Shed, Salt Lake City, UT
6/25 - Bohemeos's, Houston, TX
6/26 - The Vault, Stillwater, OK
7/3 - The Hummingbird, Macon, GA
7/4 - The Star Bar, Atlanta, GA
7/9 - The 5 Spot, Nashville, TN
7/10 - Tin Roof, Charleston, SC
7/11 - Evening Muse, Charlotte, NC
7/24 - Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, GA
7/30 - Neumeirer's Rib Room, Ft. Smith, AK

See http://www.myspace.com/deathontwowheels for more.

-Thrashers Hellwitch have reformed and are working on a new album for
release this fall on Xtreem Records. Meanwhile, a reissue of SYZYGIAL
MISCREANCY is due out on June 15, complete with 12 bonus tracks and a
20-page booklet with lyrics, liner notes, and rare photos. Track list:
"The Ascent," "Nosferatu," "Viral Exogence," "Sentient Transmography,"
"Mordirivial Dissemination," "Pyrophoric Seizure," "Purveyor Of Fear."
Bonus tracks from the 1986 TRANSGRESSIVE SENTIENCE demo: "Nosferatu,"
"Satan's Wrath," "Torture Chamber," "Fate At Pain's End." From the
1987 MORDIRIVIAL DISEMANATION demo: "Degeneration," "Nosferatu,"
"Purveyor Of Fear," "Pyrophoric Seizure." From a 1989 rehearsal/demo:
"Archangel" (Death cover), "Mordirivial Disemanation," "Viral
Exogence." From the 1984 NOSFERATU demo: "Nosferatu."

-Check out a great interview with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain at
http://www.examiner.com/x-5629-Heavy-Metal-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Listen-With-Nicko-Part-Flight-666-Exclusive-Interview-with-Iron-Maiden-Drummer-Nicko-McBrain
.

-Upcoming tour dates for The Iron Maidens:

6/13 - Paladino's, Tarzana, CA
6/17 - San Diego Fair, San Diego, CA
6/20 - Angel's Roadhouse, Yucaipa, CA
6/27 - Cane's, San Diego, CA
7/11 - Sunset Station Casino Pool Party, Las Vegas, NV
7/12 - Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet, Santa Fe Springs, CA
7/17 - The Underground, Reno, NV
7/18 - Bill's Casino/Bar 24, Tahoe/Stateline, NV
7/30 - Second Wind, Santee, CA

See http://www.theironmaidens.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens for more.

-Jet has a new album due out in August. Check out a trailer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAT2t1gtQZ8 .

-Jorn's SPIRIT BLACK is out now on Frontiers in Europe, and is due in
the U.S. on July 14. Track list: "Spirit Black," "Below," "Road Of The
Cross," "The Last Revolution," "City Inbetweeen," "Rock And Roll
Angel," "Burn Your Flame," "World Gone Mad," "I Walk Alone," "The Sun
Goes Down" (limited edition digi-pak bonus track). Hype: "SPIRIT BLACK
is another slab of classic Hard Rock with '80s Metal elements which
will definitely please all those who loved his recent LONELY ARE THE
BRAVE." Check out song clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27680 and
http://www.frontiers.it/Default.aspx?tabid=85&pl=J . Jorn's touring
lineup includes guitarists Igor Gianola (U.D.O.) and Tore Moren
(Arcturus), bassist Nic Angileri (Gotthard), and drummer Willy
Bendiksen (The Snakes, Bad Habitz). In related news, the U.S. release
of Jorn's LIVE IN AMERICA DVD will see the light of day on July 14, on
Frontiers. See http://www.jornlande.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/realjorn for more.

-Speculation surrounding the next Kiss album has it being a Wal-Mart
exclusive.

-Check out the video for FireHouse guitarist Bill Leverty's new song,
"Boll Weevil," at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fm4nR_gkPA . It's
the first single from the Leverty's new solo album DEEP SOUTH. See
http://www.leverty.com/ , http://www.myspace.com/billleverty ,
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Leverty/1736764379 ,
http://www.reverbnation.com/billleverty , and
http://www.twitter.com/Leverty for more.

-Check out a review of Joel McIver's Cliff Burton biography, "To Live
Is To Die: The Life & Death Of Metallica's Cliff Burton," at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7FhJ . In related news, rumor has it
Anthrax and Overkill will open Metallica's Madison Square Garden show
this November.

-Moth Eater -- featuring John Alaia, John Conley (Scar Culture),
Buckshot (Dirty Rig), and Dave Ardolina (Dirty Rig) -- will hit the
studio later this month to record its debut album, for a late summer
release. Check out some demo tracks at
http://www.myspace.com/motheater667 , and documentary footage at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa2ksBwBNuM .

-Nocturnal's VIOLENT REVENGE is due out June 15. Track list:
"Hellhunt," "Atomic Warfare," "Slaughter Command," "Death Is The
Answer," "Beast Of Hades," "Disgracer," "Dark Rat Eyes," "Swarm Of
Insects," "Creation Of The Possessed," "Hells Forces." Hype says the
disc is an "old school thrash album." The band plans to shoot a video
for "Hellhunt."

-Check out an interview with OSI's Kevin Moore at
http://glclk.about.com/?zi=1/7FhL .

-Poison front man Bret Michaels suffered a fractured nose and required
three stitches after getting whacked by a "moving set piece" at the
Tony awards this past Sunday night. Poison was there to perform in
conjunction with the musical "Rock Of Ages," which features '80s music
from them, Journey, Foreigner, and others. The show will reportedly be
made into a film. For more on the Michaels incident, see
http://new.music.yahoo.com/bret-michaels/news/bret-michaels-injured-by-set-piece-at-the-tonys--61989646
.

-Praying Mantis' SANCTUARY is out now on Frontiers. The disc was
recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with producer/engineer Andy Reilly
(Bruce Dickinson, Asia, The Cult, FM, etc.) and has this track list:
"In Time," "Restless Heart," "Tears In The Rain," "So High," "Turn The
Tide," "Touch The Rainbow," "Threshold Of A Dream," "Playing God,"
"Broken Chains" (Japanese release only), "Highway," "Sanctuary." Hype
says the music "is instantly recognizable and features plenty of great
melodies and songs and shows their traditional NWOBHM style." Check
out the video for "Turn The Tide" at
http://www.praying-mantis.com/mantis/news/turn-the-tide-video/ , and
check out song clips at http://musicbuymail.eu/?i=27672 . The band's
current lineup is Mike Freeland on vocals, Tino Troy on guitar and
vocals, Andy Burgess on guitar, Chris Troy on bass and vocals, and
Benjy Reid on drums. See http://www.praying-mantis.com/ for more.

-Striker's STRUCK BY LIGHTNING E.P. is out now. Check out clips of
each track as follows:

"Intro"
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Striker/00000001.mp3

"Struck By Lightning"
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Striker/00000002.mp3

"Is This Love"
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Striker/00000003.mp3

"Underneath The Stars"
http://www.targetrecords.de/mp3/Striker/00000004.mp3

A review at TargetRecords.de describes the songs as "really pure '80s
catchy melodic rock, reminding a lot of H.E.A.T., Heaven and Work Of
Art."

-The dates so far for SureFire Machine's "Grinnin & Sinnin" tour:

6/13 - The Roadhouse, Golden, BC
6/16 - 6/17 - The Rose And Crown, Banff, AB
6/19 - The Distillery, Calgary, AB
6/20 - Brixx, Edmonton, AB
6/26 - 6/27 - The Blarney Stone South, Red Deer, AB
7/4 - Edmonton Sky Dive Center, Westlock, AB
7/17 - Avalanche, Courtenay, BC
7/24 - Rock Show, Lesquiti, BC
7/25 - 7/26 - Lesquiti Island, Lesquiti, BC
7/31 - 8/1 - The Frontiersman, Coombs, BC
8/7 - 8/8 - The Vault, Rimbey, AB
8/9 - Blues On Whyte, Edmonton, AB

See http://www.myspace.com/SurefireMachine for more.

-Twisted Sister will appear June 30 at J&R Music World in New York
City, starting at 12:30 p.m. The band members will sign copies of the
25th anniversary edition of STAY HUNGRY, which includes re-mastered
audio, bonus tracks, and a new song entitled "30."

-Check out a trailer for the Sammy Hagar-less, Michael Anthony-less
"Guitar Hero: Van Halen" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz0xikqdICE
. In related news, Chickenfoot's self-titled debut album sold 49,000
copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at
No. 6 on The Billboard 200 chart. Chickenfoot is Chad Smith (Red Hot
Chili Peppers), bassist Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani
and Sammy Hagar.

-Check out the new video for Witchking's "And The Bearer Goes," from
the band's self-titled debut album, online now at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcESbt0F_ME&fmt=18 . See
http://www.witchking.pl/ for more.

Thanks to Robert Pancur, Gabor Kleinblösen, Nancy B. Sayle, Jon Asher,
Displeased Records, HeadbangerNYC.com, Chad Bowar, Mateusz Gajdzik,
Roscoe, and Bill "Audio/Video" Kotowski for help gathering some of
this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

-Wiki-Steve-ia Shumake schooled me on that whole Running Wild/X-Wild/
Wild Knight family tree, after this week's announcement that vocalist
Frank Knight and guitarist Majk Moti teamed up to form Wild Knight. (I
probably could've figured it out for myself, eventually, but I know me
and I know I would've gotten distracted looking at old Running Wild CD
booklets, and I would've forgotten to finish the research...) Moti was
in Running Wild way back, along with bassist Jens Becker and drummer
Stefan Schwarzmann; he left and was replaced by Axel Morgan. Then when
Running Wild main man Rock'n'Rolf cleaned house, Morgan, Becker, and
Schwarzmann teamed up with Frank Knight to form X-Wild. That band went
on to release three albums: SO WHAT!, MONSTER EFFECT, and SAVAGELAND.
Now Mr. Knight and Mr. Moti have teamed up. Should be cool.

-I'm just now digesting John Taglieri's new multimedia package, the
CD/book combo called LIVES. I really like this sort of thing, and I
know plenty of artists have packaged CDs with comic books (Alice
Cooper, HammerFall, etc.) but this is especially cool because each
song relates to a chapter in the book. Last time I saw something close
to this was a decade ago, when author Dale Sherman's Kiss fantasy "A
World Without Heroes" came packaged with a tribute CD whose songs
related to the book's chapters.

-I don't know how I managed to forget this twice, but I saw the Anvil
movie a few weeks ago. It wasn't the full-blown "Anvil Experience"
with the band members present and all, but it was still very cool to
see the film on the big screen. Everything good you've heard about
this movie is true. Everybody who reads Detritus needs to see it.

-Did you all read Mark Morton's excellent Nicko McBrain interview
mentioned in "News/Rumors" above? If not, go do it now. Then, head on
over to Best Buy this week because the "Flight 666" Maiden documentary
is on sale for a mere $11.99. (And while you're there, grab the
Chickenfoot disc for $9.99.)

-They installed new screen savers on our PCs at work, and the color
scheme is tan with an image of a red and blue compass. EVERY time I
see it I think of Angra's HOLY LAND album cover.

-Okay. Seriously. *Another* new Jorn album??? Wow.

-In my current playlist: Wolf - RAVENOUS (Century Media), Tankard -
THIRST (AFM Records), Dirty Looks - SLAVE TO THE MACHINE (Perris
Records), Hades - BOOTLEGGED IN BOSTON 1988 (DVD) (Cruz Del Sur
Music).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
ARKONA - OT SERDCA K NEBU (B-) Napalm Records, 2008
14 tracks, RT 1:03:31
[ http://www.arkona-russia.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/arkonarussia ]
[ http://www.napalmrecords.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/napalmrecords ]
Arkona is a pagan metal band from Russia, and they are out with their
latest album OT SERDCA K NEBU, which translates to "From the Heart to
the Sky." The band is fronted by female vocalist Masha "Scream," who
uses a wide range. At some times she uses a soft, harmonious tone,
chanting through the songs. Then suddenly, without warning, she'll
explode into a loud shrieking voice, violently changing the course of
the song. The album is written in the band's native tongue, Russian,
so unless you know the language, you'll probably be lost with the
lyrics. So, I cannot give my feedback in terms of lyrical content.
This album is very unique instrumentally. It blends pagan instruments
with the typical metal set. Although I'd say the feel of the album is
predominantly pagan or folk. There are definitely some metal moments
on the album, like when we hear Masha start screaming and the tempo
pick up. There are some folk instruments used throughout the songs
that I have personally never heard mixed into a metal song. There are
some piano and flute pieces woven in there too. The song I'd recommend
checking out to get a feel for the band would be the title track --
this song encompasses flute playing, chanting, echoed voices,
distortions on the guitars, and a sample of the vocalist's heavy vocal
range. Overall, I'd say this album is lacking from a metal standpoint,
but is very unique because of the strong pagan overtones.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

IRON THRONES - VISIONS OF LIGHT (B) Tribunal Records, 2009
9 tracks, RT: 53:26, multimedia section
[ http://www.ironthrones.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/ironthrones ]
[ band@ironthrones.com ]
[ http://www.tribunalrecords.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/tribunalrecords ]
Iron Thrones have partnered up with Tribunal Records to release their
latest album, VISONS OF LIGHT. This is an album that took three years
to complete. Their sound can be considered maybe straightforward death
metal, maybe a little bit progressive metal -- they're hard to
classify. Vocalist Adam Clemans uses a heavy sounding death metal-
esque voice, which rarely varies in range or tone. The guitars from
Steven Henningsgard and Adam Shaleen are very harmonious, but they
don't stand out too much. Peter Clarke's drumming seems to be fairly
straightforward. The album opens with "Swell To The Surface," an
instrumental piece that starts off quietly and then builds with
intensity. From here, the second song "The Dark Design" begins right
where the first one leaves off, only now the listener is introduced to
the vocals. There are some parts where the guitars really take over
the song, even while Clemans is still singing. Otherwise, there aren't
really any solos. "Still Waters" is a song that is what I would say is
a hallmark of what the band has to offer. It starts out with a burst
of energy, with some cool guitar playing to accompany the brutal
vocals. After about three minutes into the song, the pace slows and
you'll hear acoustic guitars and noticeably slower drumming. It's a
nice break in the song, before going back to a death metal vibe. This
is the way a few of their songs go, with these short, slower
interludes strung into some of the longer songs. My personal favorite
is "Illumination," which has a soft piano opener and gradually gets
faster, giving off a very majestic feel. Then quite suddenly, the song
erupts into a brutally fast death metal song, and even Clemans seems
to be singing faster than on any previous track. The other song I want
to mention is "Cover Of Smoke," just because it is the longest one,
coming in at over 12 minutes. This song dips and dives going from fast
to very slow paces at various times throughout the song. Yet, I felt
like it couldn't fully keep my attention. Lyrically, the songs are
very poetic, and some were a bit cryptic. There aren't really any
choruses, and I don't find the songs to be catchy, but I don't think
that is what Iron Thrones are looking to convey.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

LEPROUS - TALL POPPY SYNDROME (A-/B+) Sensory, 2009
8 tracks, RT: 1:03:04
[ http://www.leprous.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/leprousband ]
[ http://www.lasercd.com/ ]
[ http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lasersedge ]
Now here is something interesting -- despite the rather unappealing
name, Leprous actually play some quite beautiful progressive metal.
It's nice to hear a band doing something unique, and Leprous have
really attempted to explore some unusual soundscapes on TALL POPPY
SYNDROME. Many times with prog metal the emphasis is on complex
arrangements and dazzling technical passages, but Leprous take a more
subtle approach and place accent on the emotional effect of the entire
piece of music; indeed, it would be hard to extract individual songs
for recognition, as the whole album is equally excellent and really
needs to be heard in its entirety. What springs to mind when listening
to TALL POPPY SYNDROME is craftsmanship, as the pieces are really
carefully constructed and benefit from repeated listens. Only drawback
for me is some of the vocals, which periodically stray into modern
territory with demonstrations of the now ubiquitous anguished scream;
it works though, as the subject matter is a stark reflection of
distress and lamentation. Closest comparison musically would be to
bands such as Pain Of Salvation and Opeth, but these guys are by no
means copy artists. My recommendation: if you are at all into modern
progressive metal, check out some samples of TALL POPPY SYNDROME and
prepare to be impressed...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

LION'S SHARE - DARK HOURS (A-) Blistering Records, 2009
11 tracks, RT: 44:06
[ http://www.lionsshare.org/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lionsshare ]
[ http://www.blisteringrecords.se/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/blisteringrecords ]
Lars Chriss & Co. are back, and have improved upon 2007's EMOTIONAL
COMA (which was a very good album to begin with!). DARK HOURS is one
solid, ballad-free, guitar-driven classic heavy metal album, and I'm
sure it'll appear on my "Best Of 2009" list later this year. Kickin'
opener "Judas Must Die" sets the tone straight away, a gritty up-tempo
burner with a good hook and great drumming and cymbal work. The band's
welcome Dio- or Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath influence is still on
display in a couple tracks, namely "Heavy Cross To Bear" and "Behind
The Curtain," and there's also a bit of Yngwie's neoclassical flair to
"The Presidio 27," some Megadeth in "Space Scam," and a creative take
on the "Master Of Puppets" riff in the excellent "Napalm Nights." The
production is crisp and clean throughout, the guitar work (both rhythm
and lead) shines, and the song arrangements are spot-on. And I must
say, the old-school run time (11 songs, 44 minutes) forces the tracks
to grab you quickly -- and they do, which is always a good thing. Some
highlights are "The Presidio 27," the stomping closer "Behind The
Curtain" (which even has a nod to Sabbath's "Children Of The Grave" --
awesome!), "Judas Must Die," "The Bottomless Pit" (with a heavy groove
to die for), and the keyboard-colored rocker "Demon In Your Mind" --
and I could list three or four others. Great stuff!
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

PERSONA NON GRATA - SHADE IN THE LIGHT (B) Sensory, 2009
10 tracks, RT: 51:13
[ http://www.personanongrata.info ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/personongrata ]
[ http://www.lasercd.com/ ]
[ http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lasersedge ]
Well I wasn't convinced by my first couple of listens to SHADE IN THE
LIGHT, but I've warmed up considerably to this Greek outfit's worship
of all things Fates Warning. In all fairness, the band do have other
influences, Dream Theater certainly coming to mind along with the
modern sensibilities of bands like Vanden Plas and Circus Maximus.
Persona Non Grata are at their best on the expressive but crushing
"Dual Unity" and the melodic drama of "Collision Course," but also
show an aptitude for stirring instrumental brilliance on the short but
poignant "Single Unity," and display authentic emotion on the
sensitive ballad "Longing." Vocalist Bill Axiotis obviously studied
Geoff Tate and Ray Alder meticulously, and at times he can be a bit
histrionic, but he is good -- and genuine. Lots of piano here which is
nice but a bit more guitar could serve to shore up the band's metal
foundations and take them to the next level. A good start this, with
lots of potential to break free of the idiosyncrasies of the genre...
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

SAIDIAN - EVERCIRCLE (B) Blistering Records, 2009
10 tracks, RT: 56:04
[ http://www.saidian.de/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/saidianband ]
[ http://www.blisteringrecords.se/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/blisteringrecords ]
Somehow I'd never heard of these guys, despite them being around for a
few years and having ties to Jon Oliva's Pain... That's enough of an
endorsement for me! EVERCIRCLE takes its cue from Edguy, as many of
the songs are in that band's vein of catchy, active, fun -- and
sometimes downright pompy -- melodic metal. Plus, my gosh, vocalist
Markus Engelfried has a *strong* resemblance to Edguy's Tobias Sammet
in many places. Yet, Saidian isn't just a mere clone band. Keyboards
-- all kinds; piano, synth, traditional rock keys, etc. -- play a
stronger role in Saidian's sound than Edguy's, and Markus Bohr gets
equal spotlight time with guitarist Rodrigo Blattert. A couple of the
songs here could use a bit o' editing, particularly "Solomon's Dance"
(while uber-catchy, yes, it is overlong at 5:28), but that's a pretty
minor quibble. Opener "Out Of The Shadows" is a bona fide kick-ass
classic, "Pale Moon Rider" starts out like a synth-drenched dance
song(!) but then turns chunky 'n' melodically stompin', "Sign In The
Sky" has a strong neoclassical vibe and showcases Bohr and Blattert
very well, and "The Princess" is laden with nice harmony vocals. Plus,
wow, there's a cover of the pre-Craaft band Tokyo's song, "Tokyo."
Very cool idea to unearth that gem! It's official: Saidian is no
longer flying under my radar. :)
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@yahoo.com)

VALE OF PNATH (B-) Tribunal Records, 2009
4 tracks, RT: 18:03, multimedia section
[ http://www.myspace.com/valeofpnath ]
[ valeofpnath@yahoo.com ]
[ http://www.tribunalrecords.net/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/tribunalrecords ]
While this is only an E.P., Vale Of Pnath stands out as a powerful,
emerging death metal band. Hailing from Denver, these four guys are
already on their way to good start. The band cites influences from
classic death metal and black metal artists such as Emperor and Death.
I'd say that they could fall under the melodic death metal category.
Vale Of Pnath's self-titled E.P. features four songs -- "A Witness
To...," "...A Disoriented Blur," "Carcosa," "Dens Of Inequity" -- and
they are all very fast and heavy sounding. The drumming by Jeremy
Portz really stood out to me due to the constant rapid speed, very
characteristic of death metal. The guitars from Vance Valenzuela and
Mikey Reeves are also fast, but the drumming really overshadows them.
Vocalist David Lercher uses a brutal lower range for most of the
singing, but also changes to a slightly higher pitched tone, something
reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir. The lyrics are hard to decipher, even for
death metal, in my opinion. The songs aren't that catchy, but they are
powerful and instrumentally can keep you entertained. There's not a
lot of guitar soloing here, but the guitars do play in a harmonious
way that stood out to me. At the end of the last song, I was left
wishing for more. This E.P. is a great way to get acquainted with this
up and coming band.
- Stephanie Davison (Zatanna7@comcast.net)

*
*** OUT ***
*

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Everyone be sure to tune in to ABC's "20/20" tomorrow night for the
big Adam Lambert special. Or, don't. :) - Tim

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-FireHouse Guitarist Bill Leverty Gets Bluesy And Funky On DEEP SOUTH

Available Now From Amazon And iTunes

With his guitar work as a member of FireHouse, Bill Leverty set the
rock world ablaze with his fiery riffs and solos. But Leverty is no
one-trick pony, as evidenced by his new solo release, DEEP SOUTH.
Instead of focusing on the arena-ready rockers that his full-time band
specializes in, DEEP SOUTH is steeped in tough blues and southern rock
sounds -- bringing to mind such legendary names as ZZ Top, Lynyrd
Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers. "When you hear the songs in context,
you'll hear that this is not a typical hard rock/heavy metal album,"
explains Leverty. "On this one, I tried to let the music tell ME how
to sound, not the other way around. There are so many different
instruments on this album that I have never recorded before. This
album is a chance for me to stretch out as a musician, singer,
producer and engineer."

In addition to supplying guitar, Leverty also handles lead vocal
duties, as well as incorporating such uncommon instruments as a
guitarelele and dobro into the mix. Instead of whipping up a batch of
tunes that replicate the sounds of the south, Leverty opted to go
right to the source. "Most of these songs have been around for about
100 years," says Leverty. "I have a great new appreciation for the
American music of the late 1800's and early 1900's, and I wanted to
put my twist on it." Featured is the album-opening "Trouble So Hard"
(of which was made popular by Moby, who sampled some of the original
in his hit single, "Natural Blues"), as well as the album's first
video, "Boll Weevil," the sweet acoustic strum of "Walk Beside Me,"
the muscular blues rock of "Samson And Delilah," and a finger-snappin'
jazzy reading of the Ray Charles classic, "Hit The Road Jack" (which
includes some impressive piano playing from Leverty, as well as vocals
from his wife, Kris). Additionally, Leverty's grandfather's artwork
adorns the album's front cover.

You will find yourself playing this album over and over again. It is
destined to become a classic, possibly creating a new musical swath,
and the CD belongs in the collection of every person who loves music,
especially guitar. The album is very deep, and it seems Leverty has
aptly entitled it, DEEP SOUTH.

Confirmed track listing for DEEP SOUTH:

Trouble So Hard
Run On
Boll Weevil
Nine Hundred Miles
Samson And Delilah
Walk Beside Me
Hit The Road Jack
Rain And Snow
Wade In The Water
Man Of Constant Sorrow

For more information (as well as song samples and ordering info),
visit:
http://www.leverty.com/

To view the album's first video, "Boll Weevil," click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fm4nR_gkPA

To purchase the new CD via iTunes click here:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=318427687&s=143441

To purchase new CD via Amazon click here:
http://www.amazon.com/Deep-South/dp/B002BIS3K8/ref=sr_f3_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1243822573&sr=103-2

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
*
-Ratt & Extreme Team Up For Summer Tour

NEW YORK, NY -- Celebrated rock pioneers Ratt and Extreme have teamed
up to bring you this summer's most rockin' tour lineup. The tour,
which will feature sets from both bands with Ratt closing, kicks off
on July 12 in Amarillo, TX and runs through August 7th in Hampton
Beach, NH. It will cross the U.S. and cover 16 markets, with more to
be announced soon. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of their
landmark debut OUT OF THE CELLAR, Ratt will be playing the album in
its entirety.

Both bands are excited about the double bill. "Warren DeMartini and
Nuno Bettencourt on the same stage, same night?? 'Nuff said, we'll see
you there!" says Ratt's Bobby Blotzer. Extreme's Nuno Bettencourt
concurs, "One hot summer night. Two bands fully loaded with
musicianship. Mix in one part memorable songwriting. Add nine ounces
of passionate performers. Throw in three well respected guitarists.
Add a touch of West Coast raunch and a hint of East Coast funk. And
you get yourself a recipe for one night of unforgettable rock and
roll."

Ratt is currently in the studio recording its first new record in over
10 years with famed producer Elvis Baskette. The band announced its
new partnership with Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records earlier this
year. The album is planned for release this fall. Extreme recently
released their first new album in 13 years SAUDADES DE ROCK
(pronounced "sow-dodge") which is a groundbreaking record that
reaffirms the beloved, Boston-bred foursome's stature as innovators in
the world of rock & roll.

Over the past two years, Ratt has toured the world in support of their
releases TELL THE WORLD - THE VERY BEST OF RATT and their first ever
DVD, VIDEOS FROM THE CELLAR - THE ATLANTIC YEARS. During this time,
the current lineup of Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini, Bobby Blotzer,
Robbie Crane and Carlos Cavazo played shows in Australia, Colombia and
Peru for the first time in their careers. Their mega-hit "Round And
Round" was prominently featured in the Oscar nominated 2008 film "The
Wrestler," and the band will be headlining Rocklahoma this July.

One of the most popular rock acts of the past 20 years, Ratt's brand
of guitar-driven melodic rock helped shape the L.A. metal scene. The
band boasts a deep catalog of hits including smashes like "Round And
Round," "Lay It Down," "You're In Love," "Lack Of Communication" and
"Wanted Man" which are beloved by fans the world over. The band has
gone on to sell millions of albums worldwide. With 1984's mega-
platinum debut OUT OF THE CELLAR celebrating its 25th anniversary this
year, the band is looking forward to starting a new chapter with new
music to complement the impressive legacy they have established over
two-plus decades.

To date, the Grammy-nominated Extreme have released five albums, plus
a greatest hits set -- selling over 10 million records worldwide. They
also achieved a #1 hit single, "More Than Words" -- from their 1990
multi-platinum album Extreme II: PORNOGRAFFITTI -- on the Billboard
Hot 100, which they followed with the Top Five "Hole Hearted."
Although these two acoustic hits brought the band great mainstream
success, the band's trademark sound has always been more a mix of hard
rock funk -- fueled by guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt's signature
style, Gary Cherone's resonant vocals and socially conscious lyrics,
Pat Badger's rock solid bass, and the hard hitting Kevin Figueiredo on
drums. Extreme has recently been introduced to an entire new
generation of fans with the inclusion of their song "Play With Me" in
the popular video game "Guitar Hero" as well as "More Than Words"
featured in hit movies "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "The Love
Guru."

Tour dates are as follows:

7/10 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma**
7/12 - Amarillo, TX - Midnight Rodeo
7/13 - San Antonio, TX - Scout Bar
7/14 - Odessa, TX - Dos Amigos
7/16 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theater - on sale 6/6
7/17 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theater
7/18 - Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock
7/19 - Anaheim, CA - Grove
7/22 - Denver, CO - Ogdon Theater - on sale 6/6
7/23 - Kansas City - Crossroads
7/24 - Chicago - HOB - on sale 6/6
7/25 - Toledo OH - Harley Davidson-LOT **
7/26 - Cheswick, PA - Ches-a-rena - on sale 6/5
7/28 - New York, NY - Nokia Theater
7/30 - Westbury, NY - Westbury Theater - on sale 6/12
8/2 - Allentown, PA - Crock Rock Festival
8/5 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx***
8/6 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom - on sale 6/12
8/7 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Bch Casino - on sale 6/12
8/8 - Clearfield, PA - Clearfield County Fairgrounds**
8/15 - Sky City, NM - Sky City Casino**
8/29 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino**

** = Ratt only
*** = Extreme only

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Magic Circle Music Update

Winners Of The Ultimate Fan Contest Announced

"Dick the Destroyer" had the "Balls of Steel" necessary to tattoo the
"Sign of the Hammer" on his p*nis and definitely deserves to win Grand
Prize as the Ultimate Manowar Fan!! He wins 2 Ultimate Fan Packages to
Magic Circle Festival III on July 18, 2009 at the Loreley on the Rhine
River in Germany!

Due to the fact that we have such kickass, devoted fans, there were
thousands of entries to the contest! As a result, we were unable to
select just 5 winners! Instead, we chose 10 winners for 2 different
categories, Brothers of Metal and Sisters of Steel! Hail to all who
participated! See you at Magic Circle Festival III!

Winners for the Ultimate Fan Brother of Metal:

1. Grand Prize Winner: 2 Ultimate Fan Packages for Magic Circle
Festival III
- Dick the Destroyer: With The Sign of the Hammer tattoo!

2. 2 Tickets to Magic Circle Festival III
- David R.: For his amazing dedication and kickass video!

3. Manowar Merchandise worth Euro 75 (2 winners!)
- Antonio B.: Branded from head to toe with Manowar tattoos!
- Cory W.: A true brother of metal! Wall-to-wall Manowar at his place!

4. Manowar Sweatshirt
- Volker K.: Owner of the MANOWAR MOBILE

5. Manowar Festival T-Shirts (2 winners!)
- Renato from Brazil: Saved 3 years to travel to the Magic Circle
Festival. He has a Heart of Steel!
- Marco: Found new use for Manowar CDs! They are embedded in his
walls!

Winners for the Ultimate Fan Sister of Steel:

1. 2 Ultimate Fan Packages to Magic Circle Festival III
- Lena H.: She's FANtastically FANatic!

2. 2 Tickets to Magic Circle Festival III
- Jamie K.: Artist extraordinaire and always traveling thousands of
miles to see the band!

3. Manowar Merchandise worth Euro 75!
- Leila B.: A true sister of steel!

4. Manowar Sweatshirt
- Ruxia the Romanian Vixen: She doesn't need the sweatshirt, she had
one painted on her!

5. Manowar Festival T-Shirt
- Angelina Steel: Sexy Metal Mistress chosen as the METAL MODEL for
Manowar merch.

Fantasy Becomes Reality!

Hail Brothers and Sisters of Steel! Fantasy becomes reality as Manowar
releases the E.P., THUNDER IN THE SKY. The introduction to The Asgard
Saga, Manowar's collaboration with Germany's best-selling fantasy
author, Wolfgang Hohlbein, will feature six songs and a Bonus CD with
"Father" recorded in 16 versions in 16 different languages. The E.P.
is the prequel to the complete CD HAMMER OF THE GODS, due to be
released at the end of 2009.

Destined to be a collector's item, the tour edition of the E.P. will
be available at all the festivals Manowar headlines on The Death to
Infidels Tour 2009.

In addition, the E.P. will be available for sale online in high-
quality, DMR-free, MP3 format only at The Kingdom Of Steel Online
Store ( http://store.magiccirclemusic.com/ ). The downloadable version
of the E.P. will contain the exact same content as the version on sale
during the tour: "Thunder In The Sky," "God Or Man," "Let The Gods
Decide," "Father," "Die With Honor," "The Crown And The Ring" (2008)
and versions of "Father" recorded in German, Italian, Hungarian,
Romanian, Bulgarian, Norwegian, Spanish, French, Greek, Turkish,
Polish, Japanese, Croatian, Portuguese and Finnish.

Keep posted to your official Manowar Web sites for links to sneak
previews of the new Manowar songs set to be released on the E.P.
http://www.manowar.com/ , http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ ,
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ , http://www.asgard-saga.com/ .

Manowar Live At Gorky Park!

The Russian fans' demands have been heard! Manowar will be heading to
Moscow for an exclusive concert on July 24th at the outdoor Gorky Park
Green Theater! Not content to stand by as the rest of Europe
experiences the "Death To Infidels Tour '09," the Russians have called
and Manowar has answered! This will be the seventh major event that
the band will be headlining and the first time the band will perform
at an outdoor arena in Russia!

Stay tuned for more information as it develops. Meanwhile, check out
http://www.revolutionconcerts.com/ for venue details and online ticket
sales.

For a listing of all of Manowar's tour dates log onto
http://www.manowar.com/ , http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ or
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ . These OFFICIAL sites have links to
the festivals and details on worldwide ticket agencies.

In 2009, heavy metal is on a mission from the gods, join forces with
Manowar on tour in support of true metal! Nastroveya!

Now Is The Time For Defiance!

The history of Heavy Metal is long and strong with many pioneers
blazing paths of passion and unparalleled talent. Magic Circle Music
perpetuates that history. It is a label with the belief that
creativity is like fine wine, it only gets better with time. Thus, the
signing of power metal pioneer and co-founder of Virgin Steele, Jack
Starr, was right on target. Starr's creative maturity has produced
stellar vintage with his new release, DEFIANCE, produced by Joey
DeMaio of Manowar. Regrouping with former band, Burning Starr,
featuring Ned Meloni on bass and vocal sensation, Todd Michael Hall,
has proven to be the perfect formula for creative cuvee that was
fermented to perfection, bottled, labeled and put out on the market
exclusively for power metal connoisseurs. Starr took the formula to
another level with this creation. He injected international flavor
drawing from the musical spices of many countries and musically
intoxicating listeners with this unique blend. DEFIANCE is proof
positive that Jack Starr has not only written metal history, but is
blazing a new path right into its future.

Look for DEFIANCE by Jack Starr's Burning Starr now available on the
Magic Circle Music label. Jack Starr is scheduled to perform new
material from his release at Magic Circle Festival III on July 18,
2009 at the Loreley on the Rhine River in Germany. For more details
visit http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ . For information about the
festival and online ticket sales, visit
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

The Shred Lord's Collection Is Essentially Yours!

When it comes to blazing guitars, one of metal's favorite sons has
ignited many fires in the hearts of metal fans. Known as The Shred
Lord, Joe Stump is already cemented in the annals of history as a
metal guitar virtuoso. In recent years, he joined forces with power
metal band, HolyHell and has been devoting much of his time to
recording their debut album, set to be released in the summer of 2009.
However, fans would not let him move on without releasing a collection
of his greatest compositions. Hence THE ESSENTIAL SHRED GUITAR
COLLECTION was born. In this collection, Stump breathes new life into
favorites from many of his solo albums, as well as adding a few new
tracks. It's a necessary addition to every guitar fans' collection, if
not only to archive and preserve monumental moments in music history.

Look for THE ESSENTIAL SHRED GUITAR COLLECTION by Joe Stump now
available on the Magic Circle Music label. Joe Stump, along with
HolyHell, will be headlining 6 of Europe's major summer festivals as
special guests of Manowar on The Death to Infidels Tour 2009. For more
details, visit http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/ ,
http://www.holyhell.com/ , http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/ .

Manowar
http://www.manowar.com/

Magic Circle Festival
http://www.magiccirclefestival.com/

Magic Circle Music
http://www.magiccirclemusic.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Testament Checks In From North America

Guitarist Alex Skolnick of San Francisco Bay Area thrashers Testament
-- who launched a North American headlining tour in early May with
support from Unearth and Lazarus A.D. -- has issued the following
update:

"We're in the homestretch of the tour and it's hard to believe it's
almost over. This one really whizzed by, as we've hit a lot of places
we were long overdue to play, such as Atlanta, New Orleans and St.
Louis. Despite the fact that Testament, Unearth and Lazarus A.D. are
three different generations of bands, there is a strong sense of
camaraderie.

"Highlights include Sayreville, New Jersey, where we were joined on
stage for 'Disciples Of The Watch' by Sirius XM Liquid Metal host Jose
Mangin [see video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0u70eCJ_50 ],
proving that he can sing metal, as well as spin it. At that same show,
Buzz from Unearth did a stage dive, causing the wrath of a security
guard who, not realizing who he was tried to throw him out
unsuccessfully, as we watched from the stage (it was a wild night).

"More and more fans have been participating in the VIP packages, and
it's been fun to get to know them better and let them in on the set-up
process with the shows. We're in the great state of Texas now, working
our way west. Just over a week to go before we wrap in California for
the last three gigs, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Thanks
to all the fans for making this a great tour for all three bands!"

Testament guitarist Eric Peterson talks about next studio album in a
recent interview with Metal Asylum. Click here to read interview:

http://www.metalasylum.net/interviews/2009/i0909.html

Metal Mark of SkullsNBones.com conducted an interview with Eric
Peterson on May 30, 2009 prior to Testament's concert in Atlanta,
Georgia. Watch the eight-minute chat here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVfg6pYrwA4

http://www.testamentlegions.com/
http://www.myspace.com/testamentlegions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Testament/23598655331

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
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-Anvil Experience Photos

Canadian Metal legends Anvil brought their "Anvil Experience" back to
Manhattan on June 3 at the Village East Cinemas and Rockstarpix.com
was front and center to capture the buzz that is Anvil!

Anvil has been jack hammering their way through America with their
movie "Anvil! The Story Of Anvil," which for some lucky audiences has
the band coming out and playing a short, enthusiastic set, as the
movie closes. On this rainy night in New York, a sold out crowd
witnessed a 30-minute Anvil onslaught and the crowd was so loud, you
almost couldn't hear the metal that was pouring out of the speakers.
This is an experience that must be seen and witnessed.

While http://www.rockstarpix.com/ undergoes some short term
maintenance, we invite you to view the awesome pix at the Anvil NY
Street team page (which is also run by rockstarpix.com's Dalila
Kriheli) at:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=462406763&albumId=904235

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FROM NEW YORK to join, this is just another way
to support and remain informed, about Anvil and the movie! METAL ON
METAL!!!!!

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
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-Former X-Wild And Running Wild Members Join Forces In Wild Knight

[Note: This is from http://www.myspace.com/xwildgermany . - Steve ]

Legendary vocalist Frank Knight (X-Wild, also known for his work with
such bands as U.D.O., Accept, Majesty and Crystal Viper), and
guitarist Majk Moti (Running Wild) have formed a brand new heavy metal
band called Wild Knight.

The group's lineup is as follows:

Frank Knight - Vocals
Majk Moti - Guitar
Rob Ronson - Guitar
Simon Strangeway - Bass
Robin Hazelhurst - Drums

Wild Knight will make its live debut at the Hard Rocker Festival II in
Katowice, Poland, on September 26. Their live show will include
classic X-Wild and Running Wild songs. Also scheduled to appear are
Mekong Delta, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Wizard, Lonewolf and many others.

Wild Knight is working on material for its debut studio album,
scheduled for 2010. The band will also record a cover of the Running
Wild song "Tsar" for the forthcoming official Running Wild tribute
album titled REUNATON (Remedy Records).

http://blogs.myspace.com/xwildgermany

Management/Booking:
http://www.myspace.com/bartgabriel

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
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-Nevermore Complete Songwriting Process For THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY;
Enter The Studio Late This Summer

One always says that you can't rush greatness or perfection, and this
couldn't be more true in the case of metal titans Nevermore, who last
released the highly acclaimed THIS GODLESS ENDEAVOR in 2005. The
Seattle quartet will triumphantly return with what could be their most
impressive offering of their illustrious decade plus, heralded career.

THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY will commence recording in August with
producer Peter Wichers (who previously worked with Nevermore vocalist
Warrel Dane on his solo debut PRAISES TO THE WAR MACHINE). Longtime
friend and collaborator Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Opeth) will once again
be handling mixing duties. The album is currently set for an early
2010 release. Fans can also follow Dane on Twitter (click below) for
updates as to the progress of the new album.

Dane further comments: "These songs are full of newfound rage,
lyrically and musically. Jeff Loomis has come up with some amazing new
riffs that will no doubt please old and new fans alike. Also, I think
the combination of Peter and Andy will result in something very, very
special."

This quintessential metal band was formed out of the ashes of Seattle,
Washington, based thrash act Sanctuary in 1991 by Dane and Jim
Sheppard (bass), with the addition of Jeff Loomis (guitar, who had
played in the final lineup of Sanctuary) and Mark Arrington on drums.
A few years later, Van Williams joined the band (drums). The band has
since released six full-length albums, toured the world a number of
times and captivated the hearts of metalheads touring with such
diverse and major acts ranging from Megadeth, In Flames, Disturbed,
Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir and Children Of Bodom, among countless
others.

Follow Warrel Dane of Nevermore on Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/warrel_dane

Nevermore
http://www.myspace.com/nevermorefans
http://www.nevermore.tv/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Lost Horizon: Revelations From The Forthcoming Album Of Might

[Note: This is from http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/clips/ . - Steve]

Exposed to this world on 1st of June 2009

No fate, only the power of will.

Faith followers and die hard believers, ex fans and passive likers.
The time has come to unveil some secrets about the new material. After
massive waves of misery from all fans around the world praying in
years for exposing a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. about the new magic we have
decided that we are now ready to do that.

Here are three clips from three different songs that will appear on
the new album. It's midi drums here only and the whole thing is taken
directly from a raw working/recording document, which means neither
mix nor any kind of sound improvement has been applied on the clips,
which is the very point of leaving the final effect for the real
album. Also, it's MP3 format of course.

Feel and absorb the magical power, and if not then sell Your metal
gears and buy golf equipment!

Mighty regards!
/LOST HORIZON

Clip 1 from song with working name "Wizard"
http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/media/wizard.mp3

Clip 2 from song with working name "Spirit"
http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/media/spirit.mp3

Clip 3 from song with working name "Fire"
http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/media/fire.mp3

Order the original T-shirts here!
http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/merchandise/

Discuss the clips
Enter to the Forum here and share Your thoughts with us!
http://www.valgorth.com.ar/oncelosthorizon/viewtopic.php?t=398

CONTINUE TO THE MAIN SITE
http://www.oncelosthorizon.com/aflametothegroundbeneath/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #9 ***
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-Serge Entertainment Group Revives Label Division For Paris Keeling

Surgeland Records to release Paris Keeling's END OF RIDE REVISITED CD
featuring powerhouse vocalist Kelly Keeling, guitarist Marty Paris

ATLANTA, GA -- Serge Entertainment Group has revived its label
division Surgeland Records to release the upcoming Paris Keeling CD
END OF RIDE REVISITED. The CD will feature songs previously released
on the 2006 Paris Keeling CD END OF RIDE along with bonus tracks and
re-mixes. The CD contains the renowned vocal talents of Kelly Keeling
(Baton Rouge, Michael Schenker Group, Blue Murder, Carmine Appice's
Guitar Zeus, King Kobra, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, O'2L) and guitarist
Marty Paris (The Marty Paris Band, Permanent Reverse) along with
several celebrity musicians. The collaboration between Paris and
Keeling began several years ago with the culmination of their
songwriting styles blossoming into melodic rock political and
relationship-based songs.

"The CD release is slated for this summer," affirms Sandy Serge,
Surgeland Records' president. "We felt this was the right time for the
rebirth of our label. Even with the economic downturn, music is still
selling well, particularly in digital format. The songs are timely and
well-written, and Kelly and Marty complement each other well with
their superb songwriting expertise."

Additional celebrity musicians who perform on the CD include Carmine
Appice, George Lynch, Don Dokken, Al Pitrelli, Erik Norlander, Rick
van Benschoten, Matt Goeke, Gintas Janusonis, Nate Howell, and The
Aevia Trio featuring Diane Cox, Maud Kelley, and Juli Roach.

As a precursor to the upcoming release, Paris Keeling will perform for
the first time together in several years on Thursday, June 25th at
Alive at Five on Main Street in downtown Lincolnton, NC. The show
begins at 6 p.m. Presales will be available at the show and are
already available on the Web site at http://www.pariskeeling.com/ for
a discounted price.

Surgeland Records previously released several CDs including a rock
collaboration between former Sleeze Beez (Atlantic Records) members
Andrew Elt and Don van Spall titled The Moon; a "Best of" CD by
legendary Milwaukee rock band Bad Boy (featuring former Cheap Trick
member Xeno); and SEEING IN THE DARK, the acoustic-driven CD by Iowa
alt band NineDollarMelonBaller. All CDs are available on iTunes and at
CD Baby.

For more information about Surgeland Records, please visit
http://www.sergeentertainmentgroup.com/ and
http://www.myspace.com/surgelandrecords .

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*** PRESS RELEASE #10 ***
*
-Z Records News

[Note: This is a compilation of several updates. - Tim]

Three Acts Announced For Z Rock 2010

We are proud to be able to announce the first three profile bands for
Z Rock 2010.

Von Groove will return to headline Friday May 7th 2010, then on
Saturday May 8th The Storm [feat. Kevin Chalfant] and Steve Augeri
[Journey, Tall Stories] are now confirmed.

We hope to be announce another profile act within the next week so
watch this space. The festival will once again be staged at JB's
Dudley.

The special early bird offer is now available to those whom attended
this year's show. If you want to take advantage of the offer and
you've misplaced the booking sheets that where given out at this
year's show simply e-mail zrockfest@zrecords.net for your replacement.

Arabia Set To Return Plus Z Rock 2010 Appearance

We are proud to announce the return of the critically acclaimed U.S.
act Arabia after a seven-year absence. Fans can listen to a special
demo preview of the song "I Still Believe" at
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk .

In addition to a forthcoming album which is currently being recorded
we can also confirm the band's appearance at Z Rock 2010 on May 8th.
For full details visit http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

http://www.zrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest

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*** PRESS RELEASE #11 ***
*
-Hostile To Play Download

Midlands based band Hostile will once again return to the Download
Festival, hoping to beat their 4K Kerrang reviewed 2008 set.

The band have been busy over the last 12 months, recording their debut
album, with none other than Judas Priest founder K.K. Downing at the
production helm. The album has also been mixed by Richard Wood, who
engineered NOSTRADAMUS for Priest.

Check out the album samples at http://www.airplaydirect.com/hostile .

Hostile play on the Tuborg stage at 14.45, on Sunday 14th June. Make
sure you are there, as this will be an event not to be missed. It is
the launch of the album, and a moment that will surely go down in Rock
History.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #12 ***
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-3 Inches Of Blood Complete Recording Process FOR HERE WAITS THY DOOM;
Featured In "The Punisher" Comic Series

The world is eagerly awaiting the triumphant return of one of the
biggest defenders of traditional heavy metal, 3 Inches Of Blood, and
the anticipation continues to build to epic proportions. The stunning
new album, HERE WAITS THY DOOM, was tracked in Seattle's Sound House
Recordings with renowned producer Jack Endino (High On Fire) and is
soon to be hailed as the gospel of all things heavy. Stay tuned to the
band's official MySpace page (below) for video updates and studio
reports.

Shane Clark (guitars) states: "Our new album is finished and we've
named it HERE WAITS THY DOOM. Much like our last record it is a step
beyond the album that precedes it. We've again taken what we do a step
further and not made FIRE UP THE BLADES PART 2, we've stuck to our
formula -- no formula. We are true metal fans and we've made an
unapologetic metal record. I think this our most focused record to
date, from writing all the way to mixing there was no unnecessary
drama or too many cooks in the kitchen. This is 3 Inches Of Blood at
its most punishing, epic and mighty."

Also, comic fans rejoice as The Punisher kills his enemy by blasting 3
Inches Of Blood looped with feedback from his external speakers on his
helmet in the latest issue, #5. Click here to check it out:

http://office.centurymedia.com/3inches_punisher.jpg

Born out of a love for pure metal, weaned on a diet of fantasy and
mythology, 3 Inches Of Blood have been slaying the infidel for nearly
a decade. In that time, they've released three albums and splattered
the ground with crimson streaks while on tour with such acclaimed acts
as Satyricon, Black Dahlia Murder, Motorhead and Cradle Of Filth, just
to name a few. These are mighty accomplishments for dedicated warriors
from Vancouver, British Columbia, a region that's not exactly the
Camelot of heavy metal. With their last album, FIRE UP THE BLADES,
they have surpassed even their own manly exploits, crafting a number
of undeniable anthems that crash, rip and roar like a Medieval
skirmish.

3 Inches Of Blood demonstrate that the best way to stay ahead of the
heavy metal curve is to write music that comes from the heart and
sounds nothing like the horde of bands tapping into the latest trends.
To that end, they draw fuel from their favorite artists, including
Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, UFO, Rainbow and Enslaved and compile it
all into their own lethal potion.

In 2009, 3 Inches Of Blood raise the chalice another notch leaving
their definitive mark on the metal genre.

http://www.3inchesofblood.com/
http://www.myspace.com/3iob

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*** PRESS RELEASE #13 ***
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-In This Moment Post "Call Me" On MySpace And "A Dying Star" On
Aboslutepunk!

As In This Moment prepare themselves to spend their entire summer as
part of this year's Warped Tour lineup the group returns with a new
offering, THE DREAM (ULTRA VIOLET EDITION), which features their new
hit Active Rock single "Call Me." This stunning track can now be heard
on their MySpace page! Click below to check it out. Also, be sure to
pre-order your copy of THE DREAM (ULTRA VIOLET EDITION) now! You can
hear another bonus track from the ULTRA VIOLET EDITION over at
Absolutepunk.net by following this link:

http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1106342

Check out the new IN THIS MOMENT single on MySpace now:

http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment

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*** PRESS RELEASE #14 ***
*
-NJ Band Let Me Run Continues To Generate Heat, As They Take Their
Battle To The Road

The Band Sets Sail For Their East Coast Tour This Week

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ -- The tour itinerary is familiar to most East Coast
bands, but the sounds accompanying it are different this summer. With
their punk rock roots, eclectic sounds, and love for rock 'n roll, Let
Me Run is ready to do just that. The band will not only be running
around the U.S. promoting their debut LP MEET ME AT THE BOTTOM; there
are plans for heavy touring in Europe as well. Setting off on June
5th, Travis, Corey, Louis, and Trevor will traverse down the coast to
Florida, pausing in each state along the way to infect both old and
new fans with familiar songs. It doesn't take long for a fresh
audience to become submerged as gang vocals and sing-alongs bounce
around the venue. Accompanying the boys on tour are home-state friends
We're All Broken, and PJ Bond, each for half of the dates.

Let Me Run has been paying dues at basement shows since they formed in
2007, and have been making great waves surrounding the release of
their LP MEET ME AT THE BOTTOM, released on XOXO Records this past
January. The recognition of the band has extended outside of their
ever-growing NJ fanbase, being featured as one of AP Magazine's Top
100 Bands To Watch, along with a three-page feature in AMP Magazine.
They are also known to grace the Punknews.org streams and featured
interview page.

There are bands we can write off for a tour, vow to see them the next
time they come around. Then there are bands that we are happy to say
"I saw them when..." Let Me Run is in the beginning stages of becoming
one of those bands we wish we hadn't missed at a smaller venue,
because they're running fast, and there's no end in sight.

June 5 - Charm City Art Space, Baltimore, MD w/ We're All Broken
June 6 - Plan B, Danville, VA w/ We're All Broken
June 7 - Square One, Greensboro, NC w/ We're All Broken
June 9 - The Wonderroot, Atlanta, GA w/ We're All Broken & The Brass
June 10 - TBD, Savannah, GA
June 11 - Doozer's, Jacksonville, FL w/ We're All Broken
June 12 - The Atlantic, Gainesville, FL w/ We're All Broken
June 13 - The Uptown, St. Petersburg w/ PJ Bond
June 14 - Churchills, Miami, FL w/ PJ Bond
June 16 - BBQ Bar, Orlando, FL w/ PJ Bond
June 17 - Big Daddy's, Tallahassee, FL w/ PJ Bond
June 18 - TBD, Birmingham, AL
June 19 - TBD, Knoxville, TN
June 20 - The Boiler Room, Lexington, KY w/ PJ Bond
June 21 - TBD, Charleston, West Virginia
June 22 - Garfield Artworks, Pittsburgh, PA w/ PJ Bond
June 23 - The Brewery, State College, PA w/ PJ Bond

http://www.myspace.com/BabyLetMeRun
http://www.XOXOrecords.com/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #15 ***
*
-"Eternal Descent" Comic Book To Feature God Forbid Guitarist Doc
Coyle

Renowned metal guitarist lands cameo appearance in gothic comic book
series Issue #2

LONDON, UK -- God Forbid guitarist Doc Coyle appears along side his
band mates in the second issue of the gothic comic book series
"Eternal Descent," slated for publication this Fall. The issue
features a storyline inspired by God Forbid's fourth studio album IV:
CONSTITUTION OF TREASON and will be available at comic book stores
worldwide, scheduled for release through Diamond Distribution during
the 4th quarter of 2009. Llexi Leon, creator of the multi-media
concept Eternal Descent, began approaching ESP artists late last year
to create the "Eternal Descent" comic. The series is inspired by and
features cameos from a host of iconic metal musicians. The initial
launch issue is slated for late October, 2009 with the God Forbid
issue released in November. The bands Atreyu, Firewind, and Static X,
among others, are also slated for upcoming cameo appearances in
subsequent issues.

Coinciding with each guitarist's cameo, interview video footage will
also be available on YouTube. Visit Doc Coyle's interview on YouTube
at http://www.youtube.com/watch?y=qK1iILQkxFU . Samples of the comic
book artwork are available for viewing at the following links:

Doc Coyle Eternal Descent Cover Art
http://www.eternaldescent.com/imgv/content/Issue%20No%202/Colours/ED02cover_col.jpg

Doc Coyle art page 1
http://www.eternaldescent.com/imgv/content/Issue%20No%202/Colours/ED0212_col.jpg

Doc Coyle art page 2
http://www.eternaldescent.com/imgv/content/Issue%20No%202/Colours/ED0213_col.jpg

Byron of God Forbid art
http://www.eternaldescent.com/imgv/content/Issue%20No%202/Colours/ED0210_col.jpg

Llexi Leon began making noise in London, England in 2005. His highly
intricate guitar style exhibits the many influences corralled to
create his intense sound -- from classical, flamenco, electronica, and
ambient genres to the more prominent genres of rock and metal. All of
these genres infused to one, Leon has built a cinematic metal fantasia
with his music which has branched out to a comic book series. His main
aspirations are bringing stories to life through escapism. He utilizes
everyday events and his vivid imagination to drive him to create more
avenues for his multimedia enterprise. To prove its tangibility, Leon,
who is responsible for the basic concept artwork, storyboards, and
character design/creation, has assembled a team of artists including:

Jason Metcalf: Pencils + Inks on "Eternal Descent" comics and
"Phantom" single artwork. Talented and versatile artist has worked on
Image comics titles such as "The Darkness" and "Magdelena."

Javier Tartaglia: "Eternal Descent" colourist, has provided stunning
colouring work for many top Marvel comics titles.

Reiq: CD cover artwork. Fantasy illustrator and anime artist.

"Blond the colourist": Comic book colourist, has provided stunning
colouring work for many top titles, such as "Ghost Rider," "X-Men,"
"City Of Heroes," and "Witchblade."

Leon also began his own production company Incendium Records to
release his first concept album LOSING FAITH and the E.P. THE PHANTOM
OF THE OPERA. This fulfilled Leon's dream of having all Eternal
Descent media developed with the utmost highest standards under one
roof. Leon will soon begin recording his third CD release with
producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss) at the helm.

Eternal Descent endorses ESP Guitars, Ovation Guitars, Kahler
Tremelos, Ernie Ball Strings, and Coffin Case.

http://www.eternaldescent.com/
http://www.myspace.com/eternaldescent

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*** PRESS RELEASE #16 ***
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-Korpiklaani To Debut New Video On MySpace This Week!

"Vodka," the new video from Finnish folk metallers Korpiklaani, will
make its online debut on Thursday, June 11, 2009 via the band's
MySpace page:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=92023174

The track is currently is available for streaming at this location:

http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaani

Korpiklaani will release its sixth album, KARKELO (English
translation: "Pleasure" or "Party"), on June 26, 2009 (Europe) and
August 25, 2009 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was
recorded at Petrax studio in Hollola, Finland.

Track List:
01. Vodka
02. Eramaan Arjyt
03. Isku Pitkasta Ilosta
04. Mettanpeiton Valtiaalle
05. Juodaan Viinaa
06. Uniaika
07. Kultanainen
08. Bring Us Pints Of Beer
09. Huppiaan Aarre
10. Konnin Kuokkamies
11. Vesaisen Sota
12. Sulasilma
13. Kohmelo

http://www.korpiklaani.com/
http://www.myspace.com/korpiklaani
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Korpiklaani/9283120349