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For tour dates, check out http://www.tourdates.com.
JULY 2001
by Tim Emswiler
BANDS
AGATHODAIMON
The band is currently occupied with the pre-production of their upcoming album. This time, they're working together with Kristian Kohlmannslehner in his Kohlekeller-Studio. At press time, it was uncertain which studio would be used for the recording of the album.AGENT STEEL
Due to legal hassles involving the band name, the group will now be known as Order Of The Illuminati.AMORTIS
The Austrian symphonic black metal band is in the studio recording the follow-up to Summoned By Astral Fires. A release date is tentatively scheduled for September.ANGEL DUST
Demons & Wizards touring guitarist Ritchie Wilkinson is replacing guitarist Bernd Aufermann for the duration of the current US tour with Nevermore and Opeth - the band's 1998 album Border of Reality is slated for a June Stateside release.ANCIENT
The new album will carry the title Proxima Centauri, and is due to be released within the first two weeks of October. The band has completed the recordings of the album at Andy Larocque's prestigious Los Angered Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden.AUTONOMY
Autonomy entered the studio recently to record their debut album with engineer/producer Dave Dominguez (Papa Roach’s Infest, plus credits on Limp Bizkit, Guns n Roses, etc.) at the controls, assisted by Danny Sprigg (Lost Prophets). The album, the working title of which is Welcome to Autonomy, is slated for a late summer release on Earache Records.AVANTASIA
Century Media has acquired the right to release Edguy vocalist Tobias Sammet's solo project, Avantasia, for release in North America. The Metal Opera will hit store shelves on July 10 and features an all-star line up including: Henjo Richter (Gamma Ray) on guitars, Jens Ludwig (Edguy) on guitars, Markus Grosskopf (Helloween) on bass, and Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody) on drums; guest vocalists include Kai Hanson (Gamma Ray), Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius), David Defeis (Virgin Steele), Rob Rock (Warrior), Andre Matos (Angra) and Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation).AZRAEL
The band has finished its fourth album, entitled Dimensión IV.BAD RELIGION
The band has announced plans to return home to Epitaph for their next studio release. The forthcoming release also marks the return of Epitaph owner and founding guitarist and co-songwriter Brett Gurewitz. Several new songs have been penned, and the band plans to hit the studio this summer for a new release on Epitaph later this year. Originally created by Gurewitz as a vehicle to release Bad Religion's debut album How Could Hell Be Any Worse, Epitaph has gone on to launch the careers of such punk rock heavyweights as THE OFFSPRING, PENNYWISE, RANCID and NOFX, becoming one of the largest independently owned labels in the world. Bad Religion recorded six more albums on Epitaph before signing to Atlantic in 1995. Gurewitz eventually left the band in 1996 after the release of 'Stranger Than Fiction', the bands most commercially successful release to date, in order to concentrate on the day-to-day affairs at Epitaph.BETHLEHEM
In August they will release their suicide-rock opus, Schatten aus der Alexanderwelt.BIOHAZARD
Guitarist Leo Curley has left the band.BRAINSTORM
BRAINSTORM entered House of Music Studios in Stuttgart to record their fourth album with producer Achim Köhler (Primal Fear, et. al.). Entitled Metus Mortis, a September release is expected.BRAVE
Brave are prepared to release their new MCD, Waist Deep in Dark Waters, on Dark Symphonies.CADAVER INC.
Norwegian Death Metal band Cadaver Inc. had a run-in with Norwegian Parliament as a result of their new website, which jokingly advertised them as a murder clean-up service; e.g., you commit the murder, they'll clean up the evidence. Cadaver Inc. listed the service's address as that of the Norwegian Parliament, prompting Parliament to investigate the site. Head of Security at Norwegian Parliament, Gerrit Loberg, said, “I went to the site myself and found it so ugly and scary that we had to go to the police with it.” The band's new record, Discipline, hit stores on May 29.CARNAL FORGE
Bassist Petri Kuusisto has replaced Johan Magnusson on guitar and Lars Lindén (Rosicrusian, Slapdash) has stepped into the bass slot. The band began recording their new album in June.CAVE IN
The Boston act has signed to RCA Records.CENTINEX
The Swedish act has been picked up by Candlelight Records.COMPOS MENTIS
The Danish melodic death act has been signed by Lost Disciple Records.CREMATORY
After a career spanning ten years, Crematory have decided to split-up. The end of the Crematory era will be documented by the release of Remind. The two-CD live album will feature songs covering the band's entire recording career, as well as a 60-page booklet with tons of exclusive shots. Remind is scheduled to be released on July 30 (Europe). A VHS video and a DVD will be released at the same time. A farewell concert will be announced soon.CRIMINAL
Contrary to a published report, the Chilean metal band has not broken up, and is expected to release their new album, Cancer, in August on Metal Blade Records.CRO-MAGS
Co-founder and guitarist Parris Mayhew has issued a statement that the current incarnation of the band (which includes Harley Flanagan and John Joseph) that is touring with Soul Brains is using the Cro-Mags moniker without permission - the full statement can be read at Cro-Mags.com.CRYPTOPSY
Century Media USA recently licensed CRYPTOPSY's first two full-lengths, Blasphemy Made Flesh (released on February 20th) and None So Vile (released on April 17th). Both albums have been previously unavailable Stateside and feature new artwork and layouts.DEATH
Nuclear Blast will be releasing the band's first live album, Live In L.A. (Death & Raw), on CD, video and DVD. The recording was made on the 1999 US tour.DECEMBER
The Nevada-based metal band has announced an amicable split with Inzane Records.THE DEFACED
The band, which features SOILWORK drummer Henry Ranta and DARKANE guitarist Klas Ideberg, have finished the recording of their debut album, Domination Commence. The European release is scheduled for October, and the Japanese release in September; the latter will feature as a bonus track the Led Zeppelin cover “When The Levee Breaks.”DESTRUCTION
The German legends are currently hard at work in Abyss Studios with producer Peter Tägtgren on their new album, tentatively called Total Destruction, scheduled for a possible late August release in Europe and September in North America.DIMMU BORGIR
Dimmu Borgir entered the German sales charts at #16, the highest position ever reached by a black metal band. The band reached #23 in Austria, #16 in Norway, #84 in the Netherlands, and #11 in Finland.DISGORGE
The US band has been working on songs for their upcoming album, Consuming the Forsaken. They will enter the studio in September for a winter release.DISSECTION
Jon has been allowed to bring some recording equipment to his prison cell and he is working on new material. Also expected is the release of a live album recorded on the Storm Of The Light’s Bane tour.DREAM THEATER
Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York, entered Billboard's Top Music Video chart at #5.DUSK
The defunct US doom act's two EPs and exclusive Visionaries comp track will be released by Lost Disciple Records.DWELLING MADNESS
The Baltimore death metal band has been reformed by former Pessimist members Joe Roffeild, Eric Little, Gary Daniels, and Eddie Braun.DYING FETUS
Dying Fetus has restructured and finalized its lineup to include the following members: vocalist/guitarist John Gallagher has been joined by former Dying Fetus drummer Erik Sayenga (96/97), of Witch-hunt; former Garden of Shadows bass player Sean Beasely (as seen on the recent Gorguts tour); guitar will be handled by Next Step Up/Together We Fall guitarist Bruce Greig, while former Sadistic Torment/Mucous Membrane vocalist Vince Matthews takes care of the vox.EARTH CRISIS
After a career spanning ten years, Victory Records recording artists Earth Crisis have decided to call it quits. They played their final show on July 8th in Syracuse, NY as part of the 2001 Hellfest.ENGORGED
Now signed to Necropolis/Deathvomit Records and will release a new album in 2001.FEAR FACTORY
Their latest release, Digimortal, debuted at number 32 on the Billboard album charts.FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
Posted on Flotsam's website message board at flojet.net, bassist Jason Ward was informed of the fact that their new album My God, set to be released May 22 in the US, is already available in its entirety on the controversial Napster music download site, as well as on E-Bay as a auction item. In response to the speed in which the album has become available Ward replied, "I would have thought it would have taken a bit more time for it to hit the music stores first, but apparently the press copies have made their way there first. All I can hope for is that people like it and we can move some actual product as a result, but I really don't know what will happen. I think our record label may have more to say about it though."Often heard razzing Metallica for their militant stance on this highly publicized issue, Ward added, "It does feel strange to know that the work we have done is now free to anyone who has a PC. Just the time invested alone by the band costs us a bunch, and as it is now Flotsam has a hard enough time paying the bills. It does raise the question of how much more of an impact will this make on the lives of the members in this band who have yet to experience the benefit of a large paycheck for their work. Hopefully what the people who fight for Napster say is true and we will see it translate into more exposure and ultimately record sales. All I know is that musicians now have one more potential obstacle that appears to lower the value of what it is we sell, our music. Either way, it does feel weird to know that a release date seems meaningless now."
FORLORN
The Norwegian act has settled on a new lineup: Hennex (Alvarin) on guitar and vocals, Dolgar (Gehenna) on guitar and vocals, S. Winter (A Winter Within) on drums and Valpurges on bass.GALLERY OF SUICIDE
This new act features guitarist Doug Harrington (Defiance), bassist Troy Gregory (Flotsam and Jetsam), drummer Louie Clemente (Testament), guitarist Allen West (Six Feet Under) and vocalist Joey Allen (Epitaph).GOD DETHRONED
have announced Arien van Weesenbeek as their new drummer.GODGORY
Godgory entered Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden in March 2001 to record their fourth album, Way Beyond. Kristian Wåhlin will do the artwork. Look for a fall release.GOLIATH
The stoner/doom act has signed a three-album deal with The Music Cartel; the new CD is due in September.GORGOROTH
The band will enter the studio in September to record the long-awaited successor to Incipit Satan.GREEN CARNATION
Tchort (Emperor, Satyricon) and his band of doomsters will be recording a new album that will consist of one track that is over 60 minutes long.GUNS N' ROSES
The European tour has been postponed, as guitarist Buckethead has suffered internal hemorrhaging and was forced to undergo medical testing.HINGE
The Roadrunner act has changed its name to Dry Kill Logic.HYPOCRISY
The best-of album, Ten Years Of Chaos And Confusion, is nearly finished. It will feature some new, unreleased songs, as well as the demo which resulted in the band’s signing to Nuclear Blast many years ago. The “best-of” selections were made by the fans themselves.ICED EARTH
Bassist Steve DiGiorgio has decided not to commit to tour with the band and has been ousted as a result – under consideration is former bass player James MacDonough, who may return to the fold for both touring and recording purposes.IMAGIKA
The thrashers have replaced long-time bassist Mike Dargis with Elena Repetto. After three European albums, the band will finally get a stateside release with And So it Burns to be made available by WW3 Records; look for the album with three bonus tracks in August.IMMORTAL
Although they cancelled their appearance at the With Full Force Festival in June, the band will play the Metal Dayz Festival in Switzerland on August 3rd - 5th. Meanwhile, the band continues to work on their as-yet-untitled new album, shooting for an October release.IN FLAMES
In Flames have finished mixing their first live album. Tokyo Showdown features "Pinball Map", "Bullet Ride", "Moonshield", "Gyroscope", "Ordinary Story" plus many more. Look for a summer release.INTENSE HAMMER RAGE
Police raided the Australian band's headquarters and seized CDs, album covers and artwork with what one source described as “a full-on censorship agenda.” The newest release, Avagoyamugs, was on its way to distribution when it was seized; the album cover features a man having sex with a naked, apparently rotten, headless female.IN THE WOODS…
The Norwegian cult-band played their last concert in December in Kristiansand. At the end of this year they will release a live album of this farewell show.JAG PANZER
Jag Panzer has completed recording their next album, Mechanized Warfare, with producer Jim Morris at Morrisound Studios in Florida. The album will be graced with artwork by Travis Smith, and is due out in late August.KAMELOT
The band’s album Karma entered the official German Media Control Charts at #85.KARMA TO BURN
Has been signed to Spitfire Records.KATAKLYSM
The Canadian hyper-blasters have just finished work on EPIC (The Poetry of War). The album was recorded at Victor Studio and was produced by guitarist J-F Dagenais.KING DIAMOND
Metal royalty King Diamond was slated to enter Nomad Recording Studios in Dallas last month to begin recording Abigail Part II: The Revenge, a twisted continuation of his seminal 1987 album Abigail. Joining him will be longtime collaborator/guitarist/producer Andy LaRocque, the returning Hal Pitino on bass and Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead. Rounding out the line-up is newcomer Matt Thompson on drums. Production duties will be handled by Andy, King and Kol Marshall. Album art will once again be created by Thomas Holm. Expect a Halloween 2001 release and a North American tour to follow. In related news, King has recorded a song, entitled “Sweet Dreams,” for the forthcoming Dave Grohl metal project, Probot.KREATOR
Guitarist Tommy Vetterli has been replaced by Sami Yli-Sirniö (Waltari).KRISIUN
The group is at home in Brazil wrapping up the recording of their next full-length follow-up to Conquerors Of Armageddon, entitled Ageless Venomous.LEUKORRHEA
The band has signed a deal with Forever Underground Records for the release of their debut CD. Look for the disc, Hatefucked and Tortured, sometime in August.LOTUS EATERS
Their 12”, Alienist On A Pale Horse, is to be released as a co-operative venture between The Ajna Offensive and Hydra Head. LOTUS EATERS is Aaron Turner, James Plotkin and Stephen O'Malley, who have been collaborating since fall of 2000 and performed together with the German group TROUM during their recent tour in New York.MADRIGAL
The Swedish act has signed to Nuclear Blast.MAGO DE OZ
The Spanish band reached number two on the official record charts of their homeland (AFYVE) with their new mini CD, La Danza del Fuego. This release also includes a cover of Rainbow’s "The Man on the Silver Mountain,” featuring German heavy metal queen Doro Pesch.MALEVOLENT CREATION
Malevolent Creation vocalist Brett Hoffmann has been released from his three-month stay in jail and has joined the rest of the band in Studio 13 with producer/engineer Jeremy Staska to record three bonus tracks that will be included on a re-release of the band's album Envenomed. The song's recorded were "Confirmed Kill"(taken from their debut ‘87 demo), "Epileptic Seizure" (from their ‘89 demo), and a cover of Dark Angel's "Perish In Flames". The demo tracks have never been released before except in their original demo form. Expect an October release date for this limited edition re-release.YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
Vocalist Mark Boals has signed on as vocalist for the current tour. Oddly, the drummer slot has been filled by Tim Donahue, who plays drums for the pop/swing band Cherry Poppin' Daddies.MAUDLIN OF THE WELL
The mixing of the new album is finished! The two full-length CD set will be entitled Bath and Leaving Your Body Map, respectively, and will be released on Dark Symphonies.MAYHEM
The band continues to hold high their reputation: while on their way to the Portuguese festival Steel Warrior Metalfest, the band was refused entry to the airplane for being too drunk. Although Mayhem usually arrange all shows themselves, Season of Mist issued an apology to the festival organization and fans.MEAT SHITS
They have signed a deal with War Hammer/Coprophagia Records, and are gearing up to record their next release, entitled Dismembered Resurrection, which the press release states will contain forty-six “Gore Infested, Pornographic, Bitch Hating, Fag Killing, Womanizing songs that hold true to the Traditional MEAT SHITS sound, but with more emphasis on songwriting and structure.” Um… yeah. That’s what it says.MEATUS
The Dallas noise opera band has replaced drummer Erik with Jason Hooton (Dead Industry). The band is currently working on a four-song EP to shop to labels.MEPHISTOPHELES
The band will be in the Soundloge Studio in Oldenburg, Germany to record their third album, Modern Instinct's Purity. New singer Eike C. Kröger joined the band right after the album Songs of the Desolate Ones and has led the band for all live gigs from then on.METALIUM
The German band has signed with Locomotive music. Their first release will be a VHS video and CD package. The video will feature concert clips, interviews and more, while the CD will include 8 tracks (new songs and live performances). This package will be released this summer.MEZARKABUL
The Turkish band (formerly Pentagram) is newly signed to Noise. Vocalist Murat Ilkan is busy adding the vocals to the new recordings. Their new album is supposed to hit the stores in Europe on September 3.MINISTRY
The industrial act will perform a new song "What About Us?" in the forthcoming Steven Spielberg film, A.I. (Artificial Intelligence). The track will appear on the band's new compilation album, Ministry's Greatest Fits. Both the album and the film are due in June.MISERY INDEX
This new act, which includes former Dying Fetus members Jason Netherton (bass/vocals) and Kevin Talley (drums) along with guitarist/vocalist Mike Harrison (Autumn Dawn, Cadaver Symposium), is currently working on a demo scheduled for completion in July.MOONSPELL
Moonspell is currently finishing up new material for their fifth album, entitled Darkness And Hope. The album is being recorded at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland, with production being handled by Hiili Hiilesmaa, whose credits include such acts as HIM, Apocalyptica and Sentenced.MORTAL DECAY
The band is finishing up their album, Forensic, which will be released in the fall.MORTIIS
The black-metal artist was set to release his first book, Secrets Of My Kingdom, early in July, through the Earache webstore. This is Mortiis' first foray into the realm of the written word; the leather-bound tome is a compendium of prose and lyrics spanning the last decade. Secrets Of My Kingdom is a limited-edition book, each copy signed by Mortiis himself, and will come packaged with a special gold disc version of Mortiis’ album, The Stargate. Mortiis’ next album, The Smell of Rain, is scheduled for release in late September.NECROPHAGIA
The gore-metal band has inked a deal with Season of Mist/Renegade Records in what is being called “one of the most lucrative contracts for any underground band in the history of metal.”NODE
After a temporary break caused by the departure of ex-DEATH SS guitarist Steve Minelli, who left the band after the release of the debut album Technical Crime, NODE is set to begin recording their second album with a new line-up consisting of original members Daniel, Gary and Klaus and a new drummer. The album, Sweatshops, will be recorded in August at the Underground Studios/Sweden, and the cover artwork by Soilwork keyboard player Carlos Del Olmo is already finished.OCTOBER 31
Two new members have been added: vocalist Tony Taylor and guitarist Scott Waldrop (Twisted Tower Dire).PENANCE
Pittsburgh doomsters PENANCE are Martyr Music Group’s latest signing. The current lineup features long-time vocalist Brian "Butch" Balich, bassist Mary Bielich (ex-MYTHIC, WORMHOLE, NOVEMBER'S DOOM, et. al.) and guitarist Matt Tuite (ex-WICKERMAN, MUSTACHE). Martyr Music Group will be releasing PENANCE's latest CD, Alpha and Omega, in August.PESSIMIST
Morbid Angel’s Erik Rutan will be recording and producing the next offering from Pessimist, which is to be titled Slaughtering the Faithful and is slated for a September release.PISSING RAZORS
They've made the jump to Spitfire Records.PUNGENT STENCH
The Austrian goremasters are at work on a new album - the lineup consists of guitarist/vocalist Martin Schirenc, drummer Alex Wank, and newly added bassist Marius (Belphegor).RABIES CASTE
The Russian-Israeli sludgecore trio has completed work on their debut album for Earache Records, Let The Soul Out And Cut The Vein. Fresh from a recent UK tour with Charger, Rabies Caste recorded the album at Southern Studios in London with renowned producer Harvey Birrel (Therapy?) at the helm.RAVENTHRONE
The band has finished recording and mixing their next release, Endless Conflict Theorem. The album was recorded in Vienna, Austria at the Vato Loco Studio, owned and operated by Martin of Hollenthon/Pungent Stench fame. A late summer or early fall street date is expected, on Avantgarde Music.ROADSAW
The band has signed to Lunasound Recording.SCARLET
The Italian extreme-metallers have finished recording their fourth album at the Underground Studios/Sweden with producer Pelle Saether (Carnal Forge, Ebony Tears, Terror 2000). The album is entitled Black As Pitch, and an October release is expected.CHUCK SCHULDINER
Schuldiner has been battling a brain tumor for the past two years - right now it is necessary for Chuck to have a very specific and immediate surgical treatment which is being denied to him based on a lack of funds - in order to make this treatment possible, Hammerheart America, in conjunction with labels, magazines, radio stations and bands worldwide, is organizing an online auction of rare collectibles, autographed musical keepsakes and custom-made instruments - please follow this link for more information: http://www.hammerheartamerica.com/makeadifference.htmlSHADOWS FALL
The Massachusetts band is in the process of trying out new drummers to replace David "Knife" Germain.SINERGY
The band will enter the Studio Fredman in Göteburg in early August to record their third longplayer, Suicide By My Side. The release is scheduled for January 2002.SINGLE BULLET THEORY
The band is preparing to demo for their next record. which will be produced by Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Queensryche, Flotsam & Jetsam) in Chicago. Look for a possible July/August release for the next album.SIX FEET UNDER
The band has teamed up with rapper and BODYCOUNT frontman ICE-T on the song “One Bullet Left,” which will be featured on the group's forthcoming True Carnage disc. According to frontman Chris Barnes, "It was a serious honor to work with Ice on this track. It's very, very aggressive, and I'm really proud of what we did on this one. This is in no way rap-rock or anything like that. True Carnage is due in stores August 7th 2001.SIXTY WATT SHAMAN
Drummer Kenny Wagner has left the band, forcing the cancellation of the scheduled tour with Nashville Pussy.SKINLAB
Guitarist Scott Seargent has been replaced by ex-WIRED SHUT axeman Glen Telford. SKINLAB was set to enter Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco with producer Steve Evetts (SEPULTURA, EARTH CRISIS, SNAPCASE) in June to begin recording their third full-length CD, tentatively titled The Revolting Room. The band will also have their song "Come Get It" featured in the new movie Rites Of Passage, a documentary that includes Ultimate Fighting champion Royce Gracie.SKYCLAD
Despite the departure of Martin Walkyier, the band will continue with the line-up of Steve Ramsey, Graeme English, George Biddle, Kevin Ridley and Jay Graham. Vocals will be handled by Ridley, who has worked with Skyclad for ten years as their producer.SLAUGHTER
The legendary Canadian thrash metal band has signed with Nuclear Blast to re-issue their 1987 album Strappado with 4 bonus studio tracks and 8 live tracks, along with vintage photos and band liner notes. In addition, a 1988 unreleased CD called Paranormal will be released with new tracks.SLEEP
The band will be featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming BMX video from Ride BMX.SOILWORK
The band will use DAT for live performances instead of replacing departed keyboardist Carlos del Olmo.SOULFLY
Former Sepultura vocalist and current Soulfly frontman Max Cavalera was reportedly called upon to dub in menacing roars for the movie The Mummy Returns.SUSPERIA
The Norwegian blackened-thrashers Susperia have released their first album, Predominance. The band recently completed a successful European tour with In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, Nevermore, and Lacuna Coil.SYMPHONY X
The band has signed to InsideOut Music America.TAPPING THE VEIN
Nuclear Blast's newest signing are putting the finishing touches on their still-to-be-titled debut album. The Philadelphia based band made their first official outing as a Nuclear Blast artist at Metal Meltdown III in Asbury Park, NJ.TESTAMENT/THRASH OF THE TITANS
As reported, Chuck Billy has been diagnosed with cancer, and doctors say that the type of cancer is treatable. As Chuck undergoes treatment, his long-time friend Walter Morgan is attempting to put together the greatest old-school thrash concert in metal history as a benefit for Chuck - the show will be called Thrash Of The Titans and take place in the S.F. Bay Area August 10, 2001. The following bands are expected to participate: LEGACY, HEATHEN, FORBIDDEN EVIL, VIO-LENCE, EXODUS, LAAZ ROCKIT, DEATH ANGEL and more.THERION
The band will soon enter the studio to work on their next album, Secret Of The Ruins, to be released on September 24. Afterwards, the band will tour again, probably label mates Amorphis.TIME IN MALTA
Burn It Down vocalist Ryan Downey has left the band; he only performed one show with them before the amicable split.TIMO TOLKKI
Tolkki, mastermind and guitarist of Stratovarius, is recording his second solo album. The album itself won't be recorded in a 'usual' studio, but in the rehearsing room of the band. It will be mixed in the famous Finnvox Studios by Tolkki himself. The album will be called Hymn To Life, and is scheduled for a January 2002 release.TRANSPORT LEAGUE
Bassist Christ Ian Jansson has been brought on board to replace the departed Ken Sandin.VAN HALEN
It has been reported that Eddie is undergoing cancer treatment.VICIOUS RUMORS
Vocalist Morgan Thorn has left the band - his replacement is Brian O'Connor, who sang on the Cyberchrist album.VOIVOD
Piggy and Away have parted ways with vocalist/bassist Eric Forrest - the band's next move is unknown.WARLORD
Drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning), guitarist William Tsamis (Lordian) and keyboardist Diane Kornarens have reunited to revive this classic metal act - Joachim Cans (Hammerfall) has been invited into the fold as vocalist.WESTWORLD
Dreamscape Music Group has licensed the band's latest album Skin for distribution in North America - the band's sophomore release was previously released by Roadrunner outside the US.
LABELS
ALONE RECORDS/CUSTOM HEAVY RECORDS
The two labels have formed a partnership, with Alone handling Europe and Custom Heavy covering the United States.CENTURY MEDIA
The ever-expanding operation has announced that it will take on the promotion and distribution of Spinefarm/Spikefarm releases in North America - the first to benefit from this new relationship will be Entwine and Shadow, whose albums will hit US shores on July 24.EARACHE RECORDS
The Earache Records webstore has widened its catalogue by welcoming cult Doom and Classic Metal distributor Black Tears into the fold. Many of the acts highlighted by Black Tears have gone on to become mainstays of the scene; Spirit Caravan (then Shine), Electric Wizard, Terra Firma, Sheavy, Orange Gobiln, Beyond Dawn, Opeth - all had their early recordings distributed via the organization. In other Earache news, the label has announced a new alliance with Zane Entertainment - starting immediately, Earache will be offering Zane's top twenty DVD titles for sale at the Earache Webstore. Zane Entertainment's films are uncensored and bring rock-n-roll into the realm of adult entertainment.NUCLEAR BLAST
The label has announced that ANTHRAX has signed to Nuclear Blast for the European territory.REKORDS REKORDS
This new label is being started by Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss) in conjunction with Southern Lord Recordings.RELAPSE RECORDS
Relapse Records opened its first retail store in Philadelphia, PA on June 1st, 2001. To commemorate the event, Relapse Records hosted a show at Philadelphia’s Pontiac Grill with DECEASED, SOMBER, HEIDNIK, KALIBAS, and TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION.RENEGADE RECORDS
Renegade Records, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of former Nuclear Blast America label manager Chris Pelletier to the company. Chris started in music as a DJ and retailer of metal in his native New England. Chris began at Nuclear Blast as head of retail promotion and sales, and was quickly promoted to label manager. He is rejoining Rhodes Mason, the former president of Nuclear Blast. Renegade Records has also solidified their distribution with DNA in America and PHD in Canada.
FESTIVALS/OTHER TOURS
BEAST FEAST
8/25 & 8/26 - Yokohama Arena, Japan Slayer, Pantera, Morbid Angel, Shadows Fall, and more.LOUD AZ FUCK FESTIVAL
7/13 & 7/14 - CBGB, NY
Disassociate, Benumb, Pig Destroyer, Anal Cunt, Mahavatar, 100% Two Finger UK, Caustic Christ, Phobia, Enemy Soil, Most Precious Blood, No Less.OPEN HELL FEST 2001
07/27-07/28
Volyne, Czech Republic. The area functions as a summer open-air cinema with a capacity of 1500. There is a place for free camping inside the site.
Bands featured include: CHRIST AGONY, EVIL INCARNATE, DESASTER, TRIMONIUM, DARKSIDE, ORK, PLUS CZECH MASTERS: ROOT, DEBUSTROL, FLESHLESS, LOCOMOTIVE, SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY, AVENGER and others, 30 bands in total.OZZFEST
BLACK SABBATH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, MARILYN MANSON, SLIPKNOT, PAPA ROACH, CRAZYTOWN, LINKIN PARK, DISTURBED, MUDVAYNE, TAPROOT, COLD, SYSTEMATIC, GODHEAD, NONPOINT, DROWNING POOL, UNION UNDERGROUND, HATEBREED, OTEP, AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, PRESSURE 4-5, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, PURE RUBBISH.PROG POWER 2001
Sjiwa - Baarlo - The Netherlands
October 2001
The full line-up so far is: ANDROMEDA (Sweden), ANOMALY (Holland), AZTEC JADE (US), INTO ETERNITY (Canada), PAIN OF SALVATION (Sweden), VANDENPLAS (Germany) and ZERO HOUR (US).SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR
8/23, 8/24 & 8/25 - Abtsgmünd, Germany
Rage, Amorphis, Lacuna Coil, Vader, Graveworm, Dawn Of Dreams, Symphorce, Aeternitas, The Armada, Haggard, Die Happy, Farmer Boys, Tankard, God Dethroned, The Crown, Evereve, Crack Up, Jack Frost, Chinchilla, Adorned Brood, Koroded, Fatered, Karkadan, Tom Angelripper, In Extremo, Primal Fear, Crowbar, Pyogenesis, Amon Amarth, End Of Green, Ektomorf, In Blackest Velvet, Asterius, Dew Scented, 2 Ton Predator, Airfresh, Pettypew, Mirrored Mind, Capsize.THRASH OF THE TITANS
San Francisco, California.
08/10
A benefit for both Chuck Billy (Testament) and Chuck Schuldiner (Death), a benefit is being put together...the greatest old-school thrash concert in metal history. The following bands are expected to participate: LEGACY, HEATHEN, FORBIDDEN EVIL, VIO-LENCE, EXODUS, LAAZ ROCKIT, DEATH ANGEL and more.WACKEN OPEN AIR
08/03-0/5?
Saxon, Motorhead, Dimmu Borgir, Helloween, Hammerfall, Crematory, Annihilator, Grave Digger, In Flames, Subway To Sally, Rage, Nevermore, Paul Di'Anno, Primal Fear, Sodom, Therion, Overkill, Behemoth, Artch, Blackshine, Brainstorm, Cage, Carnal Forge, Chinchilla, Cryptopsy, Culprit, Dark Tranquillity, Deceased, Desaster, Exciter, Exhumed, Exumer, Holy Moses, Krisiun, Lacuna Coil, Mago De Oz, Metalium, Mortician, Napalm Death, Nasum, Naglfar, Nightwish, Nostradamus, Opeth, Sins Of Thy Beloved, Soilwork, Sonata Arctica, Tad Morose, Tankard, Destroyer 666, The Haunted, Tourniquet, Vintersorg, VoiVod, Warhammer, and more.
May 2001 News
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