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Napalm Death � New album and live DVD. Napalm Death have completed the drum tracks for their forthcoming, as-yet-untitled album at Parkgate Studios in Hastings, England (where the group's Enemy Of The Music Business CD was recorded) and are currently taking a break before returning to the facility in early July to finish up the rest of the LP for a tentative September/October release through Dream Catcher Records. Described by bassist Shane Embury as containing "some of the fastest Napalm Death songs ever," the upcoming CD will include the following cuts, among others: Narcoleptic Farce and Fiction Lowest Common Denominator Per Capita Continuing War On Stupidity The Icing On the Hate There's Only One War In other news, Napalm Death will shortly be issuing a new live DVD, entitled Punishment in Capitals, which will feature footage recorded during the band's recent headlining show at London's ULU, along with material shot at the group's show in Chile in front of a crowd of 5,000, and other, as-yet-undetermined extra footage. The tentative track listing for the London performance portion of the DVD is as follows: Lucid Fairytale Take the Poison Next on the List Constitutional Hell Suffer the Children Cleanse Impure Politicians Breed to Breathe Unchallenged Hate Vermin The World Keeps Turning Can't Play Wont Pay Narcoleptic Volume of Neglect Hung From Enslavement to Obliteration Scum Life? The Kill Deceiver You Suffer Cure for a Common Complaint Mass Appeal Madness Greed Killing Instinct of Survival Nazi Punks Fuck Off Back from the Dead Siege of Power Floodgate - Back from the dead. New Orleans Floodgate, featuring Exhorder frontman Kyle Thomas, will resurface after a two-and-a-half-year period of dormancy to perform a headlining set at Zeppelin's in Metairie, Louisiana on Saturday, June 22nd. "Joining the band on drums will be Exhorder's Chris Nail, who also was once the manager of Floodgate, and without whom we would not have gotten the Sepultura�s �96 Roots tour, even though Roadrunner Records tried to keep us off of it," states Thomas. "For those Exhorder fans that also enjoy Floodgate, new merchandise will be available. For those that do not, stop pouting, because Exhorder is unfortunately no closer to having finished material than when we did the reunion shows. I wish I could tell ya otherwise. Looking forward to the show, hope to see you, and we will not disappoint..." Rob Zombie to direct new Black Label Society video. Rob Zombie will be in the director's chair for the upcoming Black Label Society video, for the track �Demise Of Sanity�, which is scheduled to be lensed on June 24th at a real Los Angeles slaughterhouse. In other news, Spitfire Records is shipping a new Black Label Society CD promo to radio this week containing two different singles��Demise of Sanity� for the heavier active rock stations, and an edited version of 'Bridge to Cross' for the more straightforward mainstream rock stations. The single will be going for adds on June 24th. Biohazard - New guitarist details. Biohazard have replaced guitarist Leo Curley (ex-Outline, ex-All Means Necessary) with former Nucleus axeman Carmine Vincent. Vincent is no stranger to the Biohazard camp, having previously traveled with the group as a roadie in addition to having supported Biohazard as the bassist/vocalist for Nucleus during a tour of Europe in late 2000. Although presently unconfirmed, it appears that Curley's departure was caused by his desire to write his own material, a prospect which proved virtually impossible in an act that has been composing songs as a three-piece since Biohazard's split with original guitarist Bobby Hambel in the mid-1990s. Curley will reportedly continue his involvement with N�$H, a brand new project that also features in its ranks Preston Nash (Primer 55, ex-Dope) on vocals, guitars and percussion, Dirt (Anything But Normal) on bass and vocals, and Joe Clark (Straight Jacket) on drums. Pitchshifter guitarist rejoins The Prodigy. Pitchshifter guitarist Jim Davies will be rejoining Prodigy on a "full-time" basis during the latter's upcoming festival appearances, according to Kerrang! magazine. However, there are no plans for Davies to leave Pitchshifter. "The work doesn't clash at the moment and the Pitchshifter guys have been really cool about it," the guitarist said. Ted Nugent � The chef. Ted Nugent has released a hunting-based cook book called �Kill It And Grill It�. To promote the controversial publication, he's been on every program from David Letterman to CNN's Crossfire. In the meantime, Ted is readying his new album for Spitfire, due out this summer/fall. The man himself has described the album on his own site, "The road less humped calls my feedbacking name nonstop as if the mystical garageband door has once again been slammed down hard on the ballz of our fire breathing PunkNuge ultragreazyass rock-n-roll MotorCity MuscleCar orgy, and all is well at the Rosa Parks Soul of Man attitude celebration BBQ campfire. Defiance is dancing raw and naked as we laugh ferociously in the face of average everything... Let the BigDogs run. Kill it and grill it. God, Guns & Rock-n-Roll. I am gunpowderboy, Craveman, Thundergod of attitude. As close to heaven as she gets. Almost pussy. Profile me." Read his whole statement and view the album artwork at: www.tednugent.com Metallica update. In a recent online chat Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich revealed that his Elektra imprint, The Music Company, is no longer. Says Lars, "I folded my label. I loved working with the bands, but I could not deal with all the horseshit that came with it." Regarding the upcoming Metallica album Ulrich states, "Producer Bob Rock is playing bass in the studio and we have not even thought about who's gonna join the band when the record is done. As of May 17th, Bob has played every single bass note on the forthcoming record. We are keeping our minds open, but right now it feels so f**king right." Steve Vai to performe with 100-piece orchestra. Steve Vai will perform the world premiere of composer Ichiro Nodaira's Fire Strings, a concerto for electric guitar and 100-piece orchestra, in Tokyo in July. Steve will perform with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yutaka Sado, and the concert program includes Leonard Bernstein's 'Candide Overture' and Stravinsky's 'Le Sacre du Printemps', in addition to the 30-minute 'Fire Strings'. The guitar parts for 'Fire Strings' are very complex - previously described as impossible to play - and Steve calls it the most challenging guitar composition he's seen since his days with Frank Zappa. The venue is the prestigious Suntory Hall in Tokyo, and the dates are July 24th, 25th and 26th. Ticket info is available at: www.vai.com. In related news, Steve's new album, The Elusive Light And Sound: Volume 1, will be released on June 4th through Favored Nations. The disc was previously available only in the limited edition Vai box set, The Secret Jewel Box. The set includes all of Vai's contributions to film, including the guitar duel scenes from Crossroads (with additional music not included in the film's final cut), the score cues from PCU, several other soundtrack contributions and new, previously unreleased material as well. The US release on Favored Nations will also feature a 3D cover image, and come in a Q-pack. The release date is June 4th. Dark Tranquillity to play at the Fett Med K�rlek Festival. Dark Tranquillity has confirmed they will play at the Fett Med K�rlek Festival (translates as Loads Of Love - "which of course is against our policies," the band says) in Uppsala, Sweden on June 8th. Expect several songs from their forthcoming album, Damage Done, to be showcased live for the first time. On June 1st, the first official sample mp3 will appear at the band's website ( www.darktranquillity.com), with a video preview to follow shortly thereafter. In related news, the first digipack edition will feature a special bonus song, and this will probably be the on with the LP version as well. Rollins Band � New live album. The Rollins Band�s upcoming live album, �The Only Way To Know For Sure�, is due through Sanctuary on June 25th. The album is the beginning of a very busy season for Rollins. He has recently closed a deal with Comedy Central for his new live stand up one hour special entitled Up For It, which is set to air in July and August of 2002. Rollins will be on the road for a two-month theatre tour this fall, has just completed a cameo appearance for the MTV movie Jackass and currently appears in the film The New Guy, released by Revolution Studios on May 10th. The following is a message from Henry, "The Rollins Band has always been a live band. The studio albums have always been simple and direct and in terms of contemporary recording techniques, primitive. Radio leaves us alone, as does music television. Learned music professors like yourself slag us off. (See last paragraph for more on that.) So, our method of communication is manual application via large amounts of live shows all over the world, every year. The upside is that you get very damn good at playing songs live. The downside is that you have to endure a lot of bands that are not very damn good at playing songs live. Being a scarred and tarred road machine, I judge a band by its live show. If you can't do it live then you can't do it. Live is the only way to know for sure." Running Wild � New Live CD/DVD Running Wild will issue a live CD/DVD through G.U.N./ BMG Records in September. The as-yet-untitled effort will contain live recordings made at the band's concert in Osnabr�ck, Germany on March 30th and will be accompanied by backstage footage (in the case of the DVD) and other special material. Brainstorm � New live album. Brainstorm will be recording several festival appearances during the summer for a possible live album, which is tentatively expected to surface in late 2002 or early 2003. In other news, the band has been "seriously writing" new material since April, according to an official statement from the band. Former Testament/Forbidden guitarist Glen Alvelais update. Former Testament/Forbidden guitarist Glen Alvelais has confirmed to Blabbermouth.net his current involvement with F-Bomb, the San Francisco Bay Area act that also features in its ranks Exodus frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza, bassist Kevin Moore, drummer Jeremy Colson (who replaced Vio-lence drummer Perry Strickland earlier this year), and guitarist Jason Brown. Colson, who had previously played on the LD/50 debut CD featuring Alvelais and Geezer/Bewkenheimer frontman Clark Brown, will also be joining Glen and Jason in the new incarnation of Alvelais' other project Bizzaro, which is scheduled to begin playing out shortly. Plans also exist for LD/50 to record another CD with Clark Brown on vocals later this year. Dio pic �Push� for first video from �Killing The Dragon� Dio will soon release their video for "Push" featuring special guest, Jack Black of Tenacious D. Former porn star Jenna Jameson to figure on picture LP. Necrophagia's Season of the Dead will be re-released on picture LP with a special Jenna Jameson design on the B side. This album is also scheduled for a digi-book and digi-pak re-release with complete re-mastering, for the future. Slipknot � New single. Slipknot's forthcoming UK single, "My Plague (New Abuse Mix)," will be released on July 8th. The full track listing for it is as follows: My Plague (New Abuse Mix) The Heretic Anthem (live) (sic) (live) My Plague (New Abuse Mix) (video) Freternia � New album. The title of the upcoming album will be "A Nightmare Story" and the releasdate is set to 021007. Freternia will also participate on "Keepers Of Jericho part 2". They will record a cover from "Walls Of Jericho" in late July. Livedates: S�lvesborg-Sweden Rock Festival 020608 Gothenburg-Club Nocturnal 021012 Finally, don�t forget to participate in the contest at www.freternia.com Devin Townsend: The latest update. An update from the world of Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Physicist, Ocean Machine) Some good and bad news regarding the tour is that Chris Valagao who was to be the new keyboard player in Strapping Young Lad has had to leave due to his commitments to Zimmers Hole and his work in movie effects. He has been swiftly replaced due to (another) new keyboard player (number 153?) Will Campagne. His addition was seamless and, we believe, permanent. Once again, this is a Strapping Young Lad tour and none of the other material will be played in order to focus on the new Strapping songs. The Devin Townsend Band has also been completed. In addition to Scotty McCargar (drums), Brian Waddell (guitar) are Mike and Dave Young (brothers, on bass and keyboards). Devin has recorded a 5-song demo of the new material and is thrilled with the result. The song titles are (and, like tour dates, these are apt to change) 'Depth Charge', 'Storm', 'Sunday Afternoon', 'Deadhead', 'Slow Me Down'. This band will be playing the ProgPower USA II in Atlanta, Georgia on November 16 with Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Angra, Pain Of Salvation and others. There will be no Strapping Young Lad material played at this show. Strapping Young Lad is booked to play the Busan Rock Festival June 2 in Korea with the release of Terria there on Dope Music (who also has Strapping Young Lad for that territory). There is an additional show scheduled in Seoul the following day. The set list for this show (and for the US tour as well is: 'Velvet Kevorkian', 'All Hail The New Flesh', 'Devour' (new song), 'S.Y.L.', 'In The Rainy Season', 'Consequence' (new song), 'Bring On The Young' (new song), 'Home Nucleonics', 'Force Fed' (new song), 'Namaste', 'Detox', Encore: 'Dirt Pride' (new song), 'Far Beyond Metal'. There are also several Strapping Young Lad shows booked for Europe this summer. They will play the Dynamo Festival in Holland and the Knockout Festival in Switzerland. They are all that are confirmed at this time and there will be some other dates but they will likely not be playing any of the cities visited in 2001 and will tour other countries where they have not appeared in some time - or ever. Zimmers Hole will also be on tour around the same time (but not together). As with all tour announcements, these are likely to change, or can be cancelled altogether. In follow-up to an announcement we made a couple of months ago that was a bit premature. While we had the best of intentions, actually getting the home videos together proved to be more than we anticipated. Devin just doesn't have the time right now to plan it and view the hundreds of hours of footage to choose the best clips. We apologize and do want to do this one day but not until after these two records. Devin has agreed to produce the American band Lamb Of God. The session will take place in Virginia, USA in or around November. More information when we know it. Hole have officially split up. Hole have officially ceased to exist, according to a statement from Courtney Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. "We're incredibly proud of the music we've made together," said Erlandson in the statement, "but it seems like time for both of us to move on." "Since Geffen Records closed during the promotion of our last record, there have been a lot of distractions," said Love. "Universal's lawsuit against us made it impossible for us to find a new record company despite overwhelming interest from other labels. After three years of waiting, Eric and I have decided to put Hole to rest. I will always treasure the time we played together. Eric has been an important part of my family for over ten years and he'll continue to be a part of my life. "We both appreciate the amazing contributions that our other bandmates made to Hole," said Erlandson. Hole's lineup has included Patty Schemel, Kristin Pfaff, Melissa Auf der Maur, Samantha Maloney, Jill Emery and Caroline Rue. "Patty is now writing and recording with me, Melissa has played with Smashing Pumpkins, Samantha has toured with Motley Crue and Jill played with Mazzy Star, so I think Hole has been a made great contributions to rock's Amazon culture," said Love. "We're also grateful that we had the support of everyone at Geffen Records, Caroline Records, Gold Mountain, Q Prime and Rosemary Carroll. All of them made important contributions to our success." "Our fans have made Hole one of the greatest experiences any musician could ever have," adds Erlandson. "Courtney and I are incredibly grateful for their loyalty and inspiration." Love is currently writing and recording with former Hole drummer Patty Schemel and ex-4 Non Blondes leader Linda Perry, with hopes to release new music in 2003. Eric has been collaborating with several different singers and is looking forward to a variety of projects, including songwriting, production, and possibly putting together a new band. Lacuna Coil � New album. Italian atmospheric metallers Lacuna Coil recently completed work on their third full-length album, Comalies, with producer Waldemar Sorychta at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany. "We are all really excited because we feel that the style of the band has developed into a new level which is more various and recognizable at the same time," Lacuna Coil revealed on their official website. "This time we've been really fast and we've taped everything in less than 20 days: a personal record for the band," the statement continued, describing the quick recording process on Comalies. "That's really good because we'll have a little more time for the mixing and won't have to hurry up as usual." Comalies final track listing looks like this: "Swamped," "Heaven's A Lie," "Daylight Dancer," "Humane," "Self Deception," "Aeon," "Tight Rope," "The Ghost Woman And The Hunter," "Unspoken," "Entwined," "The Prophet Said," "Angel's Punishment" and "Comalies." Lacuna Coil's Comalies is currently scheduled for a September 23, 2002 release through juggernaut Century Media Records Darkane � New album. Sweden's Darkane have completed work on their third full-length album, �Expanding Senses�, for Nuclear Blast Records. Recorded over a period of three months by Daniel Bergstrand and co-producer �rjan �rnkloo, the album is said to feature a different vocal take that's more "Chuck Billy" than "high-pitched screams." Also, former vocalist Lawrence Mackrory will also make a comeback appearence on one track with vocalist Andreas Sydow. Those expecting Expanding Senses to be a softer effort, Darkane contend that the sound is "very brutal and fat!" The final track listing for �Expanding Senses�: "Innocence Gone� �Solitary Confinement� �Fatal Impact� �Imaginary Entity� �Violence from Within� �The Fear of One's Self� �Chaos vs Order" (feat Lawrence Mackrory) �Parasites of the Unexplained� �Submission� and Japanese bonus track "Growing Hate� Darkane's �Expanding Senses� is set for an August 18, 2002 release through Nuclear Blast Records. At The Gates reissue �Slaughter Of The Soul�. At The Gates are finally getting a reissue of their classic death metal opus, 1995's Slaughter Of The Soul, through Earache Records. Slaughter Of The Soul, out of print for the past three years, is not only back in stores, but the album sports six bonus tracks. And here they are: "Legion" (Slaughterlord cover) "The Dying (From the oringial album sessions) "Unto Others" (Demo version) "Nausea" (Demo version) "Captor of Sin" (Slayer cover) "Bister Verklighet" (No Security cover, never released!) Look for At The Gates' �Slaughter Of The Soul� sometime this summer on Earache Records. Yngwie Malmsteen � New album The recording line-up for Yngwie Malmsteen�s forthcoming "Attack" CD has finally been announced: Yngwie Malmsteen (guitar & bass), Doogie White (vocals), Derek Sherinian (keyboards) & Patrick Johansson (drums). Insania�s new singer and album. Insania has found a new singer. His name is Ola Hal�n. He is 25 years old and lives in Stockholm as the rest of the band. He will be their voice on their forthcoming album "Fantasy". Nocturnal Rites � New album. Look for their next album, �Shadowland�, in mid-to-late September. Produced by Daniel Bergstrand (Messhuggah, Andromeda, In Flames) at Dug-Out Studios in Uppsala, Sweden, the following track listing has been finalized: "Eyes Of The Dead" "Shadowland" "Invincible" "Revelation" "Never Die" "Underworld" "Vengeance" "Faceless God" "Birth Of Chaos" and "The Watcher" The Japanese version of �Shadowland� will include as as-yet-undisclosed bonus track. The band has been confirmed at this year's Umea Festival www.umeafesten.com on May 31st in Umea, Sweden. Arch Enemy�s Angela on the cover of Burrn! Arch Enemy vocalist Angela Gossow is on the cover of the new May issue of Burrn! - Japan's premier metal magazine, and she has plenty to smile about. The prestigious cover is usually occupied by much more mainstream metal artists such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and Arch Enemy is the first extreme metal band to grace the cover. Burrn! features a live report from their hugely successful Japanese tour in March, exclusive interviews with all band members, and coverage of the band being presented with their 13 (!) trophies from the Burrn! 2001 Readers' Polls--among them: Best Band, Best Album, Best Singer, Best Drummer and the coveted Shining Star. Wages Of Sin has now sold over 43,000 copies in Japan. Check out the latest issue of Guitar World for Michael and Christopher's axology, and to see the 1960's black Lincoln Continental with suicide doors and leopard print seat covers that stole the band's hearts. The Spring/Summer issue of Rockergirl--in stores now--also features an interview with Angela Gossow. The band will be leaving Sweden this Friday for their UK tour with Opeth, which ends on June 1st. Festival appearances for this summer include the Hultsfreds Festival in Sweden, Waldrock in Holland on June 22, With Full Force on July 5 in Germany, and the Graspop in Belgium on July 6th. Due to scheduling conflicts, Arch Enemy will NOT be performing on the first two dates (July 6th & 7th) of the Nile Darkened Shrines Tour with Hate Eternal and Origin. Lemmy`s hat has been stolen. Legendary trio Mot�rhead played Club Townsend in San Francisco, CA, on Friday, May 17, 2002, as part of its U.S. tour to promote the Metal-Is/Sanctuary CD Hammered and, unfortunately, the distinctive hat owned and worn by vocalist/bass guitarist Lemmy was stolen from the backstage area. The theft occurred during a 30-minute window between the beginning of the encore and the end of the show. He'd worn the hat on stage for the main set. The black hat � a cross between a pirate hat and cowboy hat � is of great sentimental value to Lemmy. He bought it at a truckstop while on tour many years ago, and he personalized it with his own original decorations and designs. The hat is made of brushed, soft cloth although it is "hard" and maintains its shape. Lemmy's famous hat became a trademark. He's often been photographed wearing it. Lemmy would like to have his hat back, and the person or persons who took it are asked to return it. Individuals who have information about the hat's whereabouts may send an e-mail to Ace Trump, the webmaster of Motorhead's official web site � www.imotorhead.com. Tips should be e-mailed to Trump at: acetrump@bigfoot.com. Tip providers may remain anonymous. Six Feet Under to film live CD/home video. Six Feet Under will be recording a live CD and home video (DVD?) at the Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 14th for an early 2003 release. According to frontman Chris Barnes, "this is gonna be proffesionally shot on film by Dave Roth, who directed 'The Day The Dead Walked', 'Victim of the Paranoid', and 'Manipulation' videos, and will be digitally recorded live by Chris Carroll [who'd worked with us on the Maximum Violence, Graveyard, and True Carnage CDs]. Songs from the show will also be featured on a live CD, which will coincide with the release of the video. This is gonna be 100% pro, so if you want to see your ugly f.ckin' face show up on our vid�make it to this show, if its the last thing you ever do!! Prepare yourself..." Bush split with guitarist, recruit Helmet axeman. Bush have parted ways with guitarist Nigel Pulsford and have replaced him with ex-Helmet guitarist Chris Traynor. "[Nigel] didn't get kicked out," mainman Gavin Rossdale told MTV. "He didn't want to be on tour, and you can't kick someone out that isn't there. There was not a bad word, not any arguments. I respect him fully and think he's a really talented, brilliant musician. It's weird � it's not like we've had a fight. It's not musical differences there are no differences. "It just became really apparent that Chris was the way to continue. It started off really organically, in that he wasn't going to replace Nigel." "The last few months when he was in [the band], he was very unhappy," The singer continued. "He never approached the subject with me, but I think he was quite unhappy touring and stuff. Everyone else knew, so it was quite a fractured environment to be in, whereas now it's the happy-happy bus, so it's fun. "We're having the best time we've ever had, playing and being with Chris. It's like having a new member of your family, like adopting someone." "We haven't said anything publicly because we didn't know it wasn't that we were holding anything back. And even to this point, there's an element that we don't know � is Nigel going to ring up and say, 'F--- it, I really want to do it. Are you going to let me do it?' But I don't think [he will]." Former Fear Factory manager speaks out. Former Fear Factory manager Scott Koenig of King Artist Management, who managed the group for nearly half of their 11-and-a-half-year existence, has contacted Blabbermouth.net to tell his side of the story of the inner workings within the band and the behind-the-scenes decision-making process that ultimately led to his dismissal as the group's representative back in 1999. "I hate to say it, but [ex-Fear Factory drummer] Raymond [Herrera] paints a very, very true picture of how things were in Fear Factory," began Koenig in his written statement. "[As Fear Factory's third and longest-tenure manager], I managed the band from early 1994 until mid 1999 and it is true that [ex-Fear Factory guitarist] Dino [Cazares] tried to manipulate me and my management team. "My company motto is 'We Manage The Unmanageable', [a slogan] that was derived from managing Dino Cazares as well as another artist I managed at the time who will remain nameless. [Dino] would constantly lie to me as well as the band, and when something went wrong, he told the band it was my fault. "My biggest problem, I felt, was alienating the three other guys in the band because Dino insisted that business-wise they were 'useless' and I needed to go through him all the time about everything in order to get things done. "The band has had five managers over their 10-year career and I ended up managing them for five of those years! "How retarded is he to blame the management for him being so controlling!?!?!? I am not perfect, but I did work very hard in those five years, and the band had a steady growing fan base and record sales. I was fired 3/4 of the way through the campaign for their biggest record Obsolete?!? "But this letter is really not about me�it's about Dino and the truth, as I see it, and apparently Raymond, and I am sure Burt and Christian see it as well. Yours Truly, Scott Koenig / King Artist Management" Machine Head select temporary guitarist replacement. Machine Head are strongly rumored to have selected Technocracy/Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel as the temporary replacement for Ahrue Luster, who recently left the group due to "creative differences". Demmel, a former bandmate of Machine Head frontman Robert Flynn during the classic Vio-Lence days, will reportedly join Flynn, drummer Dave McClain and bassist Adam Duce on their upcoming European jaunt before the Bay Area act commence the songwriting process for their fifth full-length CD. Although Phil is said to be a prime candidate to assist the group during the upcoming live performances, it is unlikely that he will become a permanent member of Machine Head, informed sources have told Blabbermouth.net. Machine Head are not actively seeking a permanent replacement for Luster and will likely complete much of the pre-production for the forthcoming CD as a three-piece, the sources said. Charlie Benante & Scott Ian are fired from S.O.D. S.O.D. frontman Billy Milano has issued a follow-up statement in response to the growing criticism over his decision to seek out replacements for guitarist Scott Ian and drummer Charlie Benante, both of whom are widely viewed as integral members of the group. "First off, as far as [former Fear Factory drummer] Ray (Herrera) is concerned, he said to me at the Fear Factory show in Dallas last year that when I was ready to get a 'REAL' drummer in S.O.D. to call him and let him know," Milano said. "END QUOTE!!! TRUTH!!!!! Secondly, I will do what I want with S.O.D. Charlie and Scott are fired!!!!! They never gave a fuck about the S.O.D. fans anyway. So I am going to find two guys to do it from somewhere and (bassist Danny) Lilker will do it if he chooses to do it. But, This still is not going to help Charlene (a.k.a. Charlie) and Dimebag Ian [a.k.a. Scott]. They called Lilker to ask if we were gonna do S.O.D. without them, But didn't call Lilker to apologize for fucking him on the VH1 special. These guys know I am serious and the real deal. Maybe the next guy I hang out a window on the second floor will be you, Scott. For real." Deftones � New album. Deftones are currently in the studio writing and recording material for their fourth album, tentatively entitled Lovers. Following the completion of the recording, plans exist for the band to take part in this year's Pledge Of Allegiance package, which is due to begin in the fall. Enslaved split with guitarist R.Kronheim. Norwegian metallers Enslaved have officially parted ways with guitarist R. Kronheim following the band's U.K. tour in March. "Upon returning from their U.K. tour in March 02, all four members agreed that the situation within the band needed serious evaluation," stated mainman Ivar Bjoernson. "As a result, all four members agreed that R. Kronheim should leave. It is important to stress the fact that R. Kronheim was part of the vote in favor of his own departure. No particular reason for this can or needs to be pointed out, as everything else this sudden and surprising action came as an end to a chain of more or less significant events. True to Enslaved�s own agenda and philosophy, remaining members of the collective Dirge Rep, Grutle Kjellson and I. Bjoernson chose to see it as a necessary change rather than a loss. And changes give birth to new ideas and new worlds." Enslaved will not seek a permanent replacement at this time, and will instead opt to hire session members Arve (guitars) and Oyvind (keyboards) for all future live events. As for R. Kronheim, it's uncertain whether he'll surface in a new project, but his involvement in Enslaved over the last four years will be missed, particularly his stage antics. In similar news, Enslaved are already hard at work on the follow-up to last year's Monumension, and have penned two songs ("Queen of Night" and "Horns") for the as-yet-untitled album. The band will enter Grieghallen (Mork Gryning, Aeternus) again in September to record the album. Darkthrone � New album. Longtime Norwegian black metallers Darkthrone are currently writing material for the follow-up to last year's brilliantly grim Plaguewielder opus. Titled, Leper Unction, the album is set to feature songs "Rust" and "Fucked Up And Ready To Die." So far a studio has not been named, but it appears guitarist Nocturno Culto is actively updating the website, so expect something shortly. "The new album seems to develop into another state of soul-binding art (at least for us it is), black and white album design, dark-edge primitive metal," stated Culto on the band's first-ever website, www.darkthrone.no. "This time around we'll make sure that we show everybody where we will stand in the future�As already everybody knows, Darkthrone stands for nothing 'new and fresh', prog-metal is a totally different musical world for us, we live and breathe for the real thing." The Haunted book studio time for upcoming album. Swedish high-energy thrashers The Haunted have booked five weeks at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden beginning on August 26th for the recording of their forthcoming third full-length CD, due in early 2003 through Earache Records. According to bassist Jonas Bjorler, "we have at the moment eight songs written, and ideas for another three�so everything seems great�. In other news: The Haunted, The Crown and Necrophobic will team up for a gig at The Shrine in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday, May 31st. In Flames complete work on new album. Sweden's In Flames have completed work on their as-yet-untitled new album and are looking to get it issued in August/September through Nuclear Blast Records. The release of the CD, which is being described by the band as "the best In Flames record to date", will coincide with a US tour with Slayer and Soulfly. Exact dates and venues will be announced soon. Borknagar: No US tour in support of "Empiricism". Despite previous reports to the contrary, Borknagar will not be coming over for an American tour in support of their Empiricism CD, according to bassist Tyr. "It's quite clear that the tour-planning for Empiricism was lacking, and now its really not enough time to work out an American tour this summer," stated Tyr. "We thought we could perhaps delay the tour until November, but we found that working on the new album in the last two months of this year would be the correct priority for us. We'll spend January-February (2003) in the studio, and we target April or August for the release, hopefully worldwide. Touring will start shortly thereafter." Although nothing has yet been confirmed, Borknagar are said to be in talks to make an appearance at this year's Milwaukee Metal Fest in July, which will mark the group's only US performance in support of Empiricism. A European tour is likely to take place in October. Queensryche's Geoff Tate: DeGarmo is not in the band. Queensryche frontman Geoff Tate has issued the following statement via the group's official web site at www.queensryche.com: "As I said in my Billboard.com interview, Chris [DeGarmo] is not currently in Queensryche. I would love to work with him on a project or with Queensryche in the future and only time will ever tell that. As far as Chris not coming to the record release party for my new record...He has been invited. Either way there are other guests coming to perform in the jam and we will play a few new tunes we have been working on for the new Queensryche album (Be sure to bring your recording devices) ***hehehehe. Alan White from YES will be playing drums for the jam. I will leave the rest of the surprises as surprises...if some people still want to have fun! As for this being a Queensryche event, this is a Queensryche Fan Club event, as was advertised. Michael [Wilton] and I ARE still members of Queensryche.". Satyricon � New album. The End Records has secured the North American license of Satyricon's Ten Horns - Ten Diadems release from Moonfog. "The End Records is proud to announce we have secured exclusive USA distribution rights for Satyricon's 10 years anniversary compilation album Ten Horns - Ten Diadems," a press release from The End Records reports. "Satyricon, one of the most established black metal bands in the world and getting ready to release a new album later on this year (through EMI Records for Europe), have decided to offer this special compilation in celebration of their tenth year anniversary." Ten Horns - Ten Diadems features 10 tracks, two exclusive and eight culled from Satyricon's four full-length albums. The album also contains a 20 page booklet of pictures and information on the band's upcoming album, Volcano. The track listing for Ten Horns - Ten Diadems: "Filthgrinder," "Dominions Of Satyricon," "Forhekset," "Night of Divine Power ," "Hvite Krists D�d," "Mother North," "Supersonic Journey," "Taakeslottet," "Serpent's Rise" and "Repined Bastard Nation." The End Records will release "Ten Horns - Ten Diadems" on June 11, 2002. Aborted � New album. Belgian death metallers Aborted are currently writing material for their new full-length album for Listenable Records. Titled The Saw and the Damage Done, the album will be recorded at CCR Studios in October and mastered in Sweden shortly thereafter. The material is said to be similar to Aborted's previous album, Engineering the Dead, with less influence from their North American counterparts. To sum it up, Aborted simply stated the music is "faster and catchier." Look for Aborted's The Saw and the Damage Done sometime in February 2003 on Listenable Records. A full U.S. tour is expected to follow the release of the album. Halford news. Halford frontman Rob Halford has posted the following message at robhalford.com, "A big screaming hail to all the Metalheads that will attend the killer festivals that the Halford band will attack this summer in Europe. We are returning with a vengance to roar live through a blistering set list containing all the great moments from my life in metal, including material from the brand new Halford band's metal masterpiece Crucible. Get your devil tuning forks primed and ready - the Metal God is back!!" In other news, Halford have completed filming a video for the track 'Betrayal' in L.A. with director Cristoffer Salzgeber of The Mine (Iron Maiden Megadeth). The first 20,000 copies of Crucible will contain two special bonus tracks: 'She' and 'Fugitive'. Deep Purple � New album. In a recent interview posted at www.stevemorse.com, Steve Morse discusses bringing a new producer in for the new Deep Purple album, "There is a bunch of it written but we have just now met a producer which all of us like, I think. He is an American guy named Michael Bradford. He plays in Kid Rock's band but I think he just quit that because he is in such demand as a producer. He loves Deep Purple and wants to work with us and he has even thrown in some ideas for songwriting which is an interesting idea. It would help to break the predictable nature of doing another album." Michael Bradford comments, "I got a call about two months ago from the manager of the legendary Deep Purple. Next thing I know, I'm on a plane to England to meet the band and see a show in Brighton. It's the Machine Head lineup, except Steve Morse is on guitar instead of Blackmore. Incredible band! They sound as good as they did back when 'Smoke On The Water' was a new song, which is back when I was a kid. Now get this, they wanted to meet me to talk about co-writing and producing their NEW ALBUM! These guys are ready to rock again, and the tour is completely sold out!" Michael says to The Highway Star, "This is an exciting opportunity for me! We don't have a concrete starting date for the album, as the boys are on tour, but I think we'll probably start in the fall, around October. I do hope to collaborate with the band, as a writer as well as from an arrangement standpoint. I want to hear another classic Deep Purple album. And, now that I've seen them live, I know that they have it in them. I flew to London a few months ago to meet the band, and to see their live show in Brighton. The band sounded great! Ian had a bit of flu, but when showtime came, he rose to the occassion like a professional. The crowd got their money's worth, and the band were very tight. It's almost impossible to see that level of lion-hearted professionalism in a new young band these days. That's why Deep Purple has lasted 30 years, while most bands don't last 30 months. After the show, we tossed some ideas around, and I think we're all on the same wavelength. So I think we're all in for some great rock'n'roll." In other Deep Purple news, the multi-tracks for the band's Stormbringer album have been found. The DPAS reports, "Just a few weeks after the Burn masters surfaced, the Stormbringer multi-tracks have also been located. This will enable the EMI remastering programme to continue next year. The tapes are in excellent condition and contain amongst other things three different vocals for 'Soldier Of Fortune', a powerful instrumental version of 'Highball Shooter' and Coverdale's original backwards bit for the start of the title track." Meanwhile, Purple will release a DVD featuring material recorded in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on June 5th, 2001. Due out on August 19th through Image Entertainment on DVD and VHS, the tracklisting is: 'Woman From Tokyo', 'Ted The Mechanic', 'Mary Long', 'Lazy', 'No One Came', 'Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming', 'Fools', 'Perfect Strangers', 'Hey Cisco', 'Blind Man', 'Smoke On The Water', 'Speed King', 'Hush' and 'Highway Star' Non Exist � Debut album. Arch Enemy has been receiving a lot of positive attention for their new CD Wages Of Sin and their new vocalist Angela Gossow. Let us not forget that before the beautiful blonde frontwoman, there was a fellow by the name of Johan Liiva who sang on three incredible albums: Black Earth, Stigmata and Burning Bridges. Since his dismissal from Arch Enemy, Johan has gone on to form Nonexist with guitarist Johan Reinholdz (Andromeda) and drummer Matte Modin (Defleshed/Dark Funeral). The band has just issued their debut album, Deus Deceptor on New Hawen Records, licensed to Century Media. In an interview with BW&BK, Johan details the events surrounding his termination from Arch Enemy. "To be as honest as possible, it was pretty simple. We started rehearsing in fall of 2000 for the Wages Of Sin album. A few days after my first rehearsal, I was supposed to get a tape with the songs to start writing lyrics. Instead I got a letter from Mike Amott saying, 'We have decided to try out a new singer. We wish you the best. Good luck.' I didn't understand anything. It was unexpected. Anyway, I tried to get in touch with Michael. I called him and finally he picked up the phone. There were a lot of explanations but none of them really made sense to me. I still don't really know what happened. I don't think it was personal but you never know. It gets so strange when you talk to someone you had a friendship with; it's like breaking up. They wanted to get rid of me and as they said themselves, 'go to a higher level.' What could I do? I didn't even try to defend myself. Michael said it wasn't just him, it was everybody in the band who wanted this." Being ousted from Arch Enemy was a devastating blow for Liiva. "When I was fired from Arch Enemy, I felt that my vocals were impersonal." Penning lyrics did not come easily. "At first I had zero inspiration. I didn't know anything. I tried to force myself to write something. As time went by, thoughts were spinning around in my head. A lot of shit had been going on in the last year. It all came out on paper. The Nonexist album reflects a lot of disappointment and also predictions of separation. It's kind of dark but it's straight from the heart." Was there any pressure surrounding the first post-Arch Enemy release? "No. At that point I didn't know what to do really. This offer with Nonexist - I call it an offer because I didn't have any plans - just came to me more or less. If that wouldn't have happened, I would probably have quit music. I found out that I shouldn't give up so easily. It's not the end of the world just because you're put out. There was quite a lot of success with Arch Enemy. A lot of touring, good record sales, mostly good reviews. So why should I stop here? You always learn something in life." Johan has heard the new Arch Enemy, Wages Of Sin, with Angela, and had the following comments. "The first time I heard it I was really impressed. I could really get into it. I like the songwriting. I understand every millimeter of their composing. But the vocals of course are really heavy shit, very brutal stuff. Then I listened to it a few more times and I think the vocals are a bit too monotonous. The music is melodic and heavy and really powerful but I think the vocals don't do it justice. The vocals take it down a bit. That's my opinion. I just say what I think. I have nothing personal against anyone. I think I would have made a really good contribution to that album because we don't sing in the same way." Annihilator to make live DVD/CD Annihilator will film footage on their European tour for release on DVD, to go along with a live CD they will record on the headlining tour. The DVD will include live footage filmed at the same show as the live CD, as well as about an hours worth of additional material including family stories, interviews, Japanese tour footage and more. The DVD and CD are both expected to be released next year. Machine Head split with Ahrue Luster. After two albums and more than 3 years with the band, guitarist Ahrue Luster and Machine Head have decided to amicably part ways, citing "creative differences" as the main reason behind the split. For those concerned, the band will still be playing all of their scheduled Summer shows and festivals overseas, and will continue on track until a new guitarist is found. Former Fear Factory duo approached to join S.O.D. Former Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares and drummer Raymond Herrera have been contacted by S.O.D. frontman Billy Milano about the possibility of replacing Scott Ian and Charlie Benante (both of Anthrax, respectively, in the current S.O.D. line-up, Herrera has revealed to Blabbermouth.net. Although initial discussions between Milano and the ex-Fear Factory pair had taken place, Billy's requirement that the duo commit to the group on a full-time basis was met with resistance from Cazares and Herrera, both of whom are in the process of launching new projects that will take up the bulk of their time during the coming months. Although there has been no official word from either side, it is believed that Milano's efforts to replace Ian and Benante in S.O.D. stem from the highly-publicized disagreements between the parties over Billy and former Anthrax/current S.O.D. bassist Danny Lilker's exclusion from the recently-aired VH1 Behind The Music special on Anthrax, which Ian had publicly admitted minimized Lilker's contributions to the group. Update: S.O.D. frontman Billy Milano has confirmed to Blabbermouth.net that he has spoken to former Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares and drummer Raymond Herrera about the possibility of the duo replacing Scott Ian and Charlie Benante (both of Anthrax), respectively, in the current S.O.D. line-up. "I approached Ray and Dino four weeks ago [about joining S.O.D.]," Milano said in a written statement. "They both have their own things going on at the moment so Danny and I wish them well. I have nothing but respect for their abilities as musicians. They are also cool people. It would have been interesting to see where it could have gone. Peace, Milano." Dream Theater's Portnoy sweeps modern drummer poll. Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has once again swept the Modern Drummer magazine polls by taking the "Best Progressive Rock Drummer" award for the eighth year in a row, in addition to coming in at top in the "Best Clinician", "Best Educational Video/DVD", and "Recorded Performance Of The Year" categories. Annihilator to record DVD/CD on european tour. Veteran Canadian metallers Annihilator are reportedly planning on filming a DVD in addition to the recording of a live album on the group's current European headlining tour. The projected DVD release will reportedly include live footage filmed during the same show as the live CD, plus approximately 60 minutes' worth of additional material (i.e. family stories, interviews, Japanese tourfootage, etc.). A 2003 release is expected. Meshuggah plan august release for new album. Meshuggah are tentatively scheduled to release their fourth full-length album, entitled Nothing, on August 6th through Nuclear Blast Records. The group's first disc of new material since 1998's Chaosphere, Nothing is currently being produced by the band at Dug-Out Studios in Uppsala, Sweden, and at their home studio just outside Stockholm. The full track listing for Nothing is as follows: �Perpetual Black Second� �Straws Pulled at Random� �Rational Gaze� �Stengah� �Closed Eye Visuals� �Spasm� �Assembly� �Path Of The Frightened� �Scorned Shadows� �Glints Collide� Ozzy and clan to issue "The Osbournes Family Album� Ozzy Osbourne and his family will be issuing a soundtrack of sorts to the hit MTV reality series The Osbournes, entitled The Osbournes Family Album, on June 11th through Epic Records. The CD will contain songs personally chosen by each member, including daughter Kelly Osbourne's cover of Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach'. As previously reported, Kelly was backed on the cut by Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger and drummer Jose Pasillas II. A video was recently shot by Marcos Siega (i.e. P.O.D., Blink 182). "This is never something I really thought I'd ever do," the 17-year-old Kelly admitted at a press conference yesterday in New York. "I guess things just change." Also included on the album are the Ozzy Osbourne tracks 'Dreamer', 'Mama, I'm Coming Home', and the pat Boone version of 'Crazy Train', plus 'Mirror Image' from the band Dillusion, who were signed to a development deal with Epic Records thanks to Ozzy's 16-year-old son Jack's job as a talent scout for Epic. Other tracks featured on the album include System Of A Down's cover of Black Sabbath's 'Snowblind', as well as the Kinks' 'You Really Got Me', John Lennon's 'Imagine', and The Cars' 'Drive', among others. The full track listing for The Osbournes Family Album is as follows: Pat Boone � �Crazy Train� Ozzy Osbourne � �Dreamer� Kelly Osbourne � �Papa Don't Preach� The Kinks � �You Really Got Me� System Of A Down � �Snowblind� John Lennon � �Imagine� The cars � �Drive� Starsailor � �Good Souls� Dillusion � �Mirror Image� Eric Clapton � �Wonderful Tonight� Ozzy Osbourne � �Mama, I'm Coming Home� Ozzy Osbourne � �Crazy Train� Chevelle � �Family System" Rob Zombie, Metallica and U2 to appear on Ramones tribute. A tentative track listing for the upcoming Ramones tribute album, entitled We're A Happy Family, has been released via www.robzombie.com, the official site of Rob Zombie, who is acting as one of the album's co-producers. Due to be issued in August through DV8/Columbia Records, the CD will contain the following cuts: Rob Zombie � �Blitzkrieg Bop� Eddie Vedder � �I Believe In Miracles� Red Hot Chili Peppers � �Havana Affair� Marilyn Manson � �KKK Took My Baby Away� The Offspring � �I Wanna Be Sedated� Pretenders � �Something To Believe In� Garbage � �I Just Want To Have Something To Do� Mot�rhead � �Rockaway Beach� Green Day � �Outsider� Static-X � �Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment� Rancid � �Sheena Is A Punk Rocker� U2 � �Beat on the Brat� Metallica � �We're a Happy Family� Tom Waits � �Jacky and Judy� In related news, Rob Zombie is reportedly back in the studio with producer Scott Humphrey writing and recording new music for the House of 1000 Corpses soundtrack, which is tentatively scheduled to be receive a theatrical release sometime around Halloween. Centurian is no more � R.I.P. Holland's Centurian have officially broken up. It appears drummer Wim van der Walk was prematurely excited about continuing Centurian, but as co-founder and guitarist Rob Oorthuis points out, the band is dead. "Hello, this is Rob Oorthuis here, I am the founder and guitar player of Centurian. I would like to set something straight. Centurian split up. There will be no continuation whatsoever. There has been serious shit going on in my band and I would like to state that that has been because of troubles between all four of the Centurian band members. I am not going to piss off my ex-fellow bandmembers, because there is no reason to. We made a good death metal record of which I am proud and I am proud I made it together with Jerry and Oscar and Wim. However, the right chemistry amongst us is gone." Centurian released two full-length albums, 1999's Choronzonic Chaos Gods and 2001's Liber ZarZax. Both albums were received well. It's uncertain at this point whether Oorthuis or van der Walk will continue on in different projects. Paradise Lost sign with G.U.N./BMG Records. Paradise Lost have signed a deal with G.U.N./ BMG Records, who will release the group's ninth studio album in the fall throughout the world, excluding North America, where the band have signed to Koch Entertainment. Paradise Lost have already demoed 16 tracks for the as-yet-untitled CD, including two covers�Bronski Beat's 'Small Town Boy' and Dead Can Dance's 'Xavier'. Due to be produced by Rhys Fulber (i.e. Fear Factory, Frontline Assembly), the album will be recorded in the UK and Los Angeles and will reportedly mark "a real return to form for the band," according to an official press release. In the US, Koch will re-release the band's breakthrough album Draconian Times including two extra tracks: 'Fear' and a cover of The Smiths' 'How Soon Is Now'. This is due for release on June 11th and will be followed by the release of Believe In Nothing on August 13th. Later in the year, the forthcoming album will be released, which will be followed by the release of Host. The flurry of stateside releases means that it is probable that the band will tour the US for the first time since July/August 1993, when the group completed a North American run with Morbid Angel and Kreator. In other news, Music For Nations Records will release the band's first DVD, entitled Evolve, which features live footage shot at two different concerts�a September 1993 appearance at Stuttgart's Longhorn and a January 1998 gig at Shepherds Bush Empire in London�plus all the promo videos from the MFN years and some home movie footage. This is scheduled for release in June/July 2002. In the meantime, the band headline the Dark Jubilee festival at Hackney Ocean London on June 2nd and then make a long-overdue return to Greece to play Rockwave festival in Athens on July 1st. This will be a much-anticipated return since their last album Believe In Nothing went to #2 in the charts there. Godflesh � Justin talks out. No surprise to some, and a shock to many, Godflesh leader Justin Broadrick finally reveals why decided to put one of industrial music's most visible bands to rest. "On April 10th 2002, I disbanded Godflesh," Broadrick simply stated. "This was something I had painfully been pondering since GC Greens' departure from the band in Oct 2001. Regrettably it took until the day of leaving for a lengthy U.S. tour for the realization to finally take its toll on me." "Unfortunately the finality of the decision and the responsibilities of making the decision proved too much for me to bare, and I collapsed under the weight," a he continued, confirming the rumors of a nervous breakdown. "I found that without GC Green, Godflesh is not Godflesh, and him leaving proved to be an omen for me. I also feel that everything we originally intended or even imagined with Godflesh we have done. My only regret has been the hurting of both remaining band members Ted Parsons and Paul Raven, and disappointing those that believe in Godflesh worldwide... In the near future, my new rock project Jesu will surface. So this is by no means the end of my songwriting/guitar/vocalizing. Simply the end of a chapter. "Endless gratitude to all those that have believed in and supported Godflesh throughout the 14 year history. You know who you are... Long live the new flesh..." M�tley Crue : Wild M�tley Box info. As reported last week in the HardBoard BBS: M�tley Crue�s Wild Motley Box will be released exclusively in Japan on May 21st through Universal Japan. The set features nine CD's and a DVD. These are the band's eight original albums with bonus tracks for each, and a bonus CD filled with live and rare tracks. The DVD features the band's video output. Here's a rundown. CD1 - Too Fast For Love album with bonus tracks: 'Toast Of The Town', 'Tonight', 'Too Fast For Love' (alternative intro), 'Stick To Your Guns' and 'Merry-Go-Round' (live). CD2 - Shout At The Devil album with bonus tracks: 'Shout At The Devil' (demo), 'Looks That Kill' (demo), 'Hotter Than Hell' (demo), 'I Will Survive' and 'Too Young To Fall In Love' (demo). CD3 - Theatre Of Pain album with bonus tracks: 'Home Sweet Home' (demo), 'Smokin' In The Boys Room' (alternative guitar solo/rough mix), 'City Boy Blues' (demo), 'Home Sweet Home' (instrumental rough mix), 'Keep Your Eye On The Money' (demo) and Tommy's drum piece from Cherokee Studios. CD4 - Girls, Girls, Girls album with bonus tracks: 'Girls, Girls, Girls' (instrumental rough mix), 'Wild Side' (instrumental rough mix), 'Rodeo', 'Nona' (instumental demo) and 'All In Th Name' (live). CD5 - Dr. Feelgood album with bonus tracks: 'Dr. Feelgood' (demo), 'Without You' (demo), 'Kickstart My Heart' (demo), 'Get It For Free' and 'Time For Change' (demo). CD6 - Motley Crue album with bonus tracks: 'Hypnotized', 'Baby Kills' and 'Living In The Now'. CD7 - Generation Swine album with bonus tracks: 'Afraid' (Swine Mix/Jimbo Mix), 'Wreck Me', 'Kiss The Sky', 'Rocketship' (early demo) and 'Confessions' (demo w/Tommy Lee vocal). CD8 - New Tattoo album with bonus tracks: 'First Band On The Moon' (demo) and 'Porno Star' (demo). CD9 (bonus disc) - Live 1985: 'Ten Second To Love', 'Piece Of Your Action', 'Too Young To Fall In Love', 'Looks That Kill' and Live Wire'; Live Around The World 1989 - 90 - 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Red Hot', 'In The Name Of Rock N' Roll' and 'Dr. Feelgood'; Rare Crue - 'Song To Slit Your Wrist By', 'Glitter (Anthem)', 'Bittersuite', 'Planet Boom' and 'Father'. The DVD includes videos for: 'Same Ol Situation', 'Don't Go Away', 'Kickstart My Heart', 'Dr. Feelgood', 'Without You', 'Wild Side', 'Home Sweet Home', 'Home Sweet Home' (new version), 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Looks That Kill', 'Live Wire', 'You're All I Need', 'Too Young To Fall In Love', 'Primal Scream', 'Anarchy In The UK', 'Hooligan's Holiday', 'Smoke The Sky' and 'Misunderstood'. About a possible M�tley Crue reunion. Tommy Lee told BW&BK that "Nikki lives around the corner from me and I talk to him all the time, but I don't see what the point would be. We f**king did it. Bigger than f**king anybody did it. I don't know. I just don't know. I see it as a big step backwards and I'm just so happy doing my new stuff. I'm into the new music and it would absolutely be a giant step backwards for me to sit there and play the same f**king songs again. I'd be bored to death." Nikki Sixx shot back - "2003 is still a long way away. Time will only tell what will happen next for Motley. I wish Tommy the best as always. L.A.Guns � New album. L.A. Guns have finished recording their new album with producer Andy Johns and will mix it shortly for a late summer release through Spitfire. According to bassist Adam Hamilton, "if you are a fan of L.A. Guns, I promise that you will love this record. I myself have always been a fan as well, so when I joined L.A. Guns, the guys encouraged me to write on the record with them. So being the fan that I am, I told them how much I thought it was time to make a classic L.A. Guns record in the vein of the first record and almost picking up where Hollywood Vampires left off. Tracii also had an epiphany while he and I were talking on the bus late at night about really going nuts and letting loose on this one. This record, of course, with Phil's brilliant vocals and lyrics, sounds like the best L.A. Guns has ever sounded. Steve Riley, what can I say, is simply the best ever! And the funniest man on the planet! But I told Tracii, 'This is your record to do things that you haven't done before. Get out there and push the envelope!!!' He is shredding licks that people aren't even going to believe. No one can touch him, period. The songs are classic L.A. Guns, but very dark and heavy. This record is making all of us so proud, and we can't wait to go out on the big summer tour to see all of you." Sinergy to tour U.S.? As posted at www.sinergy.org, Kimberly has spoken with Sinergy's US booking agent about the best possibilities for their first tour in that region. After several delays due to Sinergy's other touring obligations, and a number of unsatisfying offers, a conclusion has finally been reached. Sinergy will most certainly be touring in the states in the autumn (in what their booking agent describes as "the perfect tour for the band"). In the meantime, Sinergy will be in Korea and Japan until late late June. They are playing three gigs in Korea and hold guitar clinics in Osaka and Tokyo before their first Japanese concert. Sinergy will bring bassist Lauri Porra to join them for their tours this year. No official word yet if he will become a permanent replacement for Marco who left "due to artistic differences." Bruce Kulick to play on Sweet tribute. Bruce Kulick plays lead guitar on the track 'Sweet FA' on the upcoming Sweet tribute album, due out later this year. Appearing under the banner JK'S All Star Expeirence, Kulick is backed on the track by an all-Swedish cast consisting of, among others, rhythm guitarist Lars Chriss (Lion�s Share), bassist John Levin (ex-Europe), vocalist Jonas Nilsson (Rednex) and keyboardist Tommy Denander (Radioactive). New UFO tribute. A new UFO tribute album has been released through SFM in Europe. Only UFO Can Rock Me - A Tribute features appearances from Paul Dianno (Iron Maiden, Killers), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Phil Campbell (Mot�rhead), Lea Hart (Fastway), Bernie Torme (Gillian), Nicky Moore (Samson) and many more. The tracklisting: 'Long Gone', 'We Belong To The Night', 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Too Hot To Handle', 'Love To Love', 'Shoot Shoot', 'Doctor Doctor', 'Natural Thing', 'Let It Roll', 'Lights Out', 'Let It Rain' and 'Rock Bottom'. Kelly Gray is no longer a member of Queensryche. Queensr�che has reported at Queensryche.com that guitarist Kelly Gray is no longer in the band. No details were given, nor has a replacement been announced, although we reported earlier the possibility of Chris DeGarmo rejoining the group. In other Queensryche news. Queensryche's Empire DVD-Audio will be released on July 30th. The disc includes a brand new interview with Geoff Tate and Chris DeGarmo together which took place in March of 2002, videos for 'Jet City Woman' and 'Silent Lucidity', complete lyrics in synch with the music, biography and discography.
