Metal News for List-Bot (Wed. July 13, 2005) week 28

~ DREAMS OF DAMNATION: Former DARK ANGEL Guitarist Reports On THRASH AGAINST CANCER Benefit ~

DREAMS OF DAMNATION, the new band featuring former DARK ANGEL guitarist Jim Durkin, have returned hom to Los Angeles after performing on Saturday (July 9) at the Thrash Against Cancer benefit at The Pound SF outdoor amphitheatre in San Francisco, California.

Commented Durkin: "We all made it back to L.A. in one piece, but lemme tell you, the only thing keeping us from spending a few more days in San Francisco was having to go to work tomorrow. WHAT A GREAT CITY!! We ALL had a KICK ASS time at the benefit... it was GREAT to see NEIL TURBIN'S DEATHRIDERS (what a VOICE!), LAAZ ROCKIT (RIPPIN' guitars!), and TESTAMENT (LEGENDS in my book!), and hang out with our friends in AGENT STEEL. The last time we played San Francisco was back in December 2001 when Loana first joined the band... I'm very proud to have played this special show with Loana, Camazotz, Rick, and Matt and really wanna thank them for lending their talents and friendship to the vision of this band.

"We can't give enough thanks to Walter, Keith and Brandy Regan, and Swissman for taking such EXCELLENT care of us, and to Steve 'Zetro' Souza for the ongoing warmth and friendship he offers to me and my bandmates. Zetro, I'm ALWAYS honored to share a stage with you!! We also wanna thank Rob, Paul, and Jim who helped us out on-stage, and all the volunteers who worked double-shifts just to make sure everything ran smoothly. Thanks ESPECIALLY to the fans who kept coming up to us all night offering us their support and inviting us to come back up there to play another show. I'm really blown away by HOW MANY people had stories to share with me about the first time they saw DARK ANGEL... I lost count of the D.A. shirts and patches that fans had that I don't even have!

"YES, D.O.D. WILL be back and YES, we WILL carry on the dark tradition by playing you some more DARK ANGEL tunes because that's what you've asked for!! Thank you all again for such a memorable weekend... We'll be back in San Francisco before summer's end!!"

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~ ANOREXIA NERVOSA: New EP Due In September ~

French symphonic black metal act ANOREXIA NERVOSA are putting the finishing touches on a new mini-CD, "The September", containing cover songs from FORBIDDEN SITE and DARKTHRONE, live tracks recorded during the band's "Redemption Process" French tour, and two songs that were previously only available in Japan. In addition, the band have remixed their live favorite "Sister September" for the occasion. "The September" is scheduled for release this fall, in time for the band's European tour with VADER.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA's fourth full-length album, "Redemption Process", was released last October through Listenable Records. The follow-up to 2001's "New Obscurantis Order" (Osmose Productions) was recorded at Drudenhaus studios in France and was mastered by Björn Engelmann (RAMMSTEIN, IN FLAMES, HYPOCRISY) at the Cutting Room in Sweden.

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~ DEICIDE Concert In Chile To Go Ahead As Planned Despite Church Objections ~

According to Terra.cl, DEICIDE's previously announced concert in Santiago, Chile will go ahead as planned despite objections from local church officials.

The July 15 performance by the long-running Florida-based death metallers was previously said to be in jeopardy after the Chilean church had asked the authorities to prevent the group from playing in country out of respect for an Italian Catholic priest who was murdered by a DEICIDE fan almost a year ago.

Rodrigo Orias, 26, slit Father Faustino Gazziero's throat, smeared his face with the victim's blood and then stabbed himself several times in the chest and neck with the same knife at the conclusion of a Mass at Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral on July 24, 2004 while hundreds of churchgoers watched in horror, according to published reports.

Orias, who had a pentagram branded on the left side of his chest (covering his heart) and several other symbols of the occult tattooed on his body, reportedly asked DARK FUNERAL singer Emperor Magus Caligula during the Swedish black metal band's visit to Santiago in 2003 to burn an inverted cross on Rodrigo's arm with a cigar — a "mark" which Orias later planned to make into a tattoo.

Mauricio Moreno, webmaster of the Chilean metal portal Metal.hub.cl, praised the organizers of the upcoming DEICIDE concert and pointed out the band's immense popularity in Chile (at press time, more than half of the concert's 3,500 available tickets have been sold). "DEICIDE is a pioneering band in death metal and they have served as an inspiration to many local bands," he said.

Regarding the church's attempts to get the concert cancelled, Moreno said, "Although DEICIDE's lyrics are strongly against Christianity, they are just that — lyrics. Rodrigo Orias had psychological problems which caused him to do what he did, and I do not believe that a normal, well-adjusted person would even contemplate doing something like what he did. The position of the church does not bother me because I believe that adult people will have no problems understanding that this is just music and nothing more." He added that "each person is responsible for his or her own actions, and if a band's lyrics can influence you to live your life a certain way, you have to go a psychologist."

Enrico López, host of the Chilean program "Rock Avalanche" on radio Valdivia, stated about DEICIDE's lyrics, "these are just words, and they are not to be taken literally. Many people of Valdivia are going to travel to Santiago to see DEICIDE perform. They are a group who are recognized for their contributions to the metal scene."

The case of Rodrigo Orias does not worry López, because he thinks that "[Orias] was not thinking very clearly. A normal person is not going to do what he did and it is unfair to lump all metal fans in with someone like that."

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~ Original CARNIVORE Guitarist Killed In Bike Accident ~

Original CARNIVORE guitarist Keith Alexander (later of the short-lived PRIMAL SCREAM project) was reportedly killed in a bike accident Monday night (July 11). His wake will be held on Thursday, July 14, in Brooklyn, New York.

In addition to playing with CARNIVORE, Alexander spent a three-year stint with Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER, touring extensively throughout North America and Scandinavia, with some audiences numbering over 20,000.

A body piercer since 1991, Keith had performed well over 22,000 piercings and over 150 cuttings and brandings. He also had extensive experience with play piercings. Formerly a staff piercer for Gauntlet, Inc. in New York City, Keith spent one year as a full-time apprentice to master piercers Dan Kopka and Mark Seitchik. Gauntlet founder Jim Ward issued Keith's certificate on August 2, 1994.

For more information on Keith Alexander's work and accomplishments go to:
http://www.nootrope.net/bio.html

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~ AGATHODAIMON Recording New Album ~

Guitarist Sathonys of the German black metallers AGATHODAIMON has issued the following update:

"Mid-way through 2005 and work on the sixth album continues. Recording of the drum tracks is now complete, and the next phase of recording is scheduled to begin soon. We have now locked ourselves away to concentrate all efforts towards the completion of the sixth album, spurning all extraneous human contact until such time as the sacred task is fulfilled. Any and all prior engagements and previous commitments will be ruthlessly forsaken until the opus is finally complete. Upon the completion of the mixing process, the album title and individual track titles will be unveiled in a major press release."

AGATHODAIMON's most recent album, "Serpent's Embrace", was released in June 2004 through Nuclear Blast Records.

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~ NORTHER Begin Recording New Album ~

Finland's NORTHER have entered Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden to begin recording their fourth full-length album, tentatively due before the end of the year.

As previously reported, a live video of Finland's NORTHER performing the track "Nothing" at Nosturi in Helsinki on March 24 has been posted online at the band's official web site.

NORTHER recently issued a new EP, entitled "Solution 7". The CD was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki. Recording sessions for the disc began on December 24 at Astia Studios in Lappeenranta, Finland.

NORTHER's third full-length album, "Death Unlimited", was released last year through Spinefarm Records.

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~ U.S. Death Metal Band EXMORTIS Return! ~

U.S. death metal band EXMORTIS, who released two classic demos (1988's "Descent into Chaos" and 1989's "Immortality's End") in the genre's heyday, has been resurrected featuring original members Brian Werking (guitarist/vocalist) and drummer Aantar Lee Coates (formerly of DIABOLIC and UNHOLY GHOST and currently in BLASTMASTERS).

EXMORTIS are planning to release a new demo, titled "The Resurrection", sometime during the summer months of 2005. The demo will feature five songs, including the title track, "The Resurrection", which was previously recorded on the "Immortality's End" demo in 1989. Other songs set to appear on the demo are "And There Was Pain", "Awakening of Sin", "The Slaughter Begins" and "Exmortis II". EXMORTIS are also planning to re-release some older material on CD very soon. The "Descent into Chaos" and "Immortality's End" demos will be available for purchase together on a single CD. The "Fade from Reality" seven-inch EP and the songs from "The History of Things to Come" compilation will also be available on a single CD.

EXMORTIS are currently searching for a guitarist and bassist to complete the group's lineup. Live shows will follow in 2006. For more information, visit www.exmortis.us .

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~ TSJUDER, MYRKSKOG Confirmed For Norway's HAMMERSLAG FESTIVAL ~

TSJUDER, MYRKSKOG, SVARTAHRID, GRAND ALCHEMIST, FRAMFERD and DRAUGSTAFUR are the first bands confirmed for the Hammerslag Festival, a black/death metal festival set to take place on the longest night of the year, on December 17, 2005, at an old church in Tønsberg, Norway. Last year's event featured performances by such acts as GORGOROTH, PANTHEON I, FRAMFERD, and LUCID FEAR.

For more information, visit www.hammerslagfestival.net.

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~ AETERNUS To Release 'Hexaeon' In October ~

Norwegian "dark metallers" AETERNUS will release their new album, "Hexaeon", in October via Karisma/Dark Essence Records.

The band commented in a statement: "Now, a lot of you might wonder how come we recorded 'HeXaeon' last year and [are] releasing it now, a year after the actual recording.

"The reasons are that we parted from [Nocturnal Art Productions] and in between there we had things going on and things we had to wait for. We simply needed to wait a lot of things out and that's how it is sometimes.

"For those who still waits patiently, we tip our hats to you. Thanks for your patience, it'll be worth it, you'll see.

"So get ready (FINALLY) for 9 songs of new dark metal from the pounding norse
dark/death metal horde: AETERNUS!"

The follow-up to 2003's "A Darker Monument", "Hexaeon" was recorded at Grieghallen Studios in Norway and was once produced by Eirik "Pytten" Hundvin, who has previously worked with ENSLAVED and MÖRK GRYNING, among others. AETERNUS recently acquired a new session guitarist by the name of Dreggen.

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~ CRYPTOPSY Complete Work On New Album ~

Montreal's extreme metal champions CRYPTOPSY have finished recording their as-yet-untitled new album for an October release through Century Media Records. Guitar player Alex Auburn checked in with the following wrap-up: "We have finished the fifth full-length CRYPTOPSY album. We started recording the album on May 16 at Vortex Studio in St-Constant, about 20 minutes south of Montreal. It was really fun and quiet recording there, as not a lot goes on in a small city like that, so we really focused on recording. Eleven tracks totaling about 50 minutes, this is a concept album where every song has its own identity, and we made sure to have a lot of flavors and different rhythms and tempos throughout the whole process. The variations in the tracks may surprise some of you. The goal this time around was to focus on writing excellent songs, which we did. Producer Sebastien Marsan did a phenomenal job, and we are glad he took the time to work with us. Finally, this album will be out soon, and we can't wait to see you all when we hit the road with this new material."

Touring extensively across North America this fall with SUFFOCATION and ABORTED, CRYPTOPSY are ready to bring the worms to your town.

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~ DERANGED To Record New Album In January ~

Drummer Rikard Wermén of the reactivated Swedish death metallers DERANGED has issued the following update:

"Yes, the rumor is true… We have started to work on a new full-length! We're planning to record it sometime in January next year. No titles whatsoever yet... Either song titles or name of the actual album. It'll come... We've got six new tracks so far. The plan right now is to have 10 songs on the new disc. We'll soon record some kind of demo of the new songs... We always do that, record a rough demo whenever we have a bunch of new songs. Just to have something when we're working on lyrics and vocal patters. Unless you've been living a cave and never ever read an interview with a band that will soon have or have most recently released a new disc, you haven't heard the following before... Anyway, it's been said a million of times before but... Most of the times it's fucking wannabee and rock-star bullshit but this time around it's true though... The new material is indeed some of the best musical work I have ever been part of and I can't wait to have it all properly recorded and nicely commercially packed. It's fucking DERANGED we're talking about and we have not gone soft and all commercially sloppy. Why should we? Haven't done so yet and can't see any sense in doing it now either... DERANGED have never been about faking shit... The new shit (!) is extremely fast, mean and brutal as a New Year's Day hangover. If you have been into what we've done under the name DERANGED earlier you'll fucking get a hard-on and shit your pants... Further on, we'll do a bunch of gigs the autumn..."

DERANGED have confirmed six shows in the U.K. in November. Additonal dates on the continent will be added shortly.

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~ KITTIE Frontwoman To Guest On New KATAKLYSM CD ~

Canadian metallers KITTIE have posted the following message on their official web site:

"I know it has been a while since anything has been heard from the KITTIE camp, but we have been hard at work on more than one project!

"We recently finalized work on a demo, which was recorded in London, Ontario at Mole studios. It has turned out amazing, and we will hopefully have a few clips up for you at KittieRocks.com and on our KITTIE MySpace page within the next few weeks.

"We are also pleased to announce that Morgan [Lander, guitar/vocals] has been asked to track a guest vocal with Canadian death metal legends KATAKLYSM, who are currently working on their upcoming album 'In the Arms Of Devastation', which is slated for a February 2006 release through Nuclear Blast. This WILL be brutal!

KITTIE frontwoman Morgan Lander recently shot down rumors that the group has broken following the recent departure of guitarist Lisa Marx and bassist Jennifer Arroyo and the band's split with longtime label Artemis Records.

KITTIE parted ways Artemis in March "due to a proposed amendment to the recording budget for the pending fourth KITTIE album," according to a post on the band's web site. The group have yet to announce replacemenets for Marx and Arroyo, who left the band earlier in the year. The band's most recent album, "Until the End", was released in July 2004.

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~ NIGHTRAGE Guitarist Comments On INTERNATIONAL EXTREME MUSIC FESTIVAL ~

NIGHTRAGE guitarist Marios Illiopoulos has commented on the band's participation in this fall's "International Extreme Music Festival" North American tour. The five-week trek, which is scheduled to begin in September, will include additional appearances by GOD DETHRONED, BYZANTINE, EPOCH OF UNLIGHT, HELL WITHIN and LILITU.

Stated Illiopoulos: "We are very happy to announce our participation on the fifth time of the IMEF. This is a first time for NIGHTRAGE having the chance to explore the USA territories and we feel extremely excited about this offer. We are going to give the best we are capable of and make everybody love our performances.

"NIGHTRAGE is coming, my friends, in full speed. Prepare for the best."

Exact cities and dates — which will include stops in Mexico and Colombia — will be announced soon.

NIGHTRAGE recently parted ways with vocalist Tomas Lindberg (ex-AT THE GATES, THE CROWN) due to scheduling conflicts. Replacing Lindberg on the microphone is Jimmie Strimell.

NIGHTRAGE's sophomore album, "Descent Into Chaos", was released earlier this year via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" was mixed at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Patrik J. Sten and was mastered at Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm with Peter in de Betou.

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~ Reunited ONSLAUGHT To Tour Europe With EXODUS, OCCULT, KATAKLYSM, UNLEASHED ~

The reformed original lineup of the classic U.K. thrash outfit ONSLAUGHT will be teaming up with EXODUS, OCCULT, KATAKLYSM, UNLEASHED, BEHEMOTH, and PRIMORDIAL for the X-Mass Festivals 2005 European tour, set to take place this December. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

ONSLAUGHT recorded three albums in the late 1980s — including the underrated "In Search of Sanity" (1989, Polydor), featuring ex-GRIM REAPER frontman Steve Grimmett — before calling it a day.

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~ Students Pan GENE SIMMONS At 'Rock School' ~

The U.K.'s The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons was rather a "flop" in the classroom of one of England's oldest boarding schools where he came face to face with 10 musically gifted teenagers who wre being filmed for a Channel 4 series entitled "Rock School".

In the week after seasoned performers entertained five billion people across the globe in the Live 8 concerts, however, students at the school, talking for the first time about their experiences, were unswayed by the promise of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

"At times I got really annoyed by him," said Rodney, a 14-year-old from east London. "He said, 'Money is the most important thing and if you don't have it, you have nothing' and I really don't agree with that."

"I still don't like rock music," he told The Sunday Telegraph, "but I do understand it more and I have become more confident and open as a result of taking part. He got us jumping up and acting more rockish when we were rehearsing and I surprisingly didn't find it that embarrassing. But I definitely don't want to be a rock star, I want to be a lawyer. It was all quite surreal really."

A classmate Dudley, or Dudders, from Alford, in Surrey, was equally circumspect: "He was in your face, bragging and boasting and that is not really our type of thing," he said. The 14-year-old, who "can play most things" but specialises in the French horn and the organ, was the band's drummer.

"A lot of us disagreed with his morals and challenged him during his reign over us," he said. "He would act like the big hard man — you could say he was like the Gordon Ramsay of the classroom."

Bruce Grindlay, Christ's Hospital's musical director, said he was impressed by the attitude of pupils at the school, which counts among its alumni the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the journalist Bernard Levin and the comedian Mark Thomas. "It is very interesting that, often the quieter characters, were very self-assured and determined," he said. "They said, 'Yes, it was interesting', but they were not in awe of him and held a certain approbation that making money and financial gain was at the centre of his artistic outlay. The pupils stuck to their guns and that created conflict. They did get a lot out of it in terms of how to perform, which is just as important for the classical artist as it is for a rock star."

The program will be screened in the autumn on Channel 4.

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