29th April

Amen Cancel UK Tour

Amen have been forced to cancel all of the dates on their previously announced UK tour that was scheduled to take place during May & June. The reason given for this cancellation is due to an injury to Casey Chaos. A statement released on the bands website gives further info on the situation.

"We are very sorry to announce that we will be having to postpone our UK dates. As you all know, Casey was never one to take precaution while performing, and an old stage injury that has gone untreated for some time has ruptured and caused Casey to almost lose his life.

We are all very shaken up right now. This could very well have happened 2 weeks from now during a show on the tour, and due to the intensity of AMEN's live shows, it would have most likely resulted in the death of Casey Chaos. We are grateful that it happened at a time when we could address the matter immediately, and feel good to know that casey is on the road to a quick recovery.

This happened as a result of our rigorous rehearsal schedule, and in a strange way, is our wake up call of how hard we have been working to really resurrect and represent what AMEN is about to each one of us. Casey, in fact, wanted to go ahead with the tour against doctor's orders, but the rest of the band and I decided that we would not let him go on without a full recovery under his belt. Doctors' expect the recovery period to be about 8 weeks, which will leave us to begin our European tour (to be announced in a few days) as scheduled. We plan on returning to the UK following this tour, to make up the shows that are being postponed due to Casey's illness. We hope to figure out and announce the make up dates within a couple of weeks, and expect all tickets already purchased to be honored.

Thank you for your continued support.

Joe, Nate, John, and jinxx"

28th April

Thunder

Thunder have almost finished work on the commercial release of the CD from last years Christmas' extravaganza at Nottingham Rock City. Originally released as a CD only to those people who actually attended the show, this version will be slightly different so as to retain the originality of the initial pressing. Titled Thunder Live At Rock City - Case # 2 the album, which was mixed by guitarist Ben Matthews with artwork by bassist Chris Childs, will only be available direct from the Thunder website, at www.thunderonline.com  and will not be made available to retail stores.

The band are also planning on releasing a double live package in the autumn containing performances recorded on the band's recent UK tour and also shows on the November 2003 trek round the country.

In further Thunder news the band have been confirmed to headline the Uncut stage at this years Guilfest, which takes place in Guilford on Saturday 16th July 2005. For more info check out http://www.guilfest.co.uk

28th April

Saxon

Saxon have been confirmed as special guests to Motorhead, on the latter's 30th  Anniversary show due to take place at London's Hammersmith Apollo on June 16th. Also on the bill for the gig will be Girlschool.

In other Saxon news the band have confirmed details of their re-scheduled UK gigs that were originally due to take place in March. The band play the following dates during October.

16th October -  Bradford Rio's
17th October -  Dudley JB's
18th October - Nottingham Rock City
19th October - Edinburgh Liquid Room

28th April

Frontiers Records News

Frontiers Records have just uploaded a new look to their website, which can be found at http://frontiers.netlab.it/. In addition to the usual sections, the new website has some exciting new additions. Firstly, meeting the many requests that have reached us during the years, there will finally be the ability of purchasing  Frontiers releases through the pay-pal system. Also the label has a new subscription service allowing fans to subscribe to the new mailing list. Those who choose to suscribe will  receive email updates concerning  new releases, special samples and links to exclusive downloads and other interesting promotions. Subscription is of course free!
In the meantime:

Glenn Hughes

Following on from the Glenn Hughes' appearance at the Arrow Rock Festival (which also features fellow Frontiers artists Styx and Thunder) in Lichtendvoorde, Holland on June 11th, which will feature Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums, Hughes has confirmed that he will also be playing a headline show on June 12th at De Boerderij in Zoetermerr in Holland. This will also be the first full show that Hughes and Smith have played together in Europe

Jaded Heart Update

Jaded Heart have almost completed work on their new album acording to  drummer Axel Kruse. The boys from Duisburg, Germany are in currently in Stockholm to record the final vocal tracks for the CD, that will be christened "Helluva Time!" This will be the first release to feature new front-man Johan Fahlberg (ex-Scudiero). The album is currently scheduled to be released in the autumn.

Wetton/Downes

John Wetton, former front-man of Asia, and current member of the ICON project with fellow ex-ASIA keyboard maestro Geoff Downes has posted the following track by track comments on their forthcoming album to be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on May the 16th.

"Overture: Paradox"
This was conceived in Majorca, in a cave 1000 meters underground when on holiday with Dylan - my son and his mother. The atmosphere of being at an underground lake, in an underground cave, hundreds of meters high, listening to a string quartet playing classical music on a floating Viking ship was overwhelming. Originally called "Cava del Drach" (The Dragons' cave), I changed the title to "Paradox" as depicted on the tray card of "ICON" which has a rainbow at night-time. Seemingly impossible.

"Let Me Go"
This goes back a long way and was a plea for someone to release me---not romantically, but contractually.

"God Walks With Us"
One of the first songs that I wrote with Geoff on this CD. As we both come from Church music backgrounds, it was appropriate that we gave credit to the person who put us back together. Lyrics are by Geoff and myself.

"I Stand Alone"
Again, another church reference with Geoff's organ on the intro. Lyrics are quite bitter and the chorus has a distinct ASIA/ABBA influence, but done our way. Lovely feel from Steve Christey. Annie's sexy whispers are very appropriate. Great guitar from John Mitchell - when you need THE solo - he's your man!

"Meet me at Midnight"
A love song, pure and simple - gorgeous Welsh harp from Geoffrey. Classical solo from John…

"Hey Josephine"
Startling intro from Geoffrey and John and a completely 50/50 lyric/music by Geoff and me. All about sex!

"Far Away"
Inspiration for the chorus came from Dylan, who started singing the chorus in the back of the car, on the way to the studio. When I asked if he'd heard it, or was composing, he just said "I'm just singing it". The song is for him. He was only four at that time. Lovely verse from Geoffrey and the French Horn is an inspirational point. Lovely production from Rob Aubrey and Hugh McDowell's Cello is wonderful. More from him later…

"Please Change your Mind"
Another slice of our mutual life-experiences. I love the combination of cello, electric guitar and keyboards.

"Sleep Angel"
About someone you love very much.

"Spread Your Wings"
About letting go of someone realizing you cannot hold onto a person: 78 tracks of vocal! Great cello from Hugh.

"In The End"
Fabulous chorus vocal from Annie Haslam - everyone performs so well on this track, it's probably my favourite! Ian McDonald superb on flute and lyrics from Richard Palmer-James.

On a related bit of news, Geoff Downes and John Wetton have just completed work on a new EP entitled "Heat of The Moment (2005)". This is is going to feature a brand new recording of the hit that catapulted the band Asia to fame and into the world charts in 1982. The full track listing of the EP will be:

Heat of The Moment (2005 version - new recording)
Paradox/Let Me Go (alternative arrangement featuring Mike Stobbie's orchestration)
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2005 version - unplugged)
In The End (alternative arrangement featuring Mike Stobbie's orchestration)
I Wish I Could be in Your Bed (brand new track)

27th April

Status Quo

To coincide with their 40th anniversary Status Quo have announced details of their customary UK autumn tour.  Starting at the end of October the trek will take in nearly thirty shows, rounding out on December 17th at Wembley Arena. The full schedule is as follows:

Oct 29th - Ipswich Regent Theatre
Oct 30th - Ipswich Regent Theatre
Nov 01st - Cambridge Corn Exchange
Nov 03rd - Newcastle City Hall
Nov 04th - Hull City Hall
Nov 05th - Halifax Victoria Theatre
Nov 07th - Southend Cliff Pavilions
Nov 14th & 15th - Bristol Colston Hall
No 17th - Brentwood Leisure Centre
Nov 18th & 19th - Oxford New Theatre
Nov 24th - Blackpool Opera House
Nov 25th - Blackburn King George's
Nov 27th - Southport Theatre
Dec 01st - Sheffield Hallam FM Arena
Dec 02nd - Nottingham Royal Centre
Dec 03rd - Cheltenham Centaur
Dec 05th - Cardiff Int. Arena
Dec 08th - Plymouth Pavilions
Dec 09th - Brighton Centre
Dec 10th - Birmingham NEC
Dec 12th - Harrogate Int. Centre
Dec 13th - Manchester Carling Apollo
Dec 14th - Telford Int. Arena
Dec 16th - Bournemouth Int. Centre
Dec 17th - London Wembley Pavilion

In further Quo news the band have announced that they have signed a new record deal with the Sanctuary label, thus ending a relationship with Universal that has stretched back over thirty years. The band are currently in the process of recording a new album, under the helm of producer Mike paxman that is set to be released sometime in September 2005.

27th April

Bleeding Through

Roadrunner records artists Bleeding Through have entered the studio to begin work on "The Truth" this year's much-buzzed about follow-up to the band's breakthrough album, "This is Love, This is Murderous". "It's going to be a brutal, pissed off record that will be much more blunt and direct in its lyrics, sound, and presentation" explains singer Brandan Schieppati.

Bleeding Through spent all of January at home in Orange County working on material, pausing for their first headlining tour of Europe in February, before resuming work for the entire month of March and into early April. "The music is a bit more simplified, the songs are somewhat shorter, and it's all much more to the point," Schieppati adds.

New tracks include: "Love In Slow Motion" as featured on the Radio 1 rock show. "Tragedy Of Empty Streets," "Hollywood Prison," "A Line In The Sand," and "The Truth."  The band chose producer Rob Caggiano (Cradle Of Filth) to help them execute their vision. Work began in earnest this week at Los Angeles' Cherokee Studios (Guns N' Roses, David Bowie, Michael Jackson's "Thriller") and will continue at various studios throughout Southern California until the end of May.

Bleeding Through - The Truth is currently scheduled to be released in  September, however before then the band have a short UK tour lined up June. The dates for this trek are as follows:

June 26th - London Camden Underworld
June 27th - Nottingham Rock City
June 28th - Glasgow King Tuts
June 29th - Manchester Jilly's Rockworld
June 30th - Newport TJ's

27th April

Chimaira

Chimaira are set to play three special low-key shows after their Download Festival appearance at Donington on Saturday 11th June. The three special shows will give the band the opportunity to showcase new material from their forthcoming third album, ‘Chimaira’, which is due for a 1st August release.

Full dates are as follows:

June 14th - London Camden Underworld
June 15th - Oxford Zodiac
June 16th - Colchester Arts Centre

27th April

Sammy Hagar

26th April

Robert Plant Press Release

Robert Plant’s new album, Mighty Rearranger will be released on May 10th  Plant’s band The Strange Sensation who worked with him on 2002’s Grammy nominated, Dreamland, have been vital in the development of what looks set to be one of this year’s most talked about albums.

Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation were formed in 2001. The band draws together talent from across a broad spectrum of contemporary musicians: Clive Deamer (drums) from Portishead and Roni Size projects; John Baggott (bass) of Portishead and Massive Attack; Billy Fuller (bass) - from Bristol band ‘Fuzz Against Junk; Skin – ambient guitar formerly of Brit Pop phenomena Cast and Justin Adams playing gimbri, darbouka and guitar, late of Sinead O’Connor, Jah Wobble and the Wayward Shakes. Their first album together, Dreamland was informed by Plant’s attraction to and affection for the music of Southern Morocco, and the psychedelic indo-rock of mid to late 60’s in USA.

Mighty Rearranger was written and created in Snowdonia and in the lea of Solsbury Hill. The album developed organically, arising out of joyful anarchic experimentation.

As guitarist Justin Adams says:

“It’s always idiosyncratic; we’re a weird bunch of characters and we all do stuff in a non standard way. Robert is an interesting person to work with. He encourages people’s individual styles: he’s happy for me to bring in unfamiliar North African rhythms and for John to introduce weird electronic sounds: it doesn’t happen that often nowadays. Usually it’s one guy at home with a computer. It wasn’t like that in 60’s and 70’s - people were breaking rules and inventing new forms of music: we are closer to that spirit: of weird and anarchic ways.”

The result is an inspired collection of songs that are raw and bristling with energy but also rich in texture and detail. The whole album is remarkably coherent, with a strong sense of unity that arises out of the unique democratic creative process and the unusual gigs the band have been playing.

“On this album we used computers as part of the writing process,” says Robert.” We recorded spontaneous jams and rough ideas which we've been able to manipulate while keeping our raw energy. The touring that we've done in the Arctic Circle, the Sahara Desert, Baltic States as well as the weird and difficult times we have been through while writing the album have helped us to develop a real band dynamic”.

Since the end of Led Zeppelin in 1980 Plant has recorded many solo projects and collaborated with a host of colorful accomplices. He and Jimmy Page renewed their long-time partnership in ’94 to create the No Quarter project – a mélange of North African, Egyptian and New Wave folk roots sounds.

In recent times, Plant has recorded with Afro Celt Sound System and along with Skin and Justin Adams, traveled to South Sahara, North of Timbuktu in Mali to participate in the 2nd Festival of the Desert, a gathering of African Saharan and assorted soul musicians including Oumou Sangare, Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen and Tidawt. This project ultimately became a CD compilation to be found on the Harmonia Mundi label and was featured on DVD.

2003 saw the prestigious release of the definitive Plant retrospective, Sixty Six to Timbuktu, which included a selection of Plant’s solo work from his first recording date to his appearance in Mali.

The new album, titled Mighty Rearranger is a collection of 12 all new, all original songs due for release in May 10th 2005. Committed and powerful the album is an electrifying tour de force and takes the world music influences explored in Dreamland and uses them as a springboard for a more electric sound. Mighty Rearranger recalls the drive and passion of Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin’s strongest work and is packed full of explosive riffs, compulsive guitar hooks as well as tender and highly expressive arrangements.

This new project also sees the return of Plant’s Es Paranza label which is intended to be a vehicle for future projects concerning Plant and other musicians.

26th April

Candlemass

Re-united Swedish doom metal band Candlemass will release their new, self titled album through Nuclear Blast on May 2nd. Produced by Candlemadd bass player and songwriter Leif Edling, the new opus embraces both a heavy, modern sound alongside the timeless Candlemass trademarks that  won legions of fans since the bands early days in the mid eighties.

The album will feature a total of nine new tracks and has the following track listing:

Black Dwarf; Seven Silver Keys; Assassin Of The Light; Copernicus; The Man Who Fell From The Sky; Witches; Born In A Tank; Spellbreaker and The Day And The Night

26th April

Iommi/Hughes

Tony Iommi & Glenn Hughes will release their new album, which has been christened 'Fused' through Sanctuary Records on July 12th. Joining the legendary pairing of Hughes & Iommi on the album will be drummer Jimmy Copley.

 The 10 songs that will feature on Fused are: "Dopamine," "Wasted Again," "Saviour Of The Real," "Resolution Song," "Grace," "Deep Inside A Shell," "What You're Living For," "Face Your Fear," "The Spell" and "I Go Insane."

26th April

Rammstein

German metallers Rammstein have lined up their second UK tour of the year in support of their most recent album Reise Reise. The band play the following shows during July:

14th July - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
15th July - Birmingham NEC
16th July - Glasgow SECC
18th July - Cardiff International Arena

26th April

Motley Crue

Motley Crue have added to date in Newcastle to their already announced UK shows that take place in June. The full schedule for the tour now runs as follows:

14th June - Glasgow SECC
15th June - Manchester Evening News Arena
17th June - Birmingham NECC
18th June - Cardiff International Arena
19th June - Wembley Arena Pavilion
21st June - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

25th April

Bloodstock Open Air Update

25th April

Pride

Tony Marshall (Vaughn/Contagious) has joined the band as second guitarist/backing vocals, ahead of their two slots at this year's melodic rock show Firefest in Bradford on May 6th and 7th, and the Sheffield Rock Festival on May 29th.

Tony played for many years with Contagious in and around Europe; his most recent shows were playing guitar with Vaughn on the Firehouse/Vaughn/Pride tour in Feb 04.
 

"To join Pride is great" said Tony, "I've been a big fan of the band since I first saw them and have been friends with the guys since that time- they are definitely the most underrated hard rock band in the UK today. This year is going to be a big one for me and the band. I'm looking forward to playing Firefest - a lot of old friends are going to be there to see me with Pride and I can't wait."

Guitarist and founder member of Pride Chris Green had this to say:- "The addition of Tony is a new beginning for the band. He has a killer vocal range and even after one rehearsal has nailed the backing vocals we've been striving to get for years in a live situation; the added guitar compliments the Pride sound too, lets put it this way - come to either of the shows in May and you'll see a new and vibrant Pride walking the stage."

Chris also talked about the next Pride album, "The songs are coming together really well, there's a slight direction change, a harder edge but with all the Pride melodies. We're really proud of what we have so far, the songs have all the ingredients from Signs of Purity and Far From The Edge but with a twist."

For more info on Pride go to http://www.prideofuk.com

19th April

Limp Bizkit

Limp Bizkit will release anew album, the first to feature guitarist Wes Borland since his return to the band, on 2nd May through Polydor. Entitled The Unquestionable Truth (Part1) will feature seven new songs with a track listing as follows:

The Propaganda, The Truth, The Priest, The Key, The Channel, The Story and The Surrender

19th April

The Glitterati

The Glitterati, who release their self titled debut album through Atlantic records on April 25th have lined up the following gigs during May.

May 11th - Swansea Escape
May 12th - Bridgewater Palace Theatre
May 13th - Leicester Charlotte
May 14th - Harlow Square
May 15th - Southend Chinnerys
May 17th - Wolverhampton Little Civic
May 18th - Derby Victoria
May 20th - London Koko

The album itself, which was recorded in Los Angeles under the helm of ex-Guns 'N Roses producer Mike Clink will feature the following track listing:

Betterman, You Got Nothing On Me, Heartbreaker, Back In Power, Do You Love Yourself?, Don't Do Romance, First Floor, You Need You, Still Thinking About You, Here Comes A Close Up  and Keep Me Up All Night.

19th April

Alkaline Trio

The Alkaline Trio are all set to release theri latest album, christened 'Crimson', through Vagrant Records on May 23rd. The band, who feature guitarist Matt Skiba,  Daniel Andriano on vocals and bass and drummer Derek Grant, worked alongside producer Jerry Finn (of Blink 182 & Green Day fame) to record the album and have come up with thirteen new tracks that will appear on the CD.

The track listing fro 'Crimson' is as follows:

Time To Waste, The Poison,  Burn, Mercy Me,  Dethbed, Settle For Satin, Sadie, Fall Victim, I Was A Prayer, Prevent This Tragedy, Back To Hell, Your Neck & Smoke

19th April

Sammy Hagar

Current/former (?) Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar is heading to the UK for a one off London show in June. The Red Rocker will play London Hammersmith Apollo on June 15th

18th April

Deadline Lose Singer

In a press statement just issues by UK melodic rockers Deadline, who have just finished supporting Danger Danger on their UK tour, the band have announced the departure of vocalist Steve Lunn.  The statement goes on to say that Lunn "feels the band has run it's course with him on vocals and he has decided to call it a day"

The rest of the band, guitarist Andy Lindsay, bassist Kris Hudson-Lee & drummer Kev Tonge intend to carry on the band as before and are actively seeking a replacement frontman to pick up where Steve left off. If anyone out there is interested in filling the vocalist position and have serious commitment then they can contact either  Kev on 07949 128681 or Kris on 07816 783941.

18th April

Dream Theater

Dream Theater have completed work on their eighth full length studio album which will be entitled 'Octavarium' and is currently scheduled to be released through Atlantic Records on June 6th, 2005.

The band began writing and recording Octavarium last November at the world famous Hit Factory studios in New York City. (everybody from Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Britney Spears, U2, Mariah Carey, REM, etc. etc. have all recorded at the legendary studio) and the album holds the distinction of being the last ever record to be recorded at the studios, as the Hit Factory has since closed down.

Octavrium will feature the following track listing:

The Root Of All Evil, The Answer Lies Within, These Walls, I Walk Beside You, Panic Attack, Never Enough, Sacrificed Sons & Octavarium

Once release Dream Theater will play a series of summer festivals in Europe including  Sweden Rock on June 10th and Paris Parc De Prince alongside Iron Maiden on June 25th, before heading back to the USA to undertake a major co-headling tour with Megadeth.

Although no UK dates are currently scheduled for Dream Theater, singer James LaBrie plays a solo show at London Mean Fiddler on April 30th in support of his recently released Elements of Persuasion solo album

18th April

Winterville

The band also have the following gigs lined up around the UK during April & May

April 22 - Glasgow Barfly
April 23 - Edinburgh Bannermans
April 28 - Southend Riga Music Bar
April 29 - Nottingham Boat Club
May 3 - Leicester The Shed
May 4 - Sheffield Boardwalk
May 6 - Cardiff The Point
May 11 - London Upstairs At The Garage
May 12 - Norwich Ferryboat Inn
May 13 - Bradford Rio
May 15 - Birmingham Bar Academy
May 16 - Bristol Fleece and Firkin
May 18 - Newcastle Cluny
May 19 - Islington Bar Academy
May 20 - Tottington Hark 2 Towler
May 21 - Liverpool Bar Academy
May 29 - Carlisle Brickyard

18th April

Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World will be playing foir headline gigs of their own in the UK during June as well as supporting Green Day on two dates at the Nation Bowl in Milton Keynes. The four dates are now confirmed as:

June 15th - Bristol Carling Academy
June 21st - Liverpool Carling Academy
June 22nd - Nottingham Rock City
June 23rd - Sheffield Octagon

15th April

Classic Whitesnake Hits on DVD

3 Founder Members of the classic Line-Up of Whitesnake perform the Greatest Hits Live

“Rough an’ Ready” – the DVD, is released from May 2005 and includes many of Whitesnake’s Greatest Hits

M3 – Classic Whitesnake is comprised of original members and writers from Whitesnake – one of the definitive rock bands who enjoyed global success throughout the late 70’s/early 80’s period, and their legacy continues…

Guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody with bassist Neil Murray are joined by a host of well known guest musicians to perform all the classic songs that launched Whitesnake into the stadiums of the world – their combined musical ability produce a phenomenal live show recorded in front of a sold-out audience in June 2004. 

Presented with 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 DTS and Dolby Stereo Sound Options, this DVD features the Rock anthems “Don’t Break My Heart Again”, “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”, “Fool For Your Loving” and the Number 1 worldwide smash-hit “Here I Go Again”.

BAND LINE-UP

Bernie Marsden – Guitars
Mark Stanway – Keyboards
Neil Murray – Bass 
Stefan Berggren – Guest Vocals
Micky Moody – Guitars
Doogie White – Guest Vocals
Jimmy Copley – Drums

DVD TRACKLIST INCLUDES

Here I Go Again 
Ready an’ Willing 
Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City
Lonely Days, Lonely Nights
Hit an’ Run
Slow an’ Easy 
Walking In the Shadow of the Blues
Fool For Your Loving
Don’t Break My Heart Again 

SPECIAL FEATURES

The package will include a wealth of extras, bootleg clips and exclusive interviews.  More details will be announced shortly.

15th April

Robin Beck

Frontiers Records are set to release the new come back album from  Robin Beck. Aptly entitled "Do You Miss Me", the new record marks a giant step and a return to the melodic rock roots for the beautiful singer, who gained her breakthrough success in 1998 with the No. 1 UK hit single "First Time".

Robin has released already three rock CDs in her career and has worked with such songwriting luminaries as Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi), Mark Spiro (House of Lords, Giant, Bad English), Jonathan Cain (Journey), Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart) and many others.

"Do You Miss Me" features original songs written by - amongst others - Marc Jordan (Kansas, Cher, Amanda Marshall), Amy Sky (Heart), Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Kiss etc.), Michael Bolton and Chris Pelcer (Peter Cetera, Van Zant) and is destined to please all the fans that have appreciated her most rocking efforts like "Trouble or Nothin'" or "Human Instinct".

Robin comments on the release saying, "I decided to call this CD "Do You Miss Me" (like I miss you), because of my long awaited return to the rock arena. I am and always will be 1st and foremost a rock singer", adding that "Many of the songs bring me back to my mentors one of whom is Ann Wilson of Heart".

"The songs", Beck concludes, "have the legitimate rock, in your face type of arrangement and vocal that I enjoyed so much while recording the album".

Special guests on background vocals are her husband James Christian (House of Lords) and Lisa Dalbello (Heart, Queensryche).

"Do You Miss Me" will feature the following tracks:
Do You Miss Me; Walk On The Moon; Your Love Is Tough On Me; The Safest Place (I Wanna Be Strong); What About Us; I Want To Hear It From You; Stone By Stone; Find A Little Faith; Coming Back For More; I Don't Wanna Play The Game Anymore; Takin' A Ride and Bring It Back.

The release date for the album is scheduled for July 4th in Europe, while the Japanese and US releases will follow later on King Records and Locomotive/Ryko WEA respectively.

15th April

Audioslave

Audioslave have added an additional UK two shows to those already announced for their tour in June. The full dates thus far confirmed for the band are:

June 04th - Cardiff International Arena
June 05th - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
June 20th - London Brixton Carling Academy
June 21st - London Brixton Carling Academy
June 22nd - London Brixton Carling Academy
June 25th - Manchester Evening News Arena Manchester

In addition to these dates the band will also be appearing at the T-In-The Park Festival in Scotland on July 9th and the Oxygen Festival in Ireland on July 10th.

The band release their second, Rick Rubin produced album entitled 'Out Of Exile' through Interscope Records in May.

15th April

Blind Guardian Sign To Nuclear Blast

Nuclear Blast is immensely proud to announce the addition of a new member to the family: Blind Guardian, one of the most successful Heavy Metal bands of all time, signed a long-term deal with Nuclear Blast!

As singer Hansi Kürsch commented: "Our long search for the perfect record company has ended. We finally were lucky to find the ultimate home: Nuclear Blast!

Some things you decide with your head, other things you deal with on a gut level. The decision for Nuclear Blast was both! We placed great emphasis on finding a partner that knows the world of Heavy Metal and does business in an unconventional manner if necessary. Nuclear Blast can offer both of this key qualities, and proved so time and time again in the past.

But this alone would not be enough, if the chemistry wasn't there. But our first meetings could be described as: "We came, ate, and laughed…' Our views on music in general and BLIND GUARDIAN in particular are almost identical! Now we have the unique chance, to follow our musical vision in the perfect environment. We expect a lot, and so do Nuclear Blast – let's roll!

The whole Nuclear Blast team impressed us a lot with their unity and the huge identification with their mission and the expansion of the Metal world. The Guardian comes home!"

Nuclear Blast label manager Andy Siry is equally thrilled: "We are all very happy about the amount of trust Blind Guardian put in Nuclear Blast and the beginning of this cooperation that will surely prove to be very productive and fruitful. Blind Guardian have the most successful Metal-Band in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Our distribution partners and the whole of Nuclear Blast are ready to kick ass!

14th April

Thirteenth Day Festival

After the initial announcement of bands to play at Thirteenth Day 2005, today sees the line-up finalised with three more European bands added to the bill.

Finntroll will be playing underneath the already announced bands Sonata Arctica and Norther. Bringing their metal back to the UK they're a band not to be missed.

We're also proud to announce Epica on the bill. It will be Epica's first UK festival show - finally bringing their symphonic, operatic metal to a large English audience. If you're in to bands like Nightwish and fellow Thirteenth Day band Season's End then Epica will be a treat for you.

The final band added to our line-up is Dragonland who will be playing their first ever UK show at Thirteenth Day 2005.

Tickets are selling fast and available from Birmingham Academy's box office, Ticket Web on 0870 771 2000 or from See Tickets. Tickets are priced at £18.00 and are on sale now.

The complete line-up for the Thirteenth Day festival now includes, Sonata Arctica, Norther, Finntroll, Epica, Dragonland, Intense and Season's End.

You can find out more about the Festival by visiting the Thirteenth Day website at www.thirteenthday.co.uk

14th April

Anthrax

The re-united classic line up of Anthrax, featuring  Joey Belladonna, Scott Ian, Dan Spitz, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante have been confirmed as the headline act at this years' Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The show will take place at London Astoria on June 13th and Anthrax will be joined on the bill by Nightwish, Shadows Fall & Trivium.

14th April

Nickelback

Nickelback are currently in heavy work-mode in frontman Chad Kroeger's MountainView Studios in Vancouver, BC on their follow up to the 3X Platinum album, The Long Road. This new CD is being produced by the band, engineered by Joey Moi, topped off by Randy Staub, who is likely to handle the mixing again - a proven winning combination.

In addition to the tracks recorded for Nickelback's upcoming record, th band also made time to record a cover of "We Will Rock You" for a Queen tribute record that is due out on Hollywood Records this summer.

The new, as yet untitled Nickelback album is likely to be rleased sometime this autumn by Roadrunner Records.

14th April

Paradise Lost

12th April

The Lizards

The Lizards, who recently supporte Glenn Hughes on the UK leg of is Soul Mover tour, return to Europe for a series on dates with ian Hunter & UFO during April & May. Although no UK shows are currently scheduled the band play the following shows:

The Lizards with the Ian Hunter Band:
Apr 27th - Norway, Oslo, Rockefeller
Apr 29th - Norway, Trondheim, Nidaros Blues Festival
Apr 30th - Norway, Bergen, Rick's Theater
May 02nd - Sweden, Stockholm, Nalen
May 03rd - Sweden, Goteborg, Tadgar'n
May 04th - Sweden, Malmo, KB
May 05th - Denmark, Copenhagen, Pumpehuset

The Lizards with UFO:
May 06th - Germany, Aschaffenburg, Colos Saal
May 07th - Germany, Hildesheim "Vier Linden"
May 08th - Germany, Bochum, Matrix
May 10th - Germany, Mechernich, Burg Satzvey
May 13th - Germany, Pumpwerk (Lizards only)
May 14th - Netherlands, Weert, Bosuil
May 15th - Netherlands, Zoetermeer, Boerderij
May 17th - Switzerland, Pratteln, Z7
May 18th - Germany, Augsburg, Spectrum
May 19th - Germany, Pirmasens, Qusimoto
May 20th - Belgium, Antwerp, Hof Ter Loh

The Lizards, who feature drummer Bobby Rondinelli (BOC/Rainbow/Black Sabbath) and Riot vocalist Mike DiMeo  will be performing selections from their recent critically acclaimed CD Cold Blooded Kings (Read the HardRockHouse.com review via this link). The Lizards will be also performing at the Swedish Rock Festival on June 10, 2005 (12:00 pm to 1:15 pm).

For more information then you can check out the following websites: www.thelizardswebsite.com or www.livemusik.nu
Press inquiries should be made to: Glass Onyon PR, E-mail: Antbee0@cs.com, Phone: 910-395-8265

12th April

Heaven & Earth

Stuart Smith, Richie Onori and Kelly Hansen of Heaven & Earth had the pleasure of being interviewed by Bob Coburn of Rockline recently. The interview and 3 cuts went out to all their affiliate radio stations which has gleaned many inquiries into their new CD.

As a result of the meeting, Coburn has now become a big fan of the group and of Black Star Records' overall mission -- to support Classic Rock artists and bring that genre of music back to the forefront, hence the label's tag line: "New Classic Rock"!

Coburn had this to say about H&E's new CD: "Heaven and Earth is the perfect name for Stuart Smith's band. With deep Classic Rock roots and an earthy, timeless sound this is celestial music. Absolutely one of the best CD's I've heard in recent years. Smith's six string pyrotechnics are pure guitar wizardry".

Shown in the picture above are, Stuart Smith, guitarist and founder of Heaven & Earth; lead singer Kelly Hansen; Bob Coburn, Host of Rockline; H&E drummer Richie Onori, and Black Star Records artist, Howard Leese, formerly with Heart, now working on his first solo album on BSR.

Heaven & Earth can be seen in concert:

Sat, April 23 -- Headlining at Paladino's in Reseda - Showtime: 11:00pm (www.paladinosclub.com)

Sun, April 24 -- Opening for Europe at House of Blues in Hollywood – Showtime: 8:30pm (www.hob.com)

Also spawned from this meeting is a new "Night of Rock" with Bob Coburn as Host. According to Manager John Malta of Bel Chiasso Entertainment, who helped conceive the show and is producing it, plans are for this to become a regularly scheduled Event at at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. It will begin on Saturday, May 21 with Heaven & Earth and Mountain Headlining. (www.canyonclub.net) Doors open at 6:00 with opening act, Magnetico at 8:00...

Showtimes: Heaven & Earth – 9:00pm // Mountain – 10:00pm

For more information on Heaven & Earth see www.heavenandearthband.com and see www.blackstarrecords.com for more information on their new Classic Rock label. Contact Kathy Arnold at The Network for more details and photos (360)446-5035, email: thenetwork@ywave.com.

12th April

Sheffield Rock Festival

The Sheffield Rock Festival 2005 takes place on Sunday 29th May at Sheffield Boardwalk. The event is headlined by UK Rock band Statetrooper with support coming from Pride, Deadline, Rocket, Lost Weekend & Double Cross. Doors open at 6pm with first band on at 6.30pm. Tickets just £8 each. 6 top , top rock acts for just £8 per ticket.

12th April

Another Frontiers Update!

Terra Nova

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the come back of Dutch Pomp Rock masters Terra Nova

Headed by brothers Ron and Fred Hendrix, TERRA NOVA captured the sheer joie de vivre of eighties AOR and melodic rock in their 1996 debut album 'Living It Up' that catapulted the band into the vanguard of the genre, both in Europe and Japan.

Terranova's current lineup (L to R): Gesuino Derosas, Fred Hendrix, Ron Hendrix

After two more albums on the Japanese market and the release of a best of album on Frontiers Records in Europe entitled "Eye To Eye" persistent problems with their Dutch record company saw the band reach the end of their patience and the end of the road. Reluctantly, but perhaps inevitably, the band split.

Now, six years on, again Frontiers Records was able to pull singer and main composer Fred Hendrix away from his solo projects and commissioned a new album from Terra Nova. For the many thousands of fans who remember Terra Nova's three nineties' releases this is truly something to celebrate. A band that should never have been away is back!

The new album , currently in the mixing stages is entitled "Escape" and features together with original members Fred and Ron Hendrix, guitar player Gesuino Derosas with Hans Eijkenaar on drums and Eric Coenen on bass guitar.

The album is planned for release in Europe and Japan (via King Records) in the late summer!

Blanc Faces

Frontiers Records unleashes all details behind the new AOR sensation BLANC FACES!

Launched via a successful promotion on the world-renowned website www.melodicrock.com - through a successful "mystery band download" competition - BLANC FACES drawn fans' comparisons to the sound of Foreigner, Unruly Child, Magnum, Pride of Lions and several other top AOR bands.

The truth behind this AOR newcomer is that BLANC FACES are a duo former by brothers Robbie and Brian La Blanc. They are a new and dynamic melodic rock group based in the U.S. (New York and Connecticut area). Their harmonies are unsurpassed and focal to their sound and style. Robbie is lead vocalist and plays rhythm guitar. Brian sings background and plays the bass. They write, produce and engineer their own music, with the help of a talented team of musicians and artists, including, on this project, Kyle Woodring (Dennis DeYoung/Styx; Survivor; John Mellencamp) on drums, with additional drum tracks by Tony Archer, Jeff Batter (Cannata) on keyboards and Butch Taylor on lead guitar.

(L to R) Robbie and Brian LaBlanc

The self titled debut CD is being mixed by Dennis Ward and will be released worldwide on Frontiers Records on July 6th 2005 with a Japanese release via King Records. More details to be announced shortly !

Lande/Allen

Russell Allen - singer of Symphony X - has finally completed the recording of the vocal tracks of the highly anticipated album with the singer of Masterplan, Jorn Lande.

The record - which has a working title of "The Battle" - is going to be mixed during April by Anders "Theo" Theander (Pain of Salvation, Last Tribe) at the Roastinghouse Studios in Sweden.

The labels has plans to release the album right after the summer.

Glenn Hughes
Glenn Hughes, hot on the heels of the successful release of "Soul Mover" and of his European tour, has recently confirmed his apparition at the ARROW ROCK Festival in Lichtenwoorde, the Netherlands on June 11th. On drums there will be the special apparition of Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers !
 

6th April

System of A Down

System of a Down have confirmed that Disc One ("Mezmerize") from the band's 2-disc set, "Mezmerize/Hypnotize," will be released on May 16th, 2005. Disc Two ("Hypnotize") is expected to see a release in the autumn.

The first single from "Mezmerize/Hypnotize" will be the track "B.Y.O.B." [Bring Your Own Bombs] which will hit the airwaves this month. The song, which questions a president's involvement in the business of war, balances a near-R&B groove - "Everybody's going to the party have a real good time/Dancing in the desert blowing up the sunshine" - with the song's recurring demand, "Why don't presidents fight the war?/Why do they always send the poor?/Why do they always send the poor?"

System of a Down have re-launched their website - www.systemofadown.com. The revamped site will offer intriguing glimpses of the artwork for the "Mezmerize/Hypnotize double set," much of which was designed and painted by Vartan Malakian, guitarist/producer Daron Malakian's father.

System of a Down wrote some thirty tracks for "Mezmerize/Hypnotize" and recorded them at producer Rick Rubin's Laurel Canyon studio between June and November of 2004. The album was produced by Rubin and Daron Malakian and mixed by Andy Wallace, who also mixed "Toxicity" and "Steal This Album!" The new songs are more complex, more progressive, more unorthodox, and more experimental than ever, while retaining the idiosyncratic, ironic and schizophrenic qualities that make System of a Down so distinctive. Topics include relationships, the evils of television and corporate mind control, the mysteries of life and death, and a surreal experience at a celebrity baseball game. Some of the song titles are "Radio Video," "Old School Hollywood," "Cigaro," "Lost in Hollywood," "Question," "Vicinity of Obscenity" and "Revenga." The decision to release the two discs six months apart was made simply to give fans time to get into and really live with the music from Disc One before plunging into Disc Two.

"Mezmerize /Hypnotize" will be the follow-up to the nearly six-million-selling "Toxicity" which was released in September 2001 and debuted in the Number One position on the Billboard/Soundscan charts. Of that album, Rolling Stone wrote, "'Toxicity' resembles nothing else in contemporary hard rock," and the New York Times commented, "System of a Down is light years removed from the going trend in metal." "Toxicity" generated four Top 10 singles, including the #1 smash "Aerials," and was named "2001's Best Album of the Year" by Spin Magazine. Entertainment Weekly named "Mezmerize/Hypnotize" the #1 (of 25) Most Anticipated Albums.

The full track listing for Mezmerize is as follows:

Soldier Side (Intro), B.Y.O.B., Revenga, Cigaro, Radio/Video, This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I'm On This Song, Violent Pornography, Question!, Sad Statue, Old School Hollywood, Lost In Hollywood and Lonely Day

System Of A Down, as well as headlining the Sunday at this years Download festival, also play the following UK live dates in June:

June 3rd - London Brixton Academy
June 4th - London Brixton Academy
June 5th - London Brixton Academy
June 14th - Manchester Men Arena
Jun 15th - Glasgow SECC

6th April

Spike

Spike, lead singer with the Quireboys has just announced a revise series of solo live dates that will take place throughout April & May. Although Spike had previously announced a set of shows guitarist Paul Guerin broke his wrist while the Quireboys were on tour in Europe, meaning some early to mid April dates had to be cancelled/postponed. Paul is now recovering and the new dates have just been announced {in addition to the remaining existing shows that had been previously announced.

Spike's revised tour schedule is now as follows:

April 2005
April 22nd Sheffield Boardwalk
April 23rd - Scunthorpe The Hanger@The Crosby Hotel
April 24th - Bolton Moses Gate
April 25th - Hull Ringside
April 26th - Birkenhead Hotel California
April 27th - Wolverhampton Bilston Robin 2
April 29th - Leicester Charlotte
April 30th - Doncaster Leopard
May 04th - Norwich Brickmakers
May 05th - Southend Riga
May 09th - Southampton Joiners
May 11th - Ashton-Under-Lyne Witchwood
May 12th - Nottingham Junktion 7
May 14th - Swindon Riffs
May 16th - Crewe Limelight

Tickets for many shows are on sale now through the usual ticket outlets. You can check out www.spike-online.com for more information!

6th April

Breed 77

5th April

Y&T

Veteran US rockers Y&T have scheduled a set of UK dates during June. The band will play the following dates:

June 23rd - Nuneaton Queen's Hall
June 24th - Manchester Academy 3
June 25th - Nottingham Rock City
June 26th - Demolition Ball Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
June 29th - London Mean Fiddler

The band, which now features Dave Meniketti, Phil Kennemore, Leonard Haze, John Nymann have just released a new album, in the shape of 'Unearthed Volume 2' through Demolition Records. The album features the following track listing:

Face To Face, Ashes To Ashes, Get Tough, Showdown, Love Has No Cure, Help Me Hear Me, New Kid In Town, Long Time Coming, Dance Dance Dance, Crazy Make Love, Over Under, Hands of Time, Bad Bad Girls, Take Me, More, Lucky Night, Love Don't Come Easy and Cheap and Easy

5th April

Thunderstone

Just about one year after their latest success, The Burning, the Finnish Metal brigade Thunderstone are back on attack! Following the path marked with the previous two releases, "Tools Of Destruction" offers the listener ten dynamic powerful tracks which will certainly please many Metal fans. Yet the new opus marks a decisive improvement and shows that the five musicians are willing to further develop their style and challenge themselves in order to produce strong and stunning new material. Needless to say "Tools Of Destruction" is Thunderstone's best album to date.
Thunderstone was formed in early 2000 by guitarist Nino Laurenne who previously played with Thrash Metal Band Antidote. Nino had finally grouped a solid line up for his new project when Pasi Rantanen (vocals), Titus Hjelm (bass & backing vocals) and Mirka Rantanen (drums) joined in. Together they recorded a first demo which caught huge interest within the Scandinavian press. Shortly after keyboarder Kari Tornack joined the band and completed the line up of Thunderstone with his articulate playing.
Now the band was ready to record new songs at the Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki. The session brought the band's first full-length album, "Thunderstone", which received great feedback both in THUNDERSTONE's home country and the rest of the globe. A deal with Nuclear Blast followed. This opened new possibilities including a European tour (supporting Stratovaruous) through Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria and more. As a result of this massive tour, Thunderstone were able to find plenty of new fans eagerly awaiting for next album which was finally released in 2004.
"The Burning" surprised people and press alike setting new standards for the band. The name Thunderstone was spreading world wide and the reactions were incredible. The Thunderstone virus spread-out through fans in Finland and the rest of the world..
The digi-pack version of "Tools Of Destruction" will include two bonus tracks. The Japanese edition also features a cover version of the DIO classic 'Rainbow In The Dark'. So watch out for one of the best Power Metal albums in 2005!

Tools of Destruction will feature the following track listing and is released on April 25th through Nuclear Blast records:

Tool Of The Devil, Without Wings, Liquid Of The Kings, I Will Come Again, Welcome To The Real, The Last Song, Another Time, Feed The Fire, Weight Of The World and Land Of Innocence

5th April

Frontiers Records Update

PLACE VENDOME

Former Helloween frontman Michael Kiske has accepted an offer to sing for a project called Place Vendome, named after the Paris world renowned square.

The project, which is headed up by Frontiers Records owner Serafino Perugino, has finished recording 11 songs, which are set to follow a straight melodic rock / AOR sound, "comparable to bands like Foreigner or Journey" according to Kiske.

Production duties are handled by Pink Cream 69’s Dennis Ward with songs written on purpose by himself, his bandmates David Readman and Alfred Koffler with contributions also from Gunther Werno of Vanden Plas.

Michael had a lot of fun during the recordings, as he really liked the material that is going to show an new and exciting side of his great singing abilities!

Frontiers Records plans to release this highly anticipated album in the fall of 2005.

In related news, Kiske went to the hospital a few weeks ago to finally get rid of the stomach problems that have plagued him for quite some time. The operation went smoothly and Michael is "totally fine again" and in a better vocal shape than ever!

AMBITION

Due to Joe Vana’s recent health and personal problems, singer Thom Griffin of Trillion fame has agreed to complete the full recording of the lead vocals of the Ambition album. The singer is currently busy recording his parts and has already supplied the first batch of recording. The album completion is tentatively planned for late may for a release scheduled for late 2005.

ROYAL HUNT

Frontiers Records is pleased to present the new album from ROYAL HUNT “Paper Blood”. The final tracklisting includes the following tracks: Break Your Chains, Not My Kind, Memory Lane, Never Give Up, Seven Days, SK 983, Kiss Of Faith, Paper Blood, Season’s Change, Twice Around The World.

5th April

Suicidal Tendencies

Suicidal Tendencies have been forced to cancel their previously announced European shows that were due to take place in June. A statement on the band's management website gave the following reason for the cancellation:

"Unfortunately we have to cancel the SUICIDAL TENDENCIES tour 2005, scheduled for this summer. Due to serious health problems of singer Mike Muir the band is not able to come over to Europe. As soon as we have news regarding a new timeperiod, we´ll let you know."

1st April

Anthrax

After weeks of speculation and leeks via the internet  Anthrax have finally confirmed one of the worst kept secrets of recent times, that the classic line up of the band, featuring Joey Belladonna, Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Dan Spitz & Charlie Benante, are reuniting. The press release surrounding this reformation, just posted onn the bands website had this to say about the course of events:

"New York's own ANTHRAX has an unmistakable signature style and distinct sound that breaks musical, cultural and political boundaries - influencing a myriad of bands throughout the spectrum of musical genres for 20 years.

Twice GRAMMY-nominated, MTV/VMA nominees and Multi-Platinum and Gold Awarded music veterans, ANTHRAX has sold over 10,000,000 records worldwide, including nine studio albums, two live albums, three greatest hits, plus two DVDs. Touring pros ANTHRAX performed on over fifty tours spanning the globe - in thirty-two countries on five continents including Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia.

Now, for the first time in 13 years, the entire original lineup of Joey Belladonna, Frankie Bello, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian and Danny Spitz will gather together in one room to discuss new music releases, as well as the future plans for this monumental ANTHRAX reunion"

Anthrax 2005

Anthrax have of course already been confirmed as one of the acts appearing at this years Download Festival taking place at Donington park in June. In addition to this the band will also play dates at Glasgow Barrowlands on May 5th & Dublin Ambassador Theatre a day earlier on May 4th

1st April

Styx

Frontiers Records Announces “Big Bang Theory”  the Great Rock Songbook by Rock Legends STYX

Inspired by a recording session at the legendary Chess Studios in hometown Chicago resulting in the 2004 digital download and radio success of its rendition of The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus", legendary rock band Styx has recorded its interpretation of the great rock & roll songbook.

"Big Bang Theory" is the first studio album from Styx, one of the rock era's most popular bands, since 2003's “Cyclorama” and marks the beginning of the cooperation of the multi-platinum winning band with Italian based label Frontiers Records for the European markets.

Among the highlights on the 14-selection "Big Bang Theory," produced by Styx and Gary Loizzo, is "Blue Collar Man 2004", a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are blues great Koko Taylor and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano player Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his work with Chuck Berry. "Blue Collar Man 2004" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.

The other songs re-recorded by Styx in its own instantly recognizable style are classics of the '60s and '70s, many of them favorites of the band members and their fans. Included are The Who's "I Can See For Miles," The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City," Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog," Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and Free's "Wishing Well." The best-known recordings of "I Don't Need No Doctor" are from Ray Charles and Humble Pie. "One Way Out" is an Elmore James gem but The Allman Brothers Band laid down the most popular take.

Other songs on "Big Bang Theory" are "Find The Cost Of Freedom," originally from Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)" from Willie Dixon and "Talkin' About The Good Times" from The Pretty Things.

Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums in the USA ("The Grand Illusion," "Pieces Of Eight," "Cornerstone" and #1 "Paradise Theatre"). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself". The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.

After a 1999 metamorphosis, Styx re-established itself as a dynamic live act over the course of 500-plus shows and four new live albums. Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass guitar, backing vocals) will tour the Europe throughout 2005.

Dates set have already been set in Germany, UK, Italy and Switzerland with special apparitions at the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg and at the Arrow Rock Festival in Lichtenwoorde, the Netherlands.

Original bass player Chuck Panozzo also appears on the album and performs live with the band at select concert dates.

UK dates currently scheduled by Styx are:

June 13th - Nottingham Rock City
June 15th - Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
June 16th - Birmingham Symphony Hall
June 17th - Manchester Apollo
June 18th - London Hammersmith Apollo
June 19th - Bristol Colston Hall

Big Bang Theory will be released via Frontiers Records on May the 16th 2005.

1st April

Papa Roach

Papa Roach have confirmed that thye will playing at this years Download Festival at DOningtonon June 12th. In addition to this the band, who are touring in support of last year's 'Getting Away With Murder' release will also play 3 headline shows of their own subsequent to the Download festival. The dates are confirmed as:

June 21st - Glasgow Barrowlands
June 22nd - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
June 23rd - London Astoria

1st April

Power Quest

Following up a story  from a couple of days ago on Brit metallers Power Quest, Majestic Rock records have now released the cover artwork for the band's new album  'Magic Never Dies' scheduled to be released on June 6th.

The album, which was recorded at Thin Ice Studios, with Threshold guitarist Karl Groom handling the production duties,  will feature the following track listing: Ascension (intro), Find My Heaven, Galaxies Unknown, Hold on to Love, Diamond Sky, The Message, Soulfire, Children of the Dream
Strike Force, Another World and Magic Never Dies

1st April

Bruce Dickinson

Iron Maiden fan site www.maidenfans.com is reporting that Bruce Dickinson will re-release his entire back catelogue, complete with additional bonus material, to coincide with the release of his new solo album Tyranny of Souls.

The albums will expanded with hard to find B-Sides and rare tracks and the whole live CDs of Bruce will be merged into a new 3 CD box set. The sleeve notes by Iron Maiden expert Dave Ling will be added in booklets upgraded to contain and photos not seen before. Last but not least, the artworks will be fully upgraded by original designer Hugh Gilmour.

'Tatooed Millionnaire will be a 2 CD release, with the following content on the new CD:
01. Ballad Of Mutt
02. Winds Of Change
03. Darkness Be My Friend
04. Sin City (B-Side of All The Young Dudes)
05. Dive! Dive! Dive! (Live)
06. Riding With The Angels (Live)
07. Sin City (Live)
08. Black Night (Live)
09. Son Of A Gun (Live)
10. Tattooed Millionaire (Live)

'Balls to Picasso'  will have these songs in the second CD:
01. Firechild
02. Elvis Has Left The Building
03. The Breeding House
04. No Way Out ...To Be Continued
05. Tears Of The Dragon (acoustic chill out)
06. Winds Of Change
07. Spirit Of Joy
08. Over And Out
09. Shoot All The Clowns Extended Mix
10. Laughing In The Hiding Bush (Live)
11. The Post-Alternative Seattle Fall Out
12. Shoot All The Clowns (Remix)
13. Tibet
14. Tears Of The Dragon (First bit, Long bit, Last bit)
15. Cadillac Gas Mask
16. No Way Out ...Continued

'Alive in Studio A' (1995) and 'Scream for Me Brazil' (1999) will be merged as a 3 CD box set.

'Skunkworks' (1996) will also feature have a second CD:
01. I’m In A Band With An Italian Drummer
02. Rescue Day
03. God’s Not Coming Back
04. Armchair Hero
05. R 101
06. Re-Entry
07. Americans Are Behind
----Skunkworks Japanese Live EP:
08. Inertia (Live)
09. Faith (Live)
10. Innerspace (Live)
11. The Prisoner (Live)

'Accident of Birth' (1997) will have this in the additionnal CD:
01. The Ghost Of Cain
02. Accident Of Birth (Demo)
03. Starchildren (Demo)
04. Taking The Queen (Demo)
----Man Of Sorrows Japanese EP:
05. Man Of Sorrows (Radio Edit)
06. Man Of Sorrows (Orchestral Version)
07. Man Of Sorrows (Spanish Version)
08. Darkside Of Aquarius (Demo)
09. Arc Of Space (Demo)

Finally, 'Chemical Wedding' (1998) won't feature a second CD but will contain two additional tracks:
12. Real World
13. Confeos
Note that Return of the King, which didn't appear in every country, will be the eleventh song on the album.

Tyranny Of Souls itself will hit stores on May 23rd and has once again been produced by long time Dickinson collaborator Roy Z. The new album will feature the following track listing:

Mars Within (Intro), Abduction, Soul Intruders, Kill Devil Hill, Navigate The Seas Of The Sun, River Of No Return, Power Of The Sun, Devil On A Hog, Believil and A Tyranny Of Souls