27th April

Breed 77

Fresh from a series of exclusive sold out live album playback shows and Fear Factory support tour, Breed 77 are ready to unleash the first single to be taken from their Ron Saint-Germain (Tool, Sound Garden, Creed) produced album 'In My Blood (En Mi Sangre)' which is due to be released on July 3rd. 'In My Blood' , the bands second Albert's album, was recorded in both Wales (Monnow Valley) and London (Alberts) studios, and was mixed at 'The Shed' studios, New York by Germain (THE SAINT!). The album will be released this summer by Albert Productions UK, the hard-hitting rock label and world-wide publisher of AC/DC and features the following track listing:

Petroleo, Empty Words, Viento De Levante, Blind, Remember That Day, Look At Me Now, So You Know, The Game, Alive, Libertad and Tears.

The single, 'Alive',  comprises Breed's trademark Latino tinged rock, crossed with highly accessible acoustic melodies that will undoubtedly turn this song into an epic sing-along anthem. The single will be released on June 12th and is the bands first new material since 2004's highly acclaimed 'Cultura', which spawned three top forty singles and sold in excess of 30,000 copies.

'Alive' will be available as two 7'' vinyl's (to fit into limited edition numbered cases given to fans on the bands recent 'In my blood (En mi sangre)' live album playback tour) and digital download bundle. Additional bonus material includes the new exclusive tracks 'Apathy' and 'Steal a Moment'.

Following the bands recent success on the road they were delighted to hear that they were one of only five acts (including Funeral For A Friend and Bullet For My Valentine) to be nominated in the 'Best British Act' category at this years Metal Hammer 'Golden God Awards'.

27th April

Evanescence - Press Release

Evanescence's new album, entitled 'The Open Door' is scheduled to be released on October 3rd .

Following the multi-platinum, worldwide success of Fallen, The Open Door is an ideal showcase for the band's inevitable personal and professional growth, with songs of introspection, longing, doubt, self-respect and ultimately, empowerment and anticipation.

Recorded in Los Angeles at The Record Plant with long-time friend and producer Dave Fortman, the album, which includes contributions from a choir as well as strings recorded in an old chapel,  is defined by Amy Lee's beautiful melodies, profound lyrics, stunning vocals and poignant piano, which fuse with Terry Balsamo's urgent, yet intricate guitar playing, to form a remarkable, ethereal blend perfectly rooted in the band's rock and classical sensibilities.

Amy Lee shared some thoughts about the upcoming release:

"The making of this record has been really intense, but I've come out feeling purified. I've grown so much since 'Fallen,' and Terry is the perfect writing partner -- I feel like I've been lifted up to a whole new level of inspiration and possibilities. After all the things we've seen over the past couple of years, beautiful and tragic, in the end I'm really grateful. It has made us create music I could not be more in love with."

27th April

Bring Me The Horizon - Press Release

After making it into both Rock Sounds’ and Metal Hammers’ picks of bands to explode in 2006, Bring Me The Horizon have also garnered further press for debut mini album ‘This is what the edge of your seat was made for’  in Kerrang, Terrorizer, Total Guitar, NME, Big Cheese, DIS and Zero Magazines. The as yet unrecorded and unnamed debut full length from these Sheffield lads may be a little way off (projected release July 06), but that hasn’t stopped us wanting to prepare people for its arrival with this, the first ever band video for the final track on their mini album, ‘Traitors Never Play Hang Man’.

We here at Visible Noise thought it about time to get the bands beautiful mugs out there, and what better way to do that than to re-create the insanity, mayhem and chaos of a BMTH live show! Ok, so this first ever video from the immense Bring me the Horizon has to be special, lets just check the list of ingredients; Mosh pits check! Windmills check! Crowd surfing, running AND swimming (?!?!?!), check! A kid dressed up as Peter Pan, check! Look out for ‘Traitors….’ Coming to a small screen near you soon!

You can also catch Bring Me The Horizon at the following shows over the coming months:

May 14th - Leeds The Cockpit, Leeds
May 28th - The Full Ponty, Pontypridd, Wales (With Funeral for a friend, biffy clyro, fightstar)
Jun 11th -  Download Festival, Donington
July 5th - Exeter The Cavern
July 6th - Bristol The Croft
Jly 7th - Bournemouth The Opera House
July 8th - Collision Course Fest Bridgend Recreation Centre
July 9th - Collision Course Fest Yeovil Ski lodge
July 15th -  Rotherham Art Centre

27th April

Lost Weekend - Press Release

England's Lost Weekend have signed a multi album deal with Z Records. Both parties had been in touch for sometime but over recent months talks had moved along whilst other labels also showed interest. The spark that led to the agreement being signed was the bands show with Bob Catley in Sheffield when Z attended to check out the band. Z boss Mark Alger was amazed by the bands live performance  and the amount of fans they where winning over and the band where handed a draft contract on the night for review!

The news of the record deal with Z Records as been received with great enthusiasm by the band Paul Uttley lead vocalist comments, "as some of you know we have been busy not only writing our fourth album but also writing the critically acclaimed Bob Catley album Spirit of Man. in fact we have just finished a hugely successful British tour in support of Bob Catley and it was at one of the shows that mark came to see us when we realized we all wanted the same thing. Dave Thompson guitarist said we are a gigging band not as some of the acts around projects, so not only will you be able to hear new material from us you will see us play the material live at venues near where you live. Also mark wants to develop the live area of what we do and with the option of a fifth album we feel the deal offers us as a band all we could ask for at this time and look forward to a fruitful time by all concerned.

The band's fourth studio album will be released August / September 2006.

27th April

getAmped - Press Release

Dorset rock trio getAmped celebrate the release of their debut album > 'Postcards From Hell' with a string of global dates! 'Postcards From Hell', released earlier this month on StrongLikeBull  Records, has been receiving widespread critical acclaim and creating new  fans, such as Bruce Dickenson!! You can catch the band live at one of the following shows:

28th April Oxford, Corner Room
11th May Chatham, Tap & Tin
12th May Lincoln, Bivouac
15th May Cheltenham, Two Pigs
17th May Leicester, Charlotte
18th May Hull, Ringside
19th May Twickenham, Filthy McNastys
21st May Reading, Face Bar
26th May Pontypridd, Toms
2nd June Bideford, Zephyr Bar
3rd June London, Garage (Headline show)
10th June Download Festival
1st July Isle of Wight (music obesity)
4th July Newquay, Barracuda
7th July London, Mean Fiddler
21st July Gosport, Venue tbc
8th Aug Newquay, Barracuda
 5th Sept Newquay, Barracuda

27th April

Adzuki - Press Release

Dan Thomas - Vocal/Guitar - Matt Fry -Bass - Rich Williams - Guitar - Dean Gorno - Drums

Dan Thomas met Dean Gorno in the small Welsh town of Neath. Coincidentally they met not only because of their love for music but because they would in fact be next door neighbours if a derelict building did not separate their houses! Later the pair met Matt Fry and Rich Williams in college, a practice was arranged in the derelict building adjoining Dan and Deans houses and Adzuki was born!1

In late 2004 the quartet released their debut 'Five/Four' EP on Might Atom Records (Funeral For A Friend, 3 Colours Red, Electric Eel Shock etc) that brought much critical acclaim and saw them support the likes of Hell is For Heroes and Fightstar.

In 2005 Adzuki (who impressively average 19 years of age) made memorable appearances at Denmark's Sonic and Germany's Berlinova Rock festivals and embarked on several nationwide tours. The band released a second EP 'Quiet Sounds and Simple Actions' through Half Inch Originals the title track gained radio support from the likes of Ian Camfield, Mary- Ann Hobbs, Mike Davies, Huw Stephens and Claire Sturgess (who nominated the band as a 'best unsigned act'). An exclusive bonus track remix of 'We're Not What You Think We Are' by Go Home Productions (Kasabian, Gang of Four and U2) that also features on the EP gained support by Eddy Temple-Morris on his XFM show six weeks prior to its release.

Earlier this year Adzuki release the single, 'You Are The Answer' on Xtra Mile Recordings that further demonstrates the band's ability to write intelligent impassioned rock music that far surpasses their years. This single was limited to 1000 copies and sold out in its first week of sale.

You can catch the band on tour at the following venues:

May
13th - Recreation Centre, Bridgend
15th - Escape, Swansea
18th - Rugby Club, Bridgewater
19th - The Bivouac, Lincoln
20th - Apollo, Porthcawl
22 - Trillians, Newcastle Upon Tyne
23rd - The Studio, Hartlepool
25th - Studio 24, Edinburgh
26th - Tunnels, Aberdeen
27th - Viewfield Hotel Arbroath
28th - Cj's, Keighly
29th - Music Box, Manchester
30th - The Glebe, Stoke
31st - Studio Bar, Merthyr Tydfil

June
1st - Islington Bar Academy, London
3rd - The White Horse, High Wycombe
4th - The Point, Cardiff
7th - The Windsor, Neath
9th - Collision Course Festival, Bridgend

27th April

Quick Updates

The Cult are heading to England for a series of shows in September. The dates so far confirmed are:

Sept 18th - Bristol Carling Academy
Sept 22nd - London Brixton Carling Academy
Sept 26th - Glasgow Carling Academy

Sickofitall, InFlames, Atreyu, The Audition, Johnny Truant, Devil Driver, Mendeed, Moneen & Winterville are amongst the latest acts confirmed to be appearing at the Download Festival at Donington between June 9th & 11th. With just 6 weeks remaining until Download 2006 finally arrives, individual day tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 3 May at 9am. These are strictly limited and priced at £55 each.

Thrash metal kings SLAYER are among the latest names to be added to the bill for the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds festivals, set to take place August 25-27 at Reading's Richfield Avenue and Leeds' Bramham Park in the United Kingdom. Also confirmed for the summer event are AUDIOSLAVE, PEARL JAM and MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, among many others. More information is available at NME.com.

SLAYER — Tom Araya (bass, vocals), Kerry King (guitars), Jeff Hanneman (guitars), and Dave Lombardo (drums) — have finished recording tracks for their as-yet-untitled new album, due out this fall, and have commenced the mixing process. This album is the first new studio album since 1990's "Seasons In The Abyss" that features the entire original SLAYER lineup (drummer Lombardo left the band in 1992 and rejoined in 2003). Rick Rubin, who helped solidify the much-emulated SLAYER sound beginning with their genre-defining 1986 classic "Reign In Blood", is executive-producing, and Josh Abraham (KORN, VELVET REVOLVER, ATREYU) is producing. Working song titles include "Catalyst", "Cult", "Catatonic", "Jihad", "Eyes of the Insane", "Supremist", and "Consfearacy

25th April

Quick Updates

LINE OF FIRE have announced that Widow drummer Marc Anthony has joined the band on a full time basis. "Line Of Fire is now a 4-piece, and we couldn't be happier!" says vocalist Shawn Pelata. "In addition to being a great drummer, Marc's a super nice guy to hang around with and a really good songwriter. We're all very excited about the future..." The band is in pre-production now for album number 2, with recording set to begin in May. Shawn adds, "The plan is to record 15 or 16 songs, with 12 going on the album. The rest will be used as bonus tracks, exclusives, etc." No release date is set. http://www.myspace.com/lof 

Following up the story from earlier in the month about vocalist Tony Harnell leaving TNT, Harnell has now issued an official statement surrounding his departure. The statement reads as follows:

“I was hoping to have a little good news for TNT fans after a press release was prematurely leaked two weeks ago. Since that leak an attempt was made to put together an amazing farewell tour for the fans and we were hoping to announce that in this official release, but unfortunately the other members of the band turned the tour down.

"It is with a clear mind and a sad heart that I announce my final departure from TNT.  It's been an amazing 22 years and we have created some great music for thousands of faithful fans worldwide. This was a difficult decision, but change is not always a bad thing.

The reasons for me leaving are both personal and professional. It is simply time to open a new chapter in my life in a fresh environment. I wish my former colleagues and friends of TNT all the best in their future endeavors both in life and in music.

To the fans I wish to express my deepest heartfelt gratitude for your many years of love and support and I look forward to share with you the fruits of my future music creations. I will ask the fans to try to focus on the music and the positive things we did together and will now do apart and ignore the rest. I am excited about the future. The work with my solo project is in full bloom and I can't wait to see you all on the road again."

Tony's final show with the band took place in Madrid, Spain on April 1st, 2006. The show was recorded live and will be released on DVD this coming fall.

Dante Fox have signed a world-wide deal with Z Records for the release of their long awaited third studio album. Featuring the immense vocal talents of Sue Willetts and song writing of Tim Manford the band recently appeared at Z Rock 06 pt1 despite illness.

The band are currently preparing to enter the studio to record their third studio album, a September release is currently planned. Tim and Sue made the following statement.........

"We are very excited and focused on this release and look forward to presenting and promoting it to our fans and Mark who have never given up on us, for this we are deeply, deeply thankful. Mark is very positive about the music we create and has the fire, enthusiasm and determination to support and further our future success".

Rat:Daddy, recent subjects of a HardRockHouse unsigned bands review, have decided to call it quits. A statement from the explains their decision:

"After five years and many good times Rat:Daddy have decided to disband. More changes were afoot in the band and we thought it would be a good time bring Rat:Daddy to a close rather than confuse people further. Jon, Tim and Ian are thinking about moving forward with a new band... and we'd like to thank everybody who's supported us and come to the shows. We had some fantastic times and have many brilliant memories. Over the next couple of days www.myspace.com/ratdaddy  will contain photos, sounds, logos etc from throughout our time together.

Power Quest want your vote: A press release from the UK metallers is asking fans to vote for them in a current poll being run on cthe UK's commercial radio stations.  The statement from the bands reads:

"From 24 April to 1 May 2006, the nation's Commercial Radio network is uniting to celebrate the finest in homegrown musical talent. And here comes the best part: YOU can make your own bit of UK music history, when you vote for your favourite UK artist of all time to be compiled into a top 40 chart for UK Music Week. And we certainly know what the best of British talent is, right?

Please log on to: http://www.ukmusicweek.co.uk/chart/rock.html  and vote for POWER QUEST! It's simple, type POWER QUEST in the box and hit the submit button - yep, there you go! You can even win an ipod fully stocked with music, so: what are you waiting for? Or text POWER QUEST to 82224 to vote by SMS (costs 25p plus your usual message rate)

Cardiff's ADEQUATE SEVEN are the funk/punk hybrid that has become one of the UK's hottest underground acts. Debut album 'Songs of Innocence and of  Experience' was released on tiny indie label Household Name Records to  critical acclaim from both the underground and mainstream rock press. The  single Splitting Up was released in August 2005, entering the Indie chart at #18 and receiving great support from national radio, including a play  in the prestigious 'Hottest Record in the World' slot by Zane Lowe on  Radio 1.

Sharing stages with artists as varied as CYPRESS HILL, HUNDRED REASONS and even KELLY OSBOURNE has seen AD7 become an explosive live machine -  Kerrang magazine awarded the band a 5/5 review for their appearance at Cardiff's Compass Point festival. They have also recorded 5 live sessions  for BBC Radio 1. Their new album 'Here On Earth', featuring tracks produced by Bob Sargeant (The Beat, Haircut 100), is due for release on June 19. The band undertake a typically extensive UK tour in support of them record and you can catch them at the following shows:

June
15th Taunton Aura; 16th Harlow Square; 18th Cardiff Launch Party!!!; 19th Cambridge Soul Tree; 20th Twickenham Filthy Mcnastys Too; 21st Doncaster; 22nd Liverpool Roadkill; 23rd Manchester Academy 3; 24th Arbroath Viewfield Hotel; 25th Aberdeen Moshulu; 27th Newcastle Academy 2; 28th Darlington Forum; 29th Sheffeld Corporationn and 30th Watford Boxing Club.

July
1st Leicester Charlotte; 2nd Stoke Sugarmill; 3rd Birmingham Bar Academy; 4th Derby First Floor; 5th Leeds Josephs Well; 6th Exeter Cavern; 7th Swindon Furnace; 8th Yeovil Ski Lodge; 9th Bridgend Rec; > 14th Merthyr Studio Bar; 15th London Underworld and 16th Southampton Joiners

Escape Music are pleased to announce the latest signing: Surveillance, featuring on lead vocals the talented Lee Small. You can also hear Lee's voice on the Phenomena "Psycho Fantasy" album (ESM-125), amongst Glenn Hughes and Tony Martin. Their music is pure Melodic / Hard Rock with great melodies and Lee's vocals resemblance to Glenn Hughes. The album "Angelstation" (ESM-132) shall be released on the 23rd June 2006.

Silent Force, the German-American group are currently working on their new studio album that tentatively is scheduled for release in October. In the meantime the band have announced the title of the album,  "Walk The Earth" which is seen b7y the band both that as a title and a motto at the same time: it promises to become a strong piece of music people will for sure talk about

20th April

Machine Head - New Album Update

Rob Flynn, guitarist/vocalist with Machine Head has made the following comments on the diary section of the bands official website woth regards to the writing and recording of their new album:

"We are also writing like crazy, getting ready to demo some stuff out. We started doing this fun thing each day at practice where we start the set off with one old song, not generally in the live set. Man, we been jamming some hella old shit... 'Blood Of The Zodiac', 'Bay Of Pigs', 'Rage To Overcome', 'Frontlines', 'Down To None', 'Death Church', 'Devil With The King's Card', 'A Thousand Lies'... it's been really cool revisiting those songs, and kinda sets the tone at practice in a good way. Writing is going slow but good and at this point we've pretty much made it our sole priority. As a result we've officially 'cancelled' all touring until after the record is done. We thought about heading out, and actually had some pretty nice opportunities, but it was like, 'Fuck man, we toured for 22 months behind ['Through the Ashes of Empires']... How much more can you tour behind one album?' We also felt it would break up the momentum we have going, not to mention the offers just didn't feel right. So we passed on Sounds Of The Underground, Download, Rock Am Ring, With Full Force and most of the main Euro festivals just so we could focus solely on writing The Greatest Metal Album Of All Fuckin' Time! Hells yeah!!!

"Frankly, we don't know if 'Through the Ashes of Empires' was some kind of fluke or what, so we're not gonna take its success for granted, or ourselves too seriously in the process. We've just been writing and playing what feels right to us, and it's made us push our musicianship to new, previously unscaled heights. I'd say we're definitely evolving again, and the new album is definitely not 'Burn My Eyes II' or even 'Through the Ashes of Empires II'. Of the 16 songs that we have, 10½ of them seem like they're going nowhere at the moment. Of the 5 that are completed, we are really amazed with how they are turning out. It feels really fuckin' unique, the material is totally different than what is going on right now, and we think it's really gonna sound fresh and stand out compared to what's currently 'happening' in the metal scene at the moment. It feels unmistakably 'Bay Area', and unmistakably MACHINE HEAD, but it's SO in its own little world... it's a trip man, it's a little scary, as it kinda feels like uncharted territory, but that makes it more exciting too, something about this feels special, it feels huge. I wouldn't say it's 'heavier' than 'Through the Ashes of Empires', but it's AS heavy, and the 'Battery' break (for the [recording of a METALLICA song as part of Kerrang! magazine's] 'Master Of Puppets' tribute) did us good... songs that were 5 minutes long are now 8 minutes long, and I'm noticing a healthy dose of the sludge vibe (ala 'Death Church', 'Elegy', 'Violate') coming back... long songs, long intros, but it feels more uptempo as a whole than 'Through the Ashes of Empires'... some of the hooks are just ridiculous! Lots of changes in each song, and musically as well as riff-wise it is very technical... full-on down-picking / million-note mania. Lyrics are dark, darker, and some just plain fucked. Some are about war, some are anti-religion... I've officially written my first love song (!) which ends with a homicide and then a suicide... another, (jokingly) nicknamed 'The Thrashterpiece' (proper title: 'Aesthetics Of Hate'), is a full-on riff-fest with all hard vocals / no singing, and is my pointed and very pissed-off take on Dimebag-basher William Grim.

"'Tentative' song titles below, with the topic in parentheses:

- 'Halo' (Anti-religion)

- 'Aesthetics Of Hate'

- 'The Beautiful Mourning' (Suicide)

- 'Now I Lay Thee Down' (Love / death / homicide / suicide)

"Let me tell you what our goal for this album isn't: Our goal isn't to be the biggest band on the planet, like everyone else is 'trying' to do. Our goal isn't to write the 'biggest metal record of all time,' we'll leave the 'biggest' records to the MTV-friendly metal-lite that is getting so much play at the moment... aka the new glam. Realistically, the new stuff is too heavy for mainstream radio / video, too long, and definitely doesn't have enough gay singing, steal enough MAIDEN riffs, apply enough make-up, or have enough whack-ass guitar-solo-wankery to be considered 'in' enough for the 'scenester' crowd. And you know what? We're not even trying to fish in that pond. We're gonna fish in another pond, the pond that still wants to hear a new 'Vulgar Display', or a new 'Roots', or a new 'South Of Heaven', or even a new 'As The Palaces Burn'. That other pond will never 'get' us, and if they do 'get' us, it's gonna be because they heard so many other fuckers telling 'em why they should 'get' us.

"Our goal is to write the greatest no-bullshit metal album of all time, an album that, 20 years from now, will still be in rotation... an album that has the influence, enormity, respect, and epic grandeur of an album like METALLICA's 'Master Of Puppets', yet has the fire and 'fuck you' attitude of a punk masterpiece like POISON IDEA's 'Feel The Darkness', and the cold, depressive beauty of THE CURE's 'Disintegration'. Will we accomplish it? Well, that's for the world to decide, but the way we see it, if anyone is capable of achieving that goal... it is MACHINE HEAD.

20th April

Evidence One

Evidence One have announced that guitarist  Robby Boebel will no longer be a member of the live line up of the band. Boebel has decided to concentrate more on the production side of the business, which, according to a posting on their website means, for EVIDENCE ONE, that Boebel will still be writing, recording and producing the bands CDs, so there there will not be any change in sound, songs or quality!

Evidence One have already started recording a new album with the working title of "E3"  with the first new track entitled "Gallery Of Broken Glass", a killer speed up Melodic Metal track in the vein of "Virus In My Veins". For the bands upcoming live shows Boebel' s place will be taken byl Jörg "Warthy" Wartmann

20th April

Frontiers Updates

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of the new VERTIGO album simply entitled “2” on June 9th 2006.

VERTIGO is the studio project featuring former TOTO singer Joseph Williams in a melodic rock mood, together with famed bass player and producer Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, House of Lords, Starbreaker, Danny Vaughn, Starship etc.)

Williams’ return on the market in 2003 with VERTIGO’s first chapter - featuring a sound style based on classic melodic rock - was greeted with much commercial and critical acclaim. It was therefore a natural step for everyone involved to make soon plans for a follow up release.

In the meanwhile Joseph found the opportunity to work again with TOTO and his lead vocals shine in the latest single “Bottom of Your Soul” off of the very successful “Falling In Between” album released worldwide on Frontiers Records. On VERTIGO “2”, Joseph and Fabrizio are joined by world class players such as Alex Masi on guitars, Virgil Donati (SOUL SIRKUS, RING OF FIRE) on drums and Jason Scheff (CHICAGO, background vocals on “Hold Me”).

Joseph this time did also contribute to the song writing co-writing with producer and long-time associate Joey Carbone the mega-AOR uptempo “I Want To Live Forever”. Some other songs were eventually selected through some of Joseph most contemporary influences and preferences.  The resulting record, is another threat for the melodic rock fans and a real must for all lovers of the sound of Toto and of course for all those who have enjoyed VERTIGO’s chapter one.

Final track listing is as follows;
In The Blink Of An Eye, All For You; Hold Me, Part Of Me; Holy, I Wanna Live Forever, Save It All Alone, Picking Up The Pieces, Together (Good-Bye So Long) and There’s A Reason.

Release date is scheduled on Frontiers Records in Europe on June the 9th with release in the USA on Locomotive and Japan on King Records.

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the signing of JOHN WEST for the release of his fourth solo album entitled “Long Time… No Sing” on June 9th 2006.

JOHN WEST is one of the most talented vocalist of the whole international Hard Rock scene. Best known as lead singer in such bands as ROYAL HUNT, ARTENSION and FEINSTEIN, his pedigree includes also BADLANDS, LYNCH MOB and COZY POWELL among others.

“Long Time… No Sing” was written and recorded by John, together with long-time collaborators and friends like Lonnie Park on keyboards, Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE) on keyboards and guitars, Jeff Plate (SAVATAGE) on drums and Kevin Hampton on guitars. This time John opted for a more melodic and song oriented approach and the resulting record is a mixture of the several Hard Rock influences. A musically intense and passionate work with a very satisfying production which makes the record very accessible and listenable thanks to the great performances by the musicians and artists involved.

“Long Time… No Sing” will include the following tracks:
Let Us Pray; Fade, Set Me Free, Give Me A Sign, Highway Roppongi, Over My Head, The One That Got Away, Falling Down, Slipping Away, One More Lie, Better Believe and Puerto Amor.

 

20th April

Quick Updates

Bon Jovi have added a show at the Kingston Communications Stadium in Hull on June 13th to their forthcoming UK tour.

Z Records have announced details of the fourth act to be confirmed for the upcoming Z Rock 2006 Part II show to be held at Dudley JB's on Sunday 24th September. The new act added to the line up is Tiger Tailz, featuring original members Steevi Jaimz and Ace. The band are currently recording a new album to be released just before the show. You can visit www.myspace.com/zrockfest  for further info. Tickets sales have been put back due to a minor delay at the printers and will now go on sale May 8th. The Fully Confirmed line to date runs as follows........

Toby Jepson ex Little Angels
Tiger Tailz
Snakeryder
Eden

A further three or four bands have yet to be confirmed for the show

Crimes Of Passion, along with Silverjet  and The Majic Eyes, will play Sheffield Boradwalk on Friday May 5th.

EDEN are pleased to announce their latest addition to the line-up. The band are joined by James Screaton who will play keyboards & guitars. Also the band have announced another live date for July. The band are to support OZMOSIS at Dudley's JBs on the 8th of July.
 

London, Sunday the 7th May. Subverse 45 is here, slap bang in the middle of the joyous Bank Holiday season, to further brighten up your day, hooray! The line ups these days are just getting insane. In the last 6 months, we have already had headliners like Test-Icicles (R.I.P.), Anemic, The Legacy, Save Ourselves, Brigade and Bring me the Horizon, and now we have Mendeed to add to that rather illustrious list,, current UK band of the moment and Kerrang fave.  An amazing band live and on record, and true stars of the future, Mendeed are one of THE bands to look out for in 2006, and along with Brigade, Devil sold his Soul, Johnny Truant, Fightstar, Bullet for my Valentine, Architects, Bring me the Horizon, Exit Ten, Send more Paramedics and Enter Shikari, are about to put UK heavy music back on the global map. Ably supporting this month we have 3 excellent new bands, Big Hand, A Day Called Desire, and The Red October, all of them ready willing and able to lay down their arms for Subverse 45, still the ONLY real all ages live metal/punk/rock live event in London.

Captains Of Industry are offering a free download single from four piece band Sucioperro. Entitled Wolf Carnival the single comes complete artwork and precedes the release of the bands debut album, christened 'Random Acts of Intimacy' which is released on June 12th. Full details can be found via http://www.captainsof.com/downloads_sucioperro.php

According to bands official homepage, MNEMIC and singer Tony Jelencovitch have decided to part ways. “We wish Tony all the best for the future, and a replacement will be announced soon,” the band states in a short message.

18th April

Roadstar

Roadstar, the band formerly known as Hurricane Party, will release their debut album, entitled 'Grand Hotel', on May 29th through MagicHat Records.

Weaving a deft blend of 70's rock extravagance and contemporary power, Roadstar release their debut album, the barnstorming 'Grand Hotel', on May 29. In an eyebrow raising manoeuvre the band plan to EXCLUSIVELY make the record available from their website!

"We're not saying that we won't work with record companies," explains guitarist Jonny Rocker, "But we wanted to reach out to our fans in the most direct manner possible! So for now the album will only be available from us at www.roadstarband.com. There are lots of plans on the horizon, but for now the music industry is changing and we are happy to change with it!"

The explosive twelve tracker is a ballsy and inspired record, full of impassioned melody, driving rhythms and sloppy-grin big ROCK energy!  Produced by Laurie Mansworth and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden) it is a serious statement of intent for a band with the bit very firmly between their teeth.

Formed in 2003, the quintet were originally signed to Sanctuary Records under the infamous eye of legendary A&R man John Kalodner. Having been previously responsible for nurturing the talents of bands such as AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith few could doubt his amazing ability to pick world class bands! An EP was released on Oct 18 2004 under the monicker Hurricane Party, which went on to sell an impressive 10,000+ units.

For the next 18 months the quintet set about winning over fans throughout Europe with storming live shows with the likes of chart toppers Nickelback, The Darkness, Meat Loaf, Status Quo, Skid Row, Thunder, Europe and Queensryche. They have also hit out on European and American Festival slots along side acts such as Metallica, Linkin Park, Feeder, Billy Idol and Black Sabbath.

At the tail end of 2005 the band made the decision to change their  name. "After the devastation the hurricane's wrought in the US last year we thought it was a bit insensitive to keep the name Hurricane Party," says Jonny, "So we took the name of one of the tracks from our first EP. We think it sums us up better than Hurricane Party anyway!" In the recent resurgence of REAL rock bands Roadstar are at the helm  of the new wave of British rock acts re-interpreting the key musical influences of the past 30 years, drawing from Zeppelin, AC/DC and Aerosmith, among others.

What sets Roadstar apart from the pack is their storming live set, their utter commitment to the joy of rock 'n roll and their ability to pen some mighty fine tunes! And that folks, is what it's all about!

18th April

Sikth

SIKTH HAVE now confirmed that 'Death Of A Dead Day', their second studio album, will be released in the UK on June 26th. The follow-up to 2003's 'The Trees Are Dead & Dried Out, Wait For Something Wild', this 12-track outing was produced by the band themselves in Miami, Florida. Featuring brand new numbers such as 'Flogging The Horses', 'Part Of The Friction' (originally called 'Death Of A Dead Day' and streamed in demo form last year) and 'Bland Street Bloom' (currently causing a genuine stir on myspace), the record is set to be released via the Bieler Bros. label, with UK distribution handled by ADA - the  independent distribution arm of Warner Music.

In support of their second album, SikTh - who have just completed a sell-out tour of the UK - will be making an appearance at Download 06,  then headlining five more UK shows in July, including two further festivals. The full run of dates is as follows:-

July 5th Exeter, Cavern
July 6th Bristol, The Croft
July 7th Bournemouth, Opera House
July 8th Bridgend, Recreation Centre (festival)
July 9th Yeovil, Ski Lodge (festival)

18th April

Breed 77

Fresh from a series of exclusive sold out live album playback shows and Fear Factory support tour, Breed 77 are ready to unleash the first single to be taken from their Ron Saint-Germain (Tool, Sound Garden, Creed) produced album 'In My Blood (En mi sangre)'.

'Alive' comprises Breed's trademark Latino tinged rock, crossed with highly accessible acoustic melodies that will undoubtedly turn this song into an epic sing-along anthem. The single will be released on June 12th and is the bands first new material since 2004's highly acclaimed 'Cultura', which spawned three top forty singles and sold in excess of 30,000 copies.


'Alive' will be available as two 7'' vinyl's (to fit into limited edition numbered cases given to fans on the bands recent 'In my blood (En mi sangre)' live album playback tour) and digital download bundle. Additional bonus material includes the new exclusive tracks 'Apathy' and 'Steal a Moment'.

Following the bands recent success on the road they were delighted to hear that they were one of only five acts (including Funeral For A Friend and Bullet For My Valentine) to be nominated in the 'Best British Act' category at this years Metal Hammer 'Golden God Awards'.

Titled 'In my blood (En mi sangre)', the bands second Albert's album was recorded in both Wales (Monnow Valley) and London (Alberts) studios, and was mixed at 'The Shed' studios, New York by Germain (THE SAINT!). The album will be released this summer by Albert Productions UK, the hard-hitting rock label and world-wide publisher of AC/DC.


In My Blood is released on July 10th 2006 and will feature the following tracks:

Petroleo (You Will Be King), Empty Words, Viento De Levante, Blind, Remember That Day, Look At Me Now, So You Know, The Game, Alive, Libertad and Tears

18th April

Fony

UK rockers Fony return to the fray with the release of third album, 'Mercy After Fiction', due out on May 29.This will be their first release on Headroom Records  and will be preceded by the release of single, 'Waco', on May 1 2006.

The video for 'Waco' can be seen on Scuzz TV and pictures from the shoot perused on the bands Myspace page. The band undertake a major European headline tour, beginning April 19th, to promote the new album, before returning to the UK for an extensive string  of dates. You can catch them at one of the following shows:

3rd May - Southampton Joiners
4th May - Exeter Cavern
5th May - Cheltenham Two Pigs
6th May - Brighton Pressure Point
7th May - Merthyr Tydfil Studio Bar
9th May - Stoke Sugarmill
10th May - Manchester Retro Bar
11th May - Hull Ringside
12th May - Oxford Corner Room
13th May - Mexborough Civic
14th May - Bolton Alma Inn
17th May - Leeds Vine
18th May - Coventry Colloseum
19th May - Gloucester Guildhall
20th May - Tunbridge Wells Forum
21st May - Reading Face Bar
23rd May - Bournemouth Opera House
25th May - Leicester Attik
26th May - Horsham Extra Time Bar
27th May - Redhill Harlequin
28th May - Camberley Agincourt
1st June - Pontypridd Sanctuary Music Venue @ Tom's Friday
2nd June - Bedford Angel Saturday 3rd June - Weston Super Mare
16th June - London Mean Fiddler (Play-Loud Club Night)
17th June - Amersham Jubilee Hall

Tour sponsorship has been provided by rock sound magazine and > Play-Loud.  Support comes from Left Side Brain (3 to 14 May) and Driving On The Right  (17 May to 3 Jun).

Formed in Surrey at the turn of the millennium, Fony have always tried to turn convention on its head. Their music has tumbled and turned across multiple styles and emotional landscapes, (as was highlighted on their two previous albums - 2002's 'Routine Irregular' and 2003's 'Circles'). With the installation of new frontman Fraser (previously of Scenes, a short lived post Vex Red project) the band have taken another massive leap forward. Combining dark and complex rhythms, subtle and intricate melodies and a muscular intensity the band are both reinvented and reinvigorated. Always respected as a hard working entity, the quintet have gigged  extensively over the years, touring with such luminaries as Lost Prophets, Funeral For A Friend, Life Of Agony, earthtone9 and most recently InMe. Their impassioned live show is yet another reason why the band enjoy both rabid loyalty from their fans and critical acclaim.

18th April

Brigade

Brit rockers BRIGADE head out on their hugely extensive UK tour NEXT WEEK!! The quartet, fresh from their sell-out tour supporting Fightstar, will  be promoting the release of their debut album and the first single from it. The album, entitled 'Lights', was produced by Joe Gibb (Funeral For A  Friend, Madonna, Robbie Williams etc) and is released on May 8th via Mighty Atom Records.

Brigade's stunning new single 'Magneto' (out on May 1) has been taking the world by storm, the video being screened on CD:UK and having continual  plays on KerrangTV and Scuzz. The band have been picking up coverage from everyone from Kerrang to Sugar to Daily Star to TV Hits!!! Tour companions come in the form of Fighting With Wire.

Catch them while you can at one of the following shows...

19-Apr-06 Aldershot West End Centre
20-Apr-06 Coventry Colosseum
 21-Apr-06 Gloucester Guildhall
22-Apr-06 Brighton Pressure Point
23-Apr-06 Peterborough Met Lounge
25-Apr-06 Southampton Joiners
27-Apr-06 Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
28-Apr-06 Swansea Escape
29-Apr-06 Luton Uni SU
1-May-06 Wolves Little Civic
2-May-06 Manchester Roadhouse
3-May-06 Stoke Sugarmill
4-May-06 Nottingham Rock City
5-May-06 Sheffield Corporation
6-May-06 Arbroath Viewfield Hotel
7-May-06 Aberdeen Tunnels
8-May-06 Edinburgh Studio 24
9-May-06 Glasgow Barfly
10-May-06 Carlisle Brickyard
11-May-06 Middlesbrough The Crown
12-May-06 Newcastle Academy 2
13-May-06 Bolton Number 15
15-May-06 Leicester Charlotte
16-May-06 Liverpool Barfly
17-May-06 London Barfly
18-May-06 Exeter Cavern
19-May-06 Yovill Ski Lodge
20-May-06 Oxford Zodiac
21-May-06 Wrexham Central Station

18th April

Quick Updates

The Almighty will headline this years Bulldog Bash that takes place on Friday 11th August at the Shakespeare County Raceway in Warwickshire.

Nuclear Blast have announced the signing of UK shooting stars MENDEED. The Glasgow based youngsters play a stunning mixture out of Thrash Metal, Hardcore and maidenesque guitar solos and already gained high popularity in their home country England, opening for acts like Anthrax, Cradle Of Filth, Slipknot, Trivium, Bleeding Through &b Shadows Fall. In other Nuclear Blast news the label have also signed I, the new band fronted by Immortal’s Abbath. Featuring members from Immortal, Gorgoroth and Enslaved, and lwith yrics by former Immortal guitarist Demonaz, you can expect an explosive longplayer later this year! The band will enter the studio at the end of April and the first chance to see I live will be at the Hole In The Sky festival in Bergen, Norway, on August 26th.

12th April

Angtoria Press Release

As previously reported, ANGTORIA, the new orchestral metal band featuring CRADLE OF FILTH session singer Sarah Jezebel Deva (THERION, MORTIIS) and the Swedish brothers Chris Rehn (ABYSSOS) and Tommy Rehn (MOAHNI MOAHNA), will release their debut album, God Has A Plan For Us All, on April 27th through Listenable Records. They have posted the following update at their official website:

Angtoria will soon start filming their first music video as a part of the worldwide promotion for their album due to be released on Listenable Records on April 27th. The video will be filmed during 3 days at two different locations, and director of the video is an upcoming and very talented swedish director who has previously won awards for his work, Måns Berthas.

On April 19th Sarah, Dave Pybus (CoF) and Toni Davey (Dani's wife and album cover model), will fly to Sweden to join Chris and Tommy and a yet to be revealed drummer to shoot the video for the title track "God Has A Plan For Us All". "The song is based around child abuse by a religious person, which in turn leads the girl to madness because of years of mental torture through the offender getting away with what he has done to her. Putting images to lyrics like these is quite difficult without getting banned by every TV station, but we will sure try to portray the lyrics in images as much as possible. Chris´s young daughter Saga will play the child and Toni will obviously play the girl as older. This is to show the deterioration from start to finish of the girls life."
 

12th April

Vox Tempus Ink Deadl With Z Records - Press Releae

Z Records are very proud to announce the signing of Vox Tempus, the bands amazing debut "The Eye Of Time" will be released in Europe during late May 05. Eric Ragno made the following statement after signing with Z....

Vox Tempus is excited to be joining the illustrious Z Records family. So many great acts have come from this amazing label which Mark Alger has worked so hard to build. The label's recent resurgence has assured us a solid legacy for the future, introducing us to new friends in markets we never got to reach! A special thanks to everyone in the Z family and to our new fans, welcome!

The members of Vox Tempus first came together in January of 1997, as members of the progressive rock band Equinox. The band was in the midst of promoting their successful worldwide debut, COLOUR OF THE TIME, which had reached the top 20 in Europe and Japan, and received airplay in over 40 countries. During recording sessions for a follow-up release, the line-up splintered and Ray Mantor (guitars) and Jim Turba (bass) continued writing songs with their drummer as a trio. For the time being, the band continued on as Equinox..

In 1998 the band was introduced to Eric Ragno, a keyboard player in Los Angeles. Eric has played with many of hard rock's musical legends, and was finishing up an album with Takara when he heard that the band was searching for a keyboard player for their upcoming album. Eric's musical contributions served to solidify the band’s new soundAs the songs were written and recorded for the new album, the band went through several vocalists. After going through over a hundred submissions from throughout North America, the group finally settled on Dan Reed. His voice is coloured with many different influences - though he truly has a unique sound that's all his own.

As mixing began on the new album, the drummer chose to move on. With this latest change in personnel and a more guitar-oriented approach to their music, the band changed their name to Vox Tempus. The legendary Gregg Bissonette was brought in to record new drum tracks, and a title was chosen - In the Eye of Time. The album features Ray Mantor (guitar), Jim Turba (bass), Eric Ragno (keyboards), Dan Reed (vocals), and special guest Gregg Bissonette (drums).

12th April

Quick Updates

June 6th - London Astoria
June 7th - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
June 9th - Glasgow ABC
June 11th - Cardiff University

Stream of Passion are to release a live DVD shot in Rijssen on their recent tour. The DVD is currently scheduled for release this summer anda live CD will be released separately.

Gotthard have lined up even more live dates in the coming months. The Swiss band's schedule currently includes the following headline shows and festival appearances:

April 28th - Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Switzerland)
April 30th - Lyss Seelandhalle (Switzerland)
May 11th - Lahr Universal Dog (Gremany)
May 12th - Schmallenberg Kurhalle B. Fredeburg (Germany)
May 13th - D-Bad Reichenhall, Benefiz Open Air (Germany)
May 19th - Osnabrück Hyde Park (Germany)
May 20th - Hof Freiheitshalle (Germany)
May 21st - Nürnberg Löwensaal (Germany)
May 22nd  -Saarbrücken, Garage (Germany)
May 24th - Baar Waldmannhalle (Switzerland)
May 26th - Langnau i.E Ilfis Stadion (Switzerland)
May 27th - Frauenfeld Kunsteisbahn (Switzerland)
June 9th - Augsburg Messezentrum (Germany)
June 17th - Murcia, Lorca Rock Festival
June 18th - Scharans, Open Air (Switzerland)
July 8th - Bilbao, Fantasy Show Bike, "Ciudad de Sestao" (Spain)
July 28th - Seebronn, Rock of Ages Festival (Germany)
July 29th - Herxheim, Tobacco Festival (Germany)
Jly 30th -.Jerez,Metalway Festival (Spain)
August 8th - Varna, Monsters of Rock (Bulgaria)

10th April

Tony Harnell Quits TNT

Vocalist Tony Harnell has purportedly left TNT. Although no official comment has yet been made, either by the singer or by the band he leaves behind, word of his departure leaked via Norway's Puls Music.

The statement released on the site stated that ""It is with a clear mind and a sad heart that I announce my final departure from TNT but I look forward to all the exciting new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It's been an amazing 22 years and we have created some great music together for thousands of faithful fans worldwide. The reasons for me leaving are both personal and professional. It is simply time to open a new chapter in my life in a fresh environment. I wish my former colleagues well in all their future endeavors in life and in music.

"To the fans I wish to express my deepest heartfelt gratitude for your many years of love and support and I hope to take some of you with me on my musical journey forward."

Harnell has since stated via his MySpace site that the press release was prematurely given out and that  a full proper press release with more information will be issued by his new management early next week

10th April

Quick Updates

As well as supporting Twisted Sister on that bands forthcoming UK tour Hanoi Rocks have also lined up a series of headline dates of their own in June. The dates currently confirmed are:

June 1st - Norwich Waterfront
June 2nd - Holmfirth Picturedome
June 3rd - Newcastle Legends
June 29th - Milton Keynes Woughton Centre
June 30th - Cleethorpes Winter Gardens

Black Label Society return to the UK for a series of shows in September, The dates currently scheduled are:

Sept 10th - Glasgow Academy
Sept 11th - Newcastle Academy
Sept 12th - Manchester Academy
Sept 14th - Birmingham Academy
Sept 15th - London Brixton Academy

Iron Maiden will play a second show at London's Earls Court as part of their December UK tour. This second show will take place on December 23rd

Z Rock 2006 Part II, which takes place at Dudley JB's on September 24th have added Eden & Snakeryder to the bill which will be headlined by former Little Angels frontman Toby Jepson.

Majestic Rock Records have confirmed details of a quartet of releases scheduled to hit shops at the end of April. These are:

Robin George - `Crying Diamonds`
The enigma that is Robin George returns with what is surely his finest album release since the legendary `Dangerous Music` album all those years ago. Superb songs and fantastic playing - one for all you AOR addicts out there.

Rekuiem - `Time Will Tell`
Already available in Japan and featuring Diamond Head drummer Karl Wilcox as well as that band`s guitarist Brian Tatler on one track, `Time Will Tell` is gobsmackingly good British Metal - you have been warned!!!

Anarion - `Unbroken`
The first international release from this Melbourne based power metal act has already set tongues wagging and heads banging in Japan, where the album is already available, and the band made many new friends on their recent trip there. Available in Europe for a limited time with a bonus 15 minute DVD, now it`s your turn to se what all the fuss is about!

Moonstone Project - `Time To Take A Stand`
Full on classic, Rainbow / Purple styled hard rock from Italian guitarist Matt Filippini and a cast of special guests that includes Ian Paice, Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, Eric Bloom, Carmine Appice, Kelly Keeling, James Christian and more...you just know how good this is, don`t you?

Brighton four piece Brakes will be playing at Fopp stores in Aberdeen, Manchester and Camden this April to support the release of their new single All Night Disco Party, from the acclaimed debut album Give Blood.

Brakes, who are currently supporting The Editors on a UK tour, can count Lou Reed and Flea as fans and their debut album was named one of the albums of 2005 by NME and by Rough Trade Record shops.

Brakes will now be part of the institution that is Fopp in-stores - Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks, Magic Numbers and the holders of this year's Christmas Number One slot - Nizlopi, have all played at Fopp stores in recent years. Fopp's ability to provide a platform for cutting edge bands to play to fans across its stores is being developed all the time. Now that there are even more Fopp Stores there'll be even more music...There are now 25 Fopp outlets in the UK, with the last few months seeing three new stores open in London, along with further Fopp's springing up in Bath, Brighton, East Kilbride and Southampton.

German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell has been forced to postpone the release of his upcoming album, entitled 'Mystrica'. The album, which was due to be released in June has been pushed back till August 28th. The reason given for this delay is down to singer Johnny Gioeli suffering from a bad dose of flu thus casuing the band to run out of time and being unable to deliver the master tape to  record company SPV in time for the June release

Bringing metal to the masses ­ Johnny Truant have announced a number of shows in UK and Europe, alongside the already confirmed support to Funeral For A Friend at Shepherds Bush Empire on May 16, you can catch the quintet at the following shows:

May 19th - Brighton Concorde II
June 6th - Melkweg, Amsterdam
June 7th - Zaal Centrum, Meerhout, Belgium
June 8th - Glaz'art, Paris  JULY
July 2nd - Powerfest Festival Tilburg, Netherlands

North Carolina's Line Of Fire has decided to indefinitely postpone any live appearances in favour of beginning work on their second album. This does not indicate that the band will never play live shows. It's more just a question of when. Vocalist Shawn Pelata adds, "We just really want to get the second record out there. We learned so much making the first one that we're ready to apply those lessons to a new batch of material. We're real excited about the songs we've chosen and are aiming a little higher in hopes of topping our debut!" The band will begin working on pre-production in late April with WIDOW (Cruz Del Sur Records) drummer Marc Anthony.

In related news, Shawn has completed guest vocals on a track for new Tribunal Records signing The Demonstration, whose debut CD 'Existence' is due in July. For more info go to: http://www.myspace.com/shawnoffire

Also, guitarist Nikki Dimage has also started some other projects of his own, including a new band called No Love Lost as well as beginning work on some solo material. For more info, go to: http://www.myspace.com/dimagemusic

4th April

Reading/Leeds Festivals

The Mean Fiddler organisation, who run both the Reading & Leeds Festivals, have announced details of the three headliners for the shows that take place in August over the Bank Holiday weekend of 25th - 27th.

This year sees a very special moment at the twin sites as Pearl Jam return to the UK after a six year absence to play their first ever UK festival shows. One of the biggest bands in the world, with a huge fan base and masses of critical respect, Their only UK festival appearances will be one of the events of the summer. With album sales over their 15 year career comparable to the biggest names in rock ever, the twin sites will be a very special place to be over the weekend as Pearl Jam take their rightful place amongst the names that have headlined the Main Stage.

Muse return to the festival as headliners of the Main Stage for the first time following an amazing three years since the release of their platinum selling album, Absolution, that has seen them become one of the world’s biggest live acts for

Franz Ferdinand step into their headline slot with a clutch of huge selling singles, two massive albums and a host of BRITS and NME Awards to their name to play their only English festival shows to further confirm their position as one of the UK’s best loved and most popular acts.

Pearl Jam will play Leeds on August Friday 25th and Reading on Sunday August 27th, Muse appear at Leeds on Sunday 27th and Reading on Saturday 26th whereas Franz Ferdinand play Reading on Friday 25th & Leeds on Saturday 26th August.

In further Mean Fiddler news the company have announced the arrival of something a little bit different on 14th - 16th  July 2006 with the new 'Latitude Festival'

4th April

Down

Down, the band featuring former Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo alongside Pepper Keenan of Corrosion Of Conformity, have finalised details of their forthcoming UK tour. The confirmed dates for the trek are as follows:

May 23rd - Birmingham Carling Academy
May 24th - Nottingham Rock City
May 25th - Newcastle University
May 27th – Glasgow ABC
May 28th - Manchester Manchester Academy
May 29th - London Astoria
May 30th - London Astoria

4th April

Quick Updates

To tie in with their forthcoming Festival appearances, which includes slots on the mainstage at both the Download Festival at Donington on June 11th & the Irish Download event on June 9th to be held in Dublin, Bullet For My Valentine will release a new single, entitled 'Tears Don't Fall' on June 12th.

Although he may currently be hard at work on a new Iron Maiden album, vocalist Bruce Dickinson has a new DVD, entitled 'Anthology', covering his solo career released by Sanctuary Music on June 19th.

Majestic Rock records are pleased to be able to announce the end of a period of negotiations that results in cult British Heavy Metal act Elixir coming to the label for the release of their new studio album ‘Mindcreeper’ this Spring and the reissue of their back catalogue later this year in remastered and expanded form.

The band, who at one time featured ex Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr in their line up, were formed originally in 1983 and had their classic debut album ‘The Son Of Odin’ voted as one of the top 20 Power Metal albums of all time by the writers of UK magazine Terrorizer.

Says Majestic Rock A&R man Geoff Gillespie: “Elixir are a classic British Metal act, but they and we believe there is more to them than that. ‘Mindcreeper’ is a great Metal album and it needs to be available on a world wide basis. At this stage in their careers, they quite rightly want more…and we hope to bring it to them.”

Phil Denton of Elixir continued: “We don’t just want to be a nostalgia act. It is important to us to carry on putting new music out, and reaching as many new people as possible. We were looking for the best label to help us achieve that aim, and after meeting Adrian Clay, their label manager in London, and hearing what he had to say, we feel that Majestic Rock is the right label for us to further our career and help us achieve our objectives. We are very much looking forward to working with them and feel very excited about our future.”  “Mindcreeper” will be available in Europe on May 15th

3rd April

Domain

German band Domain, who  boast Evidence One frontman Carsten Schulz amongst their forces,  have joined forces with Frankfurt-based promotion company BLack Solaris Promotion, a division of lack Solaris Productions (www.black-solaris.de).  The company will handle the band's public relation issues in addition to - and in cooperation with - DomainsN's record company LMP/SPV.

The first results of this new cooperation are these two live dates in July: Firstly on July 22nd at the Blaze of Glory Festival,   Schliersee/Spritzingsee in Germany and then following this up with a show at the Live Factory, Adelsheim, Germany a day later alongside Dark Sky

The band are continuing to record their new album new, which is as yet untitled, and is scheduled to be released in Europeon October 20th 2006 through LMP/SPV. Songs set for inclusion on the album include "Help Me Through The Storm", "Head First Into Desaster", "Temple Of The Earth" and "Shadowhall"

3rd April

B* Movie Heroes Head Out On The Road In May

Fresh from completing work on their debut Undergroove album 'Calibrate' , which is due to be released on  June 5th, ­ B*Movie Heroes hit the road next month for a series of UK shows. You can catch the band at the following shows:

May 12th - Nareth Queens Hall
May 13th - Plymouth UPSU
May 14th - Wolverhampton Little Civic
May 16th - Nottingham Rock City (With Trashlight Vision)
May 17th - Yeovil Ski Lodge
May 18th - Exeter Cavern
May 19th - Bingley CJs
May 20th - Mexborough Civic
May 21st - Leeds Vine
May 23rd - Basingstoke Silks
May 26th - Norwich Ferryboat
May 27th - Bedford Angel
May 28th - Worscester Marrs Bar
June 3rd - Pontypridd Sanctuary Music Venue
June 4th - Glasgow Cathouse (With Viking Skull & GU Medicine)
June 5th - Sheffield Corporation (With Viking Skull & GU Medicine)
June 6th - London Garage (With Viking Skull & GU Medicine)
June 7th - Manchester Roadhouse ((With Viking Skull & GU Medicine)

3rd April

Sikth Head Out On 6-Date Tour This Week

Sikth are heading out this week on their first UK tour for a very long time. The tour is to promote the release of their second studio album, 'Death Of A Dead Day', due to be released at the end of June/July. It's the very much anticipated follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut, 'The Trees Are Dead And Dried Out, Wait For Something Wild'.

The album, produced by the band themselves in Miami, will feature brand new material throughout, although a couple of the songs (including the title track itself) have been previewed at recent shows. Other tracks expected to feature on the record are 'Picaroon', 'Flogging The Horses' and 'Sanguine Seas Of Bigotry'.

They tour takes in the following dates:


April 6th - Barfly, Birmingham
April 7th - Fibbers, York
April 8th - Barfly, Glasgow
April 9th - Barfly, Liverpool
April 10th - Barfly, Cardiff
April 11th - Barfly, London

Tickets are £7.00 for all shows, except for London where they are £8.00 and support on all dates comes from new Visible Noise signings Exit Ten.

3rd April

Bloodstock Open Air

Bloodstock have just announced details of the two headline acts for Bloodstock Open Air which takes place at Catton Park in Derbyshire on July 14th and 15th 2006.

Headlining on July 14th will be Edguy who return to the UK to headline the Friday  with their full European Headline show. After gaining fantastic reviews from their recent tour with Dragonforce, we felt it only right that the freshest most exciting band to emerge from Germany in the last decade (Powerplay – issue 74 March), offer their disappointed UK fans the chance to see the full show as performed across Europe. Expect a few rockets tonight!

Meanwhile Saturday 16th July will see Stratovarius jetting in fresh from their Rockperry Festival show in Finland the night before to offer their UK fans their only appearance here in 2006. So for those of you who missed out on their London show last November, then now's your chance to catch their full European headline set! Are you ready to dance like Maniacs!.

Also confirmed to appear on July 14th are Rage making a rare UK appearance on Friday 14th July, making this night one of the most Metal nights Bloodstock has ever seen!

For full details on other bands confirmed for the festival and details on how to get tickets for the show then visit www.bloodstock.uk.com

3rd April

Z Rock Part II

With the doors having only just closed on Z Rock 2006 at Crewe Limelight, Z records have announced details of Z Rock 2006 Part II that will take place at Dudley JB's on Sunday September 24th. To date only one act is confirm which is Toby Jepson former frontman of the Little Angels and a further five or six acts will be added shortly. Tickets for the show will go on sale April 18th!

Look out for a full review of Z Rock 2006 Part I on HardRockHouse.com over the next couple of days.

3rd April

M.ill.ion Guitarist Rejoins The Fold

Guitarist Jonas Hermansson has rejoined Swedish band M.ill.ion less than six months after quitting the oufit. Founder member B.J Laneby comments "It took only one rehearsal to understand that we belong together. All five of us in the same room create that special chemistry you can't explain or buy for money. Jonas has been away in Australia for some time and we've been looking for a high standard replacement since then, failing to find the right guy. Believe me, many great guitarists have applied for the job, but something was always missing. Back in Sweden we initially asked him to do a gig with us planned in April. This five piece hasn't played together for 6-7 months, but as soon as we did that first rehearsal together it felt like yesterday.

Jonas is a phenomenal guitar player, rock 'n' roller and overall great guy so it feels extremely right to ask him back as a member. We recently had a meeting about the situation and the result is that this rock 'n' roll family called M.ILL.ION is complete again. We can promise all the fans that we intend to kick some serious ass with a new album and electrifying shows, just you wait!”

Easing the wait for the new album and celebrating 15 years since the recording of M.ILL.ION´s debut , Majestic Rock will release a compilation album called M.ILL.ION 1991-2006 ... THE BEST SO FAR.

The album includes songs from the first five M.ILL.ION albums plus some previously unreleased material: Evil Inside is taken from the Kingsize recordings, Candyman Live in England was recorded at the succesful Firefest gig in Bradford 2005 and the video of Backdoor Queen was filmed at the launch party show for KINGSIZE in the boys hometown of Gothenburg in Sweden. The artwork will be done by none other than UK artist Hugh Gilmour. Hugh has of course a major portofolio including album covers for Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Motörhead etc...Stay tuned for the release date and more info...