Decapitated (VITEK) tribute t-shirts

Polish death metal heroes DECAPITATED and GOREROTTED have some VITEK (the late drummer of DECAPITATED) tribute t-shirts for sale to benefit the survivors of the horrid tour bus crash in Russia that took VITEK'S life last fall. Buy some t-shirts and help some Polish brothas pay their medical bills. My best of 2007 coming up real soon.
FROM DECAPITATED ON MYSPACE:

Decapitated / Gorerotted - Vitek Tribute Merchandise Available:  Now available is an exclusive Vitek Tribute T Shirt commemorating the untimely passing of Decapitated drummer Witold “Vitek” Kieltyka in 2007! Limited to 100 units, it also commemorates the 2005 Decapitated/Gorerotted European tour, which hit 12 countries in just under 30 days !

Wilson Gorerotted states – “I wanted to do something to mark our respect for the time we spent with Vitek, and all of Decapitated when we toured in 2005. It was a very important tour for us, and we have remained friends ever since. I felt that this shirt could give metal fans something to remember Vitek, and at the same time raise some money for the family. Vitek’s daughter was born when we were on the road together, and hopefully this toursouvenir can provide something for her future too”

Vogg (Decapitated) – “This is a tribute shirt for my brother Witek. This shirt is also an expression of respect from our brothers in Gorerotted, and a souvenir of one of the best tours we ever did”

The shirt has been donated 100% to the band, so every penny you spend goes directly to Vitek’s family (less shipping cost). All shirts are black short sleeve, with white/silver print that looks killer! Available in M/L/XL, the shirt is extremely limited to 100 units, but if it proves popular, then it may be re-printed.

Wojtek Kieltyka, Vitek’s brother, who is dealing with this tribute states – “On behalf of Witek’s wife and daughter, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and respect to everyone who will contribute to supporting his family, and keeping the memory of his genuinely inspiring personality and amazing talent alive by purchasing the t-shirt! ‘Nothing truly good can ever be destroyed, or can ever die!’”

Prices – UK £15, Europe £16, and Rest of the World £17

For any enquiries or info, please email vitektributeshirt@yahoo.co.uk
Paypal is now accepted to the above address, for alternative payments, please email for details

http://www.myspace.com/decapitated
http://www.myspace.com/gorerottedmetal

This shirt was made possible with help from our friends at TMFT London. Thanks to Alan and all the guys at TMFT - a killer merchandise company based in London.
http://www.tmftlondon.com and http://www.myspace.com/tmftlondon

The shirt can be viewed here

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/jmccr/vitek_webbanner-3.jpg
Thanks-Stay Metal and Stay Brutal- \m/ -l-

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ITP: READERS POLL RESULTS: BEST and WORST OV EXTREME METAL 2007

Ok, here we go. This is ITP's BEST and WORST OV EXTREME METAL 2007 READERS POLL results..You can STOP voting now and I know I kept the "polls" open a little later than I should. ITP's 2007 readers poll results are the top 5 in each category, and the top two in the "Disappointments of 2007" as that poll is a TIE for the top 2.                                                                                                                                        If you STILL use Internet Explorer as your browser and can't properly view the last few journal entries, well that sucks for YOU. View this journal in MOZZILLA FIREFOX and hopefully things shall be well. More of you should have voted, but never mind..I'll have MY BEST of 2007 pics this weekend if all is well.
DOOM/FUNERAL DOOM BEST OV 2007 READERS POLL RESULTS:
1.OFFICIUM TRISTE-GIVING YOUR SELF AWAY
2.IMINDAIN-AND THE LIVING SHALL ENVY THE DEAD
3.REVEREND BIZARRE-III SO LONG SUCKERS..
4.WORSHIP-DOOOM
5.FUNERAL-FROM THESE WOUNDS
DEATH METAL BEST OV 2007 READERS POLL RESULTS:
1.BENIGHTED-ICON
2.ODIUS MORTEM-CRYPTIC IMPLOSION
3.MELECHESE-EMISSARIES
4..AEON-RISE TO DOMINATE
5.ROTTING CHRIST-THEGONIA
BLACK METAL BEST OV 2007 READERS POLL RESULTS:
1.- ANAAL NATHRAKH- HELL IS EMPTY AND THE DEVIL IS HERE
2.WOLFCHANT-A PAGAN STORM
3.MAYHEM-ORDO AD CHAO
4.SIGH-HANGMANS HYMN
5.FINTROLL-UR TERDENS DJUP
BIGGEST DISPOINTMENTS OV 2007 (EXTREME METAL ECT.)
1. (TIE) VITEK OF DECAPITATED'S DEATH AND DEATHS OF VARIOUS MUSICIANS AND FRIENDS./ HUMANITY IN GENERAL IS DOOMED
2.(TIE) GORGOROTH SPLITTING AND FIGHTING OVER BANDS NAME/NEW WAVE OF AMERICAN HEAVY METAL (METALCORE)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-BBL- \m/ -l-

DECAPITATED, CHRIONICS, RED SHORE UPDATES:

Well here's some good news. Two bands that had the unfortunate experience of fatal tour bus/van accidents are recovering nicely. First, Australia's RED SHORE, whose vocalist Damien and merch salesman/van driver (Andy) sustained fatal injuries on an Australian tour (December 2007) with the USA metal core act ALL SHALL PERISH.. The RED SHORE  have issued an update proclaiming that the band will continue on as they are currently in the studio:                                                                          FROMRED SHORE:  FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNAWARE, ON THE 19TH OF DEC WHILST TRAVELING BETWEEN BRISBANE AND SYDNEY ON TOUR, OUR BUS CRASHED, RESULTING IN THE PASSING OF OUR VOCALIST DAMIEN MORRIS AND LONG TIME BAND WORKER AND FRIEND ANDY MILNER. WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR PAIN AND FRUSTRATION OVER THESE EVENTS, BUT THE SUPPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM EVERYONE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, THEY WOULD BE VERY PROUD.......THIS IS NOT THE LAST YOU WILL HEAR OF THE RED SHORE. "We will make you proud our brothers"-RED SHORE on  MYSPACE

Poland's death metal heroes DECAPITATED have also issued an update on vocalist COVEN's recovery from last October's tragic tour bus accident in RUSSIA. DECAPITATED'S drummer, VITEK sustained fatal head injuries in the Russian tour bus accident. The best news I've heard all day, DECAPITATED's vocalist COVEN is on his way to a full recovery. (Pics above-COVEN in NYC 2006, DANO of the RED SHORE)

FROM DECAPITATED:  


"Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to each and every person due to the overwhelming response followed by the tragic events of last October.

"The friends and families of Covan [DECAPITATED singer Adrian Kowanek, who was also hurt in the accident] and Vitek will do their best in keeping you up to date with news on DECAPITATED and everything pertaining to the Vitek and Covan charity fund.

"The auction and tribute shirts have been temporarily delayed — but they are still in the works and should be up and running in the near future. We are also waiting on a statement from Covan's family about his current condition. As far as we know, he is stable and on his way to a full recovery. We have high hopes for the future.

"Thanks again to everyone for your amazingshow of support. It really means the world to us."


Also, Polish extreme metal band CHRIONICS whom were sharing a tour bus with DECAPITATED on the fatal Russian bus accident are also recovering from injuries: FROM CHRIONICS: "Next month and next days on tour — very good welcomed gigs in Russia, this time with DECAPITATED. Great atmosphere between bands and very good organization of the tour made it one of the best both bands participated in as we used to say, until its unexpected tragic end... In our van's accident that happened at exact finish of Extreme Hallucinosis Eastern Tour. Vitek, the drummer of DECAPITATED, died, and Covan, the vocalist, got serious head injuries and is still being hospitalized.

"We returned to Poland, still shocked with last tragic experiences which ingrained in our minds but we had to move forward...
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-RIP VITEK, DANO, ANDY and all the best to the RED SHORE, CHRIONICS, COVEN and DECAPITATED camp.-\m/ -l-

Another upstate New York Venue Closing: Northern Lights Clifton Park, NY

Ugh, another one bites the dust. First, in the "no one cares" or Trent Reznor has something to "smile about" news file, TVT records, former label of Nine Inch Nails and KMFDM are filing for bankruptcy, as the Nine Inch Nails EP "Broken" spewed venom about said record label:                                               FROM  NINE INCH NAILS and TRENT REZNOR: Under the title "You're gonna get yours," the post simply reads: "Not ALL news in the music industry is bad these days" with a link to a story about the collapse of TVT.   www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jspvnu_content_id=1003712279                                                                                          The Capital Districts premier live music venue NORTHERN LIGHTS in Clifton Park, NY has also filed for bankruptcy. First Saratoga Winners, The Chance and now Northern Lights all whom are either being sold, bankrupt or closed.
While many freinds of mine whom live in the Capital District region are disappointed that NORTHERN LIGHTS is bankrupt, there are other music venues that cater to some extreme metal in that region: SSCC, Backstreet Billiards in Saratoga and Saratoga Springs, Revolution Hall in Troy, NY and Magic City Music Hall in  Binghampton, NY.
While I'm not a fan of TICKETMASTER's outrageous service charges, there are other ticket agencies that venues use to combat said ticket agencies monopoly on the North American market including the VAULT and TICKETWEB.
However, NORTHERN LIGHTS did not register or pay for copyright licensing. As this debacle reminds me of an archived journal entry about Rochester, New Yorks MONTAGE MUSIC HALL last year. Copyright and publishing licenses can be obtained from ASCAP or BMI for $700.00 dollars or less per year.
Bring back Saratoga Winners..

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal- \m/ -l-

From Club Crannel to the Nutty Irishman

The CHANCE THEATER, Poughkeepsie, NY has transitioned from CLUB CRANNELL to an Irish bar, THE NUTTY IRISHMEN,  one of the three clubs at THE CHANCE COMPLEX, because of "redundant" situations".

THE NUTTY IRISHMEN will offer live music on occasion.


SOURCE: THE POUGHKEEPSIE, JOURNAL
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal, all the best to the Chance staff- \m/ -l-

Bad News for the Hudson Valley Area music fans and scene: The Chance Theatre Complex is for sale

Who in the local and tri state area music scene hasn't gotten a push start at The Chance Theatre? Everyone in the tri state area , or more than 70% of the local (heavy music) scene have played at The Chance or Chance Theatre Complex...Yes..I heard the news. In fact I heard a rumor about this (The Chance Theatre's Complex being sold) as early as March of 2007. However, I refused to spread any rumors about said venue being sold (after all we support MUSIC and NOT rumors). Lots of rumors about the Chance last year, pay to play, NOPE, local unsigned bands sell tics for payment depending on draw.
This awful news, while no surprise, is the END of an incredible, legendary era for national, international music and the local music scene, specifically for heavier bands. If you're in a local band that's not signed and touring by now, start crying, or by now you should have expanded your network into larger markets in the tri start area. In a small market area, The Chance under quite a few different owners in the 20 years since I lived in the Hudson Valley area, has been more than just a music venue, but has cultivated and nurtured a whole music scene. Bands and artists play at The Chance on their way up in the music industry or down. Along with local and regional support, The Chance hopes that these local bands too will become heroes and have upward mobility as well, and believe me, Frank (Chance owner) doesn't have to book locals.
Back in the late 80's, before Frank Pallett took over ownership, the "Last Chance"  former owner fell out of favor with national/international touring booking agents. Frank Pallett got the Chance back on track, owning many fitness shops, and being a die hard 80's metal fanatic. The Chance hosted hardore, metal core, extreme metal shows 2 or 3 times a week as Frank Pallet practically worked at the pizza shop next door (now Club Crannel).
Then Frank Pallett went on a limb and expanded The Chance Theatre into 4 different clubs/music venues including Club Crannel, The Loft and the Platinum Lounge (The Chance Theatre complex), giving more shows to local bands and expanding diversity of genres booked. BTW, with the exception of a few in house buyers and promoters, Frank Pallet and Mike Miller book the shows themselves, but the unfortunate down side for any club owner are lawsuits, and rising insurance costs. The Chance Theatre complex, while centrally located in the heart of Poughkeepsie, NY, can be a sketchy neighborhood, and with increased violence at shows and lawsuits, it took its toll on the club ownership.
I can only THANK Frank Pallett and Mike Miller for the great job they have done with the Chance Theatre, as I too booked local unsigned bands that played there, and had the time of my life. I have plenty of friends and family that live in other (middle ma
rket areas) in the tri state region whom moan about not having a venue like The Chance, lucky for the Hudson Valley being such a small market region in New York state.. Club Crannel is already prospected to be a Irish bar, so I doubt in the transition of The Chance being sold that things will be the same, as this might adversely effect the local music scene and national, international touring acts intinery.
Memories of The Chance, mostly good as I can't just pic one show. Perhaps the camaraderie of the local extreme metal scene, BACK THEN. Gwar, spouting artificial food coloring (fake blood) all over the Chance covered in plastic, Napalm Death, Nile, SYL, ect. packed on our terms. Type O Negative throwing toilet paper at the audience, meeting Lemmy of Motorhead
, getting his autograph and my ears being blown out for days after that show, Dillenger Escape Plan, breathing fire and wiping the floor with everything. Going back and forth between the Chance and Club Crannel back in the day. ...All the death metal shows, and the great metal heads, and loyalty of the fans, and bands... The INTIMACY and the beautiful decor of the Chance Theatre, and meeting the bands. Stage diving, moshing and crowd surfing while NOT getting hurt. Friends and acquaintances working at the Chance claiming that the venue was haunted from entertainers that never made it, 50 years ago, and died since then. The wonderful balcony of The Chance Theatre and the perfect view of the stage from up there. Too many memories, too little space to type in this journal.
Here's a piece from the Hudson Valley area Chronogram (2006) about the upward mobility of the Chance Theatre's Complex (2 page piece): http://archive.chronogram.com/issue/2006/08/communitynotebook/artofbusiness.php
Once again, we are saddened to hear the Chance Theatre Complex is being sold and THANK YOU Frank and Mike, all fans, bands, and staff for the great memories. BTW, any tour that comes through the Hudson Valley area, will come through NYC/NJ/ or Connecticut as well. There are other venues in the Hudson Valley Area as well:  Bearsville Theatre (Woodstock), UPAC (Kingston), Paramount (Middletown
), Bardavon (Poughkeepsie), Mid Hudson Civic Center (promoted by The Chance) . However, most of these venues (except the MH Civic Center) are seated and do not host local/regional support, nor heavier music genres.  As the Chance is sold, the local/tri state area music scene will demoted to bars or forced to expand into larger markets.
Say it aint so..

EDITORS NOTE: 9/27/2013: THE CHANCE is STILL OWNED BY FRANK PALLET, and the beat goes on..

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-Thanks to the Chance-\m/ -l-

Hillary Clinton's open letter to the LGBT community

This post/entry is not a politcal endorsement, I'm an undecided Amercan voter who does not endorse politicians or like politics at all. I figure even if you agree or semi agree with someones politics, I don't either know or agree with thier character or often like politicians (specifically local ones) personally.I don't know Hillary Clinton, but whomever wrote this: Thumbs Up. . . However, this is so well written that have to repost this. Unlike our current president who wanted to ban gay marriages, this letter is far more supportive of gays ect, at least theoretically speaking on paper. All those domestic programs mentioned by Hillary, I'm 100% supportive of.

FROM HILLARY CLINTON:
As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed. America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before.

On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.

Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.

I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.

I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.

I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.

I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.

I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.

I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.

I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.

We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.

My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.

To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.

America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.

Hillary...

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BEST OF 2007 DEATH AND BLACK METAL READERS POLL

Alright, here is a readers poll for the best BLACK AND DEATH METAL ov 2007. Yes, YOU the readers (if any) can VOTE in these polls, but hurry up because I'm almost done with MY best of 2007 and will compare it to YOUR pics. I'l give you a week, how's that? Meanwhile, one of the more underrated events of 2007 was Brooklyn, New York's own black metal photographer PETER BESTE and VBSTV's documentary on Norwegian black metal gods GORGOROTH. Gahhl (of Gorgoroth) was interviewed as he lives in the mountains of Espedal, Norway (the mountains are named after his family, as they own that land)  with no running water or electric. In part 5 of "True Norwegian Black Metal" VBSTV's crew struggle up a long mountain, and if Gahhl feels that "You are not focusing", you don't want to get in a staring contest with him, Gahhl won't blink. http://www.youtube.com/user/VBSdotTV . BTW, VBS.TV has alot of great stuff on music and extreme metal, "practice space" features ENSLAVED, there is a bowling match between VBSTV and MASTODON ect.

FROM VBS.TV "True Norwegian Black Metal part 5": http://www.youtube.com/user/VBSdotTV

PETER BESTE has a amazing photo book out on on the Norwegian black metal scene featuring Darkthrone, Carpathian Forest, Gorgoroth, Emperor and others. Great coffee table collectors book and gift for the troo and KVLT. http://www.peterbeste.com/.
TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL
208 Page hardcover photography book
Release date: May 2008 (Vice Books)

Here at the reader polls: BEST OF DEATH AND BLACK METAL 2007, VOTE!! (excuse the misspellings that's THERION-Gothic Kabbalh, and ANALL NATHRAKH, will fix later)

 

 

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l- BBL

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Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-BBL-\m/ -l-

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DREAM THEATRE, OPETH, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, 3 PROGRESSIVE NATION TOUR DATES:

Ok, here we go. Dates have been announced for the "Progressive Nation tour" featuring DREAM THEATRE, OPETH, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, and Woodstock (Hudson Valley area's) very own 3. I'm not sure, but the NYC dates on this tour: Is the venue Terminal 5 in midtown Manhattan? Pretty upscale venue from what I'm told. That's TWO NIGHTS in NYC,(on this tour) and one date in Albany.They just opened up "Terminal 5" maybe 2 and half years ago. I thought this tour was going to hit the enormo domes, but it's a smaller amphitheater tour, perhaps outdoor dates. KEEWWL.

Should be good. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: New York progressive metal pioneers DREAM THEATER are set to unveil their maiden voyage of "Progressive Nation", a package tour they will headline that will also feature the talents of OPETH, 3 and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.

The tour is the brainchild of DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy, who explains, "I've been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I've been talking with our manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk."

While DREAM THEATER co-headlined 2005's Gigantour alongside MEGADETH, as well asembarking on previous co-headlining runs with both QUEENSRŸCHE and JOE SATRIANI, they have primarily built their 22-year career on the road playing solely to their own audience. Portnoy comments: "I've always prided myself on personally hand picking new and exciting opening acts for DREAM THEATER in the past. Bands such as PORCUPINE TREE, SYMPHONY X, SPOCK'S BEARD, FATES WARNING, PAIN OF SALVATION and KING'S X. In all of these cases, it was important for me to pick bands that I admire and respect but also ones that I know our fans will enjoy. And I think playing with DT has helped expand all of those band's fanbases as a direct result. I am hoping Progressive Nation will continue to do the same thing in offering an audience for more daring and experimental acts that otherwise may not get the mainstream exposure they so rightly deserve."

Joining the bill for this inaugural run is Sweden's legendary OPETH who have been enjoying an ever-growing and expanding audience of their own for many years now. DT's Roadrunner Records labelmates will be ready to unleash their new album come next spring and Progressive Nation should be a great launching pad for their next world tour cycle. Guitarist/Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt comments: "We're very excited about thisupcoming tour with DREAM THEATER. It will be the first tour that we're doing in support of our upcoming record, and also somewhat of a dream come true personally as I've been a fan of theirs for a long time. It's quite intimidating to be on the bill with such amazing musicians but obviously we'll try and give them a run for their money and pull out a few nice licks of our own. I guess we'll need to practice a little bit for this....how boring! Yet, I can't wait for this tour to start and I'm sure we'll have a blast with the DT guys as well as together with the other bands on the bill!"

Also on the bill with their unique blend of pop, funk and hard rock is upstate New York's 3 who issued the following statement: "3 is very pleased to announce its participation in the Progressive Nation tour. For well over a decade DREAM THEATER has been the vanguard of progressive rock and we are completely psyched to flex with these heavyweights, playing much of our new record 'The End is Begun'. This package will rock and awe fans everywhere as one of the most important tours of the year. It's a progressive way of music, a progressive way of life....welcome to the Progressive Nation tour."

North Carolina's BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME are enjoying rave reviews and critical acclaim for their latest CD "Colors" and are looking forward to sharing the stage each night with both DREAM THEATER and OPETH. Vocalist/keyboardist Tommy Rogers comments: "We are very excited to be touring with two bands that have been such an integral part of our musical upbringing. It is a wonderful opportunity to have our music heard by new ears."

DREAM THEATER are currently in the middle of their "Chaos In Motion" world tour which has already traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America in support of their latest Roadrunner Records CD "Systematic Chaos". The world tour will continue throughout 2008 hitting Asia, Australiaand South America before concluding with Progressive Nation returning to North America in April/May 2008.

Portnoy hopes that this first venture of Progressive Nation will prove to be a success that can enable himself and DREAM THEATER to continue the package into future years and begin a tradition that musicians and fans alike can count on for quality musicianship and artistic integrity on future tours.

"Progressive Nation" tour dates:

Apr. 29 - Mexico City, Mexico - National Auditorium *
May 02 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheater
May 03 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theater
May 05 - Seattle, WA - Wamu Theater
May 06 - Vancouver, BC - Orpheum
May 9-10 - Calgary, ALB - Macewan Hall
May 12 - Minneapolis, MN - Myth
May 13 - Chicago, IL - Rosemont Theater
May 14 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore
May 16 - Columbus, OH - LC Amphitheater
May 17 - Cleveland, OH - Time Warner Amphitheater @ Tower City
May 18 - Albany, NY - The Armory
May 20 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theater
May 21-22 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
May 26 - Washington DC - DAR Constitution Hall
May 27 - Richmond, VA - The National
May 28 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
May 30 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore
May 31 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock
Jun. 01 - Tampa, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jun. 04 - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Coliseo of Puerto Rico *

* The Mexico and Puerto Rico dates will be DREAM THEATER with special guests BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (OPETH and 3 will NOT be appearing on these two dates)

FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET.: OPETH (Headlining)  2008 U.S. tour OFF DATES

OPETH: Headlining Dates Announced - Feb. 22, 2008

Swedish metallers OPETH have scheduled the following headlining shows during "off" days on the Progressive Nation tour: May 04 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater May 08 - Spokane, WA - Big Easy May 15 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Small Theatre May 23 - Montreal, OC - Le Medley May 24 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy May 29 - N. Myrtle Beach, SC - House Of Blues SC

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal, good luck to Woodstock, NY's 3-\m/ -l-

Fat Tuesday, Primaries, GIANTS ticker tape parade, and Super Bowl observations

"Dude, that 4th quarter, 3rd and five conversion of Manning to Tyree was a thing of beauty. Icicles came down on that football into Tyrees hands, that's why the football got stuck on his helmet.When Manning got that pass off, I thought I saw angel wings on that football mid air man."-Friend of mine describing the Manning to Tyree play of the Super Bowl.                                                                                                                                        It is pouring rain out right now, raining here (with a thunder and lightening storm) like a cow pissing on a flat rock. Big day today. Fat Tuesday for NOLA, Big Tuesday for the primaries, get out there and choose or loose. THE (Super Bowl Champion) NY GIANTS will have a ticker tape parade today in lower Manhattan (NYC) at the "Canyon of Heroes" at 11AM. The parade begins at Battery Place and heads to North Chambers Str. to City Hall (as David Tyree is elected NYC's official mayor, LMAO) and a big party at GIANTS stadium at 230PM. I say Eli Manning for president. Last Sunday's Super Bowl was the most watched event in sports history and the second most watched event in the history of TV, and well worth watching at that.That pic above is NY GIANTS co owner John Mara.
BTW, there has been alot of talk about Bill Belechick walking out on the (final seconds) kneel down of the Super Bowl. Yeh, that was stupid of Bill B, but I could understand why Belechick is angry perhaps at his own players specifically being a former defensive coach for the NY Giants.                                                                                                                                     The New England defense looked like pussies on that awesome 4th quarter, 3rd and  5 conversion, Manning to Tyree. New England had Manning right where they wanted him in the pocket and he escaped...  If the Giants defense were on the field in that same predicament vs. New England, they would have sacked any quarter back in the same exact circumstance for a major loss of yardage, and perhaps dislodged the ball for a nice fumble. As courageous as Manning was in scrambling out of trouble, (as he been doing during that possession for yard gains), the New England defensive line looked like they were playing "two hand touch" and just pulling on Manning's jersey, missed tackles everywhere.  The same with New England's secondary, almost triple covered, they just stood around instead of a giving a hard tackle to dislodge the ball from Tyree. Good secondaries do that to wide receivers, they intimidate them, hit them hard, and cause fumbles. It's a gamble, as New England's secondary went for the interception, but Tyree held on in an awesome play.
Perhaps the NY Giants offensive line didn't give up, and gave Manning just enough time to scramble, (backwards and to the right) out of trouble. Eli Manning should take his offensive line out to a great dinner and thank them for the protection (4th quarter Manning to Tyree) in the pocket which could often save quarterbacks from career ending injuries. New England were out muscled, and outplayed as the NY Giants defense, and team played with alot of heart.
Over the last 20 some odd years, the NY football Giants franchise have been built around a hard hitting DEE-FENSE. I mentioned (in the Packers/Giants journal entry) retired NY Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor or even Carl Banks going back to the 80's early 90's Giants. Those Giants defensive lines hit quarter backs HARD with speed and strength, and would often slap a ball right out of a QB's hands for chaos and fumbles. Ask Joe Montana, Joe Theisman, John Elway or any legendary quarter back whom Giant defenses have eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unless a QB vs. a quality, and healthy Giants defense can run and scramble, or has an awesome offensive line, the Giants defense is PHYSICAL and wear even the best QB's down, and will shut down a running game to.. Notice (New England's) Tom Brady only got a clue in the 4th quarter with short drop passes to stunt The Giants swarming defense, Brady did SHIT against the Giants in the Super Bowl.
I'm not into that over under shit in sports or office pools, but whomever thought New England was going to light up the NY Giants like a  X-mas tree is a bona fide idiot whom grossly underrated a good Giant defense and a defensive coordinator whom will (like Bill B.) be a head coach some day. I was thinking it would be to the Giants advantage for the Super Bowl to be low scoring, it doesn't always guarantee a win on defense alone. However, if the game is low scoring the Giants defense is doing their job, as clutch plays and one or two touchdowns might do it.
Some people love offense in football  (Montana to Rice).I love a defense that stunts the glamour of the TD, with a decent offense, it's smash mouth football at it's best with a FG kicker, running back,(The Giants Otis Anderson vs. Buffalo in '90, Joe Morris '86)  clutch catch often being the deciding factor.
Yeh, Eli Manning (NY Quarterback) was criticized by the New York media, he does take risks, and might drive fans nuts, but if he doesn't turn the ball over, he could get the job done. Now my local bar can take down the former NY newspapers headlines (posted on the bar) "Eli the Terrible" and show the headlines "Mann of the Year". Eli Manning, vindicated.
"Their carcasses will be consumed in the desert"-NILE (from "Black Seeds of Vengence")-Yep, as the Giants left Tom Brady and his wide receiver Moss to decompose in the desert, both of  whom were picked for the pro bowl. Neither Brady nor Moss will play in this years pro bowl, both are too banged up from the Super bowl. Brady  and Moss's pro verbal carcasses were "consumed in the desert" as Nile would say. Of course no Giants were picked as pro bowl starters, the irony of the reality.
Everyone's feeling pretty damn good (in NY) after the Giants won the big game last Sunday, people seem happier, it's amazing how people live vicariously through entertainers, there should be a psychological study of this.


David hath beaten Goliath and all is Beautifully Brutal in New York.
STAY Metal, Brutal, and one more time congrats to the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants \m/ -l-

ITP SPORTS: MANNING TO TYREE (DAVID AN ELIATH and THE GREAT ESCAPE) : The NY Giants: Greatest play in Super Bowl history: Manning to Tyree

"I need a miracle"-GRATEFUL DEAD This Giants Super Bowl win was AWESOME..Better than the World Series (game 6) Mets vs. the Boston Red and even better than Scott Norwoods missed field goal (BUFFALO BILLS/ NY GIANTS SUPER BOWL).

I was going nuts watching Eli Manning try to get these third down conversions vs. New England earlier in the game, wishing he would run the ball and play conservative. Confidence, my friends, Eli Manning WILL do this.. However, both Eli Manning and remember this young man, David TY-REE showed so much courage on this play that you have to have seen this. I don't know how Eli Manning got out of this jam, the whole pocket collapsed on Manning during a pass rush. On a third and five drive, Manning, mobile enough to run out of the pocket, and break tackles, found Tyree, double covered like a blanket, on a Hail Mary and immaculate reception that stunned the world for a first down on an amazing drive. A few seconds later, the Giants scored a well deserved winning touchdown via Manning to BURRESS. Fourth quarter, one minute heroics galore.

Notice Tyree's immaculate reception, the ball pinned to his helmet, double covered like a blanket, but he held on for dear LIFE, as New England's secondary tried to strip him of the ball, but NOO! TYREE held on for one of, if not the greatest play in Super Bowl history. SHOCKED, I yelled, "I can't believe it!" and nearly had an asthma attack and cheered.

DAVID TYREE gets my respect along with Eli Manning and the Giants defense. Plenty of cheers for TYREE, amazing catch, great hands. AWESOME! Tears of joy man, this is SWEET and an inspirational Super Bowl win making me proud to be a Giants fan for over 24 years.

FROM AOLSPORTS:

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 3) - David Tyree stretched every inch of his 6-foot frame, straining as if the whole Super Bowl was at stake

Because in a way, it was.

Somehow, with time running out and the ball pinned to his helmet, Tyree held on tight with both hands Sunday. Years from now, New York Giants fans will still wonder how he did it.

"I don't know that there's ever been a bigger play in the Super Bowl than that play," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said.

Little more than a special teams player all season - he had twice as many tackles as catches - Tyree became an All-Pro in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 17-14 stunner over the mighty New England Patriots.

First, he shook loose over the middle to catch a 5-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning that put the Giants ahead. Then Tyree topped himself, outfighting Patriots safety Rodney Harrison to make a tumbling, circus grab that set up the winning score.

"I am a man that really has to capitalize on his few opportunities," Tyree said. "Some things just don't make sense and I guess you can just put that catch there with them."

David Tyree's Unbelievable Catch

Amazing, for more than one reason.

"Unbelievable," Giants receiver Amani Toomer said. "In Friday's practice, he was dropping everything."

Pretty neat trick for a guy who started the season with a broken wrist. And someone who overcame adversity, too - Tyree missed a game after his mother died of a heart attack in mid-December.

Tyree finished with three catches for 43 yards receiving and one touchdown against a team that was trying to complete a perfect run. He had totaled five catches, 40 yards and zero TDs all season.

"I think every receiver has to believe he's the best guy out there," Tyree said.

Surrounded by the likes of Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, Wes Welker and Toomer, the fifth-year receiver from Syracuse was. Out of nowhere.

"A lot of people call me a special teams player. They don't give me any recognition as a wide receiver, and that is fine," Tyree said. "You tell me to do something and I am going to go out there and do it."

Nice that he had confidence in himself. Maybe he should've shared that with Michael Strahan before the crazy catch.

"That play alone took a few years off my life," the grinning defensive end said.

The Giants trailed 14-10 with 1:15 left when Manning faced a third-and-5 at his own 44. The Patriots brought pressure, and Manning somehow shook loose from two defenders.

Scrambling to his right, he made a desperate, dangerous toss deep down the middle where Harrison and corner back Asante Samuel were lurking. Tyree jumped up and with Harrison on his back, managed to get both hands on the ball.

Harrison fought him the whole way, slapping at the ball and momentarily pinning it to Tyree's helmet. That gave Tyree a chance to get a better grip and as he fell backward, he had the presence to hold the ball aloft to show it belonged to him.

"I just wouldn't let go," he said. "They were trying to say they had the ball. They snatched it."

Too late.

"I thought the play was representative of us not really getting the breaks that we were used to getting," Harrison said.

The 32-yard gain to the New England 24 seemed to startle Harrison and his teammates while the Giants jumped up and down on the sideline.

"He made a hell of a play," Samuel said.

"Rodney was right there," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said.

"That ball was challenged," Coughlin said.

The Giants called a timeout with 59 seconds remaining and four plays later, Manning hit Burress for the winner GREATEST SUPER BOWL PLAY EVER!!!
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-
GO GIANTS!!!!

ITP SPORTS: YEEEES! GIANTS= SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

Here we go, it's super bowl Sunday, and it's the NY/NJ Giants vs. the undefeated New England Patriots. This entry will be reserved for post game coverage, and less face it, being a NY Giants fan for over 20 years. GO GIANTS!!! \m/ -l-
"Their carcasses will be consumed in the desert"-NILE (from "Black Seeds of Vengeance")
YEEEESSSS, AND THEY DID IT!!!! Your NY/NJ Giants are NOW Super Bowl Champions upsetting the New England Patriots in their only defeat of the year. The Giants DEE-FENSE did a great job in holding back the potent New England offense,(Tom Brady) as, "Tuck" and Michaell Strahan (Giants defense) and the daring Eli Manning rallied against New England in an amazing 4th quarter, imimmaculate third down reception via David Tyree. WOW! Eli Manning has BALLS, and composure, and is right up there with his brother (Peyton Manning) as a verifiable champ.
What a competitive game, and I'm proud to have supported the Giants for over 24 years. Congrats to the New York/NJ Giants. The New England Patriots have nothing to hang their heads about, they have won many recent super bowls in dramatic fashion, and are a dynasty. (The Boston Red Sox are also a dynasty this decade as well, and should proud of nixing the 1918 tag)..
Awesome, game, the Giants played their hearts out, I'm soo proud, and I'm sure my foster father is as well, as he got me into the Giants in the very early 80's. It goes to show you, NFL teams can get HOT during post season,(wildcards) as the Giants rallied after a December 2007 loss against New England for sweet revenge, at the most opportune time to win it all.
A friend of mine wrote a letter to a local newspaper after the Giants won against Green Bay saying something to the degree of "Do you believe in MAGIC?", believing strongly that the Giants could indeed WIN the Super Bowl. My friend is a Boston Red Sox fan, seeing both ends of NY and Boston magic/rivalries over the last 22 years. Ya Gotta believe, man, ya gotta believe. A swarming Giants defense, a daring Eli Manning, acrobatics via David Tyree and a Buresss final touchdown made believers out of naysayers and was the last nail in the coffin of New England's dominating season.
The Giants winning TD was Mannning to Burress..

Thank you Giants Super Bowl Champs \m/ -l-