Sunday, May 31, 2009

ITP UPDATE: ITP EDIT, OVERHAUL


Yeh, if you're viewing ITP on FEEDBURNER, this is the deal. FEEDBURNER has integrated with GOOGLE. So I did move ITP feeds there as well. I'm checking on everything else.
ITP EDITS (last two days):
*CRYPTOPSY 4/1/05 show review (WIP)
*J Bone (RIP) ("Mad World" video added)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

LGBT COMMUNITY ADDRESS HOUSING HARRASMENT AND DISCRIMINATION


BTW, for all of you NOT in the know, Barack Obama and his cabinet are working with the LGBT communities to address housing discrimination. Check this website for laws against housing discrimination: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/ FROM A MEMO FOR HUD TRANSITION: Date: February 23, 2009

Memorandum For: Secretary Shaun Donovan

From: HUD GLOBE Working Group Members

Subject: HUD Globe Recommendations on Equal Opportunity for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and

Transgender Employees, Recipients and Other Stakeholders

We welcome President Obama, you, and the rest of his administration to Washington. We are long-term employees, committed to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s important mission to facilitate the development of affordable housing and community development, to enforce fair housing, and to initiate research that furthers all of HUD’s programs. We are also members of HUD’s chapter of GLOBE, an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees of the federal government.

President Obama’s civil rights agenda inspires our hope that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) federal employees and citizens will finally achieve equal opportunity and equal treatment in the workplace and beyond. For the full embrace of equality that it offers, we hope that you will enthusiastically support President Obama’s civil rights agenda, which includes expanding hate crimes statutes, supporting full civil unions and federal rights for LGBT couples, and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell. See attachment 1.

While we all work toward achieving President Obama’s broad civil rights goals for the federal workforce, there are more immediate ways in which the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can begin to actualize the President’s agenda, and to fulfill the promise made in Executive Order 11478, as amended by E.O. 13087, that “it is the policy of the Government of the United States to provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons, to prohibit discrimination in employment because of …sexual orientation…and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency.” See attachment 2. While far from comprehensive, this paper identifies some current HUD policies and programs that affect HUD’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community – which includes employees, recipients and other stakeholders - in discriminatory ways, and suggests steps that the Department can take to provide for equal opportunity and equal treatment, and to value and embrace diversity within the agency and its partners.

This letter has been developed in cooperation and with the assistance of AFGE and NFFE leaders and with the review of interested HUD staff. Widespread support for federal domestic partner policies exists among many sources, including the Federal Regional Council of all federal agencies in Southern California (California has the largest number of federal employees of any state), labor unions, and many other groups and businesses outside government.

We recognize that there are many demands for your attention. Upon review of this letter and accompanying materials, if you believe it would be helpful to have a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of specific HUD policies, programs and practices on HUD’s LGBT community, we would be honored to provide you with whatever assistance you require.

HUD’s Interest in Promoting Equal Opportunity, Equal Treatment and Diversity

Change is essential and will require your attention and leadership in order for HUD to realize the full potential of its staff, and to fulfill its mission and obligations to the public. For instance, the Department’s ability to recruit and retain employees is significantly weakened by the Department’s failure to adequately institute remedies to correct discriminatory actions, inequality in benefits and assignments, and an ongoing Departmental culture that marginalizes the value and contribution of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender staff. Furthermore, the Department is vulnerable to challenges that it fails to significantly instruct and monitor grantees, housing authorities and partners regarding nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation.

Although we remain grateful that former Secretary Preston issued a Departmental nondiscrimination statement (discussed below and see attachment 3) regarding sexual orientation which includes reference to LGBT families, the Department’s lack of focus with regard to this civil rights matter has prevented HUD from developing a more fair culture as well as policies that implement the Department’s vision of equal opportunity and equal treatment both among HUD staff, recipients and other stakeholders. The absence of clear and consistent nondiscrimination policies and direction implicitly allows opportunities for discriminatory practices to continue and allows for unequal distribution of HUD’s resources across the nation and in all communities that we serve. Specific examples of this lack of clarity and direction include:

* No clear implementation of the Department’s policy that nontraditional families, including domestic partners, are eligible for public housing and assisted housing programs, senior housing, homeless programs, and for foreclosure programs and disaster assistance intended for families.
* No unambiguous statement that discrimination against LGBT persons in employment or services including homeless programs, community development efforts and fair housing will result in sanctions.
* No outreach to community and faith-based organizations that serve vulnerable LGBT populations similar to the outreach made to other organizations through the Department’s community and faith-based programs.

Full integration of LGBT employees and organizations into HUD’s work and culture through Departmental policies and official participation in events and projects will strengthen the Department’s employee relationships and enhance performance by encouraging a fearless participation in the Department’s missions.

LGBT Employees Contribute to the Department’s Mission

Throughout HUD’s history, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) employees have brought a wealth of skills and understanding to the work of HUD. Increasingly, the experience and knowledge we have gained from working with the LGBT community has made the difference between a HUD program’s success or its failure. For instance, the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS/HIV (HOPWA) program, originating from work within the LGBT community across the country, later became instituted within HUD.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees have made many contributions to HUD, including providing significant leadership in: the production of affordable housing, programs to assist the homeless, disaster relief, efforts to combat housing discrimination, and efforts to ensure decent, sanitary and safe housing conditions. LGBT leadership in organizations that partner with HUD as grantees, funders and service providers is an integral part of HUD’s capacity to meet its mission and implement its programs.

Equal Opportunity and Access to HUD Programs for LGBT Persons

Poverty, exclusion and lack of visibility characterize many of the populations served by HUD; this is no less true for LGBT persons. HUD can do a better job fulfilling its mission if it explicitly provides support to the LGBT community.

An estimated 20-40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT. The situation is particularly severe for youth aging out of foster care and with scant resources to establish safe housing In its 2007 Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America, the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimated that ten percent of all homeless men and youth identify lack of access to housing due to sexual orientation discrimination as a root cause of their homelessness. The Report indicated that sexual orientation discrimination accounts for one of every ten men and youth who have fallen into homelessness, a greater percentage than economic hardship.

HUD has not yet funded any senior housing intended to be specifically welcoming to LGBT seniors, as it has done for other communities. The percentage of LGBT seniors needing housing assistance, including with supportive services, is estimated to be even higher than the non-LGBT community – closer to twenty percent in San Francisco as one example. During their wage earning years, LGBT persons were more likely to be underemployed, resulting in fewer resources for their senior years, and isolated from supportive networks. At the same time, appropriately trained providers are in very short supply. For LGBT seniors, the result can mean separation from lifetime partners as assisted living facilities fail to recognize partner relationships.

Many state and local fair housing laws provide some protections for LGBT persons; the federal Fair Housing Act does not. Housing discrimination looms large, particularly for LGBT couples, both in terms of homeownership and rental. Those in a relationship are more easily identified as a LGBT couple when seeking a one-bedroom unit and thus especially susceptible to discriminatory practices.

Bias in lending already has been identified as an issue for single women homebuyers, who have earning patterns that include periods of low wage pay or, for fulltime homemakers, no wages. Establishing a credit history for an unmarried couple has similar issues and the disproportionate impact on LGBT couples should be viewed as a potential discrimination issue.

Addressing Workplace Barriers for LGBT Staff and Applicants

Shortly before his departure, former Secretary Steven Preston initiated important steps toward addressing existing barriers for LGBT HUD staff and applicants.

In the Clinton Administration, the Department’s engagement in ensuring a fair and nondiscriminatory workplace was clear and unambiguous. Much of the work done during that period lapsed over the past eight years. During the Bush Administration, secretarial pronouncements, departmental support for diversity and other pro-active efforts were nonexistent or difficult to identify on HUD’s internal or external web pages or in materials provided to managers and supervisors. In effect, the fair and nondiscriminatory work that had been done largely vanished from the Department’s operations and policies.

Secretary Preston started to move the Department forward. On November 10, 2008, Secretary Preston issued a directive addressed to all HUD managers that made explicit HUD’s support for nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and made explicit HUD’s opposition to all intolerance and bias in the workplace and in its practices. As part of this message, Secretary Preston directed that all managers and supervisors be provided a copy of the Office of Personnel Management’s Guideline on Sexual Orientation.

He announced that the Department would establish an ombudsman position to accept complaints of discrimination and workplace harassment, a resource that can bring some remedies within the Department rather than directing employees and applicants to outside agencies for assistance.

Secretary Preston also articulated, for the first time, the Department’s policy of nondiscrimination toward the families of LGBT employees and nondiscrimination in the use of personal leave. This was language that HUD Globe helped draft to ensure the right of employees to use their leave to care for a family member not related by blood or marriage, such as a domestic partner. Previously, this was a guarantee specifically provided only to bargaining unit employees and Secretary Preston’s statement now includes this nondiscriminatory practice to all HUD staff.

Notwithstanding Secretary Preston’s explicit direction, the implementation of any of these steps has yet to take place and, with only a few exceptions, there appears to be no plan to move forward by the Department’s various support offices.

Accordingly, on behalf of HUD’s LGBT employees, applicants, recipients, customers and other stakeholders, we respectfully urge that you take or direct action on the following issues:

1. Publish Secretarial commitment to non-discrimination and diversity. Renew and publish on HUD’s internal and external website the Secretarial commitment to non-discrimination and diversity, which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for employees and their families, as well as HUD recipients. The statement should include protection for gender identity. This should be done with a formal message from the Secretary to all HUD employees. The Department’s Office of Equal Opportunity routinely prepares a statement on discrimination and equal opportunity to be issued by each new Secretary. However, the Department’s EEO leadership relies on the federal civil rights statutes as the basis for its statement, and only federal executive orders include sexual orientation. Neither federal law nor executive orders includes gender identity. Thus, we urge you to give weight to the important issue of a fair and nondiscriminatory workplace for all LGBT staff, applicants and recipients, with an unequivocal commitment to establishing procedures within the Department to remedy any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Department of Interior established comprehensive procedures for processing complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1998. See attachment 4.



2. Establish a global Departmental nondiscrimination policy. Review all existing policies with regard to employees, recipients, customers and stakeholders to ensure that a specific policy includes nondiscrimination in hiring, promotion, assignments, duties, benefits and eligibility, as well as the provision of services through HUD-funded grants, programs and contracts.



3. Address non-discrimination in all union contracts. Specify a policy of equal opportunity, treatment and nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in all union contracts.



4. Promote equitable and non-discriminatory benefits. Write to the Office of Personnel Management and appropriate congressional committees in strong support of HUD employees’ right to add family members not related by blood or marriage, such as domestic partners, to health, dental, vision and long-term care insurance and for retirement benefits, survivor benefits and social security benefits on the same basis as HUD employees whose families are related by blood or marriage. See attachment 5, letter from EPA Administrator.



5. Provide OPM guidance to HUD management. Provide a copy of OPM’s “Guide to Employee Rights” material from “Addressing Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Federal Civilian Employment.” See attachment 6. This was a commitment by Secretary Preston that has yet to be implemented by the Department. The direction to provide this material to all employees comes from the Office of Personnel Management to all federal agencies. HUD’s should also place this guidance on its internal web page to provide all employees with access to the information.



6. Establish the ombudsman position as announced in former Secretary Preston’s statement issued 11/10/08. Direct the Office of Equal Opportunity or other office to move forward in the first 90 days with establishment of the ombudsman position, with appropriate authority and staffing to accept complaints of LGBT discrimination and to seek a meaningful resolution of the complaints. An internal administrative avenue of redress for allegations of harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity should be in place which is equivalent to that for any other complaint (realizing that it cannot go to EEOC should the internal process not come up with an agreed upon solution). Again, see Interior’s complaint processing procedures.



7. Ensure that all employees may access family and medical leave. Update all HUD personnel and employment guidance including handbooks, directives and employment guidance to state explicitly that family and medical leave may be accessed by all employees and applied to individuals who have established a familial relationship that is not recognized by law or created by blood.



8. Amend the Fair Housing Act. Propose that the Fair Housing Act be amended to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This recommendation should apply to other laws that pertain to housing and non-discrimination in federal and HUD-funded programs such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniform Relocation Act, and Section 104(d) and Section 109 of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.



9. Address non-discriminatory use of HUD funds. Update the guidelines to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, services and housing in HUD-funded programs, including those offered through faith-based partners. Ensure that all extramural review panels understand the importance of outreach and support to the LGBT client base.



10. Address eligibility for LGBT family housing in public housing. Update all HUD guidance, handbooks, directives and policies to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or marital status by clearly stating that families who are not related by blood, marriage or adoption are eligible for family housing in public housing. This is consistent with current HUD policy that permits applicants to use their own definition of household. Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs, 4350.3 Rev-1, Chap. 3-23 (“Handbook 4350.3 Rev-1”). However, we have learned that as recently as last year, the Department had to require a Florida public housing authority to reverse its policy that excluded same-sex and unmarried couples from eligibility. It appears that few public housing authorities are aware of HUD’s nondiscrimination policy regarding the make-up of an applicant’s household. Without explicit inclusion of sexual orientation in the nondiscrimination statements of Handbook 4350.3 Rev-1 and other HUD program policies, discrimination toward households unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption is easily overlooked by public housing authorities and ignored by HUD staff charged with monitoring housing authorities. See 24 CFR Section 5.403. Such program policies, notices and directives must also explicitly state that PHAs may not, on the basis of sexual orientation, withhold permission to add a household member to an existing tenant’s lease. Current HUD guidelines allow PHAs discretion to withhold permission to add a household member in cases unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption. Handbook 4350.3 Rev-1, Chap. 3-23. Under the HUD Occupancy Handbook, 4350.3 Rev-1, tenants have a stronger right and remedy to include an assistance animal in their unit than a same-sex partner.



11. Address LGBT family eligibility for housing assistance. Update all HUD guidance, handbooks, directives and policies to owners and managers of HUD assisted housing by stating that all households are eligible for assistance, including those unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption. HUD’s guidance states: "An owner’s occupancy standards establish the size of the unit a family will occupy, but owners must avoid making social judgments on a family’s sleeping arrangement. For example, it is not for the owner to determine whether an unmarried couple may share the same bedroom or whether a young child can share a bedroom with a parent." HUD Occupancy Handbook, 4350.3 Rev-1, Chap. 3-23(E)(3). This policy should be restated to ensure that no one is wrongfully denied housing opportunities for discriminatory reasons related to sexual orientation.



12. Address LGBT eligibility for disaster assistance. Update all HUD guidance, handbooks, directives and policies to clearly state that families unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption are eligible as families for disaster assistance, including housing, as part of HUD’s mission in disaster recovery. Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or marital status. This follows current HUD policy, but without explicit inclusion in HUD’s guidance, HUD partners and local agencies may easily overlook the policy.



13. Address LGBT eligibility for recovery assistance from homelessness. Update all HUD guidance, handbooks, directives and policies to clearly state that families who are not related by blood, marriage or adoption are eligible for family housing in programs to assist in the recovery from homelessness or to prevent homelessness. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or marital status is to be prohibited. This follows current HUD policy, but without explicit inclusion in HUD’s guidance, HUD partners and local agencies may easily overlook the policy.



14. Address LGBT employees’ eligibility for relocation assistance for their families. Update HUD travel and relocation policies and directives to clarify that households unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption are eligible for relocation assistance on the same basis as families related by blood, marriage or adoption. This should include paying for domestic partners: to accompany the relocating employee on house hunting trips; per diems; residence sale or lease breaking, and any other expenses that would be paid to an employee’s opposite-sex federally-recognized married spouse. The failure to provide equal opportunity for relocation assistance is contrary to the principle of workplace equality, denies the Department the ability to match HUD human resources with needed mission requirements, and disadvantages the Department in recruitment to fill new or vacant positions. See http://hudweb.hud.gov/po/f/relocation/toc.cfm. Currently, HUD’s relocation rules permit reimbursement for transporting a family pet, but not a domestic partner. See http://hudweb.hud.gov/po/f/relocation/q.cfm.



15. Increase outreach of Community and Faith-Based Programs. Update the guidelines for the Department’s Community and Faith-Based Programs to include outreach to faith-based and community-based organizations serving the LGBT community to provide equal access to opportunities for grant writing training and grants, and to serve as partners in HUD programs for homeownership, housing services and community development.



16. Publicize HUD’s non-discrimination policies. Include specific information about the Department’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, including sexual orientation, on HUD’s internet and intranet pages, so that such information is easily available to employees, applicants, recipients and other stakeholders. If a program, such as Fair Housing, currently does not include sexual orientation nondiscrimination, but such assistance or protection is available through a HUD-funded partner, the HUD listing should include links to those HUD-funded partners. This makes the Department’s policies transparent in all respects.



17. Ensure equitable and non-discriminatory representation in internal programs. Direct the Office of Departmental Equal Opportunity’s Affirmative Employment Division to include GLOBE as a Special Emphasis Group. Currently the Director of the Office of Departmental Equal Opportunity limits the Special Emphasis Group status to those listed in the President’s Executive Order designating nationally recognized observances. This arbitrary distinction is inconsistent with the practice in other federal agencies and its effect is discriminatory. See attachment 7, memorandum from Linda Bradford-Washington, Director, Office of Departmental Equal Opportunity, dated October 23, 2008.



18. Adopt an inclusive Diversity Policy. Adopt a Diversity Policy that includes sexual orientation and is part of all training for supervisors and other Department officials. All other federal Departments follow this process.



19. Establish a Departmental Diversity Council. In order to build sustainable relationships with its employees and stakeholders, we recommend that HUD establish a Diversity Council responsible for presenting all identity celebrations (e.g., African-American, Asian, Hispanic history and culture; disability; women, etc.) at the Department’s headquarters and field offices, and that the Council incorporate LGBT identity/culture/issues on an equal footing with other employee groups. During the Clinton Administration, several June LGBT pride events were held and proclamations made. Currently the Department’s office responsible for Special Emphasis Programs has indicated little to no interest in the inclusion of LGBT participation on an equal basis with other activities. We note that the celebrations have historically focused on designated months (e.g., February for Black history/culture, Asian-Americans in May, etc.). However, a more inclusive, fluid and educational approach would incorporate diversity events (e.g. readings, workshops, panel discussions, service days, performances, presentations, foods, etc.) for all groups throughout the year. Furthermore, in order to show that all the events are officially sanctioned, each event would be funded at equal levels, publicized in an equivalent and appropriate manner and introduced by senior management. We suggest that the Diversity Council include management-level representation from HUD’s ODEEO office; HUD’s Deputy Secretary or designee; the union, and chairs of advisory committees representing various employee special emphasis organizations.

The Obama Administration begins leading our country during times that challenges us to think and act in new ways and empowering Americans to embrace an inclusive future. We at HUD can achieve this vision only when the Department can rely on all available human resources; success depends on equal opportunity and equal access to employment and to programs intended to serve all Americans. The goals outlined in this paper will strengthen the Department for all HUD employees and those we serve.

To create a more fair, productive and welcoming HUD for employees, applicants and recipients we ask for an opportunity to discuss these issues with you, and to provide you with related resources to assist you as you consider the important matters addressed herein.

Attachments:

1. President Obama’s Civil Rights Agenda
2. Executive Order 11478

3. Secretary Preston Non-Discrimination Policy
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Friday, May 29, 2009

GOATWHORE: ANNOUNCE FALL 2009 U.S. TOUR DATES

New Orleans, Louisiana, blackened thrash warriors GOATWHORE have announced fall 2009 U.S. tour dates.

GOATWHORE's anticipated ew release 'Carving Out the Eyes of God' will hit store shelves June 23 on Metal Blade.






GOATWHORE North American TOUR DATES: Owensboro, KY Brothers Pizza Fri Jun 19 / 09
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Fredricksburg, VA The Refuge Sat Jun 20 / 09
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Charlotte, NC Casbah Sun Jun 21 / 09
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Wilmington, NC The Soapbox Mon Jun 22 / 09
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Birmingham, AL The Nick Tue Jun 23 / 09
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Atlanta, GA The Masquerade Wed Jun 24 / 09
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Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits Thu Jun 25 / 09
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St. Petersburg, FL The Garage Fri Jun 26 / 09
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Raleigh, NC Volume 11 Tavern Sat Jun 27 / 09
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Virginia Beach, VA Peppermint Beach Club Sun Jun 28 / 09
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Baltimore, MD Sonar Club Stage Mon Jun 29 / 09
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Louisville, KY Uncle Pleasants Tue Jun 30 / 09
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Waterloo, IA Spicoli's Grill and Reverb Rock Garden Wed Jul 01 / 09
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Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry Thu Jul 02 / 09
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Thunder Bay, ON Black Pirate Pub Fri Jul 03 / 09
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Winnipeg, MB The Royal Albert Arms Sat Jul 04 / 09
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Regina, SK The Exchange Sun Jul 05 / 09
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Saskatoon, SK Walkers Nightclub Mon Jul 06 / 09
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Edmonton, AB Starlite Room Tue Jul 07 / 09
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Crossville, AL Underground Wed Jul 08 / 09
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Victoria, BC Sugar Nightclub Fri Jul 10 / 09
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Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret Sat Jul 11 / 09
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Seattle, WA El Corazon Sun Jul 12 / 09
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Portland, OR Satyricon Mon Jul 13 / 09
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San Francisco, CA Thee Parkside Tue Jul 14 / 09
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West Hollywood, CA Whisky A Go Go Wed Jul 15 / 09
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San Marcos, CA Jumping Turtle Thu Jul 16 / 09
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Las Vegas, NV The Cheyenne Saloon Fri Jul 17 / 09
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Farmington, NM Gators Sat Jul 18 / 09
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Denver, CO The Larimer Lounge Sun Jul 19 / 09
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Kansas City, MO Riot Room Mon Jul 20 / 09
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Nashville, TN The Muse Tue Jul 21 / 09
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Danville, VA Plan B Wed Jul 22 / 09
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New York, NY The Gramercy Theatre Thu Jul 23 / 09
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Springfield, VA Jaxx Fri Jul 24 / 09
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Hartford, CT Webster Theater and Underground Sat Jul 25 / 09
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Montreal, QC Foufounes Electriques Sun Jul 26 / 09
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Toronto, ON Wreck Room Mon Jul 27 / 09
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Rochester, NY The Penny Arcade Tue Jul 28 / 09
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Cleveland, OH Peabodys Down Under Wed Jul 29 / 09
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Mokena, IL Pearl Room Thu Jul 30 / 09
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Urbana, IL Canopy Club Fri Jul 31 / 09
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Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Ballroom Sat Aug 01 / 09
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Edelstein, IL The Hub Sun Aug 02 / 09
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Tulsa, OK The Marquee Mon Aug 03 / 09
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Oklahoma City, OK The Conservatory Tue Aug 04 / 09
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Houston, TX Scout Bar Wed Aug 05 / 09
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San Antonio, TX Scout Bar Thu Aug 06 / 09
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Fort Worth, TX Lola's Sixth Fri Aug 07 / 09
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Austin, TX Red 7 Sat Aug 08 / 09
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Amarillo, TX War Legion Underground Sun Aug 09 / 09
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Tucson, AZ The Rock Thu Sep 03 / 09
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Farmington, NM Gators Sat Sep 05 / 09
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Denver, CO Bluebird Theater Sun Sep 06 / 09
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San Marcos, CA Jumping Turtle Tue Sep 08 / 09
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West Hollywood, CA Key Club Wed Sep 09 / 09
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San Francisco, CA Slim's Thu Sep 10 / 09
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Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre Fri Sep 11 / 09
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Seattle, WA El Corazon Sat Sep 12 / 09
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Victoria, BC Sugar Nightclub Mon Sep 14 / 09
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Vancouver, BC The Plaza Club Tue Sep 15 / 09
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Calgary, AB The Warehouse Thu Sep 17 / 09
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Edmonton, AB Starlite Room Fri Sep 18 / 09
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Regina, SK Riddell Centre Sat Sep 19 / 09
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Winnipeg, MB The Royal Albert Arms Sun Sep 20 / 09
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St. Paul, MN Station 4 Mon Sep 21 / 09
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Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Ballroom Tue Sep 22 / 09
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Mokena, IL Pearl Room Wed Sep 23 / 09
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Cleveland, OH Pirate's Cove Thu Sep 24 / 09
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Toronto, ON The Opera House Fri Sep 25 / 09
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Quebec City, QC Imperial Sat Sep 26 / 09
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Montreal, QC Foufounes Electriques Sun Sep 27 / 09
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New York, NY The Gramercy Theatre Tue Sep 29 / 09
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Worcester, MA The Palladium Wed Sep 30 / 09
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Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero Thu Oct 01 / 09
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Raleigh, NC Volume 11 Tavern Fri Oct 02 / 09
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Asheville, NC Orange Peel Sat Oct 03 / 09
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Louisville, KY Headliners Music Hall Sun Oct 04 / 09
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Sauget, IL Pop's- Tue Oct 06 / 09
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Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

OZZY OSBOURNE SUES TONY IOMMI


The New York Post reports that OZZY OSBOURNE is suing BLACK SABBATH bandmate and guitarist TONY IOMMI over ownership and 50% interest of the BLACK SABBATH trademark.







OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM OZZY OSBOURNE:
An official statement from Ozzy reads as follows:

“It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse. As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of 'Black Sabbath' was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer (Butler), Bill (Ward) and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world. We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name 'Black Sabbath' which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock & Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the 'Black Sabbath' brand through Ozzfest, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name 'Black Sabbath' now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour. Tony, I am so sorry it’s had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I don’t have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way. We’ve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright. We’re all in our 60’s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.”
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MARDUK ISSUE STATEMENT ON BLACKENED TOUR


MARDUK have issued an official statement on their absence on the BLACKENED TOUR. The BLACKENED FEST features MAYHEM, CEPHALIC CARNAGE, CATTLE DECAPITATION and WITHERED. FROM MARDUK: Swedish black metallers MARDUK were missing from the first dates on the current Blackenedfest Tour, also featuring MAYHEM, CEPHALIC CARNAGE, CATTLE DECAPITATION and WITHERED. MARDUK WILL reschedule all dates missed on the BLACKENED TOUR, as soon as vocalist MORTTUS recieves his visa.
FROM MARDUK:

Marduk explain: "The situation with Marduk not having performed during the first week of Blackenedfest is due to Mortuus, the vocalist, not having received his visa yet.

It is not a "denied" visa. The band filed for a P-1 non-immigrant work visa, which is required for a band to play in the states. The visa was APPROVED by the United States Government's Homeland Security Office.

Furthermore, as required, the band members each individually went to their Visa appointments at the US Embassy in Stockholm for the standard interview, at which point the persons handling the band's applications informed the band that there was no further action needed and that they should expect their passports in the mail with the P-1 visa attached.

Everyone in the band received theirs except Mortuus.

The day before tour, while the rest of the band were at the airport awaiting to board their flights to the US, Mortuus returned to the embassy to inquire as to the location of his passport. At this point he was informed that he was missing one document in order to finalize the visa.

No one in the band, nor the label, was made aware of this missing form. After we were made aware of this missing document, we provided the document to the Embassy in Stockholm and we are currently awaiting each day for the Passport to be returned to Mortuss with the visa stamp. The Embassy is aware of the urgency of this matter and we expect the band to join the tour in progress any day now.

Marduk are prepared to make up the shows they missed immediately after Blackenedfest ends. These dates will be announced upon the band's arrival in the US. We are staying on top of the situation each day and hope to announce the arrival of the band soon."

Remaining Blackenedfest dates include:

May
29 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
30 - Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse
31 - San Diego, CA - House Of Blues

June
2 - Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
3 - San Francisco, CA - DNA
4 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
5 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
6 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Concert House
7 - Denver, CO - Gothic Theater
9 - St Paul, MN - Station 4
11 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
12 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
13 - Detroit, MI - The Majestic Theater
14 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House
15 - Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes Electriques
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

CRACK DOWN ON METAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST?



Best of 2008, and "Notes From the Extreme Metal Underground" coming up next. The Middle east is again, cracking down on heavy metal culture. (We wish we could be at DESERT ROCK) FROM SIRIUS XM SATTELITE RADIO and SMNNWES.COM: In a show of solidarity with recent crackdowns on heavy metal bands and fans in Jordan and Iran, the ‘Bloody Roots’ weekly heavy metal history lesson on Sirius XM satellite radio hosted by Ian Christe (publisher of Bazillion Points Books, author of “Sound of the Beast“), will feature this week an hour-long overview of resistant metal music from across the Middle East.

Representing a maelstrom of styles, pioneering bands to be highlighted will include: MELECHESH (Israel), SALEM (Israel), ORPHANED LAND (Israel), ACRASSICUAUDA (Iraq), BILOCATE (Jordan), MEZARKABUL (Turkey), BLOOD INK (Lebanon), DARK PHILOSOPHY (Egypt), DUSK (Pakistan), ANGBAND (Iran), and NERVECELL (United Arab Emirates).

The ‘Bloody Roots of Middle Eastern Metal‘ show will air at the following times on Sirius XM Liquid Metal:

Saturday, May 30 @ 6pm ET
Sunday, May 31 @ 2pm ET
Tuesday, June 2 @ 3pm ET
Thursday, June 4 @ 9pm

Also, Jordanian heavy metal musician Muhannad Bursheh (Tyrant Throne,Bilocate) has granted an interview to the GLOBAL POST explaining the supression of metal culture in the middle east.FROM GLOBAL POST: AMMAN, Jordan — Muhannad Bursheh hardly seems like the kind of guy who would be viewed as a troublemaker. He’s an audio engineering student enthusiastic about ancient Middle Eastern mythology and he lives with his family in Abdoun, one of Amman’s upscale neighborhoods. But Bursheh is also the member of three heavy metal groups.

Though they don’t sing about Satanism or anarchy — most of his band’s songs are about Mesopotamian and Nabataean legends — his group, Tyrant Throne, is at odds with many Jordanians who believe they are Satanists, so like most heavy metal bands they have a difficult time playing in Jordan.

In one of the Middle East’s more liberal countries, heavy metal music has become a flash point for freedom of expression. Though most groups popular within the subculture don’t sing about anything contrary to the government or religion, they’re unable to book gigs in Jordan because of misconceptions about metal.

"It comes and goes. You have two years of total freedom of metal in Jordan and then three years of nothingness, which is where we’re living now, with no gigs or nothing, so all you do is work for yourself and promote yourself outside Jordan," Bursheh said.

In the 1990s, Jordan had a respectable metal scene. It wasn’t major, but there were regular concerts and several specialized shops that sold albums and paraphernalia by the likes of Iron Maiden and Twisted Sister.

But some time around the late '90s without any clear explanation the shops were closed and concerts weren’t allowed. Since then, acceptance of heavy metal has varied from year to year, leaving metal heads only to speculate.

Most recently, heavy metal shows were tolerated for much of 2005 and 2006, but in 2007 acceptance of metal declined and now groups say its impossible to book concerts in Jordan.

Part of their trouble may have to do with the widely held public perception that heavy metal music is a form of satanic worship. Throughout Jordan rumors circulate that metal heads do everything from drink cat’s blood to inject themselves with a magical green liquid that allows them to play the guitar perfectly. Many of these stories are printed in major newspapers.

“The most dangerous thing to metal in Jordan is bad news articles,” said Rami Haikal, a guitarist for Bilocate.
Additionally, metal heads are viewed as slackers or delinquents, whereas in Jordan many tend to come from middle- or upper-class backgrounds where they were exposed to Western culture. Members from some of Jordan’s most successful heavy metal bands have day jobs as computer programmers, managers and youth counselors.

"I’m a family man. I have two kids. I sustain a good and responsible life and yet I pursued my passion for music," said Hani Abadi, a bassist in Bilocate whose day job is working as a personnel manager.

Groups can still rehearse in private and even broadcast their music over the Internet. Most groups also travel outside of Jordan to perform. While Europe has hosted concerts for several Jordanian metal groups, other Arab countries like Lebanon, Egypt and Dubai allow performances, though metal heads say that could change just as easily as it does in Jordan.

For Haikal, who says most of his band’s music focuses on human emotion in difficult situations, it can be frustrating to hear other types of music that are allowed in the country without facing any serious scrutiny. In one of Amman’s Western-style malls where he used to work, he says stores often played pop songs with obscenities and overt sexual innuendo.

"Parents were going around the store and they just ignored it, but if you put on metal music, they’d say 'Oh no, this is the devil’s music! Stop it!'" he said.

Abadi acknowledges that heavy metal’s angry sounds might be off-putting for some people, but he says it is just an emotional outlet. Many of his band’s songs have an anti-war theme, which he says it’s hard not to get angry about.

"You can’t talk about war and have this kind of Back Streets Boys vocals in the background. The issues we tackle are very serious and when you’re angry you don’t talk in a normal tone, you shout … and you get relief out of it," he said
In IRAN, metal shows have been raided under suspicion of "Satanic devil worship". FROM NINEMSN.COM: Iran has arrested more than 100 "Satan-worshippers" in a raid on a concert in the southern city of Shiraz where people were drinking alcohol and "sucking blood", a newspaper reports.

"One hundred and four members of a Satan-worshipping group were arrested at a party and immoral concert in Shiraz (on Sunday)," local Revolutionary Guards chief Abbas Hamidi was quoted as saying by Jam-e Jam newspaper on Wednesday.

"The session was held in a garden outside Shiraz and the Satanist ceremony was broadcast live to the world via the internet," he said, adding the arrests were made by members of the Islamist Basij militia linked to the Guards.

"These people drank alcohol, hurt themselves and sucked blood," Hamidi said. "They even bow to Satan in some ceremonies."

Iranian authorities sometimes link hard rock and heavy metal music and their icons with devil worship. Alcohol is banned in the Islamic republic.

Jam-e Jam carried pictures of drum sets and amplifiers seized in the raid and a group of young men photographed after the arrest sitting on the floor of an official-looking building with their backs to the camera.

It said some of the detainees sported tattoos and body art resembling the wings of birds and car emblems.

Hamidi said Basij intelligence forces operating under the Revolutionary Guards had put "foreign-linked groups and their venues" under surveillance for a year before making Sunday's arrests.

Over the past two years Iranian police and security officials have warned against the emergence of "Satanist" cults accused of corrupting the young, amid a tough nationwide crackdown on "unIslamic" attire and behaviour.

In September 2008, a senior police chief said members of the so-called cults would wear "broken-cross and skeleton necklaces and rings, drink alcohol and dance in their ceremonies."

"They believe they should defy religions, especially Islam, do as they want and drag the world into anarchy," deputy police chief Hossein Zolfaghari said.

In 2007, police arrested 230 people in a raid on an illegal indie rock concert in a garden near Tehran and several reports branded the party-goers as Satan-worshippers.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

DALLAS COYLE AND PETER DOLVING on THE ART OF BLOGGING


(EDITORS NOTE):
Ta, Daaaa. It's Dallas Coyle (GOD FORBID) with the HARD R, keepin' it brutal with HIS opinions. I'm sorry to say, I don't read his blog as much as I SHOULD, but after some prodding from friends, I do enjoy the BLOG VERSION of METAL SUCKS which is HILARIOUS and spot on. (I've got to add a link to their blog). I also enjoy the BROOKLYN VEGAN (blog) for the great reviews and artist concert photography. The fan commentary on BROOKLYN VEGAN is very insightful.
Alot of people have criticized SMNNEWS.COM for sarcastic news coverage of bands, and being UN PC. I actually agree with SMNNEWS on their opinions,(I don't like LIMP BIZKIT either) but I stay out of their way, because in a room full of clowns, someone is bound to step on a banana peel. However, now that I'M nearly pushing 40, I, personally prefer to cover bands (news) with an almost Associated Press style of writing, but I cover bands that I like and save (most) of my opinions for reviews.
Myself, I'm NOT trying to get a reaction from people,(no one asked their opinion, let them write on their own blog) it's the lack of privacy, sucks with strangers internalizing things they have no business talking shit about. For me, I'm originally from NYC where there is cultural anonymity.. It is NOT cool to walk up to people whom you don't know,(ME included) and passive aggressively bitch about issues that don't involve them, including someones blog. I grew up in NYC where I ran into celebrities all the time, Harry Belfonte, Mayor Kotch, there were always people seeking autographs, but I never bothered them, nor argued with them.
Maybe, with a whole generation of kids growing up on the net, internet changes social etiquette for the worse, blogging has it's up and downs, but it is a form of sharing, expression and promotion.
PETER DOLVING-" So provocation is important as a means of communication."
I'm not sure what he means by that, but one would get more bees with honey than vinegar, or ignore and block the haters. The 9 year old pulling the 8 year olds pig tails theory, I mean, I'm sure even Dolving would resent the conflict and intrusion.
PETER DOLVING's infamous rants, while I think he is right on and not even that controversial, he may come across as egocentric, or perhaps be very overwhelmed with fan boys whose egos are bruised when they can't debate the issue with facts. (Yes, I have a DISCLAIMER on MY JOURNAL as well).
FROM THE HARD R (DALLAS COYLE): Why Should We Shut Up?

When I say ‘We’ I’m talking about the people out there who take their blood and put it to paper, celluloid or a digital hard drive. Seriously, why should we stop putting creations out there for everyone to judge? Do you honestly think that an artist doesn’t have any other thoughts or opinions but their art? It’s unfair, it’s nasty and I’m here to tell you we’ve got shit to say. It’s just sad that artists, musicians and filmmakers are maligned when they have something real to say. It may not be right but it’s as much from the heart as the art we create.

It’s about time the mentality of ‘entertain me and that’s it’ stops. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m wrong a lot of the time. I’ve predicted things right and I’ve predicted things wrong. But here’s the rub, when you put yourself out there you’re bound to fuck up more times than not. I learn more from my failures than I do from my successes. When you fail you realize your shit DOES stink, badly.

Look at my Terminator Salvation blog: I was wrong! Dead wrong! I didn’t see the movie but I don’t want to from the feedback I’ve seen. At least I had the balls to say what I thought. It was about a movie, but I said it, I lived with it, and I now admit I was wrong. It takes more to do that than to sit silent. I don’t mind being the butt of jokes or insults. It keeps me grounded to know I am flawed.

Maybe that’s the reason we should speak out. So we can understand how full of shit we really are. Musicians and artists are full of shit for the most part; journalists, bloggers, entertainers are too. We’re in the business of selling people and getting an emotional reaction from them. It’s very rare where you hit something that’s important in a social context or has real meaning. I think it’s important to speak out enough to where you’re lucky enough to hit that nerve, if it still exists.

That’s one thing that bothers me about the metal scene to a certain extent. When you’re unknown you can do no wrong. When you’re popular you’re at the will of the people who made you popular, which makes you a slave to their preconditions. They want a part of you but only certain parts. I get it. You’re not married to a band. It’s not ’til death do us part. But understand that people are people whether they punch numbers or play an A chord. But respect their opinion even if you don’t agree.

Isn’t this the reason why blogs are so popular? Anyone can state their opinion. Look at the growth of Metalsucks over the past year and a half. It’s grown immensely because people respect the opinions of the writers on the site. They come here for a point of view they can’t get anywhere else. I think it’s great that they have musicians give their perspective because there really isn’t a platform for that sort of discussion.

I understand people get angry at me because I speak about shit besides metal, but metal to me can get very boring. I’m a well-educated metalhead. I know my history and I know my shit, but I’m no teacher.

If you have any questions about the music business I’ll use my next blog to answer them. I’ll answer ten questions that you have. Make them good, pussies.


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

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

ITP UPDATE: ITP EDIT, OVERHAUL
























OK, over the last few months, I've been alerted to bit of a problem with an almost identical URL. If you're typing (or like I have made the mistake of MIS-typing) this URL: http://www.spak-individualthoughtpatterns.blogpsot.com/ (Abundant Bible Megasite).. Well..Sowee folks, WRONG journal and not mine. In all honesty, I'm AGNOSTIC (the closest I come to religion is perhaps Wiccan) and firmly believe in human evolution and that we evolved from apes.
However, if you've typed in THIS URL:( http://www.spak-individualthoughtpatterns.blogspot.com/) NOW you've got the most brutal metal blog. I do apologize to these religious fundamentalists. I'm NOT mocking or intentionally spoofing The Abundant Bible Megasite or by no means, the almost identical web addresses are not intentional.In fact in a few years, ITP will be it's own website with it's own domain.. ITP named URL on BLOGSPOT is similar to the old ITP URL on AOL. As perhaps the differential in URL/web addresses is this: blogpsot.com/ (for the bible thumpers) VS. blogpsot.com. (for the brutal metal). Now with that clarified.... Watch YOUR spelling, and typos, and look for the ITP's BLOGGER logo and know the difference as soon ITP will have it's own logo. I again, apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. However, the irony of the polar opposites and the identical web address =LMAO.
Now REMEMBER for all of you dyslexics out there, "watch where you put your P." MY JOURNAL AND METAL: http://www.spak-individualthoughtpatterns.blogspot.com/
NOT MY JOURNAL AND NOT METAL: http://www.spak-individualthoughtpatterns.blogpsot.com/


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

ITP: METAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Gay Marriage Ban Upheld in California





LEGALIZING BIGOTRY AND HATRED:(EDITORS NOTE): This just in, California state supreme court has upheld a voter approved ban on gay marriage. We think this will be a political volley ball for some time, sad day, but many have faith. From what we've heard, many religious, right wing fanatics (ProtectMarriage.com whom are also pro lifers or anti abortionists, mormons) put alot of money (20 MILLION dollars) into lobbying the California state government into banning same sex gender marriages. The U.S.A. was founded on the ideals of a separation of church and state. It feels like the 1950's all over again, as many are looking to extend constitutional rights to include same sex gender marriages, which will perhaps be up to individual states in the U.S.A. The ban on gay marriages is unfortunate, as the gay community out west needs to organize and lobby.Lots of protests and lots of arrests have happened (out west) during the last few days, and I smell the stench of homophobia all the way in New Paltz, NY (watch your fucking mouth).Most homophobes are repressed, religious fanatics or people whom have been sexually abused, unwillingly and in essence have become the abused to the abuser.Why would anyone hate two same sex consenting adults whom love one other? However, the U.S.A. Is a democracy, and people have the right to amend their constitution.
The good news is: The gay couples whom got married during the "stay" against the ban on same sex weddings last year, can stay wed. In New York, we are with you in supporting same sex marriages, and we WON'T BACK DOWN..


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

MICHIGAN DEATH FEST 2009: 5/30/09



The annual Michigan Death Fest will brutalize Battle Creek Michigan May 30, 2009 @ Planet Rock, 191 Angell St, Battle Creek, MI. Get your tickets now as DIABOLIC, and many other bands will bring the brutality to battle Creek Michigan. The MICHIGAN DEATH FESTS 20th Anniversary will happen May 28th and 29th (YES, two days) in 2010, so be ready for the brutality.
FROM MICHIGAN DEATH FEST ORGANIZERS:


COPY AND PASTE THIS CODE INTO YOUR BROWSER! IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE PAYPAL TICKET PAGE!!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5164318

KAIRA (RUSSIAN FEDERATION)
NATRON~ (ITALY)
PESSIMIST (FL)
EZURATE (IL)
CYANOSIS~ (WI)
EVIL INCARNATE (IL)
HAK-ED DAMM ~(CANADA)
ABOMINANT~ (KY)
LORD BLASPHEMER~ (IL)
MAAX ~(IN)
SANATORIUM (SLOVAKIA)
IMPERIAL CONQUEST (FL)
THEOCRACIDE ~(MI)
ELUDE FEARRA~ (MI)
MECHANISM OF MISERY ~(MI)
BURIAL RITUAL~ (WI)
BLESSED BY FIRE ~(MI)
APOTHECARRION ~(IL)
INFINITE DESIGN~(MI)
LIFE IN SHADOW~(IL)
RITUAL SUICIDE ~(MI)
PAGE 66 (MI)
WRITHING (MI)
EMMASIS (MI)
CREATED TO KILL (KY)
ALTERED EXISTENCE (IL)
BENEATH THE FLESH (IL)
DOWNWARDS (MI)
HELL SOCIETY (TX)
NECROPOLIS (IL)
BLOODSTREAM PARADE (IL)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Monday, May 25, 2009

SUMMER SLAUGHTER 2009 ADDS OFF DATES


The 2009 installment of the SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR have announced off dates in New Orleans, LA, Lubbock, Texas, and El Paso Texas. The 2009 SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR features NECROPHAGIST, SUFFOCATION, DYING FETUS, ENSIFERUM, DARKEST HOUR, DECREPIT BIRTH, ORIGIN, BENEATH THE MASSCARE, BORN OF OSIRIS. BLACKGUARD, AFTER THE BURIAL
SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR 2009 OFF DATES:
6/17/09-New Orleans, LA-The Hangar
6/22/09-Lubbock, Texas-Lone Star Events Center
6/25/09-El Paso, Texas-Chics
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MORBID ANGEL IN LA, CALIFORNIA 5/26/09


If you live out west in the California region, don't miss MORBID ANGEL with ETUMASCENSUS 5/26/09 at THE KEY CLUB, Los Angeles, California as this may be one of the only U.S. appearances of these Florida death metal legends.FROM FRIENDS ON MYSPACE: ONLY SHOW IN THE US..!
GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE IT SELL OUT..AND YOU KNOW IT WILL..

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT LoCk & ShOcK 3409 BEVERLY BLVD. MONTEBELLO CA. OR CALL 323-7219181 ( 3:00pm TO 10:00pm Mon / Sun)
WWW. MYSPACE. COM/LETUMASCENSUS
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/-l-

GLORIOR BELLI PULLS OUT OF ABSU TOUR


Bad news for black metal fans whom were looking forward to getting a taste of the acclaimed French black metal scene. French black mettelers GLORIOR BELLI have pulled out of the aforementioned ABSU tour because, yep, you guessed it, VISA issues. FROM GLORIOR BELLI and BLABBERMOUTH.NET: Paris, France-based black metallers GLORIOR BELLI have pulled out of the previously announced "CIII" tour with U.S. black metal legends ABSU, Austin-based AVERSE SEFIRA and Los Angeles-based SOTHIS. According to a statement release by GLORIOR BELLI, "The label Candlelight was not qualified enough to get everything arranged legally for the coming of the band and couldn’t acquire the appropriate papers. Therefore we have no other choice but to pull out. They had all the time necessary and this mess is INEXCUSABLE."

GLORIOR BELLI's third full-length album, "Meet Us Of The Southern Sign", will be released in North America on June 2 via Candlelight Records. The CD, which was recorded over a three-week period, will contain the following tracks:

01. Once In A Blood Red Moon
02. The Forbidden Words
03. Swamp That Shame
04. There Is But One Light
05. My True Essence
06. In Every Grief-Stricken Blues
07. Nox Illuminatio Mea
08. The Blazing Darkness (Of Luciferian Skies)
09. Fivefold Thought
10. Fires Of The Sitra Ahra
11. Meet Us at the Southern Sign
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-(EDITORS NOTE: Although we were looking forward to seeing GLORIOR BELLI, do checkout this tour for ABSU, AVERSE SEFERIA and SOTHIS \m/ -l-

Sunday, May 24, 2009

MANIAC (EX MAYHEM) ACTIVATES SEHNSUCHT


Speaking of MAYHEM and black metal. Former MAYHEM and current SKITLIV vocalist MANIAC is hard at work on his ambient, black industrial project SEHNSUCHT as the project offers this update: SEHNSUCHT is the noise/darkwave/ambient project set up by SKITLIV front man Maniac (ex MAYHEM) and comprises Maniac himself on vocals and guitars, GALLHAMMER’S Vivian Slaughter on bass, sax and backing vocals, and SKITLIV guitarist Ingvar on guitars.

The band is already signed to the UK’s Cold Spring label and are currently in the studio recording SEHNSUCHT’S first album, which has a working title of “Narrow Birth".

Check out some rough mixes and unfinished tracks on SEHNSUCHT’S MySpace page HERE

Maniac will also shortly be completing work on the first SKITLIV album “Glem Aldri Korset”. Aside from Ingvar, the Doom/Black/Noise project includes SHINING’S Niklas Kvarforth on guitars and sculptor Spacebrain on bass. The difference between the two bands was recently described by Maniac’s manager: “Where SKITLIV is very much Maniac’s unpredictable offspring, the band is all about extremes and expecting the unexpected, SEHNSUCHT, on the other hand, is its more thoughtful, introspective, sibling”.


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

MAYHEM COMMENT ON MARDUKS ABSENCE on BLACKENED TOUR, PESTILENCE CANCEL MDF APPEARENCE





MAYHEM have kicked off THE BLACKENED FEST with Cattle Decapitation, Cephalic Carnage, Withered and NO MARDUK as of yet. Swedish black metal legends MARDUK are still a no show on the BLACKENED dates as MAYHEM have no explanation of WHY MARDUK are absent from their currently scheduled North American (BLACKENED) tour.
However,LEGION formerly of MARDUK granted a 2003 interview with METAL MANIACS and explained that VISA issues with the INS provoked previous U.S. tour cancellations. FROM LEGION OF MARDUK in AUGUST 2003's METAL MANIACS: "We had a layover in Washington, DC, on the way home, passing through Dulles airport, some guy stamped my and Morgans passports, so the INS thought we stayed in the country illegally until 2001." METAL MANIACS: Marduk did an American tour in 2001. You didn't have proper working papers for that one. You guys actually "snuck" in for that. So the INS saw the stamps from 1995 and the stamps from 2001 and thought you were here in America that whole time?
LEGION: "Exactly".
FROM MAYHEM (AND BLABBERMOUTH.NET.) "There has been a lot of confusion around the MARDUK [the Swedish black metal band which was supposed to take part in Blackened fest] situation. They are not playing tonight at the show in Orlando, Florida. What will happen for the future of this tour is currently unknown. We want to stress that MAYHEM has absolutely nothing to do with this situation. We didn't have any information about what is going on at all, there were many different rumors flying around, and unfortunately the only thing we know is that the band is not here. Why? We don't know! Thank you for your patience!"
Texas USA's "dark metal" band VESPERIAN SORROW have confirmed their 6/26/09 gig with Norwegian black metal legends MAYHEM in MONTERREY, MEXICO. FROM VESPERIAN SORROW: 6/26/2009 8:00 PM at Cafe Iguana (w/ Mayhem!)
, Monterrey, Nuevo León
Also, re activated 90's death metal band PESTILENCE have canceled their appearance at 2009 MARYLAND DEATH FEST as the band were detained at customs for improper paper work for VISAS. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

PESTILENCE Forced To Cancel MARYLAND DEATHFEST Appearance - May 24, 2009
Resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metallers PESTILENCE have been forced to cancel their appearance at the Maryland Deathfest due to their detainment at the U.S. border.

Upon entering the U.S. and stopping at customs, Patrick Mameli (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Uterwijk (guitar) discovered that the paperwork for their travels, which was sent to them, was not properly completed for the required working visas. Originally they were told all was in order and to proceed on the trip to the U.S.

Mameli and Uterwijk were kept in custody for several hours and sent back to the Netherlands late yesterday.

They spent a total of 44 hours in flights and detainment.

Commented Mameli: "We are extremely sad and disappointed not being able to perform on the Maryland Deathfest. Not having received the proper information on our visa application, we were under the impression that what we received from the securing visas and working permits office was the actual working permits. We were kept under custody by the border security police for four hours trying to do everything in our power to let us pass, but all our efforts failed. They sent us home on the next plane. Hopefully we will be given another chance to perform for you, our fans!"

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

SHINING (SWEDEN) CANCEL SWEDISH TOUR, SHINING’S NIKLAS KVARFORTH LAUNCHES KATASTROPHY RECORDS


Swedish black metal project SHINING have issued this update as the band has CANCELED their Swedish tour and NIKLAS KVARFORTH is launching a new record label KATASTROPHY records. FROM SHINING ON MYSPACE: Please note that due to circumstances beyond our all three SHINING shows in Sweden this month have been cancelled, and will hopefully be rescheduled later this year. Please do NOT contact the band or Patricia regarding ticket refunds. The band is not involved in ticket sales and you need to contact your point of sale. NIKLAS KVARFORTH, leader of Sweden’s SHINING, has launched his own record label KATASTROPHY RECORDS. The actual pressing and distribution will be handled through the Avantgarde label, whilst the front man himself will be responsible for promotion and all decisions regarding signings. In a comment about the move, KVARFORTH stated, “Over the years I’ve been involved in many bands, and a lot of them ended up on useless labels that have done little or nothing for the bands. As a musician myself I understand what a band looks for from its label, and with Avantgard’s experience and infrastructure, I believe that we will be able to do a much better job for the artists”.

Six releases have been planned for 2009 - the first three being BETHLEHEM’s "A Sacrificial Offering To The Kingdom Of Heaven In A Cracked Dogs Ear", which is a completely new version of the band’s “Suizid” album, with KVARFORTH on vocals; IN LINGUA MORTUA’s "Salon des Refusés", and LIVSNEKAD’s "Den Sociala Vanforheten". Later releases include albums from MONUMENTUM, LOVE PLANET, and a compilation of unreleased tracks from bands in which KVARFORTH has been involved.

A track from BETHLEHEM, together with more information about KATASTROPHY RECORDS can be found on the label’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/katastrophyrecords or by clicking HERE
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Saturday, May 23, 2009

METAL AT THE MOVIES PART 6: UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US


Since MAYHEM have conquered North American shores this week and the ironic timing of VARG VIKERNES's release from 16 years of imprisonment for the 1993 murder of Oystein Aarseth (a.k.a. Euronymous), there 's much talk about the Norwegian black metal scene of the 90's. There has also been much talk about movies and documentaries about the 90's Norwegian black metal scene as well. Jackson Rathbone is set to star in the movie version Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind's book of the same name LORDS OF CHAOS.
However, a quality documentary about the Norwegian black metal "inner circle" entitled "Until The Light Takes Us" was released last year featuring interviews with Fenriz of DARKTHRONE, Vark Vikernes of BURZUM, JAN AXEL BLOMBERG (MAYHEM) and plenty of of music from the Norwegian black metal scene of the 90's
FROM BLACK METAL MOVIE MYSPACE: "I was surprised by how full the theater was when I got there about ten minutes before showtime. Always nice to see that kind of support in the middle of the day, especially when you're talking about a documentary about the black metal movement in Norway, hardly the sort of marquee title that normally sells out at a festival... UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US is my favorite kind of documentary, squarely focused on someone instead of something. It's not enough to just say that your film is about something as broadly defined as Norway's black metal scene. That's not a story. That's not compelling. It's a backdrop at best. Wisely, co-directors Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell chose to focus on a few particular players in the scene, using their stories to paint the larger picture. It's incredibly effective, and there's real control in the way they parcel out information at just the right moment for maximum effect." - Ain't It Cool News

"As richly compelling and artfully shot as rock docs get, Until the Light Takes Us goes beyond charting black metal's underpinnings and the tabloid sensationalism of its fiery saga. Through smartly constructed reveals and blunt interviews that include many vulnerable moments, Ewell and Aites investigate the entanglement of art, terrorism, and the media that tried to define both." - LA Weekly (Critic's Pick)

"I’d never heard of Norwegian black metal, which flourished in the early 1990s, but that didn’t prevent me from becoming engrossed in — and highly disturbed by — the bizarre, violent stories of some of the participants of that musical scene as presented in Until the Light Takes Us. There are murders...[spoiler removed]...suicides, rabid nationalism, anti-Judeo-Christian diatribes, anti-Americanism, church burnings, media sensationalism, faux satanism, and, in my view, the pervasive sensation that we live in a very, very sick world — one in which violence and hatred are perceived as not only valid but also as desirable manifestations of dissent." - Andre Soares, Alternative Film Guide

"This documentary is an excellent piece of minimalist but effective storytelling, much like the music that inspired it. If you seek the simple truths hidden behind the headlines, this film will lead you to them." - The Left Hand Path
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For more information, visit www.myspace.com/blackmetalmovie.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Friday, May 22, 2009

MAYHEM KICK OFF BLACKENED TOUR, WITHOUT MARDUK?


MAYHEM kicked off the BLACKENED TOUR in NYC last night, unfortunately without MARDUK..
MARDUK missed a flight, umm..Look, Swedish black metal band MARDUK have had a hard time with the INS and have been trying to sort out VISA issues since 2002.                                                                   (BROOKLYN VEGAN have some cool pics of the show check them out): Norwegian black metal band MAYHEM kicked off its U.S. headlining tour last night (Thursday, May 21) as part of Blackened Fest at The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza in New York City.

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

Check out a review and photos at BrooklynVegan.com.

Blackened fest also features Swedish black metallers MARDUK (although they were conspicuously absent from last night's show).
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

GATHERING OF THE SICK FEST(GOTS) Albuquerque, NEW MEXICO 6/4,5,6th 2009


If you live in the South West region, specifically Albuquerque, New Mexico, THE GATHERING OF THE SICK FESTIVAL is the regions premier extreme metal festival. 2009 kicks off anther installment of TGOTS FEST as the festival will be held June 4,5 and 6th @ The Compound, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
FROM GOTS FEST ORGANIZERS:
TWO DAY PASS-$40 IN ADVANCE

TWO DAY PASS AT THE DOOR-$50.
EITHER OF THESE TWO DAY PASSES GETS YA THURSDAYS
SHOW FOR FREE!! AND IF YA DONT HAVE A TWO DAY PASS, MAY 29TH WILL BE $10 AT THE DOOR!!!

ALL PAYPAL AND MONEY ORDERS WILL GO UNDER A TICKET HOLDER BLOG THAT WILL BE UPDATED EVERY DAY SO YOU KNOW YOUR FUNDS WERE RECEIVED AND FOR HOW MANY TICKETS.

THIS WILL LIST WILL BE AT THE DOOR ON THE FIRST DAY WITH YOUR NAME AND TICKETS WAITING!!


...................PAYPAL...................

IF YOU HAVE A PAYPAL ACCOUNT, OUR ACCOUNT IS thecompoundabq@yahoo.com

GO TO SEND MONEY-GOODS-LETS US KNOW YOUR NAME-ADDRESS-AND HOW MANY TICKETS. EXAMPLE:

JOE HERNANDEZ- Alb,NM -2 TICKETS-$80.00



...................MAIL IN...................



MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: DWSRecs or Joe Hernandez

DWSRECS

8400 MENAUL BLVD NE A203

ALBUQUERQUE NM, 87112 USA

Make sure ya keep your receipt cuz if your money doesnt show up you must have proof ya sent it!!! Write down your name on the inside and how many tickets!!



TICKETS
PURCHASED FROM OUT OF TOWN WILL BE WAITING AT THE DOOR AND THERE IS ANOTHER BLOG THAT WILL HAVE YOUR NAME ON IT THAT YOUR FUNDS WERE RECEIVED AND HOW MANY TICKETS YOU PURCHASED AND ARE WAITING FOR YA!!!..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING A PART OF THIS FEST, WITHOUT YOU THERE IS NO GATHERING OR PARTAY!!!!................JAH
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

Thursday, May 21, 2009

ITP: WORLD APOCALYPSE: "OUR STREETS" : Homeless Youth in America (The Trailer), New York City squatters become legal residents

I was not aware that comrade of mine was putting together a documentary on the issue of the homeless in New York. I just happened to be surfing MYSPACE and found the documentary (with many recognizable faces in New Paltz, New York.) entitled "Our Streets": Homeless Youth in America (BTW, above is just the trailer of the documentary, can't wait to see the rest.) The documentary is moderated by two local guys of great character: Carl Welden and Derek "Dee" Cross whom have a come a long ways to forge their own unique identities as people. The music in the background is scored by Derek Cross as well, and he is brutal and has played in alot of good quality, local extreme metal bands. We've all been through tough times, myself included. Here in America, we are in the middle of an awful receding economy where over 5 million people have been layed off and are out of work. Along with inflation, the rising cost of food and utilities, many more people are using social services, and some are "working homeless", living out of their cars or in tents in Florida. The homeless youth locally are different story entirely. I actually KNOW many of the people in this documentary. Many of the homeless youth have yet to "sink or swim" and define independence from their families. Many of the homeless youth featured in this documentary have chosen to travel to seek a new sense of self, and many more are battling alcohol, mental illness and substance abuse, criminal histories, domestic violence. Some of the homeless youth have yet to come out of denial and choose substance abuse over independence and stability. Yet, not everyone, in this receding economy can shoulder the burden of the homeless. Many of the homeless in this documentary have family whom are living locally, whom can't tolerate or afford the indulgences of their dependents. Not all featured in this documentary are local to the region with supportive families. Not ALL featured in this documentary are even homeless, they just want to party, but either way have yet to define independence from their families. With the variable dysfunctions of the homeless, (co dependencies, and substance abuse) getting help, for many is involuntary. I liked Dee's commentary, it takes the will to confront issues of drug, alcohol abuse, and mental illness to upgrade to stability. Coming out of the denial of the dysfunctions of the homeless is indeed half the bottle, urr, I mean battle.
In New York City, a long, hard, battle, fought originally by squatters has been WON. Of course the New York Post is my LEAST favorite news paper, with it's muckraking, slanderous, red journalism. The NY POST article is biased in favor of warehousing slumlords as home mortgages are foreclosing. NO, waste not, want not.
With that said, back in the 80's, NYC squatters took over warehoused buildings abandoned by slumlords whom refused to pay property taxes. In the UK, if squatters took over abandoned buildings and upgraded the buildings quality, then indeed, they have "fives" on said building if they paid property taxes, and took over the mortgage ...SOLD, REAL CHEAP..
In New York City, it's been over 20 some odd years, and A, B, and C squat fought against warehousing for years, as NYC evicted the squatters from said properties in 1996. Eventually, the ingenious idea of paying for taxes on warehoused property came to fruition, and now..The property was sold to whom cared about it, brought it up to code and wanted it the most. With much love and passion squatters upgraded the property and now said property is a co op.
Growing up in New York City in the 80's, I go back home and can't bear to witness the gentrification of NYC in 2K. It's hard for even those whom are working to afford to live anywhere in NYC and rent controlled co ops are hard to come by. Depending on the size of said property, property taxes are cheaper in NYC compared to paying property taxes on a house in the Hudson Valley Area.
After 30 years of living (squatting) illegally, property tax exempt, squatters got out the old hammer and a nail and brought these warehoused buildings up to code, and transformed said property into affordable housing.
So here's to the squatters in NYC, 20 years of telling warehousing slumlords where to go. LMAO.


BTW, if you're a legal tenet here in the USA (on a lease, pay rent and utilities ect. It is a illegal for a landlord to act in any illegal way, and all evictions have to be LEGAL. It is ILLEGAL (if you're a legal tenet) for a landlord to shut off utilities, water, both included and not included with the rent without due process of civil eviction law.
British law states if squatters can prove they have been living and have legal access to said property (without breaking in) for 10 to 12 consecutive years or more, they apply, in essence for ownership of said property with a fee. Since 2002 in England, there has been a power struggle vs. squatters regarding the British law of "adverse possession" vs. the 2002 Land Registration Act.



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

THE MUSIC BUSINESS: Season Of Mist, Moribund, Diminished Fifth Records Join Sonic Unyon Distribution's Exclusive Label Roster



If you're are fans of bands on these labels, (and believe me Season Of  Mist and Moribund are quality black and extreme metal labels) Season Of Mist, Moribund and Diminished Fifth Records will join Sonic Unyon Distribution's exclusive label roster for distribution in Canada.
FROM BWBK.COM and SONIC UNYON DISTRIBUTION:


Effective immediately the Season Of Mist, Moribund and Diminished Fifth Records labels are distributed exclusively in Canada by Sonic Unyon Distribution. Label descriptions are as follows:

Season Of Mist is France's leading independent metal record label, founded in 1996 by Michael S. Berberian in Marseilles. In the beginning the label was primarily releasing albums of the black, pagan and death metal variety, but the label has now expanded to include avant-garde, gothic and even punk bands artists. Season of Mist is widely respected as one of the top labels in the extreme metal scene. Key current SOM bands include , ROTTING CHRIST, WATAIN, SEPTIC FLESH and CYNIC, while the label's catalogue includes great releases from the likes of ENSLAVED, MAYHEM, GORGOROTH, FINNTROLL, PENTAGRAM and many more.

America’s premiere black and death metal label, Moribund Records is proudly celebrating its 16th year of uncompromising extreme metal. Known for finding and nurturing such genre-reviving and - expanding artists as LEVIATHAN, BROWN JENKINS, AYAT, SARGEIST, XASTHUR, SATAN’S HOST, DRAWN AND QUARTERED, NECRONOCLAST, KROHM and HORNA, MORIBUND continually pushes the accepted boundaries of “art” in music while maintaining a professionalism and commitment to excellence rarely seen on the underground level. Trends in heavy metal may come and go, but Moribund always leads while others follow.

Diminished Fifth Records is more then a just company that releases and promotes heavy music; the entity was formed around an idea that goes well beyond the duty of a mere record label. Diminished Fifth Records is a lone voice that can be heard screaming loudly from Canada’s sheltered east coast! Passionate and filled with purpose, the label is on a mission to expose the seedy underbelly of Canada’s East Coast, a region which is all too easily recognized for traditional Celtic Music and Indie Rock. Diminished Fifth spearheaded a campaign to have metal music recognized by the East Coast Music Association and campaigned to create a new category ‘Loud Recording of the Year that is now part of the 2009 ECMA’s.
Thanks-Stay Metal-Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-