NEGURA BUNGET ANNOUNCE FALL EUROPEAN TOUR WITH SATYRICON

Romania's revamped atmospheric black metal warriors NEGURA BUNGET have announced a fall European tour with SATYRICON, SHINING AND DARK FORTRESS. NEGURA BUNGET have also recorded a song for a compilation released on CODE 666 records "Better Undead Than Alive II" entitled "Cumpana (Balance/Ordeal)".
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: NEGURA BUNGET, the Romanian band that incorporates elements of black metal, progressive metal, folk metal and dark ambient, has recorded a new song for inclusion on Code666 Records' compilation "Better Undead Than Alive II". Entitled "Cumpana (Balance/Ordeal)", the track was laid down at Negura MUSIC studio and is the first composition to be written by the band's new lineup:

Corb - Guitars/Vocals
Spin - Guitars
Gadinet - Bass
Inia Dinia - Keyboards
Ageru Pamanatului - Vocals/Pipes/Percussions/Xylophone
Negru - Drums/Percussions
FROM NEGURA BUNGET MYSPACE:

Negura Bunget tour with Satyricon, Cumpana - new track.
Negura Bunget on tour with Satyricon and Shining
Negura Bunget is proud to announce a new European Tour. This time it will be along Satyricon, Shining and Dark Fortress.
Satyricon + Shining + Negura Bunget + Dark Fortress
02/12/2009 - Antwerp (BE) - Hof Ter Lo (www.trixonline.be)
04/12/2009 - Paris (FR) - Trabendo (www.trabendo.fr)
05/12/2009 - Essen (DE) - Turock (www.turock.de)
06/12/2009 - Pratteln (CH) - Z7 (www.z-7.ch)
07/12/2009 - Munich (DE) - Backstage (www.backstage.eu)
08/12/2009 - Bologna (IT) - Estragon (www.estragon.it)
10/12/2009 - Vienna (AT) - Szene (www.szenewien.com)
11/12/2009 - Bratislava (SK) - TBA
12/12/2009 - Prague (CZ) - Folimanka
13/12/2009 - Krakow (PL) - Studio Club (www.klubstudio.pl)
15/12/2009 - Ahus (DK) - Train (www.train.dk)
16/12/2009 - Hamburg (DE) - Markthalle (www.markthalle-hamburg.de)
17/12/2009 - Frankfurt (DE) - Batschkapp (www.batschkapp.de)
18/12/2009 - Glauchau (DE) - Alte Spinerei (www.altespinnerei.auto-gross.de)
19/12/2009 - Eindhoven (NL) - Effenaar (www.effenaar.nl)
20/12/2009 - London (UK) - O2 Islington (www.o2academyislington.co.uk)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP REVIEW: LYKATHEA AFLAME: ELVENEFRIS

BAND: LYKATHEA AFLAME (CZECH REPUBLIC) GENRE- PROGRESSIVE DEATH GRIND LABEL-Obscene Productions RELEASE DATE: (October 31st, 1999/2000)
PREVIOUS RELEASES (CATALOG): ELVENEFRIS (1999/2000-Obscene Productions) (Only label release-disbanded),Bestial, Mystical, & Spiritual (The First Spawn) (DEMO AS Appalling Spawn)

BEST RELEASE: ELVENEFRIS

TRACKLISTING: (LYKATHEA AFLAME-ELVENEFRIS):
1. "Land Where Sympathy Is Air" – 5:50
2. "To Become Shelter and Salvation" – 4:35
3. "Bringer of Elvenefris Flame" – 5:59
4. "Flowering Entities" – 5:43
5. "To Give" – 3:57
6. "On the Way Home" – 6:35
7. "Shine of Consolation" – 3:38
8. "Sadness and Strength" – 8:04
9. "A Step Closer" – 7:18
10. "An Old Man and a Child" – 9:12
11. "Walking in the Garden of Ma'at" – 11:14






ITP RATING: *****
PRODUCTION: *** 1/2
SONGWRITING: *****
PERFORMANCE: ****



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lykath%C3%A9
"As The Sun for the Earth, Let's Become, Salvation"-Lykathea Aflame

5/20/2012: ITP V.012 EDITORS NOTE: LYKATHEA AFLAME's "ELVENEFRIS" was RE- ISSUED, and REMASTERED in 2011 thanks to WILLOWTIP RECORDS.

Ahh, it feels soo good. ITP is taking the time to review what we feel is a classic and very unique death/grind release. The Czech Republic extreme metal scene has plenty of potential with short lived but very unique and influential death/grind bands. !T.O.O.H! and LYKATHEA AFLAME (both disbanded) come to mind as Prauges finest death grind lords.

LYKATHEA AFLAME changed their lineup, logo and band name to Lykathé, practically went symphonic and WERE working on the follow up to the critically acclaimed ELVENEFRIS before godly drummer Tomas Corn quit because of an injury to his foot resulting in neurological problems.
Too bad, because LYKATHEA AFLAME's ELVENEFRIS is a unique, epic, groundbreaking release that deserves an encore.

So here on ITP, we will review LYKATHEA AFLAME's only label release ELVENEFRIS, and oldie but a goodie, and one of the most influential extreme metal releases this decade.

LYKATHEA AFLAME's ELVENEFRIS opens with the track "Land Where Sympathy Meets Air" with it's unique middle eastern sitar like riff. There is soo much going on in this song, Tomas Corns awesome drumming, some brutal SUFFOCATION like riffing. ...Wait..At 5:10 into "Land Where Sympathy Meets Air", the riff switches from guitar to keyboards, same riff, but such a unique transition, an unexpected shift from brutal to melodic and you're floored.

"To Become Shelter and Salvation" promote a nu age, positive lyrical sensibility rarely explored in the gore obsessed, anti religious world of death and extreme metal. I must say TOMAS CORNS drumming is godly, this dude must have eight arms, an extreme metal octopus, with blast beats that are not triggered, and tastefully done with prog rock sensibilities. "To Become Shelter and Salvation" features two guitarists playing variably, one playing melodic riffing, and the other simple but brutal death metal breakdowns. At 3:09 "To Become Shelter and Salvation" slows down with gorgeous clean vocals and at 3:22, all hell breaks loose with an awesome and unforgettable doom riff that will get the heads banging, and horns raised. AWESOME.

LYKATHEA AFLAME (2000) vocalist PTOE's vocals are of the brutal, gutteral death gore kind, as the clean vocal transitions work well with LYKATHEA AFLAMES melodic sections and nu age positive lyrical themes.
"Bringer of Elvenfris Flame" eases in slowly with clean vocals and speeds up with a brutal death grind anthem of melodic beauty. Death metal breakdown riffing, integrated with keyboards and..Oh, the brutality, there is so much going on in this brutal tune. At 2:59 into "Bringer of Elvenfris Flame" LYKATHEA AFLAME switch to an awesome prog rock riff, \m/ wich will leave you speechless. "Bringer of Elvenefris Flame" continues with it's death/grind instrumental crushing speed flowing beautifully with prog rock transitions. I mean, that was better than SEX.

"Flowering Entities" brings the brutality and is EPIC. A beautiful, light picking transition is spewed forth and at 1:20 explodes into utter old school death grind chaos and brutality. At 4:00, "Flowering Entities" comes to an epic climax slowing down the pace: "As the Sun for the Earth, Let's become, Salvation".... Gorgeous..

"To Give" is just awesome in it's execution and is the most accessible song on ELVENFRIS. "To Give", with it's middle eastern flavor, melodic riffing, and enough brutality to get any pit moving.

"On the Way Home", again, explores middle eastern sitar riffing, with Tomas Corns brutal drumming. The melodic transitions, from prog rock, melodic death, to utter death grind brutality make this tune an enjoyable listen. Great melodic riffing, btw.

"Shine of Consolation" is just awesome, from brutal (and in the blink of eye) to nice prog metal transitions to good clean vocals and cool little riffs thrown in at 1:58..

"Sadness and Strength" again is another epic tune from LYKATHEA AFLAME with it's progressive death grind BRUTAL intro segueing into a journey of middle eastern flavored hope and dare I say it uplifting brutality. EPIC, this is your mantra.

"A Step Closer" opens and ends as a bluesy lullaby. "A Step Closer" flows into an anthem of melodic brutality with it's death to chanted clean vocal transition, and lightly flavored keyboards.

"An Old Man and a Child" brings the brutality, old school ala SUFFOCATION, mid paced and atmospheric with an underlying middle eastern theme.  "An Old Man and a Child" , the tune enlightens with a progressive metal riff  (5:08 ) as the song flows into a brutal uplifting and enchanting journey.

LYKATHEA AFLAMES ELVENEFRIS closes with "Walking in the Garden of Ma'at", a nu age, keyboard laden tune of bird song, (you heard that right, BIRD SONG) and the song IS LONG, 11:14 of birds chirping to nu age..Kinda funny, the best white noise for urban chaos, and a meditation mantra for the Buddhist in all of us, cleansing the soul, and looking for peace in a evil world.

LYKATHEA AFLAME's ELVENEFRIS broke every stereotype and rule in extreme metal, and enchanted me from the first listen. Nu age death grind with a middle eastern almost dare it say it Buddhist nature. LYKATHEA AFLAME's "ELVENEFRIS" features spiritually positive lyrical themes vs. the cookie cutter gore obsessed lyrics of other death metal bands. The variation of musicianship, prog influences, and creativity in LYKATHEA AFLAME were godly and I'm floored by this unique release.

A couple of small bones to pick regarding LYKATHEA AFLAMES ELVENEFRIS:
*Yes, TOMAS CORN is a godly drummer, it's just that the (steel) snare on ELVENEFRIS could have been mixed better.
*Some complain that LYKATHEA AFLAME play quite sloppy on ELVENEFRIS. How many of you are from the NICK BARKER school of triggered drumming? TOMAS CORN's drumming sounds organic, and awesome, although LYKATHEA AFLAME could play tighter in parts.
* A Little more variation in PTOES death vocals would be nice. I do like the brutal and clean transitions.
*Some people complain that ELVENFRIS is a "Gimmicky" release (nu age, middle eastern musical atmosphere, positive lyrical themes) and many say the same for NILE. However, there are no samples on LYKATHEA AFLAMES ELVENEFRIS, unlike NILE's first few releases.
*Perhaps better production and a remastering of this unique release will help people pick up musical nuances they missed on the first listen of ELVENFRIS. Every time I listen to ELVENEFRIS I'm enlightened to something new.
*Some people complain that LYKATHEA AFLAMES ELVENEFRIS isn't really death metal, what's with the keyboards? ITP thinks ELVENEFRIS is quite awesome. Atmospheric, progressive death grind of a postive nu age, and damn unique.
*Re issue ELVENEFRIS please..
Other wise, yes LYKATHEA AFLAME's ELVENEFRIS is certainly a jaw dropping and unique listen, a spiritual, uplifting musical journey. LYKATHEA AFLAME's ELVENEFRIS is ambitious, orgasmic, epic in it's scope and like a meteor shower, a once in a lifetime experience.

* WISH GRANTED:  LYKATHEA AFLAME's "ELVENEFRIS" was RE- ISSUED, and REMASTERED in 2011 thanks to WILLOWTIP RECORDS.

ITP RATING: *****
PRODUCTION: *** 1/2
SONGWRITING: *****
PERFORMANCE: ****



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

WALL STREET JOURNAL: TICKETMASTER PULLED BEST SEATS FROM VAN HALEN TOUR TO SCALPERS

According to the WALL STREET JOURNAL and BLABBERMOUTH.NET:, ticket agency TICKETMASTER pulled and sold the best seats to a VAN HALENS recent tour to scalping agencies therefore inflating ticket prices. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, VAN HALEN netted an extra $1 million dollars in the fall of 2007 when up to 500 of the best seats to each of about 20 of the band's concerts were pulled from the Ticketmaster system and passed directly to ticket scalpers.

The brokers allegedly kept 30% of the marked-up sale price for themselves, and the remaining 70% was divided among Ticketmaster, the band and its handlers.

The move, according to the report, was part of Ticketmaster's initiative, codenamed "Project Showtime," to capture a piece of the sky-high prices charged by scalpers, which can exceed a ticket's face value by hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. They could then compete against Live Nation's nascent ticketing business by offering to share the scalpers' revenue with entertainers and venues.

FUCK TICKETBASTARD-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

DARK FUNERAL ENTITLE NEW CD ”Angelus Exuro pro Eternus”

Scandinavian black metal legends DARK FUNERAL have entitled their new CD ”Angelus Exuro pro Eternus” due out November 18th, 2009 on REAGAIN records. FROM DARK FUNERAL MYSPACE:
Ave everyone!Lord Ahriman - Dark Funeral


Peter Tagtgren is currently mixing our new album at his Abyss Studios. Once we have approved the final mix, Jonas Kjellgren [Scar Symmetry] will be mastering it.

By listening to the rough-mix, the final production will kill totally, no doubt! Can’t wait to blast the final result in the stereo!

We decided to go for a bit rawer sound this time, and not as crystal clear and perhaps polished as our last album [Attera Totus Sanctus ©2005], but no worries. The production still holds the high quality that you would come to expect from us. We haven’t done “a Metallica” so to say!

During the last weekend we spent at the Abyss Studio we recorded a video for one of the new tracks. The video was shot in and outside an old and closed mental hospital. The environment was just killer. And besides, it suited the video theme perfect! The video is currently under editing by “Standard Film Team”. And within the next 2-3 weeks it should be ready for world premiere. However, due to the graphic violence and somewhat gory nature of the video, I would assume that we will be forced to edit 2 versions, one soft and one hard core version. Exactly how and where we’ll release them is yet to be decided though, but we will keep you posted about it of course. The video was shot for a track called “My Funeral”.

Now you may wonder what the album will be called. Well, here is another “exclusive” for you….

”Angelus Exuro pro Eternus” !!!

Estimated release date is set to November 18th!

If that’s not enough news for now, well, we have uploaded a few pictures from the video shoot at our official website [www.darkfuneral.se] +
MySpace [www.myspace.com/darkfuneral]. Check them out!!!

/
Lord Ahriman
DARK FUNERAL
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal, GRIM and KVLT-\m/ -l-

JOHN THE BAKER: LADDER OF PIGS

Kinda thought this would be a good personal interest almost fluff piece. The amazing JOHN THE BAKER ( EX SLIMY PENIS BREATH and an old acquaintance of mine) has posted a widget/video of his infamous hit tune "Ladder Of Pigs" on both YOU TUBE and MYSPACE. Funny story, back in 1994, JOHN THE BAKER was playing this tune during a impromptu street performance on the WOODSTOCK GREEN in WOODSTOCK, NY.
Turns out WOODSTOCK isn't as liberal as you think, as someone got offended by JOHN THE BAKER lyrics and called the coppers, as JOHN was arrested. In a 1994-95 precedent setting case regarding musicians, street performers and first amendment civil rights in the HUDSON VALLEY AREA, JOHN THE BAKER countered his arrest by suing the town of WOODSTOCK for about $20,000 making him my hero, for a few years, and a song and incident I will never forget.
JOHN THE BAKER now lives in Richmond, California and works for ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES records (Jello Biafria EX DEAD KENNEDYS) label and frequently performs with a punk band called "INSTANT ASSHOLE".
My interpretation of "LADDER OF PIGS": The demoralizing, dehumanizing and obvious delusion of personal competitiveness and Capitalism.
JOHN THE BAKER "LADDER OF PIGS":



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-BBL with HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS) and reviews-\m/ -l-

DM3 FEST 9/4, 5 and 6th, 2009 Goodells, Michigan

Promoters are announcing Michigan's DM3 FEST which will be held September 4, 5th and 6th, 2009 @ 8390 SPARLING RD. GOODELLS MI 48027 as Florida death metal legends INCANTATION will be headlining. There HAS been a change of venue for the DM3 FEST, so check your local listings.
FROM DM3 PROMOTERS: this years DM3 Fest set for Sept 4th, 5th, 6th (LABOR DAY weekend)in Goodells Mi. The fest will be $15.00 before the show date and $20.00 the day of,at the gate-so get them early (ALL TICKETS ARE WEEKEND PASSES)!! Camping is free with ticket, ANY TYPE of R.V. is an EXTRA $5 from anybody INCLUDING bands. All the bands will be selling tix so you can get them from any of the bands. We are working to bring you the best Metal Fest this year and years to come. We are in this biz for the love of the music, bands, fans, and all who feel the same. So keep in touch, stay updated, and we hope to see you this year. If you need any info, please hit us up anytime. If you are a band looking for a spot, also hit us up and we will get back to you asap....
!!POWER TO THE METAL!!
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

DIMMU BORGIR's KEYBOARDIST SACKED

Reports have been abound that MUSTIS (Øyvind Mustaparta-keyboards) and ICS VOTEX (Simen Hestnæs-clean vocals and bass) have been fired from Norwegian black/extreme metal gods DIMMU BORGIR this week via text message.
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta), the former keyboardist for the Norwegian symphonic black metal band DIMMU BORGIR, has released the following statement:

"Attention to all the worldwide fans of my work with DIMMU BORGIR: I feel that I must begin my note to you all by saying that your dedication and interest in my musical work with DIMMU BORGIR has been greatly appreciated by me for many, many years and you all have motivated me to continue to push the creative envelope farther each and every day.

"You might be able to see where this note is heading and if you are thinking correctly you will know that I am informing you all that I am no longer associated with the band and have left the ranks of DIMMU BORGIR effective immediately.

"My departure was not entirely of my own accord and while I had felt this change was something imminent for my future, my time had been spent addressing the fact that many songs written by me had not been registered properly under my name in their credits. Without naming every single track, let us just say that a good majority of albums like 'Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia' and 'In Sorte Diaobli' would have been vastly different had I not composed and created as much as I actually did. Sadly, based on terrible gaps in the communication process and a failure to find logical rationale for why this had been done this way found me hitting wall after wall as opposed to finding a professional and reasonable solution to the problem. My inquiries and investigation into the issues which I wished to resolve and move on from would in the end find me being fired from the group. No discussions about it, just 'goodbye' (via text message).

"I can say to you that this was not a new dispute and is something that has been going on for some years and since these are my individual creative rights and work that are being denied of me, we shall now let the resolution come from the lawyers instead of dealing with more dishonesty and lies on a one-on-one personal level. On this I cannot say anymore because we will be walking into sticky legal territory.

"I mentioned earlier that my fans have motivated me to create great music again and again and they should know that I will continue to do this and shall return to them in the not-too-distant future with material that I hope will keep their metal needs fed.

"In advance, I will say that I thank you for notes and texts of support and ask that you please understand that there is not much more I can say on this, nor will be able to answer every single message that I get. I ask you to please keep tabs on my official MySpace page. I will do my best to post what I am legally allowed to share with you so you remain informed."

As previously reported, Mustis indicated on his MySpace page that ICS Vortex (clean vocals, bass; real name: Simen Hestnæs) has also been dismissed from DIMMU BORGIR, but this has not yet been confirmed by Vortex or anyone else associated with the group.

An official statement on the matter from DIMMU BORGIR is expected to be released shortly.
FROM DIMMU BORGIR: "We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both Vortex [bass, clean vocals] and Mustis [keyboards]. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear that the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever. With that being said, we're currently working on our next album and are excited to start a new chapter in the legacy that is DIMMU BORGIR."

Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta) issued a statement yesterday (Sunday, August 30) claiming that his dismissal from DIMMU BORGIR was caused by his efforts to "address the fact that many songs written by me had not been registered properly under my name in their credits. Without naming every single track, let us just say that a good majority of albums like 'Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia' and 'In Sorte Diaobli' would have been vastly different had I not composed and created as much as I actually did," he said. "Sadly, based on terrible gaps in the communication process and a failure to find logical rationale for why this had been done this way found me hitting wall after wall as opposed to finding a professional and reasonable solution to the problem. My inquiries and investigation into the issues which I wished to resolve and move on from would in the end find me being fired from the group. No discussions about it, just 'goodbye' (via text message)."

FROM ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs): ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs), the former bassist/clean vocalist for the Norwegian symphonic black metal band DIMMU BORGIR, has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"I've really enjoyed the ride; the DIMMU years have been awesome. I look forward to concentrating fully on my own project now, and the opening possibility to resurrect a band or three.

"A special thanks to all the crazy and lovely people I have met on the road with DIMMU over the years, for the support from so many of you, and for the continuing interest in my musical projects. I will always treasure the albums and the brotherhood as it was before the cabin-fever music industry and greed went METALLICA on our asses.

"My support goes to Mustis [former DIMMU BORGIR keyboardist; real name: Øyvind Mustaparta], the true creative force in DIMMU for the last ten years, and his rightful legal chase."

Simen will meet his LAMENTED SOULS bandmates in mid-September to plan a new release and a few gigs in Norway. He is also planning to get together with the rest of ARCTURUS to discuss the group's future and a possible reunion.

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

TROIS-RIVIÈRES METAL FEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP

The TROIS RIVIÈRES METAL FEST, set to take place November 13-14 at Batisse Industrielle in Trois-Rivière, Quebec, Canada has announced a few bands for the fests lineup.
FROM TROIS RIVIÈRES PROMOTERS (http://www.troisrivieresmetal.com/):
QUO VADIS
UNEXPECT
BLINDED BY FAITH
FUCK THE FACTS
A PERFECT MURDER
NECRONOMICON
AETERNAM
SLAOTVEAN
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

METAL MANIACS RELAUNCHES ONLINE

The editors of METAL MANIACS have sent this update on the legendary zines online website launch.
FROM METAL MANIACS MYSPACE: METAL MANIACS Magazine re-launches online

Metal Maniacs Magazine returns to a new online format after closing the doors to its print operation in February 2009.

Resurrected by the owner of Metalhit.com, with a site developed by Reh3 Design (www.reh3.com / www.mouthforwar.net), the new Metal Maniacs features regularly updated content and features from the latest in underground metal.

The site boasts an exhaustive Mp3 store featuring more than 13,000 songs available for preview and purchase as well as a new forum, monthly contests, a weekly “deadly discovery” showcasing up and coming bands and a monthly free digital music compilation.

The debut launch features a 24 song compilation with free downloads from bands like: Asphyx, Augury, Black Anvil, Daath, Hands, Impending Doom, Leaves’ Eyes, Merauder, Séance, Skeletonwitch, Suicide Silence, Vader and more!!!

In this issue:

James Malone (ARSIS) discusses his struggle with anorexia.
Frank Watkins talks about the new OBITUARY and GORGOROTH albums
Katon D. Pena updates us on the new HIRAX album and talks about thrash metal history.

Other features include:

1349
November’s Doom
Bone Gnawer
Hands
Gravehill
Pig Destroyer
The Project Hate MCMXCIX
Immolith
Sauron
Behind the scenes with Willie Gee
Label spotlight on The Ajna Offensive
Artists spotlight on Vince Locke (coming soon)
+ Reviews and more!

www.metalmaniacs.com
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

METAL AT THE MOVIES PART 10: SLOW SOUTHERN STEEL (DOCUMENTARY)

As I've said, where there is a bible belt, metal counters, as the South region in the bible belt of the USA has risen again with some of the best bands in U.S. extreme metal. SLOW SOUTHERN STEEL is a new documentary on the Southern (USA) extreme metal scene with comprehensive interviews with PEPPER KEENEN (CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) WITHERED, ZOROASTER, PHIL ANSELMO (DOWN, SUPERJOINT RITUAL) and many others in the southern USA regional scene. Get GOATWHORE on this documentary.


FROM SLOW SOUTHERN STEEL (DOCUMENTARY):  Coming in 2010: One of the most comprehensive southern metal documentaries in history! Appropriately dubbed "Slow Southern Steel", the 80-plus-minute film is executive-produced by Karim Khan (I'm Better Than Everyone Records) and directed by RWAKE vocalist CT and David Lipke with the additional and integral assistance of George Hancock, Alix Petrovich and BEER WOLF guitarist Christian Sweeney (who will be releasing a paperback version of the production) among many others.

"Slow Southern Steel" peers into the world of true southern metal/doom through live footage and personal interviews; CT's devout commitment/knowledge/love of the topic at hand bringing the movie to life in a way few first-time directors can. Said CT about the laborious undertaking: "I knew there were things I could get out of these bands that other film makers could not." Added Khan, "There's just something very appealing to me about taking unyielding heavy songs and adding a strong southern element to them."

At press time, the film was still being shot and thus far, featured bands will include (in alphabetical order):

A HANGING
ASG
BARON GROD
BEATEN BACK TO PURE
BEER WOLF
BLACK SKIES
BLACK TUSK
BLACKBLOOD DIVISION
BLOOD OF THE SUN
COLLAPSAR
COLOSSUS
COUGH
DARK CASTLE
DEADBIRD
DEAD-I-ON
DIXIE WITCH
DOOMSAYER
EYEHATEGOD
FLESH PARADE
HAARP
HAWG JAW
HOD
HOPE AND SUICIDE
HOSTILE APOSTLE
HOUSE OF LIGHTNING
IN THE LURCH
JUCIFER
KETEA
KHANN
KYLESA
MALA SUERTE
MUSIC HATES YOU
PARASYTIC
QUEEN BEAST
ROYAL THUNDER
RWAKE
SEAHAG
SEAWITCH
SOURVEIN
SPEEDEALER
SPICKLE
SUPLECS
SUBRIG DESTROYER
THE DEVIL AND THE SEA
THE DUMPS
THE ROLLER
THE UNBEHELD
VESSEL OF THE DIVINE
WEEDEATER
WITHERED
ZOROASTER

"Slow Southern Steel" will make its debut at the renowned Little Rock Film Festival in May of 2010 where many of the bands featured will be in attendance (stay tuned for further details). Additional festival previews will follow.

The DVD edition is slated to be released in 2011 via fast-growing, vinyl-only (and now DVD) Chicago imprint I'm Better Than Everyone Records.

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

PAGANS MIND CANCEL LAST HALF OF NORTH AMERICAN DATES WITH STRATOVARIUS

Norwegian power metellers PAGANS MIND have announced that the band has canceled the last half of it's North American tour with STRATOVARIUS.
FROM PAGANS MIND MYSPACE:
PAGAN'S MIND regret to announce that the last half of the band's North American tour in support of STRATOVARIUS is canceled. The second leg in Canada along with the three west coast U.S. dates will be with Stratovarius and local support bands only.

The band would like to thank Stratovarius and their management for attempting to resolve the problems that forced us to make this difficult choice. The obstacles placed in the band's path were numerous and the decisions made were completely out of the band's control. Needless to say, the guys are crushed by the recent turn of events.

In addition to the already announced headline show in St. Paul, MN, PAGAN'S MIND will play a few more shows on their own.

Here are the updated North American tour dates:


Sep. 12 - Atlanta, GA - Centre Stage (ProgPower USA festival) *
Sep. 13 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' South End *
Sep. 15 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx *
Sep. 16 - New York, NY - Nokia Theater
Sep. 18 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Sep. 19 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial de Quebec
Sep. 20 - Montreal, QC - Medley
Sep. 21 - Boston, MA - Middle East
Sep. 23 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
Sep. 24 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Sep. 25 - Mokena, IL - Pearl Room
Sep. 26 - St. Paul, MN - Station 4 *
* Pagan's Mind only
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

HEATHEN FEST AMERICA: ELUVIETIE, ALESTORM, BELPHEGOR, KIVIMETSAN DRUID, VREID U.S. NOVEMBER TOUR

HEATHEN FEST USA have announced a fall U.S. TOUR with ELUVEITE, BELPHEGOR, ALESTORM, KIVIMETSAN DRUID and VREID. HEATHEN FEST AMERICAN tour dates from BELPHEGOR MYSPACE: dates: Nov 3 2009 8:00P
The Palladium Worcester, MA (USA)
Nov 4 2009 8:00P
The Opera House Toronto, ON (CAN)
Nov 5 2009 8:00P
Le National Montreal, QC (CAN)
Nov 6 2009 8:00P
The Gramercy Theater New York, NY (USA)
Nov 7 2009 8:00P
Peabodys Cleveland, OH (USA)
Nov 8 2009 8:00P
Blondie’s Detroit, MI (USA)
Nov 9 2009 8:00P
Station 4 St Paul, MN (USA)
Nov 10 2009 8:00P
Jaguar Club Chicago, IL (USA)
Nov 12 2009 8:00P
Jaxx Springfield, VA (USA)
Nov 13 2009 8:00P
Masquerade Atlanta, GA (USA)
Nov 14 2009 8:00P
TBA Orlando, FL (USA)
Nov 16 2009 8:00P
Warehouse Music Venue San Antonio, TX (USA)
Nov 17 2009 8:00P
Ridglea Theater Ft Worth, TX (USA)
Nov 18 2009 8:00P
Launchpad Albuquerque, NM (USA)
Nov 19 2009 8:00P
The Sets Tempe, AZ (USA)
Nov 20 2009 8:00P
The Roxy Theater Hollywood, CA (USA)
Nov 21 2009 8:00P
The Jumping Turtle San Marcos, CA (USA)
Nov 22 2009 8:00P
DNA Lounge San Francisco, CA (USA)
Nov 23 2009 8:00P
Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR (USA)
Nov 24 2009 8:00P
Studio Seven Seattle, WA (USA)
Nov 25 2009 8:00P
Red Room Vancouver, BC (CAN) Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

NJ DEATH FEST 10/16, 17 and 18th in CLIFTON and NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ

Promoters have announced the NEW JERSEY DEATH FEST OCTOBER 16th 17th and 18th 2009 at HARTLEYS, NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ-10/16/09 and DINGBATZ CLIFTON, NJ -10/17 and 18th.
FROM NJ DEATH FEST PROMOTERS: NEW JERSEY DEATH FEST October 16 , 17th + 18th , 2009



with


MORTICIAN
GOREAPHOBIA
PHLEGM
INCANTATION
EVOKEN
DISMA (members of FUNEBRARUM)
GRAVEHILL
DRIPPING
PUTRID PILE
WAKING THE CADAVER
ACHERON
LIVIDITY
WOMB
DIGESTED FLESH
MALIGNANCY
MORTAL DECAY
MUTATED (members of HIDEOUS MANGLEUS )
INHUMAN DISSILIENCY
COMPOSTED
NJDOTS
MALAMOR
ABACINATE
HEINOUS KILLINGS
DYSENTERY
SEXCREMENT
CALL THE PARAMEDICS
BLESSED OFFAL
ABORTED EXISTENCE
VOMITOUS RECTUM
MERCILESS MUTILATION
WITHOUT REMORSE


FEATURES REUNION GIGS From PHLEGM (RI) , DRIPPING ( NJ ) , WOMB ( NJ), + MORE!
MORE BAND TO BE ANNOUNCED – this will be a THREE days of DEATH METAL !!
SHOW DATES AS FOLLOWS :


Day 1 OCT 16th at HARTLEYS , North Arlington NJ Day 2 OCT 17th at DINGBATZ , CLIFTON , NJ Day 3 OCT 18th at DINGBATZ , CLIFTON , NJ



all shows are 21 + over
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MY DYING BRIDE ANNOUNCE BRING ME VICTORY EP DETAILS

British doom metal legends MY DYING BRIDE have announced the details of a new EP to be released in October entitled "Bring Me Victory".
BRING ME VICTORY TRACKLISTING:
01. Bring Me Victory
02. Scarborough Fair
03. Failure (THE SWANS cover)
04. Vast Choirs (live at Graspop Metal Meeting 2008)
(PIC ABOVE OF MY DYING BRIDE VIDEO VIA RADIO LYNX)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ENSIFERUM, HYPOCRISY, EX DEO, BLACKGAURD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

ENSIFERUM "Ahti" Videoclip

ENSIFERUM, BLACKGAURD, EX DEO, and HYPOCRISY have announced a fall North American tour. FROM ENSIFERUM MYSPACE: Nov. 06 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Nov. 07 - Crocodile Rock - Allentown, PA (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Nov. 08 - Volume 11 - Raleigh, NC
Nov. 09 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Nov. 10 - Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 11 - AKA Lounge (part of the Anti*Pop Music Festival) - Orlando, FL
Nov. 13 - Meridian - Houston, TX
Nov. 14 - Emo's - Austin, TX
Nov. 15 - Ridglea Theatre- Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Nov. 17 - Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA
Nov. 18 - Key Club - Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 19 - DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA
Nov. 20 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
Nov. 21 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
Nov. 22 - Rickshaw - Vancouver, BC
Nov. 23 - Warehouse - Calgary, AB
Nov. 24 - Starlite - Edmonton, AB
Nov. 26 - The Zoo - Winnipeg, MB
Nov. 27 - The Rock - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 28 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 29 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Nov. 30 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Dec. 01 - Opera House - Toronto, ON (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Dec. 02 - Imperial - Quebec City, QC (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Dec. 03 - Medley - Montreal, QC (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Dec. 04 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA (w/ SWASHBUCKLE )
Dec. 05 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY (w/ SWASHBUCKLE)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

DEICIDE AND JUNGLE ROT ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN and U.S. TOUR

Florida death metal legends DEICIDE and JUNGLE ROT have announced a European and U.S. fall tour. BTW, DEICIDE has a new member. FROM DEICIDE:
Kevin Quirion Joins DEICIDE
I'm pleased to announce that Kevin Quirion will be joining us as a full time member of the band... FROM DEICIDE AND JUNGLE ROT: August 29 – Milwaukee, WI @ Liquor Sweets (21+)
September 3 – Germany – Hamburg @ Markthalle (W/ Six Feet Under)
September 4 – Germany – Jena @ F Haus (W/ Six Feet Under)
September 5 – Germany – Munich @ Backstage (W/ Six Feet Under)
September 6 – Switzerland – Erstfeld @ Transilvania (W/ Six Feet Under)
September 9 – Belgium – Gent @ Frontline
September 10 – Holland – Tiburg @ Little Devil
September 11 – Germany – Rostock @ Alte Zuckerfabrik
September 12 – Germany – Kassel @ K19
September 13 – Holland – Weert @ Triangle Club
September 14 – TBA
September 15 – Austria – Dornbirn @ Schlachthaus
September 16 – Austria – Vienna @ Viper Room
September 17 – Czech Republic – Pardubice @ Rc Ponorka
September 18 – Germany – Bayreuth @ Juz Komm
September 19 – Germany – Leipzig @ Hellraiser
October 7 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues (w/ Deicide)
October 9 – Houston, TX @ The Meridian (w/ Deicide)
October 10 – San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden (w/ Deicide)
October 11 – El Paso, TX @ Club 101 (w/ Deicide)
October 13 – Sparks, NV @ New Oasis (w/ Deicide)
October 14 – Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theater (w/ Deicide)
October 15 – San Jose, CA @ Voodoo Lounge (w/ Deicide)
October 16 – San Marcos, CA @ The Jumping Turtle (w/ Deicide)
October 17 – Yucaipa, CA @ Angel’s Roadhouse (w/ Deicide)
October 18 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Key Club (w/ Deicide)
October 21 – Englewood, CO @ The Gothic Theater (w/ Deicide)
October 22 – Wichita, KS @ Oz Cafe Concert Venue (w/ Deicide)
October 23 – West Dundee, IL @ Clearwater Theater (w/ Deicide)
October 24 – Detroit, MI @ Harpos (w/ Deicide)
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MARDUK ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Swedish black metal legends MARDUK have announced a North American tour with MERRIMACK (France), NACHTMYSTIUM , MANTIC RITUAL and BLACK ANVIL. Now that MARDUK are all clear with their U.S. VISA's, Sweden's black metal masters have announced their first North American tour since 2002. FROM MARDUK: MARDUK will be joined by NACHTMYSTIUM, MANTIC RITUAL, MERRIMACK and BLACK ANVIL (on select dates).

Dubbed U.S. Plague Tour 2009, the trek will kick off on November 20 at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts and run through 21 more dates before coming to a close in New York City on December 16 at the Gramercy Theater, where the band recently played to an overwhelming crowd response.

The dates are as follows:

Nov. 20 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA (w/ BLACK ANVIL)
Nov. 21 - Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, QC (w/ BLACK ANVIL)
Nov. 22 - Wreck Room - Toronto, ON (w/ BLACK ANVIL)
Nov. 23 - Sonar - Baltimore, MD
Nov. 24 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Nov. 25 - Brass Mug - Tampa, FL
Nov. 28 - Red 7 - Austin, TX
Nov. 29 - Ridglea Theater - Ft Worth, TX
Nov. 30 - The Marquee - Tulsa, OK
Dec. 02 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
Dec. 03 - The Sets - Tempe, AZ
Dec. 04 - The Key Club - Hollywood, CA
Dec. 05 - The Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA
Dec. 06 - DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA
Dec. 07 - Satyricon - Portland, OR
Dec. 08 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
Dec. 10 - Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO
Dec. 11 - Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
Dec. 12 - Reggie's Rock Club - Chicago, IL
Dec. 13 - Station 4 - St Paul, MN
Dec. 14 - Blondie's - Detroit, MI
Dec. 15 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Dec. 16 - Gramercy Theater - New York, NY (w/ BLACK ANVIL)

MARDUK's eleventh album, "Wormwood", will be released in the U.S. on October 13 via Regain Records. The CD, which will be made available in Europe on September 24, was recorded at Endarker Studios in Norrköping, Sweden with engineer/producer Magnus Devo Andersson. The album's release will be followed by a world tour, dubbed "Funeral Nation 2009/2010", which will kick off in Europe.

"Wormwood" track listing:

01. Nowhere, No-One, Nothing
02. Funeral Dawn
03. This Fleshly Void
04. Unclosing The Curse
05. Into Utter Madness
06. Phosphorous Redeemer
07. To Redirect Perdition
08. Whorecrown
09. Chorus Of Cracking Necks
10. As A Garment

MARDUK's last CD, "Rom 5:12", was released in North America in May 2007 via Regain/Koch.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MARYLAND DEATH FEST 2010 LINEUP: GORGUTS, ASPHYX, POSSESSED ADDED

MARYLAND DEATH FEST promoters have updated the 2010 lineup as the REUNITED GORGUTS, (yes, it feels so good to say "the REUNITED GORGUTS" ) have been added to next years MARYLAND DEATH FEST. FROM MDF PROMOTERS AND BLABBERMOUTH.NET: The reunited GORGUTS, along with POSSESSED, ASPHYX, NECROPHOBIC, SADISTIC INTENT and THE CHASM have been confirmed for next year's Maryland Deathfest, set to take place May 28-30 at an as-yet-undisclosed venue in Baltimore.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

16
ASPHYX
AUTOPSY
BIRDS OF PREY
COFFINS
CONVERGE
DECEASED
ENTOMBED
EYEHATEGOD
FUCK THE FACTS
GORGUTS
GOROD
GRIDE
GRIDLINK
HAEMORRHAGE
HOWL
IMPALED
INCANTATION
INGROWING
JESUS CRÖST
MALEVOLENT CREATION
MASSGRAVE
MELECHESH
NAGLFAR
NAZXUL
NECROPHOBIC
OBITUARY
PENTAGRAM
PESTILENCE
PORTAL
POSSESSED
ROMPEPROP
SADISTIC INTENT
SINISTER
STORMCROW
THE CHASM
TOMBS
WOLFBRIGADE

The concept of Maryland Deathfest is simple: to bring to the United States the best and most extreme bands the underground has to offer. Never conforming to trends, or being limited by genre restrictions, Maryland Deathfest is a showcase of what extreme music, both new and old, is capable of. With an emphasis on diversity, the festival brings together the very best death metal, grindcore, black metal, thrash, experimental and hardcore bands from all around the world. With bands from all over the U.S. and Canada, and exclusive fly ins and rare appearances from some of the most in demand bands from Europe, Australia, and Japan, the diversity of the lineup is only surpassed by the diversity of Maryland Deathfest's rabid fan base, who annually travel from all over the world for a weekend of fun and music.

Since Maryland Deathfest's inception in 2003, festival organizers Ryan and Evan have continued to strive to bring together some of the most legendary bands in the scene and some of the most talked about up-and-coming bands in the underground for an unparalleled experience. Combining the DIY attitude of two young metal fans who are actually part of the scene instead of trying to exploit it, with a refreshing professional touch, Maryland Deathfest is year after year given high marks for being one of the best-run and most organized festivals around
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MAYHEM ANNOUNCE TOUR OF FINLAND FOR NOVEMBER

Norwegian black metal legends MAYHEM have announced a tour of FINLAND for NOVEMBER. FROM MAYHEM MYSPACE: After the massive failure from the promoters to organize the Frostbite festival last February, MAYHEM will be finally back to Finland for 3 exclusive shows in November


-Friday 20 November 2009 @ Nosturi Helsinki
-Saturday 21 November 2009 @ Klubi Turku
-Sunday 22 November 2009 @ Klubi Tampere

Supporting acts: BEHEXEN, CAVUS
Thanks-Stay Grim, KVLT, and BRUTAL-\m/ -l-

GWAR, LAMB OF GOD 2009 FALL U.S TOUR DATES

GWAR has sent this update on the bands previously announced fall 2009 U.S. tour with fellow Virginians LAMB OF GOD and JOB FOR A COWBOY. More dates WILL be announced. (EDITORS NOTE-Note sure if this is some mistake, is SARATOGA WINNERS OPEN (COHOES NY ??!!!).
FROM GWAR MYSPACE:

Sep 16 2009 8:00P
Minglewood Hall Memphis, Tennessee
Sep 18 2009 8:00P
The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sep 19 2009 8:00P
Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
Sep 20 2009 8:00P
Sonar Baltimore, Maryland
Sep 21 2009 8:00P
Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel Providence, Rhode Island
Sep 22 2009 8:00P
The Wellmont Theatre Montclair, New Jersey
Sep 23 2009 8:00P
Amphitheatre at Station Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sep 23 2009 8:00P
The National Richmond, Virginia
Sep 25 2009 8:00P
Bricktown Events Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sep 26 2009 8:00P
Lonestar Amphitheatre Lubbock, Texas
Sep 27 2009 8:00P
Austin Music Hall Austin, Texas
Sep 29 2009 8:00P
Warehouse Live Houston, Texas
Sep 30 2009 8:00P
House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
Oct 2 2009 8:00P
Plush Jacksonville, Florida
Oct 3 2009 8:00P
Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Oct 4 2009 8:00P
The Ritz Ybor Ybor City, Florida
Oct 5 2009 8:00P
Hard Rock Live Orlando, Florida
Oct 6 2009 8:00P
The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 7 2009 8:00P
Clear Channel metroplex Event Center Little Rock, Arkansas
Oct 8 2009 8:00P
The Cotillion Wichita, Kansas
Oct 9 2009 8:00P
Val Air Ballroom Des Moines, Iowa
Oct 10 2009 8:00P
The Venue @Playmakers Fargo, North Dakota
Oct 12 2009 8:00P
First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oct 14 2009 8:00P
Pop’s Sauget, Illinois
Oct 15 2009 8:00P
The Vogue Indianapolis, Indiana
Oct 16 2009 8:00P
Valarium Knoxville, Tennessee
Oct 17 2009 8:00P
Harpo’s Detroit, Michigan
Oct 18 2009 8:00P
House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio
Oct 20 2009 8:00P
The Norva Norfolk, Virginia
Oct 21 2009 8:00P
Disco Rodeo Raleigh, North Carolina
Oct 24 2009 8:00P
First Arena Elmira, New York
Oct 25 2009 8:00P
John Labatt Centre London, Ontario
Oct 26 2009 8:00P
The Town Ballroom Buffalo, New York
Oct 27 2009 8:00P
Higher Ground South Burlington, Vermont
Oct 29 2009 8:00P
Cunard Center Halifax, Nova Scotia
Oct 30 2009 8:00P
Moncton Coliseum - Hall C Moncton, New Brunswick
Nov 1 2009 8:00P
Club Soda Montreal, Quebec
Nov 2 2009 8:00P
Sound Academy Toronto, Ontario
Nov 4 2009 8:00P
Expo Five Louisville, Kentucky
Nov 5 2009 8:00P
Piere’s Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Nov 6 2009 8:00P
The Eagle’s Club Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nov 7 2009 8:00P
Shrine Mosque Springfield, Missouri
Nov 8 2009 8:00P
The Door Dallas, Texas
Nov 9 2009 8:00P
Cains Ballroom Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nov 12 2009 8:00P
Sunshine Theatre Albequerque, New Mexico
Nov 18 2009 8:00P
Ventura Theatre Ventura, California
Nov 19 2009 8:00P
Senator Theatre Chico, California
Nov 20 2009 8:00P
The New Oasis Reno, Nevada
Nov 21 2009 8:00P
Salt Air Pavillion Salt Lake City, Utah
Nov 25 2009 8:00P
Midtown Bend, Oregon
Nov 29 2009 8:00P
King Kat Theatre Seattle, Washington
Dec 2 2009 8:00P
MacEwan Hall Calgary, Alberta
Dec 4 2009 8:00P
Riddel Center Regina, Saskatchewan
Dec 9 2009 8:00P
Tremont Music Hall Charlotte, North Carolina
Dec 10 2009 8:00P
9:30 Club Washington DC, Washington DC
Dec 11 2009 8:00P
December 11 – Northern Lights Clifton Park, New York
Dec 12 2009 8:00P
Electric Factory Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dec 13 2009 8:00P
Irving Plaza NYC, New York
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

LAST STONER HANDS OF DOOM?

From all reports this years STONER HANDS OF DOOM Fest will probably be the last as the fest is ending where it began in Baltimore Maryland. FROM STONERROCK.COM. and DOOM METAL ALLIANCE: *** From Stonerrock.Com ***

It is ending where it began.

Stoner Hands of Doom X - the tenth and last SHoD festival - will be held in the Baltimore/Washington area.† The SHoD festival was launched in August 1999 by Rob and Cheryl Levey.† A one day event at the time, it was held outside during the daylight at Bull Run National Park in Mannassas, Virginia, and in the evening at Phantazmagoria in Wheaton, Maryland.† That year, the SHoD festival had such notable acts as TROUBLE, SPIRIT CARAVAN, MYSTIC CREW OF CLEARLIGHT, LAS CRUCES, LEADFOOT, SOLACE, and FIREBALL MINISTRY.† Since that year the show has been held in Youngstown Ohio, Dallas Texas, Portland Oregon and Mesa Arizona.† Over the years other acts of note include UNIDA, SOLITUDE ATERNUS, RAGING SLAB, ACID KING, ETERNAL ELYSIUM, BOTTOM, GRAVES AT SEA, AMBER ASYLUM, SUPLECS, DIXIE WITCH, WITCH MOUNTAIN, and tons more.†

†

This year, the show will be held in Frederick Maryland at Krug..s Place, which, through the work of Evil Fanny, has become a regular stop for acts around the country to hit in there travels and also a local fave for EARTHRIDE, KING GIANT, UNORTHODOX, O..L SCRATCH, ADMIRAL BROWNING, and AGAINST NATURE.

†

This year..s festival is being held Sept. 3 -6 (Labor Day weekend).† The lineup which will include PLACE OF SKULLS, EARTHRIDE, SOLACE, LAS CRUCES, BACKWOODS PAYBACK, SONS OF OTIS, UNORTHODOX, SIXTY WATT SHAMAN, VALKYRIE, PALE DIVINE, ARGUS, AGAINST NATURE, DEVIL TO PAY, O..L SCRATCH, ELECTRIC MAGMA, ELDER, ADMIRAL BROWNING, and GATES OF SLUMBER - over 40 bands over the four days.†

†

For more information, go to www.cherylsweb.com/shod or www.myspace.com/ancientrob or email rlevey62@gmail.com.

†

Thank you for a great ten years.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal, Dooom onnn- \m/ -l-

ALL PENS BLAZING: BOOK ON HEAVY METAL JOURNALISTS

Here's a must buy for all metal internet journalists and bloggers. "ALL PENS BLAZING" (NEILS DANIELS) is a new book featuring interviews with heavy metals most prominent journalists and metal bag writers. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
Ever wondered what it takes to be a heavy metal journalist? In "All Pens Blazing", Neil Daniels has interviewed a staggering 65 of the world's most successful writers of heavy metal and hard rock. Many of these writers are successful biographers, editors and long-standing freelancers who have interviewed some of the genre's leading artists from KISS to METALLICA and BLACK SABBATH to SLAYER. They've travelled the world over, lived in tour buses, got drunk with their idols, attended some of the greatest gigs in history and are still alive to tell the tale. It's all here; the wild stories, the anecdotes…and the advice!

"All Pens Blazing" offers a potted history of the genre as well as the publishing industry from the legendary Sounds and Melody Maker to metal bibles Kerrang! and Metal Hammer to modern-day magazines like Terrorizer, Powerplay and Classic Rock. There's also a wealth of information on fanzines and webzines as well as long-gone magazines like Metal Forces, RIP and RAW. With a foreword by the Canadian metal historian Martin Popoff, this collection makes essential reading for the heavy metal fan. It is also a worthy historical document for the serious enthusiast and can be used as a handy reference tool for the aspiring metal writer.

Includes interviews with:

Geoff Barton
Dante Bonutto
Paul Brannigan
Steffan Chirazi
Ian Christe
Dave Dickson
Malcolm Dome
Paul Elliott
Lonn Friend
Neil Jeffries
Howard Johnson
Dave Lewis
Dave Ling
Peter Makowski
Matthias Madder
Joel McIver
Alexander Milas
Derek Oliver
Martin Popoff
Greg Prato
Dave Reynolds
Steven Rosen
Xavier Russell
Brian Slagel
Paul Suter
Jeb Wright

The book is available to buy at www.authorsonline.co.uk.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

GAAHL LEAVES GOD SEED (RETIRES FROM MUSIC?)

GOD SEED has sent this update stating GAAHL (vocalist) has left the band and retired from music leaving GOD SEED without a vocalist. (EDITORS NOTE: We all wish GAAHL all the best and happiness in all of his endeavors, black and extreme metal won't be the same without his Satanic Individualism and we DO need more people like him in extreme metal. Hopefully we'll hear more from GAAHL in WADRUNA a folk/ambient project whom are amazing, GAAHL is an interesting guy). FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: GOD SEED — the Norwegian band featuring former GORGOROTH members King (bass; real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (vocals; real name: Kristian Espedal) — has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"It has been rumored that Gaahl and King have disbanded GOD SEED. However, this is not the case. Gaahl has chosen to retire from metal music. It should not be assumed that this decision has anything to do with Gaahl and King's working relationship. Gaahl has made this decision for his own personal artistic reasons."

Commented King in a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "There is no drama and there is no bad blood between us; Gaahl just wants a break from metal. GOD SEED will be frozen and I'm prepared to pick it up again when the time is right. Meanwhile, I will focus on other musical projects."

Romania's Metalhead TV conducted an interview with GOD SEED at this year's Hellfest, which was held on June 19-21, 2009 in Clisson, France. Watch the chat below.

GOD SEED's lineup for the Hellfest performance consisted of the following musicians:
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

LAVA BOOKING ANNOUNCES URGEHAL/SPEARHEAD TOUR

LAVA BOOKING has announced a U.S. tour with Norwegian black metal band URGEHAL, SPEARHEAD and EYES OF NOCTUM. FROM LAVA BOOKING: announcing URGEHAL / SPEARHEAD (death metal) / EON US TOUR!!
Body: Lava Booking is happy to announce the first US tour for Norway's Black Metal
masters URGEHAL (Season of Mist Records)​(​Featuring ex-KVIST members, and current members of VULTURE LORD, CREST OF DARKNESS, ASMEGIN, FORGOTTEN REALMS, and BLOODSWORN!) and
UK's black/​thrash/​death metalheads SPEARHEAD. Los Angeles based Black Metal band EYES OF NOCTUM will be joining the bill on these dates as well, excluding the Salt Lake City date they will not be playing.
I'm beyond excited for this tour, I will be going on this one as well! Yay for me!
See you out there!
Amanda Hines
Lava Booking
SEPT.:
14th - Brooklyn, NY @ Europa
15th - Pittsburgh, PA @ 31st Pub
16th - Detroit, MI @ Blondies
17th - Chicago, IL @ White Star Bar
18th - Lake Nebagamon, WI @ Wasko's Campground
19th - St. Paul, MN @ Big V's
20th - TRAVEL DAY
21st - Riverton, WY @ F.O.E (Bite Fest)
22nd - DAY OFF
23rd - Denver, CO w/ USBMS
24th - Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Vegas
25th - Las Vegas, NV @ Yayo's Tacos
26th - Los Angeles, CA @ The Iron Room GATHERING OF THE BESTIAL LEAGION VI
27th - San Jose, CA @ The Voodoo Lounge
28th - Oakland, CA @ The Oakland Metro
29th - Sacramento, CA @ The Fire Escape

URGEHAL:
Back in 1992 T. Nefas and Enzifer brought to life a bestial black metal
warmachine and named it Urgehal. Now, over 15 years after its unholy
foundation the same warmachine claims new territory.
Urgehal celebrated their 15 years anniversary in 2007 with releasing an
anniversary album entitled "The Eternal Eclipse - 15 years of Satanic Black
Metal". Still proving there are True Norwegian Black Metal bands left from
the early 90's.
2 Demo recordings and 6 albums made Urgehal to one of the most important
underground acts ever! A band that never wanted to be recognized by the
major audience and therefore never targeted their music towards any
commercial paradigms of metal, but stayed true to their faith in the old
underground mentality.
At this very moment Urgehal are preparing their new album and they will
again prove their existence of demonstrative and pounding darkness. This is
stripped down and for real. Await utter Norwegian Darkness.
Black Metal has not become a major movement as many may believe, what has
become big is a new neo black metal movement with solely no roots in the
real past and real values of the fundamental darkness, hate and misanthropy
which black metal is built upon.

The real black metal is still underground, because it's too harsh and ugly
to be swallowed by the big audience. And it will always stay that way.
A decade later there are few left, and who will stand the next?

Originally released in 1999. Southern Lord exposes North American Black
Metal fans to Norwegians URGEHAL. Making "Through Thick Till Death"
domestically available for the first time in America.

Spearhead: "...a force that leads an attack. the leading forces in a
military thrust".

Founded in 2003, Spearhead recorded their debut full-length "Deathless Steel
Command" in mid-2005, later released through Invictus Productions in 2006.
Following the release of the promo EP "When the Pillars Fall", Spearhead
entered Hertz Studio to record their second album, "Decrowning the Irenarch"
in June/July 2007. "Decrowning the Irenarch", once again released under the
banner of Invictus Productions in December 2007, stands as a monument of
imperious and martial Death Metal, testifying to the eternal truths of the
warrior tradition.

The release of "Decrowning the Irenarch" marks the next stage of the
Spearhead campaign; with tight musicianship, memorable song-writing,
sophisticated lyrics/​concept(​s)​,​ and a state of the art production. This is
an album of epic proportions, and superior Death Metal mastery.
Spearhead has no affiliations whatsoever with politics or any political
movement.

SPEARHEAD: "Decrowning the Irenarch". The brand new album from the new UK
Death Metal sensation SPEARHEAD has been released. Recorded at Hertz Studio,
Poland & engineered by Wojciech Wieslawski (Vader, Decapitated, Hate,
Azarath, Witchmaster etc.), 'Decrowning the Irenarch' is masterful,
bombastic, militant Death Metal art based on the philosophy and metaphysics
of war. For fans of classic Death Metal like Morbid Angel, Carcass,
Angelcorpse etc. For samples from the album please refer to
www.​myspace.​com/​spearheadoffici​al.

Review for SPEARHEAD:
Pete Helmkamp, Angelcorpse
"I really like it, took me a couple listens to grasp everything, but it's a
real standout album, and of course lyrically they are way above the rest."


EYES OF NOCTUM's debut album "Awakening" (Out Now!) was
recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with acclaimed producer
Fredrik Nordstrom (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL). Norwegian drummer
Hellhammer (MAYHEM, DIMMU BORGIR) and Swedish multi-​instrumentalist​ Snowy
Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE
DAME) have recorded guest appearances on the CD.
EYES OF NOCTUM: will be hitting the East Coast on a 10 date tour with Ibex
Moon Records artist HOD. Please visit
http:​/​/​www.​myspace.​com/​eyesofnoctumoff​icial for more info.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

40th ANNIVERSERY of WOODSTOCK '69, 15th ANNIVERSERY of WOODSTOCK '94 , and 10th ANNIVERSERY of WOODSTOCK '99 PART TWO

"Cut your balls off and please welcome NINE INCH NAILS":
Kinda weird looking back at WOODSTOCK '94, I was only 24, barely discovered myself, and couldn't believe I survived that show, I was not prepared for WOODSTOCK 94 at all (not tent, no boots, changed my clothes 4 times), my trip upstate was very spontaneous, and if it wasn't for a "little help from my friends", it would have been, kinda not as much fun. My friends said, at WOODSTOCK 94 I would disappear into the crowd for hours and come back with with the weirdest stories. lol. I had no tent, (I stayed in my friends tent) lost my bag of stuff, and somehow made it through.
Looking back and watching WOODSTOCK '94 on video, it looks different compared to being there. I didn't notice Trent Reznor missed at least two versus during "Wish", he was destroying the stage, and I was destroying, everything in my path, and I was told to stop, moshing.
Notice that AMERICANS at big OPEN AIR FESTS love to wave at the cameras and party, EUROPEANS could care less, they are there for the music and the pit.
CYPRESS HILL, (although rap, without a band does not always translate well live) were surprisingly good, HENRY ROLLINS owned at WOODSTOCK '94 as the rains began to fall, and the fans made for a good mud fight during GREEN DAY and PRIMUS's set. NINE INCH NAILS SET WAS NUTS, and I'm not going to say any more, weird experience...Lots of people being brought out of the NIN "pit" on stretchers, as there was no room or footing to mosh in the mud. I hate to say this, but by the time METALLICA came on at WOODSTOCK 94, I was exhausted and drenched but fucking stoked.
WOODSTOCK 99? LMAO, I'm not paying for that mainstream mall core, take half a million asshole WIGGERS, jocks and douches put them on a air force base making them spend $, and piss them off enough to act out in some senseless, violent, rebellion. Let them riot amongst themselves, jocks and wiggers that they are. LIMP BIZCUT SUCK btw.
I don't think what happened at WOODSTOCK '69 will ever happen again. We're a much different society than America was back in the 60's. Technology has changed our society into a cyber or virtual socialization community. In the 60's between political upheaval and social protest, the physicality of being there, and bearing witness to any and all conditions were the only options.
Perhaps FLASH MOBS could pull it off in this digital age, and get everyone to join in on the party, not just virtual but in person.
Of course, music has changed since the 60's too, with rock and rolls evolution to punk, hardcore, and variations of extreme metal, the mosh pit is post 80's musics physicality and ultimate intimacy in a digital age, where buying music in CD format is obsolete, and with advances in music technology, ravers are your new hippies.
Of course the violence of an inexperienced mosh pit proved too big of a risk for Micheal Lang and John Scher as those who didn't know the etiquette of the pit and didn't find the cultural connection they were looking for rioted instead. However, the artists whom played WOODSTOCK 94 and 99 couldn't do without the culture of the mosh pit, often dipping in for swim in the crowd surf. In fact, most bands and artists whom played WOODSTOCK 94 and 99 were raised on a punk rock, hardcore, rap and metal ethic, and of course the aggression of moshing was in essence, their rebellion against their parents hippie music.
When women burned their bras and danced around a fire naked in the 60's, it was a rebellion against male dominance, and for womens liberation. Naively women took of their clothes at WOODSTOCK '99, and were very vulnerable in a jock infested mosh pit of men whom burned and destroyed the sound tower, and sexually harassed crowd surfing women in the pit. Woodstock '69's happy accident was due to the generosity of MAX YASGUR whom rebelled against his pro establishment, anti hippie neighbors. WOODSTOCK '99 was on a former Air Force base, in complete contrast to the WOODSTOCK and that era of social/political protest as kids were either avoiding the draft, and knew of those whom had perished in Vietnam.

However, expect any WOODSTOCK (post 1969) venture to be nostalgic, retro or corporate, mainstream rock crap, the standard fare and guard. There was alot more going on in music back in 1994 and 99 including a rising, techno, hardcore and extreme metal scene in Florida, Europe and Scandinavia, as the burning of churches in Norway symbolized far more than the burning of the Woodstock '99 site.
I'll go to any music, and of course extreme metal fest in Europe, but I avoid most mainstream American fests, including OZZFEST like the plague.
WOODSTOCK '99, did not know what to do with the jocks it sold the show to. I tend to avoid jock infested carnivals like the plague. Instead of going to WOODSTOCK '99, my rebellion is extreme metal, although WOODSTOCK was a good time, for what it was in '94.
I am very proud to say that other than transportation I didn't not spend a damn penny at WOODSTOCK '94, and wouldn't have it any other way.



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

40th ANNIVERSERY of WOODSTOCK '69 and 15th ANNIVERSERY of WOODSTOCK '94 PART ONE

"MY NAME IS MUD..Where ya going City boy?"-MUDSTOCK, PARTY DOWN DUDE STOCK, LALLA PALLOOZA STOCK, RIOT STOCK, BOOBSTOCK. Yes, tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of a watershed event in American musical history, WOODSTOCK '69 (before my birth) AND the 15th anniversary of WOODSTOCK '94 (your truly was THERE, mud soaked, and it was one hell of an adventure), it also the tenth anniversary of the riots at WOODSTOCK '99 (I was NOT there for that one).

"They say we're Generation X, we say we're Generation FUCK YOU"-CYPRESS HILL
Have a very happy and SAFE WOODSTOCK anniversary.

I'm glad I still had a job after telling my boss that I need two days off, and to hold my job as a phone stated that the gates were down. I traveled back (from NYC) to the Hudson Valley area (on a 7 month leave of absence from college) to party down in Saugerties, New York.
Thanks to LUDWIG, and JAY BONE (RIP \m/ JAY) for holding down the fort on Main Str as they were the only people in New Paltz (New Paltz was dead, everyone was in Saugerties) as I thought I could WALK to Saugerties. (NO bus service from New Paltz and Kingston to Saugerties, NY State Thruway was closed.). Yeh, then I got tired, sat on the side of the road in Rosendale (near the funeral home) and a Trooper pulled over and asked if I was ok. I said I was trying to get to Woodstock, he said cool, the gates are down. Walked another 2 blocks and the owner of of the burger joint (now A Tattoo Shop on Main str.) pulled over after closing early and gave me a ride to the Kingston Saugerties border. From there I paid some dude $20.00 to get me to the site as people started there own taxi service and made tons of money getting concert goers to the site.
I got to Winston Farm for RAVE STOCK, late at night. I talked to some people waiting outside the gates to get in..I found a way in, walked in with this hippie dude as we were deep in convo as he had been to Woodstock '69. His presence got me in for free, and his good karma. As soon as he got me in, hugs and high fives and his words not mine "Happy Woodstock, you're here, you're at Woodstock!!!".
I danced at RAVESTOCK, caught a nap under a tree, and woke up to a dead South stage, The Cranberries opened up that stage. I called Joeys beeper, as he called me up in NYC from Saugerties to tell me to come up stating the gates are down. Joey said meet me by the phone booths, I waited for an hour, and I was getting bored, and Joey showed up with soda, water, and lots of hugs, one hour and 15 minutes after I got to the phone booths.
JOE COCKER opened up WOODSTOCK 94 on the NORTH STAGE, as 500, 000 people showed up and partied down in SAUGERTIES NY on 8/14, 15, 16, 1994.
I can say no more, other that stupid jocks in the pit, bad bouncers, bad sound, and ground scores of food tokens. However, WOODSTOCK '94 drew alot of very cool people from all over the country and the world looking to celebrate the ideal of the outdoor festival. Concert goers at WOODSTOCK 94 were searching for a cultural identity beyond corporate rock, MTV and whatever their parents ideals were. What we got was a DIY MUDFEST filmed by cooperate sponsors, and since we were all in the same boat , we made the most of it. Being creative at WOODSTOCK was mandatory, find mud, and PLAY in it, throw it, paint your face with it, and enjoy. I found TONS of food tokens in the mud. Food tokens=FOOD.
Lots of talk about Kurt Cobain just before Joe Cockers set. It was rumored that NIRVANA were invited to play WOODSTOCK 94, however Cobains suicide in April of that year ended that bid. The disgusting aspect of corporate festival greed is that the surviving members of NIRVANA were invited and offered a large sum of money to reunite and play WOODSTOCK '94 with a new singer. "And with who as the bands singer/guitarist"?, I asked to those whom were sitting on the North Stage before Joe Cockers set. Everyone shrugged as it was explained that NIRVANA refused the deal, specifically after Cobains death. Too bad we in the USA don't have outdoor open air fests very often in the USA, EUROPE has OPEN AIR fests all the time, and EUROPE does it better.
Then again, the EUROPEAN UNION and the various countries within have more of a music culture simply because those countries are OLDER than the USA. American culture tends to be more trendy and less loyal. You noticed metal never faded from the European fans consciousness despite trends.
I was so happy in when it started raining during HENRY ROLLINS set, it was soo hot, and I'm like yeh, rain and from there it was chaos and I will say no more. I have never been more wet, muddy, and exhausted in my entire life. Ya make the most of it.
Although WOODSTOCK '69 happened before I was born, more people showed than tickets sold, prompting a free show, for the vast majority of the audience, as the New York State Thruway was closed to accommodate the spontaneous traveling concert goers. Everyone can thank the late MAX YASGUR for donating his farm, and a very cooperative audience whom took care of each other. FROM WOODSTOCK '69 WIKEPEDIA: Woodstock was designed as a profit-making venture, aptly titled "Woodstock Ventures". It famously became a "free concert" only after it became obvious that the event was drawing hundreds of thousands more people than the organizers had prepared for. Around 186,000 tickets were sold beforehand and organizers anticipated approximately 200,000 festival-goers would turn up.[4] Of course, 500,000 showed up."
If there's ever another WOODSTOCK or big open air fest in the USA (in any genre of music) don't ruin it with rioting, beating people, and raping women. The same with the bouncers whom predictably got there wish during WOODSTOCK '99.



BBL-WITH WOODSTOCK MEMORIES PART 2-Thanks-Stay Metal Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

MARYLAND DEATH FEST 2010 LINEUP UPDATED

MARYLAND DEATH FEST organizers have updated the 2010 lineup which shall take place May 28-30, 2010 at the SONAR, in Baltimore Maryland.. FROM MDF MYSPACE: 10 more bands announced for MDF 2010 - 8/13/09PESTILENCE (Netherlands) NAGLFAR (Sweden) MALEVOLENT CREATION CONVERGE WOLFBRIGADE (Sweden) DECEASED ROMPEPROP (Netherlands) NAZXUL (Australia) STORMCROW GOROD Many more bands, including headliners, will be announced soon. Here is a current list of confirmed bands for MDF 2010: AUTOPSY ENTOMBED (Sweden) OBITUARY EYEHATEGOD PESTILENCE (Netherlands) PENTAGRAM NAGLFAR (Sweden) MALEVOLENT CREATION MELECHESH (Netherlands) CONVERGE SINISTER (Netherlands) INCANTATION PORTAL (Australia) HAEMORRHAGE (Spain) COFFINS (Japan) WOLFBRIGADE (Sweden) IMPALED DECEASED GRIDLINK NAZXUL (Australia) ROMPEPROP (Netherlands) BIRDS OF PREY STORMCROW GRIDE (Czech Republic) INGROWING (Czech Republic) GOROD (France) 16 JESUS CRÖST (Netherlands) MASSGRAVE (Canada) FUCK THE FACTS (Canada) TOMBS HOWL
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

GUITAR LEGEND LES PAUL PASSES AT 94

CNN and BLABBERMOUTH.NET reports that guitar legend, and guitar company founder LES PAUL has passed away at 94, RIP LES PAUL.

FROM ALEX SKOLNICK OF TESTAMENT: "The words 'Les Paul,' for those of us who grew up after the '60s, brought to mind the guitar that bore his name. This guitar was symbolic of the of the notorious rock bands who wielded it, such as LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, KISS and GUNS N' ROSES. Although these bands were infamous for being role models of bad behavior, you could put any of the guitarists in a room with Les Paul, the man, and you'd suddenly see a polite, well behaved young man being respectful to an elder.

"For earlier generations, the words 'Les Paul' conjured images of a gentle, humble, self deprecating man on TV and radio, a genius inventor and master musician and one half of the hit entertainment duo LES PAUL AND MARY FORD. While Les Paul, the guitar, will live on well into the future, Les Paul, the man, sadly, is not immortal. Les passed away yesterday at the age of 94.

"My first 'real' guitar was a Cherry Sunburst Gibson Les Paul. The guitar I've done the most shows and recordings on is a gold top reissue Gibson Les Paul (like the one at right in the picture). The guitar I'm currently playing, a Heritage signature model (which I'll write about soon), is based on the Les Paul and built in the factory where most of the classic Les Pauls were built in the '60s and '70s. Visiting New York and eventually moving there in '90s allowed me to find out more about the man behind these guitars.

"Les's Monday night gigs at the Iridium (and Fat Tuesdays in the 90's), were a landmark of New York City nightlife. If you were into music on any level, hearing Les was something you absolutely had to do whether visiting or as a resident. Like another iconic entertainer, David Letterman, he became a symbol of the hipness and high standards of New York City, despite being a Midwesterner with none of the stereotypical character traits associated with New Yorkers.

"I had the fortune of hearing Les four times in my life. Two of those times, I waited in line to meet Les, after the show. The first time, I had him sign my Les Paul CD box set and the second time, I had him sign the 'gold top,' which had been recently acquired. He wasn't aware of who I was but I didn't care. I was happy just to be a fan. Like the main character in Erica Jong's novel 'Fanny' who says 'Persons of superior character treat everyone with similar good humor,' Les treated everyone with equal respect. Good humor was a large part of who he was.

"Even the first time I heard him, nearly twenty years ago, there was always a feeling that it could be the last time. How much longer can he keep this up? Yet here he was on stage, cracking jokes and doing what he loved to do into his 90's. Les was 'shredding' before there was such a term and never stopped. On stage and in the autograph line, he would talk about his playing and inventions like comedy stories, never losing his good will and sense of humor. Yet these creations, which he talked about as if he'd come up with a new trash can lid, included multitracking, delay, reverb and the solidbody guitar, totally changing the fields of audio and music as we know it.

"Les put the concept of 'retirement' to shame, proving that if you love what you do, there is no need for it. He saw retirement as premature death and stayed fully alive until it was truly time to go. We should all look to Les as an example, not just as someone who maximized his talents and creativity but someone who lived life to the fullest as well. While it is always sad to see a life lost, in Les' case, it is truly a life worth celebrating."
FROM JAY JAY FRENCH OF TWISTED SISTER (BLABBERMOUTH.NET.):
"Les Paul, who, along with Leo Fender, became one of the most important figures in the evolution of the electric guitar. Without the 'sound' of the Les Paul guitar, the heavily amplified blues that evolved into the sound of heavy metal rock that we know today, would not have occurred.

"It can never be overstated: Les Paul and his guitar design are responsible for some of the greatest rock music ever recorded.

"As a guitar player, it wasn't until I could own a Les Paul model guitar that I felt that I had reached an important milestone in my life.

"One of the greatest thrills for me as a musician is that I have my own model Les Paul made by Epiphone with my name and Les Paul's name on the same head stock. That is a dream come true.

"Les Paul may be gone in body, but his legacy will last for generations."

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-shred for him-RIP LES PAUL-\m/ -l-

CRYPTOPSY TO PERFORM FILM SET AT ULTIMATE DRUM CAMP 2009

Canadian death grind legends CRYPTOPSY have sent this update as drummer Flo Mournier will perform at ULTIMATE DRUM CAMP 2009. FROM CRYPTOPSY MYSPACE:
CRYPTOPSY to perform a filmed set at Ultimate Drum Camp 2009
Category: Music
Montréal, Québec-based death metal veterans CRYPTOSPY will perform a filmed set at the upcoming Ultimate Drum Camp. The all-ages event takes place on August 19th, 18h00, at the Orford Arts Centre in Mount Orford, Quebec, Canada. Tickets will be sold at the door for 15$ and attendance will be limited to 500 people. CRYPTOPSY drummer Flo Mounier will also be giving classes and clinics as part of the camp alongside drumming masters such as Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Dennis Chambers of Santana and Mike Mangini of Extreme. Other bands set to perform at the event include THE AGONIST and THE CATALYST. Any additional info on the UDC can be found on their website or Facebook.
Thanks-Stay Metal, stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

IMMORTAL CANCELS OUT OF ROCK CITY OPEN AIR (ROMANIA)/MARDUK ENTER THE REALM OF THE U.S

Norwegian black metal legends IMMORTAL have sent this update canceling their appearance at the ROCK CITY OPEN AIR (ROMANIA) CD COVER FROM UP AND COMING IMMORTAL CD ALL SHALL FALL ABOVE. FROM IMMORTAL MYSPACE: IMMORTAL WILL NOT PERFORM AT ROCK CITY OPEN AIR - August 12, 2009


Regretfully, Immortal will not be performing at the Rock City Open Air in Romania, where we were scheduled to perform Saturday August 22. The contract that we agreed on was not honored within the deadline from the promoter, thus making our participation impossible.

We still hope to meet our Romanian fans in the future!
Also MAYHEM have canceled there apperence at ROCK CITY OPEN AIR, and for all we at ITP know, the entire show (ROCK CITY OPEN) AIR IS CANCELED.
FROM MAYHEM AND BWBK.COM: MAYHEM Drop Off Bill For Rock City Open Air; Festival Postponed?
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 14:50:15 EST

Norwegian black metallers MAYHEM have checked in with the following update:

"Unfortunately, Mayhem will not perform in Romania next week as the whole festival has been canceled (or apparently postponed). We are deeply sorry for the fans who wanted to see us performing there. This is of course totally out of our control.

A statement regarding the reason of the cancellation should be posted on the festival's MySpace page soon."

Rock City Open Air 2009, is/was scheduled for August 20th - 23rd in Fetesti, Romania. Organizers have also announced that TRAIL OF TEARS, MACBETH, and BLOOD RED THRONE have cancelled "due to very big logistical problems."

As previously reported, IMMORTAL have also dropped off the festival bill, stating: "Regretfully, Immortal will not be performing at the Rock City Open Air in Romania, where we were scheduled to perform Saturday August 22nd. The contract that we agreed on was not honored within the deadline from the promoter, thus making our participation impossible.

We still hope to meet our Romanian fans in the future!"

(ITP EDITORS NOTE-BTW, MARDUK have entered the USA successfully, with VISA's ect. MARDUK are going to be at DUFF's 8/14/09 in Williamsburg Brooklyn for a signing session, so do stop by. FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: Following a last-minute visa issue that forced the band to sit out the Blackenedfest tour earlier this summer, Swedish black metallers MARDUK were allowed to enter the U.S. earlier today ahead of their three-date East Coast tour.

Said guitarist Morgan Håkansson from Baltimore: "Finally, after so many problems and unforeseen difficulties, MARDUK has entered North America. We are excited to finally be here again. A long time has passed since our previous tour over here; the year was 2001! But now we are back and this is just the beginning of what's to come!"

MARDUK will play three shows with WITHERED and BLACK ANVIL and take part in an autograph signing and meet-and-greet at Duff's Brooklyn in Williamsburg, New York.

The group's schedule is as follows:

Aug. 12 - Sonar - Baltimore, MD
Aug. 13 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 14 - Duffs Brooklyn - Williamsburg, NY (autograph session)
Aug. 15 - Gramercy Threatre - New York, NY (with TOMBS)
THANKS TO PURE DEATH PRODUCTION for the info on the Philly MARDUK show lineup: FROM PURE DEATH PRODUCTIONS: Here is the line-up for tomorrow:
Doors - 8pm
9 - 9:30 - MORTAL DECAY
9:45 - 10:15 - BLACK ANVIL
10:30 - 11:10 - WITHERED
11:30 - Thy mighty MARDUK!!!

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