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RAGE Guitarist Falls Ill, Temporary Replacement Announced
11 Jun 2004

RAGE guitarist Victor Smolski fell "seriously ill" following the group's performance at the Gods of Metal festival last weekend. Smolski is now "in the hospital" and "he will not take part at the 24h race at the Nürburgring, and he also can't play the Helfenstein concert in Geislingen [Germany on June 19]," reads a post on the group's web site. Replacing Victor at the Helfenstein festival will be former RAGE guitarist Manni Schmidt. However, the group point out that Manni's appearance with RAGE in Geislingen will be a one-time-only event and no additional joint live appearances are currently planned. Smolski is expected to fully recover in time for the band's performance at the Raismesfest in Raismem, France on September
Topic: Band News

Bathory Leader Quorthon Is Dead
09 Jun 2004

BATHORY mastermind Thomas "Quorthon" Forsberg was found dead in his apartment in Stockholm, Sweden on Monday, June 7, informed sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. The 39-year-old son of Black Mark Records owner Börje Forsberg, widely considered to be one of black metal's founding fathers, died of an apparent heart failure. More information as it becomes available.
Topic: Band News

SLIPKNOT Drummer Saves Day For METALLICA At DOWNLOAD Festival
07 Jun 2004

Virtual Festivals reports: "Rock history was made today as METALLICA seized triumph from the jaws of disaster, after drummer Lars Ulrich was hospitalised with a mystery ailment, on the day of their headline performance at the second day of the Download Festival.

"Whereas lesser bands would fold in the face of such adversity, METALLICA were not going to let this little setback spoil the party.

"A frantic backstage call for arms (and sticks) rallied an impressive contingent of troops from other artists on today's line-up, all ready and w ...
Ace Frehley quits the music biz?
06 Jun 2004

Although the validity of the following is yet to be confirmed or denied, sources close to original and former KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY are reporting the following:

- Ace has retired from the music biz.
- Ace now lives in Florida with his ex-wife.
- Ace cut off all his hair.
- Ace has no plans to tour or record with KISS or as a solo artist.
- He has also said he needs to do this to stay alive and away from drugs and booze.

Meanwhile, adding fuel to the fire, Ace’s official website (www.acefrehleyonline.com) no longer exists. Stay tuned for updates on this as more information becomes available.


Topic: Band News

JUDAS PRIEST's Reunion Tour: Opening Night Setlist Revealed
05 Jun 2004

JUDAS PRIEST played their first concert since reuniting with singer Rob Halford Wednesday night (June 2) at Stadiumsporthalle in Hannover, Germany. The group's entire setlist for the show was follows:

01. Hellion
02. Electric Eye
03. Metal Gods
04. Heading Out to the Highway
05. The Ripper
06. Touch of Evil
07. The Sentinel
08. Turbo Lover
09. Victim of Changes
10. Diamonds and Rust
11. Breaking the Law
12. Beyond the Realms of Death
13. The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)
14. Painkiller
Encore:
15. Hel ...
MEGADETH: New Album Title Revealed!
05 Jun 2004

MEGADETH have set "The System Has Failed" as the title of their new album, tentatively due on September 14 through Sanctuary Records.

"The System Has Failed" was recorded at Phase Four studios in Tempe, Arizona and is set to feature cover artwork by Ed Repka. Joining mainman Dave Mustaine on the recording are drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Jimmy Sloas. Additional lead guitar tracks were laid down by former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland.

"The System Has Failed" track listing:

01. Blackmail The Universe
02. Shadow Of Death
03. My Kingdom
04. Of Mice A ...
The Haunted Sign with Century Media Records
05 Jun 2004

Swedish thrashers The Haunted have signed a worldwide, multi-album deal with Century Media Records. The band has already completed work on their highly anticipated, as-yet-untitled, fourth album which will be released this fall.

Commented guitarist Anders Björler: "We are happy to have chosen Century Media for the next couple of albums. Century Media is a legendary metal label, and we feel strongly they'll support us in the best way possible."

Phil Hinkle, director of A&R for Century Media America, added: "It's an honor to be working with The Haunted, and they make our already outstanding roster that much more stellar." Leif Jensen, A&R manager for Centu ...


A Lower Deep Announce New Album
02 Jun 2004

A Lower Deep Release Parable of the Thorn A Lower Deep is proud to announce the release of their second album, and first in partnership with Raven Flight Records, entitled "Parable of the Thorn". Parable marks an amazing leap forward in the evolution of the band's sound in every phase from production to song writing to performances. Built on guitar driven riffs, varing in pace and mood, and enveloped in dark atmospheres of haunting harmonies and melodies, Parable is a sure bet for fans of a classic metal sound with a distinctly modern flavor. FREE GIFT- For a limited time A Lower Deep in conjunction with Raven Flight Records is offering "Parable of the Thorn" for FREE download i ...
Topic: Band News

Steel Prophet complete new album
02 Jun 2004

STEEL PROPHET guitarist Steve Kachinsky has posted the following update at the band's official website:

"Hey All Steelheads, the album (Beware) is finally finished! Begun on March 5th, and completed May 18th, 2004. Cover art should be posted soon on our web site (www.steelprophet.com). It's going to be interesting to us to hear the criticism for this record as it's the first with Nadir (D'Priest - vocals) and also my first engineering job for the band. Of note; all my solos and a bunch of rhythm tracks were recorded with a broken middle finger on my fretting hand. The finger may need surgery in the future and I'll hear more about that later, so for the time being no gigs ar ...


VINCE NEIL To Get Extreme Makeover
02 Jun 2004

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, former MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil is scheduled to begin a three-month extreme makeover today for MTV's version of "The Swan".

"I call him 'The Mallard,' " said Leah Gerardini, Neil's fiancée.

At 43, Vince is the first rock star to join the reality re-do craze.

The new Neil will be revealed August 28, after seeing a lot of a trainer, a plastic surgeon and a lifestyle counselor.

Starting today, he consults with a plastic surgeon and cuts out drinking.

"It's not just for me, but for my career," said Neil, who is in negotiations to ...