Slayer's Unholy Alliance Lineup Expands

Commented Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg: "All of us have been huge fans of SLAYER since the mid-'80s, and to be able to tour with this legendary thrash band is a dream come true. We are very proud and honored to be a part of this year's Unholy Alliance together with Trivium and Mastodon. - more on this story

Daylight Dies A Little Later Than Expected

Metal Underground reports: Candlelight Records issues the following press release regarding the delay of Daylight Dies new album:

"Due to unforeseen difficulties with the printing of the new Daylight Dies album 'Lost To The Living,' Candlelight Records have regretfully had to postpone its UK & European release date until 14th July 2008.

"This difficult decision has been taken in order to ensure that the band's vision for their stunning new album is preserved, and to make sure it looks as good as it sounds!" - more on this story

As Eden Burns Looking for a Voice

Lambgoat reports: Houston, Texas metal band As Eden Burns (Willowtip Records) is currently looking for a singer to replace William Hesser, who is leaving the band. The group explains:

"We regrettably will be parting ways with long time friend, singer, bass player, and audio engineer William. Without getting into the boring details, he decided it was time for him to move in a different direction from the band's trajectory, and there is nothing close to hard feelings on either side.

"He'll be playing a couple final shows around Houston until we can find a replacement. Accordingly, we now find ourselves in need of a new full-time singer." - Want the gig? details here

Minogue's Royal Honor

BBC reports: Singer Kylie Minogue will be formally appointed an OBE by Prince Charles at a Buckingham Palace ceremony later.

The 40-year-old, best known for hits including I Should Be So Lucky and Spinning Around, was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2005.

When the New Year Honours List was announced in December the star said she was "deeply honoured" to be featured. - more on this story

30 Years of Controlled Bleeding

MVD reports: Controlled Bleeding, one of the earliest American acts to pioneer industrial music, is celebrating its 30 year anniversary with a free download of "Wall of China Love Letters," the second track on Before The Quiet, just released by MVD Audio.

Oddly, although the song was recorded in 1978, the abrasive, bouncing, instrumental could be a musical blueprint for the bands coming out of Williamsburg's disco punk scene.

Although CONTROLLED BLEEDING has been and always will be lumped into the genre of old school industrial music, their earliest inspirations were steeped in the first wave of New York City punk bands like The Dictators, Dead Boys, the Ramones and the brooding technical brilliance of King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Henry Cow. BEFORE THE QUIET, a collection of music from the early formations of the group, infused with the hunger and intensity of youth, clearly illustrates the collision of these seemingly opposing influences. Recordings from 1978-1982, assembled by main man Paul Lemos capture the different early eras of CONTROLLED BLEEDING. BEFORE THE QUIET is an incredible peek back into the early days of "anything goes" alternative music. - Go grab the free tune

Matt Keating Feeling Quixotic

PR reports: Matt Keating's music is often labeled Americana, but it is in fact inspired by a broad range of influences; traditional country, old school punk and classic songwriters. He has established a distinctive sound that splits the difference between folk-rock and power pop, and favored words and music over angst and posture.

For his latest release, Keating has chosen to perform some much-needed resuscitation on the lost art of the album by unleashing a double-disc, 23-song album (out July 8 on Kealon Records.) It's exactly the kind of implausible, foolishly romantic, unabashedly retrograde quest that deserves a title like QUIXOTIC.

The album finds Keating reunited with longtime studio partner Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah). The album also marks new collaborations with bassist Jason Mercer (Ron Sexsmith, Ani DiFranco), drummer Jordan Richardson, and guitarist Duane Jarvis (Lucinda Williams, Frank Black.)
- more on this story

Gram Rabbit Mini Tour

PR reports: Gram Rabbit announce upcoming dates in California, Utah and Idaho this summer, with more to be added. The first date will be this week's special Independence Day show at the band's hometown club Pappy and Harriet's, presented by Los Angeles radio station KCRW.

From the unlikely haven of Joshua Tree, California, Gram Rabbit synthesizes an original blend of rock, country and techno, featuring socio-politically charged lyrics with a playful edge.

Drawing comparisons to Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and the Queens of the Stone Age in an early feature written by Los Angeles Times' Richard Cromelin, Gram Rabbit have been critical darlings and concert favorites for years since their first appearances. - more on this story

Paul van Dyk Too Big for Central Park

PR reports: For five consecutive years Paul van Dyk's annual concerts in Central Park have been one of New York City's most anticipated live music events. In 2007, over 10,000 loyal fans from around the world descended upon New York City with the sole purpose of experiencing their favorite artist in this surreal environment. This year, van Dyk and Made Event leave the friendly confines of Central Park and travel west to the famed Pier 54 for a waterside dance music extravaganza that's never been experienced before.

For the first time ever in New York City, Paul van Dyk's 4-hour live set is to be accompanied by a full sound system installation engineered specifically for this event by acclaimed sound design company Integral Sound. Fans in attendance at Pier 54 will enjoy Paul van Dyk's music in its purest form and at an unmatched level of clarity.

Historically, Pier 54 was considered one of New York's key launching spots for ocean liners and it even provided a point of origin for the Lusitania's first voyage. To this day, Pier 54's breathtaking original steel arch entrance greets visitors to what has become one of the city's largest performance spaces. - more on this story

A Loaf of Dark Captain Light Captain

PR reports: UK label Lo Recordings/LOAF makes its debut in the states with the acid-tinged psych-folk of Dark Captain Light Captain.

Lo Recordings/LOAF (Squarepusher, The Chap, Johan Agebjorn/Sally Shapiro) is pleased to announce the release of East London six-piece Dark Captain Light Captain's acclaimed debut, the Circles EP, in the US on July 15. Comprised of Dan Carney (guitar, vocals), Giles Littleford (guitar, vocals), Neil Kleiner (electronics, vocals), Chin Keeler (drums), Laura Copsey (brass, vocals) and Michael Cranny (bass, vocals), Dark Captain Light Captain weave these songs into a haunting web of psychedelia with sweet harmonies, chiming guitars, spaced out brass and touches of electronic deviance. The songs on this EP have been lovingly polished and brought into focus by the team of Robin Proper-Sheppard (God Machine,Sophia) and Kenny Jones.

In the winter of 2006, Dan and Neil started a string of late-night recording sessions. From this, they found themselves in the recording studio with German singer/songwriter Milenasong, and co-writing the song 'Standby' which appeared on her Seven Sisters album. Giles was the next to join the band and they soon landed a deal with with London independent Lo Alternative Frequencies/LOAF. In November 2007, they released the 7" single 'Jealous Enemies' which found its niche in several pockets of the underground online and radio worlds in the US and UK. Backed with support from Zane Lowe (BBC Radio, MTV) and several others, it was featured as 'Experimental Single of the Month' in Mixmag. In March of 2008, they felt the need to expand on their ideas and invited Laura, Chin, and Mike into the fold, bringing forth a new, fleshed-out and harmonized sound. - more on this story

Zona Jones Gets Rocky Comfort

PR reports: Zona Jones, the latest in an impressive line of hardcore country singers from Southeast Texas, signs with Tracy Lawrence's Rocky Comfort Records (RCR). Having played the Texas/Louisiana honky-tonk/ nightclub circuit for the past several years, Zona is ready to expand his already developed fan base and spread his brand of music across the country.

"I am so pleased to sign with Rocky Comfort," states Jones. "Tracy and I have been friends for several years, and I have been a huge fan of his music since the Sticks & Stones days. I have always been impressed with his keen sense for a great song. Tracy is one of those rare country artists who has consistently recorded albums fans can listen to over and over without ever skipping a song. Working with him to create the best music "we" can is going to be so cool."

With the support and friendship of multi-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence, Zona is sure to be in good hands. Lawrence launched the Nashville based Rocky Comfort Records on July 25, 2006, as a partnership with his manager Laney Lawrence. The label has had much success from both radio and retail with the release of "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" and "Til I Was A Daddy Too," off of Tracy's current CD, FOR THE LOVE. There are currently four acts signed to RCR and the roster is growing. - more on this story

Erin Bode's Little Garden

PR reports: Singer/Songwriter Erin Bode's New Cd, The Little Garden, To Be Released July 29 On Native Language. Making her Native Language recording debut, vocalist Erin Bode stakes a claim as one of her generation's most imaginative and melodically inspired singer/songwriters with The Little Garden.

Bode produced the session herself, working closely with her band (drummer Derrick Phillips; bassist (and husband) Syd Rodway; and songwriting partner Adam Maness on piano, guitar, Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer), to give each song a subtly calibrated instrumental setting. With the cohesiveness of a jazz combo, her band gracefully delineates each tune's narrative arc. Several pieces feature expanded arrangements with strings, backup singers, and special guest soloist John Ellis on tenor sax and flute.

Recorded by the ensemble playing together in the studio -- with minimal use of overdubs -- The Little Garden (Erin's fourth CD) picks up where Bode and Maness left off on her acclaimed Over and Over release (2006). - more on this story

Ernie Halter Starting Over

PR reports: California-based singer-songwriter Ernie Halter will be releasing his next album, entitled "Starting Over," on August 5th via Rock Ridge Music. The digital version (available via digital download portals) will precede the brick and mortar release on July 15th.

"The new record is called 'Starting Over' for a reason," says Halter. "I wanted the title to be direct, simple, and set the tone for the album. In this past year, I experienced the unraveling of my marriage and the birth of my first son. It was during this year that I wrote the material for the new record and performed over 150 shows. More than ever I think it's important to be as open and honest as possible, both as a songwriter and as a person. One positive side to the tumultuous year I've had is this new-found freedom to say it as it is, to admit who I am and where I've been, faults and all. I feel this is a total crossroads for me." - more on this story

drookit dogs album launch

antiMusic reports: antiMusic favs the drookit dogs sent over this big news: after three years hard graft and countless gigs from acoustic slots in tiny cellars right through to headlining the legendary concorde 2 in brighton, we have finally recorded our eponymously titled debut album! 10 songs that have rung in your ears over the years!

we are releasing the album officially on july 12th at the brunswick pub in brighton. support acts include the fabulous cabaret-noir Sweet Sweet Lies and the truly original Darius Alexander. we will also premier our animated video for the album's first single i'd rather be on a comedown!

as a thank you to all you who have helped along the way the gig is absolutely free and the album will be on sale at a discount price of £5 for one night only! everyone's invited and no-one misses out as the album will be available online as well as in the shops soon after the launch! - http://www.myspace.com/drookitdogs

Raise Hell Again

MMP reports: Metal Mind Productions presents the exclusive reissues of Raise Hell's "Holy Target", "Not Dead Yet" and "Wicked Is My Game" which introduce a metal act that is fully aware of their strength and potential. Whether they took on death, black, heavy or thrash metal, the result was always the same – total destruction!

Holy Target - the debut album from 1998 brought nine tracks of condensed black metal mixed with death metal and a few thrash elements. This resulted in a truly intriguing mixture, combining all the best pieces of each genre. Such intense tracks as "Raise the Devil", "Legion of Creeps" and "The Red Ripper" clearly showed that the four young musicians were not kidding around – this was pure black metal mayhem, backed by some strong anti-Christian message and a shocking cover artwork.

Not Dead Yet - the album was recorded in August 1999 in Studio Fredman under the careful eye of Anders Fridén (producer and lead singer of In Flames). The music ventured from black/death metal to more thrash-oriented areas, while still managing to keep the same guitar tones and vocals. The main difference was the songwriting itself, this time taking a lot from groups such as Manowar or Megadeth. Also the lyrical content underwent some changes. The lyrics and the cover artwork were clearly inspired by 'leather & steel' 80's metal, giving the entire album a very 'classic' feel. This was especially heard in the track "Babes" which is nothing but a splendid bastardization of "Light My Fire" by The Doors. Other highlights included the fast and energetic title track and the semi-ballad "Devilyn". With the addition of humorous elements and a more thrashy sound, Raise Hell took another step in their evolution and presented a fairly different style, at the same time not losing their identity.
- more on this story

. Motley Crue - Saints of Los Angeles

It appears that Motley Crue is following the status quo instead of marching to the beat of their own drummer. People usually say that great books make lousy movies. You can now officially say the same about albums inspired by books. (2.5 stars) - Read the full Motley Crue - Saints of Los Angeles review

. Mountain Mirrors - Dreadnought

Moody, meditative, and magical. These three words are just a few I could throw out over the newest Mountain Mirrors album. Like Hendrix, Dylan, and Drake before him, Jeff Sanders is a man who does not simply play guitar but physically lives it. (5 stars) - Read the full Mountain Mirrors - Dreadnought review

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