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NUTS, BOLTS & METAL SHAVINGS

by Diane DeMeter

METAL NEWS YOU CAN USE

Fates Warning’s Chasing Time/Still Life has recently been released and trailing not far behind, on October 18 is the GWAR- 4 DVD Box Set (Sleazy, Ragnor, Tour, Dawn) and Six Feet Under – A Decade In The Grave Box Set – 4 CD/DVD, all on Metal Blade.

Holland’s Death/Thrash band, Callenish Circle has completed recording on their fifth CD, Pitch.Black.Effects., for Metal Blade. Expect it in early 2006.

Opeth are in Sauget, IL at Pop’s, 10/25 and at House Of Blues in Chicago, 10/26.

Strapping Young Lad with Soilwork, Fear Factory and Darkane will continue the onslaught at Pop’s in Sauget, IL, 10/29 and House Of Blues, Chicago, 10/30.

Brand New Sin and Black Label Society hit the Congress Theater in Chicago, 11/12. The Amon Amarth tour with Children Of Bodom and Trivium stop in Chicago at The House Of Blues, 11/13.

What a whirlwind of activity has encompassed the band, Opeth. Drummer, Martin Lopez became seriously ill and flew home to Sweden for treatment. Legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (Death, Testament, etc.) filled in for the last 16 dates (Sounds Of The Underground Tour) and took part in the video shoot for “The Grand Conjuration”.

A temporary replacement, Martin Axenrot (Bloodbath, Witchery/Nifelheim) will fill in ‘til Lopez is at 100 percent.

In the meantime, their most recent CD, Ghost Reveries, is in stores now and the BBC has invited them to record in December, to be played on British radio at a future date.

If that wasn’t enough, Opeth vocalist, Mikael A.Kerfeldt recorded vocals for the song, “Roads” written by Type O keyboardist, Josh Silver, to be included on the upcoming Roadrunner Records 25 Years compilation CD.

DEMETER’S TEASERS

THE EVIL QUEENS

First It Boils, Then It Bleeds ~ Addison

This is their third, non-trendy, straightforward rock album. They try to sound like a cross between Queens Of The Stone Age, Jet and just a tad of Karma To Burn.

Out of the 10 songs, the fourth track, “The Government Has Cloned You” is pretty rockin’.

“Strong-Wristed Woman” gets a nod for most creative song title. The last cut, “Requiem For Antonio Pants”, heads off to left field with some very weak experimentation, distracting from the overall sound, on the rest of the disc.

It’s an ok (I’m being generous) CD but it just doesn’t have any heart or soul.

DEW SCENTED

Issue IV ~ Nuclear Blast

Death/Thrash Metal out of Germany never sounded so good. Dual guitar attacks and a relentless double bass are just what the doctor ordered. These guys are wound pretty tight and would probably implode if they weren’t playing.

“Never To Return” has a hint of Nevermore and is a good representation of Death/Thrash that makes you, BANG YOUR HEAD. I had to smile over the last track, “Evil Dead” because it sounds like Motorhead on crack.

A really strong CD with interesting guitar licks. You will want to keep your eyes on this band

NEVERMORE

This Godless Endeavor ~ Century Media

Recorded at England’s Backstage Studio, the seventh CD encompasses all that Nevermore has to offer and them some. What is it about the Seattle area and music? Some mystical vibe is obviously channeled through these guys. The sorrowful vocal delivery and the insanely intricate and brutally beautiful guitars just get better and better.

This disc even boasts a guest guitar solo by guitar virtuoso, James Murphy (ex-Testament/Death/Cancer, which only adds to the overall somber ambience.

Nevermore always serve up more than we deserve and I’m sure will continue to do so!

HAMMERFALL

Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken

Nuclear Blast

This Swedish, classic Heavy Metal band still is drenched in the orchestral, symphonic and acoustic deliveries they are famous for. Subject matter still remains the same, knights prophecies, etc.

This is their ninth album and follow-up to, One Crimson Night – 2CD/DVD, from 2003. Cronos, front man from Venom makes a special guest appearance on the final track, “Knights Of The 21st Century”. I can’t believe there was a four-letter word thrown in, something atypical of this metal genre.

Hammerfall hasn’t changed much and is still doing a great job doing what they do best. If love Dio, you’ll want to get hammered.

This month’s column is dedicated to Jill Kelley Long, RIP 9/13/05. Jill you always made me smile. The rest of us will live with the pain, since you don’t have to tolerate it anymore. Miss you always!

Till Next time…ONE NATION UNDERGROUND!

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