Skratch News: August 2004

High On Fire Meets Melvins
Relapse Records' High on Fire has a new bassist, and not just any bassist, it's ex-Melvins legend Joe Preston. He replaced George Rice in time for their two-week national tour in August. Preston is also ready to record their upcoming album, BLESSED BLACK WINGS, which is scheduled for release in February 2005. The rest of the metal-trio remains intact with Matt Pike on guitar and vocals and Des Kensel on drums. Visit website or website for more info.

Reel Big Wedding
Well, it wasn't real big, just a small Vegas wedding for Reel Big Fish front man Aaron Barrett and his girlfriend of two years, Molly Terrence. A small group of friends and the rest of the band joined them in A Las Vegas Wedding Chapel while they were in town for a show at the House of Blues. Molly wore sexy white lingerie, and Aaron sported his blond and black mohawk. RBF are back on the road until another wedding stop in Hawaii for their bassist, Matt Wong. Find out more and view the pictures on website.

Kung Fu Anarchy in the UK
The Vandals, Audio Karate, and The God Awfuls will bring their music to the UK for a November tour. The Kung Fu bands will be oversees from November 11 through 23. Starting off in Newcastle, England, they continue with 11 dates and end up in Dublin, Ireland. For tickets and more info, go to website.

Angry Amputee Faces Open Heart Surgery
Angry Amputees' bassist and namesake has a bacterial infection in his aortic valve, which has caused his life-threatening need for open-heart surgery. Being that his bass playing does not provide for health insurance, he needs a lot of help to fund his scheduled surgery. The Angry Amputees are collecting money via Pay Pal on their Website and mail at Angry Amputees, 1044 Howard, San Francisco, CA 94103. See website for more info.

BYO Records Celebrates 100th Release
On September 21, The Briefs will re-release their EPs, HIT AFTER HIT and OFF THE CHARTS, in commemoration of BYO (Better Youth Organization) Records' 100th release. BYO records was originally formed as a club in reaction to sentiment against the punk scene. 22 years and 100 releases later, it is a well-established underground music label that has supported the likes of Social Distortion, Rancid, Leatherface, and many others. website

I'm Dead, Bitch!
Rick James was found dead in his home on August 6. The 56-year-old 1980s punk funk icon, known for his song "Super Freak", was alleged to have died from a heart attack. Recently, James popularity as a celebrity icon has been reborn with Dave Chappelle's parodies of him on The Dave Chappelle Show, keying the phrase, "I'm Rick James, bitch!"

Moto Music Mayhem Festival
Music meets Motocross at the Moto Music Mayhem. On August 21, the National Orange Show Events Center and Speedway of San Bernardino, California hosted a punk rock festival with Seth Enslow, Ronnie Faisst, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Jeff "Ox" Karogla and others in a freestyle motocross showcase. Performances by Social Distortion, Pennywise, A Static Lullaby, and Kottonmouth Kings filled the ears of attendees. Hot rod and chopper showcases were the icing on the cake for the successful Guerilla Union promoted event. See website for similar future events.

Underoath Battles Silly Rumors
Underoath was rumored to have been kicked off of the Warped Tour due to the unruly show in Atlanta, Georgia. Crowds rushed the stage during the final song and broke down barricades. However, Underoath was not kicked off and remained on the tour through the rest of August. See website for more details.

The Virus Survives Van Accident
The Virus's tour van had a blow-out 20 minutes outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, which caused the van and trailer to roll three times. Everyone survived, but drummer "Black" Jon Emanuel and roadie Dave Shumate suffered severe injuries. Despite no broken bones, Jon currently is in a neck brace and Dave is in an arm sling. The Virus was in their fourth week of a nine-week-long tour, which they finished with only the western Canadian dates canceled. For more details or to make a donation to help curb their unexpected expenses, visit website.

New Lamb of God
Lamb of God released their newest album, ASHES OF THE WAKE, on August 31, the day after they play New York City's Irving Plaza. It was released through Epic Records and is a follow-up to Lamb of God's 2003 album, AS THE PALACES BURN. Machine (White Zombie, Pitchshifter, One Minute Silence) did the production honors with guest appearances from former Megadeth and Testament guitarists, Chris Poland and Alex Skolnick. website

Headbanging Compilation
MTV2's Headbanger's Ball is set to release their second compilation, which includes two discs of metal. To be released on September 28, it will include Slipknot, Korn, A Perfect Circle, Soulfly, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth, Atreyu, Kittie, HIM, Avenged Sevenfold, In Flames and many more. More info at website.

Ozomatli ? Charged and Exonerated
In a classic move by Ozomatli, they took their music to the streets of Austin, Texas during this year's South by Southwest Music Festival. What they were not aware of was Austin's city noise ordinance, which they violated in this move. Austin police charged percussionist Jiro Yamaguch for assault on a public servant, which is a third degree felony punishable with two to ten years in prison. Manager Amy Sue-Blackman Romero was charged with a class B misdemeanor for interference with the duties of a public servant, which is punishable with 180 days in jail. Bassist Wil Dog Abers was charged with failure to obey a lawful order, a class C city ordinance violation punishable by a fine. All three charges were dismissed in the end with agreements between the Austin courts and Ozomatli's charged members, manager and attorneys. website New Release and Tour by The Faint
After three full years of preparation, The Faint will release their album, WET FROM BIRTH. It will be released September 14 after The Faint get back from playing the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan. U.S. and European tours to support the release will start in October. See website for more info.

Glassjaw Side Project Release
Glassjaw singer Daryl Palumbo's side project, Head Automatica, released their debut album on August 17. The album, DECADENCE, is also available at certain online digital retailers, including Napster and iTunes. HA is the work of Palumbo and producer/beatmaker Dan "The Automator" Nakamura. They recorded the electronic rock band's album with help from Glassjaw drummer Larry Gorman. Live shows are performed with Gorman on drums, Jim Greer on keyboard, Josh Holden on bass, and Craig Bonich and Brandon Arnovick on guitars. Read more at website.

Ozma is No Longer
Ozma's frontman, Ryen Slegr, announced on their Website that the band is broken up. The rock band, together for 9 years, released their final album, SPENDING TIME ON THE BORDERLINE, on Kung Fu Records. The band broke up for personal reasons, which members would not explain further. See the message board on website for more specifics.

Taking Back Sunday with Jimmy Kimmel
With their new line-up and new songs, Taking Back Sunday performed on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show on July 28. TBS had canceled their originally scheduled performance on Jimmy Kimmel last September when member changes caused multiple cancellations on their tour schedule. They have been rescheduling missed shows and writing music for their most recent release, WHERE YOU WANT TO BE, which hit stores August 2. See website for more.

Social Distortion Bassist Calls it Quits
Bassist John Maurer leaves Social Distortion to live the family life. The six year pause between the past two records has given Maurer the opportunity to develop a family life, which he adores. Maurer recently finished recording SEX, LOVE, AND ROCK 'N' RoLL, but he will not be on the tour. Rancid?s Matt Freeman will take his place for now. Freeman's main focus will remain with Rancid but the downtime that Rancid has will be filled by the Social Distortion tour. website

Mother! Don?t let your children hit me tonight!
The day has finally arrived where Danzig finally bit off more than he could chew. At a show in Arizona, Danzig was approached by North Side Kings singer Danny Marianino in regards to the cancellation of his band's scheduled slot. After a few non-insulting questions, Danzig unexpectedly shoved Danny and took the tough-guy stance. Upon the shoving, Danny, a heavy-set man, returned with a right hook that took Danzig to the floor. website

Tiger Army?s Fred Hell Exits
Fred Hell will no longer be playing with Tiger Army due to health complications stemming from his shooting in 2003. Nick 13 and Geoff Kresge will continue to tour the band with Mike Fasano, who also drummed for the bands latest album, III: GHOST TIGER RISE. Read more at website.

Viva La Mars Volta on Vinyl
Gold Standard Labs will be releasing a vinyl version of the follow-up album to 2003?s hit DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM, entitled FRANCES THE MUTTE. The new double album will include a free bonus 12-inch of the title track that is not included on the album itself. The album will also come with a poster and split colored vinyl. website and website

Shai Halud feels The Warmth of Red Blood
Since the band parted ways with singer Geert van der Velde, the remaining members, Matt Fox and Matt Fletcher, have been writing new material that keeps the bands sound intact. Shai Hulud has changed its name to The Warmth of Red Blood, and is currently looking for a new lead vocalist. To learn more or to audition, visit website.

Guttermouth Drops off Warped Tour
Mark Adkins posted a message on Guttermouth's Website stating that they would not be playing the remainder of the second leg of the Warped Tour due to circumstances stemming from "broken promises and lies." Adkins explains that they had further misgivings with some of the other bands on the Warped Tour, saying they complained about Guttermouth and threatened violence against them behind Guttermouth's backs. Adkins admits he is not very nice about bands that he does not care for; however, he adds that he will tell them what he thinks to their faces. He says, "I am also in something called a punk band. Punk and censorship do not exactly go hand in hand. So, dry your eyes or your eye shadow will run." website

Nitro Tokyo Straight To the Studio
The rock band, Nitro Tokyo, featuring Darkest Hour?s Mike Schleibaum and Mike Garrity, will be entering the studio this month to record their debut EP entitled BULLET-TRAIN TO HOLLYWOOD. To be released by Victory Records, the band promises it will be "hot and sweaty rock 'n? roll." See website for updates.

Sean Ingram?s New Project
Coalesce's former singer Sean Ingram continues to develop a new project with former bandmate Nate Ellis. The band is labeling itself as progressive, loud, and heavy that doesn?t sound like Coalesce but has the same feel. Though the band doesn?t yet have a name, they continue to rehearse on a regular basis. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Face To Face Final Tour
Most people are aware that Face to Face has called it quits and are going out one last time for all of you punk/hardcore fans. But, you may not know the entire Final Goodbye Tour will be opened by My Chemical Romance. The dates will be August 13 through September 19, and more info can be found at website.

Skatefest 2K4
The seventh annual Skatefest line-up has been announced. Bands playing include Norma Jean, Fear Before the March of Flames, Boys Night Out, Spitalfield, The Early November, Throwdown, Catch-22, From Autumn To Ashes, Codeseven, Silverstein, and Murder By Death. You can also expect an appearance by Steve-O and other members of Jackass, Viva La Bam, and Wildboys. The two-day event will take place in Worchester, Massachusetts on September 17 and 18. website

Break for Thursday
Thursday's singer, Geoff Rickly, told Revolver Magazine that Thursday will be "taking a lot of time off." He went on to say that if the next record does not do well, the band might call it quits. Here is to hoping Thursday doesn't follow Taking Back Sunday's lead on the drama of break-ups. Keep posted on website.

Green Day Gets Political
Green Day is set to release their newest album September 21. AMERICAN IDIOT's title track can be previewed on website and most radio stations. It will also be featured on the Madden 2005 video game. See website for supporting tour dates and more.

New Used
The much anticipated The Used second album, IN LOVE AND DEATH, will be out September 28. The album has spawned much gossip on what it will sound like with singer Bert McCracken comments on it sounding like everything from Puddle of Mud to Fleetwood Mac. website

Sex!
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control released a census that found 47% of teenagers have engaged in sexual intercourse. This may sound disturbing, but what we want to focus on is 53% have not.

Mp3 Evolution
Apple iPods have come out with a new smaller iPod that holds 10,000 songs. Three million people already own one of these. In related news, only 8% of skratchmagazine.com traffic uses Mac operating systems.

Rescue Accident
Rescue's van rolled several times in an accident on a return trip from a show in Muskegon, Michigan. Despite the lacking seatbelt use, everybody made it out alive with just some scrapes and bruises. Singer and guitarist Al Scheuman was thrown through a window and had to be airlifted to a local hospital. He suffered a broken clavicle, a torn ligament, and some broken teeth, which require multiple surgeries. The van and most equipment were completely destroyed. Needless to say, Rescue canceled the rest of their July tour, but they hit the road with a fill-in guitarist and Scheuman singing by mid-August. Send some support by e-mail to the band at this email address.

Really Live Video
Experience some live performances with great video clips of bands, including The Locust, Ex-Models, The Blood Brothers, and Some Girls at threeoneg.com. You won't be disappointed.

Rewind of Unwound
Experience releases of Unwound on killrockstars.com. Releases available include LEAVES TURN INSIDE YOU, THE FUTURE OF WHAT, REPETITION, and much, much more.

Lost in the Postman's House
21,000 undelivered letters were found in a Malaysian postman's home. Some letters were up to four years old. Fired in March, the ex- Pos Malaysia Bhd (Malaysian post) employee is currently missing and a search is underway.

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