News: December 2003

MTV has taken over America and with doing that, has shown Americans' what to wear. Now everyone has at least heard of "The Real Word/ Road Rules Challenge", not to mention probably watched it...common admit it you have. Well "Stifle" Clothing can take some major credit for what America will be wearing as The Real World/ Road Rules Challenge cast sported the line. Liked what you saw? It's almost to late to catch those cloths, as most have sold out, but if your lucky, you'll still be able to find some of the line floating around.

California is full of punk bands. Some make it, some don't. Year Future, hailing from Los Angles, is a combination of 4 guys, and a lot of band background. With each member being able to claim at least 2 other bands they have been part of, the experience in this group is unbelievable. The band will release a 4 track; self titled EP on December 8th, 2003. The album will include "Some Bodies", "All of Your Eggs", "Each Others Futures", and "Every Pill". Make sure to check it out.

The Red-Eyed Legends will be releasing a new album on February 9, 2004. This array of artists, from a bass player that doesn’t use a pick, to a drummer that spent a couple years in a jazz quartet, creates a sound like no other. Their music has been described as “Waved-out punk meets art damage in the parking lot of a heavy metal show with the treble cranked” Make sure to check out the album entitled “The High I Feel When I’m Low” when it comes out early next year.

Watch out! The guys from Demon Hunter are on a roll, and finishing up on their second album entitled “Summer of Darkness”. The sophomore album of their collection should be expected out in late Spring 2004. Sources say the album will “blow the debut out of the water”. We won’t argue.

Those that saw Underoath at this years' CMJ fest might have noticed there was something different about the band. New cloths? No. New hair? No. New vocalist? Yes! After some consideration the band has brought in Spencer Chamberlain, former member of This Runs Through. Underoath will be in the studio recording a follow up to “The Changing of Times” sometime in February.

The guys from Stretch Arm Strong have recently busted out the permanent markers and had their way with the guitar that Hot Topic is now giving away in their most recent contest. Want a chance to get in on all that action? Go to www.hottopic.com, then navigate your way though the community section and over to the contests to read up on it. After your all done on that site, why not check out the upcoming Stretch Arm Strong tour dates, as the guys hit the road with bands like Hatebreed, Sick of it All, The Bled and tons others!

The Militia Group will be releasing a cheap sampler on January 27th entitled 'Hello, We Are The Militia Group'. The sampler will include new unreleased songs from many bands, including, The Beautiful Mistake, Rufio, Copeland, Anadivine, The Lyndsay Diaries, Brandtson, Blueprint Car Crash. Check out the details, and how to get your hands on it at www.themilitiagroup.com

Tis' the season for holidays, good cheer, family, and bands working on new albums. It seems like everyone is either in the studio, or wrapping up on a new, kick ass album, and bands like The Beautiful Mistake, Brandtson, and Anadivine are no exceptions! Keep your eyes peeled early next year for releases from these bands and many more.

The Kinison On Tour with Stretch Armstrong, The Bled, and The AKA's. Check out this bitchin' line-up at a show in your hometown! 12/7/03-Seattle, WA (Graceland), 12/8/03- Portland, OR (Meow, Meow), 12/9/03- San Francisco, CA (Pound), 12/13/03- San Diego, CA (Che Café), 12/14/03- Phoenix, AZ (Mason Jar).

Melodic pop punkers Plain White T's and Zebrahead hit the road for a short Midwest/East Coast Tour in December. Don't forget to come early and check out Chicago ska-rockers Lucky boys Confusion. 12/05/03- Washington, DC (9:30 Club), 12/09/03- Tampa, FL (State Theatre), 12/10/03- Orlando FL (House of Blues), 12/12/03- Jacksonville, FL (Jack Rabbits)

Aquabats Double Disc DVD of Serious Awesomeness has now invaded stores! 2 discs of super rad live performances, music videos, funky clips, and their crazy history guaranteed to rock your socks off. Don't let yourself down by missing these ska-driven maniacs play near you! 12/11/03- Minneapolis, MN (Ascot Room at The Quest), 12/12/03- Chicago, IL (The Metro), 12/13/03- Detroit, MI (St. Andrew's Hall) 12/20/03- Denver, CO (The Bluebird Theater)

Please give a very warm welcome to Onset's newest adoption, A Prize Worth Killing. Watch out for a new 5 song EP from these Huntington Beach rockers.

Word to all Rocky Horror Picture Show junkies! Springman Records has another piece of memorabilia for you to drool over. Introducing The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show. This amazing comp, features gnarly punk bands sure to bring Rocky Horror Picture Show's soundtrack punk rock justice. Ripping up this comp are bands like Alkaline Trio, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, Swingin' Utters, The Ataris, Tsunami Bomb, Pansy Division, Groovie Ghoulies, The Independents, The Chubbies, and more. If this excites you, hold onto your seat for a Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show tour heading your way, along with a short film and a comic book for hours of time-warping fun!

Nitro Records is happy to announce The Start, as their most recent signing. On December 9, Death Via Satellite, the bands premier EP under this record will be released. But that isn't all they have up their sleeves. Watch out in Spring 2004, as they will put out their first full-length album, sure to please.

With the holiday break coming up, everyone will be looking for something to do. Well look no further, as Sloth and Fuel team up and take to the road, along with the stage, on their December tour. Don't miss out on what will be a kick ass show, for sure. 12/07/03- Orlando FL, (The Station), 12/09/03- Johnson City, TN (Rafters), 12/10/03- Atlanta, GA (Smith's Old Bar), 12/17/03- Milwaukee, WI (Eagles Ballroom) 12/19/03- Cincinnati, OH (Bogart's), 12/20/03- Pittsburgh, PA (Club Laga). Check for more dates and listings on the bands sites.

Jupiter Sunrise just can't stop producing the goods! After just releasing their new album "Under a Killer Blue Sky" on the 25th of November, they have now followed up by releasing their new video to "Arthur Nix". Wanna watch the goods? Check it out at www.arthurnix.com.

After endless amazing live shows, SLAB, hailing from Upland, CA, has confirmed to Onset Records that they will be venturing to the studio for a second full-length album. More news on this release and other randomness at www.onsetrecords.com.

Big Screen is in the studio, finishing up their new EP, and hoping to hit it big time with this album. The record, which is due out in early spring of 2004 features vocals by the younger brother of Jordan from A New Found Glory. Watch the calendar this January though, as the guys hit the road with Blue Sky Goodbye.

Your Last Breath is hard at work. The guys are currently in the studio finishing up a 5-track demo of all new songs. One of the guys described the new demo as "harder and better than the old EP" No release date has been set but they should be wrapping up this project soon. They are all eager to get the demo out to the hands of their fans. Interested? Get more information at www.yourlastbreath.tk.

Are you a fan of No Doubt? How about Woven? What's that you say? You love them both?! How perfect. Woven is currently working on a remix of No Doubts latest singe "It's My Life". Make sure to check it out as soon as it's released.

Climbing out of Central California is a band recently signed to Young Blood Records. These San Francisco natives, Our Turn, will be releasing their debut 7"/MCD sometime in 2004. Be sure to catch these guys on the rise during their East Coast tour this January with label mates, Worn Thin.

Hardcore man! Sledgehammer, a European band that brings hardcore to the max, has recently made their way into the Martyr family. After just finishing four demo tracks at AK Studio in Belgium, the band has found a new project to work on. A new EP is in the works, consisting of six demo tracks and a video. These goods will hopefully reach your hands in early 2004. If you're impatient; however, the band has a demo track up at www.martyrrecords.com

Prepare for Converge to invade Europe! Converge has just confirmed European dates for 2004. This amazing tour is going to take place in January with the help of bands Nine and Rise and Fall on select dates. 1/16/04- Arnhem, Holland (Goudvishal), 1/20/04- Dundee, UK (The Reading Room), 1/32/04- Cardiff, UK (The Engine Room), 1/26/040 Belgium (TBA), 1/29/04- Munchen, Germany (Backstage), 2/01/04- Amsterdam, Holland (TBA). Check out the bands websites for the complete list of tour dates

MANDO DIAO will be finishing up their North American tour soon. These 4 young lads hail from a small town in Sweden, and really know how to rock. People can’t seem to stop talking about them and their debut, "Bring 'Em In?" Why so popular? Check it out for yourself and you decide if it’s talk-worthy.

Crossfade has recently finished up their self-titled debut album. The album will be released in April of 2004 on Colombia/Earshot records. “Cold” their first single off the album has already hit home with tons of fans. Literally. The bands hometown radio aired it in September, and the requests kept pouring in. Curious on what’s so great? Check out the band, tour dates, and other randomness at www.crossfadeband.com.

Jason Little, Ryan Immegart and Don Horne (theLINE, Guttermouth), have started side project. The currently unnamed band has high hopes and expectations as they have shows set up for early 2004. Keep an eye on these guys; you may see them take off!

Trampoline records has said hello to two new members of the record family. The recent additions, Nadie, and also The Hang Ups have both put out new albums under this record. Nadie, St. Louis natives have already put out four previous albums under a different record. Four must be the lucky number, seeing as this is also the fourth album released by The Hang Ups. New tour dates are in the works, as the bands are plan on hitting the road together. Fans can stay clued into each band's activities by logging onto their respective websites at www.nadinemusic.com and www.hangupsmusic.com. For more information about Trampoline Records, please visit www.trampolinerecords.com.

Attention Arkham fans! The band has a new, unreleased song coming out next month. The song will be featured on Volcom Entertainment's Weapon's of Mass Construction CD. Now be honest? Would you really want to miss a news song from a band you love, not to mention a kick ass comp anyways? That's what I thought. Get the scoop at www.volcoment.com.

Pepper, is really starting to spice things up. The band has just finished their 3rd L.P. with Producer: Ron Saint and they are hitting the open road with Guttermouth and ASG in January of 2004. And as if that's not enough, Pepper is also doing a benefit show for San Diego Fire Victims on December 6th, at Soma in San Diego, CA. All proceeds will go to the charities of Pepper's choice. Not like you need a reason to go see a kick ass band, but good causes help! Make sure to check them out and keep an eye on the site as tour dates go up.

Speaking of Guttermouth... The band has adopted new guitarist Donald Horne. Previously from theLINE, Donald is spreading the goodness of his abilities on to a new band. Make sure to check him and the rest of the band out when the go out tour with Pepper.

Newly designed websites always rock. Especially if it is for a band that rocks, and has the word rock in the address! How can you go wrong with that? Well don't look for a way here because Vaux has a new website www.vauxrock.com, that delivers the goods. Make sure to check it out and leave some love on the message board.

Gastbys American Dream has lots going on. Not only are they playing shows, and putting the finishing touches on their upcoming tour, planned for February and March, but they are also putting out a DVD. It’s full of music videos, and footage from a record release show in Seattle. Also both of the bands LP's 'why we fight' and 'ribbons and sugar' are included on the DVD as well as b-sides and rare demos. Now try not to pee your pants while you wait for this DVD, it will be hard, I know, but patience is a virtue.

Haven't seen Unseen's new video for False Hopes? Well common, get with it! You can check it out at www.byorecords.com.

Victory Records is pleased to tell us about all the action that the studio has been getting lately. Madcap, Ten Foot Pole, Premonitions of War, Scars of Tomorrow, Martyr AD and Bayside are all recording new albums for release in 2004. Make sure to check out not only the Victory Records site, but also the all the bands. New interviews and other randomness sure to be out soon!

The Unseen, Hatebreed, and Agnostic Front are spreading the cheer this holiday season. Haven't caught show yet? Well there is still time. Check out these remaining tour dates, then get off you ass and go! 12/05/03- Austin, TX, 12/06/03- Oklahoma City, OK, 12/08/03- Nashville, TN, 12/11/03- Scranton, PA, 12/13/03- Cohoes, NY.

The punk rock veterans of Ten Foot Pole hit the studios recently, working on their new album tentatively titled "Subliminable Messages". Expect to hear a semi-new sound from the guys, but don't worry they are the same old, kick ass band we all know and love. Mark your calendars for March of 2004, when the album is expected to be released.

Scars Of Tomorrow are in the studio, and kicking its ass as they turn out what is sure to be an unbelievable album. The album will be released on March 9th. Don't miss it, or you'll be kicking yourself over it. But if you do manage to neglect to pick it up, you can redeem yourself by checking out one of the shows they are planning. Shortly after the March 9th release date, the guys will be taking off with Bury Your Dead, Between The Buried and Me and A Perfect Murder. You have no excuse to miss this too!

The Bled's newest video is almost complete! Can't wait to see it? Well your going to have to, but not for long. "You Know Who's Seatbelt" will be airing on MTV and MTV 2, not to mention online. Keep your eyes peeled, as it will be appearing anytime now.

Salem's "Love It Or Leave Me" has caught on faster than flip phones! If you haven't gotten the chance to check it out, you don't know what your missing...ok so why are you still reading this? Go. Check it out!

Fiddler Records realizes how much good music is in this world. They also realize how much of it is getting over looked. Thus, please welcome The Imprint. The Imprint not only gives the record company a chance to work with bands they might not have always been able to, but also for the bands to learn about the music industry and themselves. Why not e-mail the folks at Fiddler Records and tell them how much it rocks!

Isn't it great for a band to go on tour, and have every venue you play at packed with people? Well the guys from As I Lie Dying sure as hell think so! That's not all this band thinks is great though. Recently they found out they were voted on the top 50 bands to watch out for in Metal Hammer Magazine. Well the magazine sure knew what they were talking about. If you haven't already, check them out!

Metal Blade Records has recently opened up an E-Bay store. Everything is there, even the old releases, and hard to finds. Anything that Metal Blade has put out is there. And make sure to check the site frequently as the store is always being updated with CD's, cassettes, and LP's www.stores.ebay.com/metalbladerecordsstore

Beyond The Embrace is super excited to get back in the studio! They are planning to start work on their new CD "Insect Song" in mid-December. Outlook for the sophomore album is that it will hit a lot of people harder than the first. Ken Susi is the producer of the album and is excited to get to work with a band from his home state. Everyone is ready to go, and hoping to have it released in mid-January. You won't want to miss it, so keep your eyes peeled.

Katy Rose is making a mark on the scene by releasing a debut album January 27th, 2004. "Because I Can" includes the song "Overdrive" which has been featured in Blenders Top 20 Singles of 2003, now if that's not reason enough to check out the album, I don't know what is.

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