December 2005 News

A WORD FROM THE WISE
Pennywise launched the next leg of their U.S. tour dates (in support of the phenomenal THE FUSE) with two O.C. shows at the House Of Blues December 14 and 15, marking the seminal punk band’s first O.C. shows in over a year. After about a month’s time, they head out for some more West Coast dates on January 11. Check www.epitaph.com for all info.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE RETARDED
One of our faves, The Queers, have quite a bit ‘o’ news for us: they’re going to start working on their next album, which will see contributions from Mr. Ben Weasel, Lisa Marr, and JJ Rassler; they’re planning to release a live album on their Doheny Records; and, not unlike what Screeching Weasel did earlier this year, the band are set to re-release a buttload of their old records (remixed and re-mastered, of course) through Asian Man. And showing how monumental this band is, a tribute album is being planned with bands such as Screeching Weasel, Parasites, Teengenerate, and The New Bomb Turks contributing material, to name a few.

INTELLIGENT DESIGN: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
Rightly so, all eight Dover, PA board members sympathetic to the teaching of intelligent design (that evolution is too complex to occur on its own without the hand of some higher being⎯an idea Bill Nye the “Science Guy,” deems “harebrained” and “nutty,” mind you) in schools were ousted in November, being replaced by candidates who campaigned fiercely with science on their side to reverse the policy. HOWEVER, also last month, in Kansas, a 6-4 vote by the State Board of Education to insert intelligent-design-friendly language in the state’s science standards won out. Perhaps they too will see a similar fate as those in Dover…

CAN’T ESCAPE EPITAPH
Epitaph announced the signing of Las Vegas’ Escape the Fate, who will be joining forces with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Chevelle, Iggy Pop) to start working on their debut for the label. Hear some ETF at: www.myspace.com/escapethefate.

RNR HALL ‘O’ FAME INDUCTEES
The official inductees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced. The old Sex Pistols finally made it, after being snubbed the past several years, as has Black Sabbath (Johnny Rotten and Ozzy Osbourne both have criticized the institution in the past), Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blondie, and jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. Founders of A&M Records, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in the non-performer category. The ceremony takes place March 13 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Manhattan.

KISS THIS
KISS released the two-disc, two-hour-plus concert DVD KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! December 13 via Image Entertainment, Inc. The disc was filmed in high-definition during their 2004 Rock The Nation tour, and features a vast collection of the legendary band’s gems, many performed live for the first time in years, including “Rock and Roll All Nite”, “Detroit Rock City”, “Lick It Up”, “Shout It Out Loud”, “Love Gun”, and “Deuce”, among others. Moreover, live versions of songs such as “Makin’ Love,” “Christine Sixteen”, “She”, “Tears Are Falling”, and “Got to Choose” are seen here for the first time. It’s also loaded with behind-the-scenes footage of the band (sound-checks, photo sessions, life on the road, and even a rare glimpse inside the famed Kiss dressing room). An added bonus for die-hard fans is “KISS Powervision,” an interactive feature that includes “Select-A-KISS”, which allows viewers access to separate channels for each of the four band members. At any given moment, the viewer can watch the main concert program or switch to different cameras focusing on Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer, or Gene Simmons.

SHIRTS FOR A CURE
The Shirts for a Cure Project (as described in November’s news), along with the help from members of Bayside, has created a special memorial Bayside shirt which will help raise money and awareness for the John Holohan Memorial Fund. If you’ve forgotten, early on Halloween morn, Bayside’s van hit a patch of ice and flipped outside of Cheyenne, WY, and drummer John “Beatz” Holohan died. SFAC has pledged to help raise money for a memorial fund that has been set up in Holohan’s name. To view and pre-order this special memorial shirt please visit: www.shirtsforacure.com/sample.php?id=105.

GOING THE DISTANCE
Connecticut hardcore troupe The Distance, who’ve released an EP with Bridge 9 Records, a three-way split with Outbreak and Some Kind Of Hate, a split CD with With Honor, and most recently a discography of all their vinyl works, including two new songs, for Think Fast! Records, will now enter the studio to record their debut full-length, THE RISE, THE FALL, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, with Shep Goodman (Head Automatica, Bayside). The record is tentatively slated to be released late spring/early summer on Abacus with much touring to come. www.thedistance.net

(NON-) TOTAL RECALL
In more Black Sabbath/Ozzy news, turns out the, uh, enigmatic singer will never write an autobiography about his rock ‘n’ roll career. Why, you ask? Well, he can’t recall any of it because of his alcohol and drug abuse destroyed much of his memory of that time, though he is positive his memoirs would make a thrilling read. “I’m not ready,” says Ozzy. “My memory is like one page thick. I was born, had a birthday, now I’m here.” It’s a start, right?

JEHOVA’S WITNESSES THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL?
SOURCE magazine editor-in-chief Dasun Allah turned himself in to face charges of desecrating a Jehovah’s Witness assembly hall in NY. Allah, now also known as DX21, is charged with criminal mischief. He admitted to spray-painting the building and said, “[The Witnesses] know why I did it. They mentally molested me. They broke up my family.” Allah also compared the Jehovah’s Witnesses to the residents of the film THE VILLAGE. He said he painted the graffiti on the building to shine light on the religion’s “hypocrisy.” According to reports, Allah was asked to leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses over 13 years ago. He is now part of the Islam-rooted Nation of Gods and Earths.

PAYING TRIBUTE
After releasing The Smashing Pumpkins tribute album, THE KILLER IN YOU: A TRIBUTE TO SMASHING PUMPKINS (featuring covers from bands such as Poison the Well, Armor For Sleep, Hopesfall, Eighteen Visions, and Murder By Death), Reignition Records has another gem ready for ’06 in BLACK ON BLACK: A TRIBUTE TO BLACK FLAG, which comes out March 14 and features covers by Zao (“Black Coffee”), Bleeding Through (“My War”), Most Precious Blood (“Rise Above”), Drowningman (“Loose Nut”), and Dillinger Escape Plan (“Damaged”), to name a few.

GO-KART HURTING
This disturbing news from Go-kart Records: “Due to a situation not of our own doing, we have been dragged into a lawsuit with a man who can only be described as a nutcase. Unfortunately, even though his case has no merit (he has already lost twice) he continues to pursue an angle he can to try and squeeze money from people.” In turn, the punk label’s put everything from Go-Kart Records and Films on “big, BIG, BIIIIIIG sale.” Don’t be a scrooge, help ‘em out! www.gokartrecords.com, www.gokartfilms.com

COUPLE NEW INKED IN BLOOD DATES
As I Lay Dying has added Facedown Records’ Inked in Blood to their tour with Norma Jean, Madball, and A Life Once Lost. Madball had to drop off the Northwest dates, which are December 16 in Seattle and December 17 in Portland. Inked in Blood’s new album LAY WASTE THE POETS is out now.

THE SCARRED’S SOLUTION
One of Punk Core Records’ latest signings, SoCal’s The Scarred, have released the cover art to their new album, NO SOLUTION (out early 2006). Additionally they have also released a rough demo version of one of the tracks set to be on the album. The Scarred recently finished up a tour of the Midwest, which served as a primer to fans who will see plenty of the band on the road in 2006 to support the record. Visit: l or www.thescarred.com

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
More from the Punk Core camp (because we love ‘em so): they’ve signed Detroit UK82 purveyors The Warning (formerly The Dead Heroes), who are currently finishing off their label debut, ALL SYSTEMS FAIL, set for a spring 2006 release. Their diligent work ethic has not only earned them the respect of fans but chances to share stages with some of the biggest names in punk and hardcore (The Exploited, The Damned, Sick of It All, The Casualties, and Circle Jerks) in addition to stints on the Van’s Warped Tour and the Van’s Off the Wall Club tour. Fans of the mighty Discharge, Motorhead, and One Way System should rejoice. Don’t believe us? Listen at: www.myspace.com/thewarningpunks.

R.I.P.
November 5, at age 76, legendary guitarist and power chord pioneer Link Wray died at his home in Copenhagen. Said The Who’s Pete Townsend: “He is the king; if it hadn’t been for Link Wray and [his song] “Rumble”, I would never have picked up a guitar.” Others influenced by the master include Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Steve Van Zandt, and Bob Dylan. He got the fuzz tone on “Rumble” by actually punching holes in his amp and the song was a hit, but then was banned by deejays in some cities because it seemed to promote teen violence. Another classic tune is “Rawhide”, which as most of you know became something of a staple of Dead Kennedys (appearing on IN GOD WE TRUST, INC.).

CRASH COURSE
NJ’s Crash Romeo have signed with Trustkill and were to enter the studio to record their debut LP for the label December 8 with Chris Badami (The Starting Line, Roses Are Red). A spring release date is what the band is eyeing. Demos at: www.myspace.com/crashromeo.

WE ARE THE FURY UPDATE
Toledo’s We Are the Fury, who changed their name from The Fury as a preventive measure against lawsuits, have begun working on their debut LP and are looking to enter the studio in early 2006. Also, a remixed/re-mastered version of their previous EP, INFINITE JEST, will be re-released nationally in early 2006 and will include new artwork and fresh musical edits. www.wearethefury.com

SINAI BEACH TOURING
Sinai Beach will be on tour starting January 5 in Anaheim, still in support of the Victory-released IMMERSED, with Nodes of Ranvier (THE YEARS TO COME), August Burns Red, and Oblige in tow. Visit www.sinaibeach.com for dates.

NO SPIN ZONE
A report in THE LOS ANGELES TIMES disclosed that the U.S. military is secretly paying Iraqi newspapers to publish stories written by American troops or by a Washington-based PR firm to put the most positive spin on U.S. efforts in Iraq. These stories are apparently part of a multi-million-dollar covert campaign that includes paying friendly Iraqi journalists to plant palatable stories. Although these stories are factual, they present only one side of the conflict and purposely omit information that may reflect badly on U.S. troops or Washington’s policies.

THRASHARD
American metal/thrash hellions Demiricous have completed their Metal Blade Records debut, ONE, with legendary producer Zeuss (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall) in preparation for a January 24 release. Haven’t heard of ‘em yet? Brian Slagel, owner of the label says, “We have been searching for a new, young real heavy metal band from the USA for quite some time. Demiricous fits that bill perfectly.” They call their style “street metal” because, according to the band, “our songs ALL have to do with tough rippin’ ass riffs and pummeling drums and having nothing to do with whatever is cool.”
www.demiricous.com.

GAY MARRIAGE OKAY
South Africa becomes the latest country to okay gay marriage (following Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain) in a landmark decision from the country’s highest court. Still, the decision doesn’t go into effect immediately, as Parliament has a year to make all necessary legal changes. Because of this stipulation, gay rights groups fear within that time lawmakers could try to water down the decision by introducing a different category of marriage for heterosexual couples. And Christian groups, of course, are upset with the decision as well⎯but for other obvious reasons.

CAUGHT IN A MOSH
Anthrax announced the January kickoff of their 2006 Headline Reunion Tour with supporters God Forbid, Sworn Enemy, and Manntis, which goes through January 21. See www.anthrax.com for details.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE…
Dead To Fall head out to Trax East to begin recording the follow-up to 2004’s VILLAINY AND VIRTUE (Victory) once again with producer Eric Rachel. Also returning is Paul Romano (Mastodon, Godflesh) to do the album’s cover artwork. The tentative title for the album is DEATH AND REBIRTH, and singer Jon Hunt has said that it has a lot more classic metal elements than any previous Dead To Fall recordings. Expect the album in April 2006, and don’t miss Dead To Fall on tour in January 2006 with Ion Dissonance, where new songs from the album will be performed. www.deadtofall.com.

NEW LABEL, NEW LINE-UP
Lawrence, KS post-rock/indie hybrid The Appleseed Cast have signed with The Militia Group, and are tracking at Pachyderm Studios in Minneapolis where producer John Congleton (Exlosions in The Sky) will work his magic on their debut for the label (They previously released TWO CONVERSATIONS on Tiger Style). The band will later lay down vocals and finishing touches with Congleton at Blacklodge Studios in Lawrence, KS and are looking to release the finished product in the spring. They’ve also a new drummer in Nathan Richardson (Coalesce, The Casket Lottery). The band plan to be on the road from December onward. See www.theappleseedcast.com or www.myspace.com/theappleseedcast.

THE MEAN REDS + WIRES ON FIRE = TOTAL INSANITY
Tucson’s The Mean Reds (recently broken up, after having released in limited edition their debut and final LP TOGETHER AT LAST AND THIS IS OUR WEDDING on Record Collection) and L.A.’s Wires on Fire (who release their debut HOMEWRECKER on Buddyhead early ’06) made a split that features each band covering a song that would represent youth and anger. TMR chose “Minor Threat” (Minor Threat), whilst WOF tackled “I’m Eighteen” (Alice Cooper), as well as an original song each (TMR do “Memories I Think” and WOF have “Million Dollar Maybes”). And if that weren’t enough, the split comes with a DVD documenting the two band’s recent (insane) tour together.

ASG TOUR UPDATES
ASG were added to some East Coast CKY tour dates (December 27 to 30, to be exact). Then the band heads out with Guttermouth and Valient Thorr January 5 through 13 before doing a trek with Beautiful Creatures. See www.volcom.com for info. Their latest LP, FEELING GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH, (Volcom) is out now.

NOTES FROM BSF
Boy Sets Fire have finished THE MISERY INDEX: NOTES FROM THE PLAGUE YEARS, their first LP since 2003’s TOMORROW COME TODAY (Wind Up). No word on just when this latest album will be out. But, in the meantime, if you don’t already have the originals, BSF reissued THE DAY THE SUN WENT OUT and put our BEFORE THE EULOGY, an EP/singles collection of material that predate their sole Victory album AFTER THE EULOGY, both on Equal Vision.

BACK IN BLACK
None More Black will be hitting the studio with producer J. Robbins (Against Me!, Paint It Black) on December 19 to work on the follow-up to FILE UNDER BLACK and their LOUD ABOUT LOATHING EP, and will then go out on the road with awesome Fat Wreck labelmates Western Addiction and Jade Tree’s New Mexican Disaster Squad.

100% NATURAL
Seventh Star, who are on tour with Embrace Today on the Widespread Panic tour, are releasing 100%, a DVD packed full of tour hilarity, live shows, their own work-out program, music videos, and loads more. Check out the trailer: http://www.facedownrecords.com/FR051-trailer.html

ETID UPDATES
Every Time I Die, who released GUTTER PHENOMENON (Ferret) this year, will be spending the holidays at home, readying themselves for some more non-stop touring to commence in January with “some massive U.S. tours that we can’t quite talk about just yet,” said guitarist J Buckley while on tour in Europe with My Chemical Romance. ETID were then slated to go directly from the UK to do a headline tour of Australia before playing the first annual ETID/Toys for Tots Christmas blowout with an all-Buffalo band bill including The Deadhearts on Dcember 18.

KILLING TIME
Portland, Maine’s The Killing Moon (formerly Animal Suit Driveby) have signed with Fearless. The band’s self-titled EP will be out March 7. Go to www.myspace.com/thekillingmoonrock to hear two demos.

LOWERED STANDARDS
It was announced that the number of new recruits who scored at the bottom of the Army’s aptitude test (scoring between 16 and 30 out of 99 points on an aptitude test on general science, math, and word knowledge) tripled in October, helping it meet its recruiting goal for the month, but also causing some concern because this means the quality of the recruits is, shall we say, less than stellar. A similar scenario occurred during the ‘70s, when after the Vietnam War the Army accepted more low-scoring recruits, which, according to former Army Secretary Thomas White caused training and discipline problems. The Army hopes to attract 80,000 recruits in 2006 in order to achieve their plan to increase the overall size of the force by 30,000 during the next few years. They presently have about 492,000 soldiers.

SIDEONEDVDS
SideOneDummy artists The Casualties and Flogging Molly both have planned DVD releases for the coming year. They will include live footage and of course that oh-so-vital behind-the-scenes madness. Keep checking www.sideonedummy.com for updates.

OI TO THE WORLD
The Vandals’ ninth (!) annual Christmas Formal takes place December 23 at The House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. Kung Fu Records reminds everyone attending to not “forget to dress your best.” It IS a “formal,” after all, people!! Come on. For tix and info: www.kungfurecords.com.

» BACK TO TOP