The Second Great Fireball Ministry Awakening

"The Second Great Awakening", the band's sophomore LP from 2003, brings a heavy dose of old-school rock'n'roll fun, able to convince anyone that rock is far from dead… Right from the get-go, the album's content revealed the band's greatest influence – Black Sabbath. Similar riffing, similar song constructions and similar-sounding vocals by the Reverend gave an impression like it was the 70's again and rock'n'roll was all that mattered. Although heavily inspired by Ozzy's legendary group, Fireball Ministry showcased a lot of musical genius of their own, delivering a complete package of catchy riffs, groovy bass lines and solid drumming, covered with a tasty stoner rock sauce (especially with such songs as "King", "Daughter of the Damned", "Flatline" and the doomy "In the Mourning"). The album was very well received by both fans and critics, getting brilliant reviews all over the world. Soon reviewers began putting Fireball Ministry in the same bag with sHEAVY, Soundgarden, Cathedral, Trouble and Masters of Reality, calling them another "no miss" group.

Metal Mind Productions will re-release "The Second Great Awakening" on 19th October (worldwide except for USA). New digipak edition includes 6 bonus tracks (audio and video) and is limited to 2000 copies. Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on a golden disc. - more on this story

Skinlab and Mower Team Up For Tour

PR reports: Bay area heavyweights Skinlab and San Diego based Mower have joined forces for the "Sons of a Sik World Tour". The tour is slated to kick off September 23rd [the date we received this announcement] in Denver, CO running throughout October.

"'The 'Sons of a Sik World' tour is going to be great because we get to play for a metal audience. Skinlab is fucking heavy and we're going to have to bring that same energy each night. Mower began in the San Diego metal and hardcore scene and now we'll have a chance to step back into that groove for this run," says Mower's Brian Sheerin. "These shows are going to be fun and we're happy that Skinlab invited us to join them. They've made a brutal new record and I know there are a lot of Skinlab fans that are excited to see them perform live and so are we."

Skinlab have recently released their new album "The Scars Between Us" via Stand And Deliver Records. Mower is currently touring in support of their third album, "Make It A Double", which was produced by Eddie Wohl (Anthrax, 36 Crazyfists). - more on this story

Strapping New Heavy Devy Album Coming

PR reports: One of metal's most intriguing and ominous figures is without a doubt the overly talented Devin Townsend, who mysteriously disappeared off the grid after completing Ozzfest 2005 with Strapping Young Lad. The singer has since focused his efforts on a greatly ambitious new endeavor under the DTP (Devin Townsend Project) moniker. The new mind-blowing disasterpiece takes the man's genius to unprecedented levels as he embarked on a massive 4-part album series, which kicked off with Ki and is followed up with the Addicted album that is set for a Nov. 17th release throughout North America via Inside Out Music.

Townsend comments: "Hey folks, Dev here with the update for the second installment of the DTP (Devin Townsend Project). We are just readying the release of album 2, Addicted, so here are a few brief words: With Ki, I kind of strode out in uncharted territories for myself musically, and loved the experience, but during the course of writing this four record project, it was inevitable that I would end up writing a selection of tunes that were very much in line with my back catalogue. This group of songs is the second record in the series, and it is called Addicted.

"Musically, Addicted is along the lines of the big, wall of sound hard rock/heavy metal of Ocean Machine and Accelerated Evolution (even Physicist at points). It is a very direct and 'to the point' album with an emphasis on groove and the chorus. In the past, lots of my records end up taking a kind of Pink Floyd-ish route (between song meandering, etc.) Addicted is really simple: 11 rocking songs with no bullshit. - more on this story

We Came As Romans Debut

PR reports: We Came As Romans have set a November 3rd release date for their debut full-length, To Plant A Seed. Recorded with up-and-coming producer Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, Emarosa, Attack Attack) at his Foundation Recording Studio, the 10-song follow-up to their breakout EP, Dreams, finds the band expanding their blend of pop-infused metal.

Although recorded with the same producer, there is still an intentional difference between the two albums. We Came As Romans didn't let the fact that they are only a six-piece hold them back from achieving a more symphonic sound on To Plant A Seed. "I played the trombone from Elementary school until I graduated high school and I always took the sound of a symphonic band or an orchestra with me," explains Moore of their decision to add orchestral elements to the album such as the violins, brass, and piano interlaced throughout the album's dynamic layers.

Not unlike the EP, the lyrics on To Plant A Seed reflect We Came As Romans' goal of spreading a positive message through their music. The band hopes, "when people hear the album, they might not change the way they think or the way they act right now, but hopefully we've planted that 'seed', that thought of love, and it can grow." - more on this story

mr. Gnome Announce Album and Tour

PR reports: Chan "Cat Power" Marshall fronting Queens of the Stone Age? Karen O leading Death From Above 1979? Cleveland duo mr. Gnome has been given many unusual comparisons, all of which seem to indicate the band's spectacularly unique sound. And, while none seem to fully capture the band's loftily heavy-beautiful music, mr. Gnome offers up two brand new tracks from its forthcoming album recorded at Josh Homme's Pink Duck Studios in Los Angeles.

The endlessly touring pair of guitarist/vocalist Nicole Barile and drummer/vocalist Sam Meister is currently mixing at Butch Vig's Smart Studios in Madison, WI putting the finishing touches on its sophomore album, Heave Yer Skeleton, slated for release in November. Leading up to the album's release, mr. Gnome will take to the road throughout October and November. Please see complete tour dates below.

The psychedelically syncopated sounds of Cleveland's mr. Gnome draw on a visceral mix of contrasting textures. Masculine and feminine, soft whispers and shrill yelps, pounding drums and soothing lullabies combine to form a discursive indie-rock collage. The duo's jagged symphony of sound has them compared to a scattershot of artists ranging from Portishead, Cat Power, Massive Attack, and Joanna Newsom, to Death From Above 1979, Blonde Redhead, Sonic Youth, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. - more on this story

The Who, The Mods and The Quadrophenia Connection

MVD reports: Sexy Intellectual and MVD Visual are proud to announce the DVD release of The Who, The Mods and The Quadrophenia Connection on November 17th in North America.

There's barely any misinformation out there regarding the astonishing career path of The Who: the band formed 1964, were adopted as figureheads by the British mods, they continued through the 1960s and 1970s making extraordinary record after extraordinary record [with a couple of 'rock operas' thrown in for good measure], Keith Moon their madcap drummer died in 1978 - and then it all went a bit pear shaped. The remaining members haven't made a standout track since Moon passed on.

But as far as the Mod movement which had guaranteed The Who's early success, and the Pete Townsend composed musical depiction of that movement, Quadrophenia are concerned, the story has been twisted, complicated and misunderstood, but remains endlessly fascinating. The band, the movement, the album, the second wave, the movie and now the 30th anniversary of the latter two, all make for a story that needs to be told in depth. That is exactly what this film does. - more on this story

Metal Artist Paul Romano Gets workhardened

PR reports: The Toothless Cat Gallery is pleased to present Paul Romano | workhardened. Romano will be exhibiting a collection of paintings on wood, canvas, and paper which are well known as groundbreaking images from his work with bands such as Mastodon, The Red Chord, Hate Eternal, Chiodos, and many more. Workhardened marks Romano's debut solo fine art exhibition, marking a highly anticipated event for this remarkably accomplished artist.

Romano's imaginative compositions are steeped in myth and allegory, illuminating the music for which they are made to represent. The works are not solely governed by this factor however, and remain ambiguous and haunting in their own right. The dark dreamscapes capture epic moments of tumult, such as the portrayal of a large white whale breaking a ship that simultaneously creates the calm of a mandala. As a classically trained painter, the works often pay homage to art history and are cobbled together in the refreshing, sometimes macabre perspective of Romano. Created with a variety of mediums such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor, the works are introspective and enthralling. Some of the pieces included are never before seen paintings and drawings by Romano as well as new, personal pieces, created specifically for this debut solo show.

The show will open on October 10th and continue through November 10th, 2009. An opening reception will be held on October 10th from 2-11 PM. A special event entitled "Collaborate With The Artist" is planned for October 24th from 4-8 PM and will feature interactive word games (MadLibs) written, designed, and screen printed by the artist. The artist will be present at both of these events. - more on this story

Suffokate Set New Release

PR reports: Suffokate are a true underground metal phenomenon and have built up a rabid, extremely loyal following upon releasing their self-financed debut offering in 2004. Since then the band has refined their line-up and sound to an amalgamation of angst-ridden hardcore, fused with a Bay Area thrash backbone. This is extreme, unapologetic metal that pulls no punches and goes straight for the jugular with a barrage of frenetic riffs and crushing grooves that will pummel you into oblivion. In August 2008, SUFFOKATE embarked of their first U.S. tour and haven't stopped touring since.

Suffokate have crafted a stellar new offering of pure, unfiltered heavy metal that will soon be hailed as one of the most devastating offerings of the year. The much anticipated, appropriately titled new disc, No Mercy, No Forgiveness, is now set for a Nov. 17th release and head over now to http://www.myspace.com/suffokate to stream new tracks and view their remaining dates with All Shall Perish and Caliban along with upcoming shows with Sea Of Treachery, Blindwitness, And Hell Followed With and Destruction of A Rose.

Taylor (guitars) further states: "We are extremely excited and anxious for our new release. As a band we haven't put a new album out in five years. Since then we have grown as musicians and as people. Over the past year we have been touring nonstop in support of this new effort. We feel that our sound is different than a lot of bands. The goal of this unit is to blend all styles and genres into one sound that we call our own. We feel that our music can appeal to any type of heavy music listener. - more on this story

Hope Sandoval Tour

Nettwerk reports: Mazzy Star's iconic lead singer Hope Sandoval is back. Currently on tour with the Warm Inventions across North America, her new album Through The Devil Softly will drop worldwide next Tuesday September 29.

To help celebrate, Amazon is hosting the worldwide exclusive album stream that started on Monday, September 21.

Now Sandoval has taken to the road for the first time in eight years. The singer's legendary performances will be anchored by album collaborator, co-writer and co-producer Colm Ã" Cìosóig (My Blood Valentine)* and Irish band Dirt Blue Gene on both backing band and opening band duties. Heading up and down the pacific coast, tour stops include The Fillmore in San Francisco on Sept 26 and a sold out Hollywood Forever Cemetery performance on release day Sept 29. Two headline dates in New York are scheduled for Oct 10 +12 at Williamsburg Music Hall and The Bowery Ballroom respectively. New concert stops in Texas and a second Los Angeles date have also been recently added. - more on this story

We All Have Hooks For Hands Plan Tour For New Album

PR reports: We All Have Hooks For Hands are eagerly anticipating the release of their new album The Shape Of Energy, out on Afternoon Records this coming November 17th. A pre-order is available now at the Afternoon Records website, and this October during the lead up to their album release the band is hitting the road and plan to tour throughout the fall/winter.

The Shape of Energy is the follow up to their ambitious DIY debut The Pretender (recorded in a self-built recording studio with self-taught production skills), which won recognition for its curiously (on account of the bands size) stripped down sound, resembling a full-throttle more gleeful incarnation of Neutral Milk Hotel. Of The Pretender, The Tripwire noted that "the sheer energy and uniqueness makes this quite a treat." The Shape of Energy picks up where the band left off, and sees them expanding and growing as a collective of musicians. On the album, distinctive vocals and layered sing-a-long choruses are accompanied by a loose yet enveloping quilt of bright guitar riffs, floating horns, keyboards, violin, and dueling drummers.

Originally starting in a downtown Sioux Falls apartment as a simple project to create happy pop songs, We All Have Hooks For Hands grew into a full band with a radiant sound and care-free vibe perfect for road trips, parties, and sunny afternoon hang outs. - more on this story

. Sister Hazel - Release

Theres no experimentation or anything really new on this disc if youre familiar with Sister Hazels music but it is a commendable collection of songs that the members should be proud of. (4 stars) - Read the full Sister Hazel - Release review

.... Trees - Light's Bane

Less like endless woods and more like a fleeting black cloud, Bane is a suffocating dirge which undeniably exudes evil but leaves only the smallest of impressions. - Read the full Trees - Light's Bane review

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