- AUGUST 2000
- !!! HOT HOT HOT !!!
- ENCHANT are preparing to release their new album, fourth in a row, the
long-awaited follow-up to highly acclaimed Break. The new album
which has an enigmatic title, Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 is
scheduled for the release on Monday, 25th of September. Apparently, the production is in
the hands of Douglas Ott. I am sure we are in for a real special treat!
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- OZRIC TENTACLES' new album, The Hidden Step,
will be available in late September in the US, and at the beginning of October in Europe.
Can't wait!
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- KORAI ÖRÖM have performed live in Ljubljana on 16th of August at the
annual TRNFEST. A great concert, a nice experience, I just hope this isn't my only
psychedelic trip this year...meaning that I still have to see OZRIC TENTACLES
live. Well, the Hungarians are well-equipped with twelve members (!) and a dose of trance-like
tribal compositions that ease the soul and soothe the brain.
-
- JULY 2000
- DREAM THEATER's concert here in Ljubljana was a great
disappointment for me. As I wave goodbye to the image of this once-great band, the image
that I have created back in 1988 and nurtured throughout the years, I also officially
denounce my loyalty! Sad, and to think this is the same band who, in 1988, shook the
underground with their debut master-piece and reshaped my perception of music...Sad, sad,
sad...I seldom let my subjectivity get me but I will say it now: it is painfully clear
that James LaBrie is the crappiest vocalist on this planet. My, I have never, never,
heard such miserable vocal delivery. It ruined everything, well, the remainder of the
already lousy evening. And, to Petrucci: get a hair-cut and grow up! Enough with the
shredding already!!! Just listen to what Mike Portnoy is doing in S.M.P.T.e...now,
that's music.
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- OZRIC TENTACLES have recorded and mixed a brand new album! The album
will hit the stores world-wide in September. Ed Wynne says it is a great album and is
eager to put it out. This comes after their break-up with SNAPPER Records who have, at
least according to the info that I've got, ripped them off pretty good. If I am correct
the band has lost the ownership to the entire back-catalogue. Also, the aforementioned
record company has recently released the so-called new album by the name Swirly
Termination. The band doesn't support the new album and states it is only a
contractual obligation for them. Well, the fans beg to differ. Some will buy the album
with just an ounce of dilemma whether they should give money to the crooked label, and
some are damn opposed to the whole idea of buying the music of their favourite band from
such ravenous people claiming it is bad karma! If I get my hands on it, I will buy it. It
is up to the band to settle the score with SNAPPER Records. Music always comes first. I
wonder why haven't they signed to INSIDEOUT Music in the first place? It is a
professional, honest and enthusiastic label that would surely give 100% support to the
band of such renowned prestige.
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- SPOCK'S BEARD are currently working on their newest album, V.
The album will be released on 28th of August, on INSIDEOUT Music. Plus, I have found out
that progressive rockers ENCHANT are also working on their new album
which should see the light of day in Fall. Cool stuff!
-
- In support of their latest release, DREAM THEATER are scheduled to play
here in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 18th of July. The venue is the famous open summer theatre
KRIZANKE where they will undoubtedly enjoy the cool atmosphere and the unique setting. The
band's arrival will certainly fulfil every prog-metal fan's dream of seeing this legendary
band live, in his/her own town. I hear that the support band is SPOCK'S BEARD but
will have to check this with the proper authorities. Promising!
- P.S.: The latest info. I have learned from a very reliable source that the above rumour
is false and SPOCK'S BEARD isn't the support act of that
particular concert.
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- JUNE ( and prior to that )
- On 23rd of June, KING'S X have played their second concert in Slovenia,
in a smaller venue. I hear it was a blast with really good performance. A week previous to
this concert, a rumour had been spreading that a support band might be FATES
WARNING. Duh! Not likely. Anyhow, it has turned out that a local group called ALTERRA
opened the concert. So much for the rumours.
- Progressive legends FATES WARNING have a new album out now, Deconstruction.
The review will be done as soon as I get the CD.
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- Ron Jarzombek is still busy working on his second album with SPASTIC INK.
The album entitled Ink Compatible will The line-up for the CD
will hopefully/possibly be: Jason McMaster ( vocals ), Ron Jarzombek ( guitars ), Steve
DiGiorgio and Sean Malone ( bass ), Bobby Jarzombek, Asgeir Mickelson, Richard Christy and
Wayne Wilburn ( drums ). Plus, guest musicians: Pete Perez from RIOT,
Doug Keyser of WATCHTOWER fame, Jimmy Pitts of SCHOLOMANCE,
Ray Reineau of ROB HALFORD, David Bagsby, and probably more to come...
For more information check his cool website at this address: www.spasticink.com. Be sure to check the links at
that page.
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- The fighter Chuck Shuldiner has beaten the ailment but has to pay the costs of medical
treatment which are huge. All this couldn't stop the making of a new CONTROL
DENIED record. Same line-up, same expectations, the album will undoubtedly prove
once again that metal is alive and kicking.
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- Legendary funk-rock-ska-core nutters FISHBONE return after more than
four years of absence with a new album The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx.
A promising title, however, it is misleading as the album is far from that. It is the
band's most sober, focused album in a long time, very well produced; it is a really
feel-good funk-ska with no psychotic interludes as the band's previous album, Chim
Chim's Badass Revenge ( though my favourite record ). Featuring three new
members and special guests such RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, NO DOUBT, and
legendary appearances of George Clinton, Perry Farrell and Rick James. A must for fans,
and a really cool refreshment for this hot summer. Out on HOLLYWOOD Records, in Europe on
EDEL Gmbh. Check out the link on main screen for a more in-depth coverage.
-
- IRON MAIDEN return with Adrian Smith and a new album, Brave
New World. Most of what I've heard from the people are mixed feeling about
this one.
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- Not so long ago, drummer extraordinaré and the founding member of MEGADETH
and, later on in career his own band FATAL OPERA, Gar Samuelson has
passed away. Sad. He will be forever engraved in our hearts.
-
- Marty Friedman quits MEGADETH to pursue his solo career. Good for him!
I certainly hope he continues where he left and tries to make more of that ambiental
sound.
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- Legendary progressive metal pioneers DREAM THEATER return with a new
album, Metropolis Pt 2: Scenes from a Memory. After the
departure of founding member, keyboard player Kevin Moore who is responsible for doing
dark and weird CHROMA KEY (on MASSACRE Records), the new dirge master is
Jordan Rudess who has previously appeared on LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT
projects. On this album, DREAM THEATER are back in full swing with all
the chops and high-class virtuoso bravado we are all accustomed to. Produced by drummer
Mike Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci. The band hasn't sounded so good in years, not
since Images and Words.
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- MAGNA CARTA Records has released a new LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT CD.
The second one consists of the same line-up: DREAM THEATER's axe-man John
Petrucci and skin-basher Michael Portnoy with Tony Levin on bass, and John Rudess on
keyboards. This is a must for all fans of speedy licks, odd rhythms and heavy chops.