Following the demands of the fans which the group still have, and after many years the KRUIZ made a new record in May 2002! Having retained the structure of songs from their album "KRUIZ-1", the group presents it to their fans in an absolutely new, modern sound. The thing is that the musicians recorded their album being in different parts of the world. Sergey Efimov's drums and Fyodor Vasiliev's bass guitar were recorded in Moscow and the guitar, the vocal and the final reduction were performed by Valery Gaina in Los Angeles. The trio KRUIZ overcame the obstacles of distances and presented to their fans a new and modern sound of their favorite group. Indeed, it is not easy to hear high-quality rock in Russia.

Site about the KRUIZ: http://www.kruiz-gaina.narod.ru
Webmaster: Dmitry Panfilov kruiz-gaina@narod.ru

Ozzy Osbourne is to take a three week break from the US Ozzfest tour, to spend time with his wife/manager Sharon who's undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The break happens from August 3. Ozzy himself said: "I'm putting on a brave face here, guys, but I'm burning up inside. I have to go home."

Metal Blade will commemorate their 20th anniversary by releasing a box set on October 22, which will include nine CDs (140 tracks in all) and one DVD with 24 video clips. The CDs will have rare and previously unreleased material from the likes of Metallica, Cannibal Corpse, King's X, Armored Saint and Mercyful Fate. There will also be a massive booklet with previously unseen photos, a history of the label, interviews with Metal Blade boss Brian Slagel and Metallica's Lars Ulrich, and a complete discography. This is to be limited to 5,000 numbered copies.

Thin Lizzy have just had a DVD released in America. Called 'Thin Lizzy: The Boys Are Back In Town', it basically features a show in Sydney from October 1978, when the band's line-up featured Phil Lynott, Gary Moore, Scott Gorham and Mark Nauseef.

The Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson is currently working on two projects. One is a selection of Crowes style songs, while the other is a collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. So far, there are no firm plans as to where either will lead. Rich's brother Chris is working on his first solo album, 'New Earth Mud', due for release later in the year on Redline Entertainment, while the Crowes have the double CD 'Black Crowes Live' issued on V2 at the end of August.

Toto guitarist Steve Lukather is currently working on a Christmas album. To be called 'Santamental', it features a guest appearance from Eddie Van Halen on the song 'Joy To The World'. The album's due in.September.

Sebastian Bach has been given a conditional discharge following an altercation in March at a bar in New Jersey. The charges arising out of the incident - namely, making terrorist threats, assault and disorderly conduct - were dropped.

Despite continually insisting that they would give up the road after this current tour is over, Kiss intend to carry on. The band are already planning dates for 2003, and are in negotiations with various labels about a new deal. They'll also have a new compilation, the 21-track 'The Best Of Kiss' released at the end of August. Kiss have also contributed a version of 'Rock 'N' Roll Radio' to the upcoming Ramones tribute album 'We're A Happy Family'.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are being sued by TV producer Gary Binkow, who claims he came up with the concept of a TV docu-sitcom programme based around the Osbourne family in 1998. Binkow says he took the concept to the Osbournes and a deal was even struck with Miramax for a pilot to be filmed.

Tony Harnell's Morning Wood:

Tony Harnell (TNT, Westworld)

Al Pitrelli (Alice Cooper, Dee Snider's Widowmaker, Joe Lynn Turner, Savatage, Trans Siberian Orchestra & most recently Megadeth)

Chuck Bonfonte (Michael Bolton Band, Saraya)

Danny Miranda (Blue Oyster Cult)

Tracks are: 1-Not Scared Anymore 2-Love The One You’re With 3. a) Tonite I’m Falling b) Crazy On You 4- Desperado 5-More Now Than Ever 6- Give A Little Bit 7-What’s Goin’ On 8-Midnight Rider 9-Silence 10-One Of These Nights 11-Love Hurts 12-Sun In Your Sky

Release date: 14th September 2002

FastLane Records are proud to announce yet another asset to the label in the west coast's hardest working rock and roll band..San Francisco's very own Romeo's Dead. A true/blue rock and roll band through and through..combining heavy melodic songs with a modern guitar edge. RD breathes new life into the indie music scene with their special brand of musical onslaught. FLR will also be re-releasing their 1999 debut "It's All Your Fault" remastered/re-packaged with bonus tracks. RD will also be working on a brand new studio album for FLR with a Christmas/New Years release date.

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has been working on the concept for a sitcom with his actress wife Donna D'Errico. Called 'The Blonde And The Rock Star', it's based on the relationship between a divorced rocker with two kids who falls in love with a blonde, who just happens to be judge in an upcoming court case where the defendant is. the aforementioned muso!

Deep Purple are to re-issue their 1969 album 'Concerto For Group & Orchestra' on September 23. This will be available in four formats: Hybrid SACD (Super Audio CD), DVD-A (DVD AUDIO), DVD Video and double CD. This is the first time that any major label has released a record in all these formats.

Sharon Osbourne is to undergo three months of chemotherapy following her recent cancer operation. It was thought that the operation, to remove part of her colon, would prevent the cancer spreading, but this has not been the case. The AOR-Europe staff wishes Sharon a full recovery.

Black Sabbath are to have a live album called 'Past Lives' released by Sanctuary on August 20. It features all the tracks previously available on the 'Live '75' album, plus songs from shows in Paris (1970), Baltimore (1975), and various performances from the TV show 'Beat Club'.

One lucky Metallica fan will get to spend a whole day in the studio with the band - but it's cost them $23,000. That was the highest bid received on www.ebay.com for the privilege, with all proceeds going the TJ Martell Foundation.

We are saddened to announce the death of producer Gus Dudgeon, who was killed in a road accident in Berkshire. The 59-year-old made his name working with such names as Ten Years After, Elton John and David Bowie.

Paradise Lost are to call their new album, 'Deus'. To be released later this year, it's their first album since signing to G.U.N. Records/RCA. Currently 'Deus' is being produced by Rhys Fulber of Front Line Assembly fame.

Madison Paige will open a show for Richie Kotzen on August 23, 2002 at Paladino’s (6101 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana CA). The band, featuring Paul Caroul (vocals), Richie Rivera (drums), and Damon Valley (guitar), has spent the last few months holed up at Vortex Studios hammering out its debut album, tentatively set for a January 2003 release. Joining the group on stage will be bassist Brian Haines.

Tickets for the show with Richie Kotzen, whose live band is rounded out by his Mr. Big cohort Pat Torpey on drums and former Ozzy Ozbourne bassist Phil Soussan, will be $12 at the door, but are available in advance for only $5 exclusively through the MADISON PAIGE website at www.madisonpaige.net or by calling the MADISON PAIGE hotline at 310-659-1972.

Heart singer Ann Wilson has taken extreme steps to lose weight. She's been fitted with a lap-band, a device that limits the amount of food the stomach can take. So far she's apparently lost around 50 lbs.

Despite only recently signing an American deal with Sanctuary, Anthrax have already quit the label - without releasing anything. No reason has been given for this parting, but it shouldn't delay the release of the band's new album 'We've Come For You All' through Nuclear Blast in the UK and Europe later this year.

King Diamond is currently working on songs for his next solo album, 'The Puppet Master'. Recording is expected to happen at his home studio in Dallas, partly to save costs. Apparently both King Diamond and Mercyful Fate have seen sales hit by the downloading craze.

Voivod are now in a demo phase for their next album, recording for which should start soon. The new line-up sees original vocalist Snake joining drummer Away and guitarist Piggy, plus the introduction of former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted. Expect the album to be released next year by Century Media.

Guns N' Roses will be appearing at the Summer Sonic Festival in Hong Kong on August 14. The band will then play two shows in Japan on the 17 and 18, and the Leeds site at the Carling Weekend Festival on August 23 and the London Arena on the 26 - if everything goes to plan!

Takara is has now officially found their new Drummer and Bassist. Bassist Bjorn Englen, and Drummer Jerry Summers have now officially joined Takara. Along with Bjorn and Jerry, Eric Ragno long time friend and keyboardist will again playing keyboards for us. We are very proud to have all of these very talented and dedicated musicians in the band. Both Bjorn and Jerry provide a chemistry and cohesiveness that will be the neccessary backbone to Takara's future musical success. Both Bjorn, Jerry, and Eric in the next few weeks will add their own personel page to the Takara site greeting everyone, and providing a brief history of their past endeavors. We can only say now, "that these guys really rock hard" ! We are really excited about the future of the band.

Next, as some of you already know, our European label Lion Music has been in the process of rereleasing the entire Takara catalogue. So far, Takara's first 2 CD's "ETERNAL FAITH" and "TASTE OF HEAVEN" have been rereleased. Lion Music is rereleasing these CD's every 2 months. September will mark the rerelease of "BLIND IN PARADISE", then shortly thereafter will be "ETERNITY" BEST OF will be rereleased.

Takara is currently planning a Live CD for later this year. There are no dates for this CD yet. Please make sure you visit the Takara site, and vote on the songs you'd like to hear on the Live CD.

Next, with the addition of our new drummer and bassist(Jerry and Bjorn) Takara will be planning live shows here in Southern California. We hope to be ready to perform our first shows within the next month or so. More news on this as it developes.

We (Takara) have been in the process of putting together the first "Melodic Hard Rock Fest" ever here in Southern California. We hope to make these shows a regular occurence. Only bands that play top notch melodic hard rock will be included in these shows. The "Melodic Hard Rock Fest" is still in it's planning stages, but hopes to be set up and fully functional very soon. More on this "Fest" coming VERY SOON!

Takara has also been asked to contribute a track to a "Journey" Tribute CD. Their are no details to this yet on this CD, we will update everyone as the details develope.

Meanwhile, Guitarist Neal Grusky will play on a Uli Roth Tribute CD that Lion Music is currently putting together. Neal will play on the song "Pictured Life" an old Scorpions song from one of their early albums. Many very well known musicians will be taking part on this CD project. More on this later.

Finally, Takara has enlisted long time friend and marketing consultant Steve Brownlee to help with distribution, and other strategic needs that need to be addressed. Takara feels with Steve's hard work and dedication that we will reach the next level that is so important to making Takara music more accessible.

That's it for now
Take care and keep Rockin!

Takara

http://www.takararocks.com/

Buy Takara CD's from sources.
Lion Music Main page

Metal Mayhem Main Frame

We have just released three new albums:

BYRD - Anthem
LMC2218 2
James Byrd is back with the follow up to last year's success "Flying Beyond the 9" with another dose of his amazing Symphonic Metal for the new age featuring singer Michael James Flatters (Takara). On "Anthem" James has taken both his compositional skills and his guitar playing to another dimension!

BRUCE GAITSCH - Nova
LMC2219 2
Moody laidback westcoast rock from a truly legendary musician joined by such great artists as Richard Marx, Bill Champlin, John Patitucci...Bruce has written for artists such as Madonna.

TAKARA - Taste of Paradise
LMC2221 2
The second Takara album is finally available again. Originally released in 1995, this album features singer/producer Jeff Scott Soto singing like a god.

Messageboard vol II open - welcome to discuss music here!
We just found out that our old message board was not working allright so everything had to be deleted and a new version installed.

New signings:

We are proud to announce the signing of Benny Jansson Swedish guitar player joined by Goran Edman, Jens Johansson (both ex-Yngwie Malmsteen). Save the World is Benny's third album and he has also made film music and performed and recorded with big Swedish names such as Erika (Malmsteen) and Svullo as well as with the band "Two Rocks". Don't let the Malmsteen connection fool you, Benny is no Yngwie clone, his music is very mature and combines elements of melodic hard rock and fusion into something highly original. Singer Goran Edman and keyboardist Jens Johanssen are the icing of the cake...

And we are equally proud to announce the signing of Dave Martone. The finest guitarist from Canada joins our team of top players, His new album "A Demon's Dream" is a masterpiece filled with amazing composing and over the top guitar playing. Dave is on this album creating something completely new and fresh.

Star Queen's debut album is being mixed. Star Queen features singer/composer Stella Tormanoff with Thorbjorn Englund and Erik Tornberg (Winterlong), Bob Katsionis (synth solos), Tony Eriksson (drums) and producer/arranger/keyboard player Lars Eric Mattsson.

Winterlong's new album is currently being in the early stages of production and will feature two drummers, Anders Johansson (Hammerfall/Malmsteen) and Andreas Lill (Vanden Plas). The singer will be announced soon.

On the business side of things we have some news too:
We have been forced to cancel our distribution deal with Rising Sun / Zomba in Germany, and will from now on be distributed by Generation Records / Bellaphon in Germany. Promotion in Germany will be handled by GerMusica. We are looking forward to working with out new German partners, and feel confident that the future will be bright. If you have any questions about these changes feel free to ask.

Lion Music
www.lionmusic.com

FLR is proud to present their newest signing the Electric Magic Sideshow. Bringing back the roots of glam/hard rock with their innovative flair for showmanship and flamboyant stage presence the Sideshow have carved out their own niche in the music industry. If you long for the arena style bands of yesterday with melodic hard rock grass roots then the Sideshow is the band you've been looking for.

Not only a throwback band from the era of guitar driven rock with huge harmonies and backing vocals but also a seemingly fresh approach to entertainment in a market that is lacking the image and style the Sideshow offer. Combining tightly crafted anthemic powerhouse songs such as "Good Enough For You", "Everytime We Kiss", and "She's Not You" into a spectacular new upcoming record aptly titled "Good Enough For You" slated for an October 2002 release from FastLane Records. For more info visit:

www.fastlanerecords.com

Due to family commitments, and a subsequent relocation back to his native Sweden, guitarist Mikael Johanneson will be unable to perform all guitar duties on the forthcoming Freedom to Function CD. The twins have enlisted the services of highly rated musicians Richard Spencer(lead/ rhythm guitar) and David Gotteri(bass guitar) to fulfil additional recording duties on the CD. Mikael has co-written two songs with the twins on Freedom to Function and only time will tell whether this will be his D.E. swansong. Alan and Phillip would like to take this opportunity to wish Mikael and his partner Jane all the best for the future.

CO-PRODUCER ANNOUNCED: We can finally announce that Freedom to Function will be co-produced by the twins and Good Sons guitarist Phil Abram. Many may remember that Phil also worked on the Have It Your Way CD where he proved invaluable. Recording will commence at the beginning of August, 2002.

ETERNAL FLAME is a very promising newcomer with a powerful and catchy new album. Michael Schinkel did already a great vocal performance on STORMHAMMER's debut album. The album also features the brilliant cover-bonustrack of DIO's "Stargazer"! ETERNAL FLAME already presented the song "Hold On" exclusive at the icehockey play-off match of the Munich Barrons!(Release: 16.09.2002)

The Swedish AOR act STREET TALK is ready with a brand new album. The material included on the new album will be in a slightly more uptempo and harder-edged style compared to the previous albums but still very melodic of course. STREET TALK are proud to announce that the vocals on the forthcoming third album will be handled by two of the most respected singers within the AOR genre: Hugo (ex. Open Skyz, Valentine...) and Goran Edman (ex. MALMSTEEN, NORUM, KHARMA). Co-writer of the songs on RESTORATION are Tommy Denander from RADIOACTIVE, the AOR Hotshots URBAN TALE as well as former ALIEN singer Jim Jidhead!! Cover artwork is done by Rainer Kalwitz! (Release: 23.09.2002)

ALFONZETTI - "Machine" (Release: 30.09.2002) After the great debut album "Ready" he is just recording a follow-up record which is a little bit harder!

CHALICE - "Chameleonation" (Release: 14.10.2002) This phenominal 3. album really kicks - melodic heavy rock at it's best. "Chameleonation" was produced by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM, ANGRA) and the band already prooved to be one of the best german melodic hard rock bands during numerous tours with bands like FATES WARNING, PRETTY MAIDS, URIAH HEEP, NAZARETH, HEROES DEL SILENCIO, DORO, SAGA, among others.

RONDINELLI - "Our Cross - Our Sins" (Release: 21.10.2002) Vocals: TONY MARTIN (BLACK SABBATH) Bass: NEIL MURRAY (BLACK SABBATH, BRIAN MAY, WHITESNAKE) Drums: BOBBY RONDINELLI (BLUE OYSTER CULT, EX-QUIET RIOT, EX-RAINBOW, Ex-AEROSMITH, BLACK SABBATH) Guitar: TEDDY RONDINELLI (FELIX PAPALARDI) This album will be another MTM highlight in 2002. Straight forward hard rock in your face music in the style of the heydays of BLACK SABBATH! Phenominal cover artwork done by Eric Philippe.

AFFAIR - "tba" (Release: 28.10.2002 / MTM MUSIC) MTM MUSIC signed AFFAIR! Brilliant AOR / hard rock band around mastermind Bobby Altvater (producer / sound engineer of AVALON, BOICE VOICE, BONFIRE, FRONTLINE, RAILWAY, SABU, ZAR, HAROLD FALTERMEYER, CHRIS THOMPSON, RUSS BALLARD, KIP WINGER, JOE LYNN TURNER) and phenominal vocalist Peter DeWint who formed and sang in OSTROGOTH and MYSTERY. Bobby did a great production in his own studio. The album features 12 strong catchy and melodic songs.

RADIOACTIVE - "Yeah!" (Release: November 2002 / MTM MUSIC) Tommy Denander is working on a new album. More hard rock than his last RADIOACTIVE release. Beside Geir Rvnning, Bobby Kimball from TOTO will sing on a few songs and five of the songs will be sung by one of the absolutely best and most beloved hard rock singers of today - it will be a secret until the release date !!! Jason Scheff on Bass and Marcus Liliequist on drums - plus a couple of extra guests. The album also features Kimmo and Erkka from URBAN TALE! "Yeah" is that what you shout when you hear the album!

www.mtm-music.com

Frontiers Records are happy to announce that the recording sessions of the highly anticipated KHYMERA album have been completed.

KHYMERA is a studio project featuring none other than Kansas singer STEVE WALSH with italian musical talent DANIELE LIVERANI (Genius). The line-up is completed by drummer Dario Ciccioni (also featured in the rock opera Genius).

Background vocals have been supplied by the Joe Vana & Thom Griffin duo (Mecca) and the mix is scheduled to start during next week in Los Angeles under the direction of Mike Slamer (Streets, Steelhouse Lane, Seventh Key).

The tracks recorded for the album are (in no particular order) :

Khymera - Strike Like Lightning - Shadows - Who’s Gonna Love You Tonight - Living With A Memory - Say It With Love - Tears On The Pages - Aftertouch - Live Without Love - Bless A Brand New Angel - If You Dare To Dream - Without Warning - Written In The Wind - Love Leads The Way

Steve Walsh ...... Daniele Liverani

Songwriters involved include: Jim Peterik (Survivor), Robin & Judithe Randall (Mark Free), Bob Held (Joe Lynn Turner), Johnny Gioeli & Neal Schon (Hardline), Kip Winger & Reb Beach, Giorgio Moroder and David Foster.

Khymera will be especially dedicated to the memory of Judithe Randall who sadly passed away on April the 3rd 2002.

Release date is tentatively scheduled for February 2003 on Frontiers Records.

Vaughn have announced a special end of tour show! The guys will do a special acoustic show Saturday August 10th, 2002. Doors 7.30pm, Tickets: £5.00 In advance [£6.00 on the night] On Sale Now Venue: Cafe Nirvana, 4/6 Rodney St, Wigan

Tickets for all shows available by post from: MJAP C/0 Z RECORDS, PO BOX 58, SKELMERSDALE, LANCS, WN8 6FN or from the Royal Court Theatre Box Office, or Cavern Pub Liverpool. Credit Card Hotline 0151 709 4321

Jean Beauvoir [Crown Of Thorns, Voodoo X, Plasmatics] has been confirmed as the special guest of Vaughn for a special one off show at the Cavern Liverpool.
Sunday July 28th, Tickets £12.00 In advance, The cavern, Liverpool.
Tickets for all shows available by post from: MJAP C/0 Z RECORDS, PO BOX 58, SKELMERSDALE, LANCS, WN8 6FN or from the Royal Court Theatre Box Office, or Cavern Pub Liverpool. Credit Card Hotline 0151 709 4321

Shy will play a show with Contagious October 27th, at The Cavern Club Liverpool. Tickets £12.00 In advance.

Tickets for all shows available by post from: MJAP C/0 Z RECORDS, PO BOX 58, SKELMERSDALE, LANCS, WN8 6FN or from the Royal Court Theatre Box Office, or Cavern Pub Liverpool. Credit Card Hotline 0151 709 4321

Harem Scarem are going to finish up the live DVD of the God's festival shortly and this is an appeal to any fans that were at the gods who may have taken some great live shot's to contribute to the artwork for the record. They will be fully credited! Please send thumbnails (max. 0.5 MB, no full size files) to dvd@haremscarem.net and the authors of the best shots will be contacted soon...

The long awaited third Street Talk album "Restoration" is finally completed after a long period of studio sessions between February - July 2002.

"Restoration" was mainly recorded at the Soundcreation studios Bollnäs, Sweden and was produced by Street Talk keyboardplayer Fredrik Bergh.

Compared to the first two Street Talk albums "Restoration" is more uptempo and harder-edged, but still very melodic...This album is a huge step forward for Street Talk and the band are extremely pleased with the finished product!

The album will be released in Europe on September 23 through MTM Music (www.mtm-music.com) and on September 21 in Japan/Asia by Marquee Inc./Avalon (www.marquee.co.jp/) The japanese edition will feature one exclusive bonus track called "After the tears".

The new Street Talk line up consists of the following musicians:

Goran Edman - Vocals, Hugo - Vocals, Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards, Sven Larsson - Guitars, Bjorn Lodmark - Bass, Christian Johansson - Drums.

Also, the below mentioned musicians are making some guest appearances on the album:

Frank Adahl (Marie Fredriksson, Randy Crawford etc.), Kimmo, Erkka and Tuomo (Urban Tale) and Tommy Denander (Radioactive).

"Restoration" will feature the following tracks:

1. GIVE ME A REASON (F. Bergh - G. Edman), 2. HARE AND HOUNDS (F. Bergh - G. Edman), 3. LANGUAGE OF LOVE (F. Bergh - G. Edman), 4. TABLES TURNING (F. Bergh - G. Edman), 5. DANCER IN THE RAIN (F. Bergh - G. Edman - P. Broman), 6. A PLACE IN THE SUN (F. Bergh - G. Edman) 7. MY HEART BEATS FOR YOU (F. Bergh - Hugo) 8. FOREVER BY YOUR SIDE (F. Bergh - K. Blom - E. Korhonen) 9. IN THE ARMS OF LOVE (F. Bergh - J. Jidhed - T. Denander - R. Delin) 10. WHY IS MY HEART FEELING LONELY TONIGHT (F. Bergh - K. Blom - E. Korhonen) 11. AFTER THE TEARS (Japan Bonus Track) (F. Bergh - S. Larsson)

On 2nd November, the Limelight Club in Crewe plays host to the UK's first unofficial Alice Cooper Convention - "Sickcon 1".

This all day event, running from midday until midnight will comprise the usual in convention attractions and activities - memorabilia displays, stalls, charity raffles and auctions, karaoke and quiz competitions.

However, to make the day extra special, appearing, and playing live in the UK for the first time since November 10th 1972, when they performed on the "School's Out" tour, will be original Alice Cooper Group members Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway, together with ex Blue Öyster Cult member Joe Bouchard. They will be performing numbers from their forthcoming album "Back From Hell", together with the Alice Cooper Group classics, and no doubt a few BÖC songs for good measure.

The support act will be Sadness Kills The Superman, a group formed in 2001 for a UK tour with former Alice Cooper Group member Michael Bruce. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength, and they are currently writing and recording their own material. They will be performing some Alice Cooper songs that fans will not have heard performed live for a very long time - if ever!

Tickets for the full day including the evening concert are priced at £15, and for the evening concert only, £10.

This event should prove to be a must for any Alice Cooper fans out there and with the seven date "Monsters of Rock Tour", featuring Alice Cooper, Thunder, and The Wildhearts, stomping across the country for seven large venue dates between the 16th and the 25th, November 2002 promises to be a memorable month for Alice Cooper fans in the UK.

Tickets for the convention are available from:

The Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 3BP from reception - in person or via post.

24-hour credit card ticket hotline 08700600100.

24-hour web ticket order www.ticketweb.co.uk

Or directly from the organisers:

Top Hat Events, C/o 9, Grange Road, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8BH. info@tophatevents.co.uk

Check out www.sickthingsuk.co.uk for updates.

For further information and opportunities, please contact:

Andrew Môn Hughes - andrew@tophatevents.co.uk - 01407 840253

Wasting little time, a live record from this year's US Ozzfest tour is to be released by Columbia at the end of August. It's called 'Ozzfest 2002: The Live Album'.

Metallica are currently auctioning the opportunity for one lucky fan to spend a day with them in the studio. Go to www.ebay.com to make your bid, but be warned: the current top bid is over $9,000. The auction closes on July 19.

The celebrated Marquee Club is opening in its new location in Islington, London, on September 5. They are looking to promote new, young British talent, as well as presenting established names. If you're interested in playing at the new location of one of the great rock venues, then send them to: Marquee Demos, TotalRock, 4 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3TZ.

Legendary Chicago rockers Cheap Trick are among the nominees for induction into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. For further details, go to [15th July 2002] FOOS: TRACK LISTING

The Foo Fighters are to release their latest, as yet untitled album on October 21 in the UK and the next day in America. Among the songs set for inclusion are: 'All My Life', 'Low', 'Have It All', 'Times Like These', 'Tired', 'Burn Away', 'Lonely As You', 'Overdrive', 'Disenchanted Lullabye' and 'Halo'.

Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik is writing the music for the new Disney movie 'Treasure Planet'. This is to open at the end of the year.

1. BISS / www.b-i-s-s.com

Demorecordings for the second BISS - Album have begun ... ... with a new singer! Stay tuned!

2. DEMON DRIVE / www.demondrive.com

The recordings for their new album are finished - Mixdown - sessions will start in August! The already fourth Demon Drive - Album will probably be called "... four play !" and will see it's release in spring 2003.

For the KISS - Tribute - Album "Unmasked", the guys recorded the song "What Makes The World Go 'Round". Release date: March 2003 on RSR.

3. SILVER / www.garybarden.com

The new SILVER - Album "Dreammachines" will be released in September on Point Music.

Point Music Unplugged Night with SILVER & Jean Beauvoir!
Michael Voss, Gary Barden and CROWN OF THORNS - mainman Jean Beauvoir ... an acoustic treat!
On July 30, 12 Bar Club, 22-23 Denmark Place, London / England

A Tribute to MSG & UFO, live in Bangkok / Thailand.
On August 31st 2002, Michael Voss & Gary Barden, along with national artists, will celebrate the songs of Gary's Michael Schenker - history in a one off event. ... to be recorded live - just in case!

4. G.R.S. / www.barflymusic.de

The BARFLY music - song "Wings Of Freedom" will be on the upcoming charity - sampler "United - We All Come Together". A compilation album to mark the September 11th tragedy. Released in September 2002 through Now & Then / Frontiers Records all profits will be divided between charities for the victims of the attacks and the innocent people of Afghanistan.

J. Mayer
(BARFLY music / Promotion)
www.barflymusic.de

The story has unfolded and the truth be told Pharoah will see the light thanks to a so-called Darkin. The masters and everything needed to bring this band to light ended up at the CR doorstep. In a few short months, we will unleash the first release from Pharoah.

L.A. metal quartet Legacy have signed on to release their self-titled debut. Led by bass ace Marten Andersson, Legacy prove that real metal still exists in America. Packed full of neck snappin' metal, Legacy deliver what so many lack today..serious musicianship and kick-ass metal. Look for Legacy to be released in the fall to coincide with Marten touring as bassist in Lizzy Borden. Check out the full spread on Legacy. Visit their website at www.legacylive.com

Ivory Tower have signed on to re release their critically acclaimed CD Heart Of The City. Look for Heart Of The City to hit the streets in early August 2002. 12 blistering tracks of superb melodic metal! More on the band will be available here online shortly.

TYRRENO have changed their name to VELVET DREAMS,and will enter the studio with producer Carlos Creator in Bilbao. Mp3s soon to be online at Vinny's site.

HARDREAMS are recording as we speak in Barcelona, mixing sessions are set to be done in Bilbao also with Carlos Creator. According to the label the CD is really AORish and has a good quality.

Looks like EDEN LOST will record on September on Carlos Creator new studio, although there's a chance that they'll be recording in Madrid.

Later on there will be a recording for a brand new project featuring people from SEVEN LTD+ELYTE.

As far as new bands are concerned, Vicente Corral states: "I'll be glad to receive new material" so if you have a new band you know where to submit your demos to.

Hirsh Gardner (New England drummer and vocalist) has signed to MTM Music in Europe and Marquee/Avalon in Japan. Expected release date is mid November. The album is titled "Wasteland For Broken Hearts". "Its typical production for me, very thick vocals, huges guitars, lot's of keyboards and mellotron", says Hirsh. Guest artists appearing on the album are Andre Maquera of "8084" and Jimmy Waldo, John Fannon and Gary Shea, Hirsh's three former bandmates in New England.

"The opening track "More Than You'll Ever Know" is about a space explorer who is returning to earth after being away for 20 or so years", explained Hirsh. "The inspiration definately came from 'Explorer Suite' which was about a guy leaving earth to go on a long space journey. The song was very much in the New England style so I asked the guys if they would play on the track. Its the first time all four of us have recorded together in over 20 years", said Hirsh in a recent interview.

pOther tracks include Thunder In Her Heart, Never Love, Don't Steal, Bad Cowboy, She Is Love, Welcome Home, When The Sky Cries, Hold Me In Your Dreams and a rockin' version of the Outfield's Your Love. www.mtm-music.com

Escape Music are pleased to announce of DEPARTURE have finished recording their third album "Corporate Wheel". The album was produced by Mike Walsh and mixed by Pete Coleman. The release date is scheduled for Europe mid January 2003.The Band: Timothy Lewis; Lead Vocals, Mike Walsh; Guitar, Keyboards & backing vocals, John O'Connell; Keyboards, Duey Ribestello; Drums, Mike Beres; Bass

The songs are: 1.Listen To What I Say, 2.Corporate Wheel, 3.Sacrifice 4.Time 5.Down On My Knees 6.Every Man 7.Giving Me A Reason 8.Comin' My Way 9.Fallin' >From The Sky 10.Hollowed Ground 11.Look In Your Eyes

www.escape-music.com

Don't forget to show up at the great Metal Edge Rock Fest USA, now less than a week away.
Judas Priest, Dokken, Ratt, Warrant, Firehouse & LA Guns will all be playing some good, old, rock'n'roll over there. Check out the where and when info below !!!

ASBURY PARK, NJ @ THE CONVENTION HALL
Date: Friday, July 19th
Time: 6:00 PM
Ages: All (21 to drink)
Tickets:
$25 adv
$35 dos

www.metaledge-rockfest.com and register your

While Motley Crue are still on hiatus, bassist Nikki Sixx is keeping himself very busy. The man's been writing songs for Saliva, Tantric and Meat Loaf, and is now about to start working with Drowning Pool and The Orgy.

Def Leppard will release their new album, 'X', in the UK on August 12. The band expect to start a world tour in November, with the every chance that it will kick off in Britain. More news soon.

'Shadow Of The Moon', the current album from Blackmore's Night, is to be used on the next space shuttle as 'wake up music'. This CD was requested by one of the crew, Kalpana Chawla. The shuttle is launched by NASA on July 19.

Former Scream/Motley Crue frontman John Corabi has teamed up with ex-Bulletboys drummer Jimmy D'Anda in a new band called Zen Lunatic. The trio - completed by bassist Steve Bruno - are currently writing and recording in Los Angeles.

Racer X will shortly start work on a new album. The band features Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis, former Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert and ex-Badlands drummer Jeff Martin, who is the vocalist with this lot. Expect a release in Japan by Christmas.

Alice Cooper, Thunder and The Wildhearts will join forces for a TotalRock sponsored trek dubbed the 'Monsters Of Rock Tour'. One other major name will be added very soon. Go to our Tour Dates section to get the full list of dates.

Rob Halford has made two classic Priest shows available for download at www.robhalford.com. These are in London from 1981 and Tuscon, Arizona two years later.

Shy cancelled both their scheduled appearances during 2001 due to studio delays which unfortunately disappointed many fans. Their forthcoming album "Unfinished Business" is now set for release on August 23rd and we are happy to report that the band are already in rehearsals for the Z Rock 2002 show in Germany.

The line up Z Rock 2002 Germany is now:

Z ROCK 2002 GERMANY "Masters Of Melodic Hardrock"

Bonfire [D]
Shy [UK]
Silent Rage [US]
Shakra (with a special appearance from Jean Beauvoir) [D]
Brighton Rock [CAN]
Arabia [US]
Contagious [UK]
Northwind [F]

5th October 2002. Ludwigshafen, Das Haus [Colosseum] Germany.

Tickets: www.manoticket.de, Tel.: 07251-4404810 oder Tel.: 06229-7666, info@breakoutmagazin.de

Z Records are pleased to confirm that two new dates have been pencilled for our rescheduled Z Rock Canada show, and all acts have been advised earlier today and asked to confirm their availability. The rearranged date will be announced on Thursday July 11th.

Crown Of Thorns frontman Jean Beauvoir will play an acoustic show at London’s 12 Bar Club on July 30. The band’s new album, ‘Karma’, is released on August 2.

Skid Row are aiming to release their first album since 1995’s ‘Subhuman Race’ in early 2003. It’s to be called ‘Thick Is The Skin’, but so far the band don’t have a record deal.

ERIC MARTIN, ex singer of multi-million hitmakers MR.BIG which scored huge success in Europe thanks to the hits “To Be With You” and “Wild World”, will see his lattest album, "I'k Goin' Sane", released in Europe through Frontiers Records.

Featured on the album as songwriters are long-time writing partner ANDRE’ PESSIS and JACK BLADES (Damn Yankees, Night Ranger, Aerosmith etc.). According to the Italian label, “I’m Goin’ Sane” is a fantastic contemporary melodic hard rock record which encompasses all music styles that Eric has been playing during the years!

It also includes two EXCLUSIVE bonus tracks for the european release: “Only A Moment” and “Just What I Needed” (cover of The Cars original song). The album is also totally repackaged and features brand new cover and artwork!

Tracklisting: My Disease; Spaceman; Goin' Sane; Free Of It; Marie; There Goes The Neighborhood; Carnival Of Souls; Untouchable; Bigger Man; Who Am I Supposed To Be; Everyday; Only A Moment; Just What I Needed

Release date is August 26th, 2002.

Z have placed UK show tickets on sale as of this week to allow plenty of time for foreign fans to make suitable arrangements. Z Records have also changed the venue / location, Z Rock 2003 will now be staged in Nottingham. At present only two acts are fully confirmed, however a further 5-6 bands will be added to the line up over the forthcoming months.

The confirmed [contractually] line up to date is:

TNT
SHY

Venue: Rock City, Nottingham
Date : Sunday May 4th 2003
Tickets: £30.00

Credit card hotlines: +44 [0] 1159 588484 or +44 [0] 1159 412544 booking fee may be applicable

Available by mail from [no booking fee with cheque or draft payments]
[cheques payable to MJAP]

Z ROCK 2003
Z RECORDS
PO BOX 58
SKELMERSDALE
LANCASHIRE
WN8 6FN
ENGLAND

While Toto where playing in Sweden this week Jim Jidhed met with singer Bobby Kimball. Bobby will together with Jason Scheff (Chicago) sing background vocals on Jim's new album "Full Circle", produced by Tommy Denander and released this fall through Atenzia. The album also features Vince DiCola, Bruce Gaitsch and Dave Boruff among others.

In a bizarre twist, Kiss' Paul Stanley has said that he has no objection to the band carrying on without any original members - if the circumstances were right. The legendary band are currently negotiating a new record deal, and this statement suggests Stanley sees Kiss as a dynasty not a collective of four people.

Tony Mills and Steve Harris of SHY have teamed up to record a new album which will be released during late 2003. The two have recently finished the forthcoming critically acclaimed SHY album "Unfinished Business" which will be released in August 23rd.

Tony & Steve made the following statements concerning the new album....

Tony:- I have decided to record a fresh solo album with a co-writer, namely Steve Harris, the guitarist from Shy. As far as construction and attitude toward songwriting, I have rarely met someone with such a positive attitude as Steve. Once ideas have been formulated, he practically puts everything down in one take. He is open to new ideas and adds his professional touch effortlessly. I can only be helplessly optimistic regarding such a project.

Steve:- I am delighted and honoured to be collaborating with Tony on his next solo venture for Z Records. We had a great time writing together again on “Unfinished Business”, and I think we came up with some of the best stuff Shy has ever recorded. Now we have an opportunity to try things out that we might not do within the confines of the band while still retaining an AOR sound. Tony has some great ideas about the direction he’d like to go on this album so I’m looking forward to working with him again over the coming months.

On July 9th a very special SHY announcement will be made, watch this space!

Contrary to rumours, Z Records can confirm that Humanimal are still an on going concern. Rumours re internal conflicts are true, but it is hoped that these will be resolved in the near future. Humanimal will start preproduction work for their second album in a few weeks time.

Z Rock Canada has been postponed due to a serious lack of Hotel space within central Toronto. A rep for "Best Western Hotels" stated this is the second worst time after New Year to attempt to book a hotel and we simply have no rooms at our 40 Toronto based hotels. Z Records decided to postpone the show due to said problems and a new rescheduled date will be announced shortly.

Monday July 8th will see the release of Domain new album "The Artefact". The band is really looking forward to that day! Hope, you people do, too... ;-)

Remember, on Saturday 6th, they'll have a little sort of CD-release party at the Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg. Everyone's invited.

URBAN TALE SUMMER CLUB IN HELSINKI AT CLUB ON THE ROCKS!

Yes, the anticipation has ended and we have scored 4 Sunday night gigs at On The Rocks in our hometown, Helsinki. The club works under a cover song theme, and we have to remind you that the only night we are gonna play Urban Tale songs is August 4th. Nevertheless, the guests will be great and the music will be good, so you should be there every night!
Here are the guests and the dates:

7.7. Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone, ex- Joe Doakes, ex- Heat)
- The vocalist of the hottest new Finnish power act (signed to Nuclear Blast!) on his favourite rock songs.

21.7. Pekka Lehtola
- A very talented, young pop/rock vocalist on the rise.

4.8. Mikko Jokinen (Rivendell, ex- Ma Baker´s Soul Factory, Musical productions)
- He has been in Les Miserables, Calypso and Mambo Kings…but his true nature lies in British rock and that´s what will be heard. Also original Urban Tale songs tonight!

18.8. Kimmo Härmä sings Whitesnake
- The vocalist of Ceessar will pay tribute to his favourite band´s favourite era (pre- Slide It In). A great way to end the summer club!

The showtimes are 23:00 and 00:15, and there is no entrance fee.

ERKKA´S ARM SURGERY A 100% SUCCESS

UT guitarist Erkka made a short visit to Orton hospital in Helsinki to have his left arm operated on June 10th. The reason for the operation was the severe hand problem that he had since January. He lost most of his hand strength suddenly and was not able to perform at all for 2 months, and then gained ability back very slowly. The decision about the surgery was made after 3 month´s rest in May. The operation was done by arm surgery specialist Martti Vastamäki who is also Erkka´s doctor on this case.

For those of you interested, the problem was Erkka´s elbow nerve (nervi ulnaris) that had been scratched by one of his elbow bones to the point where it was so weak that the power didn´t transfer into the hand anymore. Now the nerve is secured so that it cannot move over the bone anymore. The recuperation has been quick, Erkka has got 60% of the arm´s motion range back and he did his first post-op gigs last weekend.

NEMELROCK

We would like to thank the staff and the audience at Madrid´s Ritmo y Compás for a great weekend at the Nemelrock festival. You made us feel welcome and we truly had great fun. Special thanks go out to promoter Jose Herrera (ya got any beer left?), Bea Sánchez aka Bsixx who helped on many things, people from NEXX, the British invasion bunch (you know who you are…) and everybody else we hung out with. We hope to come back to Spain next spring! Pics from the shows will be posted here soon. You can also read a review on our shows at www.aor-europe.com/nemelrock2002.htm, written by Jorge ”Wiklund” Antonaya. [Note from the news editor: WTF does it means you wiked minds? :P]

2ND ALBUM PRE-PRODUCTION

We will lock ourselves into a studio for a while to complete the songwriting and pre-production for our second album. The material is very dynamic with an unusual range of variety within the UT sound. Some preliminary song titles include: Starship Of Giants (the heaviest UT song to date!), Hello Light, Today I´ll Change My Life, Son Of A Gun, Open Your Heart…

KIMMO AND ERKKA WRITE AND SING FOR STREET TALK

Kimmo and Erkka wrote two tracks with Fredrik Bergh for the upcoming Street Talk album. The songs are called ”Why Is My Heart Feeling Lonely Tonight” and ”Forever By Your Side”. ”Why Is My…” will be featured on the album with Kimmo and Erkka on backing vocals and ”Forever…” will end up on a future project. The Street Talk album will feature both Goran Edman and Hugo on lead vocals.

Erkka and Kimmo have also been asked to supply backing vocals for 2 other projects, stay tuned for further news…

New York hard rock outfit WestWorld had their sophomore effort, 'Skin' debut at college and commercial radio last week to an unexpected flood of support, coming in at #3 on FMQB and Top 10 Album Network, Westworld frontman Tony Harnell (also of the band TNT), remarks, "It's great to be back. I'm very proud of this album and am really pleased with how it's being received at radio and by the fans. We made an honest album and it seems to be hitting a nerve. Maybe we're filling a void, I don't know."

Harnell will be co-hosting the Tour Bus with Ralph Sutton on Saturday July 6th from 8pm to midnight EST. Tony will be taking calls, playing some of his favourite songs and interviewing Geoff Tate from Queensryche. Please check www.thetourbus.com for stations in local areas. Tuesday, July 9th sees the North American release of WestWorld's 'Skin' through Dreamscape Music Group. Distributed by Mayhem / ADA (a division of AOL / Time - Warner) the album has already pre-sold through it's first pressing. The band will continue to do shows throughout the Northeast in support of the release. Please check www.dreamscape-group.com for upcoming WestWorld contests.

Escape Music Ltd are pleased to announce of their new signing AFTERMATH from NJ, USA. The Line up is: Joey Dia : Lead vocals, rhythm guitars & bass, Bill DiNapoli: Lead guitar & backing vocals, Marc Chandler: Drums, and Andy Kadin: Keys, bass & backing vocals. The musical style is similar to Steel House Lane and Thin Lizzy. The album will be mixed in the UK shortly by no other than Pete Coleman (AC/DC, Grand Illusion, Black Sabbath)!!!

www.escape-music.com

Gamma Ray have announced a series of eight shows in Europe in October under the banner of 'Skeletons In The Closet Tour', only this time these shows will fundamentally different from what's gone before........the band have asked the fans to decide on the set list!

The Ray's mainman Kai Hansen said "On all of our previous show's we've played a mix of songs from a new album and the very obvious audience favourites, but this time we intend to play songs we've rarely, or never played live before, so we thought it might be kinda cool to give the fans the opportunity to decide on the set list themselves by voting on the web-site for the more obscure songs they've repeatedly requested through the fan club and at gigs, hence the title 'Skeleton's In The Closet'. We'll be playing an extended set of what they want to hear!"

To vote for your favourite songs simply go to the Gamma Ray web-site, www.gamma-ray.com and register your preference, the songs receiving the most votes will form the set list. 10 voters will be invited backstage at each show to hangout with the guys, and then have their photo taken which will be signed by the band and sent on to them. So all you Gamma Ray fans who shout requests when you're at the gigs......now's your chance......GET VOTING!!!!!!!

Seminal New York metallers are set to release "Through The Storm" on August 27 in the U.S. through Metal Blade Records. With so much emphasis placed in melodic metal as of late, "Through The Storm" is a perfect balance of melody and musicianship that is destined to become a modern day classic. Not only does RIOT cover UFO's classic "Only You Can Rock Me", the band pays homage to the late George Harrison with a stirring instrumental rendition of THE BEATLE's "Here Comes The Sun". "Through The Storm" is a killer hard rock record in the tradition of greats like THIN LIZZY, UFO and RAINBOW. Be sure to visit the official RIOT website for details one vocalist Mike Dimeo's live chat. Visit RIOT at: http://ezer4u.com/RIOT/Ie5_home.htm

TYKOON: A New Swedish Melodic Hard Rock Supergroup - July, 2002

TYKOON is the name of a freshly-launched Stockholm band that features guitarists Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE) and Lars Chriss (LION'S SHARE).

"Tommy and I have been working hard on writing songs lately and so far it's FANTASTIC AOR in the style of STREETS "Crimes In Mind" and DEF LEPPARD "Pyromania/Hysteria", with some touches of Paul Stanley's songwriting in KISS," Chriss told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "Pretty much like the most melodic side of LION'S SHARE (with Tommy's influences added), since I have decided to exclude that side and concentrate on the Heavy Metal (ala JUDAS PRIEST) and doomy (ala BLACK SABBATH) side only (like 'Waiting', 'Shotgun Messiah' or 'Fall From Grace', 'Unholy Rites') on the next LION'S SHARE CD."

At the moment, plans exist for TYKOON to participate in an upcoming KISS tribute CD containing only "Unmasked" (the 1980 album) songs, to which they will contribute a version of "Easy As It Seems".

In other news, Chriss is continuing work on the material for the upcoming full-length debut from COSMIC SPHERE, in addition to keeping busy with the aforementioned TYKOON and LION'S SHARE projects. "Instead of getting all my influences into LS albums, I really enjoy doing all these side projects to cover all the angles I'm into-COSMIC SPHERE (aggressive metal), TYKOON (AOR), LION'S SHARE (classic/heavy metal), and even an as-yet-unnamed Doom/BLACK SABBATH-style project for the most dark and slow stuff," stated Chriss.

Not to be outdone, Lars is also planning on getting more involved in production and songwriting for other artists, with several projects in the works, including some that fall outside the metal genre.

"I will start working at a production company called Plugged as a producer, engineer and songwriter," Chriss revealed. "They have earlier had success with REDNEX and SHEBANG among others. I have written a couple of songs in LAMBRETTA style and will probably co-write with the Plugged guys in pure-pop style as well. I will also start looking for rock/metal bands to produce and record at the Plugged studio soon."

Visit TYKOON's official web site at: http://listen.to/Tykoon

source: blabbermouth.net

The Candlemass doom meister and chief songwriter LEIF EDLING is currently recording the debut album of his new super group called KRUX. KRUX consist of Leif Edling (Candlemass) on bass, Jörgen Sandström (Entombed, Project Hate) on guitar, Peter Stjärnvind (Entombed) on drums, plus two yet unnamed stars from the swedish heavy rock scene on guitar and vocals. Reports from KRUX rehearsels speak of ungodly heavyness, merciless metallic mayhem and monumental epic structures. Songs like "Krux", Popocatépetl", "Jehova", "Evel Rifaz" and "Sibiria" are massive pieces of heavy rock art you must hear to believe. KRUX have set the release of the self-titled album for October 2002.

RICK RENSTROM and ROB ROCK are teaming up to show the world Rick's guitar prowess by producing a solo album for Rick Renstrom which will include fret-burning instrumentals as well as blistering vocal compositions. Rick is a fabulous guitarist who has overcome a physical handicap to join the ranks of the top heavy metal guitarists. Guest-players on this album will be Richard Christy (Death/Control Denied/Iced Earth) , Mat Sinner (Primal Fear/Sinner), Ferdy Doernberg (Rough Silk/A.R. Pell), Rob Rock (Warrior/Rob Rock), Wade Black (Seven Witches/Crimson Glory), Tobias Sammett (Edguy) and others. The album is expected to be released in the fall of 2002.

Revered internationally as a powerhouse vocalist in the hard rock scene, MICHAEL VESCERA (Obsession, Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen) is currently recording his third solo album. The album is filled with powerful and melodic hard rock/heavy metal and features various guests : Roland Grapow (Helloween, Masterplan), Mike Clashiak (Halford), Jim Bell (Geezer Butler, David Wayne's Metal Church), Robert Marcello, (Iron Horse, Twenty4Seven), Rob Johnson (Magnitude 9), Eddie Ardunay (Dr. Sin), and Kiko (Angra), Stet Howland (Wasp, Impelliteri) on drums, B.J. Zampa (Tony Macalpine, Yngwie Malmsteen), Jay Mezias (Obsession), Mats Olausson (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark), Jay Rigney (Event, Reign of Terror), Chris Macarvel (Jeff Scott Soto band) and others. The release is expected in the fall of this year.

German progmetalers EVERON are currently looking for a live-keyboardist with good piano-skills. He / she can join as a steady member as well, but doesn't have to, they mainly need another pair of hands on stage. Are you from Germany or from the region between Ruhrgebiet and Dutch-border ? Get in touch with us or the band at the following address : http://www.everon.de

UNJUST has posted another 2 demo tracks on their site. In total you can now download 4 complete demotracks for free. Go to : http://www.unjust.com

September 2002 will see the release of "Flak & Flight", the awesome live album by MASTERS OF REALITY. The songs were recorded at various shows during their December 2001 European tour and features the line up of Chris Goss, John Leamy, Nick Oliveri and Josh Homme. On the album you will find songs such as 'Third Man on the Moon', 'High Noon Amsterdam' (with Mark Lanegan), 'Blue Garden' (best version ever!), '100 years', 'Why the Fly'etc.
http://www.mastersofreality.com

For further information, releasedates & tourdates, please check out the following sites :
http://www.mascot-provogue.com
http://www.paulgilbert.com
http://www.unjust.com
http://www.mastersofreality.com
http://www.everon.de

Lost Weekend can now confirm that IRVIN PARRATT will join the band as their keyboard player. His first official show with the band will on Sunday 14th July at The Upper George in Halifax. This show will be an acoustic set.

Frontiers Records are happy to report that finally the long awaited come back album for HARDLINE, the band lead by brothers Johnny and Joey Gioeli is completed!

Under the guidance of Andy Haller, Gary Hoey and producer Bob Burch the album mix has been completed with the following final tracklisting:

1.Hold Me Down (Johnny Gioeli; Bob Burch) 2.Y (Johnny Gioeli; Bob Burch) 3.Paralyzed (Marc Tanner; Paul Mirkovich, Johnny Gioeli) 4.Face The Night (Johnny Gioeli; Joey Gioeli) 5.Do Or Die (Johnny Gioeli; Joey Gioeli; Bob Burch) 6.Hey Girl (Johnny Gioeli; Joey Gioeli; Bob Burch) 7.Only A Night (Johnny Gioeli; Joey Gioeli) 8.Your Eyes (Johnny Gioeli; Joey Gioeli; Bob Burch) 9.Weight (Joey Tafolla; Johnny Gioeli) 10.Way It Is, Way It Goes (Johnny Gioeli; Bob Burch; Joey Tafolla) 11.This Gift (Johnny Gioeli; Neal Schon)

Hardline 2002 is:

Johnny Gioeli - vocals
Joey Gioeli - guitar
Josh Ramos - guitar
Michael T. Ross - keyboards
Bob Rock - drums
Chris Maloney – bass

The album will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on September 23rd 2002.

Northwind have just launched their own website at www.northwind-band.com. The band are also set to appear live at the Hirson Festival with Nina Hagen and Van Den Plas this coming weekend.

Arabia will be appearing the Riverhead Music festival NY during July. John Blaze gave us the following update regarding the band's highly anticipated second album: "Dennis will be with us from now on. The LP will be a classic, semi-concept record still in the works. Song titles - Dead Dance Ball, Only A Heartbeat Away, Strange Days, Eternity, China Doll, All That You Wanted (And More). Working titles include Soul Sister, Burn, The Last Bow, Save Me.........keep ya posted!"

MJAP Distribution is a newly formed company which is linked with Z Records, and Metal Mayhem one of Americas foremost respected specialist distribution companies. Both companies have today forged an alliance.
The new alliance will ensure that such acts as Adrian Gale and 24-7 feat John Corabi of Motley Crue / The Scream and Bobby Blotzer of Ratt, will now be readily available within Europe and that Z Records products will be easier to obtain within the US. MJAP co-owner and Z label chief Mark Alger stated "This agreement can only lead to more positive things in the future for the music scene in General, as it will open a new gateway to Europe for a lot of US acts."
The first Metal Mayhem title to be released within Europe via MJAP will be the brand new Adrian Gale album Re:program