It’s Official: BLAARGNAGORD sign to Century Media Records – December 24, 2005
Gerit Mohr of Century Media Records in Germany has issued the following statement: “Yes, it’s true. After much negotiating we are pleased to welcome Scandinavian metallers Blaargnagord to the Century Media Family. The band has been playing around Europe for two years and drawing large crowds whenever they perform. They hail from Sweden and Finland and play fast, aggressive rock much like Children of Bodom and early Metallica, with black metal vocals and melodic guitars. Also they wear corpse paint and leather and spikes, which is very popular with the kids. The first album, ‘Unchrist Eternal Unforever,’ is slated for release in March 2006 and will feature the songs, ‘Goat Saviour Incarnate’ and ‘Sodomy Castrator (Of Pleasure and Pain)’ which are staples of the band’s live shows.” To hear song samples, visit the band’s website at blaargnagordrocks.com
Official KISS™ KISSMAS™ Tree Available For Purchase – December 24, 2005
According to new post at KISSONLINE.com, Gene Simmons has announced the addition of KISS™ KISSMAS™ Trees for purchase. “It’s Christmas again, and even though I don’t celebrate this, a lot of people in the KISS ARMY™ do, so I thought it would be important to commemorate this special time with a beautiful, flame-retardant artificial holiday tree. Each tree comes with one ornament, a two-dimensional likeness of your favorite KISS™ members; so you can choose from either the Gene Simmons “Demon” ornament or the Paul Stanley “Lover” ornament. Ace, Peter, Eric, Vinnie, Mark, Bruce, the other Eric and Tommy sold separately. The tree comes in green or red and aluminum and heights of 5’, 6’ and 7’ and prices start at $200. We take all major credit cards and express shipping is available.” To read the rest of Gene’s statement, click here.
AXL ROSE Seen Last-Minute Christmas Shopping At Beverly Center? – December 24, 2005
According to recent posts at the un-official Guns N’ Roses fansite gunsnroseheads.com, reclusive singer Axl Rose was spotted several times at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles Saturday morning, apparently Christmas shopping. Comments in the forum noted, “I saw AXL!!! He was at Ross-Simons looking at brooches! I went to get my friends out of the food court and then when we got back he was gone.” - “We were right behind Axl on the down escalator and watched him go browsing inside The Bombay Company. He bought one of those little butlers that holds a tray or something, and I guess had it shipped to whomever. Kinda gay if you ask me, but maybe he’s still pals with Elton John?” To read more comments, click here.
CRADLE OF FILTH New Album Details Revealed– December 24, 2005
Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth posted this message on the COF website: “Scary Fucking Christmas, fuckers! The band is on holiday for three weeks and then we’ll be going back into the studio at the end of January to finish recording songs for our upcoming release, 'Upskirt Underworld Death Cantatas.' Right now it’s figgy pudding and wassail until we fall over. Happy Christmas! We’ll see you next year!”
AFTER FOREVER Frontwoman FLOOR JANSEN Models Sexy Santa Outfit, Photos Available – December 24, 2005
Super-foxy six-foot tall Dutch singer Floor Jansen, of the operatic goth-metal band After Forever recently posted some pictures from her latest photo-shoot which includes a Christmas theme of Jansen in black thigh-high boots and a red Santa mini-skirt and halter top. To view the pictures click here.
AMON AMARTH, MOONSORROW, THYRFING And VINTERSORG Confirmed For Sweden’s “Viking Metal Holiday Powerfest Meltdown 3” – December 24, 2005
According to a press release, the 3rd Annual Viking Metal Holiday Powerfest Meltdown will take place in Stockholm on January 2nd, 2006. Vintersorg also posted the following on its website: “We will pillage and plunder and burn the village to the ground! We are warriors, thieves, slayers and destroyers and we will rend your soul asunder as you cry out in agony! This is the magnificent glory and relentless fury of true Viking Power Metal! Amon Amarth! Thryfing! Vintersorg! And we alone are the bands who bring true Swedish Viking Power Metal to the world! Except of course for Moonsorrow, who are from Finland, which is kind of like Sweden, but they are also true Viking power-metal! Bring mead! Bring ale! We rock for Odin!” To read the full press release, click here.
RATT Reunion In The Works For 2006? – December 24, 2006
According to a post at Jaun Crucier’s website, the remaining original members of 80s arena-rock staples, RATT, are in talks for a full-fledged reunion tour and live record. Original singer Stephen Pearcy has been in conflict with members Bobby Blotzer and Warren DeMartini who have been touring a version of RATT for five years with rhythm guitarist John Corabi (ex-Angora, ex-Union, ex-Motley Crue) and singer Jizzy Pearl (ex-Love/Hate) and bassist Robbie Crane (ex-Vince Neil). But as of yet no comment has been made from the other members. In a posting on his website Jizzy Pearl responded to the news: “Oh, is it on again? I haven’t checked my email. Merry Christmas anyway!”
VARG VIKERNES Christmas Special To Air On Norwegian Television – December 24, 2005
As part of a progressive work-release program in conjunction with the Norwegian government, legendary black metal personality Varg Vikernes was allowed to participate in a taped event for television channel NRK2. The variety show, “A Very Burzum Christmas” features Vikernes singing, doing stand-up comedy and several musical/comedy skits with metal luminaries and actors such as Borknagar’s Oystein; AMEN frontman Casey Chaos; Astrogoth, Nick Barker, Dimmu Borgir frontman Shagrath, Lyle Waggoner, Cathy Lee Crosby, Abe Vigoda, Vicki Lawrence and Satyr. Vikernes also performs a duet with Olivia Newton-John of the song “Frosty the Snowman” -with Frost on drums! There is a speed skating demonstration from Johann Olav Koss, and an interpretive dance number by The Kirov Ballet. The show is scheduled to air on Christmas Day.
TYPE O NEGATIVE: New Album In 2006, Goths Rejoice!– December 24, 2005
According to a post at the German fansite, nonemorenegative.de, Brooklyn gothic- doom legends Type O Negative are recording a new album for release in early 2006 on SPV. “A whole year has gone by and still nothing from Type O; then- good news! Type O is recording a new album! The planned mass suicide for New Year’s Day is cancelled. Please inform everyone of this great news and spread the word: it is time to dye our hair black once again! The Drab Four is back!”
FLASHBACK
CHRISTMAS AT BLABBERMOUTH (2004)
GLENN DANZIG To Remain In His House All Day On Christmas – December 24, 2004
Singer Glenn Danzig has announced on his official web-site danzig-verotik.com that he will be remaining inside his Los Feliz home for the duration of the Christmas holiday. According to a post on his site, Danzig says, “I just want to hang out and catch up on some old episodes of ‘The Sopranos’. I have some work to do on some lyrics I’m writing for a soundtrack I’m working on, and, honestly, I really have to catch up on laundry. Plus, I haven’t mowed the lawn in, like forever. I’ve been out a lot lately and there’s still all those bricks out in the front yard that I don’t know what to do with. I’ve been kinda depressed lately. I think I’ll just take it easy and hang out. Merry Christmas, by the way, for those that celebrate that holiday.” Fans at the brand new unofficial Danzig fan-site the7thTwist.com are rallying to buy Glenn some presents to cheer him up. Order them here.
RAGNAGAROTH To RAGNAGAROT: “We’ll See You In Court!” – December 24, 2004
Finnish Black Metallers Ragnagaroth have issued a cease-and-desist order to the members of the Austrian black metal band Ragnagarot in European Court in Belgium, charging that the Austrian band must stop using their name, which is similar and violates European copyright infringement laws. According to the band’s lawyer, Wikkie Holmgaard, “This Austrian band has only been around for a year, and is not even signed. Ragnagaroth is signed to Century Media Worldwide, and has been signed for a number of years. Their fans are quite familiar with their particular style of music, and it is our assertion that Ragnagarot are merely trying to steal their fans.” In response to the court order, Ragnagarot singer Deathcommander Manfred had this to say in an online posting: “Ragnagarot is here to fucking stay and here to slay! We will never change! Not for our fans, and certainly not for the peons of a weak-willed simpering false-metal band from Finland, whom we suspect to be gay! You'll see us in court? We'll see you in HELL!” The court date has been set for January 23rd, 2005.
CELINE DION: “If I Knew Dimebag I would have liked him, I bet!” – December 24, 2004
During an interview with Las Vegas NBC affiliate KVBC-TV, Celine Dion announced that she was terribly upset by the news of the shooting of Dimebag Darrell in Columbus, Ohio, when she heard about it three days later. “I was, you know, very busy with my show at Ceasar’s Palace. I am always busy, you know? And then someone told me about this Dimebeg, or Dimebag. What a funny name, I thought. Then I read something about it. And one of assistants told me about it. I love AC/DC, as you know, so I bet I would have liked him. I don’t really know what else to say. It is very sad. I just think it’s a tragedy and I want everyone to know that I really do care and am not just saying this in a cheap attempt to get some press. I really hope the best for his friends and family and fans. I was so touched by the outpouring of love from all over for him. If I knew Dimebag I would have liked him, I bet! I would have invited him to come see me perform my show at Ceasar’s Palace, here in Las Vegas, Nevada.” To read the full transcript of the interview, go here.
DON DOKKEN To GEORGE LYNCH: “Merry Christmas! You’re A Jerk!” December 24, 2004
According to an interview with KNAC.com’s Jeff Kirby, Don Dokken had the following to say about George Lynch this month:
KNAC: So, what are your plans for Christmas?
DON: Oh, lots of neat things. We have the tree up now, and it’s decorated and it looks great. The whole family will be coming over, and I’ll be cooking the dinner on Christmas, which means I have a lot of prepping to do. I make a great turkey gravy, which is from an old recipe I got from my mother’s grandmother, which is my great-great-grandmother. It’s terrific, very thick and tasty.
KNAC: What about those internet rumors that there is an offer from JVC/Japan to have the original members of Dokken reunite for a tour and record a live cd?
DON: Well, I can’t really comment on that. We’ll see. I’m through fighting with those guys. I have said all I need to say about that, really, and as far as I’m concerned it’s all done, the fighting.
KNAC: So, if everything worked out, you and George might be sharing a stage together next year?
DON: I don’t have anything against George, really. He’s a decent guitarist, you know? But he always trashes me in interviews, to this very day. But when I see him it’s all, “Hey, how’s it goin, bro?” So who knows? But if I saw him today, I would say, “Merry Christmas! You’re a jerk!”
KNAC: Are you bitter?
DON: Who me?
To read more of the interview, click here.
VELVET REVOLVER Cancel Tour Dates, Reschedule, Then Cancel Again. – December 24, 2004.
Billboard.com is reporting that the East Coast leg of the early New Year tour by “supergroup” Velvet Revolver, featuring ex-Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and ex-Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland, and Dave Kushner, have again cancelled the ten day tour they were planning for February. The tour, originally scheduled for small clubs starting in Sayreville, New Jersey, was cancelled last month, only to be rescheduled a week later. Apparently it is off again. According to a representative at The Mitch Schneider Organization, “I don’t know what’s going on with these guys. They have all sorts of commitments and stuff. I wish they’d get their act together. They were so much easier to book when they were stoned.” For the complete list of cancelled dates, click here.
TYPE O NEGATIVE Suspiciously Quiet, Goths Concerned. - December 24, 2004
Having ended a successful tour following the release of their near-gold RoadRunner disc, “Life Is Killing Me,” Brooklyn Goth-metal doomsters Type O Negative haven’t really done anything or posted on their website in ages. Drummer Johnny Kelly recently announced a few dates with Happenin Harry but as yet no one seems to know what is going on in the complex world of TON. According to posters at the German fan-site nonemorenegativ.de, “No word from Peter Steele, or Josh Silver. Kenny Hickey has been also very quiet. Johnny is out on tour with someone else. This looks bad. There will be a candlelight vigil outside the Dom in Koln (Cologne) on Christmas Eve at 12 Midnight. Moonspell is on tour, but it just isn’t the same, and there’s only so much Evanescence anyone can stand. These guys are the originators and the real thing. We are gravely concerned.” Members of the band have yet to comment.
NIKKI SIXX: “THE CRUE IS STILL BACK AND WE ARE READY TO SO TOTALLY ROCK AND STUFF!” – December 24, 2004
In a posting at the official website, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx had this to say: “MERRY F**KING XXX-MAS CRUEFANS! WE ARE BACK WE ARE BACK WE ARE F**KING BACK! YES! IT’S ALL TRUE! ME N TOMMY N VINCE N MICK! YES! F**KING RIGHT ON! ROCKED IT AT THE KIMMEL SHOW! ROCKED IT AT THE BILLBOARD THING! GOT ALL NEW SH** FOR SALE! TOMMY SOUNDS BETTER THAN EVER! MICK IS THE F**KING ROCKINGIST HORSE! AND VINCE IS F**KING CRAZIER THAN EVER! YOU KNOW IF IT’S DYSFUNKTIONAL IT MUST BE CRUE! AND IT IS AND WE ARE! CRUE! CRUE ! CRUE! YOU WANTED THE BEST AND YOU GOT US! HA HA HA! I AM LOOKING OVER NEW T-SHIRT DESIGNS WITH OUR PEOPLE AND TOMMY IS GOING TO BE WORKING ON A NEW CRUE MANBAG FOR ALL THE CRUEFANS TO BUY! WE WILL BE OUT THERE SOON! ONE LAST TIME BEFORE WE DIE! THAT’S HOW WE ARE F**KING LIVING! SO BUY SOME SH** AND COME SEE US LIVE AND WE WILL F**KING SEE YOU ALL THERE! NOW I AM GOING TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS AND PLAY SANTA FOR MY KIDS AND HAVE SEX WITH MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE DONNA WHO I SO TOTALLY AM STOKED TO BE IN LOVE WITH! THE ONLINE STORE IS OPEN! MOTLEY CRUE IS F**KING BACK!” To read the rest of what Nikki had to say click here.
NIGHTWISH Singer Voted “Most Rad” Among Chick Singers In Online Poll. December 24, 2004
According to an online poll conducted by metalchicksarerad.com, Tarja Turunen, singer of Finnish metal act Nightwish, was voted “Most Rad,” among female singers, earning more online votes (63%) than Angela Gossow of Arch Enemy (Sweden) or Leaves’ Eyes singer (ex-Theatre Of Tragedy) Liv Kristine (also from Sweden). Lacuna Coil’s Christina Scabbia (Italy) took second-place, with Evanescence singer Amy Lee (USA) finishing dead last behind Jayne Andrews. Among the anonymous comments from voters, there was this: “Tarja has total DSL! Amy Lee is a cow! But have you seen the rack on the Judas Priest chick? HOLY SHIT!” Andrews, who does not sing, is the manager of Judas Priest. (photo #1; photo #2). To see the entire list, go here.
Ex-Whitesnake, Ex-Blue Murder, Ex-Deep Purple, Ex-Gillian, Ex-Mahogany Rush, Ex-U.F.O Members Jam In L.A. – December 24, 2004
A bunch of old guys from a bunch of old bands got together to play for a radio station Christmas show in L.A. and there were some pictures. To view the pictures, click here.
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