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01/06/2006: "Metal News: Week 1, 2006 (1/6/6)"
~ Japanese All-Girl Band GALLHAMMER Sign With PEACEVILLE RECORDS ~
Peaceville Records has announced the signing of GALLHAMMER. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, this three-girl combo is anything but what you’ve come to expect from the polite and serene land of the rising sun.
Peaceville are currently compiling GALLHAMMER's first major European release which will be a retrospective look over their material from previous underground releases, coupled with a DVD of an awesome performance in Tokyo "which has to be seen to be believed," according to a press release. "We apologize in advance for any fright caused when watching this crustcore combo in action. It would be lost in translation to try to explain, but they achieve some kind of trance-like state fed on horrendously loud feedback which Jonas Renkse of KATATONIA described as 'scary'."
GALLHAMMER will enter an as yet undetermined Tokyo studio in the spring to record the first full album for Peaceville and a host of producers are being vetted for the mix.
Musically inspired by long forgotten U.K. crust bands AXEGRINDER and AMEBIX, but with a heavy dose of modern brutality ala AUTOPSY, DARKTHRONE, and a nod to CELTIC FROST / HELLHAMMER, this outfit are a breath of stale air in a fresh market.
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~ GORGOROTH: Polish Authorities Drop Investigation Over Controversial Gig ~
In February 2004, GORGOROTH was at the center of controversy in Poland following a scandalous live performance in a TV studio in the city of Krakow.
The Norwegian black metal band were investigated for causing religious offense after a show that included dozens of sheep heads on stakes, a literal bloodbath, satanic symbols and naked, crucified women.
The concert in Krakow was broadcast by state TV station TVP and the resulting scandal was the center of attention in Polish media. The band were investigated for causing religious offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. The Polish police also investigated a possible act of cruelty to animals.
Nearly two years after the incident, the district attorney's office in Krakow have decided to drop the investigation into whether GORGOROTH committed any criminal acts, the Norwegian newspaper VG reports in its January 4, 2006 edition. However, the producer of the TV show will be prosecuted and faces two years in prison.
The police investigation concluded that the members of GORGOROTH were unaware of the fact that under Polish law it is a criminal offence to offend people's religious beliefs.
One of the women who were crucified on a cross was so shocked that she passed out and was taken to a hospital.
"Tomasz K, the owner of the production company Metal Mind Promotion, who produced the show, was aware of the fact that the stage set contained satanic symbols that could offend Polish catholics — thus being against the law. The producer did not inform GORGOROTH that they were doing something that violates Polish laws,” the spokesperson Boguslawa Marcinkowska at the district attorney's office in Krakow told the news agency PAP.
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~ Members of SATYRICON, NECROPHAGIA, KEEP OF KALESSIN Launch MORNIGSTAR RECORDS ~
Morningstar Records, the new Norwegian record company founded by KEEP OF KALESSIN mainman/SATYRICON guitarist Arnt O. Grönbech, was launched with the goal of establishing itself as a solid independent label run by musicians for musicians.
"Our intention is not to climb the ladder up through the underground, but to start no-holds-barred, from the first release being 'Genocide' by the Norwegian death metal band BLOODTHORN, their fourth studio album marking their 10th year from their first release in 1996," the label said in a press release.
Commented Grönbech: "I was totally blown away when I heard the new BLOODTHORN album 'Genocide' during their mixing session in Godt Selskap studio, and I simply chose to buy the European rights for this crushing album. This is the album that will give the label a flying start, and prove the labels right to life!"
Morningstar Records will focus on quality not quantity, and with the Head of Business and two producers from Godt Selskap Studio (known for recordings by bands like NECROPHAGIA, KEEP OF KALESSIN, GRIFFIN, CHTON, MANIFEST, etc.) on board, this close co-operation with Godt Selskap will give Morningstar Records an advantage by ensuring professional recordings for all of their artists. Plastichead, Morningstar Records' world distributor, and will make sure the music can be found in most retail stores, as well as specialist stores, across the globe.
Visit: http://www.morningstarrec.com/pages/downloads/hi-res/morningstar_lo-res.jpg
to see a picture of the Morningstar Records staff.
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~ Malaysian Muslim And Christian Groups Caution Against Listening To Black Metal Music ~
Malaysia's The Star Online has issued the following report:
Some Muslim and Christian groups have called on music lovers to abstain from listening to black metal music.
Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president Yusri Mohamad said that although a person might only enjoy the melody and not believe in the lyrics, it was still religiously and morally wrong.
"You listen to the lyrics and you sing the words. Even though you don't believe in them, you are still uttering the words," he said.
National Evangelical Christian Fellowship secretary-general Rev Wong Kim Kong said those who claimed that they did not believe in the lyrics might still fall prey to Satan.
"The music will still have a subtle spiritual influence on the listener. It creates a doorway for Satan to step in and take over the person’s religious beliefs," he said.
However, Rev Wong admitted that not every listener should be accused of Satan worship.
Johor Baru Jesuit priest Father Jojo Fung, however, said the most important thing was the maturity of listeners.
"Many youths use the music to express themselves. Black metal is a subculture that is flying in the faith of the dominant culture.
"We cannot simply marginalise these youths and say that they are wrong to listen to such music.
"As a priest, my advice is anyone who wants to listen to such music should be more watchful over the influence the music holds over them. Take care in seeing whether the music starts to numb your faith and takes you away from your religion.
"Of course, the anti-Christ ideology is rejected by the Catholic Church but at the same time, we must recognise that many use this kind of music as a form of social protest.
"Do not sit back and judge them without understanding why they are subjecting themselves to the culture," he added.
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~ GORGOROTH Guitarist Denies Raping Woman, Claims Sex Was Consensual ~
GORGOROTH guitarist Infernus (real name: Roger Tiegs) went before a Norwegian court earlier today (Jan. 3) to appeal the three-year prison sentence he received last year for rape. The incident happened April 27, 2004 when Tiegs and a friend brought a 29-year-old woman they met at a nightclub called Garage in Bergen back to Tiegs' apartment after closing hours. The two men allegedly punched the woman in the face and forced her to have sex with them. Tiegs, 33, and his 32-year-old friend (who received the same sentence) admitted that they had sex with the woman, but claimed it was consensual. The defendants both appealed the verdict.
"She's lying," stated Tiegs as he took the stand today in the Gulating court of appeals.
According to Bergens Tidende, Tiegs' friend (whose identity has not been disclosed) claimed in court that the woman invited them to have sex with her after Tiegs undressed at the steamy afterparty.
"All of a sudden he stood there, completely naked," the co-defendant said. "Not that that in itself was particularly sensational. He has a tendency of getting naked at afterparties. It has happened before."
Tiegs admits to having had sex with the woman, but says he can't remember having intercourse with her. He claims he had a blackout after consuming large amounts of beer, wine and liquor.
"Things gradually become more blurry," Tiegs told the court. "I remember the police sirens and waking up in a cell."
However, he does recall taking off all his clothes to create a "funny and exciting situation."
"I'm an exhibitionist," stated the guitarist.
Prosecutor Gert Kjelby immediately linked Tiegs' unusual behavior to his music career. He asked Tiegs if he can't live out all his exhibitions in black metal. "Not enough, it would seem," responded the guitarist.
When Tiegs claimed the woman was lying about the events at his apartment, the prosecutor asked: "How would you know since you say that you blacked out?"
"I've seen her have sex with [my friend] and me," responded Tiegs. "So at least she's partially lying."
However, Tiegs couldn't explain why the woman fled from the apartment wearing only a towel. His friend says the reason is that Tiegs had screamed at her and called her a "stupid whore."
"I can come across as emotionally cold," admitted Tiegs. "It's quite possible that I yelled at her, but I can't remember. I can't rule it out."
The GORGOROTH guitarist also admitted that he can appear as aggressive and threatening, but claims that he's never used violence.
"I may very well have scared her verbally. I remember that I in the past have thrown people out after having had sex with them."
Tomorrow, January 4, the woman takes the stand.
On May 5, 2005, Tiegs and his friend were each ordered to pay 100,000 NOK (approximately $15,000) in court costs and an additional 55,000 NOK (approximately $8,300) in punitive damages.
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~ TERRORIZER Sign With CENTURY MEDIA, Announce New Lineup ~
Reunited grindcore pioneers TERRORIZER have inked a deal with Century Media Records.
"This is a big step in the process for everyone involved with TERRORIZER and we are pleased to announce the great news," commented TERRORIZER guitarist Jesse Pintado (formerly of NAPALM DEATH).
The new TERRORIZER incarnation will consist of one half of its original lineup. Pintado will grind out the guitars and Pete Sandoval (MORBID ANGEL) will play some of the fastest drumming in recorded history. Introducing themselves to the TERRORIZER fold are guitarist Tony Norman (MORBID ANGEL, MONSTROSITY) and vocalist Tony Militia (RESISTANT CULTURE). Many people have asked why Oscar Garcia (NAUSEA) and David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL) are not returning. Simply put, Oscar is no longer interested in TERRORIZER and wants to focus on his own band NAUSEA.
Regarding what the fans can expect from the group's long-awaited new release, Pintado said, "It will be different but in the TERRORIZER vein." There are reportedly talks of introducing classical piano parts, industrial noise parts and chants on the new record. A 13-minute-plus song is in the works as well as some of the fastest drumming ever put to tape. Recording sessions are set to begin in January 2006. A late spring release is tentatively expected.
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~ VITAL REMAINS To Make Rare New England Appearance With GLEN BENTON ~
VITAL REMAINS will be making a rare New England appearance featuring Glen Benton of DEICIDE on lead vocals on January 28 at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island. The group's lineup will also feature Ralph Santolla (DEICIDE, DEATH, ICED EARTH) on lead guitar, Dave Suzuki on drums and Ron Greene on bass. Also appearing on the bill will be Boston doom legends GRIEF, SIN OF ANGELS, I, DESTROYER, and TERATISM.
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~ Brazil's KRISIUN Talk About Upcoming DVD Release ~
Brazilian extreme metallers KRISIUN have crafted not just a new album, "AssassiNation", but a full-length DVD, entitled "Live Armageddon", as well (both slated for a Feb. 21 North American release via Century Media).
The band's first DVD, "Live Armageddon" documents their decimating stage performance. "It was the best concert footage we ever filmed," says guitarist Moyses Kolesne about the recordings from Poland's Metalmania 2004 festival, which comprise the first 45 minutes of the DVD. "The crew was really professional. When they filmed our performance, the stage was set up with only our backline, so the stage looked great. The set we recorded we'd aggressively been playing on the European tour with MORBID ANGEL, so the songs were really tight, and the crowd gave us a great response. We weren't able to have a soundcheck before we played, but we still had no wimpy overdubs on the final product. It's just us blasting through a really strong set."
"Live Armageddon" also includes 12 songs filmed at a live show in KRISIUN's hometown, Sao Paulo. It also contains three bootlegged songs from KRISIUN's 2001 Wacken Open Air Festival appearance. Moyses continues explaining why the band chose to use this footage: "A German friend of ours, Alex, shot this footage. It's a little raw, but what you see is that we are having a great time, and that the crowd is just going nuts. There is this huge moshpit, and the sound is really strong." Wrapping up the DVD is footage from the "Works of Carnage" recording sessions and the "Murderer" video clip.
KRISIUN will be touring North America with MORBID ANGEL and BEHEMOTH on "The Monsters of Chaos Tour" beginning in early April.
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~ CELTIC FROST Explain Album Delay ~
CELTIC FROST men Tom Gabriel Fischer (guitar, vocals) and Martin Eric Ain (bass) recently talked to U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine about the reasons for the long delay in the recording of their first new album in 15 years, "Monotheist".
Tom: "Everything you can think of happened. I cannot describe it any other way. From technical problems to personal problems to song writing developement — anything you can imagine. With hindsight I'm glad we let it mature because now it's exactly where we imagined it would be when we first talked about this. Any time before would have been nice for that f ans — I've read all the complaints on the CELTIC FROST board."
Martin: "You should keep in mind in that regard that this wasn't about a band writing an album, it was about forming a band and writing an album. We had to get ourselves back together again and redefine our relationship. We had loose contact over the years, and I'd been out of the gamefor years and had to get myself into CELTIC FROST mode. We also had to find a drummer. So it was forming a band and then writing the material."
Tom: "We recorded tons of demos that nobody will ever hear. Some are finished and mixed, some are just basics. That was very important for the gestation of this album. Also, we were under no obligation to release an album by a certain date. This wasn't a band coming back together because management and record company offered a lot of money. we did it because we wanted to. We had total independence. We did the album on our own time and since we had already waited 15 years, what difference would a month or 10 months make? We wanted to make the album the way it needed to be."
CELTIC FROST's first album in 13 years, "Monotheist" will be released during the spring on an as-yet-undisclosed label. The culmination of some three and a half years of songwriting and recording work, the album was largely produced by the band themselves and financed by their own production company, with additional assistance from HYPOCRISY / PAIN mastermind Peter Tägtgren during the final recording and mixing sessions at Horus Sound Studio in Hanover, Germany. Original CELTIC FROST members Fischer (voice and guitars) and Martin Eric Ain (bass) are joined by Erol Unala (guitar) and Franco Sesa (drums). The band are now managed by Antje Lange for The A Label in Berlin, Germany.
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