alicecooper

bands/www.alicecooper.com



..:: Biography ::..
The man, the myth, the golf monster and the rock/metal legend...

AGRESSOR

Location :Antibes, France
Website http://www.agressor.fr
Genre (s):Death , Thrash

..:: Biography ::..
Twenty years of existence make AGRESSOR one of the oldest and most experienced bands in European Death Metal history. Founded in 1986, they were one of the first bands playing this kind of music and set the standards for all other bands in this style to follow, in France as well as in Europe.

Back in 1987, AGRESSOR recorded the first ever French Death Metal album - the "Satan's Sodomy" split LP with fellow countrymen LOUDBLAST. The record was released by New Wave Records and re-released in 1994 by Black Mark. Then came two full-length albums: "Neverending Destiny" (Noise Records-1990) and "Towards Beyond" (Black Mark-1992). Thanks to intensive touring (together with LOUDBLAST, WARGASM, SINISTER, festivals with MESSIAH, CORONER SODOM, MORBID ANGEL, etc.) and a worldwide distribution, the band soon became popular.

At this point Alex Colin-Tocquaine (guitar/vocals) was the only one left of the original line-up. With a new line-up, he started recording the third album, named "Symposium of Rebirth" (1994). With this release AGRESSOR went forward in their style, being faithful to their roots, but also exploring new terrains working with the Lyon Philharmonic Classical Orchestra for the recording.

After their U.K. tour with CRADLE OF FILTH in June 1996, Alex started working for Black Mark and also became an official endorsed Ibanez guitarist and the first "Masterclass Guitar School" metal teacher. He also taught at the well-known International Music Academy of Nancy, France. Due to all these activities, AGRESSOR was put on hold for a couple of years.

But the urge to play came back, and Alex started working on fourth album "Medieval Rites", together with long-time partner Joel Guigou (bass). Many different musicians were invited: a flutist, a violinist, trumpeters, an opera female singer, plus guest appearances by well-known figures from the Metal scene: Krell and Christina from BLOODTHORN, as well as drummers Mortem Nielsen (ex MERCYFUL FATE) and Kai Hahto (ROTTEN SOUND, ENOCHIAN CRESCENT).

2000's "Medieval Rites" was a résumé of what AGRESSOR stood and still stands for. From fast, unrelenting old-school thrash songs, to classical, medieval tunes which are now the trademark of the band, this album was a diverse and mature album that only few experienced bands could offer. Two years later, the "The Spirit of Evil" MCD came as an extension of that album, containing one new track, three songs from "Medieval Rites" featuring James Murphy (who couldn't make it on the album for time matters), three live recordings and two video tracks.

That same year, AGRESSOR played in Cannes at Midem with HANOÏ ROCKS. This show is featured on the bonus DVD coming with the new "Deathreat" album.

In 2005, a compilation entitled "The merciless Onslaught" (2005) containing the recordings of the demos from 86 to 89, was released.

At last, 2006 sees the release of the long awaited "Deathreat" album. And contrary to the popular belief that age slows you down, this album is the band's fastest and most aggressive to date. Recorded at LB Lab Studio and mixed by Mad Rafati who also worked on "Medieval Rites", it contains collaboration of Eric Forrest (E-FORCE, EX VOIVOD) for the lyrics to "Order of Chaos" and "Transmutation". Celebrating AGRESSOR's 20th anniversary, "Deathreat" comes in a double digipak including a bonus DVD with the Midem 2002 show, live recordings from 2000, the "Someone to eat" 1996 video, a documentary of the "Symposium of Rebirth" recording sessions as well as an historic photo gallery!

ABORTED

Location :Belgium
Website http://www.goremageddon.be
Genre (s) :
Death

..:: Biography ::..
Belgian melodic/gore-grind mad scientists ABORTED have returned with a new slab of sheer brutality that is destined to take their special brand of aural violence to the next level. Recorded at Denmark’s Antfarm Studios with producer/engineer Tue Madsen (Himsa, The Haunted), and including guest vocal performances by Jeff Walker (ex-Carcass) and Jacob Bredahl (Hatesphere), Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture features sickeningly infectious guitar hooks, inhuman drumming, overwhelming intensity and crushing hooks.

While most extreme bands depend on harsh imagery and gruesome subject matter to obtain some sort of shock value, ABORTED relies more on their musicianship to make jaws drop. Far more sophisticated than your average melodic/gore-grind outfit, the band has been refining their carnal artistry for the past decade.

Founded by vocalist Sven De Caluwe in 1995, the band went on to record such early cult offerings as The Necrotorous Chronicles demo (1997), The Purity of Perversion (1999), their infamous split with Christ Denied (2000) and Engineering The Dead (2001). The latter coincided with their first major European tour, which included Vader, Cryptopsy, Dying Fetus, Kataklysm and Catastrophic. In January of 2002, they would contribute to a four-way spilt CD featuring Misery Index, Brodequin and Drowning, titled Created To Kill.

While Engineering the Dead was a strong death metal opus in its own right, 2003’s Goremageddon, which saw them add a more melodic, Carcass-like influence to their destructive repertoire, quickly started to create a buzz outside of the underground. Not since the release of Entombed’s Left Hand Path had so many artists scrambled to achieve a similar sound. A European tour with Cannibal Corpse and Kataklysm soon followed, as did their The Haematobic EP. Their 2005 platter, The Archaic Abattoir, solidified the band as one of the brightest new stars in the extreme metal genre, and their new album cements their status as one of the scene’s most innovative and exciting artists.

The band has always kept their death metal roots, but at the same time, they have never been afraid to experiment. Had Carcass decided not to throw in the towel and progress in a heavier, tighter and more technically advanced direction, they would probably sound something like ABORTED. Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture is an astounding new album, refreshing, massive and graced with all trademarks of an instant classic: memorable and inventive song structures, over-the-top musicianship, a natural and warm yet up-to-date production and a feel of timelessness rarely seen in the genre nowadays. ABORTED are more than prepared to shatter the boundaries of extreme metal and set new standards.

Sven De Caluwe further describes the new effort: “Expect an album which more or less condenses what we’ve been doing over the last three albums, with some fresh elements added in. It's definitely a lot more extreme, with more solo mayhem than The Archaic Abattoir, while still retaining the groove and melodies we have been building on. We promise that you will not be disappointed.”

ABORTED caught the attention of the entire scene on their first highly successful U.S. tour with Suffocation and labelmates Cryptopsy and Despised Icon last fall. The band plans on aggressively touring the U.S. this year to keep their momentum going strong in support of the new album.

Entombed

Location: Stockholm, Sweden
website http://www.entombed.com
Genre(s): Death

..:: Biography ::..
Sweden's three times Grammy nominated Godfathers of Death 'n' Roll, Entombed continue their 16-year anniversary with a new album in June 2006

Sweden has long since been the modern epicentre of serious metal music, and has produced some of todays leading scene veterans. Even though Entombed are still only in their late twenties, this accolade surely befits them the most. Beginning as the earliest incarnation of a teenage metal band, Entombed have sustained their unique Rot n Roll sound throughout the years, and have even been nominated for Swedish Grammies on three occasions.

Entombed began life in 1987 as Nihilist, consisting of founder members Nicke Andersson, Alex Hellid and, occasionally, L.G. Petrov and Uffe Cederlund. After two years, the band split up only to reform as Entombed a few months later with David Blomqvist replacing Alex. Shortly before recording a demo But Life Goes On, Alex rejoined the band and they signed a deal with Earache Records.

Entombeds first album Left Hand Path was released in 1990, with bass duties being shared between Nicke and Uffe. The following year Lars Rosenburg was recruited as a full-time bass player. Line-up changes continued, however. L.G. Petrov parted company with the band and their second album Clandestine was released featuring vocals from Nicke. The success of the album prompted an extensive tour of Europe and North America. A new vocalist, Johnny Dordevic, was recruited and appeared on a single Stranger Aeons. The track was released to coincide with with the bands headlining appearances on the Gods Of Grind Tour, but by the time the tour started Johnny Dordevic had been replaced by original singer L.G.

Also featuring Carcass, Cathedral and Confessor, the tour showcased the best of the grindcore scene and introduced the band to an extended fanbase. By the time the Wolverine Blues album was released in 1993, Entombed were enjoying considerable success throughout Europe. A number of awards and a support slot with hardcore veterans Napalm Death followed.

Bassist Lars Rosenburg left the band in 1995 after the release of two singles, Out of Hand and a collaboration with New Bomb Turks, Night Of The Vampire. He was replaced by Jorgen Sandstrom, formally bassist/singer in Grave.

The following year marked two major changes for Entombed. They signed to a new management label (Dave Thorne Management) and moved from Earache to Music For Nations. After touring their native Sweden, the band began recording their first album for their new label. To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak The Truth was released in March 1997 to widespread critical acclaim and the band won the coveted support slot on Machine Heads tour, followed by a tour with label-mates Neurosis. In October, however, the band had to cope with another line-up change. Founding member Nicke left to work full-time with his side-project The Hellacopters, but the band immediately recruited Peter Stjarnvind to fill in the tour and on its completion made him a permanent member. More awards followed, including the Kerrang Spirit Of Independence Award and success in many rock magazine readers polls.

1998 saw Entombed taking on the world. Japan and Australia got their first chance to see the bands intense live performances and America welcomed the band back after a seven year absence. The remainder of the year was spent recording Same Difference. The bands first album without chief songwriter Nicke, it was released in November after the band put in a well-received appearance at the UK Ozzfest. Following the recording of a covers EP, Black JuJu, the band took to the road with influential math-metallers Meshuggah.

The bands intense work rate continued into 1999 with yet more touring, this time with Skinlab and Medula Nocte in support. They returned to Australia for another successful round of live shows.

In May, Entombed began to write tracks for what was to become Uprising. The album was recorded at Das Boot studios in Sweden with producer Nico Elgstrand. Continuing their reputation as one of the hardest working bands in rock, the album was recorded and mixed in only 18 days.

Uprisings release in March 2000 was greeted with a phenomenal reception from both fans and critics. A review in Swedens Expressen newspaper stated that the album was Super good, as ever. while Kerrang declared If ever there was an album that should come with a government health warning, Uprising is it.

The band supported Iron Maiden throughout Canada and Europe, as well as embarking on their own shows. At the end of these dates, the band immediately began planning their next album.

Morning Star was released on 3rd September 2001, and was received as one of the most intense and exciting releases of the year.

2002, saw the band, not only perform at the Swedish Royal Opera house with the Royal Ballet Ensemble and get nominated for their second Swedish Grammy, but also celebrate their 15th Anniversary with the release of a double album of all the cover versions the band had recorded in the studio during their career. The album was released in November 2002 and was entitled Sons Of Satan, Praise The Lord.

Entombeds album for 2003 was Inferno, the follow-up to 2001's 'Morning Star' album saw Entombed in unmistakable raw form, and featured some of their best hooks and riffage ever. Recorded in early 2003 at the famed Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, which has been host to Abba and Lenny Kravitz, 'Inferno' was co-produced by Entombed and Per Gunnerfeldt who is best known for his work with The Hives.

September and October European shows had NINE and DISFEAR as support before the band forged a union with KING DIAMOND for US touring throughout October and November. Returning home for the December Scandinavian 'Close-Up Made Us Do It' tour alongside DISFEAR and RAISED FIST In January of 2004 ENTOMBED parted ways with Jörgen Sandström and drafted Nico 'Moosebeach' Elgstrand, formerly of ALBATROSS and TERRA FIRMA, in his stead. .US versions of the 'Inferno' opus released in August through Candlelight added a bonus disc of extra material dubbed 'Averno' comprising two previously unreleased songs from the 'Inferno' sessions and 'When Humanity's Gone' from the 'Inferno' vinyl format.

ENTOMBED headed up a package billing comprising CROWBAR, PRO-PAIN, and THE MIGHTY NIMBUS for US tour dates in February 2005. In early September the band put out an official statement that Uffe Cederlund was "no longer in the band".

In early November ENTOMBED revealed 'Serpent Saints' was to be the title of a new album, set for a September 18th 2006 release through Threeman Recordings. Meanwhile an mini-album entitled "When in Sodom"-Ep saw the light of day 06-06-06 featuring 5 new Entombed songs

Megadeth

Location :[USA]
Website http://www.megadeth.com
Genre (s) :Heavy , Thrash

..:: Biography ::..
2004

January, Dave Mustaine makes an announcement about his good health, the future of Megadeth and upcoming releases.
A new Megadeth album is recorded with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Jimmy Sloas and guest soloist Chris Poland.
Megadeth's back catalougue is re-mixed and re-mastered.

2003

February, Dave Mustaine announces his departure as an endorsee for Jackson Guitars
April, Mustaine performs four Megadeth songs acoustically at a benefit for John Calleo
July, Mustaine attends the summer NAMM convention in Nashville to unveil his new signature ESP guitars.
October, Peace Sells ...But Who’s Buying? is released as an audio dvd presented in Dolby 5.1 surround.

2002

February, Killing Is My Business ...And Business Is Good! is re-mixed, re-mastered, and released
March, the double live album Rude Awakening is released.
April, Megadeth disband after Dave Mustaine suffers a nerve injury in his arm, leaving him unable to play guitar.
September, Still Alive..And Well? is released by Sanctuary.

2001

March, Dave Mustaine and Al Pitrelli begin a world press tour for the new album
April, Megadeth shoots the video for Moto Psycho
April/May, Megadeth begins a short U.S. acoustic tour sponsored by local radio stations.
May, The World Needs A Hero is released.
June, Megadeth spends the summer on a world tour playing festivals, opening for AC/DC
September, Megadeth tours the US, with Endo opening on the west coast and Iced Earth on the east.
October, Megadeth’s VH1 Behind The Music special is released on dvd.
November, Megadeth plays last two shows of TWNAH tour in Arizona filming both for a live album and dvd.

2000

Al Pitrelli joins the band replacing Marty Friedman.
The band starts work on it's 10th release.
Megadeth leaves Capitol Records.
Megadeth signs with Sanctuary Records.
"Kill the King" is number one most added song at rock radio.
Megadeth releases Capitol Punishment: The Megadeth Years.
The band returns to the studio in LA to finish recording their new release.
Megadeth closes out the millenium in Anchorage, Alaska with the promise of a web broadcast of the New Years Eve show.

1999

Megadeth enters the studio with producer Dann Huff in Nashville to record their follow up to Cryptic Writings.
Megadeth spend the summer playing radio shows, and eventually join Iron Maiden for a European tour in September.
"Crush 'Em" is released on the Universal Soldier 2 Soundtrack and eventually makes its way into NHL arenas and WCW.
Risk is released on August 31, 1999.

1998

January 28th, Dave Mustaine's daughter, Electra, is born.
Megadeth takes part in "Ozzfest'98".
July, Nick Menza and Megadeth have parted ways.
July, Jimmy DeGrasso is hired as Megadeth's drummer.
October 23rd, David Ellefson's daughter Athena is born.

1997

June, Megadeth releases Cryptic Writings.
Remix of Megadeth's "Almost Honest" included on Mortal Kombat Annihilation Soundtrack.

1996

Dave Mustaine collaborates with Lee Ving of Fear on MD.45, The Craving.
David Ellefson's son, Roman Alexander, is born.

1995

January, Megadeth's "Diadems" featured on Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight Soundtrack.
January to February, "Youth" worldwide tour with Corrosion of Conformity.
March, Megadeth releases Hidden Treasures compilation in Europe.
May, Evolver: The Making of Youthanasia video is released.
July, Megadeth releases Hidden Treasures compilation in USA and Japan.
July to August, "Reckoning Day" tour with Flotsam and Jetsam, Korn and Fear Factory.

1994

Halloween, Megadeth releases Youthanasia, plays on MTV's "Night of the Living Megadeth".
October, Megadeth covers "Paranoid" for Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath.

1993

Dave Mustaine makes a guest appearance on Diamond Head's Death and Progress.
Megadeth plays Milton Keynes Bowl with Diamond Head and Metallica.
Megadeth opens for Iron Maiden for a few dates on their European Tour.
Aerosmith kicks Megadeth off their American "Get A Grip" tour, Jackyl takes their place.
Pantera opens for Megadeth's "Countdown to Extinction" Tour.
June, Megadeth's "Angry Again" featured on Last Action Hero soundtrack.
November, Megadeth's "99 Ways to Die" featured on The Beavis and Butthead Experience Soundtrack.

1992

May, Megadeth's "Breakpoint" featured on Super Mario Bros Soundtrack.
July, Megadeth releases Countdown to Extinction.
November, Exposure of a Dream video is released.
Megadeth tours the USA with Stone Temple Pilots.
Dave Mustaine covers Democratic national convention for MTV.
Dave Mustaine's son, Justis, is born.

1991

March, Megadeth opens for Judas Priest, in support of their new album Painkiller.
April, Dave Mustaine gets married to Pamela Anne Casselberry.
April, Rusted Pieces video is released.
July, Megadeth's "Go to Hell" featured on Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey Soundtrack.
US "Clash of the Titans" tour featuring Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth, and opener Alice in Chains.

1990

January, Megadeth covers Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" for Wes Craven's Shocker Soundtrack, their only song as a three-piece band.
February, Marty Friedman is hired as Megadeth's lead guitarist.
October, Megadeth releases Rust in Peace.
October, Megadeth joins Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, and Testament for "Clash of the Titans" tour.

1989

Jeff Young and Chuck Behler are fired.
Mustaine is arrested for impaired driving, forced to clean up in 12-step program.
July, Nick Menza, is hired as Megadeth's drummer.

1988

March, Megadeth releases So Far, So Good... So What!
Megadeth opens for Dio on US and Canadian tour.
Megadeth featured in acclaimed documentary, Decline of Western Civilization 2: The Metal Years.
August, Megadeth plays Castle Donnington with KISS, and Iron Maiden as the headliner.
Megadeth opens for the "Monsters of Rock" tour.
Megadeth cancels Australian tour.
Dave Mustaine helps produce Sanctuary's Refuge Denied.

1987

February, Megadeth opens for Alice Cooper's "Constrictor" tour.
Megadeth tours with Mercyful Fate.
Chuck Behler hired as Megadeth's drummer.
Jay Reynolds of Malice helps out Megadeth until they find a suitable. replacement for Chris Poland, guitarist Jeff Young.

1986

Cliff Burton dies in bus accident.
November, Megadeth releases Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?.
Capitol Records signs Megadeth, gets rights to Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? from Combat.
Overkill opens for Megadeth on "Wake Up Dead" tour.
Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson are fired after last show of tour in Hawaii.

1985

May, Megadeth releases Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!

1984

Lee Rausch is replaced by Gar Samuelson.
Chris Poland is hired to fill the gap Kerry King helped with.
November, Megadeth is signed to Combat records.

1983

March, Cliff Burton's first gig with Metallica.
April, Dave Mustaine is fired from Metallica, Kirk Hammet leaves Exodus to replace him.
Metallica's first album, Kill 'Em All, is released.
Dave Mustaine gets together with bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Kerry King, and drummer Lee Rausch to form Megadeth.
Kerry King assists Megadeth on tour and then returns to Slayer.
December 31st, Mustaine becomes Megadeth's singer.

1982

Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield form Metallica.
Dave Mustaine leaves Panic and joins Metallica.
Ron McGovney is hired as Metallica's bassist.
March, Metallica's first gig at Radio City in Anaheim.
March, Metallica opens for Saxon on their "Denim and Leather" tour.
April, Brad Parker (a.k.a. Damian Phillips) is hired as Metallica's second guitarist. He leaves band after one gig, Metallica's only day as a five-piece band.
May, James Hetfield takes up rhythm guitar in addition to vocals.
June, "Hit the Lights" is included on Metal Massacre compilation.
Rare demo album No Life 'til Leather is released.
December, Cliff Burton leaves Trauma to replace Ron McGovney.

Source : http://www.megadeth.com