IN EUROPE, PT II 4/27/2004 “Hello. It seems like it has been so long since the last update, since there has been so much traveling between countries. However, now it’s Tuesday the 27th and we’re in Graz, Austria. By far, this is the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen – the fields, the mountains, cottages, very epic. As far as how things have been going, London comes to the top of my head – a sold out show at the infamous London Astoria. Just a great show. Anyone who was there, we are playing at the Underworld May 4, 9:30 showtime. Last night we played in Nurnberg, Germany. We were in the middle of the woods. There were peacocks around, a zoo next door. I had bad vibes about the place, but it turned out to be a great show. I’d also like to thank Nordert from Meinel Cymbals for coming out. Other than that, all the other shows have been great …I saw a guy riding a bike get hit by a car in Germany, the food has been great, and a lot of bread.” -John Boecklin Did you catch the guys on their recent support slot to In Flames? Mike Burton did, and emailed us in this review from the show… “DEVILDRIVER @ LONDON ASTORIA__APRIL 24th. Well, now my ears have stopped ringing and I can finally reflect on what happened on Saturday, I feel it is only right to acknowledge what a great show DEVILDRIVER put on on Saturday. After I arrived a couple of hours early at the Astoria, in order to see the bands full glory, the crowd was welcomed by a local band (DISFEAR) and then CALIBAN who were known by many at the gig. Then was the turn of DEVILDRIVER! Many came to the gig with impressions of the band, judging the band and it’s music on DEZ’s former band COAL CHAMBER. Those that did not feel that DEVILDRIVER were worth the entrance fee would be wrong, as DEVILDRIVERs first show in the UK was one to be remembered. Tearing up the venue with most of the tracks off the album, DEVILDRIVER turned the already frenzied pit into that of a war zone has everyone enjoyed the set. Paying tribute to his father, Dez took a moment to encourage the crowd to follow their dreams as anything is possible! Though this sounds a bit cheesy, it gave a bit of light relief from the onslaught that followed. Though only a support band to the main act IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER did not go unnoticed and did a great job on what was a stunning night. IN FLAMES even commented on the fact that ‘DEVILDRIVER is bringing back heavy metal how it is meant to be’. This comment from such a great band clearly shows the respect that many have for DEVILDRIVER, which, in my opinion, is truly deserved.” Mike Burton

Dirty Americans Nottingham – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3052 London – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3111 Manchester – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3064 Glasgow – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3057 Killswitch Engage/Chimaira Exeter – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?2992 Portsmouth – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3074 Liverpool – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3082 Wolverhampton – awaiting confirmation Manchester – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3063 Nottingham – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3053 Glasgow – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3100 London – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3065 Oxford – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?2958 36 Crazyfists Exeter – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?3014 Oxford – http://www.wegottickets.com/gig.asp?2981 Donington Festival – http://www.wegottickets.com/download.asp

Did you know DevilDriver played a show in London with In Flames this Saturday just gone? And mighty fine it was too, the guys blasting out the likes of Nothing’s Wrong?, I Could Care Less, Cry For Me Sky, Die, The Mountain, What Does It Take, and Meet The Wretched! Sami, who runs our street team here, caught up with Jeff for a few lighthearted questions after the show… *What was the last CD you bought/blagged? The New FF- They are BACK!! *Jager or Absinthe? Jager *Vodka or Whisky? Whisky *Beer or Cider? Absolutely beer, but the cider is better in the UK. *You’ve been touring pretty much non stop so far this year. What are your top 5 tour memories? 1- First show with Superjoint Ritual, and getting to hang out with Phil Anselmo 2- Touring with In Flames 3- Coming to Europe- I have never toured here before 4- Playing the London Astoria 5- Knowing we are on Ozzfest! *Out of the band who: -Eats the most? Me -Drinks the most? Johnny B -Sleeps the most? Johnny B -Cracks the most jokes? Johnny B and Jon -Is most successful with the laideeeeze! Me- but only because I make the most valiant effort! Catch DevilDriver in London on May 4th at the Camden Underworld!

Did you know it’s Joey Jordison’s birthday today? Yes it is. Born April 26, 1975, Slipknots/Murderdolls Joey is the ripe old age of 29 today. Many happy returns from all here, we hope it’s a good ‘un.

Canadian rockers NICKELBACK return to the UK this June for a string of shows and the release of a new single, ‘Figured You Out’ on 21st June. NICKELBACK, who recently picked up 2 gongs at the JUNO Awards (the Canadian Grammys) for ‘Best Group’ and the ‘Fan Choice’ vote, will drop in to play the following shows: Monday 14th June – MANCHESTER Apollo (0870-401-8000, 0161-832-1111) Tuesday 15th June – GLASGOW Carling Academy (0870-771-2000) Thursday 17th June – WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall (01902-552121) Friday 18th June – LONDON Hammersmith Apollo (0870-606-3400, 0870-771-2000, 0207-287-0932) Tickets are on sale now, priced 퉌£23.50 in London and 퉌£21.50 regionally, from box offices and all usual agents. Alternatively you can buy online from www.gigsandtours.com.

Hot from the US press office… SLIPKNOT’S “DUALITY” DOMINATES! #1 MOST ADDED AT ROCK RADIO FORMATS New York, NY – Slipknot’s single, “DUALITY” debuts as this week’s #1 most added track at Modern and Active Rock radio. Over 100 stations across the nation worked the record into their playlists, making this one of the most triumphant radio kick-offs in Roadrunner Records history. The tremendously successful kick-off to the radio campaign, coupled with Slipknot’s headlining stint on the Jagermeister Music Tour, sets the stage for the release of the band’s highly-anticipated album, VOL. 3: (THE SUBLIMINAL VERSES) on May 24, 2004. The Active Rock panel was nearly closed this week, all but 8 reporters adding “Duality”. Modern Rock adds feature numerous major market stations such as WXRK (Krock NY), KROQ (Krock LA), WAAF (Boston, MA), WHFS (Washington, DC), KITS (San Francisco, CA) and WZZN and Q101 (Chicago, IL). Metal radio saw the band’s 2-song sampler (containing “Duality” and “Pulse Of The Maggots”) debut at #1 Most Added at CMJ Crucial Spins and FMQB and debut at #1 on the MediaGuide chart. The CMJ Loud Rock Chart and the R&R chart had the band in their Top 3 records this week as well. Produced by Rick Rubin, VOL. 3 has critics showing enthusiastic support of the band’s new dynamic and diverse sound. Revolver clamors, “The disc does feature an impressive whisper-to-a-scream vocal performance by Taylor on ‘Duality,’ the record’s first single, but overall, the vibe is more a return to classic hard rock than nu-metal.” Metal Edge calls it, “í¢ä‰åŒ_Slipknot’s most epic statement to date”. FHM adds, “The new album untitled at press time is a feast of rage and noise that’s more innovative than their previous two discs.” Slipknot has unveiled their new look and sound to fans across the globe through their newly re-vamped website: www.slipknot1.com. A special edition version of the CD will be available on street date that serves as a key to access exclusive content on the band’s site, including a brand new studio track, recording footage and more. Fans should bookmark the band’s site and roadrunnerrecords.com for up to the minute announcements on tour dates and special promotions. Slipknot are currently finishing up the remaining dates of the Jagermeister Music Tour, and will immediately follow it up with a European run of dates with Metallica. The band will then return to the states as the headliners of Ozzfest 2004’s second stage.

Following their slot at this year’s Download Festival on 6th June, HATEBREED are set to play three UK shows as special guests of Anthrax. Frontman Jamey Jasta, host of MTV’s ‘Headbangers Ball’ and his hardcore crew, will play the following dates: June 13th – Nottingham Rock City June 14th – London, Astoria June 15th – Manchester, Academy II HATEBREED’s current album, ‘The Rise Of Brutality’ is in stores now. Look out for the video of ‘Live For This’ hitting a music channel near you soon. Also look out for Jamey hosting ‘Headbangers Ball’ on Tuesday nights on MTV at 10pm.

FEAR FACTORY ‘Hanging With Burton’ – Kerrang! 3-page feature – Rocksound 7/10 album review – Rocksound SLIPKNOT 4K Live review – Kerrang! Sleeve artwork/maggot mask news story – Kerrang! KILLSWITCH ENGAGE 9/10 lead album review – Rocksound ‘About Me’ with Howard – Kerrang! SCARLET 2-page feature – Rocksound

So you want even more new Slipknot?? The second brand new track ‘Welcome’ went live yesterday on the band’s official website. And you can pick up a special cheat code from the following two retail sites… nice! Not only that, you can now pre-order the new album from both sites too! VIRGIN MEGASTORE HMV Check it out!!

So, Killswitch Engage are currently rocking up Japan. Before they left, we pinned down their affable guitarist Adam D for an attempt at a few serious questions… What’s the hardest part about making the new album? When you’re in the middle of a ‘hot track’ and you feel the overwhelming urge to make ‘hot faeces’. You mentioned when we were talking recently that with each KSE album you produce, it gets harder and harder to do. Why is that? Surely it gets easier the more you do? Cause I get drunker and drunker each record. Being a producer, and a musician, you must see both sides of the coin í¢ä‰åäóì does it give you a unique perspective on the music industry? I see twice as much crap than most people in the industryí¢ä‰åŒ_. Oh my life hurts. Actually I stay out of all the industry stuff. It would make me go insane. What do you think makes a good producer? Is it just technical skill, or is creative flair just as important? A good producer should embellish on a bands strengths, and try to eliminate the weaknesses. He should also get the band drunk and laugh when they play really bad. Oh yeah, creative flair is good too. What recent albums do you think are shining examples of excellent production? Most Radiohead records, that Nigel Godricn dude is good at creating scenes. Also I like that Sigur Ros record. As the producer, and a member of the band, what did you look for when choosing who would mix the record? Andy Sneap is pretty much the only dude I trust with that stuff. That dude is a musical janitor… keeping shit clean, keeping shit tight. You’re a self-confessed workaholic. When you’re not touring, you’re producing. When you’re not touring, or producing, you’re writing. Don’t you ever find you want to shout ‘stop the world, I want to get off?’ Naah, I like my shit busy. If I had free time, I’d probably do something stupid, like build a pirate ship from beef jerky. Spending so much time travelling around, working long days, has got to play havoc with a ‘normal’ life outside of the band. Although you have a lot of fans, do you miss it? Adam D needs friends… oh sooo lonely. Hot girls, I need YOU… You are your own worst critic. What is your biggest worry about the new album? That it sucks. Oh, wait… It does. HA HA! How would you say this album is a progression from ‘Alive Or Just Breathing?’ The metal is more ‘METAL’. And the gay melodic bits are more ‘GAY’ and ‘MELODIC’. WEEE! It’s April. And every year we get April Fools Day. What are the best pranks you have ever played, or know of? What is the KSE guide to a great April Fools Day? I pied my mom. I’m gonna pie the bitches in my band when I see them again. Pie-tastic. We’ve just announced the new UK tour in June. Are you looking forward to coming back over here? What are your memories from RoadRage? God, I love it here. Hot curries, brown sauce, chicken and mushroom pies, BEER! Oh yeah, good fans too. Why did you choose Shadows Fall & God Forbid to tour with on your co-headline run with Chimaira? I didn’t choose them! They’re all queer! Gayer than a Springtime Picnic! HA HA, just kidding, they’re all friends so I can say that, except for Shadows Fall. They accept man-seed for show payment. ‘The End Of Heartache’ is released May 10th. You can vote the band as Best International Act in the 2004 Metal Hammer Awards HERE.