KAMELOT Poetry Contest

You know by now that Kamelot's North American tour has been postponed due to singer Roy Khan's illness, so I'm waiting here on word that their show at First Avenue in Minneapolis will be rescheduled. Their new album, Poetry For The Poisoned, was just released, and Kamelot has announced a poetry contest. Entries should be submitted by email to poetry@kamelot.com by Thursday, September 30. You can create any form of poetry that is Kamelot-related, such as a song, an album, or what the band's music means to you. The band will select their top five favorites, and these winners will receive a Kamelot T-shirt, an autographed poster, and more.

Now for some silliness! I decided to have some fun with this contest and thought I'd share my poetry entry. Since I went to Steelheart's recent show at G.B. Leighton's Pickle Park in Fridley (review is coming shortly!), I thought I'd pay homage to Kamelot by adapting a Steelheart song. This is intended to be sung to Steelheart's classic power ballad "I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)". You can follow along while watching Steelheart perform the original at their recent show in Fridley.

I'll Always Crank It Up (Kamelot)

Kamelot

You mean a lot

Such a sound that lights up my life oh

You're a band come true

I love each and every tune

And I'll always, always crank it up

I will always crank it up

First time my ears heard Roy's voice

All my screams were answered

First time I heard Tom's guitars

My loyalty I do pledge

I'll always crank it up

Your band's the greatest find

You're the only band for me

You're all I hear

And I'll always, always crank it up

Kamelot

My blood runs hot

On the songs you share with me

You never let me down

You're always in my mind

And I'll always, always crank it up

I will always crank it up

When the amps cease to rumble

And the curtain starts to fall

The songs stay close within me

And give me strength to soldier on

I'll always crank it up

Your band's the greatest find

You're the only band for me

You're all I hear

And I'll always, always crank it up

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KATATONIA Guitars Stolen At Station 4 Saturday

Blabbermouth is reporting that Katatonia had two guitars stolen at their show at Station 4 in St. Paul this past Saturday night (September 18) with Swallow The Sun, Orphaned Land, and Cold Colours. Despite this, the band continued on with their show resulting in a myriad of technical problems. Katatonia asks that everyone "keep an eye out for the guitars on pawn shops, Craigslist, eBay, etc. etc., and let us know immediately if they show up. Apologies go out to our fans in Minnesota for having to go through this." The stolen guitars were actually the ones to be given away through a contest at the end of the tour, and a picture of the guitars is published below. They are black Mayones Setius guitars, and were stolen along with the straps and wireless transmitters.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this show, but was anyone that was there have any comments to add to this? It's really sad that someone would do this, and it really puts a black mark on Station 4. If this show proceeded like every other show I've seen at Station 4, Katatonia likely had their gear sitting in the North corner of the room across from the bar (near the women's restroom).

Brian from Cold Colours added a comment to the Blabbermouth article stating that "I am working with the tour and local promoters in finding out any information about the missing guitars. If anyone knows anything please contact myself or Nathan (MN promoter) [SwordLord Productions]."

Brian's email: coldcolours [at] yahoo.com

Nathan's email: PlazaGuy6ft5 [at] aol.com

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St. Paul Included On Upcoming Rotting Christ Tour

The Greek black/death metal band Rotting Christ will headline a Spring 2011 North American tour that hits all regions of the US, including a show at Station 4 in St. Paul on Sunday, March 20. They will be joined by Holland's Melechesh, Poland's Hate, Abigail Williams, and Lecherous Nocturne. Rotting Christ will be supporting their recently released Aealo album. The complete tour itinerary is as follows:

March 9 - Springfield, VA, Jaxx

March 10 - Trenton, NJ, Championship Bar & Grill

March 11 - Rochester, NY, Montage Music Hall

March 12 - Manchester, NH, Rocko's

March 13 - Worcester, MA, The Palladium

March 14 - Farmingdale, NY, Crazy Donkey

March 15 - Montreal, QC, Petite Campus

March 16 - Toronto, ON, Mod Club

March 17 - Detroit, MI, Blondie's

March 18 - Cleveland, OH, Peabody's

March 19 - Chicago, IL, Reggie's Rock Club

March 20 - St. Paul, MN, Station 4

March 22 - Calgary, AB, The Republik

March 23 - Edmonton, AB, Starlite Room

March 25 - Seattle, WA, El Corazon

March 26 - Portland, OR, Hawthorne Theatre

March 27 - San Francisco, CA, DNA Lounge

March 28 - Anaheim, CA, Chain Reaction

March 29 - Hollywood, CA, Key Club

March 30 - San Diego, CA, Brick By Brick

March 31 - Mesa, AZ, UB's Bar

April 1 - Amarillo, TX, The War Legion Underground

April 2 - Tulsa, OK, The Marquee

April 3 - Ft. Worth, TX

April 4 - Austin, TX, Emo's

April 5 - Houston, TX, Walter's

April 7 - Tampa, FL, Brass Mug

April 8 - Atlanta, GA, The Masquerade

April 9 - Raleigh, NC, Volume 11

April 10 - Charlotte, NC, The Casbah

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Album Review Recap

There's a few bands coming to town yet in September whose latest albums I've previously reviewed. In case you missed them, here's a short recap. Click on the links to read the full reviews.

Revocation - Existence Is Futile (Relapse) - 9/10

Misery Index - Heirs To Thievery (Relapse) - 9/10

Revocation and Misery Index perform tonight, Thursday, September 16 at Station 4 in St. Paul as support to Despised Icon.

Swallow The Sun - New Moon (Spinefarm) - 9/10

Swallow The Sun's last performance in St. Paul with Finntroll and Moonsorrow on April 17, 2010 was reviewed here.

Swallow The Sun performs this Saturday, September 18 at Station 4 in St. Paul as direct support to Katatonia with Orphaned Land and Cold Colours.

Slash - Slash (EMI) - 7/10

Slash performs Thursday, September 23 at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina.

Alation - Demo (Self-released) - 9/10 (updated here)

Alation's performance in Minneapolis with Echoterra on May 21, 2010 was reviewed here.

Alation performs Friday, September 24 at the Star Bar & Grill in Columbia Heights with Ugly Beauty and Bloodtrust.

CAIN Interview With Vocalist Jiggs Lee

As I scanned the fine print of an ad for the Mid-America Music (MAM) Hall Of Fame Induction Show in a local newsweekly a couple weeks ago, I was shocked to see Cain listed as a performing inductee. Could this indeed be the legendary 70’s hard rock band from the Twin Cities reuniting for a live show? Cindy from the MAM Hall Of Fame quickly informed me that, yes, this is true! To make this news even better, Cain wasn’t just going to jump up on stage for a song or two, but would perform a substantial 5-7 song set. By the end of the day Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee and I were in touch, and he graciously agreed to an email interview. This chat focuses on Cain’s upcoming reunion show and a discussion about plans for the release of archival material.

A brief recap of Cain’s history is in order, and an interesting, detailed biography can be found at the band’s official website (www.caintunes.com). Cain arose from the Twin Cities music scene in the early 70’s, and quickly hit the Midwestern US club circuit where they played alongside other, at the time, unknown bands such as Kansas, Cheap Trick, and Styx. They eventually signed with ASI Records, and released two albums: A Pound Of Flesh (1975) and Stinger (1977). Tours in support of the albums expanded Cain’s reach, but half the members split in 1978 and the band quickly fell apart.

Although many bands disappear and are forgotten, Cain was part of a group of underground 70’s bands that achieved revered cult status. People don’t pay hundreds of dollars for obscure albums without good reason. Monster Records (now Rockadrome) stepped up and reissued A Pound Of Flesh in 2003, which allowed Cain to be discovered by a new generation of 70’s rock fans. No less of a rock authority than Martin Popoff has praised Cain, saying in his amazing book The Collector’s Guide To Heavy Metal – Volume 1: The Seventies, “Cain deserve to be ranked right up there with Truth  And Janey as one of the most capable, ready-for-prime-time bands, toiling away, shining metal in hand, throughout America’s underground.” Popoff calls A Pound Of Flesh “a classy piece of work…innovatively arranged,” and praises the “tight, immediate drum sound and tone-rich guitars” and Jiggs Lee’s “huge, commanding, mid-to-high voice and the phrasing and style to make judicious use thereof.”

Cain will be inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fall and perform a special reunion show this Friday, September 17 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis. Over 20 bands will perform at this three-day event; go to the event’s website or Facebook page for complete details.

Click photo to see more vintage pictures of Cain at their website.

Twin Cities Metal (TCM): What was your reaction to learning that Cain is to be inducted in the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame?

Jiggs: I think that Dave (Elmeer, bass) and I were both humbled and flattered that we were to be included in the mix of talented players being inducted. Kevin DeRemer (drums) feels the same way. Depending on schedules, we actually might see Kevin at the event. He’s been quite busy lately working on a project in New York. (TCM note: Kevin is also the husband and manager of Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Melissa Manchester.)

TCM: How did the current version of Cain come together?

Jiggs: Once it was established that Lloyd Forsberg (guitar) and Kevin wouldn’t be able to attend or rehearse, Dave and I turned to the considerable talents of musicians with whom we’ve had the pleasure of performing with over the last couple of decades. Brad Shultz is a no-nonsense, straight-ahead drummer who we knew could drive the effort. Adding John Kast on guitar alongside Marc Partridge gave us the raw – yet technical – blending we were after to recreate the brilliance that Lloyd added to Cain.

TCM: What can fans expect from your show this Friday?

Jiggs: We’re prepared to unleash six tunes on the ears of those in attendance. The songs will range from selections from both A Pound Of Flesh and from Stinger with the addition of a live version of a tune that was to be headed for a third album. I’m particularly jazzed about how well Marc and John work together. There are nods to the original guitar parts as well as stretches for them to really show their own considerable talents.

TCM: What were the circumstances that led to the band breaking up in 1978-79? As I understand it, a third album was partially recorded. Any plans to release any of this unreleased material?

Jiggs: We were thinking past the limitations that were a part of the ASI Records contract and were preparing quality material that would help launch the band into a better situation with a new label. We needed financial assistance to realize that goal and couldn’t find it. It was a very disheartening realization for us to finally acknowledge that they call it “The Music Business” for good reason. The re-release of A Pound of Flesh by Rockadrome includes the unreleased cuts.

TCM: When did you first begin to realize that there was continuing interest in Cain, long after the band broke up?

Jiggs: I think it was when we were being courted by record labels – maybe six years ago - to release our stuff on CD. We were amused (and flattered) that someone would pay $400 for a pristine copy of our record on the collectibles market. We were pleased that there was still a viable market for something that we had created in the 1970’s. I’m absolutely tickled that people still enjoy it today as much as we did.

TCM: Are there any plans for Stinger to be reissued?

Jiggs: We’re putting together the last bits and pieces now to allow Rockadrome to issue it. I expect that some yet-to-be-released live stuff will be included as a part of that package.

TCM: Are there any plans for Cain to continue playing live occasionally? Do you ever get any offers to play any of the European festivals?

Jiggs: One day (show) at a time. I think that we’d all give serious consideration to continuing, but it’s best to cross those bridges as they arise. It would be fabulous to perform at one of the European festivals, but no invitations so far.

TCM: What are your plans for your next solo album? Any plans for Cain to record again?

Jiggs: There is a second Jiggs Lee album in the can. I think that release plans for Cain are uncertain at this point, though.

TCM: You also mentioned in our correspondence the existence of some unreleased live material – what information can provide about this?

You can pick up a CD of some fabulous live stuff on Friday night at the Hall of Fame show. Ward Monroe – ex-Cain Renaissance Man – has assembled it and has promised to have copies for any interested folks. This will include stuff from a live radio broadcast in Chicago as well as our show at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in 1977. At the State Fair show we shared the bill with Kansas. They were good friends of ours through shared experiences doing Chicago club dates, and we enjoyed splitting shows with them whenever they were in the area.

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CAIN To Reunite And Be Inducted Into Mid-America Hall Of Fame This Friday

Further information has now been obtained about legendary Minneapolis 70's band Cain reuniting for a performance this Friday, September 17 at the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame Induction Show. Cindy from the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame has confirmed that the lineup for this special performance will include vocalist Jiggs Lee, bassist Dave Elmeer, drummer Brad Shultz, and guitarists John Kast and Marc Partridge. Cain is scheduled to go on at 10:40 pm, and they will play five to seven songs. According to Cindy, the band is "very excited about playing again" and "they are having some fun with it."

This one-time Cain reunion is in honor of their induction into the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame. Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee commented about the induction, "Now that you look at what you've done, you've managed to incentivize some really good musicians to come together to play some really good stuff." The Mid-America Hall Of Fame Induction Show takes place this Thursday–Saturday, September 16-18 at the Sheraton Bloomington hotel, and will feature an impressive lineup of 24 performing inductees, including Cain, The Lamont Cranston Band, The Rembrandts, The Electras, and Sounds Of Blackness. The non-performing honorees include Twin Cities concert promoter Sue McLean. For complete information about this event, visit the website or Facebook page for the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame.

Cain was one of the heaviest bands out of the Midwest in the mid-70's, and they created quite a stir nationally with their two albums, A Pound Of Flesh and Stinger. Out of print until reissued by Monster Records (now Rockadrome) in 2003, A Pound Of Flesh is one of the most beloved and collectable cult metal/hard rock albums from the 70's. Their legend has only grown throughout the years, and notable metal critics such as Martin Popoff have long heaped praise upon their albums. To the best of my knowledge, Cain has not performed live since the late 70's so do not miss the opportunity to witness this legendary band!

UPDATE: I've been in contact with vocalist Jiggs Lee, and I'll have some exciting news in the near future about the release of some live Cain material.

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UPDATE X2: Be sure to check out my recent interview with Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee: http://twincitiesmetal.blogspot.com/2010/09/cain-interview-with-vocalist-jiggs-lee.html

SHINEDOWN To Embark On US Acoustic Tour

Shinedown has announced an acoustic tour entitled "Anything & Everything - An Acoustic Evening With Shinedown". Beginning on November 4 in Tampa, FL, the tour hits the Eastern half of the US with a stop in Minneapolis on Saturday, November 27 at the State Theatre. Tickets for the Minneapolis show go on sale this Friday, September 17 at 10:00 am CDT.
November 4 - Tampa, FL, David A. Straz, Jr. Center For The Performing Arts

November 5 - Charleston, SC, Charleston Music Hall

November 6 - Chattanooga, TN, Tivoli Theatre

November 8 - Richmond, VA, The National

November 9 - Charlotte, NC, The Fillmore Charlotte

November 10 - Washington, DC, Warner Theatre

November 12 - Hampton Beach, NH, Casino Ballroom

November 13 - Northampton, MA, Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts Center

November 15 - Albany, NY, The Egg

November 16 - Scranton, PA, Harry And Jeanette Weinberg Theatre

November 18 - Westbury, NY, Theatre At Westbury

November 19 - Montclair, NJ, Wellmont Theatre

November 20 - Atlantic City, NJ, Showboat Hotel & Casino-House Of Blues

November 22 - Wilmington, DE, Grand Opera House

November 23 - Youngstown, OH, Powers Auditorium

November 24 - Saginaw, MI, Heritage Theatre

November 26 - Davenport, IA, Adler Theatre

November 27 - Minneapolis, MN, State Theatre

November 29 - Indianapolis, IN, Murat Theater

November 30 - Milwaukee, WI, The Riverside Theater

December 4 - Springfield, MO, Gillioz Theatre

December 6 - Tulsa, OK, Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino

December 9 - New Orleans, LA, House Of Blues

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SLIPKNOT Concert Receives Theatrical Screening On September 22

The June 13, 2009 performance of Slipknot at the Download Festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England will be screened in select American theaters on Wednesday, September 22. This full-length concert is featured on the upcoming DVD release, (sic)nesses: Live At Download, which will be released a few days later on September 28. In addition to the concert, (sic)nesses will include Audible Visions Of (sic)nesses, a 45 minute documentary of the All Hope Is Gone tour and four music videos. At this time there are three theaters in the Twin Cities that will be screening the concert - Carmike 15 (Apple Valley), Carmike Wynnsong 15 (Mounds View), and Carmike Oakdale 20 (Oakdale) - and one in outstate Minnesota (Carmike Stadium Cinema 6 in Mankato). The full list of American theaters screening the concert is below; check with your local theater for times. More theaters may be added so check out the film's official website (http://www.slipknotliveatdownload.com/) for the latest screening information.

Arizona - Lake Havasu, UltraStar Lake Havasu 10

Arizona - Surprise, UltraStar Surprise Point 14

Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carmike 14

Arkansas - Little Rock, Rave RC Colonel Glenn 18

California - Anaheim, UltraStar GardenWalk 14

California - Apple Valley, UltraStar Apple Valley 14

California - Buena Park, Krikorian Metroplex 18

California - Hollywood, Mann Chinese 6 Theatres

California - Los Angeles, Rave 18

California - Monrovia, Krikoriran Monrovia Cinema 12

California - Oceanside, UltraStar Mission Market 13

California - Redlands, Krikorian Redlands Cinema 14

California - Riverside - UltraStar University Village 10

California - San Diego, UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas

California - San Diego, UltraStar Poway Creekside Plaza 10

Colorado - Colorado Springs, Carmike Chapel Hills Mall 15

Connecticut - Hartford, Bow Tie Palace 17 Cinemas

Connecticut - Manchester, Rave TC Buckland Hills 18

Connecticut - Milford, Rave RC Connecticut Post 14

Connecticut - New Haven, Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas

Delaware - Dover, Carmike 14

Florida - Pensacola, Rave Bayou 15

Georgia - Atlanta, Studio Movie Grill Holcomb Bridge

Georgia - Columbus, Carmike 15

Illinois - Bloomington, Carmike Palace 10

Illinois - Champaign, Carmike Beverly 18

Illinois - Dekalb, Carmike Market Square 10

Illinois - Forsyth, Carmike Hickory Point 12

Indiana - Elkhart, Carmike Encore 14

Indiana - Ft. Wayne, Carmike 20

Indiana - Indianapolis, Rave Metropolis 18

Iowa - Johnston, Carmike Wynnsong 16

Kentucky - Louisville, Rave Stonybrook 20

Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Rave Mall Of Louisiana 15

Maine - Portland - Patriot Cinemas Nickelodeon

Maryland - Annapolis, Bow Tie Annapolis Mall

Massachusetts - Boston, The Regent Theatre

Massachusetts - Gloucester, Cape Ann Community Cinema

Massachusetts - West Springfield, Rave West Springfield 15

Michigan - Battle Creek, Carmike Lakeview 10

Michigan - Detroit, Emagine Canton

Michigan - For Gratiot, Carmike Birchwood Cinema 10

Michigan - Jackson, Carmike Plaza 8

Michigan - Kalamazoo, Rave Cityplace 14

Michigan - Saginaw, Carmike Fashion Square 10

Michigan - Traverse City, Carmike Horizon 10

Minnesota - Apple Valley, Carmike 15

Minnesota - Mankato, Carmike Stadium Cinema 6

Minnesota - Mounds View, Carmike Wynnsong 15

Minnesota - Oakdale, Carmike Oakdale 20

Montana - Billings, Carmike Shiloh 14

Montana - Missoula, Carmike 10

Nebraska - Omaha, Rave Westroads 14

Nevada - Las Vegas, Rave Town Square 18

New Jersey - Voorhess, Rave Ritz 16

New Mexico - Las Cruces, Allen Theatres Cineport 10

New York - Babylon, Clearview Babylon Cinemas

New York - New York, Clearview Chelsea Cinemas

New York - Schenectady, Bow Tie Movieland 6

North Carolina - Durham, Carmike Wynnsong 15

North Carolina - Fayetteville, Carmike Market Fair 15

North Carolina - Greenville, Carmike 12

North Carolina - Jacksonville, Carmike 16

North Carolina - Raleigh, Carmike 15

North Carolina - Wilmington, Carmike 16

North Carolina - Winston-Salem, Carmike Wynnsong 12

North Dakota - Bismarck, Carmike 8

Ohio - Beavercreek, Rave The Greene

Ohio - Cleveland Heights, Cedar Lee Theatre

Ohio - Columbus, Rave RC Polaris 18

Ohio - Sandusky, Carmike Plaza 8

Ohio - Toledo, Rave Franklin Park

Ohio - West Chester, Rave West Chester 18

Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Rave University City 6

Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh, South Side Works Cinema

Pennsylvania - Wayne, Clearview Anthony Wayne Cinemas

South Dakota - Rapid City, Carmike 10

Tennessee - Madison, Carmike Wynnsong 10

Tennessee - Murfreesboro, Carmike Wynnsong 16

Texas - Dallas, Studio Movie Grill Dallas/Royal Lane

Texas - Edinburg, Carmike 20

Texas - El Paso, Carmike 16

Texas - Houston, Studio Movie Grill City Center

Texas - Hurst, Rave TC North East Mall 18

Texas - Tomball, Santikos Silverado 19

Texas - Tyler, Carmike 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Mayan Place 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Northwest 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Silverado 16

Utah - Provo, Carmike Wynnsong 12

Utah - West Valley City, Carmike Ritz 12

Virginia - Charlottesville, Carmike 6

Virginia - Fairfax, Rave RC Fairfax Corner 14

Virginia - Richmond, Bow Tie Movieland At Boulevard Square

Virginia - Virginia Beach, Cinema Cafe Pembroke Meadows

Virginia - Winchester, Alamo Drafthouse Winchester

West Virginia - Morgantown, Carmike Morgantown Mall 12

Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Carmike Oakwood 12

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OZZY OSBOURNE/HALFORD Minneapolis Ticket Information Now Available

To update the previous post about the just announced Ozzy Osbourne/Halford tour, ticket information for the Minneapolis show at the Target Center on December 12 was just released. General tickets go on sale this Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 am CDT ($27.50–77.50), along with the combined Meet & Greet/Possessed Party packages. You can also purchase the Meet & Greet and Possessed Party packages separately beginning this morning, Monday, September 13 at 10:00 am CDT.

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ECHOTERRA Releases Rehearsal Footage Of "To Live Again"

Minneapolis symphonic metal band has released a video of keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) and vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis) performing a duet of "To Live Again" during rehearsal which you can view below. The song originally appeared on The Law Of One, the band's debut album released last year. Echoterra is currently working on their new album, and you can also view live footage of two new songs, "After The Rain" and "Midnight Sun", performed for the first time on May 21 at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis. You can read the review of that concert, with pictures and other videos, here.

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