08/30/12 Snakepit # 20 Out Now! Issue 20 features interviews with ASKA, DEATH, LEGEND, SACRIFICE, MERCYFUL FATE, SLAUGTER XSTROYES, ANTHRAX, AXE BATTLER, BLACKSMITH, BREAKER (Can), COMMANDMENT, DARK AGE, HAWAII, HEATHEN'S RAGE, MASSACRE, OBLIVION, OBLIVION (Can), PATHFINDER, SAMSON, SIGN OF THE JACKAL, SQUADRON, STRATEGE, STREET CHILD, VICIOUS RUMORS, WIKKA & many Reviews. Here you can order it. 03/18/11 Snakepit # 19 Out Now! Issue 19 features interviews with ACID, RAVEN, GRIFFIN, BLACKKOUT, OBSESSION, WATCHTOWER, ANTHRAX, BARON STEELE, CRYPT, DEATH, EXCALIBUR, EXISTANCE, LA MORT, MANTAS, M INC, MARAUDER, MESSIAXX, POWERVICE, SENTINEL, SEXIST, SLAUGHTER, TENEBRES, THRUST, VOOR, WITCH CROSS and a Label Special & many Reviews. Here you can order it. 06/06/10 Snakepit # 18 Out Now! Issue 18 features interviews with ARTILLERY, CHARTER, CYCLONE TEMPLE, DECAPITATOR, DDT, FATES WARNING, FISHEL'S BEAST, FRIGID BICH, H-BOMB, HIRAX, JAG PANZER, JUGGERNAUT, KARION, KRAKEN, MORSÜRE, NECROPOLIS, SAVAGE GRACE, SKULLVIEW, SLAYER, STEEL ASSASSIN, TALISPHERE, TNT, WARCHILD, WARGOD, WEHRMACHT, ZNÖWHITE and a Label Special & many Reviews. Every order will get a 7'' version of the 1983 unreleased demo "THE LOST GRACE" from SAVAGE GRACE. Here you can order it. 04/15/09 Snakepit # 17 Out Now! The beast still roars even if the process takes longer and longer. It doesn't get heavier, it just stays... REAL METAL!!! Issue 17 is out featuring -hopefully- in depth interviews with the likes of ASSASSIN (U.S./CA), BACKWATER, BEEHLER, BURNER, COMMANDER (U.S./CA), DEATH (an exclusive feature you'll never see anywhere else!), DEVASTATION (U.S./TX), ENFORCER (U.S./IL), EVIL, EXCITER, FATAL VIOLENCE, HAMMERON, KARION, KICK ASS mag, Rainforest Records, LEVIATHAN (U.S./NY), MAYHEM (U.S./IL), OVERKILL (U.S./NJ), RAT ATTACK, RIOT, RUTHLESS, SLAYER (U.S./TX), SORTILEGE, TRIAL and a bunch of reviews (so easy on criticism)! First orders will get a limited edition 12" (250 copies) of the band ASSASSIN featuring their ripping three song 1985 demo, a killer Power Metal assault in the early Bay Area fashion. Later orders will get a 7" version of that demo but two songs only will be featured. Professionally printed Black and white cover. Here you can order it. 11/18/08 Interview from Snakepit 16 Interview with Transgressor/Septer/Firestorm To the interview 03/15/08 the 16th instalment of Snakepit is out now! You can order the mag here. 02/18/07 Interview with Laurent Ramadier Laurent Ramadier is the man behind the Snakepit zine To the interview 01/10/07 Magazine News Finally, the reworked/ professionally printed issue 15 of Snakepit magazine is out for $8 plus postage! It features something like 85 pages fulfilled with past, present and future Metal heroes such as ABATTOIR, ANGER AS ART, ATTAXE, AVENGER, AZAGTHOTH, BATTALION, BATTLEAXE, BLITZKRIEG, BLOODCUM, BLOODLUST, COLD BLOOD, DREAMS OF DAMNATION, HEATHEN, HIRAX, IMAGIKA, LEMMY'S WÄRT, LONEWOLF, PAGAN WAR MACHINE, POISON, RAVENSTHORN, REALM, REDRUM, R.U. DEAD?, SACRILEGE B.C., SATAN, TOXIC, UNSEEN TERROR, VALHALLA, VIRON, WAR CRY, WARGOD, WEAPON 13 and TORRID RECORDS as label special. Plus tons of reviews. If that's not enough, you will also get an INSANITY 7" as bonus featuring material from 1985!!! This 7" will only be available with this Snakepit issue. Here you can order it. 06/20/06 WAR CRY New interview with War Cry To the interview 03/15/06 Order News Please read the announcement on the order page 01/19/06 ATHEIST! New interview with Atheist To the interview 11/27/05 Snakepit 15 Out Now! The new issue is out. Order it for 5 Euros (Europe) or 10 Euros (USA) from Laurent Ramadier. 10/22/05 Interview with MORDRED from Issue #14 is online now! To the interview section 08/12/05 New message from the "MASTERS OF THE PIT": Metalheads.... yeah I'm still around working on a new issue... so far it's hard to say when it's gonna be out but most likely around November or so. Expect deadly interviews with HEATHEN (remember the '98 one? Well more of it then!), WAR CRY (yeah again but this time a real one with Mr Rich Kozek who's gonna talk about the mighty BATTALION as well), HIRAX (for a change it's gonna be Gary and Scott who're gonna be talking), Steve Gaines give us news on PWM, DOD, BLOODLUST, ABATTOIR and ANGER AS ART, REALM (yeah the Wisconsin forgotten heroes! HUGE!), TOXIK etc etc... Until then... RAGE ON!!!!! Oh yeah last but not least, deadly thanks to my new website man, Mr Peer Wandiger!!!! Thanks to him, the site will be finally updated on a regular basis!!! Laurent Ramadier 08/01/05 Interview with SLAUTER XSTROYES from Issue #14 is online now! To the interview section 07/14/05 SNAKEPIT - #14 is out now! Order it for 5 Euros (Europe) or 5$ (USA). Interviews and features of: ANVIL CHORUS, BRATS, CRYSTAL KNIGHT, DEAF DEALER, DESTRUCTION, FATE, GUTRIX, FARSCAPE, FORCE OF EVIL, LABEL SPECIAL (MEGAFORCE), MERCYFUL FATE, MORDRED, ONSLAUGHT, PARIAH, POSSESSED, SATAN, SLAUTER XSTROYES, SOLDIER, STRATTSON, TROUBLE, TYGERS OF PANTANG, ZOSER MEZ. And my name Peer. I'm the new webmaster for this great metal magazine. From now on I will update this website and I will also add some features. Stay tuned. 09/03/04 SNAKEPIT - #13 is out now! Order it for 5 Euros (Europe) or 10 Euros (USA) from Laurent Ramadier. 10/11/02 SNAKEPIT - #11 is coming very soon! 104 pages with in-depth interviews and features of: AGENT STEEL, ANIHILATED, A TRIBUTE TO BALOFF (EXODUS), CANDLEMASS, DOOMSWORD, ETERNAL REIGN, GAMMACIDE, GENOCIDE, INTRUDER, K-OCTAVE, LAAZ ROCKIT, LABEL SPECIAL:COMBAT RECORDS (!!!), LOST HORIZON, MERCENARY, NASTY SAVAGE, NOCTURNUS, PARAGON, PENTAGRAM, POSSESSED, REPULSION, SABATAN, SALEM'S WYCH, SAMSON, TWISTED TOWER DIRE, VIO-LENCE, WHIPLASH, WILD DOGS, WYTCHFYNDE. Order it via Paypal or for 5 Euro or 5 US Dollars from Heinz directly. Don't miss this pure Metal mayhem monster... 10/08/02 REALITY CHECK TV - "Reality Check TV is about all the things that make life worth living: Loud Rock Bands, beautiful women, parties, celebrities, strange and weird events, underground art, pop culture, and anything that is unique or controversial. We go places, see things, meet people-- and our viewers see the results! So far, it's been 11 years of mayhem and shenanigans, with no end in sight! See our website at realitychecktv.com to get a taste of what we do. Oh, don't forget Reality Check Radio, the internet radio show that brings the listener all the best of the bands that appear on RCTV, plus breakout and unsigned acts from all over the US (sometimes from other countries as well), with a special emphasis on SF Bay Area acts. RC Radio is heard weekly on koox.net, Tues. nites from 10pm to midnite US Pacific Time, which is about 8 or 9 hours later (early Wed. mornings) in Europe. RC Radio has been on for about 4 years now." 08/21/02 SNAKEPIT - Here are some reviews SNAKEPIT #10 received over the last couple of months: Review in Metal Maniacs August 2002 Issue By Professor Black: Snakepit is one of the few magazines I truly enjoy reading. The freshly-released issue 10 has a picture of Razor vocalist Stace McLaren on the cover, which should give you a sense of just where its preferences lie. I stand with editor Matt Coe's description of Snakepit: "A magazine some have dubbed 'for metal nerds', a term I take no offense to, as Snakepit lives for unearthing the trivial triumphs of our favorite bands." This magazine is where bands like Nightmare, Gaskin, Hexx and Hallows Eve live on, their histories dissected in immaculate detail. The interviewers prepare questioning with a researcher's eye, sometimes even surprising the band members with their knowledge of demo-era lineup changes, aborted studio sessions, turning-point gigs, etc. Often, multiple band members participate in the interview, giving different sides to different stories and leaving just a taste of ambiguity for the reader to ponder. Highlights of this issue are the five-page Omen article and a bit about Mythra. Fans of the American Pentagram should pick this up immediately, as there are a dozen pages devoted to them. You will not find a better reference or higher-quality indulgence for so-called "old school" metal than Snakepit. Review in Rock Hard (with the cover) by Boris Kaiser: "Tusch. The maker of Snakepit magazine come up with a new issue #10 and again deliver a hot and fat magazine which is unique and standing for itself in the international underground. They interviewed more than in-depth outfits as Razor (coverstory), Omen, Defender, Jack Starr (who is dissing David De Feis), Hanker, Kinetic Dissent, Hallows Eve, Pentagram, Sacrifice, Sacred Oath, Hexx, Amulance and so on. 16 pages of Metal reviews for the real Metal maniac and a Devil Record's Special are added and some more. Who does not buy this fanzine-bible, is dumb! 108 pages cost 5 Euro and can be ordered by (...)" 3/31/02 HANKER - After the last newsupdate (see below) HANKER have asked us to print their statement as well regarding this story: Hi Laurent, It would be great if we had the chance to clarify our position about all that story in the next issue and on your website. 2002-03-18 - IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE Hanker have terminated their relations with their management. The news will be announced officially on our web site this week. The band has now taken its future back into its own hands with new projects and a new management team. Regarding the negotiations with Iron Glory, the four band members were not aware of all the details of the negotiations. We are very disappointed by the proportions that this story has taken, especially since the band members were not fully aware of the situation, nor did they have control over it. We are also disappointed of the bad image that this may have given the band, especially since the band members are very down to earth and reasonable people. Hanker have always had their worldwide fans at heart. Now that the band has taken back the control of its own destiny with a new management team, we would like to put this story behind us once and for all, and start over on solid bases. For those who may doubt of the honesty of our statements, Hanker have recently signed a contract with Cult Metal Classics in Greece for the release of "Snakes And Ladders" and "In Our World" in vinyl format, and the albums have been available since early February. Other projects should see the light of day during the year, including the release of the Hanker's 4th album and maybe also a live album. Sincerely yours, Patrick, Pascal, Luc and Denis 3/03/02 IRON GLORY RECORDS/HANKER - Following some statements made by HANKER which appeared in our #10 issue, Andi Preisig from Iron Glory Records has decided to clear up the air about a few things so he forwarded us the following message: "Hello Laurent, There is one thing that I would like to make clear. I read the HANKER interview you did and saw the guys from the band saying bad words about us. For that reason I wanted to ask, if it's possible to make a statement to that. All the things we said about them were 100% true. I still have the e-mails with their demands in the computer. If you're interested I can send them. Martin Brandt already printed their demands in the latest That's Metal issue and I think we not only have the right, but the duty to inform the fans about the fact why Hanker don't have a record contract and will never get one if they don't change their points of views. I think the Snakepit is a very important Metal magazine and I would like the readers to hear the truth. If it would be a German band, we went with 100% certainty to a lawyer to sue them for trying to ruin our reputation. Would be great if we had the chance to clarify our position about this in the next issue. In the following you find the demands of HANKER, I sent you the full e-mail I received from their manager. I received more than that e-mail with other insane demands, but I think this is the most essential one and says it all. Thanks! Take care! Andi 'Hi Andi, I have used the last 10 days to really dig in and I have come up with contractual elements that are absolutely crucial at this point in time in Hanker's career. These are not negotiable and constitute unavoidable necessities as this band clearly represents the best bet that I can think of in Power Metal. That might sound like I am laying it on thick but finding these days a band that is mature, professional, tight and above all honest and loyal, is no easy task. That's exactly what you will get if you go ahead and sign these guys. This is no sales pitch, this is only the truth. Being at the crossroads of their career, Hanker must now move forward and I honestly think that they have got what it takes to be recognized as one of the premier Power Metal bands, bar none. The demands that we have are intented solely to make absolutely sure that their talent as a unit will take them where they deserve to be. Moreover, the following, if agreed upon and carried out in a professional way, will not only assure the band of the essential exposure needed but also make the whole operation a complete financial success. We have all appreciated a great deal your showing enthusiasm for the new album, which is kind of rare as the vast majority of labels and record companies don't like to show their hand as if they were playing a poker game. You don't seem to be that kind and we certainly are not. With Hanker, what you see (or hear) is what you get. I am not your average negotiator; I am not going to ask you for ten times what I really want just to make sure that you and I will eventually meet halfway. You, of all people, know very well what Hanker sound like and I don't think that you would venture out on a project that would not be financially viable. I am sure that at this very moment you must have a pretty good idea of Hanker's marketability. You will agree with me that with a product of this quality - that includes not only the albums but the band itself - promotion becomes a vital part of the equation and will ultimately make the difference between a great album and a great album that sells. Should you not agree with me or consider that the following demands cannot be satisfied by Iron Glory Records, that will just be the indication that unfortunately you guys do not represent the right move for us. Hanker have paid their dues and it's now time for them to move on to bigger and better things and I just hope that you will be the ones that will take them as far as we all honestly think they can go. This is where BELIEVING in a band takes its full meaning. We would never want to associate with a group of people who will not do whatever they can to support this band and help them achieve their ultimate goal. I like to think that the following, as you digest and analyze everything, will show you without any doubt how serious we are. I am no street peddler and I would never violate my friends' trust by selling them short! I am a man of my word and I have always believed that respect is something that one must earn. So, here are the essentials without which we could not reasonably feel comfortable whatever the record company we might sign to. 1) A European tour in the summer 2000 - "The Snakes And Ladders" tour - including the most important festivals, All Expenses entirely covered by Iron Glory or any serious and professional promotion company. 2) Promotion: well structured and clearly defined and stipulated in the contract including magazines, radio stations, posters, stickers, videos, TV and public appearances. 3) World wide distribution except for the North American Continent and its territories. 4) 30 000$ US non-refundable advance sales payment (which is exactly what the recording alone of the album cost) to be made upon signature of the agreement. After recoupment through record sales of the 30 000$ US, royalties to be determined (please make us an offer) shall be paid every three months in US currency. With each payment, a sales statement shall be produced. 5) Manufacturing of the records shall be Iron Glory's full responsibility. 6) The deal shall include the re-mixing, manufacturing and distributing by Iron Glory of "In Our World" and "The Dead Ringer" which will be part of a separate agreement but pendent to this one. 7) Breach of contract: both parties shall be served written notice of any failure to comply with the various agreement clauses and shall remedy the situation within 30 days. If not, the faulty party will be considered in breach of contract. 8) Any dispute regarding failure to comply with the clauses stipulated in the agreement after the 30 day period above mentioned, shall be debated in a Quebec Court of Law. 9) Hanker and their management would like to meet with you prior to the official signing of an eventual agreement. We had a bad experience before-you probably know what I am referring to-and we want to know first-hand who we are doing business with. I can foresee a bright future ahead for both Iron Glory Records and Hanker should we come to an agreement. Please do take all the time you need to evaluate the merit of each of these nine points. Hankerly yours, Rejean Garon Hanker's manager Hanker's website: http://www.hankermetal.com'" 2/26/02 PAUL BALOFF R.I.P. - From Blabbermouth.net: PAUL BALOFF: April 25th, 1960 - February 2nd, 2002 - Feb. 2, 2002 EXODUS frontman Paul Baloff passed away just before noon (PST) today, February 2nd, 2002 at the age of 41. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Paul. You will live in our hearts forever. EXODUS Frontman To Be Taken Off Life Support After Suffering Massive Stroke - Feb. 2, 2002 41-year-old EXODUS frontman Paul Baloff (birth date: April 25th, 1960), whose unique personality and distinctive vocal style have endeared him to thousands of metal fans the world over, will reportedly be taken off life support at midnight tonight, Saturday, February 2nd, after suffering a massive stroke Thursday night (January 31st) that has left him lying in a coma with irreparable damage to his brain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. Without any living immediate family members known (Baloff reportedly had an estranged half-brother and sister, neither of whom he was in contact with), the rest of EXODUS and various friends are making the decisions with the consent of his only contacted available relative, and they have reportedly decided that Paul “would like to go out as 'metal' as possible”. Paul Baloff was the original vocalist of EXODUS who appeared on the group's most influential and celebrated CD, 1985's Bonded By Blood, a groundbreaking effort that is still being regarded as one of the greatest and most timeless classics the metal genre has ever produced. Although Baloff was eventually replaced in the band by ex-LEGACY (pre-TESTAMENT) frontman Steve "Zetro" Sousa, EXODUS never quite managed to reproduce or surpass the intensity level put forth on that monumental debut with any of their subsequent studio releases. In 1996, a decade after his departure from the group, Baloff rejoined forces with drummer Tom Hunting, and guitarists Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt (plus newest addition, bassist Jack Gibson) to record Another Lesson In Violence, a live album documenting the band's sold-out performance in their hometown of San Francisco on March 8th, 1997. A vicious, unpolished testament to a musical legacy that still lives on in the hearts of thousands of fans, Another Lesson In Violence was a reaffirmation of EXODUS' undeniable and unmistakable influence on the current generation of metal bands, many of whom were too young to see the original line-up in action. As EXODUS' former A&R guy at Century Media Records and a person that was instrumental in bringing the group back together for the recording of the above-mentioned live CD, I would like to express my sadness over the latest developments and offer sincere condolences to the rest of EXODUS and Paul's friends, many of whom are standing by his side during this most difficult of times. As was stated by someone who had just visited Baloff at the above-mentioned hospital, “the metal world is losing a true character and a genuine person.” I couldn't have said it better myself. —Borivoj Krgin 10/21/01 SNAKEPIT - Here's the main content of upcoming issue 10: RAZOR (Carlo/ Mc Laren)- MALEDICTION (Poulin/Mollard)- OMEN (Powell, Henry, Pharr)- STEEL PROPHET (Katchinsky)- HALLOWS EVE (Stewart)- VIRGIN STEELE/BURNING STARR/GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME..(Jack Starr)- AZOTIC REIGN (Eriksson), MORTICIAN (Austria's 80's gem) PANZER (Briody), Devil's Records(label special)- HANKER (cliche), KINETIC DISSENT Reimer, Irvin, Mc Donnell), EIDOLON (drover brothers), LYZANXIA (Potvin brothers), HEXX (Peterson), RELLIK (Robertson, Moore)- MYTHRA (Roach, Bates, High)- Michael Denner feature (BRATS, MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, ZOSER MEZ)- WARGASM (Mayo)- SACRIFICE (Watts, Urbinati)- DEATHROW/ PENTAGRAM (Hasselvander, Griffin)- BEDEMON/PENTAGRAM (Palmer, Matthews, O'Kneef)- SQUARE (Fronty, Hoc)- SACRED OATH (Volpintessa, Altieri) and some more. 10/10/01 HIRAX - "official HIRAX announcement: The line up is complete now: Jim Durkin, founding member and lead guitarist of Dark Angel has joined HIRAX: James Joseph Hubler - guitars, Mike Brickman - bass, Dan Bellinger - drums and founding HIRAX frontman Katon W. DePena. The band is rehearsing new songs and gearing up for their US tour set to begin January 2002. European dates to be announced. Also just released is the new HIRAX album "Barrage Of Noise" distributed world wide through www.DeepSixRecords.com or www.HIRAX.org, Century Media Records is distributing all HIRAX titles now, in Europe contact PlasticHead Distribution, in Japan CR Japan. Thanks for your continued support! Please spread the word and pass/forward (email) this announcement to anybody and everybody who supports underground music. THRASH TIL DEATH, Katon, HIRAX". VIRGIN STEELE - "Dear Heavy Metal Supporters, this letter is for all the fans, writers, magazines, record companies and anyone who is interested in heavy metal. My name is Jack Starr in 1982 I started a band called Virgin Steele. In the coming weeks in October of 2001 the record company Noise/Sanctuary will be putting out a record called The Book of Burning or The Best of Virgin Steele, this is an attempt to fool fans of the band into thinking that they are buying the original recordings of Virgin Steele that have never been on cd, this is deceptive, the record is a compilation of new recordings by whoever happens to be in Dave Defeis' band this week and as Sanctuary records states in their answer to my lawyer it is a "covers record". This is important to note and fans who want to hear the original recordings will soon be able to do so. The cd that Noise/Sanctuary is putting out is a way of getting around the fact that they have no rights to use the original music of Virgin Steele that I wrote and they also have no right to use the Virgin Steele reunion songs that were recorded in 1997, so th ey have choosen to re-record these also, again depriving the fans of hearing Jack Starr, Dave Defeis and Rob Demartino toghether which is as close to a Virgin Steele reunion as we will probably ever see. I have enclosed the letter from Sanctuary (click here to see it) which states exactly what this cd release is, to all our fans across the world please be patient, the original albums will be released soon. WE, JACK STARR, JOE O'REILLY AND JOEY AYVAZIAN, THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF VIRGIN STEELE, IN NO WAY AUTHORIZE OR RECOGNIZE THE NOISE SANCTUARY CD. WE ASK YOU NOT TO SUPPORT IT OR BUY IT. THE ORIGINAL REMASTERED CD WITH EXTENSIVE LINER NOTES AND ORIGINAL VIRGIN STEELE SONGS THAT WERE NEVER RELEASED AS WELL AS RARE PHOTOS AND ARTWORK NEVER SEEN BEFORE, IS COMING AND THAT IS THE REAL STEELE, NOT A DECEPTIVE COVERS ALBUM WHICH IS A DISGRACE AND AN INSULT TO THE TRUE FANS OF THE BAND. FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THESE FINE PUBLICATIONS: ROCKREUNION, HEAVY WEIGHT, AND SNAKEPIT MAGAZINE ON LINE. LOOK FOR MORE INTERVIEWS WHICH WILL REVEAL THE WHOLE VIRGIN STEELE STORY AND DAVE DEFEIS' ATTEMPT TO FOOL THE FANS! Keep the Flame Burning, Jack Starr, Joey Ayvazian and Joe O'Reilly (the original members of Vigin Steele)". 9/11/01 BAY AREA INVASION (taken from metalupdate.com) - Blabbermouth reports that the reunited Exodus, Vio-Lence and Forbidden are tentatively set to join forces in a combined package that is going under the moniker Bay Area Invasion - the tour is being put together by Walter Morgan's Deadly Embrace Productions (the people behind the Thrash Of The Titans concert) - according to Morgan, several US and Japanese dates are being planned during the coming months, with the possibility that additional European gigs will take place at a later time - although unconfirmed at this time, other possible additions to the bill include Death Angel and Legacy. 9/1/01 SNAKEPIT - Here's the review we got in the new Heavy Oder Was issue from Stefan Glas. Quite cool!: "SNAKEPIT issue #9: One of the most important fanzines worldwide is here again and opens his gates with a gigantic Anacrusis interview, in which all questions about this genius and not enough estimated band are answered by mainman Ken Nardi. It's not necessary to loose too much words about Snakepit, because the English written magazine is essentiel for every Metal supporter who is not only interested in the overground Metal scene. Absolutely great interviews in this more than 100 pages fat magazine are delivered by Forbidden (9 pages!), Sentinel Beast, Malice, Powersurge, Deathslayer, Holy Terror, Anvil, Slaughter or Hittman and the talk with the first Metallica bassist. Of course there are some "normal" interviews as well like WASP, Paragon or Symphorce and some newcomers get their feature like Overstep or Falconer. More than 20 pages reviews make it to a perfect end and so you should immediately order it for DM 10 (...)" 7/21/01 IMPALER/POWERMAD - We recently received this mail from Impaler's Bill Lindsey about Joel Du Bay's statements in our Powermad interview: "hi frank, i just got the new issue of snakepit magazine. it looks great!! thanks for the interview. impaler goes into the studio this thursday to record an e.p. for horror records in denmark. it will be titled 'the mutants rise again'. it will have four tracks decayed,my mephisto,blood of the vampire and a cover of dead babies by alice. i just had to say, i read the powermad interview and joel dubay filled you with misinformation! he is a liar. he always has been and always will be. he completely dismissed a healthy metal scene in minnesota in the early/mid eighties as well as powermad's pecking order in town. he forgot about all the shows powermad warmed up for impaler because we were two years their seniors, with many demos and two albums under our belts before they even signed to combat for the bootcamp release. also he said there was no scene before them or since, there was kubla khan and disturded who both released metal albums on small labels as well as death squad, vile and many more as time went on. he can li e to himself if he wishes to but he should'nt lie to you and your readers. that just isn't metal!! loudly, bill lindsey/impaler" 5/17/01 SNAKEPIT - SNAKEPIT Number 9 is coming out! 104 pages and in-depth interviews with: ANACRUSIS (Ken Nardi, John Emery), FORBIDDEN (Craig Locicero, Steve Jacobs), MEGADETH/ DAMN THE MACHINE (Chris Poland), MALICE (Jay Reynolds), SLAUGHTER (Terry Sadler), POWERMAD (Joel Du Bay), PARAGON, VANDALE, ANVIL (Lips), IRON CROSS, SEVEN WITCHES/OVERLORDE/EXHIBITION, SENTINEL BEAST (Debbie Gunn), THUNDERHEAD/ WARNING/ ULYSSES SIREN/ LAAZ ROCKIT/ I4NI/ ANGELWITCH (Jon Torres), SOLSTICE, HOLSTER (French 80's legends), MANILLA ROAD (Mark Shelton), Rob Rock, HOLY TERROR, POWERSURGE (Todd Dyer), VIKING (Ron Eriksen), DEATHSLAYER, METALLICA (Ron McGovney), SYMPHORCE/BRAINSTORM, IMPALER (Bill Lindsey), HITTMAN (Jim Bachi, Dirk Kennedy), GILGAMESJ, W.A.S.P., FALCONER, Heavy Metal Records Special, TONS of reviews. You can order it from Heinz or Matt (see order section) for DM 10 or US$6. 3/29/01 SNAKEPIT - Here's the review we got in Heavy Oder Was from Arno Hofmann: "What more to write about Snakepit? Who does not know this brilliant magazine? People who're not interested in the old and new real Metal underground, that's for sure, and it should be no problem to send 10 Marks for this must-have. It's to be said that #8 is again of high-quality, only the front-cover is far better than last time. The topics are ready to board the hearts of the readers, killer bands as Crossfire, Deadly Blessing, Exciter (yeah!), Havoc, Ostrogoth, Slaughter, Toxik, Witchfynde are featured. There is something from every corner, US Metal, French Metal, oldcomer, newcomer, NWoBHM, what do you wish more? There are too many great bands featured to mention but a few others are Hirax, Icon, ADX, TKO. With an Atheist interview, very long, a more peculiar band is interviewed. And like all interviews, it's evident that the interviews are very in-depth and reading them, you do not know what to ask more, all you can think abou t has been asked. Of course, a very good review section and some other specials are added. Highest competence of the contributors and a clear, very cool attitude to Metal are more reasons to make Snakepit a very special magazine that puts it at the top of all fanzines. It's written in English, and that's not a real problem for any Metal supporter. Order: (...)" 2/21/01 BANG YOUR HEAD - Latest news from the Bang Your Head!!!-camp: A few minutes ago we got the confirmation of JUDAS PRIEST headlining the Bang Your Head!!! festival in Germany!!! Already confirmed bands: ARMORED SAINT, SIX FEET UNDER, EIDOLON, BRAINSTORM, HELSTAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ROSE TATTOO, STRATOVARIUS, AXEL RUDI PELL, URIAH HEEP, KREATOR, COMPANY OF SNAKES, KAMELOT, ANVIL, SOLITUDE AETURNUS. Bang Your Head!!! Open Air, June 29 & 30, 2001, Balingen (near Stuttgart) - Messegelˆ§nde, Germany. Tickethotline: 0 74 57 / 9 13 93 or via E-mail: heavy-oder-was@T-online.de. Check out www.bang-your-head.de for more details! 1/23/01 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit #7 got a great review in METAL MANIACS (March 2001): "Snakepit is a unique magazine as it is edited jointly by three guys who live in the exotic locales of Austria, France and, er, Massachusetts. Issue number 7 of this oversized format zine is the first to feature a full color cover. Witchkiller freaks will absolutely salivate over the insanely in-depth interview presented here, though I was more entertained personally by the chat with Tom Warrior (now that's a Frost interview!). Snakepit prides itself on its coverage of the obscure side of the scene, both new and old... I mean, these guys even dug up Artillery! And Praying Mantis! And Sacred Rite! Wild Dogs are hilarious looking, Dio still rules, and as for the rest of the bands profiled here (Gothic Knights, Sacred Blade and other obscure acts) it's amazing and inspiring how much care and consideration these guys lavish upon these bands. You gotta love the metal community and all of its nice fans. Join in the revelry by sending (...)". 1/21/01 STEEL PROPHET - The new STEEL PROPHET CD, Book Of The Dead, will be released on April 23th!! Tracklist: 1.When Six was Nine (Kachinsky) 2.Tragic Flaws (Kachinsky) 3.Escaped (Kachinsky) 4. Soleares (Williams) 5.Church of Mind (Kachinsky, Williams) 6.Burning into Blackness (Kachinsky) 7.The Chamber (Kachinsky) 8.Locked Out (Mythiasin, Williams) 9.Ruby Dreams (Faith and Hope) (Kachinsky) 10.Phobia (Dennis, Rosqvist, Kachinsky) 11.Anger Seething (Mythiasin, Kachinsky) 12.Oleander (Kachinsky). SNAKEPIT - Done for #9 so far: ANACRUSIS, MALICE, MEGADETH (alte!), ROB ROCK, FORBIDDEN, IMPALER, HOLSTER, SENTINEL BEAST, BRAINSTORM/SYMPHORCE, LIEGE LORD/OVERKILL/ANNIHILATOR, VIKING... 12/10/00 SNAKEPIT - The website is completely updated now with two interviews and a bunch of reviews from #8 as well as the Glenn Hughes interview, the playlists and order info. Hope you enjoy it! 11/12/00 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit #8 came out a few weeks ago! Don't miss it and get your copy here. We're working on the website updates, some new reviews will be up soon and also a Glenn Hughes interview (website only!). We'll keep you posted, as usual, in the updates section! 10/17/00 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit #8 out in a few days!!! 104 pages of REAL Metal - font size 6! - and in depth interviews with the following heroes of past, present and future: ADX, APOLLO RA, ATHEIST, CHASTAIN, DAVID NEIL CLINE, CROSSFIRE, CULRPIT, DARK ANGEL, DEADLY BLESSING, DESTILLERY, EXCITER, GASKIN, HAVOC, HIRAX, HOLOCAUST, ICON, JAG PANZER, KILLER, LABEL SPECIAL (NEW RENAISSANCE), NIGHTMARE, OBSESSION, OSTROGOTH, PHANTASM, R.A.V.A.G.E., RITUAL CARNAGE, SACRED STEEL, SAVAGE, SHADOW KEEP, SLAUGHTER (CAN), STREET LEGAL, TALISPHERE, TIERRA SANTA, TKO, TOXIK, WITCHFYNDE, WOLF, Z-LOT-Z, tons of reviews... For DEM 10 or US$ 5 available from Heinz' address - see order button. Thanks for supporting real Metal. 8/19/00 SNAKEPIT - The SKULLVIEW and GRIFFIN interviews are also online now, enjoy! 7/27/00 SNAKEPIT - #7 has been out for a while, but we had some bad luck with the distribution. At least I (Marlies) have my copy now, so I could finally update the site, sorry for the delay... I still need to put two interviews from the mag online, but bear with me, I have to type them again;) Thanks for your patience and have a good time:) 5/10/00 SNAKEPIT - A little bit later than we first announced, but Snakepit #7 will be out in about three weeks! 4/12/00 SNAKEPIT - Issue #7 (104 pages!) will feature interviews with: ARTCH, ABATTOIR, BLOODLUST, SACRED RITE, DOMINE, WITCHKILLER, MESMERIZE, VISION DIVINE, SACRED BLADE, ARMORED SAINT, ATTACKER (part 2), DIO, GOTHIC KNIGHTS, CELTIC FROST, SATAN/ PARIAH, SLAUTER XSTROYES, BREAKER, ARTILLERY, SKULLVIEW, NEW EDEN, WILD DOGS, PRAYING MANTIS, KAMELOT, TWISTED TOWER DIRE, THE WYKYD, AUBURN RECORDS -Label special with Black Death, Destructor, Shok Paris..., GRIFFIN, HIGH POWER and 14 pages of reviews (font size 6!) 4/04/00 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit #7 is on its way! Expect the new issue (104 pages!) at the end of April, early May. With Dio, Armored Saint, Griffin, Slauter Xstroyes, Breaker, Gothic Knights, Satan/Pariah, Sacred Blade, Artch, Sacred Rite, Celtic Frost, Witchkiller, Kamelot, Domine, Vision Divine, Mesmerize, Praying Mantis, Witchfynde and many more! 12/26/99 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit issue #6 IS out (order it here) and this website finally updated. Lots of info on the new issue and a huge reviews page. Enjoy! 10/31/99 SNAKEPIT - Snakepit issue #6 will be out soon! Hopefully at the end of November. 100 pages in English (font size 8), with extensive interviews with hopefully not-forgotten metal heroes from the 80's and pure metal-hopefuls of the new millennium: Holy Terror, Blitzkrieg, Iron Savior, Leatherwolf, Heir Apparent, Sacrifice/Interzone, Virgin Steele, Trespass (NWoBHM legends), Witchkiller, Hellion, Vicious Rumours, Blind Illusion, Deathrow/Pentagram, Damocles, Killers, Mercyful Fate, Freedom Call, Witchery, Messiah Force, Paragon, Picture, Testament, Vortex, Ion Vein, Luca Turilli, Rapid Tears/Infernal Majesty, Wild Dogs, Damien Thorne, Cage, Zero Hour, and more than 200 reviews. You can order #6 for DM10 or US$6. 9/1/99 SNAKEPIT - Welcome to the Snakepit magazine website, where we hope to inform the converts as well as those new to our publication about the best in 1980's/1990's traditional/speed/power metal. Issue #5 has sold very well throughout Europe and the United States - we currently have 80 copies left and I will receive 12 more to sell personally, as the others have gone to readers/bands/labels and Sentinel Steel mailorder. So order soon before the issue sells out!! Issue #5 contains 80 full sized pages with plenty of live photography and classic bands past and present for the eyes to lock on and submerge into your brain. The cover artists ACID remain one of the best speed acts of the 1980's, and our conversation delves into all of their releases and many unforgettable shows. Expect a lengthy ATTACKER interrogation where vocalist Bob Mitchell delivers insight into the band, his career beyond with NIGHTHUNTER and SLEEPY HOLLOW as well as his metallic philosophy. Canada's unsung metal unit DEAF DEALER get a 4 page spread- allowing bassist Jean Pierre Fortin to explain this history and discuss the unreleased second album "Journey Into Fear" (which as a result of our interview may not remain locked away for long). Heinz had the chance to talk metalshop with JAG PANZER while on their "Age Of Mastery" tour, expanding upon our previous chat in Snakepit #2 while introducing the latest re-release information. Continuing our worldwide scope Denmark's WITCH CROSS talk to Snakepit 12 years after their breakup - but it's never too late to read up on a cult band who grew up around other quality acts like MERCYFUL FATE and ARTILLERY. ELEGY from The Netherlands give a lengthy interview that lets readers know about their demos, albums, tours and recording studio experiences. Sweden's EVERGREY (who recently blew away all bands and their audience at Powermad 1999) inform the public that their brand of atmospheric melodic power can still be appreciated by differing underground hordes- plus vocalist/guitarist Tom S. Englund admits his admiration for PINK FLOYD, DREAM THEATER and classical artists equally. Italy's ELDRITCH converses about the burgeoning domestic scene- plus the 3 albums they've put forth to aid the metallic cause. Also included are features on Austria's MORTICIAN, France's NIGHTMARE and VOIE DE FAIT, Belgium's WARHEAD and CYCLONE, and the United States LIEGE LORD. We also inform the readers of independent/ unsigned acts that stick to the metal tone within the 1990's. The future of this music relies on the releases and shows these acts bring to the table, so you'll read about France's OVERSTEP and US acts ranging from MAGNITUDE 9 (neo-classical power/progressive) to TALAMASCA (technical power) to DIVISION (straight heavy metal). Outside of these features we also have interviews with DESTINY'S END, HADES, POWER COURT, WARDOG and a Metal Blade Records special. You'll also receive a slew of 120 plus album/ep/demo reviews, covering recent re-releases as well as latest albums from acts like ABBATOIR, AGENT STEEL, ANGEL DUST, ANVIL, CIRITH UNGOL, CLOCKWORK, CRYSTAL EYES, DARK ANGEL, DAWN OF WINTER, DC COOPER, DIVIDED MULTITUDE, EXCITER, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, GAMMA RAY, GRIFFIN, HOLLOW, IMAGIKA, ION VEIN, KREATOR, LEFAY, MANOWAR, MOTORHEAD, NEVERMORE, NIGHTWISH, NOCTURNAL RITES, OVERKILL, PESTILENCE, POSSESSED, POWER OF OMENS, PROJECTO, PSYCHOTIC WALTZ, RAVEN, SEVEN WITCHES, SKYCLAD, THUNDER, THE RODS, W.A.S.P., WHIPLASH, WINTERHAWK, WITCHERY, WUTHERING HEIGHTS and ZERO HOUR. Don't expect the typical initial opinion glance reviews either - as we prefer paragraph-type analysis so the consumers can really prepare themselves for what they'll get if they desire to buy the records. Knowledge is power - so don't be afraid to dive into comprehensive discussions, opinionated writers and a love for the historical through Snakepit magazine. You'll consistently refer to its contents again and again. Expect news on the upcoming features in issue #6 soon - take care metallic faithful!!! Matt