FACT or FICTION

You've probably seen this column idea at other sites. We thought it would be cool to do it for the various metal rumors floating around the Internet.

1. Disturbed frontman David Draiman told Headbanger's Ball recently that their new album will feature material that is more "old-school metal". FACT Or FICTION?

1Evil1 - FICTION. Disturbed wouldnt know the difference between nu and old school metal

EC - Disturbed are a band that will hop on whatever band-wagon or trend that seems to carry a substantial amount of popularity with it. Going from rap-core rumblings to the effective "pop chorus", Disturbed will do whatever is necessary to chase the mighty dollar. I think it is a FACT that this band will go "old school" with more melody, cleaner vocals, and maybe a bit more "power".

Nailer - I like most of their stuff, but I'm gonna go with FICTION thinking that Disturbed doesn't know how to play old-school metal. They're just using a buzzword.

IcedMojo - FACT, I think so. I actually missed that Headbangers Ball by accident, but that seems to be where these "so called" recent metal bands are headed. It must be a wannabe trend.

Double M - FICTION. Does Disturbed even know what "old school metal" is? He's gotten too comfortable playing the modern frontman. I can't see him banging that bald head on stage...

2. Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante says that his band gets no love from other bands. FACT Or FICTION?

1Evil1 - FACT. Anthrax has always been heavily overlooked since Belladonna left the band.

EC - I would have to agree and say this is a FACT. When it comes to Anthrax, few metal fans even mention their names. I'm sure this wasn't the case in the early 80s with thrash classics like "Fistful Of Metal" and "Spreading The Disease", but in the new, modern age its very common for Anthrax to not even be mentioned. With so many people talking about Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, etc., its a real shame to know that these guys go completely unnoticed most of the time.

Nailer - Well, they ain't on OzzFest and they got dropped of the Crue Tour so it seems to be FACT. The cause of that lost love, however, may be debateable.

IcedMojo - FACT, I know it was said and I am fairly confident it was Charlie. Anthrax is a legendary band. They get no love. Maybe he and Timo Tolkki need to share a room in the loony bin.

Double M - FACT. I saw the bitching he did about Dave Navarro and about the lack of respect that Anthrax - forefathers of metal - get. While I agree he has a point, he's going to become just like the rest of these whiny assholes posting messages on websites to the point that no one takes him seriously if he's not careful.

3. Silent Force vocalist D.C. Cooper says "American fans are much more demanding than their European counterparts". FACT Or FICTION?

EC - I would have to say that is a FACT. Americans need everything to be classified and wrapped up in a nice little package that fits their specific needs. Also in the US, they seem to get very attached to one particular style that they feel is radio friendly. They are much more demanding for bands to play what they like, instead of opening their ears and minds to hear what else is out there. The Europeans on the other hand seem to accept what is before them, flocking to festivals that include every type of metal band, mixing it all together and finding out what they really like, but feel inclined to give everything a worthy listen. You will always see EVERY metalhead at a European concert banging and moshing, as with the US, there are always clusters of people who stand unmoving, almost asking for something more to get their attention.

Nailer - FICTION. Ya gotta remember that the U.s. market is WAY bigger than the Euro-one and you're not going to get a gold record by selling 15,000 copies like you do in many Euro countries. I think that what is pushed by the companies as trendy is only the most visible part of the U.S. market and that there are plenty of underground fans that will find what they want including his music.

IcedMojo - FACT, you see, reading MM news does payoff. It was said, but he needs to remember, Europe has pure respected metal, where as in the US, sure, we have some greats but real metal seems to be wearing a bit thin here. Instead of real metal, the states are plagued with bullshit artists that are only out for a buck and wouldn't know real metal if it bit them in the ass!

Double M - FACT, although I think he may have his thinking backwards. Europe is much more discerning in their metal tastes. For proof of that, look at the last hard rock/metal band that made it high on the Billboard charts - Linkin Park.

4. STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has lost his mind. FACT Or FICTION?

1Evil1 - FACT. I've always questioned that guy.

EC - I would have to say this is ficton. It sounds to me like Tolkki is just trying to get as much publicity right now as possible. As for his choice of vocalists, well, I guess he just wants to experiment with the band's sound.

Nailer - FACT is that alcohol abuse kills brain cells and causes hallucinations. If he swallowed a mosquito, he’d have more brain cells in his stomach than he would in his head. Maybe they'll release a great CD and his madness will show some method in it.

IcedMojo - FACT, it is also a well known FACT that he never had a mind to lose. In the words of Jim Ross (WWE announcer) "that boy is crazier than a pet coon"!

Double M - Apparently FACT from all the posts I've seen out of this guy. The latest being that hitler is alive and well? Somebody put this guy in a straitjacket.

5. Since metal and hard rock is on an upswing, we will see the new Gun's and Roses CD by the end of the year. FACT Or FICTION?

1Evil1 - FICTION. That CD will continue to gather dust on some executives shelf till the apocalypse.

EC - FICTION. The bottom line is this. Guns N' Roses and Axel Rose are some of the laziest musicians in the business. Lets face it, in a ten year career the group managed to put out two albums, Appetite For Destruction and Use Your Illusion (that was one record divided), one cover tunes album, one EP, and a live record. They don't like to work, screw up tours on purpose so they can sit their lazy asses at home, and refuse to create anything new and refreshing for their fanbase. They won't put a new record out this year!!

Nailer - FICTION. Axl is waiting on the perfect moment when the moon is just right, Venus lines up with Uranus, the North Pole flips magneticly and his big toe quits hurting. Maybe in 2005.

IcedMojo - FICTION, well, metal and hard rock are on an upswing but there is still no definite time for the new cd, if we ever see one.

Double M - FICTION. I've given up on "Chinese Democracy" EVER seeing the light of day. Besides, Axl and company are too busy blocking a Greatest Hits album that would help them more than his career suicide antics ever could.

6. LIMP BIZKIT had to drop off the KISS' Tour Of Australia, because of 'Scheduling Conflicts'. FACT Or FICTION?

1Evil1 - FICTION. Durst is just afraid that his manhood will be shown up by someone who is more woman than he is.

EC - FICTION. What kind of scheduling conflict could you possibly have! You are on tour with KISS and your only obligation should be to play your set at 9:00, do a few interviews, and go to the next gig. Its as simple as that. I would say KISS just hates their guts or has gotten very irritated with their antics on the road and did them a favor with the "scheduling conflict"

Nailer - FICTION. Those two go together like an ashtray goes on a motorbike. Somebody pulled the plug and I'm guessing it was Gene.

IcedMojo - FACT but a big loss there. I really like Kiss but they should have just stayed in their nursing homes.

Double M - FICTION. Limp Dick were dropped because Australians didn't see how KISS and limpbizkit go together and would rather have a REAL band opening up for KISS.