__Make plans for metal in the summer. Yep, Ozzfest 2001 is ready to roll. The first show will be June 8 in Chicago, Illinois. The main stage acts will be the original line up of Black Sabbath, plus Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Papa Roach, Linkin Park and Crazytown. Second stage headliners include Disturbed.

That's an okay line-up, although it's somewhat less heavy than last year's bands. Still, Ozzfest is definitely not to be missed.

More news as I hear it.

__Just wanted to comment on Faceplant's 3 song "Promotional use only" CD that several of you may have gotten at the December Louisville Metal Fest. It kicks butt! The cover of Primus' "Too Many Puppies" is ultra cool! The disc also includes "Deadbeat" and "Closure." Look for more new tunes soon from Faceplant.

__Heard a rumor that Mick Mars has left Motley Crue. I love the old stuff - but the Crue has been going downhill for a while now. We'll see what happens.

__Speaking of leaving/being "let go" - or whatever you want to call it - Peter Criss will not be playing with Kiss for the Australian/Japan leg of the Farewell tour. According to KissAsylum.com. Peter Criss did not quit but was relieved of his duties after negotiations for the overseas tour were cut short by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Criss did not accept Kiss' contractual offer for the overseas tour and the lawyers for both parties could not come to an agreement.

Eric Singer will join Kiss for the overseas tour in Kriss's cat-man makeup and costume. Kiss will return to the USA to play one city for the final show. Gene Simmons said he hopes Peter will be there for the final show, so they can end it all as they began it all.

Well, you know I am a huge Kiss fan and I think this is all very sad. I know being in a band is a business, especially when it's as big as Kiss, but - they need to remember why they started playing music in the first place.

And this stuff about Eric Singer being in Peter Criss' makeup and costume - I'm sorry, but this is the cheesiest thing yet. I respect Eric Singer; he's a good drummer and performed his duties well during his time in Kiss. But come on, have a little respect for yourself, Eric - and for Peter Criss.

I hate to say this, but I am glad Kiss is saying farewell. I will always love `em, but they need to get out while they still have some dignity.

__Rumor has it that James Hetfield will play bass on the new Metallica record. There have also been rumors that Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) may take Jason Newstead's place, at least on tour.

__Megadeth has agreed to do VH1's "Behind The Music." It will air in May, which is also when their new record The World Needs A Hero is due to be released.

__Monster Magnet will release God Says No in early spring.

__Flybanger released Headtrip To Nowhere on February 20. Look for a review in next month's issue. Also, look for Flybanger on separate tours with Soulfly and Sepultura this year.

_ Get ready for a big show in April - it's the Wake The F**k Up Tour - featuring Godsmack, Staind, Cold and Systematic. They're coming our way April 7 at Louisville Gardens. Tickets are on sale now!

Quickie CD Reviews

Rating scale - 1 - 5 skulls - 5 means it kicks butt - buy it now!

Dracula 2000 Soundtrack (Columbia Records)

I don't usually pay too much attention to movie soundtracks, but this is definitely one to take notice of!

The CD features 15 tunes from some of the top acts in heavy music. My picks of the bunch are "Bloodline" by Slayer; "Heads Explode" By Monster Magnet; "Avoid The Light" by Pantera; "Metro" - a cool, heavy cover of Berlin's 80's hit - as done by the quirky System Of A Down and "Blind World," a pounding tune by Flybanger.

Pick this one up - you won't be disappointed.

____

American Exhaust (Riverock Records)

The Glasspack

The Glasspack is a pure jam band that has been jamming around these parts for a while now.

American Exhaust is full of those kinds of songs where a band will start playing and just lose track of time within the song. Ya know - just jamming. Kind of reminds me of a heavier, modern day Doors.

My picks of the bunch are "Whiskey House," "Shut Up & Ride" and "Jim Beam and Good Green."

Buy this and lose yourself in the songs.

____

Endtyme (Earache Records)

Cathedral

If you've been a fan of heavy music for very long, then you are most definitely familiar with Cathedral. This British band has been putting out records since the early '90s and received critical acclaim for the 1993 release The Ethereal Mirror. With Endtyme, Cathedral gets back to their doom roots.

The sound is ultra-heavy and menacing. The CD opens with "Cathedral Flames" and then gives you a swift kick in the head with "Melancholy Emperor." All the tunes have a chunky feel and the guitar solos are dead-on heaviness.

My other picks of the bunch are "Requiem for the Sun,", "Ultra Earth," and "Sea Serpent." Endtyme is truly a masterpiece. It is the best metal album that I have heard so far this year.

Go get it now!

Ok pit people - that's all for me this month. I'll have more news & CD reviews next month.

Thanks to everyone for sending in show dates, etc.

Email me at pitnews@yahoo.com

See everyone of you at Pantera!

Support all that is heavy!