The debut album by Cleveland electro-metal quintet Ventana comes out on Tuesday, October 6, on Trustkill, the hardcore/metal indie label whose catalog includes Terror, Bullet for My Valentine and Throwdown. Ventana features Mushroomhead programmer Rick "Stitch" Thomas.
The 13-track CD, American Survival Guide Vol. 1, is a joint effort between Trustkill and Mushroomhead's Filthy Hands label. Trustkill will market and distribute the album worldwide; Filthy Hands will own the masters. The label deal is for one album, with options for future releases.
Trustkill's general manager Robert Dippold also manages Mushroomhead. He says Ventana is the kind of project "the industry is looking for. They own a studio and cameras, and the record is completely done. And the label takes it to the next level. I told them, 'Bands like you are the future.'"
The Black Keys are now down with Harlem hip-hop collective Dipset — and a host of other big rap names. The Keys' new project Blakroc features vocals by Dipset founder Jim Jones, Mos Def, Wu-Tang Clan's RZA and Raekwon, Ludacris, Q-Tip and others — including vocals from the vault by Wu-Tang's late Ol' Dirty Bastard. The album will drop on November 27 on Blakroc Records, a joint venture between the Keys and hip-hop mogul Damon Dash.
Internet radio network Uncensored Net Noise (morningshowcentral.com) celebrates its third birthday Friday, September 25, at the Hi-Fi Concert Club (11729 Detroit Ave.), following the 8 p.m. performance of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Comedian Jack Warren hosts, and Morality Check, Dirt, Fast Chester and Uncle Fungis play. Admission $5.
Wilbert's (812 Huron Rd.) will host a Kiss pre-concert party on Monday, September 28, before the band's show across the street at the Q. The club will play videos on a big screen, give away prizes and offer specials.
Now That's Class (11213 Detroit Ave.) will host a three-on-three basketball tournament for bands on Saturday, September 26, from noon-7 p.m. Interested bands can contact the club at 216.221.8576.
The Chamber (11802 Detroit Ave.) will reopen Friday, September 25. The goth/industrial dance club has been closed since July, when a fire in the neighboring storefront singed the building.
