The Warriors of Metal, Inc. non-profit organization in humbled and honored to announce that the legendary James Rivera has chosen to launch his solo career as this year's Friday headliner of the Warriors Of Metal Fest VI Open Air since the organizers of the festival received the following message 2 days ago:
Boston-based power thrashers Meliah Rage have unfortunately had to cancel their appearance at this year’s Warriors of Metal Fest in Pataskala, Ohio. Guitarist Anthony Nichols underwent back surgery in late April fully expecting to be ready for the show, but complications led to a second surgery which has left Nichols unable to be ready for the event. Even after the second surgery, Nichols was hopeful that the band could keep the Ohio date on their schedule, but based on the advice of physicians, more time is required for Nichols’ back to heal properly. In his words "This thing really kicked my ass…” The whole band is certainly disappointed about having to miss the festival but encourages fans to attend the event despite the absence of Meliah Rage this year. The city of Boston will still be well represented with long time power-metallers Steel Assassin and Ravage, two favorites of Meliah Rage.
The Warriors of Metal organization seized the opportunity to bring James Rivera back to the Festival after last year's powerful performance by Helstar as the Saturday night headliner of the shows 5th year anniversary edition. The proposal amounted to Any Metalhead's fantasy performance by such a hard working and prolific artist and the decision was thus made to collaborate again to make Metal History. James Rivera states:
"Friday, June 28th will mark a proud historical moment in my music career. I am honored and privileged to announce that on this date, I have been confirmed as the headliner for the sixth edition of Warriors Of Metal Festival, in Pataskala, Ohio, replacing MELIAH RAGE after the band's unfortunate cancellation. What makes this occasion special is that it will be the debut performance to launch my new musical endeavor, 'JAMES RIVERA'. This long overdue project will now become my other main act aside from HELSTAR, and will not only feature live appearances and touring, but also a studio album forthcoming via SPV/Steamhammer. More details on the artistsinvolved and music planned for recording to be released soon.
Last year I had the pleasure of experiencing the excellence of WOM for the first time when HELSTAR was invited as a headliner. I am truly obliged the organizers have chosen to have me back with my new incarnation! For this momentous show, joining me onstage will be guitarist extraordinaire from another fricking planet, Xander Demos of the XANDER DEMOS band and my Pennsylvania Chapter of SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH. My rhythm section will be composed of powerhouse musicians Dennis Hayes on bass and Jeff Curenton on drums, both infamous for being apart of the 'Year of the Witch' lineup of SEVEN WITCHES, and Ripper Owens' early career days in the bands WINTER'S BANE and BRITISH STEEL. Fans attending WOM can expect a good handful of classic SEVEN WITCHES songs, in addition to other tunes from my catalog, plus some surprises!
So for now this is just a mini update on what I've got in store for the near future. HELSTAR fans, do not worry... the new album will be coming at you full steam ahead in 2014! European fans, I will see you this summer with SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH! And to those who will be present on June 28th for the premier show of JAMES RIVERA at the swiftly rising U.S. metal festival Warriors Of Metal Open Air, get ready to raise your fists in the air! Get those neck muscles in shape for some serious headbanging and a night enjoying the only kind of metal I have ever known to deliver, and always will. Intense, true and powerful metal!!!!"
Additionally, the Chicago Power Metal band CRUSADER will join the Pre-Fest Showcase of the Warriors Of Metal Fest VI Open Air on Thursday evening, June 27th to round out the lineup. Band drummer Colin Holmes states: "Crusader is excited to be a part of the Warriors of Metal Fest VI Open Air at the end of June. It's going to be both amazing and humbling to share the same stage with a number of acts both national and international that we'd be happy just to see live. We can't wait to fuel up the battle tank and rampage through Columbus Ohio- we're going to have to leave some of the ammo at home, though, to make room for our new album "Onward into Battle" that we'll be bringing along."
Additionally, the Chicago Power Metal band CRUSADER will join the Pre-Fest Showcase of the Warriors Of Metal Fest VI Open Air on Thursday evening, June 27th to round out the lineup. Band drummer Colin Holmes states: "Crusader is excited to be a part of the Warriors of Metal Fest VI Open Air at the end of June. It's going to be both amazing and humbling to share the same stage with a number of acts both national and international that we'd be happy just to see live. We can't wait to fuel up the battle tank and rampage through Columbus Ohio- we're going to have to leave some of the ammo at home, though, to make room for our new album "Onward into Battle" that we'll be bringing along."
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| Fest T-shirt design, once again courtesy of Dragonfyre Studios |
Confirmed acts:
Warriors Of Metal Fest VI Open Air Pre-Fest Showcase on June 27th at The Shrunken Head Rock Club in Columbus, Ohio: CRUSADER, FLESH ENGINE, HALSTATT, MACHINAGE, NOBLE BEAST, OBLIVION MYTH, SHALLOW GROUND, VINDICATOR.
Warriors Of Metal Fest VI Open Air taking place on June 28th - 29th at the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio: ALAS NEGRAS, BRAZEN ANGEL, COVEN 13, DANTESCO, DAWN OF VALOR, EDEN'S FALL, FIAKRA, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, GLOBAL WARNING, IRON WILL, JAMES RIVERA, MITHRIDIUM, POWER THEORY, RAVAGE, SEAX, SKULL HAMMER, SOLVO ANIMUS, SACRED GUARDIAN, STEEL ASSASSIN, TWISTED TOWER DIRE, VACANT THRONE, VALHALLA, VOLTAX, WULFHOOK.
To purchase tickets for the festival please visit http://www.
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