RMW Press Release

For the past 3 years in San Antonio the Summertime means only one thing when it comes to METAL shows, as the city’s most revered event comes calling to all metal fans, not only in the south Texas region, but all over the country. From San Antonio’s LONGEST Standing METAL Institution, ROBB’S METALWORKS (RMW), comes the '4th Annual Robb’s MetalWorks Showcase'. In years past this event has brought together some of the most sought after talent in Texas. The Showcase in 2002 saw San Antonio based Progressive-Metal Masters POWER OF OMENS display a very rare performance in their own hometown, while 2003 saw the reunion of technical thrashers WATCHTOWER stunning a sold-out night of rabid fans at Sam’s Burger Joint. Attendees of 2004’s RMW Showcase witnessed a rare performance from Arlington, Texas Doom Legends SOLITUDE AETURNUS, with San Antonio native John Perez leading the attack on his axe. All these evenings proved to be special nights in the tomes of San Antonio metal history. What does 2005 hold in store for us all as we prepare for the 4th installment of what has proven to be time and time again a 'one-of-a-kind' event.

Unlike in years past, 2005 has seen the RMW camp keep a very tight lid on what distinct headliner they have secured. Even the underground rumor mill seems at a loss with no reports documented on Blabbermouth.net or any other webzines on the internet. In this press release you will not only hear about this year's headliner, but also about all 4 support acts who were hand picked by RMW Host/Creator, Robb Chavez himself. As in years past, we are privileged to allow one of our sponsors, TexasMetalUnderground.com the distinct honor of sharing all the details regarding the '4th Annual Robb’s MetalWorks Showcase'.

We are very proud to announce the headlining band for the '4th Annual RMW Showcase' is the 'Remnants of War' lineup of Houston power-metal legends Helstar! The line-up that created Helstar’s second full-length release for Combat Records: James Rivera (vocals), Larry Barragan (guitar), Robert Trevino (guitar), Jerry Abarca (bass) and Russell Deleon (drums) have reunited in honor of the 20 year anniversary of the 'Remnants of War' LP, originally released in 1986. In special tribute to the release the band will be performing the entire album from beginning to end. So go dust off your vinyl copy or for some of you lucky fans who have it on cd, pull it out, crank it loud, and dive into such classics as: 'Conquest', 'Suicidal Nightmare', 'Dark Queen' and 'Unidos Por Tristeza', because it won’t be long before you are hearing them all live again.

Over the past 15 years, James Rivera has maintained the Helstar name with various other musicians filling in on guitar and drums. It was often speculated, but mostly rumored, that a reunion between he and fellow chief song writer Larry Barragan would eventually take place. It never did.

The story of the reunion starts in Houston at a metal venue called 'Forget About It'. Robb Chavez had traveled to Houston on a weekend in late October 2005 to film Dallas thrashers Rotting Corpse and while enjoying a few cold beers with both Larry Barragan and Robert Trevino a true epiphany was born and took its roots. Though the two factions of Helstar had never really considered reuniting, Robb took it upon himself to bring these two writers together, not only for the glory of the RMW Showcase, but for the betterment of all Texas metal, as Helstar is and will always be where it begins for Texas metal. Through various conversations, compromises, negotiations, and most important of all, a shared vision of what could be, the rebirth of Helstar came to fruition.

So, we invite all of you reading this press release, wherever you may be from, to come witness once again the magic of Helstar. This is a special one-time-only performance and it's unknown whether this lineup will venture forth into a new beginning. The band will be hitting the stage promptly at 12:15am and will perform till their metal hearts are content. After their performance of 'Remnants of War' material, I would not be surprised to see them perform songs from their first release 'Burning Star' as well. To see other new photos of the band visit their brand new website at: www.helstar.com

Click here to see a collection of rare vintage Helstar photos pulled straight from the band's personal archives!

In direct support of Helstar will be Dallas-area band Phantom-X. This powerhouse band is led by Omen singer extraordinaire, Mr. Kevin Goocher. Phantom-X recently returned from a Fall tour in Europe alongside Canadian rockers Anvil and when approached for the RMW Showcase they quickly jumped on board. The band, which is currently supporting their Mausoleum Records release 'Rise of the Phantom', is a great blend of power metal dynamism. With songs that take fans back to the heyday of classic Power Metal, Phantom-X proves why no one in the new millennium is doing it better in their respective genre. This debut CD also boasts songs with contributions by other Texas vocal notables such as Jason McMaster of Watchtower/Dangerous Toys fame, as well as Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus. The highlight of course is Kevin Goocher, who after his many years in the scene still wields his voice like a battle-axe through a wide array of octaves. Phantom-X is sure to make many new fans in South Texas through this premiere performance. Read more about the band at: www.phantom-x.net. Phantom-X will perform from 11:00 to 11:45pm.

Smack in the middle of this years lineup is a band whose reunion in 2005 was incredibly well-received. Out the Dallas area as well, Rotting Corpse will be delivering its blistering thrash assault at the '4th Annual RMW Showcase'. The band whose energetic performances were the talk of legend in the 1980’s, undoubtedly still has it where it counts as was witnessed by Robb at their Houston show in October 2005. Delivering classics from their original demos such as 'When It Rains, It Pours', 'The Price of God' and 'Rotting Corpse', the band hits the stage at full throttle and never lets up 'til the end. Fueled by the antics and verbal assault of Walter Trachsler, watching Rotting Corpse in 2006 will take any hardened fan back to the day. This is a performance you are surely not going to want to miss and we are very proud to have Rotting Corpse as part of this special event. Learn more about the band and how to get their remastered demos on CD for the first time at: www.rottingcorpse.net Rotting Corpse will be fukin' shit up from 9:55 to 10:40pm.

In an evill twist of fate, the '4th Annual RMW Showcase' will once again be delivering the dark side of the force with the symphonic black metal hymns of Austin's Vesperian Sorrow. Vesperian Sorrow, who are about to venture across the pond for a performance in London in April, will return soon enough to conquer the black masses here in San Antonio. The band, who recently released their 3rd full length CD entitled 'Regenesis Creation', is ready to share their blend of dark metal with a rare performance in the San Antonio area. As the 2nd act to perform at the RMW Showcase, it goes without saying that the band will be pulling out all the stops performing songs from all 3 of its releases. Go to www.vesperiansorrow.net for more info. See Vesperian Sorrow hit the stage from 8:50 to 9:45 pm.

Opening up the big metal show will be the only band from the Alamo City on the bill - the band we like to call the D.R.I. of San Antonio. No Ballads is a 3-piece band who’s fast riffing and equally fast vocals have earned them some notoriety here in the local scene as a band to keep a watchful eye on. The band originally accosted Robb at a local bar and presented him with their debut demo. The rest you can say is history. No Ballads has the ethic, the heaviness, and the attitude to represent San Antonio well at the '4th Annual RMW Showcase'. Get to the gig early to see the unique brand of thrash from a young group of musicians, who with their quirky humor and stage presence, will garner the respect of early attendees. You can hear their music at: www.myspace.com/noballads. Watch No Ballads from 7:50 to 8:30 pm.

- Place: The White Rabbit located at 2410 N. Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas.

- Date: Saturday, June 10th 2006

- Doors for the event will open at 6pm sharp

- This is an ALL AGES show

- The cover is $12

GIVEAWAYS:

Because this event is for the fans & viewers of Robb’s MetalWorks, being made available at this '4th Annual RMW Showcase' will be 4 separate giveaways for the fans.

1. The first 50 paying fans through the door will receive a FREE commemorative '4th Annual RMW Showcase' t-shirt. These shirts will be black & have the RMW caricature and Showcase date on the front. On the back will be the logos of all the bands performing. This will truly be a nice souvenir piece.

Right before Helstar's performance there will be a drawing for the following giveaways:

2. One 24x36 full color poster of the 4^th RMW Showcase flyer, which will be autographed by all the bands. This posters will be made of high quality vinyl and will be the only one in existence.

3. Metal Blade Records giftpack #1 - to include a Metal Blade hoodie, a Metal Blade t-shirt and the Helstar CD's for 'Distant Thunder', 'Nosferatu', and 'Twas The Night of a Helish X-Mas'.

4. Metal Blade Records giftpack #2 - to include a Metal Blade t-shirt and the Helstar CD's for 'Distant Thunder', 'Nosferatu', and 'Twas The Night of a Helish X-Mas'.

MERCHANDISE:

Fans in attendance please remember to bring some extra cash, as all bands will have merchandise available from their respective CD's, demos, t-shirts, stickers, etc. Be on the lookout for their merch tables inside the venue.

Also available will be 30 commemorative RMW Showcase t-shirts for $10 each, just in case you were not one of the first 50 through the door. You may still need to arrive early to the event, as these 30 shirts will sell pretty fast. Then, that will be it, these shirts will never see the light of day again.

PRE-SALE TICKETS:

Because there will be many fans coming in from outside San Antonio, RMW always makes 'pre-sale' tickets available for purchase. If you would like to purchase tickets now for this Showcase, please just email RMW at ccfp@satx.rr.com. The price of presale tickets is the same at $12 each. There is no limit to the number of tickets you can pre-purchase. This may be a great idea, as we anticipate this show to sell out.

CAMERAS:

Because the '4th Annual RMW Showcase' is an exclusive RMW event & video shoot, there will NOT be any video cameras allowed inside the event. So, we please ask that you not violate this rule, as security will escort you out of the venue if you are found in violation. However, we DO invite everyone to bring in their still cameras to take as many photos of the event, bands, friends & family in attendance.

SPONSORS:

RMW is proud to announce its list of official sponsors for the '4th Annual RMW Showcase'. All of these kick-ass companies have helped make this event a possibility again for all the fans out there. RMW asks that you give them your business in appreciantion of what they are doing in support of metal in San Antonio & Robb’s MetalWorks. Also, please be sure to visit their respective booths in the courtyard at the White Rabbit.

Gold's Gym :: Metal Blade Records :: TexasMetalUnderground.com :: Drama Tattoo

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