news

Lit drummer Allen Shellenberger succumbs to brain cancer at 39

Scott Heisel on 8/14/09 @ 11:31 AM

Allen Shellenberger, the drummer for and a founding member of Orange County, California-based rock band Lit, passed away from brain cancer Thursday, August 13, according to a statement released by the band. He was 39.

According to the band, Shellenberger was diagnosed with a malignant glioma brain tumor in May 2008 and immediately underwent clinical trials, chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute. He continued performing with the group until last fall.

The band's joint statement reads: "To know Al was to know laughter. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Words cannot begin to express how much he will be missed. This was our brother and not a day will go by that we won't think about him. Right now we're trying to find the balance of mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Allen has experienced more in his 39 years than most people dream of in ten lifetimes. This is a tremendous loss for us, our fans, and also for Allen's family who took such good care of him during his battle with cancer."

Lit were best known for 1999's A Place In The Sun album, which landed them on that summer's Warped Tour and had three hit singles, including "Zip-lock," "Miserable" and "My Own Worst Enemy."

Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of Allen Shellenberger.

Sent by Ravens post video for "Trailer vs. Tornado"

Chris French on 8/14/09 @ 9:39 AM

Tooth and Nail newcomers Sent by Ravens have posted the video for "Trailer vs. Tornado" on YouTube. The band signed to Tooth and Nail earlier this month and is expected to release their label debut at the beginning of next year. You can check out the video below:

Every Time I Die post trailer for Party Pooper DVD

Chris French on 8/13/09 @ 9:02 PM

Every Time I Die have posted the trailer to their upcoming DVD, Party Pooper, on YouTube. The DVD is exclusive bonus material that will accompany the deluxe edition of the band's upcoming album, New Junk Aesthetic, which is scheduled to hit stores September 15 on Epitaph Records. Check out the clip, which hints at the unveiling of a new drummer, below:

The Bled sign to Rise Records; new album in 2010

Scott Heisel on 8/13/09 @ 3:29 PM

Rise Records has announced the signing of Arizona-based experimental metalcore band the Bled. The label says the band is currently recording the follow-up to 2007's Vagrant-released Silent Treatment, with plans for an early-2010 release. The label also promises that "the band is going back to their roots. Having a sound reminiscent of their debut album Pass the Flask, but with a modern twist and far superior musicianship."

This will be the first album since the band gutted their lineup earlier this year; they'll likely be road-testing some new songs this September on tour with Alesana (dates).

The Dear & Departed sign to Equal Vision; new EP this fall

Scott Heisel on 8/13/09 @ 3:13 PM

Equal Vision Records has announced the signing of indie-rock act the Dear & Departed, featuring frontman Dan Smith, the newest cast member of the TV show LA Ink. The band's EVR debut will be a digital EP/7-inch produced by New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, scheduled for release later this year.

"EVR have always supported us and after constant frustration with other labels, we feel it's a great decision," says Smith. "That's all you can really ask for these days, honest support. We have all been fans of EVR bands since we were young and its nice to have that history and nostalgia with a label, even though so much has changed over the years."

The band's last album was 2007's Something Quite Peculiar, which we profiled them on.

Strung Out return with new album

James Shotwell on 8/13/09 @ 2:02 PM

Punk pioneers Strung Out are celebrating their 20th year together by releasing their 7th studio album, Agents Of The Underground, on September 29, 2009 via Fat Wreck Chords. The album was produced by long-time fan Cameron Webb [Social Distortion, Motorhead, IGNITE]. The album art can be seen HERE.