This is always one of our most popular issues - when our staff writers get to list their “Best Ofs” for the year.

It’s always a bit controversial, but remember, we can’t ALL go to all the shows or listen to EVERY CD. Let us know if you agree or disagree on our choices.

There’s still LOTS of shows - nationally and locally going on. See the National Concert Calendar and our various club ads.

Welcome new advertisers Diver Down, Swan Song and Nonetheless. And welcome back to Jim Wright (Avalon Project) and First Street Audio (now Ft. Worth Sound).

You Wrote

Missing Parts & Pieces
We appreciate your dedication and the space that you have for us in your news paper. We are a local band (death-power metal). We’re working in an original project with that style, but are now making a ICED EARTH tribute. We’re contacting you because we need a bass player and lead guitarist to do it, [See Missing Parts & Pieces]. Thanks for your time and keep going to support and keep alive heavy metal.
Viridiana A

History of local metal
Hey Linda, I think that is very cool those bands are throwing you a Birthday Bash. I would be there for sure... but that is the night TMA (Texas Metal Alliance) will be going into the studio to record some new material. But, Happy Birthday from me…

TMA is also filming a behind-the-scenes DVD these next few months, which will also include a history of all our former bands (Rigor Mortis, Gammacide) and a lot of history of the local metal scene… .

We are really excited about recording,,,. It has been a long, long time since I have got to record. Oh, and we did check out the new issue yesterday at practice... Damn cool issue! Talk with ya soon, Linda.
Bruce Corbitt

Linda comments
On a personal note, a Big “Thank You” to Rob’s, Little Green Men, X’s Red, Criminal Sanity and Lapse of Santy, who asked if they could throw me a Birthday party. It was a Blast! (Linda Hollar)

Letters Policy
To have a letter printed, please include your name, address, Zip Code, and phone number so we may contact you for verification or clarification. Writer’s name may be withheld from print upon request.
Letters may be e-mailed to linda@harderbeat.com
or sent to P.O. Box 59711, Dallas 75229.