Ozzfest 2005 – Past Predictions…

The Predictions:

Our old SMNnews.com prediction page. We’ve found, years down the road, and especially in ‘07, that it’s just too hard to predict anymore. Whoever would have thought it was going to be free….?

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Disclaimer:

Any information and any source of news that is written here cannot be used without the written or verbal consent of SMNnews.com. The information below is contained under the law by strict copyrights. See our ‘Terms of Service’.

Also, all the bands listed below are mere possibilities and predictions for the traveling festival, we of course guarantee no band to be on Ozzfest 2005, and as time progresses we will slowly be able to rule out other bands, and even add more onto the ‘list’. SMNnews.com has no jurisdiction what-so-ever over Ozzfest, the choosing of the bands, or the final outcome of who may perform. Our predictions are what they are…predictions and valid statements of the band’s recent “goings on”, nothing more.

Last Updated: [ 2/24/04 - 7:04pm PST]

- Overall huge update..

This page is dedicated to Dimebag Darrell: 1966-2004 – Rest in Peace

With OZZFEST 2004 reaching new highs, and with bands like Judas Priest being added to the touring lineup, 2005, the 10th year of the traveling festival, has great promise to be the biggest, and probably one of the best versions of this great tour, in many years. We’ve seen OZZFEST shine, with additions of top name artists like Slayer and PanterA to the bill, and then again, we’ve seen the rear end of OZZFEST with horrific choices of Crazytown and Adema for the main stage. This past Summer, 2004 saw the rise of the new “nu-metal” grace its stages, with bands associated with the genres of ‘hardcore’ and ‘metal-core’ getting more popular, and landing slots on the prestigious 2nd Stage.So what will 2005 have in store for us all? Well, we certainly know a few things…

1. The winner of ‘Battle for Ozzfest’ will be playing the 2nd stage
2. This could very well be the last Ozzfest, possibly…ever?

This is definitely a tough section to keep updated, and with not much information being released to the public about what is in store for next Summer, who knows what will happen!

Don’t forget to keep checking frequently for band additions and rumors that raise a bands ranking to higher level, or actual confirmations! We will be updating all the time..and welcome any input; just email me at: aidan@SMNnews.com

Staff Predictions:

Aidan – available
Alan- not available yet
Nate – not available yet
Dan – available
Rod – not available yet

Ranking System:

FYI: each ranking next to the band is in accordance to whatever stage they have their ranking by. There will be repeats in the list for several bands who may appear both on the main and second stages..their rankings differ on each stage), or for instance a band may have potential in two co-headlining spots, so their ranking is equal for both..it gets easier to understand as you scroll down !

========================
cannot be ranked – -
looking doubtful – *
odds even – **
odds good – ***
highly possible – ****
========================
band confirmation – *BAND*
confirmed – *CONFIRMED*
========================

..but before you read on. Here are those big guns who won’t be at your local Ozzfest this year:

Anyone of those bands who at those Euro festivals, like Summer Breeze and what not..just keep in mind, Ozzfest tends to kick off early July, or late June, so the Download festival makes bands still elegible!

AC/DC – The only group probably as big if not bigger than Sabbath/Ozzy, why would they settle for a co-headlining spot if they can sport their own headlining world tour?
Metallica – On Ozzfest? Nah. Doubtful.
Guns N’ Roses – Axl will still be recovering from acute facial plastic surgery.

The Lineup

The most ACCURATE Ozzfest 2005 lineup – always changing.

Here is where we analyze recent press releases, album sales, etc. and put it down on paper to put together what we call a tentative Ozzfest 2005 bill, or at the moment is considered to be the most feasible, most heavily rumored, and/or confirmed Ozzfest 2005 lineup!

Main Stage:

Black Sabbath
Iron Maiden
Anthrax
Disturbed
Shadows Fall
Black Label Society

Second Stage:

Rob Zombie (2nd Stage Headliner)
Mudvayne (2nd Stage Headliner)
Killswitch Engage (Perm. Slot)
A Dozen Furies
Trivium
As I Lay Dying
Mastodon
Diecast
In Flames
Soilwork

The Predictions

Main Stage Headliner:

Sabbath Back Again Strong..!

[ **** ] Black Sabbath - (Sabbath toured the ‘fest every other year (1997, 1999, 2001, they missed 2003 – did 2004 – Confirmed for Denmark’s Rokslide, as well as rumored for a # of other Euro festivals..it could be coming true!)

[ **** ] Ozzy Osbourne – (with Sabs)

[ - ] Judas Priest (Will be doing their own World Tour.)

[ ** ] Velvet Revolver (Lord knows why they would headline the entire bill, but it’s feasible. In a 2003 article in Rolling Stone article, Duff McKagan said. “Then our record will come out and we’ll do some guerilla touring in major cities in the U.S. And then we were offered to headline Ozzfest.” – So that either means, the top spot to replace the Ozzman, or the sub-spot – but that WAS in 2003. Two years gone, things aren’t the same, and the hype isn’t as big.)

[ ** ] Motley Crue – (Considering their reunion tour will see them in Europe in early Summer, and then a statement saying that they will be doing an “amphitheater tour” in the US later in 2005)

Main Stage Co-Headliners:

Co-Headliner #1

Here is where you bring out the big guns..a lot of talk for these two coveted spots, after the likes of KoRn, Tool, Guns ‘N Roses, and Slayer all being pushed aside in 2002 before SOAD were finally put on the bill, it is a wide open spot for who could play.

[ ***** ] Iron Maiden (The rollercoaster ride has led us back to our previous revelation back in 2004 of these lads headlining the Fest!)

[ *** ] Velvet Revolver – (These lads could be considered too soft for a true metal 10th – but the starpower is there. Can they master upgrading from a club tour to a high slot on Ozzfest?)

[ - ] Motley Crue (Considering their reunion tour will see them in Europe in early Summer, and then a statement saying that they will be doing an “amphitheater tour” in the US later in 2005)

[ - ] Tool (Done until 2005 – Belief is that they will be knee deep in a new album which would take priority over just jumping onto a huge national festival after a hiatus.)

[ ** ] Marilyn Manson (new album came out in 2003, personal friends of Sharon and co., appeared on her show, did the tour in 1997, 2001 – it all depends on his tour scheduling and his want to do it)

[ ** ] Motorhead (Now wouldn’t that be something! Maybe just on the main stage, not as a co-headliner.)

[ - ] KoRn (Nay. These guys are on their way out.)

[ - ] Godsmack (Will be recording their new album in the Summer of 2005)

[ * ] Slayer (Have performed in 1996, 1999 and 2004 – The band will more than likely be in the studio working on a new album. Ozzfest and the JagerMusic tour made 2004 a good enough year for ‘em. Also, in an interview in January 04 – Kerry King answered when asked about Ozzfest, “Not really, personally. No. I mean I don’t speak for the band, but I think for our fans that have to pay upwards of sixty bucks to see Slayer play 45 minutes in the daylight is a rip off.”)

[ ** ] Slipknot (Took charge of the 2nd Stage last year, a return to the mainstage is an area where they could take charge. A darker period of the day could lend to some nice pyro or an intersting stage show. Odds are up for ‘em.)

[ **** ] Disturbed (Look to have secured a main stage slot. With a new CD in the works, and their proven skill of selling albums, also having played Ozzfest before – Look for ‘em here.)

[ *** ] Megadeth (Dave Mustaine – was 2004 really the year of his last ever tour? It is hard to gauge the truth behind what he says, but these guys have also been floating around as being on Ozzfest, and would fit in nicely right below a band like Maiden. Announce on Dec. 27 that a number of “big” European festivals will be taking place with Megadeth headlining/playing – could rule out Ozzfest.)

Co-Headliner #2

[ **** ] Megadeth (Dave Mustaine – was 2004 really the year of his last ever tour? It is hard to gauge the truth behind what he says, but these guys have also been floating around as being on Ozzfest, and would fit in nicely right below a band like Maiden)

[ **** ] Anthrax (have stated their intentions and want to do Ozzfest! Charlie Benante showed up for his guest spot in ‘Bounce’ in 2002, and the band just wants to do the tour – Dependant on their label and cash flow. There was a floating rumor of them + Belladonna reuniting for a tour. Regardless, the fans want ‘em on – and have for many years – can the money be coughed up? A headlining gig on the 2nd stage is quite open too, but a regular main stage slot definitely seems more feasible.)

[ * ] Audioslave (Originally confirmed for 2002, but cancelled due to Chris Cornell leaving the band, were supposed to do the Lollapalooza gig, but overall are just too radio friendly)

[ * ] Deftones (Did the whole Metallica deal on the Sanitarium tour a while back, but after a relatively quiet 2nd half of 2004 odds look low.)

[ * ] Foo Fighters (Ended up on some asinine online poll in 2002. Poop.)

[ *** ] Mudvayne (Second stage headliner in 2001, Metallica in 2003, a fan favorite, US club tour in early 2005, Europe in Spring/Summer, known for non-stop touring, new album to promote and support, Ozzfest would be perfect. The thought of them taking the Slipknot route and taking over things on the 2nd stage also comes to mind – there are so many possibilities.)

[ *** ] Disturbed (In the studio – New CD in 2005 – a 5th time around is an honest bet.)

[ * ] Linkin Park (On a 10th month hiatus.)

[ *** ] Slipknot (As stated above, took charge of the 2nd Stage last year, a return to the mainstage is an area where they could take charge. They’ve been on the successful Jager tour, then Ozzfest, and a huge tour with LOG/SF tour is forthcoming – Odds are up for this slot.)

[ *** ] Rammstein (Have yet to hit the US for a tour, released a new album in late 2004, and would literally light up the main stage, and again, a fan favorite. Adding aesthetic qualities and a foreign touch.)

[ *** ] Machine Head (Bay Area love, would make a killer addition to the lineup, and their album saw a US release in 2004 and is still making waves. If certain acts don’t make the cut, you can look for these big name metallers to be on.)

[ *** ] System of a Down (Are doing the big Euro Fests (download), and if they don’t do a World Tour, then sign ‘em up for Ozzfest one can assume?)

The Main Stage:

The Main Stage, here is where you get a couple juicy bands, then you get your annual flop (see Crazytown, and Adema). This often makes or breaks the tour if the second stage isn’t as good. Luckily in 2002 the strong second stage made up for the additions of P.O.D and Adema on the bill.)

[ - ] Mudvayne (Second stage headliner in 2001, Metallica in 2003, a fan favorite, US club tour in early 2005, Europe in Spring/Summer, known for non-stop touring, new album to promote and support – Will be on 2nd Stage headlining)

[ ** ] Sevendust ( They were included on a poll to be added back in 2002. Lajon and crew are an odds even band.)

[ ** ] Static-X (Storming back in 2005 with a new album, could be another chance for these Ozzfest vets to shine again on the main stage. Once graced it in 2000)

[ * ] Cradle Of Filth (Roadrunner always has a number of bands on, but hopefully they will let their younger artists take over the reigns on the 2nd stage – Also stated their desire to never do the Fest again.)

[ * ] Henry Rollins Band (This name appears time and time again, and each year. I doubt they’ll show though.)

[ - ] Machine Head (Will not be on.)

[ ** ] Deftones (Did the whole Metallica deal, and their own tour later in 2003, but a new CD in 2004 could either kill ‘em or boost ‘em up – I suspect radio shows, and another tour rather than Ozzfest though)

[ ** ] Drowning Pool (New single has impacted radio in Spring, with solid results. Although not too much on the scene in late 2004, these main-stage veterans could pull an MTV crowd possibly.)

[ * ] Evanescence (Ah, there you go Aidan, you hit the MTV crowd right on their pimple. Probably *too* commercial.)

[ *** ] Shadows Fall (Contract ended with CM – Looking to be picked up by a major – Did it in 2003, and have been racking up the album sales. A main stage slot or up for a perm. 2nd stage slot I would say.)

[ ** ] Soulfly (Showed up in 1998 and headlined second stage in 2000, new album out in 2005. The question is- “Is there room for all of Max’s personal buses and entourage?”)

[ - ] Powerman 5000 (I think they broke up? Maybe they are working at McDonalds? I don’t know.)

[ - ] Voivod (Newsteds new outfit, after being Ozzy’s bassist, looks doubtful).

[ *** ] H.I.M (MTV Crowd will come flooding in for these guys, they also have the Bam Margera support and have been selling out US tours left and right)

[ **** ] Black Label Society (We have seen them in 2001 and 2002 as main stage openers, new album out 2004, a tour in 2004, a few shows lined up for 2005 – new label, get ‘em on!)

[ ** ] Queens of the Stone Age (Did Ozzfest 2000, they didn’t really like the crowd response and felt their music wasn’t for that demographic, the whole ‘Songs for the Deaf’ thing has petered out in late 2003, A new CD in 2004 though.)

[ ** ] Life Of Agony (They made a comeback this past year, and have been touring non-stop.)

[ - ] Chevelle (No, just no. We’ve seen enough of you fucking Loeffler brothers three.)

[ * ] Taproot (Toured 2000 and 2001 Ozzfests on second stage, since then have released a lackluster CD and have been MIA)

[ * ] Satyricon (Are claiming to bring the black metal scene back to the US – When they aren’t “raping” people in Canada, their loyal fanbase is enjoying them at sold out North American shows. Will be recording new CD over Summer)

[ * ] Crazytown (Oh, let me just chuckle to myself as I type ‘NO’)

[ ** ] Lostprophets (another MTV possibility who actually received a warm welcome on the 2nd stage in 2002 for their live intensity. Have gone down the more emo route as of late though.)

[ ** ] SOiL (2nd stage band in 2002 who deserved more than a ‘half tour’ stint. Just acquired AJ Cavalier as a replacement for departed vocalist Ryan McCombs – will have their new CD out by Summer, depending on their label and what not, getting fans more familiar with AJ would more than likely be in the cards as a priority. Although the band would gun for 2nd stage over main.)

[ *** ] Jerry Cantrell (Good buds with the metal community as a whole. I’ll post an odds even up on Mr. Cantrell. What about an Alice in Chains reuinon with Pat Lachman on vocals on the mainstage?)
[ - ] TRUST Company (*fart*)

[ - ] Twisted Method (Management would like for the band to do it again, but we’ll see. Doubtful.)

[ ** ] Nonpoint (Have landed a number of headlining tours, and have done the 2nd stage already.)

[ ** ] Ill Nino (its touch and go as to where these guys would be placed if added to the bill, but with a new album out in 2003 and their good crowd response, and their album doing somewhat alright in 2003 its a possibility they could make it up to the main stage)

[ - ] Flaw (broke up)

[ ** ] Fear Factory (Ah yes, they return, possibly will grace the US in the Summer again after their `99 performance on the 2nd stage – New label, hit the Jager tour as well as a successful tour with LOG, a top pick for RR.)

[ ** ] Andrew WK (another half ‘Fester in 2002, had stated his want and intention to come back for 2003, and after ending up on the main stage due to Kelly for the majority of his touring duties on the ‘Fest it could be very well be another one of those MTV possibilities)

[ ** ] Hatebreed (Have been all over the board on Ozzfest, a main stage slot would fly well with the crowd, almost as them acting like SJR on 2004)

[ - ] Saliva (with their new album and a hit single, and them being rumored (but never actually appearing) on 2001, they can kiss their chances goodbye for 2005!)

[ *** ] Lacuna Coil (Did 2004 2nd stage, could be the ‘return’ band for 2005, and a main stage spot would be suitable. Have broken every CM sales record there is.)

[ ** ] Devildriver (One of the ‘breakout’ bands of 2004. A mainstage gig could see ‘em as part of RoadRunners regularly entered bands)

[ * ] Kittie (those growling girles were supposed to be on the mainstage last year, and the year before that, but…)

[ ** ] Mushroomhead (Odds are even but more unlikely than anything. With member issues leading to a new singer, Mushroomhead will more than likely be doing their own thing. That or touring with ICP.)

[ * ] A Perfect Circle (Maynard is back on track with Tool for 2005. Not likely.)

[ - ] Limp Bizkit (*blank stare*)

[ **** ] In Flames (ah yes, the Swedish powerhouses themselves! did those coast to coast shows in NYC and LA, one of which had to be cancelled, but I think their presence in the US is highly regarded, and either a main stage position or a 2nd stage headlining slot is very feasible – little birdies on the wire have been chirping about these guys since Summer of `04. Also appeared on the Ozzfest Summer Sampler for 2004.)

News Flash

RoadRunner currently is only pushing two bands to Ozzfest

Second Stage Headliners:

This is the fun part of the tour, and the hardest to guess for on the bill..! It could be a great year if things go to plan. More permanent slots – Starting later.

[ - ] Superjoint Ritual (Another huge Anselmo side project, they released a new album in 2004, have plans for late 2005 to hit the studio, but with the tragic death of Dimebag Darrell, Mr. Anselmo has stated his intent to not be involved with music for a while. Highly unclear.)

[ **** ] In Flames (Nuclear Blast put Meshuggah on for 2002 (thanks Jack)..In Flames are now huge in the metal scene, a new album in 2004, a very definite possibility. Fans clamor for the Swedish/Gothenburg sound, and if Nuclear Blast can fork out the money for this successful act, you could see In Flames as, if not a headliner, a main stage act! Little birdies on the wire have been chirping about these guys since Summer of `04. Also appeared on the Ozzfest Summer Sampler for 2004. If not 2nd then main.)

[ - ] Machine Head (Won’t be on)

[ ** ] Lamb of God (Looking less likely to be on – Will be doing their own tour.)

[ ** ] Shadows Fall (Century Medias did well with ‘em in 2003 as we correctly predicted :) these guys have done extremely extremely well for the lack of tour support they get, and have greatly impacted metal, they also will be signing to a major label as their contract with CM has run out, so with that sort of $ behind them, a major tour like Ozzfest could work out well, unless they go out on tour with the likes of Judas Priest or another major metal act.)

[ - ] Dimmu Borgir (On a lengthy hiatus.)

[ *** ] System of a Down (Are planning to release a new album in 2005 and have a Summer US Tour “lined up”, but it could be in the 1st half of the Summer, with Europe taking precedence for July/August and onwards – a bit iffy to rank. Higher rather than lower though.)

Co-Headliners:

The ‘co-headliners’ part of the predictions page goes for the 2nd and 3rd slots below the main headliner, but it really depends on how Ozzfest will run the schedule, as over the years it has changed numerous times.

[ *** ] Strapping Young Lad (A Century Media favorite! New album hitting shelves in early `05, and with their previous effort selling remarkably well, these silly Canadians could definitely add some pizzazz to the staple 2nd stage spot. I rank ‘em quite highly – that and Devin’s mug has been all over MTV for the Osbournes.)

[ - ] Chimaira (Will not be on.)

[ **** ] Mudvayne (Second stage headliner in 2001, Metallica in 2003, a fan favorite, US club tour in early 2005, Europe in Spring/Summer, known for non-stop touring, new album to promote and support, Ozzfest would be perfect. Either 2nd co-headliner, or right below the 2nd co-headliner. Hey, they sell albums! The thought of them taking the Slipknot route and taking over things on the 2nd stage also comes to mind – there are so many possibilities. Latest rumor from NAMM puts these guys on the 2nd stage headlining!)

[ ***** ] Killswitch Engage (Headlining this year’s 2nd stage.)

[ *** ] OTEP (Well they’ve been in this exact slot numerous times before…)

[ * ] Arch Enemy (It relies on Century Media’s bank account, and if they want to put a smaller vs. established band on. The Swedish connection have been blowing away US audiences, but with failed US tours (Machine Head) and a blase EP release, it could shunt them to sticking to Euro fests.)

[ ** ] Children of Bodom (Words cannot really express how big these Finnish lads have become, but when Laiho isn’t breaking his arm, you could sign these guys up for a slot. Euro festivals may take precedence.)

[ * ] Stone Sour (Nope. Slipknot commitments.)

[ * ] Murderdolls (Nope. Slipknot commitments.)

The Second Stage:

It really is a guessing game, a fun one though..

[ *CONFIRMED* ] A Dozen Furies

[ *** ] Full Blown Chaos (Their new album plus Jamey Jasta by their side, as well as a strength in numbers NYC fan base might be enough to get them a position on the tour.)

[ * ] Dope (Dismal sales. waning fanbase)

[ **** ] Scars of Tomorrow (A high possibility out of the Victory Records camp. Them and Bury Your Dead.)

[ **** ] Mastodon (Gaining a huge fan base worldwide. Landed on the prestigious Jager tour with Slayer. They could be considered a “shoe in” for Ozzfest.)

[ - ] Avenged Sevenfold (On Warped Tour for 2005!)

[ ** ] No Warning (On the Slipknot tour – are a ‘core possibility)
ugh.)
[ - ] SOiL (2nd stage band in 2002 who deserved more than a ‘half tour’ stint. Just acquired AJ Cavalier as a replacement for departed vocalist Ryan McCombs – will have their new CD out by Summer, depending on their label and what not, getting fans more familiar with AJ would more than likely be in the cards as a priority.)

[ ** ] Bad Acid Trip (If SOAD get on, you can expect a bid to be launched for these EatURmusic folks.)

[ - ] Remembering Never (Too young of a band w/ less experience to be on the 10th Anniversary.)

[ *** ] The Haunted (One of the biggest explosions in metal in 2004 – A nutty live show, perfect fit for the 2nd stage. Let’s get ‘em on.)

[ * ] Crisis (Too much $, and the band would rather do in on their own merit, than have to pay to get on.)

[ *** ] All that Remains (If their label can muster up the money, ATR would slide in here like Michael Jackson’s hand down a youngsters pants. Despite the gnarly analogy, these lads fit the criteria perfectly.)

[ - ] Union Underground (Where are they?!)

[ ** ] Beyond the Embrace (Little $ will prevent these lads from being on the bill)

[ ** ] Kreator (One can wish can’t he? May be too big to take such a small spot on a US festival. Europe could make them more money.)

[ * ] Atreyu (Most likely Warped Tour…)

[ ** ] Testament (Europe commands a better audience/deal for ‘em at those large festivals, but these Bay Area metalheads would be an awesome addition to Ozzfest, would rip the crowd a new one. Old school.)

[ ** ] Death Angel (Speaking of old school…have been on some hefty tours, were supposed to do the Deftones tour, but album sales might not be enough for NB to throw ‘em on)

[ *** ] Exodus (More Bay Area thrash, but no lead singer!)

[ ** ] Between the Buried and Me (Between the windmill and the floor. Odds Even for these ‘deathcore’ lads – check out their Forum on SMN Forums)

[ *** ] Misery Signals (These guys are on OuterLoop, which has SYL, DFD, and more – on Ferret.)

[ **** ] Bury Your Dead (Victory threw Atreyu on last year, and Bury Your Dead are getting some hot press, and some major ad coverage from their label. Also featuring in Santa Mosh, their heavy sound, and huge underground following ranks them highly among choices for a slot on the 2nd stage of Ozzfest 2005).

[ **** ] Martyr AD (Keeping in league with Victory Records and labelmates BYD, Martyr AD also have been pushed to the max by their PR folk – another viable option if BYD don’t make the cut.)

[ ** ] Nevermore (They were scheduled for Warped in 2003 before CM yanked them off, one of CM’s brighter artists, too hard to tell.)

[ * ] Lacuna Coil (Did 2004, and the 2nd stage again just would not happen. See Main Stage.)

[ ** ] Behemoth (These 3 piece brutal-bringing death metallers would stomp on people, but again, the ever present money issue, and the fact no death metal band has graced the 2nd stage hampers their ability to be on.)

[ * ] Twelve Tribes (Hit big in early 2004, and have continued their trend of non-stop touring all throughout the year. They will be hitting the UK with 36 Crazyfists in early `05 – It has been said by sources close to the band, that Ferret are not prepared to punt up the cash for 12T to be on Ozzfest 2005. Right now, Warped and a headlining tour are better options, but 1 star will remain just in case.)

[ **** ] Trivium (Roadrunner has to put these guys on, them or 3 Inches of Blood, but with 3IOB not being on as many bigger tours as Trivium, plus their guitarist issue back in September, it might mean the Floridians get the upper hand – but I would not complain if both were on!! More than likely.)

[ ** ] 3 Inches of Blood (Roadrunner has to put these guys on, them or Trivium, but with 3IOB not being on as many bigger tours as Trivium, plus their guitarist issue back in September, it might mean the Floridians get the upper hand – but I would not complain if both were on!!)

[ * ] Darkest Hour (Not 2 years in a row.)

[ *** ] Dillinger Escape Plan (MTV are touting them to breakout in 2005 – On a smaller label again, so Relapse will have to pick and choose…DEP or Mastodon?)

[ - ] Watch Them Die (They thrive off their live show, and are considered the ‘next’ Lamb of God by many. Could be CM’s darkhorse. Not really enough press in 2004 to jet them up to Ozzfest stature.)

[ *** ] Norma Jean (Solid State Records artists, have been spin kicking their way around town, could possibly land the wild-card surprise slot.)

[ **** ] Diecast (You really have to say they would fit in rather well, and have been reportedly saying at shows to fans that they have been asked by CM to be a part of the tour next year.)

[ *** ] The Autumn Offering – (Stillborn Records artists who are making their mark on several metal tours, as well as hardcore tours – these guys could be Jamey’s personal ticket onto the 2nd stage! Odds high.)

[ * ] Onesidezero (broken up – will not appear)

[ ** ] A Life Once Lost (These guys will be in the studio in 2005 recording their Ferret debut – Could be a good bet.)

[ ** ] Dead to Fall (Another adjectival Death, Dying band. Are on the Victory rostor,

[ - ] Bedlight for Blue Eyes (I really just wanted to type their homoerotic band name. Thats all.)

[ ** ] Single Bullet Theory (Crash Music Inc. are mulling over whether to cough up the cash. They have been in talks with Ozzfest Reps. though, so odds even.)

[ *** ] Candiria (A new album in 2004, survived that horrific car crash, and are back badder than ever. Been on some solid tours in 2004, Odds positive.)

[ **** ] As I Lay Dying (Hardcore/Metalcore is this years fashion. These guys have been BOOMING. A definitely good signing on Metal Blade’s part. I would give ‘em a high rating. Shoulda been on it last year!)

[ *** ] The Black Dahlia Murder (Just about a good a chance as labelmates AILD! Huge success in past 2 years despite member changes.)

[ ** ] The Acacia Strain (Would probably be one of the RR bands that would be least likely to end up on the bill, but hey, if 3IOB/Trivium aren’t what the label are trying to market, maybe they’ll step down to these guys.)

[ - ] Skinlab (Steev has other priorities with RE:Ignition)

[ ** ] Sepultura (Or as they say in South America, SEP-UL-TOO-DA, kinda went down the shitter after Max’s departure, but would make a solid 2nd stage band)

[ *** ] It Dies Today (Trustkill’s prime selection – With the Caitiff Choir doing really well in the underground, I think that these lads could be TK’s band next Ozzfest season)

[ *** ] NORA (While we’re at it, throw another TK band in the mix. Could go either way. Maybe Carl from Ferret is keeping some $ back to get his own band on tour.)

[ - ] Motograter (Are reaching a demise. Will likely break up in 2005, not be on Ozzfest.)

[ ** ] Skindred (on Warped.)

[ * ] Sworn Enemy (A few new demos recently surfaced on the net in December, so new material is in the works

[ * ] One Minute Silence (Were supposed to play Ozzfest 2002, but, they have since broken up..)

[ * ] Throwdown (Not again.)

[ *** ] Terror (Trustkill chose labelmates Throwdown last year, and it worked out fairly well for ‘em, so Terror could be another TK choice.)

[ ** ] Funeral for a Friend (Yes, Welsh pride! Might be a good addition, mebbe slightly too emo. Good call though. Follow the trend of their brethren Lostprophets)

[ ** ] Stripping The Pistol (ex-Soulfly sideproject, have music featured on the Osbournes, personally picked by Sharon, we’ll soon see!)

[ ** ] Boyhitscar (another “were supposed to play but cancelled” band..yet they have been MIA for a while, a possible resurgance in 2004 could be in order)

[ ** ] Fozzy (Ozzfest or Wrestling..? That concept failed in 2002, but maybe Chris Jericho can bring his band to play instead of just signing tits.)

[ ** ] The Bled (Surely possible. Turned it down due to lack of $$ last year.)

[ ** ] The Agony Scene (Maybe they are slightly smaller than some hXc bands, but odds even!)

[ * ] Unearth (Unlikely for 2 years in a row.)

[ ** ] Most Precious Blood (They are making a storm in the UK and Down Under, maybe the US won’t be their territory of choice for Summer of 2005.)

[ - ] Factory 81 (broken up)

[ - ] Nightwish (Despite their US success, and their plans to come back with Sonata Actica, they will be doing Wacken, which takes place in early August.)

[ ** ] CKY (GnR tour all those years ago, they’re a fairly big band, but Warped tour may suit better – depends on their previous engagements)

[ * ] Zeke (Don’t really have the label behind them to get onboard.)

[ ** ] 40 Below Summer (Another one of those artists who seem to come off and on the radar rather frequently.)

[ ** ] Brand New Sin (they have the Zakk Wylde backing, just inked a deal with CM, a great bunch of metal musicians – but may not be the best investment from CM’s POV,)

[ ** ] American Head Charge (These guys are making a slow, but sure resurgence – With a new album coming out in Feb. of 2005, these alumni may have another shot at stardom.)

[ *** ] Himsa (A true metalcore gem, turned it down last year, 2005 would be a brilliant year for ‘em to glisten on the fest. New album in 2005. Dollars may play a large part in it if these guys would get on the bill or not.)

[ ** ] Premonitions of War (A name that is popping up a lot recently. Did a number of national tours. Odds Even.)

[ * ] Six Feet Under (May be covering another AC/DC album. Who knows.)

[ **** ] Dog Fashion Disco (I really think this band has come to light in 2004, and have finally signed a deal with a major (Artemis), and they really deserve a slot on Ozzfest to push them to the top. Management is the same as SYL – They would add a new aura, and would definitely land a slot if they get on a major label, or secure a new deal.)

[ * ] Nothingface (Broken Up.)

[ * ] Brides Of Destruction (Nikki Sixx side project, Will continue without him, but doubtful for the ‘Fest.)

[ ** ] Crossbreed (Last heard, were being eyed up by some major labels. )

[ - ] Bleeding Through (Warped.)

[ ** ] ZAO (Keep reuniting, are on Ferret, and could be another hardcore act on the bill.)

[ ** ] Poison The Well (after getting our hopes 2 years ago, just ended up on Warped.)

[ ** ] Caliban (This could be a bit of a stretch, but this type of German metal core would be much appreciated by US audiences. Having played NEMHCF before, Ozzfest would spark them to the top of the pile, on the same plain as some of their American counterparts.)

[ ** ] Breaking Benjamin (Too commercial, would have to do main if anything.)

[ * ] Glassjaw (could return, but not much has been said about them in the past year)

[ * ] Head Automatica (Daryl’s condition may cause an issue with touring, and 2005 could see Glassjaw return, another 50/50)

[ *** ] Mnemic (A Nuclear Blast Darkhorse? They will be touring with Soilwork, Hypocrisy, and Dark Tranquillity in the Spring, and Ozzfest could lend a hand in them being a breakout band here in the States. If the cash can be mustered, I say these guys would be a brilliant pick. Depends on if In Flames get on, but if IF land the 2nd stage headlining slot, that position is usually free.)

[ * ] Sentenced (doubtful due to funding, and the 1st time they had appeared in the US was just for 2 weeks…not enough of a fanbase)