Good looking out. It is indeed the same group who were forced to change their name because another group (some pop band I think) had the same name and threatened legal action.

From the bottom of the last Aquarius Records update:

_______________________________________________________________________ ----> (from the teeny tiny print in Hydra Head's ad in the back of the last issue of The Wire): And Now A Little Insight Into The Phantomsmasher Name Change From the "other Atomsmasher" website www.atomsmasher.org (this was after they had threatened to sue Hydra Head over the name, and requested we recall all our merchandise bearing the name to be destroyed): "Who is Atomsmasher? Well I'll tell you. Atomsmasher is a rock band and we won't be stopped. OK, quick update: the problems have all been solved. No more name thievery and the hackers have been vanquished. Now onto the more interesting stuff..." Our response: "Hey guys, nice note you have on your website about the name 'thievery.' Who's being slanderous now? Atomsmasher (now Phantomsmasher thanks to you) never knew of your existence when the name was chosen, and therefore the title wasn't 'stolen.' I'm sure James was embarrassed to find out that a band such as yours had the same moniker, when it was finally called to his attention. Phantomsmasher are continuing to release more albums, and tour nationally and internationally, despite the name setback. Maybe you should have let them keep the name -- you might have sold more albums accidentally. May you rest in peaceful obscurity forever. Sincerely, Hydra Head Records." Their response: "That's real funny you scumbag. Why don't you go fuck yourself. I did you a favor and you did not keep up your end. The one thing I asked was don't have the cd misfiled under my name. When I asked you to stop I got a whole load of crap from you and your lying lawyer. You're lucky I don't take your crap label away legally. And we'll see about obscurity this winter when the new Atomsmasher cd comes out. Do youself a favor and don't be in a hurry to screw people over and burn bridges, 'cause if I ever see you, I will punch you in your stupid crapmetal-loving moron face. I think I'll post all your correspondence on my website to everyone in the world can see what an evil liar you are." Our response: "We're scumbags? You're the one that tried to sue a small label and is threatening others with violence. Yeah, you did us a huge favor -- we had to change the name of one of our bands, repress the packaging with the different name, and you had a lawyer serve us with papers. Listen, don't do us any more favors, we might die from joy. You couldn't take the label away -- you have no grounds. We met your demands and there is no more Atomsmasher on Hydra Head. Sadly for you, we'll be around for some time to come. We'll see about your cd this winter too -- we'll see it in the cut-out bins, if at all. We never screwed you or your bands -- you're the one who threatened to sue us, remember? If anything, we probably helped you sell a few cds. We never had a bridge to burn with you, you just don't make sense. As far as punching me in the face, I think that constitutes another threat -- a false one you won't back, but a threat nonetheless. We're gonna go cry to our lawyer -- boo hoo. By the way, I saw your band photo, and well, frankly I could never defeat such a massive hero like yourself -- even with a gun! All your millions of fans that view your site will probably be so up in arms that they'll be bangin' down our door -- thirsty for the blood of the big greedy label that tried to get rich by 'stealing' the name of a band that no one has ever heard of. Are you suing the other Atomsmashers too? Please post this on your website -- I hope people see what a petty fool you are. Take care and good luck with your band -- I'm sure you guys will be huge soon if your fantastic website is any indication. Sincerely, Hydra Head Records." -- Nirav -- AIM: Icefactory37 OnNow- BET in the living room, lightning and rain outside this window NR- _The Lime Works_- Thomas Bernhard "Maybe I am a country bumpkin after all." - Florence, 'The Jeffersons'