The Pulse of Radio reports that executives at concert giant Live Nation are looking at 2011 tours from the likes of VAN HALEN to save the live music industry, according to a report in USA Today. Live Nation executive chairman Irving Azoff told analysts on a Monday (October 4) conference call that the concert business will end 2010 with a whimper, with Azoff saying the industry is "still not seeing a consumer recovery" in ticket sales. But Azoff said he was optimistic about next year, specifically mentioning VAN HALEN and FLEETWOOD MAC as two acts that could lift ticket sales out of the doldrums.
Other potential 2011 moneymakers that Azoff mentioned included the cast of "Glee", AVRIL LAVIGNE and CHRISTINA AGUILERA. The latter canceled a tour this past summer because of poor sales.
Other acts that saw a dip in ticket sales this year included the JONAS BROTHERS, AEROSMITH, GOO GOO DOLLS, THE EAGLES and others.
Azoff also said that Live Nation hopes to earn money by selling more items like CDs, DVDs of that night's concert, T-shirts, posters and other memorabilia.
VAN HALEN's 2008 reunion tour with original singer David Lee Roth grossed more than $93 million and drew nearly one million fans to 74 shows.
Recent rumors have indicated that a new VAN HALEN album is in the works for a 2011 release. The new album would be the first with Roth on the mic since 1983 and first full studio effort since 1998's "Van Halen III".
Rich Howells of The Times Leader recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On returning to MEGADETH in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of teh band's career-defining album "Rust In Peace":
"It's been really good. I think coming back into the fold with playing songs we already know, learning a few we haven't ever played before, quite honestly, from 'Rust In Peace', but coming back to do it with such a celebration mentality was a great way to come back in."
"I think it's right that I'm part of it. I think the fans are thrilled most importantly, because with something like this, this is all about doing this for the fans because this is one of their fan-favorite records."
"We all wanted this to work, we all wanted it to go the distance and now I can happily say that it has. Now that we've gone on and done all these other things, I think the fans are thrilled. I think the fans are really excited to hear what Dave [Mustaine] and I are going to do on the next record and we started working on some of those ideas as best we can being on a tour. It's a rock n' roll band. We shouldn't have to overthink it, overplay it, or overdo it. You should be able to just get in a room and be able to just let flow, and that's what's happening right now."
Ontouring with SLAYER and ANTHRAX for the first time since the 1991 "Clash of the Titans" tour:
"To a large degree, there are some things that haven't changed because we've all very uniquely our own bands. Yet at the same time, it's much more relaxed because, 20 years ago, we were all still fighting and clawing and scratching out way to the top, and now we've all been to the top. I think now we can go out with a much different mentality on the road touring together and have some laughs and really be much more comfortable around each other."
"It's not just like coming out and hearing three heavy bands who all do the same thing all night. That would be very one-dimensional, and, in my opinion, not very entertaining. You not only get three bands celebrating the thrash genre with our fans, but you get to see three very distinct and very different bands doing three very different things. Our three bands each helped create a cultural movement, and that's what people celebrate after all this time. It isn't just a song. It isn't just one record. It's basically that the three of us were part of this huge cultural movement, which was the thrash genre."
THE DAMNED THINGS — the new band featuring members of FALL OUT BOY (Joe Trohman, Andy Hurley), ANTHRAX (Scott Ian, Rob Caggiano) and EVERY TIME I DIE (Keith Buckley, Josh Newton) — will release its debut album, "Ironiclast", in North America on December 14 (one day earlier internationally) via Island/Def Jam.
A song from the CD, "We've Got a Situation Here" is available for streaming on the group's MySpace page.
Commented Scott Ian: "I just wanted to let you know how proud we are of this song and this whole record. It really feels special to us and I think we've written something that DESERVES to be heard. From top to bottom, every song rocks. Sick riffs, killer grooves, ripping leads, HUGE hooks aka ROCK. "
A listening party for "Ironiclast" will be held this Thursday, Thursday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at Angels & Kings (500 East 11th Street between avenues A & B) in New York City.
THE DAMNED THINGS made its live debut on June 1, 2010 at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York.
While each individual in the band has experienced their own successes, THE DAMNED THINGS' debut CD, which combines their love of classic rock anthems and powerful melodies with a heavy metal intensity, turns out to be much more than the sum of the separate parts.
"This is an amalgam of three very different bands," explained FALL OUT BOY guitarist Joe Trohman, who was first introduced to ANTHRAX's Scott Ian three years ago, when the two became fast friends and immediately began writing together. "It seemed unlikely, but it turned out we were on the same page musically. We were both interested in putting together a heavy/classic-rock, blues-oriented, riff-based band while trying to stay away from what makes that sound generic and overplayed."
"We're trying not to over-think it," chimed in Ian. "Nobody's arm is being twisted to be here. We're just doing it as we go along, and this is the natural progression. We're able to do things exactly how we want to do them by keeping it simple and comfortable for everyone."
With Trohman and Caggiano handling the production duties, the group began writing and recording songs mostly in Brooklyn, Chicago, and Buffalo (where Buckley resides). The template began to take shape, combining those elements of classic rock with the heavier aspects of ANTHRAX and EVERY TIME I DIE, and the hook-laden choruses of FALL OUT BOY.
THE DAMNED THINGS is:
Keith Buckley: Lead Vocals
Scott Ian: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Rob Caggiano: Rhythm, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Joe Trohman: Rhythm, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Andy Hurley: Drums, Percussion
Josh Newton: Bass
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER will embark on a European headlining tour in March/April 2011. Support on the trek will come from GRAND MAGUS and SISTER SIN.
The dates are as follows:
Mar. 24 - Germany - Hamburg, Markthalle
Mar. 25 - Germany - Speyer, Halle 101
Mar. 26 - Germany - Memmingen, Kaminwerk
Mar. 27 - Germany - Frankfurt, Batschkapp
Mar. 28 - Germany - Berlin, C-Club
Mar. 29 - Germany - Bochum, Zeche
Mar. 30 - Germany - Ludwigsburg, Rockfabrik
Mar. 31 - Germany - Munich, New Backstage
Apr. 01 - Germany - Glauchau, Alte Spinnerei
Apr. 02 - Germany - Lichtenfels, Stadthalle
Apr. 03 - Swiss - Pratteln, Z7
Apr. 04 - Italy - Milan, Alcatraz
Apr. 05 - Slovenia - Ljubljana, Hala Metelkova
Apr. 06 - Croatia - Zagreb, Mocvara Club
Apr. 07 - Slovakia - Bratislava, Randall
Apr. 08 - Czech Republic - Zlin, Masters of Rock
Apr. 09 - Germany - Andernach, Live Club
Apr. 10 - Belgium - Vosselaar, Biebob
Additional shows in France, Spain and Portgugal will be announced soon.
"Highland Farewell", the new video from GRAVE DIGGER, can be viewed below. The track comes off the band's new album, "The Clans Will Rise Again", which was released in Europe on October 1 via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded between mid-May and mid-July at the Meadow Studios, which is owned by GRAVE DIGGER's new guitarist Axel Ritt, and Principal Studios, where all of GRAVE DIGGER albums since 1995's "Heart Of Darkness" have been tracked. It was produced by Chris Boltendahl and mixed by Jörg Umbreit.
"The Clans Will Rise Again" track listing:
01. Days Of Revenge
02. Paid In Blood
03. Hammer Of The Scots
04. Highland Farewell
05. The Clans Will Rise Again
06. Rebels
07. Valley Of Tears
08. Execution
09. Whom The Gods Love Die Young
10. Spider
11. The Piper Mcleod
12. Coming Home
13. When Rain Turns To Blood
According to a press release, "Chris Boltendahl, Jens Becker, Stefan Arnold, HP Katzenburg and Axel Ritt offer an explosive mixture of the typical GRAVE DIGGER riff metal, combined with awesome epic chorus hooks, which will fascinate the fans from the very first note.
"'The Clans Will Rise Again' is a loose sequel [to] the 'Tunes Of War' album, but this time not a concept album about the Scottish history, rather a work about Scotland, its mysticism and its people."
Check out the cover artwork below.
GRAVE DIGGER celebrated its 30th anniversary at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, which was held August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany. The band performed its seventh and most successful album, "Tunes Of War" (1996), in its entirety at the event and was accompanied by "illustrious guests," such as the 20-headed BAUL MULUY PIPES & DRUMS BAND from Hamburg, German metal queen Doro Pesch, BLIND GUARDIAN lead singer Hansi Kürsch and the metal a capella ensemble VAN CANTO.
Wacken Open Air marked the first and final time GRAVE DIGGER played the entire "Tunes Of War" album live. The band also performed some of its other "greatest hits," such as "Ballad Of A Hangman", "Heavy Metal Breakdown" and "Excalibur" at the end of its set.
Former DIO and current DC4 guitarist Rowan Robertson will be featured in a "Where Are They Now?" segment on an upcoming episode of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show".
The sixth season of "That Metal Show", the one and only place on television to celebrate all things hard rock and heavy metal, is being taped in Los Angeles September 30 - October 5.
Hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine ("Crank Yankers", "Inside the NFL", "Meet The Creeps") and Don Jamieson ("Inside The NFL", "Dice Undisputed", "Meet The Creeps"), "That Metal Show" is a round-table talk show — now newly expanded to an hour from the previous 30-minute format — where rock legends hang out and discuss their past and current projects while interacting with metal fans that make up the studio audience.
Fans can catch all previous seasons online at VH1Classic.com.
In the late 1980s Robertson heard that Ronnie James Dio was looking for a new guitarist. He sent a tape to the record company Phonogram. After six months of waiting, he got a reply that stated that at that moment they were not interested in him. At the encouragement of his friend and fellow guitarist Sean Manning (HURRICANE) the tenacious Robertson then contacted the DIO fan club who then asked him to send his demo tape to them.
Robertson, who was 17 years old at the time, got a great response from DIO after receiving the demo through the fan-club channels. In late January or early February 1989 Robertson was flown to Los Angeles for an audition with DIO. He was auditioned twice. Immediately after the second audition he was invited to join the band. The press-release for the addition of Robertson to DIO was sent out on July 18, 1989 and the press was invited to meet the newest DIO guitarist on July 20, 1989 at Oliver's Pub in New York City.
The first DIO album Robertson started working on with DIO was "Lock up the Wolves". These sessions included Jimmy Bain, Vinny Appice and Jens Johansson. The band had already begun writing and recording when Jimmy Bain and Vinny Appice were suddenly excused from the band. They were replaced with Teddy Cook and former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright.
"Lock up the Wolves" was released in 1990, and the band embarked on a tour in support of the album.
Robertson stayed with DIO until Ronnie James Dio rejoined BLACK SABBATH in 1991.
Dio and Robertson had been writing songs for an album to be released in May 1991 which ended up being shelved. When the DIO band was put on ice, Robertson started work on an instructional video for guitar players. It was released on Star Licks in July or August 1991. He then teamed up with vocalist Oni Logan (ex-LYNCH MOB) and drummer Jimmy Paxson (from TRIANGLE) and began to write and record on an album together for Atlantic Records.
Seven years after the announcement of their creative break, the original members of prog rock supergroup TRANSATLANTIC — Roine Stolt (THE FLOWER KINGS), Pete Trewavas (MARILLION), Neal Morse (ex-SPOCK'S BEARD) and Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) — got together again and recorded a new studio album titled "The Whirlwind", which went on to be TRANSATLANTIC's best-selling album, entering mainstream charts in the U.S., Germany and Netherlands. Their two seminal albums, tours and DVDs redefined prog's artistic and commercial possibilities with a combination of modern and traditional prog, classic pop sensibilities, and mind-blowing musicianship.
The "An Evening With Transatlantic Whirld Tour 2010" was the group's largest tour, covering both sides of the Atlantic across 11 countries. With the addition of PAIN OF SALVATION's Daniel Gildenlöw on guitar and keyboards, it was also their most musically powerful. On May 21, 2010, at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, the cameras were rolling.
The upcoming release entitled "Whirld Tour 2010: Live At Shepherd's Bush London" will be available as a 2-DVD PAL-version set, a 3-CD audio version and a 2-DVD and 3-CD deluxe edition. The concert featured the entire "Whirlwind" album performed exactly as on the studio recording. But that's just the beginning. For the next two and half hours, TRANSATLANTIC performed nearly every song they've ever recorded, along with some surprises. The audio recorded at the show was later mixed by the band's own Roine Stolt, ensuring a genuine presentation of the music from that night. The show doesn't end, though, with the fading echoes of the final note. Backstage, in and around cities throughout Europe, the cameras accompanied Mike, Neal, Roine and Pete on their journey. Uncensored experiences and candid moments reveal the good, the bad, and the unexpected of life on the road. Also included is the band's encore from the final night of their tour, a headlining spot at
the U.K.'s High Voltage festival. For the last song at High Voltage, they performed the GENESIS classic "Return of the Giant Hogweed", joined onstage by original GENESIS guitarist Steve Hackett.
Track listing for the 2-DVD and 3-CD Deluxe Edition:
DVD 1 (147 minutes)
01. The Whirlwind
02. All of the Above
03. We All Need Some Light
04. Duel With the Devil
DVD 2 (190 minutes)
01. Bridge Across Forever
02. Stranger in Your Soul
03. Documentary
04. Band Interview
05. Return of the Giant Hogweed (w/ Steve Hacket)
Audio CD 1
01. The Whirlwind (79:52)
Audio CD 2
01. All of the Above (30:19)
02. We All Need Some Light (8:40)
03. Duel with the Devil (28:31)
Audio CD 3
01. Bridge Across Forever (6:03)
02. Stranger in Your Soul (30:00)
MURDERDOLLS frontman Wednesday 13 and his former bandmate Abby Normal are teaming up for the official release of MANIAC SPIDER TRASH's "Dumpster Mummies" and "Murder Happy Fairytales". Although sold at local shows in the mid-'90s, and a bootleg treasure, these recordings have never had proper distribution — until now!
Commented Abby Normal: "MANIAC SPIDER TRASH was unapologetically fierce and bewildering. We wanted fans to be shocked, puzzled, insulted, entertained. It didn't matter as long as they noticed us. Most importantly, we had some great songs to support the attitude. Of all the songs I've been involved with, the MANIAC SPIDER TRASH tunes remain some of my favorites."
Added Wednesday 13: "Never say never. After years of deciding what to do with these recordings, Abby and I decided it was time for them to finally get an official release. There have been bootlegs copies of these and some Internet downloads here and there, but nothing that has ever been approved by both of us."
MANIAC SPIDER TRASH originally released "Dumpster Mummies" in 1994. This was followed by "Murder Happy Fairytales" in 1995. The group subsequently disbanded, with Wednesday 13 and Abby Normal going on to FRANKENSTEIN DRAG QUEENS FROM PLANET 13.
The first release, "Dumpster Mummies", is now available and it contains original flyer art, previous artwork, as well as liner notes from Abby Normal.
"Dumpster Mummies" track listing:
01. Spidercide (intro)
02. Dead Man's Dance
03. Box Of Bones
04. Psyclone Of Souls
05. Motherfucker
06. Dumpster Mummies
07. God Bless The Creeps
"Murder Happy Fairytales" track listing:
01. Body Parts
02. Coffin Banger
03. Bomb in the Playground
04. Head on the Shelf
05. Skin Crawler
06. Puppet Veins
07. Rat-Rotted Mind
08. Ballad of the Dead
09. Graveyard Bash
10. Freakenstein
11. Fuck Authority
The official listening party for "Madness In Manila: Shadows Fall Live In The Philippines 2009", the new concert DVD/CD from Massachusetts metallers SHADOWS FALL, will be held on Friday, October 22 at the Idle Hands bar in New York City. The event will begin at 10 p.m. and happens to be the last stop on the annual Heavy Hitter Inc. CMJ Bar Crawl (this event and the crawl are 21+).
Idle Hands Bar is located downstairs at 25 Avenue B, and is co-owned by industry gurus Marc Schapiro of Branch Marketing Collective and SHADOWS FALL's very own manager, Dave "The Rev" Ciancio of Yeah! Management.
If you would like to RSVP for the Bar Crawl and the "Madness in Manila" listening party, please send an e-mail with your full name to radio@heavyhitterinc.com.
"Madness In Manila: Shadows Fall Live In The Philippines 2009" will be released on October 25 via Everblack Industries/Ferret Music. The set will include over 60 minutes of footage that was shot on April 30, 2009 at the Pulp Summer Slam in Manila, Philippines as well as a live audio CD.
The track listing is as follows:
01. The Light That Blinds
02. Forevermore
03. Failure Of The Devout
04. Crushing Belial
05. Burning The Lives
06. A Public Execution
07. Casting Shade
08. Destroyer Of Senses
09. What Drives The Weak
10. The Power of I and I
11. Enlightened By The Cold
12. Thoughts Without Words
13. Inspiration On Demand
14. War
15. The Great Collapse
16. Redemption
Swedish metallers IN FLAMES will enter their own IF studios in Gothenburg, Sweden next week to begin pre-production on their next album. According to the band, "The plan is to spend the remaining part of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 creating and recording the follow-up to 'A Sense Of Purpose'."
Guitarist Jesper Strömblad quit IN FLAMES in February in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.
The band spent the last few months touring the world with Strömblad's temporary replacement, Niclas Engelin from the Swedish band ENGEL.
Engelin had helped IN FLAMES on a couple of occasions in the past and is no stranger to the band's songs or the touring life.
IN FLAMES's latest album, "A Sense of Purpose" (2008), shifted 20,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which sold just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to debut at position No. 58.
The Scream Queen recently conducted an interview with drummer Chris Adler of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
The Scream Queen: Based on what you've said in the past, you insinuate that you want to feel the music and not just play it, that you want to bring your music to life. How do you go about bringing it to life?
Adler: Well... Umm... (pauses) It's an interesting question. I mean, I think the magic in this is how people create different kinds of art and it's always trying to explain to people who want to or don't do that kind of thing how that happens. It's not necessarily a mystery, but it's definitely an interesting event, you know. We get together, we all have different ideas of what we like and what we're bringing to the table. Then this kind of magic happens where we create these things together. We argue, like any family would, about how "no, I want it like this," or "no, I want it like that!" And sometimes those arguments are tough, but that's part of the process. And in doing that, not just following one agenda, but working together, I think we create something bigger than any individual. Then when we go to the recording process, we try to make sure it's not a sterilized process that's fixed by certain computer boundaries. Meaning, like when we do, like
most bands when they go into the studio, they use a click track, which is... We do as well, but a click track is basically so you know that everything is on time and you can look at a grid on a computer where everything fits. And for us, we use that, but we define click tracks by as music that we write, instead of the other way around. A lot of bands say, "OK, this song is going to be at a certain tempo," where we go in and play the song the way we like to play it, the way it feels, and then we record it that way, then we go back and make click tracks based on how we actually played it. So we're not changing it into like a sterile form, the music is moving the way we want it to move, we study that, make that kind of the blueprint of how it's supposed to go. So, that helps the recording process, makes things feel like they're alive as well.
The Scream Queen: Would you say that because so many artists just play music and not really feel it like you guys do, that is one of the reasons why music today isn't as good as it once was?
Adler: (laughs) That's a loaded question! Yeah, I think there is some music today that's better than music ever was, so I don't know if I necessarily agree with you 100%, BUT I do think that, that process — that sterilization process, that's become kind of the "norm" in the studio, definitely has taken away a lot of the feel of a lot of bands, and a lot of bands nowadays skip the whole process of getting together and writing songs, they're passing files back and fourth on their computer and just writing their parts with their keyboards instead of actually playing, and I think that makes for a pretty dangerous live show, obviously, when no one's actually played the material, but it also comes across, to me, as fake. You got to be (inaudible), you got to work with other people, and that's what makes music better.
The Scream Queen: What do you think is going to be different about this album compared to some of your previous ones?
Adler: A lot of our albums in the past, have come as a result of a reaction to the one before it. Like [with] "Wrath", we really wanted to make a very heavy record because we felt like "Sacrament" had kind of taken us as far as we wanted to go, kind of in a commercial direction, it wasn't... It was a very heavy record, it wasn't really commercial, but after listening back to it, some of the studio tricks and magic that the producer was pushing, just felt like we had gone too far in that direction, so we wanted to kind of rally the other way and make a more raw, aggressive record with "Wrath". But now, I don't think we're very reactive at this point to anything. I think this album is going to be a lot more wide open. Normally people have those kind of boundaries that their art fits within. Of course with a heavy metal band, it's going to be a heavy metal record. I don't think we're going to limit ourselves and say, "This is going to be the heaviest, or
the fastest, or slowest, or more rock, or less death metal, or anything." I think we... There's no more boundaries for us anymore, we've really created many records that sound all a little bit different, but show different sides with the band. And I think, hopefully on this one, we're able to be a little more creative and kind of not categorize ourselves, and not have a specific direction where we can kind of have all directions.
The Scream Queen: So, it may be a mesh of everything from the BURN THE PRIEST days up to "Wrath"?
Adler: Well, I think... Me, personally, my favorite records in the catalogue of the band, are from the BURN THE PRIEST record, and the "As the Palaces Burn" record, I think those are... Even because in a certain period of time, of course as well, but I also believe that those probably have our most aggressive material on it. I'm a big fan of speed, you know, that's kind of just raging, prog[ressive], speed metal. That's the direction that I'd like to go in. The other guys, over time, have kind of mellowed out a little bit with more rock-based songs, and that's where songs like "Redneck" and "Set to Fail" and those kinds of songs area little more groovy and stuff like that. So, I think they're going to be both... On the record, like I said, it's going to be a mix/match of everything, but we're not going to limit ourselves to one or the other this time, I think we're going to let both live together.
The Scream Queen: You've said before that you thought LAMB OF GOD's popularity had run its course, but with everything that's happened in the last year or two, do you think the popularity will ever fade?
Adler: It's really hard to say. I mean, I know that metal fans can be very, very particular and very kind of, fickle when it comes to their music. And I think today's fans have very short attention spans, you know, there's a new band every two minutes on Facebook and MySpace. They come and go so quickly these days that it's really hard to believe that we've made it this far. So, like I said, it's always been a surprise to me that people have stuck with us as much as they have and continue to grow; our audience is getting bigger and bigger instead of smaller and smaller. I don't know too many bands that have been around for fifteen years that have that kind of story to tell. We're very lucky, I don't want to jinx it and say that it's going to go on forever. It's always a surprise to me that we've done as well as we have and I'm obviously very lucky to be a part of it. Hopefully it continues. I don't know, I know we've toured for a long time with bands
like SLAYER and MEGADETH, and METALLICA, these kind of legacy acts that kind of built an audience, they can go wherever they want, play wherever they want. We would be very, very lucky to have that kind of situation happen to us. But that's not for us to decide, that's for the fans to let us know, and so far, so good!
The Scream Queen: Would you say that LAMB OF GOD has already left some sort of legacy?
Adler: (pauses) I... That's tough to say, I think when the books are written, that's for somebody else to write about us. To tell you something is pretty presumptuous on my part to think that we are anything special. I do think that we came along at a very good time, I think that the heavy metal scene, when we started doing "New American Gospel" and "Palaces", really needed that kick in the butt and a show of somewhat success for other bands to believe that music could come back and be successful. So I certainly think we played a part in that time, but I don't know how in the end it will be remembered.
Trevor Fleming, guitarist and founding member of NWOBHM legends SWEET SAVAGE (based in Belfast, Northern Ireland), passed away on October 2. A statement from the band regarding his death follows below.
"It is with great sadness we have to report the passing of Trevor, our beloved friend and musician.
"He has not been well for the whole year and passed away early on Saturday 2nd October.
"This was very sudden and we are shocked and extremely saddened with his departure.
"Trevor was the lifeblood of the band both in terms of musicianship and crack. He was funny, charming, extremely clever and deep, an unique individual who had many talents. Trevor could make anyone laugh, could write the catchiest riffs and lyrics; in fact, everything about Big T was totally infectious.
"He will be sorely missed by us all.
"God bless you, my friend!"
Current DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell, who was a member of SWEET SAVAGE from 1979 until 1982 (when he joined DIO), commented: "There's been so much death over the last year or so it's difficult to make sense of it. Our parents are of an older generation, so as difficult as it is to lose them, at least it fits with the natural order. When our friends start to die, it becomes more difficult to reconcile.
"Trevor Fleming was a founding member of SWEET SAVAGE and although it seems like a lifetime ago since he and I first met, he was much too young to die. He was a good man and he will be very missed by me and by all who knew him."
METALLICA's cover of the SWEET SAVAGE classic song "Killing Time" (co-written by Campbell) was included as the B-side to METALLICA's "The Unforgiven" single.
The new lineup of the reactivated NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) band BLACK ROSE is currently rehearsing for upcoming shows, which will start in early 2011. The group's set will consist of songs from BLACK ROSE's very first demo, first single, first album ("Boys will Be Boys"), second album ("Walk It How You Talk It"), various singles and EPs from the 1980s and select tracks from the latest, third album ("Cure For Your Disease").
According to a press release, "These dates will be the first time the band has played live for over 20 years, but make no mistake they have every intention of delivering the goods just like they did back in the 1980s."
BLACK ROSE's current lineup consists of original vocalist Steve Bardsley, original guitarist Kenny Nicholson, second drummer Barry Youll, and the band's latest additions, Kiko Rivers on bass and Andy Reeve on guitar.
BLACK ROSE was formed back in the early 1980s in the North East of England. The band released quite a few records, including various singles, EPs and two albums — "Boys Will Be Boys" (Bullet Records, 1984) and "Walk It How You Talk It" (Neat Records, 1987). After splitting up in 1989, two original members of the band — Steve Bardsley (lead vocals, guitar) and Chris Watson (lead guitar) — decided to get back together and write some brand new material. They were joined by Kiko Rivers (bass) and Mal "Malla" Smith (drums).
A 15-track BLACK ROSE compilation CD featuring some of the band's '80s material, entitled "Bright Lights Burnin'", was released through Majestic Rock Records.
BLACK ROSE's latest album, "Cure For Your Disease", was made available earlier this year as a digital-only release.
"Cure For Your Disease" track listing:
01. Cure For Your Disease
02. Sign Of The Times
03. Twice Shy Once Bitten
04. Fight For Your Life
05. Doghouse
06. Baby Believe Me
07. Love Addiction
08. Killing Yourself To Live
09. Got Me Where You Want Me
10. Rock Renegades
11. Take It Easy
12. So Predictable
For more information, visit www.blackrose-rockband.co.uk.
Birmingham, Alabama rock band LYNAM is gearing up for the release of its new live album, entitled "Thank You Good Night!", on November 30 through Island/Def Jam digital distribution and New Ocean Media. The band's sixth full-length CD, it will also serve as LYNAM's last-ever release.
"People have been asking us for years to do a live album" says frontman Jacob Lynam. "We've been recording our shows since 2006 using Pro Tools on our soundman's laptop. We started listening to all the different shows from the different tours and decided to have our producer mix it and put it out."
"A lot of bands go in the studio and fix all the mistakes on their live records, but we didn't fix anything" adds bassist Mark Lynam. "Mistakes and all, this is a live record that represents our band and we're really proud of it."
"Thank You Good Night!" was recorded at various shows bewteen 2006 and 2010 by the band's soundman, Todd "Pee-Nut" Hester, and was mixed by Jason Elgin (MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, TERRIBLE THINGS, COLLECTIVE SOUL).
Regarding the group's decision to make "Thank You Good Night!" LYNAM's final album, Jacob states, "We're not breaking up. We've been together for a long time and we want to concentrate on new projects. We are all still best friends and will always play together moving forward, but we're ready to explore different opportunities outside of LYNAM. We toured behind 'Tragic City Symphony' for two years and are looking forward to touring behind the new record."
LYNAM consists of Jacob Lynam (lead vocals, guitar), David Lynam (drums, vocals), and Mark Lynam (bass, vocals). The band released three albums independently between 2002 and 2004 ("White Trash Superstar", "Bling! Bling!", and "Life In Reverse"). In 2005, LYNAM signed a deal with DRT and released the critically acclaimed album "Slave To The Machine" in 2006. This album peaked at #21 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and #19 on the Heatseekers chart. The first single "Tanis" went to #1 on both the active rock independent and mainstream rock independent charts. The band's last album "Tragic City Symphony" (Megaforce/Mascot) featured the radio singles "Save My Soul", "Lindsay Says", and "Porn Star". All three singles reached the top 10 on the active rock independent chart, with "Save My Soul" reaching top 5.
Chicago, Illinois-based thrashers DIAMOND PLATE have inked a worldwide deal with Earache Records. The band's full-length debut will be released in 2011.
Formed in 2008, DIAMOND PLATE is a "three-piece high-energy act" which "encapsulates the spirit of the 'Big Four' and has already earned high honors from respected outlets such as Terrorizer magazine, who named DIAMOND PLATE as one of the best unsigned bands in the very year that the band first got together," according to a press release.
Currently in their late teens, guitarist Konrad Kuplec, drummer Jim Nicademus and vocalist/bassist Jon Macak have played with some of the world's biggest metal acts. They have also have earned a reputation as an absolutely raucous live act. Despite all of the great praise in high places, DIAMOND PLATE feels its fans are the most important key to its early success. As Kuplec puts it, "The BEST praise we can get is having a kid seeing us at one of our shows for the first time and then coming over to our merch table and buying a shirt or CD. It's the most humbling and coolest feeling in the world. I'll always be grateful for the support our fans give us."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/diamondplate1.
Connecticut metallers SACRED OATH will release their fourth studio album, "World On Fire", on October 26 as an iTunes exclusive. The deluxe bundle includes 11 songs and a PDF of the cover art, lyrics and liner notes. The CD was produced by singer/guitarist Rob Thorne at his studio in Connecticut during February and March this year. "I couldn't be happier with how this recording turned out," says Thorne, who has produced all but one of SACRED OATH's albums. "It was important to me that 'World On Fire' have its own sonic character. That can be a challenge when making albums so close to each other, but this album stands on its own. I hope the fans will love it."
"World On Fire" contains 11 brand new tracks with a running time of 58 minutes:
01. Sweet Agony
02. Meet Your Maker
03. The King Must Die
04. Sandrider
05. Front Line
06. Face of Evil
07. Drums of War
08. Revolution
09. When the War is Over
10. On Death Row
11. World On Fire
"Meet Your Maker" is available for streaming in the YouTube clip below.
The cover art was created by famed sci-fi artist Michael Whelan (SEPULTURA, EVILE, STEPHEN KING).
According to a press release, the "World On Fire" lyrical content is based on "Dune", the '60s sci-fi best seller by Frank Herbert. The effort marks a return to the concept-album format for the band, whose conceptual debut, "A Crystal Vision" (1988), went on to become a cult power metal classic.
SACRED OATH is:
Rob Thorne (vocals/guitar)
Kenny Evans (drums)
Bill Smith (guitar)
Brendan Kelleher (bass)
Last year SACRED OATH released a self-titled album and enjoyed breakthrough success with the single "Counting Zeros" as iTunes "Discovery Download of the Week" in April 2009 . The video premiered on MTV2's "Headbangers Ball" and was accompanied by an interview with the band.
Swedish rockers APRIL DIVINE will support ALTER BRIDGE on the following dates:
Nov. 01 - KB - Malmö, SWE
Nov. 02 - Arenan - Stockholm, SWE
Nov. 03 - Trädgår'n - Gothenburg, SWE
Commented APRIL DIVINE bassist Peter Uvén: "ALTER BRIDGE is one of our favorite bands so it's gonna be awesome. ALTER BRIDGE is a great live act but we are definitely gonna step up and rise to the challenge!!"
APRIL DIVINE's second album, "Redemption", was released in May via Supernova Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Chapter One" was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia with American producer Rick Beato (BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, DARK NEW DAY, SHINEDOWN, SEVENDUST, VINCE NEIL, SUBMERSED) and in Gothenburg, Sweden with award-winning producer Tobias Lindell (MUSTASCH, HEED, EUROPE).
For more information, visit www.aprildivine.com.
Danish metallers MERCENARY will be "special guests" on the following dates with FINNTROLL, SAMAEL and ROTTING CHRIST:
Dec. 09 - Vienna, AUT - Szene
Dec. 10 - Munich, GER - Backstage
Dec. 11 - Kufstein, AUT - Kufa
MERCENARY recently completed work on its sixth studio album with producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, VOLBEAT, NIGHTRAGE, HATESPHERE, PYRAMAZE).
According to a press release, "the new incarnation of MERCENARY displays a newfound musical focus, appetite and maturity, and while the material is now heavier and faster, it still features the characteristic clean vocals, catchy choruses and atmospheric keyboards and samples. (Keyboards provided by guest musician Kim Olesen of ANUBIS GATE)."
MERCENARY in January announced the addition of drummer Morten Løwe Sørensen (THE ARCANE ORDER, SUBMISSION, SLUGS) to the group's ranks. The band has also revealed that all lead vocals going forward will be handled by MERCENARY bassist/vocalist René Pedersen following the departure of singer Mikkel Sandager. The group says, "As everybody who has seen us live in the last couple of years is fully aware of, René is a real powerhouse, and he has so much more under his belt than he got to display on the previous album."
MERCENARY 2010 is:
Jakob Mølbjerg - Guitar
René Pedersen - Bass, Vocals
Martin Buus - Lead Guitar
Morten Løwe Sørensen - Drums
Rock producer and historian Denny Somach today announced the establishment of the Classic Rock Society of America. The organization will be devoted to the preservation, promotion and celebration of classic rock music by the artists, musicians, producers and fans of the most popular musical category of the past fifty years.
Somach is a recognized expert on classic rock and considered one of the architect's of the classic rock radio format, which has become dominant in broadcasting and attracts millions of listeners. He has produced over 7,500 hours of classic rock programming and maintains one of the largest archives of audio, video and data related to the topic. Somach has also authored numerous articles and books on the subject and appeared as an authority on such shows as "Today", "Larry King", "CBS Early Show" and "Dateline NBC".
"The appeal of classic rock artists like THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES, THE WHO, LED ZEPPELIN, PINK FLOYD, THE DOORS, MOODY BLUES, YES, GRATEFUL DEAD, JETHRO TULL, AEROSMITH, STYX, DEEP PURPLE, QUEEN, THE ALLMAN BROTHERS and many, many others has never been more popular," said Somach. "Classic rock has become cross-generational and is the most popular rock music format not just in the US and Canada, but around the world."
The Classic Rock Society of America (CRSA) is an organization where people from all over the world can experience and commemorate their favorite music. Many colleges and universities have classes about this music and it is being taught everywhere. The CRSA will act as a resource center for students and teachers, enabling them to further enhance their study of classic rock.
CRSA was inspired by the U.K.'s Classic Rock Society, with a membership of thousands, and Classic Rock magazine, a publisher, recording label and music promoter. Both organizations are dedicated to the growth of all classic rock music. The U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine presents a number of live shows, including the recent High Voltage festival, which featured ZZ TOP, FOREIGNER, ASIA, BACHMAN-TURNER, URIAH HEEP, ARGENT and a reformed EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Rick Wakeman is the honorary Chairman of the U.K. Classic Rock Society. "When I contacted him about the Classic Rock Society of America we were launching, he immediately lent his support and thought it was about time something like this was established in America," said Somach. "Subsequently the other founding board members including John Wetton of ASIA and Dave Cousins of THE STRAWBS have publicly announced their support. "I have also spoken to over fifty musicians, producers and managers who are more than happy to not only lend their name but become actively involved in the Classic Rock Society of America," added Somach.
The Classic Rock Society of America will debut as an interactive web site and its own radio channel. It will also include marketing and promotion entities. The virtual society will eventually have a physical location where musicians and fans can visit and enjoy the many facets of the musical genre. Somach said, "We have already been contacted by a couple of municipal development organizations about locating a facility in their communities."
More details will be announced in the New Year and further information can be obtained by contacting info@classicrocksocietyamerica.com.
ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET, the Swedish band featuring former THE CROWN vocalist Johan Lindstrand, has entered Black Lounge studios in Avesta, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE) to begin recording its fourth full-length album, "The Dark Epic", for an early 2011 release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Sandman Apocalypse", "Stitch", "The Pleasures Of Slavery", "How I Love To Kill You" and "The Zombie Syndrome (Of Acid And Man)". The cover artwork is being created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.
Commented Johan: "I'm really stoked about entering the studio with my bandmates again. And to once again work with Jonas Kjellgren feels fantastic. He did an awesome job on 'Grim Tales' and I truly believe that his work will be even better this time. Our new songs are very suited for his extremely heavy productions. Nine dark, heavy and brutal death metal songs will soon be delivered at your doorstep. Embrace it and join us."
AFTERMATH, the acclaimed 1980s Chicago thrash band which released "Killing the Future" and "Words that Echo Fear" — two of the seminal demos of the era — has inked a deal with Area Death Productions. The group will celebrate its 25th anniversary by issuing a four-disc box set, "When Will You Die", containing three CDs and a multimedia disc. All four of the band's demos will be featured, along with the "Eyes of Tomorrow" CD, a 24-page booklet with liner notes, bio, interview and photos. The multimedia disc will include hundreds of magazine and fanzine reviews and interviews. This complete retrospective of the band's career, which will include both audio and video live recordings, will be available in November via Area Death's web site and distribution network.
"Abrahadabra", the ninth album from Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR, has entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 2.
DIMMU BORGIR's previous effort, "In Sorte Diaboli", debuted on the Norwegian chart at No. 1 back in May 2007 — marking the first time a black metal act had ever topped a national album chart anywhere in the world.
Tord Krogtoft, head music buyer at Platekompaniet, Norway's biggest retalier, commented: "DIMMU BORGIR is producing good sales numbers all across the country.
"Metal is probably a genre that doesn't diferentiate between urban and rural areas.
"DIMMU BORGIR are in the top 3 in our charts in the countryside and smaller cities as well as in Oslo.
"The only reason they didn't get the No. 1 spot this time is that one of the most popular Norwegian troubadours — singer/songwriter Odd Nordstoga — released his album a couple of days earlier than planned.
"I believe DIMMU BORGIR can sell 20,000 copies again in Norway (as they did with 2003's 'Death Cult Armageddon'). This is all about metal fans being loyal. Not only to bands, but to the physical format. If you have a DIMMU BORGIR badge on your jacket, streaming their album doesn't cut it."
Asbjørn Slettemark from "Lydverket", Norway's biggest music TV show, told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "DIMMU BORGIR has a unique position in Norway, and that's why they reached No. 1 with their last album and No. 2 with 'Abrahadabra'. They have managed to keep a core audience in the metal scene, but also reach the curious mainstream audience that bands like IMMORTAL and ENSLAVED don't appeal to. I am, however, quite sure that this new album will peak faster than previous records, because it is really not as mainstream as their older releases."
DIMMU BORGIR previous Norwegian chart positions:
** "Spiritual Black Dimensions" (1999)
Peak position: #18
** "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" (2001)
Peak position: #16
** "Death Cult Armageddon" (2003)
Peak position: #2
** "Stormblåst" (re-recording) (2005)
Peak position: #24
** "In Sorte Diaboli" (2007)
Peak position: #1
"Abrahadabra" will be released in North America on October 12 via Nuclear Blast Records.
"In Sorte Diaboli" sold 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on the Billboard chart. This was more than double the 6,400 first-week tally achieved by its predecessor, "Death Cult Armageddon", which came out in September 2003 and landed at position No. 169 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The word "abrahadabra" (which roughly translates into "I will create as I speak") first publicly appeared in Chapter III of "Liber AL vel Legis" (commonly referred to as "The Book of the Law") written by Aleister Crowley in Cairo, Egypt in 1904.
"Abrahadabra" track listing:
01. Xibir (2:50)
02. Born Treacherous (5:02)
03. Gateways (5:10)
04. Chess With The Abyss (4:08)
05. Dimmu Borgir (5:35)
06. Ritualist (5:13)
07. The Demiurge Molecule (5:29)
08. A Jewel Traced Through Coal (5:16)
09. Renewal (4:11)
10. Endings And Continuations (5:58)
In a recent interview with the German edition of Metal Hammer magazine, DIMMU BORGIR vocalist Shagrath (real name: Stian Tomt Thoresen) was asked why the band chose to break the tradition of using a three-word title for a DIMMU BORGIR album on its latest effort. "It was a tradition for the last records to use a three-word title, basically, for the fact that it represents much more of a unity thing than just one word," he replied. "'Abrahadabra' is more about the transfusion of new blood, I would say, in a way that we have chosen to do a lot of things differently from what we had done before. We wanted to break out of the patterns in many ways, including the people who play on the record, and also the studios we have used for the record — everything is basically different, so therefore we felt it was more right to use a one-word title instead of a [three-word one]."
When asked why DIMMU BORGIR chose to hire almost 100 guest musicians to replace two former members — bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs) and keyboardist Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta) — Shagrath said, "Well, you can't see it like that; it's a stupid way of saying it. I wouldn't phrase the question like that. It doesn't make sense, really, because the orchestration has nothing to do with the firing of the two members at all. That's just a stupid question. We have used an orchestra before, but this time we're going for a bigger orchestra to make it more epic and sound bigger, and that's the way we want to go and that has, basically, nothing to do with any previous members leaving or being fired."
Finnish gothic metallers TO/DIE/FOR have entered a studio in Orimattila, Finland to begin recording their sixth album for a tentative early 2011 release. Several tracks are being laid down during the initial sessions, including "Cry For Love" (IGGY POP cover), "Into The Storm" (working title), "Death Comes In March", "Angelica" and "Bittersweet Bleeding Heart". Vocalist Jape Perätalo states, "First we will record these five songs and after all record deal/label things are handled, we will record the rest of the album."
Regarding the musical direction of the new material, Perätalo says, "[The next TO/DIE/FOR CD] is gonna be much darker compared to [2006's] 'Wounds Wide Open', but it will include some rocking ones, too."
He adds, "We are not trying to create anything very 'technically nice' and very 'new'... We just record whatever the fuck we want to . . . We're gonna keep things simple but one thing is important for us... IT MUST HAVE REAL SOUL IN IT!"
TO/DIE/FOR's current lineup is as follows:
* Jape Perätalo - Vocals
* Santtu Lonka - Drums
* Juppe Sutela - Guitar
* Josey Strandman - Bass
* Antti-Matti "Antza" Talala (ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW, FLESHTONE, KALMAH) - Guitar
* Jussi-Mikko "Juska" Salminen (NEW DAWN FOUNDATION, TIAGA, HIM) - Keyboards
The new TO/DIE/FOR lineup will make its live debut on October 23 at the Icehall in Kouvola, Finland.
TO/DIE/FOR released a "best-of" collection, "Epilogue From The Past - Best Of", on January 27 via Spinefarm Records. Included on the set was the brand new song, "Angelica", which is slated to appear on the group's next studio album.
In December 2009, TO/DIE/FOR uploaded a demo version of a new song, "Unknown III", to the band's MySpace page. The track was one of four cuts — alongside "Angelica", "My Hysteria" and "Sad" (working title) — which were being used to try and procure new management and a record deal.
TO/DIE/FOR's fifth album, "Wounds Wide Open", was released in Finland in October 2006. The follow-up to 2005's "IV" was recorded by Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studios and by Jari-Jukka Nippala at Sonic Image, and was mixed at Sweden's Abyss Studios by Peter Tägtgren (DIMMU BORGIR, CELTIC FROST).
"Valley Of Smoke", the sophomore album from Southern California's INTRONAUT, will be released in Europe on November 22 via Century Media Records (October 12 in the U.S.). The European version of the CD will contain the bonus song "Vernon".
The follow-up to 2008's "Prehistoricisms", "Valley Of Smoke" was once again produced by Josh Newell (JANE'S ADDICTION) and it features a guest appearance by TOOL bassist Justin Chancellor. The CD's stunning artwork was created by David D'Andrea and can be viewed below.
INTRONAUT guitarist/vocalist Sacha Dunable previously stated about upcoming CD: "This record rules so much that I'm literally embarrassed to have been a part of everything we've done up until now. Not to sound pretentious, but this is absolutely the best music ever made."
Pre-order package deals for "Valley Of Smoke" are now available exclusively through CMDistro.com.
INTRONAUT recently completed a U.S. tour as the support act (along with DYSRHYTHMIA) for the reunited progressive rock/metal band CYNIC and is now preparing to hit the road with HELMET.
German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA have issued the following update:
"This is just a short update to remind all of you of our last few shows in 2010: We'll play two more festivals in northern Germany before heading to Turkey for the first time in the band's history. We're prepared to show our Turkish friends how the Teutonic hammer will swing and are looking forward to the two shows in Istanbul and Izmir! Last show for this year will be in Belgium, rounding off a successful live season for SUIDAKRA! All dates here. Right after that we'll enter Gernhart recording studio to record the new (10th!) album, which will be called 'Book Of Dowth'. [Famous Belgian graphic artist] Kris Verwimp will once again be in charge of the cover artwork and lyrical concept."
SUIDAKRA's ninth album, "Crógacht", was released in the U.S. in March 2009 through Wacken Records/SPV. Recorded at Gernart Studios with producer Martin Muchwalter, the CD's artwork was created by Verwimp.
"Crógacht", meaning bravery, is based on one of the most dramatic tales in Irish mythology. It tells the story of the hero Cuchulainn's epic journey to the Isle of Skye, where he seeks to learn the arts of war from the Scythian warrior woman Scathach. The decisions he then has to make set the events in motion that will lead to his son Conlaoch's tragic fate…
Finnish death metallers TORTURE KILLER have issued the following update:
"The tours and shows to support our third album, 'Sewers', are now complete. Doing a full list of dates here back home, European tour with DEMONICAL, a Russian tour, homeland festivals and the Baltic dates with CANNIBAL CORPSE behind us, we will now look into the future. We have a bunch of songs at demo phase [and] will start working on them in the coming weeks.
"2011 will not see a new full-length but we are doing something for sure, a mini-CD or a seven inch. More on that as things move forward.
"Thank you to all of you who came to witness our shows."
"Sewers" came out in 2009 via Dynamic Arts Records.
TORTURE KILLER's sophpmore album, "Swarm!", was released by Metal Blade Records and featured legendary death metal vocalist Chris Barnes from CANNIBAL CORPSE and SIX FEET UNDER. The group has since been rejoined by singer Juri Sallinen.
For more information, visit www.torturekiller.com.
San Francisco, California's FIRST BLOOD will release its sophomore album, "Silence Is Betrayal", on November 9 on Bullet Tooth, the new headquarters of Josh Grabelle from Trustkill Records. Featuring 15 songs of musical devastation and lyrical condemnation, FIRST BLOOD's new CD "relights the flame and burning spirit that originally brought the band together," according to a press release. "Silence Is Betrayal" "lays it all out on the table with a point of view that leaves little to misinterpretation," is how vocalist Carl Schwartz describes the strong lyrical focus of challenging the status quo while remaining every bit as true to sound to the brutal musical aggression that many have come to expect of FIRST BLOOD.
"Silence Is Betrayal" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Silence
03. Preamble
04. Enemy
05. Resist
06. Truth
07. Detach
08. Enslaved
09. Confront
10. Fear
11. Occupation [bonus]
12. Fascism [bonus]
13. Lies
14. Messenger [bonus]
15. Survive [bonus]
16. Armageddon II
Commented Schwartz, "This album is a story of the last four years of my life along with the events, ideas, and people that helped shape it. I had to release this album, because my own silence would be betrayal to those before me who have spoken, sacrificed, and devoted so much to keep their messages of truth, justice, and resistance alive. My goal was to lay it all on the table with each song, and put aside my concern about whether or not those who listen will ridicule, disagree, or take offense. The message had to be clear, and emotions must be stirred, because such response is vital if people are to discuss and keep these issues at the forefront, and maybe even find the inspiration to take action to share them with others.
"We've spent the last four years touring with our debut record, 'Killafornia', in as many parts of the world that would be willing to receive our music. After such a long gap between our first album and release of the new, we are really excited to be able to continue touring new parts of the world with many great bands and sharing our message with hardcore generations old and new. I soon realized after writing 20 songs that the only way to say everything I intended would be to release a 'triple' album. Perhaps that is a sign of good things yet still to come for FIRST BLOOD.
"We are super-psyched to release our newest album 'Silence Is Betrayal' on Bullet Tooth and let the world know that FIRST BLOOD lives on."
Breaking the silence to the rest of the world, FIRST BLOOD will soon embark on the "Returners" North American tour as the support act for fellow Californians THE GHOST INSIDE, who are also celebrating the release of their sophmore album, alongside EVERGREEN TERRACE, A LOSS FOR WORDS, DEEZ NUTS and HUNDREDTH.
Slovakian blackened death metallers PHANTASMA will unveil their fifth full-length album, "Book Of Phantasma", on Halloween via Apocrypha Records. Described as "44 minutes of punishing, blasphemous, hate-filled anthems in the vein of such hellish acts as BEHEMOTH and ZYKLON, with each track representing a dark, haunting chapter of the menacing 'Book Of Phantasma'," the CD demonstrates how PHANTASMA has progressed, both in technicality and songwriting ability, since its last, critically acclaimed release, the "Alternativa 666" EP.
John MacMurphy, who manages Apocrypha Records, commented: "Much like 'Alternativa 666', their first release with us, 'Book Of Phantasma' continues to impress with its the dark melodies over technical brutal riffs . These guys really perfected their own modern take on the blackened death metal genre."
"Book Of Phantasma" track listing:
01. Prophet
02. Riders
03. Warrior
04. Dragon
05. Menagerie
06. King
07. Ave Satanas 5
08. Madness
09. Execution
10. Revenge
11. Destroyed, Cause He Believed
PHANTASMA is made up of vocalist/guitarist Amriel, bassist Darzagh and drummer Rhyak.
"Book Of Phantasma" will be released on Halloween night (October 31) in the United States and a few days earlier, on October 25, in the U.K and Ireland. The rest of Europe and the world will follow soon thereafter.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/phantasma666.
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