According to The Arizona Republic, legendary rocker Alice Cooper has confirmed that will finally be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame at the 26th annual induction ceremony, which will be held on March 14, 2011 at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan. Also being inducted are Neil Diamond, Tom Waits, Dr. John and Darlene Love.
Cooper, 62, said Tuesday that he was notified a week ago by the Cleveland-based organization that he and his group will be part of its 26th class.
"Getting in the Hall of Fame is about the ultimate thing you can do when you're a garage band from Cortez High in Phoenix," Cooper said. "It's the most humbling thing in the world when you realize who else is in there. You look out at the audience, and every guy who influenced you is sitting there, and they are the people who voted on you."
The inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011 will be officially announced on December 15 at 10:30 a.m. EST on the RockHall.com web site.
The list of nominees for this go-round also included BON JOVI, BEASTIE BOYS, CHIC, Donovan, J GEILS BAND, LL Cool J, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex and Chuck Willis.
Eligible since 1994, Cooper released the following statement in response to the announcement that he was on the shortlist of nominees for the 2011 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction:
"On behalf of Dennis (Dunaway), Neal (Smith), Michael (Bruce) and the late great Glen (Buxton), we are honored to be nominated for induction in to the Hall. Anytime you are nominated in your chosen profession, it's definitely a compliment to be recognized.
"It's hard to fathom possibly being in the same club as artists who inspired us originally, like THE BEATLES, THE [ROLLING] STONES, THE BEACH BOYS, THE WHO, THE YARDBIRDS, and Chuck Berry, and to be nominated the same year as legendary artists like my personal favorite songwriter of all time, Laura Nyro, as well as Donovan, who sang on our 'Billion Dollar Babies' record, and our good friends in Bon Jovi, is a great feeling.
"Five guys starting a band, just hoping to meet girls and drink free beer, rehearsing and playing local bars five hours a night for the first few years — that was us. We came up with the theatrics and made every effort not to sacrifice the music one bit; we thought it was like our job to bring theatrics to rock 'n' roll. And then, amazingly enough, we were having a bunch of massive hit records which was proof that theatricality and rock 'n' roll could, in fact, be joined successfully. We've been told that we revolutionized the live concert experience and if that's truly the case and it's led to this nomination for induction into the Hall of Fame, the only thing to say is, of course, 'There's no business like show business!'"
To be eligible for nomination into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. This year's nominees had to release their first single no later than 1985.
Ballots were sent to more than 500 voters, who selected the artists to be inducted at the induction ceremony, which will be televised live on Fuse.
AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry will join Paul Rodgers (BAD COMPANY, FREE, QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS), Michael Anthony (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) and Peter Frampton in the M&B ALL STAR BAND, which will perform at the Mark And Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California on December 16. Billy Idol will headline the event, proceeds from which will go to the Eisner Pediatric & Family.
As top-rated syndicated morning show personalities, Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps of the Los Angeles-based "Mark And Brian Show" entertain audiences live with their dauntless comedy weekday mornings from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Last year's Mark And Brian Christmas Show featured performances by Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER), Jason Bonham, Steve Lukather (TOTO), HEART, FOREIGNER and Richie Sambora (BON JOVI).
British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN will headline the Polish installment of the Sonisphere festival on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the 100,000-capacity Bemowo Airfield in Warsaw. According to Antyradio, the biggest rock radio station in Poland, SLIPKNOT and MOTÖRHEAD will also perform at the event, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by the festival organizers.
The first-ever "Big Four" concert — featuring METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX — was held on June 16, 2010 at the Sonisphere festival at the Bemowo Airfield. This year's event was attended by around 85,000 people and was reportedly the biggest rock/metal concert ever to be held in Poland.
Bianca Waxlax of San Diego Gay & Lesbian News recently conducted an interview with JUDAS PRIEST/HALFORD frontman Rob Halford. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News: You came out as gay in 1998 on MTV. How have things changed since then?
Halford: Well, musically, they have not changed at all. On a personal level it has changed dramatically. It's like when any of us step out of that closet and we set ourselves free there is a tremendous feeling of elation. You can be who you are without having to hide, without having to lie, and it makes you stronger, and more complete as a person. That's the main thing that I was able to experience when I made the announcement, and from that point on my life, my personal life, which has always been kind of a public life anyway, was finally revealed, and it was a great lot of pressure lifting off of my back. It really was the best thing to do. It is the best thing for any of us to do if we find that we are able to step out and be who we are without having to be something that we are not.
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News: When you came out, you were working on music with your band at the time called TWO. You had been working with Trent Reznor. I heard in an interview where someone stated that it was easier for you to come out in the industrial music scene as people were more accepting. Did you find it easier to come out in the industrial music scene as opposed to the metal scene?
Halford: Well, that is an interesting question. I don't personally think that the location that I was at musically would have made any great difference. I think that what I was probably trying to say was that because I was away from the main band that was filling my life, JUDAS PRIEST, because I was always protecting JUDAS PRIEST, protecting the music, protecting the fans, protecting everybody except myself. I wasn't able to say and do the things that I wanted to do until I was away and having these other musical adventures. So, I guess regardless of where I was musically at that time. The fact that I said and did what I did on that day wasn't really much of an issue musically. But, anyway I think it is fair to say that I would have been probably more difficult. I probably would have not made the announcement had I been in JUDAS PRIEST at that time. Second, because as I said when you become protective of everybody else, you don't protect your own needs.
So, things happen in life for a reason, and that was the case with my coming out at that time. There are areas of music that are more compassionate, more tolerant, more open, more accepting and more aware. What I think I have done is destroy the myth that heavy metal bands don't have that capacity. It's a different world now. Heavy metal now is a completely different world compared to heavy metal in 1980. The gay and lesbian world is very different now as it was in 1980. We have all grown to some extent. There is still a long way to go. There are still a lot of issues that need to be addressed, but I think slowly but surely our lives are getting better.
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News: Now some fans that completely idolized you had to come to terms with their metal role model and idol was a gay man. How do you feel this affected them?
Halford: I think that it kind of demystifies this issue of masculinity. To say that if you are masculine you can't be gay is ridiculous. Again, I can't really say. That is a question you would have to ask my fans that felt this way. But, the vast majority of them were completely accepting of me, and it was tremendously powerful.
Greg Prato, the author of such books as "Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History Of Seattle Rock Music", "Touched By Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story" and "A Devil On One Shoulder And An Angel On The Other: The Story Of Shannon Hoon And Blind Melon", has a new title that is now available for purchase.
"MTV Ruled The World: The Early Years Of Music Video" is the first-ever book to focus solely on the channel's important building-block years, specifically from the MTV's launch to when its original group of VJs left the channel. Comprised of over 70 all-new interviews — including those with Rob Halford, Geddy Lee, Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Bruce Kulick, Rudy Sarzo, Warren DeMartini, Lita Ford, Eric Bloom, Carmine Appice, Herman Rarebell, Marky Ramone, Jello Biafra and Pete Angelus (director of VAN HALEN and David Lee Roth videos) — the book is not only an eye-opening account of the early years of MTV and the stories behind its biggest videos, but also of the music industry, important music developments/events, and the "Big '80s" in general.
"MTV Ruled The World: The Early Years Of Music Video" includes chapters titled "Van Halen" (which focuses on the making of and people's thoughts on VAN HALEN's videos), "Def Leppard (and Mutt Lange)" (which focuses on the making of and people's thoughts on DEF LEPPARD's videos and how it was working with Mutt Lange), "Videos: Heavy Metal" (which includes stories behind various popular heavy metal videos from the '80s), and "Kiss Unmasks On MTV" (which includes people's memories of when KISS unmasked on MTV in '83).
Quotes from the book:
Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD): "About half-way through making 'Pyromania', we were starting to hear back from Cliff Burnstein, who was one of our co-managers, the one that was based in America, about this cable channel that was starting to play the video for 'Bringin' On The Heartbreak'. We probably just went, 'Yeah, OK. Whatever.' Because we were heavily concentrating on making a new record. But I guess it would have been about three months after that, we got a Telex — remember those? — from Cliff, saying, ''High N' Dry' has just doubled its sales in four months.' We'd gone from like 250,000 copies to going gold. We're like, 'Why?!' And he's like, 'Well, this MTV thing.'"
Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST): "In a very short space of time, it was just huge, and everybody was clamoring to get on MTV. It became swamped. You had to get your timing absolutely right with the release of your single, album, or tour. Everybody was wanting to get on that MTV network. It was just rammed. It was like the 101 at rush hour in L.A. Everybody was crawling to get their slot and their time spot, because of its value and importance. We didn't realize it, but then when you come back to America, there are more people. There are more fans. You're selling more records. And that's 'the MTV bump.'"
Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE): "Around 1981, if you wanted to build up a band, you had to do it city to city, radio station to radio station. I experienced that while I was touring with Ozzy Osbourne. Strategically, touring was a little different, too, because you would basically stick to one area. Let's say you play the Northeast. You would spend maybe four weeks playing that northeast area of the United States. Whereas, when MTV came, you could actually skip the 'C markets' and some of the 'B markets' and spread it around more to the cosmopolitan areas."
Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, BLUE MURDER, OZZY OSBOURNE): "'Bark At The Moon' was wild, because me and Ozzy were doing the album in New York. I was actually the associate producer on 'Bark At The Moon', initially. And then we flew over on the SST — me and Ozzy — to London. It was like a three-hour flight, so we weren't that jet-lagged. The next day, we were at this old mental hospital, where we did the video. That was a crazy experience, because while Ozzy was getting that make-up on — which took him about four or five hours — we would be on set, walking around, looking around, and checking out the place. It was a pretty horrible place. It was all falling apart. It was a real mental institution. We found embryos in bottles in the closet. It was abandoned, and it was probably 200 years old, if not more. It was a spooky place to do that video. And then they showed the rain scene. We were standing outside at the funeral, and they were shooting up
the water on us, to make it look like rain. It was damned cold out there! We had these top hats on, and you see the rain dripping off the top hats. After those scenes were done, we had to be wrapped in towels. It was hard for Ozzy, because he had to put that make-up on. Any fun that it would have been was killed for four or five hours."
Bruce Kulick (KISS): "We went to England [to shoot the 'Tears Are Falling' video]. I always love being in England. I remember we were using a video director that knew how to do over-the-top stuff. I loved the fact that he wanted to feature me and use the solo dramatically, even if it made me do 'the shower thing,' and suddenly, I'm doing what looked like a hair commercial! But that was great. Even though we knew it was a one-shot thing, I followed the direction, and I wasn't really that worried about the guitar [getting wet], because hey, I was a rock star, so we'll deal with the guitar. We'll wipe it down. I dug the set. I thought it was really cool. I was really happy how it came out. I was very proud of the band at that time. I was glad to be a 'video star.' The volcano I thought was really funny. Thank God it worked and went off when it was supposed to. Everything just really came together. We went to England because, at the time — in '85 — the
dollar was stronger than the pound, so a $100,000 video might only cost $75,000. I liked that they used a 'girl next door' pretty girl [as the female role in the video], not some stripper."
The MTV book is 427 pages long and priced at $24.99 (ISBN # 978-0-578-07197-8).
According to Classic Rock magazine, former DIO guitarist Craig Goldy has formed a new band with vocalist Chas West (BONHAM), bassist Sean McNabb (QUIET RIOT, GREAT WHITE) and drummer Gary Holland (GREAT WHITE).
"The idea is to put the rock star back into everyone's lives," explained Goldy, who is currently playing with BUDGIE. "So you've got four people who look great, are amazing at their craft and the music pierces your soul. And they're all good people. I think people miss that sort of thing."
Although the new project is currently unnamed, it is toying with the idea of calling itself 13TH FLOOR "because nobody ever likes to admit there is a 13th floor in a building!" said Goldy.
Brendan Crabb of Australia's Loud magazine recently conducted an interview with renowned British rock journalist Mick Wall about Mick's newly released book, "Metallica: Enter Night - The Biography". A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Loud: I've been reading the new METALLICA biography and what really struck me about it is how meticulously researched and detailed it is. Just how difficult was it to compile a book such as this one?
Wall: Incredibly difficult. It's like trying to travel across the desert; you start out with a map and a fair idea of what you need to do. Then you get about halfway through and you think, "Oh my God, I don't know where I'm going, I don't know what I'm doing, why did I start this?" (laughs). "I'll never do this again when I finish." But eventually you do get there. I think it's a bit like what people say about having kids — if you knew what was involved, you would probably never do it in the first place. But then once you start, there's no turning back, you know? Of course, it really is not just eventful and sometimes soul-destroying, but at the end of it, in the case of a book, you do have something to show for it. It took me more than a year to write the damn thing and 25 years to get to the point where I was able to write it. You do these books because you think you know something about it to begin with, but it's not really until you do a book that
actually you know the story at all. So much of it, apart from interviewing people, researching and reading all the other books, going back and revisiting the music and your memories — and I've known these guys for more than 25 years. A lot of it is actually just thinking, trying to think clearly. It's so easy just to repeat the same old guff that other people come up with, including the band. You know, the band have got used to coming up with the same old stuff year in, year out (that) they even believe it. Stuff like, oh, after Cliff (Burton, bass) died, the band carried on because that's what Cliff would have wanted. You find yourself going to write that, before you suddenly think, "Hang on a second, is that true?" And actually, of course, it's not fucking true. The band carried on because that's what James (Hetfield, vocals/guitars) and Lars (Ulrich, drums) would have wanted. So you have to kind of think, you really have to try and rid yourself of
the clutter of all these years of people talking nonsense and giving the band the benefit of the doubt at every turn. Conversely, even those bits where the people who say they were bad guys, like with Napster. Again, you have to kind of really try and clear away the clutter and see what you actually really think about it. In the case of Napster, there's no doubt that they were absolute fools to go about that the way they did. I mean, threatening to sue more than 300,000 of their own fans — I mean, how ridiculous can you get? But when you actually research it and look into it, you discover things that people don't talk about, like the fact that Napster were actually so antagonistic, refused to discuss the thing, insisted on going to court and in fact were even more bolshy about it than METALLICA. You discover that at the time they launched that action against Napster, they had recently sued six, seven, eight different people, all of whom were
absolutely trying to rip the band off, from people selling METALLICA perfume to people selling bootleg albums. So you have to at every turn, you can't just re-tell the story as it's been told again and again. You really have to go, "Actually, let's pretend this is the first time anybody's heard this. What really happened?" So that's kind of what keeps you going during the months where you think you must be a nutter to have even attempted it (laughs). It's the fact that you're trying not just to re-tell the same old crap, you're re-telling it as far as you can for the first time, you know?
Loud: Would you say this was the most challenging biography you've written then?
Wall: Definitely. Before this, the most challenging was LED ZEPPELIN. I mean, I never thought I'd finish that bloody book — it drove me insane. It was a similar thing; again, I thought I really knew quite a lot of the story before I wrote the book. But it wasn't until I got down to it and started spending months and years actually putting it all together and trying to think about in the same way. "Oh, ZEPPELIN died because (John) Bonham died." Bullshit. If Bonham had died after the second ZEPPELIN album, there's no way they would have folded. They'd have just carried on without him, you know? But the fact is they were already dead as a group by the time Bonham died and it was just the kind of last straw. So, that was a kind of mind-boggling thing. Then after that I thought, "Well, what do you do after LED ZEPPELIN? Is there another story out there as good as that one?" In fact, yeah, of course there are. METALLICA is comparable… I mean, you have the
death of a very important member and you also have this other dimension which ZEPPELIN doesn't, which is the fact that they've been together for 30 years and haven't finished yet. Whereas ZEPPELIN packed it all into ten years and never came back. METALLICA have proved to be a stronger band than that; they're never going to go away now, they're like a franchise, they're with us forever now. So yeah, it took longer than ZEPPELIN, which I could not have imagined when I started it. And it was a longer, more complicated story than ZEPPELIN and very hard to get right. Someone talked to me first about doing METALLICA back in 1995, and if I'd done the book then it would have been a much more straightforward proposition with a fairly happy ending. As it is, thankfully there isn't necessarily a happy ending, there's a kind of unresolved feeling to it. The band have really been through the mulberry bush and back again, you know, in terms of hating each other's
guts, in terms of stabbing each other in the back and in terms of going through drugs and drink and everything else — divorce, death. But unlike ZEPPELIN, surviving it and coming through it, bizarrely, even stronger.
Loud: Indeed. The introductory stories you placed at the beginning of each paragraph recall some amusing anecdotes, as well as detailing the progression of your relationship with the band. What was it like reliving some of those memories?
Wall: Really good, actually. When I did the first one, which… All these years later, I'd never really… I had to check my diary; I still have my diary from 1986 and the only reason I checked it was 'cause of this book. It was only in checking the diary (that) I realized that my mum died like two days after Cliff did. She was 48 when she died, which is younger than I am now. I was 28 and it was an enormous event for me; so much so that I… Really, Cliff dying, I remember the ads in the magazines, I remember people talking about it. But it totally didn't touch me at all — my mind was gone at that point. I mean, bumping into Lars on the steps of the Hammersmith Odeon and him berating me because I hadn't seen their show (laughs); I had no idea what the fuck he was talking about at the time. But it wasn't until all these years later, a quarter of a century later, that I was able to put it together really. It was only through writing and trying to think
of an evocative way of beginning the book that that kind of came together. Then other bits, where I'm trying to talk to Kirk (Hammett, guitars) about essential oils and he's nattering away to me about it, then suddenly James is there and he gets all really embarrassed because it's such a kind of gay thing to be talking about. James was really hardline in those days; you didn't talk about shit like that in front of James, you know? All those memories really weren't grouped together in my mind at all as meaningful or coherent or dots that you could join together to make a picture. It was only in doing the book and thinking, "Do I have enough of these kinds of memories and stories to do this little fancy thing at the start of each chapter?" Actually, yeah, and there were loads more, some that I didn't use. They were the most fun for me to write, to be honest with you, because everything else you've got to check your facts. You've got get your facts
straight; was it on February the 14th or February the 15th? Was it a good album or was it a bad album? You really have to be as on the money as you can with everything, knowing somewhere you're going to make a mistake without realizing it. You have to try really hard. With the memories, they're just memories so they're my memories. So it doesn't matter if Lars remembers it differently or Kirk remembers it differently or James or whatever. That's how I remember it and so they were the most fun to write. There was no checking involved; it only had to matter to me. I think you get something out of it that you don't get in the rest of the book.
Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan was asked by a reader of his column, which appears on Reverb at SeattleWeekly.com, what his take is on the analogue vs. digital debate.
"Yeah, well, in a whole shit-ton of ways, digital music fucking killed my business," Duff replied.
"Back when CDs first came out, I had just started making real money in GUNS N' ROSES. I had the best turntable and amps and speakers that money could buy, and I remember Slash and I going to a CD store on Ventura Blvd. to buys some CDs and a couple of CD players. This store had everything, and I remember just starting from 'A' and ending at 'Z', filling up a whole shopping cart while basically re-stocking everything I had on vinyl.
"It seemed like this was cutting-edge shit, and that I was at the forefront of the technology...until I got home and realized it ALL sounded like shit compared to my vinyl. Anyone who says different must just be so used to every bit of a digital track being used up, that actual 'space' in a song, must sound weird and maybe archaic.
"But back then, we didn't realize that this was just a game being played by the major labels to do what Slash and I had fell hook, line, and sinker for; re-buying ALL of their product! Multiply that by everyone on this planet, and you are talking about trillions of dollars! What the major label powers were too short-sighted and greedy to realize is that home computers were becoming more and more popular, and that digital bits and pieces could be sent back and forth between users.
"The artist is STILL the one paying the ultimate price. With gas prices up so high, no one selling CDs, and lower ticket prices EVERYWHERE, it will be a miracle to have any other choice but seeing local bands for awhile. In Seattle, though, that ain't such a bad thing!"
ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna will be interviewed on DJ Syn's "Melodic Mayhem" show on Metal Messiah Radio on Thursday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
For more information, visit www.metalmessiahradio.com.
Upcoming Joey Belladonna solo dates:
Dec. 18 - Dingbatz - Clifton, NJ
Jan. 29 - Bogie's - Albany, NY
Belladonna was the lead singer of ANTHRAX from 1984 to 1992, and was considered part of the band's classic lineup (alongside Dan Spitz, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante), which reunited and toured during 2005 and 2006. His voice was featured on over 10 albums, which reportedly sold eight million copies worldwide.
After splitting with ANTHRAX, Joey continued to make music with a solo project called BELLADONNA, which released its first self-titled debut in the mid-'90s. A follow-up effort, "Spells of Fear", came out in 1998 and it was heavily criticized for bad production and sloppy musicianship. The third album, or rather the demo recordings for what was supposed to be the third BELLADONNA album that was never recorded in a real studio, was self-released by Belladonna in 2003. It was a return to better songwriting and musicianship and it was well received by the fans.
Belladonna officially rejoined ANTHRAX in May 2010.
Ryan Ogle of Hails & Horns recently conducted an interview with guitarist Wolf Hoffmann of reformed heavy metal legends ACCEPT. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Hails & Horns: ACCEPT, to me, has always been about energy. You were one of those bands that genuinely got my blood pumping back in the day and I thought "Blood Of The Nations" recaptured that feeling perfectly. When you went into this, was there any concern that you wouldn't be able to recreate that magic?
Wolf: Not really, but at the same time, now that I look back on it, we had announced to the world that we were coming back and hadn't even written a single song yet. We really had no idea if we could still do it, we just thought, "Yeah, we can do it. Of course we can do it!" It was actually pretty gutsy. At that point, all we had done was say, "Okay world, we're a band again, this is Mark [Tornillo] and he's our new singer. We're gonna make a new record." Bam! Then we had to sit down with ourselves and say, "Oh shit. We really have to do this now. How do we do it?" We started writing and luckily it all worked just fine.
Hails & Horns: You brought Andy Sneap into the studio with you to produce the album. How was your experience with him?
Wolf: That's another interesting story; one of life's great coincidences. We just happened to meet because of a mutual friend. He had heard that we were planning another record so he approached us about working on it. You've got to understand that I've been away from the music scene for quite awhile, so I didn't even know who Andy Sneap was, to be quite honest. After speaking with him, I checked out some of his stuff and it was really impressive. To imagine that he's been an ACCEPT fan since his teenage years is quite amazing. He really wanted to work with us on this album. He came over and we hit it off right away. We loved his suggestions and how seriously he took this album. We knew right away that he was the perfect man for the job. It really felt like he was one of us. He wasn't your typical producer. There's usually some sort of separation in authority, age or whatever, but in this case he was just one of the guys.
Hails & Horns: It's easy to tell that he approached the record from a fan's point of view. I thought he did a great job of capturing that classic ACCEPT sound.
Wolf: It was pretty weird really. There were so many things that he loved about ACCEPT that we weren't even aware of. He literally had to sit us down and make us listen to our old records. We did this together and it was an eye-opening experience. Ear-opening, I should say. There really were a lot of little nuances and minor details that we had forgotten about over the years because we never really listened to our own records. Once it's done, I never go back and listen to my own stuff, to be honest with you. Andy knew about those things and pointed them out. Once we were all on the same page, the whole thing was just outstanding.
Hails & Horns: Songs like "Balls To The Wall" and "Restless And Wild" have become a part of pop culture. Do you ever get sick of playing them?
Wolf: No, not at all because when the audience is into it, you get so much back. It's like an old cliché, but it's really true. It's hard to get sick of something when everyone else loves it so much. When you start crankin' that riff and the crowd goes nuts, what's not to like about it?
An intense two-minute trailer for ICED EARTH's long-awaited live DVD extravaganza, "Festivals Of The Wicked", has just been posted to the band's official web site.
The DVD cover art — featuring ICED EARTH "mascot" Set Abominae emerging from the fires of Hell, riffing on a Les Paul — has also been revealed.
"Festivals Of The Wicked" boasts nearly six hours of ICED EARTH — three full headliner shows (over 40 live tracks!), a photo gallery shot by famed rock photographer Ross Halfin, plus a 90-minute documentary. It will be released in early 2011.
"The last part of the DVD to be completed is the documentary," said ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer. "Thousands of hours were shot and edited down to 90 minutes. It's very close to done. I have to say the footage of the band on stage is mind blowing. Those who have already seen us will love it. Those who haven't yet seen ICED EARTH will be amazed by what this band can do on stage."
Drummer Brent Smedley concurs: "The three festivals featured on the DVD were all extremely remarkable and each one memorable in its own way," he said. "All three were amazing nights where the metal and the magic were fully flowing. I think the release of this DVD truly proves my mantra and favorite saying: METAL LIVES!"
"Festivals Of The Wicked" shows ICED EARTH in its favorite element — facing tens of thousands of screaming fans — and playing songs that demonstrate why ICED EARTH fans are some of the most loyal in metal.
The three soon-to-be-released festivals are:
* Germany's Wacken Open Air (2007) with Tim "Ripper" Owens on lead vocals. The blistering 13-song set begins with a jaw-dropping rendition of "Burning Times" and closes with the band's signature track, "Iced Earth".
* Germany's Rock Hard Festival (2008) with Matt Barlow on lead vocals. This festival, the first to feature Matt's return, storms through 15 songs, with "Dark Saga" leading the charge.
* Slovenia's Metalcamp (2008) with Matt Barlow on lead vocals. A not-to-be-missed 16-song facemelter of a concert that proves why some say ICED EARTH is one of the top live bands in the world.
"I'm very proud of this DVD, and I'm grateful to fans for their patience," said Schaffer. "Getting this ready for release has been an enormous job, but a true labor of love. It will be worth the wait. I promise."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/icedearthdvdcover.jpg
Former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach has posted the following message on his official Facebook page:
"We have begun the process of interviewing producers for [Bach's] next [solo] CD! Sent out the demo CDs to the top producers in the biz and have got a great response! Spoke to a guy two days ago who did the heaviest album of 2010. He is totally into our new music and wants to do the record! I would love to work with this dude, for sure! Talking to more producers this week in Los Angeles and making a decision soon as we can!"
Bach recently revealed via Twitter that "all the songs are done" for his next solo album and that he is "finalizing recording plans now."
As to which approach he is taking with his new material, Bach said, "Same as [I did with] the [previous albums] — just make something I really like and that I want everyone to hear. It's worked so far!"
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Sebastian's new CD will likely be made available through Sony Music in Japan.
Bach's current solo band includes guitarists Nick Sterling and Johnny Chromatic, drummer Bobby Jarzombek and bassist Rob DeLuca.
Sebastian last year collaborated with HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta on several tracks for Bach's new solo album, with Nick and Charlie Bellmore of the Connecticut band PHANTOMS assisting during the pre-production process. The singer has also written material with John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON).
The Tracii Guns-led version of L.A. GUNS will unplug for a very special, one-off event on February 19, 2011 and February 20, 2011 at the world-famous The Hotel Café in Los Angeles, California. Astrella Celeste and her band will warm things up for this mind-blowing L.A. GUNS concert, which will feature members from the past and present:
* Jizzy Pearl - Vocals
* Tracii Guns - Guitar
* Chad Stewart - Drums and Vocals
* Danny Nordahl - Bass
* Muddy Stardust - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
* Doni Gray - Vocals, Percussion
* Mick Cripps - Guitar, Piano
Fans will have four different ways of enjoying the event:
01. Seated reservation
02. General admission
03. Meet-and-greet plus general admission
04. Meet-and-greet plus seated reservation
The Hotel Café
1623 Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
More information will be made available soon.
The Tracii Guns-led version of L.A. GUNS recently inked a deal with the Steve Vai-owned label Favored Nations/Jibboom, which is Favored Nations Entertainment's rock/metal division.
Favored Nations/Jibboom reissued the 1999 L.A. GUNS album "Shrinking Violet" earlier in the year. The LP was completely repackaged with new artwork and five brand new, never-before-heard, live bonus tracks.
L.A. GUNS has been touring in two competing lineups: one featuring Tracii Guns, and another led by his Eighties bandmates, singer Phil Lewis and drummer Steve Riley.
The Tracii Guns-led version of L.A. GUNS is:
Tracii Guns - Guitar
Jeremy Guns - Bass
Jizzy Pearl - Vocals
Chad Stewart - Drums
Inakustik/MVD has set an January 11, 2011 release date for "Rock 'N' Roll My Soul", the brand new solo album from the English singer and songwriter Gary Barden (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP).
Along with Michael Schenker, Barden has penned several of the greatest songs made since the '80s, with Schenker composing the music and Barden providing the lyrics. "Rock 'N' Roll My Soul" shows a very different side of Gary Barden as it reflects the emotions and impressions which the singer soaked up in his youth.
Commented Barden: "My love for these songs will never die.
"Enjoy these songs from a long bygone, but truly wonderful, time. You will hear how broad my musical influences are. There are a few surprises in store."
"Rock 'N' Roll My Soul" track listing:
01. Oh Well
02. I'm Just a Singer
03. Never Before
04. When A Blind Man Cries
05. Let's Work Together
06. Why Did You Do It
07. I'm a Man
08. Stay With Me
09. Travellin' Band
10. The Long and Winding Road
11. Zeit Macht Nur Vor Dem Teufel Halt
12. Rock 'n' Roll My Soul
Check out audio samples at Amazon.com.
Inakustik/MVD released MSG (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP)'s "The 30th Anniversary Concert - Live In Tokyo" CD/DVD/Blu-Ray in October. This performance was recorded in January 2010 during the band's 30th-anniversary Japanese tour. On this trek, the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP consisted of Michael Schenker (guitar), Gary Barden (vocals), Simon Phillips (drums), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards), and Neil Murray (bass). The band, in impeccable form, blasts through a track list highlighting all stages of Schenker's career: from UFO and SCORPIONS hits, through MSG classic tracks, to his solo compositions.
Fresh off the success of their first European tour in 20 years, RHINO BUCKET immediately returned to the studio with ace producer Doug Boehm (DIRTY SWEET, THE VINES) at the helm. The hard-rockin' result is "Who's Got Mine?", the band's sixth studio album and third on Acetate Records. Recorded at legendary Hollywood rock-shack Grandmaster Recorders, the disc — which is scheduled for release on February 8, 2011 — features original members Georg Dolivo and Reeve Downes, accompanied by Brian "Damage" Forsythe (KIX) and touring drummer Anthony "Tiny" Biuso (TSOL, THE DICKIES).
ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell has commented on the band's nomination in the "Best Hard Rock Performance" category at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
ALICE IN CHAINS has been nominated for a "Hard Rock" Grammy seven times since 1992, but has yet to walk away with the award.
"It's nice to be nominated as many times as we have," Cantrell told AOL's Noisecreep. "To be included among so many other artists over the years that we admire and respect means a lot."
He added, "We put hard work and effort into the music we make, and to have the academy and our peers recognize it is cool. Maybe one of these decades we'll win one."
"Best Hard Rock Performance" nominees:
* ALICE IN CHAINS - "A Looking In View" (from "Black Gives Way to Blue")
* OZZY OSBOURNE - "Let Me Hear You Scream" (from "Scream")
* SOUNDGARDEN - "Black Rain" (from "Telephantasm")
* STONE TEMPLE PILOTS - "Between The Lines" (from "Stone Temple Pilots")
* THEM CROOKED VULTURES - "New Fang" (from "Them Crooked Vultures")
Material released between September 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 (a 13-month period) is eligible for the 2011 Grammys.
The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 Surround Sound on CBS from 8:00 p.m. EST.
ALICE IN CHAINS' 2009 album, "Black Gives Way To Blue", is the group's first all-new release in 14 years.
Vocalist William DuVall joined ALICE IN CHAINS when it was reactivated in 2006. Original singer Layne Staley died in April 2002 of a drug overdose.
ALICE IN CHAINS' October 8, 2010 concert at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington was recorded by the New Jersey company HDlogix for an upcoming 3D movie. Directing the photography is Jeff Cronenweth, cinematographer of movies such as "The Social Network" and "Fight Club". His brother, ad director Tim Cronenweth, is directing the concert movie.
After post-production is done, the 3D version of the concert will be shown in theaters and released on Blu-ray 3D discs.
HDLogix is a media and entertainment company specializing in 3D. The company most recently worked on the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and several concert events.
The gig was part of the band's BlackDiamondSkye tour, which recently brought ALICE IN CHAINS to New York City to headline the legendary Madison Square Garden.
The BlackDiamondSkye tour also featured DEFTONES and MASTODON.
KYUSS LIVES!, the project featuring three-quarters of KYUSS — the influential American stoner rock/metal band, originally from Palm Desert, California — will record a new studio album following its upcoming tour. The group features bassist Nick Olivieri, drummer Brant Bjork and singer John Garcia along with guitarist Bruno Fevery, who most recently played with Garcia in the GARCIA PLAYS KYUSS project.
Speaking to U.K.'s Rock Sound magazine, Garcia said, "Our rehearsals are going so well that we're thinking of doing another record . . . Brant, Nick and myself have collectively agreed that once everything is done live and we're done with our solo projects, we're going to do another record."
Regarding why KYUSS guitarist and founding member Josh Homme is not involved in the reunion, Garcia told Rock Sound, "I have nothing bad to say about Josh — he's extremely intelligent, very smart, a great guitar player, great songwriter, a great vocalist — he is a bad-ass, there is no question, and I love him dearly but he is busy with his own thing. He has THEM CROOKED VULTURES, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, he's a father, a businessman and even if we asked him to do it, I don't think he'd say yes, so I don't want to set myself up for a big fat no which is 99.9 percent what he would say."
KYUSS LIVES!will embark on Australian tour next May. A European tour will take place in March/April.
Olivieri, Bjork and Garcia last played together when they reunited this past June for an appearance at the Hellfest, which took place in Clisson, France. Nick and Brant joined John on stage to perform the songs "Gardenia" and "Green Machine" during a headlining appearance by Garcia's GARCIA PLAYS KYUSS project. Video footage of that performance can be viewed below.
KYUSS, the inventors of Desert Rock, have been in the last ten years much more popular than when they were still around in the early Nineties. So, due to massive public demand over the years to play songs from his old cult band KYUSS, John finally made the decision to give the fans what they want.
The last couple of years John Garcia thought often about reviving his KYUSS legacy on stage. The more he thought about it, the more he really wanted to do this. John commented: "I don't want to do this just for myself, but especially for the fans. Both for the ones that have seen KYUSS live back in the days, and especially for the ones who haven't had that chance. This could be as close as they could get to the real thing."
In October 1995, just three months after releasing what could be argued as their breakthrough album "...And The Circus Leaves Town" (thanks to MTV airplay), KYUSS broke up. Their last recording was a 10" vinyl on the now-defunct label Man's Ruin Records, which was later re-released on a split CD with Homme's QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. The band has been on an indefinite hiatus ever since and has reached a legendary status, influencing thousands of new young rock bands.
Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA have issued the following update:
"We're writing this in order to clear up some confusions about where, when and how we're going to film our next DVD.
"When the orginal DVD show in Milan was postponed when [guitarist] Elias [Viljanen] broke his hand, we put off the preparations for the time being. Some days ago as we were starting to finish the preparation for the show, we realized that we've been misled about some of the costs for doing the DVD shoot. Mainly we're talking about the pyrotechnics permits, which would have cost roughly 10 times more than anywhere else. This, along with some other unexpected expenses, came as a total surprise to the band. In order to make things work we had to pull the plug on the shoot in Milan and move it to Finland where we can afford to do a proper DVD shoot. Our management jumped the gun here and told our webmaster to change the info on the website, without us knowing about it and without an explanation.
"So, that's the situation we're in right now.
"We cannot even by a long shot afford to do a proper DVD shoot in Milan and will do it in Oulu instead [on April 15, 2011]. By doing so we realize that we're letting down all our fans who were planning to come to the show. For that we apologize sincerely. We will play the show in Milano, with all the planned extra numbers, as well as a couple of extra tricks to make up for this mishap... only the cameras won't be rolling this time. Rather than disappointing all our fans around the world who truly deserve a perfect live DVD, we have to let down some of you. We are very sorry that things turned out this way."
"The Days Of Grays", the latest album from SONATA ARCTICA, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 19 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"The Days Of Grays" was released on September 22, 2009 in North America through Nuclear Blast Records.
It is not the success of the early days which Lenny Wolf associates KINGDOM COME with, nor earlier hits from his long-standing career. What he really cares about is the present. Is this a contradiction in view of his new album, "Rendered Waters" (due on March 25, 2011 in Germany; March 28, 2011 in the rest of Europe; and April 5, 2011 in the U.S. via SPV/Steamhammer), which features eight old and three newly recorded songs? Certainly not. All eleven tracks were cut at Lenny's Two Square Noise Factory studio in Hamburg, Germany. In particular, the new recordings of old material show KINGDOM COME's vision of living in the here and now.
"I purposely chose tracks from the very early days to show how we play, hear and feel the songs nowadays," says Wolf. "Listening habits have changed dramatically, especially among the younger audience, which made it exciting for me to breathe new life into numbers which have not been heard for a while."
For example, "Should I" is this time played more slowly, giving it a heavier appeal. The drums are more open and the guitars, according to Lenny, feature a more tube-oriented sound and warmer, more driving tone: "Just to give it an overall 2011 vibe," he says. "Of course, you can only change songs to a certain extent if you don't want to lose the character and central theme of the original version." The same goes for "I've Been Trying", "Pushing Hard" and "Living Out Of Touch". None of them has been reinvented, but all three certainly have a noticeably new approach to them. On the other hand, Lenny changed the verse of "I've Been Trying" completely, giving it a different arrangement, just like he transported the song "Seventeen" into the year 2011.
"'Seventeen' has always been kind of a key song for KINGDOM COME, yet it has never received much attention since it has a very non-commercial approach and is either loved or hated, but with the new version it will hopefully get the recognition it deserves," he says.
Another argument against suggestions that Lenny just wanted to warm up old material is that he purposely didn't choose to re-record former hits like "Get It On", "What Love Can Be", "Do You Like It" and "Twilight Cruiser" which put KINGDOM COME on the map on a global level. He even selected a song such as "Break Down The Wall" from his pre-KINGDOM COME days back in 1985 when he played with L.A.-based band STONE FURY, which just goes to show how timeless the material is.
"It was very interesting to add new styles and to carry them into the year 2011," he says. "There are a number of songs from the Seventies. Their charm lives off the old recording technology which can't be beaten these days and therefore should remain untouched, but re-recording Eighties songs isn't such a sacrilege."
Let's not forget the three brand new songs, which feature that typical KINGDOM COME structure of strong guitar hook lines and Wolf's charismatic vocals. "Blue Trees", "Is It Fair Enough" and "Don't Remember" once again see Lenny prove his unwillingness to pander to expectations. Like it or not, he certainly follows his very own route. Although Lenny again recorded most of the instruments himself, Eric Förster, who contributed those ruthlessly driven guitar solos, and American-born Berlin resident Hanan Rubinstein, who mastered the CD, both certainly need to be mentioned for their great contribution.
To sum it up, here are a number of facts for history buffs: KINGDOM COME were formed in 1987 in Los Angeles, USA. Besides Lenny, the only German in the group, there was also James Kottak, now playing drums with the SCORPIONS. The sensational debut, "Kingdom Come", reached number 12 in the U.S. chart and went gold, and its successor, "In Your Face", made high chart positions all over the globe, too.
There is no end in sight. In Lenny's words: "KINGDOM COME is my calling. I either fall or rise with it. Apart from a few bad decisions, I've done alright. Thankful and still fully loaded, back to the future."
"Rendered Waters" track listing:
01. Can't Deny (newly recorded version)
02. The Wind (newly recorded version)
03. Blue Trees (brand new song)
04. Should I (newly recorded version)
05. I've Been Trying (newly recorded version)
06. Pushing Hard (newly recorded version)
07. Seventeen (newly recorded version)
08. Is It Fair Enough (brand new song)
09. Living Out Of Touch (newly recorded version)
10. Don't Remember (brand new song)
11. Break Down The Wall (newly recorded version)
RECKLESS LOVE, the Finnish rockers who burst spectacularly onto the U.K. scene in 2010, have confirmed the December 19 release of a new expanded version of their debut self-titled album through the U.K. branch of Spinefarm Records.
Given the quartet's recent success both at home and abroad, including two appearances at this year's Download festival (where they were cited as "2010's surprise package" by Kerrang! magazine), a full headline tour of the U.K., plus stellar reviews for their album, the time was right for the record in question to be re-released in upgraded form; this new 16-track version — dubbed the "Cool Edition" — features revised artwork plus a number of bonus tracks, including electric, acoustic and remix material.
The five additional tracks are as follows:
01. Get Electric (full-band studio recording)
02. Sex (acoustic)
03. Hysteria (acoustic; DEF LEPPARD cover)
04. Back To Paradise (acoustic)
05. Back To Paradise (remix by Eppu Kosonen)
A new RECKLESS LOVE studio album is expected in the spring, supported by further live activity.
RECKLESS LOVE singer Olli Herman (a.k.a. H. Olliver Twisted) joined CRASHDIET in 2006 as the replacement for David Hellman (a.k.a. Dave Lepard), who committed suicide in January 2006.
The self-titled debut album from RECKLESS LOVE entered the official chart in the band's home country of Finland at position No. 13.
"Reckless Love" was released on February 24 in Finland and Baltic countries through Universal Music (March 22 in the U.K. via Spinefarm).
RECKLESS LOVE plays exceptionally good rock n' roll. With its rousing and joyful attitude, the band offers a true alternative for today's rock scene where everything seems too dull, dark and serious. RECKLESS LOVE's formula is simple; big hard rock just for the fun of it!
The band was founded in 2001 and started to gradually gain underground reputation as an energetic live act. Eight years of small scale touring, two lineup changes and four demos later the band finally took its current form and found its own recognizable sound.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/recklessloverocks.
Reunited progressive rock/metal band CYNIC has released the following statement:
"We're announcing a change in the band's lineup this winter.
"After much soul-searching and discussion, CYNIC will say goodbye to bassist Robin Zielhorst and guitarist Tymon Kruidenier. This decision was reached mutually, with great respect for each other as people and the work that we've done over the past 2-3 years.
"The logistical challenges of maintaining a band that is half based in The Netherlands and the other half in the United States (drummer Sean Reinert and guitarist Paul Masvidal live in California) has become unworkable.
"The pre-production stages for CYNIC's next release have just begun and it seemed like an appropriate time to define the next chapter of the band.
"The new CYNIC release is coming in summer 2011 on the Season of Mist label."
Stated CYNIC guitarist/vocalist Paul Masvidal: "Tymon and Robin are great guys whose hard work made it possible for CYNIC to get back out on the road and tour the world with 'Traced In Air'. I'm really grateful for their contribution and presence, and look forward to seeing where their talents and music will take them next."
Commented Zielhorst: "It has been an honor to play and perform in CYNIC.
"Tymon and I would like to thank Paul and Sean for the opportunity and to especially thank the fans for their support and for warmly welcoming us into the CYNIC family. We look forward to seeing you all on the road soon."
CYNIC's immediate plan is to continue writing and do pre-production for their new record. They are also working towards a remixed re-release of their classic recording, "Focus".
Robin and Tymon plan to work on a new release from their band EXIVIOUS, which will likely be tracked in Tymon's new soon-to-be completed recording studio.
CYNIC recently completed the inaugural Hall of Fame tour. Historic in every sense, the Hall of Fame tour, titled "Re-Traced / Re-Focused Live", saw the band performing Hall of Fame album "Focus" in its entirety, along with tracks from the group's lauded second album, "Traced in Air", and more. Direct support came from progressive masters INTRONAUT and DYSRHYTHMIA.
On May 17, CYNIC released a brand new EP entitled "Re-Traced", featuring reinterpretations of four songs from the group's critically acclaimed "Traced In Air" album as well as a previously unreleased song.
Guitarist Jeff Loomis of Seattle, Washington metallers NEVERMORE has recorded a guest appearance on the new album from the Portland, Oregon studio musician Keith Merrow. The 10-song CD is tentatively due sometime in 2011.
British metal juggernauts BRING ME THE HORIZON have announced their hotly anticipated return to the U.S. for "The Game Changers Tour" with support from A DAY TO REMEMBER, WE CAME AS ROMANS and PIERCE THE VEIL.
The dates are as follows:
Mar. 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Mar. 11 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Mar. 13 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Mar. 16 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
Mar. 18 - Buffalo, NY - The Rapids
Mar. 19 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
Mar. 20 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
Mar. 22 - Detroit, MI - Royal Oak
Mar. 24 - Chicago, IL - Congress
Mar. 25 - Minneapolis, MN - Epic
Mar. 26 - Kansas City, KS - Beaumont
Mar. 27 - Denver, CO - Fillmore
Mar. 29 - Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Air
Mar. 30 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
Mar. 31 - Seattle, WA - Sodo
Apr. 01 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue
Apr. 02 - Portland, OR - Roseland
Apr. 03 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
Apr. 05 - Fresno, CA - Voodward Park Amphitheater
Apr. 06 - Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
Apr. 07 - San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
Apr. 08 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquis Theater
Apr. 09 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquis Theater
Apr. 11 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theater
Apr. 12 - Austin, TX - ACL Live
Apr. 13 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Apr. 15 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Outdoor
Apr. 18 - Tampa, FL - Jannus Landing
Tickets go on sale to the general public December 17 at Ticketmaster.com.
BRING ME THE HORIZON's "Anthem" video can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's third album, "There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret", which sold 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 17 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 13.
The team at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden (where BRING ME THE HORIZON recorded 2008's "Suicide Season") was again at the helm of the recording, this time bringing in electronic and programming authority KC Blitz to assist with the instrumental aspects of the album. The CD also includes appearances from various special guests, including Josh Franceschi of YOU ME AT SIX (on "Fuck") who stated, "I'm really excited to be part of this record as it's going to turn some heads, and that's what music is all about." Also featured on the album are Josh Scogin of THE CHARIOT (on "The Fox And The Wolf"), Sonny Moore (a.k.a. Skrillex) with electronica contributions and Canadian electro-pop starlet Lights (on "Crucify Me" and "Don't Go").
Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH will play two very special shows in Southern California next month — at Chain Reaction in Anaheim on January 21 and at Soma in San Diego on January 22. Both concerts will also feature OCEANO, FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, UPON A BURNING BODY, THE GREAT COMMISSION and I THE BREATHER. BLEEDING THROUGH says, "We are going to play an earlier-years set from our releases from 2000-2005."
BLEEDING THROUGH's latest self-titled album sold around 3,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart.
BLEEDING THROUGH's previous CD, "Declaration" (2008), opened with 6,000 units to land at No. 101.
Released on April 13 via the Portland, Oregon-based independent record label Rise Records, "Bleeding Through" was recorded at Planet Z Studios in Hadley, Massachusetts with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who has previously worked with MUNICIPAL WASTE, AGNOSTIC FRONT and HATEBREED, among others.
Southern California thrashers ATTACKHEAD will release their new album, "Voices In The Dark - Second Attack", on January 25, 2011 via Twisted Hillbilly Records.
Commented lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Chapman: "We had a great time recording the CD back in Tennessee. We wanted to create a CD that was pure old-school thrash reminiscent of the '80s era. If you are looking for some straight-forward thrash, then this is the CD for you."
"Voices In The Dark - Second Attack" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Voices In The Dark
03. Infected
04. Rebirth
05. Make Me Suffer
06. Lead the Blind
07. Possessed
08. Blame
09. Dark Ritual
10. Waste of Life
11. Tazer
When ATTACKHEAD — comprised of Mark Chapman (lead vocals, lead guitar), George Portoulas (lead guitar, backing vocals), Steve Cordero (drums) and Eddie "Munster" Ellis (bass, backing vocals) — put out the original version of "Voices In The Dark" back in February 2008, its songs received airplay on over 50 terrestrial and Internet stations worldwide, from the U.K., Canada, Belgium and Greece to Mexico, Germany and Argentina.
Wider distribution of "Voices In The Dark" was a problem, however, until Knoxville, Tennessee-based Twisted Hillbilly Records took an interest and funded a higher budget re-recorded version with two new tracks and all new artwork and packaging.
Over the past year, ATTACKHEAD has performed numerous times at Ft. Irwin National Training Center, U.S. Naval base, Ventura County, the Marine Base at 29 Palms and the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona, in addition to the Ontario, California USO. Aside from giving back to the troops, ATTACKHEAD reaches hundreds of men and women ages 18-25 who will no doubt share the good news of the group with their fellow servicemen and women at their next posts. They are supporters of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the Wounded Warrior Project, as well as the Melanoma Research Foundation, and pass out pamphlets for these organizations at their shows.
For more information, visit www.attackhead.com.
New Jersey/New York's ILL NIÑO will embark on the "Restore The Insanity" headlining tour in January with support from ANEW REVOLUTION, EKOTREN and FASHION BOMB.
"We're really looking forward to seeing all of our crazy fans again," states vocalist Cristian Machado. "This is the first U.S. tour we've done in two years, so you'd better put your dancing shoes on, hide your kids, hide your wife, because ILL NIÑO is comin' to town!"
Confirmed dates so far:
Jan. 20 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's
Jan. 21 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Jan. 27 - Los Angeles, CA @ Key Club
Feb. 01 - San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
Feb. 02 - Beaumont, TX @ The Gig
Feb. 03 - Dallas, TX @ Trees
Feb. 04 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Feb. 13 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
Feb. 15 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
More shows will be added soon.
ILL NIÑO's "Against The Wall" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot in Virginia Beach with director Scott Hansen, who has previously worked on videos for ANIMALS AS LEADERS, WILLIE NELSON, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and A DAY TO REMEMBER, among others.
"Against The Wall" comes off ILL NIÑO's fifth album, "Dead New World", which sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 164 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous effort, "Enigma", opened with 5,000 units to land at No. 145 back in March 2008.
"Dead New World" was released on October 26 via Victory Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Enigma" was self-produced, with co-production coming from Clint Lowery (SEVENDUST) and Sahaj Ticotin (RA), and mixed by Eddie Wohl (36 CRAZYFISTS, ANTHRAX, SMILE EMPTY SOUL). The album artwork was created by Tim Butler of XIII Designs (DISTURBED, SLIPKNOT, METALLICA, SLAYER, MICHAEL JACKSON).
Norwegian metallers NOCTURNAL BREED have issued the following update:
"Axeman Ben Hellion [pictured below; real name: Stian Andreassen] has decided that 12 years as a member of NOCTURNAL BREED is enough.
"After the band recently met up for the first time in almost four years, he decided to call it quits because of 'lack of inspiration and feeling,' but stresses that he is proud of having been a part of NOCTURNAL BREED for so many years. He wishes the remaining 'Breedsters' the best of luck in the future, and hopes to experience NOCTURNAL BREED live again, now as an audience member."
The latest album from NOCTURNAL BREED, entitled "Fields of Rot", was released in July 2007 via Agonia Records. The CD featured cover art which was created specifically for this release by Norwegian artist Kjetil Nystuen, who is an art director in the gaming industry. The PS2 first-person shooter game Killzone is among his credits.
NOCTURNAL BREED re-released its "Tools of the Trade" and "No Retreat... No Surrender" CDs through Brazil's Kill Again Records. More information is available at www.killagainrec.com.
Germany's DEADLOCK will release its new album, "Bizarro World", on February 28, 2011 in Europe and March 16, 2011 in the U.S. via Lifeforce Records. The CD was recorded at Slaughter's Palace studio and was once again produced and engineered by the band's musical mastermind and guitar/sound wizard Sebastian Reichl.
"Bizarro World" track listing:
01. Virus Jones
02. State Of Decay
03. Falling Skywards
04. Earthlings
05. You Left Me Dead
06. Brutal Romance
07. Alienation
08. Renegade
09. Htrae
10. Bizarro World
11. Paranoia Extravaganza
The limited-edition digipak version of the album and the digital version will contain two remixes as bonus tracks.
Upcoming DEADLOCK shows:
Feb. 24- Köln, GER @ Underground
Feb. 25- Jena, GER @ F-Haus
Feb. 26- München, GER @ Backstage
Feb. 27- Ludwigsburg, GER @ Rockfabrik
Feb. 28- Frankfurt, GER @ Nachtleben
DEADLOCK's last album, "Manifesto", was released in Europe in November 2008 via Lifeforce Records.
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Norwegian gothic-doom metallers TO CAST A SHADOW will release their sophomore album, "In Memory Of", on February 14, 2011 in U.K. (February 18 in the rest of Europe) via Kolony Records. The CD was recorded at Hamar Recordings in Norway with producer Kristian Sigland (THE CREST, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY) and was mastered at Leon Music Studio in Sweden by Rikard Lofgren. "it features a guest appearance by THEATRE OF TRAGEDY lead singer Nell Sigland in the song "Betula". The artwork was developed and realized by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art (MY DYING BRIDE, CRADLE OF FILTH).
"In Memory Of" track listing:
01. Tormented
02. Morose
03. Nightfall
04. Oceans Apart
05. Betula
06. My Misery
07. When You Leave the Room
08. Set Afire
09. The Answer
10. In Memory Of
For more information, visit www.tocastashadow.com.
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Chicago, Illinois' INDIAN will release its brand new full-length album, "Guiltless", on April 12 in North America (April 25 internationally) via Relapse Records. The CD was recorded at Semaphore Recordings in October with engineer Sanford Parker (UNEARTHLY TRANCE, PELICAN, MINSK, BLOODIEST) and is available for pre-order at this location, along with a preview of the Scott Fricke-designed artwork (which can also be seen below).
INDIAN (Ron DeFries - bass, Bill Bumgardner - drums, Will Lindsay - guitar/vocals, Dylan O'Toole - guitar/vocals, Sean Patton - noise) formed in 2003 and self-released a seven-inch EP followed by three full-length albums on Seventh Rule Recordings. The band recently posted photos from the "Guiltless" recording session on its Facebook page.
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AVA INFERI, the Portugal-based band whose lineup includes Norwegian guitarist Rune Eriksen (a.k.a. ex-MAYHEM guitarist/songwriter Blasphemer), will hold a CD-release party for its fourth album, "Onyx", on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Side B Bar in Benavente, Portugal. The band will perform a lengthy set consisting mostly of material from the new CD.
"Onyx" will be released on February 14 (February 15 in the U.S.) via Season Of Mist.
The track listing is as follows:
01. Onyx
02. The Living End
03. A Portal
04. ((Ghostlights))
05. Majesty
06. The Heathen Island
07. By Candlelight & Mirrors
08. Venice in Fog
Check out the cover artwork below.
Commented Eriksen: "(Witch)Crafted and dragged into sunlight by Costin Chioreanu / Twilight13Media (ABSU, GRAVE, DEMONICAL), this illustration portraits a more eerie visual side of AVA INFERI than our previous arts. A mysterious and sinister approach to AVA INFERI's aesthetics indeed. I really feel that it connects with the album on a musical and lyrical level, too, as it is creating some sort of a window into the fields of the inspirations behind this new offering.
"We have always dwelled in the more obscure side of things, and even though we have weaved an occasional Wiccan flame or Bacchanalian praise into our arts, we've always cherished and explored the aspects of 'horror.' With 'Onyx' we have definitely gone deeper into it. Anyway, Costin (who also did the clip for 'Last Sign of Summer') has really done a great job, and we are thankful and grateful for the dedication and hard work he put into this work. Multumesc foarte mult!!"
M INC., the new Orlando, Florida-based band featuring former DEATH/MASSACRE guitarist Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo, will make its live debut as the support act for OBITUARY on Friday, January 21 at State Theater in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
M INC. was formed last year by Rozz, Terry Shrock (SHINE; since departed) on vocals and bass and Mike Mazzonetto (ex-PAIN PRINCIPLE) on drums. The group is said to be Rick's first foray into extreme music since the mid-'90s and his MASSACRE days. Indeed, the band was initially supposed to be called MASSACRE INC., but out of respect to MASSACRE's drummer Bill Andrews and a desire to not live in the past, the name was changed to M INC.
M INC. is:
Chris Jack (Vocals)
Mike Mazzonetto (Drums)
Timmy Vazquez (Bass, Vocals)
Rick Rozz (Guitars)
M INC. contributed an exclusive track, "Angel of Descent", to the Fall of Eden Records compilation "Fallen Souls". The CD features 14 other bands, including GORE SANCTUM (U.K.), MISCONDÜCTERS (U.K.) and MORDETH (Brazil).
Over the past decade, Rick has played in a number of other projects, including southern rock and acoustic bands.
Rozz was a member of the pre-DEATH band MANTAS alongside Chuck Schuldiner and Kam Lee and played on DEATH's seminal and unforgettable "Leprosy" album. As part of MASSACRE, he helped produce those massively influential demos that set the '80s tape trading scene alight and the classic album "From Beyond", not to mention the superb EP "Inhuman Condition".
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/rozz1967.
British black/doom metal cult NECRONOCLAST will release its new album, "Ashes", on February 22 via Moribund Records. The cover artwork was created by Gabriel Byrne.
"Ashes" track listing:
01. Serpents
02. Looking Glass
03. Ashes
04. Ravenous
05. Ghostways
06. Veil of Flies
07. Kajicnické Šaty
Hailing from Scotland, NECRONOCLAST is a one-man project thrust into existence in the dreary autumn of 2003. NECRONOCLAST captures the aura of decay that envelops every soul, every entity in this dying world, through an atmospheric blend of extreme metal.
The first NECRONOCLAST album, entitled "Monument", was originally made available through Infernal Kaos Productions in spring 2007. This release led to NECRONOCLAST's signing with U.S. label Moribund Records, for the follow-up album, "The Plague", in November of the same year.
Following the well-received "The Plague", NECRONOCLAST embarked on the concept album "Haven". "Haven" is built around the imagery of an old, empty house, isolated and forlorn, overrun with the beasts and personified neuroses of the inhabitant.
For more information, visit www.necronoclast.com.
San Diego, California metallers AS I LAY DYING will embark on a U.S. headlining tour in February with support from WINDS OF PLAGUE and AFTER THE BURIAL. The trek will hit cities that the band hasn't been to in years and other places the group has yet to visit, including Green Bay, WI; Pensacola, FL; Burlington, VT; and much more. This is a great opportunity for fans to see AS I LAY DYING in an intimate club setting, which should make for some insane circle pits and stage dives.
The dates are as follows:
Feb. 12 - Ft. Collins, CO - The Aggie Theater
Feb. 14 - Fargo, ND - The Venue
Feb. 15 - Omaha, NE - The Slowdown
Feb. 16 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theater
Feb. 17 - Green Bay, WI - Riverside Ballroom
Feb. 18 - Lansing, MI - The Loft
Feb. 19 - Dayton, OH - The Attic Club
Feb. 20 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
Feb. 21 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
Feb. 22 - Providence, RI - The Met
Feb. 24 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
Feb. 25 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
Feb. 26 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
Feb. 27 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
Feb. 28 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
Mar. 01 - Wilmington, NC - The Soapbox
Mar. 02 - Jacksonville, FL - Freebird Live
Mar. 03 - Tampa, FL - State Theater
Mar. 04 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
Mar. 05 - Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
Mar. 06 - Pensacola, FL - American Legion Hall
Mar. 07 - Birmingham, AL - Zydeco
Mar. 09 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
Mar. 10 - Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom
Mar. 11 - Wichita, KS - The Cotilion
Mar. 12 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
Mar. 13 - Farmington, NM - Top Deck
Mar. 15 - Flagstaff, AZ - Orpheum Theatre
Mar. 16 - San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brew
Mar. 17 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Metro
Mar. 18 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
AS I LAY DYING released a super deluxe fan box set version of its latest album, "The Powerless Rise", in November.
The limited edition super deluxe fan box includes the following:
* "The Powerless Rise" CD and 12" vinyl picture disc
* "The Powerless Rise" DVD documentary with in-studio footage and interviews + extras
* Guitar, bass and drum tabs featuring Jordan Mancino, Nick Hipa, Phil Sgrosso and Josh Gilbert / song stems for "Upside Down Kingdom" / expanded recording outtakes
* Hardcover book with lyrics, photos, and editorial from the band
* 12" x 12" lithograph
* Three guitar picks
* Mini drumstick keychain
* AS I LAY DYING patch
* AS I LAY DYING window cling
* Metal AS I LAY DYING logo pin
The box set is exclusively available in Europe via EMP.
"The Powerless Rise" sold 38,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "An Ocean Between Us", opened with 39,500 units back in August 2007 to land at No. 8.
"The Powerless Rise" was released on May 11 via Metal Blade Records.
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES have been confirmed for next year's edition of the Party.San Open Air festival, set to take place August 11-13, 2011 at its new location in Schlotheim/Flugplatz Obermehler, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AT THE GATES
BELPHEGOR
ENSIFERUM
HAIL OF BULLETS
MELECHESH
MORBID ANGEL
NACHTMYSTIUM
NEGURA BUNGET
PANZERCHRIST
TAAKE
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES have been confirmed for next year's edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place August 12-14, 2011 at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
"We had such a blast during the 2008 reunion that we decided to do some more shows," states drummer Adrian Erlandsson. He continues, "We had an amazing gig at Bloodstock in 2008 and are really looking forward to playing there again."
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ANGELWITCH
AT THE GATES
CORONER
GRAVE DIGGER
IMMORTAL
LAWNMOWER DETH
MORBID ANGEL
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
THERION
TRIPTYKON
The Bloodstock Open Air heavy metal festival was established in 2005 to bring a wider choice of heavy metal bands to the U.K. and provide a venue for the best established and unsigned metal bands to perform in front of a large an enthusiastic audience of true metalheads.
Bloodstock Open Air features three days of diverse international heavy metal bands across three stages, a large selection of merchandise stalls, metal karaoke, campsite and a wide selection of food, bars and other refreshments.
SPAZMOSITY's Dimman has joined Swedish old-school black metal kvltists WAN as a session drummer for the foreseeable future. Vocalist Tsjud comments, "[Dimman's] first assignment with us will be the recording of a cover song for a tribute album, followed by the recording of our second album in January/February."
WAN's unholy offering of grim, BATHORY-inspired black metal, "Wolves Of The North", was released earlier this year on Abyss Records. The band is currently slated to appear on an upcoming SHINING tribute album entitled "Livets Ändhållplats" and has chosen the track "Svart" as its contribution. A follow-up to "Wolves Of The North" is due out sometime next year.
Abyss Records is has announced the recent signing of Latvian old-school, sludge-laden death metal act DISEIM. With a five-song demo, entitled "Sinner", already making its way through the metal community, the band is currently hard at work on its full-length debut for a summer 2011 release.
DISEIM was formed in 2007 by drummer Imants Vovers and guitarist Dmitrijs Bulavskis. In 2008 the vocalist main songwriter Sergey Stavro joined the band, adding his poignant lyrics and guttural growl to a sound already defined by breakneck percussion and grinding guitar riffs. In 2009 the lineup was rounded out by bassist Alex Makarovs.
DISEIM is:
Imants Vovers - Drums
Dmitrijs Bulavskis - Guitars
Sergey Stavro - Vocals
Alex Makarovs - Bass
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/diseim.
Knoxville, Tennessee's WHITECHAPEL has selected Rocketown in Nashville, Tennessee as the location for the video shoot for the track "Breeding Violence", taken from the band's latest release, "A New Era of Corruption". The clip will be filmed on Saturday, January 8 with director Scott Hansen, who has previously worked on videos for ILL NIÑO, ANIMALS AS LEADERS, WILLIE NELSON, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and A DAY TO REMEMBER, among others. WHITECHAPEL will play a full set for its fans and will be joined by THE TONY DANZA TAP DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA.
Commented WHITECHAPEL guitarist and founding member Alex Wade: "Nashville has always been a second hometown for us and with the success of the show there on 'The Corruptour', naturally we'd love to shoot our music video for our awesome Nashville fans. Our good friends in THE TONY DANZA TAP DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA will be opening the show so come out and get a shot of being in our video; it's gonna be a fun night!"
Come out to join WHITECHAPEL and be a part of the band's new music video; the $10 all-ages show starts at 7 p.m.
WHITECHAPEL will embark on its first-ever European headlining tour in April 2011 with support from THE ACACIA STRAIN and IMPENDING DOOM.
WHITECHAPEL's third album, "A New Era Of Corruption", sold around 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on June 8 via Metal Blade Records, the CD was recorded at Audiohammer studios in Sanford, Florida with acclaimed producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, CHIMAIRA, DEVILDRIVER).
WHITECHAPEL's previous album, "This Is Exile", opened with 5,900 copies in July 2008 to land at No. 117.
Handling artwork for "A New Era Of Corruption" was Brent Elliot White, who previously worked with JOB FOR A COWBOY and CARNIFEX. "Brent absolutely nailed it," states Alex. "The dark and ominous vibe he portrayed with his art fits the mood of the CD perfectly."
"A New Era Of Corruption" features guest vocals from Vincent of THE ACACIA STRAIN on the track "Murder Sermon" and Chino from the DEFTONES on the track "Reprogrammed to Hate".
WHITECHAPEL's "The Darkest Day Of Man" was filmed in April by famed metal video director David Brodsky of MyGoodEye.
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