Rocket Queen recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Rocket Queen: Lots of things are going on with MEGADETH at the moment. So let's start with your thoughts on the latest album, "Endgame". What are your [feelings about] on this album? And which song do you like most on this album and why?
David: It has some really good material on it and it is produced and played really well. It has a modern edge which is a good progression for the band's sound. I'm looking forward to recording the next disc this year and seeing how that modern sound evolves with the vintage aspect the fans have come to know of how Dave and I play together, too. I think it will capture a classic sound and create yet another new chapter for the band moving forward now.
Rocket Queen: Also you are doing a bass clinic with Frank Bello (ANTHRAX) this february. And produced a little video clip where you interviewed Frank and he interviewed you on the new bass guitar models.
David: Yes, those clinics will be fun as both of our bands are doing so many things together these days, like the recent Jägermeister "Clash Of The Titans" tour lineup, as well as the "Big Four" dates. Clinics are fun because fans get to be up close and personal with us and the musicians can get a much closer and more in-depth view of how we play and operate as musicians ourselves. I learn a lot from the questions and interaction with the audience at clinics so it is a two-way street that is beneficial for everyone.
Rocket Queen: Are you planning to do another MEGADETH CD after all those touring? Or haven't you had thoughts on a new CD yet?
David: Yes, we are well on our way and working on it as we speak. We have a lot of ideas and the process is moving along well. We definitely have A LOT to work with, which is great after all these years.
Rocket Queen: How would you describe your style of bass playing?
David: I have always been a very aggressive bass player. I like getting into the thick of a riff or a technical musical part. At the same time, the longer I've been playing it has taught me to really listen to the song and what is going on musically so I can complement the tune, rather than just being so anxious to jump all over the bass part to "express myself."
Rocket Queen: Have you got some good advice for young musicians who would like to enter todays metal scene and want to created a metal band?
David: Fortunately, for metal I don't think the rules have changed that much. You get together with musicians you can hang with, you write, record, play out as much as possible and simply do it for the love of that feeling you get when you jam together. I've found that for metal bands it's not good to make it much more complicated than that. Fans will either dig it, or they won't.
Promoters were forced to cancel two shows on the current Jägermeister Music Tour, starring BUCKCHERRY, HELLYEAH, ALL THAT REMAINS and THE DAMNED THINGS. According to The Pulse Of Radio, Tuesday night's (February 1) gig in Chicago and Wednesday's (February 2) show in Waterloo, Iowa were both put on ice by the massive winter storms hitting the American Midwest. The tour is scheduled to resume on Friday (February 4) in St. Louis, Missouri, weather permitting.
A statement released by FM Entertainment said, "Hazardous conditions with forecasts consisting of upwards of three feet of snow and 50-plus mph winds have led us to this decision. The overall safety of the public as well as that of the bands are the priority and the major concern at this time."
BUCKCHERRY frontman Josh Todd agreed, saying, "We always come to each city ready to put on a great show, but the safety of our fans is more important. We look forward to coming back to rock Chicago and Waterloo very soon!"
The tour has apparently run into some additional bad luck, with BUCKCHERRY bassist Jimmy Ashhurst posting on Twitter earlier this week that 12 members of the tour, both musicians and crew members, were brought down by food poisoning from bad catering at a show in Clive, Iowa.
BUCKCHERRY is promoting its latest effort, "All Night Long", while HELLYEAH is out behind its sophomore outing, "Stampede".
CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, the "psychedelic filling in a folk blues pie" new project led by THE BLACK CROWES frontman Chris Robinson, will spend the spring touring California, with several residencies throughout the state.
The trek begins in late March and wraps in late May, featuring 33 tour dates at 13 venues.
For more information, visit ChrisrRobinsonBrotherhood.com.
THE BLACK CROWES recently wrapped up their last scheduled U.S. show in San Francisco as part of a six-show sold-out run at the Fillmore December 12-19 — and will embark on their final eight shows in Europe (July 7-18), concluding their 20th anniversary tour in (appropriately) Amsterdam with a two-night engagement at the Paradiso. The band recently announced they are going on an indefinite hiatus to spend time with family and work on other projects.
U.S. rockers DOKKEN have scheduled the following dates:
Mar. 04 - Egan Convention Center - Anchorage, AK
Mar. 05 - King Cat Theatre - Seattle, WA
Mar. 18 - The Venue - Fargo, ND
Mar. 19 - Medina Ballroom - Medina, MN
Mar. 25 - Wild Horse Pass & Casino - Chandler, AZ
Apr. 15 - Hemisfair Park - San Antonio, TX
Apr. 16 - Trees - Dallas, TX
May 14 - Sunset Station Casino - Henderson, NV
Audio samples of all the songs that appear on DOKKEN's greatest-hits package, "Greatest Hits 2" — a collection of all-new versions of tracks such as "Dream Warriors", "Breaking the Chains" and "Just Got Lucky", paired two new songs and two covers (including a version of "Lies", originally recorded by THE KNICKERBOCKERS, available on the Japanese version of the CD only) — are available on Amazon.com. Released in Japan on April 21, 2010 via King Records, the CD was made available in the U.S. on Cleopatra's Deadline Records imprint.
DOKKEN has sold well over 10 million albums worldwide and continues to tour and enjoy media exposure courtesy of the successful web commercials for Norton Internet Security 2010, the virus, spyware and Internet protection software from Symantec. The comedic spots imagine a computer as a chicken and DOKKEN as a malicious computer virus. Each ad features a different outcome, based on whether or not the "Dokken Virus" was allowed into the system.
DOKKEN's latest album "Lightning Strikes Again", was released on May 13, 2008 via Rhino Records. The CD is DOKKEN's tenth studio album and it "mark[ed] a true and definite return" to the band's classic sound, according to a press release.
In addition to the regular European version of "Lightning Strikes Again", Frontiers Records released a special limited edition of the CD on April 11, 2008 in a glossy slipcase. The limited-edition version included an exclusive bonus track for Europe, entitled "Sunset Superstar".
Former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy revealed in a new Twitter message that he is currently working on a new project with SYMPHONY X frontman Russell Allen. He writes, "VERY excited about a new project I'm working on [with] one my [favorite] singers in the world: my bro, Sir Russell Allen." He adds, "Wait 'till you hear this shit!!!"
Portnoy recently began work on a new project with guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS), multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, SPOCK'S BEARD), bassist Dave LaRue (DIXIE DREGS) and vocalist Casey McPherson (ALPHA REV, ENDOCHINE). The group's debut album is tentatively due later in the year.
Just days after it was announced that he'd been dismissed as the touring drummer for AVENGED SEVENFOLD, Portnoy revealed that he tried to rejoin DREAM THEATER, and was rebuffed.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band this summer while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD.
He played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and has toured with them since early summer.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD and STONE SOUR will headline Edgefest VII, set to take place Saturday, April 23 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, Arkansas. The seventh 100.3 The Edge Edgefest concert will also feature performances by THREE DAYS GRACE, SEETHER, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, SEVENDUST, SKILLET, HALESTORM and more bands yet to be named.
Jeff Cage, 100.3 The Edge's program director, says, "Edgefest keeps getting bigger and we are excited to offer two main stages this year for the thousands of Edgeheads who will attend! We are also excited to be back at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds which offers a very safe concert spot with plenty of parking. It's going to be a blast when thousands of rock fans unite for the annual event!"
Tickets are available for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the show plus service charges and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com or EdgeLittleRock.com.
Brian Walsby's new illustrated book, "Manchild 5: Rabid Pack With Sirens Howling'", which documents the 1980s punk/hardcore scene in Raleigh, North Carolina, was released on January 25. Along with tons of photos and Brian's infamous comic art; this one is also packed with interviews and stories about events that went down in Raleigh from 1982 up to around 1990.
The book's official description: "In the early 1980s, hardcore punk swept across the U.S. like a shock wave of youthful spirit, ingenuity and aggression.
"Los Angeles had bands like BLACK FLAG and artists like Raymond Pettibon and Pushead charting new waters of sound and visual imagery. New York had BAD BRAINS and Sean Taggart. Raleigh, North Carolina had CORROSION OF CONFORMITY and comic illustrator Brian Walsby.
"Since 1984, Walsby's iconic illustrations have graced countless album covers, T-shirts and the pages of magazines such as Flipside, Maximum Rock And Roll, Hustler, Decibel and many others. In 2004 Brian's first book of comic art, 'Manchild', was released to worldwide applause from critics and fans alike. Mr. Walsby went on to release 'Manchild' 2, 3 and 4 from 2006 to 2008.
"As these books have gone out of print and become sought after collectors items, Brian continued illustrating, writing and collecting photos for what was to become 'Manchild 5: Rabid Pack With Sirens Howling'. 'Manchild 5' documents the bands, fans, and scene politics of the early hardcore scene as viewed from Raleigh in the 1980s. Readers are given a vivid picture of this era through Walsby's infamous comic art, rare photographs and the words of the people who lived through it all.
"With the band CORROSION OF CONFORMITY at the center, 'Manchild 5' proves to be a fascinating read filled with anecdotes about punk houses, scene drama, and bands like BAD BRAINS, NO LABELS, SCARED STRAIGHT, BLACK FLAG, DAYS OF, WWAX, MINOR THREAT, CONFESSOR, UGLY AMERICANS and many others."
Brandon Marshall of Sonic Excess recently conducted an interview with Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN, KINGDOM OF SORROW). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Sonic Excess: "Sever The Wicked Hand" is CROWBAR's first album in six years. Did this recording take so long because of your commitments with DOWN and KINGDOM OF SORROW, or have you been waiting for the right time to release?
Kirk: A little bit of both. It did take so long because of the commitments with DOWN and KINGDOM, and coincidentally, it was a good time to release it.
Sonic Excess: When writing "Sever The Wicked Hand", did you have to set up outside the worlds of DOWN and KINGDOM OF SORROW entirely? Did you find yourself writing material that would be best suited for those bands?
Kirk: I didn't have to step out of the DOWN and KINGDOM worlds. After doing this for so long, it's easy for me to change my mindset in a second. It's not uncommon for me to write, or be involved, with all three bands in one day. So, I'm able to separate them.
Sonic Excess: Was "Sever The Wicked Hand" the first album you wrote sober? Was it therapeutic?
Kirk: It was. I mean every CROWBAR guitar riff ever written was recorded sober. When it came to singing, I would be pretty tanked. Instead of getting a sore throat with the style I sing, it's more comfortable bringing an ice chest full of beer in the booth. Singing sober, I never had done it. If it takes me two or three hours to record vocals, I would pound beers the whole time, and I would have a nice buzz by the time it was over. It took a little adjusting doing it sober. I guess I mistakely thought that alcohol brought out emotions; I would get more emotional vocals, because I was pounding beer. I found it was a false emotion. Once I became comfortable with my singing, I loved it. It's been six months tomorrow since my sobriety and a lot to learn. I have reprogrammed my entire way of thinking on everything. I mean, I'm not a poster boy or anything like that. To each his own, and you have to live and learn. People are always asking about what I think
about young kids experimenting. It's normal. They are going to. Unfortunately, people are going to die from it, but that life, a dark part of life. Each person has do decide what's best for them. To me, it was like, "Why am I a slave to this shit? Why does everything revolve around beer o'clock?" Normally, if I would have press days, I would find any excuse on God's green earth to drink. "Oh, I'm going to be doing interviews from 12:00 to 6:00," and I would say the same shit over and over again. "Oh, fuck it. I'm going to get a case of beer and make it fun." I realized the world does not revolve around beer. It's difficult because down here in New Orleans, its available 24-7, 365 at any place you go. That's what makes it hard. I had issues with cocaine years ago, and it's the easiest drug to get off of. Erase the fucking coke dealer's number from your phone, and stop going to the bars where you know it's at. So, no big deal; there goes coke. But, trying
to deal with alcohol, beer especially, it's almost sacrilegious not having beer watching a football game.
Sonic Excess: Has being clear-headed given you a new appreciation for everything?
Kirk: Yeah, this whole experience has been great. I have fallen in love with music again, because that's all I have on that side of things. I don't have the party side of it anymore. It's music and business, and that's a positive thing. Like I said, I got up at 5:30 this morning, and it's all business. I jump on the computer, and, at that time in the morning, it's 12:30 in the afternoon in Germany or 11:30 in the U.K. So, the emails are always flying in from overseas, and that's my schedule. I get up at 5:30 a.m., instead of going to bed at 5:30 in the morning everyday.
Aaron Manogue of Hard-Rock-Reviews.com recently conducted an interview with SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
Hard-Rock-Reviews.com: What keeps you going personally and wanting to continue making music?
Morgan Rose: You know, there's the cliche, "I do it for the music," but it's very therapeutic. Usually in every record there's a story that went on in that past year or two, and it's something that is a great outlook for us. We do actually call this a job, even though it's kind of embarrassing to use that term. When you leave your kids, leave your family, and you do it for as long as we have, I think we've justified it by now. I think people can say, "Well yeah, this is a job." Creating music and performing is what we do, and we were blessed enough to be in the right place at the right time. It's something that's very special to us.
Hard-Rock-Reviews.com: With the continuing success of your 2010 release, "Cold Day Memory", what is it like to have [guitarist] Clint Lowery back in the band? His sound is clearly evident (guitar-wise), but what does he bring back to the table for SEVENDUST?
Morgan: He's definitely my brother and also my musical soulmate. There's no doubt that when I sit down with him, if we wanted to, we could probably write twenty songs in a day. We're really tough on each other when it comes to different parts of writing music, and that's the reason it takes any time to do a song between us. He's creative in all areas. He's a great singer, guitar player, and songwriter, and he's great to watch play live. He has all the tools to be a monster, so having that back in the band was huge. We survived without him, but we can thrive with him.
Hard-Rock-Reviews.com: Are there any new projects or new SEVENDUST music on its way that fans can look forward to?
Morgan: We're already actually dabbling into the next record. The plan is to finish this tour out, with a break in February, and then we go to Australia for a few weeks. Then we'll come back to finish this tour at the end of March. After that we'll take most of April off, and probably in May we might go out and do a little short run, going to Europe and doing the festivals in June and July. Afterward, we'll probably come back and do the summer festivals over here, and next we'll probably do an acoustic run. Finally, after all that, we'll get into the new record towards the end of the year.
"Last Days Here" (formerly "Last Rites"), which tells the story of Bobby Liebling, lead singer of the cult hard rock/heavy metal band PENTAGRAM, will world premiere at the 2011 South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival in March.
Frozen for decades in his parents' basement, Bobby's music is finally discovered by the heavy metal underground. With the help of Sean "Pellet" Pelletier, his friend and manager, Bobby attempts to overcome years of addiction, loneliness, and broken dreams. Intimate, raw, and unexpectedly funny, "Last Days Here" portrays the unbelievable journey of a man at the crossroads of life and death.
The film was produced by 9.14 Pictures, an independent production company that specialized in documentary films. The film was directed by Don Argot and Demian Fenton and produced by Sheena M. Joyce. The company's filmography includes last year's critically acclaimed "The Art Of The Steal", "Two Days In April" and "Rock School".
In a November 2010 interview with Metal Sucks, Liebling stated about "Last Rites", "It's been in the making for about four years. And when it started out, I was still real effed up, I mean, I'm using drugs in the movie in the beginning, and I weighed 105 pounds and was practically on my deathbed. And then I met my wife and things started to change, and I started realizing that, hey, doing all this stuff and believing in the wrong, dark instead of light, ways just bring more darkness on you. I don't like rainy days [laughs] and I don't like the rain. I'd rather look up to the sun. It's a spiritual thing to me, a spiritual awakening, I guess you could call it."
After repeated requests from their fans and concert promoters alike, Danish hard rockers ROYAL HUNT and their former lead singer D.C. Cooper have mutually decided to reunite — for a very few selected dates — in order to perform the entire "Paradox" (their first concept album from 1997) and several of "everybody's all-time favorite" songs from that period.
In other news, guitarist Marcus Jidell has left ROYAL HUNT "due to [his] new commitments with EVERGREY." He says in a statement, "The last five years has in every way been a great journey for me.
"I always felt very fortunate to be able to play with the great musicians of ROYAL HUNT and to have had the chance to get to know the supportive and wonderful fans of the band.
"It has been years of great fun, new experiences in music and we've visited places I've never seen before.
"I met so many people on the road with ROYAL HUNT that I really hope to see again."
ROYAL HUNT's latest album, "X", was released in Europe on June 7, 2010 via Scarlet Records. The CD, which featured the vocals of Mark Boals (ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE, BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB, RING OF FIRE), came out in Japan and Southeast Asia on January 21, 2010 through Marquee/Avalon.
Singer John West joined ROYAL HUNT in 1999 during the recording of the "Fear" album and he worked with the band up until its "Royal Hunt 2006" live CD/DVD.
EVERGREY has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 8-11, 2011 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
AGENT STEEL
BUCKCHERRY
CLUTCH
CRASHDIET
DAN REED BAND
DESTRUCTION
DOC HOLLIDAY
ELECTRIC WIZARD
EVERGREY
FLÄSKET BRINNER
FM
GHOST
GROUNDHOGS
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR
HAWKWIND
HELLOWEEN
JASON & THE SCORCHERS
JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS
JUDAS PRIEST
KANSAS
MASON RUFFNER
MOLLY HATCHET
MOONSPELL
MORBID ANGEL
MR. BIG
MUSTASCH
OVERKILL
OZZY OSBOURNE
RAGE (acoustic)
RAUBTIER
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
ROB ZOMBIE
SAXON
STRYPER
STYX
THE CULT
THE DAMNED
THE HAUNTED
THIN LIZZY
WALTER TROUT
WHITESNAKE
SAXON will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its classic album "Denim And Leather" by performing it in its entirety at the event, "spiced with a lot of other immortal SAXON classics and yes, they will bring the eagle!"
SONS OF SEASONS — the new progressive/symphonic metal band led by keyboardist/guitarist Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO) — will release its sophomore album, "Magnisphyricon", on April 1 via Napalm Records.
Commented Palotai: "I guess many second albums mean a big step forward for most bands. We've also learned so much during the production of [SONS OF SEASONS' 2009 debut] 'Gods Of Vermin' and afterwards, and all this influenced the successor big time. More important, even the songwriting happened while knowing that the band is complete now, and the result is what we were aiming for: More than one hour of dark symphonic metal, strong melodies and a reflection of our artists' soul, what we are, what we've absorbed in the past two years, what we wanted to achieve."
According to a press release, SONS OF SEASONS "steps into the limelight once again to deliver a second album that is even more impressive than their debut. 'Magnisphyricon' is not a mere continuation of their chosen path, but rather a bold step into unexplored musical territories. Led by mastermind Oliver Palotai, the band performs the difficult feat of balancing technical prowess with memorable melodies. Some of the best examples of this gripping mix of musical complexity and headbanging quality are 'Soul Symmetry' and 'Tales of Greed'. The new songs also provide Henning Basse (METALIUM) a forum in which to prove his vocal talents and ennoble the album with sweeping renditions. Simone Simons (EPICA) again lends her captivating voice, making the track 'Sanctuary' one of the album's undisputed highlights. The powerful and lively production completes the listening experience and gives the tracks their crystal-clear quality. 'Magnisphyricon' is a profound
and multifaceted melodic symphonic metal album that will whisk you away to a breathtaking sound universe."
"Magnisphyricon" track listing:
01. Magnisphyricon: Temperance
02. Bubonic Waltz
03. Soul Symmetry
04. Sanctuary
05. Casus Belli I: Guilt's Mirror
06. Magnisphyricon: Adjustement
07. Into the Void
08. A Nightbird's Gospel
09. Tales of Greed
10. Lilith
11. Casus Belli II: Necrologue to the Unborn
12. Magnisphyricon: The Aeon
13. 1413
14. Yesteryears
SONS OF SEASONS is:
Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO, BLAZE) - Keyboards, Guitar
Daniel Schild (BLAZE) - Drums
Jürgen Steinmetz (ROCK IGNITION, SILENT FORCE) - Bass
Henning Basse (METALIUM, FIREWIND) - Vocals
Pepe Pierez (ANCIENT CURSE) - Guitar
For more information, visit www.sonsofseasons.com.
The lineup for this year's edition of the Rocklahoma festival wil be announced on Friday, February 11 at 8:00 a.m. CT.
Last year's Rocklahoma featured performances by GODSMACK, TESLA, BUCKCHERRY, CINDERELLA, CHEVELLE, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, SALIVA, SAVING ABEL and more.
Established in 2007 as a classic rock destination festival with the motto "life, liberty and the pursuit of rock," Rocklahoma organizers teamed with AEG Live to revamp the 2010 event to encompass a much broader mix of classic, current and up-and-coming rock artists.
Rocklahoma is located just 45 minutes northeast of Tulsa, in Pryor, Oklahoma. The Catch the Fever Festival Grounds is a premiere destination for a multi-day festival, and includes on-site camping with access to restrooms and shower house, a general store for campers, VIP reserved seating, hospitality areas and much more.
Jeb Wright of Classic Rock Revisited recently conducted an interview with Mark Huff, the San Diego, California-based vocalist who has signed on as lead singer for QUIET RIOT, succeeding Kevin DuBrow, who died in 2007.
"I am honored and very excited to be QUIET RIOT's new singer," exclaimed Huff. "I am also humbled and feel a bit of pressure. Who wouldn't feel pressure? Kevin DuBrow was a one-of-a-kind songwriter, musician and a consummate performer. He had an incredible vocal range; I have mass respect for Kevin."
Regarding what fans should expect to see from the new lineup of QUIET RIOT, Huff said, "I don't think trying to duplicate Kevin's every sound or movement is what honors Kevin DuBrow or QUIET RIOT. It's important for me to stay true to the songs as they were written, as the fans remember them, and to bring the live show to full strength. I am not here to replace Kevin DuBrow."
He continued, "Frankie [Banali, drums] summed it up best when he said, 'Kevin DuBrow was one of a kind and cannot be replaced.' I am here to help QUIET RIOT continue to keep the music alive in the most flattering way possible."
Legendary Los Angeles-based metal band BITCH (led by frontwoman Betsy Bitch) will embark on a short European tour in the spring, culminating in the group's appearance at Germany's Keep It True festival on April 29,. Fellow Los Angeles metal act ANGER AS ART will provide support on a few dates and will also serve as Betsy's backing band in BITCH. (ANGER AS ART will NOT perform at Keep It True.)
"Planning this tour has been bittersweet," says Betsy. "We lost our drummer/founding member Robby Settles to leukemia last year, and it took the wind out of our sails. We already had Keep It True booked before Robby passed, and other members were less than enthused about going over to play the show. When I spoke with our bassist Steve Gaines, he had just played Keep It True with ABATTOIR in 2009, and was adamant that it was an opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Steve offered that if we couldn't find anyone to fill in that ANGER AS ART would be honored to perform as BITCH. The rest is history."
Adds Steve Gaines: "BITCH was a huge influence on me, and I have been honored to be a member for the past five years. Needless to say, this has been a very hard time with Robby's passing. However, I can say that there are no better guys to 'be' BITCH than ANGER AS ART. We all used to see each other at BITCH shows in L.A. back in the '80s, and respect Betsy and their heritage — and that is what we plan to do. Give metal fans in Europe BITCH in full effect."
Also on the tour package will be the Dutch metal band PERSISTENSE.
The dates are as follows:
April 22 - Little Devil, Tilburg - Holland
April 23 - The Rambler, Eindhoven - Holland
April 24 - De Vinger, Den Haag - Holland
April 25 - Metro, Waarschoot - Belgium
April 27 - De Rots, Antwerp - Belgium
April 29 - Keep It True, Lauda-Königshofen - Germany
Metal Blade Records is planning on a reissue of BITCH's classic LP "Be My Slave" sometime in 2011.
BITCH was the first band ever to be signed by Metal Blade Records, ultimately releasing five albums in the 1980s — "Damnation Alley", "Be My Slave", "The Bitch Is Back", "Betsy", and "A Rose By Any Other Name".
ANGER AS ART's most recent album, "Disfigure", came out in November 2009, and the band also released a concert DVD, "Live Dissent", in May 2010 — both through Old School Metal Records. The group is currently writing material for its fourth full-length album, "Hubris, Inc.", to be released later in 2011.
"Fill Your Head With Rock - Old, New, Tried & True", the new EP from Swedish hard rockers BONAFIDE, has entered the "midprice chart" in the band's home country at position No. 1.
The midprice chart includes full-length albums as well those releases that are being sold as "midprice" (i.e. at a discount during a promotional campaign). Mini-albums are sold within the same price range, so they qualify for this chart as well.
"Fill Your Head With Rock - Old, New, Tried & True" was released on January 28 via Black Lodge/Sound Pollution. The band states, "[We] decided to go for a EP instead of the ordinary radio single format this time around. The reasons were many, but first and foremost it shows a band vitalized by the addition of drummer Niklas Matsson (RAGING SLAB, BACKDRAFT), and what better way to introduce a new member than to buy some studio time and record a couple of favorite tracks live in the studio!
"'Fill Your Head With Rock' and 'No Doubt About It' are both taken from [BONAFIDE's] second album, 'Something's Dripping'. We gave the opener, 'Fill Your Head…', a little 'haircut,' making it more representable for radio. This is a true anthem, and a song that has grown into a live favorite. 'No Doubt About It' was picked to be included in the new Atari game 'Test Drive Unlimited 2', released for various platforms early 2011.
"The six-track EP also includes the song 'Kick Me Out' that, for some unknown reason, was not included on the final version of 'Something's Dripping'. We feel this song is a fantastic representation of a band that for the last two years has gained an ever-growing audience around Europe by extensive touring. 'I Don't Need No Doctor', 'I Can't Explain' and 'Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock 'N' Roll)' sees BONAFIDE paying homage to some rock giants. THE WHO's 'I Can't Explain' is another live favorite, often played as an encore. HUMBLE PIE's 'I Don't Need No Doctor' lets singer and frontman Pontus Snibb show off his golden vocal cords, and 'Nice Boys', which was recorded in one take, is two minutes of pure adrenalin. Also included are two videos: 'Hard Livin' Man' and the brand new 'No Doubt About It'."
"Fill Your Head With Rock - Old, New, Tried & True" EP track listing:
01. Fill Your Head With Rock (radio edit)
02. No Doubt About It
03. Kick Me Out (previously unreleased)
04. I Don't Need No Doctor (HUMBLE PIE cover)
05. I Can't Explain (THE WHO cover)
06. Nice Boys Don't Play Rock 'N' Roll (ROSE TATTOO cover)
07. Hard Livin' Man (video)
08. No Doubt About It (video)
Check out audio samples at www.bonafiderocks.com.
U.K. heavy metallers CONQUEST OF STEEL will release their "Victorious In Defeat" seven-inch single on March 7.
A press release states: "Having ridden high above the new wave of thrash, narrowly avoided being tagged as part of the "New Wave Of Heavy Metal," CONQUEST OF STEEL has once more bypassed the industry bullshit to return with a slab of trad metal and the strength of conviction to resist the forthcoming glam rock resurgence.
"Recorded almost entirely live, these three tracks see the band moving away from the gravitas of their conceptual opus ('Storm Sword - Rise of the Dread Queen') and re-discovering their metal roots with 'Paid In Steel'. 'Man Of The Dragon' sees the band embracing the 'rock' in honour of their mentor and guide Ronnie James Dio and 'One Thousand Lives' (of war) is pure adoration of the riff. These tracks featuring the band's best production to date (Greg Chandler, Priory Studios and ESOTERIC frontman) are bound to blow speakers around the globe! The vinyl also features a live rendition of the classic 'I Am Legend', from the band's sophomore release, 'Hammer And Fist'."
"Victorious In Defeat" is strictly limited to 333 hand-numbered copies and will be pressed onto blood red vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve, with a full-color inlay. Each copy will come with a hand-printed CONQUEST OF STEEL patch and limited-edition plectrum.
For "wimps and posers," a download code will be available within each record, enabling purchasers to download MP3 versions of the tracks.
The single will be available direct from the band's web site and at all gigs. Email apotefrosis@hotmail.com or band@conquestofsteel.co.uk for info. Make sure to order quick as this release is bound to sell out soon!
Prices:
U.K. - £5
Rest Of Europe - 6 euros
Rest Of World - $8
Postage and packing:
U.K. - £1.50
Rest Of Europe - 2 euros
Rest Of World - $3.50
Miami, Florida's BLACK TIDE will open for British heavy metal legeds IRON MAIDEN at the following shows:
April 16 - Bank Atlantic – Sunrise, FL
April 17 – St. Pete Times – Tampa, FL
Commented BLACK TIDE: "Hope to see you all out there for what is sure to be an unforgettable night!"
BLACK TIDE will release its self-titled sophomore album this spring. The follow-up to 2008's "Light From Above" (Interscope) was recorded at Spin Studios in New York with producers Garth "GGGarth" Richardson (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, MUDVAYNE) and Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD).
Regarding the band's decision to make the new CD a self-titled affair, singer Gabriel Garcia told the Artisan News Service, "We had a couple of names we were thinking about, but we just feel like it's a new thing. I don't wanna say that we're a completely new band, 'cause we still have that 'Light From Above' edge, but we just feel like we're starting fresh; we still feel that way. Like we're starting out."
BLACK TIDE released a digital single last September containing the tracks "Bury Me" and "Honest Eyes". When asked if those tracks are representative of the direction of the new material, Garcia said, "Honestly, this record is all over the place. 'Bury Me' and 'Honest Eyes' are just the songs that our record label felt that were kind of the bridge from 'Light From Above' to this record. There's so many different kinds of songs on this record — we have an acoustic song, we have a slower, more ballad-y kind of song, we have the heavy, heavy stuff... it's all over the place. So I would say it's gonna be surprise for everybody. 'Bury Me' and 'Honest Eyes' are just two of the songs; everything else is completely different."
Cult metal band BLACKSMITH from Albany, New York is back in the studio, working on new tracks for a future album of all new material.
Led by original member David Smith (guitar) and featuring returning singer Malcolm "Mania" Lovegrove ("Fire From Within" era) along with the rhythm section of John Dodge (bass) and drummer Michal Craig, BLACKSMITH has already recorded several new songs over the past couple of months.
Commented Smith: "We have about seven new heavy tracks in the can. Malcolm came in and has just been great adding his vocal and contributing ideas for the songs. After so many years, the moment we heard the playback, the sound was BLACKSMITH!"
Added Lovegrove: "Label owner Jeremy Golden put us in touch with one another, one thing led to another and we began to getting together some ideas. With these ideas we got on the same page again: 'Let's make some music, have fun , get our past music out there, make some new noise and trouble, play live again and kill!' The real test was the studio, [and] things just clicked."
The reformation came about due to Heaven and Hell Records future reissue of the original BLACKSMITH EP and the first full-length album, "Fire From Within", on the label's Lost Relic series. The archived material will be remastered in an elaborate collectors' package including photo galleries, enhanced material and a DVD of never-before-seen live footage of the early eras of the band.
In addition to the Lost Relics release, Heaven And Hell Records plan to issue the unreleased album "Time Out of Mind", recorded in 1990.
Stated Smith, "This album was written and recorded while we were touring with the 'Fire From Within' release. The music got bigger, heavier and Malcolm and I think was some of our best stuff! The band's label, Tropical Records, folded before the release saw the light of day, never to hit the boards and leading to the breakup of the band in 1992."
With last year's announcement of the Heaven And Hell Records BLACKSMITH releases, word has spread quickly, immediately gaining interest and resulting festival offers. The band has been fielding offers for live festival dates in Germany and looking for that type of live global exposure for future shows.
Added Smith: "We don't care if we are on stage at dawn, noon or 4:00 a.m., be it the blazing sun, or English downpour, we want to be out there."
Swedish hard rockers BULLET have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 4-6, 2011 in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany.
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
ACCU§ER
ALBERLOUR'S
APOCALYPTICA
AS I LAY DYING
AVANTASIA
BATTLE BEAST
BLAAS OF GLORY
BLIND GUARDIAN
BLOWSIGHT
BULLET
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CRADLE OF FILTH
CRASHDIET
DEVILDRIVER
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
EXODUS
HAIL OF BULLETS
HÄMATOM
HAYSEED DIXIE
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
HELLSAW
HORCH
ICED EARTH
IN SOLITUDE
JUDAS PRIEST
KHOLD
KNORKATOR
KREATOR
MAYHEM
MORBID ANGEL
MORGOTH
MOTÖRHEAD
ONSLAUGHT
OZZY OSBOURNE
PRIMAL FEAR
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
RUSSKAJA
SEPULTURA
SHINING
SHRAPHEAD
SIRENIA
SKÁLMÖLD
SKI KING
SMACK BALLZ
SODOM
STIER
STORMZONE
SUBWAY TO SALLY
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
SUIDAKRA
TAUTHR
THE HAUNTED
THE PROPHECY²³
TOKYO BLADE
TORTURE SQUAD
TRIOSPHERE
TRIVIUM
TSJUDER
VENOMIN JAMES
VICTIMS OF MADNESS
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
VOLCANO
VREID
WARRANT
Wacken Open Air was first held in 1990 as a small event for local German bands. By 1998 the event had become the major festival on the European metal calendar and has included over 70 bands from all over Europe, North America and Australia.
Wacken Open Air is usually held at the beginning of August and lasts three days, during which the festival-goers camp on several large camping grounds surrounding the actual festival area. The 70 or more bands perform across four separate stages over the course of the event.
The 2009 edition of Wacken Open Air set a sales record; it sold out on December 30, 2008. All 70,000 tickets were sold over 200 days before the start of the festival.
Wacken Open Air, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, was honored with a Live Entertainment Award in 2008 in the "Festival Of The Year" category. This award recognizes distinguished achievements in live entertainment and is given out by Live Entertainment Award (LEA) committee.
Reactivated late '80s/early '90s technical-thrash metallers BELIEVER have finished mixing and mastering their new album for an early 2011 release via Metal Blade Records. The CD was produced by Trauma Team Productions and was mixed by Kevin Gutierrez (RAVEN, PROJECT: FAILING FLESH, DECEASED, DYSRYTHMIA, GARDEN OF SHADOWS) at Assembly Line Studios.
Commented the band: "We decided early on in project that we wanted an outside person to mix the record so we could spend more time writing and recording. Kevin Leaman (BELIEVER guitarist) recommended Kevin Gutierrez from Assembly Line Studios for mixing this record. Leaman had worked with Gutierrez previously and said that he was really easy to work with.
"From the first telephone conversation it was clear that Gutierrez understood exactly what we were looking for sonically and he seemed really interested in helping us achieve that.
"We let Kevin know we wanted this album to sound very musical; not just be heavy. We wanted to use the whole frequency range and not have all the mids scooped out so that everything going on in the tunes was audible. Most importantly, we wanted to keep the dynamics.
"We were a little nervous about not being there physically for the mix, but we spent so much time tweaking in the sounds for tracking that we were confident he had good stuff to work with. The rough mixes we made for ourselves already sounded pretty decent.
"Kevin was fast and efficient. He'd send us reference mixes as he completed each song and we'd be emailing/texting comments back and forth at all hours of the day and night. He was very responsive to our change requests and was really helpful in setting up the mastering session and communicating what we wanted to Maor Appelbaum of Maor Appelbaum Mastering.
"Maor also understood what we were trying to achieve with the dynamics and the overall listening experience we wanted to create on this album.
"Sonically we're extremely happy with this album and can't wait for other people to hear it. We feel like this is a really strong and unique album in the BELIEVER catalog and it's something we're definitely proud of.
"So what will you hear? As we mentioned, we focused more on the overall musicality which included more instrumental layers than we used before. The vocals were also more of a focus as we have had much feedback throughout the years, specifically to get out of the one dimensional realm. Kurt [Bachman] wanted the vocals to be more complimentary to the overall tune feel, so he used many facets of his vocal abilities.
"As with all BELIEVER albums, this one is definitely unique."
BELIEVER performed live for the first time in 16 years on September 25, 2009 at Sterling Hotel in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The band's fourth album, "Gabriel", was released in March 2009 through KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Howard Jones's new imprint label Cesspool Records via Metal Blade. The CD featured guest appearances by Jones, Joe Rico (SACRIFICE), CKY/WORLD UNDER BLOOD guitarist/vocalist Deron Miller and Rocky Gray (EVANESCENCE, SOUL EMBRACED, LIVING SACRIFICE).
BELIEVER is:
Kurt Bachman - Guitar/Vocals
Joey Daub - Drums
Jeff King - Keyboards/Guitar
Kevin Leaman - Guitar
LD/50 — the San Francisco, California-based band featuring Glen Alvelais (TESTAMENT, FORBIDDEN) on guitar, Clark Brown (GEEZER) on vocals, Terry Goss (SCORCHED-EARTH POLICY) on bass, and Tony Providence (A BAND CALLED PAIN) on drums — has entered Trident studios in Concord, California with producer Juan Urteaga (EXODUS, SADUS, TESTAMENT, NIGHT RANGER, VICIOUS RUMORS, HEATHEN, VILE, CATTLE DECAPITATION) to begin recording its full-length debut.
Commented Alvelais: "As always, I turned to Juan because he knows what I'm looking for tone-wise, he always gets the balls-out heaviness!
"We entered on January 29 and are halfway done tracking the drums.
"I'm hoping by next week I'll get to start tracking the guitars.
"I'm super-excited for this recording as I get the opportunity to focus 100% on recording without having to share my time with the drama with my previous job in which I was at for 13 years. The time has come for me to be the musician I've wanted to be for years.
"We are now beginning the search for a label to call home; we're okay with a full deal or even a distribution deal. Now that I can commit to music all the way, the plan is to NOT be a couch band and get out there and tour and play as often as possible.
"All I can really say about the future sound of LD/50 is PURE HEAVY!"
According to a press release, LD/50 (which is the abbreviation for "Lethal Dose at 50%") is "like a culture of extreme that has steadily built their fan base to the point of iconic recognition. . . The band has a unique style of perfecting the groove. Mixed with thrash explosive guitar and solos, LD/50 is a band that is not afraid to go into a ballad-style song with growling, screaming vocals and then run into a melodic guitar solo and end with a tricky syncopated rhythm."
Brown, who sang on the last two solo albums from BLACK SABBATH bassist Terry "Geezer" Butler — 1997's "Black Science" (released under the GEEZER banner) and 2005's "Ohmwork" (under G/Z/R) — previously stated about involvement with LD/50, "I tell ya, when Glen called me up to get this thing going, I was fuckin amped!!! I was a big fan of FORBIDDEN back in the day. I remember covering 'Forbidden Evil' in one of my old bands."
He added, "This new stuff we are writing has really brought the best outta me. Every new song Glen hands me is getting better and better. I am constantly blown away. It makes my job so easy as a singer. The vocals just flow outta me like fuckin' water!
"I love the dynamics that we are creating; it can be heavy as fuck, to melodic and mellow but always moving and pulling the listener from one end of the spectrum to the other.
"This first album is gonna flatten the fuck outta the norm and really give the people something to chew on...no bullshit!!"
For more information, visit www.ld-50.com.
"The Here And Now", the new album from the British quintet ARCHITECTS, sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 47 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 Here And Now" debuted at position No. 57 on the official U.K. chart.
Commented Antje Lange, general manager for ARCHITECTS' record label, Century Media Records: "We are very proud and happy that such a great young U.K. talent is charting in their home country and currently developing into one of the hottest U.K. bands. Britain has great talent indeed and it is fantastic to see that it is being embraced and gets the recognition it deserves."
"The Here And Now" was produced by Steve Evetts, who has previously worked with THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and SEPULTURA, among many others.
"The Here And Now" track listing:
01. Day In Day Out
02. Learn To Live
03. Delete, Rewind
04. BTN
05. An Open Letter To Myself
06. The Blues
07. Red Eyes
08. Stay Young Forever
09. Heartburn
10. Year In Year Out/Up And Away
11. Day In Day Out (Big Chocolate Remix)
"Day In Day Out", the new video from ARCHITECTS, can be viewed below (courtesy of AltPress.com). The clip was filmed on October 8, 2010 at Koko in London, England and follows mainman Sam Carter through a series of beautifully shot scenes that culminates with a gigantic performance scene that is bound to ignite much interest in the band from those yet to experience its monstrous stage show.
The "Day In Day Out" digital single was released in September via all digital platforms.
Commented Sam Carter: "'Day In Day Out' is our first single and will also be the opening track and the perfect introduction to our new album. Lyrically, it touches on a running theme through the album which is basically our lives and the way we lead them. We spend a lot of time away from home to do what we do and it doesn't always feel like it's worth it. The song is questioning what we do, but it is also very positive and is about keeping your head up even when things aren't going your way.
"Parts of our new record will definitely surprise some people, but I think this song has more familiar aspects of 'Hollow Crown' whilst still showing glimpses of where we've taken our song writing on the new record."
CHROME DIVISION, the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath (a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar, has completed work on its third album for an April release via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo and features the following tracks, among others: "Bulldogs Unleashed", "Zombies & Monsters", "Fight", "Join The Ride" and "Unholy Roller".
CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz "due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band." His replacement is none other than Athera of SUSPERIA, who filled in for Guz at the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 after Eddie Guz was unable to make the gig.
An e-card for "Booze, Broads And Beelzebub", the sophomore album from CHROME DIVISION, can be accessed at this location.
"Booze, Broads And Beelzebub" was released in July 2008 in Europe and August 2008 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.
The follow-up to 2006's "Doomsday Rock 'n' Roll", "Booze, Broads And Beelzebub" was recorded at Studio Fredman in Sweden during January 2008 and contains a dozen or so tracks, including a cover of a classic ZZ TOP tune. The material was described by the band as "a bit more varied than on 'Doomsday Rock 'n Roll'. A bit more metal, more fast stuff, but still the basics in filthy rock 'n' roll."
CHROME DIVISION current lineup:
Shagrath - Guitar
Luna - Bass
Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) - Vocals
Ricky Doom - Guitar
Tony White – Drums
Swedish female-fronted melodic thrashers DECADENCE have issued the following update:
"The first single off DECADENCE's new (fifthh!) album will be recorded during February 18-20 at West Wood Music. Producer in charge: Victor Meding, co-produced by Kenneth Lantz.
"This exclusive single will be released by U.K.-based label Femme Metal Records on their special 2011 compilation album, scheduled on September 26th. The compilation will be released in the U.K. (distributed by Code 7 via Plastic Head) and in Germany (distributed by Twilight in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands).
"The profits from the sales will be donated to charity: National Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Children.
"This single version will be different from the album version so don't miss out on this special occasion before the fifth basher is unleashed!"
Guitarist Niklas Skogqvist left DECADENCE in December. The band previously stated, "Nicke felt that he had too many things going on in his life. He said DECADENCE needs a guitarist that gives 100% which he says he was not able to do."
Regarding a possible replacement guitarist, DECADENCE said, "We have not yet decided if we will continue as a quartet. In fact, our music is more technically suited for two guitarists and we might therefore need a second guitarist again."
The band added, "We will enter the studio for our fifth album as a quartet, same as with 'The Creature', '3rd Stage Of Decay' and 'Chargepoint'. The new tracks are being polished at the moment and we are really looking forward to sharing it all with you on our next album with a secret title so far. The title of '3rd Stage Of Decay' symbolized so well who we are and this next title will, too!"
DECADENCE's "Silent Weapon (For A Quiet War)" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot in 2009 with producer Helena Starenby.
"Silent Weapon (For A Quiet War)" comes off DECADENCE's fourth album, "Chargepoint", which was released in October 2009 via the Japanese label Spiritual Beast.
DECADENCE's third album, "3rd Stage of Decay", which was originally released in 2006 through HTI Records, was reissued on August 28, 2008 via Massacre.
For more information, visit www.decadence.se.
German progressive/atmospheric metallers RE-VISION have issued the following update:
"With sad heart but conscious of their decision RE-VISION have decided to quit after 17 years, four albums, countless shows and precious memories!
"Thanks to everyone who has supported us, we appreciate it still!
"Dominik Nowitzki [drums] is part of CAPITAL JOKE now, the new band of ex-GRAVE DIGGER/RAGE guitar player Manni Schmidt, hitting the drums as hard as he can. Daniel Dürig [guitar] continues working with PERZONAL WAR, Anke Willnat [vocals] stays active in her cover bands, which she has established over the years. Moreover Dom, Daniel and bass player Christoph Lücker (Gonzo) are still on the road together as the backing band of Paul Di'Anno."
RE-VISION's fourth album, "Chapter IV: All for the Sake of Love", was released in 2009 via Sleaszy Rider Records. The CD was recorded at the DeadSoul Temple studios in Austria with producer Devon Graves (DEADSOUL TRIBE, ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ) and was mixed and mastered at the Gernhart Studio by Martin Buchwalter (PERZONAL WAR, SQUEALER).
RE-VISION's third album, "Longevity", was released in 2001.
New York hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special concert on March 26 at Webster Hall in New York City. Support at the gig will come from SNAPCASE, MERAUDER, and RAZORBLADE HANDGRENADE. Tickets for the show go on sale on February 11.
"Based On A True Story", the latest album from SICK OF IT ALL, sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 30 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 follow-up to 2006's "Death To Tyrants", "Based On A True Story" was recorded Antfarm Studios in Århus, Denmark with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED). The cover artwork was created by Ernie Parada.
"Based On A True Story" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 40. The CD was made available as super exclusive limited edition in mediabook packaging, featuring a bonus DVD with performance footage from New York and London. Furthermore, the DVD contains an entertaining tour report and shows you the personal sides of the hardcore legends. The album is also available as colored vinyl (including the entire album on CD format), standard CD and digital download.
"Death Or Jail", the new video from SICK OF IT ALL, was filmed in Boston, Massachusetts with renowned directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci.
Norwegian progressive metal upstarts LEPROUS are recording their new album at legendary EMPEROR frontman Ihsahn's Ivory Shoulder Studio (formerly Symphonique Studio).
Commented Ihsahn: "We are happy to have the guys in LEPROUS working in our studio these days. So far the recording has been going great, and new material is absolutely fantastic! In lack of a crystal ball, we would still definitely predict this to be one of the best progressive albums coming out in 2011."
LEPROUS has served as Ihsahn's backing band for his recent live appearances.
The band's debut album, "Tall Poppy Syndrome", was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge Studio and The Abyss in Pärlby, Sweden during August 2008 and is was released in April 2009 through Sensory Records.
Hailing from the town of Notodden — home to such metal luminaries as EMPEROR, ZYKLON, IHSAHN and PECCATUM — LEPROUS formed in 2001 and features within its ranks Einar Solberg (synth/vocals; touring member of EMPEROR), Tor Oddmund Suhrke (guitar), Halvor Strand (bass), Øystein Landsverk (guitar) and Tobias Ørnes Andersen (drums). With an eclectic list of influences ranging from KING CRIMSON, TOOL, MASSIVE ATTACK and PECCATUM to DEVIL DOLL, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, MR. BUNGLE and Chopin, the young quintet has already made itself visible on the Norwegian prog and metal scenes as two-time finalists in the prestigious Norwegian Rock Championship.
Prior to "Tall Poppy Syndrome", LEPROUS recorded two demos, "Silent Waters" (2004) and "Aeolia" (2006). The recordings received very good feedback from the Norwegian metal press and local fans. The band subsequently received a 20,000 NOK scholarship from the organization "Lions" to fund its recording.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/leprousband.
Guitarist Jake Bowen of the Maryland-based experimental, progressive metal six-piece PERIPHERY has been forced to sit out the remaining dates on the band's current European tour due to the fact that he broke his finger. The band wrote on its Facebook page, "Bad news first: Poor Jake broke his finger. Good news: We have Nolly from RED SEAS FIRE and John from MONUMENTS who can fill in for him. We're not cancelling any of the shows!!! HELL NO."
Video footage of Jake's hospital visit to get his hand checked can be viewed at this location.
PERIPHERY will release a new EP, "Icarus Lives", on April 19 via Sumerian Records. This CD features a brand new unreleased track, a series of remixes and video clips.
"The Icarus Lives" EP track listing:
01. New Groove (instrumental)
02. Icarus Lives
03. Icarus Lives - Fan/Contest Winner Remix
04. Icarus Lives - Zedd Remix
05. Icarus Lives - Bulb Remix
06. Jetpacks was Yes v2.0
07. Captain On
08. Frak The Gods
09. Eureka
Videos:
* "Icarus Lives"
* "Jetpacks Was Yes v2.0"
* "Icarus Lives" behind-the-scenes footage
PERIPHERY's self-titled debut album sold around 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 128 on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 2 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.
In early March PERIPHERY will embark on a North American tour alongside FAIR TO MIDLAND and SCALE THE SUMMIT.
PERIPHERY is:
Spencer Sotelo - Vocals
Misha Mansoor - Guitar
Alex Bois - Guitar
Jake Bowen - Guitar
Tom Murphy - Bass
Matt Halpern - Drums
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/periphery.
Producer/engineer Jim Morris from Morrisound Recording Studios (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, ICED EARTH, CANNIBAL CORPSE) in Tampa, Florida has just finished remixing the legendary 1991 album from DEATH called "Human".
Commented Morris (pictured below): "[This was] an awesome experience for me." He added, "We were contacted by Chuck Schuldiner's intellectual property lawyer, Eric Greif, the former manager of DEATH."
"Human" will be reissued in 2011 internationally in a partnership between Relapse Records and Perseverance Holdings Ltd. The reissue will mark the 20th anniversary of the original release of "Human" on Relativity/Sony and will include loads of extras, including DEATH's cover of "God Of Thunder" by KISS.
Added Eric Greif: "The former DEATH guys Paul Masvidal (guitar), Sean Reinert (drums) and Steve DiGiorgio (bass) are all 'ecstatic' about the prospect of a heavier mix, where all the instruments can be heard and modern technology utilized. Jim said he took into account everything he and Chuck agreed upon during the making of 'Symbolic' (1995) and 'The Sound Of Perseverance' (1998) as his guide for what he believed Chuck would want from such a remix. I myself am thrilled."
"Human" is the best-selling DEATH album of the SoundScan era, having shifted 94,000 copies in the United States since its October 1991 release.
Florida death metal veterans SIX FEET UNDER have announced the addition of drummer Kevin Talley (DAATH, MISERY INDEX, CHIMAIRA) to the group's ranks.
Commented SIX FEET UNDER frontman Chris Barnes: "I am 110 percent stoked to have Kevin join SIX FEET UNDER. He is undeniably one of the best, if not THE best drummer in death metal, and I'm proud to have him along for the ride!"
In a previous statement, Barnes promised that SIX FEET UNDER's new lineup would be "a death metal force to be dealt with," with "riffs that will rip your face off [and] vocals ala 1993-1995."
Bassist Terry Butler and drummer Greg Gall announced their departures from SIX FEET UNDER earlier this week.
Butler has since joined OBITUARY as a permanent member.
SIX FEET UNDER's "Wake The Night! Live In Germany " DVD was released on January 31 in Europe (three days earlier in Germany) and February 1 in North America via Metal Blade Records. The set consists footage of the band's August 8, 2009 performance at the Party.San Open Air festival in Bad Berka, Germany. The gig was filmed by Roax Films with nine cameras and recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound, picture size 16:9 — best entertainment guaranteed!
Long-running Czech black metal band ROOT has inked a deal with Agonia Records. The group is currently recording its ninth full-length album for a fall release. According to the label, fans can expect to hear "more epic, slower compositions as well as some more agressive and faster parts."
ROOT's last album, "Daemon Viam Invenient", came out in 2007.
MALEVOLENT CREATION, HAIL OF BULLETS, ARTILLERY and ONSLAUGHT are among the confirmed bands for the Metal Royale festival, set to take place April 1-2 at VoxHall in Aarhus, Denmark.
Tickets cost 295 Danish kroner (approx 40 euros) for the entire weekend or 245 Danish kroner (approx 33 euros) for a one-day ticket to Friday or Saturday.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
MALEVOLENT CREATION (USA)
HAIL OF BULLETS (NL)
ARTILLERY (DK)
ONSLAUGHT (UK)
PANZERCHRIST (DK)
THE BURNING (DK)
SUIDAKRA (GER)
DEBAUCHERY (GER)
THE INTERBEING (DK)
Nine more bands will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/metalroyale.
OBITUARY, MASTER, AEON, BENEATH, CEREBRAL BORE, SOUTHWICKED and VISCERA TRAIL have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Neurotic Deathfest, set to take place April 29-30, 2011 at 013 and MIDI theatre in Tilburg, Holland.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
AEON (SE)
ANTROPOMORPHIA (NL)
AT THE GATES (SE)
ATHEIST (US)
AUTOPSY (US)
BEHEADED (MT)
BENEATH (IS)
BENEATH THE MASSACRE (CA)
CARNIVORE DIPROSOPUS (CO)
CEREBRAL BORE (UK)
CRIPPLE BASTARDS (IT)
DECAPITATED (PL)
EXHUMED (US)
GENERAL SURGERY (SE)
GRAVE (SE)
HATE ETERNAL (US)
KRAANIUM (NO)
LOGIC OF DENIAL (IT)
MACABRE (US)
MAGRUDERGRIND (US)
MISERY INDEX (US)
NOX (NL)
OBITUARY (US)
OBSCURA (DE)
PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT (NL)
ROMPEPROP (NL)
SARCOLYTIC (US)
SEPTYCAL GORGE (IT)
SOUTHWICKED (US)
VISCERA TRAIL (IL)
VULVECTOMY (IT)
WORMED (ES)
A total of 42 bands will perform at the event on four stages.
For more information, visit www.neuroticdeathfest.com.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/ndf2011.jpg
Swedish death/thrash metallers AS LIKELY AS NOT will release their debut album, "Stand Up And Nerve", on March 28 via The Execution Kollective (TEK). The CD was mixed at Underground Studio by Pelle Saether and mastered by Göran Finnberg (IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK).
"Stand Up And Nerve" track listing:
01. Designed Love
02. Realization
03. My Last Confession
04. Red Fleer
05. Only Echoes of Dreams
06. Inhale Exhale
07. Nervin Empathy
08. Omega
The CD will be supported by the release of a promotional video for the song "My Last Confession".
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