To promote the February 10 OZZY OSBOURNE concert at Tulsa, Oklahoma's BOK Center, IonOklahoma Magazine entertainment editor Curt Gooch has authored a thoroughly researched piece on the 40-year touring history of Ozzy Osbourne/BLACK SABBATH in Oklahoma. Several never-before-seen vintage pictures and print ads are included in the 2,200-word article, which also features exclusive quotes from original BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward.
This is the first time Ozzy Osbourne has performed in Tulsa in 27 years.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert, which also features special guest Slash, are still available online from the venue's box office.
IRON MAIDEN and LINKIN PARK have been confirmed as the headliners of the Italian edition of the Sonisphere festival, set to take place June 25-26 at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola (near Bologna)
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (with 11 more acts to be announced soon):
Saturday, June 25
IRON MAIDEN
SLIPKNOT
MOTÖRHEAD
ROB ZOMBIE
APOCALYPTICA
MASTODON
PARKWAY DRIVE
ESCAPE THE FATE
LABYRINTH
Sunday, June 26:
LINKIN PARK
ALTER BRIDGE
THE CULT
GUANO APES
THE DAMNED THINGS
Tickets go on sale on February 3.
* Single day ticket: 75,00 euros + box office commissions
* Two days ticket : 130,00 euros + box office commissions
According to Elliot Levin of the New York Hard Rock Examiner, footage of the June 22, 2010 Sonisphere cinecast from the Sofia, Bulgaria featuring the "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — will premiere on MTV Networks channels Palladia and VH1 Classic this March.
MTV confirmed today that select songs from each band, as well as the lauded group jam on DIAMOND HEAD's "Am I Evil?", will first air on March 19.
The footage has become a best-selling DVD and Blu-ray title and was simulcast live in movie theaters across the country, but this will mark the first time it airs on a basic cable channel and at no extra cost to the viewer. In an added bonus, the footage will air in high definition on Palladia, which prides itself on HD concert content.
Preceding the hour-long the "Big Four" special will be additional footage of other bands and performances from Sonisphere, including ALICE IN CHAINS, MÖTLEY CRÜE and more.
The U.S. edition of the touring rock festival featuring the "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal will take place on Saturday, April 23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
For more information about the show, including ticket pricing and transportation information, check out TheBig4Festival.com.
The so-called "Big Four" are arguably the biggest and longest-lasting acts to emerge from the thrash/speed metal underground of the late '80s, but never shared a stage together until last year.
The two-disc DVD release of "The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria", containing footage of the June 22, 2010 Sonisphere cinecast from the Sofia, Bulgaria leg of the "Big Four" tour has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of 100,000 copies. (Note: Due to the fact that the set consists of two discs, it was eligible for platinum certification after shipping 50,000 copies; platinum certification for a single-disc release is 100,000 copies.)
"The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard "Top Music Videos" sales chart in November with first-week sales of 22,000 copies. The set also debuted at No. 1 in Canada, the U.K. and Austria, while entering at No. 4 in Germany.
The show was part of a two-week European tour featuring the four biggest names from the Eighties thrash metal era. The idea first came up last year and Ulrich told The Pulse of Radio he was glad to finally see it happen. "It's pretty amazing if you think about it, that it's the first time basically in 25 years or 30 or whatever that the four of us have actually played shows together," he said. "So it was a lot of fun, a lot of memories, a lot of fun times — new fun times, and fun times talking about the old fun times. So it sort of was a, it was a winner on every front."
"The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" set features full shows from all four bands along with behind-the-scenes and interview footage.
A "Big Four" tour of other parts of Europe is being planned for this summer.
According to a press release from concert promoter Live Nation, the March 19 "European Carnage" SLAYER / MEGADETH event that was scheduled to take place at Arenan/Fryshuset in Stockholm, Sweden has been canceled "due to other commitments." Both bands promise to be back soon. No further details are currently available.
(Note: There is speculation that SLAYER and MEGADETH will play Sweden later in the year as part of the Swedish edition of the Sonisphere festival, featuring the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, ANTHRAX, SLAYER and MEGADETH. This, however, should be treated as a rumor only at this point.)
The "European Carnage" tour is scheduled to kick off on March 13 in Kiev, Ukraine.
SLAYER made available a previously unreleased track, "Atrocity Vendor", as part of a special limited-edition seven-inch single. Written by Kerry King, the track was recorded during the 2009 "World Painted Blood" sessions, and was released on "Black Friday" (November 26, 2010), exclusively through Metal Club, the North American indie store consortium that works to connect the metal community with their local "brick and mortar" record stores.
"Atrocity Vendor" was paired with the Tom Araya/Jeff Hanneman-penned track "World Painted Blood", and released in a clear sleeve on a red vinyl disc. Go to www.mymetalclub.com to find a metal record shop near you.
MEGADETH is continuing to tour behind its "Rust In Peace Live" CD, which captures the final night of the band's historic month-long "Rust In Peace" 20th anniversary tour. A new studio album is expected before the end of the year via Roadrunner Records.
SLAYER guitarist Kerry King joined MEGADETH on stage on October 21, 2010 at the Gibson Amphitheater to perform MEGADETH's classic "Rattlehead". This marked the first time in 26 years that Kerry played the song with MEGADETH (King took part in MEGADETH's very first shows in February 1984 as the band's second guitarist).
According to ABC News Radio, former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony says he's "excited" that his former band are releasing new material.
The long-awaited new album from VAN HALEN inched another step closer to reality last month, when producer John Shanks confirmed via Twitter that he was indeed working with the band. Shanks had been rumored since late last year to be on board the project, which will feature singer David Lee Roth back behind the mic for the first time in over a quarter century. All Shanks wrote was, "Here we go kids...vh."
The Grammy-winning producer has worked on albums from BON JOVI, FLEETWOOD MAC, PINK, SHERYL CROW and many others.
Speaking to ABC News Radio, Anthony said, "I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll do," adding that he has "no hard feelings" about his split from the band in 2005. He was replaced by Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang.
Anthony hasn't spoken to any of the members of VAN HALEN since the end of the band's 2004 tour. He said, "The tour did not end as harmoniously as we would have liked it to and it probably should have gone on longer than it did." Still, Anthony wouldn't be against having his band CHICKENFOOT open for VAN HALEN should they go on tour — "I got no problem with that," he said.
BigMusicGeek.com recently conducted an interview with DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
BigMusicGeek.com: Has a replacement for [departed drummer] Mike [Portnoy] been found? Are the auditions now finished?
James: We've already completed the auditioning process. At this point, it's all just a matter of us coming to a decision and announcing it when the time is truly right. The auditioning process took place in October in New York and, unfortunately, I can't really speak of it any further that that. It happened and we're now moving forward. Once everything can be revealed and known to the fans, we will definitely be putting the word out.
BigMusicGeek.com: Were there any obvious precursors to Mike had become displeased or, at the very least, wanted a change?
James: Absolutely not. And I think that's why it came as such a shock to every one of us. It wasn't like we were all bangin' each other's heads, not seeing eye-to-eye or wanting to be in the same room with one another. None of that was going on. Everything was cool. It was quite simply a surprise. Mike had mentioned that it wasn't something that was spur of the moment. He just doesn't operate like that. When he mentioned to us that he had been thinking about it off and on over the last year, it was obvious that he had been having these feelings for quite some time, wanting to separate himself from anything regarding the future of DREAM THEATER. It was simply something that we didn't see coming in any way, shape or form. It was just an absolute surprise.
BigMusicGeek.com: Would you describe the relations between everyone as "stable" prior to Mike announcing he was leaving?
James: I think we got along a lot better than most other bands, ya know? You hear about some bands fighting and scrappin' offstage and whatever. That's not to say that we didn't have our differences over the years We've been together for over twenty five years. It's bound to happen where you have a difference in opinions and don't see eye-to-eye. We're five individuals with our own idiosyncrasies and personalities. Let's face it; when you're around someone long enough, you either need to learn how to deal with it or it becomes something that has to be confronted. We've always been able to work through any difficult periods and come over to a stronger situation. I wish him the best. He's a great drummer. He'll always be involved with something, no doubt about it. He's not the type of person who can just sit at home and twiddle his thumbs. It's impossible.
BigMusicGeek.com: What type of impact will the departure of Mike have on the songwriting dynamic within DREAM THEATER?
James: It might shift the dynamic as far as the involvement. There may be a bit more involvement from (bassist) John Myung. Basically, (keyboardist) Jordan (Rudess) and (guitarist) John (Petrrucci) are the main contributors to the music, so a lot of that is going to remain the same, but there might be some more involvement from John Myung and myself, ya know? We'll just have to get in there and start feelin' things out. This is a whole new chapter for us or a whole new dynamic, as you put it, for us to be going into. If anything, I think it will be overwhelmingly positive, very exciting and something different. It's going to be very different and a new experience for all of us. I think it's going to bring up a lot of things that might not have otherwise been noticed or known. There's a certain potential that it brings and that's why I do my solo albums, ya know? My inspiration is that I get to reveal who James LaBrie is outside of being the singer for
DREAM THEATER and who I am as a writer and producer and a singer. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds within the studio.
BigMusicGeek.com: When the group once again begins touring, are there plans to continue with the "An Evening With" format?
James: It's definitely something we're going to talk about, but I think it's a bit premature to answer something like that. It's something we're going to entertain or at least discuss. It's definitely a conversation that needs to be had. And if we don't go ahead and do "An Evening With," I think we would have only one opening act and then do a two-hour or two-hour-plus set. That's what our fans want and we know that. Our fans are coming to our shows to see DREAM THEATER and they want to see a lot, so we're going to do as much as we're comfortable doing. I know that eventually and inevitably the idea for "An Evening With" will come up again. Is it something that's going to happen on the next tour? I don't honestly know. Rest assured, it's a conversation we will have. We'll be talking about it again once we begin recording. Those types of topics always come up.
Canadian heavy metal legends ANVIL will release their new album, "Juggernaut Of Justice", on May 10 via The End Records. The CD was recorded at Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) Studio 606 in Northridge, California with famed producer Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, AIRBOURNE, FILTER, ATREYU, ALICE COOPER). Prior to the arrival of the new album, The End will release the definitive ANVIL anthology. The collection will be comprised of classics old and new, with some surprises, and will showcase the band's entire career spanning back to 1978.
Commented ANVIL singer/guitarist Steve "Lips" Kudlow: "I must say that this is by far the best ANVIL ever. There will be a few new surprises including [bassist] Glenn 5's first lead vocals in ANVIL's history. The production that Bob Marlette has done far surpasses anything we've done in the past. The excitement within the band is over the top and we can't wait to unleash this amazing cd to the fans."
Drummer Robb Reiner concurred, "The new album is pure ANVIL with a new fresh kick, very exciting.
"Looking to rocking with The End, putting the music where it belongs — in everybody's ears and face!"
In a 2009 interview with Suite101.com, Reiner stated about the group's forthcoming CD, "It's going to be the best album we've ever done. We've invented a new genre; we've invented metal-jazz . . . We've pioneered something that I believe is going to be revolutionary. I'm a jazz drummer: the world knows that I just happen to be in a metal band. And Lips listens to a lot of old-time swing jazz these days." Lips added, "I've been getting into Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa, really fast swing. It's really similar to speed metal, it's just that it's done with horns." Reiner continued, "We play this stuff live right now, and it blows people away beyond anything I've ever seen. We've innocently created something that's never been done before."
ANVIL is currently planning a world tour for 2011 in support of "Juggernaut of Justice". Details will be announced shortly.
ANVIL's re-release of the group's latest album, "This is Thirteen", sold around 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. 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.
"This is Thirteen" was finally given proper national distribution on CD and vinyl in September 2009 via VH1 Classic Records. The collectible double vinyl LP boasts newly re-recorded versions of ANVIL classics "Metal on Metal" and "666". The album, originally recorded in 2007 and produced by Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY), was primarily available directly from the band via their web site and at their concerts.
ANVIL, considered a major influence for a generation of hard rockers including METALLICA, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, and GUNS N' ROSES, was the subject of a critically acclaimed, must-see rock-doc, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", directed by Sacha Gervasi. And in the process, the film has made the group (led by Kudlow and Reiner — both founding members) a household name.
Vocalist Ronny Munroe (PRESTO BALLET, ex-METAL CHURCH, ex-LILLIAN AXE) will perform songs from his solo album, "The Fire Within", as well as METAL CHURCH classics at the following dates:
Feb. 24 - Dingbatz - Clifton, NJ
Feb. 25 - The Basement - Kingston, NY
Feb. 26 - UC Lounge - New York City, NY
Feb. 27 - Dublin Pub - New Hyde Park, NY
Munroe has been diligently working on his next CD, tenatively due late spring/early summer via Rat Pak Records. According to the label, the as-yet-untitled CD will "be his best metal release to date."
Ronny Munroe recently released his free iPhone app featuring music, videos, photos, tour dates and all the up-to-date and current news. It's available now via the Apple store by typing in the search box "Ronny Munroe". (iPhone app developed by Ignacio Orellana at Digmetalworld.)
Munroe's solo album, "The Fire Within", was released in April 2009 via Rat Pak Records. The singer had 15 original songs to choose from for the CD, which was co-produced by Ronny and former METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof.
PRESTO BALLET's new album, "Invisible Places", will be released on February 4 via SAOL / H'Art / Zebralution.
PRESTO BALLET's current lineup consists of Vanderhoof, Munroe, drummer Bill Raymond, keyboardist Kerry Shacklett and bassist Bobby Ferkovich.
Keyboardist Coen Janssen of Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers EPICA and his wife, Linda, welcomed their first child, a baby daughter named Cato Dianne, on January 28.
Commented Janssen: "We are the luckiest people in the world right now! It is the most incredible feeling there is to have a baby and to hold her in your arms for the first time!!
"I really want to thank all the fans for their kind words and wishes for Cato; it means the world to us!"
KAMELOT keyboardist Oliver Palotai — the longtime boyfriend of EPICA singer Simone Simons — is filling in for Janssen during EPICA South American tour and the group's appearance at the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise.
"This Is The Time", the new single from EPICA, was released digitally on October 15, 2010. A video for the song, which was written for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), was filmed in March 2010 was in Hilversum, The Netherlands.
EPICA's latest album, "Design Your Universe", landed at position No. 12 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.
Edu Falaschi (ANGRA, ALMAH) will be a special guest at KAMELOT's April 9 concert in Espaço Lux in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil as part of the "Pandemonium Over South America 2011" tour. Falaschi will share the stage with such great singers as Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE), Simone Simons (EPICA) and Elyze Ryd (AMARANTHE), who will perform with KAMELOT on this tour.
KAMELOT drummer Casey Grillo recorded the drums for the debut self-titled album from ALMAH.
Commented Falaschi: "It's a huge honor for me to perform live with my friend Casey, Thomas [Youngblood] and all the guys from KAMELOT. Today the band counts on the great singer Fabio Lione who helps them in this tour. They called me to take part in this show in my hometown city, São Paulo! It's clear that I immediately said 'yes!' We are talking about KAMELOT! One of my favorite metal bands ever!
"For those who don't know, Casey recorded the drum parts for the first ALMAH CD in 2006 and since then we have become friends even more. And especially due to this fact, I will do my best in order to give to all KAMELOT fans an unforgettable night! I'll put my heart in it!"
KAMELOT was forced to cancel its fall 2010 North American tour after the band's vocalist, Roy Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat), was taken ill. However, the group still went ahead and played the ProgPower concert as a one-off performance with guest vocalist Michael Eriksen of the Norwegian metal band CIRCUS MAXIMUS.
Due to "continuing medical and personal issues," Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of KAMELOT's latest album, "Poetry For The Poisoned".
Los Angeles traditional metal heroes WHITE WIZZARD have announced the return of vocalist Wyatt Anderson to the group's ranks. Affectionately known as "The Screamin' Demon", the fan favorite who previously appeared on the band's sophomore release, "Over The Top", has rejoined the band as the full-time frontman. He replaces Peter Ellis, whose U.S. visa issues prevented him from participating in any long-term recording or touring plans. Wyatt Anderson is currently recording vocals for WHITE WIZZARD's next release and will be a part of the group's 2011 world tour.
Commented WHITE WIZZARD mainman Jon Leon: "I want to first and foremost thank Peter Ellis for giving us his all during the last few months. He is a great guy and we wish him all the best. I am sure he will find a great band and he will always be a part of us.
"In the end, Wyatt and I were able to find a way to make it work. It is what the fans have asked for as well.
"We know we had something special with Wyatt singing and myself writing, and we want to progress on that chemistry and keep moving forward.
"We found a way to work around some obstacles so we can pick up where we left off.
"'Over the Top' was an album we are both proud of. We are now recording the follow-up, due out early summer. We plan massive touring in 2011 as well."
Added "The Screamin' Demon" himself: "Sometimes people have to take a step back to gain perspective of their lives. That's what I did. I didn't see myself getting what I had always wanted out of a band at the level that WHITE WIZZARD was. I didn't like being told what to do, not realizing that it was not only for the benefit of the band, but also for my benefit. Once I had stepped back, though, I began to see that I WAS getting what I had always wanted, it was just coming at a slower rate than what I had expected.
"Most people who dream of being in a professional band spend their lives in pursuit of that dream, and never even come close; and I had just given it up.
"Fortunately, there is a silver lining to this story. WHITE WIZZARD and I have reconciled our differences, and I am proud to say that I will once again be handling the vocal duties.
"This is going to be an exciting time for all in the WHITE WIZZARD camp, and I look forward to seeing all of you fans out there once again."
Peter said in a statement: "My departure from WHITE WIZZARD was due to the fact that it just proved impossible to get things done in time to keep up with the time schedule with me being based in London and the band being in Los Angeles because of complications that came up regarding my U.S. visa. The goal was for me to be a long-term member of the band and I am very sorry that things didn't work out. I have had an amazing experience being the lead singer for the band and I found Jon being a true gentleman and one of the easiest people to work with. I would also like to thank Earache for giving me the chance to be on the 'Shooting Star' single and for being so nice to me since day one, and most importantly, I'd like to thank all the fans for being so supportive of me and making me feel so loved! I have already started working on a new band here in London and we are going to be doing some really cool things in the New Year. Expect more news about that
soon."
WHITE WIZZARD is currently in the studio with producer Ralph Patlan (MEGADETH, UFO, MICHAEL SCHENKER, BONDED BY BLOOD) recording its new album, to be released in the spring.
Tim Louie of The Aquarian Weekly recently conducted an interview with SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
The Aquarian Weekly: Who is the Atlanta Falcons fan in the band? You guys were asked to create a theme song for them this season and you came up with "Falcons On Top". How did that whole thing come about?
Clint: Morgan [Rose, drums] and Vinnie [bassist Vince Hornsby] are big Falcons fans, and it came along because a friend of ours had a tie-in with a company that plays songs from bands like us, they contacted us since we were from Atlanta, and it just all made sense. Ordinarily, we would not do anything like that, but it seemed like the cool thing to do because they're the hometown team and we wanted to support. It's just really cool that they did end up on top because it would've felt really weird to write that song for them, and they ended up being the worst team this year.
The Aquarian Weekly: As a SEVENDUST fan, I have to ask: back in 2004, what made you leave the band right in the middle of a tour? I mean, couldn't your brother's project, DARK NEW DAY, wait until the end of the tour?
Clint: It wasn't as easy as that, and it wasn't the middle of the tour. It was at the end of the tour with three or four shows left. It was a nightmare, man. I was going through a lot of drugs and alcohol issues at the time, and I thought that I was going to die. I didn't just kind of leave the tour, like "Hey, I'm going to leave." I was dying of alcoholism. I needed to come home and at the time, it was a crappy way to leave, but my family was worried about me — there were a lot of things going on, and there were a lot of people that assumed that I just left. I hated that I had to leave. I have no problem talking about it now, but before it was kind of just my business. Don't get me wrong, I did want to play with my brother. I was going to do both bands, but like I said I was going through a really complex time, and my thinking was that I needed to come home and go to rehab and get my crap together. I'm glad I'm back and that's all I focus on now. I
love these guys, I respect the fans so much, I never want to bail out on shows, but sometimes life happens.
The Aquarian Weekly: Since, you've rejoined the band, SEVENDUST seems stronger and more popular than ever. What's in store for the hardest working band in the business?
Clint: (Laughs) We're going to focus on this tour coming up, and John [Connolly, guitar] and I are already starting to work on some new material. We want to make a really aggressive metal record. I've been kind of nostalgic here lately and that's been kind of influencing me right now so I think that we're going to have a very interesting next record, and it's going to take a lot of work and a lot of preparation, and I'm trying to shred again, and I'm trying to get back to the more technical aspect of playing metal. It got lost for a while and I grew up on that technical era of shred guitar, and I kind of want to pull that stuff back out. I mean keep who we are, but venture out to a little more technically challenging stuff.
Brian Fischer-Giffin of Australia's Loud magazine recently conducted an interview with vocalist Dez Fafara of Santa Barbara, California metallers DEVILDRIVER. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On the making of DEVILDRIVER's new album, "Beast":
"That's one question that I've always either laughed off or avoided. 'Was it cathartic to make this record?' They ask that on every record since COAL CHAMBER, you know? And I've always kinda laughed that off. But this one? Fuck yes! Very cathartic. Very cathartic to make this record. The minute I got the demos, I cracked a beer and started writing. It was flying out of me. So, that being said, I think the music was provided in an amped atmosphere at a time when it was needed by me and by the band. We really needed to step it up and define who we were. And what's really cool is that I think we've done it. Looking back in hindsight and hearing what everybody's saying about the record, it's just so positive now."
"I had to leave the recording process twice, which I've never had to do. My drummer, who took a lot of the guitar responsibility this time, was going through some stuff in his life as well. So I think what you end up with is something looking back at the time and place you're at, surrounded by the art you're making, and what we came up with is something incredibly visceral and very, very volatile and reflects the time and place we were in. So when you say, 'Were you pissed off at the world?' Yes! This was a watershed year for me, bro. After 15, 16 years in the fucking business, I dropped a lot of people around me who were nothing but vampires, either in business or my personal life. And, literally, when I was going through this dark, hard, hard time, really realized who my friends really were, who called me on a daily basis. So it was an awakening. I had to get a lot of stuff off my chest lyrically and the music the guys gave me from the demo provided
the fuel for the fire."
On "Beast"'s dark and angry vibe:
"The time and the place we were when we were making this record was just overpowering. So you get that kind of record. Different guys take different leads on writing the record on guitar, and this time it was my drummer, John Boecklin. So you have a different aspect, a different feel. We needed something visceral. We need something to really distance ourselves from our predecessors and our contemporaries. I think it's very important to... once you think of a tagline for us and where we fit into, it's going to be very difficult to find that once you've heard 'Beast'."
Swedish progressive rock band WOLVERINE will release its new studio album, "Communication Lost", on May 23 in Europe via Candlelight Records. The CD was recorded at various locations in Sweden between February and August 2010. It was mixed by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark in July/August 2010 and mastered by Eroc at Eroc's Mastering Ranch in Germany in December 2010/January 2011.
"Communication Lost", which was produced by the band, features 11 tracks and has a running time of approximately 70 minutes:
01. Downfall
02. Into The Great Nothing
03. Poison Ivy
04. Your Favourite War
05. Embrace
06. Pulse
07. What Remains
08. In Memory Of Me
09. In The Quiet Of Dawn
10. Communication Lost
11. A Beginning
Lyrically, the album deals with personal issues the band and the individual members experienced during the four years WOLVERINE spent composing the material. The result is a melodic and moody metal album which feels like a natural progression from "Still", which was released in 2006.
The "Communication Lost" cover artwork was designed by Marcus Losbjer (drums) while Thomas Jansson (bass) contributed to it with "great photos."
Finnish metallers BLOODRIDE will release their debut album, "Crowned In Hell", on March 23 via Violent Journey Records. The 32-minute CD, which contains "simple, neck-breaking old-school thrash metal with attitude," was recorded and mixed at D-studios by Tonmi Lillman and features a guest appearance by Tapio Wilska (SURVIVORS ZERO, ex-FINTROLL). The cover artwork was created by Jan "Örkki" Yrlund of Darkgrove Design.
"Crowned In Hell" track listing:
01. There Will Be Blood
02. March Of The Dead
03. Straight From Hell
04. Slave Of Evil
05. Cain
06. Demon's Way
07. God
08. Promised
09. Thrown Into Darkness (Unholy War)
BLOODRIDE is:
Jykä Leskinen - Vocals
Niko Karppinen - Guitar
Teemu Vähäkangas - Guitar
Esa Pennala - Bass
Petteri Lammassaari - Drums
For more information, visit www.bloodride.com.
Vocalist Ard Chieftain O'Hagan of the long-running Irish folk metal act WAYLANDER has issued the following update:
"It's been a while but hopefully this update won't disappoint.
"We've managed to survive the ice and snow putting our energies into the creation of the new songs, which are ticking along nicely.
"We have decided to entitle the new album 'Kindred Spirits'. It will contain eight or nine songs and will be recorded in Foel Studios in Wales on the first two weeks of July. The likes of NAPALM DEATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD and PRIMORDIAL have recorded albums there so we're more than pleased with our choice. The studio is set amid stunning scenery and is owned by Dave Anderson (HAWKWIND). With several of us being big HAWKWIND fans, well, you can say we're a touch on the excited side.
"Once again, Listenable will release the album, some time around November is the plan. We're talking with a few tour promoters so hopefully we'll get something booked and give you all the chance to experience us in the live arena. Again, I call for anyone who is a promoter, knows a promoter or even has a contact for a promoter to send us a message. We're determined to play in as many places and as often as we can manage with this album but as we represent ourselves, it isn't always easy.
"A touch of sad news to finish. This will be Hugh's [O'Neill, guitar] last album with us as he's moving to London to attend music college which begins in September. He will continue to write and record with us until we enter Foel and hopefully we'll organise a farewell gig for him before he leaves for college. So, we need a replacement and are accepting applications now, Please no time wasters. Drop me a line at ardchieftain@hotmail.com."
WAYLANDER is:
Ard Chieftain O'Hagan (vocals)
Michael Proctor (bass)
Dave Briggs (folk instruments)
Saul McMichael (guitar)
Hugh O'Neill (guitar)
Den Ferran (drums)
WAYLANDER's latest album, "Honour Amongst Chaos", was released in 2008 via Listenable Records. According to a press release, the CD is "more powerful and beautiful than ever, using a vast array of Irish folk instruments and armed with their passion for metal in its truest form," according to a press release. "Blending epic atmospheres and relentless brutality, 'Honour Amongst Chaos' reflects the heart and soul of pagan warriors worldwide."
Two songs from AGNOSTIC FRONT's forthcoming album, "My Life My Way", will be released on the "That's Life" seven-inch single on March 8 via Bridge Nine Records.
On the label's third collaboration with the band and second time working together with a pre-release album seven-inch, Bridge Nine Records couldn't be more excited about the partnership. Label owner Chris Wrenn commented, "One of my most proud moments here at Bridge Nine was re-releasing the 'Victim In Pain' and 'United Blood' records from AGNOSTIC FRONT in November '09. And to open the doors to do so, we worked with AF prior to that on a pre-release seven-inch for their album 'Warriors' on Nuclear Blast. It was awesome working with both the band and the label, so we figured — with a new full-length coming out — why not do it again?"
The "That's Life" seven-inch single will feature two songs from "My Life My Way" — "That's Life" and "Us Against The World" — and will be extremely limited to 2,000 copies worldwide. 1,000 copies of the seven-inch will have silk-screened B-sides, while the other 1,000 copies will have hand-etched B-sides.
"My Life My Way" is scheduled for release on March 4 in Europe and March 22 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida and features 13 new powerful and anthemic songs laid down by Erik Rutan (MADBALL, GOATWHORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, etc.) under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of MADBALL. The record was mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (SEPULTURA, SUFFOCATION, UNEARTH) in New Windsor, New York.
The "My Life My Way" cover artwork was brought to life this time by artist Todd Hubber, who also works with vocalist Roger Miret on designing his street wear clothing line American Made Kustom.
"My Life My Way" track listing:
01. City Street
02. More Than a Memory
03. Us Against the World
04. My Life My Way
05. That's Life
06. Self Pride
07. Until the Day I Die
08. Now and Forever
09. The Sacrifice
10. A Mi Manera
11. Your Worst Enemy
12. Empty Dreams
13. Time Has Come
Commented AGNOSTIC FRONT vocalist Roger Miret: "After all is said and done, we are amazed on how great our new record turned out! It's by far our catchiest record to date and it's going to make everyone want to sing along for sure. Freddy killed it on the production end, just capturing that hardcore vibe that only he can get out of AGNOSTIC FRONT. The boys all put nothing but passion into the songs, and Erik Rutan just dialed it all in to make AGNOSTIC FRONT sound as natural and as organic as ever. This one will definitely be a classic once it's heard worldwide!"
In a brand new interview with Inked magazine, BIOHAZARD bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld was asked about the sound of the band's forthcoming tenth studio album, tentatively due this spring via Nuclear Blast Records.
"The snare drum sounds like a fucking .45 automatic in a cement room. It sounds so nasty and abrasive," he said.
"The album is very metallic. It's all tuned down to C and is heavy, heavy.
"I've always wanted to make an album with a big metal sound. We always got caught up — not me personally, but the other guys — in doing that hardcore thing. And hardcore sounds like shit on purpose.
"The new BIOHAZARD album is so fucking heavy and so good. It's so singalong-able and brutal at the same time. But I don't think it's going to get a fair shake.
"My producer and my manager think if the album was released under a different name, like a brand-new band name, it would probably have 10 times the commercial success. The real fans are going to love it."
The follow-up to 2005's "Means To An End", BIOHAZARD's new CD is being produced by Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY , IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Decay", "Screaming For Change" and "Vengeance Is Mine", the latter of which the band debuted during its 2009 European tour.
BIOHAZARD's new album marks the first time the four original members — Evan Seinfeld (vocals, bass), Billy Graziadei (guitar, vocals), Danny Schuler (drums) and Bobby Hambel (guitar) — have recorded together since 1994's breakthrough CD "State Of The World Address".
Union, New Jersey's CYPHER SEER has inked a deal with Nightmare Records. Due on April 12, the band's sophomore album, "Origins", was mixed and edited by Fredrik Nordström (AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK, BRING ME THE HORIZON) and is described in a press release as "a unified mix of melodic death metal, power metal and prog metal, resulting in an intense, fast and overall outstanding 65-plus minutes of original music."
CYPHER SEER is fronted by Zeno Rodrigo, who is said to possess "an impressive mix of aggressive, clean and sometimes otherworldly vocals."
The band's "ultimate goal is to combine diverse influences and styles marking a new generation with untamed creativity while striving to provide a sonic link between their predecessors and the future in metal."
For more information, visit www.cypherseer.com.
German metallers REBELLION, who recently parted ways with Uwe Lulis (guitar), Gerd Lücking (drums) and Simone Wenzel (guitar), have issued the followign update:
"After three members left the band last December, now a replacement for ex-guitarist Uwe Lulis has been found! The new [axeman] is Oliver Geibig [pictured below], who already produced the album 'Born A Rebel' for the band and has been playing for years along with [bassist] Tomi Göttlich in the hard rock band THE MAGIC OF RADIO and SCHLAMMBEIN.
"Currently, REBELLION are looking for a further guitarist and a drummer to complete the lineup once again."
Göttlich has posted an eight-minute video clip (see below) in which he answers fan-submitted questions regarding the recent departures of Lulis, Lücking and Wenzel and the group's future.
Gerd and Uwe have plans to form a new band while Simone has joined VERNISSAGE.
REBELLION's latest full-length album (the third part of the "History of the Vikings" saga), "Arise: From Ragnarök to Ginnungagap - The History of the Vikings Volume III", came out in July 2009 via Massacre Records.
A trailer for the forthcoming debut album from END OF THE SUN, the new band featuring former AM CONSPIRACY guitarist Mike Farole and ex-SEV/PRIMER 55 bassist Chris Mullen, can be seen below. The CD is being produced by Shaun Evans who has previously worked with Ben Grosse (SEVENDUST, DARK NEW DAY, ALTER BRIDGE). A late 2011 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label is expected.
END OF THE SUN is:
Mike Farole - Guitar/Vocals -
Joe Berg - Guitar/Vocals
Lewis Dixon - Drums
Chris Mullen - Bass
[to be announced] - Vocals
Massachusetts metallers THE ACACIA STRAIN will take part in this summer's Vans Warped Tour, which kicks off in Dallas, Texas on June 24 and ends in Hillsboro, Oregon on August 14. The band will play songs from its entire catalog, including its latest album, "Wormwood", which came out in July 2010.
Commented THE ACACIA STRAIN vocalist Vincent Bennett: "Warped tour is a notch in the belt of THE ACACIA STRAIN that we have been waiting to add to our 'did it!' list for a long time. We are proud to finally be able to join the ranks of Warped tour alumni. Although music has changed over the years, we won't forget our roots."
THE ACACIA STRAIN will be on the road with WHITECHAPEL and VEIL OF MAYA as part of the "Welcome To Hell Tour" across the U.S. and Canada in February into March and on the European leg of the "Welcome To Hell Tour" with WHITECHAPEL and IMPENDING DOOM in April.
"Wormwood" sold around 6,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.
THE ACACIA STRAIN's previous CD, "Continent", opened with 5,600 units to land at No. 107.
"Wormwood" was recorded at Planet Z Studios in Hadley, Massachusetts with Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, CHIMAIRA, SHADOWS FALL) handling producing, mixing and mastering. The CD features three guest vocalists — HATEBREED's Jamey Jasta, 100 DEMONS' Bruce LePage and Kyle Chard of BORN LOW.
According to U.K.'s Kerrang! magazine, grindcore pioneers NAPALM DEATH will make their acting debut in tomorrow night's (Thursday, February 3) episode of "Skins", the British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, England through the two years of sixth form.
"When the producers first submitted the idea, they had me down to play this Axl Rose type character," laughed NAPALM DEATH frontman Mark "Barney" Greenway. "I told them we haven't got our heads up our arses and there's no way that we'd behave that way. I had a scene with the character Rich [Hardbeck, played by 17-year-old Alex Arnold]. He's a metal fan and I tell him to think for himself. Unfortunately, they gave [the scene] the big snip by the sounds of it. It was a good experience, but I don't think I could act my way out of a paper bag!"
Regarding why NAPALM DEATH agreed to appear on the show, Barney said, "One thing that bothers me about TV is the way that teenagers are portrayed. It's down to the fucking Daily Mail's war on teenagers. They stigmatize young kids and it's bullshit. The thing I like about 'Skins' is it gives a genuine perspective on growing up. That's why we agreed to do this show."
According to the Fakt.pl web site, Adam "Nergal" Darski, the 33-year-old leukemia-stricken guitarist/vocalist of the Polish extreme metal act BEHEMOTH, has been readmitted to the hematology division of Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne (UCK) in Gdansk because he developed an infection six weeks after he underwent a bone marrow transplant procedure.
"The patient was taken to hospital again because he did not care proper care of himself," Dr. Maria Bieniaszewska, assistant professor in the Department of Hematology, was quoted as saying.
It is not presently clear if the infection will affect Nergal's adoption of the bone marrow transplant and how long he will have to remain in hospital. In his condition, when the immune system is weakened, such infections could even be life-threatening.
According to Marrow.org, most infections happen in the first 100 days after a transplant, but they remain a risk as long as the patient's immune system is weak.
In a statement released last month, Nergal stated about his recovery, "Although the whole treatment went really good, as well as the bone marrow transplant and the post-transplant period, the next several months is the time when I must really take care of myself. Of course, I will have plenty of time to recover, think about the strategy and my return to the stage — which approaches imminently. (laughs) First of all, however, I must rebuild my physical condition."
BEHEMOTH's "Evangelia Heretika" DVD was released in the U.S. on November 9. 2010 via Metal Blade Records, in Poland via Mystic Records, and in the rest of Europe through Nuclear Blast. It contains three discs featuring two full shows ("Live In Paris 2008" and "Live In Warsaw 2009"); every BEHEMOTH music video ever made; "Evangelion" tour documentary featuring band interviews plus tons of backstage footage; and a bonus "Live in Warsaw" audio CD.
Shannon Joy of the LA Music Blog recently conducted an interview with Leif Gylve Nagell, better known in the music community as Fenriz, the drummer and lyricist of the legendary Norwegian black metal band DARKTHRONE. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
LA Music Blog: "Circle the Wagons" was released last year and carries a heavier punk and speed metal influence than much of your previous work. Was that the intention going into the writing and recording process?
Fenriz: There is never any intention; we make what we need to make — in other words, what our hearts tell us to. The opposite would be doing the Christian thing of trying to control every next step, and also the way we record this and that and how we write. There are no plans, and we only write one song each at a time. So there you have it — we are the definition of keeping it so real it's unreal.
LA Music Blog: Musically, DARKTHRONE seems to be doing a 360, returning to a similar sound as to where the band initially started out. Although the process somewhat began with "The Cult Is Alive", what was your motivation to take such an extreme departure from black metal?
Fenriz: Easiest motivation: R&B '60s and what R&B became in the '90s remind me of a lot of what I've always got the black metal feeling from, and what "they" have been trying to peddle since, well, 1995-ish. Here's some explanation, but I'm just winging it as usual. Those who get it will get it, and the others can take a long walk on a short pier: Well, we had the inspiration we needed to make black metal already in early '91, meaning our inspirations came almost solely from the '80s. Seeing how press, newer clueless "scene" people, and record companies alike changed everything plastic and hyperfast into being "BM," the party had just gotten too lame to hang out at anymore. This happened for Zephyrous and Nocturno Culto already in '92, for me it happened in '94 when I didn't really like any of the new styles after that, but regardless, took responsibility for fronting the way of black metal. I still do — this week's "Band of the Week" is black metal
and this year I will focus on spreading more black metal bands than usual. But playing it myself isn't what I crave at the moment.
LA Music Blog: You've been pretty outspoken about your disapproval of the book "Lords Of Chaos", but then appeared in the documentary "Until The Light Takes Us". What made you decide to be a part of the film?
Fenriz: I can't really disapprove of it if I didn't even bother to read it. Haven't you sometimes gotten a promo CD and you started to listen and you think after 14 seconds, "No," you know they got it all wrong? Well, that's the "Lords Of Chaos" book for ya. The movie that Aaron and Audrey did I did because they are cool as hell. I didn't see it yet; it's my own choice. Already in '88 I didn't like to receive my interviews back typically three months after I did them because I'd already moved on a lot in my mind about lots of the things I'd say. Now, here is a movie that was shot 10 years ago, and in addition to that, I was coming out of a depression at the time, so I'm sure you can understand I'd be uncomfortable watching it. I mean, I don't even like watching me when I'm doing funny stuff on TV here in Norway.
LA Music Blog: There is a lot happening this year in the DARKTHRONE camp, but what else do you have in store for 2011?
Fenriz: Making more compilations, always doing that, but I'm happy doing them just for other's blog pages really! WAY better than DJing: I kinda quit that, just doing one-offs now. Like the METALUCIFER show that Proxy is setting up in April here in Oslo. Kudos, Proxy. And this weekend, I attend the only festival I go to, Metal Merchants. BROCAS HELM will be playing this year. Although when I curate my "own" festival again in London this year (Mark Lewis' Live Evil festival), I prefer new bands that play old styles instead of, for instance, Germany's Keep it True that mostly has old bands that still play or have reformed. But anyway, festivals like Keep It True and Metal Merchants do more for old metal than most others, so they are all cool in my book. Then we gotta record some more songs after they are written. 2010 saw major life changes for both Ted and me, so we only did two songs that year; we need 7-8 more for a forthcoming album. But, you know, we
don't wanna make any plans or anything.
Ben Barbaud, the organizer of the annual Hellfest festival in Clisson, France, has released the following statement to Radio Metal regarding the reports that Finnish black metallers SATANIC WARMASTER were removed from the billing of this year's event because the organizers bowed to pressure from other artists performing at the festival:
"The Hellfest has decided independently and in all conscience to cancel SATANIC WARMASTER's performance. This decision was in no way caused by the pressure received by various small groups against the event.
"We had decided to confirm this artist when we noticed a strong demand.
"The ideology and political values adopted by some artists have never been selection criteria for the festival; we leave the right to each and everyone to forge their own opinions about the artists performing at the festival, and we are not bringing our event on political grounds which have nothing to do with the music. However, we have received a large number of complaints partly from festival-goers but also from artists, considering this artist to be conflicting with the festival's state of mind, and ready to settle things with a fight.
"We are not here to take position in this debate. The Hellfest is a celebration above all else, its purpose is not to divide, but to unite an audience under a single banner: passion for heavy music.
"It appears to be impossible to find an adequate solution without risking irreversible damage or violent comportments during the festival which is to take place next June.
"The Hellfest's purpose isn't to judge one's opinions, but to insure a peaceful and friendly gathering. Consequently, we have decided to cancel SATANIC WARMASTER's performance in order to insure order and safety during the festival. Clan wars related to difference of opinion do not have their place at the Hellfest.
"The festival would like to apologize to fans of this artist, and wishes to reaffirm its independent and apolitical position. We will not jeopardize this event that has taken years to develop for reasons which are unrelated to music and have nothing to do with the purpose of this festival."
SATANIC WARMASTER's Werwolf previously stated about the cancelation of the band's appearance at Hellfest, "It is a disappointment (despite being totally expected) to see such mentality still present in the 'individualist' and 'free-thinking' metal community that any musical act can still be boycotted because of false preconceptions and arbitrary political motivations of other, 'bigger' artists. It is also more than amusing to see that the censorship and boycott some of the French authorities tried to push on the festival earlier are now excercised by the festival organization itself.
"Obviously, because I have never upheld any modern taboos or lived my life as an apologetic dabbler, it makes me also a target for politically motivated artists to keep us from playing because of their self-righteous reasons. Any artist can be put on a mock trial by taking words out of their context without thinking of the actual message, and SATANIC WARMASTER once again hangs crucified by hysterics driven by the love for a world and values I feel no oneness with.
"Everyone who has even slightest interest in this musical style knows what black metal is about, and in that light only a moralist or someone with a very extreme double standard can say that SATANIC WARMASTER is in some manner different from other artists of the genre.
"It makes me want to puke for making a statement like this, which is almost something that a politician would do, but to clear some things, it was mandatory to bite the bullet this time.
"Just to make sure everyone has their labels right, SATANIC WARMASTER's ideology is Satanism and music style black metal. Whoever claims otherwise does so only because of personal feelings and/or resentment."
SATANIC WARMASTER started in 1998 has has sold tens of thousands of albums worldwide without the support of any major distribution companies or record labels. The band reflects a Satanist's world view and is known for its unapologetic, arrogant and amoral stance.
Bulgarian brutal death metallers ENTHRALLMENT will enter the studio on March 1 to begin recording their third album for a tentative late 2011/early 2012 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label. The CD will contain "nine new songs full of eternal pain," according to a press release.
Currently unsigned, ENTHRALLMENT in December posted a demo version of a new song, "Chronicle Of Sorrow", on the band's MySpace page.
ENTHRALLMENT's last CD, "Immerse Into Bloody Bliss", was issued in 2008 via Slovakia's Metal Age Productions. The CD was recorded at Basement studio with producer Emil Marinov and was mastered by Peter Number at Mega Wimp Sound studio (LIVIDITY, SODOM, PRIMORDIAL, SEPTIC FLESH, etc.) in Berlin, Germany.
U.S. death metallers INCANTATION have been confirmed for The Underground Unleashed 2011 festival, set to take place September 30 - October 2, in Darjeeling, India.
Commented INCANTATION guitarist/vocalist John McEntee: "The rest of INCANTATION and I are all excited beyond words about playing this year's Underground Unleashed festival. This will be the band's first trip to India, so we're really looking forward to bringing our brutality to the hordes of fans over there. Heads will bang and skulls will split when INCANTATION invades India!!"
The Underground Unleashed 2011 festival billing:
INCANTATION (USA)
DEMONICAL (Sweden)
CEREBRAL BORE (UK)
NERVO CHAOS (Brazil)
DETHRONED (USA)
ARSAMES (Iran)
INNERGUILT (Lebanon)
PERVERSION (UAE)
MORBID DEVOURMENT (Indonesia)
In other INCANTATION-related news, McEntee recently hooked up with guitarist Alex Bouks (GOREAPHOBIA) and bassist Chuck Sherwood to plant the seeds for what will become the band's highly-anticipated next album. Drummer Kyle Severn will join the fray in the coming weeks to contribute to the writing process. Though in its earliest stages, the new material promises to be the heaviest and sickest of the group's storied career.
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