WHITESNAKE has tapped 49-year-old Brian Ruedy (pictured below) from Orange Country, California to play keyboards on the band's upcoming tour.
Ruedy has worked in a succession of bands through the years, including Bret Michaels (POISON) and Brian "Head" Welch (KORN).
Brian recently reconnected with guitarist Doug Aldrich which led to him becoming involved with WHITESNAKE.
Said Ruedy: "I am honored and privileged to be part of the WHITESNAKE family. It's an incredible opportunity. I am excited to bring new sounds and flavors to WHITESNAKE. I look forward to expanding on the already great WHITESNAKE material."
Brian is already immersing himself in the catalogue of WHITESNAKE songs in preparation for the band's upcoming rehearsals for the "Forevermore" world tour 2011.
Keyboardist Timothy Drury left WHITESNAKE last September in order to "pursue a solo career."
WHITESNAKE's new album, "Forevermore", due out in North America on March 29 via Frontiers Records, is set for release in four different configurations.
"Forevermore" will be available as:
* a single CD
* a CD+DVD combo: the DVD features the "Love Will Set You Free" video, the making of "Love Will Set You Free" video, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the recording of "Forevermore"; the CD includes three bonus tracks: "Love Will Set You Free" (alternate mix), "My Evil Ways" (alternate mix with drum solo) and "Forevermore" (acoustic version)
* a double-LP vinyl edition
* a special edition box set which includes the CD, DVD, LPs, as well as a cover litho, a poster and a logo sticker.
The digital album is available for pre-order now via Whitesnake.com and includes an instant track download of "Love Will Set You Free". Pre-order of the album is also available at all digital stores now, with Amazon digital stores offering "My Evil Ways" (alternate mix with drum solo) as a bonus track; while the iTunes LP edition features the "Love Will Set You Free" (alternate mix) and "Forevermore" (acoustic version) as bonus tracks.
The video for "Love Will Set You Free", which can be seen below, was directed by Devin DeHaven of Fortress Entertainment (PAPA ROACH, METHOD MAN, TALIB KWELI). The clip was shot in Lake Tahoe, Nevada where singer David Coverdale resides.
"Forevermore" finds founder/singer/songwriter David Coverdale and company returning to their no-holds-barred, bluesiest, sexiest rock n' roll roots. The CD was recorded, produced and mixed by Los Bros Brutalos (Coverdale, guitarist Doug Aldrich and Michael McIntyre).
A picture-disc edition of DIO's 2002 album, "Killing The Dragon", will be made available exclusively for Record Store Day, which takes place this year on April 16. To guarantee each disc's authenticity, each copy will be numbered with a "special DIO hologram sticker."
To celebrate both Record Store Day and the release of the limited-edition disc (only 2,500 are being made), former DIO musicians Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards) will make an in-store appearance at Mad Platters in Riverside, California on April 16 to "meet the fans" from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
"Killing The Dragon" marked the first collaboration between Ronnie James Dio and guitarist Doug Aldrich, who subsequently joined WHITESNAKE. The album also spawned the single/video "Push" (see below), which featured TENACIOUS D's Jack Black and Kyle Gass. And exclusively for the picture-disc edition of "Killing The Dragon", Dio's longtime engineer, Wyn Davis, mixed and remastered the album.
The Bill Schacht-directed "Push" video begins with TENACIOUS D jamming out its own version of the classic BLACK SABBATH song "Heaven And Hell" and features a multitude of special effects produced by Aestheticom. It was one of the first videos utilizing hi-definition and infinite background format, the same technology used in George Lucas' "Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones". The effects were created specifically to work with the theme of the performance- based video for "Push", where Ronnie James Dio is "pushing" himself and the band from frame to frame. TENACIOUS D attempts the same, but even the self-proclaimed "Greatest Band On Earth" can't match the "Push" strength of the Rock N' Roll Wizard.
01. Killing The Dragon (Dio, Jimmy Bain) (4:25)
02. Along Comes A Spider (Dio, Doug Aldrich, Bain) (3:32)
03. Scream (Dio, Aldrich, Bain) (5:02)
04. Better In The Dark (Dio, Bain) (3:43)
05. Rock & Roll (Dio, Bain, Craig Goldy) (6:11)
06. Push (Dio, Bain, Goldy) (4:08)
07. Guilty (Dio, Bain) (4:25)
08. Throw Away Children (Dio, Goldy) (5:35)
09. Before The Fall (Dio, Bain) (3:48)
10. Cold Feet (Dio, Bain) (4:11)
About Record Store Day: Record Store Day is managed by the Music Monitor Network and is organized in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale.
Record Store Day takes place annually on the third Saturday of April.
For more information on exclusive Record Store Day events, products and participants, visit www.recordstoreday.com.
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http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/diokillingback.jpg
METALLICA's official web site has been updated with the following message:
"It might seem like things have been a little quiet at METALLICA HQ, but not so! While 'Big Four' shows are being confirmed and the studio prepped for recording, the hard-working web crew has been hunkered down building a brand new web site for all things 'TALLICA, and we are just about ready to unveil it to you!
"On March 28, a new and expanded version of Metallica.com will be launched. What do we mean by expanded? Well, we're folding all three of our sites (Metallica.com, MetClub.com, MetOnTour.com) into one to ensure that everyone has easy access to the touring and fan club sections along with newly organized fun facts and details about every album, video, song, tour date, band member and event... in general way more stuff about us than you ever wanted to know! We also dug into the web archives and added the full Mission: METALLICA gallery of photos and videos and of course all the usual stuff is still there — wallpapers, videos, timelines, photo galleries, message boards, and more.
"For those of you who like variety, you will still be able to 'skin' the site with graphics from your favorite MET albums and other art and photos... they've all been re-designed and updated!
"You will notice some changes over the next ten days while we do the final preparations for the big move, most notably that the MetStore (including fan club registration) will be closed starting at noon on Monday, March 21. All the websites will be unavailable for a few days starting March 25 until we come back online with the new site on March 28. Never fear, though, you can follow our progress and get any important news updates on Twitter, Facebook and the message boards.
"We've had a blast combing through the archives and pulling it all together and thank you in advance for your patience while we move. See you in a few days with a new look!!"
METALLICA is scheduled to enter the studio in May to begin recording a yet-to-be-revealed new project, which guitarist Kirk Hammett described to RollingStone.com as "more a recording project than a bona fide METALLICA album."
The band has also scheduled several more "Big Four" tour dates, including one in Indio, California on April 23.
According to Brazilian journalist Ancelmo Gois, who publishes a column at influential newspaper O Globo, GUNS N' ROSES will likely perform at this year's Rock In Rio festival. Roberto Medina, the event's organizer, allegedly spoke last week with the band's frontman, Axl Rose, and is expected to announce GN'R's participation in the festival later today (Sunday, March 20).
GUNS N' ROSES performed at the second and third editions of Rock In Rio, in 1991 and 2001, respectively.
The 2011 Rock In Rio festival will take place September 23 - October 2 in "The City Of Rock" in Olympic Park, Barra da Tijuca/Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bands that are confirmed to perform at the event include ANGRA, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, METALLICA, MOTÖRHEAD, SEPULTURA and SLIPKNOT.
The Rock In Rio festivals are massive events, drawing millions of people and a diverse roster of local and international artists.
Tickets are on sale now at the Rock in Rio official web site, www.rockinrio.com.br.
GUNS N' ROSES has been officially confirmed for this year's Rock In Rio festival, which will take place September 23 - October 2 in "The City Of Rock" in Olympic Park, Barra da Tijuca/Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Axl Rose and his bandmates will perform on Sunday, October 2.
GUNS N' ROSES played at the second and third editions of Rock In Rio, in 1991 and 2001, respectively.
Also scheduled to perform at this year's Rock In Rio are ANGRA, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, METALLICA, MOTÖRHEAD, SEPULTURA and SLIPKNOT.
The Rock In Rio festivals are massive events, drawing millions of people and a diverse roster of local and international artists.
Tickets are on sale now at the Rock in Rio official web site, www.rockinrio.com.br.
Rikki Cameron, personal assistant to MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine, has posted a message on the band's official web site denying reports that he collapsed in Russia and was rushed to the hospital, resulting in MEGADETH's abbreviated performance on March 16, 2011 in St. Petersburg during their "European Carnage" tour with SLAYER. She states, "I don't normally do this, but I want to take this opportunity to address some very serious LIES that are being spread right now. I'm going to say this as emphatically as I can, DAVE MUSTAINE NEVER COLLAPSED IN RUSSIA. Not ON stage, not back stage, not ever. He was NOT rushed to the hospital. Dave addressed his health issues himself, and I have no idea where anybody got the idea that there was a collapse because simply put, it is NOT TRUE. Anybody who was at that show can verify that, and as his personal assistant, as his right hand out here on the road, I want to testify to anybody who doubts it, this never happened.
"It's really pathetic that people have to play the telephone game and spread bullshit rumors to trump up some fantasy that they have played out in their heads.
"Please pass the word along to anyone who may say otherwise, and to fellow MEGADETH fans, and to people who claim to know otherwise.
"I have never worked for an artist who is so candid and honest with his fans and in the press as Dave Mustaine, and he told you all, in very great detail, exactly what happened to him that day.
"Kidney stones are quite a normal thing, and extremely painful. There was no lies from him, no covering it up, he was open and honest and still went out on stage and tore it up for his fans.
"All of us out here are proud and inspired to work for a leader like him who has such a never-say-die attitude.
"This is just another smear campaign by some bad tabloid media.
"Get your facts straight, folks, choose your wording very carefully. Something as strongly worded as 'collapse' can come across as way more dramatic and blown out of proportion than you may realize. It is very poor form to create worry and panic where there is none needed.
"You heard it here first: Britney Spears does NOT have 2 heads (though Charlie Sheen, I'm not so sure), Ozzy does not eat bats for breakfast on a daily basis, and Dave Mustaine did NOT collapse in Russia."
Classic Rock Revisited recently conducted an interview with former MEGADETH/KING DIAMOND guitarist Glen Drover. An excerpt from the chat follows below.
Classic Rock Revisited: How did you get the gig with MEGADETH? Had Dave [Mustaine] heard your work with EIDOLON?
Glen: I was referred by someone who was a fan of EIDOLON. It was a guy who had been in contact with the webmaster from Megadeth.com. Dave was looking to put together a new version of the band I guess and this guy mentioned that he should check out this guy from Toronto. I guess he felt that I would be a good fit. That's how it came about. I got an e-mail from him the morning after he had put in a word for me, and he said that the band was auditioning guitar and bass players. I wasn't expecting too much, to be honest. It was a Saturday morning and it was really early, but within a couple of days I was on the phone with all of them and it happened very, very quickly.
Classic Rock Revisited: What was it like stepping into a situation like that? They were a well-established band with such a rich history. Were you intimidated at all?
Glen: Well, there was a little bit of pressure, but that was OK. Unfortunately, it's one of those bands where the fans for the most part are very critical of anybody except for Marty Friedman. Everybody has to sound like him, which is unfortunate, because you're not given the chance to express yourself. All they care about is that you sound like him. I love Marty, he's a great player and I grew up listening to him and a lot of stuff from the Shrapnel label when it first came out. So that was a little bit of a drag. Not everybody was like that, but there was a lot of that surrounding the band. Aside from that, it was fun; we had fun for the first little while, anyway. Unfortunately, towards the end things went really sour and that was it for me.
Classic Rock Revisited: What stands out for you the most or what did you enjoy the most about your time in the band?
Glen: Just being able to see the world and being able to play some really cool shows with my brother. Like I said, in the beginning everybody was getting along and it was a brighter and less corrupt atmosphere, unlike what happened later.
Classic Rock Revisited: So it wasn't a tough decision for you to step off?
Glen: Yeah, it was. It was actually very, very tough. It was actually one of the toughest decisions that I've ever had to make in my life. You have to understand that being in a band like that with your brother isn't something that happens every day.
Classic Rock Revisited: Sure, because I'm sure a lot of people would probably be willing to give up a kidney for that kind of opportunity.
Glen: Yeah. The funny and sad thing was that after I left, everybody seemed to think that I had left music, I wouldn't be playing music and that I was staying home to be with my family. Even though I had said in the press statement that was first put out, that I was unhappy where I was. I thought people would have been able to read between the lines, but unfortunately for whatever stupid reason they didn't. So I had to make that a little clearer later on. Whatever, it's an old story now and it's part of the past. I had a good time, but I'm happier now doing what I'm doing without having to be in any kind of situation where I'd be miserable. I'm proud of the [new solo] album and the guys that I'm working with. They're stellar musicians, I'm doing what I want to do and that makes me happy. My brother is still in the band, he's doing OK and as long as that's cool and he's doing fine, then I'm happy.
ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has posted the following account of his recent trip to Hawaii via the online poker blog community Blog.UB.com:
"My wife Pearl and I just got back from Hawaii. We went on a 'babymoon.' Basically, our last trip just the two of us for a long time. It was a great vacation, super relaxing, doing nothing but hanging on the beach, and oh yeah, there was a tsunami. It sounds a lot worse than it was.
"If you've seen the footage from Japan you've seen what a big tsunami is capable of.
"We were at dinner with friends when one of them got a text saying there was a tsunami warning because of the earthquake in Japan. This was at 10 p.m. By the time we left dinner at 11:30 p.m., traffic was insane with people trying to get out of Waikiki and it suddenly hit home that this could be serious. We hadn't seen the Japanese footage at this point, so at least we didn't have that to scare the shit out of us. Our friends offered for us to follow them to a house inland, but we decided to head back to our hotel on the North Shore, an hour drive from where we were. The tsunami was not expected until 3 a.m. so I figured we'd make it. The only issue was if they closed the road to our hotel that runs along the ocean for 10 miles or so we'd be fucked. We gambled. Turns out our hotel (Turtle Bay Resort) is a safety zone for the North Shore so we were heading to the right place.
"We made it back around 12:30 a.m. and turned on the TV and saw the devastation in Japan. Unbelievable. These images are still burned into my brain and my thoughts are with you my friends.
"After seeing this, we did start to worry. Would it really be safe here? Are we high enough up (fourth floor), etc. etc. I called the desk half a dozen times asking these questions and telling them I had a pregnant wife with me and they reassured me each time that we'd be OK. Hey, I'm a kid from New York City and I just saw Japan get demolished like Godzilla came through. What do I know about tsunamis?
"The TV news was tracking it as it made its way past the Midway Islands and the reports were varying from a four-foot wave to a 12-foot wave. We just kept watching the ocean from our room — we had a great view. At around 2 a.m. the hotel security announced over the PA that we had to leave our rooms and close our balcony doors and shutters and move into the hallway. We decided to stay in our room. If something was coming, I wanted to see it. The hallway was packed with people from the lower floors. People had moved chairs and pillows with them to sleep on. Pearl and I watched and waited. At 3:15 a.m. reports came in that Kauai got hit and that the wave was only three feet but that it could get bigger. We had about 10 minutes until it hit. At this point I was really questioning whether we should've just gotten in the car and drove up the hill. Then we watched the ocean completely suck out dry about 500 feet out. It was nuts, dry as a bone, all the reef
exposed. The water was just gone. We stood on the balcony waiting to see a huge wave ripping towards the shore line and then there it was, tiny little waves, one on top of another, moving really fast but small came pouring back into the empty space. Once it seemed like it had peaked the reports came in that the first wave was three feet and that the next wave could be 12 feet. OK, I was starting to see a pattern here. I guess they have to scare the shit out of you in case it is bad so you take it seriously. Meanwhile at this point we're on the balcony shooting video of the ocean sucking out again and the small waves ripping back in.
"That's what happened over and over again for the next two hours and at 5:45 a.m. we finally went to bed even though they were still saying 'the big one' could come. Bottom line, I am really happy it didn't.
"Woke up the next day and found out there was some damage on the big island and some damage to boats in some of the harbors but all in all a non-event, especially when compared to Japan. If it was a wave like that, I'd be typing this from my mattress 20 miles out at sea somewhere."
JOURNEY, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, is gearing up to unleash its latest album of brand new material, "Eclipse". The effort will be released in the U.S. and Canada on May 24 exclusively at Walmart and beginning June 3 in Europe on Frontiers Records. The 12 tracks were written over the past 18 months by the core team of guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player Jonathan Cain, with collaboration from singer Arnel Pineda.
"Eclipse" track listing:
01. City Of Hope
02. Edge Of The Moment
03. Chain Of Love
04. Tantra
05. Anything Is Possible
06. Resonate
07. She's A Mystery
08. Human Feel
09. Ritual
10. To Whom It May Concern
11. Someone
12. Venus
"I'm in love with this record, which I haven't said about one of our albums for a long time," says founding member and lead guitarist, Neal Schon. "It's a rock record and it sounds amazing." Commenting on the upcoming tour, Schon continues, "We've got a lot of hits to play and there's plenty of time to do some new stuff too, so we're gonna mix it up. We haven't toured with FOREIGNER for over 10 years, so we're really looking forward to this run."
JOURNEY debuted five news songs from "Eclipse" — "Edge Of The Moment", "Resonate", "Chain Of Love", "City Of Hope" and "Human Feel" — on February 23, 2011 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in las Vegas, Nevada.
In a recent interview with Boomerocity.com, Cain stated about "Eclipse", "It's very guitar-driven. This album has very little of me, keyboard-wise. Neal wanted to do a heavier rock album. So, this is kind of his baby. I wrote the lyrics on the thing and lots of the melodies that sit above the guitars. So, then I had to find some place to play in the nooks and crannies."
He continued, "It's a very hard-hitting record that has some conscience to it. It's about lots of things — spirituality, sexuality. There's a song called 'Tantra' on it about tantric circles. I was fascinated with all of that. It's definitely a departure from what we've done before. It's more like a concept record. I think Arnel shines. He sounds great. It's probably one of Neal's best guitar albums. I think he's on a mission on this album — to play, and he did."
To follow the release of "Eclipse", JOURNEY will launch the "Eclipse Tour" with FOREIGNER, and special guest NIGHT RANGER, beginning July 21 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fans can expect to hear new songs from "Eclipse" as well as classics such as "Don't Stop Believin'", "Any Way You Want It", "Faithfully", "Lights", "Separate Ways", "Wheel In The Sky", and many more.
Tickets for the "Eclipse Tour" go on sale beginning Friday, March 11, at all the usual online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select Walmart Ticketmaster locations across the country.
MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx has confirmed a number of signing engagements for his new book, "This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx", due on April 12 via the HarperCollins imprint William Morrow:
Tuesday, April 12
7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, April 13
7 p.m.
University Book Store
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA
Thursday, April 14
6 p.m.
Book Passage
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA
Friday, April 15
7 p.m.
Barnes and Noble
21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ
Saturday, April 16
2 p.m.
Barnes & Noble - Lincoln Park Shopping Center
7700 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX
Monday, May 2
7 p.m.
Bookends
211 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ
Tuesday, May 3
7 p.m.
Borders
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
Wednesday, May 4
6 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
555 12th Street NW
Washington, DC
Thursday, May 5
6 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
1805 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Friday, May 6
7 p.m.
Boston University Bookstore
660 Beacon Street
Boston, MA
Nikki Sixx is the creative force behind a multitude of projects. As the founder, bass player and songwriter for the genre-defining rock band MÖTLEY CRÜE, he led the band through an unbridled career of rock 'n' roll, addictions, recovery, exploits, breakups, and girls, sending their first five albums to platinum status in the process. From their debut album in 1981 ("Too Fast For Love") through to 2008's "Saints of Los Angeles", MÖTLEY CRÜE have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, emerging as one of the most influential and enduring rock acts of their era. Their '89 release "Dr. Feelgood", topped The Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's most successful and best-selling album to date. The new millennium saw the band issue a best-selling, tell-all biography entitled "The Dirt" — and the launch of Crüe Fest, the highest-grossing summer rock tour package in 2008.
In 2007, Sixx published "The Heroin Diaries". This haunting chronicle of addiction stayed atop the New York Times Best Seller list for more than six months and went on to sell over 350,000 copies in the U.S. alone. In a fitting crescendo, the accompanying soundtrack by SIXX: A.M. — featuring Sixx, James Michael and D.J. Ashba — sold over 300,000 copies in the U.S. and solidified the group with "Life Is Beautiful", the most played rock track of 2008. Sixx's most recent venture is the syndicated radio show "Sixx Sense" and its companion weekend show "The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx", carried nightly and on the weekends, respectively, on 60 rock/alternative music stations in the U.S. and Canada. Hosted by Sixx himself and co-host Kerri Kasem, the shows feature straight, honest talk from special celebrity guests, bands and friends and the hottest and newest music in rock.
The "This Is Gonna Hurt" book explores a new, more introspective side, the first-ever public showing of his photography and insights on his life yesterday, today and tomorrow. "This Is Gonna Hurt" takes Sixx to a whole new level as an artist, musician and photographer. Accompanying the book, and slated for a May 3 release, will be a new CD by SIXX: A.M. complementing the book's themes and showcasing the incredible songwriting and musicianship of Sixx and SIXX: A.M. bandmates James Michael and D.J. Ashba.
Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach recently entered a Los Angeles studio with his new, young, virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and producer Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, SHINEDOWN, ATREYU, FILTER) to record Bach's next CD, tentatively due this summer via the Italian label Frontiers Records.
In a March 21 posting on his Facebook page, Bach writes, "Best day ever! I just nailed two songs out of the park on my first day singing. I can't tell you how great it feels and how great Bob Marlette is making everything sound. After watching Nick Sterling and Bobby Jarzombek [drums] rock out, I have been chomping at the bit to wail and today I did! Two down, 11 to go! Screams are at FULL FORCE!!!"
SKID ROW and SLAUGHTER are among the 25 confirmed bands for the Iarocfest, set to take place on May 27-29, 2011 at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds, Keosauqua, Iowa.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
Friday, May 27 starting at 5 p.m.:
TOYS IN THE ATTIC
KISSMANIA
THE KNOBS
SHATTER
HARLOT
Saturday, May 28 starting at 11 a.m.:
MONEY SHOT
SIGNUM A.D.
THREE YEARS HOLLOW
SOUNDSTILL
20 FOOT FOREHEAD
UNFOUND FEAR
PREDAWN HOUR
SECTION HATE
13 STITCHES
Sunday, May 29 starting at 11 a.m.:
SKID ROW
SLAUGHTER
BLEED DOWN
CENSORED
ROCK SUGAR
ONE LAST SOUL
THE POEM
FULL THROTTLE
CALOUS
COLD STEEL
THE JEFF PAGE BAND
Tickets can be on purchased online at www.iarocfest.com.
Legendary stoner rock band SLEEP has just announced a string of summer North American tour dates. On the heels of its sold-out U.S. tour run last September, the California trio will return to the stage this summer by popular demand. Live dates in New York City (June 22) and Los Angeles (June 26) will bookend an appearance at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on June 24, where the group will share the stage with THE DANDY WARHOLS, BLONDE REDHEAD, THE BUZZCOCKS and more.
SLEEP tour dates:
June 22 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
June 24 - Calgary, AB - Sled Island Festival
June 26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
Once referred to as "the ultimate stoner rock band", SLEEP evolved in the early 1990s and has exerted a considerable, consistent influence on modern heavy music ever since. The group split in 1997 after the release of two hugely influential albums — "Holy Mountain" and "Dopesmoker" — returning triumphantly in 2009 when it performed two U.K. shows as part of All Tomorrow's Parties' (ATP) The Fans Strike Back festival, playing "Holy Mountain" in its entirety along with selections from "Dopesmoker". The rabid fan response to the 2009 shows resulted in a run of U.S. live dates in September 2010 that immediately sold out. In celebrating the band's return, The New York Times referred to the trio as "excellent" and the Chicago Tribune called SLEEP "stoner-rock titans."
BRUTAL GODZ, the new Germany-based project featuring former/current members of BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE and REBELLION, has parted ways with Russian singer Ian Breeg and has replaced him with Charly Stenhauer of veteran German metallers PARADOX.
BRUTAL GODZ' new lineup is:
Charly Steinhauer - Vocals
Uwe Lulis - Guitar
Oliver Holzwarth - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums
BRUTAL GODZ last year entered guitarist Uwe Lulis' studio in Frankfurt, Germany to begin recording its debut album, "Echoes Of The Dead", for a 2011 release.
Drummer Alex Holzwarth commented on the band's unusual recording philosophy: "The recording concept is simple: We plug our instruments in, get miked up, rehearse the songs and finally record all our music in a live situation to ensure that we catch the magic moment with each single note being played. This concept totally differs from the contemporary recording habits that do hardly catch the magic of music at all. In my opinion, it is all about the face-to-face or ear-to-ear situation of playing together in the same room at the same time. Like THE BEATLES did it and AC/DC still do it. The audio results we get are just amazing."
BRUTAL GODZ last May parted ways with former METAL CHURCH singer Ronny Munroe.
Crossover veterans PRO-PAIN will play their classic debut album, "Foul Taste Of Freedom" (1992), live in its entirety along with many other favorites on their upcoming "Foul Taste Of Freedom Tour 2011", celebrating the group's 20th anniversary. Main support on the trek will come from Germany's TENSIDE, with more acts to be announced.
The dates are as follows:
May 06 - Middelburg, Netherlands - De Spot
May 07 - Torhout, Belgium - Club De B
May 08 - Leiden, Netherlands - Lvc
May 10 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
May 11 - Berlin, Germany - K17
May 12 - Osnabrück, Germany - Headbangers Ballroom
May 13 - Essen, Germany - Turock
May 15 - Katowice, Poland - Mega Club
May 16 - Gydnia, Poland - Ucho Club
May 17 - Lovosice, Czech Republic - Gambrinus Club
May 18 - Liberec, Czech Republic - Casta Club
May 19 - Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice
May 20 - Jena, Germany - Fhaus
May 21 - Sonthofen, Germany - Barfly
May 22 - Den Bosch, Netherlands - W2
May 23 - Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
May 24 - Kassel, Germany - Musiktheater
May 25 - Aalen, Germany - Rock It
May 26 - Niedergoersdorf, Germany - Oftundgut Festival
May 27 - Landshut , Germany - Rock An Der Isar Festival
May 28 - Bischofswerda, Germany - East Club Open Air
Jun. 24 - Trinec, Czech Republic - Noc Plna Hvezd Open Air
Jun. 25 - Burkhardtsdorf, Germany - Rock Im Zwönitztal Open Air
Jul. 06 - Pécs, Hungary - Rockmarathon Festival
Jul. 08 - Wegorzewo, Poland - Seven Festival
"Absolute Power", the thirteenth full-length album from PRO-PAIN, was released in North America on September 28, 2010 via Regain Records. According to a press release, the CD "explores several sides to the tried-and-true American unit's somewhat patented sound. While a vast chunk of the album immediately recalls standard PRO-PAIN New York City-style metal/hardcore crossover attacks, many elements at play on 'Absolute Power' infiltrate totally new ground for the band. Recorded at Little Creek Studio in Gelterkinden, Switzerland, the record features ten thunderous anthems, bridging the gap between the hardcore club and the massive rock arena."
Formed by vocalist/bassist Gary Meskil, PRO-PAIN has over the years benefited from substantial support from an ever-growing and loyal fanbase as well as metal media and radio. Rounded out by longtime guitarist Tom Klimchuck, as well as newer members Marshall Stephens on rhythm guitar and Ricky Halverson (ex-NARCOTIC SELF, CELLADOR, STEPHEN PEARCY) on drums, the band's worldwide catalog sales approach one million units.
Guitarist John Petrucci of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER has issued the following update:
"First I'd like to say that my love and support goes out to all of our friends in Japan as they work through the tragic events of the past week. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I know that the strength of the Japanese people will prevail.
"As for the new DREAM THEATER album, it is going incredibly well and I can't wait for everyone to hear it! We are in the tracking process and working hard as well as just having so much fun.
"I appreciate everyone's patience regarding the announcement (or lack thereof!) of DREAM THEATER's new drummer. I know it has been very frustrating to have to wait for the news. Believe me, we are bursting at the seams to tell everyone and rest assured that our decision will not disappoint on any level!
"As for info and details on the new album, anything such as the title, song names, running times, artwork, direction etc, will be posted on the official DREAM THEATER and Roadrunner sites once the album is complete and we begin to prepare for its release.
"Looks like the start of our next world tour is lining up nicely as well. It's always great to be over in Europe during the summer playing out doors and seeing all of our friends again.
"In the meantime, I'm just shedding, lifting and buried deep in the making of the new album. My beautiful Music Man's and Boogies are raging and there are many notes flying around the studio!
"I hope everyone is well. Thank you so much as always for being such amazingly supportive friends and fans!"
DREAM THEATER has yet to officially announce its new drummer despite the fact that the band has been rehearsing with one candidate exclusively since last fall.
DREAM THEATER will co-headline this year's edition of Classic Rock magazine's award-winning High Voltage festival, set to take place Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011 in Victoria Park, London, England. The band will appear on the main stage on July 24. High Voltage 2011 will mark the first U.K. performance of the group's new lineup following the departure of Mike Portnoy.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band last 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 had toured with them since last summer.
DEATHDESTRUCTION — the Swedish metal "supergroup" featuring current/former members of EVERGREY, HAMMERFALL and DEAD BY APRIL — has inked a deal with the Swedish branch of Sony Music Entertainment. Due on August 25, the band's debut album was recorded at IN FLAMES' IF Studios with producer Roberto Laghi (IN FLAMES, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, LOK, SONIC SYNDICATE). A three-song EP, "Fuck Yeah" — recorded completely live at IF Studios — will precede the full-length CD on April 18.
The first in series of webisodes featuring video behind-the-scenes footage from the EP recording sessions can be viewed below.
"It is with extreme pride that we in DEATHDESTRUCTION can announce that we have signed with Sony," stated guitarist Henrik Danhage. "We look forward to a long collaboration and it will be damn fun to go out and perform live with the support of a company like that."
"DEATHDESTRUCTION makes me feel like a teenager again," said David Mortimer-Hawkins, A&R representative at Sony Music. "We are very happy and proud to be working with the band and their incredibly heavy debut album."
DEATHDESTRUCTION is:
Jimmie Strimell (DEAD BY APRIL) - Vocals
Henrik Danhage (ex-EVERGREY) - Guitar
Fredrik "Loppan" Larsson (HAMMERFALL) - Bass
Jonas Ekdahl (ex-EVERGREY) - Drums
Formed in late 2003 by Danhage, Ekdahl and EVERGREY keyboardist Rikard Zander (who was handling the vocals in the band's earliest incarnation), DEATHDESTRUCTION began as an innocent "hobby project" before Henrik and Jonas realized they wanted to pursue the band more seriously. They eventually parted ways with Rikard and enlisted Larsson and Strimmell, both of whom were "very excited to join the band," according to the group's official bio.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/deathdestructiongbg.
According to TMZ.com, the family and friends of Mike Starr have planned an "awesome water fountain tribute show" for the former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist at Seattle's Space Needle.
Mike's sister, Melinda Starr, tells TMZ.com that everyone is gathering around International Fountain — next to the Space Needle — where a water show is usually set to classical music, but for today's memorial it'll be rocking to ALICE IN CHAINS tunes.
Melinda says some of Mike's old ALICE IN CHAINS banmates will also be at the tribute — which is open to the public and begins at 4:00 p.m.
As previously reported, Starr's funeral has reportedly been put on hold for a few more weeks. The medical examiner has told the family that more time is needed to perform additional tests on Starr's body, according to TMZ.com. The 44-year-old musician and onetime "Celebrity Rehab" cast member was found dead in a Salt Lake City house on March 8 by friend and current bandmate, former DAYS OF THE NEW frontman Travis Meeks.
There's no word on what tests the medical examiner needs to conduct. Friends said that Starr was taking methadone to kick a longtime drug habit and also taking an anti-anxiety medication at the same time.
He was arrested and briefly jailed for drug possession in Salt Lake City last month, after police there pulled over the van he was traveling in. Starr was found in possession of 12 pills without a prescription.
Mike's family intends to hold both a private and public funeral service once Starr's body is released to them.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL, the new German/Italian melodic metal band led by drummer Michael Ehré (FIREWIND, ULI JON ROTH, METALIUM), has inked a deal with Massacre Records. The group's debut album, "Brace For Impact", is scheduled for release on June 17.
Commented Ehré: "We are very happy and proud to announce our partnership with Massacre Records. Since I joined METALIUM ten years ago I'm working with them and now we're proud to be a part of the Massacre family with LOVE.MIGHT.KILL!"
A trailer for "Brace For Impact" can be viewed below. The trailer features footage from the band's very first video and photo shoot along with a short interview with Ehré.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL's video for the song "Pretty Little Mess" was filmed in Germany in October 2010 and will be released soon.
"Brace For Impact", which was produced by Ehré and mixed by Markus Teske (SAGA, VANDEN PLAS, SPOCK'S BEARD), features 13 "stunning melodic metal tracks in the tradition of RAINBOW, JUDAS PRIEST, DIO and BLACK SABBATH," according to a press release.
After touring all around the world with several bands and writing songs for German metallers METALIUM, Japanese female metal vocalist Saeko and ex-ZED YAGO founder Jutta Weinhold, Ehré realized his vision of an own band by writing, recording and producing LOVE.MIGHT.KILL's debut CD. The effort features additional contributions from Italian singer Jan Manenti as a co-writer, longtime friends Christian Stöver and Stefan Ellerhorst (both from the German metal band CROSSROADS) on guitar and Jogi Sweers on bass.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL is:
Jan Manenti - Vocals
Stefan Ellerhorst - Guitar
Christian Stöver - Guitar
Jogi Sweers - Bass
Michael Ehré - Drums
For more information, visit www.lovemightkill.com.
Brazilian progressive power metal band ALMAH — the side project of ANGRA members Edu Falaschi (vocals) and Felipe Andreoli (bass) — will enter Norcal Studios in São Paulo on May 2 to record its long-awaited third album. The follow-up to 2008's "Fragile Equality" will be released in September.
Commented Falaschi: "I'm very happy with ALMAH's comeback in 2011, first of all, because this third CD should consolidade ALMAH as a band once and for all!!! This album will show you a mature band and it will define the individuality and language of our sound, which is the most important thing! I'm very exctited to launch it soon!"
ALMAH's sophomore album, "Fragile Equality", was released in October 2008 via AFM Records.
ALMAH is:
Edu Falaschi - Vocals
Felipe Andreoli - Bass
Marcelo Barbosa - Gutar
Paulo Schroeber - Guitar
Marcelo Moreira - Drums
ALMAH released its debut CD in the U.S. in July 2007 via Candlelight.
Century Media Records, the Finnish Metal Expo, Inferno magazine, Terrorizer magazine and Imperiumi.net joined forces last year to find the "Suomi Metal Star 2011." Around 240 Finnish bands signed up to take part in the contest and 12 were selected to be voted on by the public prior to this past New Year's Eve. The four finalist bands played at the Finnish Metal Expo in Helsinki on Saturday, February 19 and it was ODDLAND from Turku who won over the majority of the jury members with its brand of sophisticated prog metal/rock — described as a cross between DEVIN TOWNSEND, OPETH and KATATONIA.
ODDLAND was formed in 2003 when four 18-year-old "wimps" decided to play heavy music to as a mental anti-acne medication. The mental acne never disappeared, but neither did the passion to play overdriven music with captivating melodies and intense energy. So far they made two recordings: the EP "Connecions Critical Behind" (2007) and the demo/promo "Away From The Watching Eye" (2009).
Commented ODDLAND: "We are absolutely thrilled to be signed by Century Media Records and to be recording our debut album with them. We're very proud to become part of the Century Media family. There are many amazingly talented bands with the label and we're very honored to become one of them. We've been playing together for a long time and it seems that all the hours spent at the rehearsal room were not in vain. We're going to work very hard to make the best debut album we can possibly make. We don't want to rush things, however, because we want to put out music that will make us stick around. And last but not least, we want to say a huge thank you to all the fans, friends and family who have supported us to this point. Thank you!"
Added Jens Prueter, head of A&R at Century Media Records in Europe: "I was already convinced by their latest demo, but when it's coming to complex progressive metal and rock, it's even more important to see a band live. ODDLAND's kind of music is not easy to play at all, but by the time they came on stage and played the first few notes, I knew they are special. I'm glad that we have next to TESSERACT another young band that combining classic prog influences with modern metal. Welcome ODDLAND!"
For more information, visit the ODDLAND Facebook page.
Welsh "ragga metal" act SKINDRED will release its fourth album, "Union Black", on April 25 via BMG/7pm Records. The CD was recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London with producer James Loughrey.
The band's new single, "Warning", is a no-holds-barred ragga rock monster of a tune which received its first exclusive play earlier in the month on BBC Radio 1's "Rock Show".
"Union Black" track listing, according to EverythingRock:
01. Union Black (intro)
02. Warning (feat. PAPA ROACH's Jacoby Shaddix)
03. Cut Dem
04. Doom Riff
05. Living A Lie
06. Gun Talk
07. Own Ya
08. Make Your Mark
09. Get It Now
10. Bad Man Ah Bad Man
11. Death To All Spies
12. Game Over
"I don't think I've been this happy with songs for years," bassist Dan Pugsley told U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. I know everyone always says that, but I'm just so happy to be doing the album in the U.K. We've never actually recorded in the U.K. [before]. Working with a British producer, who knows the more British reference points we have, is great. American producers are all about American radio and how you fit into that; if you put something 'different' out, radio just won't play it. We've had more freedom to 'create' on this album. It's not like we're going to be doing self-indulgent, wacky things, just stuff that people thought wouldn't work on American radio that we're not trying out — and it's working! The drum 'n' bass thing, the dancehall thing… we're embracing all the things that make us different."
Regarding the new album title, vocalist Benji Webbe said, "'Union Black' is a celebration of the diversity of the U.K. We're all from different backgrounds, but there are so many of us here on this little island — from the Commonwealth and beyond — we're all kindred spirits of old Blighty. And it's 'black' because when you mix every color together, you get black!"
Current/former members of AFTER FOREVER, PAGAN'S MIND and DEATH ANGEL will participate in the third "Winter Metal Symphony" show (formerly "Christmas Metal Symphony"), which will now take place September 16, 2011 (originally January 22) at 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. As was the case with the last two editions of the event, the singers will be backed by a six-piece band and a 30-piece classical orchestra as they perform some of the finest heavy metal and hard rock songs of all time. This unique show will contain songs from all metal genres — from prog-metal to rock, from death to speed and from industrial to symphonic.
Confirmed musicians:
* Floor Jansen (REVAMP)
* Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL)
* Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND)
* Anna Phoebe (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA)
Tickets are on sale now and cost €28.00 (pre-sale) or €32.50 (show day).
A PERFECT CIRCLE will tour North America for the first time in six years, kicking off its 2011 tour dates with a headlining performance at Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio on May 22.
The details are as follows:
May 22 - Columbus, OH - Rock on the Range
Jun. 29 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Jun. 30 - Kent, WA - Showare Center
Jul. 02 - Gibbons, AL - Boonstock Festival
Jul. 04 - Winnipeg, MB - Centennial Concert Hall
Jul. 06 - St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Jul. 08 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre
Jul. 09 - Toronto, ON - Edgefest
Jul. 12 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
Jul. 13 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
Jul. 15 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
Jul. 16 - Philadelphia, PA - Penn's Landing - Festival Pier
Jul. 17 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall
Jul. 19 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
Jul. 20 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
Jul. 22 - San Antonio, TX - Freeman Coliseum
Jul. 23 - Grand Prairie, TX - Verizon Theatre
Jul. 25 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
Jul. 28 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheater
Jul. 29 - Sacramento, CA - Memorial Auditorium
Jul. 30 - Berkeley, CA - The Greek Theatre
Aug. 02 - Denver, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug. 09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
A PERFECT CIRCLE began touring again last fall after a six-year hiatus, and guitarist Billy Howerdel told The Pulse Of Radio that plans are in the works to make new music as well. While he says that the band has come up with a couple of new songs, Howerdel added that he could get more done if he just had a place to work. "I kind of had the biggest void of writing in the past few years that I've ever had," he said. "I don't really have a great place to work. I had a house with a studio and sold that, and so I don't have this readily available studio. And it's the worst reason in the world to not be doing it, but we're basically an unsigned band, we can kind of do what we want and put it out how we want, and we can kind of turn it around pretty quickly...that is if I find a place to start working."
U.S. melodic metal act ARTIZAN has set April 29 as the release date for its full-length debut, "Curse Of The Artizan", via the German label Pure Steel Records. The CD was recorded with legendary producer Jim Morris, who has previously worked with ICED EARTH, DEATH, CANNIBAL CORPSE and JAG PANZER, among many others.
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Curse Of The Artizan
02. Rise
03. Trade The World
04. Game Within A Game
05. The Man In Black
06. Fire
07. Fading Story
Fantasy artist Marc Sasso (DIO, HALFORD) has created characters based on the conceptual idea of the album's title track, "Curse Of The Artizan". The album contains an intro track to "Curse Of The Artizan" titled "Torment", which illustrates the Artizan as a child being bullied and ostracized. As the Artizan matures, he discovers he was born with a gift to sculpt and paint characters which come to life and seek retribution on those that were cruel to him. In the CD artwork we see a beast that he has sculpted from granite that is coming to life and breaking free. The beast will soon be delivering vengeance to those who scarred the Artizan.
ARTIZAN drummer Ty Tammeus will be at this year's Keep it True festival to promote the CD release. The annual event will be held April 29-30 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.
Audio samples are available for streaming on the band's Facebook page.
ARTIZAN, hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, was formed by original members of the acclaimed Century Media recording artist LEVIATHAN, and released its self-titled debut EP in late 2009. With a strong resemblance to such great bands as IRON MAIDEN, QUEENSRŸCHE, FATES WARNING and CRIMSON GLORY, ARTIZAN is undoubtedly one of the best exponents of what classic heavy metal is all about.
ARTIZAN is:
Tom Braden - Vocals
Ty Tammeus - Drums
Shamus McConney - Rhythm Guitar
Hermanus J. Rombouts - Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Jonathan Jennings Jr. - Bass
For more information, visit www.artizanmetal.com.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/artizancd.jpg
"I never imagined that the tour would have received the overwhelmingly positive reactions that it did," says Jason Bonham. "It's been beyond my wildest dreams to come out represent my family, my father and the music of LED ZEPPELIN."
Bonham is talking about the JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE concert, which thrilled audiences last year on an acclaimed and successful 38-city trek of North America. Due to popular demand, it will now return for a limited run this coming May, launching May 4. It will mostly take place in grand theatres offering excellent sightlines, promising an intimate and unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.
JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE is a unique trifecta of an over-the-top rock concert featuring the unforgettable blues-rock music of LED ZEPPELIN, atmospheric video and light displays and the history that Bonham shares with the legendary rock and roll band. The show features Jason Bonham on drums, Tony Catania on guitar and theremin, Stephen Leblanc on keyboards/pedal-steel guitars, Michael Devin on bass and James Dylan on lead vocals.
The band performs 20 iconic LED ZEPPELIN songs encompassing the band's albums including their 1969 debut "Led Zeppelin" ("Your Time Is Gonna Come", "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", "Good Times Bad Times"), 1969's "Led Zeppelin II" ("Thank You", "Lemon Song" and "Moby Dick"); 1970's "Led Zeppelin III" ("Since I've Been Loving You" and "Celebration Day"); 1970's "Led Zeppelin IV" ("When The Levee Breaks", "Black Dog" and "Rock and Roll"); 1973's "Houses Of The Holy" ("The Ocean", "Over The Hills And Far Away"); 1975's "Physical Graffiti" ("Kashmir") and many more LED ZEPPELIN favorites.
JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE tour dates:
May 04 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theatre
May 05 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre
May 06 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Resort
May 07 - New Hampshire, CT - Capital Center
May 09 - Buffalo, NY - University PAC
May 10 - Westbury, NY - Theatre at Westbury
May 12 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
May 14 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
May 15 - Greensburg, PA - Palace Theatre
May 17 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian
May 18 - St. Louis, MI - The Pageant
May 19 - Kansas City, MI - Harrah's Casino
May 20 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
May 21 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
May 24 - Fremont, CA - Saddlerack
May 25 - Napa, CA - Uptown Theatre
May 26 - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theatre
May 27 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek Theatre
May 28 - Las Vegas, NV - Alliente Casino
Norwegian melodic power metallers PAGAN'S MIND have inked a deal with SPV/Steamhammer for the release of their sixth album, "Heavenly Ecstasy". Due on May 20 in Germany, May 23 in the rest of Europe and in June in USA/Canada, the follow-up to 2007's "God's Equation" was mixed last fall by Stefan Glaumann at Toytown Studios (RAMMSTEIN, MADONNA, WITHIN TEMPTATION) in Stockholm, Sweden.
A brand new song from "Heavenly Ecstasy" entitled "Intermission" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
Commented PAGAN'S MIND guitarist and producer Jørn Viggo Lofstad: "After considering offers from various labels, we decided to be a part of the new SPV family. Signing with such a respected label gave us the spark to come up with what we think is the most cohesive album we have done, and probably our best offering so far. We can't wait to get back in action and present these songs to you all."
SPV/Steamhammer A&R representative Olly Hahn added:" I'm very happy that PAGAN'S MIND decided to join the SPV family. The band always delivered some of the best and most exciting metal music and with the new album they even put up a dash more!"
In a recent interview with LetsRock.ro, PAGAN'S MIND singer Nils K. Rue stated about the band's forthcoming CD, "I'm really really excited. I have great belief in it, I think the material is extremely strong and that it represent sort of a 'comeback' (since it been over three years since 'God's Equation'). I am sure both fans of PAGAN'S MIND and people who haven't heard us before will appreciate it a lot."
Regarding the musical direction of the new album, Nils said, "There is no doubt it sounds like PAGAN'S MIND, as I believe we have a very distinct sound. It's heavy, melodic and at times intricate — but on the other hand we have shaken off some of the most extreme progressive elements, setting songwriting and melody in total focus. It's atmospheric, very catchy, very heavy, very good."
On the topic of the new CD's lyrical themes, Nils said, "We're inspired by mysticism and 'the unknown,' as always, but this time the lyrics also deal with stuff everyone can relate to. Our lyrics is often metaphorical, which allows the listener to make up their own opinion on the words and meaning — and make it their own personal 'story.' By making the music a little bit more 'straight in your face,' this time so is the lyrics. Nevertheless, the 'sworn PAGAN'S MIND fan' won't be disappointed — there are enough mystic stuff here to blow your mind. To give an example, on a lyric that deals with 'reality,' there are several, but some of the songs has a positive message that tells to believe in yourself and is upbuilding in terms of self-esteem and the power of will, and yourself."
PAGAN'S MIND's latest album, "God's Equation", in 2007 entered the Norwegian domestic chart (featuring only Norwegian artists) at position No. 14. It also landed on the international chart (featuring all artists) at No. 35. The CD, which was released in the U.S. in January 2008, was recorded by Espen Mjøen at his Mediamaker Studio in Skien, Norway, and mixed at Toy Town Studios in Stockholm by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN).
Upcoming PAGAN'S MIND shows:
May 20 - London, Camden Underworld, UK
May 21 - Manchester, Satan's Hollow, UK
May 22 - Wakefield, The Snooty Fox, UK
May 23 - Grimsby, Yarbirds, UK
May 24 - Nottingham, Bensons, UK
May 25 - Birmingham, The Roadhouse, UK
May 26 - Zaandam, De Kade, NL
May 27 - Uden, De Pul, NL
May 28 - Dokkum, Dokk'em Open Air, NL
May 29 - As, GC Drieschaar, BE
July 7-10 - Kvinesdal, Norway Rock Festival, NO
July 15 - Lichtenvoorde, Zwarte Cross, NL
Denmark's melodic doom metal masters SATURNUS have parted ways with Firebox Records and are currently seeking a new label home.
The band's current lineup still includes Thomas A.G. Nielsen (vocals), Brian Hansen (guitar) and Rune Stiassny (lead guitar). A new drummer and rhythm guitarist were recently added in the shape of Henrik Glass and Mattias Svensson, respectively.
Commented Nielsen: "SATURNUS has been through a major transition due to a necessary lineup change arising from different views on how things needed to be run. This put the brakes on the bands progression for so long that eventually something had to break or otherwise we would inevitably have split up.
"We love playing live whenever we can and right now we want to do it more than ever to follow on and raise our profile once again to echo the success of our last album, 'Veronika Decides to Die', and previous efforts.
"The new lineup is just perfect. All the things I have been looking for in musicians has been delivered perfectly; the creativity, the lust for playing live, the understanding of the universe of SATURNUS and the way to compose is just perfect. I could not wish for better.
"Leaving Firebox Records was necessary for SATURNUS and even with one contractual album left to be fulfilled, both parties amicably decided to annul the contract we had and go our separate ways.
"So now the future lies open for SATURNUS. We need a record label to fully get the ship back out to sea again, and believe me, we are hungry like never before."
SATURNUS completed a four-song demo between October 2010 and February 2011 containing the tracks "The Litany Of Rain", "A Father's Providence", "Wind Torn" and "Between" (working title). The recording was mixed and mastered by Flemming Rasmussen, who has previously worked with METALLICA, MORBID ANGEL and BLIND GUARDIAN, among others.
A performance clip of a new SATURNUS song, "Wind Torn", recorded in 2009 in Madrid, Spain, can be viewed below.
SATURNUS's latest album, "Veronika Decides To Die", was released in 2006. The CD was produced by Flemming Rasmussen and featured a guest appearance by MERCYFUL FATE guitar legend Michael Denner. The album was nominated in four categories ("Best Metal Album", "Best Metal Track", "Best Metal Production" and "Best Metal Artwork") at the 2006 Danish Metal Awards event.
QUIET RIOT, WARRANT and L.A. GUNS (the Phil Lewis version) will join forces for the "Metal Health" tour of Australia and New Zealand in April/May.
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 29 - The Palace - Melbourne
Apr. 30 - Anu Bar - ACT
May 02 - The Powerstation - Auckland (NZ)
May 05 - HQ Complex - Adelaide
May 06 - Metro City - Perth
May 07 - The Tivoli - Brisbane
May 08 - The Metro – Sydney
Tickets are available through Ticketek (Australia) and Ticketmaster (New Zealand).
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."
QUIET RIOT 2011 is:
Chuck Wright - Bass
Alex Grossi - Guitar
Frankie Banali - Drums
Mark Huff - Vocals
WARRANT has set "Rockaholic" as the title of its new album, due in May via Frontiers Records. The CD was produced by Keith Olsen, who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE and SCORPIONS, among others.
When asked if WARRANT's new material — which will appear on the group's forthcoming studio album — will have that same Sunset Strip influence as the band's earlier stuff, singer Robert Mason told the Green Bay Press-Gazette, "The new material doesn't sound exactly like the old stuff did, because we're all a little older and wiser — and maybe a little more sober, I don't know, slightly more sober — but it's still the same spirit. You can take the kid out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the kid, ya know?"
Phil Lewis' L.A. GUNS is not to be confused with the Tracii Guns-led version of the group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.
L.A. GUNS' latest album, "Tales from the Strip", was released in August 2005 in the U.S. via Shrapnel Records. The CD, which was produced by Andy Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES), was lyrically inspired by a historically significant rock scene that L.A. GUNS had a strong hand in creating.
ECHOTERRA — the new female-fronted symphonic rock/metal band featuring vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (VISIONS OF ATLANTIS), keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (PYRAMAZE), guitarist Yan Leviathan (AVIAN), bassist Brian Hollenbeck and drummer Adam Sagan (INTO ETERNITY) — has finished recording its new album, "Land Of The Midnight Sun". The group states, "We are now in the mixing and mastering stage and are anticipating a late May completion of the album and a mid-summer release date. We are also planning on shooting a video for the first single, 'After The Rain', and will debut it around the release date of the album."
"Land Of The Midnight Sun" track listing:
01. After The Rain
02. The Best Is Yet To Come
03. All The Lies
04. Midnight Sun
05. The Ghost Within My Heart
06. Welcome My Friend Of Misery
07. Memories Of Another Time
08. A Different Story
09. From The Gutter To The Throne
10. Unleash The Flood
11. Genes Of Isis
Check out the cover artwork below.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/echoterralandcd.jpg
Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (real name: Tommie Helgesson) has scheduled a special concert on Friday, May 27 at the Brew House in Gothenburg, Sweden. The one-off event, which will be professionally filmed and recorded for future DVD release, will see Shaw perform "all his favorite songs" from "all his former bands" — including KING DIAMOND, NOTRE DAME, DREAM EVIL, MERCYFUL FATE, THERION, MEMENTO MORI, ILLWILL, XXX and DIMMU BORGIR) — and will feature guest appearances by Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD, KING DIAMOND) and Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND, ILLWILL).
A short question-and-answer session with Snowy Shaw regarding the upcoming concert (provided exclusively to BLABBERMOUTH.NET):
Q: Which other musicians will make up the core band for this show?
Snowy: "Apart from the guest appearances, my core band consists of Kristian Niemann (ex-THERION) on lead guitar, Mannequin De Sade (ex-NOTRE DAME, ENGEL) on drums, and phenomenal female bassist/singer Hellinor Asp."
Q: Is this strictly a one-off or is there a possibility of other gigs in other territories?
Snowy: "We'll do this show first and then I guess we'll see what happens. Unfortunately, I think it's way too late now to book festivals shows for this summer, which would be the absolute perfect place for this spectacular live show and performance. I certainly wouldn't mind touring all the four corners of the world with it though, but like I said, we'll see what happens."
Q: What prompted you to stage this unusual concert?
Snowy: "First of all, few people been involved in as many bands as I have, and over the years people kept saying I should revive NOTRE DAME, reunite with KING DIAMOND or MEMENTO MORI, or that DREAM EVIL wasn't as good without me and so on. Personally, I'm not a big fan of moving backwards, but this concept is something altogether new and fresh, perhaps even unique. To the best of my knowledge, I don't know of anyone else who've done anything like this before, and I feel really excited and optimistic about it. From the moment it first crossed my mind and the more I thought about it, I loved the idea of offering people a kick-ass 'best- of' show with all the favorites, classics and hits of all my former bands together with my all-star band and occasional special guest stars connected to those bands. And so far people seem to love the idea and concept, and the response has been nothing less than great."
Former members of IMAGIKA, DARK ANGEL and ELDRITCH have joined forces in a new brand new project called KILL RITUAL. The band will enter Fang Studios this summer to record its debut album, "Serpentine Rituals", for a 2011 release on a yet-to-be-determined label.
Formed in late 2010 by former IMAGIKA lead guitarist Steven Rice and drummer Wayne De Vecchi, KILL RITUAL is completed by former ELDRITCH guitarist Roberto Proietti, former DARK ANGEL bassist Danyael Williams and Bay Area vocalist Josh Gibson.
Commented Steven: "After the demise of IMAGIKA, Wayne and I decided to form a new band that would bring life to the music we had been working on after IMAGIKA called it a day. We had a goal in mind of writing music that reflected our influences from thrash, classic, progressive, power, whatever-kicks-ass metal and this required bringing in experienced players that have been there and done that. We were lucky enough to come in contact with Roberto and Danyael, who had the kind of pedigree and experience we were definitely looking for.
"Having both been in bands that have released numerous albums worldwide and toured extensively, they are a perfect fit for this new band. The missing element was, of course, vocalist Josh, who came into the band with the work ethic, experience and attitude that is essential as a vocalist to help the songs take on a life of their own. His unique and identifiable vocal style is the change we needed from our past projects as we definitely had the idea of KILL RITUAL taking a new direction from our collective past bands and I think we have achieved that. I mean, what's the point of rehashing what you've already done? I feel the four rough demo tracks we're releasing show this and are only a hint of what's to come."
KILL RITUAL is:
Josh Gibson - Vocals
Steven Rice - Lead Guitar
Roberto Proietti - Guitar
Wayne De Vecchi - Drums
Danyael Williams - Bass
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/killritual.
Ohio metallers SKELETONWITCH have parted ways with drummer Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau and have temporarily replaced him with Tony Laureano (DIMMU BORGIR, 1349, ANGELCORPSE, NILE).
Commented SKELETONWITCH guitarist Scott Hedrick: "Our good friend Tony will be playing drums on our April tour, new album, and for the foreseeable future.
"We're fucking stoked to have a drummer of his caliber and experience on board. He's a beast behind the kit and a great fucking guy as well. You can't ask for more than that!"
He added, "After our last tour, Derrick informed us that he is putting down the drum sticks and picking up the paint brush. He is returning to art school and does not wish to be a musician anymore.
"We would like to thank Derrick for his years of dedication to SKELETONWITCH. Though we will miss him, there is no bad blood. We will always remain great friends and wish him the best with his new endeavor."
SKELETONWITCH will team up with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD in April for a run of dates through the Midwest and East Coast, which will include a stop at New England Metal And Hardcore Festival in Worcester, Massachusetts on April 16.
SKELETONWITCH's latest album, "Breathing the Fire" (2009), debuted at No. 151 on The Billboard 200 chart and 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. It was SKELETONWITCH's second full-length release for Prosthetic Records, with whom the band recently extended its recording deal.
Due to "family matters," drummer Pawel "Paul" Jaroszewicz has decided to leave Polish extreme metal veterans VADER. Despite this, he has committed to laying down tracks for the band's new album, "Welcome To The Morbid Reich", and taking part in the group's already confirmed concerts in May, June and July. Jaroszewicz's replacement in VADER is the "very talented" 21-year-old English musician James Stewart, who has previously played with DIVINE CHAOS.
Commented Mariusz Kmiolek of Massive Music Management: "The choice was obvious. We know James from one of the VADER tours, his band supported us on several gigs. We gave him an assignment to do; he prepared some tracks, presented them on the video and became the new member of our crew! He's a very young, talented and disciplined musician. He belongs to the new wave artists — ambitious, exquisite in their technique, keeping track of the technical novelties. At the same time he's a nice guy, drinking his tea with milk (brrrr!) and craving for success. I believe in this guy!"
In other news, VADER guitarist/vocalist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek has released a statement disputing bassist Tomasz "Reyash" Rejek's February 2010 announcement that he had decided to "quit" VADER "due to personal reasons."
Stated Wiwczarek: "I decided to thank Reyash for over two-year's cooperation in January 2011 and it was solely my decision. The decision was made on his recent behavior only and definitely not due to his 'personal reasons.' Reyash is a great mate BUT this isn't enough to be a part of VADER.
"What's funny is that my expectations are really not that high as it might seem from the personal changes in the band throughout the recent years. VADER is appreciated by YOU just because of us keeping the style, sincerity and quality REGARDLESS the so-called public opinion. Reyash knew that he was to play 'till the end of the season (promotion of [VADER's last album, 'Necropolis') and his staying in the band depended exclusively on his work during the past two years. I can't understand his trying to give a good account of himself in this situation, the more so because it is insincere.
"Nevertheless, me and all people contributing to the presence of VADER Commando wish Reyash success, all the best and satisfaction from his work! One should keep good memories only. We're also glad that after Reyash's official statement appeared, we were contacted by lots of bass players willing to join the band, most of them from abroad. However, the decision about who will replace Tomek was made a few weeks ago. We invited Hal (HERMH, DEAD INFECTION, ABUSED MAJESTY). This lineup will be seen on stage from April."
VADER entered Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Polandearlier in the month to begin recording its new album, "Welcome To The Morbid Reich". The band is laying down a total of 12 or 13 songs for the CD, which will be mixed and mastered in May for a tentative late 2011 release. Working songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Lords of Thorns", "I Am Who Feast Upon Your Souls", "Only Hell Knows", "Return to the Morbid Reich" and "I Had A Dream".
VADER will debut one or two tracks from "Welcome To The Morbid Reich" during the band's summer festival appearances.
VADER recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its classic second album, "De Profundis", by performing the LP in its entirety. Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek stated, "[The fans'] response for this idea was more than great so we decided to repeat this in the future with other VADER titles, too."
VADER's latest album, "Necropolis", sold around 1,130 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 19 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Reactivated Swedish death metallers MALFEITOR have announced the addition of drummer Janne (Rudberg) Björkenfjäll (EXCRUCIATE, MORPHEUS, MASTICATION, EXHUMED) to the group's ranks.
MALFEITOR is currently working on new material for a 2011 release.
VREID and DORDEDUH (the Romanian metal band featuring former NEGURA BUNGET members Hupogrammos and Sol Faur) are among the artists who will contribute to the forthcoming "official tribute" to Norwegian masters of progressive/experimental metal ENSLAVED. Twenty acts are scheduled to appear on the CD, entitled "Önd - A Tribute", which will coincide with 20-year anniversary of Norway's finest.
The final list of confirmed acts for ENSLAVED tribute:
* DORDEDUH (Romania)
* ODEM ARCARUM (Germany)
* ISLAND (Germany )
* ASMODEE (France)
* ANGANTYR (Denmark)
* REVERENCE (France)
* FOSCOR (Spain)
* STAGNANT WATERS (France/Norway)
* WODENSTHRONE (UK)
* ANGMAR (France)
* RIBOZYME (Norway)
* EL REGN (Norway)
* VREID (Norway)
* JANVS (Italy)
* BELENOS (france)
* KRAKOW (Norway)
* LUX DIVINA (Spain)
* AS LIGHT DIES (Spain)
* FEN (UK)
* DARKENHOLD (France)
For more information, visit pictonian.records.free.fr.
Massacre Records has announced the signing of Austria's GARAGEDAYS. The band's new album, "Dark And Cold", will be released on June 24. The CD was mixed and mastered at Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden by Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND).
01. Last Breath
02. Lord Of Darkness
03. Father
04. Blow Away
05. Four
06. I'm Your Hate
07. Piece Of Shit
08. Conscience
09. Black Bridges
10. Dark And Cold
GARAGEDAYS was formed in 2005 in Rattenberg by Marco Kern, with the motivation to represent "good old '80s metal." After searching for the perfect bassist and drummer for a long time and various lineups later, they finally chose Martin Bogner to be their new drummer and Dominik Eder as their new bassist. With that lineup they started to write songs, which they also performed live.
From early 2006 until 2007 they completed 10 tracks and recorded their first demo CD, "Wild And Dangerous". In late 2008, Matthias Mai (drums) and Rene Auer (lead guitar) joined the band and they finished their second demo, "Leather And Spikes".
In 2010, GARAGEDAYS completed two records: "Sight Of The Blind" and "Dark And Cold".
After nine years of inactivity, Dutch death metallers CENTURIAN have reformed and are preparing to record a new full-length album. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include:
* Antinomian
* Feast Of The Cross
* Judas Among Twelve
* The Will Of The Torch
* Sin Upon Man
* Adversus
Guitarist Rob Oorthuis, CENTURIAN's founding member and writer/composer, stated about the band's new material, "The new songs are more CENTURIAN-esque than they are NOX songs. The chemistry among the bandmembers, musically and technically, leans on an approach we had back in the CENTURIAN days. Because of this I coined the idea about changing back the name. We have been jamming some songs from both full-lengths already and it feels great!"
The reunited CENTURIAN will make its live debut at this year's edition of the Neurotic Deathfest, set to take place April 29-30, 2011 at 013 and MIDI theatre in Tilburg, Holland.
CENTURIAN 2011 is:
Niels Adams - Vocals
Rob Oorthuis - Guitars
Patrick Boleij - Bass
Seth Van De Loo - Drums
CENTURIAN's last album, "Liber Zarzax", was released in 2001 via Listenable Records.
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