Ozzy Osbourne will play an exclusive, one-off show at London, England's Hammersmith Apollo on June 21 as part of Kerrang! magazine's 30th-birthday celebrations. The former BLACK SABBATH singer will also be honored with the Legend Award at this year's Kerrang! Awards on June 9.
"It's an incredible honor to be the second recipient of Kerrang!'s Legend Award," said Ozzy, "and I'm looking forward to you all going 'fucking crazy' at the 30th-anniversary party at the Hammersmith Apollo!"
Kerrang! editor Nichola Browne said: "We are so unbelievably excited to have Ozzy play this very special show for our 30th-birthday celebrations in June. We are privileged that the Prince of Darkness can help us mark this momentous milestone in style and it's guaranteed to be a night to remember.
"Ozzy has been the mainstay of rock music. During his long and colorful career, he's not only helped define heavy metal as the voice of BLACK SABBATH, he's also enjoyed a three-decade reign as a solo artist and inspired thousands of rock fans to 'go fucking crazy' during his unmissable live shows. He's a much-loved, larger-than-life personality, and it is only fitting that we will be honoring Ozzy with the prestigious Legend Award at this year's Kerrang! Awards."
The awards, voted for by readers, will once again be hosted by SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor and ANTHRAX/THE DAMNED THINGS guitarist Scott Ian.
FIREWIND/OZZY OSBOURNE axeman Gus G. (real name: Kostas Karamitroudis) has partnered with Guitar Center for an upcoming "Sessions" event. The three-hour instructional seminar will take place on Thursday, April 21 at Guitar Center in Hollywood, California beginning at 7 p.m. This is a free event, but space is limited so be sure to get there early. Fans can expect to see Gus perform lots of his favorite riffs, participate in a question-and-answer segment and sign autographs.
Commented Gus: "I'm very excited about coming to Guitar Center in Hollywood later this month 'cause, while I've done various clinics and workshops in Europe and Japan, this is going to be the first one in the U.S. for me!
"When they presented me with the 'Sessions' idea, I thought it was a great way to meet some fans at a more intimate environment, play some stuff for them, answer questions and actually get to meet them.
"I will definitely be playing material from OZZY and FIREWIND albums and hopefully I'll meet lots of you down there. Remember, this is going to be a free-entrance event!"
"Guitar Center Sessions" is a music- and education-based initiative that features informative and provocative discussions, along with hands-on tutorials by the industry's most respected artists. Serving as an inspirational incubator for musicians, "Sessions" provides an opportunity to network with their peers and gain insight and knowledge from their musical influences in a comfortable and intimate setting.
KISS will return to the annual Rogers Bayfest in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday, July 6.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, April 16.
A Kiss Army members-only ticket presale will run from April 14 at 10 a.m. to April 15 at midnight EDT on KissOnline.com.
For more information, visit www.sarniabayfest.com.
KISS was scheduled to enter the studio last week to begin recording the follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom" for a late 2011 release. In a March 10, 2011 interview with DJ JC Green of Alfa Rock 105.7 FM and Metal Messiah Radio's "Heavy Metal Thunder" program, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons stated about the forthcoming CD, "The new record, which we already started working on, is gonna be the next step to 'Sonic Boom'. Very similar — straight rock songs, no ballads, no keyboards, no nothing, just rock. . . A lot of the songs [have been] written by the whole band together, so no outside writers, just the band doing what it did on the first three records — writing the songs ourselves." He added, "We have almost all the songs written. In fact, we have too many songs; we have about 20 to 25 things that look and sound good."
KISS has been rocking out arenas for the last four decades and has become one of the most renowned rock bands in the history of music, with popular songs like "Rock And Roll All Nite" and "Calling Dr. Love". They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and have continued their incredible success with the release of their latest album, "Sonic Boom".
Jägermeister has announced the ground-breaking exclusive "Jägermeister Ice Cold Event" taking place on Wednesday, May 11 at Battersea Power Station, starring legendary rock 'n' roll royalty Alice Cooper appearing in 4D.
The "Jägermeister Ice Cold Event" is set to make history as the U.K.'s first holographic 4D rock gig and will celebrate the release of the new Alice Cooper box set "Old School: 1964-1974". Featuring original band members Alice Cooper, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and Michael Bruce, plus Steve Hunter standing-in for the late Glen Buxton, the "Jägermeister Ice Cold Event" will be the first time the group has "appeared" together in the U.K. since 1972.
"We couldn't resist this," says Alice. "Working with Jägermeister to appear as holograms on the other side of the Atlantic is the ultimate experience, a cutting-edge conjuring trick that celebrates the future and our history. We can't wait to see the results."
June 6 sees the release of the Alice Cooper super deluxe box set "Old School: 1964–1974". To launch this treasure chest, the band will go back to Alice's holographic roots.
In March 1973, Alice was the subject of the world's first 3D hologram piece of art, created by the surrealist (and Alice fan) Salvador Dali. An admirer of the band's shock tactics, Dali immortalized Alice as a hologram, and now the band are taking advantage of cutting-edge technology once again, partnering with Jägermeister for this word exclusive experience.
This innovation is no surprise to Alice fans. Alice Cooper flipped hippie ideals on their head and astonished the world, "driving a stake through the heart of the Love Generation," as the group's namesake put it. Heavy metal took the imagery, punk took the tunes, rock and pop took the showmanship as fans the world over fell in love with the band's macabre sense of humor.
Jägermeister is best enjoyed at sub zero temperatures, making it the perfect ice cold shot drink. As one of the world's top 10 spirits brands, Jägermeister has supported the rock music world for years, and as a brand who continue to innovate, Jägermeister present Alice Cooper in the U.K.'s largest ever holographic, audience-interactive stage experience. Using the very latest holographic system, V-Depth, the audience will be part of an exclusive, interactive show they will never forget.
The event is being hosted by DJ Zane Lowe, who will play an exclusive DJ set at the event; a live performance from Jägerband THE KING BLUES; and further sets from Xfm DJs Eddy Temple Morris and Ian Camfield, plus astounding visual experiences incorporating Battersea Power Station's iconic architecture.
There are just 800 exclusive tickets available to the "Jägermeister Ice Cold Event", which can be won by applying via the new Jägermeister U.K. Facebook page.
Legendary horror author Stephen King still enjoys listening to bands like METALLICA while working on stories and novels, according to a new interview with The Atlantic. Asked what he prefers putting on while working, King said, "METALLICA, ANTHRAX, I still listen to those guys . . . There's a band called the LIVING THINGS that I like a lot. Very loud group. I never cared for Ozzy very much . . . [BLACK SABBATH] don't really work for me."
King has a new short story in the latest issue of The Atlantic, called "Herman Wouk Is Still Alive".
King famously tapped AC/DC to assemble "Who Made Who", the 1986 soundtrack album to the film version of his novel "Maximum Overdrive".
DEF LEPPARD, Britain's greatest arena rock band, will release a brand new live album, "Mirrorball", through Bludgeon Riffola/Mailboat Records on the following dates:
Germany, Switzerland, Austria - June 3
Rest Of Europe - June 6
North America - June 7
"Mirrorball" will be available exclusively at Walmart and Sam's Club locations in the United States and Canada. The album will include a 50-minute DVD that contains live performances and intimate backstage footage of the band captured on the road. A special limited vinyl edition will also be made available. "Mirrorball" will also be available online, marking the first time the band's music will officially be made available for digital purchase. DEF LEPPARD will also be releasing their new community based website in May, which is being developed to be the ultimate DEF LEPPARD fan experience and go-to destination for all things on the band.
"Mirrorball" features a mix of live DEF LEPPARD classics (recorded throughout The Sparkle Lounge Tour), three brand new studio songs and the aforementioned bonus DVD. "Mirrorball" is DEF LEPPARD's first ever live album and features rock classics such as "Animal", "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Photograph", "Nine Lives" and "Rock Of Ages". The album also brings together three brand new studio tracks — "Undefeated", "Kings Of The World" and "It's All About Believin'" — taking their place with ease within this classic setlist.
"When we decided to do (the live album), it just got said — I don't know by who — 'Why don't we chuck a couple of new songs on the end?' " frontman Joe Elliott told Billboard.com. "And that two became three, and in fairness it could've been four if we'd just had a little bit more time. But we wanted to tour this summer, so any fourth or fifth song we had brewing, we'll save them for the next record."
Elliott composed "Undefeated", which he described to Billboard.com as "a very QUEEN-type vocal thing. It even features piano and stuff." Guitarist Phil Collen's "It's All About Believin'" is "a pop-rock song," while bassist Rick Savage's "Kings Of The World" is "a big, epic, rock anthem that will sound great in arenas and stadiums all over the world — kind of 'We Will Rock You' with guitars, if you like."
"They're all very different to each other," Elliott added. "They don't sound specifically like any previous DEF LEPPARD songs, but they sound like DEF LEPPARD songs. They have to have our identity on them, otherwise they might as well be Tom Waits or R.E.M. We have a signature sound that we're not scared of anymore."
"Mirrorball" track listing is as follows:
Disc 1:
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
02. Rocket
03. Animal
04. C'Mon C'Mon
05. Make Love Like A Man
06. Too Late For Love
07. Foolin'
08. Nine Lives
09. Love Bites
10. Rock On
Disc 2:
01. Two Steps Behind
02. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
03. Switch 625
04. Hysteria
05. Armageddon It
06. Photograph
07. Pour Some Sugar On Me
08. Rock Of Ages
09. Let's Get Rocked
10. Action
11. Bad Actress
12. Undefeated (new studio track)
13. Kings Of The World (new studio track)
14. It's All About Believin' (new studio track)
Also set for release this summer is LEPPARD's first coffee table book titled "Def Leppard - The Definitive Visual History", with exclusive photos by legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin. The book is released on Juhttp://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/leppardmirror.jpgne 1.
Seattle progressive rockers QUEENSRŸCHE will release their twelfth studio album, "Dedicated To Chaos", on June 28 in North America via Loud & Proud Records, a Roadrunner Records imprint focusing on established artists. The band is currently planning a tour in support of the new opus, which was recorded in the group's hometown and produced by Kelly Gray.
Check out the CD cover artwork below.
When asked about the overall musical direction of the material on "Dedicated To Chaos", Tate recently told Paul Anthony of U.K.'s Rock Radio, "It's kind of like an 'Empire' record set 25 years in the future. [Laughs] It's a very listenable record, I think. I think people will find it interesting to listen to on headphones, especially. There's a lot going on with it. And there's definitely an emphasis on the rhythm section. Eddie [Jackson, bass] and Scott [Rockenfield, drums] have written a lot of the songs on this particular record, so it really showcases what they do, which is something very special."
He added, "This record is definitely a boundary-pusher in a lot of respects, I think. It's always difficult to describe music; it's better to experience it. So I'll let people hear it and make up their own minds."
In a 2010 interview with Attention Deficit Delirium, QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield revealed that the band's upcoming CD is taking the quintet in some new directions.
"I add a lot of film score elements or sound effects [into my drum work], especially on the new thing we're working on right now," Rockenfield said. "Geoff and I have really spent a lot of time together redesigning the QUEENSRŸCHE thing, which you're going to love. It's huge rock but with a great dance vibe to it, real modern dance. It's kind of like 'Rage' ['For Order'] through a time tunnel, bringing it into the now. There are a lot of electronic elements to it. It's a big rock thing that is going to have a lot of color to it — it's good and really intense."
Regarding whether the new QUEENSRŸCHE album is a conceptual effort, Tate said, "In a sense, it is. It's a very contemporary record.
He continued, "'Empire' was a record of the time. Rock music was really the music of the times in 1990. Unfortunately, rock music isn't the music of the times anymore — it's very underground.
"What we're doing with this record is we're taking the 'Empire' song structure, in a sense, where it's very strong songs, very melodic, but we kind of restructured the rhythm section, and Scott's done an amazing job on restructuring that — him and Eddie [Jackson, bass] have just really gone to town, and they've made it very contemporary-sounding.
"These days, in comparison to the old days, people used to sit in their houses and listen to music right in the front room on their stereo system. People don't do that anymore. They plug in and they're mobile and they're moving and they're doing stuff and the music, they're listening to it as they're doing stuff. This music has that feel. It's very contemporary in the sense that it's very rhythmatic. The rhythm structure kind of reflects the way modern life is — we're all busy, we're all doing stuff. And Scott being the incredible drummer that he is, the various time signatures, the feel of the record, it's now — it's very, very now."
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QUEENSRŸCHE and LIVING COLOUR have been confirmed for ShipRocked 2011. The music and lifestyle cruise sets sail November 14-19, 2011, heading for the tip of Mexico and its popular stretch of gorgeous Caribbean water known for scuba diving, shopping and bars aplenty.
The billing is shaping up as follows:
BROKEN TEETH
BUCKCHERRY
HELLYEAH
HINDER
IN THIS MOMENT
LIVING COLOUR
QUEENSRŸCHE
SEVENDUST
ASK4 Entertainment's Alan Koenig promises "ShipRocked 2011 will be five days of wall-to-wall music, giving fans the rare opportunity to listen to and hang out with rock stars on a luxury cruise ship. With the confirmed artists onboard (and additional acts to be announced), there's enough music for whatever your heart rate can withstand." Main support comes from L.A.'s IN THIS MOMENT, led by the vocal pyrotechnics of Maria Brink. And the organizers are happy to have returning late-night favorites LYNAM, as well as the inescapable Texas thunder of BROKEN TEETH, led by the affable Jason McMaster, and new sensation RIVAL SONS and their brand of '70s-style guitar groove.
The setting is the MSC Poesia (Italy) one of the cruise industry's most acclaimed new super cruise ships. It all begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, visiting the premier Mexican ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel. Exuding her Italian roots, the Poesia features include the luxurious Aqua Spa, two pools, four Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art cardio gym, salon, sushi bar, wine tasting bar, the Teatro Carlo Felice, a beautiful, three-level, Las Vegas-style theater, and additional stages for ShipRocked bands and passengers to enjoy all night long!
Prices start at only $799 per person, based on double occupancy, and include exclusive access to all ShipRocked concerts and special events, deluxe stateroom, meals, ship activities, ship entertainment and much, much more! Space is limited so early booking is encouraged to guarantee your cabin. General on-sale begins on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Tickets for ShipRocked 2011 are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and are only available at GetShipRocked.com or by calling 1-888-438-9509.
The release date of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "The Song Remains Not The Same" has been pushed back to May 10 from the previously announced May 3 via Entertainment One Music. The offering features unplugged versions of material from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's latest album, "Order Of The Black", as well as additional material recorded during the "Order Of The Black" sessions. "The Song Remains Not The Same" was conceived, created and compiled by BLS mainman Zakk Wylde himself and the title is, of course, a nod to one of Wylde's favorite bands, LED ZEPPELIN.
The latest single from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "Order Of The Black", "Darkest Days" went to radio adds on March 21. The track showcases Wylde's softer side with soulful lyrics, a hauntingly beautiful melody and captivating piano played by the guitar icon himself. An alternate version of the song featuring country superstar John Rich will appear on "The Song Remains Not The Same".
"The Song Remains Not The Same" track listing:
01. Overlord (Unplugged version)
02. Parade Of The Dead (Unplugged version)
03. Riders Of The Damned (Unplugged version)
04. Darkest Days (Unplugged version)
05. Juniors Eyes
06. Helpless
07. Bridge Over Troubled Water
08. Can't Find My Way Home
09. Darkest Days (featuring John Rich)
10. The First Noel
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY will return to North America in early May to headline Fuse's Uranium Tour 2011 presented by Mistress Juliya.
"Order Of The Black" sold around 33,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 4.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's previous album, "Shot to Hell", opened with 32,000 units to land at No. 21. This was less than the 45,000 copies shifted by BLS's "Mafia" (Artemis) back in March 2005 to debut at No. 15.
"Order Of The Black" was released in North America in August 2010 via E1 Music. The CD featured four unique covers designed by Zakk Wylde himself — one for each territory: North America, Europe, Asia and Australia/New Zealand.
The expanded, remastered reissue of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's classic 1998 debut will be made available on CD, double vinyl LP and via digital download on May 17 via Rekords Rekords/Domin. Pre-orders for the vinyl or CD formats will receive an instantly available digital download of the full record. The reissue has been fully remastered from the original tapes and has been expanded by three tracks: "The Bronze" and "These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For" — from the 1998 split EP — and "Spiders And Vinegaroons", which was part of the posthumous KYUSS/QOTSA split EP.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE is commemorating the upcoming reissue with a limited series of intimate shows at which the band is playing the record in its entirety, plus B-sides and other rarities and hits from the early QUEENS catalogue up to the present. The tour kicked off March 16 in Austin Texas and will conclude in Los Angeles tonight (Wednesday, April 13), the day after which QUEENS will appear on "Conan".
"Queens Of The Stone Age" reissue track listing:
01. Regular John
02. Avon
03. If Only
04. Walkin' On The Sidewalks
05. You Would Know
06. The Bronze
07. How to Handle A Rope (A Lesson In The Lariat)
08. Mexicola
09. Hispanic Impressions
10. You Can't Quit Me Baby
11. These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For
12. Give The Mule What He Wants
13. Spiders And Vinegaroons
14. I Was A Teenage Hand Model
Swedish metallers IN FLAMES will release their tenth album, "Sounds Of A Playground Fading", via Century Media Records on the following dates:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway: Friday, June 17
Finland, Hungary: Wednesday, June 22
Spain, Italy: Tuesday, June 21
Rest Of Europe: Monday, June 20
North America: Tuesday, June 21
Australia, New Zealand: Friday, June 24
13 songs were laid down for the CD, which was recorded at the band's IF Studios in Gothenburg with engineer Roberto Laghi (HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, LOK, SONIC SYNDICATE).
"Sounds Of A Playground Fading" track listing:
01. Sounds Of A Playground Fading
02. Deliver Us
03. All For Me
04. The Puzzle
05. Fear Is The Weakness
06. Where The Dead Ships Dwell
07. The Attic
08. Darker Times
09. Ropes
10. Enter Tragedy
11. Jester's Door
12. A New Dawn
13. Liberation
The cover artwork was created by Dave Correia and can be viewed below.
In an exclusive interview with the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet, IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén, 38, revealed that "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" will almost certainly challenge the band's fans' musical expectations.
"We have some songs that pretty much go against the hard rock formula," he said. "There's a song called 'The Attic' where we have an accordion playing the chorus instead of me singing it. Another song begins with a spoken-word part that evolves into a kind of hard DEPECHE MODE-type thing. We also have some really fast, typical IN FLAMES tunes.
He added, "We've never denied where we come from, but at the same time we like to challenge our listeners."
"Sounds Of A Playground Fading" is the first IN FLAMES album to be recorded without founding guitarist Jesper Strömblad, who quit the band in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.
"It's a really sad situation," Anders said. "We're talking about a friend whom we've known for a really long time. It's like a relationship that has burnt out. It just didn't work out anymore. He's a really great guy in many ways, but it's important that everybody can get along. If they don't, it affects a lot of people."
He continued, "We've lived with this for many years, and it's really sad that things are the way they are. I wish they weren't."
Fridén also talked about the often dark lyrical content on "Sounds Of A Playground Fading".
"Some people I know have passed away, and then you have kids being born," he explained. "I've got two kids myself and, of course, it has affected the songwriting. Suddenly you're not alone anymore."
IN FLAMES will release the "Deliver Us" digital single via Century Media Records on the following dates:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand: Friday, May 6
UK: Sunday, May 8
North America, Spain, Italy: Tuesday, May 10
Finland, Hungary: Wednesday, May 11
Rest Of Europe: Monday, May 9
IN FLAMES recently recruited Niclas Engelin from fellow Swedes ENGEL as the band's new second guitarist.
IN FLAMES's last album, "A Sense of Purpose" (2008), shifted 20,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which sold just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to debut at position No. 58.
"Sounds Of A Playground Fading" album cover:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/inflamesplayground.jpg
FULLFORCE — the new Swedish melodic metal outfit featuring Mike Andersson (CLOUDSCAPE, SILENT MEMORIAL, PLANET ALLIANCE) on vocals, Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL) on guitar, Anders Johansson (HAMMERFALL, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on drums, Carl-Johan Grimmark (NARNIA) on guitar, and Tommy Larsson (HEED) on bass — has inked a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. The band's debut album, "One", will be released on June 20 in Germany, June 23 in the rest of Europe and June 28 in USA/Canada.
Commented Andersson: "After being in contact with a few interested labels during these last months, we are happy to announce the decision of becoming a part of the SPV family! SPV is a label with great metal tradition and it's an honor for FULLFORCE to join forces with them for the release of our debut album, 'One'. In SPV we see a good vision and a great future for FULLFORCE… this is the best thing that could have happened to us!"
Added SPV A&R representative Olly Hahn: "There are always reservations regarding bands with ex-members of well-known bands, but with FULLFORCE it's different. I think that a lot of people will be very surprised when their hear the songs. It's great to have the band on our roster and I'm sure that there is a bright future for the band."
According to a press release, FULLFORCE describes its music as "a genuine blend of traditional, catchy heavy metal [and] more updated melodic metal with some ethnic touches which will make them a standout within the genre."
"One" track listing:
01. Mythomaniac (4:02)
02. None Of Your Concern (3:35)
03. Heart And Soul (3:31)
04. Oblivion (4:53)
05. Open Your Eyes (4:25)
06. Rain (4:33)
07. Suffering In Silence (3:06)
08. Walls Of Secrets (4:33)
09. Father Spirit (4:51)
10. Bleed (5:07)
11. Into The Cradle (5:01)
12. Best Of Times (iTunes bonus track) (3:49)
A rough-mix version of "None Of Your Concern" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The band states, "The actual video is in the simplest of ways put together by lead singer Mike Andersson and the song is the real recording for the album but, a 'test mix' done by C.J. Grimmark. So, the footage is 'homemade,' but the music is the real deal."
According to FULLFORCE's official bio, "Mike and Magnus met for the first time in 2006 during the recordings of the PLANET ALLIANCE album. They became very good friends right away both musically and personally so, since the recording of that album Mike and Magnus have often talked about working more together. Same thing goes with longtime friend Stefan Elmgren and Magnus after the departure of the well-known metal band called HAMMERFALL. They also talked often about starting up a new band together, so the course was more or less set in late 2008 when Magnus gave Mike a phone call asking him if he was interested in starting up a new band with him and Stefan."
For more information, visit www.fullforce.se.
Pearl has announced a limited-edition Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY, CARCASS) signature snare drum.
The Daniel Erlandsson snare drum is a 14x 5.5" beadless stainless steel snare drum, with black superhoop II hoops, dual-color tube lugs, the ARCH ENEMY symbol and ultra sound wires.
"For me, it has to be vintage tone all the way," stated Daniel. "I love a bright, edgy sound with lots of attack to complement my playing style and to cut through the wall of guitar during an ARCH ENEMY show.
"I was looking for a snare drum that would reproduce punch and articulation even when played at moderate levels — as well as with a vicious crack when needed.
For this I chose a 1.2mm beadless stainless steel shell.
Pearl's amazing SR Strainer system and Ultra-sound wires make this drum as sensitive as a trip wire!
"This drum delivers the metal in both attitude and sound! This drum takes no prisoners…"
Recommended Retail Price: 702.10 euros
Model: DE1455
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/danielsnare.jpg
ORANGE GOBLIN, the heavy-hitting British metal band, will enter The Animal Farm studio in London on Friday, August 12 to begin recording its as-yet-untitled seventh album for a March 2012 release via Candlelight Records. Working songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Red Tide Rising", "The Fog", "The Filthy & The Few" and "Bishop's Wolf".
Before the recording begins, ORANGE GOBLIN will embark on a full U.S. tour. Support on all but two of the shows will come from THE GATES OF SLUMBER and NAAM.
Formed in 1995 (as OUR HAUNTED KINGDOM), ORANGE GOBLIN has released six full-length albums, developing an enthusiastic fan base that revels in the band's aggressive sound built on "booze-sodden riffs and attitude." Longtime label Rise Above Records has just reissued the group's super-heavy back catalog and the quartet — now signed to Candlelight Records — will deliver a brand new LP later this year.
ORANGE GOBLIN is fronted by towering vocalist Ben Ward who leads the charge of the band's live assault which delivers plenty of classic metal hallmarks such as unison-headbanging, hand-clapping and (quite often) out-and-out chaos!
SPV/Steamhammer will re-release VIRGIN STEELE's third album, "Noble Savage", on April 18 in Europe and May 17 in North America. This re-release comes with 19 bonus tracks, 12 of them previously unreleased. And since 1986, it will be available for the first time again on vinyl.
Commented VIRGIN STEELE frontman David DeFeis, "'Noble Savage' is an extremely important album in the history of VIRGIN STEELE. It was a major accomplishment for us at the time that it was recorded, and an immensely satisfying recording that I feel still holds up quite well today. It was the most focused, most well recorded, written and performed album we had done up to that point in our career. For me it is really our first album."
This is also the first album where the current musical style of the band can be said to be found fully manifested, containing grandiose compositions with a multilayered keyboard sound and more sophisticated arrangements than heard before on previous albums.
"Noble Savage" has become one of the most popular VIRGIN STEELE albums and it includes the songs "We Rule the Night" and "Noble Savage", which the band still plays in concert.
"Noble Savage" track listing:
Double digipak, including new booklet with rare photos and new liner notes by David DeFeis
CD 1
01. We Rule The Night
02. I'm On Fire
03. Thy Kingdom Come
04. Image Of A Faun At Twilight (instrumental)
05. Noble Savage
06. Fight Tooth And Nail
07. The Evil In her Eyes
08. Rock Me
09. Don't Close Your Eyes
10. The Angel Of Light
11. Obession (It Burns For You) (bonus track)
12. Love And Death (bonus track)
13. Where Are You Running To (bonus track)
14. Come On And Love Me (bonus track)
15. The Spirit Of Steele (bonus track)
16. The Pyre of Kings (instrumental) (bonus track)
CD 2 - Extra Noble Ingredients
01. To The Devil A Daughter (previously unreleased)
02. God Of Violence Kill (previously unreleased)
03. Viking (previously unreleased)
04. Ase's Death (instrumental) (previously unreleased)
05. Bitches From Hell (previously unreleased)
06. Fight Tooth And Nail (Roman Sword Re-Mix) (bonus track)
07. Tales From The Hammer (previously unreleased)
08. We Rule The Night (live pre-production rehearsal) (previously unreleased)
09. I'm On Fire (live pre-production rehearsal) (previously unreleased)
10. Fight Tooth And Nail (live pre-production rehearsal) (previously unreleased)
11. Rock Me (live pre-production rehearsal) (previously unreleased)
12. We Rule The Night (Bigger gongs&Bombs early rough mix version) (previously unreleased)
13. Noble Savage (Flanging To Eternity early rough mix version) (previously unreleased)
Double Gatefold LP in yellow vinyl
Side A
01. We Rule The Night
02. I'm On Fire
03. Thy Kingdom Come
04. Image Of A Faun At Twilight (instrumental)
05. Noble Savage
Side B
01. Fight Tooth And Nail
02. The Evil In her Eyes
03. Rock Me
04. Don't Close Your Eyes
05. The Angel Of Light
Side C
01. Obession (It Burns For You) (bonus track)
02. Love And Death (bonus track)
03. Where Are You Running To (bonus track)
04. Come On And Love Me (bonus track)
05. The Spirit Of Steele (bonus track)
06. The Pyre of Kings (instrumental) (bonus track)
Side D
01. To The Devil A Daughter (previously unreleased)
02. God Of Violence Kill (previously unreleased)
03. Viking (previously unreleased)
04. Ase's Death (instrumental) (previously unreleased)
05. Bitches From Hell (previously unreleased)
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Corey Taylor, frontman of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR and Revolver Golden Gods award nominee for the "Best Vocalist," and Steve Jones, legendary guitarist of the SEX PISTOLS, will make special guest appearances during the previously announced performance from DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED at the at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods award show presented by Epiphone on Wednesday, April 20, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. Taylor and Jones will join LOADED for a furious cover of the JUDAS PRIEST classic song "Electric Eye".
Additional performances for the show include the ALICE COOPER group (in their first L.A. appearance in nearly 40 years), LOADED (featuring Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER fame), award-show host Chris Jericho's band FOZZY and fast-rising metalcore outfit ASKING ALEXANDRIA, who will be joined by Sebastian Bach on the SKID ROW favorite "Youth Gone Wild". Cherie Currie of THE RUNAWAYS will make a special guest appearance, performing with the Presley/Cash-inspired metal group VOLBEAT, while Max Cavalera of SEPULTURA, SOULFLY, and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY will join HATEBREED's Jamey Jasta and DEVILDRIVER in their salute to the hardcore legends BLACK FLAG. The night will close out with a blistering set by AVENGED SEVENFOLD. The event will be televised on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 28, but for those who want to witness this epic show in person, tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
On the "Black Carpet" — Revolver's version of the traditional Red Carpet — Sebastian Bach will host the pre-awards-show festivities for Revolver TV's "Black Carpet Special". Furthermore, Marcus Henderson — the man responsible for writing Guitar Hero's epic riffs — will be hosting Epiphone's Black Carpet coverage. In addition, Jamey Jasta will serve as celebrity DJ for evening.
The 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards presented by Epiphone will include appearances from rock's most iconic and influential artists, as well as rising stars, including host Chris Jericho, Rob Zombie, Dave Navarro, Vinnie Paul, Taylor Momsen, Wayne Static, Mike Portnoy, and members of ALICE IN CHAINS, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DETHKLOK, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD and many more.
In addition to the Honorary Headbanger Award, other special honors for the night include the "Golden God Award"- — given to one musician each year who personifies all that is hard rock and metal — which will go to shock-rock godfather Alice Cooper, who is celebrating the reunion of the original ALICE COOPER group and his recent induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Also, this year's recipient of the first-ever "Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award" — renamed in honor of the late, great 2010 Best Vocalist Award winner — is none other than the Sunset Strip's most iconic band, MÖTLEY CRÜE.
The winners in all the other award categories will be chosen by the people, but time is running out. Fans can vote now through Friday, April 1, when voting ends, at www.revolvermag.com.
Los Angeles theatrical dark rockers BLACK VEIL BRIDES will release their sophomore album, "Set The World On Fire", on June 14 via Lava Music/Universal Republic Records.
"Everything is bigger — more songs, more vocals, more melodies," proclaims front man and founder Andy Biersack. "And it all came naturally; it's not an attempt to try to outdo our first record, but we wanted to show how we had naturally grown as a band and as songwriters. This is my favorite record I've ever made — and most importantly, the best album anybody's ever made,".
"Fallen Angels", the first single from "Set The World On Fire", is slated to arrive as an early present to fans on May 3 via iTunes. With its arena-sized intro to its anthem chorus, the song is a mantra for anyone who has ever felt outside the norm and sure to become the battle cry of the band's devoted fan base, affectionately referred to as the BVBArmy. The video, shot in Los Angeles last month, was directed by Nathan Cox (MARILYN MANSON, DISTURBED, DEVILDRIVER, HIM).
The title track from the upcoming release will also be featured in Wes Craven's "Scream 4". The song found its way into the film after the band's loyal BVBArmy flooded the "Scream" message boards when a survey was posted asking which artists they would like to see on the soundtrack. Before long, pages of posts mentioning the BLACK VEIL BRIDES found their way in front of the music supervisor and director Wes Craven. That led to "Set The World On Fire" being featured in what is sure to be one of the biggest horror films of the year.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES is currently on the road headlining the AP Tour 2011. They will also be performing at this year's Bamboozle music festival in New Jersey and Rock On The Range in Ohio before heading out on Vans Warped Tour at the end of June.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES' debut album, "We Stitch These Wounds", sold nearly 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 36 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on July 20, 2010 via Standby Records.
The cover art for "We Stitch These Wounds", a beautiful Victorian style painting of vocalist Andy Six stitching his infamous "wound," was created by renowned painter Richard Villa.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES's "Perfect Weapon" video was directed by Patrick Fogarty, who also helmed the band's video for "Knives and Pens" in 2009.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES is:
Andy Biersack (vocals)
Jake Pitts (guitar)
Jinxx (guitar)
Ashley Purdy (bass)
Christian "CC" Coma (drums)
Virginia-based classic metal outfit TWISTED TOWER DIRE has completed work on its fifth full-length album, "Make It Dark", for a May 3 North American release via Italy's Cruz Del Sur Music. According to a press release, the CD is "probably the most mature album the band has written to date. With a direct approach, the band has been able to write a very compact-sounding release, made of some immediate hit songs as well as others marked with more traditional TWISTED TOWER DIRE taste. 'Make It Dark' is the sum of those elements which are the pillars of rock/metal music in general and that are so greatly expressed by the band in this release: guitar and vocal melodies above the standards, catchy refrains and most important of all, the feeling that each and every one of these songs bears the potential to become a new metal classic! Strengthened by Chris Salamone's (WHILE HEAVEN WEPT) post-studio work, it features cover art by U.K. artist Martin Hanford (SLOUGH
FEG, BAL-SAGOTH, WARHAMMER)."
TWISTED TOWER DIRE's name has been synonymous with uncompromising classic heavy metal since the band's inception in 1995. Formed out of "a stubborn hatred for the '90s anti-metal culture," the group has always been able to maintain a respectable profile, not following transitory trends but keeping true to their original metal beliefs.
After its 2007 release "Netherworlds", TWISTED TOWER DIRE took a short break which included the entry of new singer Johnny Aune (VIPER) replacing Tony Taylor, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on February 6, 2010. Rounding out the current lineup is bassist Jim Hunter (REVELATION, OCTOBER 31, WHILE HEAVEN WEPT), drummer Mark Stauffer (KRASS JUDGEMENT) and guitarists Scott Waldrop (WHILE HEAVEN WEPT) and Dave Boyd (VOLTURE).
TWISTED TOWER DIRE's next live appearance will take place on May 20 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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MOLD BREAKER, the new Arizona-based hardcore/thrash band featuring brothers Igor and Zyon Cavalera — whose father is none other than Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SEPULTURA) — will support CAVALERA CONSPIRACY on the following dates:
Apr. 28 - W. Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
Apr. 29 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
Apr. 30 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
MOLD BREAKER will also perform this Saturday, April 16 at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona. Also scheduled to appear are SICMONIC, ANOMALY, SATIVA STRAIN and BETRAYAL OF ALLIES.
MOLD BREAKER is:
Brent Judd - Vocals
Markie Perez - Guitar
Igor Cavalera - Guitar
Zyon Cavalera - Drums
T-Shanks Fahey - Bass
Check out some of MOLD BREAKER's music at this location.
Marcelo Cabuli, the husband of former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen, and his business partners are demanding 50,000 euros (approximately $72,500) in defamation damages from the parties behind the NIGHTWISH book "Once Upon a Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006". Named in the lawsuit were the publishing house Like Kustannus Oy and the author of the book, Marko "Mape" Ollila.
According to the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, the Helsinki District Court began processing the defamation case last Thursday in a preparatory session.
Cabuli dropped some of his previous demands, such as that the author and publisher should receive harsher punishment because "Cabuli is a citizen of Argentina," according to Ilta-Sanomat.
Cabuli and his three Brazilian business partners are demanding 15,000-euro compensation each. They claim that the information published about them in the book is completely false.
Like Kustannus Oy CEO Päivi Isosaari and Ollila deny the charges and stand behind the 380-page book, which chronicles NIGHTWISH's rise to the status of one of the most successful symphonic metal acts in the world, including the circumstances that led to the departure of Turunen. Isosaari and Ollila insist that they had good reason to believe that the claims of the book were true and they intend to call Ollila's sources, including several influential music-business figures, as their witnesses.
"Well, I did read the text and I authorized it to be published and therefore I stand behind the book," Isosaari told Ilta-Sanomat in a 2009 interview.
Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH a year before the book was published.
In his 2006 review of the book, Jarkko Jokelainen of Helsingin Sanomat wrote, "The book points the finger [for the split with Tarja] most firmly in the direction of Marcelo Cabuli, husband and personal manager of the band's former vocal soloist Tarja Turunen. With every turning page, the charges against the Argentine Cabuli get heavier and heavier.
"The portrait of Marcelo Cabuli depicts a money-grasping, less-than-honest, arbitrary, and manipulative manager who was engaged on setting up his wife's solo career and who drove a wedge between her and the other members of the power metal band.
"NIGHTWISH's contractual dealings and touring plans became a painful exercise, as there was 'a Hispanic in the works' at every turn.
"Against this background, it is somewhat awkward that the defendant himself does not get a hearing in the book, even though the other sources close to the band are given full rein to open their hearts and mouths. Not even Tarja Turunen gets to comment on her husband's doings.
"It is probable that the decision is the couple's own, but this does not disguise the fact that it is the book's greatest drawback. The author Marko 'Mape' Ollila has sought to be even-handed in his coverage, but in part for the reasons above, this band-history inevitably becomes a speech on behalf of the male members of the group and other figures in the background.
"NIGHTWISH would seem on the basis of this work to have been so divided into two distinct camps that both sides of the story cannot be fitted between the covers of one book."
According to a post on NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon's official blog, she has completed tracking all the vocal parts for the band's new album, "Imaginarium", and the mixing sessions for the CD are scheduled to begin today (Wednesday, April 13).
Olzon was forced to delay the start of her recording sessions for "Imaginarium" because she needed a longer recovery period after she suffered broken ribs in a fall. The band's keyboardist and main composer Tuomas Holopainen wrote on NIGHTWISH's official web site, "[Anette] hasn't quite cured from her broken ribs yet, but fortunately it doesn't affect her singing at all. She's never sounded better."
NIGHTWISH is not only putting finishing touches to its new album, "Imaginarium", but also planning a movie of the same name. If all goes well, the CD will be released in early 2012, to be followed by the movie at some point further down the line. The first single off the album as well as the trailer for the film should arrive well before the end of 2011.
For the movie, NIGHTWISH has teamed up with director Stober Harju's production team and Solar Films.
NIGHTWISH will kick off the "Imaginarium" world tour in Los Angeles. The very first show of the trek will take place at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California on Saturday, January 21. This will be the biggest NIGHTWISH show production ever on North American soil and strictly a one-off — there will be no U.S. tour until later in 2012.
Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records has inked legendary actor William Shatner to a worldwide recording deal for a space-themed concept album entitled "Searching For Major Tom" (formerly "Seeking Major Tom"), to be released later this year.
Comprised of 19 "interpretations" of classic intergalactic rock anthems, the release features guest appearances by Ritchie Blackmore (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE), Ian Paice (DEEP PURPLE), Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE), Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART, OZZY OSBOURNE), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS) and Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS).
Of Wylde, Shatner previously said, "He's fantastic! I'm energized." Wylde was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Shatner and added, "He's super cool, we had an awesome time working together."
"Searching For Major Tom" track listing:
01. Space Trucking (DEEP PURPLE)
* Ian Paice (DEEP PURPLE) on drums
* Johnny Winter on guitar
02. She Blinded Me With Science (THOMAS DOLBY)
* Bootsy Collins on bass
* Patrick Moraz (YES, MOODY BLUES) on keyboards/synthesizers
03. In A Little While (U2)
* Manuel Gottsching (ASH RA TEMPEL) on guitar
04. Empty Glass (THE TEA PARTY)
* Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS) on guitar
05. Lost In The Stars (FRANK SINATRA version)
* Ernie Watts on saxophone
06. Twilight Zone (GOLDEN EARRING)
* Warren Haynes (GOV'T MULE, ALLMAN BROTHERS) on guitar
07. Space Cowboy (STEVE MILLER)
* Brad Paisley on guitar and vocals
08. Rocket Man (ELTON JOHN)
* Steve Hillage (GONG) on guitar
09. Space Oddity (DAVID BOWIE)
* Ritchie Blackmore (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW) on guitar
* Alan Parsons on keyboards
10. Spirit In The Sky (NORMAN GREENBAUM)
* Peter Frampton on guitar
11. Bohemian Rhapsody (QUEEN)
* John Wetton (ASIA) on bass and vocals
12. Silver Machine (HAWKWIND)
* Wayne Kramer (MC5) on guitar
* Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART, OZZY OSBOURNE) on drums
13. Major Tom (PETER SHILLING)
* Nick Valensi (THE STROKES) on guitar
* Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) on guitar
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS) on bass
14. Learning to Fly (PINK FLOYD)
* Edgar Froese (TANGERINE DREAM) on guitar and keyboards
15. Mr. Spaceman (THE BYRDS)
* Dave Davies (THE KINKS) on guitar
16. Iron Man (BLACK SABBATH)
* Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) on guitar and vocals
17. Planet Earth (Duran Duran)
* Steve Howe (YES) on guitar
18. Walking On The Moon (THE POLICE)
* Toots (TOOTS & THE MAYTALS) on vocals
19. Mrs. Major Tom
* Female guest vocalist to be announced
William Shatner will be presented with the Honorary Headbanger Award at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods award show presented by Epiphone on Wednesday, April 20, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. Revered for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on "Star Trek", Shatner will be on hand to accept his award, an honor Revolver magazine bestows each year to someone who has made their name outside of the metal world but still embodies its spirit.
"Short of receiving an Emmy for my superb voice, the Honorary Headbanger Award is the next best thing. Praise be you won't hear me sing," said William Shatner.
The management of EVANESCENCE has denied to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that guitarist Troy McLawhorn has rejoined the band after leaving SEETHER last month. McLawhorn first joined EVANESCENCE in 2007, but departed a year later and got the job with SEETHER. He quit that group in March over what he said online was "personal friction" with one of the other members.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, the news that McLawhorn had rejoined EVANESCENCE came from SEETHER frontman Shaun Morgan, who wrote on Twitter, "Interesting news about our old guitarist. Can anyone guess? No, he's not coming back. He went to another band. Little anti-Shaun club. Any more guesses? . . . So, good fucking luck to Amy Lee and Troy."
It's not clear at this point where Morgan heard that McLawhorn was rejoining EVANESCENCE. Morgan and EVANESCENCE singer Amy Lee had a nasty break-up in late 2005 after dating for over two years, and bad blood remains.
McLawhorn said on Facebook that he left SEETHER over "a very personal invasion of trust" but has not elaborated further. In another statement posted indirectly on the official EVANESCENCE message board, McLawhorn was quoted as saying, "I haven't made any statements about what band I might be playing with in the future, but if I have the chance, I will damn sure play with [EVANESCENCE] again."
SEETHER's fourth album, "Holding On To Strings Better Left To Fray", comes out May 17. Morgan told The Pulse Of Radio that the songs are based on a number of turbulent relationships he's had in his life. "It's mostly about personal relationships — not necessarily with women, but with just people in general," he said. "And mostly people that influence and have influence over your life, obviously, and you feel like you have to say something."
SEETHER is currently on the road and next plays Baltimore on Friday (April 15).
EVANESCENCE entered the studio this week to begin recording its fourth album, after scrapping an earlier attempt last year. The band has not issued new music since 2006's "The Open Door".
Photo below courtesy of Troy McLawhorn's MySpace page
EVANESCENCE singer Amy Lee spoke to SPIN about her band's forthcoming comeback album, due this fall. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
On the new CD not being "angsty" or "ominous" or "heavy":
"The record is fun — and that's a totally new thing for us. When I listen to our old music I see that's where I was in my life at that time. This has been a long trip and parts have been hard. But it's about not taking everything so seriously this time."
On last year's ill-fated sessions with producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, THE ROLLING STONES) on a collection of experimental, electro-leaning songs that Lee then told SPIN were influenced by MASSIVE ATTACK and PORTISHEAD:
"It wasn't coming together right. Steve wasn't the right fit. We were on this experimental trip, trying a bunch of new things, seeing what would fit. I did a lot of the writing without the band. And then when we tried to pull the two worlds together, it wasn't working."
On her current band, which includes guitarist Terry Balsamo, bassist Tim McCord, drummer Will Hunt, and programmer Will "Science" Hunt (yes, both guys share the same name):
"I've never felt so supported by my band members. We've really relied on each other. And everyone being a part of this album, from the ground up, is an entirely new approach for us. There's nobody that's just coming in to play guitar. Everybody's invested. We're more truly a band now than ever before."
On EVANESCENCE's current recording sessions with rock producer Nick Rasculinecz:
"My favorite records that came out recently were from ALICE IN CHAINS and the DEFTONES — and he produced both. We love working with him — he makes it so fun.
"Writing with the band and working with a heavy rock producer has made it more of a rock record. It's EVANESCENCE, but with all these new sounds."
On the lyrical subjects covered on the new album:
"I get inspired by nature. The ocean's been a theme. Brokenness has become a little bit of theme, without necessarily offering a solution.
"Life can be tough sometimes. But I think it just starts with admitting, 'Okay, the world's not perfect, how do we live our lives within that and not be miserable?'
"There was some real struggle trying to figure out what I want this band to be. I want EVANESCENCE to feel passionate. It's about looking for the answers and not always knowing them."
Lemi, Finland-based metallers STAM1NA have contributed a new song called "Karhunraudat" to the Finnish chapter of Amnesty International's 50th-anniversary album, "Mitä Vapaus On". The CD will tell the stories of 11 people who have risked their lives in order to take a stand for human rights.
In other news, Finnish sailor Martti Leinonen who worked for oil refinery company Neste Oil — voted the most irresponsible company of the year — decided to jump ship and join Greenpeace to demand an energy revolution after hearing a song from his favorite band STAM1NA about "the future destruction of humankind caused by capitalism and the use of non-sustainable energy." (See video below.)
Neste Oil is the biggest palm oil consumer in the world. Producing biodiesel from palm oil is devastating for the climate, rainforests and wildlife.
STAM1NA was honored in the "Metal Album Of The Year" and "Band Of The Year" categories at this year's Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammy equivalent), which was held on February 26 at Barona Areena in Espoo, Finland.
"Vanhaa Paskaa" (which literally translates to "old shit"), a collection of old demo recordings which were originally "self-released" on cassette tape or CD-R format before STAM1NA signed a deal with Sakara Records, entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 2. The compilation was made available last November in response to an overwhelming demand from fans who couldn't track down the band's early material.
Drummer Andols Herrick has announced his departure from Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA. In a statement released to ThePRP.com, he said, "Since [keyboardist/programmer] Chris [Spicuzza] released his statement recently [announcing his departure from the band], I suppose it's time that I do so as well since I have been dodging questions and comments for almost as long.
"I am no longer a member of CHIMAIRA, and actually haven't been since before Christmas. I did play at CHIMAIRA Christmas 11, which was my last show. I certainly couldn't have asked for a better and more memorable way to go out.
"I cannot stress enough how significantly different the circumstances are now than back in 2004 [when Andols last left CHIMAIRA. — Ed.]. The short story is that the guys had taken issue with certain aspects of my role in the band. Nothing discussed was out of anger or anything personal, but I was definitely not expecting it and it was quite the spirit crusher for me. The decision was made that it would be in the band's best interest to move forward without me. I was obviously devastated, but again there was no ill will between us. Later I was asked to rejoin, but after some painful contemplation in my mind, I decided it was best not to. I started to see everything that happened as something that was ultimately positive.
"I share some of the same concerns that Chris mentioned in his statement, namely the current state of the music industry and concerns about my future.
"A major transition in life is much more manageable at 31 than it is in your late 30s or early 40s, so as a guy with literally zero experience in anything else, better now than later. Plus, it would be hard to go back without feeling constantly uneasy about the situation.
"So where does that leave me musically? Well, I damn sure am not done as a drummer! I will be releasing an instructional book/DVD through Hal Leonard later this year. I teach private drum lessons in New Jersey. I'm also really trying to get busy with session recording work, so if you're a guitarist or a band that needs drum tracks, I can be contacted at drummerandolsherrick@yahoo.com.
"I've had a couple opportunities to track drums for two great bands, and I hope to be a part of a lot more.
"Although I did not record the new [CHIMAIRA] album, I was around for the majority of the writing process, and I know you guys are going to love it.
"Despite the recent dramatic lineup changes, I'm quite confident the band will press on just fine. I will always love my brothers, both current and former, in CHIMAIRA!"
Spicuzza announced his departure from CHIMAIRA last week, explaining that the "situation in CHIMAIRA had ultimately become a negative environment that I had to get out of. Secondly, the music industry is completely fucked and honestly, I became concerned for my future. The amount of work and stress I took on got the best of me. I guess if you're not happy or having fun, what's the point?"
CHIMAIRA has tapped Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, MURDERDOLLS, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD) to mix the band's new album, due in August in North America, South America and Japan via eOne Music. The CD was recorded with producer Ben Schigel, who has previously worked with DROWNING POOL and WALLS OF JERICHO, among others.
Bassist Jim LaMarca left CHIMAIRA last year in order to focus on family life. He was temporarily replaced by DAATH guitarist Emil Werstler.
CHIMAIRA released a DVD/CD set, "Coming Alive", on July 20, 2010 via Ferret Music.
CHIMAIRA recently released its cover version of THE TROGGS' hit song "Wild Thing" as a tribute to actor Charlie Sheen.
Bassist Tomas "Obeast" Koefoed has left Danish/French "future fusion metallers" MNEMIC. He explains in a statement, "It's time for changes and towards fans of MNEMIC I'm sad to announce that I have played my last shows with MNEMIC in Spain in March.
"Because of my forever-continued dedication to music and metal, it has not been easy to make my decision to leave a great and innovative band like MNEMIC after eight successful years with four releases.
"Personally, I don't feel my ambitions are fulfilled in MNEMIC anymore and I wish my brothers and friends in band and crew all the best for the future. It has been some amazing years in many ways and I've learned a lot about myself and the music business, about what to do and what not to do. We have moved fast and achieved a lot in a short time with our music and concepts, toured and become friends with some of the greatest bands in metal, but I feel my cooperation with the band has peaked.
"This is NOT the end for me in metal and hopefully soon I can announce myself in another ambitious project. I have good people working with me and I have now officially signed up and put myself available as live/touring and studio/session bassist, so see you out there, anywhere, everywhere. My very own new website will be announced soon, so stay tuned.
"Thanks to all my fans for your support over the years and in the future!"
Added the remaining members of MNEMIC: "Sadly and unfortunately, all things do come to an end.
"Compared to others, our lineup has been quite stabile for some time, but now it is time to part ways with our friend and brother, and take a step into a new direction.
"It was awesome jamming with the Beast, as always, and our split is totally mutual as friends and compadres. We wish him the best for his future endeavor and hope to see him on stage again!
"To complete the group's lineup, we are as of now seeking a replacement.
"If you are interested in taking over the bass duties, throw us an email with your info (age, experience, gear, photo etc) at: neurotic@mnemic.com. In the meantime, we have commenced composing the fifth album, to be released in a not-so-distant future.
"Thanks for your patience and looking forward to be seeing y'all out there!"
MNEMIC's "Diesel Uterus" video can be viewed below. The clip was helmed by Swedish director Patric Ullaeus of the Revolver Film Company AB (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL).
"Sons Of The System", the fourth studio album from MNEMIC, sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 64 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.
"Sons Of The System" was released in Europe on January 15, 2010 and in North America on January 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at MNEMIC's own studio and at the Antfarm facility in Aarhus, Denmark with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED), who previously helmed the group's "Mechanical Spin Phenomena" (2003) and "The Audio Injected Soul" (2004) CDs.
U.K. tech metal act CYANIDE SERENITY has recruited Travis Neal (DIVINE HERESY) as its new singer.
Commented the band: "We are incredibly delighted to announce Travis as our new singer. We are hoping this will be the end of constant changing of vocalists, we have a lot of bad luck in this area and hope we can move on without any more setbacks. Travis is an exceptional singer and has an incredible scream. He is the ideal candidate alongside Matt and we cannot wait to hit the stage with him!"
CYANIDE SERENITY will re-record its 2011 album, "Consume Me", next month with Travis. The CD's title track can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
CYANIDE SERENITY will make its third trip to India from April 14 until May 8, to be followed by a string of dates in Sri Lanka. The band will be the first international band to do such a long Indian tour, which will span seven cities — Chennai, Kerla, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore — as well as the first international act to play Kerla and the first U.K. artist to play in Sri Lanka. While in India, the band will also perform at the Deccan Rock Festival in Hyderbad on May 7 with DECAPITATED, SYBREED and NERVECELL.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/cyanideserenity.
Boston's REVOCATION has completed work on its new album, "Chaos Of Forms", for an August release via Relapse Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Existence Is Futile" was recorded at Damage Studios in Southbridge, Massachusetts with engineer Pete Rutcho and will feature 12 tracks with a running time of a little over 45 minutes.
REVOCATION guitarist/vocalist David Davidson previously stated about the band's new material, "The songs on the new release are incredibly varied and all have the own character. They range from technical thrash to groove laden death metal, [and] there's even a song with a full horn section this time around. We can't wait for people to check it out!"
REVOCATION will join FORBIDDEN, WHITE WIZARD, and HAVOK for a month-long North American tour this summer. This tour will kick off on June 9 in Hollywood, California, hitting select cities across the U.S. and Canada. REVOCATION will also perform at the New England Metal And Hardcore Festival this weekend in Worcester, Massachusetts.
"Existence Is Futile" sold around 440 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 148 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.
Mick Stingley of Rocksalt.mx recently conducted an interview with Al Jourgensen of MINISTRY and REVOLTING COCKS about Al's BUCK SATAN AND THE 666 SHOOTERS project and Jourgensen's recent health scare. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Rocksalt.mx: It's great to hear from you. After MINISTRY I had no idea what you were up to.
Al Jourgensen: Well, neither did we. That's the beauty of it. I tried to get a bunch of country people, you know, big names like Dwight Yoakam and stuff like that on there. And I was even scheduled to have dinner with Buck Owens before he died. Literally, he was in the hospital with pneumonia the next day. We had a dinner in Bakersfield, we were going to fly in from Vegas where MINISTRY had just played the night before — we had a day off — so were going to go Bakersfield and eat dinner with him and then he went to the hospital with pneumonia and the next thing I know he's dead three weeks later. At any rate, I was trying to get a bunch of country people on it. So I wind up, at the end of the day, with me on pedal steel — and harmonica and stuff, banjo; Mike Scaccia from MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS – speed metal maniac, right? – on guitar; Rick Nielsen from CHEAP TRICK, on the other guitar and leads — feature pop star; on bass, Tony from
STATIC-X — Mr. Industrial, whatever, second-generation MINISTRY kinda stuff; and then all the drums are programmed! So what started out as a country record became this weird mish-mosh, which is what makes it sound so cool! Because, I seriously think out of that entire roomful of people — Oh! And then the two fiddle players, the girls from Houston, completely classically trained. I asked them, because they'd did a classical version of "Just One Fix" that they do live a lot when they play around Houston and stuff, in Texas. And they said to me, "Wow, this is great!" I said to them, "I'm looking for fiddle players, do you play country?" And they're like, "No. Never tried it." (laughs) So even my fiddle players had never even done it before. And, uh, I don't know; somehow we made it work! That's the beauty of it. That's why it doesn't sound like, you know, anything else. We were trying to make a country record and it just sounds like a pretty goddamn
good record, I think.
On his health scare:
Al Jourgensen: I've been puking up blood and stuff for the last six years and didn't know why — I just thought that was all part of being on a rock tour! (laughs) Seriously, I'd tell my wife, Angie, and she'd say, "You've gotta see a doctor!" And I'd say, "I'm fine! I've been doing this for years!" And I had no idea; I just thought that's the way it was supposed to be. So last year, last March, about maybe a year ago last week — I bled out. I lost sixty-five per cent of my blood and it turns out I had thirteen ulcers. Perfect number, thirteen — 13th Planet Records (Al's record label. – Ed.) — thirteen ulcers! And one of them exploded in my lower intestine. So all the blood would collect there and then come out — I was bleeding out of my nose, my mouth and peeing blood. And then blood was pouring out of my ass. And if I would try to stand up, I would faint and pass out; my blood pressure was — well, by the time I got to the hospital, my
blood pressure was thirty over twenty.
Rocksalt.mx: Jesus!
Al Jourgensen: Yeah. The last thing I remember I woke up out of a seizure; I was going into seizures and I woke up and I saw them getting that goddamn defibrillator ready. And I looked over at Angie and I go, "I don't think I'm gonna make it this time, am I?"
Rocksalt.mx: Yikes.
Al Jourgensen: I've died a couple of times, you know, back in the day, when I OD'd, and had defibrillators and stuff like that. But this would have been my third time. So I'm figuring third time's the charm because I was pretty surprised when I woke up. I was in this room with a bunch of tubes in my arm and I got the full Keith Richards treatment, man — they gave me one hundred per cent new blood! A complete blood transfusion; so I was in the hospital for a while. When I got out of there, I figured that was a pretty close call, and I just made a promise to, like… fans and friend and foe alike that before I die I'm gonna do this goddamn country record that I've been talking about for thirty years! (laughs)
Rocksalt.mx: (laughs) Oh my God…
Al Jourgensen: Well, people were starting to think I was full of shit, you know? I did a couple of shows and this and that, but I just figured that this close brush was a sign and I'd better do this now. Or forever hold my piece. So I started going about getting that together. And meanwhile… I started drinking again. Like an idiot.
Rocksalt.mx: Was that related to the cause of your ulcers and seizures?
Al Jourgensen: Oh yeah. When I got out of the hospital, I didn't drink — I couldn't or I would just get physically sick or throw up. There was still plenty of blood in my stomach and all this other stuff. So I had to wait a while; but then I started out, just a beer here, a beer there. Then a bottle of wine. Then two. Then three. Then when we started this record up, me and Mikey (Scaccia) really started knuckling down — on the BUCK SATAN record. Then it went up to four and five bottles. And when we got done with this record, I was puking up blood again. Just the same shit was happening and I'd split open the ulcer again. And we got done on literally the stroke of midnight this past January and I was in rehab on the second of January. Kicking liquor and getting my ulcer treated, and I've been sober ever since.
Rocksalt.mx: Wow.
Al Jourgensen: And now I'm working out and healthy and no more blood and everything's great. But I just find it so typical of my fucking career that once again I do something bass-ackwards! I did the record that I liked the most, of all I've ever done — last! Instead of first, okay? I drink myself to death and write the perfect drinking song — which is so great for jukeboxes in shit-kicker bars — and then I stop drinking! (laughs) And — I mean — I started out doing pop songs — like MILLI VANILLI — on Arista Records! And then I wind up owning my own record label, (13th Planet), doing whatever the fuck I want to do – some kind of metal hybrid… and just a grouchy old guy, political and all this kinda shit… and it's just like everything's backwards!
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Vocalist Nick Nowell of the North Texas death metal outfit THE FAMINE has released the following statement:
"THE FAMINE never should have existed. I don't mean that like when a jealous brother screams, 'I wish you were never born!' at his little sister. What I mean is that we came together as a group of married thirty-somethings with kids and small businesses. Our singer lived on the other side of the country. It was a cumbersome proposition, but we made it work.
"Most of you are familiar with the fire that claimed most of our equipment and the departure of our vocalist about a year ago. We should have never been able to make our last record, but we did. This brings us to the present day.
"As of this past Saturday, THE FAMINE is no more.
"In my mind, bands break up because Courtney Love kills their singer or because they can't stand each other. Neither of those circumstances is descriptive of our situation. For us, life simply got in the way, as it often does. There is a medical emergency in my family, and I'll be moving to Los Angeles in August to care for a loved one in his final days. Mark [Garza, drums] and Andy [Andrew Godwin, guitar] both have families for which they are the breadwinners, and Jon [Richardson, bass] has been putting off going to graduate school. Instead of trying to simultaneously satiate Mark's drive and Andy's inability to tour and my distance from the band and Jon's webbed toes (sorry, Jon), we came together and decided as a group that it is time to lay THE FAMINE to rest.
"Words cannot express how thankful we all are to have had these experiences, and without those of you who are reading this right now, none of this would have been possible. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness you have shown us for the past four years. Thank you for allowing us in to your lives, and for giving us the opportunity to connect, even though most of us have never met. You'll see us around. You might not see the same faces or the same names, but I know that music means too much to all of us to let it die with this moniker. So, this is goodbye for now."
THE FAMINE's new album, "The Architects Of Guilt", was released on February 15 via Solid State Records. The follow-up to 2008's "The Raven And The Reaping" was produced by D. Braxton Henry (ex-DEVOURMENT) and was mixed by Jason Suecof (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER).
The "Ad Mortem" video was shot in December at a steel fabrication shop in Dallas with Michael Dalton in an attempt to capture the frustration of ferocity that permeates through the 11 tracks on "The Architects Of Guilt".
According to a press release, "The Architects Of Guilt" "is not a sing-along or a feel-good record; it's the death rattle and dying breath. THE FAMINE is not here to win popularity contests, simply create metal, red in tooth and claw. The music has become faster, more technical, even abrasive and discomforting, trading sheer aggression and energy for the lifeless sweeps and mechanized beats that have come to dominate and dilute the genre. The lyrics forego empty threats and skip the subtleties, calling out the deceit and duplicity of our leaders, and the decay next door masked by a flaking white picket fence and a familiar chemical scent. The band traces the fractures in stone pillars and cracks along the marble walls, sets their tools down after 11 tracks and walks away as if saying, 'Don't come to us when the temple falls.'
Legendary Tampa, Florida-area recording studio Morrisound Recording in Temple Terrace — which has been used by countless metal bands over the years, including SEPULTURA, DEATH, ICED EARTH, DEICIDE, OBITUARY, CANNIBAL CORPSE and MALEVOLENT CREATION — fell victim to a burglary over the weekend in which the crooks made off with equipment and instruments worth thousands of dollars. They also took two platinum records (the soundtrack to the movie "The Crow" and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's "Christmas Eve") and a gold record (ICED EARTH's "Live in Athens") awarded to the company.
"It was a real kick in the gut to see everything we've built over 30 years here gone in a flash," studio owner Tom Morris told Bay News 9.
Temple Terrace police said the burglars cut electrical power and phone lines, disabled the security system and forced their way in.
Officers say the suspects probably used a large truck or moving van to haul the equipment away.
Anyone with information about the burglary is being asked to call Temple Terrace Police at (813) 989-7110.
Morrisound has been in business since 1981 and has recorded virtually every style of music from quiet string ensembles to heavy rock, with everything in between, including jazz, country, gospel, bluegrass, folk, rap, hip-hop, punk, funk, R&B, and death metal, just to name a few.
The front cover of the upcoming reissue of "Kaddish", the cult 1994 album from Israeli death metal pioneers SALEM, can be viewed below. Due next week via Raven Music, the CD's cover art and design was handled by the band's guitarist, Nir Gutraiman. The effort was remastered by UE Nastasi at Sterling Sound in New York City.
Originally released through Germany's Morbid Records and was distributed worldwide via SPV, "Kaddish" represents SALEM's personal dirge for the victims of the Holocaust during World War II.
GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal will be a special guest at SALEM's May 6, 2011 "Kaddish" re-release concert at Reading 3 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Commented Thal, "['Kaddish'] is the most true-to-art doom metal album I've ever heard, completely capturing the horror of mankind's utmost vulnerability to evil and self-destruction. Being someone who lost family to the Nazis in Poland, this album tore straight to my soul."
Producer of the event, Yishai Swearts of Raven Music, stated: "Both my parents' roots are sadly in the massacre done by the Nazis. My grandfather at the age of 13 saw his family slaughtered and had to escape to the forests of Russia and live in subhuman terms for four years under the snow and bloodshed. He survived the horror, came to Israel and built a family where I was born.
"I feel that Ron's family's tragedy, my family's tragedy and SALEM members' family tree tragedy made it possible to unite and send a message of strength which is highly important and have a personal value for all of us.
"I am proud and glad to welcome Bumblefoot to be guest in the show and highly respect him for this important thing."
SALEM vocalist Zeev Tananboim added: "'Kaddish' is our desperate cry in memory of the horrors that happened to our families.
"The Holocaust followed me all my life as a dark shade which is so scary to look at. By doing this album we dared to look at the face of the horror and send two important messages: We will never forget, and we are here to survive.
"I highly respect Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal as a musician and person. Though we live in different parts of the globe, we share the same loss, the same grief.
"Music was created to unite people's feelings.
"We are looking forward to this important show and special musical message with Ron."
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