According to PanArmenian.net, the Armenia Marriott hotel in Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, will on Friday, May 6 host a presentation of the debut CD single from WHOCARES — the renewed musical union between legendary DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan and none other than BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi: the undisputed master of heavy guitar riffs. The "Out Of My Mind" video will be featured at the event, which will be attended by Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.
WHOCARES will release its debut CD single in North America on June 27 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The single will be made available in Europe on May 24 through earMUSIC. The digital release for both territories will be May 6.
The single features two brand new studio tracks "Out Of My Mind" and "Holy Water", which will raise funds for the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. The CD single will also contain the video clip of "Out Of My Mind" (see below) and a 40-minute documentary that shows Gillan's and Iommi's involvement with the Armenia cause over the years.
Speaking to Armenia's Mediamax news agency, Gillan was asked what the experience of working with Iommi again was like compared to their previous collaboration.
"It was great to work with Tony again," Gillan replied. "He is very easy to write with and as a singer I know exactly where he's going. It wasn't dramatic, just friendly and professional."
He added, "We hope to do it again sometime in the not-too-distant future.
"It wasn't like the last experience with BLACK SABBATH; that was a band and an album — totally different."
When asked how the inspiration for the song "Out Of My Mind" came out right after he visiting Armenia in October 2009, Ian said, "Well, normally... people like us who work with bands write the bits that we play. In this case, with 'Out of My Mind', Tony presented the entire musical idea and I wrote what I sing over the top, or along with it, if you prefer. The second track of the WHOCARES single, 'Holy Water', was a bit different as I wrote that with Steve Morse [DEEP PURPLE] and Tony was gracious enough to play guitar on it."
Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia, fallen in love with the country and the people and have dedicated a lot of work to a nation still shocked after the earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988.
The collaboration of Gillan and Iommi, who have worked together before on the SABBATH album "Born Again", is in itself an incredible news for all rock and metal fans and will be the best of surprises to get to know who is completing the band: None other than Jon Lord ("Mr. Hammond", partner with Gillan on all the DEEP PURPLE classics), IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain, ex-METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted and HIM guitarist player Mikko "Linde" Lindström are also featured on the two new songs.
Commented Gillan: "The idea came as Tony and I flew back from Yerevan together after being inspired by the enthusiasm of everyone there to get this thing done.
"It was brilliant working with Tony again after all these years; he makes life easy for a singer.
"The other guys need no introduction, do they?!"
Added Iommi: "Some twenty years ago when the call came, I thought, well at least I've helped, but it was going to Armenia and seeing the actual devastation caused by the earthquake that really made me realize that funds were still needed.
"Despite all the money that was raised last time, here was a music school doing their best, forgotten, in basic tin sheds. After the warmth and honor bestowed upon us during our visit, we just had to help make a difference and get the school rebuilt. And what better way than to hook up with some of rock's greatest players and my old mate Ian, both an honor and a pleasure."
"Out Of My Mind" recording lineup:
* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Bass
* Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN) - Drums
* Jon Lord (DEEP PURPLE) - Keyboards
* Mikko "Linde" Lindström (HIM) - Guitar
"Holy Water" recording lineup:
* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Steve Morris - Guitar
* Michael Lee Jackson - Guitar
* Randy Clarke - Drums
* Rodney Appleby - Bass
* Jesse O'Brien - Hammond Organ
* Arshak Sahakyan - Duduk Solo
* Ara Gevorgyan - Underlying Duduk Intro Music And Keys
Legendary singer and bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) will release his long-awaited autobiography, "Deep Purple And Beyond: Scenes From The Life Of A Rock Star", on May 12 via Foruli Publications. The book, co-written with Joel McIver and featuring an introduction by METALLICA's Lars Ulrich, will appear in a luxury first edition complete with rare photos and an exclusive 10-inch vinyl EP featuring the following all-new recordings:
* "What Is A Woman's Role?" (TRAPEZE, written by Hughes)
* "Holy Man" (DEEP PURPLE, written by Hughes, David Coverdale, Jon Lord)
* "Dying To Live" (brand new acoustic Glenn Hughes track)
A launch event for the book will be led on May 12 in London, England. The evening will feature a solo acoustic set by Glenn, a preview of the book packages, and the opportunity to meet Glenn, co-author Joel McIver and the team at Foruli.
Anybody who would like to enter a draw to receive an invitation to the event should please email their name and the title of the first track on the first BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION album to: glennlaunch@foruli.co.uk. All entries will be entered into a draw to receive one of twenty invitations to this exclusive event.
For those that pre-ordered, your invite will be arriving shortly via email.
Hughes previously said about the book, "My autobiography is going to be a literary event. I've been working on this book for the last three years and you've never read anything like it. It's the true story of the Voice Of Rock, from my childhood via my career in TRAPEZE and DEEP PURPLE to my addiction and recovery. I'm now on top of the world as a solo artist and after so many years of sobriety, I can hardly believe that I survived. I spent a million dollars on cocaine and, when you've read this book, you won't believe it either."
"Deep Purple And Beyond: Scenes From The Life Of A Rock Star" features contributions from Hughes' friend and comrade in DEEP PURPLE David Coverdale, his lifelong musical collaborator Tony Iommi of BLACK SABBATH and a host of others, including Angie Bowie, John Varvatos and the members of THE KLF (with whom Hughes scored a global hit in 1991).
The publisher, Foruli Publications, is a globally-recognized specialist in collectable, high-quality books.
For more information, visit www.foruli.co.uk.
Steven Adler understands that he's lucky to be alive.Two decades of heroin and crack cocaine addiction will take a toll on the toughest constitution.
Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler
"I tried killing myself," the former Guns N' Roses drummer admits. "It is not easy! A human body can put up with a lot. I had a stroke, a mild heart attack and I was in a coma for four days – all at once. My doctor said I'd be brain dead or lose the left side of my body. I was blessed because I can still play drums and I didn't lose my brain."
Adler, 46, can now laugh at his own expense. It's part of a boundless enthusiasm for life that has been his constant companion since defeating his demons.
Twenty-one years ago Adler was musical royalty –– one-fifth of Guns N' Roses, the biggest and best hard rock act of the late 1980s. Widely labeled as "the most dangerous band on earth," Guns N' Roses upped the ante to effectively destroy what would subsequently be called hair metal. They ditched the makeup and turned everything up, leaving behind a critically acclaimed masterpiece album, Appetite For Destruction still the best selling debut album of all time.
With the music came a distinctly decadent Los Angeles lifestyle. Appetite For Destruction's lyrics of easy sex and hard drugs were born from experience, and Adler partied harder than anyone. So much so that in July 1990 he was fired from a band full of drug addicts for excessive drug use. It was the beginning of a downward spiral that took Adler over 20 years to pull himself out of.
"I wasn't expecting to get kicked out of the band," he says "That was unexpected. I was just doing the same drugs that the other guys were doing. That's what all my idols did! "
Adler chronicled the many highs and near fatal lows in a fascinating autobiography, My Appetite For Destruction: Sex & Drugs & Guns N' Roses, published by Harper Collins last summer. As an author, Adler held nothing back, whether detailing orgies orchestrated by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler; the crushing realization that he'd been sacked by the people he considered his best friends; or the desperation and self-loathing of addiction, the many lowlights including smoking a crack pipe in the car as his mother drove him to rehab.
"Writing the book was emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually healing," he declares. "I got to put everything in my life on paper. At the beginning of the book I talked about hanging out in nightclubs as a teenager and getting sexually abused by older men. I thought that if I said those words out loud I would feel worse and people would think bad of me.
It was the complete opposite. Once I said it and people understood, it was like a huge weight was lifted off of me."
For Adler, moving forward included repairing his relationship with his family. Unrelentingly rebellious as a youngster, every time his mother kicked him out of the house he was taken in by her parents. Those grandparents are the first people thanked in the book's dedications and they're proudly included in its photo gallery in a shot taken at the 13-year-old Steven's bar mitzvah.
"Like every young person you do what your family wants you to do," he explains. "My grandmother was very spiritual, and she thought doing Jewish things was important for my life. They weren't important for me, but she was older and wiser."
Part of Adler's physical and psychological revival is his commitment to his new band, Adler's Appetite. It's a chance for fans to enjoy old favourites from Guns N' Roses' heyday, paired with a few new tracks from the mature and newly sober rockers.
"When I'm on stage playing with my new band it totally reminds me of back in the day playing clubs on Sunset Strip. And the new songs go over just as great as the [Guns N'Roses] songs. It's a kick ass rock and roll show. Every night we think, 'God help whoever has to open up for us.' We don't care if we play for two or 2,000 or 200,000 people, you're going to get the same thing."
Two decades of squabbling egos and legal battles make a reformation of the original Guns N' Roses' line-up unlikely. Still, Adler makes a convincing argument why it should happen.
"There are two reasons why I want to do a tour with the original G'n'R guys," he says. "There's all the love I receive around the world. I have heard 'Appetite For Destruction is the soundtrack to my life' in so many languages. I've heard it thousands of times and that is the greatest thing anyone can say to me. We owe it to those fans. And two, the money we could make! The whole thing could make billions of dollars. All we have to do is get on stage with each other for 90 minutes."
Adler is shortly embarking on a tour with his band Adler's Appetite which will see him play in British Columbia in August.
After months of speculation that STONE SOUR/SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor was going to become the new VELVET REVOLVER singer, followed by theories about why the band never eventually pulled the trigger, VELVET guitarist Slash admitted in a recent interview that he was the main holdout against Taylor getting the gig.
Slash confirmed to Vorterix.com that Taylor did work with the group, explaining, "All we were doing was just rehearsing with him and trying him out — auditioning him . . . he did come in and do all that. It just didn't seem to fit right to me. And he's great, and I love Corey, but it didn't seem like the answer to the VELVET REVOLVER problem."
Slash blamed social networks for spreading the rumor that Taylor was joining the group, saying, "As soon as that rumor (got around), next thing you know, everybody is saying Corey's the new singer. It's just an audition process; it's the way that we do it."
During a co-hosting gig on last night's (Wednesday, May 4) edition of the "Louder" radio show, which airs on the Live 105 station in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Taylor was asked to respond to Slash's comments. "We got together and we jammed some stuff and I guess it just wasn't working for him, which… He's Slash and he's entitled to have that, and I'm not gonna argue with him," Corey said. "But it was cool to just be able to get together and jam with those guys and I made some really cool friends. Me and Duff [McKagan, VELVET bassist] are really close. It's one more thing I can say I did."
Sadly for VELVET REVOLVER fans, Slash admitted that it doesn't look like a solution to the "problem" is happening any time soon. He said, "Next year I definitely will make another Slash record with Myles Kennedy and go on tour. So at least for the next couple of years, nothing is going to be happening with VELVET REVOLVER that I can see 'cause I'll be focused on this . . . I'm just not really concerning myself with it right now. We had all these different guys try out, all really good singers, but nobody has fit the thing, so, you know, I have to move on."
Duff McKagan recently revealed that recordings exist of Taylor singing with the band. McKagan seemed a little more positive about Taylor than Slash, telling Music Radar, "Whether he's in VELVET REVOLVER or not . . . I think he's the best voice of a new generation. The best rock 'n' voice out there. He's got a lot of positive energy. I'd be proud to do anything with him."
Slash released his debut solo album last year, while McKagan is busy with his band LOADED and drummer Matt Sorum is playing on and producing various projects.
Taylor has been touring with STONE SOUR and will hit the road this summer with SLIPKNOT for a series of European festival appearances.
Frontiers Records will release DEF LEPPARD's new live album (with bonus DVD), "Mirrorball", on the following dates:
Germany, Switzerland, Austria: June 17
June 23: France
Rest Of Europe: June 20
"Mirrorball" will be available on June 7 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 (DVD)
01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
02. Armageddon It
03. Pour Some Sugar On Me
04. Hysteria
05. Nine Lives (music video)
06. C'Mon C'Mon (music video)
Disc 3
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
13. Kings Of The World
14. It's All About Believin'
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 June 1.
Chad Bowar of About.com recently conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
About.com: MÖTLEY CRÜE is touring this summer with POISON and NEW YORK DOLLS. Was there a thought of having SIXX: A.M. also play, like you did a couple of years ago on Crüe Fest?
Sixx: It never came up. It was something that we did that was really a great experience. We got to open for MÖTLEY CRÜE, which was the weirdest thing ever. The only thing weirder would have been if I could have sat in the crowd and watched the band, which I hope doesn't happen. (laughs) This summer MÖTLEY is going out with POISON and the NEW YORK DOLLS. The DOLLS have a big influence on a lot of levels to a lot of bands, and we feel that POISON has so many hit songs. All three bands are survivors, and I like that. It feels like an underdog tour. None of these bands should be here, and here we are. It's very exciting to see the reaction of fans. The ticket sales are through the roof. That tells me the fans asked for something, they got what they wanted, and they are really happy about it. The bands are happy, and everybody is really excited. With the economy being so bad and it being hard for people to go to concerts, for people to be excited for this
tour to come through their town makes us feel like we made the right decision.
About.com: Vince Neil [MÖTLEY CRÜE singer] has had some issues recently, including a DUI arrest in Las Vegas and other charges involving an incident with his girlfriend. Any concerns about him and his status for the tour?
Sixx: Vince is fine. Don't believe the gossip. There has been so much gossip about this band for 30 years. Whether it's Nikki's dead or Tommy's [Lee, drums] gone AWOL or Mick's [Mars, guitar] not going to make the tour, and now there's new stuff about Vince. We were just all together and we were laughing. He's made some mistakes, he's rectified that, we're going to rehearsal and we're going to kick some ass.
About.com: Are there plans for another MÖTLEY CRÜE studio album?
Sixx: I think our best record is still in us. I really believe that. When we buckle down towards the end of the year and next year and really put the songs together, I'm excited. "Saints Of Los Angeles" was fantastic. It was nominated for a Grammy, and after being around for 30 years and being nominated tells me we're still making music that people are noticing. Album sales are down globally and the band is still doing great. We're always figuring out ways to reinvent ourselves and keep the adolescent charm alive in the band. That's part of the beauty of the band, its simplicity and fragmented, weird personality. That's what makes MÖTLEY CRÜE and we really don't want to fix that. We love being in a band together. We love our music and the fans are loving it. Without sounding like a cliché, I'm really grateful that I still get to do this.
For more details visit www.adlerReunited grunge legends SOUNDGARDEN have announced the remaining shows for their 2011 summer tour. The trek will span from July 2 to July 30. Throughout the tour, SOUNDGARDEN will be joined by very special guests COHEED AND CAMBRIA, THE MARS VOLTA, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MASTODON and THE MEAT PUPPETS.
SOUNDGARDEN's official web site, SoundgardenWorld.com, will hold a special fan site only ticket pre-sale for all registered members beginning Monday, May 9 at 10 a.m. PST and ending on Wednesday, May 11 at 5 p.m. PST or until tickets are gone. The pre-sale will be staggered. Be sure to check the pre-sale schedule with the exact time and date each city goes on sale.
SOUNDGARDEN tour dates:
July 02 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheater
July 03 - London, ON - John Labatt Centre
July 05 - Ottawa, ON - Ottawa Blues Fest
July 06 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
July 08 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
July 09 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July 10 - Mansfield, MA - Comcast Center for the Performing Arts
July 12 - Fairfax, VA - Patriot Center
July 13 - Philadelphia, PA - Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
July 14 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Spa & Resort Event Center
July 16 - Chicago, IL - UICPavilion
July 18 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheater
July 21 - San Francisco, CA - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
July 22 - Inglewood, CA - The Forum
July 23 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint
July 29 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
July 30 - George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheater
Special guests:
* COHEED AND CAMBRIA: all shows July 2-10 (Toronto, London, Ottawa, Uncasville, Newark, Wantagh, Mansfield)
* THE MARS VOLTA: all shows July 12-23 (Fairfax, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Chicago, Morrison, San Francisco, Inglewood, Las Vegas)
* QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MEAT PUPPETS: July 29 (Vancouver)
* QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MASTODON, MEAT PUPPETS: July 30 (George, WA)
SOUNDGARDEN's first-ever official concert album, titled "Live On I5", sold 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 47 on The Billboard 200 chart. The set is compiled of live tracks from a 1996 West Coast tour by the band and is named after the Interstate 5. SOUNDGARDEN had intended to release the tapes of these shows as its first live album shortly after the tour, but the group ended up disbanding and the tapes were left in the studio, untouched for years.
SOUNDGARDEN released a CD/DVD retrospective set last September called "Telephantasm", featuring singles, album cuts, live material and the previously unavailable "Black Rain", which has been nominated for a Grammy Award.sappetiteonline.com
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.
"Dedicated To Chaos" track listing:
01. Get Started
02. Hot Spot Junkie
03. Got It Bad
04. Around The World
05. Higher
06. Retail Therapy
07. At The Edge
08. Broken
09. Hard Times
10. Drive
11. I Believe
12. Luvnu
13. Wot We Do
14. I Take You
15. The Lie
16. Big Noize
Orange County, California's AVENGED SEVENFOLD has released "Not Ready To Die", a new song featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops. The track is available on the "Escalation" map pack that was released on May 3.
Speaking to Revolver magazine, AVENGED singer M. Shadows was asked when the track was written. "We had a little break between the 'Nightmare After Christmas' tour and the 'Welcome To The Family' tour," he said. "So it was written, like, in four days that we had off. So it was pretty rushed. It was pretty incredible, though, because we really wanted to do it. It was written, like, a month or two ago."
Regarding the lyrical theme of the track, M. Shadows said, "The song is about the game. There's a full backstory to what [the makers of Call Of Duty] been doing for years with their 'Zombies' series. I'm a big fan of the game, I play it all the time, so I got caught up in the story. They sent me over the full storyline, so I made sure it was going along the lines of the zombie story. So that's what it's about."
With 2 billion hours played and counting, Call of Duty: Black Ops consistently draws millions of gamers around the world online every day. Escalation's four new multiplayer maps and unprecedented Zombie experience, featuring famed director George A. Romero, Robert Englund, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michael Rooker and Danny Trejo, and an original music track from AVENGED SEVENFOLD titled "Not Ready To Die", will continue this global phenomenon.
The Escalation content pack's new multiplayer maps include:
* "Hotel", where players to battle it out on the roof of a Cuban luxury hotel and casino against the vivid backdrop of old Havana;
* "Convoy", which delivers intense, close-quarters combat at the scene of an ambushed U.S. military convoy;
* "Zoo", which sets gamers on an eerie ride through an abandoned Soviet Russian Zoo with danger at every turn;
* "Stockpile", which pits players in a remote Russian farm town, housing secret WMD facilities; and
* "Call Of The Dead", Escalation's Zombie experience that assembles a zombie-carnage dream team to fight against a new and undefeatable zombie horde menace, all set in the dark, ice-covered isles of Siberia.
"We took the community's feedback to heart, and the result is five of the most creative and varied maps we have ever made," said Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia. "'Call Of The Dead' is an homage to the great horror films that have inspired the team and represents a deep commitment to our Zombie fans. Being able to collaborate with such talented artists and musicians was an absolute honor and thrill for everyone involved. We think the fans are going to go crazy over it!"
The Call of Duty: Black Ops Escalation pack is available first on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 1,200 Microsoft Points.
Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision Publishing, Inc., Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.
"Not Ready To Die", the new single by AVENGED SEVENFOLD, is now available for download on the iTunes store.
Brazilian/American thrashers SEPULTURA will release their new album, "Kairos" (an ancient Greek word signifying a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens) on June 24 in Europe and July 12 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The artwork for the CD was created by Erich Sayers, a Los Angeles-based freelance digital artist and photographer whom SEPULTURA first met at the band's recent concert at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California.
Commented Sayers: "I started by researching 'Kairos' for images and meaning as soon as the band gave me the title.
"'Kairos' is about time, the actions we take, and the positive or negative repercussions that follow. I knew the image would have wings. I also knew I would somehow need to represent time, but in a way that is timeless.
"Speaking with Andreas [Kisser, guitar], he had an idea for a gel skull. I was uncertain how I would make that happen, but I did and it is unique.
"Actions and their repercussions are represented by the arms, transitioning from the strong healthy arm on top and the decrepit hand below. The background is made from a couple of photos I took on a recent trip to Morocco. They give the composition a mystical quality.
"It was an honor for me to work with SEPULTURA. I am a longtime fan of this legendary band."
Added Kisser: "We were very lucky choosing the artist to design the cover of 'Kairos'. His name is Erich Sayers and we met him backstage at a SEPULTURA concert in Los Angeles last January. He left us his card and when we checked his website we were very impressed by his awesome work. I explained to him the concept of 'Kairos' and he fastly captured what we wanted, sending us ideas in that same week. He's a very talented guy who knew how to draw the concept of the album.
"The cover is different from all the other covers we did in the past but it's 'old school' at the same time, like the album itself. We're very happy with the result."
SEPULTURA's new CD was recorded at Trama Studios in São Paulo, Brazil with producer Roy Z. (JUDAS PRIEST, HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON, HELLOWEEN). 13 tracks were laid down during the sessions, including cover versions of MINISTRY's "Just One Fix" and THE PRODIGY's "Firestarter".
"Kairos" track listing:
01. Spectrum
02. Kairos
03. Relentless
(2011)
04. Just One Fix (MINISTRY cover)
05. Dialog
06. Mask
(1433)
07. Seethe
08. Born Strong
09.Embrace The Storm
(5772)
10. No One Will Stand
11. Structure Violence (Azzes)
(4648)
"Kairos" deluxe edition track listing:
01. Spectrum
02. Kairos
03. Relentless
(2011)
04. Just One Fix (MINISTRY cover)
05. Dialog
06. Mask
(1433)
07. Seethe
08. Born Strong
09. Embrace The Storm
(5772)
10. No One Will Stand
11. Structure Violence (AZZES)
(4648)
Bonus tracks:
12. Firestarter (THE PRODIGY cover)
13. Point Of No Return
* Plus bonus making-of DVD
In a recent interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Kisser was asked how the band came up with the "Kairos" title. "The whole theme of the album is the concept of the time, and the title reflects that — it's like one concept of time which is not chronological, from one to two; it's like a an instant in time, it's a special time of change," he replied, before adding, "Everyone's life is written by [their] choices — you have many 'kairos' moments, like if you go [from] point A [to point] B [to point] C, you are driven by your choices or your guidance; you have to go either one way or the other. And that's the kind of time we talked about — not about aging or getting old or going back [in time]; it's just [about those important] moments that can change everything. . .We thought about [that in regards to] SEPULTURA itself — 26 years of history and the moment where we are now; why we're here; why we're doing this album and why we have what we have; the
changes we have inside and outside the band. It's a collection of 'kairos' [moments] that [got us] here. It's being inspired by our own biography, but mostly [focusing] on what SEPULTURA is today."
On the topic of the songwriting process for SEPULTURA's new CD, Andreas said, "[We] really [wanted to] keep [the album] short. One of the characteristics of the old albums [was that they didn't have a lot of songs on them] — like 'Arise' had nine songs, and 'Master Of Puppets' had nine or eight — so our idea was to have ten songs, and really [make them as good as possible], maybe add parts and think a little bit more about the riffs instead of just throwing songs out there one after the other. 'Cause with [2006's] 'Dante XXI' and 'A-Lex', it was kind of that way... especially with 'A-Lex', since it was our first album with Jean Dolabella on drums, just working with him, writing with him for the first time, it was more like a big jam. But this one, we stopped and thought more about the whole concept and we focused on being more creative in the end. After using books [as the basis of the lyrical concepts on] our past albums, and the experience of doing
that, we limited ourselves [this time around] to be more creative. I think it really helps when you have a goal and focus, and it worked great on this album."
When asked about SEPULTURA's decision to work with Roy Z this time around, Kisser said, "The idea [for the new album] was really to put SEPULTURA on stage in the studio and having a producer that is [also a performing artist himself], it helps a lot [in capturing that live energy] in the [recording studio]. The album was practically recorded live; that was the idea initially — to try to be as live as possible — and more than 50 percent of first takes [is what we kept on the record]. It sounds really live and we're very happy with the chemistry we had with Roy in the studio. He really liked the idea of trying this raw approach. He didn't know the studio very well in São Paulo, but he learned [as we went along]. We didn't have too much time for pre-production [either], but everything worked out really perfectly. We were ready to record and he was very quick and smart in finding ways to [capture] the sound [we were looking for]. It was fun to record
guitars with him, using different pedals and amps and stuff, and [he had] nice ideas to build really cool solos. So it was great; he was really the perfect guy for us [to work with] at this moment. . . In the end, the result is amazing; we're very happy. I think it's one of the best SEPULTURA albums that we ever did — the whole vibe and the sound and the lyrics and the songs and the style. I'm very confident that we created something really special with this one."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/kairoscover.jpg
Crossover veterans PRO-PAIN have issued the following update:
"It is with great sadness that we bring to you (the fans) the following news: Due to unexpected circumstances regarding some potentially serious health issues, our longtime lead guitarist and dear friend Tom Klimchuck will unfortunately have to put his musical endeavors on hold for at least the foreseeable future.
"Although we all wanted so much for Tom to be able to participate in the 20-year anniversary tours, we collectively decided that it was too risky and that his health and family should take precedence. Thankfully, (with Tom's blessing), we have found a replacement in Adam Phillips (INDORPHINE) and so the tours will move forward as planned. The fans can expect a great show, as we have quite an ambitious set list lined up for them.
"We welcome Adam aboard and we wish Tom a speedy and full recovery.
"Thank you all for your support during this difficult time and transition, and special thanks to Tom for his many years of flawless commitment to our beloved band (this tour's for you). We hope to see you all at the gigs!!"
Klimchuck has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:
"Although thoroughly saddened by the realization that my time in PRO-PAIN is at its end, I look back with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. The band has been an absolute blessing to me. It has provided a platform with which to fight the good fight, and bring inspiration through commonality to people all around the world. All the while offering countless, magical experiences that most can only dream of.
"I owe a massive 'thank you!' to Gary, Marshall, Ricky, and Adam, as well as all previous members, and crew past and present; my brothers. It has been a privilege sharing the stage, and sharing so many incredible times with you all. These are the fabric of our souls, and you are all irreversibly woven into mine. A very special 'thank you' goes out to all the PRO-PAIN fans. It is a powerful thing to watch a large group of people, seemingly strangers to one another, find common ground, and even inspiration in something I have put my heart and soul into. This is the show you have given me as I've looked out from the stage to all of you, and the gift you have given me that I will have forever. I am eternally grateful."
PRO-PAIN will play its classic debut album, "Foul Taste Of Freedom" (1992), live in its entirety along with many other favorites on its upcoming "Foul Taste Of Freedom Tour 2011", celebrating the group's 20th anniversary. Main support on the trek will come from Germany's TENSIDE.
"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.
"Atavist", the fifth full-length album from Southern California's OTEP, sold 7,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 61 on The Billboard 200 chart.
OTEP's previous CD, "Smash The Control Machine", opened with 10,400 units back in August 2009 to land at No. 47.
"Atavist" was released on April 26 via Victory Records. Former THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN drummer Gil Sharone laid down the drum tracks on the CD, which was made available in both standard and CD/DVD deluxe editions. The latter features expanded artwork and a poetry book, interviews, a poetry-reading montage, behind-the-scenes footage and music videos.
OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya had the following to say about "Atavist": "This album is a return to the umbra, to the darkest parts of me. I am fortifying this fortress of sound with Cyclopean masonry.
"The language on my lips is forged from forbidden tongues 12 lifetimes old. I am the heart of the gorgon, the broken mind of the lunatic, the courage of the martyr, the voice of the insurrectionist, the agog of the alchemist, I am the defiance in the aching souls waiting for the flame, I am the mighty Minotaur raging against the labyrinths of isolation and sadness.
"There is a purposeful primal spirit to this record, a coded provocation to remember our connection to the infinite, to the mysterious, to each other."
Reunited Los Angeles thrashers EVILDEAD have recorded and released their first studio track in over two decades. Entitled "Blasphemy Divine", it was produced by George Pajon and is available for free download at this location. It can also be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
EVILDEAD is in talks with SPV/Steamhammer Records about having the band's entire back catalog reissued, including "Annihilation Of Civilization", "The Underworld" and the classic "Rise Above" EP.
EVILDEAD is writing material for a brand new album. The group's current lineup includes original members Juan Garcia (guitar; AGENT STEEL), Mel Sanchez (bass; ABATTOIR), Albert Gonzales (lead guitar; EVILDEAD, DEATH), Rob Alaniz (drums; NOCTUARY, WINTERTHRALL), and new vocalist Steve Nelson (WINTERTHRALL, NOCTUARY).
For more information, visit www.evildeadofficial.com.
Vocalist Phil Labonte of Massachusetts metallers ALL THAT REMAINS has expressed his bewilderment at the "preferential treatment" the Las Vegas, Nevada-based post-hardcore band ESCAPE THE FATE gets over Labonte's group — this despite the fact that ALL THAT REMAINS has sold "probably five times the [number of] records" ESCAPE THE FATE has.
When asked by a fan via Facebook if ALL THAT REMAINS is taking part in this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival alongside rumored participating act ESCAPE THE FATE, Labonte wrote, "I have NO idea what the deal is with ESCAPE THE FATE but they must have WICKED powerful management. We've sold probably five times the records they have, been around probably 10 years longer than they have, have four more records than they do, we have three songs that have charted in the Top 20 at radio, two of which have made the Top 10, they have none, and they STILL get preferential treatment over us. I don't know what they sound like, I've never met them, but it sucks when a band [with] powerful management tries to use another band that has busted their ass for over 10 years as a footstool. Not cool."
ALL THAT REMAINS's latest album, "For We Are Many", has sold 125,000 copies in the United States since its October 2010 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was recorded last year at Zing Studios in Massachusetts and produced by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who also helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' "This Darkened Heart" and "The Fall of Ideals".
ESCAPE THE FATE's self-titled album sold 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 25 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Grindcore progenitors NAPALM DEATH have entered Parlour Studio in Kettering, U.K. with longtime producer Russ Russell to begin recording their 14th album for a tentative October release via Century Media Records.
NAPALM DEATH recently contributed a brand new track called "Legacy Was Yesterday" to Decibel magazine's monthly flexi disc series. The song — the band's first new material since 2009's "Time Waits for No Slave" LP — was recorded at Rapture Audio with James Walford and mastered by Russ Russell. The track is now available for streaming below.
"Time Waits For No Slave" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 95. The CD, which was released in the U.S. in February 2009 via Century Media Records, was recorded with producer Russ Russell. Drums were tracked at Parlour Studios in Kettering and guitars, bass and vocals were done at Foel Studios in Wales. The band then returned to Parlour for the mixing sessions.
Italian brutal/symphonic horde FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE has inked a worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band is putting the finishing touches on its second full-length album for a summer release.
With only two releases, "Oracles" (2009) and the "Mafia" EP (2010), and a successful U.S. debut tour alongside SUFFOCATION and THE FACELESS under its belt, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE has already become one of the most talked about bands in the underground. Their unique blend of technical death metal with symphonic elements has quickly made them a favorite with fans and critics alike.
"We're really excited to start working with such a renowned and professional label," commented guitarist/vocalist Tommaso Riccardi. "It's a great chance for the band to express itself in the best way, counting on this kind of support. For us it's like a brand new start. We surely can improve our work, touring much more and finally reaching every continent as we always wanted to do. Many tours are already planned or on the way to being organized. We'll start with North America and Europe and then Asia/Oceania, South Africa and maybe in Central/South America. We can't wait to hit U.S. again this July-August with the 'Summer Slaughter Tour' 2011. It's an honor for us to be on this tour and a great opportunity to play live some new tunes!"
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE is:
Tommaso Riccardi - Lead Vocals, Guitars
Paolo Rossi - Vocals, Bass
Cristiano Trionfera - Vocals, Guitars
Francesco Paoli - Drums, Guitars and Vocals
Francesco Ferrini - Piano, Orchestra
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE in 2009 parted ways with drummer Francesco Struglia and replaced him with Francesco Paoli.
The band's last full-length CD, "Oracles", was recorded in May 2008 at 16th Cellar Studio.
Featuring members of HOUR OF PENANCE, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE plays death metal with a "classical" approach; inspired by CANNIBAL CORPSE and SUFFOCATION, and infuenced by J.S. Bach and L. Van Beethoven.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/fleshgodapocalypse.
TEXAS IN JULY's new full-length album, "One Reality", sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 173 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position 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.
"One Reality" was recorded in Hadley, Massachusetts with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL) and is TEXAS IN JULY's sophomore full-length album and Equal Vision Records debut. The CD features technical, hard-hitting drumming, flawless transitions, ongoing dueling guitar riffs, and intricate arpeggios seamlessly melded together through the band's intense breakdowns and pop-punk groove.
Alternative Press magazine named TEXAS IN JULY one of its "100 Bands You Need to Know in 2011" in the April 2011 issue and stated of the new album, "'One Reality' offers excellent pit fuel, with a few meditative moments that demonstrate an admirable depth that will hopefully continue to grow on future releases."
TEXAS IN JULY's new single, "Magnolia", will be made available in the Rock Band Network store, courtesy of Equal Vision Records and RockGamer Studios. The song will join the band's previously released tracks "Hook, Line, and Sinner", "Elements", and "Uncivilized" — which are already available for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.
The Ephrata, Pennsylvania-based band is currently on the 2011 Take Action Tour with SILVERSTEIN, BAYSIDE, POLAR BEAR CLUB and THE SWELLERS. They will next head out on the Scream The Prayer Tour with NORMA JEAN, SLEEPING GIANT, THE CHARIOT, WAR OF AGES, and many more.
MADDER MORTEM, Norway's darling of the avant-garde, is hard at work on material for its next album. The band states, "Most of the songs are written and are being put through the Madders final arrangement/scrutinizer-grinder. It'll kick some serious ass, for sure!"
MADDER MORTEM last year parted ways with guitarist Odd Eivind Ebbesen and replaced him with Patrick Scantlebury.
The band released an EP, "Where Dream and Day Collide", in May 2011 on Peaceville Records. The EP contained three brand new songs from the bandmembers' warped imaginations, along with the single and album versions of the title track, taken from the sublime 2009 release, "Eight Ways". The artwork was created by Christian Ruud, who, along with Kim Holm and the people at Toxic, are also responsible for the breathtaking visuals on the suitably mysterious "Where Dream and Day Collide" music video, which can be seen below.
ZOMBIE INC., the new Austrian/German death metal band featuring current and former members of BELPHEGOR, PUNGENT STENCH, FLESHCRAWL and LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, has inked a deal with Massacre Records. The group's debut album, "A Dreadful Decease", will be released on August 26.
In the summer of 2009, Wolfgang Rothbauer and Gerald Huber had an idea to form a unique project with the "coolest" musicians they find. Seeing as both of them grew up on '90s death metal, the musical direction of the new project quickly became clear. However, even though ZOMBIE INC.'s sound is rooted in '90s death metal, it also has modern influences.
ZOMBIE INC. is:
* Wolfgang Rothbauer (IN SLUMBER) - Guitar
* Gerald Huber (COLLAPSE7) - Guitar
* Tomasz "Nefastus" Janiszewski (BELPHEGOR, FLESHCRAWL, DEBAUCHERY) - Drums
* Daniel Lechner (THE CASCADES, ex-LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE) - Bass
* Martin Schirenc (HOLLENTHON, ex-PUNGENT STENCH) - Vocals
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/zombieinc666.
The first chapter of "Fortress Europe (The Big Shiny Prison Vol. II)" is now online and features interviews/appearances by ROTTING CHRIST, LECHEROUS NOCTURNE, HATE, MELECHESH and ABIGAIL WILLIAMS.
"Fortress Europe" is the much-anticipated sequel to Ryan Bartek's "The Big Shiny Prison" — a book of nonfiction journalism in which the author will be traveling Europe from July to August 2011 interviewing bands, artists, promoters and performers of all varieties. Although all aspects of underground culture will be represented, the main focus will again be extreme metal, hardcore punk, industrial, rock, electronic, etc.
"Fortress Europe" will feature a number of face-to-face interviews with legends in the metal/punk community. Confirmations include members of the following bands:
GORGOROTH
KORPIKLAANI
FINNTROLL
DISCHARGE
AGATHOCLES
BETHLEHEM
ANAAL NATHRAKH
DEINONYCHUS
INGURGITATING OBLIVION
OMINUM GATHERUM
RAGE
DECAPITATED
MORTIIS
STAHLHAMMER
HORNA
MASTER
PIGSTY
BEHERIT
SQUASH BOWELS
ENOCHIAN CRESCENT
THY SERPENT
BATTLELORE
ANTAEUS
FUNERAL
GLITTERTIND
CORPUS CHRISTII
ANATA
DERANGED
PRIMORDIAL
WOLFBRIGADE
Any interested parties wishing to be featured in this book are urged to contact the author via ryanbartek@hotmail.com.
Frontman Erik Danielsson of Swedish black metallers WATAIN has contributed an impassioned foreword to the upcoming 744-page hardcover book "Metalion: The Slayer Mag Diaries", an anthology and memoir by Norway's extreme metal godfather Jon Kristiansen.
Danielsson previously contributed to Slayer XX, the final issue of the legendary Slayer mag, released in 2010. The musician also appears in the "Metalion" book's gallery of color portrait photographs shot by Kristiansen.
Says Danielsson: "The first issue I got was Slayer X, and it was a monumental experience of being thrust into the very depths of the mad universe that was the black/death metal underground... Dead or alive, Slayer mag will stand as a synonym for that unnameable, bloodcurdling feeling of solemn secrecy and evil genius that this movement has bestowed upon us."
Part anthology, part memoir, and years in the making, "Metalion" includes over 600 reproduction pages from every issue of Slayer mag, spanning from the early 1980s through 2010. In addition, author Jon Kristiansen recounts his life's story, from alienated outsider to central figure in Norwegian black metal to world-weary metal survivor. The book also features over 100 rare photographs, including two color sections and a portrait gallery of photographs taken by Kristiansen himself.
"The greatest heavy metal story ever told" will be available June 6, 2011, wherever books are sold, and is available for preorder now with two bonus limited patches from Bazillion Points Books, "America's smallest but heaviest book publisher."
For more information, visit www.metalionbook.com.
Ohio metallers SKELETONWITCH have announced the details of the third, and final, installment of their seven-inch trilogy. Part III will be on gray vinyl and will feature a recently re-recorded version of "Onward To Battle", a track that originally appeared on the band's self-released debut album, "At One With The Shadows". The B-side, meanwhile, is a demo version of a new track, "The Infernal Resurrection", which the group recently debuted on their tour with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD. This is the first official taste of SKELETONWITCH's new album, which will be released this fall.
As with Parts I and II, this seven-inch —- which again features artwork by the group's former drummer, Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau — is limited to 500 copies, and once they're gone, they're gone! Pre-order is available now and the wax will ship in June. Get your copy at the official Prosthetic web shop.
SKELETONWITCH will enter the studio next month to begin recording its new album for a late 2011 release.
The band parted ways with drummer Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau last month and temporarily replaced him with Tony Laureano (DIMMU BORGIR, 1349, ANGELCORPSE, NILE).
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.
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