Cineplex Entertainment, via their Front Row Centre Events, Omniverse Vision and Eagle Rock Entertainment today announced "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" will be presented at participating movie theatres across Canada for one night only. This acclaimed documentary tells the life story of Ozzy Osbourne, as seen through the eyes of his son Jack. This special presentation can be enjoyed on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. local time.
"Ozzy Osbourne continues to be one of the biggest names in rock music today after many years as the lead singer of BLACK SABBATH before embarking on a hugely successful solo career," said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. "Fans won't want to miss the opportunity to see this career-spanning documentary that features rare footage and live performances from around the world."
"God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" examines many vital moments of the famed performer's life beginning with his troubled youth, through his career with BLACK SABBATH, his battles with fame and addiction, and his life as a family man with Sharon. The documentary also provides unprecedented behind the scenes clips of Ozzy on and off stage as well as interviews with Tommy Lee and members of BLACK SABBATH.
Tickets for "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" can be purchased at participating theatre box offices, through the Cineplex mobile apps and online at www.cineplex.com/events.
"God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" premiered on April 24 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and received a positive review from Entertainment Weekly, which said, "What could have been a glossy, fawning tribute to the most visible face in heavy metal music history — especially considering it was co-produced by his son, Jack — actually turned out to be a remarkably evenhanded look at Ozzy's monumental musical influence as well as his less exemplary life as an addict and often-absent father."
Critic Joseph Brannigan Lynch added, "'God Bless Ozzy Osbourne' may not answer the question 'What makes Ozzy act so... Ozzy-like?', but it's hardly a fluffy tribute. This documentary succeeds in offering a balanced portrait of a man who made many mistakes over the course of his addiction-riddled life and also happens to be one of the most influential hard rock singers ever."
Lynch also wrote that the film "starts with Osbourne's poor childhood in the cramped quarters of inner-city Birmingham, England, and goes up to his long-sought sobriety following the end of the water-cooler fodder reality series 'The Osbournes'."
While the movie does not delve into certain aspects of Ozzy's life — such as his attempted strangulation of wife/manager Sharon years ago — frank interviews with his five children "portray him as an absentee father even when he was physically present due to his mind-numbing abuse of pills, cocaine and liquor," according to Lynch.
"Ozzy Osbourne continues to be one of the biggest names in rock music today after many years as the lead singer of BLACK SABBATH before embarking on a hugely successful solo career," said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. "Fans won't want to miss the opportunity to see this career-spanning documentary that features rare footage and live performances from around the world."
"God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" examines many vital moments of the famed performer's life beginning with his troubled youth, through his career with BLACK SABBATH, his battles with fame and addiction, and his life as a family man with Sharon. The documentary also provides unprecedented behind the scenes clips of Ozzy on and off stage as well as interviews with Tommy Lee and members of BLACK SABBATH.
Tickets for "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" can be purchased at participating theatre box offices, through the Cineplex mobile apps and online at www.cineplex.com/events.
"God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" premiered on April 24 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and received a positive review from Entertainment Weekly, which said, "What could have been a glossy, fawning tribute to the most visible face in heavy metal music history — especially considering it was co-produced by his son, Jack — actually turned out to be a remarkably evenhanded look at Ozzy's monumental musical influence as well as his less exemplary life as an addict and often-absent father."
Critic Joseph Brannigan Lynch added, "'God Bless Ozzy Osbourne' may not answer the question 'What makes Ozzy act so... Ozzy-like?', but it's hardly a fluffy tribute. This documentary succeeds in offering a balanced portrait of a man who made many mistakes over the course of his addiction-riddled life and also happens to be one of the most influential hard rock singers ever."
Lynch also wrote that the film "starts with Osbourne's poor childhood in the cramped quarters of inner-city Birmingham, England, and goes up to his long-sought sobriety following the end of the water-cooler fodder reality series 'The Osbournes'."
While the movie does not delve into certain aspects of Ozzy's life — such as his attempted strangulation of wife/manager Sharon years ago — frank interviews with his five children "portray him as an absentee father even when he was physically present due to his mind-numbing abuse of pills, cocaine and liquor," according to Lynch.
What becomes of our rock and roll heroes? Some die young and remain as we remember them forever, others some grow old and end up selling us car insurance -- but only one so far has found a new career as a doctor (well, sort of...).
Step forward Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne, who alongside starring in a reality TV show and releasing a brilliant autobiography has used his rock retirement to reinvent himself as a medical adviser.
He might not have the exact qualifications, but after surviving 40 years of relentless rock n roll debauchery we figured Dr. Ozzy must have a thing or two to teach Asylum about growing old in good health...
Ozzy -- we all know about the bat incident -- but is there any animal you definitely would not consider eating?
Step forward Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne, who alongside starring in a reality TV show and releasing a brilliant autobiography has used his rock retirement to reinvent himself as a medical adviser.
He might not have the exact qualifications, but after surviving 40 years of relentless rock n roll debauchery we figured Dr. Ozzy must have a thing or two to teach Asylum about growing old in good health...
Ozzy -- we all know about the bat incident -- but is there any animal you definitely would not consider eating?
Actually I don't eat much meat at all these days: I'm more likely to bite the head off a f**king lettuce than a bat -- or any other animal for that matter. That's what happens when you get to the age of 62: you order a medium-rare steak, and you can't shit for a week, man. Pills don't solve the problem, either. You'd need a couple of sticks of dynamite to unclog the Prince of Darkness after plate of ribeye.
Moisturizers... waxing kits... how much male grooming is 'too much' in your experience?
I recommend that all blokes wear a bit of moiturizer every day, 'cos if you don't, you'll end up looking an extra from Lord of the f**king Rings by the time you're 50. This is the basic stuff you get from the chemists that I'm talking about -- not that 800 quid-a-jar bollocks, made out of unicorn w**k or whatever. Anything beyond that is too much for me, to be honest with you. I mean, waxing? F**k off.
At 26, Asylum remains relatively rake-like, but in recent months the first signs of a slight 'podge' have emerged. Any tips on how to nip this in the bud?
Eat less. I've tried every fad diet in the book, and they all have one thing in common: THEY DON'T F**KING WORK. If you eat at home, trying buying smaller plates. And of course you've gotta exercise -- a 30-minute walk every day should take care of that. Obviously it goes without saying that if you're pouring banana-pineapple martinis down your throat every night, you've gotta cut that out, too.
You've encountered a lot of doctors over the years â€"- what makes a good one, and what makes a medic to avoid?
A good doctor gives you drugs, no questions asked . . . they're also the ones to avoid.
We just want to look good naked. As a man who now exercises regularly, what form of workout would you recommend?
Headbanging. Just make sure to warm-up to some Phil Collins before you put on the Goatwhore.
Do girls really care if you have a six pack or not? We were thinking about getting some of those electro-shock pads you stick to your belly...
Dr Ozzy's advice? Stick to the girls who care more about the other kind of sixpack -- the kind that gets you p***ed. Trust me, you'll have more fun.
Have you ever pulled a 'sickie', and if so, what line did you use?
I once shaved my head to try and get out of a gig. Sharon just frog-marched me down the local costume shop and bought me a f**king wig. I was so p***ed off, I put a little capsule of fake blood under it, then half way through the show, pretended to scalp myself. This wasn't long after the bat-biting thing, and all these girls in the front row started to scream, 'Oh my God, he really is crazy!' and passed out. Hilarious, man.
Some of us on the team are getting receding hairlines, whereas you still have a beautiful head of hair. Is it real, and if so, any hair care treatments you recommend?
It's all real -- I'm very lucky to have been blessed with good hair genes. If it's thinning or receding, my advice is to shave it all off, man. It's a battle you can't win, unless you've got a serious amount of time and dough to throw at the problem
A bad hangover, one too many coffees, and a packed tube -- suddenly we're on the verge of a panic attack. Have you ever encountered this problem? What did you do?
Sounds familiar. If it were me in my drinking days, I've had got off the train at the next station and had another pint. As far as I was concerned, another pint could cure fucking anything. Which explains why I had hangover that lasted 40 years.
Finally -- you were born in Birmingham but now you live in America. Do you think leaving Britain behind has helped you stay fit?
I still have a place in England, and I spend a lot of time there, so the contrast with LA -- where everyone's trying to live forever -- is un-f**king-believable, man. It's all about finding a balance, if you ask me. You don't want to kill yourself to have a good time, like a lot of people do in England. But you also don't want to try so hard to live forever that you forget how to f**king live.
'Trust Me, I'm Dr Ozzy', by Ozzy Osbourne with Chris Ayres, is published this week on Sphere, priced at £9.99.
The 'Ask Dr Ozzy' column appears every week in The Sunday Times Magazine and in selected issues of Rolling Stone
Moisturizers... waxing kits... how much male grooming is 'too much' in your experience?
I recommend that all blokes wear a bit of moiturizer every day, 'cos if you don't, you'll end up looking an extra from Lord of the f**king Rings by the time you're 50. This is the basic stuff you get from the chemists that I'm talking about -- not that 800 quid-a-jar bollocks, made out of unicorn w**k or whatever. Anything beyond that is too much for me, to be honest with you. I mean, waxing? F**k off.
At 26, Asylum remains relatively rake-like, but in recent months the first signs of a slight 'podge' have emerged. Any tips on how to nip this in the bud?
Eat less. I've tried every fad diet in the book, and they all have one thing in common: THEY DON'T F**KING WORK. If you eat at home, trying buying smaller plates. And of course you've gotta exercise -- a 30-minute walk every day should take care of that. Obviously it goes without saying that if you're pouring banana-pineapple martinis down your throat every night, you've gotta cut that out, too.
You've encountered a lot of doctors over the years â€"- what makes a good one, and what makes a medic to avoid?
A good doctor gives you drugs, no questions asked . . . they're also the ones to avoid.
We just want to look good naked. As a man who now exercises regularly, what form of workout would you recommend?
Headbanging. Just make sure to warm-up to some Phil Collins before you put on the Goatwhore.
Do girls really care if you have a six pack or not? We were thinking about getting some of those electro-shock pads you stick to your belly...
Dr Ozzy's advice? Stick to the girls who care more about the other kind of sixpack -- the kind that gets you p***ed. Trust me, you'll have more fun.
Have you ever pulled a 'sickie', and if so, what line did you use?
I once shaved my head to try and get out of a gig. Sharon just frog-marched me down the local costume shop and bought me a f**king wig. I was so p***ed off, I put a little capsule of fake blood under it, then half way through the show, pretended to scalp myself. This wasn't long after the bat-biting thing, and all these girls in the front row started to scream, 'Oh my God, he really is crazy!' and passed out. Hilarious, man.
Some of us on the team are getting receding hairlines, whereas you still have a beautiful head of hair. Is it real, and if so, any hair care treatments you recommend?
It's all real -- I'm very lucky to have been blessed with good hair genes. If it's thinning or receding, my advice is to shave it all off, man. It's a battle you can't win, unless you've got a serious amount of time and dough to throw at the problem
A bad hangover, one too many coffees, and a packed tube -- suddenly we're on the verge of a panic attack. Have you ever encountered this problem? What did you do?
Sounds familiar. If it were me in my drinking days, I've had got off the train at the next station and had another pint. As far as I was concerned, another pint could cure fucking anything. Which explains why I had hangover that lasted 40 years.
Finally -- you were born in Birmingham but now you live in America. Do you think leaving Britain behind has helped you stay fit?
I still have a place in England, and I spend a lot of time there, so the contrast with LA -- where everyone's trying to live forever -- is un-f**king-believable, man. It's all about finding a balance, if you ask me. You don't want to kill yourself to have a good time, like a lot of people do in England. But you also don't want to try so hard to live forever that you forget how to f**king live.
'Trust Me, I'm Dr Ozzy', by Ozzy Osbourne with Chris Ayres, is published this week on Sphere, priced at £9.99.
The 'Ask Dr Ozzy' column appears every week in The Sunday Times Magazine and in selected issues of Rolling Stone
Graham Hartmann of Loudwire recently conducted an interview with vocalist Rob Halford and bassist Ian Hill of British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Loudwire: In your early work, you can hear a heavy BLACK SABBATH influence. As your sound developed throughout the '70s, do you feel that you had any influence on BLACK SABBATH as they also began to play faster — especially during the Dio years?
Halford: I don't think so. The fact that we're both from the same place is probably in some people's minds a crossover or influence. It's just the fact that we're both heavy metal bands is the foundation that connects us. It's the riffs, isn't it? The other elements are totally separate. I think SABBATH have as much of a unique sound and style as PRIEST does. If you put a SABBATH album on, you go, "That's SABBATH." If you put PRIEST album on, "That's definitely PRIEST." So there is a distinction of difference; it's just that we both live in the same metal world.
Hill: Of course, way back then when everything was very experimental anyway, back in the late '60s and early '70s, metal didn't even exist — it was called other things like progressive rock or progressive blues or heavy rock. Everything was in a nucleus and everything was sort of similar, but then everything starts to branch out and people get identities and direction. Everybody finds their own niche if you're talented and you're good enough.
Loudwire: Rob, it has been mentioned that you're one of the most talented vocalists in music. What other singers do you find to be talented?
Halford: Obviously people I know as friends like Robert Plant, David Coverdale and Roger Daltrey. People from my own world growing up in the music business like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. More recently, Corey [Taylor] from SLIPKNOT has a great voice when he's not doing the [Halford imitates guttural vocals] thing. The singer from STAIND [Aaron Lewis], Phil [Anselmo] when he sang on [PANTERA's] "Cowboys From Hell" — great voice. Vocals change, don't they? The guys from LINKIN PARK. It's funny because you hear a lot of good singers now but you've usually got two singers or one singer doing the two things. They sing in a very sweet melodic voice and then they go into what we call the "dog vocals" — and that's not derogatory. They sing very melodically and then they go [Halford imitates guttural vocals]. It's a very unusual style of music that's happening now and a lot of bands are doing it because that's the flavor, that's the fashion. I like to hear a singer sing. I like to hear what they're singing about and the melody of the notes, because that's when your distinctive style and character comes out.
Loudwire: In your early work, you can hear a heavy BLACK SABBATH influence. As your sound developed throughout the '70s, do you feel that you had any influence on BLACK SABBATH as they also began to play faster — especially during the Dio years?
Halford: I don't think so. The fact that we're both from the same place is probably in some people's minds a crossover or influence. It's just the fact that we're both heavy metal bands is the foundation that connects us. It's the riffs, isn't it? The other elements are totally separate. I think SABBATH have as much of a unique sound and style as PRIEST does. If you put a SABBATH album on, you go, "That's SABBATH." If you put PRIEST album on, "That's definitely PRIEST." So there is a distinction of difference; it's just that we both live in the same metal world.
Hill: Of course, way back then when everything was very experimental anyway, back in the late '60s and early '70s, metal didn't even exist — it was called other things like progressive rock or progressive blues or heavy rock. Everything was in a nucleus and everything was sort of similar, but then everything starts to branch out and people get identities and direction. Everybody finds their own niche if you're talented and you're good enough.
Loudwire: Rob, it has been mentioned that you're one of the most talented vocalists in music. What other singers do you find to be talented?
Halford: Obviously people I know as friends like Robert Plant, David Coverdale and Roger Daltrey. People from my own world growing up in the music business like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. More recently, Corey [Taylor] from SLIPKNOT has a great voice when he's not doing the [Halford imitates guttural vocals] thing. The singer from STAIND [Aaron Lewis], Phil [Anselmo] when he sang on [PANTERA's] "Cowboys From Hell" — great voice. Vocals change, don't they? The guys from LINKIN PARK. It's funny because you hear a lot of good singers now but you've usually got two singers or one singer doing the two things. They sing in a very sweet melodic voice and then they go into what we call the "dog vocals" — and that's not derogatory. They sing very melodically and then they go [Halford imitates guttural vocals]. It's a very unusual style of music that's happening now and a lot of bands are doing it because that's the flavor, that's the fashion. I like to hear a singer sing. I like to hear what they're singing about and the melody of the notes, because that's when your distinctive style and character comes out.
According to the Hounslow Chronicle, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson will open the Oxjam Chiswick mini-music festival on Saturday, October 22 at the festival's flagship venue The Hogarth Health Club in Chiswick, West London, England 
. He will officially announce the opening of the mini-music festival by cutting the chord on the big day around midday as crowds gather to enjoy live music until midnight with over sixty bands lined up across venues up and down Chiswick high Road.
Oxjam is Oxfam's national musicfestival which, between the various venues across the U.K., is now the biggest music festival in the U.K. All money raised goes to help the charity which focuses on three main objectives: emergency response, campaigning for change, and development work worldwide.
For more information, head to www.oxjamchiswick.co.uk.
. He will officially announce the opening of the mini-music festival by cutting the chord on the big day around midday as crowds gather to enjoy live music until midnight with over sixty bands lined up across venues up and down Chiswick high Road.Oxjam is Oxfam's national music
which, between the various venues across the U.K., is now the biggest music festival in the U.K. All money raised goes to help the charity which focuses on three main objectives: emergency response, campaigning for change, and development work worldwide. For more information, head to www.oxjamchiswick.co.uk.
Gianluigi D'Autilia of Ultimate-Guitar.com recently conducted an interview with Danish producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, RAINBOW, BLIND GUARDIAN, MORBID ANGEL, EVILE). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: I was wondering how you and METALLICA initially made contact with each other.
Rasmussen: I worked on an album with Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW, "Difficult To Cure". METALLICA had their first record out, "Kill 'Em All". They wanted to try out something different and record in Europe. The dollar at that time was so strong that they thought they could spend more time in a studio based in Europe than they could do in the U.S. They decided to call me up, to ask if I was interested. I did not know them at all; I did not know who they were at that time.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How was the studio time with them?
Rasmussen: In our studio sessions we worked pretty hard, at the same time having some really magical and inspiring moment. For example, songs like "For Whom The Bell Tolls" were fully composed at the Sweet Silence Studio. "Master Of Puppets" was totally composed when they came into the studio. They used to produce really good demos before going into the recording sessions. I really appreciated that. Their first idea was to start in the States looking for a pro studio, but then they decided to continue at Sweet Silence again. On that record everything flowed easily. "Master" took about four months to be finished, "Ride The Lightning" two months. For "…And Justice For All" we recorded four months in a row, with no days off! Its production was a bit more hard as compared to the others. Cliff Burton [METALLICA bassist] had already died, and the situation was a bit strange at that time.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: In your opinion, which record which you engineered/ produced, do you consider to be the most influential for the scene?
Rasmussen: "...And Justice For All" was very inspiring for lots of metal bands that came afterwards, and for the death metal scene as well. So many musicians were also inspired by that one.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: A classic question: What made that time so special? Do you think it was a combination of several factors?
Rasmussen: Yes, it was a mix of elements. They were just starting to become known, going up, getting better and better as musicians and composers. They were really enthusiastic about what they had achieved.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: I was wondering how you and METALLICA initially made contact with each other.
Rasmussen: I worked on an album with Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW, "Difficult To Cure". METALLICA had their first record out, "Kill 'Em All". They wanted to try out something different and record in Europe. The dollar at that time was so strong that they thought they could spend more time in a studio based in Europe than they could do in the U.S. They decided to call me up, to ask if I was interested. I did not know them at all; I did not know who they were at that time.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How was the studio time with them?
Rasmussen: In our studio sessions we worked pretty hard, at the same time having some really magical and inspiring moment. For example, songs like "For Whom The Bell Tolls" were fully composed at the Sweet Silence Studio. "Master Of Puppets" was totally composed when they came into the studio. They used to produce really good demos before going into the recording sessions. I really appreciated that. Their first idea was to start in the States looking for a pro studio, but then they decided to continue at Sweet Silence again. On that record everything flowed easily. "Master" took about four months to be finished, "Ride The Lightning" two months. For "…And Justice For All" we recorded four months in a row, with no days off! Its production was a bit more hard as compared to the others. Cliff Burton [METALLICA bassist] had already died, and the situation was a bit strange at that time.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: In your opinion, which record which you engineered/ produced, do you consider to be the most influential for the scene?
Rasmussen: "...And Justice For All" was very inspiring for lots of metal bands that came afterwards, and for the death metal scene as well. So many musicians were also inspired by that one.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: A classic question: What made that time so special? Do you think it was a combination of several factors?
Rasmussen: Yes, it was a mix of elements. They were just starting to become known, going up, getting better and better as musicians and composers. They were really enthusiastic about what they had achieved.
Mike Sullivan of ExploreMusic conducted an interview with vocalist James LaBrie of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER on October 6, 2011 at Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. You can now watch the chat below.
DREAM THEATER's new album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", sold 36,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8. The band's previous CD, 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", opened with 40,000 units to land at No. 6. This was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "Systematic Chaos", which shifted 36,000 copies in 2007 to enter the chart at No. 19. 2005's "Octavarium" premiered with 27,000 copies to debut at No. 36.
In a recent interview with The Aquarian Weekly, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci stated about the making of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", "Going into it and writing it, we had made a conscious decision to really focus in again on the core compositional elements: What are the things that we really want to explore and focus on on this album? I knew that I wanted it to be a broad album, that we wanted to give everybody the band an opportunity to shine, whether that's in an arrangement way or an orchestration way. I knew and hoped that it would be mixed by Andy Wallace, which it was. I wanted the presentation sonically to be epic and grand and high-fi and all that stuff. Those were some of the goals. We really wanted to infuse the elements of progressive music that we grew up with and make sure that it was a melodic album and rich in the lyrical message. Those were all the things that were on our mind, that we talked about the whole time."
When asked why the band's new drummer, Mike Mangini, was not included in the writing of the new record, Petrucci said, "I decided to do it this way because I wanted to make sure that we were able to focus on DREAM THEATER's core compositional elements and sounds without a new person coming in. Whatever that Mike might have brought to the table, I thought it was too early to kind of bring in somebody that we didn't really know at all, as far as their compositional abilities. I've been writing this music forever and just felt comfortable in that kind of environment. When you can focus on just guitar, keyboards, bass and our singer is there, it's just a more intimate environment and you're not trying to integrate somebody else and feel them out. I just kind of wanted to eliminate that whole process. I mean, it could have been great, but I was more comfortable doing it this way for this album at least."
DREAM THEATER's new album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", sold 36,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8. The band's previous CD, 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", opened with 40,000 units to land at No. 6. This was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "Systematic Chaos", which shifted 36,000 copies in 2007 to enter the chart at No. 19. 2005's "Octavarium" premiered with 27,000 copies to debut at No. 36.
In a recent interview with The Aquarian Weekly, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci stated about the making of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", "Going into it and writing it, we had made a conscious decision to really focus in again on the core compositional elements: What are the things that we really want to explore and focus on on this album? I knew that I wanted it to be a broad album, that we wanted to give everybody the band an opportunity to shine, whether that's in an arrangement way or an orchestration way. I knew and hoped that it would be mixed by Andy Wallace, which it was. I wanted the presentation sonically to be epic and grand and high-fi and all that stuff. Those were some of the goals. We really wanted to infuse the elements of progressive music that we grew up with and make sure that it was a melodic album and rich in the lyrical message. Those were all the things that were on our mind, that we talked about the whole time."
When asked why the band's new drummer, Mike Mangini, was not included in the writing of the new record, Petrucci said, "I decided to do it this way because I wanted to make sure that we were able to focus on DREAM THEATER's core compositional elements and sounds without a new person coming in. Whatever that Mike might have brought to the table, I thought it was too early to kind of bring in somebody that we didn't really know at all, as far as their compositional abilities. I've been writing this music forever and just felt comfortable in that kind of environment. When you can focus on just guitar, keyboards, bass and our singer is there, it's just a more intimate environment and you're not trying to integrate somebody else and feel them out. I just kind of wanted to eliminate that whole process. I mean, it could have been great, but I was more comfortable doing it this way for this album at least."
DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein has confirmed via Facebook that the band will start laying down drum tracks for its next release this coming Friday, October 21.
Windstein in June told Radio Metal that DOWN is planning to release four separate EPs over the course of the next couple of years. "We're going to do four EPs, and they'll all be different," he said. "We have many elements to our sound, so each one will have its own characteristics. Like, for example, this one we're writing right now and are about to start recording will be really hard, with heavy DOWN stuff. Then we'll have a mellow one, then a doom one — you know, slower and doomy stuff. A little bit of everything."
Regarding why the band chose to release four EPs instead of a full album, Kirk said, "The record industry sucks so bad. Nobody buys anything. We're trying to do something different, making it cheaper to buy. People want stuff for free! So six songs, it's cheaper to buy. Same thing for downloading; it will be cheaper to download. Nobody wants to go to the record store and buy stuff anymore. So we're just trying to mix it up and do something different. It will be released on physical EP and digitally as well."
In an interview with The Delaware County Daily Times, DOWN guitarist Pepper Keenan stated about the band's next studio release, "We're kinda goin' backwards now. The first record came out a long time ago, so we're feeling that vibe and heading that way; real simple: stripped down and to the point."
He added, "I think we're going to try and do four EPs, and they're all going to be connected together with artwork. This will allow us to have a frontload, heavy as [expletive] EP, and maybe the second one could showcase some of the acoustic stuff we've been saving for awhile, and then continuing the four of them with a completely different style, and obviously the fourth one would be another doom-laden heavy one."
DOWN recently parted ways with bassist Rex Brown and replaced him with Patrick Bruders of CROWBAR. Keenan stated about the band's latest addition, "[Patrick's] ass-kickin' in the same way [as Rex was]. He plays with his fingers — which is really cool; he's got the whole Geezer Butler thing going on."
Windstein in June told Radio Metal that DOWN is planning to release four separate EPs over the course of the next couple of years. "We're going to do four EPs, and they'll all be different," he said. "We have many elements to our sound, so each one will have its own characteristics. Like, for example, this one we're writing right now and are about to start recording will be really hard, with heavy DOWN stuff. Then we'll have a mellow one, then a doom one — you know, slower and doomy stuff. A little bit of everything."
Regarding why the band chose to release four EPs instead of a full album, Kirk said, "The record industry sucks so bad. Nobody buys anything. We're trying to do something different, making it cheaper to buy. People want stuff for free! So six songs, it's cheaper to buy. Same thing for downloading; it will be cheaper to download. Nobody wants to go to the record store and buy stuff anymore. So we're just trying to mix it up and do something different. It will be released on physical EP and digitally as well."
In an interview with The Delaware County Daily Times, DOWN guitarist Pepper Keenan stated about the band's next studio release, "We're kinda goin' backwards now. The first record came out a long time ago, so we're feeling that vibe and heading that way; real simple: stripped down and to the point."
He added, "I think we're going to try and do four EPs, and they're all going to be connected together with artwork. This will allow us to have a frontload, heavy as [expletive] EP, and maybe the second one could showcase some of the acoustic stuff we've been saving for awhile, and then continuing the four of them with a completely different style, and obviously the fourth one would be another doom-laden heavy one."
DOWN recently parted ways with bassist Rex Brown and replaced him with Patrick Bruders of CROWBAR. Keenan stated about the band's latest addition, "[Patrick's] ass-kickin' in the same way [as Rex was]. He plays with his fingers — which is really cool; he's got the whole Geezer Butler thing going on."
For almost three decades, Bobby Blotzer has been playing the drums for Ratt. Like any smart musician, Bobby is looking towards the future, and knows there will be a day when Ratt (at least in it's present form) will cease to perform. And in today's tumultuous state, in which the recording industry is in, most bands (including Ratt) derive the majority of their income from touring. So, to expound upon the "Ratt" band name (which he co-owns with Ratt guitarist, Warren DiMartini), Bobby has created his own brand of "Ratt-N-Roll" products, which he owns exclusively. The first items Blotzer has released under the "Ratt-N-Roll" brand are a series of Artist wines (created with the help of world renown wine maker, Kristian Story), with the first release being a chardonnay wine labeled, "Body Talk," and on December 1st, there will be the "Slip of the Lip" cabernet. In addition to the "Out of the Cellar" wines, Bobby will be releasing his own brand of hot sauce, salsa, and of course, how could you have a glass of wine without a piece of "Sweet Cheater" cheddar cheese? (No, I'm not making this up)
Even with all of the branding going on, Bobby is looking forward to recording a follow up Ratt CD to 2010's "Infestation," which he hopes will be released by the spring of 2012, with a summer tour to follow. In our interview, we discussed Blotz's new life as an entrepreneur, the future of Ratt and more, all while Bobby was sitting poolside in Florida, attending the "Spooky Empire" horror festival in Orlando.
RockMusicStar: Congratulations on the release of your "Ratt-N-Roll: Out of the Cellar" wines. How did the series come about? Was it an idea you had, or did someone approach you to endorse their product?
Bobby Blotzer: A little of each actually. We (Ratt) were planning on taking a little leave of absence this year, and I knew if we were going to take some time off, I'd have time to focus on other projects. I love wine, and I've been a wine drinker for probably 38 years now. It's something that I wanted to get into and brand out a little bit, and utilize my position in Ratt. I'm one of the owners of the trademark of the name. Warren DiMartini and I own that 50/50. But I wanted to create something that I had complete control over, so I wouldn't have to bug him (Warren). I wanted to have something separate from the business enterprise I'm involved with Ratt, the band. I met up with the guys at Artist wine, who are one of my partners, and then our wine maker, Kristian Story, who are all really nice people, and it's a pleasure to be in business with them. And what we did was, we just created the wine to my palate. I would meet with Kristian and tell him different wines I like to drink, and sample stuff he was making, and just pretty much dialed it in, on that level. I wanted my white wine to be a chardonnay, because whenever it seems that I'm out at a club, or a bar, or a restaurant, they primarily serve chardonnay. It's usually pretty hard, and not the best tasting chard. I really wanted to lean towards a nice oak-y flavor. A chard that was light, and doesn't give you the 'sour puss' face. We just tailored it to be appealing.
I also have a sauces blend coming out, which is a hot sauce. I'm going to do about 6 different blends. The first one is called, "Pi-Ratt," and it's a Caribbean rum hot sauce. The kicker line is, "If it's too hot, you're too old."
RMS: I think it's great that you're branching out on these ventures, and helping Ratt evolve, from not just being known as a band name, but attempting to make a brand from it. As much as creating your own business and brand was a motivation, was the fact that you knew that Ratt wouldn't have any product out for almost two years a motive, in keeping the "Ratt" name in the public's eye, by releasing these products?
BB: I did a lot of research of what my rights were to the actual "Ratt" name. And the slogan, "Ratt-N-Roll" was not owned by us or anybody. So, I was able to go in and get the US patent and trademark on that. I've been in Ratt now for 30 years, and I want to correlate my lifetime work with that. And have something that I can control, and not have to argue about things, as far as which direction, ya know? I'm doing promotion like wine tasting shows, and the "Spooky Empire" festival, here in Florida, which is a three day convention, which will probably have about 15,000 people come through here. So I'm doing what I can to get the "Ratt-N-Roll" name out there.
RMS: Let's switch gears a little, and talk about Ratt, the band. Is the same lineup still together, which recorded the last record, "Infestation?"
BB: Yes. And that record turned out amazing. It was critically acclaimed around the world. And on the charts here in America, it made it to #30. We also got a couple Grammy nods. So we were very excited and weren't expecting that to happen. So right now, we're in writing mode. And looking at a spring release and summer tour. That's generally what everybody does. Hopefully we'll wind up touring longer than last time, and at least do 6 months.
RMS: It's good to hear there will be another new Ratt CD, as fans really loved "Infestation." Unlike so many other bands who've done 'comeback' or 'reunion records,' "Infestation" delivered the goods, and really sounds like the band that people remember.
BB: We weren't even writing that record, trying to cop that vibe. We were just individually writing and collectively taking each other's songs, and then putting our own individuality into our own songs. And they just came out sounding like a record that would have fit in between "Out of the Cellar" and "Invasion of Your Privacy," respectively. It was a trip to see how everyone gravitated towards that record.
RMS: I'm a big fan of the Twenty 4 Seven record you did with John Corabi, and I noticed you reworked and recorded a couple of those songs on "Infestation."
BB: The reason I did that was because I wrote all of those (Twenty 4 Seven) songs, and the label that I signed with (Metal Mayhem Music), cut me out of my own record, and did not give me the credit of me being the writer, me playing on the thing. It was really horrifying. To this day, I have such a bad taste in my mouth, because I played EVERYTHING on that record. John sang lead vocals. I played all of the guitars, except for the lead. I had Robert Marcello come in and play lead. I played all of the acoustics (guitars), the bass, the rhythms, and they cut me out of that.
RMS: Another record that I'm a fan of, is the Saints of the Underground CD you did with Jani Lane. Which I believe is the last official CD that he released before his passing.
BB: Yeah. That was one of my favorite records that I ever played on. I happened to see Jani one EXACT week before he passed away. I hadn't seen him in a couple years, and it was great to see him and catch up. I am still just lopsided over that (Jani's death). Even though a lot of us knew that this day might come to fruition, it didn't matter that we thought that it might. It's just so sad. It's a waste of a life, and a father, and a talent.
RMS: To wrap things up, could you leave a message for all of the Ratt fans reading this interview?
BB: I just want to say thanks for everyone being so cool and supporting us for the past 30 years. I am so happy to be working still in Ratt. I get to play these great songs that we've all written. For me, I don't know when it's going to end. I'll play until I can't swing the wood anymore, which would be my drum sticks by the way!!!! LOL
For more on Bobby Blotzer, please go to www.bobbyblotzer.com
To order Ratt-N-Roll wine, go to www.artistwine.com
Due to circumstances beyond their control, British epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE have been forced to cancel tonight's (Tuesday, October 18) sold-out show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California. The concert would have been the live debut of DRAGONFORCE's new singer Marc Hudson, who joined the band earlier this year. However, upon his arrival in L.A. on Saturday evening, Marc fell ill, contracting a virus which is preventing him from performing. Hudson made the valiant effort to try and salvage the show, consulting with a doctor last night for the final time. He was told that there was no way he could possibly perform in his condition.
DRAGONFORCE is incredibly frustrated to come all this way, only to be tripped at the last minute.
The DRAGONFORCE members extend apologies to all the L.A. fans they were looking forward to playing for, but the situation is completely and entirely out of their control.
The band's Toronto and New York City performances slated for later this week should go on as planned.
DRAGONFORCE's return to the U.S. after a two-year absence was meant to give fans a unique opportunity to preview the band's new singer and brand new songs from their highly anticipated forthcoming album before moving to the big stage with full production on their world tour which commences early 2012.
After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March welcomed 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band to fill the boots left by ZP Theart, who parted ways with the group in March of last year.
"I'm really excited about being a part of the DRAGONFORCE family," said Marc. "It's always been my dream to dedicate my life to making music. I'm going to bring all the power and emotion I can to the songs, and help make the killer new record the fans have been waiting for!"
Born in Oxford England, Marc was picked from the thousands of applications via a number of impressive video auditions and live performances, which left the rest of the band in no doubt that they'd found their man. Since the age of 16, Marc has been building his vocal skills gigging with bands in the U.K. underground scene, developing a powerful style with influences which include Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske and Sebastian Bach.
Commented founding member and guitarist Herman Li: "After almost a year of searching around the globe, it's great to be able to finally tell our fans the good news. Marc's expressive and melodic vocals are sounding phenomenal on the new songs, adding another dimension to the DRAGONFORCE sound that I am sure all the fans will love."
The band has been working on a new album since early 2010, recording in various studios in California, London and the South of France. The follow-up to 2008's hugely successful "Ultra Beatdown" album will be highly anticipated, with top 10 and top 20 chart positions all over the world and a Grammy nomination in the United States setting the precedent. With Marc brought into the fold, the band is enjoying an injection of enthusiasm and hunger that sees DRAGONFORCE prepared to return more focused and determined than ever before.
"Everyone in the band is extremely excited about how the new material is shaping up," continued Herman. "We haven't felt this kind of energy in the band for a long time. We can't wait to unleash the next DRAGONFORCE album [in 2012]."
DRAGONFORCE is incredibly frustrated to come all this way, only to be tripped at the last minute.
The DRAGONFORCE members extend apologies to all the L.A. fans they were looking forward to playing for, but the situation is completely and entirely out of their control.
The band's Toronto and New York City performances slated for later this week should go on as planned.
DRAGONFORCE's return to the U.S. after a two-year absence was meant to give fans a unique opportunity to preview the band's new singer and brand new songs from their highly anticipated forthcoming album before moving to the big stage with full production on their world tour which commences early 2012.
After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March welcomed 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band to fill the boots left by ZP Theart, who parted ways with the group in March of last year.
"I'm really excited about being a part of the DRAGONFORCE family," said Marc. "It's always been my dream to dedicate my life to making music. I'm going to bring all the power and emotion I can to the songs, and help make the killer new record the fans have been waiting for!"
Born in Oxford England, Marc was picked from the thousands of applications via a number of impressive video auditions and live performances, which left the rest of the band in no doubt that they'd found their man. Since the age of 16, Marc has been building his vocal skills gigging with bands in the U.K. underground scene, developing a powerful style with influences which include Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske and Sebastian Bach.
Commented founding member and guitarist Herman Li: "After almost a year of searching around the globe, it's great to be able to finally tell our fans the good news. Marc's expressive and melodic vocals are sounding phenomenal on the new songs, adding another dimension to the DRAGONFORCE sound that I am sure all the fans will love."
The band has been working on a new album since early 2010, recording in various studios in California, London and the South of France. The follow-up to 2008's hugely successful "Ultra Beatdown" album will be highly anticipated, with top 10 and top 20 chart positions all over the world and a Grammy nomination in the United States setting the precedent. With Marc brought into the fold, the band is enjoying an injection of enthusiasm and hunger that sees DRAGONFORCE prepared to return more focused and determined than ever before.
"Everyone in the band is extremely excited about how the new material is shaping up," continued Herman. "We haven't felt this kind of energy in the band for a long time. We can't wait to unleash the next DRAGONFORCE album [in 2012]."
ULVER, ANEKDOTEN, BONGRIPPER, DOPETHRONE, FLESH PRESS, GNOD, LEAF HOUND, NECROS CHRISTOS, NECRO DEATHMORT and SPIDERS have been confirmed for next year's edition of the Roadburn festival, set to take place from Thursday, April 12 to Sunday, April 15 (the traditional Afterburner) at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.
Justin K. Broadrick will be Artist in Residence at Roadburn 2012. He will carry on a tradition that began in 2010 with ENSLAVED, followed by CIRCLE in 2011. Justin will play three different sets during Roadburn festival 2012, starting off as White Static Demon vs JK Flesh on Thursday, April 12 at the Midi Theatre. On Friday, April 13, he will perform as Final, and his residency will lead into Broadricks's main project, JESU, performing on Saturday, April 14.
In other news, the Roadburn organizers have unveiled the official artwork for the 2012 festival by VOIVOD's Michel "Away" Langevin. Inspired by sci-fi art of the '50s, '60s op art and early '80s computer-game robotic creatures from another galaxy, Away depicts Roadburn as a head-spinning, extraterrestrial invasion from a world far beyond the outer limits that only he could imagine.
Tickets for Roadburn 2012 will go on sale Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 Central European Time. There will be a two-ticket limit (per order) for three-day and four-day passes and Afterburner tickets.
For more information, visit www.roadburn.com.
Justin K. Broadrick will be Artist in Residence at Roadburn 2012. He will carry on a tradition that began in 2010 with ENSLAVED, followed by CIRCLE in 2011. Justin will play three different sets during Roadburn festival 2012, starting off as White Static Demon vs JK Flesh on Thursday, April 12 at the Midi Theatre. On Friday, April 13, he will perform as Final, and his residency will lead into Broadricks's main project, JESU, performing on Saturday, April 14.
In other news, the Roadburn organizers have unveiled the official artwork for the 2012 festival by VOIVOD's Michel "Away" Langevin. Inspired by sci-fi art of the '50s, '60s op art and early '80s computer-game robotic creatures from another galaxy, Away depicts Roadburn as a head-spinning, extraterrestrial invasion from a world far beyond the outer limits that only he could imagine.
Tickets for Roadburn 2012 will go on sale Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 Central European Time. There will be a two-ticket limit (per order) for three-day and four-day passes and Afterburner tickets.
For more information, visit www.roadburn.com.
BLABBERMOUTH.NET has learned that powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) has been named the lead singer of TRED, the new band featuring bassist Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO), drummer A.J. Pero (TWISTED SISTER) and guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC STOMP). An album's worth of material is currently being recorded for a 2012 release. European and U.S. tour dates are also planned.
TRED's musical direction is described as "go-for-the-throat, straight-ahead rock."
Commented Orlando: "15 tracks so far are in pre-production.
"A.J., Rudy and myself are real excited about launching this new lineup and it will definetely have tons of energy, great playing and some kick-ass hard rock!
"It will be an honor to be part of this new band, as it is an honor to be part of ADRENALINE MOB as well! Should be an exciting 2012!"
TRED is:
* Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) - Lead Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) - Bass
* A.J. Pero (TWISTED SISTER) - Drums
* Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC STOMP) - Guitar
TRED's musical direction is described as "go-for-the-throat, straight-ahead rock."
Commented Orlando: "15 tracks so far are in pre-production.
"A.J., Rudy and myself are real excited about launching this new lineup and it will definetely have tons of energy, great playing and some kick-ass hard rock!
"It will be an honor to be part of this new band, as it is an honor to be part of ADRENALINE MOB as well! Should be an exciting 2012!"
TRED is:
* Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) - Lead Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) - Bass
* A.J. Pero (TWISTED SISTER) - Drums
* Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC STOMP) - Guitar
QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali has joined forces with vocalist/guitarist Paul Sabu (ONLY CHILD), guitarist Linkan Andersson and bassist Martin Karlsson (EUCHARIST) in a new band called ACID FOR BLOOD. The group's debut album, "Out For Blood", will be released in 2012. The drum tracks for the CD were laid down over a 10-hour period in early May with Grammy Award-winning engineer Neil Citron.
"Out For Blood" track listing:
01. Rock The Nation
02. Cracked The Sky
03. Out For Blood
04. Thanks For Nothin'
05. Turn Up The Music
06. Red White And Blues
07. Desolation
08. Kill Shot
09. Rocket UP
10. The Fear Is Gone
ACID FOR BLOOD was approached this past summer to record the title track to the new thriller film "Night Stalker", directed by and starring James Franco ("Spiderman" trilogy, "127 Hours") and co-produced by Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOSLAVE).
ACID FOR BLOOD is:
Paul Sabu: Vocals/Guitar
Frankie Banali: Drums
Linkan Andersson: Guitar
Martin Karlsson: Bass
For more information and audio samples, visit AcidForBloodOnline.com.
"Out For Blood" track listing:
01. Rock The Nation
02. Cracked The Sky
03. Out For Blood
04. Thanks For Nothin'
05. Turn Up The Music
06. Red White And Blues
07. Desolation
08. Kill Shot
09. Rocket UP
10. The Fear Is Gone
ACID FOR BLOOD was approached this past summer to record the title track to the new thriller film "Night Stalker", directed by and starring James Franco ("Spiderman" trilogy, "127 Hours") and co-produced by Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOSLAVE).
ACID FOR BLOOD is:
Paul Sabu: Vocals/Guitar
Frankie Banali: Drums
Linkan Andersson: Guitar
Martin Karlsson: Bass
For more information and audio samples, visit AcidForBloodOnline.com.
LOINCLOTH, the Virginia/North Carolina-based instrumental metal band featuring CONFESSOR drummer Steve Shelton and bassist Cary Rowells along with guitarist Tannon Penland, will release its new album, "Iron Balls Of Steel", in January via Southern Lord Records. The 16-song effort was recorded at Desolation Row in Raleigh, North Carolina by Greg Elkins. The cover art is being handled by Richmond, Virginia artist Doug Dobey.
In related news, GAUCHISTE, the heavy, ambient trio of featuring Penland, Tomas Phillips and Craig Hilton, will release its debut self-titled album on November 15 via Little Black Cloud Records. The effort is being mastered by James Plotkin (KHANATE, SCORN, LOTUS EATERS) and will be made available as a very small run of vinyl/CDs.
CONFESSOR will perform at the Maryland Deathfest X festival, set to take place May 24-27, 2012 at Sonar in Baltimore.
In related news, GAUCHISTE, the heavy, ambient trio of featuring Penland, Tomas Phillips and Craig Hilton, will release its debut self-titled album on November 15 via Little Black Cloud Records. The effort is being mastered by James Plotkin (KHANATE, SCORN, LOTUS EATERS) and will be made available as a very small run of vinyl/CDs.
CONFESSOR will perform at the Maryland Deathfest X festival, set to take place May 24-27, 2012 at Sonar in Baltimore.
Former EUROPE guitarist Kee Marcello will release his controversial autobiography, "The Rock Star God Forgot", in Sweden on October 19.
Marcello just made headlines in the biggest Swedish newspaper with a painfully honest interview about the memoir, which is said to be "the first sex, drugs and rock and roll book ever written by a Swede."
"The Rock Star God Forgot" is scheduled for release in the rest of the world in English during 2012.
On October 21, Marcello will release an album, "Redux: Europe", featuring several new tracks alongside modern, heavier-sounding re-recordings of hits from Marcello's previous bands EUROPE and EASY ACTION. Also scheduled for release on the same date are remastered and repackaged versions of Kee's two earlier albums, "Redux: Shine On" and "Redux: Melon Demon Divine".
When asked why he chose to re-record EUROPE songs, Marcello said, "'Redux' is Latin for 'reclaim' or 'take back,' and that's what I'm doing here. These songs are part of my past and I wanted to bring them into the future."
"Redux: Europe" will be released in the rest of the world on Friday, January 13, 2012.
A video for the song "Redux: Europe" can be viewed below.
In early 2012, Kee Marcello will embark on a European tour with the following lineup:
Kee Marcello: Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Jonny Scaramanga: Guitar
Ken Sandin: Bass
Paul White: Drums
Marcello just made headlines in the biggest Swedish newspaper with a painfully honest interview about the memoir, which is said to be "the first sex, drugs and rock and roll book ever written by a Swede."
"The Rock Star God Forgot" is scheduled for release in the rest of the world in English during 2012.
On October 21, Marcello will release an album, "Redux: Europe", featuring several new tracks alongside modern, heavier-sounding re-recordings of hits from Marcello's previous bands EUROPE and EASY ACTION. Also scheduled for release on the same date are remastered and repackaged versions of Kee's two earlier albums, "Redux: Shine On" and "Redux: Melon Demon Divine".
When asked why he chose to re-record EUROPE songs, Marcello said, "'Redux' is Latin for 'reclaim' or 'take back,' and that's what I'm doing here. These songs are part of my past and I wanted to bring them into the future."
"Redux: Europe" will be released in the rest of the world on Friday, January 13, 2012.
A video for the song "Redux: Europe" can be viewed below.
In early 2012, Kee Marcello will embark on a European tour with the following lineup:
Kee Marcello: Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Jonny Scaramanga: Guitar
Ken Sandin: Bass
Paul White: Drums
Alternative Music Hub recently conducted an interview with Dez Fafara (DEVILDRIVER, COAL CHAMBER) about COAL CHAMBER's upcoming reunion tour as part of Australia's Soundwave Festival. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
Alternative Music Hub: How excited are you to play as COAL CHAMBER again?
Dez: Very excited; it has been a slow progression. Meegs [Miguel Rascón, guitar] and Mikey [Mike Cox, drums] started to come around in '05. They came around to a sold-out DEVILDRIVER show in California and Meegs pulled my wife aside and apologized to her about everything that went that caused my family to move into a one-bedroom apartment and start all over again. I thought that was rather big-hearted of him and they were off hard drugs for 2-3 years then. Cut to '09, Meegs came up to DEVILDRIVER to play [COAL CHAMBER's] "Loco" with us on stage in Pasadena. At the end of it, he came up and gave me a hug and said, "I want to do this in the future." Now in 2011 we are talking about doing shows. They have been off the hard drugs for some time so they can play at 100 percent capacity. We want to bring back the Ten Ton Gorilla back on the stage.
Alternative Music Hub: That is good to hear as the drugs were an issue that caused the breakup.
Dez: When I left COAL CHAMBER, I told the press I was leaving because I wanted to go a different musical direction. But what I did was take the high road and not say in front of their wives, parents and families, all of whom I have known for years, that, "Hey, they are so strung out on drugs they are going to be dead." I just took the high road and said I was leaving. That was good because I never went against them in the press. It allowed them to get clean and allowed us to be friends. I realized that every night I was on stage with a microphone in my hand, I was putting money in their pockets which led to putting drugs into their hands. Once we stopped going on stage as COAL CHAMBER, their money ran out, their fame ran out and they eventually had to get clean. Now that they are alive, what more do you need to say apart from, my friends are alive and want to play music.
Alternative Music Hub: What is the situation with [former COAL CHAMBER bassists] Nadja [Peulen] or Rayna [Foss]?
Dez: Well, Rayna was far gone, way in the beginning. She has some stuff she is dealing with internally, which I don't think will bring her back to music. Nadja, we had talks with her. We needed the enthusiasm as well as… We didn't want any demands; because we had no demands. It was the best interest of the original members was to go find someone with the same interest as we did and enthusiasm. That is where Chela [Rhea Harper] had come from. She's [a] real-deal player. She grew up with the music of COAL CHAMBER, brings that enthusiasm and she is an amazing-looking girl so she will have a great stage presence.
Alternative Music Hub: I know it has been said that COAL CHAMBER are only playing Soundwave but if it all goes well, could we see other tours around the world?
Dez: Since we announced we are doing Soundwave, we have offers to do tours and we are not even discussing it. We have been offered three or four record deals. We want to come down and have a fun time and full of happiness. Once we get home from it, then we may discuss it. Keep in mind three days after we get home from Soundwave, I go on tour of America with DEVILDRIVER. So with DEVILDRIVER being booked, it will be hard to have both.
Alternative Music Hub: How excited are you to play as COAL CHAMBER again?
Dez: Very excited; it has been a slow progression. Meegs [Miguel Rascón, guitar] and Mikey [Mike Cox, drums] started to come around in '05. They came around to a sold-out DEVILDRIVER show in California and Meegs pulled my wife aside and apologized to her about everything that went that caused my family to move into a one-bedroom apartment and start all over again. I thought that was rather big-hearted of him and they were off hard drugs for 2-3 years then. Cut to '09, Meegs came up to DEVILDRIVER to play [COAL CHAMBER's] "Loco" with us on stage in Pasadena. At the end of it, he came up and gave me a hug and said, "I want to do this in the future." Now in 2011 we are talking about doing shows. They have been off the hard drugs for some time so they can play at 100 percent capacity. We want to bring back the Ten Ton Gorilla back on the stage.
Alternative Music Hub: That is good to hear as the drugs were an issue that caused the breakup.
Dez: When I left COAL CHAMBER, I told the press I was leaving because I wanted to go a different musical direction. But what I did was take the high road and not say in front of their wives, parents and families, all of whom I have known for years, that, "Hey, they are so strung out on drugs they are going to be dead." I just took the high road and said I was leaving. That was good because I never went against them in the press. It allowed them to get clean and allowed us to be friends. I realized that every night I was on stage with a microphone in my hand, I was putting money in their pockets which led to putting drugs into their hands. Once we stopped going on stage as COAL CHAMBER, their money ran out, their fame ran out and they eventually had to get clean. Now that they are alive, what more do you need to say apart from, my friends are alive and want to play music.
Alternative Music Hub: What is the situation with [former COAL CHAMBER bassists] Nadja [Peulen] or Rayna [Foss]?
Dez: Well, Rayna was far gone, way in the beginning. She has some stuff she is dealing with internally, which I don't think will bring her back to music. Nadja, we had talks with her. We needed the enthusiasm as well as… We didn't want any demands; because we had no demands. It was the best interest of the original members was to go find someone with the same interest as we did and enthusiasm. That is where Chela [Rhea Harper] had come from. She's [a] real-deal player. She grew up with the music of COAL CHAMBER, brings that enthusiasm and she is an amazing-looking girl so she will have a great stage presence.
Alternative Music Hub: I know it has been said that COAL CHAMBER are only playing Soundwave but if it all goes well, could we see other tours around the world?
Dez: Since we announced we are doing Soundwave, we have offers to do tours and we are not even discussing it. We have been offered three or four record deals. We want to come down and have a fun time and full of happiness. Once we get home from it, then we may discuss it. Keep in mind three days after we get home from Soundwave, I go on tour of America with DEVILDRIVER. So with DEVILDRIVER being booked, it will be hard to have both.
Maryland-based experimental, progressive metal band PERIPHERY has announced the addition of guitarist Mark Holcomb to the group's ranks. Holcomb previously had a project with PERIPHERY axeman Misha Mansoor called HAUNTED SHORES and was the fill-in guitarist on PERIPHERY's "Frak The Gods" tour.
Commented Mansoor: "We are happy to announce that Mark Holcomb will be joining the PERIPHERY ranks as a full-time guitarist! He toured with with us our headlining run of Australia, our 'Frak The Gods' U.S. headliner and our two shows opening for DREAM THEATER and we feel that we have found a perfect fit for us both live and in the studio. We are extremely excited to have him on board, and can't wait to show you all the cool new music we have been working on together!
"Since we made arrangements for the tour before Mark was inducted, our good friend Nolly (RED SEAS FIRE) will be filling in on the European tour opening for DREAM THEATER. However that will be the last tour we do with a fill-in guitarist, as Mark will join on full time after that!"
Added bassist Thomas Murphy: "The most important thing about a band is the chemistry between its members. We've all known Mark for years and are very proud to announce him as our newest member. Not only is he an amazing writer and guitarist, but also an amazing person. We can't wait to see what the future holds for the band now that he has joined."
Stated Holcomb: "I couldn't be more excited as not only have these guys been great friends of mine for a long time but I consider every last one of them musical siblings in a sense. Each of us brings something different to the table and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish."
PERIPHERY will be direct support for DREAM THEATER throughout Europe from January 23 through February 26.
PERIPHERY released a new EP, "Icarus Lives", on April 19 via Sumerian Records. This CD features a brand new unreleased track, a series of remixes and video clips.
PERIPHERY's self-titled debut album sold around 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 128 on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 2 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Commented Mansoor: "We are happy to announce that Mark Holcomb will be joining the PERIPHERY ranks as a full-time guitarist! He toured with with us our headlining run of Australia, our 'Frak The Gods' U.S. headliner and our two shows opening for DREAM THEATER and we feel that we have found a perfect fit for us both live and in the studio. We are extremely excited to have him on board, and can't wait to show you all the cool new music we have been working on together!
"Since we made arrangements for the tour before Mark was inducted, our good friend Nolly (RED SEAS FIRE) will be filling in on the European tour opening for DREAM THEATER. However that will be the last tour we do with a fill-in guitarist, as Mark will join on full time after that!"
Added bassist Thomas Murphy: "The most important thing about a band is the chemistry between its members. We've all known Mark for years and are very proud to announce him as our newest member. Not only is he an amazing writer and guitarist, but also an amazing person. We can't wait to see what the future holds for the band now that he has joined."
Stated Holcomb: "I couldn't be more excited as not only have these guys been great friends of mine for a long time but I consider every last one of them musical siblings in a sense. Each of us brings something different to the table and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish."
PERIPHERY will be direct support for DREAM THEATER throughout Europe from January 23 through February 26.
PERIPHERY released a new EP, "Icarus Lives", on April 19 via Sumerian Records. This CD features a brand new unreleased track, a series of remixes and video clips.
PERIPHERY's self-titled debut album sold around 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 128 on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 2 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
German thrashers EXUMER have completed work on their first album in 24 years. Producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., MOONSPELL, THERION), and his production team worked with EXUMER on the final mix for nearly three months to ensure best results and elevate the recorded material to the next level.
Commented EXUMER vocalist Mem Von Stein: "This was by far the longest recording and mixing process EXUMER has ever been involved with. However, the results are stunning and we could not be happier with the final product. I believe that this album will perfectly bridge the spirit of the 1980s thrash metal records with today's production techniques. We tried to stay true our style and what it represents in the greater scheme of guitar-driven music, without compremising on using the tools available to make the album sound as powerful as it can be."
EXUMER is currently negotiating with several labels to release the upcoming CD and will announce the album's title once a record deal has been secured. The effort will feature artwork by Baptiste Treton, a French-born artist who resides in Vietnam.
Commented EXUMER vocalist Mem Von Stein: "This was by far the longest recording and mixing process EXUMER has ever been involved with. However, the results are stunning and we could not be happier with the final product. I believe that this album will perfectly bridge the spirit of the 1980s thrash metal records with today's production techniques. We tried to stay true our style and what it represents in the greater scheme of guitar-driven music, without compremising on using the tools available to make the album sound as powerful as it can be."
EXUMER is currently negotiating with several labels to release the upcoming CD and will announce the album's title once a record deal has been secured. The effort will feature artwork by Baptiste Treton, a French-born artist who resides in Vietnam.
Reunited '80s/'90s metallers HADES will release their third DVD in early 2012. Entitled "Live In Germany", the set will contain footage from the band's 2000 appearance at Wacken Open Air and last year's Bang Your Head!!! festival.
"We've been keeping this quiet because we want to make our third DVD our best ever," says HADES guitarist Dan Lorenzo. "This is the first live footage where we had so many camera angles to choose from."
The first taste of the forthcoming DVD, which is still in the process of being mixed, can be seen below.
HADES previously released the "Bootlegged In Boston" DVD and this year's "Re-United & Re-Ignited".
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of its "Resisting Success" album, HADES has announced its only European show of 2012: Saturday, July 28 at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Brande-Hoernerkirchen Germany. HADES will perform songs from its first two LPs, "Resisting Success" and "If At First You Don't Succeed". A warm-up show will likely take place in New Jersey several days prior to the band's Headbangers Open Air appearance.
HADES' lineup for these shows will feature Alan Tecchio on vocals, Dan Lorenzo and Ed Fuhrman on guitars, Tom Coombs on drums and former NON-FICTION bassist Kevin Bolembach.
"We've been keeping this quiet because we want to make our third DVD our best ever," says HADES guitarist Dan Lorenzo. "This is the first live footage where we had so many camera angles to choose from."
The first taste of the forthcoming DVD, which is still in the process of being mixed, can be seen below.
HADES previously released the "Bootlegged In Boston" DVD and this year's "Re-United & Re-Ignited".
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of its "Resisting Success" album, HADES has announced its only European show of 2012: Saturday, July 28 at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Brande-Hoernerkirchen Germany. HADES will perform songs from its first two LPs, "Resisting Success" and "If At First You Don't Succeed". A warm-up show will likely take place in New Jersey several days prior to the band's Headbangers Open Air appearance.
HADES' lineup for these shows will feature Alan Tecchio on vocals, Dan Lorenzo and Ed Fuhrman on guitars, Tom Coombs on drums and former NON-FICTION bassist Kevin Bolembach.
The Gazette
With one punch, a bass player nearly killed his roommate and the lead guitar player of his band during a brawl early Saturday outside a Colorado Springs tavern.
It was a punch that Michael Sorden immediately regretted.
"He went down on his knees and started crying and begging for him to get up," said Ernest Munoz, lead vocalist for the band, Aleister Wild.
Terry Span remains in a coma at Memorial Hospital and doctors have told friends and family members that he may never wake up. Even if he does, he may never be the same, Munoz said.
"He's got tubes coming out of his ear for blood drainage, a fractured skull, and indentation on his head," said Munoz, who goes by the stage name Ernee Fenixx. "From what I can tell, he's living off a life support system."
According to the hospital, Span was in serious condition Tuesday morning.
Munoz said that Sorden was angry at him after the band finished playing at Union Station, 2419 North Union Blvd., around 1:45 a.m. Sorden had wanted Munoz to help him load his equipment and Munoz refused.
"I told him 'Forget you' and he came at me, but I thought he was just going to yell in my face," he said. "And he just swung and punched me so hard that I fell to the ground."
The punch, which gave him a concussion, left Munoz dazed. He watched as Span stepped in and tried to calm Sorden down.
"The next thing I know, I see Mike hitting him and Terry falls down like dead weight," Munoz said. "Blood spattered on my arms and I knew there was something really serious about this."
He said Sorden broke into tears and tried to revive Span, but nothing worked, Munoz said. Span was rushed to the hospital and Sorden was arrested, facing a possible charge of second-degree assault. He remains at the El Paso County jail where he is being held without bail.
"I just couldn't believe someone would do something like that over nothing. It's not like Terry stole his girlfriend or a paycheck," Munoz said. "He just snapped."
Sorden, who owns a trucking company, was on parole after being convicted of felony menacing in Mesa County in 2000. According to a story by the Associated Press, Sorden was angry at another trucker while driving through Glenwood Canyon and fired four shots into his cab. The trucker was not hit.
"He had anger management issues," Munoz said.
He called Span a "good guy" and said he had a daughter in Ohio and wife in Korea. He was dedicated to his music and, since he didn't have a car, he would walk for miles putting up posters advertising shows.
Munoz has played with the heavy metal band for about three months. According to the band's website, Span started the band in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, in the 1990s before moving to Colorado Springs, where he met Sorden.
While based in Ohio, Span frequently went overseas to play for the troops, starting an organization, American Warriors, Military Entertainment Consultants.
"I just don't understand," Munoz said. "Why would you do that to a friend?"
Texas death metal maniacs HOD have announced the addition of guitarist Erika Tandy (MORGENGRAU, BRACAGLIA, ex-IGNITOR) to the group's ranks. Known for her impressive vocal work running the gamut from neoclassical (AUTUMN TEARS) to traditional heavy metal (IGNITOR, BRACAGLIA), Erika is also a guitarist who fronts her own death metal unit, MORGENGRAU.
"This was an opportunity I could not turn down," she says. "HOD is a first-class band and brothers in arms. I'm honored to be a part of the band and ready to start the destruction!"
Adds HOD guitarist Carl "Necron": "I have known Erika for some time and I know she is dedicated to metal. She has a great attitude and ferocious playing style. We look forward to playing more shows and destroying more souls with her!"
Erika will join HOD next month when they perform at this year's Goregrowler's Ball, which runs from November18 to November 20 in San Antonio, Texas. She will also take part in the recording of HOD's second full-length album, "Book Of Worms", for an early 2012 release via Ibex Moon Records.
"This was an opportunity I could not turn down," she says. "HOD is a first-class band and brothers in arms. I'm honored to be a part of the band and ready to start the destruction!"
Adds HOD guitarist Carl "Necron": "I have known Erika for some time and I know she is dedicated to metal. She has a great attitude and ferocious playing style. We look forward to playing more shows and destroying more souls with her!"
Erika will join HOD next month when they perform at this year's Goregrowler's Ball, which runs from November18 to November 20 in San Antonio, Texas. She will also take part in the recording of HOD's second full-length album, "Book Of Worms", for an early 2012 release via Ibex Moon Records.
Italian death metallers HOUR OF PENANCE will enter 16th Cellar Studio in Rome later this month with producer Stefano Morabito (FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE), to begin recording their fifth album for an early 2012 release via Prosthetic Records.
Commented HOUR OF PENANCE guitarist Giulio Moschini: "Following the tradition of releasing an album every two years, the time has come now and we're ready to hit the studio and record our fifth album.
"You've probably read the same words million of times on the band's press releases so I will not tell you how much better this album sounds and how much faster and more technical it is compared to the last one we did, BUT we're fucking proud of this upcoming beast and we're sure you guys will love it!
"We know how much our fans are expecting from the new album so we worked as hard as we can to not disappoint any of them. Moreover, as some of you know, this will be the first album with a new lineup, and as you can imagine, having a new singer and a new drummer helped us to renew and improve our sound, once again. This will be like the rebirth of HOUR OF PENANCE, in a better shape, of course!"
HOUR OF PENANCE's fourth album, "Paradogma", came out in March 2010 via Unique Leader Records. The CD cover art was created by Gyula Havancsàk, who has previously worked with such acts as ANNIHILATOR and DESTRUCTION.
"Paradogma" was recorded at 16th Cellar studios in Rome with producer Stefano Morabito and was mastered at Hertz Studios in Poland.
HOUR OF PENANCE's current lineup:
Giulio Moschini - Guitar
Simone Piras - Drums
Silvano Leone - Bass
Paolo Pieri - Vocals
Commented HOUR OF PENANCE guitarist Giulio Moschini: "Following the tradition of releasing an album every two years, the time has come now and we're ready to hit the studio and record our fifth album.
"You've probably read the same words million of times on the band's press releases so I will not tell you how much better this album sounds and how much faster and more technical it is compared to the last one we did, BUT we're fucking proud of this upcoming beast and we're sure you guys will love it!
"We know how much our fans are expecting from the new album so we worked as hard as we can to not disappoint any of them. Moreover, as some of you know, this will be the first album with a new lineup, and as you can imagine, having a new singer and a new drummer helped us to renew and improve our sound, once again. This will be like the rebirth of HOUR OF PENANCE, in a better shape, of course!"
HOUR OF PENANCE's fourth album, "Paradogma", came out in March 2010 via Unique Leader Records. The CD cover art was created by Gyula Havancsàk, who has previously worked with such acts as ANNIHILATOR and DESTRUCTION.
"Paradogma" was recorded at 16th Cellar studios in Rome with producer Stefano Morabito and was mastered at Hertz Studios in Poland.
HOUR OF PENANCE's current lineup:
Giulio Moschini - Guitar
Simone Piras - Drums
Silvano Leone - Bass
Paolo Pieri - Vocals
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