Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST), Brian "Head" Welch (KORN), THE TUBES, Bruce Kulick (KISS), John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, UNION), Kip Winger (WINGER) and Orianthi are among the musicians who will perform at the original shock rocker Alice Cooper's eleventh annual Christmas Pudding concert on Saturday, December 17 at Comerica Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. Proceeds benefit Alice's charity, which is called Solid Rock. They are building a much-needed music-oriented teen center for the Phoenix area youth. The youth center called The Rock will include a coffee house, music venue, and many other music-related activities and will open next spring.
If you would like to buy a block of seats to donate to underprivileged kids to attend, contact Lori at the Solid Rock offices at 602-522-9200.
If you would like to buy a block of seats to donate to underprivileged kids to attend, contact Lori at the Solid Rock offices at 602-522-9200.
Canadian power trio Rush is one of the world's biggest-selling bands, with 14 RIAA-certified platinum and 24 gold albums. The only rock groups ever to earn more consecutive gold and platinum platters? The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Rush's mix of progressive rock epics and hard rock riffs influenced everyone from Metallica to Dream Theater, and classic albums like the 1976 science fiction-flavored "2112" and the 1980 breakthrough "Permanent Waves" helped build a huge fan base that's only kept growing throughout the band's 37-year career.
On Nov. 8, Anthem/Roadrunner released the CD/DVD set "Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland," which captures the group's recent Time Machine tour, on which the group performed its quadruple-platinum 1981 album, "Moving Pictures," in its entirety. Rush also has a new studio album, "Clockwork Angels," in the works for next year. Singer/bassist Geddy Lee, whose stratospheric voice is one of rock's natural wonders, muses on Rush's past, present and future.
The Rush documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage" came out last year. What was your initial reaction?
It was hard for me to watch in some ways. It was kind of fun to watch the old, old stuff, the bad hair and bad clothes. And seeing the old performances, I enjoyed that. It was kind of an out-of-body experience, because I didn't recognize that as me. But I found it uncomfortable just to see so much of us talking [laughs]. I enjoyed all the parts where other people were talking more than watching us talk incessantly about what we do.
What moved you to perform "Moving Pictures" in its entirety on the Time Machine tour?
We thought that was the perfect time, and the perfect album to do that with. Because I guess it would be considered our quintessential album, and it was the 30th anniversary of that album being released. It also gave us the opportunity to play an 11-minute song on that album called "The Camera Eye," which we had never really embraced as a live song.
Would you consider doing that with any other classic Rush album?
I certainly would. We really enjoyed that whole experience. We played for three hours -- you can tuck a 45-minute album in there and still play lots of new things and lots of other things. If we were really out of our minds, we would attempt something like [1978's] "Hemispheres." If Rush has a cult following, within that cult following there's a following for "Hemispheres" [laughs]. I'm not sure we're up for that one, but I could see us doing "2112."
What can we expect from the next album, "Clockwork Angels?"
The first two [single] releases from this album, "Caravan" and "Brought Up to Believe," are a great indication of where this album's going, although there's much more variety than just what those two songs offer. When I look back at [2007 album] "Snakes and Arrows," as happy as we were with that record, in retrospect I feel we kind of overdid it with overdubs. We'd like to simplify that, just in terms of making sure the guitar, bass and drum sounds are big and loud and clear, and any time we are going to add an overdub, to make sure that it definitely is adding and not subtracting.
Your parents were Holocaust survivors. How did that affect your life and music?
Certainly my personality, my sense of humor, my outlook on life was informed by the experiences of my parents, and the stories they shared with me. "Red Sector A" [from the band's 1984 release "Grace Under Pressure"] was informed by one of my mom's stories -- when she was liberated in Bergen-Belsen in Germany. When they saw that there were British soldiers coming in to liberate them, they were in such disbelief. They had assumed that they had just been abandoned. Neil [Peart, Rush's drummer/lyricist] and I talked about this, and he'd been putting together some ideas for a futuristic song about a similar kind of prison idea. That story had some impact on him for sure.
You're known as an obsessive baseball memorabilia collector, with a museum-quality collection. How did your baseball passion develop?
In the early '80s we were touring a lot in America. We'd be staying at a Holiday Inn somewhere, and after a 400-mile drive, we'd be waking up around midday. There was nothing to do but turn on the box, and there was almost always a Cubs game on. I started watching the Cubs every day, and before I knew it I was completely obsessed with baseball. It keeps me sane, or it keeps me insane, probably.
METALLICA will begin a week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band on Monday night (December 5), when the group plays the first of four intimate shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco for fan club members only. Frontman James Hetfield told The Pulse Of Radio that METALLICA hopes to make the shows special for the people attending. "It is a fan celebration — everyone who's come along the METALLICA ride for 30 years — and we're constantly wanting to give to the fans what they don't normally get from some other band or some other connection," he said. "So these four shows at the Fillmore are something like that."
The other three shows will take place on December 7, December 9, and December 10, with special guests and events, rare songs, varied set lists and more.
Hetfield told The Pulse Of Radio that he hoped Ozzy Osbourne and MOTÖRHEAD bassist/singer Lemmy Kilmister would be among the guests at the shows.
METALLICA plans to begin work on its next studio album early in 2012. The group recently released its collaborative album with Lou Reed, called "Lulu", which flopped saleswise and earned the quartet the worst reviews of its career.
The band has booked several European shows next summer, including one at a venue in Denmark that used to be a prison, at which it will perform its self-titled 1991 effort, a.k.a. "the black album," in its entirety.
METALLICA was formed when Ulrich, who had moved to Los Angeles from Denmark, placed an ad in a local paper called The Recycler looking for other musicians to play with. The ad was answered by guitarists James Hetfield and Hugh Tanner of the band LEATHER CHARM.
METALLICA officially formed in October 1981 and the band's first recording was "Hit The Lights" for the compilation "Metal Massacre".
Bay Area DJ Ron Quintana came up with the group's name: he was debating between using "Metallica" and "Metal Mania" for the name of his radio show and Ulrich encouraged him to use "Metal Mania" so that he could use "Metallica" for his new band.
METALLICA's first full lineup — featuring Hetfield, Ulrich, guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney — played its first gig on March 14, 1982 at Radio City in Anaheim, California.
The other three shows will take place on December 7, December 9, and December 10, with special guests and events, rare songs, varied set lists and more.
Hetfield told The Pulse Of Radio that he hoped Ozzy Osbourne and MOTÖRHEAD bassist/singer Lemmy Kilmister would be among the guests at the shows.
METALLICA plans to begin work on its next studio album early in 2012. The group recently released its collaborative album with Lou Reed, called "Lulu", which flopped saleswise and earned the quartet the worst reviews of its career.
The band has booked several European shows next summer, including one at a venue in Denmark that used to be a prison, at which it will perform its self-titled 1991 effort, a.k.a. "the black album," in its entirety.
METALLICA was formed when Ulrich, who had moved to Los Angeles from Denmark, placed an ad in a local paper called The Recycler looking for other musicians to play with. The ad was answered by guitarists James Hetfield and Hugh Tanner of the band LEATHER CHARM.
METALLICA officially formed in October 1981 and the band's first recording was "Hit The Lights" for the compilation "Metal Massacre".
Bay Area DJ Ron Quintana came up with the group's name: he was debating between using "Metallica" and "Metal Mania" for the name of his radio show and Ulrich encouraged him to use "Metal Mania" so that he could use "Metallica" for his new band.
METALLICA's first full lineup — featuring Hetfield, Ulrich, guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney — played its first gig on March 14, 1982 at Radio City in Anaheim, California.
The rock group Metallica has made a living for the past 30 years growling about death in apocalyptic anthems like "The Four Horsemen" and "Enter Sandman."
Now, the heavy-metal pioneers are sleeping with one eye open for a different reason: Europe's financial crisis.
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Metallica's longtime manager, Cliff Burnstein, is accelerating the band's tour plans to avoid getting sucked into Europe's debt troubles. With the gloom among investors spreading to richer countries such as France, Mr. Burnstein is worried that the euro will tank, making it harder for concert promoters in the 17 countries that use the currency to pay Metallica's fees.
Instead of playing Europe in 2013, as originally envisaged, Metallica will take a "European Summer Vacation" next year, including gigs at Germany's Rock Im Park and Rock Am Ring festivals in early June—where the top-grossing thrash band will play its chart-topping 1991 record known as "The Black Album" in its entirety—before heading to Britain and Austria.
"Look, I'm not an economist, but I have a degree, so it helps," Mr. Burnstein said one afternoon, sitting in the back room of his midtown Manhattan office in jeans and a red Economist magazine T-shirt with "Think Responsibly" printed on it. "You have to ask yourself, what's the best time to be doing what, when and where."
Cliff Burnstein
The global music industry is already dogged by slumping record sales, exorbitant ticket prices and a limping economy. Now financial fears are making even the biggest rock 'n' roll rebels play it safe to protect their pocketbooks.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, another group Mr. Burnstein manages with partner Peter Mensch, has also brought forward its European plans, having launched its first tour in four years this fall in Latin America despite complaints from Chili-starved U.S. fans. About 75% of the band's revenue comes from touring abroad, Mr. Burnstein said.
In the U.K., Anthony Addis, manager of British alternative-rockers Muse, says currency fluctuations have been especially tough for his non-U.S. clients, which tour Europe extensively and don't want to be paid in dollars.
Some rockers crash and burn—and then learn. Duff McKagan, the former bassist of Guns N' Roses, once unwittingly spent $40,000 on expensive suits in Italy because he didn't realize how much his purchases—then in Italian lira—were worth in dollars. The lanky musician now sings a more sober tune: After taking business courses at Seattle University, he started writing about finance for Playboy ("Duffonomics") and—most recently—launched a wealth-management firm for rockers: Meridian Rock Capital Management LP. Millionaire musicians, the 47-year-old told fans at New York City's Strand bookstore in October, are an "underserviced" community.
After the 2008 global financial crisis, rock bands and their managers are paying closer attention to obscure concerns like currency rates and economic trends when inking contracts with foreign concert promoters. Eight months before Metallica takes the stage in Germany, Mr. Burnstein decides whether the band should be paid in dollars, euros or a combination of the two. If exchange rates swing in a way that hurts Metallica's earnings, he buys derivative financial instruments to lock in a preferred rate. Sometimes ticket prices are hiked to compensate for possible currency-related losses, though Mr. Burnstein shuns this strategy.
"Nobody is looking to make a foreign-exchange trade to make money, but you don't want to be a loser," the scraggly bearded manager said.
The euro is what Mr. Burnstein fears the most. "Over the next few years, the dollar will be stronger and the euro weaker, and if that's the case, I want to take advantage of that by playing more of these [European] shows now, because they will be more profitable for us," he said.
Recently, David Rawlings, the guitarist who performs with American roots musician Gillian Welch—another client—called from Europe complaining about the still-strong euro. Unlike many top musicians, the duo drive from show to show, and found themselves shelling out four times as much on fuel, hotels and food as they do in America—something Mr. Burnstein jotted down. "They really have a ground-level view of what things cost" in Europe, he said. "That's another thing that confirms for me that, because of the exchange rates, prices in Europe are much higher, and this isn't a sustainable situation."
By the same token, it makes sense for Metallica, whose costs are largely in dollars and not euros or pounds, to suck up those currencies next summer. "A weak dollar is the best thing for American rock 'n' roll," said Bill Zysblat, partner at RZO Productions, which has handled tours for the Rolling Stones and the Police.
Sometimes Mr. Burnstein's calculations are in harmony with his client's wishes. In September, the Chili Peppers trekked through South America, a popular destination for entertainers thanks in part to soaring currencies that make it easier for local promoters to pay U.S. acts especially well. Singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, surfing enthusiasts, drove an hour out of Rio de Janeiro, to find the best place to catch Brazilian waves.
Other times, things get hairy. Flea wants to play Africa, but the puckish Mr. Burnstein has pushed back, saying the continent's infrastructure and profit potential—excluding South Africa—isn't there yet. Band members sometimes disagree with Mr. Burnstein over where to play. "One guy will go, we played there in 2000, 2003 and 2007, I don't think we should go back."
Mr. Burnstein is a stickler for details. For one of his bands, a musician's divorce and child-custody issues necessitated creative tour planning so the band member could repeatedly return home. "You give everybody a calendar and say, here's what your next year will look like," the 63-year-old former manager of Def Leppard and the Scorpions said. "We have all the key events in their children's lives, first day of school, Halloween trick-or-treating, parent- teacher conferences, school vacations, graduation day," he said. "It's tricky," he added.
With clouds over Europe darkening, managers like Mr. Burnstein are increasingly turning their long-term focus to places with stronger currencies, like South America, Southeast Asia and Australia. When Metallica ended their "World Magnetic" tour in Australia a year ago, they played not just Sydney and Melbourne but also harder-to-get-to Perth.
"We're a U.S. export the same way Coca-Cola is," he said. "We look for the best markets to go to."
"Right now Indonesia is on my watch list," he smiled.
GUNS N' ROSES has canceled its previously announced December 5 show at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi.
The venue released the following statement:
"Due to production issues, the DeSoto Civic Center is unable to host the scheduled concert for GUNS N' ROSES set to take place on Monday, December 5, 2011. We apologize for any inconvenience to ticket purchasers.
"Ticket refunds are available at all points of purchase, including all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the DeSoto Civic Center Box Office or by phone at (800) 745-3000."
In a recent interview with CityBeat, GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Richard Fortus stated about the "production issues" that caused the cancelation of the band's November 23 concert at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, "There was no drama or anything like that. There were permit issues with the building and the venue. We have a huge production and it is very heavy. The production, it has to be supported and we have to feel safe about it and it has to be within their restrictions and that didn't work out. They tried to resolve everything. We have had this issue a few times in different venues and it has been resolved and we were just not able to resolve it there."
GUNS N' ROSES kicked off its first U.S. tour since 2006 on October 28 in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to sole original member Axl Rose (vocals), the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus and DJ Ashba, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.
"Chinese Democracy", the 2008 album released by the current edition of GUNS N' ROSES after a 15-year wait, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies. The long-in-the-making, 14-song CD finally arrived 17 years after the last full-length collections of original GUNS material, "Use Your Illusion I" and "II", were released, and nine years after the non-album track "Oh My God" surfaced on the soundtrack of the movie "End Of Days".
"Chinese Democracy" was made available exclusively through Best Buy.
The venue released the following statement:
"Due to production issues, the DeSoto Civic Center is unable to host the scheduled concert for GUNS N' ROSES set to take place on Monday, December 5, 2011. We apologize for any inconvenience to ticket purchasers.
"Ticket refunds are available at all points of purchase, including all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the DeSoto Civic Center Box Office or by phone at (800) 745-3000."
In a recent interview with CityBeat, GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Richard Fortus stated about the "production issues" that caused the cancelation of the band's November 23 concert at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, "There was no drama or anything like that. There were permit issues with the building and the venue. We have a huge production and it is very heavy. The production, it has to be supported and we have to feel safe about it and it has to be within their restrictions and that didn't work out. They tried to resolve everything. We have had this issue a few times in different venues and it has been resolved and we were just not able to resolve it there."
GUNS N' ROSES kicked off its first U.S. tour since 2006 on October 28 in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to sole original member Axl Rose (vocals), the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus and DJ Ashba, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.
"Chinese Democracy", the 2008 album released by the current edition of GUNS N' ROSES after a 15-year wait, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies. The long-in-the-making, 14-song CD finally arrived 17 years after the last full-length collections of original GUNS material, "Use Your Illusion I" and "II", were released, and nine years after the non-album track "Oh My God" surfaced on the soundtrack of the movie "End Of Days".
"Chinese Democracy" was made available exclusively through Best Buy.
GUNS N' ROSES has just passed the 13-million "like" mark on its Facebook page, making it one of the Top 100 Facebook pages (No. 99) in terms of followers.
Rapper Eminem is the top musical artist on the list, with over 49 million followers.
Other artists in the Top 100 include QUEEN at No. 100, BON JOVI at No. 85, PINK FLOYD at No. 79, AC/DC at No. 72 and THE BEATLES at No. 46.
In other GUNS N' ROSES-related news, the band has added a second show in Las Vegas on December 30 "due to popular demand."
Remaining GUNS N' ROSES U.S. tour dates:
Dec. 07 - Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Center
Dec. 08 - Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse
Dec. 11 - Denver, CO @ First Bank Center
Dec. 12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center
Dec. 16 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Dec. 17 - Vancouver @ Pacific Coliseum
Dec. 21 - Los Angeles @ The Forum
Dec. 27 - Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
Dec. 30 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint / Hard Rock Hotel
Dec. 31 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint / Hard Rock Hotel
GUNS N' ROSES kicked off its first U.S. tour since 2006 on October 28 in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to sole original member Axl Rose (vocals), the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus and DJ Ashba, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.
"Chinese Democracy", the 2008 album released by the current edition of GUNS N' ROSES after a 15-year wait, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies. The long-in-the-making, 14-song CD finally arrived 17 years after the last full-length collections of original GUNS material, "Use Your Illusion I" and "II", were released, and nine years after the non-album track "Oh My God" surfaced on the soundtrack of the movie "End Of Days".
"Chinese Democracy" was made available exclusively through Best Buy
Rapper Eminem is the top musical artist on the list, with over 49 million followers.
Other artists in the Top 100 include QUEEN at No. 100, BON JOVI at No. 85, PINK FLOYD at No. 79, AC/DC at No. 72 and THE BEATLES at No. 46.
In other GUNS N' ROSES-related news, the band has added a second show in Las Vegas on December 30 "due to popular demand."
Remaining GUNS N' ROSES U.S. tour dates:
Dec. 07 - Youngstown, OH @ Covelli Center
Dec. 08 - Indianapolis, IN @ Conseco Fieldhouse
Dec. 11 - Denver, CO @ First Bank Center
Dec. 12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center
Dec. 16 - Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
Dec. 17 - Vancouver @ Pacific Coliseum
Dec. 21 - Los Angeles @ The Forum
Dec. 27 - Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
Dec. 30 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint / Hard Rock Hotel
Dec. 31 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint / Hard Rock Hotel
GUNS N' ROSES kicked off its first U.S. tour since 2006 on October 28 in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to sole original member Axl Rose (vocals), the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus and DJ Ashba, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.
"Chinese Democracy", the 2008 album released by the current edition of GUNS N' ROSES after a 15-year wait, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies. The long-in-the-making, 14-song CD finally arrived 17 years after the last full-length collections of original GUNS material, "Use Your Illusion I" and "II", were released, and nine years after the non-album track "Oh My God" surfaced on the soundtrack of the movie "End Of Days".
"Chinese Democracy" was made available exclusively through Best Buy
Sydney, Australia's Triple M radio station spoke with drummer Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES, THE CULT), who is in town for the Hard Rock Café opening down in Darling Harbour, a locality of the city center of Sydney.
Sorum will jam with a bunch of rock legends, including former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans and ROSE TATTOO's Angry Anderson.
When asked about the possibility of a reunion of GUNS N' ROSES' classic lineup to tie in with the band's possible induction at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, he responded, "You never know. Usually the way it works with GUNS N' ROSES is that it's gotta be about Slash [guitar] and Axl [Rose, vocals] first, which has been a little bit of a problem. Duff [McKagan, bass] played with Axl and actually Duff (and his band LOADED) was gonna go out on tour with Axl."
He added, "I haven't seen Axl for about six years."
Sorum told The Pulse of Radio in a 2009 interview that, if the original GUNS N' ROSES band reunites, they should perform with both him and original drummer Steven Adler. "If it's me on drums or Steven or whatever, if it happened, it'd be great, you know. I would actually say to them, 'Hey, bring both of us back,' you know. Let me play the other stuff. We'll have two drum kits. I don't care. If 'Appetite' ('For Destruction', the band's debut) sounds better with Steven playing it, have both guys up there. They can afford it."
Sorum also blasted Rose for using the name GUNS N' ROSES when the original band is no longer together. Sorum said, "I'm not saying I'm an original member, okay, but I understand the core of the band, which is Slash and Duff and probably Izzy. It's a shame, and you know what, this goes back to a Paul McCartney thing. Does he call himself THE BEATLES? Not saying we were as big as THE BEATLES, but — does Sting call himself THE POLICE? No. Does Jimmy Page and Robert Plant go out there calling themselves LED ZEPPELIN? Nope."
Sorum will jam with a bunch of rock legends, including former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans and ROSE TATTOO's Angry Anderson.
When asked about the possibility of a reunion of GUNS N' ROSES' classic lineup to tie in with the band's possible induction at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, he responded, "You never know. Usually the way it works with GUNS N' ROSES is that it's gotta be about Slash [guitar] and Axl [Rose, vocals] first, which has been a little bit of a problem. Duff [McKagan, bass] played with Axl and actually Duff (and his band LOADED) was gonna go out on tour with Axl."
He added, "I haven't seen Axl for about six years."
Sorum told The Pulse of Radio in a 2009 interview that, if the original GUNS N' ROSES band reunites, they should perform with both him and original drummer Steven Adler. "If it's me on drums or Steven or whatever, if it happened, it'd be great, you know. I would actually say to them, 'Hey, bring both of us back,' you know. Let me play the other stuff. We'll have two drum kits. I don't care. If 'Appetite' ('For Destruction', the band's debut) sounds better with Steven playing it, have both guys up there. They can afford it."
Sorum also blasted Rose for using the name GUNS N' ROSES when the original band is no longer together. Sorum said, "I'm not saying I'm an original member, okay, but I understand the core of the band, which is Slash and Duff and probably Izzy. It's a shame, and you know what, this goes back to a Paul McCartney thing. Does he call himself THE BEATLES? Not saying we were as big as THE BEATLES, but — does Sting call himself THE POLICE? No. Does Jimmy Page and Robert Plant go out there calling themselves LED ZEPPELIN? Nope."
Guitar World has teamed up with MusiCares to bring you the first-ever rock and roll roast — featuring honoree Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) — on January 19 at the Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, California.
Kicking off the opening night of the annual NAMM convention, this evening of entertainment will be like no other. Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne, along with celebrity dais Ozzy Osbourne, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Jim Norton, Jim Florentine, Brian Posehn and Stone Cold Steve Austin will partake in this great night of comedy, with 25 percent of net proceeds going to charity.
For more information, visit www.rockandrollroast.com.
Kicking off the opening night of the annual NAMM convention, this evening of entertainment will be like no other. Roastmaster Sharon Osbourne, along with celebrity dais Ozzy Osbourne, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Jim Norton, Jim Florentine, Brian Posehn and Stone Cold Steve Austin will partake in this great night of comedy, with 25 percent of net proceeds going to charity.
For more information, visit www.rockandrollroast.com.
ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL will play the following shows in January/February:
Jan. 22 - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 23 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Jan. 24 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Jan. 30 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
Feb. 03 - The LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH
Feb. 07 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD
Feb. 08 - Best Buy Theatre - New York, NY
ANTHRAX last month completed the first leg of its U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL. The trek kicked off on October 14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and concluded on November 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ANTHRAX's new album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
TESTAMENT's new album, "The Dark Roots Of Earth", is tentatively due in late April/early May 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records. Due to a "serious injury," TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording sessions for the CD and was replaced by Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK). Bostaph has since announced his departure from the group.
DEATH ANGEL will release a DVD entitled "A Thrashumentary" in the spring of 2012. According to a press release, "A Thrashumentary" is a combination live video and documentary, all wrapped up in one thrashing DVD. The footage was directed by Tommy Jones (SOILWORK, KATAKLYSM) and mixed by Chris Clancy of The Studio. The film gives the viewer an in-depth look into one of the longest-running thrash acts out of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region known for turning out historic thrash bands such as METALLICA, TESTAMENT and EXODUS.
Jan. 22 - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 23 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Jan. 24 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Jan. 30 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
Feb. 03 - The LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH
Feb. 07 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD
Feb. 08 - Best Buy Theatre - New York, NY
ANTHRAX last month completed the first leg of its U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL. The trek kicked off on October 14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and concluded on November 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ANTHRAX's new album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
TESTAMENT's new album, "The Dark Roots Of Earth", is tentatively due in late April/early May 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records. Due to a "serious injury," TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording sessions for the CD and was replaced by Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK). Bostaph has since announced his departure from the group.
DEATH ANGEL will release a DVD entitled "A Thrashumentary" in the spring of 2012. According to a press release, "A Thrashumentary" is a combination live video and documentary, all wrapped up in one thrashing DVD. The footage was directed by Tommy Jones (SOILWORK, KATAKLYSM) and mixed by Chris Clancy of The Studio. The film gives the viewer an in-depth look into one of the longest-running thrash acts out of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region known for turning out historic thrash bands such as METALLICA, TESTAMENT and EXODUS.
SOUNDGARDEN/ex-AUDIOSLAVE singer Chris Cornell will guest on the Friday, December 16 edition of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on NBC-TV.
"The Tonight Show" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. EST. Check local listings for details.
Although Cornell has been recording a new album with SOUNDGARDEN for the first time in 15 years, he continues to work as a solo artist as well. He told Spin.com how it's different from playing with a band. "An acoustic show is all about you, and any little nuance or mistake is amplified," Cornell explained. "I'm very nervous about it, but I love the intimacy. Once you sit in front of people and start playing songs, it's all on you. No matter what happens, it's entirely your responsibility the entire time. I like that intensity."
Cornell told The Pulse Of Radio that he sees working with SOUNDGARDEN again as having a positive influence on his solo career. "One thing about a solo artist is you can just be in a room way too long with yourself and your own thoughts and your own songs, and it feels really good to be working with Ben (Shepherd, bassist) and Matt (Cameron, drummer) and Kim (Thayil, guitarist) again, and it's actually a really nice reprieve also from just being alone, doing what I do," he said. "It's helping with the balance, I think, too."
Cornell has issued three solo albums. The last one, 2009's "Scream", was trashed by critics and fans for abandoning Cornell's rock roots for an urban pop sound.
"The Tonight Show" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. EST. Check local listings for details.
Although Cornell has been recording a new album with SOUNDGARDEN for the first time in 15 years, he continues to work as a solo artist as well. He told Spin.com how it's different from playing with a band. "An acoustic show is all about you, and any little nuance or mistake is amplified," Cornell explained. "I'm very nervous about it, but I love the intimacy. Once you sit in front of people and start playing songs, it's all on you. No matter what happens, it's entirely your responsibility the entire time. I like that intensity."
Cornell told The Pulse Of Radio that he sees working with SOUNDGARDEN again as having a positive influence on his solo career. "One thing about a solo artist is you can just be in a room way too long with yourself and your own thoughts and your own songs, and it feels really good to be working with Ben (Shepherd, bassist) and Matt (Cameron, drummer) and Kim (Thayil, guitarist) again, and it's actually a really nice reprieve also from just being alone, doing what I do," he said. "It's helping with the balance, I think, too."
Cornell has issued three solo albums. The last one, 2009's "Scream", was trashed by critics and fans for abandoning Cornell's rock roots for an urban pop sound.
RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy is continuing work on his as-yet-untitled book for a 2012 release. According to Pearcy, the as-yet-untitled book — which has been in the works for two years — will include "so many stories. The good, the bad (real bad) and the ugly." He added, "It's a big wakeup call to remember some things, but have to share. Some might learn something from my experiences and get something positive in the end. There are bright moments; it's not all about Ratt 'n' Roll."
In a recent interview with the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner, Pearcy stated about his upcoming book, "There's lots of tales in there that people need to know or haven't known. You know, to get the real opinion. . . It's a real honest book. The kitchen sink is in there. It's time to share because nobody knows what we're about or how you got there or what you went through. I got into music by accident — realistically by accident (laughs).
When asked if his book be a rebuttal to RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer's "Tales Of A Ratt - Things You Shouldn't Know" autobiography or if it will be more autobiographical in nature, Pearcy said, "Both. Because when I started that band, people got the wrong perspective on so many things. That's why we're on the level we don't wish to be on, by default and admission. But everything I say is going to be honest. Bob took his own side on his book. But it's his own. It's like when I read the Keith Richards and [Steven] Tyler books, I thought, 'That's how I want my book to read.'"
In a recent interview with the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner, Pearcy stated about his upcoming book, "There's lots of tales in there that people need to know or haven't known. You know, to get the real opinion. . . It's a real honest book. The kitchen sink is in there. It's time to share because nobody knows what we're about or how you got there or what you went through. I got into music by accident — realistically by accident (laughs).
When asked if his book be a rebuttal to RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer's "Tales Of A Ratt - Things You Shouldn't Know" autobiography or if it will be more autobiographical in nature, Pearcy said, "Both. Because when I started that band, people got the wrong perspective on so many things. That's why we're on the level we don't wish to be on, by default and admission. But everything I say is going to be honest. Bob took his own side on his book. But it's his own. It's like when I read the Keith Richards and [Steven] Tyler books, I thought, 'That's how I want my book to read.'"
It's been a good year for all things Twisted. Eagle Rock released a welco
"From the Bars to the Stars"
med bombardment of quality Twisted Sister reissues and special editions over the last year (perhaps the best of the bunch were the Club Daze reissue and the five-disc DVD set of live performances over their entire career, From The Bars To The Stars); a documentary by Andy Horn is in the works; and now the band celebrates Christmas in their own Twisted way with a performance at The Best Buy Theater in NYC on Saturday, December 17.
And with a new solo album (Dee Does Broadway) on its way out and an autobiography to come, Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider is keeping busy with his own career. However, he was kind enough to discuss the musical impact of Twisted Sister's legacy.
I love the Club Daze CDs. I was too young to get in the bars when Twisted Sister played. My cousins used to give me the club flyers and stuff. It created this sort of mystique, you guys didn't have a record out. And I think I was more hyped on Twisted Sister than, say, Judas Priest and other bands at the time. Don't you think that mystique worked for you back then?
Dee Snider: Oh, absolutely. Funny thing, back then, my wife was 15 and she snuck into the bars … so, I mean, we definitely were a phenomenon and there was a huge mystique about the band. In some areas we would occasionally get to do a theater show, like upstate New York. We would pretty regularly play the Mid-Hudson Civic Center which is a good venue, and it was an opportunity for the kids to come to the shows — and you had to have a Twisted Sister shirt. It was like the definition of coolness that you were there — or even if you got something from a cousin, like you said. It was like "Oh shit, it's so cool that you got that."
Dee Snider: Oh, absolutely. Funny thing, back then, my wife was 15 and she snuck into the bars … so, I mean, we definitely were a phenomenon and there was a huge mystique about the band. In some areas we would occasionally get to do a theater show, like upstate New York. We would pretty regularly play the Mid-Hudson Civic Center which is a good venue, and it was an opportunity for the kids to come to the shows — and you had to have a Twisted Sister shirt. It was like the definition of coolness that you were there — or even if you got something from a cousin, like you said. It was like "Oh shit, it's so cool that you got that."
It was a pretty interesting time and there is actually someone working on an extensive documentary about that time right now. A documentarian out of Germany (Andy Horn). He is an American but he has lived in Berlin for decades. (Horn) was working on another documentary, and we had crossed paths with the person he was doing the documentary on: Klaus Nomi. Klaus (once) came down to a club we were playing in and asked if he could open for our band. He was a weird performance artist out of Germany. He thought that (since) he wore makeup he thought our audience would like him. That didn't quite go down too well. [laughs] But this was about that event. Because, apparently, this was like a serious down in Klaus's career, devastating to him on a personal level, this horrible experience. (Horn) interviews us about it and he slowly discovered this phenomenon that existed before Twisted Sister ever even had a record — this epic struggle for recognition. Meanwhile with a huge amount of success within a limited area. So (Horn) is creating a documentary that goes from the beginning to getting signed by Atlantic records. And that's where the documentary ends, from that point on it's pretty well known what happened. It's the story before all that you're talking about that he has been working on for a few years now, actually.
That story is very interesting.
Snider: (Horn) had sent some interesting observations about what Twisted Sister was at that time — as opposed to what it became known for and what it became. Plus there is a whole Rocky inspirational story there – the band that refused to take no for an answer kind of thing – just kept fighting until we win.
Snider: (Horn) had sent some interesting observations about what Twisted Sister was at that time — as opposed to what it became known for and what it became. Plus there is a whole Rocky inspirational story there – the band that refused to take no for an answer kind of thing – just kept fighting until we win.
The band lived up to the hype. When I did get a chance to finally see the band live in a club, you were one of the best club bands I have ever seen.
Snider: That's where we perfected our craft. And usually these things that you build up in your mind, your expectations are so high. I got that with Alice Cooper. When I was a kid, I never saw Alice Cooper. He was one of my biggest influences. I never saw him in concert and back then there were no videos, there were no DVDs — so all you had were photos and the music. And looking at the photos and listening to the music, I'd imagined he performed in the way that I'd performed. Not that I was trying to be like Alice Cooper but I didn't have anything to work off of. I performed completely different than Alice. Obviously, I am much more phonetic than he is. As a matter of fact, I was a bit disappointed when I saw him because I really envisioned this actual, literal, wild man. I only saw him in the 2000s, and the first time I ever say Alice Cooper perform, he sort of slinks and moves slowly around the stage. And I'm not saying it in the negative. I'm just saying the hype to me was of a rock and roll animal and he is not a rock and roll animal, that's not his thing. So when the performance lives up to the hype, that's a pretty high compliment actually.
Snider: That's where we perfected our craft. And usually these things that you build up in your mind, your expectations are so high. I got that with Alice Cooper. When I was a kid, I never saw Alice Cooper. He was one of my biggest influences. I never saw him in concert and back then there were no videos, there were no DVDs — so all you had were photos and the music. And looking at the photos and listening to the music, I'd imagined he performed in the way that I'd performed. Not that I was trying to be like Alice Cooper but I didn't have anything to work off of. I performed completely different than Alice. Obviously, I am much more phonetic than he is. As a matter of fact, I was a bit disappointed when I saw him because I really envisioned this actual, literal, wild man. I only saw him in the 2000s, and the first time I ever say Alice Cooper perform, he sort of slinks and moves slowly around the stage. And I'm not saying it in the negative. I'm just saying the hype to me was of a rock and roll animal and he is not a rock and roll animal, that's not his thing. So when the performance lives up to the hype, that's a pretty high compliment actually.
Twisted Sister matched that sort of speed metal and power metal of the time.
Snider: No doubt. Not only did we match it, I think we were helping to create it. Those Twisted tapes were getting around, it was the birth of that stuff. And people look at me like I have horns when I say it, but I'll say it again and argue and prove it — that Twisted Sister is responsible for the birth of speed metal or at least partially responsible. And if you say 'How?' I say 'Simple.' If you use the live tapes back in the day played at such a high speed, musically. All the cover songs we did — everything was always sped up. That was purely due to my highly caffeinated state and my mental state. We didn't realize how fast we were playing. I was the one controlling the speed and I kept screaming 'Faster., faster!' Bands like Overkill, Anthrax, Carnivore — they were out in the crowd, in Brooklyn, watching Twisted Sister, following Twisted Sister. If you ever saw the Rat Skates documentary [drummer, Overkill] … He did a documentary about Overkill and there's a whole section on Twisted Sister and basically we were the standard that everybody emulated. Keith Alexander from Carnivore told me, 'We came to see Twisted Sister and Twisted Sister played fast, so we played fast.' They took frantic performance, our frantic performance and interpreted it as play fast, rule one is to play fast. And then they went back to the garages and sped everything the fuck up, literally to be like us. So it wasn't like a conscious thing like 'Hey, we're going to create this really fast approach of playing.' No, we just played that way and inspired bands like Carnivore, Overkill and Anthrax, who went on to the forefront of the whole speed metal movement. The influence that Twisted Sister had, people don't' even realize. Then you have bands like Bon Jovi and Cinderella and Poison, who are coming down to see those same shows and they're taking away a whole different set of rules. Their thing is, they're seeing something else about how to create your sound and how to perform and how to look and they're taking a whole other thing out of it. We are uncredited but we are without a doubt responsible for spawning all kinds. And then there are the punk bands that were into Twisted Sister. A lot of them overseas. To this day you will see a lot of punk bands that cover "We're Not Gonna Take It" and do Twisted Sister songs. There was a confused audience because there were 'bangers, punks and skins and they were all coming to see the same band, looking at each other, going 'What are you doing here?' They all thought they were seeing the next punk/skin/ metal sensation. At the time — 1981, 1982 — there wasn't Hair Metal by definition. There was new wave of metal and Twisted Sister wasn't falling easily into anyone's previous conception of what a band should be.
Snider: No doubt. Not only did we match it, I think we were helping to create it. Those Twisted tapes were getting around, it was the birth of that stuff. And people look at me like I have horns when I say it, but I'll say it again and argue and prove it — that Twisted Sister is responsible for the birth of speed metal or at least partially responsible. And if you say 'How?' I say 'Simple.' If you use the live tapes back in the day played at such a high speed, musically. All the cover songs we did — everything was always sped up. That was purely due to my highly caffeinated state and my mental state. We didn't realize how fast we were playing. I was the one controlling the speed and I kept screaming 'Faster., faster!' Bands like Overkill, Anthrax, Carnivore — they were out in the crowd, in Brooklyn, watching Twisted Sister, following Twisted Sister. If you ever saw the Rat Skates documentary [drummer, Overkill] … He did a documentary about Overkill and there's a whole section on Twisted Sister and basically we were the standard that everybody emulated. Keith Alexander from Carnivore told me, 'We came to see Twisted Sister and Twisted Sister played fast, so we played fast.' They took frantic performance, our frantic performance and interpreted it as play fast, rule one is to play fast. And then they went back to the garages and sped everything the fuck up, literally to be like us. So it wasn't like a conscious thing like 'Hey, we're going to create this really fast approach of playing.' No, we just played that way and inspired bands like Carnivore, Overkill and Anthrax, who went on to the forefront of the whole speed metal movement. The influence that Twisted Sister had, people don't' even realize. Then you have bands like Bon Jovi and Cinderella and Poison, who are coming down to see those same shows and they're taking away a whole different set of rules. Their thing is, they're seeing something else about how to create your sound and how to perform and how to look and they're taking a whole other thing out of it. We are uncredited but we are without a doubt responsible for spawning all kinds. And then there are the punk bands that were into Twisted Sister. A lot of them overseas. To this day you will see a lot of punk bands that cover "We're Not Gonna Take It" and do Twisted Sister songs. There was a confused audience because there were 'bangers, punks and skins and they were all coming to see the same band, looking at each other, going 'What are you doing here?' They all thought they were seeing the next punk/skin/ metal sensation. At the time — 1981, 1982 — there wasn't Hair Metal by definition. There was new wave of metal and Twisted Sister wasn't falling easily into anyone's previous conception of what a band should be.
That was the best time period for metal.
Snider: Oh, absolutely. These people were living off of, as you said, information they got from their cousins. It was the age of tape exchange. We had no albums so these punks were hearing these high speed, machine gun songs, buzzsaw songs and go 'Oh!' And it wasn't punk, it was Twisted Sister.
Snider: Oh, absolutely. These people were living off of, as you said, information they got from their cousins. It was the age of tape exchange. We had no albums so these punks were hearing these high speed, machine gun songs, buzzsaw songs and go 'Oh!' And it wasn't punk, it was Twisted Sister.
That's funny you mentioned that because back when I did see you in a club, you played a cover "Run Like Hell" by Pink Floyd and it was so sped up, it was like a punk song. It was brilliant!
Snider: Exactly. I mean, we used to do "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" and that was prime example of taking a classic rock song and turning it into something wholly different. And our version was a punk version of "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" and that was our closer for a decade, practically.
Snider: Exactly. I mean, we used to do "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" and that was prime example of taking a classic rock song and turning it into something wholly different. And our version was a punk version of "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" and that was our closer for a decade, practically.
And Metallica opened for Twisted Sister and that was an amazing show.
Snider: You were at the Fountain Casino show?! [December 30, 1983 in Aberdeen, New Jersey]
Snider: You were at the Fountain Casino show?! [December 30, 1983 in Aberdeen, New Jersey]
Yeah. What were you thinking about Metallica at that time? Did you think, 'Wow, this band is going to be huge'?
Snider: I didn't even know they were on the bill. I didn't even know they existed. And Jonny Z [Megaforce Records], who was a big supporter of Twisted, crammed them on the bill. When we toured with Metallica in Europe, they said 'We played with you guys in Jersey. And I was like 'You did?!' I didn't even know. I was oblivious to the opening band. In effect it was like a no name. And I was never out before the show. I was always in the back getting ready. You never saw me. You didn't see me walking around the club. You only saw me on the stage and then I disappear. I'd get there before the doors opened and I left when the doors closed. You weren't supposed to see a rock star walking around like a human being. So I had no idea Metallica played. But during that tour [1984], I remember clear as a bell when we arrived in Holland we see these posters that had a huge Metallica with like a troll head — an early symbol they used — and on the bottom it said '…and Twisted Sister' in little letters. So I said to our tour manager, 'Tell Metallica they can close, obviously people are coming to see them.' And my tour manager comes back and says they said no. I said 'No?' He said Well, they said it seems suspicious. They are confused. 'Why would you give up the headline slot? What are you up to?' I went into their dressing rooms and said 'Guys, the people are clearly here to see you. I'm not a complete asshole. I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm the headliner. It's obvious you're the guys that everyone is coming to see.' So they closed the show.
Snider: I didn't even know they were on the bill. I didn't even know they existed. And Jonny Z [Megaforce Records], who was a big supporter of Twisted, crammed them on the bill. When we toured with Metallica in Europe, they said 'We played with you guys in Jersey. And I was like 'You did?!' I didn't even know. I was oblivious to the opening band. In effect it was like a no name. And I was never out before the show. I was always in the back getting ready. You never saw me. You didn't see me walking around the club. You only saw me on the stage and then I disappear. I'd get there before the doors opened and I left when the doors closed. You weren't supposed to see a rock star walking around like a human being. So I had no idea Metallica played. But during that tour [1984], I remember clear as a bell when we arrived in Holland we see these posters that had a huge Metallica with like a troll head — an early symbol they used — and on the bottom it said '…and Twisted Sister' in little letters. So I said to our tour manager, 'Tell Metallica they can close, obviously people are coming to see them.' And my tour manager comes back and says they said no. I said 'No?' He said Well, they said it seems suspicious. They are confused. 'Why would you give up the headline slot? What are you up to?' I went into their dressing rooms and said 'Guys, the people are clearly here to see you. I'm not a complete asshole. I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm the headliner. It's obvious you're the guys that everyone is coming to see.' So they closed the show.
As a result it was the one time I got to see them. And I still remember standing on the side of the stage, watching their set and I turned to Mark (Mendoza) and I said these words: 'These guys got a lot of heart but they're never gonna go anywhere.' So that's what I thought of Metallica. (laughs) I just thought they were too heavy. It's so heavy, there is no commercial accessibility, there's nothing for them to get through to the mainstream audience. They would just be one of those great heavy bands. … You know the Overkills, the Carnivores, one of those bands. I admit saying that. (laughs) Nobody hears it all, all the time. Nobody sees it all. You get it sometimes, you completely miss it other times. Who knew that people's taste would become acclimated to that much heavier of a sound.
When Stay Hungry came out, the songs seemed to slow down a bit. Do you think fans were a little freaked out by that? Obviously it was a huge success … but I'm talking about the hardcore fans.
Snider: We only knew to slow down in the studio. Even on Under the Blade, there is a studio speed and a live concert speed. I've listened to Live At Hammersmith and there is a moment in "Under the Blade" on the guitar solo into the second half where it literally is a fucking machine gun. AJ (Pero, guitarist) comes in and 'dididididididiid-bakaabakaabakaa' (mimics machine gun sound). We invented the whole polka speed mental thing right there. It's just fucking 'Roll out the barrels – bakkabakkbakka' I was like 'Holy shit!' The first time I heard it I was like 'Oh my God!'
Snider: We only knew to slow down in the studio. Even on Under the Blade, there is a studio speed and a live concert speed. I've listened to Live At Hammersmith and there is a moment in "Under the Blade" on the guitar solo into the second half where it literally is a fucking machine gun. AJ (Pero, guitarist) comes in and 'dididididididiid-bakaabakaabakaa' (mimics machine gun sound). We invented the whole polka speed mental thing right there. It's just fucking 'Roll out the barrels – bakkabakkbakka' I was like 'Holy shit!' The first time I heard it I was like 'Oh my God!'
Live, we absolutely haven't changed a thing. If you go listen to a live concert for any period of time, even then we were still playing things that were at breakneck speed. You know that hasn't' changed at all. The finny thing about people they often cite Stay Hungry as the sellout record or the whatever record, this that and the other thing, and I laugh because I finished writing that album during the recording of You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll. I used the down time in the studio to write, like when we were doing Under the Blade I was using the down time for You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll, when we were recording You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll I was working on Stay Hungry. I was using the downtime. I didn't party, I didn't hang out, so I just worked on the next music for the next record. Not only that, the chorus to "We're Not Gonna Take It," I wrote in 1980. I wrote it before we had any records out. I had a great chorus and I couldn't finish the song and I finally finished the song before we went out to record You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll. When I finished the song I was in a studio apartment, married, had kids but we were broke and we just lost the Under the Blade tour with Diamond Head, we had lost our record deal, we had nothing. All this 'Oh, that's when they became sellouts…' All that stuff was written and created at a time when I was most desperate, not becoming a fat cat by any means.
Well, you know sometimes how hardcore fans are. It probably has to do with that being the album where you achieved commercial success.
Snider: Absolutely. I totally get it, and its more than that. You know, it happens with all bands, When (Stay Hungry) first came out, it was embraced, but by the end of that same year it was reviled. Sadly, that's a normal process for original fans. I have this 'Diamond-in-the-pocket' theory about it, where the' original fans' have it in their pocket — in this case it's Twisted Sister, in my case it was AC/DC. I told everybody I knew about this diamond, that nobody believed or knew it was a diamond. And everywhere I went, everything I did, I wore their patches, their jackets … I did everything I could to promote the band. And when they broke through, and my diamond came out of my pocket and put on full display, where there were lines around the block to see the diamond — waiting on line to see my fucking diamond! — the feeling of abandonment was massive. Basically, it was like 'They don't need me anymore.' Which is not fair to the band, it's a natural reaction. And after that when your 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 year old kid and your 12 year old younger brother or sister gets into your band … well, 'Fuck!' (laughs)
Snider: Absolutely. I totally get it, and its more than that. You know, it happens with all bands, When (Stay Hungry) first came out, it was embraced, but by the end of that same year it was reviled. Sadly, that's a normal process for original fans. I have this 'Diamond-in-the-pocket' theory about it, where the' original fans' have it in their pocket — in this case it's Twisted Sister, in my case it was AC/DC. I told everybody I knew about this diamond, that nobody believed or knew it was a diamond. And everywhere I went, everything I did, I wore their patches, their jackets … I did everything I could to promote the band. And when they broke through, and my diamond came out of my pocket and put on full display, where there were lines around the block to see the diamond — waiting on line to see my fucking diamond! — the feeling of abandonment was massive. Basically, it was like 'They don't need me anymore.' Which is not fair to the band, it's a natural reaction. And after that when your 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 year old kid and your 12 year old younger brother or sister gets into your band … well, 'Fuck!' (laughs)
I never heard of these issues explained like that but it's dead on.
Snider: I have analyzed it at length and I've seen it happen to so many other bands. My daughter is into a lot of hardcore bands and it happens with her. She gets into these obscure bands and all of a sudden they get some recognition and popularity and she abandons them, because she no longer feels like their her band. Yet, she was the one who promoted them so tirelessly. It's a sad recurring phenomenon. Eventually the fans return. Usually after the band falls form grace and they come back and say they acknowledge they're the same band the (original) fans loved. Or they say they shouldn't be abandoning them wholesale because other people have come to appreciate what they appreciated first.
Snider: I have analyzed it at length and I've seen it happen to so many other bands. My daughter is into a lot of hardcore bands and it happens with her. She gets into these obscure bands and all of a sudden they get some recognition and popularity and she abandons them, because she no longer feels like their her band. Yet, she was the one who promoted them so tirelessly. It's a sad recurring phenomenon. Eventually the fans return. Usually after the band falls form grace and they come back and say they acknowledge they're the same band the (original) fans loved. Or they say they shouldn't be abandoning them wholesale because other people have come to appreciate what they appreciated first.
I think 10 – 20 years later, the fan looks back and thinks 'I was wrong for thinking that way.'
Snider: It's regrettable but it's natural. Unfortunately, it's unavoidable. I mean, Metallica suffered it. I think one of the bands that suffered the least was AC/DC. For awhile there, people would come and say 'I got the first AC/DC album,' and you're like 'Which one? High Voltage or the Australian releases?' 'No, Back in Black.' I'm like 'Are you fucking kidding me?!' There was a huge frustration on my part to have these Johnny-come-latelys talking like they knew the fucking band.
Snider: It's regrettable but it's natural. Unfortunately, it's unavoidable. I mean, Metallica suffered it. I think one of the bands that suffered the least was AC/DC. For awhile there, people would come and say 'I got the first AC/DC album,' and you're like 'Which one? High Voltage or the Australian releases?' 'No, Back in Black.' I'm like 'Are you fucking kidding me?!' There was a huge frustration on my part to have these Johnny-come-latelys talking like they knew the fucking band.
But I love listening to new bands. My daughter turns me onto so many new hardcore, screamo bands… and I like a lot of them. I find it exciting. When I listen to old bands, I feel kind of sad. Their time is past. But when I listen to new bands — the ones that have that same quality that the old bands had — they're at a point in their career where they have nothing to lose, and they don't give a shit. That's when bands are their greatest. And that's what Under the Blade had and that's what You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll had. We got nothing to lose. Hearing that moment in time, that fire. It fireds me up when I listen to new bands and I go to their concerts. I take me daughter to concerts, so I just went to see Escape the Fate, Alesana, and like five other hard core bands in Jersey. And I just love that moment in a band's career, in a band's life. It inspires me to hear that, that rejuvenates me. To hear that, like, 'Fuck 'em! Fuck 'em!' As Marilyn Manson once said "I wasn't born with enough middle fingers." One of the great lines of all fucking time.
All the great bands had that moment. There's that great debate about whether bands should carry on or should they just rest on when they were at their best and leave it at that.
Snider: Yeah. You know what, I'm sort of with that. I'm asked 'Why aren't you doing new music?' I'm like, 'I'm not driven. I'm not motivated to do the music anymore.' I don't feel it, I don't have.. I mean I've seen this quoted and it's true. After Stay Hungry I was declawed … well, not declawed. I remember this moment: I was sitting poolside in the 80s in a million dollar house with five cars, two boats in the driveway, and I'm sitting by the pool with a fucking full wallet and I'm thinking about the next song of teen angst. And I've got nothing, I'm literally sitting there going. 'I'm not mad.' I'm not screaming about we're gonna make it, and we're not going to take it, and I wanna rock. I made it, I didn't take it, and I've rocked! And I've got nothing. And you continue to write for a couple of years and the song quality was there — no doubt about it — my craft was there on Desperado and Widowmaker but what drove me and Twisted Sister to the heights was that gnawing, that fire, that frustration, it was the message in my music. I've talked to a fan who became a big record executive for awhile, now he's a big Hollywood movie writer, his name is Brian Kauffman. He had seen Twisted Sister 45 times, and I asked him 'Why did you come to see us 45 times?' And in a moment of idiot savant, he goes, 'Because I believed you believed.' I was like 'What the hell does that mean?' He said 'You were so convinced when I saw you on that stage. You were so convinced you were going to be the biggest thing since sliced bread. I had no choice but to believe in you.' And, again, going back to what I like about these bands, hearing that moment in time when they believe they have nothing to lose, and will take out anybody who tries to get in their way.
Snider: Yeah. You know what, I'm sort of with that. I'm asked 'Why aren't you doing new music?' I'm like, 'I'm not driven. I'm not motivated to do the music anymore.' I don't feel it, I don't have.. I mean I've seen this quoted and it's true. After Stay Hungry I was declawed … well, not declawed. I remember this moment: I was sitting poolside in the 80s in a million dollar house with five cars, two boats in the driveway, and I'm sitting by the pool with a fucking full wallet and I'm thinking about the next song of teen angst. And I've got nothing, I'm literally sitting there going. 'I'm not mad.' I'm not screaming about we're gonna make it, and we're not going to take it, and I wanna rock. I made it, I didn't take it, and I've rocked! And I've got nothing. And you continue to write for a couple of years and the song quality was there — no doubt about it — my craft was there on Desperado and Widowmaker but what drove me and Twisted Sister to the heights was that gnawing, that fire, that frustration, it was the message in my music. I've talked to a fan who became a big record executive for awhile, now he's a big Hollywood movie writer, his name is Brian Kauffman. He had seen Twisted Sister 45 times, and I asked him 'Why did you come to see us 45 times?' And in a moment of idiot savant, he goes, 'Because I believed you believed.' I was like 'What the hell does that mean?' He said 'You were so convinced when I saw you on that stage. You were so convinced you were going to be the biggest thing since sliced bread. I had no choice but to believe in you.' And, again, going back to what I like about these bands, hearing that moment in time when they believe they have nothing to lose, and will take out anybody who tries to get in their way.
Are you going to continue to tour under Twisted Sister?
Snider: I want to. The guys know that. I mean, I love the guys and its fun but gravity wins. Eventually gravity wins out over all. We will all be pulled down into the earth and gravity will take us out. Last year at 55, Twisted Sister got some review, they were the greatest reviews we have ever gotten. I don't know if you saw our reviews from Bloodstock or our reviews from the French festival we did. It said that we set the standard by which all other bands performances should be judged. So for guys in their middle 50s to get that kind of review on a bill with all younger bands — not all, but the range of black metal, hard core metal and nu metal and old metal bands — and to headline events like that and get that response? What more could you ask for? But eventually I'm gonna to get beat by gravity. Eventually, I'm going to slow down and I don't want to be on stage when that happens. I don't want to disappoint people. Eddie Trunk once said, 'I understand what you're saying. You kind of put yourself into a corner with your performance style.' And I said 'You're right.' He said we defined our style with this aggressive, physically demanding performance. I'm still doing it. If you see the band now, you go "Holy shit! How old is that guy?' That's exactly it, how old is that guy? It's not like he is an old man but 55? There's not a 25 year old on the bill that can do what he's doing. So the point is, I don't want to be up there when that fails. That is my fear.
Snider: I want to. The guys know that. I mean, I love the guys and its fun but gravity wins. Eventually gravity wins out over all. We will all be pulled down into the earth and gravity will take us out. Last year at 55, Twisted Sister got some review, they were the greatest reviews we have ever gotten. I don't know if you saw our reviews from Bloodstock or our reviews from the French festival we did. It said that we set the standard by which all other bands performances should be judged. So for guys in their middle 50s to get that kind of review on a bill with all younger bands — not all, but the range of black metal, hard core metal and nu metal and old metal bands — and to headline events like that and get that response? What more could you ask for? But eventually I'm gonna to get beat by gravity. Eventually, I'm going to slow down and I don't want to be on stage when that happens. I don't want to disappoint people. Eddie Trunk once said, 'I understand what you're saying. You kind of put yourself into a corner with your performance style.' And I said 'You're right.' He said we defined our style with this aggressive, physically demanding performance. I'm still doing it. If you see the band now, you go "Holy shit! How old is that guy?' That's exactly it, how old is that guy? It's not like he is an old man but 55? There's not a 25 year old on the bill that can do what he's doing. So the point is, I don't want to be up there when that fails. That is my fear.
I also do a lot of other things. I'm always looking to the future and moving on to new projects and new endeavors, like doing Broadway for three months. I like surprises. I didn't plan life at 30, so everything is a surprise to me. If you told me 25-30 years ago I would be doing Broadway, I would've punched you in the face. But 25 – 30 years later someone says 'You want to do Broadway?' I'm like 'You know what — Yeah!' What the fuck! … to challenge myself and feel like its new and fresh. It's not the same old thing. I'm more challenged to do a Broadway show. I had butterflies for the first time in 30 years. I had an upset stomach the morning of the first show – 'I'm Dee Snider I don't have butterflies!' I had butterflies. It was Broadway, that was not my element and after the first show, I rocked that too because that's what I do.
Drummer Mike Mangini of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER has issued the following update:
"I seriously played my two best shows/solos [on December 1 in San Diego, California and on December 2 in Anaheim, California] while being the sickest I've been in 20-30 years. But not enough to jeopardize me too much or affect the show negatively. I don't know how that happens.
"My apologies for not being able to speak much, or for coughing at the paid pre-show pic taking. Now you know why. I didn't, and couldn't, call friends, my family, my wife, nobody...
"It was weird to try so hard to speak. All of you that play must've experienced this before.
"How can we be so sick, then play like not too much is wrong? It must be a love of overcoming challenges and helping the team. I guess that's how athletes do it.
"I honestly curled up in a ball after the show and didn't think I'd make it out of there.
"I'm happy to say that I'm feeling better and better and that I'm about to sleep on and off for 14 hours pumping the herbs and meds and water.
"I think I will have the best show of my whole life in Mesa tomorrow because of all the practicing I did on the break.
"I love this!!!! Can't wait till tomorrow!!
"Did I mention how good it feels to be 1 for 1 with DREAM THEATER for a Grammy nomination? 2 for 2 with [Steve] Vai, 1 for 1 with DREAM THEATER...
"Oh, yeah!!!!!! That'll fix my flu!!!
"You should've heard [DREAM THEATER guitarist] John Petrucci's voice on the phone when he called me to tell me of the nomination... My eyes watered up because of how he sounded and how that reflected what it meant to him to have this song recognized (Grammys are for songs, not bands or careers). I'm so happy for him, John Myung [bass], James LaBrie [vocals], John Rudess [keyboards] and our manager Frank for doing so much to steer the music of our ship out of unknown waters. They taught me a lesson in patience, trust and faith.
"All of you support us and enjoy the music with us are responsible for getting the song heard by so many more people than you can imagine.
"John Petrucci had a vision for this song and he stuck by it with full support from all of us... you too. Thank you. We have so much yet to come and so much passion for life and for music."
"Ghost Walking", a brand new song from Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD, will premiere this coming Monday, December 5 at 7 a.m. EST/4 a.m. PST on SiriusXM satellite radio's "Liquid Metal" channel. The track comes off the band's new album, "Resolution", which will be released in North America on January 24, 2012 via Epic Records (one day earlier internationally through Roadrunner Records). The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".
"Resolution" will feature 14 songs and will come in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.
The "Resolution" cover artwork can be seen below. Also available is a video trailer for the album.
"Resolution" track listing:
01. Straight For The Sun
02. Desolation
03. Ghost Walking
04. Guilty
05. The Undertow
06. The Number Six
07. Barbarosa
08. Invictus
09. Cheated
10. Insurrection
11. Terminally Unique
12. To The End
13. Visitation
14. King Me
During its 2012 world tour, LAMB OF GOD, in connection with Epic Records and 914 Films, will shoot a feature film documenting fans and their personal stories of how they use the band's music to cope with their everyday lives.
"Wrath" sold around 68,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 2 (behind TAYLOR SWIFT's "Fearless") on The Billboard 200 chart.
LAMB OF GOD performed at the sixth edition of D-TOX Rockfest on June 17 in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. This marked the group's first and only 2011 appearance.
"I seriously played my two best shows/solos [on December 1 in San Diego, California and on December 2 in Anaheim, California] while being the sickest I've been in 20-30 years. But not enough to jeopardize me too much or affect the show negatively. I don't know how that happens.
"My apologies for not being able to speak much, or for coughing at the paid pre-show pic taking. Now you know why. I didn't, and couldn't, call friends, my family, my wife, nobody...
"It was weird to try so hard to speak. All of you that play must've experienced this before.
"How can we be so sick, then play like not too much is wrong? It must be a love of overcoming challenges and helping the team. I guess that's how athletes do it.
"I honestly curled up in a ball after the show and didn't think I'd make it out of there.
"I'm happy to say that I'm feeling better and better and that I'm about to sleep on and off for 14 hours pumping the herbs and meds and water.
"I think I will have the best show of my whole life in Mesa tomorrow because of all the practicing I did on the break.
"I love this!!!! Can't wait till tomorrow!!
"Did I mention how good it feels to be 1 for 1 with DREAM THEATER for a Grammy nomination? 2 for 2 with [Steve] Vai, 1 for 1 with DREAM THEATER...
"Oh, yeah!!!!!! That'll fix my flu!!!
"You should've heard [DREAM THEATER guitarist] John Petrucci's voice on the phone when he called me to tell me of the nomination... My eyes watered up because of how he sounded and how that reflected what it meant to him to have this song recognized (Grammys are for songs, not bands or careers). I'm so happy for him, John Myung [bass], James LaBrie [vocals], John Rudess [keyboards] and our manager Frank for doing so much to steer the music of our ship out of unknown waters. They taught me a lesson in patience, trust and faith.
"All of you support us and enjoy the music with us are responsible for getting the song heard by so many more people than you can imagine.
"John Petrucci had a vision for this song and he stuck by it with full support from all of us... you too. Thank you. We have so much yet to come and so much passion for life and for music."
"Ghost Walking", a brand new song from Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD, will premiere this coming Monday, December 5 at 7 a.m. EST/4 a.m. PST on SiriusXM satellite radio's "Liquid Metal" channel. The track comes off the band's new album, "Resolution", which will be released in North America on January 24, 2012 via Epic Records (one day earlier internationally through Roadrunner Records). The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".
"Resolution" will feature 14 songs and will come in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.
The "Resolution" cover artwork can be seen below. Also available is a video trailer for the album.
"Resolution" track listing:
01. Straight For The Sun
02. Desolation
03. Ghost Walking
04. Guilty
05. The Undertow
06. The Number Six
07. Barbarosa
08. Invictus
09. Cheated
10. Insurrection
11. Terminally Unique
12. To The End
13. Visitation
14. King Me
During its 2012 world tour, LAMB OF GOD, in connection with Epic Records and 914 Films, will shoot a feature film documenting fans and their personal stories of how they use the band's music to cope with their everyday lives.
"Wrath" sold around 68,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 2 (behind TAYLOR SWIFT's "Fearless") on The Billboard 200 chart.
LAMB OF GOD performed at the sixth edition of D-TOX Rockfest on June 17 in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. This marked the group's first and only 2011 appearance.
PRESTO BALLET, the progressive rock band featuring former METAL CHURCH members Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar) and Ronny Munroe (vocals), has announced the addition of drummer Larry Crowe to the group's ranks.
PRESTO BALLET released a new EP, "Love What You've Done With The Place", on July 2. It was made available for download on iTunes and other major online sites, but if you want a CD that includes a bonus track, it is only available on the group's official web site.
"Love What You've Done With The Place" track listing:
01. King Of The Stars
02. The Clock
03. A Distant Heart
04. Deep Dark Blue
05. Looking Glass
06. The Faith Healer (THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND cover) (bonus track; only available on CD)
PRESTO BALLET parted ways with drummer Jeffrey McCormack earlier in the year because he couldn't commit enough of his time and effort to us," according to the band's bassist, Bobby Ferkovich.
PRESTO BALLET released its latest album, "Invisible Places", on February 4, 2011 via SAOL / H'Art / Zebralution.
PRESTO BALLET's current lineup consists of Vanderhoof, Munroe, keyboardist Kerry Shacklett, Ferkovich and Crowe.
PRESTO BALLET's music was previously described as "highly reminiscent of '70s prog rock, as the band was founded chiefly as a tribute to classic progressive bands such as YES and KANSAS."
PRESTO BALLET released a new EP, "Love What You've Done With The Place", on July 2. It was made available for download on iTunes and other major online sites, but if you want a CD that includes a bonus track, it is only available on the group's official web site.
"Love What You've Done With The Place" track listing:
01. King Of The Stars
02. The Clock
03. A Distant Heart
04. Deep Dark Blue
05. Looking Glass
06. The Faith Healer (THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND cover) (bonus track; only available on CD)
PRESTO BALLET parted ways with drummer Jeffrey McCormack earlier in the year because he couldn't commit enough of his time and effort to us," according to the band's bassist, Bobby Ferkovich.
PRESTO BALLET released its latest album, "Invisible Places", on February 4, 2011 via SAOL / H'Art / Zebralution.
PRESTO BALLET's current lineup consists of Vanderhoof, Munroe, keyboardist Kerry Shacklett, Ferkovich and Crowe.
PRESTO BALLET's music was previously described as "highly reminiscent of '70s prog rock, as the band was founded chiefly as a tribute to classic progressive bands such as YES and KANSAS."
Continuing their worldwide whirlwind of a tour — which started in the U.K. with a critically acclaimed reunion show at the Download festival in June and has made stops in Sweden, Spain, Japan and Italy culminating this week with 14 sold-out U.K. shows — reunited British rockers THE DARKNESS are taking their electrifying and outrageous rock 'n' roll to North America.
From Lowestoft, Suffolk, frontman/guitarist Justin Hawkins says, "We literally cannot wait to hit back in the U.S. and Canada. We loved it last time and we're sure to love it again. See you there!"
The new tour features all the guitar mastery and wild pyrotechnics that THE DARKNESS shows have become well-known for. The group will perform music from 2003 album "Permission To Land", including favorites "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" and "Get Your Hands Off My Woman"; 2005's "One-Way Ticket To Hell And Back" with "One Way Ticket" and "Is It Just Me?"; as well as several new songs off their forthcoming yet-to-be-titled third album. This marks the band's first return to the States since their 2004 tour supporting "Permission To Land". THE DARKNESS will hit North America starting February 1 in Toronto and wrapping February 21 in San Francisco (see dates below). Tickets are on-sale this week and Facebook fans of the group will have an exclusive window to buy tickets before the general public.
After their reformation in March, THE DARKNESS have romped, roared and raged through summer and fall with appearances at many of Europe's most prestigious festivals including a headlining appearance at Sonisphere in Madrid. This fall, they hit the road in Japan and England with new songs and fan favorites to crazed, capacity crowds.
The band's as-yet-untitled comeback CD was rehearsed in THE DARKNESS' Lowestoft hometown and was recorded at guitarist Dan Hawkins' home studio.
THE DARKNESS made its U.K. live comeback on June 5 in front of just 200 people at the Norwich Waterfront.
THE DARKNESS' appearance at the Download festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom in June marked the band's first festival appearance since splitting up in 2006.
THE DARKNESS' first album, "Permission To Land", was released in 2003, hitting the No. 1 spot in the U.K. chart and winning "MasterCard British Album" at the 2004 Brit Awards (along with "Best British Group" and "British Rock Act").
Between 2003 and 2006, THE DARKNESS was honored with many awards and accolades; along with three Brit Awards, the band won an Ivor Novello in 2004 for "Songwriters Of The Year", four Kerrang! Awards, two Metal Hammer Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and even an Elle Style Award in 2004 for "Most Stylish Band".
THE DARKNESS North American tour dates:
Feb. 01 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theater
Feb. 03 - Boston, MA - Paradise
Feb. 04 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Feb. 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Feb. 08 - Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club
Feb. 10 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew's Hall
Feb. 11 - Chicago, IL - Metro
Feb. 12 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Feb. 15 - Denver, CO - Summit
Feb. 17 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
Feb. 18 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
Feb. 19 - Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
Feb. 21 - San Francisco, CA – Fillmore
From Lowestoft, Suffolk, frontman/guitarist Justin Hawkins says, "We literally cannot wait to hit back in the U.S. and Canada. We loved it last time and we're sure to love it again. See you there!"
The new tour features all the guitar mastery and wild pyrotechnics that THE DARKNESS shows have become well-known for. The group will perform music from 2003 album "Permission To Land", including favorites "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" and "Get Your Hands Off My Woman"; 2005's "One-Way Ticket To Hell And Back" with "One Way Ticket" and "Is It Just Me?"; as well as several new songs off their forthcoming yet-to-be-titled third album. This marks the band's first return to the States since their 2004 tour supporting "Permission To Land". THE DARKNESS will hit North America starting February 1 in Toronto and wrapping February 21 in San Francisco (see dates below). Tickets are on-sale this week and Facebook fans of the group will have an exclusive window to buy tickets before the general public.
After their reformation in March, THE DARKNESS have romped, roared and raged through summer and fall with appearances at many of Europe's most prestigious festivals including a headlining appearance at Sonisphere in Madrid. This fall, they hit the road in Japan and England with new songs and fan favorites to crazed, capacity crowds.
The band's as-yet-untitled comeback CD was rehearsed in THE DARKNESS' Lowestoft hometown and was recorded at guitarist Dan Hawkins' home studio.
THE DARKNESS made its U.K. live comeback on June 5 in front of just 200 people at the Norwich Waterfront.
THE DARKNESS' appearance at the Download festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom in June marked the band's first festival appearance since splitting up in 2006.
THE DARKNESS' first album, "Permission To Land", was released in 2003, hitting the No. 1 spot in the U.K. chart and winning "MasterCard British Album" at the 2004 Brit Awards (along with "Best British Group" and "British Rock Act").
Between 2003 and 2006, THE DARKNESS was honored with many awards and accolades; along with three Brit Awards, the band won an Ivor Novello in 2004 for "Songwriters Of The Year", four Kerrang! Awards, two Metal Hammer Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and even an Elle Style Award in 2004 for "Most Stylish Band".
THE DARKNESS North American tour dates:
Feb. 01 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theater
Feb. 03 - Boston, MA - Paradise
Feb. 04 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Feb. 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Feb. 08 - Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club
Feb. 10 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew's Hall
Feb. 11 - Chicago, IL - Metro
Feb. 12 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Feb. 15 - Denver, CO - Summit
Feb. 17 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
Feb. 18 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
Feb. 19 - Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
Feb. 21 - San Francisco, CA – Fillmore
SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor always seems to have several projects going at once, and he recently told The Pulse Of Radio about one new endeavor that he is starting up with fellow SLIPKNOT member Shawn "Clown" Crahan. "Me and Clown are actually starting a film production company and we're gonna start getting into movies, and trying to get the movies made that we like," he said. "You know, just kind of try and gather maybe the black sheep or the misfits of the Hollywood society and try and make some movies to kind of shake things up. But that's still a little ways off, so we'll see what happens."
Taylor told TheRave.com that the company's movies will be "different" and will definitely not include any remakes.
Meanwhile, Taylor has given Australian web site FasterLouder some more details about STONE SOUR's fourth album, which he hopes the band will begin recording early in 2012.
Taylor has described his vision for the record as "very grand" and has said that it could end up being a double concept album. As for the storyline, he said, "It's basically the story of a man who's trying to figure it out. He can't figure out if he's happier when he's miserable, or if he's miserable about not being happy. It's almost like a mid-life crisis in a way. He's young enough that he knows that there's still a lot of life to live, but he's old enough to realize that he can't be hung up on the romance of teenage depression and youthful aggression."
Taylor will tour Australia in February with SLIPKNOT, as well as the U.S. next summer, but said he's "not even thinking about" writing a new SLIPKNOT album yet.
Taylor has been on a solo tour in which he combines spoken-word, questions from the audience and acoustic performances. At two separate shows he described producer Rick Rubin as "overrated" and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland as "lazy."
Taylor told TheRave.com that the company's movies will be "different" and will definitely not include any remakes.
Meanwhile, Taylor has given Australian web site FasterLouder some more details about STONE SOUR's fourth album, which he hopes the band will begin recording early in 2012.
Taylor has described his vision for the record as "very grand" and has said that it could end up being a double concept album. As for the storyline, he said, "It's basically the story of a man who's trying to figure it out. He can't figure out if he's happier when he's miserable, or if he's miserable about not being happy. It's almost like a mid-life crisis in a way. He's young enough that he knows that there's still a lot of life to live, but he's old enough to realize that he can't be hung up on the romance of teenage depression and youthful aggression."
Taylor will tour Australia in February with SLIPKNOT, as well as the U.S. next summer, but said he's "not even thinking about" writing a new SLIPKNOT album yet.
Taylor has been on a solo tour in which he combines spoken-word, questions from the audience and acoustic performances. At two separate shows he described producer Rick Rubin as "overrated" and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland as "lazy."
Kenneth Lance Patterson (a.k.a. "Willie Hicks"), bassist for the West Texas "southern oilfield trucker stoner" band PUMPJACK, passed away suddenly on November 9, 2011. He was 42 years old.
A longtime friend of the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN) and Dimebag's brother Vinnie Paul, Patterson was a member of the group GASOLINE, which Dimebag and PUMPJACK vocalist Thurber Mingus founded as a fun, alcohol-fueled side project for "good friends and anyone who would dare to risk having their ears burned off by listening."
PUMPJACK took part in the 2000 Ozzfest and they opened for several national acts, including PANTERA, ANTHRAX and W.A.S.P.
Lance Patterson is survived by his wife, Nancy Patterson; stepchildren Tres and Lauren; his parents, Ken and Sylvia Patterson; his brother and sister-in-law, Monty and Chali Patterson; and his niece and nephew, Abby and Logan Patterson.
A funeral service was held on December 1 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel.
A longtime friend of the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN) and Dimebag's brother Vinnie Paul, Patterson was a member of the group GASOLINE, which Dimebag and PUMPJACK vocalist Thurber Mingus founded as a fun, alcohol-fueled side project for "good friends and anyone who would dare to risk having their ears burned off by listening."
PUMPJACK took part in the 2000 Ozzfest and they opened for several national acts, including PANTERA, ANTHRAX and W.A.S.P.
Lance Patterson is survived by his wife, Nancy Patterson; stepchildren Tres and Lauren; his parents, Ken and Sylvia Patterson; his brother and sister-in-law, Monty and Chali Patterson; and his niece and nephew, Abby and Logan Patterson.
A funeral service was held on December 1 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel.
bill bodkin rocks out with the band that reinvigorated Aquanet sales …
Looks can be deceiving.
Take one glimpse at the L.A. band Steel Panther or look at any of their song titles and you might think this is the second coming of Spinal Tap — a comedy gimmick band that spoofs the hardest genre of music out there.
However, I dare you to look beyond the glitter, spandex and Aquanet because these big-haired, heavily made-up dudes not only know how to be funny, but they know how to rock. These are four guys who not only are killer musicians, but their love and passion for creating fun, heavy metal music is woven into every word, riff and solo they perform.
For music fans that miss the big guitar solo, the dynamic frontman, that vintage Van Halen-esque good time rock 'n' roll, the answer to your prayers has been delivered in the form of Steel Panther.
Pop-Break's Bill Bodkin spoke with Steel Panther's lead singer Michael Starr about heavy metal, Nickelback and the ladies on the night they perform at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J.
Pop-Break: How's it going, Mike?
Michael Starr: I'm good, man. Just laying in bed, looking out my window, thinking about heavy metal.
PB: I just listened to you record. I'm a total '80s metal guy, and I absolutely loved it.
MS: Thanks, dude. You're an 80s guy and you've got good taste.
PB: Let's talk a little bit of the history of Steel Panther. How did you guys come together?
MS: There's a bunch of bios out there created by people that aren't accurate. I met Satchel at a Ralph's on Sunset Boulevard. He was at MIT, teaching out there and I was strolling around and we did not like each other [at first]. Fast forward a couple of years later, and he needed a singer, I needed a guitar player and we needed a bass player — but we needed someone good looking. Bobby Dahl from Poison wasn't good looking and we thought that was the missing link for Poison, so we found Lexxi [Foxx]. Lexi is not a natural bass player — he was a guy who was more of a stylist. Satchel taught him bass and he's developed into an amazing bass player. A couple years later, we roll up with Stix [Zandina, Steel Panther's drummer] and now we're here for world domination with Balls Out.
Michael Starr, frontman of Steel Panther
PB: Do you think this record is something a fan of '80s metal who's currently disillusioned with metal today? And let's face how can you not be? I mean, there are no guitar solos anymore. Can that disillusioned metal person listen to Balls Out and fall back in love with '80s metal and, more importantly, rock 'n' roll again?
MS: I feel the same way you do — I'm an '80s guy to the core. I love it. But it's starting to feel like a distant memory. With Steel Panther, there are kids who are 14 or 15, who are listening to this and are like 'Fuck, this is killer!' They don't know why it's killer, but they just know it is and they dig it. It's not like they're referencing it like you and I and are like, 'Yeah it's '80s and we dig it.' They just dig it because they dig it. And you're right man, there's no guitar solos, there's no screaming, no straight fucking rocking — that's missing in today's music. I think that anyone who's fresh-eared and never really experience the '80s like you or I did can totally appreciate it.
PB: Are there any bands out there today, outside of Steel Panther obviously, they you feel can recapture the glory days of good rock 'n' roll?
MS: [Sighs] No … not really. There's a band out there called The Last Las Vegas, Nikki Sixx signed them and they put out a song, and it was fucking cool. But God man, I gotta tell you, there's not a new band out, [except] a band called Reckless Love out of Holland or Sweden — their stuff's a little poppy, they're not talking about fucking and all that sorta shit, the stuff that I dig — but man … no. That's why I feel our job is to keep rocking and to change people's perception about what music should be. We gotta change the culture bro!
PB: Why do you think it changed? We all know grunge happened, but you would think there would have been some sorta pickup, a comeback. But it hasn't. The '80s are popular because it's retro and only because it's retro. It's never been re-embraced or even re-invented by the culture like disco has. Why do you think the '80s metal sound has never made a full comeback as a viable musical genre in today's scene?
MS: Heavy metal was such a special thing. I believe it was started by Van Halen, it was so special. If you agree with me, Van Halen started out in '78 when they really started getting out there. The frontman, the fucking ringleader just rocking, the awesome guitar player, the blonde hair/black hair dude. That whole tandem went 12 years, almost 15. It's hard to duplicate. I think for it to come back you need a band like Steel Panther to really do it.
And trust me, I've got my eye out for the next young singer. And if I find someone that I feel posses what we do, I'm going to find him a guitar player and make him fucking do metal.
PB: What do you think the qualities that singer has to have?
MS: Here's what I feel is missing in today's music — it's called charisma. Where the singer is singing, looking at people in the audience and making the crowd feel like they're a part of the show, talking one-on-one with the crowd, really bringing them in. Steel Panther, I believe, has four guys like that. We all have charisma, that thing where people feel like they're part of the show. We're fun to watch — there's moves to watch. We're good looking guys who love to rock and aren't fat. These are qualities you have to have as a lead singer — especially charisma, man.
PB: Going back to the record, how do you think Balls Out differs from your last record Feel the Steel?
MS: Well, some people say it's more mature of a record, and I would think it's more of an immature record. It's not like we're breaking any new ground with our lyrical content, but I think the band still stands strong and we're singing about shit people have a hard time talking about. Some guys are afraid to ask their chick to let them fuck them in the ass. "Critter" is a perfect instructional song on how to do that, and I don't think we had anything like that on Feel on the Steel. So in that respect, it's different.
But here's the key difference between Feel The Steel and Balls Out. Feel The Steel features songs we wrote over a 10-year period. Balls Out, we wrote over a year period, but it was also inspired by actually putting Feel The Steel out and going out and tour. So I think that is evident in music. So it's not more mature, we're just a little more worldly now.
PB: I swear when I heard "Critter," I thought I was going to crash my car, it was so funny. I literally swerved off the road at one point listening to it.
MS: Thanks, dude! Some people come to us and say, 'Are you ever going to do a serious record?' Why would Steel Panther do a serious record? That's like saying is Van Halen going to play fucking jazz? Fuck!
PB: Or get the guy from Extreme to sing for them.
SP: Right! [laughs]
PB: Glad you laughed. I was so worried because you guys are hilarious, and I thought if I said something to that effect and you responded with, 'No dude this shit is serious — we mean and believe every word we say,' I thought this whole interview was going to die a horrible death.
MS: [Laughs] No, dude, there's no hiding the fact we know what we sing about and we sing it in a funny way. Fuck yeah we do! There's a reason why we do it — we like to have fun and we like to laugh. I mean, that's the reality behind. I mean, you look at lyrics and people are like, 'Why don't you be serious" I mean look at the lyrics to "Rock You Like A Hurricane!" 'The bitch is hungry/She needs to chill/So give her inches/And feed her well" — what the fuck?! That's funny to me.
PB: And now that song is used in a T.G.I. Friday's commercial.
MS: Isn't that awesome?!
PB: So many of things you guys write about are really out there, but it's still very clever. For example, the song "Suck Itself" — when I first saw it on the album, I thought I knew exactly what it'd be about, but when the song was over who knew it'd be a song about a guy getting bit in the crotch by a snake.
MS: Exactly. That's a song we wrote with Chad [Kroeger] from Nickelback. And that's a song a lot of people are like, 'Why the fuck would you write a song with Nickelback? hat's the matter with you guys?' It's a killer song! Who gives a shit?
PB: In all fairness, their sappy songs are absolutely terrible, but when they actually rock out and sing songs about chicks and getting drunk. They know how to rock.
MS: And that's a guy we need to influence to be metal. He's got a lot of fans and once he starts doing it, his fans will be like 'Oh, cool, metal's cool now.' So the more guys we can infiltrate and spread the disease of the metal the better.
PB: You guys wrote that with him, did you guys come up with the concept of the song or did he?
MS: Well, we met him [because] we play Vancouver a lot and he lives in Vancouver. So we ran into him after the show and we all went to a strip club for a casual hang. After the club closed, he wanted us to come to his house to party and we were like, 'Fuck, why not?' So we go to his house and he's got this huge fucking killer mansion. The guy's worth $100 million, right? He's got a full-scale hockey rink in his house and he's got this full-blown studio. And he said 'I've had this idea for a song for a while and I think it'd be great for you guys, it'd be killer.' And we asked what it was and he had one line: 'It won't suck itself.' We went into the studio and we wrote it and finished it that night.
PB: That's gotta be surreal …
SP: All he had was a lyric idea. So we sat down with the guitars and wrote a riff. We started writing it and we recorded it right there. He had his engineer there. He has a personal cook and chef and a personal assistant who comes out with a bag of weed and rolls joints for him. It's pretty bitchin'.
And by the way ,the girl who yells 'All Done!' [on "Suck Itself"] is the girl who rolls the joints.
That's pretty fucking rock 'n' roll, right?
PB: When Balls Out came out you were No. 1 1 on iTunes' U.K. charts (No. 4 on iTunes' rock charts and No. 17 overall). Is there difference in reception for Steel Panther in the U.K. and the U.S.?
MS: The record sales over in Europe and the U.K. on the first record were way stronger because the record came out there first. We went on tour there immediately to support it. I think the only difference for us in the U.K. is that the audience is a bit more attentive and a little bit more appreciate of what they're seeing. Here [in the U.S.] for us, we play every week in L.A. and Vegas, so a lot of people see us all the time. So, it's natural for them — 'Oh, they'll be here next week, that's cool.' But in Europe, when we go there, they don't know when we're coming back and they're listening to every single thing and are really super attentive.
PB: Speaking of touring, when you're outside your home bases of L.A. and Vegas, do you find it harder to get people out to shows, or has the response been good?
MS: So far, it's been kicking ass dude. We sold out our show in Philly in one day, then they added another, and that sold out in two hours. We sold out our New York show, then we booked another date and they moved it to Irving Plaza, which is much bigger. Sold out Chicago, Cleveland…when we get away from our weekly gigs, it's just different. Tonight [Nov. 4] is the first night we're not doing one cover song in our Vegas show.
PB: You guys started out doing a lot of covers. When you initially started doing originals, was there a backlash?
MS: We never ever started playing original stuff unless we had something released. When put out Hole Patrol, we would play a few songs off that. And when we put out Feel The Steel, we would put in three or four songs off their [in our set]. People just dug it, especially people who were huge fans, but we'd bust a cover for the people who were trained or expecting a cover show. But now it's gotten to a point where people are bummed when we start playing Guns 'N Roses because they want to hear Steel Panther.
To watch that happen … someone asked me once if I expected this to happen …fuck no!
PB: Is it something that took a life of its own for you guys?
MS: Yeah … one of the things that I think people enjoy about Steel Panther is it's not four actors trying to be funny and doing a show. We actually love metal. What happens on stage is organic and what's happening to the band is completely organic. It's not contrived … of course, it's well thoughtout and planned, but it's natural and it's fucking exciting.
PB: It's not like you're Tenacious D or Spinal Tap — you're actually musicians playing the music you love.
MS: Yeah, we were grinding for years and years.
PB: Your weekly shows have become the stuff of pop-culture legend with so many famous people jumping on stage with you. I know in one interview, you said Dennis Rodman came on stage and you all regretted it. In all your years, who's the one person who's left you all dumbstruck?
MS: Nuno. Nuno Bettencourt. He got on stage with the lead singer of Jane's Addiction, Perry Farrell, and that's when they were doing some project together. They came onstage when we were at the Key Club and we rocked a Jane's Addiction song. Perry Farrell got off and then Nuno busted out "Hot For Teacher." The guy shreds, dude. I mean, if Satchel died … he'd be our guitar player.
PB: He's so underrated — everyone forgets about him.
SP: Yeah, and he's playing for Rihanna. He gets onstage with us and people yell, 'It's Rihanna's guitar player!' It's fucking funny, man.
PB: I didn't even know he toured with her.
SP: She wanted a good-looking rocker to do guitar solos during her show.
PB: Would you want Rihanna to come onstage and perform with Steel Panther?
MS: Fuck yeah. I wanna fuck her!!
PB: You guys are playing Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J., in December. What excites you most about playing a state that has such a rich metal history?
MS: I'm just looking forward to playing our new record. I'm so excited, I can't breathe!
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MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx got behind the camera to shoot a sexy, glam rock-inspired feature in Alexa, the New York Post's fashion magazine in the newspaper on Wednesday. The rocker, radio host and co-designer of fashion label Royal Underground, was enthusiastic about his Post project. He recently dropped hints about it via Facebook, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with, "Headless Body in Topless Bar," referring to the famous 1983 Post headline. "People are realizing that I'm not really a one-trick pony," Sixx said. "I don't just make music. I'm an author, I do photography, part of a clothing line, I have a radio show. I'm in two different bands with very different music. I'm a father, I'm a recovering drug addict, so all these things I like to expose . . . It's really awesome for the audience to go, 'Wow, I didn't know he was a photographer,' and then they start looking into photography and the messages, and they go, 'It actually makes sense with what he was saying on his earlier albums . . . It's a theme of recovery.'"
SIXX: A.M. — the band consisting of Nikki Sixx (also of MÖTLEY CRÜE), DJ Ashba (also of GUNS N' ROSES) and James Michael — has posted a one-minute teaser video clip, along with a date of December 13, 2011, for an upcoming announcement (see below).
Commented Michael: "A couple of months ago, I asked all of you what songs from [the first two SIXX: A.M. albums] 'The Heroin Diaries' soundtrack and 'This Is Gonna Hurt' you would want to hear stripped down, pulled apart and reconstructed from a different perspective... your response was amazing and passionate... as a result, '7' was born.
"This was an incredible experience for the three of us because it caused us to explore way beyond the initial creations and rediscover the songs in a light that you helped us find.
"We are so excited to share this with you.
"Thank you for all of the love and support.
"By the way... '7' isn't the only SIXX: A.M. surprise coming your way!
"Oh, shit... just when you thought you had it all figured out!"
SIXX: A.M. recently revealed plans to film a video for the song "Skin" in the Los Angeles area. The band put out a casting call for people whom the song has affected personally because of their own scars — whether physical or under the surface.
"Skin" comes off SIXX: A.M.'s sophomore album, "This Is Gonna Hurt", which sold 30,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on May 3, the 11-track CD is a companion piece to Sixx's "This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx" book, a follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, "The Heroin Diaries".
"This Is Gonna Hurt" is part photo, part journal — but all Nikki Sixx. It is a collection of compelling snapshots and stories that capture the rage, love, optimism, darkness, and determination that shape his work. Told with the raw authenticity that defined his New York Times bestseller "The Heroin Diaries", "This Is Gonna Hurt" chronicles Sixx's experience, from references to his early years filled with toxic waste to his success with MÖTLEY CRÜE, his death from an OD and rebirth to his addictions to music, photography, and love along with the journey of photographing these images over the past couple of years.
The "This Is Gonna Hurt" album as a whole deals with many raw, human issues. Nikki talks about the CD as "pulling back the veil on your internal truth," saying, "We are who we are… Either poisonous and evil or honest and willing… Willing to make a difference… I haven't led the life of a saint nor do I intend on it now." The album — produced entirely by James Michael with writing credits going to Sixx, Michael, Ashba and band friends John William Lowrey and Blair Daly — dives deep into meandering emotions through epic melodies. The resulting work is a deep, dark and intoxicatingly addictive mix of sounds and passion.
Commented Michael: "A couple of months ago, I asked all of you what songs from [the first two SIXX: A.M. albums] 'The Heroin Diaries' soundtrack and 'This Is Gonna Hurt' you would want to hear stripped down, pulled apart and reconstructed from a different perspective... your response was amazing and passionate... as a result, '7' was born.
"This was an incredible experience for the three of us because it caused us to explore way beyond the initial creations and rediscover the songs in a light that you helped us find.
"We are so excited to share this with you.
"Thank you for all of the love and support.
"By the way... '7' isn't the only SIXX: A.M. surprise coming your way!
"Oh, shit... just when you thought you had it all figured out!"
SIXX: A.M. recently revealed plans to film a video for the song "Skin" in the Los Angeles area. The band put out a casting call for people whom the song has affected personally because of their own scars — whether physical or under the surface.
"Skin" comes off SIXX: A.M.'s sophomore album, "This Is Gonna Hurt", which sold 30,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on May 3, the 11-track CD is a companion piece to Sixx's "This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx" book, a follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, "The Heroin Diaries".
"This Is Gonna Hurt" is part photo, part journal — but all Nikki Sixx. It is a collection of compelling snapshots and stories that capture the rage, love, optimism, darkness, and determination that shape his work. Told with the raw authenticity that defined his New York Times bestseller "The Heroin Diaries", "This Is Gonna Hurt" chronicles Sixx's experience, from references to his early years filled with toxic waste to his success with MÖTLEY CRÜE, his death from an OD and rebirth to his addictions to music, photography, and love along with the journey of photographing these images over the past couple of years.
The "This Is Gonna Hurt" album as a whole deals with many raw, human issues. Nikki talks about the CD as "pulling back the veil on your internal truth," saying, "We are who we are… Either poisonous and evil or honest and willing… Willing to make a difference… I haven't led the life of a saint nor do I intend on it now." The album — produced entirely by James Michael with writing credits going to Sixx, Michael, Ashba and band friends John William Lowrey and Blair Daly — dives deep into meandering emotions through epic melodies. The resulting work is a deep, dark and intoxicatingly addictive mix of sounds and passion.
Former DRAGONFORCE singer ZP Theart is currently in the studio working on material for a new project that has yet to be officially unveiled. In a video message which can be seen below, he states, "We're busy tracking drums and we've got one crazy motherfucker in there that's been driving us mental all week."
Theart previously promised that his new band's material would "fucking hit [the listeners] in the face."
DRAGONFORCE parted ways with Theart in March 2010 "due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion," according to a statement released by the British extreme epic power metal band.
After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March welcomed 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band.
Since the age of 16, Marc — who was born in Oxford, England — 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.
Theart previously promised that his new band's material would "fucking hit [the listeners] in the face."
DRAGONFORCE parted ways with Theart in March 2010 "due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion," according to a statement released by the British extreme epic power metal band.
After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March welcomed 23-year-old Marc Hudson to the band.
Since the age of 16, Marc — who was born in Oxford, England — 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.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fTPYvDxLRb8
British thrashers ONSLAUGHT have announced that drummer Michael "Mic" Hourihan (DESECRATION, EXTREME NOISE TERROR) has now officially joined the band on a full-time basis.
Mic has been touring with the ONSLAUGHT since March 2011, and has already done over 50 shows with the band, including South American and European tours.
Commented ONSLAUGHT bassist Jeff Williams: "I have to say I am so fucking happy to have Mic playing full-time in ONSLAUGHT. Not only is he a really cool guy and a real pleasure to spend time with, but also without doubt the finest drummer that I have ever had the pleasure to play alongside. Everyone who came along to the 'Scream For Violence' European, U.K., Ireland or South American tours and saw Mic in action will certainly testify to this; the guy is a fucking machine! The ONSLAUGHT lineup is so powerful, focused and harmonious right now and the new album is going to completely fucking destroy!... Bring it on!"
Added Hourihan: "It's such a pleasure to be part of ONSLAUGHT, I am so looking forward to making the next record and of course all the touring that comes with being in such a great band."
Mic will remain a member of Welsh death metallers DESECRATION.
Mic has been touring with the ONSLAUGHT since March 2011, and has already done over 50 shows with the band, including South American and European tours.
Commented ONSLAUGHT bassist Jeff Williams: "I have to say I am so fucking happy to have Mic playing full-time in ONSLAUGHT. Not only is he a really cool guy and a real pleasure to spend time with, but also without doubt the finest drummer that I have ever had the pleasure to play alongside. Everyone who came along to the 'Scream For Violence' European, U.K., Ireland or South American tours and saw Mic in action will certainly testify to this; the guy is a fucking machine! The ONSLAUGHT lineup is so powerful, focused and harmonious right now and the new album is going to completely fucking destroy!... Bring it on!"
Added Hourihan: "It's such a pleasure to be part of ONSLAUGHT, I am so looking forward to making the next record and of course all the touring that comes with being in such a great band."
Mic will remain a member of Welsh death metallers DESECRATION.
According to Devon Maloney of Billboard.biz, The End Records has secured a deal for over 50 titles from seminal, now-defunct Music For Nations label.
The catalog, which includes releases from artists like CRADLE OF FILTH, OPETH and GODFLESH, was made available digitally Thanksgiving week, to capitalize on Black Friday shopping. The physical versions will be issued over the course of several months starting January 31.
Launched in 1983 by Martin Hooker, Music For Nations established itself as a European leader in the rock and metal world, with early signings like METALLICA (who had three gold albums while on MFN), SLAYER and MEGADETH paving the way. As Music For Nations grew, the company expanded its operation to include not just licensed acts from the USA, but its own signings.
The End Records founder Andreas Katsambas tells Billboard.biz that the pairing of his label and the MFN catalog was a natural fit.
"I'm a European myself, so I grew up with a lot of those titles," Katsambas said. "I bought them when they were brand-new, so for me, it was intriguing that there was an opportunity now to help those same artists hopefully introduce them to a new audience in a different time."
The catalog, which includes releases from artists like CRADLE OF FILTH, OPETH and GODFLESH, was made available digitally Thanksgiving week, to capitalize on Black Friday shopping. The physical versions will be issued over the course of several months starting January 31.
Launched in 1983 by Martin Hooker, Music For Nations established itself as a European leader in the rock and metal world, with early signings like METALLICA (who had three gold albums while on MFN), SLAYER and MEGADETH paving the way. As Music For Nations grew, the company expanded its operation to include not just licensed acts from the USA, but its own signings.
The End Records founder Andreas Katsambas tells Billboard.biz that the pairing of his label and the MFN catalog was a natural fit.
"I'm a European myself, so I grew up with a lot of those titles," Katsambas said. "I bought them when they were brand-new, so for me, it was intriguing that there was an opportunity now to help those same artists hopefully introduce them to a new audience in a different time."
German thrash metal veterans EXUMER have signed a worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records. The band's first album in 24 years, "Fire & Damnation", will be released in the spring. The 10-track CD, which was recorded with renowned producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., THERION, SODOM, MOONSPELL), "combines a punishing production with aggressive songwriting," according to a press release. "EXUMER manages to capture the intensity and feel of the 1980s thrash metal gems and yet sound up to date on their latest output."
Comments singer Mem V. Stein: "We are extremely happy and proud to have found a home with Metal Blade Records, a label that has the 'know-how,' integrity and appreciation for what EXUMER is about and stands for.
"We tried to do everything 'right,' with this album, from writing the new material to working with Waldemar Sorychta as our producer. Hence, Metal Blade Records as a label is the most logical choice for the band, in order to be represented globally and reach every fan that is interested in what EXUMER has to offer in 2012, and beyond."
EXUMER is:
Mem V. Stein - Vocals
Ray Mensh - Guitar
T. Schiavo - Bass
H.K. - Guitar
Matthias Kassner - Drums
Formed in 1985 by Mem V. Stein and guitarist Ray Mensh, EXUMER went on to release two albums (1986's "Possessed By Fire" and 1987's "Rising From The Sea") that are regarded as some of the most cult thrash metal releases ever to come out of Germany. EXUMER was also one of the first thrash metal acts to capture exotic, foreign markets like Poland and Brazil, where their albums were domestically released in the 1980s. The subsequent tours that followed those releases secured the band live shows in front of thousands of fans and an unusually large following outside of Germany.
Plagued by lineup changes and internal turmoil, the band broke up in 1990, and did not perform live, with the exception of 2001 appearance at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival, until 2009.
Mem and Ray decided to re-activate EXUMER in 2008, and the band embarked on their first tour since 1988. The "5 Nights of Fire Tour", took the band through Europe (Germany, Holland, Greece), and the USA, where they headlined the "Thrasho de Mayo Festival" in front of 1,300 fans in Los Angeles.
EXUMER returned to Europe in spring and the fall of 2010, where the band appeared at Norway's Inferno Festival, among other stops in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland and Bulgaria during the "European Ignition Tour Part I & II".
Comments singer Mem V. Stein: "We are extremely happy and proud to have found a home with Metal Blade Records, a label that has the 'know-how,' integrity and appreciation for what EXUMER is about and stands for.
"We tried to do everything 'right,' with this album, from writing the new material to working with Waldemar Sorychta as our producer. Hence, Metal Blade Records as a label is the most logical choice for the band, in order to be represented globally and reach every fan that is interested in what EXUMER has to offer in 2012, and beyond."
EXUMER is:
Mem V. Stein - Vocals
Ray Mensh - Guitar
T. Schiavo - Bass
H.K. - Guitar
Matthias Kassner - Drums
Formed in 1985 by Mem V. Stein and guitarist Ray Mensh, EXUMER went on to release two albums (1986's "Possessed By Fire" and 1987's "Rising From The Sea") that are regarded as some of the most cult thrash metal releases ever to come out of Germany. EXUMER was also one of the first thrash metal acts to capture exotic, foreign markets like Poland and Brazil, where their albums were domestically released in the 1980s. The subsequent tours that followed those releases secured the band live shows in front of thousands of fans and an unusually large following outside of Germany.
Plagued by lineup changes and internal turmoil, the band broke up in 1990, and did not perform live, with the exception of 2001 appearance at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival, until 2009.
Mem and Ray decided to re-activate EXUMER in 2008, and the band embarked on their first tour since 1988. The "5 Nights of Fire Tour", took the band through Europe (Germany, Holland, Greece), and the USA, where they headlined the "Thrasho de Mayo Festival" in front of 1,300 fans in Los Angeles.
EXUMER returned to Europe in spring and the fall of 2010, where the band appeared at Norway's Inferno Festival, among other stops in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland and Bulgaria during the "European Ignition Tour Part I & II".
Chicago's DIRGE WITHIN has inked a deal with Rocket Science Ventures/THC: Music. The band will enter Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois on December 5 to record its sophomore full-length album with engineer Scott Creekmore and producer Ari Mihalopoulos for an April 10, 2012 release.
Commented DIRGE WITHIN frontman Jeremy "Jerms" Genske: "Myself and the rest of the guys in DIRGE WITHIN are very excited about this new chapter in the DIRGE WITHIN story, as well as our new partnership with Rocket Science Music. It seemed like a perfect fit, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in this new endeavor. It's gonna be a whole new ride. New team, new atmosphere, and a new vibe. Get ready!"
In other news, guitarist Matt Szlachta has left DIRGE WITHIN to continue to focus on his passion for teaching guitar to his students and for other personal reasons. He has since been replaced by Chuck Wepfer.
"There's no bad blood at all, man," says Jeremy. "We're all still good buds and very close. His head and heart just weren't in it anymore, and he wanted to go back to teaching. He really loves it, and that's where he felt he had to be."
DIRGE WITHIN's forthcoming album will be the band's first to feature drummer Frankie Harchut and bassist Jeff Paulick (bassist/vocalist of LAZARUS A.D.), who has been filling on bass duties on tour with DIRGE WITHIN.
"I am very excited about the new songs we've written for this new album, and that people will be able to check out my style of playing a little more," stated Harchut. "We worked our asses off writing these new songs, a lot of long nights, and I'm personally stoked to have our fans hear 'em. I really think they're gonna be into it." Jeremy added, "The songs are heavier, smarter, and more melodic in parts. Some are even a little slower! There were no rules when we were writing at all. No holds barred. Whatever came out, came out. And I think it's gonna make a really good, well-rounded metal album."
DIRGE WITHIN's "Absolution" EP was made available on August 16. The three-song effort gives fans a taste of what's to come from the band's forthcoming sophomore album.
DIRGE WITHIN's debut album, "Force Fed Lies", came out on September 1, 2009 via E1 Music.
Commented DIRGE WITHIN frontman Jeremy "Jerms" Genske: "Myself and the rest of the guys in DIRGE WITHIN are very excited about this new chapter in the DIRGE WITHIN story, as well as our new partnership with Rocket Science Music. It seemed like a perfect fit, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in this new endeavor. It's gonna be a whole new ride. New team, new atmosphere, and a new vibe. Get ready!"
In other news, guitarist Matt Szlachta has left DIRGE WITHIN to continue to focus on his passion for teaching guitar to his students and for other personal reasons. He has since been replaced by Chuck Wepfer.
"There's no bad blood at all, man," says Jeremy. "We're all still good buds and very close. His head and heart just weren't in it anymore, and he wanted to go back to teaching. He really loves it, and that's where he felt he had to be."
DIRGE WITHIN's forthcoming album will be the band's first to feature drummer Frankie Harchut and bassist Jeff Paulick (bassist/vocalist of LAZARUS A.D.), who has been filling on bass duties on tour with DIRGE WITHIN.
"I am very excited about the new songs we've written for this new album, and that people will be able to check out my style of playing a little more," stated Harchut. "We worked our asses off writing these new songs, a lot of long nights, and I'm personally stoked to have our fans hear 'em. I really think they're gonna be into it." Jeremy added, "The songs are heavier, smarter, and more melodic in parts. Some are even a little slower! There were no rules when we were writing at all. No holds barred. Whatever came out, came out. And I think it's gonna make a really good, well-rounded metal album."
DIRGE WITHIN's "Absolution" EP was made available on August 16. The three-song effort gives fans a taste of what's to come from the band's forthcoming sophomore album.
DIRGE WITHIN's debut album, "Force Fed Lies", came out on September 1, 2009 via E1 Music.
Danish modern metallers MNEMIC will enter Antfarm studios in Aabyhøj, Denmark in February 2012 with longtime producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HIMSA, SICK OF IT ALL) to begin recording their new album for a June 2012 release via Nuclear Blast Records.
MNEMIC recently parted ways with drummer Brian "Brylle" Rasmussen and guitarist Rune Stigart and replaced them with Brian Larsen and Victor-Ray Salomonsen, respectively.
MNEMIC 2011 is:
Guillaume Bideau - Vocals
Mircea Gabriel Eftemie - Guitar
Victor-Ray Salomonsen - Guitar
Simone Bertozzi - Bass
Brian Larsen - Drums
Commented Mircea Gabriel Eftemie: "We've been together for a long time, and I am sad to see the guys not being there anymore, as we once used to. We were not able to work as a unit anymore, due to many reasons, being personal and even logistical. That is why we have chosen to part ways. It has not been easy at all, since lots of turns have taken place in our personal lives and, unfortunately, this has been the only solution. It's been a spirit-crusher for me, not being able to create music, being creative and share the passion we once used to have. The band needs to tour a lot more, go to places we haven't been, play for audiences that crave the music we make — and this is exactly what we intend to do with a new lineup. Apparently there is still a demand for our machine, and we are grateful for that. Therefore we are now reloading it by making a new album to be released in 2012, followed by an intensive touring schedule."
Added vocalist Guillaume Bideau: "Obeast in April and now Brian and Rune are not part of the band anymore. It's a very weird feeling, because a band, as often said, is like another family to you. It will be more than strange not to see their faces anymore on stage, in the rehearsal, in the studio and in all the other places we were used to share together. But we're still friends and that's the most important.
"We cannot look into the past, we have to be moving forward.
"I think this new lineup is the best we could have and Simone, Victor and Brian are great, creative and dedicated musicians. On top of that, they are great guys, so it could not be better.
"Today MNEMIC's face on stage is different — but what are we here for!? To play some fucking metal and kick some asses! And this will not change, I promise."
MNEMIC's fourth studio album, "Sons Of The System", was released in Europe on January 15, 2010 and in North America on January 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
MNEMIC recently parted ways with drummer Brian "Brylle" Rasmussen and guitarist Rune Stigart and replaced them with Brian Larsen and Victor-Ray Salomonsen, respectively.
MNEMIC 2011 is:
Guillaume Bideau - Vocals
Mircea Gabriel Eftemie - Guitar
Victor-Ray Salomonsen - Guitar
Simone Bertozzi - Bass
Brian Larsen - Drums
Commented Mircea Gabriel Eftemie: "We've been together for a long time, and I am sad to see the guys not being there anymore, as we once used to. We were not able to work as a unit anymore, due to many reasons, being personal and even logistical. That is why we have chosen to part ways. It has not been easy at all, since lots of turns have taken place in our personal lives and, unfortunately, this has been the only solution. It's been a spirit-crusher for me, not being able to create music, being creative and share the passion we once used to have. The band needs to tour a lot more, go to places we haven't been, play for audiences that crave the music we make — and this is exactly what we intend to do with a new lineup. Apparently there is still a demand for our machine, and we are grateful for that. Therefore we are now reloading it by making a new album to be released in 2012, followed by an intensive touring schedule."
Added vocalist Guillaume Bideau: "Obeast in April and now Brian and Rune are not part of the band anymore. It's a very weird feeling, because a band, as often said, is like another family to you. It will be more than strange not to see their faces anymore on stage, in the rehearsal, in the studio and in all the other places we were used to share together. But we're still friends and that's the most important.
"We cannot look into the past, we have to be moving forward.
"I think this new lineup is the best we could have and Simone, Victor and Brian are great, creative and dedicated musicians. On top of that, they are great guys, so it could not be better.
"Today MNEMIC's face on stage is different — but what are we here for!? To play some fucking metal and kick some asses! And this will not change, I promise."
MNEMIC's fourth studio album, "Sons Of The System", was released in Europe on January 15, 2010 and in North America on January 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Razor & Tie has announced the addition of newly formed Orange County, California- based act I AM WAR to its label and publishing rosters. The group, which is led by Alex Varkatzas (vocals; ATREYU) and Brandan Schieppati (guitar, vocals; BLEEDING THROUGH), joins Razor & Tie for an exclusive, multi-album, North American deal.
I AM WAR is currently writing and demoing material for its debut album, set for release in the spring of 2012.
"Brandan and I are extremely happy to sign with Razor & Tie," said Varkatzas. "We feel like they fully understand the musical intentions of I AM WAR, and we couldn't be more excited about our future. I am personally looking forward to making the most extreme record I have ever been a part of. We are looking forward to creating an album filled with super-aggressive, heavy, energetic metallic, raw, punky hardcore. The kind of music that boils your blood and inspires you to get up and move."
I AM WAR is currently writing and demoing material for its debut album, set for release in the spring of 2012.
"Brandan and I are extremely happy to sign with Razor & Tie," said Varkatzas. "We feel like they fully understand the musical intentions of I AM WAR, and we couldn't be more excited about our future. I am personally looking forward to making the most extreme record I have ever been a part of. We are looking forward to creating an album filled with super-aggressive, heavy, energetic metallic, raw, punky hardcore. The kind of music that boils your blood and inspires you to get up and move."
Cult heavy metal band OMEN will release a rare collector's album, "Into The Arena", just in time for the holidays via DSN Music. The re-digitized project will include eleven previously unreleased live and demo recordings from the mid-1980s when OMEN broke onto the metal scene. OMEN founder and guitarist Kenny Powell sifted through his archives to find these rare gems. Powell wanted to release rare recordings of live performances of the original and late OMEN singer J.D. Kimball, who is featured on such classics as "Death Rider", "The Curse" and "Battle Cry". The release chronicles the veteran metal group throughout the 1980s, following the death of Kimball, who was replaced by Coburn Pharr, and finally Matt Story.
"Into The Arena" will feature demo and rehearsal tracks of popular OMEN singles such as "Ruby Eyes (Of the Serpent)" and "Warning of Danger" as well as other rare tracks for OMEN fans.
"Into The Arena" is scheduled for a worldwide digital release Christmas week, and will be available via online/mobile stores such as Amazon.com, iTunes, Rhapsody.com, Sprint, Verizon, Spotify, iHeartRadio.com and hundreds more.
DSN Music is a service of the Digital Syndicate Network, LLC.
OMEN will release a new album, "Hammer Damage", in 2012. "This [CD] will be a ride straight into the glory days of metal — no compromises, take no prisoners!" said Powell.
"Into The Arena" will feature demo and rehearsal tracks of popular OMEN singles such as "Ruby Eyes (Of the Serpent)" and "Warning of Danger" as well as other rare tracks for OMEN fans.
"Into The Arena" is scheduled for a worldwide digital release Christmas week, and will be available via online/mobile stores such as Amazon.com, iTunes, Rhapsody.com, Sprint, Verizon, Spotify, iHeartRadio.com and hundreds more.
DSN Music is a service of the Digital Syndicate Network, LLC.
OMEN will release a new album, "Hammer Damage", in 2012. "This [CD] will be a ride straight into the glory days of metal — no compromises, take no prisoners!" said Powell.
Bastardized Recordings has announced the signing of the Italian vegan straight-edge powerhouse PURIFICATION. The band's new full-length album, "A Torch To Pierce The Night", will be released in 2012.
Commented the group: "We are very excited to finally have signed a deal with Bastardized Records. We were looking for a solid German label and we are stoked to be able to work with Marco. Expect our new record, 'A Torch To Pierce The Night', to be released in the next months. It took a few months for us to officialize this after we recorded the songs before our South American tour, but we'll be finally able to have it on CD!"
PURIFICATION is:
Andrea "Monster" Campanelli - Guitar
Emiliano "Frusinate" De Santis - Guitar
Matteo "Cumenda" Ferrari - Vocals
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pvrification.
Commented the group: "We are very excited to finally have signed a deal with Bastardized Records. We were looking for a solid German label and we are stoked to be able to work with Marco. Expect our new record, 'A Torch To Pierce The Night', to be released in the next months. It took a few months for us to officialize this after we recorded the songs before our South American tour, but we'll be finally able to have it on CD!"
PURIFICATION is:
Andrea "Monster" Campanelli - Guitar
Emiliano "Frusinate" De Santis - Guitar
Matteo "Cumenda" Ferrari - Vocals
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pvrification.
Pulverised Records has announced the signing of U.K.-based deathcrust extremos WINDS OF GENOCIDE.
Spawned in 2006, WINDS OF GENOCIDE is poised to inflict apokalyptic domination with their offensive d-beat onslaught. A bastardized fusion of CIANIDE, AMEBIX, UNLEASHED and BOLT THROWER, WINDS OF GENOCIDE is working on its as-yet-titled debut full-length album, which should see the light of day in Armageddon 2012.
Commented WINDS OF GENOCIDE lung-torturess Kat Shevil of the signing: "We are extremely honored and excited to be signing and working with Pulverised Records for a full-length album and to be joining such a roster that includes such great bands as BASTARD PRIEST, MORBUS CHRON, IRON LAMB, IMPIETY, GRAVE DESECRATOR, TYRANT, CRUCIFYRE, IN AETURNUM, INTERMENT, TRIBULATION, DESULTORY, SEANCE, etc.
"Pulverised Records is a great label run by dedicated people with a great and long history of quality releases to their name.
"We look forward to unleashing a powerful destructive debut album which will pulverize your ears. Expect nothing less than pure fucking aural armageddon!"
Added Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo: "We seemed to have a (dis)taste for scruffed-up and no-holds-barred extreme bands these days, so having WINDS OF GENOCIDE on our roster is definitely the next logical step.
"WINDS OF GENOCIDE has without a doubt convinced us with their previously released 'The Arrival Of Apokalyptic Armageddon' EP release, and we are very sure that the upcoming full-length effort will prove that WINDS OF GENOCIDE is going to further terrorize everything in sight (and sound, of course).
"D-beat krusaders, you have been forewarned!"
WINDS OF GENOCIDE is:
Kat Shevil - Vocals
Linus - Drums
Glynn Hall - Guitars
Dan H – Bass
Spawned in 2006, WINDS OF GENOCIDE is poised to inflict apokalyptic domination with their offensive d-beat onslaught. A bastardized fusion of CIANIDE, AMEBIX, UNLEASHED and BOLT THROWER, WINDS OF GENOCIDE is working on its as-yet-titled debut full-length album, which should see the light of day in Armageddon 2012.
Commented WINDS OF GENOCIDE lung-torturess Kat Shevil of the signing: "We are extremely honored and excited to be signing and working with Pulverised Records for a full-length album and to be joining such a roster that includes such great bands as BASTARD PRIEST, MORBUS CHRON, IRON LAMB, IMPIETY, GRAVE DESECRATOR, TYRANT, CRUCIFYRE, IN AETURNUM, INTERMENT, TRIBULATION, DESULTORY, SEANCE, etc.
"Pulverised Records is a great label run by dedicated people with a great and long history of quality releases to their name.
"We look forward to unleashing a powerful destructive debut album which will pulverize your ears. Expect nothing less than pure fucking aural armageddon!"
Added Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo: "We seemed to have a (dis)taste for scruffed-up and no-holds-barred extreme bands these days, so having WINDS OF GENOCIDE on our roster is definitely the next logical step.
"WINDS OF GENOCIDE has without a doubt convinced us with their previously released 'The Arrival Of Apokalyptic Armageddon' EP release, and we are very sure that the upcoming full-length effort will prove that WINDS OF GENOCIDE is going to further terrorize everything in sight (and sound, of course).
"D-beat krusaders, you have been forewarned!"
WINDS OF GENOCIDE is:
Kat Shevil - Vocals
Linus - Drums
Glynn Hall - Guitars
Dan H – Bass
South Carolina-based extreme technical death metallers NILE have finished recording the drums for their new album for an early 2012 release. Guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders states, George [Kollias, drums], Dallas [Toler-Wade, guitar/vocals], [producer] Neil Kernon and I spent a week with Bob Moore at the Soundlab in Columbia, South Carolina tracking drums. We were expecting a long grueling session — some of this material is very compositionally challenging and technically demanding — but George knocked it out, finishing a full week ahead of schedule.
"Oh my God. Some of the drumming on this record will be boggling people's minds for years to come.
"At the moment we are back in Greenville, and will commence tracking guitars any day now."
"Those Whom The Gods Detest", the latest album from NILE, sold 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 160 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 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.
Produced and mixed by Neil Kernon (NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, QUEENSRŸCHE), along with a drum-recording job by Erik Rutan (CANNIBAL CORPSE, VITAL REMAINS, GOATWHORE), "Those Whom the Gods Detest" features the band's strongest production and perhaps its best material to date. The cover artwork was created by Michal "Xaay" Loranc, whom NILE guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders had previously worked with on his second solo album, "Saurian Exorcisms".
"Oh my God. Some of the drumming on this record will be boggling people's minds for years to come.
"At the moment we are back in Greenville, and will commence tracking guitars any day now."
"Those Whom The Gods Detest", the latest album from NILE, sold 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 160 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 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.
Produced and mixed by Neil Kernon (NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, QUEENSRŸCHE), along with a drum-recording job by Erik Rutan (CANNIBAL CORPSE, VITAL REMAINS, GOATWHORE), "Those Whom the Gods Detest" features the band's strongest production and perhaps its best material to date. The cover artwork was created by Michal "Xaay" Loranc, whom NILE guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders had previously worked with on his second solo album, "Saurian Exorcisms".
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