AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry has confirmed that he will perform with the band's lead singer, Steven Tyler, and Tyler's fellow "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson on the January 20 episode of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" .
"The Tonight Show" airs on NBC TV at 11:35 p.m. EST. Check local listings for details.
In other news, Perry has joined Amnesty International's latest music project, Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, by recording "Man Of Peace" for the compilation.
On Monday, January 30 at 11:30 p.m. ET, you can catch Perry performing "Man of Peace" live on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno". Joe took to his Twitter page to release the information by tweeting, "Performing 'Man of Peace' on Jay Leno Jan 30th for Amnesty International with some friends @RudyTanzi Paul Santo & Dave Hull." Be sure to tune in and catch the performance!
Chimes Of Freedom, which will support Amnesty's life-saving human rights work, features over 80 musicians across the generational and musical spectruym who have donated their time to support Amnesty International. The album is dedicated to people worldwide who are unjustly imprisoned or threatened for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.
"American Idol" returns for its 11th season with a two-night premiere event Wednesday, January 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) and Thursday, January 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Fox. Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, television's No. 1 series continues with a special, extended primetime broadcast Sunday, January 22 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/7:00-8:00 p.m. PT) following the NFC Championship Game on Fox.
"The Tonight Show" airs on NBC TV at 11:35 p.m. EST. Check local listings for details.
In other news, Perry has joined Amnesty International's latest music project, Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, by recording "Man Of Peace" for the compilation.
On Monday, January 30 at 11:30 p.m. ET, you can catch Perry performing "Man of Peace" live on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno". Joe took to his Twitter page to release the information by tweeting, "Performing 'Man of Peace' on Jay Leno Jan 30th for Amnesty International with some friends @RudyTanzi Paul Santo & Dave Hull." Be sure to tune in and catch the performance!
Chimes Of Freedom, which will support Amnesty's life-saving human rights work, features over 80 musicians across the generational and musical spectruym who have donated their time to support Amnesty International. The album is dedicated to people worldwide who are unjustly imprisoned or threatened for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.
"American Idol" returns for its 11th season with a two-night premiere event Wednesday, January 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) and Thursday, January 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Fox. Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, television's No. 1 series continues with a special, extended primetime broadcast Sunday, January 22 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/7:00-8:00 p.m. PT) following the NFC Championship Game on Fox.
The Live Nation store is taking pre-orders for vinyl tour collector's edition of VAN HALEN's new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth". The double gatefold vinyl album includes all 13 songs on two LPs plus custom artwork. This edition also comes with the Deluxe MP3 Edition of the album which will be delivered on the release date for pre-order customers. The deluxe MP3 also includes "The Downtown Sessions", four acoustic video performances on Quicktime .mov files — "Panama", "You And Your Blues (intro)", "You And Your Blues" and "Beautiful Girls".
The exclusive vinyl album is only available in the U.S. and Canada and will ship on or around February 24, depending on the manufacturing schedule.
VAN HALEN released "Tattoo", the first single and video from its upcoming CD, on Tuesday (January 10). The song itself said to be is a rewrite of a very old VAN HALEN track "Down In Flames", which the band used to play in its late Seventies club days but never recorded for any of its albums. The new version has a slightly different arrangement and fresh lyrics from singer David Lee Roth.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, at least two other songs on the new record, "She's The Woman" and "Bullethead", date back to the band's early days as well. "She's The Woman" appeared on a 1976 VAN HALEN demo produced by KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and was performed by the group last week during its show at the tiny Cafe Wha? in New York City.
Guitarist Eddie Van Halen has said in numerous interviews over the years that he has "10 albums" worth of unreleased material in his archives from throughout the band's career.
Ironically, it was former singer Sammy Hagar who hinted that VAN HALEN might be digging into the vaults on the new album. Hagar recently told Rolling Stone, "I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. I mean, stuff from before I even joined the band . . . Because from what I heard, they aren't working with new material. Ed and Dave didn't actually write new songs."
VAN HALEN will kick off a North American tour on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. KOOL AND THE GANG will open for VAN HALEN on selected tour stops.
"A Different Kind Of Truth", will arrive on February 7 via Interscope.
The exclusive vinyl album is only available in the U.S. and Canada and will ship on or around February 24, depending on the manufacturing schedule.
VAN HALEN released "Tattoo", the first single and video from its upcoming CD, on Tuesday (January 10). The song itself said to be is a rewrite of a very old VAN HALEN track "Down In Flames", which the band used to play in its late Seventies club days but never recorded for any of its albums. The new version has a slightly different arrangement and fresh lyrics from singer David Lee Roth.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, at least two other songs on the new record, "She's The Woman" and "Bullethead", date back to the band's early days as well. "She's The Woman" appeared on a 1976 VAN HALEN demo produced by KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and was performed by the group last week during its show at the tiny Cafe Wha? in New York City.
Guitarist Eddie Van Halen has said in numerous interviews over the years that he has "10 albums" worth of unreleased material in his archives from throughout the band's career.
Ironically, it was former singer Sammy Hagar who hinted that VAN HALEN might be digging into the vaults on the new album. Hagar recently told Rolling Stone, "I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. I mean, stuff from before I even joined the band . . . Because from what I heard, they aren't working with new material. Ed and Dave didn't actually write new songs."
VAN HALEN will kick off a North American tour on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. KOOL AND THE GANG will open for VAN HALEN on selected tour stops.
"A Different Kind Of Truth", will arrive on February 7 via Interscope.
QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield was personally invited to visit Alan Menken and his team for an entire week during a recent recording session on a new film that Alan was hired to compose the orchestral music for. Alan has composed the music for such blockbusters as "Beauty And The Beast", "Aladdin", "Hercules", "Tangled", and many many more. He has won more Academy Awards than any living composer in history.
Scott spent the entire five days sitting directly beside Alan and his crew while listening and watching as his team of professional orchestrators and engineers captured this most incredible sounding music score.
"I had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed his talents and personality," Scott said. "He was most gracious and treated everyone with respect and kindness and has a great sense of humor. I was honored for the opportunity to get to know him and see how much he thoroughly enjoys his work."
Scott spent the entire five days sitting directly beside Alan and his crew while listening and watching as his team of professional orchestrators and engineers captured this most incredible sounding music score.
"I had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed his talents and personality," Scott said. "He was most gracious and treated everyone with respect and kindness and has a great sense of humor. I was honored for the opportunity to get to know him and see how much he thoroughly enjoys his work."
"Unsung" is the brand new book by MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, featuring original lyrics and images never before published, soon to be available for his fans' enjoyment.
Dark, light, inquisitive and inspirational, "Unsung" expresses a uniquely diverse side to David's creativity. He enthuses that "as a musician, my past lyrical work has always been set to music. But, with this new book I set out to explore a new medium using both words and images as the canvas for an exciting new mosaic of storytelling."
"Unsung" is also David's first venture into the realm of self-publishing. As a result, he encourages the reader to utilize these original lyrics under license from him for their own songs. In this manner, song-writers of all levels can actually become a co-writer with David. This is truly an innovative way for fans and musicians to co-create with one of metal music's most iconic and inspirational artists!
As a co-founder the rock group MEGADETH, David has been a regular contributor to one of metal music's most enduring legacies. Followers of David's work will be delighted that "Unsung" proves to be yet another unique narrative from a man who is known for creating fresh and innovative ways to inspire and connect with his fans.
"Unsung" will be available for purchase from mid-March through Lulu.com. It will also be accessible 4-8 weeks following release from other major online retailers and local bookstores by special order. More information can be found in the coming weeks at DavidEllefson.com.
Dark, light, inquisitive and inspirational, "Unsung" expresses a uniquely diverse side to David's creativity. He enthuses that "as a musician, my past lyrical work has always been set to music. But, with this new book I set out to explore a new medium using both words and images as the canvas for an exciting new mosaic of storytelling."
"Unsung" is also David's first venture into the realm of self-publishing. As a result, he encourages the reader to utilize these original lyrics under license from him for their own songs. In this manner, song-writers of all levels can actually become a co-writer with David. This is truly an innovative way for fans and musicians to co-create with one of metal music's most iconic and inspirational artists!
As a co-founder the rock group MEGADETH, David has been a regular contributor to one of metal music's most enduring legacies. Followers of David's work will be delighted that "Unsung" proves to be yet another unique narrative from a man who is known for creating fresh and innovative ways to inspire and connect with his fans.
"Unsung" will be available for purchase from mid-March through Lulu.com. It will also be accessible 4-8 weeks following release from other major online retailers and local bookstores by special order. More information can be found in the coming weeks at DavidEllefson.com.
SOUNDGARDEN, MACHINE HEAD, ANTHRAX, LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM and DEVILDRIVER are among the latest bands set for the 10th annual installment of the Download festival, which will take place June 8-10, 2012 at Donington Park, United Kingdom.
The billing is now shaping up as follows:
METALLICA (headliners)
BLACK SABBATH (headliners)
THE PRODIGY (headliners)
ANTHRAX
AUGUST BURNS RED
BIFFY CLYRO
CHASE AND STATUS
DEVILDRIVER
DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT
LAMB OF GOD
LITTLE ANGELS
MACHINE HEAD
SOUNDGARDEN
TENACIOUS D
TRIVIUM
UGLY KID JOE
YOU ME AT SIX
The billing is now shaping up as follows:
METALLICA (headliners)
BLACK SABBATH (headliners)
THE PRODIGY (headliners)
ANTHRAX
AUGUST BURNS RED
BIFFY CLYRO
CHASE AND STATUS
DEVILDRIVER
DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT
LAMB OF GOD
LITTLE ANGELS
MACHINE HEAD
SOUNDGARDEN
TENACIOUS D
TRIVIUM
UGLY KID JOE
YOU ME AT SIX
DOWN, the acclaimed New Orleans band which features in its ranks CORROSION OF CONFORMITY guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD, SUPERJOINT RITUAL guitarist), bassist Patrick Bruders (CROWBAR), guitarist Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR), and vocalist Philip Anselmo (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, PANTERA) — entered the studio in October to begin recording the first in a series of four EPs, to be released over the next few years (with a year between EPs), each touching on a different aspect of the band's sound.
The first six-song EP, which heralds the sound of DOWN going back to its roots, with influences from BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS and WITCHFINDER GENERAL, is described by Anselmo as "a very pure doom metal record."
The track listing for the effort is as follows (in no particular order):
01. Levitation
02. Witchtripper
03. The Misfortune Teller
04. The Curse Is A Lie
05. Open Coffins
06. This Work Is Timeless
The members of DOWN were interviewed for a cover story in the latest issue of U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
On DOWN's plan to record a series of four EPs over the next few years:
Pepper Keenan: "I had a conversation with Jerry Cantrell [ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist], and I saw a little bit of envy in his eye. Bands know it's a good idea, with the industry like it is these days. But it was more of a thing to allow us to have freedom and not be so stuck to one damn record. If we want to do some mellow shit, it's always like song number nine has to be the mellow song, all that bullshit. It was just something Phil and I were throwing around. And me being the artwork guy, I thought it would be an awesome thing to have a series of images connected together."
Philip Anselmo: "To me, an EP is less stress for us. We have an incredible relationship in DOWN, but when we're locked up for a month or two or three, pounding out 12 to 15 songs, it's very taxing. Very emotionally taxing. So one, it's easier on us, and two, it gives the music to the people quicker. You know, five years ago, we promised people, 'It won't take us five years to get this thing done!' [Laughing] Riiiight."
On the first of the four EPs:
Kirk Windstein: "This is kind of a heavy-sounding record for DOWN. These six tracks are not loaded with a lot of dynamics like we have in some of our other material."
On the new song "Witchtripper":
Pepper Keenan: "We were down in Spain, in this little village, and I noticed that every house had these stones on the corner of the roof. And everywhere I looked, there were images of witches in people's windows. Of course, Phil and I being like we are, we started envisioning what these stones were. We figured they were probably witchtrippers — you got witches on the roof, and they trip her up when she's coming down. We had to have the correct song to match the coolness of the word. When I had the riff, I knew it was one that would be 'Witchtripper'."
On the lyrical themes covered on the first EP:
Philip Anselmo: "Interesting. Before I say anything, I will say this. On this — and in the past — I write to basically give an outline and let the listener garner for themselves how they want to apply their own rules and regulations to the track. For me, I find one of the biggest realities of life is that no two men, no two cultures, no two belief systems are really the same. There's a lot lyrically where I'm kind of at odds with mankind's relationship with mankind. . . I guess it's more simple to say than ever doing it, such is history, but these days instead of ruffling feathers, I much prefer… put it this way, I'd rather have friends than enemies, any day. It's easy to make an enemy. It's easy to be negative. It's very easy to slip into that, but it's very tough to come with love. All you have to do is open up a newspaper and you can see for yourself, man. Right here in my own city, people are killed every day. Me, as a person, there's no way I could sleep at night if I'd done any of those things. It makes me wonder: what the fuck are those people thinking? There is this thug worship that has led a lot of promising youngsters down a terrible path, a sometimes-irreverisble path. You take somebody's life, as an adult, you're 16 years old and you're fucked. I guess when I sat down to write this record, that's where my head was at."
On the recording process:
Kirk Windstein: "To be truthful, there are times when there's a lot of tension in the room. I guess because everyone is a heavy hitter, as Pepper likes to call it. Everyone has a strong personality. At the same time, you come back a couple of hours later and everybody's smiling from ear to ear and jamming their fucking asses off. You gotta go through hell to get to heaven."
On recording the new EP "sober":
Philip Anselmo: "To me, it's a lot more fun to record sober. That way you can pay attention to everything. You can hear everybody's individual efforts, and you can hear it collectively. If I'm fucked up, I'm pretty much not listening [erupts with laughter]. . . Listen, truthfully, I was extremely sober on this one. Don't get me wrong, we do have our beers and stuff. But the beers didn't come 'till after the job was done, if you feel me. After a good day's work. Have a sip, take a cold one, take the edge off. . . It's not a new experience [recording sober]. In PANTERA, as hard a drinking band as we were, there was always those times where it was, like, 'OK, let's keep the sips out of the equation until we have done this day's work.' Especially early on, that was a big credo. It's a good rule to come back to."
On being based in New Orleans:
Philip Anselmo: "There's no place like it, not in the U.S. There's a camaraderie among local musicians that crosses a lot of boundaries: there's jazz musicians, there's heavy metal musicians, there's all the genres that fall in between. And we all run across each other all the time, help each other out, play with each other. That's the charm of the city, man."
Pepper Keenan: "New Orleans is a wonderful place. It's cheap, the weather's great, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a musician, bars are open 24 hours. It's just a good place to live. If we could only get these motherfuckers to stop killing each other. Assholes shooting each other for a dollar, that's what's stifling the growth of this city."
On the state of heavy metal right now:
Philip Anselmo: "We've been hearing that metal is dying for about 20 years. When I was in PANTERA, of course, heavy metal was dead. [Putting on 'record label mogul' voice] 'I'm not sure you're going to be able to sell many tickets on this tour — there's this new brand of music called nu metal that's gonna take over the world.' Ha! Look what happened. Heavy metal is never fucking dead, man. Never, never, never. There's a good case for it being healthier than it has been in years. It just depends on what you're looking for. If I started namedropping bands right now, somebody would get their fucking feelings hurt, so I'm not. And some bands come across as pretty generic. But I would take a lo-fi fucking rough shit recording of a great band over some over-produced, sleek fucking product that sells a million any fucking day at this point in my life."
On the departure of DOWN bassist Rex Brown:
Kirk Windstein: "It's really a two-part thing. Part one is that it really kind of ran its course. Part two is kinda personal. I'll anser any fucking thing you wanna ask me, but certain things are personal. But I spoke to Rex for 45 minutes at the end of last week, and he's sounding great. He's very excited, mixing KILL DEVIL HILL. He's still a great, great friend."
Philip Anselmo: "Rex is a brother of mine, and we made somewhat of a pact that we would not tread on each other in various interviews. So I'm gonna stick with what is the truth: that he had different ideas about what a band should be. I'm envious, 'cause Vinny Appice's [Rex's KILL DEVIL HILL bandmate] a great guy and an outstanding drummer. Tight as fuck. I think that's where Rex wants to be, and that's the type of music he wants to play, and we have to respect that. As far as unveiling any truths or anything hidden… that's something I just can't get into."
On whether he will read Rex Brown's upcoming autobiography:
Philip Anselmo: "Well, that's a tough question. He was almost the silent member of PANTERA in many ways. We'll just have to see how it turns out and when it turns out. Believe me, I haven't read one page of it. He hasn't shared too much with me."
On when the last time was that he spoke to his former PANTERA bandmate Vinnie Paul Abbott:
Philip Anselmo: "Probably 2001."
On whether he thinks there will ever be a reconciliation between him and Vinnie Paul:
Philip Anselmo: "I don't know. In my heart of hearts, my door is wide open. I've said it a million times. And I'll say this too: for all the falling out, the bad feelings that Vinnie Paul is trying to harbor and keeps so freshly alive… to me, it points to the fact that in truth he really loves me. That things wouldn't be getting to him so much if it weren't for this strong love. I can wish a thousand times a day that we could reconcile, but until it happens, until he decides to knock on the door… Actually, the door is open, until he decides to step in through or even look inside the door, then… we'll take it from there, y'know."
To order a copy of the latest issue of Metal Hammer magazine, go to this location.
The first six-song EP, which heralds the sound of DOWN going back to its roots, with influences from BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS and WITCHFINDER GENERAL, is described by Anselmo as "a very pure doom metal record."
The track listing for the effort is as follows (in no particular order):
01. Levitation
02. Witchtripper
03. The Misfortune Teller
04. The Curse Is A Lie
05. Open Coffins
06. This Work Is Timeless
The members of DOWN were interviewed for a cover story in the latest issue of U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
On DOWN's plan to record a series of four EPs over the next few years:
Pepper Keenan: "I had a conversation with Jerry Cantrell [ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist], and I saw a little bit of envy in his eye. Bands know it's a good idea, with the industry like it is these days. But it was more of a thing to allow us to have freedom and not be so stuck to one damn record. If we want to do some mellow shit, it's always like song number nine has to be the mellow song, all that bullshit. It was just something Phil and I were throwing around. And me being the artwork guy, I thought it would be an awesome thing to have a series of images connected together."
Philip Anselmo: "To me, an EP is less stress for us. We have an incredible relationship in DOWN, but when we're locked up for a month or two or three, pounding out 12 to 15 songs, it's very taxing. Very emotionally taxing. So one, it's easier on us, and two, it gives the music to the people quicker. You know, five years ago, we promised people, 'It won't take us five years to get this thing done!' [Laughing] Riiiight."
On the first of the four EPs:
Kirk Windstein: "This is kind of a heavy-sounding record for DOWN. These six tracks are not loaded with a lot of dynamics like we have in some of our other material."
On the new song "Witchtripper":
Pepper Keenan: "We were down in Spain, in this little village, and I noticed that every house had these stones on the corner of the roof. And everywhere I looked, there were images of witches in people's windows. Of course, Phil and I being like we are, we started envisioning what these stones were. We figured they were probably witchtrippers — you got witches on the roof, and they trip her up when she's coming down. We had to have the correct song to match the coolness of the word. When I had the riff, I knew it was one that would be 'Witchtripper'."
On the lyrical themes covered on the first EP:
Philip Anselmo: "Interesting. Before I say anything, I will say this. On this — and in the past — I write to basically give an outline and let the listener garner for themselves how they want to apply their own rules and regulations to the track. For me, I find one of the biggest realities of life is that no two men, no two cultures, no two belief systems are really the same. There's a lot lyrically where I'm kind of at odds with mankind's relationship with mankind. . . I guess it's more simple to say than ever doing it, such is history, but these days instead of ruffling feathers, I much prefer… put it this way, I'd rather have friends than enemies, any day. It's easy to make an enemy. It's easy to be negative. It's very easy to slip into that, but it's very tough to come with love. All you have to do is open up a newspaper and you can see for yourself, man. Right here in my own city, people are killed every day. Me, as a person, there's no way I could sleep at night if I'd done any of those things. It makes me wonder: what the fuck are those people thinking? There is this thug worship that has led a lot of promising youngsters down a terrible path, a sometimes-irreverisble path. You take somebody's life, as an adult, you're 16 years old and you're fucked. I guess when I sat down to write this record, that's where my head was at."
On the recording process:
Kirk Windstein: "To be truthful, there are times when there's a lot of tension in the room. I guess because everyone is a heavy hitter, as Pepper likes to call it. Everyone has a strong personality. At the same time, you come back a couple of hours later and everybody's smiling from ear to ear and jamming their fucking asses off. You gotta go through hell to get to heaven."
On recording the new EP "sober":
Philip Anselmo: "To me, it's a lot more fun to record sober. That way you can pay attention to everything. You can hear everybody's individual efforts, and you can hear it collectively. If I'm fucked up, I'm pretty much not listening [erupts with laughter]. . . Listen, truthfully, I was extremely sober on this one. Don't get me wrong, we do have our beers and stuff. But the beers didn't come 'till after the job was done, if you feel me. After a good day's work. Have a sip, take a cold one, take the edge off. . . It's not a new experience [recording sober]. In PANTERA, as hard a drinking band as we were, there was always those times where it was, like, 'OK, let's keep the sips out of the equation until we have done this day's work.' Especially early on, that was a big credo. It's a good rule to come back to."
On being based in New Orleans:
Philip Anselmo: "There's no place like it, not in the U.S. There's a camaraderie among local musicians that crosses a lot of boundaries: there's jazz musicians, there's heavy metal musicians, there's all the genres that fall in between. And we all run across each other all the time, help each other out, play with each other. That's the charm of the city, man."
Pepper Keenan: "New Orleans is a wonderful place. It's cheap, the weather's great, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a musician, bars are open 24 hours. It's just a good place to live. If we could only get these motherfuckers to stop killing each other. Assholes shooting each other for a dollar, that's what's stifling the growth of this city."
On the state of heavy metal right now:
Philip Anselmo: "We've been hearing that metal is dying for about 20 years. When I was in PANTERA, of course, heavy metal was dead. [Putting on 'record label mogul' voice] 'I'm not sure you're going to be able to sell many tickets on this tour — there's this new brand of music called nu metal that's gonna take over the world.' Ha! Look what happened. Heavy metal is never fucking dead, man. Never, never, never. There's a good case for it being healthier than it has been in years. It just depends on what you're looking for. If I started namedropping bands right now, somebody would get their fucking feelings hurt, so I'm not. And some bands come across as pretty generic. But I would take a lo-fi fucking rough shit recording of a great band over some over-produced, sleek fucking product that sells a million any fucking day at this point in my life."
On the departure of DOWN bassist Rex Brown:
Kirk Windstein: "It's really a two-part thing. Part one is that it really kind of ran its course. Part two is kinda personal. I'll anser any fucking thing you wanna ask me, but certain things are personal. But I spoke to Rex for 45 minutes at the end of last week, and he's sounding great. He's very excited, mixing KILL DEVIL HILL. He's still a great, great friend."
Philip Anselmo: "Rex is a brother of mine, and we made somewhat of a pact that we would not tread on each other in various interviews. So I'm gonna stick with what is the truth: that he had different ideas about what a band should be. I'm envious, 'cause Vinny Appice's [Rex's KILL DEVIL HILL bandmate] a great guy and an outstanding drummer. Tight as fuck. I think that's where Rex wants to be, and that's the type of music he wants to play, and we have to respect that. As far as unveiling any truths or anything hidden… that's something I just can't get into."
On whether he will read Rex Brown's upcoming autobiography:
Philip Anselmo: "Well, that's a tough question. He was almost the silent member of PANTERA in many ways. We'll just have to see how it turns out and when it turns out. Believe me, I haven't read one page of it. He hasn't shared too much with me."
On when the last time was that he spoke to his former PANTERA bandmate Vinnie Paul Abbott:
Philip Anselmo: "Probably 2001."
On whether he thinks there will ever be a reconciliation between him and Vinnie Paul:
Philip Anselmo: "I don't know. In my heart of hearts, my door is wide open. I've said it a million times. And I'll say this too: for all the falling out, the bad feelings that Vinnie Paul is trying to harbor and keeps so freshly alive… to me, it points to the fact that in truth he really loves me. That things wouldn't be getting to him so much if it weren't for this strong love. I can wish a thousand times a day that we could reconcile, but until it happens, until he decides to knock on the door… Actually, the door is open, until he decides to step in through or even look inside the door, then… we'll take it from there, y'know."
To order a copy of the latest issue of Metal Hammer magazine, go to this location.
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will appear at the Mad Monster Party — a retro monster celebration showcasing classic and contemporary creatures of the night (and day) — on March 23-25, 2012 at the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Mad Monster Party is a horror convention with a difference. While other national shows install a generic event in a city, Mad Monster is building its show from the inside out. With the support of local Charlotte organizations (like "Visit Charlotte" tourism board) and businesses (Kevin Blanchfield's Haunted Mill, Morris Costume, etc.), Mad Monster Party is putting down roots and committing to a partnership with the Charlotte community to provide a unique convention that is fresh, theatrical, and innovative and will offer visiting fans from across the nation a real tradition.
Daily and weekend tickets are available as well as R.I.P. (Really Intense Partyer) passes. R.I.P. passes include early admission all three days, express/front-of-line and all access to events, including reserved premium seating, a walk through the Haunted Mill with celebrities, access to the exclusive R.I.P./Celebrity Lounge, a mystery swag bag and more.
For more information, go to this location.
The Mad Monster Party is a horror convention with a difference. While other national shows install a generic event in a city, Mad Monster is building its show from the inside out. With the support of local Charlotte organizations (like "Visit Charlotte" tourism board) and businesses (Kevin Blanchfield's Haunted Mill, Morris Costume, etc.), Mad Monster Party is putting down roots and committing to a partnership with the Charlotte community to provide a unique convention that is fresh, theatrical, and innovative and will offer visiting fans from across the nation a real tradition.
Daily and weekend tickets are available as well as R.I.P. (Really Intense Partyer) passes. R.I.P. passes include early admission all three days, express/front-of-line and all access to events, including reserved premium seating, a walk through the Haunted Mill with celebrities, access to the exclusive R.I.P./Celebrity Lounge, a mystery swag bag and more.
For more information, go to this location.
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss was inducted last night (Saturday, January 14) as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California.
The Drum Legend induction honors icons in the drum world that have paved the way for today's drummers. The award is given to those that have made significant contributions to the craft and have hugely influenced players by their style and illustrious musical career. Past inductees include John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Nicko McBrain, Steve Smith, Dave Garibaldi, Alan White, and Greg Errico.
Video footage of Peter's induction can be seen below.
Born Peter George Criscoula on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Criss got his start drumming after discovering legendary jazz drummer Gene Krupa and such '60s rockers as THE ROLLING STONES.
"Finally, when I got into rock 'n' roll drumming, I liked Charlie Watts [of THE ROLLING STONES]," said Criss in a 1997 interview. He also cited CREAM's Ginger Baker, THE WHO's Keith Moon and LED ZEPPELIN's John Bonham as big influences on his playing.
The Drum Legend induction honors icons in the drum world that have paved the way for today's drummers. The award is given to those that have made significant contributions to the craft and have hugely influenced players by their style and illustrious musical career. Past inductees include John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Nicko McBrain, Steve Smith, Dave Garibaldi, Alan White, and Greg Errico.
Video footage of Peter's induction can be seen below.
Born Peter George Criscoula on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Criss got his start drumming after discovering legendary jazz drummer Gene Krupa and such '60s rockers as THE ROLLING STONES.
"Finally, when I got into rock 'n' roll drumming, I liked Charlie Watts [of THE ROLLING STONES]," said Criss in a 1997 interview. He also cited CREAM's Ginger Baker, THE WHO's Keith Moon and LED ZEPPELIN's John Bonham as big influences on his playing.
JON OLIVA'S PAIN, the Florida-based band led by SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva, will play SAVATAGE's classic 1987 album, "Hall Of The Mountain King", in its entirety at the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium in June as well as at the warm-up party for this year's Bang Your Head!!! festival the following month. JON OLIVA'S PAIN is also expected to play several songs from DOCTOR BUTCHER, the early 1990s project created by Oliva and guitarist Chris Caffery at a time when they were not active members of SAVATAGE.
JON OLIVA'S PAIN lineup for the performances will consist of Jon Oliva (vocals and keyboards), Christopher Kinder (drums), Jerry Outlaw (guitar), Jason Jennings (bass) and a very special guest guitarist to be announced soon.
Confirmed "Hall Of The Mountain King" 25th-anniversary performances:
June 22-24 - Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting
July 13-14 - Balingen, Germany @ Bang Your Head!!!
A Florida date will kick off this tour in June.
"Hall Of The Mountain King" was the first SAVATAGE album to be produced by Paul O'Neill and it showed the beginning of the band's progressive tendencies as they explored new forms of expression in their music. Many fans consider this LP a turning point in SAVATAGE's musical identity. As the group's first concept effort, it had a constant tone and was more complex than their previous albums, with two entirely instrumental tracks that go beyond simple guitar riffs and solos, namely "Prelude To Madness" and "Last Dawn".
As previously reported, Caffery will join CIRCLE II CIRCLE — the band led by former SAVATAGE frontman Zak Stevens — for a performance of the classic 1997 SAVATAGE album "The Wake Of Magellan" (which featured both Stevens and Caffery) in its entirety at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 2-4, 2012 in Wacken, Germany.
JON OLIVA'S PAIN lineup for the performances will consist of Jon Oliva (vocals and keyboards), Christopher Kinder (drums), Jerry Outlaw (guitar), Jason Jennings (bass) and a very special guest guitarist to be announced soon.
Confirmed "Hall Of The Mountain King" 25th-anniversary performances:
June 22-24 - Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting
July 13-14 - Balingen, Germany @ Bang Your Head!!!
A Florida date will kick off this tour in June.
"Hall Of The Mountain King" was the first SAVATAGE album to be produced by Paul O'Neill and it showed the beginning of the band's progressive tendencies as they explored new forms of expression in their music. Many fans consider this LP a turning point in SAVATAGE's musical identity. As the group's first concept effort, it had a constant tone and was more complex than their previous albums, with two entirely instrumental tracks that go beyond simple guitar riffs and solos, namely "Prelude To Madness" and "Last Dawn".
As previously reported, Caffery will join CIRCLE II CIRCLE — the band led by former SAVATAGE frontman Zak Stevens — for a performance of the classic 1997 SAVATAGE album "The Wake Of Magellan" (which featured both Stevens and Caffery) in its entirety at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 2-4, 2012 in Wacken, Germany.
So, how was Finland?
Brann Dailor: It was cold! (laughs) No, it was good. It was really good!
You had your 12 year anniversary yesterday. Any celebrations happening?
BD: Yeah, I celebrated by myself in my hotel room. (laughs)I just took the night off. Actually my wife is really sick. She got really sick a couple of days ago and she has doctor´s orders that she can´t leave the house for a week, so I did the right thing and didn´t go out. I stayed at the hotel and had Skype on and just kinda hung out with her via Skype for the day.
I hope it´s nothing serious?
BD: It´s not. She´s got some medication and she´ll feel better in about a week so she´ll be alright. I just think that she was hoping for, while I was gone for this month, to sort of dig in and do some other stuff and I´m not there and she has to be in the house for the next week, so…
It´s gotta be a hassle when you´re on the road like this?
BD: Yeah, it´s really kinda selfish of me to even wanna have the normal life back home if I plan on being gone the whole time, but I can´t help it. I just wanna be loved like every other human being in the world! (laughs). So I ask a lot of her and we ask a lot of our significant others to hold down the fort and hang out and wait for this promise of, "Well, it´ll be over sometime and we can hang out and my main focus will be you!". I think that´s what they´re hanging out for, but who knows if that will ever even happen?
Got any kids?
BD: No, we got a dog and a cat!
That´ll keep you busy!
BD: Yeah, sure!
Since it was the 12 year anniversary of when you got together as a band for the first time, what do you remember from that day?
BD: When we actually got together and started making some noise the four of us, I remember being pretty excited. We started learning each other's songs and stuff like that and I was really excited to have… for Bill and myself, to have found Troy and Brent, so it came together like this weird package deal almost. There wasn´t really any question about it. It was really sort of like "Ok, yeah cool! This is our band! What are we gonna call our band? Mastodon! Ok, cool, done!", you know what I mean? It came together so fast and I moved to Atlanta on January 1 in 2000 and not even two weeks later, boom, I met these guys and we were off and running! We had a bunch of songs to kinda learn and work through, but we started booking a tour immediately and figuring out when we could go into the studio and record. It was really weird. I remember Bill and myself especially, being super motivated to wanna get back to touring because we´d just kinda been doing that for the last two years with Today is the day, so we knew that we could at least get to that level, back to that spot and use whatever contacts we had to do so. Relapse Records and things of that nature, so we told Relapse "Hey, we´re gonna go start something new!" and we stayed at Matt Jacobsen´s house on the way down to Atlanta, so there you have it! We were excited to meet each other and all of our personalities and senses of humor clicked right off, so it was very easy.
Were there other names than Mastodon floating around?
BD: Nah, that was the only one! That´s what you do when you… especially when you move to a new city you put an ad in the paper and put up notices "Hey, drummer and guitar player looking for a band!". We didn´t have to do anything of that, it just kinda worked out.
Right. Well, you´ve got a new album out and back on tour again, how do you pick songs to play live from the latest album? Do you go through them all and rehearse them all or just pick two and those are the ones you´ll do for the tour?
BD: For this tour we picked like nine or ten songs off the new record that we do, so we just picked those and learned them and there you go! (laughs) There´s like 24 songs on the set list, so it´s a lot of songs.
I saw some pictures of you being in the studio recording with acoustics and I gather it´s for the Record Store Day thing with Feist? Was that the only song you did?
BD: (laughs) No, we did another song.
Cool! And that´s gonna be a split 7" where they do a Mastodon song and you do one of hers, right? Which one is it?
BD: "A commotion"! Have you heard it?
I think so. The only stuff I´ve heard is the latest album "Metals".
BD: It´s off of that! We made it super heavy and it sounds really cool.
You met at some TV show, right?
BD: Yeah, Jools Holland! We did that with them and I don´t know, right after we got off stage we went backstage and and we were in the hallway with her and she was talking to Brent. They were involved in a conversation and were just like "Yeah, let´s do that! We should do it for Record Store Day!". Something out of leftfield and something we´d like to be involved with more of. It´s fun for us. I mean, most times we end up doing covers of bands that are already sort of heavy or that is already in that vein, like The Melvins, Thin Lizzy, Metallica, you know what I mean? What are you gonna do to those songs to make them your own? It´s kinda difficult and especially with stuff like Metallica or The Melvins where we´re so kinda familiar and in love with the versions that Metallica and The Melvins and Thin Lizzy have created, you wanna make it sound like theirs because that´s what you´re so used to hearing. You don´t really wanna mess with it. With Feist it´s something that we could really play with and do something different with.
Could you see yourselves do more of that kinda stuff?
BD: If there´s time, you know. Sure. We´d like to, but Mastodon is all encompassing enough as it is, for me anyway. When I get home I just wanna dig in and be home. I don´t wanna go and record in LA. We´re not home for that long. Even this time when we got home after the Alice in Chains/Deftones tour in the States, we were like "Yeah, we´re taking a big long break!" and then a month later we were writing again and almost to go back into the studio and it was like "Oh no, it´s happening! I can´t stop it!". Then here we were in the studio and here we were for summer festivals and then the record was finished and it was time to go back out on tour again. But, if there´s a time to do it, I guess it´s now!
Yeah! I did a phoner with Troy last year and we talked about since you´re all in Atlanta, you should do something with Elton John!
BD: Oh god, it would be great! Would be awesome! (sings Goodbye yellow brick road)
Do a Mastodon version of an Elton John song or something.
BD: Yeah!
Back to being on tour, do you all have like a set schedule for the day for getting through the days? I gather it gets pretty boring going to a new town, sleep, do interviews, soundcheck, play the show, go back on the bus and so on. I guess you never really get to go into town?
BD: Nah, it´s freezing out! You know, I´m always up for something spontaneous and today I went to the hockey game and I got to see that. That was fun! It´s different from hockey games in the US, everyone singing and stuff. We have an organ at the hockey games in the US (makes sound of an organ) and over here they´re like la la la la… So I´m always up for something like that happening. Anything to distract from the mundane everyday life… pick a wall and stare at it. Obviously summer time is a little bit better for that. It´s easier to go out and get lost because you don´t know where the hell you are in the first place, but if I´m gonna go walk outside now it´s pretty cold and even if I get all buttoned up, I´d probably walk for like five minutes and then go "Hhmmm, fuck this!" (laughs) "I´ll go back and sit backstage!". I call my lady up and just talk to her and get face time on my phone or Skype. I pretty much have to do that every day and set that time aside. I start warming up in about 10 minutes and then it´s an hour till stage, so I get in there and start warming up, but really… I´m starting to get used to the time difference a little bit. Hopefully tonight I´ll fall asleep a little earlier. Last night I really tried but I was up till five in the morning just laying there in bed.
Finally, what are you doing after Europe and Australia? Are you going back to the States for more shows?
BD: I think we´re doing China and then we´re going back to the States for more touring. The States in April.
Cool! Been to China before?
BD: No, should be cool! The Great wall, terra cotta soldiers, forbidden city!
Is it just one show?
BD: Three shows!
I´ve talked to people who´ve played there and they had to hand in the set list and the lyrics. Same for you?
BD: Yeah, I think so! I mean, we don´t have any political lyrics and I doubt they´ll understand what the hell we´re talking about. Most people who live in the US and most English speaking people have no idea what we´re talking about, so it´ll be fine. (laughs) "Curl the burl", yeah that´s cool whatever fuck that is?"
True! (laughs) Thanks so much!
Brann Dailor: It was cold! (laughs) No, it was good. It was really good!
You had your 12 year anniversary yesterday. Any celebrations happening?
BD: Yeah, I celebrated by myself in my hotel room. (laughs)I just took the night off. Actually my wife is really sick. She got really sick a couple of days ago and she has doctor´s orders that she can´t leave the house for a week, so I did the right thing and didn´t go out. I stayed at the hotel and had Skype on and just kinda hung out with her via Skype for the day.
I hope it´s nothing serious?
BD: It´s not. She´s got some medication and she´ll feel better in about a week so she´ll be alright. I just think that she was hoping for, while I was gone for this month, to sort of dig in and do some other stuff and I´m not there and she has to be in the house for the next week, so…
It´s gotta be a hassle when you´re on the road like this?
BD: Yeah, it´s really kinda selfish of me to even wanna have the normal life back home if I plan on being gone the whole time, but I can´t help it. I just wanna be loved like every other human being in the world! (laughs). So I ask a lot of her and we ask a lot of our significant others to hold down the fort and hang out and wait for this promise of, "Well, it´ll be over sometime and we can hang out and my main focus will be you!". I think that´s what they´re hanging out for, but who knows if that will ever even happen?
Got any kids?
BD: No, we got a dog and a cat!
That´ll keep you busy!
BD: Yeah, sure!
Since it was the 12 year anniversary of when you got together as a band for the first time, what do you remember from that day?
BD: When we actually got together and started making some noise the four of us, I remember being pretty excited. We started learning each other's songs and stuff like that and I was really excited to have… for Bill and myself, to have found Troy and Brent, so it came together like this weird package deal almost. There wasn´t really any question about it. It was really sort of like "Ok, yeah cool! This is our band! What are we gonna call our band? Mastodon! Ok, cool, done!", you know what I mean? It came together so fast and I moved to Atlanta on January 1 in 2000 and not even two weeks later, boom, I met these guys and we were off and running! We had a bunch of songs to kinda learn and work through, but we started booking a tour immediately and figuring out when we could go into the studio and record. It was really weird. I remember Bill and myself especially, being super motivated to wanna get back to touring because we´d just kinda been doing that for the last two years with Today is the day, so we knew that we could at least get to that level, back to that spot and use whatever contacts we had to do so. Relapse Records and things of that nature, so we told Relapse "Hey, we´re gonna go start something new!" and we stayed at Matt Jacobsen´s house on the way down to Atlanta, so there you have it! We were excited to meet each other and all of our personalities and senses of humor clicked right off, so it was very easy.
Were there other names than Mastodon floating around?
BD: Nah, that was the only one! That´s what you do when you… especially when you move to a new city you put an ad in the paper and put up notices "Hey, drummer and guitar player looking for a band!". We didn´t have to do anything of that, it just kinda worked out.
Right. Well, you´ve got a new album out and back on tour again, how do you pick songs to play live from the latest album? Do you go through them all and rehearse them all or just pick two and those are the ones you´ll do for the tour?
BD: For this tour we picked like nine or ten songs off the new record that we do, so we just picked those and learned them and there you go! (laughs) There´s like 24 songs on the set list, so it´s a lot of songs.
I saw some pictures of you being in the studio recording with acoustics and I gather it´s for the Record Store Day thing with Feist? Was that the only song you did?
BD: (laughs) No, we did another song.
Cool! And that´s gonna be a split 7" where they do a Mastodon song and you do one of hers, right? Which one is it?
BD: "A commotion"! Have you heard it?
I think so. The only stuff I´ve heard is the latest album "Metals".
BD: It´s off of that! We made it super heavy and it sounds really cool.
You met at some TV show, right?
BD: Yeah, Jools Holland! We did that with them and I don´t know, right after we got off stage we went backstage and and we were in the hallway with her and she was talking to Brent. They were involved in a conversation and were just like "Yeah, let´s do that! We should do it for Record Store Day!". Something out of leftfield and something we´d like to be involved with more of. It´s fun for us. I mean, most times we end up doing covers of bands that are already sort of heavy or that is already in that vein, like The Melvins, Thin Lizzy, Metallica, you know what I mean? What are you gonna do to those songs to make them your own? It´s kinda difficult and especially with stuff like Metallica or The Melvins where we´re so kinda familiar and in love with the versions that Metallica and The Melvins and Thin Lizzy have created, you wanna make it sound like theirs because that´s what you´re so used to hearing. You don´t really wanna mess with it. With Feist it´s something that we could really play with and do something different with.
Could you see yourselves do more of that kinda stuff?
BD: If there´s time, you know. Sure. We´d like to, but Mastodon is all encompassing enough as it is, for me anyway. When I get home I just wanna dig in and be home. I don´t wanna go and record in LA. We´re not home for that long. Even this time when we got home after the Alice in Chains/Deftones tour in the States, we were like "Yeah, we´re taking a big long break!" and then a month later we were writing again and almost to go back into the studio and it was like "Oh no, it´s happening! I can´t stop it!". Then here we were in the studio and here we were for summer festivals and then the record was finished and it was time to go back out on tour again. But, if there´s a time to do it, I guess it´s now!
Yeah! I did a phoner with Troy last year and we talked about since you´re all in Atlanta, you should do something with Elton John!
BD: Oh god, it would be great! Would be awesome! (sings Goodbye yellow brick road)
Do a Mastodon version of an Elton John song or something.
BD: Yeah!
Back to being on tour, do you all have like a set schedule for the day for getting through the days? I gather it gets pretty boring going to a new town, sleep, do interviews, soundcheck, play the show, go back on the bus and so on. I guess you never really get to go into town?
BD: Nah, it´s freezing out! You know, I´m always up for something spontaneous and today I went to the hockey game and I got to see that. That was fun! It´s different from hockey games in the US, everyone singing and stuff. We have an organ at the hockey games in the US (makes sound of an organ) and over here they´re like la la la la… So I´m always up for something like that happening. Anything to distract from the mundane everyday life… pick a wall and stare at it. Obviously summer time is a little bit better for that. It´s easier to go out and get lost because you don´t know where the hell you are in the first place, but if I´m gonna go walk outside now it´s pretty cold and even if I get all buttoned up, I´d probably walk for like five minutes and then go "Hhmmm, fuck this!" (laughs) "I´ll go back and sit backstage!". I call my lady up and just talk to her and get face time on my phone or Skype. I pretty much have to do that every day and set that time aside. I start warming up in about 10 minutes and then it´s an hour till stage, so I get in there and start warming up, but really… I´m starting to get used to the time difference a little bit. Hopefully tonight I´ll fall asleep a little earlier. Last night I really tried but I was up till five in the morning just laying there in bed.
Finally, what are you doing after Europe and Australia? Are you going back to the States for more shows?
BD: I think we´re doing China and then we´re going back to the States for more touring. The States in April.
Cool! Been to China before?
BD: No, should be cool! The Great wall, terra cotta soldiers, forbidden city!
Is it just one show?
BD: Three shows!
I´ve talked to people who´ve played there and they had to hand in the set list and the lyrics. Same for you?
BD: Yeah, I think so! I mean, we don´t have any political lyrics and I doubt they´ll understand what the hell we´re talking about. Most people who live in the US and most English speaking people have no idea what we´re talking about, so it´ll be fine. (laughs) "Curl the burl", yeah that´s cool whatever fuck that is?"
True! (laughs) Thanks so much!
KING DIAMOND has joined forces with Nick Storch at ICM and Paul Ryan at The Agency Group. Storch will be in charge of booking KING DIAMOND concerts in North and South America, and Paul Ryan will handle KING DIAMOND dates in Europe and the rest of the world.
"It is great to be in the top professional hands of Nick and Paul," said KING DIAMOND frontman and namesake. "They both come highly recommended by Brian Slagel of Metal Blade, who personally suggested the partnership that is now in effect.
"ICM and The Agency Group have so much combined experience, which will open new doors for us.
"When it comes to getting us back on stage again, we all agree on how to bring KING DIAMOND to a whole new level. Within a few weeks, we should be able to announce the first part of our plan."
Added Storch: "I can speak for the entire team here at ICM that we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a legend of heavy metal. I could not be happier to be involved with KING DIAMOND's return to the stage."
Stated Ryan: "It's a huge honour, and one I and everyone here at The Agency Group shares, to be part of King's team moving forward!... Being such an influence on the metal genre and an artist I have personally enjoyed and been inspired by for many years; it's a very exciting time to be involved!"
King Diamond (real name: Kim Bendix Petersen), 55, underwent open-heart triple-bypass surgery in November 2010. He has since completed his cardiac rehabilitation program and has stopped smoking entirely, changed his diet and is getting regular exercise, according to his wife Livia Zita.
KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the group's latest album, "Give Me Your Soul … Please".
"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 28. The CD also landed at No. 58 on the Danish chart (the second highest new entry on the chart behind VELVET REVOLVER).
"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"It is great to be in the top professional hands of Nick and Paul," said KING DIAMOND frontman and namesake. "They both come highly recommended by Brian Slagel of Metal Blade, who personally suggested the partnership that is now in effect.
"ICM and The Agency Group have so much combined experience, which will open new doors for us.
"When it comes to getting us back on stage again, we all agree on how to bring KING DIAMOND to a whole new level. Within a few weeks, we should be able to announce the first part of our plan."
Added Storch: "I can speak for the entire team here at ICM that we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a legend of heavy metal. I could not be happier to be involved with KING DIAMOND's return to the stage."
Stated Ryan: "It's a huge honour, and one I and everyone here at The Agency Group shares, to be part of King's team moving forward!... Being such an influence on the metal genre and an artist I have personally enjoyed and been inspired by for many years; it's a very exciting time to be involved!"
King Diamond (real name: Kim Bendix Petersen), 55, underwent open-heart triple-bypass surgery in November 2010. He has since completed his cardiac rehabilitation program and has stopped smoking entirely, changed his diet and is getting regular exercise, according to his wife Livia Zita.
KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the group's latest album, "Give Me Your Soul … Please".
"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 28. The CD also landed at No. 58 on the Danish chart (the second highest new entry on the chart behind VELVET REVOLVER).
"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.
RIOT founder and guitarist Mark Reale was admitted to a San Antonio hospital last week in critical condition due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life.
The band has released the following update on his condition:
"Due to complications arising from treatment for Mark's illness, he remains hospitalized in San Antonio and will not be healthy enough to appear as scheduled.
"Mike [Flyntz, guitar], Tony [Moore, vocals], Bobby [Jarzombek, drums] and Don [Van Stavern, bass] have, at the strong urging of Mark's family, decided to perform the shows without Mark on guitar.
"We are receiving updates on his condition several times daily, and Mark is currently undergoing procedures to stabilize him. His father, in addition to several dedicated friends of the band and the family, are at Mark's side constantly as doctors work to restore him to health. In accordance with the family's wishes, no further details are being released at this time.
"While we are saddened by these developments, RIOT's music has been Mark's lifeblood for over 30 years. We have struggled with idea of performing without him, and we are continuing to prepare with heavy hearts, but the entire RIOT organization has agreed on the importance of bringing our music to the fans who have supported us for so long.
"Thank you for continuing to support RIOT during this difficult time, and we will see you at the shows."
The following RIOT shows will go ahead without Mark Reale:
Jan. 18 - New York City, NY - B.B. Kings
Jan. 19 - West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
Jan. 20 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
Jan. 23-27 - Miami, FL - 70,000 Tons Of Metal
Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility.
Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while he was unable to perform.
The band has released the following update on his condition:
"Due to complications arising from treatment for Mark's illness, he remains hospitalized in San Antonio and will not be healthy enough to appear as scheduled.
"Mike [Flyntz, guitar], Tony [Moore, vocals], Bobby [Jarzombek, drums] and Don [Van Stavern, bass] have, at the strong urging of Mark's family, decided to perform the shows without Mark on guitar.
"We are receiving updates on his condition several times daily, and Mark is currently undergoing procedures to stabilize him. His father, in addition to several dedicated friends of the band and the family, are at Mark's side constantly as doctors work to restore him to health. In accordance with the family's wishes, no further details are being released at this time.
"While we are saddened by these developments, RIOT's music has been Mark's lifeblood for over 30 years. We have struggled with idea of performing without him, and we are continuing to prepare with heavy hearts, but the entire RIOT organization has agreed on the importance of bringing our music to the fans who have supported us for so long.
"Thank you for continuing to support RIOT during this difficult time, and we will see you at the shows."
The following RIOT shows will go ahead without Mark Reale:
Jan. 18 - New York City, NY - B.B. Kings
Jan. 19 - West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
Jan. 20 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
Jan. 23-27 - Miami, FL - 70,000 Tons Of Metal
Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility.
Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while he was unable to perform.
Reunited Los Angeles heavy metal legends MALICE have inked a deal with SPV/Steamhammer. The band recently entered Silvercloud Recording studio in Redondo Beach, California with producer Joe Floyd (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON, WARRIOR) to record updated versions of six classic MALICE metal anthems such as "Stellar Masters" and "No Haven For The Raven" as well as "four killer new tracks" for an album which is due to be released in May.
"We were all amazed at the great crowd response and turnout for the gigs we played in 2011, and it feels great to have a well-known label like SPV behind us, be in the studio with a veteran lineup and have a killer producer," states MALICE guitarist Jay Reynolds.
"There will no longer be an abscence of MALICE!"
MALICE's current recording lineup includes three original members — Mick Zane on guitar, Jay Reynolds on guitar and Mark Behn on bass — alongside Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) on drums and James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) on vocals. Bass player Robert Cardenas (AGENT STEEL), who also recorded the new tracks in the studio, will step in for Mark Behn on the live front.
Commented SPV/Steamhammer A&R representative and product manager Olly Hahn: "MALICE was always underrated. With their two albums, 'In The Beginning' and 'License To Kill', they created timeless U.S. metal and it's time to let all the younger fans know about this and show the older fans that MALICE is still capable to write songs in the name of metal. I'm very happy that the band decided to be part of the growing SPV/Steamhammer family."
In an early 2011 interview with KNAC.COM, Zane stated about MALICE's present incarnation, "Pete's been out on the road with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP for the last ten years and he's doing some dates with BLACK 'N BLUE. . . We're excited to have James Rivera come in and [play] with us. He did a great job on the VICIOUS RUMORS 'Warball' record. . . Brian Allen, who did our last reunion show, is now singing with VICIOUS RUMORS and we even approached Tim 'The Ripper' Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) at one point."
Regarding MALICE's forthcoming album, Zane told KNAC.COM, "We have some killer new songs in the can and we're really stoked at the thought of getting back in the studio and releasing a new MALICE record. We released a new CD of rare and unreleased tracks [in 2010] on Retrospect Records that's been doing very well. Everyone's really going to like the new stuff."
MALICE 2011 is:
* Mick Zane - Guitar
* Jay Reynolds - Guitar
* Mark Behn - Bass
* Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER) - Drums
* James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Vocals
The band released an album titled "The Rare And Unreleased" in 2010 on Retrospect Records.
MALICE's two Atlantic releases — "In the Beginning" (1985) and "License to Kill" (1986) — are available Stateside on WEA label Wounded Bird and have continued to sell over the years.
For more information, visit MALICE's official web site, www.malicemusic.com.
"We were all amazed at the great crowd response and turnout for the gigs we played in 2011, and it feels great to have a well-known label like SPV behind us, be in the studio with a veteran lineup and have a killer producer," states MALICE guitarist Jay Reynolds.
"There will no longer be an abscence of MALICE!"
MALICE's current recording lineup includes three original members — Mick Zane on guitar, Jay Reynolds on guitar and Mark Behn on bass — alongside Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) on drums and James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) on vocals. Bass player Robert Cardenas (AGENT STEEL), who also recorded the new tracks in the studio, will step in for Mark Behn on the live front.
Commented SPV/Steamhammer A&R representative and product manager Olly Hahn: "MALICE was always underrated. With their two albums, 'In The Beginning' and 'License To Kill', they created timeless U.S. metal and it's time to let all the younger fans know about this and show the older fans that MALICE is still capable to write songs in the name of metal. I'm very happy that the band decided to be part of the growing SPV/Steamhammer family."
In an early 2011 interview with KNAC.COM, Zane stated about MALICE's present incarnation, "Pete's been out on the road with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP for the last ten years and he's doing some dates with BLACK 'N BLUE. . . We're excited to have James Rivera come in and [play] with us. He did a great job on the VICIOUS RUMORS 'Warball' record. . . Brian Allen, who did our last reunion show, is now singing with VICIOUS RUMORS and we even approached Tim 'The Ripper' Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) at one point."
Regarding MALICE's forthcoming album, Zane told KNAC.COM, "We have some killer new songs in the can and we're really stoked at the thought of getting back in the studio and releasing a new MALICE record. We released a new CD of rare and unreleased tracks [in 2010] on Retrospect Records that's been doing very well. Everyone's really going to like the new stuff."
MALICE 2011 is:
* Mick Zane - Guitar
* Jay Reynolds - Guitar
* Mark Behn - Bass
* Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER) - Drums
* James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Vocals
The band released an album titled "The Rare And Unreleased" in 2010 on Retrospect Records.
MALICE's two Atlantic releases — "In the Beginning" (1985) and "License to Kill" (1986) — are available Stateside on WEA label Wounded Bird and have continued to sell over the years.
For more information, visit MALICE's official web site, www.malicemusic.com.
Irish metallers STORMZONE have parted ways with guitarist Keith Harris and have replaced him with Andrew Baxter, formerly of LAST KNOWN ADDICTION.
Commented STORMZONE vocalist John "Harv" Harbinson: "Andrew and existing STORMZONE guitarist Steve Moore played together in Irish band FIRELAND so they have already built up a powerful partnership."
A photo of STORMZONE's new lineup can be seen below. Also available is footage of the band performing its first gig with Baxter.
STORMZONE's latest album, "Zero To Rage", will be released in North America on January 17, 2012 via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD was made available in Europe last November.
The first STORMZONE headline show of 2012 will take place in Belfast's Spring & Airbrake on Saturday, April 28 and will see the band doing a full two-hour show featuring songs from all three STORMZONE albums. From that, the group will be choosing the set for a planned European tour shortly afterwards.
"Zero To Rage" track listing:
01. Where We Belong
02. Zero To Rage
03. Jester's Laughter
04. This Is Our Victory
05. Fear Hotel
06. Hail The Brave
07. Uprising
08. Last Man Fighting
09. Empire Of Fear
10. Monsters
11. Voice Inside My Head
12. Cuchulainn's Story
The song "Jester's Laughter" is available for streaming using the SoundCloud player below.
STORMZONE is:
Steve Moore - Guitar
Andrew Baxter - Guitar
John "Harv" Harbinson - Lead Vocals
Graham McNulty - Bass
Davy Bates – Drums
Commented STORMZONE vocalist John "Harv" Harbinson: "Andrew and existing STORMZONE guitarist Steve Moore played together in Irish band FIRELAND so they have already built up a powerful partnership."
A photo of STORMZONE's new lineup can be seen below. Also available is footage of the band performing its first gig with Baxter.
STORMZONE's latest album, "Zero To Rage", will be released in North America on January 17, 2012 via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD was made available in Europe last November.
The first STORMZONE headline show of 2012 will take place in Belfast's Spring & Airbrake on Saturday, April 28 and will see the band doing a full two-hour show featuring songs from all three STORMZONE albums. From that, the group will be choosing the set for a planned European tour shortly afterwards.
"Zero To Rage" track listing:
01. Where We Belong
02. Zero To Rage
03. Jester's Laughter
04. This Is Our Victory
05. Fear Hotel
06. Hail The Brave
07. Uprising
08. Last Man Fighting
09. Empire Of Fear
10. Monsters
11. Voice Inside My Head
12. Cuchulainn's Story
The song "Jester's Laughter" is available for streaming using the SoundCloud player below.
STORMZONE is:
Steve Moore - Guitar
Andrew Baxter - Guitar
John "Harv" Harbinson - Lead Vocals
Graham McNulty - Bass
Davy Bates – Drums
Swedish experimental extreme metallers MESHUGGAH have confirmed "Koloss" as the title of their new album, due in Germany on March 23 and the rest of Europe on March 26 (March 27 in North America) as a CD digi, limited-edition Magic Cube (CD digi plus DVD exclusive to Nuclear Blast mail order) and two-LP brown vinyl via Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented MESHUGGAH drummer Tomas Haake: "As always, we try to take our music in a slightly different direction with each album and with 'Koloss', we feel that we really nailed what we were going for. Organic brutality, viscera and groove all crammed into a 54-minute metalicious treat, best avoided by the faint of heart!!"
In a 2011 interview with Guitar World magazine, MESHUGGAH guitarist Fredrik Thordendal was asked whether the band has been working on new music. "Yes, we are working on a new album and have been for a long time," Fredrik said. "I'm so excited about this one. We've always tried to change how we write songs to keep it exciting, but on recent albums we've also been moving further away from working together as a band. On this album, though, everyone is working together. Every day that we're in the studio, we'll play whatever song we're working on, record a demo version of it to analyze at home, and then come back the next day, talk about it and try to make it better. I think because of this, it's going to be our best album yet."
Released in March 2008, MESHUGGAH's last album, "obZen", debuted at No. 59 on The Billboard 200 chart and at No. 14 on the iTunes Top Rock Albums chart.
MESHUGGAH's first DVD, "Alive" sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 8 on the Top Music Videos chart.
Commented MESHUGGAH drummer Tomas Haake: "As always, we try to take our music in a slightly different direction with each album and with 'Koloss', we feel that we really nailed what we were going for. Organic brutality, viscera and groove all crammed into a 54-minute metalicious treat, best avoided by the faint of heart!!"
In a 2011 interview with Guitar World magazine, MESHUGGAH guitarist Fredrik Thordendal was asked whether the band has been working on new music. "Yes, we are working on a new album and have been for a long time," Fredrik said. "I'm so excited about this one. We've always tried to change how we write songs to keep it exciting, but on recent albums we've also been moving further away from working together as a band. On this album, though, everyone is working together. Every day that we're in the studio, we'll play whatever song we're working on, record a demo version of it to analyze at home, and then come back the next day, talk about it and try to make it better. I think because of this, it's going to be our best album yet."
Released in March 2008, MESHUGGAH's last album, "obZen", debuted at No. 59 on The Billboard 200 chart and at No. 14 on the iTunes Top Rock Albums chart.
MESHUGGAH's first DVD, "Alive" sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 8 on the Top Music Videos chart.
German power metallers ORDEN OGAN are hard at work recording their fourth full-length album, "To The End", for an April 20 release through AFM Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Easton Hope" will mark the band's first release with new bassist Niels Löffler (SARDONIC, PREDATOR) who replaced Lars Schneider last year.
Songtitles set to appear on "To The End":
* The Frozen Few
* Land Of The Dead
* The World Of Ice
* To The End
* The Things We Believe In
* The Ice Kings
* Till The Stars Cry Out
* Dying Paradise
Songtitles set to appear on "To The End":
* The Frozen Few
* Land Of The Dead
* The World Of Ice
* To The End
* The Things We Believe In
* The Ice Kings
* Till The Stars Cry Out
* Dying Paradise
Norwegian stoner / grunge / alternative rockers TRIPOD have just released their second album, "Four Coins", via Trøndercore Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Go Away
02. Migraine
03. Down
04. Waiting
05. Shiny Happy Junkies
06. Stripes
07. Jack And Blood
08. Unwind
09. Parasite
10. Whatever
11. All The Time
A music video for the song "Go Away" will be released shortly.
Since the release of TRIPOD's debut album, "Nevermind This Black Album", in 2008, the band has been busy on the road, delivering its massive sound to the masses. They have also managed to record two music videos in between shows, "Tomorrow" and "Another Monday".
TRIPOD is:
Knut Arne Lillestøl - vocals
Stein-Inge Øien - guitars/backing vocals
Espen Bjørnholt - bass
Åge Solheim - drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/tripodofficial.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Go Away
02. Migraine
03. Down
04. Waiting
05. Shiny Happy Junkies
06. Stripes
07. Jack And Blood
08. Unwind
09. Parasite
10. Whatever
11. All The Time
A music video for the song "Go Away" will be released shortly.
Since the release of TRIPOD's debut album, "Nevermind This Black Album", in 2008, the band has been busy on the road, delivering its massive sound to the masses. They have also managed to record two music videos in between shows, "Tomorrow" and "Another Monday".
TRIPOD is:
Knut Arne Lillestøl - vocals
Stein-Inge Øien - guitars/backing vocals
Espen Bjørnholt - bass
Åge Solheim - drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/tripodofficial.
French power metallers NIGHTMARE have entered Peek studios in the south of France with producer Patrick Liotard to begin recording their new album, "Mercury Rain", for a May 18 release through AFM Records.
Commented NIGHTMARE singer Jo Amore: "We entered the studio on Friday the 13th, which is surely a sign for such an album that will be the most accomplished of our whole career.
"Everything is going great so far.
"We will surprise many people, I can confirm...
"We will be in the studio until end of February with Patrick, our producer and friend...
"We are really excited about what we did so far and we can already say that this new album will be a total blast!"
"One Night Of Insurrection", the first-ever live DVD/CD from NIGHTMARE, was released in February 2011 via AFM Records. The set was filmed/recorded in Grenoble, France and contains NIGHTMARE's special 30th-anniversary show, including guest appearances by the band's former members. Also included us footage of NIGHTMARE's performance at Summerblast in Israel.
"Insurrection", the seventh album from NIGHTMARE, was released on September 11, 2009 via Germany's AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Peek studio in France with Patrick Liotard and at U3multimedia and Indiscreet Studios in Stuttgart, Germany with Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, EDGUY, MASTERPLAN). The follow-up to 2007's "Genetic Disorder" contains nine tracks, including a two-part concept song.
The "Insurrection" cover art was created by Swedish artist Pär Olofsson who previously worked on "Genetic Disorder". Special guest vocalist on the album is Fabrice Emmanuelsson from ELLIPSIS.
NIGHTMARE is:
Jo Amore - Vocals
Franck Milleliri - Guitar
Yves Campion - Bass
David Amore – Drums
Commented NIGHTMARE singer Jo Amore: "We entered the studio on Friday the 13th, which is surely a sign for such an album that will be the most accomplished of our whole career.
"Everything is going great so far.
"We will surprise many people, I can confirm...
"We will be in the studio until end of February with Patrick, our producer and friend...
"We are really excited about what we did so far and we can already say that this new album will be a total blast!"
"One Night Of Insurrection", the first-ever live DVD/CD from NIGHTMARE, was released in February 2011 via AFM Records. The set was filmed/recorded in Grenoble, France and contains NIGHTMARE's special 30th-anniversary show, including guest appearances by the band's former members. Also included us footage of NIGHTMARE's performance at Summerblast in Israel.
"Insurrection", the seventh album from NIGHTMARE, was released on September 11, 2009 via Germany's AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Peek studio in France with Patrick Liotard and at U3multimedia and Indiscreet Studios in Stuttgart, Germany with Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, EDGUY, MASTERPLAN). The follow-up to 2007's "Genetic Disorder" contains nine tracks, including a two-part concept song.
The "Insurrection" cover art was created by Swedish artist Pär Olofsson who previously worked on "Genetic Disorder". Special guest vocalist on the album is Fabrice Emmanuelsson from ELLIPSIS.
NIGHTMARE is:
Jo Amore - Vocals
Franck Milleliri - Guitar
Yves Campion - Bass
David Amore – Drums
Virginia's Lamb of God is currently one of the most popular metal bands in the world. Their last album Wrath went to #2 in the US and #8 in Australia, they toured extensively with Metallica on the World Magnetic tour, and featured at some of the biggest festivals on the globe. With anticipation high for new album Resolution, about to drop at the end of this month, Lamb of God look set to take another next big step on their long and steady climb to the top of the metal world. Loud chatted with bassist John Campbell just before first single "Ghost Walking" was released about catching up with old friends at Soundwave, touring with their heroes and more:
Q: How are things shaping up for Lamb of God? You've just completed the album so you must be pretty happy.
A: Yeah, well the record's done and we're kinda in the limbo between the album being done and when it comes out in January.
Q: It's going to be a bit of a wait for you to find out what people think of it
A: Oh yeah. It's kinda crazy. It's sorta like waiting for Christmas. But I'm really excited about this record, I think the material is the strongest we've done, and the record sonically is amazing. It's a really great, dynamic heavy metal record, and I'm excited for this record to be delivered to the masses.
Q: So what do you think the fans are going to take away from this record?
A: Hopefully they'll be picking their jaws up off the ground and they'll be coming out to see us when we come around and play live.
Q: You were last out here with Metallica [in 2010] and soon you'll be here for Soundwave. How do you think that's going to compare?
A: Well the last time when we were here with Metallica, that was an amazing opportunity because we were able to stay in one city for more than a couple of days so we were able to check out the major cities of Australia. This time around we'll be rolling through on Soundwave on a huge bill with a bunch of our old, great friends that we've been touring with for years and some we haven't seen in a while. It's gonna be a really great time touring across Australia with those guys and we'll be trying our damnedest to take the stage every night.
Q: Is there anyone in particular that you're really hanging to see or hang out with while you're here?
A: Mastodon and Unearth. I can not wait to hang out with those dudes from Machine Head. Those are the ones that roll off the top of the head. I took a look at the list the other day. I think I came up with a list of seven other bands that we've toured with in the past and with which we had a great time.
Q: What do you think about the state of music in 2011? It just seems like there's a constant stream of great abums coming out.
A: I think that's just a statement on the strength of music despite the record companies having their desperate situation. I think technology's at a point where, if you got a creative mind, the tools to create music are very easy to come by. And the ability to get that music heard is huge now. So I think that one thing that the Internet has had positive for music is that music, as artistic expression, is very easily transmitted.
Q: So how it affect Lamb of God with so much great music coming out around you? Does it push you on toward further excellence?
A: To be honest, I've had my head so firmly in Lamb of God for the past year, I haven't really poked around to see what music is out there. We tend to be unaffected by what's going on around us and when it comes to create and go make another collection of Lamb of God songs, it's great that there's so much great music out there but we're incredibly confident in our abilities as a band to write, record and perform live kick ass music.
Q: What themes or concepts are you exploring lyric-wise on the latest album?
A: Betrayal, issues dealing with stress and difficult personal situations. I think one of the great things with our music though is, when you listen to it, you put part of yourself into it and it kinda changes the meaning. The lyrics are there, but the specific meaning of the lyrics can be put... in a way that relates to the context of their own life. The themes of despair and personal distress are just heavy metal subjects.
Q: What about musically? Are fans going to be able to go into this album and find some new things, perhaps, that you haven't explored before?
A: Well we don't necessarily go in trying to... we're not going to do the Korn thing and get into dubstep or anything. We're writing a Lamb of God record. But I definitely think there's influences in there. Like the track "Ghost Walk", with the acoustic intro, sounds a little Skynyrd-ish to me. But you know we've got the usual suspects as our inspiration is heavy metal and those are those great heavy metal bands that we grew up with: Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica. That sort of forms the backbone of what we write, what we take our cues from for our heavy metal.
Q: Now you are at that stage yourself, where bands are taking inspiration of you. How does that make you guys feel?
A: It's crazy man. It's a bit much at times. When people come up and want your signature... your autograph I guess you call it, it's an odd thing when people start to... they relate to this music, and there you are as a person. But who they relate you... there's a relationship there, but it's through a different medium. It can be an odd thing. And it's awesome that there's kids who are musically inspired by us, however we are definitely putting out music that we love. That we like. So I would say I'm glad these kids agree with us! (laughs) A friend of mine used to work at a music store, and he told me a few years ago, when "Laid to Rest" was the single, that kids were coming in trying to play the riff. They were coming in after music school and trying to play the Lamb of God riffs. To me that's cool, man. It's kinda odd, but it's cool.
Q: So what would be one of the highlights of yours that you've taken away from your Lamb of God experience?
A: Man, we've been a band for 16 years, and we've gone from nothing to playing Download festivals in front of 70,000 people. To pick out a highlight... well, I would have to say that playing at Download in front of 70,000 people was pretty intense. Touring with Metallica was definitely a stand out moment in the career of Lamb of God. Being able to stay in the
different cities we toured in for a week at a time, and then play to sold out arenas every night. That was pretty memorable.
Q: Metallica hand pick the bands they take out on tour with them, so just to be picked to do that must have been amazing.
A: Yeah man, it's like... they're Metallica! That was something we never even thought was possible. You never expect that Metallica is gonna call you up and say, "Hey man, why don't you guys come out and tour with us for a little bit?"
Q: So what is there still left for Lamb of God to achieve that you haven't done so far? Is there one thing you really want the band to do that you haven't yet?
A: Ah, shoot. It's hard to say man. Like I said, it's been 16 years of a slow, steady climb and you never expect to be on a tour bus, let alone touring with Metallica. So what am I looking up to from here? I'm in it for the long haul, to continue this upward trend through the years.
Lamb of God will be touring with Soundwave 2012 on the following dates-
25/2: Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD (SOLD OUT)
26/2: Sydney Showground, Sydney NSW (SOLD OUT)
2/3: Melbourne Showground, Melbourne VIC (SOLD OUT)
3/3: Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
5/3: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth WA
And appearing with In Flames and The Black Dahlia Murder:
28/2: Eaton Hills Hotel, Brisbane QLD
1/3: University of Canberra, Canberra ACT
Q: How are things shaping up for Lamb of God? You've just completed the album so you must be pretty happy.
A: Yeah, well the record's done and we're kinda in the limbo between the album being done and when it comes out in January.
Q: It's going to be a bit of a wait for you to find out what people think of it
A: Oh yeah. It's kinda crazy. It's sorta like waiting for Christmas. But I'm really excited about this record, I think the material is the strongest we've done, and the record sonically is amazing. It's a really great, dynamic heavy metal record, and I'm excited for this record to be delivered to the masses.
Q: So what do you think the fans are going to take away from this record?
A: Hopefully they'll be picking their jaws up off the ground and they'll be coming out to see us when we come around and play live.
Q: You were last out here with Metallica [in 2010] and soon you'll be here for Soundwave. How do you think that's going to compare?
A: Well the last time when we were here with Metallica, that was an amazing opportunity because we were able to stay in one city for more than a couple of days so we were able to check out the major cities of Australia. This time around we'll be rolling through on Soundwave on a huge bill with a bunch of our old, great friends that we've been touring with for years and some we haven't seen in a while. It's gonna be a really great time touring across Australia with those guys and we'll be trying our damnedest to take the stage every night.
Q: Is there anyone in particular that you're really hanging to see or hang out with while you're here?
A: Mastodon and Unearth. I can not wait to hang out with those dudes from Machine Head. Those are the ones that roll off the top of the head. I took a look at the list the other day. I think I came up with a list of seven other bands that we've toured with in the past and with which we had a great time.
Q: What do you think about the state of music in 2011? It just seems like there's a constant stream of great abums coming out.
A: I think that's just a statement on the strength of music despite the record companies having their desperate situation. I think technology's at a point where, if you got a creative mind, the tools to create music are very easy to come by. And the ability to get that music heard is huge now. So I think that one thing that the Internet has had positive for music is that music, as artistic expression, is very easily transmitted.
Q: So how it affect Lamb of God with so much great music coming out around you? Does it push you on toward further excellence?
A: To be honest, I've had my head so firmly in Lamb of God for the past year, I haven't really poked around to see what music is out there. We tend to be unaffected by what's going on around us and when it comes to create and go make another collection of Lamb of God songs, it's great that there's so much great music out there but we're incredibly confident in our abilities as a band to write, record and perform live kick ass music.
Q: What themes or concepts are you exploring lyric-wise on the latest album?
A: Betrayal, issues dealing with stress and difficult personal situations. I think one of the great things with our music though is, when you listen to it, you put part of yourself into it and it kinda changes the meaning. The lyrics are there, but the specific meaning of the lyrics can be put... in a way that relates to the context of their own life. The themes of despair and personal distress are just heavy metal subjects.
Q: What about musically? Are fans going to be able to go into this album and find some new things, perhaps, that you haven't explored before?
A: Well we don't necessarily go in trying to... we're not going to do the Korn thing and get into dubstep or anything. We're writing a Lamb of God record. But I definitely think there's influences in there. Like the track "Ghost Walk", with the acoustic intro, sounds a little Skynyrd-ish to me. But you know we've got the usual suspects as our inspiration is heavy metal and those are those great heavy metal bands that we grew up with: Slayer, Megadeth, Metallica. That sort of forms the backbone of what we write, what we take our cues from for our heavy metal.
Q: Now you are at that stage yourself, where bands are taking inspiration of you. How does that make you guys feel?
A: It's crazy man. It's a bit much at times. When people come up and want your signature... your autograph I guess you call it, it's an odd thing when people start to... they relate to this music, and there you are as a person. But who they relate you... there's a relationship there, but it's through a different medium. It can be an odd thing. And it's awesome that there's kids who are musically inspired by us, however we are definitely putting out music that we love. That we like. So I would say I'm glad these kids agree with us! (laughs) A friend of mine used to work at a music store, and he told me a few years ago, when "Laid to Rest" was the single, that kids were coming in trying to play the riff. They were coming in after music school and trying to play the Lamb of God riffs. To me that's cool, man. It's kinda odd, but it's cool.
Q: So what would be one of the highlights of yours that you've taken away from your Lamb of God experience?
A: Man, we've been a band for 16 years, and we've gone from nothing to playing Download festivals in front of 70,000 people. To pick out a highlight... well, I would have to say that playing at Download in front of 70,000 people was pretty intense. Touring with Metallica was definitely a stand out moment in the career of Lamb of God. Being able to stay in the
different cities we toured in for a week at a time, and then play to sold out arenas every night. That was pretty memorable.
Q: Metallica hand pick the bands they take out on tour with them, so just to be picked to do that must have been amazing.
A: Yeah man, it's like... they're Metallica! That was something we never even thought was possible. You never expect that Metallica is gonna call you up and say, "Hey man, why don't you guys come out and tour with us for a little bit?"
Q: So what is there still left for Lamb of God to achieve that you haven't done so far? Is there one thing you really want the band to do that you haven't yet?
A: Ah, shoot. It's hard to say man. Like I said, it's been 16 years of a slow, steady climb and you never expect to be on a tour bus, let alone touring with Metallica. So what am I looking up to from here? I'm in it for the long haul, to continue this upward trend through the years.
Lamb of God will be touring with Soundwave 2012 on the following dates-
25/2: Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD (SOLD OUT)
26/2: Sydney Showground, Sydney NSW (SOLD OUT)
2/3: Melbourne Showground, Melbourne VIC (SOLD OUT)
3/3: Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
5/3: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth WA
And appearing with In Flames and The Black Dahlia Murder:
28/2: Eaton Hills Hotel, Brisbane QLD
1/3: University of Canberra, Canberra ACT
Former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt has agreed to perform at least one guitar solo on "World In Chaos", the upcoming album from the Nevada-based metal act PAIN CLINIC. In addition, Hunolt is said to be working on his first band since EXODUS, with plans to begin auditioning drummers soon.
Hunolt played two songs with PAIN CLINIC on January 8 at the Thrashocalypse festival at the Workshop in Ceres, California (near Modesto). They performed a cover version of the EXODUS classic "A Lesson In Violence" as well as an original PAIN CLINIC song, "Wrapped In Plastic".
Commented PAIN CLINIC guitarist Jeff Gresham: "I can't believe I got to not only meet one of my childhood idols, but I got to stand next to him and perform an EXODUS classic, along with playing a song written by my band. Rick was humble, down to earth and just an all-around cool guy. You can tell he really changed his life around. It was an honor for me just to meet him."
Fan-filmed video footage of Hunolt performing with PAIN CLINIC can be seen below.
Hunolt, who left EXODUS in 2005 in order to focus on his family life, rejoined his former bandmates at a special concert in celebration of EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt and Lisa Perticone's wedding on September 24, 2011 at Avalon in Santa Clara, California.
Hunolt played two songs with PAIN CLINIC on January 8 at the Thrashocalypse festival at the Workshop in Ceres, California (near Modesto). They performed a cover version of the EXODUS classic "A Lesson In Violence" as well as an original PAIN CLINIC song, "Wrapped In Plastic".
Commented PAIN CLINIC guitarist Jeff Gresham: "I can't believe I got to not only meet one of my childhood idols, but I got to stand next to him and perform an EXODUS classic, along with playing a song written by my band. Rick was humble, down to earth and just an all-around cool guy. You can tell he really changed his life around. It was an honor for me just to meet him."
Fan-filmed video footage of Hunolt performing with PAIN CLINIC can be seen below.
Hunolt, who left EXODUS in 2005 in order to focus on his family life, rejoined his former bandmates at a special concert in celebration of EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt and Lisa Perticone's wedding on September 24, 2011 at Avalon in Santa Clara, California.
Legendary hard rock singer Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TALISMAN, JOURNEY) will release his new solo album, "Damage Control", on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America via Frontiers Records.
An extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard-rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad.
For "Damage Control", Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of melodic rock with hard rock.
"I feel 'Damage Control' is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me," says Jeff. "It's a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records — 'Prism' and 'Lost In The Translation' — but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as TALISMAN and SOUL SIRKUS. It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies."
"Damage Control" was recorded in the fall of 2011 and features appearances and writing contributions by Jeff's former and current bandmates, along with many guests, including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (TREAT), Casey Grillo (KAMELOT), Joel Hoekstra (NIGHT RANGER) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff states, "Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long time friend and one on the 'wish list' of people I would have loved to have, I didn't want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!"
"Damage Control" will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in digipak format has an additional three bonus tracks and a DVD.
CD:
01. Give A Little More
02. Damage Control
03. Look Inside Your Heart
04. Die A Little
05. Take U Down*
06. If I Never Let Her Go
07. Tears That I Cry
08. BonaFide
09. Elena*
10. Krazy World
11. How To Love Again
12. AfterWorld
13. NeverEnding War
14. Afraid To Die*
* Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition.
DVD:
* Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip)
* NeverEnding War (videoclip)
* Damage Control (videoclip)
* EPK interview
Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record. "The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the world will have me," he says. "I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!"
An extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard-rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad.
For "Damage Control", Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of melodic rock with hard rock.
"I feel 'Damage Control' is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me," says Jeff. "It's a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records — 'Prism' and 'Lost In The Translation' — but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as TALISMAN and SOUL SIRKUS. It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies."
"Damage Control" was recorded in the fall of 2011 and features appearances and writing contributions by Jeff's former and current bandmates, along with many guests, including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (TREAT), Casey Grillo (KAMELOT), Joel Hoekstra (NIGHT RANGER) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff states, "Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long time friend and one on the 'wish list' of people I would have loved to have, I didn't want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!"
"Damage Control" will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in digipak format has an additional three bonus tracks and a DVD.
CD:
01. Give A Little More
02. Damage Control
03. Look Inside Your Heart
04. Die A Little
05. Take U Down*
06. If I Never Let Her Go
07. Tears That I Cry
08. BonaFide
09. Elena*
10. Krazy World
11. How To Love Again
12. AfterWorld
13. NeverEnding War
14. Afraid To Die*
* Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition.
DVD:
* Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip)
* NeverEnding War (videoclip)
* Damage Control (videoclip)
* EPK interview
Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record. "The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the world will have me," he says. "I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!"
Brendan "Brush" Shiels, founding member of the late 1960s/early 1970s Irish blues-rock act SKID ROW — which is best known as legendary guitarist Gary Moore's first professional band — has posted a YouTube video in which he accuses the American rock group SKID ROW of using the band name without his permission. He also discusses how he believes the story that Moore received a $35,000 payoff by the American band for the use of the name is nonsense and reveals that he has unsuccessfully tried to contact Jon Bon Jovi (with whom the Sebastian Bach-fronted SKID ROW reportedly signed a publishing deal prior to releasing its first album) and Doc McGhee, early manager of the the American SKID ROW, to resolve the SKID ROW name issue once and for all. Shiels also talks about his ex-SKID ROW bandmates, the late Phil Lynott and Gary Moore.
PHARAOH, the American heavy metal band featuring vocalist Tim Aymar (CONTROL DENIED), has inked a deal with Cruz Del Sur Music for the release of three albums. The first effort, "Bury The Light", will contain 10 new songs for a total running time of 48 minutes, and will be made available on February 24 in Europe and March 6 in the U.S. The CD will feature guest appearances by Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND) and Jim Dofka (DOFKA).
When asked how PHARAOH has evolved on the new album, guitarist Matt Johnsen said, "We tried to add more textural elements to our songs while continuing to cut as much extraneous material as possible. The songs on this album are dense, but hopefully they never overstay their welcome. The basic template is the same as on 'Be Gone', but the album is less dark overall, and perhaps a little faster."
He added, "I think anyone who stuck it out with us after we shed the remainders of our obvious IRON MAIDEN worship after 'The Longest Night' will be happy with our progression on this album. It's still crammed full of traditional elements, of course, but we're not trying to be retro or old fashioned. We want to move melodic metal forward."
"Bury The Light" track listing:
01. Leave Me Here To Dream
02. The Wolves
03. Castles in the Sky
04. The Year of the Blizzard
05. The Spider's Thread
06. Cry
07. Graveyard of Empires
08. Burn With Me
09. In Your Hands
When asked how PHARAOH has evolved on the new album, guitarist Matt Johnsen said, "We tried to add more textural elements to our songs while continuing to cut as much extraneous material as possible. The songs on this album are dense, but hopefully they never overstay their welcome. The basic template is the same as on 'Be Gone', but the album is less dark overall, and perhaps a little faster."
He added, "I think anyone who stuck it out with us after we shed the remainders of our obvious IRON MAIDEN worship after 'The Longest Night' will be happy with our progression on this album. It's still crammed full of traditional elements, of course, but we're not trying to be retro or old fashioned. We want to move melodic metal forward."
"Bury The Light" track listing:
01. Leave Me Here To Dream
02. The Wolves
03. Castles in the Sky
04. The Year of the Blizzard
05. The Spider's Thread
06. Cry
07. Graveyard of Empires
08. Burn With Me
09. In Your Hands
Guitarist Seth Thacker of the Knoxville, Tennessee-based female-fronted metal/hardcore act STRAIGHT LINE STITCH has released the following statement:
"I have officially stepped down from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is something I will forever cherish and I will miss it deeply. Some things just aren't meant to be, and at this particular point of my life STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is one of those things. I will be forever grateful for all the fans and friends I have met on this journey. Time to turn a new leaf...I love you all!"
As previously reported, STRAIGHT LINE STITCH recently parted ways with drummer Kanky Lora.
Commented Lora in a statement: "I have decided to step away from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. I actually made this decision and informed the band of my departure, after our last European tour. And now with the New Year and a fresh start, I feel now is the best time to show this to the public.
"Obviously, there are many reasons behind this decision, but none that I feel the need to discuss since I would like to leave in good faith.
"I will always cherish the countless memories, good and bad, and will always be thankful for all of the great experiences that I've had with the band.
"Thank you to all the fans for your generous support and God bless you all. I wish nothing but the best and good luck to the band and their future members.
"As of right now, Im still producing and engineering and had a few offers for touirng already so I will be hitting the road soon. I'm still looking to join another band full-time as well."
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH's sophomore album, "The Fight Of Our Lives", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 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.
The follow-up to 2008's "When Skies Wash Ashore", "The Fight Of Our Lives" was produced and mixed by the Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SEVENDUST) and includes eleven new songs. Additional work on the album was done by Ben Schigel.
"I have officially stepped down from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is something I will forever cherish and I will miss it deeply. Some things just aren't meant to be, and at this particular point of my life STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is one of those things. I will be forever grateful for all the fans and friends I have met on this journey. Time to turn a new leaf...I love you all!"
As previously reported, STRAIGHT LINE STITCH recently parted ways with drummer Kanky Lora.
Commented Lora in a statement: "I have decided to step away from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. I actually made this decision and informed the band of my departure, after our last European tour. And now with the New Year and a fresh start, I feel now is the best time to show this to the public.
"Obviously, there are many reasons behind this decision, but none that I feel the need to discuss since I would like to leave in good faith.
"I will always cherish the countless memories, good and bad, and will always be thankful for all of the great experiences that I've had with the band.
"Thank you to all the fans for your generous support and God bless you all. I wish nothing but the best and good luck to the band and their future members.
"As of right now, Im still producing and engineering and had a few offers for touirng already so I will be hitting the road soon. I'm still looking to join another band full-time as well."
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH's sophomore album, "The Fight Of Our Lives", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 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.
The follow-up to 2008's "When Skies Wash Ashore", "The Fight Of Our Lives" was produced and mixed by the Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SEVENDUST) and includes eleven new songs. Additional work on the album was done by Ben Schigel.
Legendary New York City rock powerhouse UNSANE will release its long-awaited seventh full-length album, "Wreck", on March 20 via Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles label.
Recorded by the band and producer Andrew Schneider at Brooklyn's Translator Audio (PELICAN, KEELHAUL), "Wreck" is an unfettered burst of pent up emotions and frustrations channeled into song and an unflinching glance into a type of life others probably should not lead. From the shock and awe of the LP's lead track, "Rat", and the stunningly damaged "Decay" to the doom and gloom of the heavy-handed "No Chance" and through to the transcendental brainwork of "Stuck", UNSANE's "Wreck" is darkly abrasive and poetic music delivered with a fearsome intensity. A punishing, but ultimately tuneful album, realistic in subject matter and as engaging as it is abrasive, "Wreck" features UNSANE at its legendary best. Chris Spencer's vocals and lyrics positively ache with fear and loathing (resembling the sound of a man trapped in the New York Subway system) while his searing Telecaster howl and pulverizing chords wreak havoc over Vincent Signorelli's drums and Dave Curran's muscular, thick as lava bass lines.
UNSANE celebrates its 20th anniversary by delivering the darkest and most personal record of its celebrated career; "Wreck" is the band's defining moment.
"Making the album 'Wreck' has been amazingly cathartic. Not only musically, but personally," comments Spencer. "Writing with Dave and Vincent is always great, and having been together so long made it easy to focus on what musically and lyrically would sum up this period of time. Recordings about modern urban life. The constant noise, confrontation, stress and alienation that goes with it, and the dysfunctional ways people try to deal with it. The death, drugs, attempted suicide and completely degenerative behavior of those around us really left a mark. I really was feeling like I needed to get it out of my system. There are some moments of redemption, but more often than not things did not end well. As the world population reaches seven billion it's impossible not to feel the overcrowding."
"Wreck" track listing:
01. Rat
02. Decay
03. No Chance
04. Pigeon
05. Metropolis
06. Ghost
07. Don't
08. Stuck
09. Roach
10. Ha Ha Ha (FLIPPER cover)
Upon the release of the new LP, UNSANE will team up with punk rock legends THE MELVINS for what promises to be one of the year's most anticipated underground rock tours. The like-minded bands will launch the 21-city trek on April 11 in San Jose, California and will collaborate on an über-limited tour seven-inch EP featuring each band covering a song from the other. The tour-only vinyl release will feature cover artwork from Amphetamine Reptile Records founder Thomas Hazelmyer.
Recorded by the band and producer Andrew Schneider at Brooklyn's Translator Audio (PELICAN, KEELHAUL), "Wreck" is an unfettered burst of pent up emotions and frustrations channeled into song and an unflinching glance into a type of life others probably should not lead. From the shock and awe of the LP's lead track, "Rat", and the stunningly damaged "Decay" to the doom and gloom of the heavy-handed "No Chance" and through to the transcendental brainwork of "Stuck", UNSANE's "Wreck" is darkly abrasive and poetic music delivered with a fearsome intensity. A punishing, but ultimately tuneful album, realistic in subject matter and as engaging as it is abrasive, "Wreck" features UNSANE at its legendary best. Chris Spencer's vocals and lyrics positively ache with fear and loathing (resembling the sound of a man trapped in the New York Subway system) while his searing Telecaster howl and pulverizing chords wreak havoc over Vincent Signorelli's drums and Dave Curran's muscular, thick as lava bass lines.
UNSANE celebrates its 20th anniversary by delivering the darkest and most personal record of its celebrated career; "Wreck" is the band's defining moment.
"Making the album 'Wreck' has been amazingly cathartic. Not only musically, but personally," comments Spencer. "Writing with Dave and Vincent is always great, and having been together so long made it easy to focus on what musically and lyrically would sum up this period of time. Recordings about modern urban life. The constant noise, confrontation, stress and alienation that goes with it, and the dysfunctional ways people try to deal with it. The death, drugs, attempted suicide and completely degenerative behavior of those around us really left a mark. I really was feeling like I needed to get it out of my system. There are some moments of redemption, but more often than not things did not end well. As the world population reaches seven billion it's impossible not to feel the overcrowding."
"Wreck" track listing:
01. Rat
02. Decay
03. No Chance
04. Pigeon
05. Metropolis
06. Ghost
07. Don't
08. Stuck
09. Roach
10. Ha Ha Ha (FLIPPER cover)
Upon the release of the new LP, UNSANE will team up with punk rock legends THE MELVINS for what promises to be one of the year's most anticipated underground rock tours. The like-minded bands will launch the 21-city trek on April 11 in San Jose, California and will collaborate on an über-limited tour seven-inch EP featuring each band covering a song from the other. The tour-only vinyl release will feature cover artwork from Amphetamine Reptile Records founder Thomas Hazelmyer.
Reunited heavy metal band SLEEPY HOLLOW will release its new album, "Skull 13", on March 23 via Pure Steel Records and High Roller Records. The effort will be released on vinyl (limited 500 copies) through High Roller and on CD/DDL through Pure Steel.
SLEEPY HOLLOW will film a video for the song "Spiral Effect" on location in Middletown, Delaware between February 2 and February 3. The clip will make its online debut on the day of the CD's release.
An album release party is currently in the works for Saturday, March 24. Details for the event will be made available soon. A tour of the Midwest is currently in the final stage of negotiations and will be announced soon.
"Skull 13" track listing:
01. Death Of The Horseman
02. Facemelter
03. Black Passage
04. Bleed Steel
05. Rear Window
06. Inquisition
07. Epic (The Legend Retold)
08. Eternal Bridge
09. Misery Waltz
10. Spiral Effect
11. Midnight
"Skull 13" was recorded primarily at No Oulet Studio in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania with producers Steve Stegg and Eric Fisher.
Bassist Mike LePond left SLEEPY HOLLOW in December due to his commitments with SYMPHONY X. He has since been replaced by Alan D'Angelo.
SLEEPY HOLLOW is:
Bob Mitchell - Vocals
Steve Stegg - Guitar
Alan D'Angelo - Bass
Tom Wassman - Drums
SLEEPY HOLLOW will film a video for the song "Spiral Effect" on location in Middletown, Delaware between February 2 and February 3. The clip will make its online debut on the day of the CD's release.
An album release party is currently in the works for Saturday, March 24. Details for the event will be made available soon. A tour of the Midwest is currently in the final stage of negotiations and will be announced soon.
"Skull 13" track listing:
01. Death Of The Horseman
02. Facemelter
03. Black Passage
04. Bleed Steel
05. Rear Window
06. Inquisition
07. Epic (The Legend Retold)
08. Eternal Bridge
09. Misery Waltz
10. Spiral Effect
11. Midnight
"Skull 13" was recorded primarily at No Oulet Studio in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania with producers Steve Stegg and Eric Fisher.
Bassist Mike LePond left SLEEPY HOLLOW in December due to his commitments with SYMPHONY X. He has since been replaced by Alan D'Angelo.
SLEEPY HOLLOW is:
Bob Mitchell - Vocals
Steve Stegg - Guitar
Alan D'Angelo - Bass
Tom Wassman - Drums
Greek metallers NIGHTFALL have commenced work on a new album for a late 2012 release. The follow-up to 2010's "Astron Black And The Thirty Tyrants" will contain 11 tracks.
"Astron Black And The Thirty Tyrants" was recorded at various places, including Soundlodge in Germany, where the bulk of the sessions took place. It was produced by mainman Efthimis Karadimas and drummer Jörg Uken (who has previously worked with GOD DETHRONED, DEW-SCENTED and SINISTER). According to a press release, Jörg's "experience behind the recording desk and his soul in recording both as the new drummer of the band is a great plus for the whole production and for everybody truly into metal drumming the… old classic metal way!"
NIGHTFALL last year announced the addition of guitarist Constantine and bassist Stathis Ridis to the group's ranks.
"Astron Black And The Thirty Tyrants" was recorded at various places, including Soundlodge in Germany, where the bulk of the sessions took place. It was produced by mainman Efthimis Karadimas and drummer Jörg Uken (who has previously worked with GOD DETHRONED, DEW-SCENTED and SINISTER). According to a press release, Jörg's "experience behind the recording desk and his soul in recording both as the new drummer of the band is a great plus for the whole production and for everybody truly into metal drumming the… old classic metal way!"
NIGHTFALL last year announced the addition of guitarist Constantine and bassist Stathis Ridis to the group's ranks.
Haugesund, Norway-based "noise rock" band ÅRABROT was honored in the "Metal" category at the 40th annual Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards). The largest and oldest Norwegian music awards show was held this past Saturday, January 14 at Folketeateret in Oslo, Norway and was broadcast live on the Norwegian channel NRK1.
The nominees in the "Metal" category were as follows:
* INSENSE - "Burn In Beautiful Fire"
* SHINING - "Live Blackjazz"
* TAAKE - "Noregs Vaapen"
* VREID - "V"
* ÅRABROT - "Solar Anus"
Last year's Spellemann award in the "Metal" category went to ENSLAVED for the band's "Axioma Ethica Odini" album.
The nominees in the "Metal" category were as follows:
* INSENSE - "Burn In Beautiful Fire"
* SHINING - "Live Blackjazz"
* TAAKE - "Noregs Vaapen"
* VREID - "V"
* ÅRABROT - "Solar Anus"
Last year's Spellemann award in the "Metal" category went to ENSLAVED for the band's "Axioma Ethica Odini" album.
Hungarian extreme metallers EKTOMORF will release a very special "acoustic" album, "The Acoustic", on February 17 via AFM Records. All artwork for the CD was created by Tim Eckhorst, who previously did illustrations for the Wacken Open Air festival and various other bands.
"The Acoustic" track listing:
01. I Know Them
02. I'm In Hate
03. Be Free
04. Redemption
05. Simple Man
06. To Smoulder
07. Folsom Prison Blues
08. Again
09. Through Your Eyes
10. Fate
11. Stigmatized
12. Who Can I Trust
EKTOMORF's latest album, "Redemption", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.
"The Acoustic" track listing:
01. I Know Them
02. I'm In Hate
03. Be Free
04. Redemption
05. Simple Man
06. To Smoulder
07. Folsom Prison Blues
08. Again
09. Through Your Eyes
10. Fate
11. Stigmatized
12. Who Can I Trust
EKTOMORF's latest album, "Redemption", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.
MASSACRE, the resurrected 1990s Florida-based death metal band featuring Terry Butler (DEATH, MASSACRE, SIX FEET UNDER, DENIAL FIEND, OBITUARY) and Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo (MANTAS, DEATH, MASSACRE, M INC.), debuted its new lineup last night (Saturday, January 14) at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.
Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
Former RIKETS and current SKINLAB guitarist Provo Provenzano has launched a new project called EVERYBODY PANIC! The band, which is rounded out by Ty (LURE, WHITEFALL) on vocals, Gog (WHITEFALL, GOG & GRUBBS) on bass and TJ (HORSE CALLED WAR, MEMORY DRIVEN) on drums, will make its first single, "When It All Burns", available for free download on Monday, February 6.
A teaser video of EVERYBODY PANIC! in the studio recording "When It All Burns" can be seen below.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/EVERYBODYPANIC
A teaser video of EVERYBODY PANIC! in the studio recording "When It All Burns" can be seen below.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/EVERYBODYPANIC
Bassist Olivier Pinard (NEURAXIS, VENGEFUL) has officially joined Canadian extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY.
A playthrough bass video of Pinard filmed and edited by Bookaking Productions can be seen below.
Guitarist-turned-bassist Youri Raymond left CRYPTOPSY last month, explaining in a statement that "it's in the best interest of both the band and I to part ways." He added, "As a musician, moving from guitar to bass was a great challenge, but honestly, I never really felt comfortable in that position and my motivation in general was stagnating."
Lead guitarist and songwriter Jon Levasseur rejoined CRYPTOPSY in May 2011.
"The Unspoken King", CRYPTOPSY's sixth full-length and first to feature new vocalist Matt McGachy, was released June 24, 2008 to a wide array of reactions. Drummer Flo Mounier explained his intention in reshaping the dynamics of the band to Decibel magazine: "I'm a fan of different sorts of music, and I think it's most fun when a band puts out an album that has elements of everything; you get this thing called diversity, not boredom. That's what we're trying to do. Still, I think people are going to be surprised how brutal this album is."
A playthrough bass video of Pinard filmed and edited by Bookaking Productions can be seen below.
Guitarist-turned-bassist Youri Raymond left CRYPTOPSY last month, explaining in a statement that "it's in the best interest of both the band and I to part ways." He added, "As a musician, moving from guitar to bass was a great challenge, but honestly, I never really felt comfortable in that position and my motivation in general was stagnating."
Lead guitarist and songwriter Jon Levasseur rejoined CRYPTOPSY in May 2011.
"The Unspoken King", CRYPTOPSY's sixth full-length and first to feature new vocalist Matt McGachy, was released June 24, 2008 to a wide array of reactions. Drummer Flo Mounier explained his intention in reshaping the dynamics of the band to Decibel magazine: "I'm a fan of different sorts of music, and I think it's most fun when a band puts out an album that has elements of everything; you get this thing called diversity, not boredom. That's what we're trying to do. Still, I think people are going to be surprised how brutal this album is."
Chicago's DIRGE WITHIN has set "There Will Be Blood" as the title of its sophomore full-length album, due on April 10 via Rocket Science Ventures/THC: Music. The CD was recorded at Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois with engineer Scott Creekmore and producer Ari Mihalopoulos and is currently being mixed at Inner Light Studios with Ari and DIRGE WITHIN guitarist Shaun Glass.
Guitarist Matt Szlachta recently 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," said vocalist Jeremy "Jerms" Genske. "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, 2011. 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.
Guitarist Matt Szlachta recently 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," said vocalist Jeremy "Jerms" Genske. "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, 2011. 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.
Florida-based death metal veterans CANNIBAL CORPSE will release their twelfth studio album, "Torture", on March 13 via Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Evisceration Plague" offers up 12 tracks of maniacally precise, soul-searing death metal. "Torture" was again produced by HATE ETERNAL's Erik Rutan at his own Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida as well as Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, and features the maniacal cover art by longtime CANNIBAL CORPSE artist Vincent Locke.
While "Torture" marks the latest progression in the band's sound, it also witnesses a return to what drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz accurately terms "the frenzied attack of 'Butchered At Birth' (1991) or 'Tomb Of The Mutilated' (1992)," infusing the band's advanced musicianship with the raw savagery that haunted their earlier releases, and in the process conceiving the definitive CANNIBAL CORPSE record. Adds bassist Alex Webster on the outcome of the record: "We're extremely happy with how 'Torture' turned out. Erik Rutan did an amazing job with the production, and the songwriting and performances may be our strongest yet. We can't wait until our fans get to hear the whole thing!"
From the monstrous chugging of "Sarcophagic Frenzy" to the deeply sinister "Followed Home Then Killed" or the loping evil of "Scourge of Iron", every track hits with sledgehammer force, and each one boasts its own hideous character, the band refusing to repeat themselves at any point.
"While we make everything as heavy as possible there's a very strong emphasis placed on song writing in this band, trying to make every song individual, and I think you should be able to hit play at any point on a record and be able to tell one song from another almost instantly," states Webster. "We want all the songs to be brutal death metal, but we also want them to be instantly identifiable from one another, and that's something that is definitely true of the songs on 'Torture'."
Webster also believes that stability in the band's ranks greatly contributes to the record's strength, "Torture" being the third consecutive album featuring the current lineup of himself and co-founding member Mazurkiewicz, alongside guitarists Rob Barrett and Patrick O'Brien, and vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher. "The band is at its strongest right now, and I think we're at our very peak as far as playing ability and song writing maturity. As a result of that this is the album where we've been able to finally best get across what we wanted to do as players and as song writers." Equally, this is their third release to be helmed by producer Erik Rutan (of HATE ETERNAL fame), and while "Kill" and "Evisceration Plague" were recorded entirely at Rutan's Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida, this time out the sessions were split between Mana and Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. Having tracked 1999's Colin Richardson-produced "Bloodthirst", as well as 2002's "Gore Obsessed" and 2004's "The Wretched Spawn" (both produced by Neil Kernon) at Sonic Ranch, the band were keen to once again experience the isolation of working essentially in the middle of nowhere, this time with Rutan calling the shots.
"The studio is about forty miles outside of El Paso, and we made a point of not having a rental car so we were stuck there, that way all we could think about was the record," Webster states. "When we record in Florida usually the only guy in the studio with Erik is the one recording that day, and having us all together rather than scattered really helped us focus and totally immerse ourselves in the music, and I think that it's a far better record for it." This approach has resulted in a record that not only delivers a devastating punch but also eschews merely replicating the sound of their previous collaborations, and Mazurkiewicz asserts that their relationship with the producer is a tremendously beneficial one. "He's a death metal guitar player and a death metal singer, which makes him 'one of us'. On top of that he's a great guy, a workaholic, and a great motivator because he's not only an extremely talented peer but he's always nitpicking and doing what he's got to do to make everything better. He pushes us to make the best possible record and does what needs to be done to give it a distinctive sound of its own."
Though the band continue to dwell on dark and disturbing lyrical areas, they long ago transcended the early notoriety bestowed upon them (based solely upon their artwork and lyrics) through proving themselves one of the best — and hardest working — live bands in modern heavy music. As such, while they certainly stand defiant as part of the old guard in death metal, through their devotion to touring and consistently releasing bigger and better records they have retained both their relevance and bite while many of the bands that hacked their way out of the scene twenty years ago have fallen by the wayside. Equally, as the genre's profile has begun to once again grow in recent years the band do not concern themselves with thoughts of being dethroned by younger generations of bands following in their wake.
"We get inspired by seeing these other bands doing killer music, but we definitely don't feel threatened by it," Webster states. With a great many contemporary death metal bands perhaps overly concerned with being recognized as the 'fastest' or 'most technical', the art of the song itself seems often overlooked, and that is a trap CANNIBAL CORPSE have never fallen into. "I am very into ultra-fast music that shows off chops, but I think that it's important to develop ability as a musician not to show off that ability but rather to use it to write killer songs. Writing a genuinely memorable, killer song is very challenging, but the best albums are the ones with the best songs, period."
In 2012, CANNIBAL CORPSE have ensured that the twelve songs comprising "Torture" are the very best and therefore cohere to make the best possible album, though they are not content to rest upon their laurels and they are as hungry as ever to unleash their distinctive breed of aural horror upon heaving mosh pits. "I haven't been this excited about a release in a long time," enthuses Mazurkiewicz. "We worked so hard at it and we hope that the fans feel the same way we do. Being out there and getting to play these songs live will once again prove to people we're not going anywhere. We're not going through the motions, we're really trying to be the best band we can be, and we're just getting better."
"Torture" track listing:
01. Demented Aggression
02. Sarcophagic Frenzy
03. Scourge of Iron
04. Encased in Concrete
05. As Deep As the Knife Will Go
06. Intestinal Crank
07. Followed Home Then Killed
08. The Strangulation Chair
09. Caged...Contorted
10. Crucifier Avenged
11. Rabid
12. Torn Through
While "Torture" marks the latest progression in the band's sound, it also witnesses a return to what drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz accurately terms "the frenzied attack of 'Butchered At Birth' (1991) or 'Tomb Of The Mutilated' (1992)," infusing the band's advanced musicianship with the raw savagery that haunted their earlier releases, and in the process conceiving the definitive CANNIBAL CORPSE record. Adds bassist Alex Webster on the outcome of the record: "We're extremely happy with how 'Torture' turned out. Erik Rutan did an amazing job with the production, and the songwriting and performances may be our strongest yet. We can't wait until our fans get to hear the whole thing!"
From the monstrous chugging of "Sarcophagic Frenzy" to the deeply sinister "Followed Home Then Killed" or the loping evil of "Scourge of Iron", every track hits with sledgehammer force, and each one boasts its own hideous character, the band refusing to repeat themselves at any point.
"While we make everything as heavy as possible there's a very strong emphasis placed on song writing in this band, trying to make every song individual, and I think you should be able to hit play at any point on a record and be able to tell one song from another almost instantly," states Webster. "We want all the songs to be brutal death metal, but we also want them to be instantly identifiable from one another, and that's something that is definitely true of the songs on 'Torture'."
Webster also believes that stability in the band's ranks greatly contributes to the record's strength, "Torture" being the third consecutive album featuring the current lineup of himself and co-founding member Mazurkiewicz, alongside guitarists Rob Barrett and Patrick O'Brien, and vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher. "The band is at its strongest right now, and I think we're at our very peak as far as playing ability and song writing maturity. As a result of that this is the album where we've been able to finally best get across what we wanted to do as players and as song writers." Equally, this is their third release to be helmed by producer Erik Rutan (of HATE ETERNAL fame), and while "Kill" and "Evisceration Plague" were recorded entirely at Rutan's Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida, this time out the sessions were split between Mana and Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. Having tracked 1999's Colin Richardson-produced "Bloodthirst", as well as 2002's "Gore Obsessed" and 2004's "The Wretched Spawn" (both produced by Neil Kernon) at Sonic Ranch, the band were keen to once again experience the isolation of working essentially in the middle of nowhere, this time with Rutan calling the shots.
"The studio is about forty miles outside of El Paso, and we made a point of not having a rental car so we were stuck there, that way all we could think about was the record," Webster states. "When we record in Florida usually the only guy in the studio with Erik is the one recording that day, and having us all together rather than scattered really helped us focus and totally immerse ourselves in the music, and I think that it's a far better record for it." This approach has resulted in a record that not only delivers a devastating punch but also eschews merely replicating the sound of their previous collaborations, and Mazurkiewicz asserts that their relationship with the producer is a tremendously beneficial one. "He's a death metal guitar player and a death metal singer, which makes him 'one of us'. On top of that he's a great guy, a workaholic, and a great motivator because he's not only an extremely talented peer but he's always nitpicking and doing what he's got to do to make everything better. He pushes us to make the best possible record and does what needs to be done to give it a distinctive sound of its own."
Though the band continue to dwell on dark and disturbing lyrical areas, they long ago transcended the early notoriety bestowed upon them (based solely upon their artwork and lyrics) through proving themselves one of the best — and hardest working — live bands in modern heavy music. As such, while they certainly stand defiant as part of the old guard in death metal, through their devotion to touring and consistently releasing bigger and better records they have retained both their relevance and bite while many of the bands that hacked their way out of the scene twenty years ago have fallen by the wayside. Equally, as the genre's profile has begun to once again grow in recent years the band do not concern themselves with thoughts of being dethroned by younger generations of bands following in their wake.
"We get inspired by seeing these other bands doing killer music, but we definitely don't feel threatened by it," Webster states. With a great many contemporary death metal bands perhaps overly concerned with being recognized as the 'fastest' or 'most technical', the art of the song itself seems often overlooked, and that is a trap CANNIBAL CORPSE have never fallen into. "I am very into ultra-fast music that shows off chops, but I think that it's important to develop ability as a musician not to show off that ability but rather to use it to write killer songs. Writing a genuinely memorable, killer song is very challenging, but the best albums are the ones with the best songs, period."
In 2012, CANNIBAL CORPSE have ensured that the twelve songs comprising "Torture" are the very best and therefore cohere to make the best possible album, though they are not content to rest upon their laurels and they are as hungry as ever to unleash their distinctive breed of aural horror upon heaving mosh pits. "I haven't been this excited about a release in a long time," enthuses Mazurkiewicz. "We worked so hard at it and we hope that the fans feel the same way we do. Being out there and getting to play these songs live will once again prove to people we're not going anywhere. We're not going through the motions, we're really trying to be the best band we can be, and we're just getting better."
"Torture" track listing:
01. Demented Aggression
02. Sarcophagic Frenzy
03. Scourge of Iron
04. Encased in Concrete
05. As Deep As the Knife Will Go
06. Intestinal Crank
07. Followed Home Then Killed
08. The Strangulation Chair
09. Caged...Contorted
10. Crucifier Avenged
11. Rabid
12. Torn Through
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/cctorture.jpg
MASSACRE recently canceled its European tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the band's classic "From Beyond" album. Dubbed "Army Of Darkness", the trek was slated to take place in January/February 2012 and was supposed to feature additional performances from MACABRE and MASTER.
MASSACRE's current touring lineup is as follows:
* Mike Mazzonetto (M INC., PAIN PRINCIPLE) - Drums
* Ed Webb (DIABOLIC, GENERICHRIST, DESTINED TO RUIN) - Vocals
* Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo – Guitar
* Terry Butler - Bass
"From Beyond" was recently reissued as a limited-edition digipak CD via Earache Records.The long-out-of-print album was made available on CD with four bonus EP tracks and comes housed in a digipak with extended artwork and a fold-out poster.
A different version of MASSACRE — consisting of DENIAL FIEND members Sam Williams (guitar), Curt Beeson (drums; NASTY SAVAGE), along with Terry Butler, Steve Swanson (guitar) and Kam Lee (vocals; MASSACRE, DEATH, MANTAS) — completed a European tour in late 2007.
Australian black/death metallers DENOUNCEMENT PYRE are preparing to enter the studio to record their second full-length album, to be titled "Almighty Arcanum". The effort will feature seven new tracks and will be released later in the year on both CD and vinyl formats by Hells Headbangers Records.
DENOUNCEMENT PYRE will return to the stage in June to perform live for the first time in half a decade as part of the Evil Invaders festival in Sydney, Australia. More shows will be announced soon.
DENOUNCEMENT PYRE's full-length debut, "World Cremation", came out in 2010 via Hells Headbangers.
DENOUNCEMENT PYRE will return to the stage in June to perform live for the first time in half a decade as part of the Evil Invaders festival in Sydney, Australia. More shows will be announced soon.
DENOUNCEMENT PYRE's full-length debut, "World Cremation", came out in 2010 via Hells Headbangers.
German deathcore band SCIENCE OF SLEEP has inked a deal with Bastardized Recordings. The band's first EP, "Affliction" — which was originally made available last September — will be re-released later this year with a bonus track, to be followed by SCIENCE OF SLEEP's full-length debut.
Formed two years ago in the German city of Braunschweig, SCIENCE OF SLEEP "clearly break out of line and deliver a new era of brutality, blast beats and blood-freezing vocals," according to the band's official bio. "The passion the five guys carry through every moment of their bandlife and over 100 live shows in the first two years show everybody the strong will to reach a higher level."
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SOSMETAL.
Formed two years ago in the German city of Braunschweig, SCIENCE OF SLEEP "clearly break out of line and deliver a new era of brutality, blast beats and blood-freezing vocals," according to the band's official bio. "The passion the five guys carry through every moment of their bandlife and over 100 live shows in the first two years show everybody the strong will to reach a higher level."
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SOSMETAL.
New Zealand-based brutal death metallers DEPTHS have inked a deal with Deadboy Records. The band's new album will be released later in the year.
Commented Deadboy A&R representative Vasely Sapunov: "It is a great pleasure to be working with our newest signing DEPTHS. They are a super-hard-working, great bunch of guys who have proven themselves well over the last year with relentless touring in support of their self-released EP, 'Resurgence', which has won over an impressive amount of fans.
"After seeing the band's relentless live show at the end of 2011, we knew that it was right to begin a relationship with these guys and help them take their music and career to the next level."
DEPTHS plays "a ball-crushingly brutal blend of modern deathcore and traditional death metal for fans of OCEANO, WHITECHAPEL and IMPENDING DOOM," according to a press release.
The band's brand new music video for the song "Of Nothing" can be viewed below.
DEPTHS is:
Sam Bennett - Guitar
Joshua Bain - Vocals
James Power - Bass
Dylan Rober't - Drums
Jae Faithfull – Guitar
Commented Deadboy A&R representative Vasely Sapunov: "It is a great pleasure to be working with our newest signing DEPTHS. They are a super-hard-working, great bunch of guys who have proven themselves well over the last year with relentless touring in support of their self-released EP, 'Resurgence', which has won over an impressive amount of fans.
"After seeing the band's relentless live show at the end of 2011, we knew that it was right to begin a relationship with these guys and help them take their music and career to the next level."
DEPTHS plays "a ball-crushingly brutal blend of modern deathcore and traditional death metal for fans of OCEANO, WHITECHAPEL and IMPENDING DOOM," according to a press release.
The band's brand new music video for the song "Of Nothing" can be viewed below.
DEPTHS is:
Sam Bennett - Guitar
Joshua Bain - Vocals
James Power - Bass
Dylan Rober't - Drums
Jae Faithfull – Guitar
San Diego extreme metallers CATTLE DECAPITATION entered Denver, Colorado's Flatline Audio on January 7 to begin recording the highly anticipated follow-up to their critically-acclaimed album "The Harvest Floor" (2009 on Metal Blade Records).
Commented CATTLE DECAPITATION frontman Travis Ryan : "We spent the first two days mapping out tempos and getting things situated, drums mic'd all that stuff. Just started tracking drums today and everything is sounding great! We're excited to start laying down some tones and getting this beast finished and in the hands of our fans and friends."
The band has a small crew filming all steps of the way so fans of the band can look forward to studio video reports via the band's YouTube channel and getting the full album details in the coming weeks when album title, cover image and track listing as well as immediate U.S. and European tour plans are revealed.
Commented CATTLE DECAPITATION frontman Travis Ryan : "We spent the first two days mapping out tempos and getting things situated, drums mic'd all that stuff. Just started tracking drums today and everything is sounding great! We're excited to start laying down some tones and getting this beast finished and in the hands of our fans and friends."
The band has a small crew filming all steps of the way so fans of the band can look forward to studio video reports via the band's YouTube channel and getting the full album details in the coming weeks when album title, cover image and track listing as well as immediate U.S. and European tour plans are revealed.
According to TheNews.pl, BEHEMOTH's guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski former fiancée Dorota Rabczewska — better known as the 27-year-old Polish pop singer Doda — has been fined 5,000 zloty (approximately $1,440) by a Warsaw court for offending religious feelings.
During a 2009 interview with Gazeta Dziennik Prawna, Rabczewska lamented that there were no references to dinosaurs in the Bible, and said it was "hard to believe in something written by someone who was hammered on wine and who'd been smoking herbs."
Ryszard Nowak, chairman of the privately run Nationwide Defence Committee Against Sects, brought the case against Rabczewska.
Rabczewska did not plead guilty, and claimed that she had not intended to offend anyone.
The singer argued that the cited herbs "were certainly therapeutic ones" and that the alcohol in question was "sacramental wine."
In August 2011, Darski was found innocent of offending religious feelings in connection with a September 2007 incident when he reportedly called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" during the band's performance in Gdynia and tore up a copy of the Bible, calling it "a book of lies."
A Polish judge ruled that Darski's ripping up of a Bible during a show was a form of artistic expression consistent with the style of his band.
During a 2009 interview with Gazeta Dziennik Prawna, Rabczewska lamented that there were no references to dinosaurs in the Bible, and said it was "hard to believe in something written by someone who was hammered on wine and who'd been smoking herbs."
Ryszard Nowak, chairman of the privately run Nationwide Defence Committee Against Sects, brought the case against Rabczewska.
Rabczewska did not plead guilty, and claimed that she had not intended to offend anyone.
The singer argued that the cited herbs "were certainly therapeutic ones" and that the alcohol in question was "sacramental wine."
In August 2011, Darski was found innocent of offending religious feelings in connection with a September 2007 incident when he reportedly called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" during the band's performance in Gdynia and tore up a copy of the Bible, calling it "a book of lies."
A Polish judge ruled that Darski's ripping up of a Bible during a show was a form of artistic expression consistent with the style of his band.
German melodic black metal act CRAVING has inked a deal with Apostasy Records. The band's self-titled debut album will be released on January 20 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The CD was recorded in June 2010 at Alpha Sound Studios in Dortmund by Lars Schlüter (THE FLAW) and mixed and mastered in late 2011 by Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann (ORDEN OGAN). The drum tuning durung the recording sesions was handled by Markus "Makka" Freiwald (KREATOR, ROTTING CHRIST, SODOM).
"Craving" features guest appearances by Geman singer Helge Stang (EQUILIBRIUM, ARAFEL) and Chilean female virtuoso guitarist Sole Genua (HUMAN FACTOR). The album's lyrics were written in three languages: Russian, German and English.
CRAVING previously released a demo, "Demo 2006", and one EP, "Revenge" (2008).
"Craving" track listing:
01. Lord Of The Flames
02. By The Blowing Wind
03. The Nameless (feat. Sole Genua)
04. Leopard
05. The Song Of The Prophetic Oleg
06. Revenge
07. Into The Forest
08. Ein Funken Abendrot (feat. Helge Stang)
09. Wolfsherz
10. Lug Und Litanei (feat. Helge Stang & Sole Genua)
For more information, visit www.cravingmetal.de.
"Craving" features guest appearances by Geman singer Helge Stang (EQUILIBRIUM, ARAFEL) and Chilean female virtuoso guitarist Sole Genua (HUMAN FACTOR). The album's lyrics were written in three languages: Russian, German and English.
CRAVING previously released a demo, "Demo 2006", and one EP, "Revenge" (2008).
"Craving" track listing:
01. Lord Of The Flames
02. By The Blowing Wind
03. The Nameless (feat. Sole Genua)
04. Leopard
05. The Song Of The Prophetic Oleg
06. Revenge
07. Into The Forest
08. Ein Funken Abendrot (feat. Helge Stang)
09. Wolfsherz
10. Lug Und Litanei (feat. Helge Stang & Sole Genua)
For more information, visit www.cravingmetal.de.
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