How do you say 'Bayfest' in Norwegian?
Sarnia's summer music festival is attracting international interest thanks to heavy metal legend Iron Maiden.
Tickets for Bayfest's July 14 show featuring Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper went on sale last week, and requests have been coming from all over the globe.
This is the first year the festival has hosted a heavy metal concert, and metal heads are gearing up.
"They're coming out of the woodwork and they're very excited about it," said Chrissy Taylor, from Bayfest corporate sales and sponsorship.
Iron Maiden's career has spanned 35 years and 15 studio albums. They've built a loyal fan base, performing at massive concerts.The British band played for about 350,000 people at 1985's Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"People will just phone the office and tell us how great they are live," said Bayfest co-founder Michele Stokley.
The festival's website wasn't set up for ticket requests outside of Canada and the United States, so the Bayfest office has received concerned e-mails from die-hard Iron Maiden fans.
One message came from a fan in Norway. He'd followed the band all over the world, and was worried he couldn't get tickets to their Sarnia show.
Bayfest staff allayed his fears and offered to mail him tickets. There was just one problem — our alphabet was missing a couple letters in his address.
"We just giggled and asked him how he wanted to get his tickets," said Taylor.
The Norwegian fan will pick up his tickets when he arrives in town, after a 6,000 kilometre trip. And he won't be the only concert-goer making a long trek; other orders are coming from Finland, Scotland, and across North America.
"It's so widespread," Taylor said. "I know we've had (international orders) before, but I don't think from this far away."
Stokley remembers the hysteria that surrounded KISS' first visit to Bayfest in 2009. Fans paid hundreds of dollars for a meet-and-greet with the band, showing up in full KISS costume.
But the response from Iron Maiden fans is still surprising, Stokley said. The festival is working to update its website to allow for orders outside of North America.
Stokley hopes international fans will stay for the entire festival, and maybe bring some return business.
"We just have to make them love Sarnia so they'll do it yearly," she said.
Ticket sales are going strong, with nearly half the VIP passes for Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper sold, Stokley said. Bayfest's full lineup will be announced on March 27, and all tickets go on sale March 30.
Rockbottom Music, which has been based in Croydon, South London, England for over 36 years, and still one of London's biggest music stores on two floors has its grand reopening starting on Wednesday, March 28, with WHITESNAKE members Doug Aldrich (guitar), Michael Devin (bass) and Brian Tichy (drums) making a guest appearance and signing in store from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a show at Croydon's Fairfield Halls on the same day. The show is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are £12.00 in advance from the box office.
Following the civil unrest and rioting back in August 2011, Rockbottom, along with Reeves Furniture and other business in the locale, were heavily looted and severely fire damaged, and the shop has since been closed for extensive building and refurbishment work since then.
The shop is now ready for the 21st Century with a complete refit, including suspended trussing, LED lights, full wall display glass cabinets, and specialist guitar, amp, PA and drum departments, as well as specialist books and on site tuition. The new music production and recording department is now open.
Call the store on 0208 680 1042 or visit them at 68-70 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TB (300 yards from West Croydon Station) for professional advice, sales and an unbiased, in-depth knowledge of everything musical.
In a posting on the official WHITESNAKE web site, the band said it planned to spend 2012 mixing live material from the 2011 tour, including a concert DVD. "Other 'SNAKE-related projects are also in the works, including new material, though there are no definite plans to record a full studio album at this time," the group added.
The message continued, "Some of the bandmembers will be keeping busy with other musical projects throughout 2012 and Whitesnake.com will try to provide information related to their activities, as well as the individual members' web sites."
Following the civil unrest and rioting back in August 2011, Rockbottom, along with Reeves Furniture and other business in the locale, were heavily looted and severely fire damaged, and the shop has since been closed for extensive building and refurbishment work since then.
The shop is now ready for the 21st Century with a complete refit, including suspended trussing, LED lights, full wall display glass cabinets, and specialist guitar, amp, PA and drum departments, as well as specialist books and on site tuition. The new music production and recording department is now open.
Call the store on 0208 680 1042 or visit them at 68-70 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TB (300 yards from West Croydon Station) for professional advice, sales and an unbiased, in-depth knowledge of everything musical.
In a posting on the official WHITESNAKE web site, the band said it planned to spend 2012 mixing live material from the 2011 tour, including a concert DVD. "Other 'SNAKE-related projects are also in the works, including new material, though there are no definite plans to record a full studio album at this time," the group added.
The message continued, "Some of the bandmembers will be keeping busy with other musical projects throughout 2012 and Whitesnake.com will try to provide information related to their activities, as well as the individual members' web sites."
METALLICA has tapped award-winning director Nimród Antal to helm the band's upcoming 3D feature-film project. Charlotte Huggins ("Journey To The Center Of The Earth", "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island") will produce.
The film will be a marriage of narrative and concert and will star the "five" members of METALLICA — James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, and the fans. It will begin shooting this August and will be released in the summer of 2013.
"I've been a fan of Nimród's since his first Hungarian film, 'Kontroll', showed up at Cannes in 2004 and blew everybody away," said METALLICA's Lars Ulrich. "I've watched with excitement his career in Hollywood blossom over the last few years. Within five minutes of meeting him I was addicted to his enthusiasm, his take on the creative process and his 'thinking outside of the box' personality. Let's get on with it!!!"
"METALLICA has always been a huge part of my life, and it's an incredible opportunity when we get to work with our heroes," said Antal. "We are going to harness the powerful and almighty energy of METALLICA's live shows, inject a narrative into it, and shoot it in 3D to elevate the entire experience."
Antal is best known for writing and directing the Hungarian-language film "Kontroll" (2003) that won several awards, including the Award of Youth at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and the Gold Hugo prize at the Chicago International Film Festival. He also received a European Film Award nomination for Best Director. His credits include "Vacancy", starring Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson, and "Armored", starring Matt Dillon and Laurence Fishburne. In 2010 he was hired by Robert Rodriguez to direct "Predators", featuring Adrien Brody.
When METALLICA recently confirmed reports that it was working on a 3D movie, the band was vague about what exactly the project would entail or when it come out. The Pulse Of Radio asked drummer Lars Ulrich for more info and he said that film production is new territory for the group which they're taking very slowly. "It's been an idea that's been kind of circling in everybody's heads for about the last two years," he said. "Getting your own 3D movie off the ground is easier said than done, but we're doing our best and we have a window for that later in the year that we're hoping to still make happen. We just want to make sure that we don't throw ourselves out into something that gets so completely overwhelming that the whole thing just blows up in our face."
Entertainment industry web site Deadline first broke the news in October that METALLICA was looking to self-finance its own 3D feature film, and had Huggins to develop the project for them.
Ulrich did hint to Rolling Stone a few months back what the film might be like, saying, "Imagine if you took [LED ZEPPELIN's concert film] 'The Song Remains The Same', which is 75 percent concert, 25 percent other stuff, and flipped it around. And all the non-concert footage, instead of being about the band members, is a story that unfolds, set against the backdrop of the concert."
METALLICA's next major project is its Orion Music + More festival, a band-curated two-day event which will take place in late June in Atlantic City and feature over 20 bands as well as lifestyle attractions and other entertainment.
The film will be a marriage of narrative and concert and will star the "five" members of METALLICA — James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, and the fans. It will begin shooting this August and will be released in the summer of 2013.
"I've been a fan of Nimród's since his first Hungarian film, 'Kontroll', showed up at Cannes in 2004 and blew everybody away," said METALLICA's Lars Ulrich. "I've watched with excitement his career in Hollywood blossom over the last few years. Within five minutes of meeting him I was addicted to his enthusiasm, his take on the creative process and his 'thinking outside of the box' personality. Let's get on with it!!!"
"METALLICA has always been a huge part of my life, and it's an incredible opportunity when we get to work with our heroes," said Antal. "We are going to harness the powerful and almighty energy of METALLICA's live shows, inject a narrative into it, and shoot it in 3D to elevate the entire experience."
Antal is best known for writing and directing the Hungarian-language film "Kontroll" (2003) that won several awards, including the Award of Youth at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and the Gold Hugo prize at the Chicago International Film Festival. He also received a European Film Award nomination for Best Director. His credits include "Vacancy", starring Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson, and "Armored", starring Matt Dillon and Laurence Fishburne. In 2010 he was hired by Robert Rodriguez to direct "Predators", featuring Adrien Brody.
When METALLICA recently confirmed reports that it was working on a 3D movie, the band was vague about what exactly the project would entail or when it come out. The Pulse Of Radio asked drummer Lars Ulrich for more info and he said that film production is new territory for the group which they're taking very slowly. "It's been an idea that's been kind of circling in everybody's heads for about the last two years," he said. "Getting your own 3D movie off the ground is easier said than done, but we're doing our best and we have a window for that later in the year that we're hoping to still make happen. We just want to make sure that we don't throw ourselves out into something that gets so completely overwhelming that the whole thing just blows up in our face."
Entertainment industry web site Deadline first broke the news in October that METALLICA was looking to self-finance its own 3D feature film, and had Huggins to develop the project for them.
Ulrich did hint to Rolling Stone a few months back what the film might be like, saying, "Imagine if you took [LED ZEPPELIN's concert film] 'The Song Remains The Same', which is 75 percent concert, 25 percent other stuff, and flipped it around. And all the non-concert footage, instead of being about the band members, is a story that unfolds, set against the backdrop of the concert."
METALLICA's next major project is its Orion Music + More festival, a band-curated two-day event which will take place in late June in Atlantic City and feature over 20 bands as well as lifestyle attractions and other entertainment.
According to TMZ.com, Canadian rock legends RUSH have sent a cease-and-desist letter to conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh demanding that he stop using their music on his radio show.
Limbaugh reportedly played RUSH's song "The Spirit Of Radio" before and after commercial breaks. Blogger Bob Cesca contacted the band, and has since received a copy of the cease-and-desist letter that was sent to Limbaugh by the group's attorney. The letter reads in part, "The use of RUSH's music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show, and is in breach of not only copyright and trademark rights, but also, of section 51 of the New York Civil Rights Law ... Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of RUSH's music and confirm that you will do so."
Limbaugh made several inflamatory remarks about a Georgetown University law student last week, calling Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute" after she argued that birth control should be covered by health insurance at religious institutions. He subsequently apologized, saying his choice of words was not the best.
Limbaugh reportedly played RUSH's song "The Spirit Of Radio" before and after commercial breaks. Blogger Bob Cesca contacted the band, and has since received a copy of the cease-and-desist letter that was sent to Limbaugh by the group's attorney. The letter reads in part, "The use of RUSH's music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show, and is in breach of not only copyright and trademark rights, but also, of section 51 of the New York Civil Rights Law ... Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of RUSH's music and confirm that you will do so."
Limbaugh made several inflamatory remarks about a Georgetown University law student last week, calling Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute" after she argued that birth control should be covered by health insurance at religious institutions. He subsequently apologized, saying his choice of words was not the best.
Former VAN HALEN singer Sammy Hagar tells Michael Christopher of The Boston Phoenix that he has yet to hear the band's entire new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", which came out last month. "I don't listen to much new music unless I hear a new song on the radio, and the last bands that did that to me were the BLACK KEYS and KINGS OF LEON," Hagar says. "When I heard 'Tattoo', that single — and I saw the video because everybody kept sending it to me like, 'My god, have you seen this?' . . . 'Oh my god, you must be laughing your ass off!' — it wasn't a song that made me run out and buy their record. And so I haven't heard it. I haven't downloaded it, I haven't done anything. I heard another one that was kinda goofy too, and then I heard, on the radio, 'She's The Woman', and I thought that was kinda cool. That one sounds like what I would expect from VAN HALEN, a little closer to it. The other stuff didn't sound like what I was expecting, that's for sure."
Hagar, who took over the singing chores in VAN HALEN after David Lee Roth left the band, is widely considered the better singer of the two. However, Hagar never managed to dazzle the crowd quite like Roth did. After an 11-year-run with the band, Hagar was fired or he quit (depending on whom you ask).
"The difference between Dave and I in that band, besides all the other million things, is that he can't sing any of the 'Van Hagar'-era songs, "Sammy tells The Boston Phoenix. "Maybe he could do 'Finish What Ya Started', possibly — so that makes it kind of weird for [Alex and Eddie] I think to take 11 years out of that thing."
Hagar also admitted that he was initially upset at the promoters when he learned that his current band, CHICKENFOOT — which also features in its ranks former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony — was booked to play in Los Angeles (June 10 at the Greek Theater) at roughly the same time as his former group (VAN HALEN will be at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 1 and June 9 and at the Honda Center in Anaheim on June 12).
"First I said, 'What the fuck are you doing putting us the same time as VAN HALEN?' " Hagar tells The Boston Phoenix. "It's just gonna cause a needless competition between the fans, and I don't like that. I want the fans to feel like they can love VAN HALEN and that they can love CHICKENFOOT totally the same. I don't have any way of competing with those guys; you can't compete with VAN HALEN. I'm part of that legacy, how could I go out and compete with something I'm part of? I don't look at us like that, but I know some people do. You want to go see VAN HALEN one night and see us the next and compare us, you want to do that? Roll up your sleeves and come on. I welcome it, because I think this band is smokin'."
For more of Sammy Hagar's thoughts on VAN HALEN, as well as extensive commentary by another ex-VAN HALEN singer, current EXTREME frontman Gary Cherone, visit The Boston Phoenix.
Hagar, who took over the singing chores in VAN HALEN after David Lee Roth left the band, is widely considered the better singer of the two. However, Hagar never managed to dazzle the crowd quite like Roth did. After an 11-year-run with the band, Hagar was fired or he quit (depending on whom you ask).
"The difference between Dave and I in that band, besides all the other million things, is that he can't sing any of the 'Van Hagar'-era songs, "Sammy tells The Boston Phoenix. "Maybe he could do 'Finish What Ya Started', possibly — so that makes it kind of weird for [Alex and Eddie] I think to take 11 years out of that thing."
Hagar also admitted that he was initially upset at the promoters when he learned that his current band, CHICKENFOOT — which also features in its ranks former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony — was booked to play in Los Angeles (June 10 at the Greek Theater) at roughly the same time as his former group (VAN HALEN will be at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 1 and June 9 and at the Honda Center in Anaheim on June 12).
"First I said, 'What the fuck are you doing putting us the same time as VAN HALEN?' " Hagar tells The Boston Phoenix. "It's just gonna cause a needless competition between the fans, and I don't like that. I want the fans to feel like they can love VAN HALEN and that they can love CHICKENFOOT totally the same. I don't have any way of competing with those guys; you can't compete with VAN HALEN. I'm part of that legacy, how could I go out and compete with something I'm part of? I don't look at us like that, but I know some people do. You want to go see VAN HALEN one night and see us the next and compare us, you want to do that? Roll up your sleeves and come on. I welcome it, because I think this band is smokin'."
For more of Sammy Hagar's thoughts on VAN HALEN, as well as extensive commentary by another ex-VAN HALEN singer, current EXTREME frontman Gary Cherone, visit The Boston Phoenix.
Comprised of musicians from some of the biggest bands in recent rock history, the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour will hit the road in South and Central America in April/May.
Described as a live show unlike any before, Rock 'N' Roll Allstars will include appearances by the following musicians:
* Gene Simmons (KISS)
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 19 - Asuncion, Paraguay - Jockey Club
Apr. 21 - Sao Luis, Brazil - Metal Open Air Festival
Apr. 23 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Club Geba
Apr. 25 - Santiago, Chile - Movistar Arena
Apr. 27 - Lima, Peru - Explanada Monumental
Apr. 29 - Quito, Ecuador – [to be announced]
May 01 - Guatemala City, Guatemala - Mundo E
May 03 - San Jose, Costa Rica - Stadium Suprisa
May 04 - Panama City, Panama - Figali Convention Center
May 05 - Bogota, Colombia - Hipodromo De Los Andes
According to South American promoter Premier Producciones, the tentative setlist for the May 1 show in Guatemala City, Guatemala will be as follows:
Duff McKagan:
* It's So Easy
Sebastian Bach:
* Welcome To The Jungle
* I Remember You
* Youth Gone Wild
* Whole Lotta Love
* Crazy Train
Glenn Hughes:
* Highway Star
* Burn
* Smoke On The Water
* Firewoman
* Wildflower
Ed Roland:
* Shine
* Rebel Yell
* Man In A Box (with Glenn Hughes)
Gilby Clarke:
* Knockin' On Heavens Door
Joe Elliott:
* Animal
* All The Young Dudes
* Sugar
* Tie Your Mother Down
Gene Simmons:
* Deuce
* Doctor Love
* I Love It Loud
* Cold Gin
* Rock And Roll All Nite
To be announced:
* Paradise City
Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference on Thursday, March 1 at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others.
Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! See you soon Central and South America!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD! See you soon on tour!!!"
Added Hughes: "It's going to be quite a spectacle. For me, this collective of rockers is a fan's dream come true. It's a great lineup with players from a lot of great bands."
Check out video footage of Thursday's press conference below.
Despite the fact that he was previously announced as one of the musicians taking part in the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour, former METALLICA and VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted will **NOT** be making an appearance at the event.
Described as a live show unlike any before, Rock 'N' Roll Allstars will include appearances by the following musicians:
* Gene Simmons (KISS)
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 19 - Asuncion, Paraguay - Jockey Club
Apr. 21 - Sao Luis, Brazil - Metal Open Air Festival
Apr. 23 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Club Geba
Apr. 25 - Santiago, Chile - Movistar Arena
Apr. 27 - Lima, Peru - Explanada Monumental
Apr. 29 - Quito, Ecuador – [to be announced]
May 01 - Guatemala City, Guatemala - Mundo E
May 03 - San Jose, Costa Rica - Stadium Suprisa
May 04 - Panama City, Panama - Figali Convention Center
May 05 - Bogota, Colombia - Hipodromo De Los Andes
According to South American promoter Premier Producciones, the tentative setlist for the May 1 show in Guatemala City, Guatemala will be as follows:
Duff McKagan:
* It's So Easy
Sebastian Bach:
* Welcome To The Jungle
* I Remember You
* Youth Gone Wild
* Whole Lotta Love
* Crazy Train
Glenn Hughes:
* Highway Star
* Burn
* Smoke On The Water
* Firewoman
* Wildflower
Ed Roland:
* Shine
* Rebel Yell
* Man In A Box (with Glenn Hughes)
Gilby Clarke:
* Knockin' On Heavens Door
Joe Elliott:
* Animal
* All The Young Dudes
* Sugar
* Tie Your Mother Down
Gene Simmons:
* Deuce
* Doctor Love
* I Love It Loud
* Cold Gin
* Rock And Roll All Nite
To be announced:
* Paradise City
Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference on Thursday, March 1 at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others.
Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! See you soon Central and South America!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD! See you soon on tour!!!"
Added Hughes: "It's going to be quite a spectacle. For me, this collective of rockers is a fan's dream come true. It's a great lineup with players from a lot of great bands."
Check out video footage of Thursday's press conference below.
Despite the fact that he was previously announced as one of the musicians taking part in the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour, former METALLICA and VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted will **NOT** be making an appearance at the event.
Season ten of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" kicks off on Saturday, March 31 and featured guests include IRON MAIDEN's Adrian Smith (making his first appearance on the program), METALLICA's Lars Ulrich, MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister, Alice Cooper and former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted.
"I've known the MAIDEN guys for a long time and been a fan since day one," "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk told VH1.com's Tuner. "They are easily one of the most requested bands to have a member of on 'That Metal Show'. Because they are such a global band, it's been hard to track them down, but thrilled we were able to catch up with Adrian. It will be cool because we don't hear from him often, he's a great guy, has a huge history with the band, and has a new side project to discuss."
He added, "I'm so excited about the evolution of the show, having rock and metal artists, and first time and returning guests. I love all the variety and am thrilled for a huge 2012!"
Season ten of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" scheduled guests:
Premiere date - March 31:
* Lars Ulrich (METALLICA)
* Robb Flynn (MACHINE HEAD)
* Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 7:
* Alice Cooper
* Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE)
* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 14:
* George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB, TOOTH AND NAIL)
* Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, TOOTH AND NAIL, FOREIGNER)
* Mick Brown (DOKKEN, TOOTH AND NAIL)
* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 21:
* Adrian Smith (IRON MAIDEN, PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION)
* Michael Schenker (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - April 28:
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM)
* Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD)
* Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 5:
* Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS)
* Mike McCready (PEARL JAM)
* Frank Hannon (TESLA) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 12:
* Billy Duffy, Ian Astbury (THE CULT)
* Doro Pesch
* Frank Hannon (TESLA) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 19:
* Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
* Steve Riley, Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 26:
* David Draiman (DISTURBED)
* Russell Allen, Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB)
* Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - June 2:
* Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, HELLYEAH, DAMAGEPLAN)
* Tommy Shaw, James Young (STYX)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) (guest guitarist)
Distilling decades of your favorite hard rock and heavy metal into sixty minutes of mayhem; "That Metal Show" will deliver the ever-popular "Stump The Trunk" as well as the triumphant return of "TMS Top 5" to your TV every Saturday night at 11 p.m., only on VH1 Classic.
"That Metal Show" is a production of VH1 Classic. Lee Rolontz and Keshia Williams as executive producers for VH1. Jeff Baumgardner serves as producer for the series for VH1.
"I've known the MAIDEN guys for a long time and been a fan since day one," "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk told VH1.com's Tuner. "They are easily one of the most requested bands to have a member of on 'That Metal Show'. Because they are such a global band, it's been hard to track them down, but thrilled we were able to catch up with Adrian. It will be cool because we don't hear from him often, he's a great guy, has a huge history with the band, and has a new side project to discuss."
He added, "I'm so excited about the evolution of the show, having rock and metal artists, and first time and returning guests. I love all the variety and am thrilled for a huge 2012!"
Season ten of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" scheduled guests:
Premiere date - March 31:
* Lars Ulrich (METALLICA)
* Robb Flynn (MACHINE HEAD)
* Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 7:
* Alice Cooper
* Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE)
* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 14:
* George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB, TOOTH AND NAIL)
* Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, TOOTH AND NAIL, FOREIGNER)
* Mick Brown (DOKKEN, TOOTH AND NAIL)
* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - April 21:
* Adrian Smith (IRON MAIDEN, PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION)
* Michael Schenker (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - April 28:
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM)
* Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD)
* Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 5:
* Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS)
* Mike McCready (PEARL JAM)
* Frank Hannon (TESLA) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 12:
* Billy Duffy, Ian Astbury (THE CULT)
* Doro Pesch
* Frank Hannon (TESLA) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 19:
* Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
* Steve Riley, Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) (guest guitarist)
Premiere date - May 26:
* David Draiman (DISTURBED)
* Russell Allen, Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB)
* Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER) (guest drummer)
Premiere date - June 2:
* Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, HELLYEAH, DAMAGEPLAN)
* Tommy Shaw, James Young (STYX)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) (guest guitarist)
Distilling decades of your favorite hard rock and heavy metal into sixty minutes of mayhem; "That Metal Show" will deliver the ever-popular "Stump The Trunk" as well as the triumphant return of "TMS Top 5" to your TV every Saturday night at 11 p.m., only on VH1 Classic.
"That Metal Show" is a production of VH1 Classic. Lee Rolontz and Keshia Williams as executive producers for VH1. Jeff Baumgardner serves as producer for the series for VH1.
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will be the guest of honor at the Full Moon Tattoo & Horror Festival, set to take place April 6-8 at at Nashville Convention Center in Tennessee. The 11th annual event is a three-day convention featuring celebrity appearances — including Norman Reedus from "The Walking Dead" series — amazing tattoo artists, plus comic and movie vendors and much more.
For more information, go to this location.
For more information, go to this location.
"21", the 21st studio album from German power metallers RAGE, has registered the following first-week chart positions so far:
Germany: #27
Switzerland: #52
Austria: #62
Japan: #81
"21" was released on February 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany with Charlie Bauerfeind, who has previously worked with SAXON, BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL and HELLOWEEN, among others.
"21" track listing:
01. House Wins
02. Twenty One
03. Forever Dead
04. Feel My Pain
05. Serial Killer
06. Psycho Terror
07. Destiny
08. Death Romantic
09. Black And White
10. Concrete Wall
11. Eternally
"Twenty One", the new video from RAGE, can be seen below. The clip was filmed at a casino in the Czech Republic.
Commented guitarist Victor Smolski: "The songs of '21' are even better than they sounded in the rehearsal room. Everything is real powerful and aggressive and has got much more energy and the necessary aggression. I have taken much time for the soundcheck and took lots of effort for the arrangements.
"I think '21' is the best-arranged album concerning interaction of guitar, bass and drum playing that RAGE has done in recent years.
"As a producer I have a big responsibility, but after 10 years of working together with Charlie Bauerfeind, it's always getting easier; we understand each other blind, so to say.
"I'm very happy with the performances of Peavy [Peter 'Peavy' Wagner, abss/vocals] and André [Hilgers, drums] (so evil you haven't heard Peavy before), with my guitar work I'm also really satisfied, I've tried to implement the best I can momentarily.
"The concept of the album has become really round, all songs are completely rounded, hard, aggressive, no 'happy metal melodies,' but nevertheless varying. My favorite song: 'Forever Dead', something between 'Kill Your Gods' and 'Down'."
RAGE will embark on the "Metal Firestorm 2012" headlining tour with support from TÝR and COMMUNIC in March/April.
Germany: #27
Switzerland: #52
Austria: #62
Japan: #81
"21" was released on February 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany with Charlie Bauerfeind, who has previously worked with SAXON, BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL and HELLOWEEN, among others.
"21" track listing:
01. House Wins
02. Twenty One
03. Forever Dead
04. Feel My Pain
05. Serial Killer
06. Psycho Terror
07. Destiny
08. Death Romantic
09. Black And White
10. Concrete Wall
11. Eternally
"Twenty One", the new video from RAGE, can be seen below. The clip was filmed at a casino in the Czech Republic.
Commented guitarist Victor Smolski: "The songs of '21' are even better than they sounded in the rehearsal room. Everything is real powerful and aggressive and has got much more energy and the necessary aggression. I have taken much time for the soundcheck and took lots of effort for the arrangements.
"I think '21' is the best-arranged album concerning interaction of guitar, bass and drum playing that RAGE has done in recent years.
"As a producer I have a big responsibility, but after 10 years of working together with Charlie Bauerfeind, it's always getting easier; we understand each other blind, so to say.
"I'm very happy with the performances of Peavy [Peter 'Peavy' Wagner, abss/vocals] and André [Hilgers, drums] (so evil you haven't heard Peavy before), with my guitar work I'm also really satisfied, I've tried to implement the best I can momentarily.
"The concept of the album has become really round, all songs are completely rounded, hard, aggressive, no 'happy metal melodies,' but nevertheless varying. My favorite song: 'Forever Dead', something between 'Kill Your Gods' and 'Down'."
RAGE will embark on the "Metal Firestorm 2012" headlining tour with support from TÝR and COMMUNIC in March/April.
Guitarist Eric Peterson of San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT recently spoke to Maximum Metal about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's long-awaited new album, "The Dark Roots Of Earth".
"It was supposed to be out in late April but may [finnaly get released] in May, hopefully," Eric said. "[Producer] Andy Sneap is going to [mix]. We almost didn't get it done, but he stepped up. There were a lot of things left undone that Andy knew and we didn't feel right throwing it at [proposed mixer] Zeuss [real name: Chris Harris], who had a great mix set up; maybe we can do something with him in the future. It's gonna be our heaviest record and we have a ballad called 'Cold Embrace' on the new album, which we haven't had since the 'Low' album. We have songs on this album that have blast beats in the choruses with melodic vocals… very DIMMU BORGIR/EMPEROR blast beats with TESTAMENT riffs with Chuck [Billy] doing 'Practice What You Preach'-style vocals. 'True American Hate' may be the fastest song we have ever done. 'The Dark Roots Of Earth', which is the title track, sounds like 'The Thing That Should Not Be' by METALLICA and 'Sign Of The Southern Cross' by BLACK SABBATH. There are lots of different textures; every song has its own trip. 'Throne Of Thorns' is an eight-minute epic, one of my favorite tracks off the new album… kind of like 'Hole In The Sky' by BLACK SABBATH. Lots of crazy middle sections that go into this weird jam that is just really cool. Also for me, I usually do leads. I did 30 percent of the leads on 'Formation', but it's close to 50 percent on this album. Chuck is singing well and I think old fans are gonna love it. Hopefully, a lot of new people will jump on board as well."
In a recent interview with Decibel magazine, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy stated about "The Dark Roots Of Earth", "We [recorded] it at our place in Oakland and at Trident Studios and Andy [Sneap, producer] came out and did all the recordings with us — as much as he could — and then we finished off some vocals and guitars at Trident studios. I think over the years Andy really knows the sound of this band, and kinda knows what we want. We've mixed stuff with Andy, so I think he knows without has having to be there physically with him what we are looking for. And I just haven't heard anybody in metal come out with any better mixes! Honesty!"
Regarding some of the songs that will appear on "The Dark Roots Of Earth", Billy said, "Well, there's a song called 'Native Blood', which is basically a song about my Native heritage. It's almost like a protest song, that the Native Americans have a voice that needs to be heard — that's the chorus of the song. There's another called 'True American Hate', which was kinds inspired by when we sent all our troops overseas there, and we were just seeing in the news when all that was going on a lot of young kids, under 10 years old, out there with their families burning American flags. And that was a pretty shocking thing to see, to see that generation, a kid that young being taught to hate that much. It makes you think what's going to happen, 10 to 15 years from now when the majority of these kids have just been raised to hate? It struck me as a little odd. There's a song called 'Cold Embrace', which we kinda hoped we'd be able to pitch the song into one of the 'Twilight' series movies; it's a song about a girl becoming a vampire and never being able to see the sun again. 'The Dark Roots Of Earth' is kind of a play on the band we have together, just like a metaphor, like TESTAMENT is a tree and all of us in this group are really embedded in the planet, in the earth, the environment and our surroundings. It was kind of a play on that. 'Rise Up For War' is more of a war song, like your preparing yourself for war, going into battle. There is a lot of cool stuff there."
Due to a "serious injury," TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording sessions for the CD and was replaced by Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK). Bostaph has since announced his departure from the group.
When asked if Hoglan — who is currently touring with TESTAMENT — will become a permanent member of the band, Billy told Horns Up Rocks!, "We'd like him to be, but I think right now we're just taking it tour by tour. We don't know yet. We just kind of unexpected had to do this tour before the record came out, so we haven't really thought about it yet."
Regarding how different it is playing with Gene compared to working with Bostaph, Chuck said, "We played with Gene before on our 'Demonic' record [1997], so we knew exactly what Gene was capable of and what he would bring to the table. We knew that it would definitely bring a different style of drumming, 'cause Gene's a different player than Paul. I think it just worked out. Eric [Peterson, TESTAMENT guitarist] had a lot of the [basic drum patterns] already done [for the new album], and Gene just had to kind of put his style on it."
"It was supposed to be out in late April but may [finnaly get released] in May, hopefully," Eric said. "[Producer] Andy Sneap is going to [mix]. We almost didn't get it done, but he stepped up. There were a lot of things left undone that Andy knew and we didn't feel right throwing it at [proposed mixer] Zeuss [real name: Chris Harris], who had a great mix set up; maybe we can do something with him in the future. It's gonna be our heaviest record and we have a ballad called 'Cold Embrace' on the new album, which we haven't had since the 'Low' album. We have songs on this album that have blast beats in the choruses with melodic vocals… very DIMMU BORGIR/EMPEROR blast beats with TESTAMENT riffs with Chuck [Billy] doing 'Practice What You Preach'-style vocals. 'True American Hate' may be the fastest song we have ever done. 'The Dark Roots Of Earth', which is the title track, sounds like 'The Thing That Should Not Be' by METALLICA and 'Sign Of The Southern Cross' by BLACK SABBATH. There are lots of different textures; every song has its own trip. 'Throne Of Thorns' is an eight-minute epic, one of my favorite tracks off the new album… kind of like 'Hole In The Sky' by BLACK SABBATH. Lots of crazy middle sections that go into this weird jam that is just really cool. Also for me, I usually do leads. I did 30 percent of the leads on 'Formation', but it's close to 50 percent on this album. Chuck is singing well and I think old fans are gonna love it. Hopefully, a lot of new people will jump on board as well."
In a recent interview with Decibel magazine, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy stated about "The Dark Roots Of Earth", "We [recorded] it at our place in Oakland and at Trident Studios and Andy [Sneap, producer] came out and did all the recordings with us — as much as he could — and then we finished off some vocals and guitars at Trident studios. I think over the years Andy really knows the sound of this band, and kinda knows what we want. We've mixed stuff with Andy, so I think he knows without has having to be there physically with him what we are looking for. And I just haven't heard anybody in metal come out with any better mixes! Honesty!"
Regarding some of the songs that will appear on "The Dark Roots Of Earth", Billy said, "Well, there's a song called 'Native Blood', which is basically a song about my Native heritage. It's almost like a protest song, that the Native Americans have a voice that needs to be heard — that's the chorus of the song. There's another called 'True American Hate', which was kinds inspired by when we sent all our troops overseas there, and we were just seeing in the news when all that was going on a lot of young kids, under 10 years old, out there with their families burning American flags. And that was a pretty shocking thing to see, to see that generation, a kid that young being taught to hate that much. It makes you think what's going to happen, 10 to 15 years from now when the majority of these kids have just been raised to hate? It struck me as a little odd. There's a song called 'Cold Embrace', which we kinda hoped we'd be able to pitch the song into one of the 'Twilight' series movies; it's a song about a girl becoming a vampire and never being able to see the sun again. 'The Dark Roots Of Earth' is kind of a play on the band we have together, just like a metaphor, like TESTAMENT is a tree and all of us in this group are really embedded in the planet, in the earth, the environment and our surroundings. It was kind of a play on that. 'Rise Up For War' is more of a war song, like your preparing yourself for war, going into battle. There is a lot of cool stuff there."
Due to a "serious injury," TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording sessions for the CD and was replaced by Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK). Bostaph has since announced his departure from the group.
When asked if Hoglan — who is currently touring with TESTAMENT — will become a permanent member of the band, Billy told Horns Up Rocks!, "We'd like him to be, but I think right now we're just taking it tour by tour. We don't know yet. We just kind of unexpected had to do this tour before the record came out, so we haven't really thought about it yet."
Regarding how different it is playing with Gene compared to working with Bostaph, Chuck said, "We played with Gene before on our 'Demonic' record [1997], so we knew exactly what Gene was capable of and what he would bring to the table. We knew that it would definitely bring a different style of drumming, 'cause Gene's a different player than Paul. I think it just worked out. Eric [Peterson, TESTAMENT guitarist] had a lot of the [basic drum patterns] already done [for the new album], and Gene just had to kind of put his style on it."
"Carolus Rex", the new album from Swedish metallers SABATON, will be released in Europe on May 25 via Nuclear Blast Records. The lyrics for the CD, which will be made available in both English and Swedish, deal with the Swedish Empire (referring to the Kingdom of Sweden between 1561 and 1721).
A one-minute videl clip in which SABATON singer Joakim Brodén takes fans on a short history lesson by visiting the site where Charles XII (Carl of Sweden - Latinized to Carolus Rex) was killed in 1718 near Fredrikshald can be seen below.
"Carolus Rex" - English version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. The Lion From the North
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. A Lifetime of War
05. 1 6 4 8
06. The Carolean's Prayer
07. Carolus Rex
08. Killing Ground
09. Poltava
10. Long Live the King
11. Ruina Imperii
"Carolus Rex" - Swedish version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. Lejonet från Norden
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. En Livstid i Krig
05. 1 6 4 8
06. Karolinens bön
07. Carolus Rex
08. Ett Slag Färgat Rött
09. Poltava
10. Konungens Likfärd
11. Ruina Imperii
Commented the band: "The topics of the songs will remain quite the same and deals with the Swedish Empire, from its rise to its fall.
"'Carolus Rex' will be available for purchase on single Swedish CD (Sweden only) and single English CD plus a limited edition which features a double CD with both language versions. The double CD will also feature a different cover artwork.
"The release is set for Europe and in North America the last week in May, but already now you can pre-order the album.
"The album is produced by Peter Tägtgren who is also doing guest vocals on one song.
"During the recording of 'Carolus Rex', we also recorded a song where Joakim [Brodén] sings in German, a cover of 'Feuer Frei' by RAMMSTEIN."
The band previously stated about "Carolus Rex": "For the first time ever we have had an expert to help us out with the theme, the well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren. We have also added some extra time in the studio to find the absolute right sound on 'Carolus Rex', and our producer, Peter Tägtgren, says that this album will mark a brand new standard for how a heavy metal album should sound like!"
Liljegren's previously published works include acclaimed biographies of Adolf Hitler and Karl XII. He also appeared in the popular Swedish TV series "Boston Tea Party".
SABATON will embark on a North American headlining tour in the spring. The "Swedish Empire Tour 2012" will kick off on April 10 in Tampa, Florida.
SABATON bassist Pär Sundström was forced to sit out several shows on the Canadian leg of the band's most recent North American tour due to a knee injury.
"World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea", the first-ever live album from SABATON, was released on August 5, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
A one-minute videl clip in which SABATON singer Joakim Brodén takes fans on a short history lesson by visiting the site where Charles XII (Carl of Sweden - Latinized to Carolus Rex) was killed in 1718 near Fredrikshald can be seen below.
"Carolus Rex" - English version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. The Lion From the North
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. A Lifetime of War
05. 1 6 4 8
06. The Carolean's Prayer
07. Carolus Rex
08. Killing Ground
09. Poltava
10. Long Live the King
11. Ruina Imperii
"Carolus Rex" - Swedish version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. Lejonet från Norden
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. En Livstid i Krig
05. 1 6 4 8
06. Karolinens bön
07. Carolus Rex
08. Ett Slag Färgat Rött
09. Poltava
10. Konungens Likfärd
11. Ruina Imperii
Commented the band: "The topics of the songs will remain quite the same and deals with the Swedish Empire, from its rise to its fall.
"'Carolus Rex' will be available for purchase on single Swedish CD (Sweden only) and single English CD plus a limited edition which features a double CD with both language versions. The double CD will also feature a different cover artwork.
"The release is set for Europe and in North America the last week in May, but already now you can pre-order the album.
"The album is produced by Peter Tägtgren who is also doing guest vocals on one song.
"During the recording of 'Carolus Rex', we also recorded a song where Joakim [Brodén] sings in German, a cover of 'Feuer Frei' by RAMMSTEIN."
The band previously stated about "Carolus Rex": "For the first time ever we have had an expert to help us out with the theme, the well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren. We have also added some extra time in the studio to find the absolute right sound on 'Carolus Rex', and our producer, Peter Tägtgren, says that this album will mark a brand new standard for how a heavy metal album should sound like!"
Liljegren's previously published works include acclaimed biographies of Adolf Hitler and Karl XII. He also appeared in the popular Swedish TV series "Boston Tea Party".
SABATON will embark on a North American headlining tour in the spring. The "Swedish Empire Tour 2012" will kick off on April 10 in Tampa, Florida.
SABATON bassist Pär Sundström was forced to sit out several shows on the Canadian leg of the band's most recent North American tour due to a knee injury.
"World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea", the first-ever live album from SABATON, was released on August 5, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Drummer Mike Mangini of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER will take part in a question-and-answer session after the Saturday, March 10 screening of the "A Drummer's Dream" film at the Boston Museum Of Fine Arts.
Featuring Nasyr Abdul Al-Khabyyr, Dennis Chambers, Kenwood Dennard, Horacio "El-Negro" Hernadez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Mike Mangini and Raul Rekow, "A Drummer's Dream" engages us with the rich music styles and influences that are as dynamic as the performers themselves. We are lifted to another dimension as we connect to the powerful forces of nature embodied in the music of these master musicians. The creative and spiritual freedom of expression these artists display is overwhelming — from Latin rhythms to the wildly original compositions of Kenwood Dennard. Rock, jazz, Latin fusion, soul — these master drummers have backed up the likes of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Santana and now — each other.
At the center of the film is the warm-hearted Nasyr, and his musician friends who share their knowledge with forty students for this incredible, unforgettable week of music and camaraderie. The overriding philosophy of these musicians is driven by love, compassion and joy of life. At the end of the film you will be tapping the rhythms that live within us all and the positive energy these masters display will continue to pulse through you for days to come.
For more information, visit www.adrummersdream.com.
Featuring Nasyr Abdul Al-Khabyyr, Dennis Chambers, Kenwood Dennard, Horacio "El-Negro" Hernadez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Mike Mangini and Raul Rekow, "A Drummer's Dream" engages us with the rich music styles and influences that are as dynamic as the performers themselves. We are lifted to another dimension as we connect to the powerful forces of nature embodied in the music of these master musicians. The creative and spiritual freedom of expression these artists display is overwhelming — from Latin rhythms to the wildly original compositions of Kenwood Dennard. Rock, jazz, Latin fusion, soul — these master drummers have backed up the likes of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Santana and now — each other.
At the center of the film is the warm-hearted Nasyr, and his musician friends who share their knowledge with forty students for this incredible, unforgettable week of music and camaraderie. The overriding philosophy of these musicians is driven by love, compassion and joy of life. At the end of the film you will be tapping the rhythms that live within us all and the positive energy these masters display will continue to pulse through you for days to come.
For more information, visit www.adrummersdream.com.
L.A. GUNS — featuring Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin — recently entered the studio with legendary producer, and old friend, Andy Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, CINDERELLA, VAN HALEN, as well as the last three L.A. GUNS albums) to begin recording its new album for a late 2012 release via Cleopatra Records. According to a posting on the band's Facebook page, "The record's all mixed. Next stage running order and mastering. 14 band new songs coming at ya this summer."
A CD and vinyl release, as well as bonus tracks available only on iTunes, is planned. A nine-month world tour following the release is also in the works.
Singer Phil Lewis was said to be thrilled to get back in the studio and finally get a chance to record once again with Andy. "We've been waiting a long time to get back in and record," he said. "Our last album, 'Tales From The Strip', was incredibly well-received and we're looking forward to putting out something even better! With today's uncertain musical landscape, it's great to have a label like Cleopatra Records behind us. We've been friends with Brian Perera (Cleopatra Records owner and founder) for a long time, and are really looking forward to working together on this and many more projects with him in the future."
Phil Lewis' L.A. GUNS is not to be confused with the Tracii Guns-led version of the group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.
A CD and vinyl release, as well as bonus tracks available only on iTunes, is planned. A nine-month world tour following the release is also in the works.
Singer Phil Lewis was said to be thrilled to get back in the studio and finally get a chance to record once again with Andy. "We've been waiting a long time to get back in and record," he said. "Our last album, 'Tales From The Strip', was incredibly well-received and we're looking forward to putting out something even better! With today's uncertain musical landscape, it's great to have a label like Cleopatra Records behind us. We've been friends with Brian Perera (Cleopatra Records owner and founder) for a long time, and are really looking forward to working together on this and many more projects with him in the future."
Phil Lewis' L.A. GUNS is not to be confused with the Tracii Guns-led version of the group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.
L.A. GUNS — featuring Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin — has set "Hollywood Forever" as the title of its new album, due on June 5 via via Cleopatra Records. The CD was recorded with legendary producer, and old friend, Andy Johns, who has previously worked with LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, CINDERELLA and VAN HALEN, and who collaborated with L.A. GUNS on their last three albums. A CD and vinyl release, as well as bonus tracks available only on iTunes, is planned. A nine-month world tour following the release is also in the works.
L.A. GUNS spent a few days in Los Angeles shooting three videos to support the record, and will make the track "You Better Not Love Me" available online next week. Videos for "Requiem (Hollywood Forever)" and "Aranga Nigre" were also filmed. Videographer Jack Foster was behind the lens for the shoot at the legendary Circus Disco in Hollywood. With an LED logo in the background, the band meshed theatrics with its expected rock energy on the big stage. Later, additional scenes were filmed in L.A.'s colorful Little Mexico and the landmark Hollywood Forever cemetery. Stacey Blades said, "It was a blast hammin' it up in a big venue and stage for the cameras." He added, "We are so excited about the new album coming out and videos to boot. 2012 is the year of L.A.GUNS!"
01. Hollywood Forever
02. You Better Not Love Me
03. Sweet Mystery
04. Eel Pie
05. Burn
06. Requiem (Hollywood Forever)
07. I Won't Play
08. Vine St. Shimmy
09. Arana Negra (originally recorded by THE BICICLETAS)
10. Gonna Take You Down
11. Queenie
12. Underneath The Sun
13. Venus Bomb
14. Dirty Black Night
15. Rattlesnake
In other news, L.A. GUNS will taping an exclusive interview with VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" on March 17. They'll discuss moving above and beyond past conflicts and the exciting events of 2012, including the album and upcoming tour. The episode will air May 19.
Phil Lewis' L.A. GUNS is not to be confused with the Tracii Guns-led version of the group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.
L.A. GUNS spent a few days in Los Angeles shooting three videos to support the record, and will make the track "You Better Not Love Me" available online next week. Videos for "Requiem (Hollywood Forever)" and "Aranga Nigre" were also filmed. Videographer Jack Foster was behind the lens for the shoot at the legendary Circus Disco in Hollywood. With an LED logo in the background, the band meshed theatrics with its expected rock energy on the big stage. Later, additional scenes were filmed in L.A.'s colorful Little Mexico and the landmark Hollywood Forever cemetery. Stacey Blades said, "It was a blast hammin' it up in a big venue and stage for the cameras." He added, "We are so excited about the new album coming out and videos to boot. 2012 is the year of L.A.GUNS!"
01. Hollywood Forever
02. You Better Not Love Me
03. Sweet Mystery
04. Eel Pie
05. Burn
06. Requiem (Hollywood Forever)
07. I Won't Play
08. Vine St. Shimmy
09. Arana Negra (originally recorded by THE BICICLETAS)
10. Gonna Take You Down
11. Queenie
12. Underneath The Sun
13. Venus Bomb
14. Dirty Black Night
15. Rattlesnake
In other news, L.A. GUNS will taping an exclusive interview with VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" on March 17. They'll discuss moving above and beyond past conflicts and the exciting events of 2012, including the album and upcoming tour. The episode will air May 19.
Phil Lewis' L.A. GUNS is not to be confused with the Tracii Guns-led version of the group, which is also continuing to record and perform under the L.A. GUNS moniker.
'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary American rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose:
"The day I got the call to jam with Ronnie Montrose for NAMM 2011 [show in Anaheim, California] was a day a dream of mine came true.
"I had loved MONTROSE and Ronnie's guitar riffs since I began to play the guitar. Ronnie changed the face of rock forever!!! No one could ever make their guitar sound like a motorcycle... not like Ronnie... not then, and still not even now!
"I was truly honored to have shared the stage with Ronnie that night. He called me his 'little ray of sunshine' because it was cold out that night, and when Ronnie told me his fingers were cold before we went on to play, I stuck them between my legs to warm them up. Leighsa, Ronnie's wife, laughed, as so did Ronnie and I. From that moment on, we became good friends and bonded as musicians.
"I grew up on that same wonderful music. MONTROSE!!! Ronnie was part of the soundtrack of my life!
"I love you, my dear sweet wonderful Ronnie. Now you and Dio can jam together with Jimi Hendrix.
"Wow!!! I'm missing you so!!!
"God bless Ronnie and your wonderful wife Leighsa. You are an angel.
"Deepest sympathy, Lita Ford.
"R.I.P. You bad motor scooter!!!"
Ronnie Montrose died on Saturday, March 3 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played Van Morrison's classic 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey". He also appeared on recordings by Boz Scaggs and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's "They Only Come Out At Night") before going solo under the MONTROSE moniker in 1973 (with a very young Sammy Hagar on vocals). The MONTROSE band released two albums, "Montrose" and "Paper Money", before Hagar left to pursue a solo career. Montrose continued to release albums with the MONTROSE band, but focused his attention mostly on his solo career as well as his other band, GAMMA, which released four albums between 1979 and 2000.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Montrose took some time off from playing and performing to focus on his health.
"The day I got the call to jam with Ronnie Montrose for NAMM 2011 [show in Anaheim, California] was a day a dream of mine came true.
"I had loved MONTROSE and Ronnie's guitar riffs since I began to play the guitar. Ronnie changed the face of rock forever!!! No one could ever make their guitar sound like a motorcycle... not like Ronnie... not then, and still not even now!
"I was truly honored to have shared the stage with Ronnie that night. He called me his 'little ray of sunshine' because it was cold out that night, and when Ronnie told me his fingers were cold before we went on to play, I stuck them between my legs to warm them up. Leighsa, Ronnie's wife, laughed, as so did Ronnie and I. From that moment on, we became good friends and bonded as musicians.
"I grew up on that same wonderful music. MONTROSE!!! Ronnie was part of the soundtrack of my life!
"I love you, my dear sweet wonderful Ronnie. Now you and Dio can jam together with Jimi Hendrix.
"Wow!!! I'm missing you so!!!
"God bless Ronnie and your wonderful wife Leighsa. You are an angel.
"Deepest sympathy, Lita Ford.
"R.I.P. You bad motor scooter!!!"
Ronnie Montrose died on Saturday, March 3 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played Van Morrison's classic 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey". He also appeared on recordings by Boz Scaggs and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's "They Only Come Out At Night") before going solo under the MONTROSE moniker in 1973 (with a very young Sammy Hagar on vocals). The MONTROSE band released two albums, "Montrose" and "Paper Money", before Hagar left to pursue a solo career. Montrose continued to release albums with the MONTROSE band, but focused his attention mostly on his solo career as well as his other band, GAMMA, which released four albums between 1979 and 2000.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Montrose took some time off from playing and performing to focus on his health.
Former EUROPE guitarist Kee Marcello will hit the road later this month with a dramatized rock n' roll show celebrating 30 years of rock history and featuring hits from NOICE, EASY ACTION, EUROPE and DEEP PURPLE. The dates below will include special guest, Canadian singer Alannah Myles.
Mar. 23 - Umeå, Sweden - Aula Nordica (with TNT)
Mar. 25 - Sundsvall, Sweden - Tonhallen
Mar. 28 - Västerås, Sweden - Konserthuset
Mar. 29 - Uppsala, Sweden - Konsert & Kongress
Mar. 30 - Sälen, Sweden - Högfjällshotellet
Mar. 31 - Gävle, Sweden - Konserthuset
Apr. 01 - Eskilstuna, Sweden - Lokomotivet
Apr. 04 - Uddevalla, Sweden - Agnesbergshallen
Apr. 05 - Nyköping, Sweden - Rosvalla
Apr. 06 - Skövde, Sweden - Arena
Apr. 07 - Strömstad, Sweden - Skagerack
Apr. 08 - Linköping, Sweden - Crusellhallen
Apr. 11 - Jönköping, Sweden - Konserthus
Apr. 12 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
Apr. 13 - Borås, Sweden - Åhaga
Apr. 14 - Örebro, Sweden - Conventrum
Marcello released his controversial autobiography, "The Rock Star God Forgot", in Sweden on October 19, 2011.
Marcello made headlines in the biggest Swedish newspaper with a painfully honest interview about the memoir, which is said to be "the first sex, drugs and rock and roll book ever written by a Swede."
"The Rock Star God Forgot" is scheduled for release in the rest of the world in English during 2012.
On October 21, 2011, Marcello released an album, "Redux: Europe", featuring several new tracks alongside modern, heavier-sounding re-recordings of hits from Marcello's previous bands EUROPE and EASY ACTION. Also released on the same date were remastered and repackaged versions of Kee's two earlier albums, "Redux: Shine On" and "Redux: Melon Demon Divine".
When asked why he chose to re-record EUROPE songs, Marcello said, "'Redux' is Latin for 'reclaim' or 'take back,' and that's what I'm doing here. These songs are part of my past and I wanted to bring them into the future."
Mar. 23 - Umeå, Sweden - Aula Nordica (with TNT)
Mar. 25 - Sundsvall, Sweden - Tonhallen
Mar. 28 - Västerås, Sweden - Konserthuset
Mar. 29 - Uppsala, Sweden - Konsert & Kongress
Mar. 30 - Sälen, Sweden - Högfjällshotellet
Mar. 31 - Gävle, Sweden - Konserthuset
Apr. 01 - Eskilstuna, Sweden - Lokomotivet
Apr. 04 - Uddevalla, Sweden - Agnesbergshallen
Apr. 05 - Nyköping, Sweden - Rosvalla
Apr. 06 - Skövde, Sweden - Arena
Apr. 07 - Strömstad, Sweden - Skagerack
Apr. 08 - Linköping, Sweden - Crusellhallen
Apr. 11 - Jönköping, Sweden - Konserthus
Apr. 12 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
Apr. 13 - Borås, Sweden - Åhaga
Apr. 14 - Örebro, Sweden - Conventrum
Marcello released his controversial autobiography, "The Rock Star God Forgot", in Sweden on October 19, 2011.
Marcello made headlines in the biggest Swedish newspaper with a painfully honest interview about the memoir, which is said to be "the first sex, drugs and rock and roll book ever written by a Swede."
"The Rock Star God Forgot" is scheduled for release in the rest of the world in English during 2012.
On October 21, 2011, Marcello released an album, "Redux: Europe", featuring several new tracks alongside modern, heavier-sounding re-recordings of hits from Marcello's previous bands EUROPE and EASY ACTION. Also released on the same date were remastered and repackaged versions of Kee's two earlier albums, "Redux: Shine On" and "Redux: Melon Demon Divine".
When asked why he chose to re-record EUROPE songs, Marcello said, "'Redux' is Latin for 'reclaim' or 'take back,' and that's what I'm doing here. These songs are part of my past and I wanted to bring them into the future."
Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND, who feature in their ranks current OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. , will release their new album, "Few Against Many", in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE). The young Belgian is regarded by Gus as a "phenomenal talent," and anyone that witnessed him on the band's most recent world tour will no doubt agree.
The "Few Against Many" cover artwork can be seen below.
FIREWIND 2012 (pictured left to right in new band photo below):
Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, Guitar
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Gus G. - Guitar
Petros Christo - Bass
Jo Nunez - Drums
FIREWIND debuted two brand new songs — "Wall Of Sound" and "Losing My Mind" — during its headlining concert on January 14 at the Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece. Fan-filmed video footage of both tracks can be seen below.
FIREWIND has already announced a few summer festival appearances (including Summer Breeze in Germany and Czech Republic's Masters Of Rock) and will play three shows in China and Taiwan at the end of August.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE). The young Belgian is regarded by Gus as a "phenomenal talent," and anyone that witnessed him on the band's most recent world tour will no doubt agree.
The "Few Against Many" cover artwork can be seen below.
FIREWIND 2012 (pictured left to right in new band photo below):
Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, Guitar
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Gus G. - Guitar
Petros Christo - Bass
Jo Nunez - Drums
FIREWIND debuted two brand new songs — "Wall Of Sound" and "Losing My Mind" — during its headlining concert on January 14 at the Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece. Fan-filmed video footage of both tracks can be seen below.
FIREWIND has already announced a few summer festival appearances (including Summer Breeze in Germany and Czech Republic's Masters Of Rock) and will play three shows in China and Taiwan at the end of August.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/firewindfew.jpg
Swedish glam rockers CRASHDIET have been forced to cancel their March 9 appearance at the Rock The Night festival in Lichtenfels, Germany so that the band's bassist, Peter London, can undergo surgery after he was diagnosed with spinal disc herniation.
Commented Peter: "Well, as some of you already know, I've had some problems with back pains lately. Since December 2010 I've been struggling with spinal disc herniation, and unfortunately, right now the pain is just getting worse and worse. I'm simply not able to even stand up for longer than a few minutes at a time. No medicine is working — believe me I've tried them all by now. I will have surgery and I hope to be back on my feet within eight weeks or so... Unfortunately, this means that we are forced to cancel the Rock The Night festival show on March 9. Regarding the Shout It Out Loud festival on March 10 [in Mülheim, Germany], we will book a new date that should be announced pretty soon. Sorry my friends!"
As previously reported, CRASHDIET drummer Eric Young fractured his right hand and his unable to perform with his bandmates in December in Rome, Italy; Milan, Italy; and Lichtenfels, Germany. Filling in for him for those shows was Michael Sweet, the "kid brother" of CRASHDIET guitarist Martin Sweet.
CRASHDIET's third album, "Generation Wild", was recently released on vinyl. This gatefold LP features the new bonus track "Hollywood Teaze" as well as updated artwork.
"Generation Wild" entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 3. The CD, which was made available in Sweden in April 2010 through Gain/Sony Music, was helmed by RamPac, the production and songwriting team formed by Johan Ramström and Patrik Magnusson, in Gröndal, Sweden and was mixed by Tobias Lindell.
CRASHDIET in 2009 announced the addition of Simon "Simme" Cruz from the Stockholm act JAILBAIT as the group's new lead singer.
The band parted ways with its previous vocalist, the Finland-based H. Olliver Twisted, in July 2008.
Commented Peter: "Well, as some of you already know, I've had some problems with back pains lately. Since December 2010 I've been struggling with spinal disc herniation, and unfortunately, right now the pain is just getting worse and worse. I'm simply not able to even stand up for longer than a few minutes at a time. No medicine is working — believe me I've tried them all by now. I will have surgery and I hope to be back on my feet within eight weeks or so... Unfortunately, this means that we are forced to cancel the Rock The Night festival show on March 9. Regarding the Shout It Out Loud festival on March 10 [in Mülheim, Germany], we will book a new date that should be announced pretty soon. Sorry my friends!"
As previously reported, CRASHDIET drummer Eric Young fractured his right hand and his unable to perform with his bandmates in December in Rome, Italy; Milan, Italy; and Lichtenfels, Germany. Filling in for him for those shows was Michael Sweet, the "kid brother" of CRASHDIET guitarist Martin Sweet.
CRASHDIET's third album, "Generation Wild", was recently released on vinyl. This gatefold LP features the new bonus track "Hollywood Teaze" as well as updated artwork.
"Generation Wild" entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 3. The CD, which was made available in Sweden in April 2010 through Gain/Sony Music, was helmed by RamPac, the production and songwriting team formed by Johan Ramström and Patrik Magnusson, in Gröndal, Sweden and was mixed by Tobias Lindell.
CRASHDIET in 2009 announced the addition of Simon "Simme" Cruz from the Stockholm act JAILBAIT as the group's new lead singer.
The band parted ways with its previous vocalist, the Finland-based H. Olliver Twisted, in July 2008.
Baltimore, Maryland-based rock band CHARM CITY DEVILS (formerly known as FORTY ACRES and CHOSEN SON) will release its second album, "Sins", exclusively via iTunes on April 1 through Fat Lady Music.
The first single from "Sins", a cover of "Man Of Constant Sorrow" (from the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the George Clooney Oscar-nominated film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"), is quickly making a name for itself on the rock radio airwaves. "Man Of Constant Sorry" recently debuted on Billboard's Active Rock chart at No. 36. A lyric video for the song was recently released and can be seen below.
When CHARM CITY DEVILS (singer John Allen, guitarist Vic Karrera, bassist Anthony Arambula, guitarist Nick Kay and drummer Jason Heiser) started to put the new album together, they discussed covering a classic song and incorporating it into their live show. Singer John Allen states, "There were many ideas kicked around, but which one? 'Man Of Constant Sorrow' came up and we decided to give it a try. It's an incredibly powerful song, but it was a challenge to develop and arrange it in a way that captured the essence of the song but would also rock! We all loved the version from 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' Skidd Mills and I built a foundation and with much tweaking and editing, and I think we delivered a great version of the song. The song transcends generations. It's a timeless classic and it's been around a long time. I'm excited to bring it to a whole new group of rock fans."
Recorded at Sound Kitchen Studios in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Skidd Mills (SAVING ABEL, EGYPT CENTRAL), "Sins" finds the Baltimore band adding harder, edgier tones to their blues-based roots. The result of the band's life experiences over the past few years, "Sins" features an aggression and energy that hits you right between the eyes. From the first note of "Spite" to the last cymbal crash of "Unstoppable", "Sins" showcases the band's power, directness and new found energy and intensity.
Guitarist Nick Kay reflects on the "Sins" recording process, "Our previous record had been a compilation of songs written and recorded over a two to three year period. It was recorded in a couple of different settings and tracked by a few different people. This time, we went into one studio with one producer to give the record a cohesive sound and direction."
"Everyone has ups and downs — that's life," proclaims singer John Allen. "I've been a professional musician since I could carry my gear and have seen and experienced what this industry 'good and bad' has to offer. We wanted 'Sins' to be deep with songs that people can relate to. On this record, I wanted to put it all out there with songs about love, anger, revenge, lust and all the emotions that I was feeling. Expressing what I, and everyone in this band, had been through. These feelings are universal. They touch everyone and we used our experiences to put together a powerful statement that we believe listeners can connect with."
And what about the album title? "When it came to giving the record a title we wanted something that hit a nerve," he continues. "We have five different personalities in this band and it can sometimes be a challenge to agree on one idea. The one thing we all could agree on is in one form or another we have all sinned. Some of us more than others."
"Sins" track listing:
01. Spite
02. Unstoppable
03. Man Of Constant Sorrow
04. Still Alive
05. Walk Away
06. Devil Is A Woman
07. Start It Up
08. Love N War
09. Blame
10. Problem
11. All You'll Ever Need
CHARM CITY DEVILS' debut album, "Let's Rock 'n' Roll", was released in May 2009 via Eleven Seven Music, helmed by then-label president Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE co-founder/bassist).
For more information, visit www.charmcitydevils.com.
The first single from "Sins", a cover of "Man Of Constant Sorrow" (from the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the George Clooney Oscar-nominated film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"), is quickly making a name for itself on the rock radio airwaves. "Man Of Constant Sorry" recently debuted on Billboard's Active Rock chart at No. 36. A lyric video for the song was recently released and can be seen below.
When CHARM CITY DEVILS (singer John Allen, guitarist Vic Karrera, bassist Anthony Arambula, guitarist Nick Kay and drummer Jason Heiser) started to put the new album together, they discussed covering a classic song and incorporating it into their live show. Singer John Allen states, "There were many ideas kicked around, but which one? 'Man Of Constant Sorrow' came up and we decided to give it a try. It's an incredibly powerful song, but it was a challenge to develop and arrange it in a way that captured the essence of the song but would also rock! We all loved the version from 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' Skidd Mills and I built a foundation and with much tweaking and editing, and I think we delivered a great version of the song. The song transcends generations. It's a timeless classic and it's been around a long time. I'm excited to bring it to a whole new group of rock fans."
Recorded at Sound Kitchen Studios in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Skidd Mills (SAVING ABEL, EGYPT CENTRAL), "Sins" finds the Baltimore band adding harder, edgier tones to their blues-based roots. The result of the band's life experiences over the past few years, "Sins" features an aggression and energy that hits you right between the eyes. From the first note of "Spite" to the last cymbal crash of "Unstoppable", "Sins" showcases the band's power, directness and new found energy and intensity.
Guitarist Nick Kay reflects on the "Sins" recording process, "Our previous record had been a compilation of songs written and recorded over a two to three year period. It was recorded in a couple of different settings and tracked by a few different people. This time, we went into one studio with one producer to give the record a cohesive sound and direction."
"Everyone has ups and downs — that's life," proclaims singer John Allen. "I've been a professional musician since I could carry my gear and have seen and experienced what this industry 'good and bad' has to offer. We wanted 'Sins' to be deep with songs that people can relate to. On this record, I wanted to put it all out there with songs about love, anger, revenge, lust and all the emotions that I was feeling. Expressing what I, and everyone in this band, had been through. These feelings are universal. They touch everyone and we used our experiences to put together a powerful statement that we believe listeners can connect with."
And what about the album title? "When it came to giving the record a title we wanted something that hit a nerve," he continues. "We have five different personalities in this band and it can sometimes be a challenge to agree on one idea. The one thing we all could agree on is in one form or another we have all sinned. Some of us more than others."
"Sins" track listing:
01. Spite
02. Unstoppable
03. Man Of Constant Sorrow
04. Still Alive
05. Walk Away
06. Devil Is A Woman
07. Start It Up
08. Love N War
09. Blame
10. Problem
11. All You'll Ever Need
CHARM CITY DEVILS' debut album, "Let's Rock 'n' Roll", was released in May 2009 via Eleven Seven Music, helmed by then-label president Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE co-founder/bassist).
For more information, visit www.charmcitydevils.com.
Italian symphonic metal masters RHAPSODY OF FIRE have announced the details of the North American leg of their "From Chaos To Eternity" world tour.
Commented RHAPSODY OF FIRE keyboardist Alex Staropoli: "American and Canadian RHAPSODY OF FIRE fans have been waiting a long time for our return to North America. We've heard your demands and now it's finally a reality! RHAPSODY OF FIRE is stronger than ever and ready to bring to you the longest, biggest and best show we've ever done in the band's 15-plus-year history. We're also giving fans the opportunity to spend an incredible amount of personal time with us face-to-face in order to bring us very close to our fans in a very personal and meaningful way."
The dates are as follows:
May 25 - The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
May 26 - Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
May 27 - The Palladium – Worcester, MA
May 29 - Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY
May 30 - Club Soda – Montreal, QC
May 31 - Imperial de Quebec - Quebec City, QC
Jun. 01 - Mod Club – Toronto, CA
Jun. 03 - Peabody`s – Cleveland, OH
Jun. 04 - Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
Jun. 05 – Mojoes – Joliet, IL
Jun. 06 - Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
Jun. 08 - Gothic Theater – Englewood, NJ
Jun. 10 - El Corazon – Seattle, WA
Jun. 11 - Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
Jun. 12 - Slim's - San Francisco, CA
Jun. 14 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
Jun. 15 - The Grove – Anaheim, CA
A special VIP package is also available for these dates. Details can be found at RhapsodyOfFire.com.
The first official photo of the new lineup of RHAPSODY OF FIRE can be seen below.
RHAPSODY OF FIRE 2012 is:
Fabio Lione - Vocals
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Roberto De Micheli - Guitar
Tom Hess - Guitar
Oliver Holzwarth - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums
Staropoli and RHAPSODY OF FIRE guitarist Luca Turilli last year announced their decision to go their separate ways.
Due to legal reasons, Staropoli will continue under the RHAPSODY OF FIRE name. Turilli, on the other hand, will make his future efforts available under the RHAPSODY moniker (RHAPSODY OF FIRE's original name), in which he will be joined by musicians Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers and Alex Holzwarth.
RHAPSODY OF FIRE's latest album, "From Chaos To Eternity", was released in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. Described by the band as "the natural evolution" from 2010's "The Frozen Tears Of Angels", the CD marks RHAPSODY OF FIRE's final release based on the fantasy saga started in 1997 with the group's debut album, "Legendary Tales".
Commented RHAPSODY OF FIRE keyboardist Alex Staropoli: "American and Canadian RHAPSODY OF FIRE fans have been waiting a long time for our return to North America. We've heard your demands and now it's finally a reality! RHAPSODY OF FIRE is stronger than ever and ready to bring to you the longest, biggest and best show we've ever done in the band's 15-plus-year history. We're also giving fans the opportunity to spend an incredible amount of personal time with us face-to-face in order to bring us very close to our fans in a very personal and meaningful way."
The dates are as follows:
May 25 - The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
May 26 - Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
May 27 - The Palladium – Worcester, MA
May 29 - Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY
May 30 - Club Soda – Montreal, QC
May 31 - Imperial de Quebec - Quebec City, QC
Jun. 01 - Mod Club – Toronto, CA
Jun. 03 - Peabody`s – Cleveland, OH
Jun. 04 - Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
Jun. 05 – Mojoes – Joliet, IL
Jun. 06 - Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
Jun. 08 - Gothic Theater – Englewood, NJ
Jun. 10 - El Corazon – Seattle, WA
Jun. 11 - Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
Jun. 12 - Slim's - San Francisco, CA
Jun. 14 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
Jun. 15 - The Grove – Anaheim, CA
A special VIP package is also available for these dates. Details can be found at RhapsodyOfFire.com.
The first official photo of the new lineup of RHAPSODY OF FIRE can be seen below.
RHAPSODY OF FIRE 2012 is:
Fabio Lione - Vocals
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Roberto De Micheli - Guitar
Tom Hess - Guitar
Oliver Holzwarth - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums
Staropoli and RHAPSODY OF FIRE guitarist Luca Turilli last year announced their decision to go their separate ways.
Due to legal reasons, Staropoli will continue under the RHAPSODY OF FIRE name. Turilli, on the other hand, will make his future efforts available under the RHAPSODY moniker (RHAPSODY OF FIRE's original name), in which he will be joined by musicians Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers and Alex Holzwarth.
RHAPSODY OF FIRE's latest album, "From Chaos To Eternity", was released in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. Described by the band as "the natural evolution" from 2010's "The Frozen Tears Of Angels", the CD marks RHAPSODY OF FIRE's final release based on the fantasy saga started in 1997 with the group's debut album, "Legendary Tales".
There is nothing more exciting than being on the threshold of a new type of music. "Tension: 25 Years Underground", a documentary by Rudy Childs, takes us back to 1978 when teenagers Tom Gattis and Marty Friedman (later of HAWAII and MEGADETH) met and formed the rock band DEUCE (later known as TENSION). These kids churned out a style of music that underwent a complete metamorphosis — growing from punk-inspired rock 'n' roll, into classic heavy metal at a time when that genre of music was way under the radar of most rock fans.
"Tension: 25 Years Underground" takes us through the entire decade of the band's existence, beginning as teenagers practicing in their legendary rehearsal space "The Barn," through securing a record deal, and on to their unfortunate demise in 1988. Interwoven throughout the band's storyline are sidebars touching on rock culture, music and censorship, topics important to the band during their tenure. Painstakingly constructed from new interviews, music and vintage concert footage, this film reveals the engrossing story of an innovative band that simply existed in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Despite their trials and tribulations, TENSION's members have achieved success in their own personal ways, which have become rewarding in itself. With this film, their musical legacy lives on — in fact, they have reunited to open for ANVIL and ARCH/MATHEOS at the sold-out Keep It True festival in Germany (their first gig abroad) in April 2012.
"Tension: 25 Years Underground" will receive its world premiere on the opening night of the Neon Reverb Music & Arts Festival on March 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More information is available at this location.
A trailer for "Tension: 25 Years Underground" can be seen below.
TENSION is:
Tom Gattis (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
Billy Giddings (Drums)
Michael Francis (Bass/Vocals)
Petio Petev (Lead Guitar)
In a 2003 interview, Friedman stated about DEUCE, "DEUCE was me and my friends back in Washington D.C. The only member that any of you may know is Tom Gattis, who went on to sing and play guitar in TENSION and WARDOG. He also did a KISS compilation album with me. He is one of my best friends in the world. We were the core of DEUCE. We were kind of punk, kind of rock and roll, but at the same time we loved tricky little guitar parts. All the band members were between 14 and 17, but we had a huge fan base in our area, mainly beacuse we put on a show every night at our rehearsals. We never really rehearsed, we just made our 'practices' a 'concert' and a big party for everyone. We all learned a lot from that." He added, "I quit DEUCE because my father got transferred to Hawaii and I had to move."
"Tension: 25 Years Underground" takes us through the entire decade of the band's existence, beginning as teenagers practicing in their legendary rehearsal space "The Barn," through securing a record deal, and on to their unfortunate demise in 1988. Interwoven throughout the band's storyline are sidebars touching on rock culture, music and censorship, topics important to the band during their tenure. Painstakingly constructed from new interviews, music and vintage concert footage, this film reveals the engrossing story of an innovative band that simply existed in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Despite their trials and tribulations, TENSION's members have achieved success in their own personal ways, which have become rewarding in itself. With this film, their musical legacy lives on — in fact, they have reunited to open for ANVIL and ARCH/MATHEOS at the sold-out Keep It True festival in Germany (their first gig abroad) in April 2012.
"Tension: 25 Years Underground" will receive its world premiere on the opening night of the Neon Reverb Music & Arts Festival on March 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More information is available at this location.
A trailer for "Tension: 25 Years Underground" can be seen below.
TENSION is:
Tom Gattis (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
Billy Giddings (Drums)
Michael Francis (Bass/Vocals)
Petio Petev (Lead Guitar)
In a 2003 interview, Friedman stated about DEUCE, "DEUCE was me and my friends back in Washington D.C. The only member that any of you may know is Tom Gattis, who went on to sing and play guitar in TENSION and WARDOG. He also did a KISS compilation album with me. He is one of my best friends in the world. We were the core of DEUCE. We were kind of punk, kind of rock and roll, but at the same time we loved tricky little guitar parts. All the band members were between 14 and 17, but we had a huge fan base in our area, mainly beacuse we put on a show every night at our rehearsals. We never really rehearsed, we just made our 'practices' a 'concert' and a big party for everyone. We all learned a lot from that." He added, "I quit DEUCE because my father got transferred to Hawaii and I had to move."
MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen — who currently lives and records in El Paso, Texas — was asked in a brand new interview with Loudwire for his thoughts on Texas Governor and former Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry. "I have no thoughts on him," he replied. "You know why? Because he's got no thoughts in his head. Why should I listen to this fucking guy? Him and Bush ruined this state.
"When Ann Richards was governor here, this state was the coolest fucking place to be in the world. Now it's a shithole, but I'm stuck here and I love it. I've got a really nice house and a recording studio and I'm more sequestered from the rest of the world. Not only that — we're in El Paso, which is not really part of Texas. New Mexico is two blocks away from my house and Mexico is eight blocks away from my house, so I'm right on that tip of Texas.
"Texans don't consider El Pasoans as Texans. They always slander us and the state legislature never gives us enough money for our schools or anything like that. I mean, they totally look at us like a red-headed stepchild up in the attic or something, you know?
"But I like it here, man. Nobody asks questions, the weather is perfect, I've got a beautiful house and studio and like I said, nobody asks questions. It's a city of outlaws and people hiding out.
"After THE CLASH split up, Paul Simonon came down here for four years because we had the world's largest Harley shop and he bought a Harley. He just spent four years driving around the desert on his bike. He loved it here and I love it here, too.
"I've been here for 10 years and it's nothing but outlaws, man. That's why people don't ask questions, because they probably have a questionable past — so they don't wanna ask because they don't wanna tell. [Laughs very hard]
"I like it down here, it's nothing but bikers and outlaws. It's actually really safe here, man because the cartel bring their drugs up though Juarez and they don't want any problems in El Paso, they just want to make it through the border and get their drugs to Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles etc. So they cause no fuss here. Eight blocks away in Juarez, they're about five killings a day. It's worse than Baghdad, but it doesn't spill over into here because the cartel wants to make sure they can get their shipments out through the border without any kind of problems. There's a weird dichotomy here, but you get used to it."
MINISTRY's new album, "Relapse", will be released on March 26. The CD was recorded last fall at Jourgensen's industrial compound studio in with his favorite co-conspirators Mike Scaccia (RIGOR MORTIS), Tony Campos (STATIC-X), Tommy Victor (PRONG) and Casey Orr (RIGOR MORTIS, GWAR).
Reaching back to his punk rock roots, Jourgensen and his MINISTRY pirates cover S.O.D.'s "United Forces" — a track written 20 years ago still relevant today as a call to arms for the unrighteous and to those who feel disenfranchised by the "system" as it stands today.
"When Ann Richards was governor here, this state was the coolest fucking place to be in the world. Now it's a shithole, but I'm stuck here and I love it. I've got a really nice house and a recording studio and I'm more sequestered from the rest of the world. Not only that — we're in El Paso, which is not really part of Texas. New Mexico is two blocks away from my house and Mexico is eight blocks away from my house, so I'm right on that tip of Texas.
"Texans don't consider El Pasoans as Texans. They always slander us and the state legislature never gives us enough money for our schools or anything like that. I mean, they totally look at us like a red-headed stepchild up in the attic or something, you know?
"But I like it here, man. Nobody asks questions, the weather is perfect, I've got a beautiful house and studio and like I said, nobody asks questions. It's a city of outlaws and people hiding out.
"After THE CLASH split up, Paul Simonon came down here for four years because we had the world's largest Harley shop and he bought a Harley. He just spent four years driving around the desert on his bike. He loved it here and I love it here, too.
"I've been here for 10 years and it's nothing but outlaws, man. That's why people don't ask questions, because they probably have a questionable past — so they don't wanna ask because they don't wanna tell. [Laughs very hard]
"I like it down here, it's nothing but bikers and outlaws. It's actually really safe here, man because the cartel bring their drugs up though Juarez and they don't want any problems in El Paso, they just want to make it through the border and get their drugs to Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles etc. So they cause no fuss here. Eight blocks away in Juarez, they're about five killings a day. It's worse than Baghdad, but it doesn't spill over into here because the cartel wants to make sure they can get their shipments out through the border without any kind of problems. There's a weird dichotomy here, but you get used to it."
MINISTRY's new album, "Relapse", will be released on March 26. The CD was recorded last fall at Jourgensen's industrial compound studio in with his favorite co-conspirators Mike Scaccia (RIGOR MORTIS), Tony Campos (STATIC-X), Tommy Victor (PRONG) and Casey Orr (RIGOR MORTIS, GWAR).
Reaching back to his punk rock roots, Jourgensen and his MINISTRY pirates cover S.O.D.'s "United Forces" — a track written 20 years ago still relevant today as a call to arms for the unrighteous and to those who feel disenfranchised by the "system" as it stands today.
Guitarist Glen Alvelais (FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, LD/50) has joined the Fresno, California metal band HATEFX. He brings years of experience to the up-and-coming metal heavy hitters, who encompass a distinctive approach to metal, adding sonic textures to their mix and a light/FX-filled live show. They have become one of the strongest Central Valley outfits, having previously shared the stage with such national acts as EXODUS, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and STATIC-X, among others.
Commented Alvelais: "It started when I was asked to record a solo for a new [HATEFX] recording that they are working on and I loved the song and the solo so much that when I was done, I called G (HATEFX singer/guitarist) and curiously asked how they planned to pull off this song live. I was hoping he would ask if I would like to come to one of their shows and have the chance to jam with them on stage. But much to my surprise, he answered back saying that they were actually looking for another guitarist to handle the solos."
He continued, "I had seen HATEFX a handful of times and know that they not only sound great live but they really put on a hell of a show. We had the opportunity to play a couple of shows together in 2010 and 2011 while playing out with LD/50, and I distinctly remember hearing them play from back stage and being drawn in by their sound and ended up watching their show till the end."
HATEFX's Chilean frontman G, who was previously a member of DOGMA, stated: "We are glad to have Glen as part of the team. His style and solid guitar work has inspired us to take our music to a new level. We have a number of surprises in store for our new material… Stay tuned!"
HATEFX is currently planning its schedule and will be making more announcements shortly.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/hatefx.
Commented Alvelais: "It started when I was asked to record a solo for a new [HATEFX] recording that they are working on and I loved the song and the solo so much that when I was done, I called G (HATEFX singer/guitarist) and curiously asked how they planned to pull off this song live. I was hoping he would ask if I would like to come to one of their shows and have the chance to jam with them on stage. But much to my surprise, he answered back saying that they were actually looking for another guitarist to handle the solos."
He continued, "I had seen HATEFX a handful of times and know that they not only sound great live but they really put on a hell of a show. We had the opportunity to play a couple of shows together in 2010 and 2011 while playing out with LD/50, and I distinctly remember hearing them play from back stage and being drawn in by their sound and ended up watching their show till the end."
HATEFX's Chilean frontman G, who was previously a member of DOGMA, stated: "We are glad to have Glen as part of the team. His style and solid guitar work has inspired us to take our music to a new level. We have a number of surprises in store for our new material… Stay tuned!"
HATEFX is currently planning its schedule and will be making more announcements shortly.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/hatefx.
South Carolina-based extreme technical death metallers NILE have set "At The Gate Of Sethu" as the title of their new album, due in late spring/early summer via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Those Whom The Gods Detest" is once again being produced and mixed by Neil Kernon, who has previously worked with NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, QUEENSRŸCHE and DEICIDE, among many others. NILE's guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders previously stated about the band's new material, "Some of the drumming on this record will be boggling people's minds for years to come."
In other news, NILE will embark on an Asian tour in April/May. This will mark the band's first time in these markets and the guys are extremely excited to be playing for their Asian metal brothers.
"The whole idea of spreading NILE's music into this part of the world has been a long time coming," said the band in a statement. "We are extremely pleased to go to there and are looking forward to an amazing cultural exchange and experience."
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 26 - Diablo Open Air - Singapore, Singapore
Apr. 28 - Hammersonic Jakarta International Metal Festival, Lapangan D - Jakarta, Indonesia
May 02 - A.U.A. Auditorium - Bangkok, Thailand (with HATE ETERNAL)
May 05 - Summer Blaze Metal Festival - New Delhi, India
May 06 - E-Zone Club - Bangalore, India
NILE will be the main support to Detroit, Michigan's melodic death metal outfit THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER on a U.S. tour in March/April. Additional support will come from SKELETONWITCH and HOUR OF PENANCE. The trek will kick off on March 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at The Intersection and wrap on April 20 in Worcester, Massachusetts at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.
"Those Whom The Gods Detest" sold 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 160 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
In other news, NILE will embark on an Asian tour in April/May. This will mark the band's first time in these markets and the guys are extremely excited to be playing for their Asian metal brothers.
"The whole idea of spreading NILE's music into this part of the world has been a long time coming," said the band in a statement. "We are extremely pleased to go to there and are looking forward to an amazing cultural exchange and experience."
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 26 - Diablo Open Air - Singapore, Singapore
Apr. 28 - Hammersonic Jakarta International Metal Festival, Lapangan D - Jakarta, Indonesia
May 02 - A.U.A. Auditorium - Bangkok, Thailand (with HATE ETERNAL)
May 05 - Summer Blaze Metal Festival - New Delhi, India
May 06 - E-Zone Club - Bangalore, India
NILE will be the main support to Detroit, Michigan's melodic death metal outfit THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER on a U.S. tour in March/April. Additional support will come from SKELETONWITCH and HOUR OF PENANCE. The trek will kick off on March 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at The Intersection and wrap on April 20 in Worcester, Massachusetts at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.
"Those Whom The Gods Detest" sold 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 160 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Finnish melancholic dark rock/metal icons AMORPHIS will embark on a tour of special concert halls in their homeland where they will perform rarely heard material and special acoustic versions of their classics. The dates are as follows:
April 12 - Mikaeli - Mikkeli, Finland
April 14 - Savonlinnasali - Savonlinna, Finland
April 18 - Sibeliustalo - Lahti, Finland
April 19 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, Finland
April 20 - Virgin Oil Co - Helsinki, Finland
April 21 - Tampere-talo - Tampere, Finland
April 27 - Logomo - Turku, Finland
AMORPHIS' latest album, "The Beginning Of Times", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 16 — the best chart position ever scored by an AMORPHIS album in that country. The CD also landed at position No. 1 on the Finnish chart.
Released on May 27, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records, "The Beginning Of Times" is described as "the most challenging AMORPHIS album so far in terms of both music and lyrics." Its central character is the iconic hero of Finnish mythology, Väinämöinen, whose tale has been masterfully retold by lyricist Pekka Kainulainen.
"The Beginning Of Times" was produced by the band; vocals were recorded under the guidance of Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT) in his home studio in Kuopio. Like its predecessors, the album was mixed by Mikko Karmila. Its cover artwork shows Travis Smith's magnificent interpretation of the mythological birth of the world from a goldeneye's egg.
April 12 - Mikaeli - Mikkeli, Finland
April 14 - Savonlinnasali - Savonlinna, Finland
April 18 - Sibeliustalo - Lahti, Finland
April 19 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, Finland
April 20 - Virgin Oil Co - Helsinki, Finland
April 21 - Tampere-talo - Tampere, Finland
April 27 - Logomo - Turku, Finland
AMORPHIS' latest album, "The Beginning Of Times", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 16 — the best chart position ever scored by an AMORPHIS album in that country. The CD also landed at position No. 1 on the Finnish chart.
Released on May 27, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records, "The Beginning Of Times" is described as "the most challenging AMORPHIS album so far in terms of both music and lyrics." Its central character is the iconic hero of Finnish mythology, Väinämöinen, whose tale has been masterfully retold by lyricist Pekka Kainulainen.
"The Beginning Of Times" was produced by the band; vocals were recorded under the guidance of Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT) in his home studio in Kuopio. Like its predecessors, the album was mixed by Mikko Karmila. Its cover artwork shows Travis Smith's magnificent interpretation of the mythological birth of the world from a goldeneye's egg.
DRAGONLORD, the California-based black metal band led by TESTAMENT guitarist Eric Peterson, has inked a deal with Spinefarm Records for the release of its third album. Peterson tells Maximum Metal in a brand new interview, "We were supposed to record in December or January. Good news is that the record is almost written. We might start recording in March and I'm really excited to get started. The first few records were good but I didn't get it how I wanted it to sound. The new record is really gonna hit home for me and for my version of what I want it to be. I'm mixing my style with black metal and it's important to have it work fluidly. [It's] gonna be great — really melodic and grown-up sounding without losing any of the edge that I want to bring to the album."
DRAGONLORD's sophomore album, "Black Wings of Destiny", was released in the U.S. in October 2005 via Escapi Music. The follow-up to 2001's "Rapture" (Spitfire Records) was recorded and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (HAMMERFALL, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden.
DRAGONLORD's sophomore album, "Black Wings of Destiny", was released in the U.S. in October 2005 via Escapi Music. The follow-up to 2001's "Rapture" (Spitfire Records) was recorded and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (HAMMERFALL, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Indie Recordings has announced the signing of the Bergen, Norway-based "hardcore punk sludge metal" band LAKEI. The group's debut album, "Konspirasjoner", will be released on April 20. The CD's first single, "Ansikter", can be streamed below.
An Indie Recordings press release describes LAKEI's sound in the following way: "Paranoid apocalyptic premonitions. Nuclear war. Massive environmental destruction and corrupt world leaders. Lakei from Bergen, Norway dwell in an angst filled and aggressive dimension; a world in collapse where oppressors feast on the gagged carcass of man. Dystopian nightmares materialize through a straggling offensive of towering bass lines, distorted barb wire guitar attacks and twisted, crass vocals. Imagine AMEBIX and AXEGRINDER dismembering NEUROSIS on an altar of early black metal, wrapped in shadowy post-hardcore, and you might get the gist of it."
An Indie Recordings press release describes LAKEI's sound in the following way: "Paranoid apocalyptic premonitions. Nuclear war. Massive environmental destruction and corrupt world leaders. Lakei from Bergen, Norway dwell in an angst filled and aggressive dimension; a world in collapse where oppressors feast on the gagged carcass of man. Dystopian nightmares materialize through a straggling offensive of towering bass lines, distorted barb wire guitar attacks and twisted, crass vocals. Imagine AMEBIX and AXEGRINDER dismembering NEUROSIS on an altar of early black metal, wrapped in shadowy post-hardcore, and you might get the gist of it."
Chaos Records has announced the signing of THE SUFFERING, the Mexico City-based death metal band featuring former and current members of CENOTAPH and DENIAL.
Formed in 1996 for the express purpose of crossing Mexican ancient and Swedish old-school death metal, THE SUFFERING released one well-received self-titled demo in 1998, but is now prepared to unleash hell with its full-length debut, due later this year.
Formed in 1996 for the express purpose of crossing Mexican ancient and Swedish old-school death metal, THE SUFFERING released one well-received self-titled demo in 1998, but is now prepared to unleash hell with its full-length debut, due later this year.
DJERV — the Norwegian band featuring singer Agnete Kjølsrud of ANIMAL ALPHA, drummer Erlend Gjerde of STONEGARD and WARDRUNA and guitarist Stian Kårstad of TRELLDOM — will support MINISTRY on the European leg of their "DefibrillaTouR" this summer.
A complete list of tour dates — including a series of Norwegian concerts alongside DUNDERBEIST this month — appears below.
March 10 - Inferno Switzerland - Lausanne, Switzerland
March 15 - Meiriet - Sogndal, Norway ~
March 16 - Tribute - Sandnes, Norway ~
March 17 - Karma Bar - Arendal, Norway ~
March 22 - Kvarteret - Bergen, Norway ~
March 23 - Radhusteateret - Ski, Norway ~
March 24 - Bibloteket - Rena, Norway ~
March 29 - Blaest - Trondheim, Norway ~
March 30 - Radar Scene - Asker, Norway ~
March 31 - R.I.P. - Porsgrunn, Norway ~
Jun. 16 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
Jul. 04 - Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway *
Jul. 08 - Docks - Hamburg, Germany *
Jul. 10 - Werk 2 - Leipzig, Germany *
Jul. 12 - O13 - Tilburg, Netherlands *
Jul. 16 - O2 Academy - Bristol, UK *
Jul. 17 - Mandela Hall - Belfast, UK *
Jul. 18 - Vicar Street - Dublin, Ireland *
Jul. 20 - The Forum - London, UK *
Jul. 21 - Academy - Manchester, UK *
Jul. 24 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain *
Jul. 25 - Rockster - Bilbao, Spain *
Jul. 28 - La Cigale - Paris, France *
Jul. 31 - Konzerthaus Schuur - Luzern, Switzerland *
~ With DUNDERBEIST
* With MINISTRY
The self-titled debut album from DJERV entered the official chart in Norway at position No. 8. The CD wasreleased in the rest of Europe in June 2011 via Indie Recordings (except in Poland and Czech Republic, where the album was made available through Mystic Production).
"Djerv" track listing:
01. Madman
02. The Bowling Pin
03. Headstone
04. Gruesome Twosome
05. Only I Exist
06. Ladder To The Moon
07. Abmuse
08. Blind The Heat
09. Immortal
DJERV's "Madman" video can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Jørn Veberg and Johan Sæther.
DJERV consists of the three core members — Agnete Kjølsrud, Stian Kårstad and Erlend Gjerde. The lineup is completed by guitarist Stamos Koliousis from MENCEA and bassist Victor Brandt from ENTOMBED, who join them for their live performances.
DJERV spent most of the fall of 2010 working on its debut album, which was engineered by Daniel Bergstrand (IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH) in Oslo, before the band traveled to Los Angeles to team up with Grammy Award-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED, MONSTER MAGNET) to work on the mix. The effort was mastered by Tom Baker at Precision Mastering, and it was written and produced in its entirety by DJERV.
DJERV's story is short but eventful. The first demos surfaced early 2010, and two weeks later they were booked for the most important festival in Norway, the Oya festival. They went on to tour Norway in June and played several of the bigger Norwegian festivals during the summer. In August they released the "Headstone" EP which basically is their first-ever recorded demo tracks made available as people kept demanding to get to hear them not only on MySpace. The release of the "Headstone" EP generated some good press for the band several key magazines featured them as one of the bands to keep an eye out for in 2011. In addition, DIMMU BORGIR helped promote DJERV when they invited Agnete to participate on no less than three songs for their latest album, "Abrahadabra". Among them the lead track of the album, "Gateways", the video for which also features Agnete.
A complete list of tour dates — including a series of Norwegian concerts alongside DUNDERBEIST this month — appears below.
March 10 - Inferno Switzerland - Lausanne, Switzerland
March 15 - Meiriet - Sogndal, Norway ~
March 16 - Tribute - Sandnes, Norway ~
March 17 - Karma Bar - Arendal, Norway ~
March 22 - Kvarteret - Bergen, Norway ~
March 23 - Radhusteateret - Ski, Norway ~
March 24 - Bibloteket - Rena, Norway ~
March 29 - Blaest - Trondheim, Norway ~
March 30 - Radar Scene - Asker, Norway ~
March 31 - R.I.P. - Porsgrunn, Norway ~
Jun. 16 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
Jul. 04 - Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway *
Jul. 08 - Docks - Hamburg, Germany *
Jul. 10 - Werk 2 - Leipzig, Germany *
Jul. 12 - O13 - Tilburg, Netherlands *
Jul. 16 - O2 Academy - Bristol, UK *
Jul. 17 - Mandela Hall - Belfast, UK *
Jul. 18 - Vicar Street - Dublin, Ireland *
Jul. 20 - The Forum - London, UK *
Jul. 21 - Academy - Manchester, UK *
Jul. 24 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain *
Jul. 25 - Rockster - Bilbao, Spain *
Jul. 28 - La Cigale - Paris, France *
Jul. 31 - Konzerthaus Schuur - Luzern, Switzerland *
~ With DUNDERBEIST
* With MINISTRY
The self-titled debut album from DJERV entered the official chart in Norway at position No. 8. The CD wasreleased in the rest of Europe in June 2011 via Indie Recordings (except in Poland and Czech Republic, where the album was made available through Mystic Production).
"Djerv" track listing:
01. Madman
02. The Bowling Pin
03. Headstone
04. Gruesome Twosome
05. Only I Exist
06. Ladder To The Moon
07. Abmuse
08. Blind The Heat
09. Immortal
DJERV's "Madman" video can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Jørn Veberg and Johan Sæther.
DJERV consists of the three core members — Agnete Kjølsrud, Stian Kårstad and Erlend Gjerde. The lineup is completed by guitarist Stamos Koliousis from MENCEA and bassist Victor Brandt from ENTOMBED, who join them for their live performances.
DJERV spent most of the fall of 2010 working on its debut album, which was engineered by Daniel Bergstrand (IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH) in Oslo, before the band traveled to Los Angeles to team up with Grammy Award-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED, MONSTER MAGNET) to work on the mix. The effort was mastered by Tom Baker at Precision Mastering, and it was written and produced in its entirety by DJERV.
DJERV's story is short but eventful. The first demos surfaced early 2010, and two weeks later they were booked for the most important festival in Norway, the Oya festival. They went on to tour Norway in June and played several of the bigger Norwegian festivals during the summer. In August they released the "Headstone" EP which basically is their first-ever recorded demo tracks made available as people kept demanding to get to hear them not only on MySpace. The release of the "Headstone" EP generated some good press for the band several key magazines featured them as one of the bands to keep an eye out for in 2011. In addition, DIMMU BORGIR helped promote DJERV when they invited Agnete to participate on no less than three songs for their latest album, "Abrahadabra". Among them the lead track of the album, "Gateways", the video for which also features Agnete.
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