Slash, Ozzy Osbourne and members of RATT are among the celebrities who were interviewed for the documentary "Sunset Strip", Hans Fjellestad's chronicle of the history of the fabled mile and half stretch of Sunset Boulevard in Southern California that counts Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) and Donovan Leitch (CAMP FREDDY) among its producers. The film will make its debut on Friday at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
Documentary synopsis: "Birthed as a dusty trading route at the turn of last century, Sunset Strip became the world's center of gravity for music, glamour, fashion, sex, and decadence. This curvy, mile-and-a-half strip of road falls just outside L.A. city limits, beyond the reach of LAPD, where it grew into a place like no other on the planet. A place where dreams are started, chased, loved, hated, displayed, ignored, ended, or all of the above. You make your last stand in Eden, and this is Eden."
Documentary synopsis: "Birthed as a dusty trading route at the turn of last century, Sunset Strip became the world's center of gravity for music, glamour, fashion, sex, and decadence. This curvy, mile-and-a-half strip of road falls just outside L.A. city limits, beyond the reach of LAPD, where it grew into a place like no other on the planet. A place where dreams are started, chased, loved, hated, displayed, ignored, ended, or all of the above. You make your last stand in Eden, and this is Eden."
According to guitarist Scott Ian, ANTHRAX's sold-out March 15 concert at O2 Islington Academy in London, England will be filmed for an upcoming DVD.
"The Devil You Know" comes off ANTHRAX's latest album, "Worship Music", which sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
The CD cover artwork for "Worship Music" was handled by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross, who has worked with Marvel Comics and DC Comics and is known for his "Marvels", "Kingdom Come", and "Astro City" illustrations. Ross also did the original artwork for ANTHRAX's "We've Come For You All" and "Music Of Mass Destruction" albums.
"Worship Music" was produced by ANTHRAX, Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston and recorded over a four-year period at studios in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Singer Joey Belladonna's return to the band prompted some of the songs originally recorded with previous singer Dan Nelson to be re-crafted with fresh lyrics or tweaked to better suit his overall vibe and energy. Some of the songs were completely replaced with brand-new songs and, of course, all have Belladonna's inimitable vocal stamp on them.
ANTHRAX recently completed the second leg of its U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL.
"The Devil You Know" comes off ANTHRAX's latest album, "Worship Music", which sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
The CD cover artwork for "Worship Music" was handled by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross, who has worked with Marvel Comics and DC Comics and is known for his "Marvels", "Kingdom Come", and "Astro City" illustrations. Ross also did the original artwork for ANTHRAX's "We've Come For You All" and "Music Of Mass Destruction" albums.
"Worship Music" was produced by ANTHRAX, Rob Caggiano and Jay Ruston and recorded over a four-year period at studios in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Singer Joey Belladonna's return to the band prompted some of the songs originally recorded with previous singer Dan Nelson to be re-crafted with fresh lyrics or tweaked to better suit his overall vibe and energy. Some of the songs were completely replaced with brand-new songs and, of course, all have Belladonna's inimitable vocal stamp on them.
ANTHRAX recently completed the second leg of its U.S. tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL.
Glenn Danzig will perform his "Legacy" career-spanning set featuring songs from DANZIG, SAMHAIN and MISFITS at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival. The 11th annual four-day camping and music festival will be held on June 7-10 on the same beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles south of Nashville. Also scheduled to appear are ALICE COOPER, BAD BRAINS, PUSCIFER and KVELERTAK, among others. The final Bonnaroo 2012 lineup will total over 125 bands and over 20 comedians performing on 13 stages over four days.
After an unforgettable 10th year celebration in 2011, festival organizers have come back with one of the most eclectic and striking lineups to date, drawing from an astounding range of music scenes to create what is sure to be another incomparable weekend for the ages. The breadth of the programming is consistently innovative each year and has become one of the key signature aspects of this legendary festival, whose uniquely open minded yet discerning and passionate community thrives on its intelligent diversity. A consistent power in music discovery, Bonnaroo once again will expose its fanbase to legends, current favorites as well as new artists who are about to break.
As the only round-the-clock major U.S. music festival, Bonnaroo packs an unparalleled amount of entertainment options into its four days. The event has offered its attendees the amenities and community spirit of a small city, with 24 hours of activities including a comedy theater, cinema festival, broo'ers festival, silent disco, salon, sustainable gardening lessons, arcade, Internet cafés, restaurants, yoga classes and hundreds of high-quality food and craft vendors.
Festival organizers are also excited to announce their new partnership with YouTube creating Bonnaroo365, a new entertainment channel on YouTube featuring original programming, daily content and legendary live festival performances all created and curated by the Bonnaroo producers. Bonnaroo365 will be an unprecedented destination for the community to celebrate "Good Stuff," the literal definition of Bonnaroo. This extension of Bonnaroo represents its transition from being mainly an annual terrestrial event to having a presence in the day-to-day life of likeminded entertainment fans worldwide. Specific programming details and schedules will be released in the coming months.
After an unforgettable 10th year celebration in 2011, festival organizers have come back with one of the most eclectic and striking lineups to date, drawing from an astounding range of music scenes to create what is sure to be another incomparable weekend for the ages. The breadth of the programming is consistently innovative each year and has become one of the key signature aspects of this legendary festival, whose uniquely open minded yet discerning and passionate community thrives on its intelligent diversity. A consistent power in music discovery, Bonnaroo once again will expose its fanbase to legends, current favorites as well as new artists who are about to break.
As the only round-the-clock major U.S. music festival, Bonnaroo packs an unparalleled amount of entertainment options into its four days. The event has offered its attendees the amenities and community spirit of a small city, with 24 hours of activities including a comedy theater, cinema festival, broo'ers festival, silent disco, salon, sustainable gardening lessons, arcade, Internet cafés, restaurants, yoga classes and hundreds of high-quality food and craft vendors.
Festival organizers are also excited to announce their new partnership with YouTube creating Bonnaroo365, a new entertainment channel on YouTube featuring original programming, daily content and legendary live festival performances all created and curated by the Bonnaroo producers. Bonnaroo365 will be an unprecedented destination for the community to celebrate "Good Stuff," the literal definition of Bonnaroo. This extension of Bonnaroo represents its transition from being mainly an annual terrestrial event to having a presence in the day-to-day life of likeminded entertainment fans worldwide. Specific programming details and schedules will be released in the coming months.
Roadburn Festival has announced the upcoming release of VOIVOD "Live At Roadburn 2011". The festival's first official album captures the metal innovators from Canada during their Midi Theatre and Main Stage performances at last year's event.
"Live At Roadburn 2011" takes the listener on a trip through the band's discography from "War And Pain" (1984) to 2009's "Infini". It also includes the live debut of a "Phobos" (1997) track interpreted by the current lineup featuring original members Denis "Snake" Belanger (vocals), Jean-Yves "Blacky" Theriault (bass) and Michel "Away" Langevin (drums) along with guitarist extraordinaire Dan"Chewy" Mongrain.
The track listing is as follows:
A-Side, Midi Theatre:
01. The Prow
02. Ravenous Medicine
03. Overreaction
04. Experiment
05. Global Warning
B-Side, Main Stage:
01. Ripping Headaches
02. Nothingface
03. Forlorn
04. Voivod
05. Astronomy Domine
Mixed by Marcel van de Vondervoort at Torture Graden Studios in Oss, Netherlands and mastered by James Plotkin, "Live At Roadburn 2011" will be available as a vinyl-only release (limited to 500 copies) on Thursday, April 12.
What better way to launch this year's VOIVOD-curated Roadburn Festival than to release the band's highly acclaimed 2011 performances on the festival's own label.
"Live At Roadburn 2011" takes the listener on a trip through the band's discography from "War And Pain" (1984) to 2009's "Infini". It also includes the live debut of a "Phobos" (1997) track interpreted by the current lineup featuring original members Denis "Snake" Belanger (vocals), Jean-Yves "Blacky" Theriault (bass) and Michel "Away" Langevin (drums) along with guitarist extraordinaire Dan"Chewy" Mongrain.
The track listing is as follows:
A-Side, Midi Theatre:
01. The Prow
02. Ravenous Medicine
03. Overreaction
04. Experiment
05. Global Warning
B-Side, Main Stage:
01. Ripping Headaches
02. Nothingface
03. Forlorn
04. Voivod
05. Astronomy Domine
Mixed by Marcel van de Vondervoort at Torture Graden Studios in Oss, Netherlands and mastered by James Plotkin, "Live At Roadburn 2011" will be available as a vinyl-only release (limited to 500 copies) on Thursday, April 12.
What better way to launch this year's VOIVOD-curated Roadburn Festival than to release the band's highly acclaimed 2011 performances on the festival's own label.
"World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea", the first-ever live album from Swedish epic power metallers SABATON, has been certified gold in Poland for sales in excess of 10,000 copies. The band states, "It is truly amazing that we now have a second gold award album from Poland, and this time from a live album."
"World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea" was released last August via Nuclear Blast Records.
SABATON bassist Pär Sundström previously stated about the band's decision to release a live album, "Over the years so many people have told us we should make a live album and finally we fell to the demands of all of you, our fans.
"'The World War Tour' was amazing and we wanted to record it and keep the shows alive forever. So, during the magic night aboard the SABATON Cruise 2010 we recorded the whole show and now we [have] release[d] it as the first-ever official SABATON live CD. And as if it was not enough, we also recorded many shows all around Europe and put together a whole CD with mixed songs from various cities. And finally we decided to release the recording we did at the first Rockstad: Falun festival 2008 from Falun as a bonus for you who buy the limited edition. In total it [is] over 20 different songs and we have also collected a lot of pictures from the tour and put them in a massive booklet."
CD1:
Battle Of The Baltic Sea (Live At SABATON cruise, December 2010):
01. The March To War (intro)
02. Ghost Division
03. Uprising
04. Aces In Exile
05. Cliffs Of Gallipoli
06. White Death
07. Swedish Pagans
08. Wolfpack
09. 40:1
10. The Art Of War
11. Attero Dominatus
12. The Price Of A Mile
13. Primo Victoria
14. Metal Medley
15. Dead Soliders Waltz (outro)
CD2 (bonus CD):
World War Tour Live (Recorded during World War Tour 2010):
01. Screaming Eagles
02. Coat Of Arms
03. Into The Fire
04. Talvisota
05. Final Solution
06. Back In Control
07. Panzerkampf
08. 7734
09. Hellrider
10. Panzer Battalion
11. Rise Of Evil
12. 40:1
DVD (bonus DVD):
* Live 2008 at Rockstad:Falun
* "Coat Of Arms" (video clip)
* "Uprising" (video clip)
* "Screaming Eagles" (video clip)
SABATON's new album, "Carolus Rex", 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).
"World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea" was released last August via Nuclear Blast Records.
SABATON bassist Pär Sundström previously stated about the band's decision to release a live album, "Over the years so many people have told us we should make a live album and finally we fell to the demands of all of you, our fans.
"'The World War Tour' was amazing and we wanted to record it and keep the shows alive forever. So, during the magic night aboard the SABATON Cruise 2010 we recorded the whole show and now we [have] release[d] it as the first-ever official SABATON live CD. And as if it was not enough, we also recorded many shows all around Europe and put together a whole CD with mixed songs from various cities. And finally we decided to release the recording we did at the first Rockstad: Falun festival 2008 from Falun as a bonus for you who buy the limited edition. In total it [is] over 20 different songs and we have also collected a lot of pictures from the tour and put them in a massive booklet."
CD1:
Battle Of The Baltic Sea (Live At SABATON cruise, December 2010):
01. The March To War (intro)
02. Ghost Division
03. Uprising
04. Aces In Exile
05. Cliffs Of Gallipoli
06. White Death
07. Swedish Pagans
08. Wolfpack
09. 40:1
10. The Art Of War
11. Attero Dominatus
12. The Price Of A Mile
13. Primo Victoria
14. Metal Medley
15. Dead Soliders Waltz (outro)
CD2 (bonus CD):
World War Tour Live (Recorded during World War Tour 2010):
01. Screaming Eagles
02. Coat Of Arms
03. Into The Fire
04. Talvisota
05. Final Solution
06. Back In Control
07. Panzerkampf
08. 7734
09. Hellrider
10. Panzer Battalion
11. Rise Of Evil
12. 40:1
DVD (bonus DVD):
* Live 2008 at Rockstad:Falun
* "Coat Of Arms" (video clip)
* "Uprising" (video clip)
* "Screaming Eagles" (video clip)
SABATON's new album, "Carolus Rex", 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).
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/sabatonlive.jpg
Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH will release a limited-edition "Trials Of Imaginaerum" 10-inch picture disc for Record Store Day (April 21). The effort includes four previously unreleased demo recordings with Marco Hietala on lead vocals. It also comes with a download of the previously unreleased track "The Heart Asks Pleasure First", a cover with lyrics from the movie "The Piano".
"Trials Of Imaginaerum" features a picture of "The Crew, The Owl And The Dove" on one side, and the "Imaginaerum" grounds on the other side.
"Trials Of Imaginaerum" track listing:
Side A
01. Storytime (Demo)
02. The Crow, The Owl And The Dove (Demo)
Side B
01. I Want My Tears Back (Demo)
02. Slow, Love, Slow (Demo)
Price: $16.99
About Record Store Day: Record Store Day is managed by the Music Monitor Network and is organized in partnership with the Alliance Of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition Of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale.
Record Store Day takes place annually on the third Saturday of April.
"Trials Of Imaginaerum" features a picture of "The Crew, The Owl And The Dove" on one side, and the "Imaginaerum" grounds on the other side.
"Trials Of Imaginaerum" track listing:
Side A
01. Storytime (Demo)
02. The Crow, The Owl And The Dove (Demo)
Side B
01. I Want My Tears Back (Demo)
02. Slow, Love, Slow (Demo)
Price: $16.99
About Record Store Day: Record Store Day is managed by the Music Monitor Network and is organized in partnership with the Alliance Of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition Of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale.
Record Store Day takes place annually on the third Saturday of April.
Roadrunner Records recently conducted an interview with Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, ex-SEPULTURA). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Q: You've said you only had two weeks' notice to write [the new SOULFLY album, "Enslaved"]. Do you think you work better under that kind of pressure?
Max: Seems that way, man. For some reason, I think some of the great stuff that came out on "Enslaved" was like that. I had to find all these riffs in two weeks, and I went crazy by myself. I'd stay up till like one in the morning writing riffs, trying to come up with the best riffs I could for the record, and it was good. It wasn't the way I imagined it — I thought I would have more time to prepare, and when [Gloria Cavalera, Max's wife/manager] said that, I almost had a heart attack. I disagreed with her at first, I told her there was no way I could be ready in two weeks, and she said, "Well, you have to — we've got the producer, Zeuss, already booked, and the studio's already booked and we can't cancel that." So there wasn't much of an argument I could put up [laughs]. I couldn't change anything, so I had to just roll with it. I said OK, I'll do my best, and went on, and because of that pressure, I think maybe that's why the album turned out so good. I picked up some really powerful riffs that gave the album that kind of death metal sound. I was listening to a lot of death metal when I made this record, a lot of old MORBID ANGEL and DEATH and MASSACRE and DARK ANGEL and POSSESSED and all this great music, so that was the inspiration, a lot of this killer old death metal I grew up with, and I tried to create a new record with that spirit of death metal from the late '80s and early '90s.
Q: Once you had the riffs written, what did the other members of the band, and Zeuss, bring to the making of the album?
Max: I jammed with Dave [Kinkade], 'cause I hired Dave — I knew about him from the Internet. He sent me an email with a couple of clips of him playing with BORKNAGAR, really extreme death metal, and it caught my attention right away. It was exactly what I was looking for, someone who could do a lot of cool double bass stuff and I could write some really kick-ass heavy death metal-style riffs. Not everybody can play that, it's a very unique type of drumming. So I flew Dave here from Chicago and we jammed for two days, and during those two days I actually wrote half of "World Scum" in the room with him, and I wrote parts of "Treachery", and I felt I'd found the perfect drummer for the record, this guy was gonna kick ass and make these riffs sound so good. I had complete confidence in Dave, that he could be great in the studio and really bring something to the table for the band. So we went in the studio. I had Tony [Campos] for the first time also, a really professional, killer bass player — he almost plays the bass like a guitar, so it's like SOULFLY has three guitars. I feel that the rhythm section of this new SOULFLY lineup is very powerful, because of that — the way Tony plays bass, it really attacks from all sides. We all get along great, man, and Zeuss, from the first day he promised he would give me a new-sounding SOULFLY record. He promised it wasn't going to sound like anything else I'd ever done, and I said to him, "Great, hope you deliver," 'cause I didn't want this to sound like "Omen" again or like other stuff I'd done. I wanted a new sound, a new life, some new elements added into the band. And by the end of the recording, he was right — he did give me a new sound. I love the sound of "Enslaved", it's completely different from everything else I've done, and I have to be thankful to Zeuss for that, for sticking to his guns and getting that out of me. It was a great vibe in the studio, man.
Q: You recently played Brazil for the first time in many years. How has the country changed since you were growing up there? Do you see the situation as better than it was in the '80s?
Max: Yeah, Brazil is definitely better. There's definitely more money in the country — all the shows were sold out and the crowds were really fanatical. I think it was great for SOULFLY to finally conquer Brazil the way we did. One newspaper said the SOULFLY show was better than SEPULTURA's 1996 "Roots" tour show, which was a highlight show for a long time. So that was amazing for me, to hear that comparison. The crowd was awesome, man — they were so loud and they knew everything, so I think SOULFLY's time finally came to Brazil. It took 10 years for them to accept this band, but I finally got the stamp of approval from the fans, and it was great to hear them singing everything from "Prophecy" to "Primitive" to "Eye For An Eye". Yeah, it was a great South American tour. And we also had the kids with us, so we got to do "Revengeance" for the first time, and all of them stage dived and lost their shoes in the crowd, came back shoeless. But it was fun, it was a great time.
Q: You've said you only had two weeks' notice to write [the new SOULFLY album, "Enslaved"]. Do you think you work better under that kind of pressure?
Max: Seems that way, man. For some reason, I think some of the great stuff that came out on "Enslaved" was like that. I had to find all these riffs in two weeks, and I went crazy by myself. I'd stay up till like one in the morning writing riffs, trying to come up with the best riffs I could for the record, and it was good. It wasn't the way I imagined it — I thought I would have more time to prepare, and when [Gloria Cavalera, Max's wife/manager] said that, I almost had a heart attack. I disagreed with her at first, I told her there was no way I could be ready in two weeks, and she said, "Well, you have to — we've got the producer, Zeuss, already booked, and the studio's already booked and we can't cancel that." So there wasn't much of an argument I could put up [laughs]. I couldn't change anything, so I had to just roll with it. I said OK, I'll do my best, and went on, and because of that pressure, I think maybe that's why the album turned out so good. I picked up some really powerful riffs that gave the album that kind of death metal sound. I was listening to a lot of death metal when I made this record, a lot of old MORBID ANGEL and DEATH and MASSACRE and DARK ANGEL and POSSESSED and all this great music, so that was the inspiration, a lot of this killer old death metal I grew up with, and I tried to create a new record with that spirit of death metal from the late '80s and early '90s.
Q: Once you had the riffs written, what did the other members of the band, and Zeuss, bring to the making of the album?
Max: I jammed with Dave [Kinkade], 'cause I hired Dave — I knew about him from the Internet. He sent me an email with a couple of clips of him playing with BORKNAGAR, really extreme death metal, and it caught my attention right away. It was exactly what I was looking for, someone who could do a lot of cool double bass stuff and I could write some really kick-ass heavy death metal-style riffs. Not everybody can play that, it's a very unique type of drumming. So I flew Dave here from Chicago and we jammed for two days, and during those two days I actually wrote half of "World Scum" in the room with him, and I wrote parts of "Treachery", and I felt I'd found the perfect drummer for the record, this guy was gonna kick ass and make these riffs sound so good. I had complete confidence in Dave, that he could be great in the studio and really bring something to the table for the band. So we went in the studio. I had Tony [Campos] for the first time also, a really professional, killer bass player — he almost plays the bass like a guitar, so it's like SOULFLY has three guitars. I feel that the rhythm section of this new SOULFLY lineup is very powerful, because of that — the way Tony plays bass, it really attacks from all sides. We all get along great, man, and Zeuss, from the first day he promised he would give me a new-sounding SOULFLY record. He promised it wasn't going to sound like anything else I'd ever done, and I said to him, "Great, hope you deliver," 'cause I didn't want this to sound like "Omen" again or like other stuff I'd done. I wanted a new sound, a new life, some new elements added into the band. And by the end of the recording, he was right — he did give me a new sound. I love the sound of "Enslaved", it's completely different from everything else I've done, and I have to be thankful to Zeuss for that, for sticking to his guns and getting that out of me. It was a great vibe in the studio, man.
Q: You recently played Brazil for the first time in many years. How has the country changed since you were growing up there? Do you see the situation as better than it was in the '80s?
Max: Yeah, Brazil is definitely better. There's definitely more money in the country — all the shows were sold out and the crowds were really fanatical. I think it was great for SOULFLY to finally conquer Brazil the way we did. One newspaper said the SOULFLY show was better than SEPULTURA's 1996 "Roots" tour show, which was a highlight show for a long time. So that was amazing for me, to hear that comparison. The crowd was awesome, man — they were so loud and they knew everything, so I think SOULFLY's time finally came to Brazil. It took 10 years for them to accept this band, but I finally got the stamp of approval from the fans, and it was great to hear them singing everything from "Prophecy" to "Primitive" to "Eye For An Eye". Yeah, it was a great South American tour. And we also had the kids with us, so we got to do "Revengeance" for the first time, and all of them stage dived and lost their shoes in the crowd, came back shoeless. But it was fun, it was a great time.
Drummer Dave McClain of San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD recently sat down to work on a special drum-parts feature for the song "I Am Hell" with DRUM! magazine. Dave's detailed, exclusive notes on the song, transcription, drum set diagram, and more can be found at DrumMagazine.com.
"I Am Hell" comes off MACHINE HEAD's new album, "Unto The Locust", which sold more than 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 22 on The Billboard 200 chart — putting MACHINE HEAD in the Top 25 for the first time in the band's 17-year history.
MACHINE HEAD has consistently averaged more than 100,000 copies sold in the U.S. for each of its seven albums and has shifted double that overseas (accruing several silver records in the U.K.), resulting in cumulative worldwide sales of more than 2.4 million.
MACHINE HEAD's previous CD, "The Blackening", opened with just under 15,000 units back in April 2007 to debut at No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's 2004 effort, "Through The Ashes Of Empires", premiered with less than 12,000 copies to land at No. 88.
MACHINE HEAD recently completed a North American headlining with support from SUICIDE SILENCE and DARKEST HOUR.
"The Crow, The Owl And The Dove", the second single from NIGHTWISH's latest album, "Imaginaerum", has entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 1. The single features the title cut in three versions — radio edit, album version and instrumental — and the previously unreleased song "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" (theme from the movie "The Piano") in two different versions.
NIGHTWISH will release a special "tour edition" of "Imaginaerum", on April 13 via Nuclear Blast Records. It will be a 2CD+DVD digibook in slipcase.
"Imaginaerum" sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2007's "Dark Passion Play", opened with 11,000 units to land at No. 84.
"Imaginaerum" was released in North America on January 10 via Roadrunner Records. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/nightwishtrials.jpg
"I Am Hell" comes off MACHINE HEAD's new album, "Unto The Locust", which sold more than 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 22 on The Billboard 200 chart — putting MACHINE HEAD in the Top 25 for the first time in the band's 17-year history.
MACHINE HEAD has consistently averaged more than 100,000 copies sold in the U.S. for each of its seven albums and has shifted double that overseas (accruing several silver records in the U.K.), resulting in cumulative worldwide sales of more than 2.4 million.
MACHINE HEAD's previous CD, "The Blackening", opened with just under 15,000 units back in April 2007 to debut at No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's 2004 effort, "Through The Ashes Of Empires", premiered with less than 12,000 copies to land at No. 88.
MACHINE HEAD recently completed a North American headlining with support from SUICIDE SILENCE and DARKEST HOUR.
"The Crow, The Owl And The Dove", the second single from NIGHTWISH's latest album, "Imaginaerum", has entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 1. The single features the title cut in three versions — radio edit, album version and instrumental — and the previously unreleased song "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" (theme from the movie "The Piano") in two different versions.
NIGHTWISH will release a special "tour edition" of "Imaginaerum", on April 13 via Nuclear Blast Records. It will be a 2CD+DVD digibook in slipcase.
"Imaginaerum" sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2007's "Dark Passion Play", opened with 11,000 units to land at No. 84.
"Imaginaerum" was released in North America on January 10 via Roadrunner Records. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/nightwishtrials.jpg
French doom metallers MONOLITHE have inked a deal with Debemur Morti Productions. The band will enter the studio later this month to begin recording its new album, "Monolithe III", which will once again consist of a single long track. A tentative late 2012/early 2013 release is expected.
Shortly after the release of the "Interlude Premier" EP back in 2007, MONOLITHE started to work on a new full-length album that was supposed to become "Monolithe III". This effort was also supposed to be released in 2008 via Appease Me…/Candlelight Records. However, for many reasons (including issues with Candlelight and mixing troubles), the effort never got completed and released.
In 2011, MONOLITHE decided to revisit and complete the music that had been recorded for the unfinished "Monolithe III" album and release it as a new EP. That became 2012's "Interlude Second", consisting of the tracks "Harmony Of Null Matter" Sections 1 and 2.
The next MONOLITHE album, "Monolithe III", will contain brand new material and will not feature any of the music that had been announced in 2008.
Whereas both EPs lean toward experimentation, "Monolithe III" is a continuation of what had been done with the "Monolithe I" and "Monolithe II" albums.
The "Interlude Premier" (2007) and "Interlude Second" (2012) EPs have been released via the Internet free of charge.
Shortly after the release of the "Interlude Premier" EP back in 2007, MONOLITHE started to work on a new full-length album that was supposed to become "Monolithe III". This effort was also supposed to be released in 2008 via Appease Me…/Candlelight Records. However, for many reasons (including issues with Candlelight and mixing troubles), the effort never got completed and released.
In 2011, MONOLITHE decided to revisit and complete the music that had been recorded for the unfinished "Monolithe III" album and release it as a new EP. That became 2012's "Interlude Second", consisting of the tracks "Harmony Of Null Matter" Sections 1 and 2.
The next MONOLITHE album, "Monolithe III", will contain brand new material and will not feature any of the music that had been announced in 2008.
Whereas both EPs lean toward experimentation, "Monolithe III" is a continuation of what had been done with the "Monolithe I" and "Monolithe II" albums.
The "Interlude Premier" (2007) and "Interlude Second" (2012) EPs have been released via the Internet free of charge.
Veteran female-fronted German thrashers HOLY MOSES have parted ways with longtime guitarist Michael Hankel and have replaced him with Peter "Pete" Geltat (ex-DESILENCE). The band states, "This difficult decision is based on personal reasons and we please you to respect that this is a matter between the band and Michael, so we won't explain this in detail."
"Even though musicians are part of the public in general there are some things which have to stay private.
"We thank Michael for everything he did for the band and wish him all the best for his future with DEW-SCENTED and EROSION.
"Geltat, who already ennobled our 30th-anniversary album, 'In The Power Of Now', with his guitar skills, will lay the stages in ashes with us for the upcoming shows, which he already proved last weekend at our rehearsals at the Absurd Studios in Hamburg."
The "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" double album will be released on April 30 in Germany, April 23 in the rest of Europe and early May in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD contains re-recorded versions of 20 of the most important songs in HOLY MOSES' 30-year catalog along with two brand new tracks.
A 45-second video teaser for "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" can be seen below.
"30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" track listing:
CD 1
01. Clash My Soul (02:36)
02. Jungle Of Lies (03:46)
03. Finished With The Dogs (02:29)
04. Symbol Of Spirit (03:42)
05. World Chaos (03:12)
06. SSP (03:40)
07. Borderland (03:27) (brand new song)
08. Lost In The Maze (05:51)
09. Walpurgisnight (02:58)
10. Welcome To The Real World (03:31)
11. Near Dark (05:30)
CD 2
01. Reborn Dogs (03:50)
02. DefCon II (04:26)
03. I Feel Sick (03:48)
04. Nothing For My Mum (03:51)
05. Disorder Of The Order (04:14)
06. Corroded Dreams (04:04)
07. Entering The Now (03:40) (brand new song)
08. Creation Of Violation (03:56)
09. Panic (03:13)
10. Decapitated Minds (03:40)
11. Master Of Disaster (03:45)
HOLY MOSES is:
Sabina Classen - Vocals
Michael Hankel - Guitars
Oliver Jaath - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gerd Lücking - Drums
Thomas Neitsch - Bass
"Agony of Death", the latest album from HOLY MOSES, was released in September 2008 in Europe via Wacken Records/SPV. The CD was recorded at the Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg with producer/guitar player Michael Hankel. DESTRUCTION, OBITUARY and AXEL RUDI PELL members are among the guest musicians who appear on the album.
"Even though musicians are part of the public in general there are some things which have to stay private.
"We thank Michael for everything he did for the band and wish him all the best for his future with DEW-SCENTED and EROSION.
"Geltat, who already ennobled our 30th-anniversary album, 'In The Power Of Now', with his guitar skills, will lay the stages in ashes with us for the upcoming shows, which he already proved last weekend at our rehearsals at the Absurd Studios in Hamburg."
The "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" double album will be released on April 30 in Germany, April 23 in the rest of Europe and early May in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD contains re-recorded versions of 20 of the most important songs in HOLY MOSES' 30-year catalog along with two brand new tracks.
A 45-second video teaser for "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" can be seen below.
"30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" track listing:
CD 1
01. Clash My Soul (02:36)
02. Jungle Of Lies (03:46)
03. Finished With The Dogs (02:29)
04. Symbol Of Spirit (03:42)
05. World Chaos (03:12)
06. SSP (03:40)
07. Borderland (03:27) (brand new song)
08. Lost In The Maze (05:51)
09. Walpurgisnight (02:58)
10. Welcome To The Real World (03:31)
11. Near Dark (05:30)
CD 2
01. Reborn Dogs (03:50)
02. DefCon II (04:26)
03. I Feel Sick (03:48)
04. Nothing For My Mum (03:51)
05. Disorder Of The Order (04:14)
06. Corroded Dreams (04:04)
07. Entering The Now (03:40) (brand new song)
08. Creation Of Violation (03:56)
09. Panic (03:13)
10. Decapitated Minds (03:40)
11. Master Of Disaster (03:45)
HOLY MOSES is:
Sabina Classen - Vocals
Michael Hankel - Guitars
Oliver Jaath - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gerd Lücking - Drums
Thomas Neitsch - Bass
"Agony of Death", the latest album from HOLY MOSES, was released in September 2008 in Europe via Wacken Records/SPV. The CD was recorded at the Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg with producer/guitar player Michael Hankel. DESTRUCTION, OBITUARY and AXEL RUDI PELL members are among the guest musicians who appear on the album.
Veteran Chicago rock n' roll band BIBLE OF THE DEVIL will release its sixth full-length album, "For The Love Of Thugs And Fools", on May 8 via Cruz Del Sur Music. The CD is described in a press release as "an assembly of raging rock 'n' roll songs that encapsulate the band's saga musically and personally" over the years since the last CD. Returning to Phantom Manor studios in Chicago to work with Mike Lust, who has engineered numerous BIBLE OF THE DEVIL recordings in the past, the band sought to emphasize their trademark bludgeoning two-guitar attack and mammoth hooks with an increased attention to soaring, anthemic vocals.
"For The Love Of Thugs And Fools" is viewed by the band as a document of the many characters they have encountered through the life of the band, whether it be in love, loss, friendship, or hatred.
Having toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe since the band's inception in late 1999 and living in the volatile urban environment Chicago, where encounters with crime, violence, and "street justice" are unavoidable, there has been much subject matter for the band to draw from. Embracing the philosophy that a bottle of whiskey and some loud guitar is often the best cure available for these challenges and ordeals, BIBLE OF THE DEVIL has chosen to document its grievances in the form of one devastating rock n' roll platter. Said singer/guitarist Mark Hoffmann states, "The few years since the last full-length have been like a dare. A dare to create a soaring, punishing rock 'n' roll record of this magnitude. It is a dare that we have been forced to answer ourselves."
"For The Love Of Thugs And Fools" track listing:
01. Sexual Overture/While You Were Away
02. Out For Blood
03. Raw & Order
04. The Parcher
05. I Know What Is Right (In The Night)
06. Anytime
07. Can't Turn Off The Sun
08. Yer Boy
09. Night Street
With numerous albums and seven-inch singles to their credit, the members of BIBLE OF THE DEVIL have carved themselves quite a niche in the heavy rock underground over the past 13 years as carriers of the flame of classic, loud, hook-filled guitar rock, yet with their own modern interpretation. The band has toured the United States and mainland Europe extensively during this period, and continue to do so in 2012, whether or not Mayan predictions of an apocalypse prove to be true.
"For The Love Of Thugs And Fools" is viewed by the band as a document of the many characters they have encountered through the life of the band, whether it be in love, loss, friendship, or hatred.
Having toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe since the band's inception in late 1999 and living in the volatile urban environment Chicago, where encounters with crime, violence, and "street justice" are unavoidable, there has been much subject matter for the band to draw from. Embracing the philosophy that a bottle of whiskey and some loud guitar is often the best cure available for these challenges and ordeals, BIBLE OF THE DEVIL has chosen to document its grievances in the form of one devastating rock n' roll platter. Said singer/guitarist Mark Hoffmann states, "The few years since the last full-length have been like a dare. A dare to create a soaring, punishing rock 'n' roll record of this magnitude. It is a dare that we have been forced to answer ourselves."
"For The Love Of Thugs And Fools" track listing:
01. Sexual Overture/While You Were Away
02. Out For Blood
03. Raw & Order
04. The Parcher
05. I Know What Is Right (In The Night)
06. Anytime
07. Can't Turn Off The Sun
08. Yer Boy
09. Night Street
With numerous albums and seven-inch singles to their credit, the members of BIBLE OF THE DEVIL have carved themselves quite a niche in the heavy rock underground over the past 13 years as carriers of the flame of classic, loud, hook-filled guitar rock, yet with their own modern interpretation. The band has toured the United States and mainland Europe extensively during this period, and continue to do so in 2012, whether or not Mayan predictions of an apocalypse prove to be true.
A CANCEROUS AFFAIR, the new project featuring ex-DARKEST HOUR members Kris Norris and Ryan Parrish, will enter Jeremy Kling's (ex-THE ABSCENCE) studio in late March with James Murphy (TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY) at the helm to record pre-production/demo versions of some of its new songs.
A CANCEROUS AFFAIR is:
* Kris Norris (ex-DARKEST HOUR)
* Ryan Parrish (ex-DARKEST HOUR)
* Kristen Randall (ex-WINDS OF PLAGUE)
* Dave Sheldon (ex-ANNIHILATOR)
* Pat Kavanaugh (THREAT SIGNAL)
According to a press release, A CANCEROUS AFFAIR's music has been described as "melodic swedish metal with a touch of prog, ambient, and rock. Fans of Kris and Ryan's work together on 'Undoing Ruin' and 'Deliver Us' will have a lot of new music to enjoy with some suprises and twists, including the varying vocal talents of Dave Sheldon."
Norris previously stated about A CANCEROUS AFFAIR, "I love all styles of music — from pop and jazz to black metal — and with this being a project band with no intentions other than to write music we enjoy, I'm not pigeonholed into oh this song needs a fast riff or a crazy solo. It's a nice relief from the other projects and bands I'm involved in and have been involved in. I get to take my experiences from all of them and combine it into one."
Regarding the project's name, Norris said, "The title comes from Dave. I liked it alot because it fits what we are doing. Just a bunch of musicians from different parts of the world, getting together behind their other various music projects backs almost, and creating something. His voice to me is just infectious, so when he said the name, I was, like, 'Hmmm, that's it.'"
A CANCEROUS AFFAIR is:
* Kris Norris (ex-DARKEST HOUR)
* Ryan Parrish (ex-DARKEST HOUR)
* Kristen Randall (ex-WINDS OF PLAGUE)
* Dave Sheldon (ex-ANNIHILATOR)
* Pat Kavanaugh (THREAT SIGNAL)
According to a press release, A CANCEROUS AFFAIR's music has been described as "melodic swedish metal with a touch of prog, ambient, and rock. Fans of Kris and Ryan's work together on 'Undoing Ruin' and 'Deliver Us' will have a lot of new music to enjoy with some suprises and twists, including the varying vocal talents of Dave Sheldon."
Norris previously stated about A CANCEROUS AFFAIR, "I love all styles of music — from pop and jazz to black metal — and with this being a project band with no intentions other than to write music we enjoy, I'm not pigeonholed into oh this song needs a fast riff or a crazy solo. It's a nice relief from the other projects and bands I'm involved in and have been involved in. I get to take my experiences from all of them and combine it into one."
Regarding the project's name, Norris said, "The title comes from Dave. I liked it alot because it fits what we are doing. Just a bunch of musicians from different parts of the world, getting together behind their other various music projects backs almost, and creating something. His voice to me is just infectious, so when he said the name, I was, like, 'Hmmm, that's it.'"
LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY has finished filming a video for the song "Dark Fate Of Atlantis" in Stockholm, Sweden with director Owe Lingvall of Dream Day Media (THE RASMUS, KAMELOT's "The Great Pandemonium"). The track comes off the band's new album, "Ascending To Infinity", which will be released on June 29 via Nuclear Blast.
Commented the group: "We are impressed by the visionary style of Owe's works. For a band willing to sound and look cinematic like RHAPSODY, there was no better choice possible. The video will be spread for free around the world in the beginning of April. Our friend Owe will also be responsible for a bonus DVD including the video, the 'making-of' documentary related with it, and exclusive interviews with all the RHAPSODY bandmembers. Nuclear Blast will release this extra DVD with a playtime of more than one hour in the limited edition of the new upcoming album, 'Ascending To Infinity', to be released worldwide on June 29. An additional gift to all our fans around the world!"
In August 2011, RHAPSODY OF FIRE guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboardist Alex Staropoli 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 guitarist Dominique Leurquin, bassist Patrice Guers, and drummer Alex Holzwarth. A singer for the group has has yet to be announced.
"Ascending To Infinity" track listing:
01. Quantum X
02. Ascending To Infinity
03. Dante's Inferno
04. Excalibur
05. Tormento E Passione
06. Dark Fate Of Atlantis
07. Fantasia Gotica
08. Clash Of The Titans
09. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall
I. Alma Mundi
II. Fatum Mortalis
III. Ignis Divinus
You can check out the "Ascending To Infinity" cover artwork below.
The album will have a running time of around 65 minutes.
LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY will embark on the "Ascending To Infinity" headlining tour in the fall.
In a recent interview, Turilli stated about "Ascending To Infinity", "Honestly, this album is very important for me, Alex Holzwarth, Patrice and Dominique and personally it is the one I always dreamed to record. The basic composition process lasted around five months. In this period of time I worked at the rhythm of 12-14 hours per day and, while very hard because very demanding mentally and spiritually, this was one of the most rewarding sessions of composition of my whole life. It rarely happened I had so much fun playing the guitar, the keyboards or my beloved piano and creating original classical parts, cinematic interludes, orchestrations and all the rest. Now all the songs are ready and I am actually in the process of arranging everything. As you know, I don't hire external people to orchestrate the music, but I do all by myself writing the music for each section of the orchestra, the choirs etc. and this sometimes can be a very long and hard process stealing a lot of time and energy. I can not deny that this is a very ambitious album, because of the investment, artistic vision etc., and all the people working on it, Nuclear Blast included, are thinking the same. That's why in the upcoming months of intensive studio work I want to go on dedicating myself night and day to it, without thinking to anything else."
Regarding the change in the production team for the LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY album, Luca said, "After many years of work in Wolfsburg at the court of our friend Sascha Paeth, I decided to start this new artistic adventure with a different team of people. Sascha and the other friends of the Gate Studio (Miro, Olaf, Robert, Simon, etc.) are a winning team and their help in the past was really important for RHAPSODY. But it's since many years already that Alex and I took the productions in our hands becoming producers of our own albums, despite Sascha remaining always fundamental as engineer and mixer man. His mixes will remain legendary and our list of thanks will be never long enough for all the professional contribution he gave. All the years of work, fun and sufferance in the Gate studios of Wolfsburg will surely remain unforgettable and are carved in our heart. For LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY and the new band adventure I decided to change the studio and the main man behind the console. We are now recording the new album at the Backyard Studio of Kempten, Germany. Our new engineer and main mixer man is the same owner of the studio and his name is Sebastian Roeder, the person who worked for RHAPSODY OF FIRE in the last worldwide tour making real miracles while mixing our music live. Apart from being a talented engineer, he is a great person and he shares with us the love for this style of music. To resume, the new album will be produced by me as usual, while Sebastian will take care of the engineering, mixing and mastering process."
On the topic of the singer for LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY, Luca said, "As you can imagine, this will be one of the most important news to be given in the upcoming months, but for the moment we prefer to keep all top secret. Speaking about singers, please allow me to say a few words about Olaf Hayer, singer and talented voice of LUCA TURILLI, my old solo band. The truth is that, as many people could already imagine, I stopped my solo activity as LUCA TURILLI definitely, willing to dedicate myself to LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY at full time. That's why I want to publicly thank Olaf for the fundamental contribution he gave to our solo albums. All the three albums of the trilogy entered the charts establishing some important records and this was possible mainly because of my friend Olaf. Who knows?! Maybe sooner or later we'll still have the chance to work together. Never say never."
Commented the group: "We are impressed by the visionary style of Owe's works. For a band willing to sound and look cinematic like RHAPSODY, there was no better choice possible. The video will be spread for free around the world in the beginning of April. Our friend Owe will also be responsible for a bonus DVD including the video, the 'making-of' documentary related with it, and exclusive interviews with all the RHAPSODY bandmembers. Nuclear Blast will release this extra DVD with a playtime of more than one hour in the limited edition of the new upcoming album, 'Ascending To Infinity', to be released worldwide on June 29. An additional gift to all our fans around the world!"
In August 2011, RHAPSODY OF FIRE guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboardist Alex Staropoli 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 guitarist Dominique Leurquin, bassist Patrice Guers, and drummer Alex Holzwarth. A singer for the group has has yet to be announced.
"Ascending To Infinity" track listing:
01. Quantum X
02. Ascending To Infinity
03. Dante's Inferno
04. Excalibur
05. Tormento E Passione
06. Dark Fate Of Atlantis
07. Fantasia Gotica
08. Clash Of The Titans
09. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall
I. Alma Mundi
II. Fatum Mortalis
III. Ignis Divinus
You can check out the "Ascending To Infinity" cover artwork below.
The album will have a running time of around 65 minutes.
LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY will embark on the "Ascending To Infinity" headlining tour in the fall.
In a recent interview, Turilli stated about "Ascending To Infinity", "Honestly, this album is very important for me, Alex Holzwarth, Patrice and Dominique and personally it is the one I always dreamed to record. The basic composition process lasted around five months. In this period of time I worked at the rhythm of 12-14 hours per day and, while very hard because very demanding mentally and spiritually, this was one of the most rewarding sessions of composition of my whole life. It rarely happened I had so much fun playing the guitar, the keyboards or my beloved piano and creating original classical parts, cinematic interludes, orchestrations and all the rest. Now all the songs are ready and I am actually in the process of arranging everything. As you know, I don't hire external people to orchestrate the music, but I do all by myself writing the music for each section of the orchestra, the choirs etc. and this sometimes can be a very long and hard process stealing a lot of time and energy. I can not deny that this is a very ambitious album, because of the investment, artistic vision etc., and all the people working on it, Nuclear Blast included, are thinking the same. That's why in the upcoming months of intensive studio work I want to go on dedicating myself night and day to it, without thinking to anything else."
Regarding the change in the production team for the LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY album, Luca said, "After many years of work in Wolfsburg at the court of our friend Sascha Paeth, I decided to start this new artistic adventure with a different team of people. Sascha and the other friends of the Gate Studio (Miro, Olaf, Robert, Simon, etc.) are a winning team and their help in the past was really important for RHAPSODY. But it's since many years already that Alex and I took the productions in our hands becoming producers of our own albums, despite Sascha remaining always fundamental as engineer and mixer man. His mixes will remain legendary and our list of thanks will be never long enough for all the professional contribution he gave. All the years of work, fun and sufferance in the Gate studios of Wolfsburg will surely remain unforgettable and are carved in our heart. For LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY and the new band adventure I decided to change the studio and the main man behind the console. We are now recording the new album at the Backyard Studio of Kempten, Germany. Our new engineer and main mixer man is the same owner of the studio and his name is Sebastian Roeder, the person who worked for RHAPSODY OF FIRE in the last worldwide tour making real miracles while mixing our music live. Apart from being a talented engineer, he is a great person and he shares with us the love for this style of music. To resume, the new album will be produced by me as usual, while Sebastian will take care of the engineering, mixing and mastering process."
On the topic of the singer for LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY, Luca said, "As you can imagine, this will be one of the most important news to be given in the upcoming months, but for the moment we prefer to keep all top secret. Speaking about singers, please allow me to say a few words about Olaf Hayer, singer and talented voice of LUCA TURILLI, my old solo band. The truth is that, as many people could already imagine, I stopped my solo activity as LUCA TURILLI definitely, willing to dedicate myself to LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY at full time. That's why I want to publicly thank Olaf for the fundamental contribution he gave to our solo albums. All the three albums of the trilogy entered the charts establishing some important records and this was possible mainly because of my friend Olaf. Who knows?! Maybe sooner or later we'll still have the chance to work together. Never say never."
Guitarist Toby Knapp has resurrected the power metal band ONWARD with the addition of new members Dean Sternberg (vocals, bass; ex-INTO ETERNITY) and Andy Jones (drums; ex-GODLESS RISING).
Sternberg sang at the most recent ONWARD live shows and was featured on Knapp's solo album "Misanthropy Divine", which came out in 2008 via Rock It Up Records.
The new ONWARD lineup will enter the studio soon to record its fourth CD, "Cauldron Of Regeneration", for a late summer release via Rock It Up Records. The effort will include a guest appearance by guitarist Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR). Toby said: "Musically, this album will return to the sound of ONWARD's debut, 'Evermoving'."
ONWARD 2012 is:
Dean Sternberg – Vocals, Bass
Toby Knapp - Guitar
Andy Jones – Drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/OnwardOfficial.\
Sternberg sang at the most recent ONWARD live shows and was featured on Knapp's solo album "Misanthropy Divine", which came out in 2008 via Rock It Up Records.
The new ONWARD lineup will enter the studio soon to record its fourth CD, "Cauldron Of Regeneration", for a late summer release via Rock It Up Records. The effort will include a guest appearance by guitarist Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR). Toby said: "Musically, this album will return to the sound of ONWARD's debut, 'Evermoving'."
ONWARD 2012 is:
Dean Sternberg – Vocals, Bass
Toby Knapp - Guitar
Andy Jones – Drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/OnwardOfficial.\
Drummer Mike Mangini of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER has issued the following update:
"Between DREAM THEATER tours, I will be performing drum clinics in various places. From mid-May to early June, there will be two in Illinois, one in Milwaukee, and the rest will be a full country tour of Italy. Info on those and on other locations for July/Aug and the fall 2012 will be announced [as soon as possible]."
In a November 2011 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Mangini was asked how it feels to be the newest member of DREAM THEATER. "It is such a feeling of completeness for me," he replied. "The way that I set up my drum kit is completely unique and I have never been in a band that understood how I did things. Each of the members of this band understands why I have everything set up the way I do. I feel like a piece of me is complete. It is like when you decide to go to college, you may study business but you end up playing soccer; you just don't know how it is all going to fit together. I have found a home for all of the craziness of my playing. I'm really a fortunate person."
When asked if he was nervous, during his DREAM THEATER audition, Mangini said, "The nerves didn't get to me. I've had approximately 46 auditions in my past and I've won every one of them — that includes drum contests. I won from elementary school to state in high school to drum contests to trying out for bands. I think that is because I was the same person through all of them. I worry that someone is out there working harder than me; that makes me put my head down and try harder. When this situation came up, I was used to dealing with this type of a thing. What made this different was how I fit in. I had been practicing all of these years wondering where I would be able to use all of my skills. I had used most of them in one situation, or another, but I wanted a situation where I could use all of them. I couldn't imagine not getting in DREAM THEATER. What was different this time was that I knew I had to get into this band."
"Between DREAM THEATER tours, I will be performing drum clinics in various places. From mid-May to early June, there will be two in Illinois, one in Milwaukee, and the rest will be a full country tour of Italy. Info on those and on other locations for July/Aug and the fall 2012 will be announced [as soon as possible]."
In a November 2011 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Mangini was asked how it feels to be the newest member of DREAM THEATER. "It is such a feeling of completeness for me," he replied. "The way that I set up my drum kit is completely unique and I have never been in a band that understood how I did things. Each of the members of this band understands why I have everything set up the way I do. I feel like a piece of me is complete. It is like when you decide to go to college, you may study business but you end up playing soccer; you just don't know how it is all going to fit together. I have found a home for all of the craziness of my playing. I'm really a fortunate person."
When asked if he was nervous, during his DREAM THEATER audition, Mangini said, "The nerves didn't get to me. I've had approximately 46 auditions in my past and I've won every one of them — that includes drum contests. I won from elementary school to state in high school to drum contests to trying out for bands. I think that is because I was the same person through all of them. I worry that someone is out there working harder than me; that makes me put my head down and try harder. When this situation came up, I was used to dealing with this type of a thing. What made this different was how I fit in. I had been practicing all of these years wondering where I would be able to use all of my skills. I had used most of them in one situation, or another, but I wanted a situation where I could use all of them. I couldn't imagine not getting in DREAM THEATER. What was different this time was that I knew I had to get into this band."
Las Vegas rockers OTHERWISE will join Century Media labelmates LACUNA COIL on the 2012 North American "Dark Legacy" tour. OTHERWISE will be direct support on the trek, which will feature LACUNA COIL playing over two hours of material spanning their entire catalog.
OTHERWISE is currently wrapping up a month on the road with POP EVIL, and will follow up the "Dark Legacy" tour with a number of radio festival appearances, including Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion and Welcome To Rockville.
OTHERWISE's lead single, "Soldiers", continues its growing radio success and has already been added in Chicago (WIIL), Nashville (WBUZ), Madison (WJJJ) and Colorado Springs (KILO). It became the first song by an unsigned artist to ever occupy the No. 1 spot on the SiriusXM's Octane channel, and has sold over 25,000 singles. The video for "Soldiers" will premiere this week, with details to be revealed later today.
OTHERWISE recorded its debut album with producer Jay Baumgardner (BUSH, LINKIN PARK, PAPA ROACH, INCUBUS) at NRG Studios in North Hollywood, California for a spring release via Century Media.
"Dark Legacy" tour dates with LACUNA COIL:
April 07 - San Diego, CA @ Soma
April 08 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
April 10 - West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club
April 13 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Club
April 14 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
April 16 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
April 18 - Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
April 21 - El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
April 22 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/otherwiseofficial.
OTHERWISE features brothers Adrian and Ryan Patrick (guitars/vocals) alongside Flavio Ivan (bass/vocals), Corky Gainsford (drums/vocals) and Vassilios Metropoulos (guitar/vocals).
No stranger to the stage, OTHERWISE has honed its captivating live show playing with such acts as AVENGED SEVENFOLD, KORN, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, PUDDLE OF MUDD, PAPA ROACH, ROB ZOMBIE and the DEFTONES. In addition, Adrian Patrick appeared on IN THIS MOMENT's hit duet "The Promise" alongside Maria Brink and spent the summer of 2010 on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem tour performing the song with the band live.
OTHERWISE is currently wrapping up a month on the road with POP EVIL, and will follow up the "Dark Legacy" tour with a number of radio festival appearances, including Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion and Welcome To Rockville.
OTHERWISE's lead single, "Soldiers", continues its growing radio success and has already been added in Chicago (WIIL), Nashville (WBUZ), Madison (WJJJ) and Colorado Springs (KILO). It became the first song by an unsigned artist to ever occupy the No. 1 spot on the SiriusXM's Octane channel, and has sold over 25,000 singles. The video for "Soldiers" will premiere this week, with details to be revealed later today.
OTHERWISE recorded its debut album with producer Jay Baumgardner (BUSH, LINKIN PARK, PAPA ROACH, INCUBUS) at NRG Studios in North Hollywood, California for a spring release via Century Media.
"Dark Legacy" tour dates with LACUNA COIL:
April 07 - San Diego, CA @ Soma
April 08 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
April 10 - West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club
April 13 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Club
April 14 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
April 16 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
April 18 - Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
April 21 - El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
April 22 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/otherwiseofficial.
OTHERWISE features brothers Adrian and Ryan Patrick (guitars/vocals) alongside Flavio Ivan (bass/vocals), Corky Gainsford (drums/vocals) and Vassilios Metropoulos (guitar/vocals).
No stranger to the stage, OTHERWISE has honed its captivating live show playing with such acts as AVENGED SEVENFOLD, KORN, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, PUDDLE OF MUDD, PAPA ROACH, ROB ZOMBIE and the DEFTONES. In addition, Adrian Patrick appeared on IN THIS MOMENT's hit duet "The Promise" alongside Maria Brink and spent the summer of 2010 on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem tour performing the song with the band live.
Producer Jean-François Dagenais (KATAKLYSM, MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX, DESPISED ICON) has begun mixing "Caligvla", the sophomore album from KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono's Ancient Roman-themed arsenal EX DEO. Due on August 31 via Austria's Napalm Records, the CD will feature guest appearances by Italian singer Mariangela "Mary" Demurtas of Norway's TRISTANIA and Italian guitar virtuoso Francesco Artusato from ALL SHALL PERISH. The artwork and layout for the album will be handled by classic artist Seth (SEPTICFLESH).
"Caligvla" track listing:
01. I, Caligvla
02. The Tiberius Cliff (Exile To Capri)
03. Per Oculos Aquila
04. Pollice Verso (Damnatio Ad Bestia)
05. Divide Et Impera
06. Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light
07. Teutuborg (Ambush Of Varus)
08. Along The Appian Way
09. Once Were Romans
10. Evocatio: The Temple Of Castor & Pollux
EX DEO recently canceled its participation in the "Paganfest America Part III" tour with TURISAS, ALESTORM, ARKONA and HUNTRESS.
Commented Iacono: "We were all excited to play this festival and premier some new material, but unfortunately our new album, 'Caligvla', has been delayed, and we need to finish it and make it perfect. Add to that, the KATAKLYSM DVD is also on its final production phase... We decided it would be best to concentrate on giving every bit of attention to the album you have been waiting for, and also for the KATAKLYSM documentary to kick major ass. This being said, we will still perform with EX DEO on the Montreal [April 1 at Club Soda] and Toronto [April 2 at The Opera House] shows with Paganfest, as we will be in studio in the area, closing up the album 'Caligvla'. Everything else is canceled for EX DEO. We will return to support the album in the fall... Word from Rome is that the plans are already in motion for world conquest! We ask our fans to support Paganfest and the great bands playing this year!"
EX DEO last year completed a North American tour with NILE, PSYCROPTIC and KEEP OF KALESSIN.
"Romulus", the debut album from EX DEO, landed at position No. 90 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.
"Caligvla" track listing:
01. I, Caligvla
02. The Tiberius Cliff (Exile To Capri)
03. Per Oculos Aquila
04. Pollice Verso (Damnatio Ad Bestia)
05. Divide Et Impera
06. Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light
07. Teutuborg (Ambush Of Varus)
08. Along The Appian Way
09. Once Were Romans
10. Evocatio: The Temple Of Castor & Pollux
EX DEO recently canceled its participation in the "Paganfest America Part III" tour with TURISAS, ALESTORM, ARKONA and HUNTRESS.
Commented Iacono: "We were all excited to play this festival and premier some new material, but unfortunately our new album, 'Caligvla', has been delayed, and we need to finish it and make it perfect. Add to that, the KATAKLYSM DVD is also on its final production phase... We decided it would be best to concentrate on giving every bit of attention to the album you have been waiting for, and also for the KATAKLYSM documentary to kick major ass. This being said, we will still perform with EX DEO on the Montreal [April 1 at Club Soda] and Toronto [April 2 at The Opera House] shows with Paganfest, as we will be in studio in the area, closing up the album 'Caligvla'. Everything else is canceled for EX DEO. We will return to support the album in the fall... Word from Rome is that the plans are already in motion for world conquest! We ask our fans to support Paganfest and the great bands playing this year!"
EX DEO last year completed a North American tour with NILE, PSYCROPTIC and KEEP OF KALESSIN.
"Romulus", the debut album from EX DEO, landed at position No. 90 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.
While playing several shows in Turkey at the end of February, Israeli oriental metal ambassadors ORPHANED LAND received the Friendship And Peace Award from the Turkish government — despite the fact that the two countries have no diplomatic relations at the moment.
Commented ORPHANED LAND vocalist Kobi Farhi: "We always knew that our efforts for peace in the Middle East and between the three religions are highly appreciated but we were so surprised that we got contacted by the secretary of Turkey's Prime Minister's advisor Mr. Huseyin Tugcu. He contacted our manager in Turkey and we met him in Ankara on February 24th. He gave us an amazing peace award, with the flags of Turkey and Israel as well as the symbols of Judaism and Islam, both carried by a dove of peace. Mr. Tugcu explained that despite the political conflict between the countries his country appreciates ORPHANED LAND as a great friend to Turkey and he wanted also to thank us for donating our Istanbul show income to the victims of the devastating Van earthquake last year.
"Our tour in Turkey was amazing, supported by a great audience as always and it is for a good reason that Turkey is always described as ORPHANED LAND's second home.
"Once again we have proven that music stands above politics, above conflicts, and we ORPHANED LAND, a metal band from Israel are literally the unofficial ambassadors of Israel in the Arab world and Turkey. Hail oriental metal. Peace, Shalom, Salam!"
In related news, Kobi Farhi recently compiled the world's first "Oriental Metal" compilation, which is available now through Century Media Records.
"Oriental Metal" track listing:
01. ORPHANED LAND – Sapari (04:04)
02. AMASEFFER - Slaves For Life (06:43)
03. ARKAN - Deus Vult (04:58)
04. PENTAGRAM - Lions In A Cage (06:13)
05. MYRATH - Merciless Times (03:25)
06. ALMANA SHCHORA – Elohim (03:53)
07. NERVECELL - The Taste Of Betrayal (03:39)
08. KHALAS - Haz El Adala Mayel (02:47)
09. NILE – Kaffir (06:49)
10. MELECHESH - Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin (05:54)
11. AHL SINA - Fountains Of Muses (03:32)
Commented ORPHANED LAND vocalist Kobi Farhi: "We always knew that our efforts for peace in the Middle East and between the three religions are highly appreciated but we were so surprised that we got contacted by the secretary of Turkey's Prime Minister's advisor Mr. Huseyin Tugcu. He contacted our manager in Turkey and we met him in Ankara on February 24th. He gave us an amazing peace award, with the flags of Turkey and Israel as well as the symbols of Judaism and Islam, both carried by a dove of peace. Mr. Tugcu explained that despite the political conflict between the countries his country appreciates ORPHANED LAND as a great friend to Turkey and he wanted also to thank us for donating our Istanbul show income to the victims of the devastating Van earthquake last year.
"Our tour in Turkey was amazing, supported by a great audience as always and it is for a good reason that Turkey is always described as ORPHANED LAND's second home.
"Once again we have proven that music stands above politics, above conflicts, and we ORPHANED LAND, a metal band from Israel are literally the unofficial ambassadors of Israel in the Arab world and Turkey. Hail oriental metal. Peace, Shalom, Salam!"
In related news, Kobi Farhi recently compiled the world's first "Oriental Metal" compilation, which is available now through Century Media Records.
"Oriental Metal" track listing:
01. ORPHANED LAND – Sapari (04:04)
02. AMASEFFER - Slaves For Life (06:43)
03. ARKAN - Deus Vult (04:58)
04. PENTAGRAM - Lions In A Cage (06:13)
05. MYRATH - Merciless Times (03:25)
06. ALMANA SHCHORA – Elohim (03:53)
07. NERVECELL - The Taste Of Betrayal (03:39)
08. KHALAS - Haz El Adala Mayel (02:47)
09. NILE – Kaffir (06:49)
10. MELECHESH - Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin (05:54)
11. AHL SINA - Fountains Of Muses (03:32)
The self-titled debut album from CONSFEARACY (formerly PROPHESY) — the American/German metal band featuring lead vocalist Brian O'Connor (ex-VICIOUS RUMORS), guitarist Fabian Schwarz (THE NEW BLACK), bassist Günter Auschrat (THE NEW BLACK, ABANDONED), guitarist Ira Black (ex-VICIOUS RUMORS, LIZZY BORDEN, METAL CHURCH) and drummer Timo Weis — will be released in Japan on March 16 via Hydrant Music. The group produced, recorded and mixed the CD, which was made available in Europe last July via Massacre Records and in the U.S. in September through Transatlantic Music Group. The effort was mastered by Achim Köhler in Germany.
"Consfearacy" track listing:
01. Pain Infantry (4:49)
02. Ritual Sacrifice (4:19)
03. Fall From Grace (4:33)
04. World Domination (4:49)
05. Live Again (3:22)
06. Dying To Kill (4:38)
07. Forever Falling (3:48)
08. Unbreakable (4:25)
09. Flesh & Bone (5:00)
10. Your Dead To Me (3:26)
Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on "Consfearacy" are available for streaming on Amazon.de.
According to a press release, CONSFEARACY's "heavy power-tech-thrash metal formula" features "heavy and soaring dynamic vocals, technical attacking melodic guitars, driving bass and precision drumming. CONSFEARACY writes about controversial topics surrounding conspiracy theories, the new world order, spiritualism, relationships and end of days prophecies. Together, these well-established international recording artists have created an undeniable metal force. The album cover artwork was created by graphic designer Dennis Sibeijn, who has captured the band's view surrounding the mysticism of the illuminati. His [previous] works include [art for] CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, LAMB OF GOD, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, JOB FOR A COWBOY and CHIMAIRA.
For more information, visit www.consfearacy.net.
"Consfearacy" track listing:
01. Pain Infantry (4:49)
02. Ritual Sacrifice (4:19)
03. Fall From Grace (4:33)
04. World Domination (4:49)
05. Live Again (3:22)
06. Dying To Kill (4:38)
07. Forever Falling (3:48)
08. Unbreakable (4:25)
09. Flesh & Bone (5:00)
10. Your Dead To Me (3:26)
Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on "Consfearacy" are available for streaming on Amazon.de.
According to a press release, CONSFEARACY's "heavy power-tech-thrash metal formula" features "heavy and soaring dynamic vocals, technical attacking melodic guitars, driving bass and precision drumming. CONSFEARACY writes about controversial topics surrounding conspiracy theories, the new world order, spiritualism, relationships and end of days prophecies. Together, these well-established international recording artists have created an undeniable metal force. The album cover artwork was created by graphic designer Dennis Sibeijn, who has captured the band's view surrounding the mysticism of the illuminati. His [previous] works include [art for] CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, LAMB OF GOD, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, JOB FOR A COWBOY and CHIMAIRA.
For more information, visit www.consfearacy.net.
Italian hard-rock band REDLYNX is back after 10 years! The group reunited for singer Chris Heaven's 40th birthday celebration and now is now working on new and old songs.
In addition to Heaven, REDLYNX's current lineup includes guitarists Pier Della Role and Luca Polich and bassist Rik Guido.
Chris had previously collaborated with Tracy G (DIO), Michael Von Knorring (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Mats Olausson (ARK, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Gerald Kloos (EMPIRE) and many others.
Video footage of REDLYNX's March 9 performance can be seen below.
REDLYNX is:
Chris Heaven - Vocals
Pier Della Role - Guitar
Luca Polich - Guitar
Alessandro Condoleo - Bass
Max Gobetti – Drums
In addition to Heaven, REDLYNX's current lineup includes guitarists Pier Della Role and Luca Polich and bassist Rik Guido.
Chris had previously collaborated with Tracy G (DIO), Michael Von Knorring (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Mats Olausson (ARK, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Gerald Kloos (EMPIRE) and many others.
Video footage of REDLYNX's March 9 performance can be seen below.
REDLYNX is:
Chris Heaven - Vocals
Pier Della Role - Guitar
Luca Polich - Guitar
Alessandro Condoleo - Bass
Max Gobetti – Drums
TRIOSCAPES, the new project featuring bassist Dan Briggs (BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME), will release its debut album, "Separate Realities", on May 8 (one day earlier internationally) via Metal Blade Records.
TRIOSCAPES started in the summer of 2011 when bassist Briggs contacted Walter Fancourt (tenor saxophone/flute) and Matt Lynch (drums) about working up a rendition of the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA classic "Celestial Terrestrial Commuters". The group also messed around with a few original ideas with the intent of playing a one-off live show. However, after rehearsing the material and playing the show, the group decided the music was so demanding and fun to perform that there should be more of a future for the project. A few more songs were written near the end of the summer and a full length album was recorded the first week of October with Jamie King in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
TRIOSCAPES combines elements of '70s fusion with progressive rock, dark syncopated grooves, a flare for the psychedelic, and an unabashed love for both quirky Zappa-ish melodies and thunderous abrasive trade-off lines.
TRIOSCAPES currently has one show confirmed for this May to celebrate the release of the CD on Metal Blade Records. The 12-inch LP is also available via Dan Briggs's own Hogweed & Fugue Records. Both will be available for purchase at this show. More shows are currently being confirmed.
YES! Weekly, the Greensboro, North Carolina entertainment magazine, just named Briggs the region's best bassist and TRIOSCAPES the best new band. YES! praises Briggs' work: "His marathon bass runs for the progressive death metal quintet [BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME] are well noted, Briggs' work with the newly formed TRIOSCAPES to this point is equally impressive. The abrupt time signature changes remain, but his style in the fiery jazz-fusion trio recalls Jonas Hellborg considered cadences in the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA mixed with a little bit of Bill Laswell fuzz bass."
TRIOSCAPES is also currently working on live dates for June, July and September.
TRIOSCAPES started in the summer of 2011 when bassist Briggs contacted Walter Fancourt (tenor saxophone/flute) and Matt Lynch (drums) about working up a rendition of the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA classic "Celestial Terrestrial Commuters". The group also messed around with a few original ideas with the intent of playing a one-off live show. However, after rehearsing the material and playing the show, the group decided the music was so demanding and fun to perform that there should be more of a future for the project. A few more songs were written near the end of the summer and a full length album was recorded the first week of October with Jamie King in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
TRIOSCAPES combines elements of '70s fusion with progressive rock, dark syncopated grooves, a flare for the psychedelic, and an unabashed love for both quirky Zappa-ish melodies and thunderous abrasive trade-off lines.
TRIOSCAPES currently has one show confirmed for this May to celebrate the release of the CD on Metal Blade Records. The 12-inch LP is also available via Dan Briggs's own Hogweed & Fugue Records. Both will be available for purchase at this show. More shows are currently being confirmed.
YES! Weekly, the Greensboro, North Carolina entertainment magazine, just named Briggs the region's best bassist and TRIOSCAPES the best new band. YES! praises Briggs' work: "His marathon bass runs for the progressive death metal quintet [BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME] are well noted, Briggs' work with the newly formed TRIOSCAPES to this point is equally impressive. The abrupt time signature changes remain, but his style in the fiery jazz-fusion trio recalls Jonas Hellborg considered cadences in the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA mixed with a little bit of Bill Laswell fuzz bass."
TRIOSCAPES is also currently working on live dates for June, July and September.
Gothenburg, Sweden-based metallers ENGEL will release their third album, "Blood Of Saints", on May 18 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Aabyhøj, Denmark. According to the group, the new album "is going to be a good mixture between both [previous ENGEL efforts] 'Threnody' [2010] and 'Absolute Design' [2007], but with some new angles as well! If you liked 'Threnody', you will LOVE 'Blood Of Saints'!"
"Blood Of Saints" track listing:
01. Question Your Place
02. Frontline
03. Feel Afraid
04. Numb
05. Cash King
06. One Good Thing
07. Blood of Saints
08. Down to Nothing
09. Drama Queen
10. In Darkness
11. Journeys End
ENGEL filmed a video for the new song "Question Your Place" on February 10 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg.
A trailer for the CD can be seen below.
ENGEL features guitarists Marcus Sunesson (THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), vocalist Mangan Klavborn, drummer Jimmy Olausson (ex-MARIONETTE) and bassist Steve Drennan (LOCUS).
"Threnody" was released in Europe on November 8, 2010 and in the U.S. on January 11, 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD was issued in Japan on April 20, 2010 via Avex.
The band was previously signed to SPV Records which issued ENGEL's debut album, "Absolute Design", in 2007.
"Blood Of Saints" track listing:
01. Question Your Place
02. Frontline
03. Feel Afraid
04. Numb
05. Cash King
06. One Good Thing
07. Blood of Saints
08. Down to Nothing
09. Drama Queen
10. In Darkness
11. Journeys End
ENGEL filmed a video for the new song "Question Your Place" on February 10 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg.
A trailer for the CD can be seen below.
ENGEL features guitarists Marcus Sunesson (THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), vocalist Mangan Klavborn, drummer Jimmy Olausson (ex-MARIONETTE) and bassist Steve Drennan (LOCUS).
"Threnody" was released in Europe on November 8, 2010 and in the U.S. on January 11, 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD was issued in Japan on April 20, 2010 via Avex.
The band was previously signed to SPV Records which issued ENGEL's debut album, "Absolute Design", in 2007.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/engelblood.jpg
Massachusetts metallers ALL THAT REMAINS have written eight or nine songs so far for their next album, which they plan to release before the end of the year. According to singer Phil Labonte, the band will write five or six more tracks before entering the studio to begin recording the CD.
ALL THAT REMAINS is once again working with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who also helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' latest album, 2010's "For We Are Many", as well as 2004's "This Darkened Heart" and 2006's "The Fall of Ideals".
ALL THAT REMAINS's "The Last Time" video (directed by Nathan Cox) was recently added to MTV2. The clip was filmed on January 30, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois with director Nathan "Karma" Cox (LINKIN PARK, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, MARILYN MANSON). The song comes off "For We Are Many", which debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart while also coming in at No. 1 on the Hard Music Albums chart.
"For We Are Many" sold 29,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The band's previous CD, "Overcome", opened with just under 29,000 units in September 2008 to enter The Billboard 200 chart at No. 16.
"For We Are Many" was released through a joint venture between Prosthetic Records and Razor & Tie. The CD was recorded last spring at Zing Studios in Massachusetts and produced by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who also helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' "This Darkened Heart" and "The Fall of Ideals".
ALL THAT REMAINS is once again working with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who also helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' latest album, 2010's "For We Are Many", as well as 2004's "This Darkened Heart" and 2006's "The Fall of Ideals".
ALL THAT REMAINS's "The Last Time" video (directed by Nathan Cox) was recently added to MTV2. The clip was filmed on January 30, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois with director Nathan "Karma" Cox (LINKIN PARK, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, MARILYN MANSON). The song comes off "For We Are Many", which debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart while also coming in at No. 1 on the Hard Music Albums chart.
"For We Are Many" sold 29,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The band's previous CD, "Overcome", opened with just under 29,000 units in September 2008 to enter The Billboard 200 chart at No. 16.
"For We Are Many" was released through a joint venture between Prosthetic Records and Razor & Tie. The CD was recorded last spring at Zing Studios in Massachusetts and produced by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who also helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' "This Darkened Heart" and "The Fall of Ideals".
U.K. black metallers PRIMITIVE GRAVEN IMAGE have completed work on their third album with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR). The as-yet-untitled CD will be released before the summer through Voiceprint Records' Envenomation imprint.
Commented the band: "Following the now-tried-and-tested formula that we used on 2010's 'Celebrating Impending Chaos', once again we've recorded the instruments ourselves at Metal Farm Studios in Buckinghamshire, where we've had the benefit of being able to take our time over the last two months, and then taken the finished recordings to Parlour Sound for Russ to do all the mixing and get the best out of our sound.
"Having been through the process before we knew what to expect this time, we were better prepared and are extremely pleased with the results. This time we've got the guitars sounding much bigger, the overall mix is far more cohesive yet not over-produced.
"We're really pleased that we've taken a step up again, and that we've not augmented the natural sound with much in the way of extras — although the sound is big we've not relied on studio trickery or orchestration — it's nice and organic sounding and brutal as hell, which is exactly what we wanted.
"Musically, our black metal influence is ever-present, but again we've explored a few of our other influences — there are some very death metal influenced sections and our love of older '70s progressive music is very much present again with a few more explorations in Moog synthesisers that began to creep in on our last album. There are also a few longer more progressive sections in place of the four-minute tracks that a lot of '..Chaos' comprised of.
"We're now getting the artwork together and are looking forward to taking this out on the road later in the year. We also have a home town show at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham on March 24th and we've invited new band VOICES (who include AKERCOCKE members David Gray and Pete Benjamin) along for a black metal double bill with a number of local supports and DJs, so the first airing of at least a couple of new tracks will be happening there."
Commented the band: "Following the now-tried-and-tested formula that we used on 2010's 'Celebrating Impending Chaos', once again we've recorded the instruments ourselves at Metal Farm Studios in Buckinghamshire, where we've had the benefit of being able to take our time over the last two months, and then taken the finished recordings to Parlour Sound for Russ to do all the mixing and get the best out of our sound.
"Having been through the process before we knew what to expect this time, we were better prepared and are extremely pleased with the results. This time we've got the guitars sounding much bigger, the overall mix is far more cohesive yet not over-produced.
"We're really pleased that we've taken a step up again, and that we've not augmented the natural sound with much in the way of extras — although the sound is big we've not relied on studio trickery or orchestration — it's nice and organic sounding and brutal as hell, which is exactly what we wanted.
"Musically, our black metal influence is ever-present, but again we've explored a few of our other influences — there are some very death metal influenced sections and our love of older '70s progressive music is very much present again with a few more explorations in Moog synthesisers that began to creep in on our last album. There are also a few longer more progressive sections in place of the four-minute tracks that a lot of '..Chaos' comprised of.
"We're now getting the artwork together and are looking forward to taking this out on the road later in the year. We also have a home town show at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham on March 24th and we've invited new band VOICES (who include AKERCOCKE members David Gray and Pete Benjamin) along for a black metal double bill with a number of local supports and DJs, so the first airing of at least a couple of new tracks will be happening there."
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada maniacal death metal masters ACCURSED SPAWN will release their new EP, "Engendering A Sociopath", in time for this weekend's two-day stint at Toronto's Hard Luck Bar and Ottawa's Cafe Dekcuf alongside New York death-grind legends MALIGNANCY.
"Engendering A Sociopath" track listing:
01. Engendering The Sociopath (intro)
02. Acid Bath Murderer
03. Stabbed In The Dick
04. Devoid Of Conscience
05. Forcible Confinement
"Stabbed In The Dick" is currently available for streaming and download on the group's Bandcamp page.
Formed in May 2010, ACCURSED SPAWN is a band hell bent on delivering speed, technicality, and raw aggression. Drawing inspiration from the darkest corners of extreme music, the group "fully intends to rip your throat out and gouge your eyes with its vulgar, insane music."
"Engendering A Sociopath" track listing:
01. Engendering The Sociopath (intro)
02. Acid Bath Murderer
03. Stabbed In The Dick
04. Devoid Of Conscience
05. Forcible Confinement
"Stabbed In The Dick" is currently available for streaming and download on the group's Bandcamp page.
Formed in May 2010, ACCURSED SPAWN is a band hell bent on delivering speed, technicality, and raw aggression. Drawing inspiration from the darkest corners of extreme music, the group "fully intends to rip your throat out and gouge your eyes with its vulgar, insane music."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/accursedstabbed.jpg
Noel Smart of SickDrummerMagazine.com recently conducted an interview with former SUFFOCATION drummer Mike Smith. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Why did you decide to step down from the drum throne of SUFFOCATION?
Mike: The decision was pretty much inevitable. When we first reunited, the economy was in a much different place, and I was able to make SUFFOCATION my full-time job. Over the last few years, the ability to tour and support a house, family and all it entails became a strain on myself and my family. Once you reach a certain point financially, decisions have to be made before falling to a point of no return.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Are you happy with your replacement in SUFFOCATION being Dave Culross?
Mike: My position in SUFFOCATION isn't as simple as mounting a drum throne. The position I held within the band as president, founder, manager, songwriter, spokesperson, and all else pertaining to the working business of the band can never be replaced. Anyone drumming for the group now is just enjoying a moment in time, on me.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Do you think the new drummer of SUFFOCATION is going to have a difficult time getting down the material from "Souls To Deny", "Blood Oath" and the SUFFOCATION self-titled release?
Mike: The new drummer won't have a hard time, because the hired guitarists can't play the songs, so he will have nothing to worry about. Whatever songs are played will be the same ones we've been playing for the last 1000 shows or so. Forcing the crew to learn and practice all the SUFFO songs was a battle that later became not worth fighting for. You're only as strong as the weak links in a band.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Is there any bad blood between you and any of the members of SUFFOCATION?
Mike: There are only two members that I need to consider grudges with concerning SUFFOCATION. I only direct my concerns with founding stake-holding members. The respect that the brand gained and deserves was always a sour issue. In my opinion, it was always a simple concept to respect and protect the brand/band you created. No exceptions. Anyone who knows the dynamics of the band and the individual members already have a realistic understanding of why things could turn for the worst at any moment.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Why did you decide to step down from the drum throne of SUFFOCATION?
Mike: The decision was pretty much inevitable. When we first reunited, the economy was in a much different place, and I was able to make SUFFOCATION my full-time job. Over the last few years, the ability to tour and support a house, family and all it entails became a strain on myself and my family. Once you reach a certain point financially, decisions have to be made before falling to a point of no return.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Are you happy with your replacement in SUFFOCATION being Dave Culross?
Mike: My position in SUFFOCATION isn't as simple as mounting a drum throne. The position I held within the band as president, founder, manager, songwriter, spokesperson, and all else pertaining to the working business of the band can never be replaced. Anyone drumming for the group now is just enjoying a moment in time, on me.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Do you think the new drummer of SUFFOCATION is going to have a difficult time getting down the material from "Souls To Deny", "Blood Oath" and the SUFFOCATION self-titled release?
Mike: The new drummer won't have a hard time, because the hired guitarists can't play the songs, so he will have nothing to worry about. Whatever songs are played will be the same ones we've been playing for the last 1000 shows or so. Forcing the crew to learn and practice all the SUFFO songs was a battle that later became not worth fighting for. You're only as strong as the weak links in a band.
SickDrummerMagazine.com: Is there any bad blood between you and any of the members of SUFFOCATION?
Mike: There are only two members that I need to consider grudges with concerning SUFFOCATION. I only direct my concerns with founding stake-holding members. The respect that the brand gained and deserves was always a sour issue. In my opinion, it was always a simple concept to respect and protect the brand/band you created. No exceptions. Anyone who knows the dynamics of the band and the individual members already have a realistic understanding of why things could turn for the worst at any moment.
Melbourne, Australia melodic death metallers BE'LAKOR will release their third full-length album, "Of Breath And Bone", in Europe in late May/early June via Kolony Records. The CD was recorded at Pennydrop Audio in Melbourne by Warren Hammond and is currently being mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST) in Sweden by Jens Bogren. The cover artwork was painted by 20th century French artist Gabriel Ferrier and arranged by the renowned artist Costin Chioreanu.
"Of Breath And Bone" track listing:
01. Abeyance
02. Remnants
03. Fraught
04. Absit Omen
05. To Stir The Sea
06. In Parting
07. The Dream And The Waking
08. By Moon and Star
BE'LAKOR is:
George Kosmas - Guitar, Vocals
Shaun Sykes - Lead Guitar
John Richardson - Bass
Steve Merry - Piano, Keyboards
Jimmy Vanden Broeck - Drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/belakorband.
"Of Breath And Bone" track listing:
01. Abeyance
02. Remnants
03. Fraught
04. Absit Omen
05. To Stir The Sea
06. In Parting
07. The Dream And The Waking
08. By Moon and Star
BE'LAKOR is:
George Kosmas - Guitar, Vocals
Shaun Sykes - Lead Guitar
John Richardson - Bass
Steve Merry - Piano, Keyboards
Jimmy Vanden Broeck - Drums
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/belakorband.
Century Media Records has announced the signing of MORBUS CHRON from Sweden.
Often described as a perfect mix between AUTOPSY and CARNAGE, MORBUS CHRON clearly stands out as one of the most talented and promising bands among all of the new traditional death metal acts that have been popping-up in the scene for over three years now.
Comments MORBUS CHRON: "Always expect the unexpected. MORBUS CHRON are thrilled to join the ranks of Century Media Records. We know that with greater assistance and sturdier tools, the more clearly we can focus our attention solely on the music. So it is with big smiles that we ink this deal tonight. To keep the momentum going, we're entering Gutterview Studios in March/April to record our first 10-inch EP. Expect to have us around for a while."
Jerry Maréchal, A&R at Century Media Europe comments: "Coming from Sweden without sounding like the 9265465th clone of 'Left Hand Path' ENTOMBED is not a sinecure, to say the least. What MORBUS CHRON has been achieving for more than three years and their first demo tape is far more impressive as the band manages to merge varied and classic influences ranging from U.S. death metal to Swedish and Euro death metal with their own very personal conceptions, be it musically or aesthetically. The result is an intense and fascinating traditional death metal act. Period."
MORBUS CHRON's new 10inch vinyl EP will be released in time for the band's first live appearance in Gemany at the Hell's Pleasure festival July 20-21 in Pößneck along with labelmates SONNE ADAM and NECROWRETCH. Later this year, the band will start writing the follow-up to their critically acclaimed first album, "Sleepers In The Rift", which received an outstanding 9 out of 10 points in Germany's Rock Hard magazine.
Often described as a perfect mix between AUTOPSY and CARNAGE, MORBUS CHRON clearly stands out as one of the most talented and promising bands among all of the new traditional death metal acts that have been popping-up in the scene for over three years now.
Comments MORBUS CHRON: "Always expect the unexpected. MORBUS CHRON are thrilled to join the ranks of Century Media Records. We know that with greater assistance and sturdier tools, the more clearly we can focus our attention solely on the music. So it is with big smiles that we ink this deal tonight. To keep the momentum going, we're entering Gutterview Studios in March/April to record our first 10-inch EP. Expect to have us around for a while."
Jerry Maréchal, A&R at Century Media Europe comments: "Coming from Sweden without sounding like the 9265465th clone of 'Left Hand Path' ENTOMBED is not a sinecure, to say the least. What MORBUS CHRON has been achieving for more than three years and their first demo tape is far more impressive as the band manages to merge varied and classic influences ranging from U.S. death metal to Swedish and Euro death metal with their own very personal conceptions, be it musically or aesthetically. The result is an intense and fascinating traditional death metal act. Period."
MORBUS CHRON's new 10inch vinyl EP will be released in time for the band's first live appearance in Gemany at the Hell's Pleasure festival July 20-21 in Pößneck along with labelmates SONNE ADAM and NECROWRETCH. Later this year, the band will start writing the follow-up to their critically acclaimed first album, "Sleepers In The Rift", which received an outstanding 9 out of 10 points in Germany's Rock Hard magazine.
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