Slash, the iconic, Grammy-winning rock guitarist and songwriter, will release his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", on May 22 via his own label Dik Hayd International distributed through EMI. The CD will follow his 2010 debut album, "Slash", and his November 2011 first-ever live solo album, the two-CD/DVD set "Made In Stoke 24/7/11". Notably, the "Slash" album debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at #3 (#1 on the Rock chart, #1 on the Independent chart, and #1 on the Hard Music chart). Digitally, the album also became the #1 overall digital album and hit #1 on iTunes in 13 countries. Internationally, the disc achieved Top 5 chart positions in over a dozen major territories, hitting #1 in both Japan and New Zealand.
In the U.K., the album will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.
For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy, and cameras have been rolling throughout the entire making of the album.
"Apocalyptic Love" track listing:
01. Apocalyptic Love
02. One Last Thrill
03. Standing In The Sun
04. You're A Lie
05. No More Heroes
06. Halo
07. We Will Roam
08. Anastasia
09. Not For Me
10. Bad Rain
11. Hard & Fast
12. Far And Away
13. Shots Fired
The song "You're A Lie" can be streamed at RollingStone.com.
"'You're A Lie' is the second song I brought to the band in 2011 during the last tour," explains Slash. "We worked on it at soundcheck somewhere, I can't remember where. It's gone through some minor changes along the way, mainly the chorus. But for the most part, it's remained true to its original arrangement. I can't wait to play this live."
In the U.K., the album will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.
For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy, and cameras have been rolling throughout the entire making of the album.
"Apocalyptic Love" track listing:
01. Apocalyptic Love
02. One Last Thrill
03. Standing In The Sun
04. You're A Lie
05. No More Heroes
06. Halo
07. We Will Roam
08. Anastasia
09. Not For Me
10. Bad Rain
11. Hard & Fast
12. Far And Away
13. Shots Fired
The song "You're A Lie" can be streamed at RollingStone.com.
"'You're A Lie' is the second song I brought to the band in 2011 during the last tour," explains Slash. "We worked on it at soundcheck somewhere, I can't remember where. It's gone through some minor changes along the way, mainly the chorus. But for the most part, it's remained true to its original arrangement. I can't wait to play this live."
Slash, the iconic, Grammy-winning rock guitarist and songwriter, has just finished recording a six-show radio series for BBC Radio 2 "full of hard rock and metal that was a major influence on me," he states via Facebook. The series will begin airing sometime in in April, stretched over six weeks.
Slash will release his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love" on May 22 via his own label Dik Hayd International distributed through EMI. The CD will follow his 2010 debut album, "Slash", and his November 2011 first-ever live solo album, the two-CD/DVD set "Made In Stoke 24/7/11". Notably, the "Slash" album debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at #3 (#1 on the Rock chart, #1 on the Independent chart, and #1 on the Hard Music chart). Digitally, the album also became the #1 overall digital album and hit #1 on iTunes in 13 countries. Internationally, the disc achieved Top 5 chart positions in over a dozen major territories, hitting #1 in both Japan and New Zealand.
In the U.K., the album will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks ("Carolina" and "Crazy Love") alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.
For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy, and cameras have been rolling throughout the entire making of the album.
Slash will release his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love" on May 22 via his own label Dik Hayd International distributed through EMI. The CD will follow his 2010 debut album, "Slash", and his November 2011 first-ever live solo album, the two-CD/DVD set "Made In Stoke 24/7/11". Notably, the "Slash" album debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at #3 (#1 on the Rock chart, #1 on the Independent chart, and #1 on the Hard Music chart). Digitally, the album also became the #1 overall digital album and hit #1 on iTunes in 13 countries. Internationally, the disc achieved Top 5 chart positions in over a dozen major territories, hitting #1 in both Japan and New Zealand.
In the U.K., the album will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks ("Carolina" and "Crazy Love") alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.
For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy, and cameras have been rolling throughout the entire making of the album.
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, the world's largest touring heavy music festival experience, has announced the addition of MOTÖRHEAD to the 2012 lineup. This marks the first summer tour that MOTÖRHEAD has taken part in for several years. The legendary metal veterans join the already stellar 2012 main stage lineup, featuring multi-platinum Iowa cult metal groundbreakers SLIPKNOT in the headlining position, as well as legendary thrash metal kings SLAYER — both returning to the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival for a second turn at pummeling fans.
MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister commented, "Well, we're used to mayhem in this band, so it's kind of a family tradition! Bring it!"
In other news, Sumerian Records is joining the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival! Headbang For The Highway will be presenting the Sumerian Records Stage at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival this year. Sumerian Records, who are known for some of the most cutting-edge bands in heavy music today, will be bringing UPON A BURNING BODY, I THE BREATHER and one more act (to be announced) along for the ride. The fun doesn't end there, as Headbang For The Highway will be holding contests all over the U.S. for unsigned bands to win opening spots on the Sumerian Records Stage at the festival.
The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will make a 27-date trek across the U.S. beginning on June 30 at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The headlining slot on the main stage will be occupied by Iowa legends SLIPKNOT. Next up will be legendary thrash metal kings SLAYER and MOTÖRHEAD will be playing in the third slot. The main stage will also spotlight a ferocious mix of today's best artists in a rotation, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA.
In 2012 the tour has upgraded the production on the festival stage and this year the Jägermeister Stage will feature a special headline set by metal masters ANTHRAX supported by a rotation of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA, along with WHITECHAPEL, HIGH ON FIRE and the Jägermeister opener. Please note that bands may vary per market.
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival lineup:
SLIPKNOT
SLAYER
MOTÖRHEAD
ANTHRAX
AS I LAY DYING
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
WHITECHAPEL
HIGH ON FIRE
For more information, visit www.rockstarmayhemfest.com.
MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister commented, "Well, we're used to mayhem in this band, so it's kind of a family tradition! Bring it!"
In other news, Sumerian Records is joining the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival! Headbang For The Highway will be presenting the Sumerian Records Stage at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival this year. Sumerian Records, who are known for some of the most cutting-edge bands in heavy music today, will be bringing UPON A BURNING BODY, I THE BREATHER and one more act (to be announced) along for the ride. The fun doesn't end there, as Headbang For The Highway will be holding contests all over the U.S. for unsigned bands to win opening spots on the Sumerian Records Stage at the festival.
The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will make a 27-date trek across the U.S. beginning on June 30 at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The headlining slot on the main stage will be occupied by Iowa legends SLIPKNOT. Next up will be legendary thrash metal kings SLAYER and MOTÖRHEAD will be playing in the third slot. The main stage will also spotlight a ferocious mix of today's best artists in a rotation, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA.
In 2012 the tour has upgraded the production on the festival stage and this year the Jägermeister Stage will feature a special headline set by metal masters ANTHRAX supported by a rotation of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA, along with WHITECHAPEL, HIGH ON FIRE and the Jägermeister opener. Please note that bands may vary per market.
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival lineup:
SLIPKNOT
SLAYER
MOTÖRHEAD
ANTHRAX
AS I LAY DYING
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
WHITECHAPEL
HIGH ON FIRE
For more information, visit www.rockstarmayhemfest.com.
Iconic British brand Marshall, the world's most famous and revolutionary amp producer, celebrates its Golden Anniversary year cementing its place in musical history. To celebrate 50 legendary years of musical innovation, Marshall is taking over Wembley Arena for a full-on rock and roll riot on Saturday, September 22. The groundbreaking artist lineup is as pioneering as the brand itself and includes global rock royalty from bands including IRON MAIDEN, SLIPKNOT, WHITESNAKE, CHICKENFOOT, THE CULT, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and many more. Tickets from the event go on sale Friday, March 9 at 9 a.m. and can be purchased via LiveNation.co.uk.
Developed by Marshall to allow fans to celebrate this landmark occasion, the lineup for the event reads like a who's who from the rock and metal Hall Of Fame. Working alongside company and family friend and IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain the Marshall team is bringing together the biggest rock gods on the planet! Nicko will compère the event and will be joined by the world's most legendary guitarists, acclaimed musicians and Marshall enthusiasts including multiple Grammy nominee and CHICKENFOOT supergroup founder Joe Satriani, Ozzy Osbourne collaborator and founder of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Zakk Wylde, technical wizard and one of Guitar One magazine's "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" MR BIG's Paul Gilbert, WHITESNAKE's Doug Aldrich and Brian Tichy, Swedish virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, THE CULT's Billy Duffy and SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor . There are also further big names to be announced.
Nicko commented; "This is truly a celebration of a British icon — Marshall. Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall and the team have shaped the sound of rock music for eternity! Words cannot describe how pioneering Marshall is! I feel more than privileged to be involved in this event. We're bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a moment in history. Expect pure rock n roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall!"
Starting life in a drum shop in Hanwell as the brainchild of Jim Marshall, the Marshall amp was designed to help create richer sound for guitarists who were unable to afford the expensive, U.S. Fender amplifiers. With a small team of skilled musicians, Marshall produced his first amplifier in 1962. The development of the "Marshall stack" a few years later initiated Marshall's ultimate rise to the forefront of the music instrument industry. Fifty years after Jim Marshall sold his first JTM45, four generations of guitarists and fans revere the name. Marshall amps have defined the sound of rock and are prized by rock guitarists of every age and style.
For half a century now, Jim Marshall OBE and the Marshall team have been shaping the sound of rock on stage and in the studio with artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Gary Moore, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Zappa, Richie Kotzen, TRIVIUM and countless others.
Paul Marshall, Head of Artist Liaison and part of the Marshall dynasty commented: "Artists play a massive role in the company, and are very much part of the 'Marshall family.' Over the five decades of Marshall's history, practically every guitar hero has used Marshall — Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Slash, the list goes on…. This event is a celebration of the Marshall family and we are honoured so many artists want to get involved!"
Developed by Marshall to allow fans to celebrate this landmark occasion, the lineup for the event reads like a who's who from the rock and metal Hall Of Fame. Working alongside company and family friend and IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain the Marshall team is bringing together the biggest rock gods on the planet! Nicko will compère the event and will be joined by the world's most legendary guitarists, acclaimed musicians and Marshall enthusiasts including multiple Grammy nominee and CHICKENFOOT supergroup founder Joe Satriani, Ozzy Osbourne collaborator and founder of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Zakk Wylde, technical wizard and one of Guitar One magazine's "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" MR BIG's Paul Gilbert, WHITESNAKE's Doug Aldrich and Brian Tichy, Swedish virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, THE CULT's Billy Duffy and SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor . There are also further big names to be announced.
Nicko commented; "This is truly a celebration of a British icon — Marshall. Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall and the team have shaped the sound of rock music for eternity! Words cannot describe how pioneering Marshall is! I feel more than privileged to be involved in this event. We're bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a moment in history. Expect pure rock n roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall!"
Starting life in a drum shop in Hanwell as the brainchild of Jim Marshall, the Marshall amp was designed to help create richer sound for guitarists who were unable to afford the expensive, U.S. Fender amplifiers. With a small team of skilled musicians, Marshall produced his first amplifier in 1962. The development of the "Marshall stack" a few years later initiated Marshall's ultimate rise to the forefront of the music instrument industry. Fifty years after Jim Marshall sold his first JTM45, four generations of guitarists and fans revere the name. Marshall amps have defined the sound of rock and are prized by rock guitarists of every age and style.
For half a century now, Jim Marshall OBE and the Marshall team have been shaping the sound of rock on stage and in the studio with artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Gary Moore, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Zappa, Richie Kotzen, TRIVIUM and countless others.
Paul Marshall, Head of Artist Liaison and part of the Marshall dynasty commented: "Artists play a massive role in the company, and are very much part of the 'Marshall family.' Over the five decades of Marshall's history, practically every guitar hero has used Marshall — Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Slash, the list goes on…. This event is a celebration of the Marshall family and we are honoured so many artists want to get involved!"
TESLA, KIX, Y&T, GREAT WHITE, HELIX, XYZ and ENUFF Z'NUFF are the first confirmed bands for the second installment of the Monsters Of Rock cruise, set to take place March 16-20, 2013.
Featuring some of the greatest artists of the '70s and '80s era, the Monsters Of Rock cruise will be an epic voyage, not to be missed by the avid heavy metal fan. This cruise journey will visit CoCoCay and Freeport, Bahamas plus a rockin' bonus day at sea, sailing the emerald waters of the Bahamas, in this unprecedented heavy metal festival at sea.
The cruise is based on a legendary rock festival at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England. Seven metal bands and thousands of rabid fans converged on the soggy turf of Donington Park and became part of rock history as a historic event was born — the Monsters Of Rock. Fast forward to today. The tradition of the Monsters Of Rock is reborn, this time in the Bahamas aboard a luxury cruise ship, showcasing the greatest floating '80s heavy metal festival in history.
For one all-inclusive price, fans will enjoy a myriad of special heavy metal concerts, events and activities, designed to please the most discerning rock 'n' roll metalhead. While the music is the centerpiece, this is more than a concert cruise event. It is fantasy camp designed for interaction between artists and fans. The fun will begin the moment fans begin to board the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert.
The Monsters Of Rock cruise is a playground for the serious heavy metal fan where music and a luxury cruise hook up for the vacation of a lifetime. Fans can reserve their spot aboard now with a pre-sale deposit of only $99 per cabin. Pre-sale reservations can be made for the Monsters Of Rock cruise on a first-come-first-served basis and will only be available at MonstersOfRockCruise.com. The official on-sale date will be announced in the weeks to come, so confirm your spot today as this cruise will sell out quickly. Final pricing, artists, port details and more will be announced at that time.
Featuring some of the greatest artists of the '70s and '80s era, the Monsters Of Rock cruise will be an epic voyage, not to be missed by the avid heavy metal fan. This cruise journey will visit CoCoCay and Freeport, Bahamas plus a rockin' bonus day at sea, sailing the emerald waters of the Bahamas, in this unprecedented heavy metal festival at sea.
The cruise is based on a legendary rock festival at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England. Seven metal bands and thousands of rabid fans converged on the soggy turf of Donington Park and became part of rock history as a historic event was born — the Monsters Of Rock. Fast forward to today. The tradition of the Monsters Of Rock is reborn, this time in the Bahamas aboard a luxury cruise ship, showcasing the greatest floating '80s heavy metal festival in history.
For one all-inclusive price, fans will enjoy a myriad of special heavy metal concerts, events and activities, designed to please the most discerning rock 'n' roll metalhead. While the music is the centerpiece, this is more than a concert cruise event. It is fantasy camp designed for interaction between artists and fans. The fun will begin the moment fans begin to board the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert.
The Monsters Of Rock cruise is a playground for the serious heavy metal fan where music and a luxury cruise hook up for the vacation of a lifetime. Fans can reserve their spot aboard now with a pre-sale deposit of only $99 per cabin. Pre-sale reservations can be made for the Monsters Of Rock cruise on a first-come-first-served basis and will only be available at MonstersOfRockCruise.com. The official on-sale date will be announced in the weeks to come, so confirm your spot today as this cruise will sell out quickly. Final pricing, artists, port details and more will be announced at that time.
According to Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil will open a topless nightclub, Vince Neil's Girls, Girls, Girls, later this month in Las Vegas. The club will occupy the former Déjà Vu location opposite the Orleans off Tropicana Avenue a mile from the Las Vegas Strip.
"It's something I always wanted to do," Neil said. "So it's like a dream come true. But this will be different and unique. It will be the first rock and roll strip joint. It was a business opportunity to become a partner that was too good to pass up."
Regarding the kind of entertainment that will be available at Vince Neil's Girls, Girls, Girls, Neil told the Las Vegas Sun, "First, the girls will be edgier. Tattoos won't be banned. They will look like they stepped out of a music video. Hot, provocative and edgy. I know it all comes down to G-strings in the end, but they'll start out with much sexier outfits than you find elsewhere. Second, the music isn't going to be boring. None of that house, generic strip club music. This will be full-on rock and roll."
"It's something I always wanted to do," Neil said. "So it's like a dream come true. But this will be different and unique. It will be the first rock and roll strip joint. It was a business opportunity to become a partner that was too good to pass up."
Regarding the kind of entertainment that will be available at Vince Neil's Girls, Girls, Girls, Neil told the Las Vegas Sun, "First, the girls will be edgier. Tattoos won't be banned. They will look like they stepped out of a music video. Hot, provocative and edgy. I know it all comes down to G-strings in the end, but they'll start out with much sexier outfits than you find elsewhere. Second, the music isn't going to be boring. None of that house, generic strip club music. This will be full-on rock and roll."
Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD have been forced to cancel their shows scheduled for March 7 in Auckland, New Zealand and March 9 in Anchorage, Alaska, due to a medical emergency involving a family member. The band intends to make up both shows during the "Resolution" tour cycle.
LAMB OF GOD's seventh album, "Resolution", sold around 52,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Wrath", opened with around 68,000 units back in March 2009 to enter the chart at No. 2. This figure was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by 2006's "Sacrament", which shifted around 63,000 units to debut at No. 8. It also represented almost double the amount of records sold by its predecessor, "Ashes Of The Wake", which premiered with 35,000 copies in September 2004.
"Resolution" was released in the U.S. via Epic and internationally through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".
"Resolution" features 14 songs and comes in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.
LAMB OF GOD's seventh album, "Resolution", sold around 52,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Wrath", opened with around 68,000 units back in March 2009 to enter the chart at No. 2. This figure was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by 2006's "Sacrament", which shifted around 63,000 units to debut at No. 8. It also represented almost double the amount of records sold by its predecessor, "Ashes Of The Wake", which premiered with 35,000 copies in September 2004.
"Resolution" was released in the U.S. via Epic and internationally through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".
"Resolution" features 14 songs and comes in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.
Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY have amicably parted ways with guitarist Christopher Amott and have replaced him with 26-year-old American musician Nick Cordle (ARSIS).
Christopher — the brother of ARCH ENEMY's other guitarist Michael Amott — was a member of ARCH ENEMY from 1996 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2011.
Commented ARCH ENEMY in a statement: "We thank Christopher for the time he's worked with the band and, of course, wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Thankfully, there is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned. We are highly motivated and look forward to continue spreading our music around the world! Finally, our deepest thanks go to the ARCH ENEMY fans, whose amazing support and belief inspires us ever onward."
Added Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for ARCH ENEMY with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!"
Nick Cordle (pictured below) was raised in a musical family in Virginia by parents who teach classical piano and was immersed in 19th-century piano music as a child. Rachmaninoff, Brahms and Liszt are his early memories. There were piano and violin lessons from a very early age but a rebellious streak led to the guitar at the age of 10, and within a few years he discovered the classic thrash metal albums by MEGADETH, METALLICA, and SLAYER. This was his first real musical passion and gateway into extreme music.
Nick studied jazz and music theory at the University of Virginia from 2003 to 2007 but remains self taught in the ways of "shred" and metal. Shortly thereafter, he joined American death metal band ARSIS playing bass and guitar over a three-year period, performing with them on various European tours and countless gigs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as well as performing and writing on their most recent album, "Starve For The Devil" (2010).
Christopher — the brother of ARCH ENEMY's other guitarist Michael Amott — was a member of ARCH ENEMY from 1996 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2011.
Commented ARCH ENEMY in a statement: "We thank Christopher for the time he's worked with the band and, of course, wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Thankfully, there is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned. We are highly motivated and look forward to continue spreading our music around the world! Finally, our deepest thanks go to the ARCH ENEMY fans, whose amazing support and belief inspires us ever onward."
Added Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for ARCH ENEMY with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!"
Nick Cordle (pictured below) was raised in a musical family in Virginia by parents who teach classical piano and was immersed in 19th-century piano music as a child. Rachmaninoff, Brahms and Liszt are his early memories. There were piano and violin lessons from a very early age but a rebellious streak led to the guitar at the age of 10, and within a few years he discovered the classic thrash metal albums by MEGADETH, METALLICA, and SLAYER. This was his first real musical passion and gateway into extreme music.
Nick studied jazz and music theory at the University of Virginia from 2003 to 2007 but remains self taught in the ways of "shred" and metal. Shortly thereafter, he joined American death metal band ARSIS playing bass and guitar over a three-year period, performing with them on various European tours and countless gigs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as well as performing and writing on their most recent album, "Starve For The Devil" (2010).
Guitarist Christopher Amott has released the following statement regarding his departure from Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY:
"I have left ARCH ENEMY to pursue my solo career. I'm gonna continue to be very active in music, working with all kinds of styles — this does not rule out metal. I have just recorded a new solo album, set to be released in April."
ARCH ENEMY has recruited 26-year-old American guitarist Nick Cordle (ARSIS) to replace Christopher. The band said in a statement, "There is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned."
Added Christopher's brother, ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for ARCH ENEMY with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!"
Christopher Amott started his career in music in 1995 as a founding creative force and guitarist in ARCH ENEMY. In this context, he is known for his tastefully technical guitar work and memorably emotive playing style.
After garnering his early success, Christopher had the desire to express himself on a personal level in the same genre. At this time he began writing albums under the name ARMAGEDDON. Christopher wrote and recorded three albums over the next few years as ARCH ENEMY grew into an internationally recognized act, with his compositions featuring his own vocal stylings on the last album. This would be Christopher's first foray into singing and a spark of inspiration for his later musical ventures.
In 2008, Christopher began to consider his creative options as a mature musician. He began writing songs of an entirely different atmosphere, which saw his guitar playing focused less on technical ecstasy and more on a chord-based blues rock ambience as a foundation for more prominent vocal and lyrical ideas. These compositions developed into his next solo project; the album would be called "Follow Your Heart", released under his own name in 2010.
"I have left ARCH ENEMY to pursue my solo career. I'm gonna continue to be very active in music, working with all kinds of styles — this does not rule out metal. I have just recorded a new solo album, set to be released in April."
ARCH ENEMY has recruited 26-year-old American guitarist Nick Cordle (ARSIS) to replace Christopher. The band said in a statement, "There is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned."
Added Christopher's brother, ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for ARCH ENEMY with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!"
Christopher Amott started his career in music in 1995 as a founding creative force and guitarist in ARCH ENEMY. In this context, he is known for his tastefully technical guitar work and memorably emotive playing style.
After garnering his early success, Christopher had the desire to express himself on a personal level in the same genre. At this time he began writing albums under the name ARMAGEDDON. Christopher wrote and recorded three albums over the next few years as ARCH ENEMY grew into an internationally recognized act, with his compositions featuring his own vocal stylings on the last album. This would be Christopher's first foray into singing and a spark of inspiration for his later musical ventures.
In 2008, Christopher began to consider his creative options as a mature musician. He began writing songs of an entirely different atmosphere, which saw his guitar playing focused less on technical ecstasy and more on a chord-based blues rock ambience as a foundation for more prominent vocal and lyrical ideas. These compositions developed into his next solo project; the album would be called "Follow Your Heart", released under his own name in 2010.
GODSMACK, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, P.O.D., SEVENDUST, FILTER, FUEL, BLACK STONE CHERRY, LIT, Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), Gilby Clarke (ex-GUNS N' ROSES) and IN THIS MOMENT are confirmed for the fourth annual ShipRocked, the ultimate rock music cruise vacation. ShipRocked 2012 embarks from Fort Lauderdale, Florida November 27 and provides guests with four days and nights of music and mayhem — along with a little relaxation — onboard the MSC Poesia while sailing the Caribbean. Ports of call include Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas (subject to change), with the cruise returning to Fort Lauderdale December 1. Additional bands will be announced in the coming weeks. Monster Energy is set once again to partner with ShipRocked and help fuel the 2012 voyage into the hard-rocking seas.
ShipRocked guests will enjoy multiple performances from each band on various stages throughout the ship, artist meet and greets, and question-and-answer sessions, along with artist-hosted activities including contests, game shows, insane parties, theme nights and more. ShipRocked offers unique opportunities to interact with bands in various settings onboard and in ports of call.
GODSMACK's Shannon Larkin performed on ShipRocked 2011 with his band ANOTHER ANIMAL and says, "The whole experience was very unique and very kick ass! I would recommend this highly to bands and fans alike. I made a ton of fond memories and hope to do it again!"
Morgan Rose of SEVENDUST — who performed on ShipRocked 2010 and 2011 — comments: "Being invited to be a part of ShipRocked again is amazing. We've had an awesome time the past two years. It gives us a chance to be so close to the people, while on tour it's nearly impossible to do that. I hope to see all of our fans on the boat!"
In between the live shows and other events during the music festival at sea, ShipRocked guests will have plenty of opportunities to rest, recharge, feast on all-you-can eat cuisine, or simply kick back on their private balconies overlooking the ocean and star-filled sky. The MSC Poesia from Italy offers luxury cruising at its finest, lavishing its guests with luxurious Italian style, modern amenities, and an abundance of recreational activities and entertainment. Along with swimming pools, whirlpools, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants and bars, the ship also offers a miniature golf course, shuffleboard, tennis court, jogging track, cigar lounge, wine bar, discotheque, Internet cafe, shopping arcade, Vegas-style casino, and a 12,000 square-foot spa. In essence, almost everything a guest could ever want is available onboard the floating resort.
"As rock music evolves, so does ShipRocked," notes ShipRocked producer Alan Koenig of ASK4 Entertainment. "Our fourth annual voyage is poised to be our biggest and best sailing yet, and we couldn't be more excited to have GODSMACK at the helm. SR12 will include some of the biggest names in modern hard rock, as well as a generous helping of new bands to watch out for in the future. Of course, it wouldn't be a ShipRocked cruise without a few of the amazing artists who have helped make the last three decades sound so good."
Vacation packages start at only $799 per person (double occupancy) and include exclusive access to all ShipRocked concerts and special events, deluxe stateroom, meals, ship activities, ship entertainment and more. Guests are also able to choose their specific cabin when booking a reservation.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Space is limited, so early booking is encouraged to guarantee a cabin.
For more information — including travel discounts — and to make a reservation, go to www.GetShipRocked.com or call 1-888-370-9680.
For the fourth year in a row, the ShipRocked onboard charity auction will benefit Cancer Sucks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative medical research and finding a cure for cancer. The auction will feature one-of-a-kind rock memorabilia from this year's performers and more. ShipRocked guests have a history of generosity, with previous onboard auctions raising over $100,000 for various charities.
ShipRocked guests will enjoy multiple performances from each band on various stages throughout the ship, artist meet and greets, and question-and-answer sessions, along with artist-hosted activities including contests, game shows, insane parties, theme nights and more. ShipRocked offers unique opportunities to interact with bands in various settings onboard and in ports of call.
GODSMACK's Shannon Larkin performed on ShipRocked 2011 with his band ANOTHER ANIMAL and says, "The whole experience was very unique and very kick ass! I would recommend this highly to bands and fans alike. I made a ton of fond memories and hope to do it again!"
Morgan Rose of SEVENDUST — who performed on ShipRocked 2010 and 2011 — comments: "Being invited to be a part of ShipRocked again is amazing. We've had an awesome time the past two years. It gives us a chance to be so close to the people, while on tour it's nearly impossible to do that. I hope to see all of our fans on the boat!"
In between the live shows and other events during the music festival at sea, ShipRocked guests will have plenty of opportunities to rest, recharge, feast on all-you-can eat cuisine, or simply kick back on their private balconies overlooking the ocean and star-filled sky. The MSC Poesia from Italy offers luxury cruising at its finest, lavishing its guests with luxurious Italian style, modern amenities, and an abundance of recreational activities and entertainment. Along with swimming pools, whirlpools, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants and bars, the ship also offers a miniature golf course, shuffleboard, tennis court, jogging track, cigar lounge, wine bar, discotheque, Internet cafe, shopping arcade, Vegas-style casino, and a 12,000 square-foot spa. In essence, almost everything a guest could ever want is available onboard the floating resort.
"As rock music evolves, so does ShipRocked," notes ShipRocked producer Alan Koenig of ASK4 Entertainment. "Our fourth annual voyage is poised to be our biggest and best sailing yet, and we couldn't be more excited to have GODSMACK at the helm. SR12 will include some of the biggest names in modern hard rock, as well as a generous helping of new bands to watch out for in the future. Of course, it wouldn't be a ShipRocked cruise without a few of the amazing artists who have helped make the last three decades sound so good."
Vacation packages start at only $799 per person (double occupancy) and include exclusive access to all ShipRocked concerts and special events, deluxe stateroom, meals, ship activities, ship entertainment and more. Guests are also able to choose their specific cabin when booking a reservation.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Space is limited, so early booking is encouraged to guarantee a cabin.
For more information — including travel discounts — and to make a reservation, go to www.GetShipRocked.com or call 1-888-370-9680.
For the fourth year in a row, the ShipRocked onboard charity auction will benefit Cancer Sucks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative medical research and finding a cure for cancer. The auction will feature one-of-a-kind rock memorabilia from this year's performers and more. ShipRocked guests have a history of generosity, with previous onboard auctions raising over $100,000 for various charities.
One of the many major international metal acts to tour our shores as part of this year's mammoth Soundwave Festival, Florida's Trivium have continued their sizeable momentum with blistering, well-received latest disc In Waves. Prior to the band's recent set opening for Slipknot at their headlining show, Loud trekked backstage at the Sydney Entertainment Centre to talk to guitarist/vocalist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto. We discussed the creation of their latest album, when they plan to return to Australia for a headlining tour, making parody T-Shirts and forgetting the lyrics to their own songs.
Q: This isn't your first time playing Soundwave, but what's the experience been like thus far?
A: Corey: It's pretty awesome. Both shows the crowds have been nuts and it's nice to be back and playing new material, because last time we came down we had just finished the record, so we didn't play any of the new stuff. So it's a lot of fun you know, finally getting to come back down here, play a lot of new stuff and seeing the reactions from the kids in the crowd. They've just been amped up and just crazy crowds. It seems like every show it just keeps getting crazier and crazier, so it's just been an awesome time. The last time we did this tour it was just an awesome tour.
Q: The previous time you were here was supporting Disturbed on their arena tour. What do you take away from that experience that you can apply to your own live performances?
A: Paolo: I mean those dudes are just so pro with how they put on the shows and even off-stage they're super cool dudes. That's just the kind of band you want to emulate, when it comes to playing big shows like this they just know how to put on a great show and when it comes down to it and people are spending this much money to come see bands, you can't put on a punk rock show. It's gotta be larger than life. It's the same with Slipknot; we did a tour with them back in 2009 and they were the same calibre of band, they're just, it's just a larger than life show. That's how we envision Trivium becoming over time. I think we've definitely come a long way in terms of our live show; it's definitely the tightest we've ever been and just every time we come back we try to make it bigger and better each time.
Q: So can we expect some overblown theatrics and expensive pyrotechnics at some point in the future then? (laughs)
A: Paolo: That would be cool, to have some really cool production stuff; I mean, that just all comes down to the money side of things. But when you're playing big venues like this in the headlining slot, it's not an issue (laughs).
Corey: We're planning a headlining tour for later this year and we're kinda throwing around some ideas to do our most elaborate headlining tour we've done. So there should be some cool shit on that once we figure everything out (laughs).
Q: When is that likely to happen then?
A: Corey: Sometime around the fall, October or so.
Paolo: I think it's even later; maybe November/December. We haven't really totally figured out the logistics, but pretty much we're booking the later half of the year, which is like the end of this album cycle, so we might end for the first time in Australia, which will be really killer.
Q: Good to hear. Does the band write much while on the road?
A: Paolo: Yeah, we're writing now.
Corey: Yeah, that's pretty much how we write most of our records, minus (2005's) Ascendancy and (2003 debut) Ember to Inferno. Everything since we've been a touring band, pretty much the majority of everything on those records was written on tour. We're really not home all that often and when you're home, you're home for like a week and the last thing you're really thinking about is writing. But on tour, it's really cool, you're in different places all the time and it's nice to have like a different environment, 'cause it kinda sparks creativity. When you're at home, you're sitting on the couch or something it's like the same old thing. So it's cool to be in a different city and something you might see in that city, you'll get an idea or something. So we write all the time in tour; little pockets of stuff.
Q: When you're on tour you're already in the zone anyway, in that correct mindset. New riffs probably come to you more naturally when you're sound-checking every second day, for instance.
A: Paolo: Yeah, definitely.
Q: Where do you see the next Trivium album headed then?
A: Paolo: I think it's going to be heavier.
Corey: Angry (laughs).
Q: (Laughs) What are you angry at right now?
A: Paolo: We've been talking about it a lot, just a lot of stuff, like where we want to go with the next record. I think we've definitely learnt to write better on the road and we're learning that writing with a more focused vision musically is the way to go. Not just all of us just writing as many songs as we can. I think we're all trying to be conscious of how much we're writing, what we're writing and really just spending the time with a smaller batch of songs, rather than writing like 40 songs and kinda being all over the place musically. But it's definitely I think going to be a heavier record.
Q: It's a case of quality over quantity then.
A: Paolo: I mean, the last record, we had so much time; we had like two years and we wrote an album over the course of two drummers, so it was like, when we started writing we were in a different headspace than when we actually recorded. So we had a lot of material, which was great. But I think now that things have smoothed out on the personal side of things for the band, I think we can focus solely on just the musical vision of what Trivium is and really have no, outside of the musical stuff we have nothing going on that's kinda like drawing from that.
Corey: Also, on (2006's) The Crusade, (2008's) Shogun and In Waves, we just wrote so much stuff that was like just trying different ideas, to try and see what we could do. I think with those records, even before we recorded like demo-wise, there was some stuff that was like way over here, and then there was some stuff over here. And now it's like we kinda know, "okay, that definitely sounds like us, it's not too out of the box" and you know what's not even worth kind of digging into. Like it just won't fit the vibe of the record, the riff just doesn't sound like Trivium.
Q: Or sounds too much like another band perhaps?
A: Paolo: Just like, if it's… On this record particularly we had a tonne of demos and it was really not sounding like other people, it was just, "is this too extreme, or is this too soft? Is this not even really in the ballpark of what we're trying to do?" I think the only reason we had so much stuff is like I said, we had too much time on our hands really (laughs). And it was good, it was like, especially when we had Nick (Augosto, drums) in the band, we hit this new creative spurt where we just kept writing and demoing and at the end of the first month of demoing we had like 14, 15 songs, and we just kept going. It was a lot of stuff and when we demoed like two or three times in a row it was just sort of like overkill with the demos. That was one lesson we learnt with this record; my only critique of the whole process of In Waves is we demoed too much.
Corey: Also, if you write way too many songs you have to write lyrics, vocal ideas and all the other stuff, and you kinda spread yourself too thin. We cut a lot of stuff… Not necessarily that some of the songs were bad; there was some cool shit. But it's like, "what do we want to present to everybody with this record?" We narrowed it down to certain songs and we just focused on those, because if you spread yourself too thin, a song that could be great might not get enough attention and be like, "oh, it's pretty good, but look where we could take it if we put the energy into it". So that's why with this record, it was like, we don't need 30 songs. If we get 12 or 13 great songs and from day one just focus on those, we can just make 'em just like motherfuckers (laughs).
Paolo: That's it, like motherfuckers (laughs). Motherfuckers!
Corey: It's like you don't need a fucking single. Fuck a single - you want like a fucking record, a full record of songs.
Paolo: A full album that must be heard, start to finish, a complete thought. I think it's also going to be the first clean slate with Nick totally in mind for playing the drums. A lot of the songs, like "Inception of the End" was like the first song that was written and that was two years before we pushed "record". So when that song was written, Travis (Smith) was playing drums amd it was a totally different mindset of us playing and writing a certain way to when Nick came into the band. So this is the first time that we're going to hand Nick however many songs it is we end up getting demoed on the computer and be like, "alright dude, here you go, go insane. We're not tying your hands back, just fucking go for it".
Q: Do you see him playing much of a role in the writing process on the next album?
A: Paolo: Well, the three of us (including vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy) are the dudes who can write the riffs, guitar parts and bass parts.
Corey: The cool thing about Nick's playing is he really, he kinda jams on guitar, but he's got like way more of a musical ear. We're playing a riff and he starts doing like weird accenting parts on the riff and sometimes for the songs, he would play some kind of weird drum part and it would be really cool, or he would write a really cool drum part and we would like alter our guitar part to fit the mood of what he was playing on drums. Compared to like the other records, there's a lot more… The guitars and the drums are playing together instead of just a standard beat. He's really connected with the guitars, which gives it a lot more energy. So we would play together and play the riffs, it's like we're kinda playing off each other. 'Cause he will jam (with) the guitars, then he might do something like a cymbal here or whatever and we'll do something on the guitar to match that.
Paolo: I think my writing personally has even changed a little bit with him in mind. His playing is definitely more outside the box and even a little jazzy for a metal drummer. When I'm writing a riff, I'm like, "alright, I can keep this four-to-the-floor, simple, straight to the point, meat and potatoes metal riff, or I can now throw in some weird, crazy ass stuff" and Nick's going to understand it. It's almost like I've tried to keep what we've done in the past and keep that in mind 'cause it's really important that we don't go off the deep end with that. But at the same time, tailor some of the riffs to Nick's playing, because he's a really incredible drummer and I definitely want to make sure that the next album in a way is almost his album. Like, really show what he can do. He's got a lot of potential there.
Q: But as you suggested, do so while staying true to the band's spirit and not ignoring your strengths – you aren't going to morph into Meshuggah on the next record.
A: Paolo: Yeah, yeah, of course. (The single) "In Waves" was sort of like our… That was definitely an outside of the box thing, like when people heard it at first they weren't expecting it. But when you've finally got a drummer that can do stuff like that, it's kinda hard not to want to try (laughs). And since we've done that, it's like… It's one of those songs where some people weren't sure at first, but like every night when we play that song, whether people know it or not it's like instantaneous. Everyone's moving, everyone's screaming it; by the end of the song you know the song, it's just in-your-face and aggressive. That to me was like the second half of the writing for In Waves, it was songs like the title track, "Chaos Reigns", "Watch the World Burn". Those are some of the last songs written which I think have a lot of elements that we'll keep in mind as we go into the next record, just a little bit heavier and even more concise, in a solid vision of that. It's crazy; when something's written over a long period of time, it's so different for us to look at the record (like) someone who's just gotten the record or someone who bought it when it came out six, seven months ago. This record was like a lifetime ago for us (laughs). It's crazy; we're always thinking like so far in advance that it's crazy.
Q: Interesting. We've got a reader question for you now. "Gabba" asks via e-mail, do you ever sing the YouTube interpretation lyrics to "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" instead of the real lyrics when performing it live? A: Paolo: I've seen like the posters and I always laugh when I see that. (To Corey) Did you see the "Dusk Dismantled" one yesterday?
Corey: Yeah, I saw "the toast is better" (laughs).
Paolo: "The toast is better" (laughs), that's another one.
Corey: That's a funny one.
Paolo: That one's good.
Corey: It's funny, 'cause probably up until a couple of weeks ago and we were on tour, Matt had like a vocal problem or whatever, his throat was hurt. We had so many shows in a row, and all the screaming and stuff. So I was like, "let me know if it's too much", 'cause we were playing like a 50-minute set, and I said I'd do some of his parts so he didn't have to scream as much. Up until that point, every time that I would think about the words, I never knew the real words to "Pull Harder", which is weird 'cause we play it all the time.
Paolo: I don't know like half the lyrics to that one (laughs).
Corey: Up until maybe like two or three weeks ago, I constantly, for some reason every time the vocals kick in on that song, the first thing that pops into my head is the old lyrics that were never used 'cause they were too explicit. I always sang those and was like, "what the fuck are the real words?" And then I went to learn them and I'm like, "oh" (laughs).
Paolo: I want to make a shirt of that, 'cause I think it'd be pretty funny to actually sell our own parody T-Shirt. I think that would be fucking funny.
Corey: Yeah, we got a kick out of it and we thought it was pretty funny when we found out that the guy who made the video fucking hated our band. We thought it was just a goof (laughs).
Paolo: It would be great to do "Pull! Harder! Strings! Martyr!" on the front and "Boat! Rudder! Strange! Mountain!" on the back; be like a mirror shirt, so you can like flip it around (laughs), or you could turn it inside out…
Corey: (Laughs). It's funny, 'cause if someone doesn't know the joke, it'd be like, "what the fuck is up with that?"
Paolo: I think for most Trivium fans they'd probably get it, 'cause that video has a million hits or something.
Q: Indeed. Our photographer Brendan Delavere also has a question for you (over to our intrepid shooter). The photograph of you playing foosball against Ghost; is there any truth to the rumour that you now have to open for Asking Alexandria after losing the game?
A: Paolo: No, no (laughs). The site that came up with that, I think it was MetalSucks. That was a good one though. The actual picture, the way it came about was we were supposed to do a photo shoot with them, which was like really random to begin with. We were at this really cool venue and they had all this crazy shit backstage. So as we were about to go out I see the foosball table and like, "dude, how fucking funny would it be if we're playing Ghost in foosball?" So we do the photo shoot first, they do like the set-up one and then I'm like, "alright, let's get a couple of these". We did it and I knew that if they used that shit it was going to be like… It was definitely a "what the fuck?" moment, but I have to say I'm pretty stoked that we got it.
Corey: Every time we do photo shoots, it's like… Especially us with Ghost, it's completely like visually polar opposites. It's funny as fuck to see all of those guys in priest outfits and shit, fucking playing foosball. It's fucking funny, 'cause it's like the complete opposite, them in that situation is like the complete opposite of how you think they would do it, just all evil and shit (makes pretend scary noises).
Paolo: I've gotta give MetalSucks credit; that was pretty funny. It was a funny way to use the picture.
Corey: I don't think anyone actually has any kind of competitions to see who goes on tour with who (laughs). It doesn't work that way.
Q: Any famous last words?
A: Paolo: Ooh, last words.
Corey: I guess, headlining tour later this year. We're gonna come back, try and do our biggest, most elaborate shows that we've ever done down here and hopefully get some time off so we can rehearse and try to pull some tricks out of the bag, play a bunch of songs that we've never played before, some stuff that's going to surprise the shit out of people. It'll definitely be a show worth catching.
Paolo: We're going to try to get some really killer bands to come down with us too, so that's the plan, make it a big event for the fans.
Irish rockers THERAPY? have been forced to postpone their Dublin and Cork shows — originally scheduled for this coming weekend — after drummer Neil Cooper "had an accident" and broke his finger (actually the knuckle on his "snare" hand middle finger). After a visit to a specialist, he has been advised to take minimum two weeks recovery time (i.e. no movement, lifting, or playing) to give the finger the best chance of recovery.
The Cork and Dublin shows have been rescheduled for May 10 (Dublin) and May 11 (Cork) of May. Venues and all original tickets will remain valid.
Commented Cooper: "So sorry, everyone. I'm absolutely gutted about causing the Cork and Dublin shows to be re-arranged. We've been unbelievably excited about playing the first 'A Brief Crack Of Light' shows and to have something like this happen now is a complete nightmare. I promise I'll be on the mend and we'll make the re-arranged dates in May extra special."
"Living In The Shadow Of The Terrible Thing", the new video from THERAPY?, can be seen below. The clip was filmed with British video directors Sitcom Soldiers.
The Cork and Dublin shows have been rescheduled for May 10 (Dublin) and May 11 (Cork) of May. Venues and all original tickets will remain valid.
Commented Cooper: "So sorry, everyone. I'm absolutely gutted about causing the Cork and Dublin shows to be re-arranged. We've been unbelievably excited about playing the first 'A Brief Crack Of Light' shows and to have something like this happen now is a complete nightmare. I promise I'll be on the mend and we'll make the re-arranged dates in May extra special."
"Living In The Shadow Of The Terrible Thing", the new video from THERAPY?, can be seen below. The clip was filmed with British video directors Sitcom Soldiers.
DeFox Records and Heart Of Steel Records have released the new album from the Greek classic heavy metal band PRASSEIN ALOGA. Entitled "Midas Touch", the CD features a guest appearace on two songs by former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno.
PRASSEIN ALOGA was formed back in 1995 and became an instant success in its homeland with its hard sound and the use of the Greek language in the lyrics.
The group performed as Di'Anno's backing band for two Greek tours — in 2008 and 2010 — and opened for the SCORPIONS in 2009.
In November 2011, PRASSEIN ALOGA signed a deal with Heart Of Steel Records, the division of DeFox Records dedicated to hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal music.
"Midas Touch" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Lamb To The Slaughter
03. See The Bodies (feauturing Paul Di'Anno)
04. Madness
05. Flesh Of Life (featuring Paul Di'Anno)
06. Hunt You Down
07. I Hate You
08. Stain
09. Inner War (featuring Kosta Vreto)
10. Midas Touch
11. Your Holiness (featuring Kosta Vreto)
12. Waiting For Redemption
13. Shade Of Grey
14. Melancholy Of Midas
PRASSEIN ALOGA was formed back in 1995 and became an instant success in its homeland with its hard sound and the use of the Greek language in the lyrics.
The group performed as Di'Anno's backing band for two Greek tours — in 2008 and 2010 — and opened for the SCORPIONS in 2009.
In November 2011, PRASSEIN ALOGA signed a deal with Heart Of Steel Records, the division of DeFox Records dedicated to hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal music.
"Midas Touch" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Lamb To The Slaughter
03. See The Bodies (feauturing Paul Di'Anno)
04. Madness
05. Flesh Of Life (featuring Paul Di'Anno)
06. Hunt You Down
07. I Hate You
08. Stain
09. Inner War (featuring Kosta Vreto)
10. Midas Touch
11. Your Holiness (featuring Kosta Vreto)
12. Waiting For Redemption
13. Shade Of Grey
14. Melancholy Of Midas
Hard rock guitarist Brent Muscat might be best known as the founding guitarist for Hollywood legends FASTER PUSSYCAT or for tearing up the Las Vegas scene with his band SIN CITY SINNERS, but Brent is also a cancer survivor.
Determined to use his celebrity to help raise funds to find a cure for cancer, Brent became involved with the St. Baldrick's Organization, a non-profit committed to funding the best research for kids with cancer and the top pediatric oncologists.
"I felt as a parent and a cancer survivor this was something I had to do. On March 16, I will have my head shaved in front of a live audience to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures through the St Baldrick's charity."
SIN CITY SINNERS is planning a major concert and all-star jam the night of the shaving featuring Carlos Cavazo (QUIET RIOT, RATT), Eric Dover (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER), Louie Merlino (BEGGARS & THIEVES), Scott Griffin (L.A. GUNS) and many more. The action will take place at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station. The event is FREE and open to the public. The St Baldrick's head shaving party begins 9 p.m., with the concert to follow.
Determined to use his celebrity to help raise funds to find a cure for cancer, Brent became involved with the St. Baldrick's Organization, a non-profit committed to funding the best research for kids with cancer and the top pediatric oncologists.
"I felt as a parent and a cancer survivor this was something I had to do. On March 16, I will have my head shaved in front of a live audience to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures through the St Baldrick's charity."
SIN CITY SINNERS is planning a major concert and all-star jam the night of the shaving featuring Carlos Cavazo (QUIET RIOT, RATT), Eric Dover (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER), Louie Merlino (BEGGARS & THIEVES), Scott Griffin (L.A. GUNS) and many more. The action will take place at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station. The event is FREE and open to the public. The St Baldrick's head shaving party begins 9 p.m., with the concert to follow.
Kosta Zafiriou, drummer and original member of German/British melodic hard rockers PINK CREAM 69, has left the band. He will be replaced by his good friend and longtime drum tech Chris Schmidt, who has previously played with SUNSTORM, Harry Hess' FIRST SIGNAL and more.
Commented Kosta: "It was a very hard decision to leave the band I co-founded back in 1987, but I am sure this is the right step. Due to my various activities with my company Bottom Row, plus being the drummer and manager of my new band UNISONIC, more and more I felt I was retarding PINK CREAM 69's career.
"Chris is a great drummer and a good friend of the band [for] many years, which makes him the perfect match for PINK CREAM 69.
"I wish the guys only the best and look forward to see the first show with him — as a visitor, enjoying the songs that accompanied me half of my life!"
PINK CREAM 69 entered the studio on March 1 to begin recording the as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "In10sity" for a fall release via Marquee/Avalon (Japan and Southaast Asia) and Frontiers Music (rest of the world).
Added PINK CREAM 69 guitarist Alfred Koffler: "The vibe within the band is very enthusiastic and creative. There are far too many strong songs by Dennis [Ward], David [Readman] and myself to pick from. There will be eleven of them on the album plus a couple of bonus tracks for the different markets and formats. We also will have guest appearances by two famous musicians on the new record — both fans of the band. More on that soon!"
The release of the new PINK CREAM 69 album will be accompanied by the arrival of the band's first video clip since "Shame".
The band will make several European festival appearances during the summer and will tour after the release of the new CD.
Commented Kosta: "It was a very hard decision to leave the band I co-founded back in 1987, but I am sure this is the right step. Due to my various activities with my company Bottom Row, plus being the drummer and manager of my new band UNISONIC, more and more I felt I was retarding PINK CREAM 69's career.
"Chris is a great drummer and a good friend of the band [for] many years, which makes him the perfect match for PINK CREAM 69.
"I wish the guys only the best and look forward to see the first show with him — as a visitor, enjoying the songs that accompanied me half of my life!"
PINK CREAM 69 entered the studio on March 1 to begin recording the as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "In10sity" for a fall release via Marquee/Avalon (Japan and Southaast Asia) and Frontiers Music (rest of the world).
Added PINK CREAM 69 guitarist Alfred Koffler: "The vibe within the band is very enthusiastic and creative. There are far too many strong songs by Dennis [Ward], David [Readman] and myself to pick from. There will be eleven of them on the album plus a couple of bonus tracks for the different markets and formats. We also will have guest appearances by two famous musicians on the new record — both fans of the band. More on that soon!"
The release of the new PINK CREAM 69 album will be accompanied by the arrival of the band's first video clip since "Shame".
The band will make several European festival appearances during the summer and will tour after the release of the new CD.
Former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis will visit the EMG studios to film a live performance of two tracks — "Mercurial" and "Sibylline Origin" — off his forthcoming second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion". Jeff's first performance video of "Jato Unit" in 2009 generated over 1 million hits on YouTube.
Loomis last month released a guitar playthrough video for the track "The Ultimatum". Featuring guest soloist Tony MacAlpine, "The Ultimatum" is the first track to be revealed from "Plains Of Oblivion", which is scheduled for release on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
"Plains Of Oblivion" track listing:
01. Mercurial (feat. Marty Friedman)
02. The Ultimatum (feat. Tony MacAlpine)
03. Escape Velocity
04. Tragedy And Harmony (feat. Christine Rhoades)
05. Requiem For The Living (feat. Attila Voros)
06. Continuum Drift (feat. Chris Poland)
07. Surrender (feat. Ihsahn)
08. Chosen Time (feat. Christine Rhoades)
09. Rapture
10. Sibylline Origin
Pre-orders for "Plains Of Oblivion" have just launched and are now available exclusively through CMDistro. A limited supply of pre-order packages including a CD, t-shirt and guitar pick are available for $22 and can be purchased here.
Loomis has been added to the 24-date, coast-to-coast U.S. tour with PROTEST THE HERO, PERIPHERY, THE SAFETY FIRE and TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE.
Jeff has revealed the quality players he's enlisted to accompany him on the stage:
* Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY) - Guitar
* Gregory Macklin (SYSTEM DIVIDE, ORDINANCE) - Bass
* Anup Sastry (INTERVALS, SKYHARBOR) - Drums
After Jeff's departure from NEVERMORE and the release of his solo debut — 2008's "Zero Order Phase" — fans have been craving a new album. With a number of influential musicians appearing on the upcoming release, Loomis is more than ready to deliver.
Jeff was the lead guitar player and main songwriter of NEVERMORE, a band that has certainly made its mark on modern music by forging a unique sound that fuses different forms of metal that has given birth to an authentic and very influential style. His solo CD, "Zero Order Phase", took the #4 spot in a April 2009 Guitar World magazine's readers' poll in the "Best Shred Album Of The Year" category — a notable accomplishment when you consider the top three vote-getters, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Jeff has become one of his generation's most recognizable guitarists and the source of many of the last decade's best riffs.
Jeff's complex shredding has been a central part of the progressive power guitar scene since 1992 and is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring riffs modern metal has ever heard. Nearly every aspiring musician who has been listening to metal for the past 10 years or so has undoubtedly had the pleasure of hearing Jeff Loomis' progressive and technically superior playing.
Loomis' first solo album, "Zero Order Phase", was released in September 2008 through Century Media Records.
Loomis last month released a guitar playthrough video for the track "The Ultimatum". Featuring guest soloist Tony MacAlpine, "The Ultimatum" is the first track to be revealed from "Plains Of Oblivion", which is scheduled for release on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
"Plains Of Oblivion" track listing:
01. Mercurial (feat. Marty Friedman)
02. The Ultimatum (feat. Tony MacAlpine)
03. Escape Velocity
04. Tragedy And Harmony (feat. Christine Rhoades)
05. Requiem For The Living (feat. Attila Voros)
06. Continuum Drift (feat. Chris Poland)
07. Surrender (feat. Ihsahn)
08. Chosen Time (feat. Christine Rhoades)
09. Rapture
10. Sibylline Origin
Pre-orders for "Plains Of Oblivion" have just launched and are now available exclusively through CMDistro. A limited supply of pre-order packages including a CD, t-shirt and guitar pick are available for $22 and can be purchased here.
Loomis has been added to the 24-date, coast-to-coast U.S. tour with PROTEST THE HERO, PERIPHERY, THE SAFETY FIRE and TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE.
Jeff has revealed the quality players he's enlisted to accompany him on the stage:
* Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY) - Guitar
* Gregory Macklin (SYSTEM DIVIDE, ORDINANCE) - Bass
* Anup Sastry (INTERVALS, SKYHARBOR) - Drums
After Jeff's departure from NEVERMORE and the release of his solo debut — 2008's "Zero Order Phase" — fans have been craving a new album. With a number of influential musicians appearing on the upcoming release, Loomis is more than ready to deliver.
Jeff was the lead guitar player and main songwriter of NEVERMORE, a band that has certainly made its mark on modern music by forging a unique sound that fuses different forms of metal that has given birth to an authentic and very influential style. His solo CD, "Zero Order Phase", took the #4 spot in a April 2009 Guitar World magazine's readers' poll in the "Best Shred Album Of The Year" category — a notable accomplishment when you consider the top three vote-getters, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Jeff has become one of his generation's most recognizable guitarists and the source of many of the last decade's best riffs.
Jeff's complex shredding has been a central part of the progressive power guitar scene since 1992 and is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring riffs modern metal has ever heard. Nearly every aspiring musician who has been listening to metal for the past 10 years or so has undoubtedly had the pleasure of hearing Jeff Loomis' progressive and technically superior playing.
Loomis' first solo album, "Zero Order Phase", was released in September 2008 through Century Media Records.
Paolo Bianco of Italy's Musica Metal recently conducted an interview with vocalist Simone Simons of Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA. You can now watch the chat below.
When asked to sum up EPICA's 10-year anniversary in 2012, Simone said, "I was 17 when I started, and now I'm 27; ten years have passed. People say I'm still young. I don't always feel young, because when you're in a band you live faster, you travel so much, you see so much of the world. Sometimes it's really amazing, but it can be quite heavy as well. Back then with EPICA, I kind of had a good feeling about it, I didn't know much about life itself, I just kind of decided to go for it. I got that chance, and somehow back then I had this intuition that told me, 'You should grab your chance. You are very lucky right now, and you should see where [it takes you].' We're still going up, and still getting better. And many bands didn't make it through the years as well. We had our difficulties, like every band, who are a group of people and sometimes you get into a fight, or you want something else in life. That's why we also had two lineup changes already — our drummer and a guitarist left the band — but it's still getting better. Ariën [van Weesenbeek, drums] is fitting in great, and since he and Isaac [Delahaye, guitar] joined the band, we did change a little bit; we have evolved more, and we always stay true to the fact that we are a metal band — we are not gonna change into a rock/pop band. We will always be a metal band!"
The official lyric video for "Storm The Sorrow" can be viewed below. The song, which is available for purchase via iTunes, comes off EPICA's fifth full-length album, "Requiem For The Indifferent", due on March 9 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.
A video for "Storm The Sorrow" was filmed last month and it "will show the band in a way you have never seen before," according to a press release.
"Requiem For The Indifferent" track listing:
01. Karma
02. Monopoly On Truth
03. Storm The Sorrow
04. Delirium
05. Internal Warfare
06. Requiem For The Indifferent
07. Anima
08. Guilty Demeanor
09. Deep Water Horizon
10. Stay The Course
11. Deter The Tyrant
12. Avalanche
13. Serenade Of Self-Destruction
North American bonus tracks:
14. Twin Flames (Soundtrack Version)
15. Nostalgia
When asked to sum up EPICA's 10-year anniversary in 2012, Simone said, "I was 17 when I started, and now I'm 27; ten years have passed. People say I'm still young. I don't always feel young, because when you're in a band you live faster, you travel so much, you see so much of the world. Sometimes it's really amazing, but it can be quite heavy as well. Back then with EPICA, I kind of had a good feeling about it, I didn't know much about life itself, I just kind of decided to go for it. I got that chance, and somehow back then I had this intuition that told me, 'You should grab your chance. You are very lucky right now, and you should see where [it takes you].' We're still going up, and still getting better. And many bands didn't make it through the years as well. We had our difficulties, like every band, who are a group of people and sometimes you get into a fight, or you want something else in life. That's why we also had two lineup changes already — our drummer and a guitarist left the band — but it's still getting better. Ariën [van Weesenbeek, drums] is fitting in great, and since he and Isaac [Delahaye, guitar] joined the band, we did change a little bit; we have evolved more, and we always stay true to the fact that we are a metal band — we are not gonna change into a rock/pop band. We will always be a metal band!"
The official lyric video for "Storm The Sorrow" can be viewed below. The song, which is available for purchase via iTunes, comes off EPICA's fifth full-length album, "Requiem For The Indifferent", due on March 9 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.
A video for "Storm The Sorrow" was filmed last month and it "will show the band in a way you have never seen before," according to a press release.
"Requiem For The Indifferent" track listing:
01. Karma
02. Monopoly On Truth
03. Storm The Sorrow
04. Delirium
05. Internal Warfare
06. Requiem For The Indifferent
07. Anima
08. Guilty Demeanor
09. Deep Water Horizon
10. Stay The Course
11. Deter The Tyrant
12. Avalanche
13. Serenade Of Self-Destruction
North American bonus tracks:
14. Twin Flames (Soundtrack Version)
15. Nostalgia
Joe Charupakorn of PremierGuitar.com recently conducted an interview with guitarist Mårten Hagström of Swedish experimental extreme metallers MESHUGGAH. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
PremierGuitar.com: What was the writing process for [the new MESHUGGAH album] "Koloss"?
Mårten: It started the way it always does: messing around with a couple of ideas here and there. We normally write stuff on the computer by ourselves and then, kind of, show it to the other guys as a "demo." After a while, things start rolling and all of a sudden we find ourselves in a state of pure chaos where we thrash out ideas, re-arrange and modify. The general concept or approach hasn't really changed that much. The tools have, but not the approach. We usually run through the stages — writing, arranging, recording, and mixing — separately. It's obviously been different in many ways from album to album but the "modus operandi" has been similar if we are talking about writing. The ideas, however, have hopefully evolved a little through the years.
PremierGuitar.com: Earlier you said that your ideas have evolved over the years. Can you tell us more about what advances you've made to your signature sound?
Mårten: With every release, we've always tried to tweak and experiment with our musical expression. I guess it's been kind of this ungodly symbiosis between a bunch of stubborn, fucked-up individuals from the northern part of Sweden sharing the same view on what's cool about playing in a band — weird and eerie is the goal. We are all rooted in the composing of music rather than being instrumentalists to some degree. So I guess trying to craft a voice of our own has been the goal. Not to be mistaken for trying to be as complex or technical as possible, as many seem to think.
PremierGuitar.com: It seems that for many of the countless bands that have been obviously influenced by you guys, the goal is to make things as complex as possible. They're approaching the music primarily from a technical point of view.
Mårten: That in and of itself is utterly pointless, in my opinion. Our approach has always been about the general expression — and we like weird stuff. The technical aspect is just a by-product.
PremierGuitar.com: Speaking about the many MESHUGGAH-inflenced bands, are you flattered or irritated when you hear them?
Mårten: I guess flattered would be more appropriate. I mean, I'm really out of touch with what bands are considered to have done that. But if people say that we have inspired them in any way, I think it's awesome. It must mean that we probably did a few things right along the way.
PremierGuitar.com: Yeah, some of these bands are quite amazing. Have you also taken inspiration from a band that may have started out as a MESHUGGAH disciple?
Mårten: Not that I know of. Like I said, I'm not very in touch with the scene right now. Mostly because the band has been eating so much focus. And I really wouldn't know who you consider a MESHUGGAH disciple, so I guess the answer really is: I don't know.
PremierGuitar.com: What was the writing process for [the new MESHUGGAH album] "Koloss"?
Mårten: It started the way it always does: messing around with a couple of ideas here and there. We normally write stuff on the computer by ourselves and then, kind of, show it to the other guys as a "demo." After a while, things start rolling and all of a sudden we find ourselves in a state of pure chaos where we thrash out ideas, re-arrange and modify. The general concept or approach hasn't really changed that much. The tools have, but not the approach. We usually run through the stages — writing, arranging, recording, and mixing — separately. It's obviously been different in many ways from album to album but the "modus operandi" has been similar if we are talking about writing. The ideas, however, have hopefully evolved a little through the years.
PremierGuitar.com: Earlier you said that your ideas have evolved over the years. Can you tell us more about what advances you've made to your signature sound?
Mårten: With every release, we've always tried to tweak and experiment with our musical expression. I guess it's been kind of this ungodly symbiosis between a bunch of stubborn, fucked-up individuals from the northern part of Sweden sharing the same view on what's cool about playing in a band — weird and eerie is the goal. We are all rooted in the composing of music rather than being instrumentalists to some degree. So I guess trying to craft a voice of our own has been the goal. Not to be mistaken for trying to be as complex or technical as possible, as many seem to think.
PremierGuitar.com: It seems that for many of the countless bands that have been obviously influenced by you guys, the goal is to make things as complex as possible. They're approaching the music primarily from a technical point of view.
Mårten: That in and of itself is utterly pointless, in my opinion. Our approach has always been about the general expression — and we like weird stuff. The technical aspect is just a by-product.
PremierGuitar.com: Speaking about the many MESHUGGAH-inflenced bands, are you flattered or irritated when you hear them?
Mårten: I guess flattered would be more appropriate. I mean, I'm really out of touch with what bands are considered to have done that. But if people say that we have inspired them in any way, I think it's awesome. It must mean that we probably did a few things right along the way.
PremierGuitar.com: Yeah, some of these bands are quite amazing. Have you also taken inspiration from a band that may have started out as a MESHUGGAH disciple?
Mårten: Not that I know of. Like I said, I'm not very in touch with the scene right now. Mostly because the band has been eating so much focus. And I really wouldn't know who you consider a MESHUGGAH disciple, so I guess the answer really is: I don't know.
UPON WINGS will released its debut single, "The Dream", on March 6 via iTunes, Amazon MP3 and Google Music. "The Dream" is the result of a collaboration between classically-trained mezzo-soprano Anne Erickson and Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown (EVANS BLUE, SPINAL TAP, THE VERVE PIPE).
UPON WINGS hails from the U.S. and can be described as symphonic metal with a classical influence. After creating the idea for UPON WINGS, singer Anne Erickson — who is also a music journalist for Gannett, Gibson, Loudwire and radio host and managing editor of Audio Ink Radio — entered the studio with Michigan-based, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Glenn Brown to put the ideas onto tape. The result is UPON WINGS' debut single, "The Dream", a song with a strong Euro-classical influence. UPON WINGS is for those who value intrigue and adventure.
"I'm so excited about the first single from UPON WINGS," declares Erickson. "It seems this is the right time to share 'The Dream'. I've been singing classical, musical theater and opera music since I was four years old, and that led me on a path to pursue music journalism and rock radio. Now, it feels great to be back on the other side and releasing a song that brings together the classical sounds that I remember from my childhood with elements of symphonic metal. I thank everyone who gives 'The Dream' a listen!"
For more information, visit www.uponwings.com.
UPON WINGS hails from the U.S. and can be described as symphonic metal with a classical influence. After creating the idea for UPON WINGS, singer Anne Erickson — who is also a music journalist for Gannett, Gibson, Loudwire and radio host and managing editor of Audio Ink Radio — entered the studio with Michigan-based, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Glenn Brown to put the ideas onto tape. The result is UPON WINGS' debut single, "The Dream", a song with a strong Euro-classical influence. UPON WINGS is for those who value intrigue and adventure.
"I'm so excited about the first single from UPON WINGS," declares Erickson. "It seems this is the right time to share 'The Dream'. I've been singing classical, musical theater and opera music since I was four years old, and that led me on a path to pursue music journalism and rock radio. Now, it feels great to be back on the other side and releasing a song that brings together the classical sounds that I remember from my childhood with elements of symphonic metal. I thank everyone who gives 'The Dream' a listen!"
For more information, visit www.uponwings.com.
Swedish female-fronted heavy rockers SISTER SIN entered Standstraight Studios in Stockholm in late February with producer Chris Snyder to begin recording their third album for a May 22 release via Victory Records.
A short video clip from the guitar-tracking sessions can be seen below. Also available is a studio blog from Snyder.
SISTER SIN recently released a video for its cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Rock 'N' Roll". The track, which was made available on all digital platforms worldwide via Victory Records on September 13, features guest vocals from the German metal queen Doro Pesch. It was produced by Snyder at Standstraight and was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.
SISTER SIN's second album, "True Sound Of The Underground", landed at position No. 97 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.
SISTER SIN in November 2010 announced the addition of bassist Andreas Strandh to the group's ranks.
"True Sound Of The Underground" was released in North America on June 22, 2010 via Victory Records and was issued in Europe on July 23, 2010 through Metal Heaven Records. It was produced by Henrik Edenhed (DEAD BY APRIL, ROBYN, LAMBRETTA, TEDDYBEARS, CHRISTIAN WALTZ, THE SOUNDS) in Stockholm at Studio 301 and Cosmos Studios.
For more information, visit www.sistersin.com.
A short video clip from the guitar-tracking sessions can be seen below. Also available is a studio blog from Snyder.
SISTER SIN recently released a video for its cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Rock 'N' Roll". The track, which was made available on all digital platforms worldwide via Victory Records on September 13, features guest vocals from the German metal queen Doro Pesch. It was produced by Snyder at Standstraight and was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.
SISTER SIN's second album, "True Sound Of The Underground", landed at position No. 97 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.
SISTER SIN in November 2010 announced the addition of bassist Andreas Strandh to the group's ranks.
"True Sound Of The Underground" was released in North America on June 22, 2010 via Victory Records and was issued in Europe on July 23, 2010 through Metal Heaven Records. It was produced by Henrik Edenhed (DEAD BY APRIL, ROBYN, LAMBRETTA, TEDDYBEARS, CHRISTIAN WALTZ, THE SOUNDS) in Stockholm at Studio 301 and Cosmos Studios.
For more information, visit www.sistersin.com.
Swedish hard rockers OUTSHINE will release their new album, "Addiction", on May 2 via Rambo Music, a division of Gain Music Entertainment (which is distributed and partly owned by Sony Music). The CD was recorded last fall at Grand Recordings studio in Gothenburg, Sweden with producers Svein Jensen (M.A.N, SISTER SIN, HIDE THE KNIVES, TROUBLEMAKERS, DEVILICIOUS) and Jimmy Norberg (OUTSHINE guitarist) and was mastered by Göran Finnberg (MESHUGGAH, OPETH, THE HAUNTED, IN FLAMES).
Commented Norberg: "The album, written as an album, is more direct, straightforward and has a dark and melodic touch to it. The album has been written and recorded under great stress and agony, with two member changes, broken relationships, broken down studio work and economy crisis making it tough and time-consuming.... but in the end it turned out great. It think your hear it in the sound, the vibe and the lyrics. A perfect set-up for a dark, melancholy, powerful OUTSHINE album!"
OUTSHINE is:
Erlend Jegstad - Vocals
Jimmy Norberg - Guitar
Fredrik Kretz - Drums
Reine Svensson - Bass
Commented Norberg: "The album, written as an album, is more direct, straightforward and has a dark and melodic touch to it. The album has been written and recorded under great stress and agony, with two member changes, broken relationships, broken down studio work and economy crisis making it tough and time-consuming.... but in the end it turned out great. It think your hear it in the sound, the vibe and the lyrics. A perfect set-up for a dark, melancholy, powerful OUTSHINE album!"
OUTSHINE is:
Erlend Jegstad - Vocals
Jimmy Norberg - Guitar
Fredrik Kretz - Drums
Reine Svensson - Bass
French atmospheric doom metal combo ANGELLORE has inked a deal with Dreamcell11/Aural Music Group. The band's debut album, "Errances", will be released later in the year. According to a press release, the seven-song CD was recorded, mixed and mastered in December 2009. The mixing part was taken care of by Florent Krist at Studio AV in France and mastering was handled by Markus Skroch (HEL, NATTSOL, ELANE).
Commented the band: "ANGELLORE really feels honored and proud to be part of Aural Music/DreamCell11 roster. After months of work, our first album, 'Errances' (French word for 'wanderings') is now ready to see the light, and we can't wait to work with this great label and spread out our music to new horizons. Things are really taking a start now!"
Added Dreamcell11 A&R representative Worm: "When I listened to this album for the first time, I felt the emotions that the real doom metal bands that I loved in past have been able to create… I have always been a doom metal fanatic, and I will never stop supporting the bands that really believe into this elitarian music genre… like ANGELLORE do. This album will make you dream, fly, cry, smile and you will understand the difference between truly inspired music and the commercially driven releases that are infesting the market nowadays… Support this band, you won't regret it."
Commented the band: "ANGELLORE really feels honored and proud to be part of Aural Music/DreamCell11 roster. After months of work, our first album, 'Errances' (French word for 'wanderings') is now ready to see the light, and we can't wait to work with this great label and spread out our music to new horizons. Things are really taking a start now!"
Added Dreamcell11 A&R representative Worm: "When I listened to this album for the first time, I felt the emotions that the real doom metal bands that I loved in past have been able to create… I have always been a doom metal fanatic, and I will never stop supporting the bands that really believe into this elitarian music genre… like ANGELLORE do. This album will make you dream, fly, cry, smile and you will understand the difference between truly inspired music and the commercially driven releases that are infesting the market nowadays… Support this band, you won't regret it."
On Tuesday, March 20, Los Angeles-based hard rock band HEAVEN BELOW will release its sophomore full-length album, "Falling From Zero", in both digital and CD formats via Broken Halo Media. The effort includes the Children Without A Voice charity single, "The Mirror Never Lies", as well as "Gravity Killed The Spaceman", a track that pays tribute to David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and Peter Schilling's '80s hit "Major Tom" fused within an original composition. The CD version of the album contains four exclusive bonus tracks and alternate artwork from the digital release. Each CD order will ship with a free copy of "The Mirror Never Lies" mega-single.
"Falling From Zero" track listing:
01. The Last Goodbye
02. Brutal As The Truth
03. Dodging A Bullet
04. The Mirror Never Lies
05. Higher Than Heaven
06. My Undoing
07. Demonocracy
08. Falling From Zero
09. Gravity Killed The Spaceman (Pt. III of the "Space Oddity", "Major Tom" trilogy)
10. Nations Of Fire
11. Villains Of Virtue
12. Facing Angels
13. Be All End All
14. Failure Notice
15. Legions Of The Brave
CD-only bonus tracks:
16. Higher Than Heaven (Jesus Face In The Tortilla Version)
17. Dodging A Bullet (Chuck Wagon Version)
18. The Mirror Never Lies (Live)
19. Heartbreaker (Live)
Fronted by Patrick Kennison — formerly of THE UNION UNDERGROUND — and supported by members Jesse Billson on guitar, John Younger on bass, and Elias "Bones" Andra on drums, HEAVEN BELOW has forged a tour de force of sonic power and songwriting — that is poised to lead the way for new rock music.
HEAVEN BELOW is:
Patrick Kennison - vocals/guitar
Jesse Billson - guitar
John Younger - bass
Elias "Bones" Andra - drums
For more information, visit www.heavenbelow.com.
"Falling From Zero" track listing:
01. The Last Goodbye
02. Brutal As The Truth
03. Dodging A Bullet
04. The Mirror Never Lies
05. Higher Than Heaven
06. My Undoing
07. Demonocracy
08. Falling From Zero
09. Gravity Killed The Spaceman (Pt. III of the "Space Oddity", "Major Tom" trilogy)
10. Nations Of Fire
11. Villains Of Virtue
12. Facing Angels
13. Be All End All
14. Failure Notice
15. Legions Of The Brave
CD-only bonus tracks:
16. Higher Than Heaven (Jesus Face In The Tortilla Version)
17. Dodging A Bullet (Chuck Wagon Version)
18. The Mirror Never Lies (Live)
19. Heartbreaker (Live)
Fronted by Patrick Kennison — formerly of THE UNION UNDERGROUND — and supported by members Jesse Billson on guitar, John Younger on bass, and Elias "Bones" Andra on drums, HEAVEN BELOW has forged a tour de force of sonic power and songwriting — that is poised to lead the way for new rock music.
HEAVEN BELOW is:
Patrick Kennison - vocals/guitar
Jesse Billson - guitar
John Younger - bass
Elias "Bones" Andra - drums
For more information, visit www.heavenbelow.com.
South German dark rockers END OF GREEN have signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. The band previously spent a decade with Silverdust Records.
Commented END OF GREEN guitarist Michael "Sad Sir" Setzer: "When Silverdust informed us that they were calling it quits with the label, we agreed to reach out with our antennas to search for new possibilites. I think Napalm Records fits like a glove. They are independent, they care about music, and I think they know what we're about. And when you call them or text them, they know that you are signed to the label. That's rare, nowadays."
END OF GREEN's follow-up to "High Hopes In Low Places" is expected to see the light of day "sometime in the summer of 2013." Sad Sir said, "We're not in a hurry. Right now we're celebrating our 20th anniversary with the '20 Years Of Self-Destruction' [tour]. After that, it's time to kick off the next twenty."
"High Hopes In Low Places" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 17. Released in August 2010 through Silverdust Records, the LP was recorded at Munich's Weltraumstudios with producer Corni Bartels.
Commented END OF GREEN guitarist Michael "Sad Sir" Setzer: "When Silverdust informed us that they were calling it quits with the label, we agreed to reach out with our antennas to search for new possibilites. I think Napalm Records fits like a glove. They are independent, they care about music, and I think they know what we're about. And when you call them or text them, they know that you are signed to the label. That's rare, nowadays."
END OF GREEN's follow-up to "High Hopes In Low Places" is expected to see the light of day "sometime in the summer of 2013." Sad Sir said, "We're not in a hurry. Right now we're celebrating our 20th anniversary with the '20 Years Of Self-Destruction' [tour]. After that, it's time to kick off the next twenty."
"High Hopes In Low Places" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 17. Released in August 2010 through Silverdust Records, the LP was recorded at Munich's Weltraumstudios with producer Corni Bartels.
Finnish "hybrid metallers" SHADE EMPIRE have entered studio to begin recording their fourth album. According to the band, "The drums and majority of guitars have [already] been recorded. The rest of the instruments and vocals will be [tracked] during [the] spring. Mixing process is scheduled to begin at the first weeks of May by Aksu Hanttu."
A studio diary has been launched at this location.
SHADE EMPIRE in 2010 parted ways with Dynamic Arts Records after releasing two albums through the label.
SHADE EMPIRE issued its third album, "Zero Nexus", in March 2008. Most of the recording sessions took place at Studio 33 in Kuopio, Finland and this time the band used a real choir to boost the sound. The vocal recordings at Perkele Studios were overseen by producer and AJATTARA mastermind Ruoja (a.k.a. former AMORPHIS frontman Pasi Koskinen). The CD was mixed by Sami Niittykoski.
According to a press release, SHADE EMPIRE has created a sound which cannot be easily categorized. Their music contains industrial and symphonic elements while still staying true to its death/black metal roots.
A studio diary has been launched at this location.
SHADE EMPIRE in 2010 parted ways with Dynamic Arts Records after releasing two albums through the label.
SHADE EMPIRE issued its third album, "Zero Nexus", in March 2008. Most of the recording sessions took place at Studio 33 in Kuopio, Finland and this time the band used a real choir to boost the sound. The vocal recordings at Perkele Studios were overseen by producer and AJATTARA mastermind Ruoja (a.k.a. former AMORPHIS frontman Pasi Koskinen). The CD was mixed by Sami Niittykoski.
According to a press release, SHADE EMPIRE has created a sound which cannot be easily categorized. Their music contains industrial and symphonic elements while still staying true to its death/black metal roots.
Italian technical death metallers GORY BLISTER will release their long-awaited new album, "Earth-Sick", on April 23 via Bakerteam Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Graveyard Of Angels" contains ten brand-new technical and brutal death metal tracks in the signature style that has always identified the band over the past 20 years. The CD also features NILE frontman Karl Sanders who guests on two tracks, including "Soul-Borne Maladies", which can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
"Earth-Sick" track listing:
01. The Breeding (intro)
02. EarthSick
03. Plague And Pray
04. Decanted Embryos
05. Dominant GenEthics
06. H.I.V.
07. World Damnatomy
08. Soul-Bourne Maladies
09. Serpent Verse
10. Voices From The Sea
Commented GORY BLISTER guitarist Raff: "This new album is probably the best we've ever done. It displays the raw energy we always put into our shows but also the passion that drives us through good and hard times.
"Death metal is not about money, nor about fashion; it's a way of life that requires no compromises. We do this because we believe in it and we want to keep the flame high. Our fans are going to love 'Earth-Sick'!"
GORY BLISTER released its last album, "Graveyard Of Angels", via Mascot Records.
"Earth-Sick" track listing:
01. The Breeding (intro)
02. EarthSick
03. Plague And Pray
04. Decanted Embryos
05. Dominant GenEthics
06. H.I.V.
07. World Damnatomy
08. Soul-Bourne Maladies
09. Serpent Verse
10. Voices From The Sea
Commented GORY BLISTER guitarist Raff: "This new album is probably the best we've ever done. It displays the raw energy we always put into our shows but also the passion that drives us through good and hard times.
"Death metal is not about money, nor about fashion; it's a way of life that requires no compromises. We do this because we believe in it and we want to keep the flame high. Our fans are going to love 'Earth-Sick'!"
GORY BLISTER released its last album, "Graveyard Of Angels", via Mascot Records.
CHTON, the Norwegian death metal band featuring Torstein Parelius (MANES), is seeking a suitable record label to release its recently completed sophomore album, "The Devil Builds". The CD was recorded and produced at Morningstar Studio with Arnt Obsidian Grønbech (KEEP OF KALESSIN, SATYRICON) at the helm, and mixed by Stamos Koliousis (DJERV, MENCEA) at 210 Studios in Berlin. According to a press release, the album "features 10 tracks of dark and brutal death metal drenched in occult horror."
In other news, CHTON is now a four-piece band following the departure of vocalist Terje Olsen after the recording of "The Devil Builds". Bassist Ola will be handling most of the lead vocals going forward.
Commented Terje: "After 10 years as vocalist in CHTON, I have decided to leave the band. We are all good friends and the only reason for me leaving is that I wish to move on and do something else. As a last effort in the the band, I have done all the main vocals on the forthcoming album 'The Devil Builds'. We all feel that we have managed to capture the raw and old school feeling of death metal on this album and this is what CHTON is all about!"
CHTON will perform at the 2012 edition of the Inferno Festival on April 4 at club Blå in Oslo, along with HEADSPIN and MANIFEST.
Commented lead guitarist and founding member Øyvind Rekdal: "CHTON is very excited to return to the stage with full force, and we're working on a tour that will bring our rotten blasphemies to places we've never been with this band!"
Formed in 1999 in Trondeheim, CHTON released its debut album, "Chtonian Lifecode", in 2004 via Retribute Records. The group has shared the stage with such acts as MORBID ANGEL, MAYHEM, AMON AMARTH and BEHEMOTH.
In other news, CHTON is now a four-piece band following the departure of vocalist Terje Olsen after the recording of "The Devil Builds". Bassist Ola will be handling most of the lead vocals going forward.
Commented Terje: "After 10 years as vocalist in CHTON, I have decided to leave the band. We are all good friends and the only reason for me leaving is that I wish to move on and do something else. As a last effort in the the band, I have done all the main vocals on the forthcoming album 'The Devil Builds'. We all feel that we have managed to capture the raw and old school feeling of death metal on this album and this is what CHTON is all about!"
CHTON will perform at the 2012 edition of the Inferno Festival on April 4 at club Blå in Oslo, along with HEADSPIN and MANIFEST.
Commented lead guitarist and founding member Øyvind Rekdal: "CHTON is very excited to return to the stage with full force, and we're working on a tour that will bring our rotten blasphemies to places we've never been with this band!"
Formed in 1999 in Trondeheim, CHTON released its debut album, "Chtonian Lifecode", in 2004 via Retribute Records. The group has shared the stage with such acts as MORBID ANGEL, MAYHEM, AMON AMARTH and BEHEMOTH.
Portuguese death prog masters DISAFFECTED will release their second full-length album, "Rebirth", on May 25 via the German label Massacre Records. The CD was recorded between August and December 2010 at The Pentagon in Lisbon, Portugal and was produced by Fernando Matias (MOONSPELL, GWYDION) and DISAFFECTED.
"Rebirth" features guest appearances by Miguel "Mike" Gaspar (MOONSPELL) on percussion, Joaquim Aires (BEFORE THE RAIN) on percussion and Célia Ramos (MONS LVNAE) on female vocals. The album cover art was created by the German graphic artist Marc Niederhagemann (ArtWars Mediadesign) and can be seen below.
"Rebirth" track listing:
01. Mankwala (intro)
02. C.ult O.f M.y A.shes
03. Getting Into The Labyrinth
04. Dreaming III (A Nightmare)
05. Evilution Within
06. Miracle Dance
07. Our Will
08. Hypnotic Prophecy
09. The Rebirth Of...
10. 1460 Steps To Divine
11. Arrival (outro)
The song "Evilution Within" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
DISAFFECTED is:
Sérgio Paulo - Guitar, Flute & French horn
António Gião - Bass
Octávio Custódio - Drums
Rodrigo Domingues - Keyboards
José Costa - Vocals
"Rebirth" features guest appearances by Miguel "Mike" Gaspar (MOONSPELL) on percussion, Joaquim Aires (BEFORE THE RAIN) on percussion and Célia Ramos (MONS LVNAE) on female vocals. The album cover art was created by the German graphic artist Marc Niederhagemann (ArtWars Mediadesign) and can be seen below.
"Rebirth" track listing:
01. Mankwala (intro)
02. C.ult O.f M.y A.shes
03. Getting Into The Labyrinth
04. Dreaming III (A Nightmare)
05. Evilution Within
06. Miracle Dance
07. Our Will
08. Hypnotic Prophecy
09. The Rebirth Of...
10. 1460 Steps To Divine
11. Arrival (outro)
The song "Evilution Within" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
DISAFFECTED is:
Sérgio Paulo - Guitar, Flute & French horn
António Gião - Bass
Octávio Custódio - Drums
Rodrigo Domingues - Keyboards
José Costa - Vocals
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