Before their headlining performance at this year's Download festival, British heavy heavy metal legends BLACK SABBATH will perform in their hometown of Birmingham for the first time in thirteen years in an intimate homecoming show at the O2 Academy on Saturday, May 19. A donation to Help for Heroes will be made from the proceeds of the show.
Tickets are priced at £45 and go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 4.
As previously reported, BLACK SABBATH has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Lollapalooza festival, which takes place on August 3-5 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
BLACK SABBATH was supposed to tour the U.S. this year as part of a worldwide trek in support of a new album, but guitarist Tony Iommi's cancer diagnosis put those plans on hold.
Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, said recently that SABBATH would now play just one date each in North America and the U.K.
It was the decision by Lollapalooza organizers 15 years ago to deny Ozzy a spot on the bill that led him and Sharon to launch Ozzfest.
When asked if original SABBATH drummer Bill Ward will participate in the band's U.S. show, Sharon told VH1 Radio Network, "We don't know yet, we really don't know. It's up to Bill. The door is open for him to join us, so it's up to him."
Meanwhile, Ozzy, Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler are in London continuing to record their first album together in 33 years, although without Ward it is not the original SABBATH reunion announced last November.
Sharon said about the recording sessions, "It's going good. They're doing really well in the studio. Gosh, they must've written 15 new songs already and it's going great."
She also denied that she was responsible for Ward's current absence from the project, saying, "Everybody's got their own manager, so we have an independent group of people that have come in to manage the project, and I don't, and I get the blame because Bill doesn't want to play with the band; he doesn't like his deal and I get the blame. It's like, 'All right, I'm a big girl, I can take it.'"
Ward has been sitting out the sessions due to being offered what he called "an unsignable contract" in an open letter to SABBATH fans.
Ward posted an update on February 17 in which he said he "remains hopeful" for a positive outcome to the situation.
The rest of SABBATH's scheduled European summer gigs will be replaced by "Ozzy And Friends", at which the singer will be joined by Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and other special guests, including Slash on selected dates.
Tickets are priced at £45 and go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 4.
As previously reported, BLACK SABBATH has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Lollapalooza festival, which takes place on August 3-5 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
BLACK SABBATH was supposed to tour the U.S. this year as part of a worldwide trek in support of a new album, but guitarist Tony Iommi's cancer diagnosis put those plans on hold.
Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, said recently that SABBATH would now play just one date each in North America and the U.K.
It was the decision by Lollapalooza organizers 15 years ago to deny Ozzy a spot on the bill that led him and Sharon to launch Ozzfest.
When asked if original SABBATH drummer Bill Ward will participate in the band's U.S. show, Sharon told VH1 Radio Network, "We don't know yet, we really don't know. It's up to Bill. The door is open for him to join us, so it's up to him."
Meanwhile, Ozzy, Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler are in London continuing to record their first album together in 33 years, although without Ward it is not the original SABBATH reunion announced last November.
Sharon said about the recording sessions, "It's going good. They're doing really well in the studio. Gosh, they must've written 15 new songs already and it's going great."
She also denied that she was responsible for Ward's current absence from the project, saying, "Everybody's got their own manager, so we have an independent group of people that have come in to manage the project, and I don't, and I get the blame because Bill doesn't want to play with the band; he doesn't like his deal and I get the blame. It's like, 'All right, I'm a big girl, I can take it.'"
Ward has been sitting out the sessions due to being offered what he called "an unsignable contract" in an open letter to SABBATH fans.
Ward posted an update on February 17 in which he said he "remains hopeful" for a positive outcome to the situation.
The rest of SABBATH's scheduled European summer gigs will be replaced by "Ozzy And Friends", at which the singer will be joined by Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and other special guests, including Slash on selected dates.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/sabbathbirmingham.jpg
Legendary hard rockers DEEP PURPLE have tapped Bob Ezrin (KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER, KANSAS) to produce their next album, tentatively due in early 2013. PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse tells GlideMagazine.com, "[This next CD is] probably going to be more of an extravaganza. Everybody realizes we're not going to do this forever, so to me it feels like this is a really important album to do well."
DEEP PURPLE's 18th studio album, "Rapture of the Deep", was released in November 2005. It was the fourth studio CD from DEEP PURPLE since Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.
"Rapture of the Deep" was produced by Mike Bradford, who also worked on the band's previous release, 2003's "Bananas".
DEEP PURPLE's 18th studio album, "Rapture of the Deep", was released in November 2005. It was the fourth studio CD from DEEP PURPLE since Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.
"Rapture of the Deep" was produced by Mike Bradford, who also worked on the band's previous release, 2003's "Bananas".
Ronnie James Dio's stellar musical career was matched by very few, and what turned out to be the last-ever studio album released by his solo band, DIO, will be issued as a picture disc on June 5. "Master Of The Moon" will be released via the Niji Entertainment Group, and is the first time the album has been issued as a picture disc in the U.S.
Featuring the stellar lineup of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Goldy on guitar/keyboards, Jeff Pilson on bass, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Simon Wright on drums, "Master Of The Moon" features such DIO classics as "One More For The Road" and the title track. Also included is "The Eyes", which the late singer once noted was one of his all-time favorite tracks recorded by the DIO band.
The tenth DIO studio album overall, "Master Of The Moon" was the perfect way to close the solo career of one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists. Featuring artwork by horror/science fiction artist Marc Sasso, this striking picture disc is a must-have for DIO collectors. And soon, fans will get the opportunity to rediscover and experience this classic album like they never have before!
"Master Of The Moon" track listing:
01. One More For The Road (3:18)
02. Master Of The Moon (4:19)
03. The End of the World (4:39)
04. Shivers (4:15)
05. The Man Who Would Be King (4:58)
06. The Eyes (6:27)
07. Living The Lie (4:25)
08. I Am (5:00)
09. Death by Love (4:21)
10. In Dreams (4:26)
Featuring the stellar lineup of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Goldy on guitar/keyboards, Jeff Pilson on bass, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Simon Wright on drums, "Master Of The Moon" features such DIO classics as "One More For The Road" and the title track. Also included is "The Eyes", which the late singer once noted was one of his all-time favorite tracks recorded by the DIO band.
The tenth DIO studio album overall, "Master Of The Moon" was the perfect way to close the solo career of one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists. Featuring artwork by horror/science fiction artist Marc Sasso, this striking picture disc is a must-have for DIO collectors. And soon, fans will get the opportunity to rediscover and experience this classic album like they never have before!
"Master Of The Moon" track listing:
01. One More For The Road (3:18)
02. Master Of The Moon (4:19)
03. The End of the World (4:39)
04. Shivers (4:15)
05. The Man Who Would Be King (4:58)
06. The Eyes (6:27)
07. Living The Lie (4:25)
08. I Am (5:00)
09. Death by Love (4:21)
10. In Dreams (4:26)
Longtime Dio, Black Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell drummer Vinny Appice has joined forces with singer Dewey Brigg, guitarist Mark Zavon, and bassist Rex Brown (formerly of Down and Pantera) in a new band called Kill Devil Hill. The band will release their self-titled debut album on May 22nd and will then embark on a mini North American tour with Adrenaline Mob later that month -- but first they plan on playing some select headlining shows to warm up for their shows with Adrenaline Mob. Vinny took some time to speak with Sleaze Roxx about his new project, his drumming style, the highly underrated WWIII and what would happen if Black Sabbath come calling.
Sleaze Roxx: You have a new band called Kill Devil Hill, when did the band begin to take shape?
Vinny Appice: It happened when we wrapped up the last Heaven & Hell tour, I think that was around the fall of 2009. I always wanted to have my own band. I have tried getting different projects going in the past and they never panned out -- they'd always get interrupted or something happened. After the 2009 Heaven & Hell tour I had to have shoulder surgery, but before that I had recorded a number of drum tracks. Just a few days after having completed these great sounding drum tracks I got a call from my surgeon's office saying that they could get me in the following Monday. I said "okay, let's do it." I was in a sling afterward and I couldn't play, so I started listening back to the drum tracks and I thought I'd get Jimmy Bain to come up with something to play over them. I remembered that guitarist Mark Zavon lived nearby and I loved his playing so I called him up and I really liked what he came up with. The next thing we needed to do was to look for a singer. I heard a CD that had Dewey Bragg singing on it and I said, "That's the guy that we need." What I liked about Dewey was that he sang these weird harmonies -- he didn't sound 80's and he had a great voice. He was just what I was looking for.
We continued working with Jimmy Bain but things didn't work out. We brought in several bass players but they didn't fit. In the meantime we continued jamming and writing songs -- Mark and I wrote a lot of lyrics and melody lines. I heard that Rex Brown was getting ready to leave Down. I'd known Rex for a while so I sent him some of the music, he listened to it, and really liked it a lot. He came in, laid down his bass over it, and really filled it up. So I guess the answer is that Kill Devil Hill evolved on its own.
Sleaze Roxx: The album 'Kill Devil Hill' was originally slated for release in April but it was pushed back to May 22nd. What was the reasoning behind that? Did you go back and record additional material?
Vinny Appice: What happened was that we had a problem with the name. There was another band with the name and we had to clear that up. We didn't want to proceed with something like that becoming a major pain in the ass later on. So we had a slight delay while we were working out the name thing -- the next release date was May 22nd. It worked out great for us because we switched management to ESL Music Group, who also manages Adrenaline Mob, who we'll be going out with in May. We have ten shows lined up with them and then we'll do some more dates later this summer.
Sleaze Roxx: I'm looking forward to seeing dates in the Northwest with Adrenaline Mob. I was listening to an interview with Adrenaline Mob guitarist Mike Orlando who said, "We'll be doing some dates with another band that you could consider a super group." When I heard that the only bands out there at the moment that fit the billing and have albums coming out were Kill Devil Hill or Hellyeah. It turns out its Kill Devil Hill and it's a win-win for the fans.
Vinny Appice: I think so too. In today's economy people want more value for their money -- even the big tours are putting three to four bands together for more value for your money. Teaming up with Adrenaline Mob is better for both bands because we'll do better together because of all the names that have been associated with our previous bands. We'll play first, though it is a co-headlining tour, then Adrenaline Mob will do their set and at the end we'll jam. I think we'd like to do "Mob Rules" and a couple other cover tunes -- it'll be a great time.
Sleaze Roxx: Kill Devil Hill will be playing a solo date in Portland on April 26th with local support. You'll be breaking material in from the 'Kill Devil Hill' album obviously -- is there a chance that you'll be performing material from the previous bands you guys have been a part of in the past.
Vinny Appice: It's unlikely that we'll do that on our solo dates. The original material has gone over great -- we're concentrating on that on these solo dates, although we've thought about doing it. Who knows what can happen during next week's rehearsals -- we could sneak one or two in there... we'll see. Unfortunately, the album won't be released when we play in Portland but when the album comes out the people will be familiar with the music.
Sleaze Roxx: Guitarists have a signature sound -- you can tell it's Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads or George Lynch when you hear a riff. With drummers it's difficult to have a signature sound, but when we hear you play we know that it's Vinny Appice. How did you arrive at your sound?
Vinny Appice: The drums might vary a little bit depending on the different engineers and producers, but I think you know that it's me by the 'attack' or 'attitude'. I play drum licks in the middle of a verse or something -- it's just the way I play. That's one of the hardest things about playing any instrument, is developing your own style that's recognizable with the listeners -- you can't practice that. I remember as a kid I used to ask myself, 'when am I gonna get that thing', that mojo or whatever you call it? I thought about it as a kid, which is weird. There are guys that play a lifetime and they don't get it -- you wouldn't be able to tell them apart from the rest.
At one point I started to develop a sound and recognizable licks. I tuned the drums a little different -- my snare drums are very loose. If you start playing a set and you never change anything then you never develop your own personality. My hits are all rim shots -- so you'll hear a full whack on the snare. I like to play hard and loud, and combined with accents it makes up my sound.
Sleaze Roxx: I didn't get into heavy music until around '84 or so but when I heard your work with Dio it was disappointing when I heard other drummers. I was the guy asking, "Why can't all drummers sound like that?!"
Vinny Appice: (breaks out in laughter) Right! What I play on the drums is what I feel. It's like if I were to narrate the song and give it attitude. I throw in some licks, those aren't happy licks -- some are pissed, some are angry and some are fire.
Sleaze Roxx: I have to ask you about a band that was a favorite of mine that you were a part of, WWIII which featured bassist Jimmy Bain (Dio, Rainbow), guitarist Tracy G (Dio), singer Mandy Lion and you on drums. Why didn't that band work out? I thought the band and that album were great.
Vinny Appice: I agree with you. The 'WWIII' album kicked ass and sounded sonically great, that band had their won signature sound to it. If you listen back to that album, Mandy Lion was doing screams like that before anyone was doing that kind of stuff. It was a great band and we had a great look -- the problem was that were managed by Don Arden who we didn't see eye to eye with and it made it very difficult for the band to continue after that.
The problem with management could have been changed, but that was just one of the problems. Tracy and Jimmy didn't see eye to eye, then I got a call from Black Sabbath who were working on the 'Dehumanizer' album -- the band just fell apart after that. If we had different management, or a different label behind us... we were on Hollywood Records who was owned by Disney. We did a mini-tour of the Midwest and people were fucking scared (laughs)! They'd see Mandy on stage with a fan blowing hair everywhere and his voice scared people (laughs)! WWIII is a good example of a good band and a good product that didn't do anything because we didn't have the right people involved.
Sleaze Roxx: Last question, Black Sabbath will be playing their only North American show without Bill Ward in Chicago at Lollapalooza this summer. If Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler approached you about sitting in for that date would you do it?
Vinny Appice: (pause) I would love to do the gig if asked. It's kind of hard not to do something with Black Sabbath at this point because it is coming up on some of the last things that they'll probably do -- ever. Black Sabbath is part of rock 'n' roll history and its part of my family. If they wanted me for a gig I'd love to do it, but right now I'm concentrating on Kill Devil Hill. If I stepped in for the gig it would have to not interfere with Kill Devil Hill or it would have to benefit it. My idea is to have my own band and rely on my band and not other people.
Sleaze Roxx: You have a new band called Kill Devil Hill, when did the band begin to take shape?
Vinny Appice: It happened when we wrapped up the last Heaven & Hell tour, I think that was around the fall of 2009. I always wanted to have my own band. I have tried getting different projects going in the past and they never panned out -- they'd always get interrupted or something happened. After the 2009 Heaven & Hell tour I had to have shoulder surgery, but before that I had recorded a number of drum tracks. Just a few days after having completed these great sounding drum tracks I got a call from my surgeon's office saying that they could get me in the following Monday. I said "okay, let's do it." I was in a sling afterward and I couldn't play, so I started listening back to the drum tracks and I thought I'd get Jimmy Bain to come up with something to play over them. I remembered that guitarist Mark Zavon lived nearby and I loved his playing so I called him up and I really liked what he came up with. The next thing we needed to do was to look for a singer. I heard a CD that had Dewey Bragg singing on it and I said, "That's the guy that we need." What I liked about Dewey was that he sang these weird harmonies -- he didn't sound 80's and he had a great voice. He was just what I was looking for.
We continued working with Jimmy Bain but things didn't work out. We brought in several bass players but they didn't fit. In the meantime we continued jamming and writing songs -- Mark and I wrote a lot of lyrics and melody lines. I heard that Rex Brown was getting ready to leave Down. I'd known Rex for a while so I sent him some of the music, he listened to it, and really liked it a lot. He came in, laid down his bass over it, and really filled it up. So I guess the answer is that Kill Devil Hill evolved on its own.
Sleaze Roxx: The album 'Kill Devil Hill' was originally slated for release in April but it was pushed back to May 22nd. What was the reasoning behind that? Did you go back and record additional material?
Vinny Appice: What happened was that we had a problem with the name. There was another band with the name and we had to clear that up. We didn't want to proceed with something like that becoming a major pain in the ass later on. So we had a slight delay while we were working out the name thing -- the next release date was May 22nd. It worked out great for us because we switched management to ESL Music Group, who also manages Adrenaline Mob, who we'll be going out with in May. We have ten shows lined up with them and then we'll do some more dates later this summer.
Sleaze Roxx: I'm looking forward to seeing dates in the Northwest with Adrenaline Mob. I was listening to an interview with Adrenaline Mob guitarist Mike Orlando who said, "We'll be doing some dates with another band that you could consider a super group." When I heard that the only bands out there at the moment that fit the billing and have albums coming out were Kill Devil Hill or Hellyeah. It turns out its Kill Devil Hill and it's a win-win for the fans.
Vinny Appice: I think so too. In today's economy people want more value for their money -- even the big tours are putting three to four bands together for more value for your money. Teaming up with Adrenaline Mob is better for both bands because we'll do better together because of all the names that have been associated with our previous bands. We'll play first, though it is a co-headlining tour, then Adrenaline Mob will do their set and at the end we'll jam. I think we'd like to do "Mob Rules" and a couple other cover tunes -- it'll be a great time.
Sleaze Roxx: Kill Devil Hill will be playing a solo date in Portland on April 26th with local support. You'll be breaking material in from the 'Kill Devil Hill' album obviously -- is there a chance that you'll be performing material from the previous bands you guys have been a part of in the past.
Vinny Appice: It's unlikely that we'll do that on our solo dates. The original material has gone over great -- we're concentrating on that on these solo dates, although we've thought about doing it. Who knows what can happen during next week's rehearsals -- we could sneak one or two in there... we'll see. Unfortunately, the album won't be released when we play in Portland but when the album comes out the people will be familiar with the music.
Sleaze Roxx: Guitarists have a signature sound -- you can tell it's Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads or George Lynch when you hear a riff. With drummers it's difficult to have a signature sound, but when we hear you play we know that it's Vinny Appice. How did you arrive at your sound?
Vinny Appice: The drums might vary a little bit depending on the different engineers and producers, but I think you know that it's me by the 'attack' or 'attitude'. I play drum licks in the middle of a verse or something -- it's just the way I play. That's one of the hardest things about playing any instrument, is developing your own style that's recognizable with the listeners -- you can't practice that. I remember as a kid I used to ask myself, 'when am I gonna get that thing', that mojo or whatever you call it? I thought about it as a kid, which is weird. There are guys that play a lifetime and they don't get it -- you wouldn't be able to tell them apart from the rest.
At one point I started to develop a sound and recognizable licks. I tuned the drums a little different -- my snare drums are very loose. If you start playing a set and you never change anything then you never develop your own personality. My hits are all rim shots -- so you'll hear a full whack on the snare. I like to play hard and loud, and combined with accents it makes up my sound.
Sleaze Roxx: I didn't get into heavy music until around '84 or so but when I heard your work with Dio it was disappointing when I heard other drummers. I was the guy asking, "Why can't all drummers sound like that?!"
Vinny Appice: (breaks out in laughter) Right! What I play on the drums is what I feel. It's like if I were to narrate the song and give it attitude. I throw in some licks, those aren't happy licks -- some are pissed, some are angry and some are fire.
Sleaze Roxx: I have to ask you about a band that was a favorite of mine that you were a part of, WWIII which featured bassist Jimmy Bain (Dio, Rainbow), guitarist Tracy G (Dio), singer Mandy Lion and you on drums. Why didn't that band work out? I thought the band and that album were great.
Vinny Appice: I agree with you. The 'WWIII' album kicked ass and sounded sonically great, that band had their won signature sound to it. If you listen back to that album, Mandy Lion was doing screams like that before anyone was doing that kind of stuff. It was a great band and we had a great look -- the problem was that were managed by Don Arden who we didn't see eye to eye with and it made it very difficult for the band to continue after that.
The problem with management could have been changed, but that was just one of the problems. Tracy and Jimmy didn't see eye to eye, then I got a call from Black Sabbath who were working on the 'Dehumanizer' album -- the band just fell apart after that. If we had different management, or a different label behind us... we were on Hollywood Records who was owned by Disney. We did a mini-tour of the Midwest and people were fucking scared (laughs)! They'd see Mandy on stage with a fan blowing hair everywhere and his voice scared people (laughs)! WWIII is a good example of a good band and a good product that didn't do anything because we didn't have the right people involved.
Sleaze Roxx: Last question, Black Sabbath will be playing their only North American show without Bill Ward in Chicago at Lollapalooza this summer. If Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler approached you about sitting in for that date would you do it?
Vinny Appice: (pause) I would love to do the gig if asked. It's kind of hard not to do something with Black Sabbath at this point because it is coming up on some of the last things that they'll probably do -- ever. Black Sabbath is part of rock 'n' roll history and its part of my family. If they wanted me for a gig I'd love to do it, but right now I'm concentrating on Kill Devil Hill. If I stepped in for the gig it would have to not interfere with Kill Devil Hill or it would have to benefit it. My idea is to have my own band and rely on my band and not other people.
From the creators of the country's largest touring heavy music festival experience and presented in conjunction with Hal Roseman of Rose Tours comes the first annual Mayhem Festival Cruise, taking place aboard the Carnival Imagination! The maiden voyage of the most crushing cruise on Earth sets sail on Friday, December 7, 2012 from the Port of Miami, Florida and travels to the Bahamas, returning to the mainland on Monday, December 10. Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 3 at 12 p.m. noon EST, with payment plans available. Get them before they're "lost at sea!"
Hosted by Jose Mangin of SiriusXM Liquid Metal, Mayhem Festival Cruise will offer fans a chance to experience a blistering 90-minute set from each one of six killer heavy metal bands — LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, ANTHRAX, HATEBREED, SUICIDE SILENCE and KINGDOM OF SORROW — as well as additional showcase sets from Century Media, Metal Blade Records, Roadrunner Records and Sumerian Records artists, including GOJIRA, PERIPHERY, BORN OF OSIRIS, BATTLECROSS, OTHERWISE, GIRL ON FIRE, ANTI MORTEM, and GYSPYHAWK. Mayhem veterans JDevil (Jonathan Davis of KORN) and DJ Starscream (Sid of SLIPKNOT) will also perform full DJ sets each night!
There's more to this voyage than heavy metal impaling your eardrums!
* Come hang with Clown (of SLIPKNOT) as he curates his own art show on the cruise, as well as hosts to Fangoria's Video Nasties Film Festival.
"Fangoria is thrilled to be working with the Mayhem Cruise! The mix of heavy metal music and horror films should provide for an epic adventure on the high seas!" says Bekah McKendry of Fangoria Entertainment.
* Laugh along with Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival's comedian Mayhem Festival Cruise and The Legions Of Skank featuring Luis J. Gomez and Dave Smith, who are set to perform two raunchy and raucous stand-up shows each night!
* Enjoy daily artist panels with stories from the road and music industry tips! Speakers include Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival co-creators John Reese and Kevin Lyman, amongst other musical icons.
* Check out the Neo-Burlesque dance troupe Iron Fist Velvet Glove Carnal Review. See the diverse and sexy dancers in an edgy underground setting.
Other entertainment on board will include:
* Beacher's Madhouse
* A full casino featuring a three-night poker tournament with artists and fans side by side
* Meet-and-greets, signings, and photo-ops throughout the ship
"The 2012 Mayhem Festival Cruise will be a fun way to bring 'Mayhem' to the high seas," states festival co-creator Kevin Lyman.
"It is time to take the 'Mayhem' to the seas," adds festival co-creator John Reese. "There is nothing I would rather do than spend four days and three nights with 2,000 fellow metalheads witnessing 15 of the best heavy bands in the world while gambling, laughing with Big Jay Oakerson, being inspired by Clown of SLIPKNOT and listening to badass DJ sets from Jonathan Davis and Sid."
For more information and to book your cabin, visit www.MayhemCruise.com.
Hosted by Jose Mangin of SiriusXM Liquid Metal, Mayhem Festival Cruise will offer fans a chance to experience a blistering 90-minute set from each one of six killer heavy metal bands — LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, ANTHRAX, HATEBREED, SUICIDE SILENCE and KINGDOM OF SORROW — as well as additional showcase sets from Century Media, Metal Blade Records, Roadrunner Records and Sumerian Records artists, including GOJIRA, PERIPHERY, BORN OF OSIRIS, BATTLECROSS, OTHERWISE, GIRL ON FIRE, ANTI MORTEM, and GYSPYHAWK. Mayhem veterans JDevil (Jonathan Davis of KORN) and DJ Starscream (Sid of SLIPKNOT) will also perform full DJ sets each night!
There's more to this voyage than heavy metal impaling your eardrums!
* Come hang with Clown (of SLIPKNOT) as he curates his own art show on the cruise, as well as hosts to Fangoria's Video Nasties Film Festival.
"Fangoria is thrilled to be working with the Mayhem Cruise! The mix of heavy metal music and horror films should provide for an epic adventure on the high seas!" says Bekah McKendry of Fangoria Entertainment.
* Laugh along with Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival's comedian Mayhem Festival Cruise and The Legions Of Skank featuring Luis J. Gomez and Dave Smith, who are set to perform two raunchy and raucous stand-up shows each night!
* Enjoy daily artist panels with stories from the road and music industry tips! Speakers include Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival co-creators John Reese and Kevin Lyman, amongst other musical icons.
* Check out the Neo-Burlesque dance troupe Iron Fist Velvet Glove Carnal Review. See the diverse and sexy dancers in an edgy underground setting.
Other entertainment on board will include:
* Beacher's Madhouse
* A full casino featuring a three-night poker tournament with artists and fans side by side
* Meet-and-greets, signings, and photo-ops throughout the ship
"The 2012 Mayhem Festival Cruise will be a fun way to bring 'Mayhem' to the high seas," states festival co-creator Kevin Lyman.
"It is time to take the 'Mayhem' to the seas," adds festival co-creator John Reese. "There is nothing I would rather do than spend four days and three nights with 2,000 fellow metalheads witnessing 15 of the best heavy bands in the world while gambling, laughing with Big Jay Oakerson, being inspired by Clown of SLIPKNOT and listening to badass DJ sets from Jonathan Davis and Sid."
For more information and to book your cabin, visit www.MayhemCruise.com.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/mayhemcruise.jpg
"Band Of Brothers", the third album from the metal juggernaut known as HELLYEAH — featuring Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN), Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett (MUDVAYNE), Tom Maxwell (NOTHINGFACE) and Bob "Zilla" Kakaha (DAMAGEPLAN) — will be released on June 5 via the band's new label home, Eleven Seven Music. The CD was recorded in Dallas, Texas at Vinnie Paul's home studio, VP's Upstairs Studio, and was produced by the band and Jeremy Parker (GODSMACK, EVANESCENCE), who also served as engineer.
"Band Of Brothers" track listing:
01. War In Me
02. Band Of Brothers
03. Rage/Burn
04. Drink Drank Drunk
05. Bigger God
06. Between You And Nowhere
07. Call It
08. Why Does It Always
09. WM Free
10. Dig Myself A Hole
11. What It Takes To Be Me
HELLYEAH earlier in the month released the "War In Me" digital single via iTunes.
Having produced track after track of heavy-hitting, in-your-face, feel-good rock and roll on their previous two albums (2010's "Stampede" and 2007's self-titled debut), HELLYEAH takes a slightly different musical direction on "Band Of Brothers". Drawing on their former bands' collective metal roots for inspiration, the influences and style of MUDVAYNE, PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN and NOTHINGFACE are immediately recognizable in tracks such as "Band Of Brothers", "War In Me" and "Rage Burn", while the party anthem "Drink, Drank, Drunk" retains the essence of earlier HELLYEAH.
Commented HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray, "I'm really excited about what we've done on this new album. I've always separated MUDVAYNE and HELLYEAH as much as I could, even though it was my voice. Melodies, lyrics and just the overall style of writing were different. With 'Band Of Brothers', I just quit being afraid of who I am in relation to this band. I think we've all really gotten back to the original roots of what we've done individually and brought it together on this album. As an artist, as long as you're painting with your own brush, no one can compare or challenge you. I just painted with a bigger, heavier brush than I had with HELLYEAH in the past. I think this is what fans have always expected to hear from us, and now were giving it to them."
Added Jeremy Parker, "It's impossible not to have a good time jamming this record. It has the anger and violence of PANTERA and MUDVAYNE, but a party vibe that can only be HELLYEAH!"
In a recent interview with Loudwire, Vinnie stated about "Band Of Brothers", "On our first two records, we were a new band. We really wanted to branch out and expand and experiment with all different styles. We all come from traditional metal bands and backgrounds, so it was a great breath of fresh air to play in a band that was rock 'n' roll, blues and Southern rock. We got that out of our system and got really focused on going back to our metal roots. It's heavy, focused, groove-oriented and I'm excited about it."
"Band Of Brothers" track listing:
01. War In Me
02. Band Of Brothers
03. Rage/Burn
04. Drink Drank Drunk
05. Bigger God
06. Between You And Nowhere
07. Call It
08. Why Does It Always
09. WM Free
10. Dig Myself A Hole
11. What It Takes To Be Me
HELLYEAH earlier in the month released the "War In Me" digital single via iTunes.
Having produced track after track of heavy-hitting, in-your-face, feel-good rock and roll on their previous two albums (2010's "Stampede" and 2007's self-titled debut), HELLYEAH takes a slightly different musical direction on "Band Of Brothers". Drawing on their former bands' collective metal roots for inspiration, the influences and style of MUDVAYNE, PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN and NOTHINGFACE are immediately recognizable in tracks such as "Band Of Brothers", "War In Me" and "Rage Burn", while the party anthem "Drink, Drank, Drunk" retains the essence of earlier HELLYEAH.
Commented HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray, "I'm really excited about what we've done on this new album. I've always separated MUDVAYNE and HELLYEAH as much as I could, even though it was my voice. Melodies, lyrics and just the overall style of writing were different. With 'Band Of Brothers', I just quit being afraid of who I am in relation to this band. I think we've all really gotten back to the original roots of what we've done individually and brought it together on this album. As an artist, as long as you're painting with your own brush, no one can compare or challenge you. I just painted with a bigger, heavier brush than I had with HELLYEAH in the past. I think this is what fans have always expected to hear from us, and now were giving it to them."
Added Jeremy Parker, "It's impossible not to have a good time jamming this record. It has the anger and violence of PANTERA and MUDVAYNE, but a party vibe that can only be HELLYEAH!"
In a recent interview with Loudwire, Vinnie stated about "Band Of Brothers", "On our first two records, we were a new band. We really wanted to branch out and expand and experiment with all different styles. We all come from traditional metal bands and backgrounds, so it was a great breath of fresh air to play in a band that was rock 'n' roll, blues and Southern rock. We got that out of our system and got really focused on going back to our metal roots. It's heavy, focused, groove-oriented and I'm excited about it."
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/hellyeahbandcd.jpg
Finally reunited again with their original singer Michael Sadler, Canadian rockers SAGA will release the ultimate AOR/progressive rock album, "20/20", worldwide on July 6.
Since SAGA's foundation in 1977, the band has toured the globe various times, won many awards and has sold over eight million albums worldwide. Their musical style is defined by prominent guitar riffs, often in harmony with a synthesizer, and complex keyboard arrangements.
The title "20/20", first of all, refers to the album being the 20th of SAGA, but in addition, it's a good luck wish to Jim Gilmour, who had to undergo an eye operation during SAGA's latest European tour. 20/20 stands for the perfect eyesight.
The album features ten brand new songs, never missing the distinctive sound of SAGA's legendary hits.
"20/20" track listing:
01. Six Feet Under
02. Anywhere You Wanna Go
03. Ellery
04. Spin It Again
05. Another Day Out Of Sight
06. One Of These Days
07. Ball And Chain
08. Lost For Words
09. Show And Tell
10. Till The Well Runs Dry
With striking keyboard sounds and Michael Sadler's stunning vocals, the album has all that it takes to become an instant fan favourite as well as a worldwide hit. The opener "Six Feet Under" features a dominant keyboard sound, roaring guitars and a chorus you can't get out of your head. Followed by the catchy, high energy driven "Anywhere You Wanna Go", SAGA clarify that their original trademark sound is still going strong. The emotional ballad "Lost For Words" once again demonstrates Sadler's incredible vocal range.
Michael Sadler reflects his return to the band: "One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!"
"20/20" will be available on standard CD and special edition, a premium CD+DVD digipak edition. The exclusive DVD follows the studio recordings of "20/20" and gives a great insight behind the scenes of creating and recording a modern classic.
Following the new release will be summer and fall dates in Canada, USA, Europe and South America.
Since SAGA's foundation in 1977, the band has toured the globe various times, won many awards and has sold over eight million albums worldwide. Their musical style is defined by prominent guitar riffs, often in harmony with a synthesizer, and complex keyboard arrangements.
The title "20/20", first of all, refers to the album being the 20th of SAGA, but in addition, it's a good luck wish to Jim Gilmour, who had to undergo an eye operation during SAGA's latest European tour. 20/20 stands for the perfect eyesight.
The album features ten brand new songs, never missing the distinctive sound of SAGA's legendary hits.
"20/20" track listing:
01. Six Feet Under
02. Anywhere You Wanna Go
03. Ellery
04. Spin It Again
05. Another Day Out Of Sight
06. One Of These Days
07. Ball And Chain
08. Lost For Words
09. Show And Tell
10. Till The Well Runs Dry
With striking keyboard sounds and Michael Sadler's stunning vocals, the album has all that it takes to become an instant fan favourite as well as a worldwide hit. The opener "Six Feet Under" features a dominant keyboard sound, roaring guitars and a chorus you can't get out of your head. Followed by the catchy, high energy driven "Anywhere You Wanna Go", SAGA clarify that their original trademark sound is still going strong. The emotional ballad "Lost For Words" once again demonstrates Sadler's incredible vocal range.
Michael Sadler reflects his return to the band: "One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!"
"20/20" will be available on standard CD and special edition, a premium CD+DVD digipak edition. The exclusive DVD follows the studio recordings of "20/20" and gives a great insight behind the scenes of creating and recording a modern classic.
Following the new release will be summer and fall dates in Canada, USA, Europe and South America.
Metal Blade Records has set a June 5 release date (one day earlier internationally) for the reissue of FATES WARNING's classic 1994 album "Inside Out". This re-release comes as a double CD plus bonus-DVD. It contains the classic original album as well as live tracks from a German show FATES WARNING played in Düsseldorf in 1995 and unreleased demo takes. The bonus-DVD contains an assortment of live clips, from 1993-1995.
CD1 - Inside Out (re-mastered original album)
01. Outside Looking In
02. Pale Fire
03. The Strand
04. Shelter Me
05. Island In The Stream
06. Down To The Wire
07. Face The Fear
08. Inward Bound
09. Monument
10. Afterglow
CD2 – Live in Düsseldorf, Germany February 11th 1995
01. Outside Looking In
02. Down To The Wire
03. The Eleventh Hour
04. Point Of View
05. Face The Fear
Demos/Unreleased
01. Outside Looking In (demo)
02. Pale Fire (demo)
03. Shelter Me (demo)
04. Island In The Stream (demo)
05. Face The Fear (demo)
06. Monument (rough mix)
07. Circles (unreleased)
DVD - Inside Out Live
* Outside Looking In (1994/95)
* Pale Fire (1993/94)
* The Strand (1994)
* Shelter Me (1993)
* Island In The Stream (2010)
* Down To The Wire (1994/95)
* Face The Fear (1994/95)
* Monument (1994/95)
* Afterglow Slide Show
Extras:
* Live In Still Water (1994)
* Through Different Eyes (1995)
* Guardian (Mike Portnoy drums) (1994)
* Shades Of Heavenly Death (1995)
* MTV Europe Interview (1995)
* Eye to Eye (1994/95)
* Face The Face Of Fear (1994)
* Don't Follow Me (1994)
* Shortest Fates Warning Show Ever (1994)
* Guardian (Arch/Alder duet) (1994)
In a recent interview with Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock, FATES WARNING singer Ray Alder stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's new CD, "We're trying as hard as we can. We have these shows [in Europe] and then we go to Brazil in April. And in the meantime we are working as hard as we can to finish the album. Hopefully we'll have it out by the end of this year, If not, the beginning of next year. We're trying our best."
He added, "We need to finish writing right now. We finished the first song. The demo version is already done. We'll continue writing as we have a lot of ideas that we need to put together. But the first song is done and I can tell you it's seven minutes long. The recording process itself usually takes about two months and then after that it's another three more months before the album is released. So, we are talking five months out there after the album has been written."
The "Parallels" lineup of FATES WARNING played a number of shows in 2010 in support of the released special edition of the album, which was made available through Metal Blade Records. In addition to remastered audio, there is a second audio disc of live and demo material. The package also includes a DVD with nearly three hours of material, including a complete live show from the 1992 "Parallels" tour and a documentary on the making of "Parallels" which includes live, studio, and current day interview footage with all the band members, Terry Brown (producer) and Brian Slagel (CEO of Metal Blade Records).
FATES WARNING's latest CD, "X", was released in 2004 on Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2000's "Disconnected" was recorded at Carriage House studios in Stamford, Connecticut and features cover artwork by renowned record-cover artist Ioannis (DREAM THEATER, SEPULTURA, DEEP PURPLE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, KING CRIMSON, BIOHAZARD, VOIVOD, UFO, OVERKILL).
CD1 - Inside Out (re-mastered original album)
01. Outside Looking In
02. Pale Fire
03. The Strand
04. Shelter Me
05. Island In The Stream
06. Down To The Wire
07. Face The Fear
08. Inward Bound
09. Monument
10. Afterglow
CD2 – Live in Düsseldorf, Germany February 11th 1995
01. Outside Looking In
02. Down To The Wire
03. The Eleventh Hour
04. Point Of View
05. Face The Fear
Demos/Unreleased
01. Outside Looking In (demo)
02. Pale Fire (demo)
03. Shelter Me (demo)
04. Island In The Stream (demo)
05. Face The Fear (demo)
06. Monument (rough mix)
07. Circles (unreleased)
DVD - Inside Out Live
* Outside Looking In (1994/95)
* Pale Fire (1993/94)
* The Strand (1994)
* Shelter Me (1993)
* Island In The Stream (2010)
* Down To The Wire (1994/95)
* Face The Fear (1994/95)
* Monument (1994/95)
* Afterglow Slide Show
Extras:
* Live In Still Water (1994)
* Through Different Eyes (1995)
* Guardian (Mike Portnoy drums) (1994)
* Shades Of Heavenly Death (1995)
* MTV Europe Interview (1995)
* Eye to Eye (1994/95)
* Face The Face Of Fear (1994)
* Don't Follow Me (1994)
* Shortest Fates Warning Show Ever (1994)
* Guardian (Arch/Alder duet) (1994)
In a recent interview with Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock, FATES WARNING singer Ray Alder stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's new CD, "We're trying as hard as we can. We have these shows [in Europe] and then we go to Brazil in April. And in the meantime we are working as hard as we can to finish the album. Hopefully we'll have it out by the end of this year, If not, the beginning of next year. We're trying our best."
He added, "We need to finish writing right now. We finished the first song. The demo version is already done. We'll continue writing as we have a lot of ideas that we need to put together. But the first song is done and I can tell you it's seven minutes long. The recording process itself usually takes about two months and then after that it's another three more months before the album is released. So, we are talking five months out there after the album has been written."
The "Parallels" lineup of FATES WARNING played a number of shows in 2010 in support of the released special edition of the album, which was made available through Metal Blade Records. In addition to remastered audio, there is a second audio disc of live and demo material. The package also includes a DVD with nearly three hours of material, including a complete live show from the 1992 "Parallels" tour and a documentary on the making of "Parallels" which includes live, studio, and current day interview footage with all the band members, Terry Brown (producer) and Brian Slagel (CEO of Metal Blade Records).
FATES WARNING's latest CD, "X", was released in 2004 on Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2000's "Disconnected" was recorded at Carriage House studios in Stamford, Connecticut and features cover artwork by renowned record-cover artist Ioannis (DREAM THEATER, SEPULTURA, DEEP PURPLE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, KING CRIMSON, BIOHAZARD, VOIVOD, UFO, OVERKILL).
GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna will take part in a "live performance and autograph session" at Backstage Live in San Antonio, Texas following his band's May 2 co-headlining concert at the Alamodome with STAIND and special guest HALESTORM as part of the "Mass Chaos" tour.
Tickets for the afterparty are $5 with your "Mass Chaos" ticket stub. Those 21 and over can get in for $10, while it's $20 for those under 21.
For more information, see the poster below.
Erna recently finished a short tour to promote the release of "Avalon Live", his upcoming live DVD/Blu-ray that features the singer and an eight-piece band performing songs from his 2010 solo debut, "Avalon". A late spring release for the disc is planned, although an exact arrival date has yet to be confirmed.
GODSMACK will unleash its first-ever live album, "Live & Inspired", on May 15 via Universal Republic Records.
"Live & Inspired" features fierce and furious live renditions of numerous hits from the Massachusetts rockers' five studio albums as well as bonus tracks of covers that have "inspired" GODSMACK. The four tracks are quite close to the band's collective heart. The band started ripping through local Massachusetts haunts with their renditions of some of these songs, and these recordings bring everything full circle.
Tickets for the afterparty are $5 with your "Mass Chaos" ticket stub. Those 21 and over can get in for $10, while it's $20 for those under 21.
For more information, see the poster below.
Erna recently finished a short tour to promote the release of "Avalon Live", his upcoming live DVD/Blu-ray that features the singer and an eight-piece band performing songs from his 2010 solo debut, "Avalon". A late spring release for the disc is planned, although an exact arrival date has yet to be confirmed.
GODSMACK will unleash its first-ever live album, "Live & Inspired", on May 15 via Universal Republic Records.
"Live & Inspired" features fierce and furious live renditions of numerous hits from the Massachusetts rockers' five studio albums as well as bonus tracks of covers that have "inspired" GODSMACK. The four tracks are quite close to the band's collective heart. The band started ripping through local Massachusetts haunts with their renditions of some of these songs, and these recordings bring everything full circle.
Suicide Scriptures conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Miland "Mille" Petrozza of German thrash metal veterans KREATOR on April 19 in London, England. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts from the interview follow.
On KREATOR's new album, "Phantom Antichrist", which is due on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records:
Mille: "We made sure that it contains all the trademarks that we're known for — crushing brutality, riffs that are very hard to play, lyrics that talk about things that I get angry about. You know, the full treatment, basically."
"We didn't try to do anything different. The only goal that we set for the band was we wanted to top everything that we'd done before and make this record an exciting record. That's always the main goal.
"First off, we don't plan ahead too much. I take a long time to prepare the songs at home, in my little home studio, and then when I feel that have something lyrically and musically that I feel is good and exciting and powerful, then I play it to the other guys and then we discuss it. And we might come up with new ideas or we might arrange the songs differently, or we tear them apart and put them back together. It's a long process. We started this in the beginning of 2011, and we kept writing and rehearsing the songs until January 2012."
On the lyrical themes covered on "Phantom Antichrist":
Mille: "Many things: injustice; the crisis in Greece; me thinking that religion is obsolete now in this day and age; personal things. I think the lyrics for 'From Flood Into Fire', they're very different, but it's very hard for me to explain what it's about. I want people to listen to it and leave room for their own imagination. I go to the movies all the time and I'm a big movie nerd, and I hate watching a 'making-of' [documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage] before I go into a movie. So if I would explain the lyrics right now, [it would lose the magic]."
On the "Phantom Antichrist" artwork:
Mille: "I got in touch with [artist] Wes Benscoter in the middle of June last year and I gave him a couple of songtitles. And I told him that the album might be called 'Phantom Antichrist'. I already had the idea and I told him what the lyrics were about — it's all about the apocalypse, evil in the world… typical KREATOR topics that I always write about. I think he had 'Pleasure To Kill', and he knew about the band. I liked this AUTOPSY cover that he did, and then I found that he did a lot of great stuff for BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER and many, many bands. . . I talked to one of my colleagues that plays in a German band and he told me that he would draw, with a pencil, artworks and then he would give it to a professional artist. I don't have that much influence on the artwork. I think it's best to give an idea and maybe a title or something, maybe some music even… I think that's more of letting the artist be the artist. He needs to create the visual as we do with the music."
On how Swedish producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK, DEVIN TOWNSEND, AMON AMARTH) ended up helming the album:
Mille: "That was also more of a spontaneous idea. I was thinking about who I wanted to work with for the next album. We worked with Andy Sneap, one of the best producers in the world, and for the last album, we worked with Moses Schneider, in my opinion, also a great, great producer. We had the album, 'Hordes Of Chaos', mixed by Colin Richardson. Those are amazing people to work with. We wanted to work with someone else — something new, new input. Jens Bogren, I'm not particularly a fan of any particular band he produced. I like a lot of the stuff that he did and I have a lot of friends that worked with him. Actually, Nick [Holmes] from PARADISE LOST recommended him, but that was already two years ago, three years ago, when they did the first album with him. We met at a festival in Turkey and he recommended Jens to me. [And we're very happy with the results.] he's a great, great producer."
The official lyric video for "Phantom Antichrist", the new single from KREATOR, can be seen below. The song was released April 20 on seven-inch colored vinyl and as a digital download via iTunes, Amazon and various other digital music providers. The release also includes the exclusive IRON MAIDEN cover "The Number Of The Beast".
A music video for "Phantom Antichrist" was helmed by Poland's Grupa 13 (BEHEMOTH, ELUVEITIE, SONATA ARCTICA, DECAPITATED) and will make its online debut on May 3.
A brand new promotional photo of KREATOR can be seen below (photo by Stefan Heilemann of Stuttgart, Germany's Heilemania).
KREATOR is:
Miland "Mille" Petrozza – Vocals, Guitrar
Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar
Christian "Speesy" Giesler - Bass
Jürgen "Ventor" Reil – Drums
On KREATOR's new album, "Phantom Antichrist", which is due on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records:
Mille: "We made sure that it contains all the trademarks that we're known for — crushing brutality, riffs that are very hard to play, lyrics that talk about things that I get angry about. You know, the full treatment, basically."
"We didn't try to do anything different. The only goal that we set for the band was we wanted to top everything that we'd done before and make this record an exciting record. That's always the main goal.
"First off, we don't plan ahead too much. I take a long time to prepare the songs at home, in my little home studio, and then when I feel that have something lyrically and musically that I feel is good and exciting and powerful, then I play it to the other guys and then we discuss it. And we might come up with new ideas or we might arrange the songs differently, or we tear them apart and put them back together. It's a long process. We started this in the beginning of 2011, and we kept writing and rehearsing the songs until January 2012."
On the lyrical themes covered on "Phantom Antichrist":
Mille: "Many things: injustice; the crisis in Greece; me thinking that religion is obsolete now in this day and age; personal things. I think the lyrics for 'From Flood Into Fire', they're very different, but it's very hard for me to explain what it's about. I want people to listen to it and leave room for their own imagination. I go to the movies all the time and I'm a big movie nerd, and I hate watching a 'making-of' [documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage] before I go into a movie. So if I would explain the lyrics right now, [it would lose the magic]."
On the "Phantom Antichrist" artwork:
Mille: "I got in touch with [artist] Wes Benscoter in the middle of June last year and I gave him a couple of songtitles. And I told him that the album might be called 'Phantom Antichrist'. I already had the idea and I told him what the lyrics were about — it's all about the apocalypse, evil in the world… typical KREATOR topics that I always write about. I think he had 'Pleasure To Kill', and he knew about the band. I liked this AUTOPSY cover that he did, and then I found that he did a lot of great stuff for BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER and many, many bands. . . I talked to one of my colleagues that plays in a German band and he told me that he would draw, with a pencil, artworks and then he would give it to a professional artist. I don't have that much influence on the artwork. I think it's best to give an idea and maybe a title or something, maybe some music even… I think that's more of letting the artist be the artist. He needs to create the visual as we do with the music."
On how Swedish producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK, DEVIN TOWNSEND, AMON AMARTH) ended up helming the album:
Mille: "That was also more of a spontaneous idea. I was thinking about who I wanted to work with for the next album. We worked with Andy Sneap, one of the best producers in the world, and for the last album, we worked with Moses Schneider, in my opinion, also a great, great producer. We had the album, 'Hordes Of Chaos', mixed by Colin Richardson. Those are amazing people to work with. We wanted to work with someone else — something new, new input. Jens Bogren, I'm not particularly a fan of any particular band he produced. I like a lot of the stuff that he did and I have a lot of friends that worked with him. Actually, Nick [Holmes] from PARADISE LOST recommended him, but that was already two years ago, three years ago, when they did the first album with him. We met at a festival in Turkey and he recommended Jens to me. [And we're very happy with the results.] he's a great, great producer."
The official lyric video for "Phantom Antichrist", the new single from KREATOR, can be seen below. The song was released April 20 on seven-inch colored vinyl and as a digital download via iTunes, Amazon and various other digital music providers. The release also includes the exclusive IRON MAIDEN cover "The Number Of The Beast".
A music video for "Phantom Antichrist" was helmed by Poland's Grupa 13 (BEHEMOTH, ELUVEITIE, SONATA ARCTICA, DECAPITATED) and will make its online debut on May 3.
A brand new promotional photo of KREATOR can be seen below (photo by Stefan Heilemann of Stuttgart, Germany's Heilemania).
KREATOR is:
Miland "Mille" Petrozza – Vocals, Guitrar
Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar
Christian "Speesy" Giesler - Bass
Jürgen "Ventor" Reil – Drums
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/kreator2012.jpg
German author Hilmar Bender's official KREATOR biography, "Violent Evolution", is finally being translated into English. The English version will be available next year, says the Mille Militia, the Facebook group whose members are responsible for the translation from German to English. They add, "There is a great demand for an English version, and now, the rest of the world will finally get to read Bender's excellent book. A must for every KREATOR fan!"
Originally published in German in March 2011 through UBooks Verlag, "Violent Evolution" "tells the story of three decades of sheer terror and aggression," according to a press release. "[It is] the story of a band that lived all ups and downs a band can experience. An exciting chronicle of one of the most important thrash-metal bands in the world."
KREATOR's new album, "Phantom Antichrist", is due on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.
Originally published in German in March 2011 through UBooks Verlag, "Violent Evolution" "tells the story of three decades of sheer terror and aggression," according to a press release. "[It is] the story of a band that lived all ups and downs a band can experience. An exciting chronicle of one of the most important thrash-metal bands in the world."
KREATOR's new album, "Phantom Antichrist", is due on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.
New Jersey metallers ATTACKER have announced the addition of bassist Jon Hanemann to the group's ranks. Hanemann replaces outgoing original bassist Lou Ciarlo, who decided to step aside due to other musical comittments and his lack of real interest in continuing in the metal world.
According to ATTACKER, Jon "came down and totally blew the doors off the material. It was evident after the first song that he was the guy. Drummer Mike Sabatini had been working with Hanemann in another project. So it was a no-brainer to have him come into the fold."
Commented Sabatini: "Lou is my closest friend. But he no longer had it in his heart to continue and we have to respect that decision.
"People change and grow, and sometimes want to go in a different direction. We do still share a rehersal room and help each other out with various musical projects.
Added Ciarlo: "Mike and I have been buds forever; some say we're like an old married couple when it comes to playing music together.
"Please know that I say this with confidence and not arrogance, as a bass and drums rhythm section, the two of us are locked in like very few are or can be, and it's not just when playing metal. We could play Johnny Cash or Liza Minnelli songs and it would be the same. So when Mike had asked if I would help him with a new ATTACKER release and record the bass tracks, how could I tell him no?
"When I had initially agreed to working with the band, it was understood that due to my extremely busy schedule, I would be doing the bass tracks as a hired gun only, with no commitment to any live performances. Spending time with my wife and daughter, time with close friends, a demanding career as a wireless engineer and playing bass for the Karyn Kuhl band has filled my schedule to the max. But as it has been since the beginning of ATTACKER, when Mike, Pat and Mike B. decide to play as ATTACKER, it's nothing less than full-on.
"With that said, I quickly realized there would be no way for me to meet their needs as a bass player. Additionally, my heart just isn't in it anymore and hasn't been for some time; musically I am in a very different place.
"With this, I feel it is best I step aside and let a new era of the band unfold. With Jon Hanemann taking over bass duties and Bobby Lucas on vocals, I am sure all of those loyal ATTACKER fans will still love the band as much as before, if not more! I know this is something Mike and the rest of the band will! Best of luck to them and farewell!"
According to ATTACKER, Jon "came down and totally blew the doors off the material. It was evident after the first song that he was the guy. Drummer Mike Sabatini had been working with Hanemann in another project. So it was a no-brainer to have him come into the fold."
Commented Sabatini: "Lou is my closest friend. But he no longer had it in his heart to continue and we have to respect that decision.
"People change and grow, and sometimes want to go in a different direction. We do still share a rehersal room and help each other out with various musical projects.
Added Ciarlo: "Mike and I have been buds forever; some say we're like an old married couple when it comes to playing music together.
"Please know that I say this with confidence and not arrogance, as a bass and drums rhythm section, the two of us are locked in like very few are or can be, and it's not just when playing metal. We could play Johnny Cash or Liza Minnelli songs and it would be the same. So when Mike had asked if I would help him with a new ATTACKER release and record the bass tracks, how could I tell him no?
"When I had initially agreed to working with the band, it was understood that due to my extremely busy schedule, I would be doing the bass tracks as a hired gun only, with no commitment to any live performances. Spending time with my wife and daughter, time with close friends, a demanding career as a wireless engineer and playing bass for the Karyn Kuhl band has filled my schedule to the max. But as it has been since the beginning of ATTACKER, when Mike, Pat and Mike B. decide to play as ATTACKER, it's nothing less than full-on.
"With that said, I quickly realized there would be no way for me to meet their needs as a bass player. Additionally, my heart just isn't in it anymore and hasn't been for some time; musically I am in a very different place.
"With this, I feel it is best I step aside and let a new era of the band unfold. With Jon Hanemann taking over bass duties and Bobby Lucas on vocals, I am sure all of those loyal ATTACKER fans will still love the band as much as before, if not more! I know this is something Mike and the rest of the band will! Best of luck to them and farewell!"
According to Amazon.com, original KISS drummer Peter Criss will publish his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss", on October 23 via the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner. A press release promises, "From sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup To Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story."
The "Makeup To Breakup" cover can be seen below.
Criss wrote the 320-page hardcover book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman.
When Criss was inducted on January 14 as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, he told Artisan News about his upcoming book (see video below), "You'll enjoy it. It's about my life. It's not about just… Of course, it's about drugs, sex and rock and roll. But it's about my parents, my growing up, getting through Brooklyn, going through gangs, getting into drugs, getting out of them, getting through cancer. I'm four years free of cancer now, so that's why I've got my pink shoelaces on. I'm doing great."
In a press release issued last year, Criss said, "I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride. The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life."
While some men feel embarrassed because of "this macho crap," Criss told CNN surviving breast cancer was actually a blessing. He was treated before the tumor could spread and said he was speaking about male breast cancer to raise the profile of this rare disease.
Criss, who played drums for KISS and was known as "Catman," offered this advice to men who spot lumps in their breast: "Don't sit around playing Mr. Tough Guy. Don't say 'It's going to go away.' It might not and you might not see life anymore and how beautiful that is."
Criss, who is currently working on a new rock album, told Reuters his bout with cancer had affected his songwriting.
"My lyrics are not so deep and dismal," he said. One of the tracks on the album, expected next year, is called "Hard Rock Knockers".
The "Makeup To Breakup" cover can be seen below.
Criss wrote the 320-page hardcover book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman.
When Criss was inducted on January 14 as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, he told Artisan News about his upcoming book (see video below), "You'll enjoy it. It's about my life. It's not about just… Of course, it's about drugs, sex and rock and roll. But it's about my parents, my growing up, getting through Brooklyn, going through gangs, getting into drugs, getting out of them, getting through cancer. I'm four years free of cancer now, so that's why I've got my pink shoelaces on. I'm doing great."
In a press release issued last year, Criss said, "I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride. The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life."
While some men feel embarrassed because of "this macho crap," Criss told CNN surviving breast cancer was actually a blessing. He was treated before the tumor could spread and said he was speaking about male breast cancer to raise the profile of this rare disease.
Criss, who played drums for KISS and was known as "Catman," offered this advice to men who spot lumps in their breast: "Don't sit around playing Mr. Tough Guy. Don't say 'It's going to go away.' It might not and you might not see life anymore and how beautiful that is."
Criss, who is currently working on a new rock album, told Reuters his bout with cancer had affected his songwriting.
"My lyrics are not so deep and dismal," he said. One of the tracks on the album, expected next year, is called "Hard Rock Knockers".
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/crissmakeupbreakup.jpg
AXEWOUND is the new "supergroup" formed in 2011 as a side project for BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE frontman Matt Tuck. The band, which is completed by Liam Cormier (CANCER BATS) on vocals, Mike Kingswood (GLAMOUR OF THE KILL) on guitar, Joe Copcutt (RISE TO REMAIN) on bass, and Jason Bowld (ex-PITCHSHIFTER) on drums, was officially unveiled earlier tonight (Monday, April 30) on the BBC Radio 1 "Rock Show" with the airing of the group's first single, "Post Apocalyptic Party". The track can now be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
AXEWOUND is:
Matt Tuck (BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) - Guitar, Vocals
Liam Cormier (CANCER BATS) – Vocals
Mike Kingswood (GLAMOUR OF THE KILL) - Guitar
Joe Copcutt (RISE TO REMAIN) - Bass
Jason Bowld (ex-PITCHSHIFTER) - Drums
Tuck first revealed that he was collaborating with other musicians on a "metal-as-fuck" side project last October during an interview with "Metal Zone" host Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco, California radio station 107.7 The Bone. Tuck said at the time, "At the moment, there's just three [guys in the new band], but there'll be a minimum of four [in the final lineup]." Regarding the new group's musical direction, Matt said, "It's, like, far more like SLIPKNOT, PANTERA… It's metal as fuck, you know what I mean?! Stepping away from the melodic, not giving a fuck… 'Cause obviously BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is a business and we have our formula, and what we do works — it's great — so we won't stray from that. So it's nice to step out of that comfort zone and do something fucking ridiculous and not worry about what people are gonna think, because it doesn't exist yet. . . We wanted to go in there with kind of like a SLIPKNOT attitude of just everything… Like the 'Iowa' album — just fucking violent. Let it all out. No holds barred."
AXEWOUND is:
Matt Tuck (BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) - Guitar, Vocals
Liam Cormier (CANCER BATS) – Vocals
Mike Kingswood (GLAMOUR OF THE KILL) - Guitar
Joe Copcutt (RISE TO REMAIN) - Bass
Jason Bowld (ex-PITCHSHIFTER) - Drums
Tuck first revealed that he was collaborating with other musicians on a "metal-as-fuck" side project last October during an interview with "Metal Zone" host Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco, California radio station 107.7 The Bone. Tuck said at the time, "At the moment, there's just three [guys in the new band], but there'll be a minimum of four [in the final lineup]." Regarding the new group's musical direction, Matt said, "It's, like, far more like SLIPKNOT, PANTERA… It's metal as fuck, you know what I mean?! Stepping away from the melodic, not giving a fuck… 'Cause obviously BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is a business and we have our formula, and what we do works — it's great — so we won't stray from that. So it's nice to step out of that comfort zone and do something fucking ridiculous and not worry about what people are gonna think, because it doesn't exist yet. . . We wanted to go in there with kind of like a SLIPKNOT attitude of just everything… Like the 'Iowa' album — just fucking violent. Let it all out. No holds barred."
German thrashers DEW-SCENTED have set "Icarus" as the title of their new album. Vocalist Leif Jensen described the CD's main theme as "a modern-times, very apocalyptic adaption of elements of the Icarus myth, using a lot of its symbolism while interlinking with several other personal or observant subjects in true DEW-SCENTED fashion." While the album — recorded at Soundlodge Studio and produced by Jörg Uken (NIGHTFALL, SUICIDAL ANGELS, GOD DETHRONED) — is not quite a concept album per se, Jensen says "Icarus" "has a pretty coherent lyrical flow, and that helps to enhance and also to intentionally enlarge the atmosphere and vibe created by the music." The "Icarus" cover artwork was once created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.
A 36-second teaser for DEW-SCENTED's new album can be seen below.
On the live front, DEW-SCENTED was forced to cancel its previously announced appearance at Chronical Moshers open air festival on June 9 "due to logistical complications on our end." The band will also support Metal Blade labelmates SIX FEET UNDER on a run of shows in August.
For a complete list of upcoming dates, visit www.dew-scented.net.
DEW-SCENTED's latest album, "Invocation", was released on May 24, 2010 in Europe via Metal Blade Records and May 25, 2010 in North America through Prosthetic Records.
A 36-second teaser for DEW-SCENTED's new album can be seen below.
On the live front, DEW-SCENTED was forced to cancel its previously announced appearance at Chronical Moshers open air festival on June 9 "due to logistical complications on our end." The band will also support Metal Blade labelmates SIX FEET UNDER on a run of shows in August.
For a complete list of upcoming dates, visit www.dew-scented.net.
DEW-SCENTED's latest album, "Invocation", was released on May 24, 2010 in Europe via Metal Blade Records and May 25, 2010 in North America through Prosthetic Records.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/dewscentedicarus.jpg
"Lost In The New Real", the new concept solo album from Dutch multi-instrumentalist and AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen, has entered the official chart in his home country at position No. 16 and the Dutch alternative chart at #No. 2.
Due in North America on May 8 via InsideOut Music, "Lost In The New Real" features the following track listing:
CD1:
01. The New Real
02. Pink Beatles In A Purple Zeppelin
03. Parental Procreation Permit
04. When I'm A Hundred Sixty-Four
05. E-Police
06. Don't Switch Me Off
07. Dr Slumber's Eternity Home
08. Yellowstone Memorial Day
09. Where Pigs Fly
10. Lost In The New Real
* Bonus CD-ROM section: "Behind The New Real"
CD 2:
01. Our Imperfect Race
02. Welcome To The Machine (PINK FLOYD cover)
03. So Is There No God?
04. Veteran Of The Psychic Wars (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT cover)
05. The Social Recluse
06. Battle Of Evermore (LED ZEPPELIN Cover)
07. The Space Hotel
08. Some Other Time (ALAN PARSONS PROJECT cover)
09. You Have Entered The Reality Zone
10. I'm The Slime (FRANK ZAPPA cover)
* Bonus CD-ROM section: "The Artwork"
A short video in which Arjen introduces you to some of the guest musicians appearing on "Lost In The New Real" can be seen below.
Musicians
* Arjen Lucassen as "Mr. L": Vocals, Instruments, Music, Lyrics
* Rutger Hauer as "Dr. Voight-Kampff": Narration
* Wilmer Waarbroek: Backing Vocals
* Ed Warby: Drums
* Rob Snijders: Drums
* Ben Mathot: Violin
* Maaike Peterse: Cello
* Jeroen Goossens: Flute
* Elvya Dulcimer: Hammered Dulcimer On "Battle Of Evermore"
The "Lost In The New Real" title track is now available for streaming in the YouTube clip below.
The story of "Lost In The New Real" follows Mr. L, a 21st-Century man who was cryopreserved at the moment of clinical death from a terminal disease. The album begins as Mr. L is being revived at a point in the distant future, when technology has advanced enough to cure his disease. Mr L finds himself in a world that has drastically changed — to the point that the line between what's real and what's not is no longer clear.
Mr. L's appointed psychological advisor (played by legendary screen actor Rutger Hauer) is tasked with helping him emotionally adapt to this strange new world. The songs on CD1 follow the main character Mr. L's emotional journey as he is confronted with both serious and comical aspects of the "New Real", and desperately tries to decide if he can find a meaningful place within it.
CD2 is a mix of songs that are part of the concept but didn't fit on CD1, and cover songs that are (more or less) related to the concept. As Arjen's fans have come to expect, informative and humorous "behind-the-scenes" videos are added to both CDs as CD-ROM tracks. This beautiful two-CD limited-edition mediabook is illustrated by the striking artwork of Claudio Bergamin.
Lucassen recently enlisted the talents of legendary screen actor Rutger Hauer as the narrator on "Lost In The New Real".
"This is a dream come true," said Arjen. "Rutger is not only one of my favorite actors, he also starred in my all-time favorite sci-fi movie, 'Blade Runner'."
Rutger also enjoyed the collaboration with Arjen, saying, "[Arjen] connected with me when he was working on his new album. Said he was a big fan and wanted to see if I could do the voiceover. This happened over just a few weeks and it was marvelous work, very creative. I hope you enjoy it."
Due in North America on May 8 via InsideOut Music, "Lost In The New Real" features the following track listing:
CD1:
01. The New Real
02. Pink Beatles In A Purple Zeppelin
03. Parental Procreation Permit
04. When I'm A Hundred Sixty-Four
05. E-Police
06. Don't Switch Me Off
07. Dr Slumber's Eternity Home
08. Yellowstone Memorial Day
09. Where Pigs Fly
10. Lost In The New Real
* Bonus CD-ROM section: "Behind The New Real"
CD 2:
01. Our Imperfect Race
02. Welcome To The Machine (PINK FLOYD cover)
03. So Is There No God?
04. Veteran Of The Psychic Wars (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT cover)
05. The Social Recluse
06. Battle Of Evermore (LED ZEPPELIN Cover)
07. The Space Hotel
08. Some Other Time (ALAN PARSONS PROJECT cover)
09. You Have Entered The Reality Zone
10. I'm The Slime (FRANK ZAPPA cover)
* Bonus CD-ROM section: "The Artwork"
A short video in which Arjen introduces you to some of the guest musicians appearing on "Lost In The New Real" can be seen below.
Musicians
* Arjen Lucassen as "Mr. L": Vocals, Instruments, Music, Lyrics
* Rutger Hauer as "Dr. Voight-Kampff": Narration
* Wilmer Waarbroek: Backing Vocals
* Ed Warby: Drums
* Rob Snijders: Drums
* Ben Mathot: Violin
* Maaike Peterse: Cello
* Jeroen Goossens: Flute
* Elvya Dulcimer: Hammered Dulcimer On "Battle Of Evermore"
The "Lost In The New Real" title track is now available for streaming in the YouTube clip below.
The story of "Lost In The New Real" follows Mr. L, a 21st-Century man who was cryopreserved at the moment of clinical death from a terminal disease. The album begins as Mr. L is being revived at a point in the distant future, when technology has advanced enough to cure his disease. Mr L finds himself in a world that has drastically changed — to the point that the line between what's real and what's not is no longer clear.
Mr. L's appointed psychological advisor (played by legendary screen actor Rutger Hauer) is tasked with helping him emotionally adapt to this strange new world. The songs on CD1 follow the main character Mr. L's emotional journey as he is confronted with both serious and comical aspects of the "New Real", and desperately tries to decide if he can find a meaningful place within it.
CD2 is a mix of songs that are part of the concept but didn't fit on CD1, and cover songs that are (more or less) related to the concept. As Arjen's fans have come to expect, informative and humorous "behind-the-scenes" videos are added to both CDs as CD-ROM tracks. This beautiful two-CD limited-edition mediabook is illustrated by the striking artwork of Claudio Bergamin.
Lucassen recently enlisted the talents of legendary screen actor Rutger Hauer as the narrator on "Lost In The New Real".
"This is a dream come true," said Arjen. "Rutger is not only one of my favorite actors, he also starred in my all-time favorite sci-fi movie, 'Blade Runner'."
Rutger also enjoyed the collaboration with Arjen, saying, "[Arjen] connected with me when he was working on his new album. Said he was a big fan and wanted to see if I could do the voiceover. This happened over just a few weeks and it was marvelous work, very creative. I hope you enjoy it."
Guitarist Ryan Huthnance of Australian thrash metal veterans MORTAL SIN has released the following statement:
"It's time the rumours were laid to rest. Yes, MORTAL SIN is finished. Due to changing personal circumstances, as well as priorities, Luke [Cook, drums] and Nathan [Shea, guitar] have both decided that their time with the band is at an end. This decision was not made lightly, and was not a result of the actions and words made by other parties who would lead you to believe it was. The truth is, without passion, conviction, and love for the music you play, being in a band means nothing.
"While Andy [Eftichiou, bass], Dave [Tinelt, vocals] and myself could easily continue and find new band members, without the core songwriting unit from the last two albums, it wouldn't be MORTAL SIN.
"We're extremely proud of our last album 'Psychology Of Death', and we've completed the longest and most intense tour of the band's career — the Thrashfest Classics tour. These two milestones are a fitting way to close the 25-year journey that was MORTAL SIN.
"On behalf of MORTAL SIN, I'd like to thank you — the fans — for staying loyal to a band that's had more ups and downs than any other in Australia. Without you, this journey would have ended long ago.
"For those who'd like to follow the future musical exploits of this final lineup, Dave's band NEKROFEIST are about to release their new album, my band THE SEER just released a new single, and Luke will continue playing with his cover bands.
"We sincerely apologise to those who hoped to see us on the road in the shows we had booked. Thank you, and goodbye."
Fan-filmed video footage of the most recent lineup of MORTAL SIN performing the song "Deny" on March 31 at The Patch in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia can be seen below.
Vocalist Mat Maurer quit MORTAL SIN in February "for personal reasons and irreconcilable differences." He added, "Last year was an incredibly difficult year for me personally and I have decided to put my family first."
MORTAL SIN's latest album, "Psychology Of Death", was released in Europe on November 18, 2011 via NoiseArt Records. The effort includes the group's classic debut LP, "Mayhemic Destruction", as a bonus disc in the limited digipak version. The follow-up to 2007's "An Absence of Faith" was mixed with producer/engineer Darren "jENK" Jenkins and marks the recording debut of guitarist Ryan Huthnance, who replaced Mick Sultana.
Once hailed as the next METALLICA, MORTAL SIN have become legends in their home country Australia, having been inducted into the Kerrang! Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2005 and being the only Australian band to have played with the big five of thrash — METALLICA, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, MEGADETH and TESTAMENT — on tours in Australia and overseas.
"It's time the rumours were laid to rest. Yes, MORTAL SIN is finished. Due to changing personal circumstances, as well as priorities, Luke [Cook, drums] and Nathan [Shea, guitar] have both decided that their time with the band is at an end. This decision was not made lightly, and was not a result of the actions and words made by other parties who would lead you to believe it was. The truth is, without passion, conviction, and love for the music you play, being in a band means nothing.
"While Andy [Eftichiou, bass], Dave [Tinelt, vocals] and myself could easily continue and find new band members, without the core songwriting unit from the last two albums, it wouldn't be MORTAL SIN.
"We're extremely proud of our last album 'Psychology Of Death', and we've completed the longest and most intense tour of the band's career — the Thrashfest Classics tour. These two milestones are a fitting way to close the 25-year journey that was MORTAL SIN.
"On behalf of MORTAL SIN, I'd like to thank you — the fans — for staying loyal to a band that's had more ups and downs than any other in Australia. Without you, this journey would have ended long ago.
"For those who'd like to follow the future musical exploits of this final lineup, Dave's band NEKROFEIST are about to release their new album, my band THE SEER just released a new single, and Luke will continue playing with his cover bands.
"We sincerely apologise to those who hoped to see us on the road in the shows we had booked. Thank you, and goodbye."
Fan-filmed video footage of the most recent lineup of MORTAL SIN performing the song "Deny" on March 31 at The Patch in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia can be seen below.
Vocalist Mat Maurer quit MORTAL SIN in February "for personal reasons and irreconcilable differences." He added, "Last year was an incredibly difficult year for me personally and I have decided to put my family first."
MORTAL SIN's latest album, "Psychology Of Death", was released in Europe on November 18, 2011 via NoiseArt Records. The effort includes the group's classic debut LP, "Mayhemic Destruction", as a bonus disc in the limited digipak version. The follow-up to 2007's "An Absence of Faith" was mixed with producer/engineer Darren "jENK" Jenkins and marks the recording debut of guitarist Ryan Huthnance, who replaced Mick Sultana.
Once hailed as the next METALLICA, MORTAL SIN have become legends in their home country Australia, having been inducted into the Kerrang! Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2005 and being the only Australian band to have played with the big five of thrash — METALLICA, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, MEGADETH and TESTAMENT — on tours in Australia and overseas.
Reunited '80s melodic heavy rock band DRIVER — featuring powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI, JOSHUA, WARRIOR, AVANTASIA, AXEL RUDI PELL) and acclaimed guitarist/producer Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST, SEBASTIAN BACH, ROB ROCK, TRIBE OF GYPSIES, HELLOWEEN) — has completed work on its new album, "Countdown", to be released later in the year via Metal Heaven in Europe, King Records in Japan and RockZilla in the U.S.
Release dates:
Europe: May 25
U.S.: May 25
Japan: July 25 (with exclusive Japan bonus track)
According to a press release, "Countdown" is a mixture of brand new material and several rescued-from-the-vaults demo gems, which interlock seamlessly for a classic DRIVER-style album, aided by Roy Z's emphasis on vintage production values that harken back to the glory days of early 80's heavy metal ala DIO's "Holy Diver" and OZZY OSBOURNE's "Diary Of A Madman".
DRIVER is centered around Rock and Roy and features original drummer Reynold "Butch" Carlson (JAG PANZER, JOEY TAFOLLA, TRIBE AFTER TRIBE), along with seasoned players Ed Roth (GLENN HUGHES, RONNIE MONTROSE, IMPELLITTERI) on keyboards and Aaron Samson (ODIN, GEORGE LYNCH, JOHN 5) on bass.
Chiefly recorded and mixed at Roy Z's California-based studio, "Countdown" features additional contributions coming from bassists Ray Burke (LIFE AFTER DEATH, BRUCE DICKINSON) and Daniel Cordova (SHADES OF CRIMSON, VENGEANCE RISING), as well as veteran vocalist Mark Boals (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT). Mastering duties were again handled by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, SEPULTURA, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN).
"Countdown" track listing:
01. Return To The Sky
02. Rising Son
03. Countdown
04. Hollywood Shooting Star
05. Thief In The Night
06. Cry Of The Wounded
07. Always On My Mind
08. Feel The Fire
09. Destiny
10. Running From The Darkness
11. Babylon (exclusive European bonus track)
The last DRIVER album, "Sons Of Thunder", was released in September 2008 via Metal Heaven.
DRIVER issued a widely circulated five-song cassette EP demo in 1990 that garnered the band a dedicated worldwide following as well as attained cult status as one of the most underrated hard rock acts of its time. Since then, Rock and Roy Z have forged ahead to garner long successful careers in the music business. 2008 saw the reunion of the band which resulted in the recordings of the aforementioned CD.
DRIVER is:
Rob Rock - Vocals
Roy Z - Guitars
Reynold "Butch" Carlson - Drums
Ed Roth - Keyboards
Aaron Samson - Bass
Release dates:
Europe: May 25
U.S.: May 25
Japan: July 25 (with exclusive Japan bonus track)
According to a press release, "Countdown" is a mixture of brand new material and several rescued-from-the-vaults demo gems, which interlock seamlessly for a classic DRIVER-style album, aided by Roy Z's emphasis on vintage production values that harken back to the glory days of early 80's heavy metal ala DIO's "Holy Diver" and OZZY OSBOURNE's "Diary Of A Madman".
DRIVER is centered around Rock and Roy and features original drummer Reynold "Butch" Carlson (JAG PANZER, JOEY TAFOLLA, TRIBE AFTER TRIBE), along with seasoned players Ed Roth (GLENN HUGHES, RONNIE MONTROSE, IMPELLITTERI) on keyboards and Aaron Samson (ODIN, GEORGE LYNCH, JOHN 5) on bass.
Chiefly recorded and mixed at Roy Z's California-based studio, "Countdown" features additional contributions coming from bassists Ray Burke (LIFE AFTER DEATH, BRUCE DICKINSON) and Daniel Cordova (SHADES OF CRIMSON, VENGEANCE RISING), as well as veteran vocalist Mark Boals (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT). Mastering duties were again handled by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, SEPULTURA, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN).
"Countdown" track listing:
01. Return To The Sky
02. Rising Son
03. Countdown
04. Hollywood Shooting Star
05. Thief In The Night
06. Cry Of The Wounded
07. Always On My Mind
08. Feel The Fire
09. Destiny
10. Running From The Darkness
11. Babylon (exclusive European bonus track)
The last DRIVER album, "Sons Of Thunder", was released in September 2008 via Metal Heaven.
DRIVER issued a widely circulated five-song cassette EP demo in 1990 that garnered the band a dedicated worldwide following as well as attained cult status as one of the most underrated hard rock acts of its time. Since then, Rock and Roy Z have forged ahead to garner long successful careers in the music business. 2008 saw the reunion of the band which resulted in the recordings of the aforementioned CD.
DRIVER is:
Rob Rock - Vocals
Roy Z - Guitars
Reynold "Butch" Carlson - Drums
Ed Roth - Keyboards
Aaron Samson - Bass
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/drivercountdown.jpg
Ex-TNT singer Tony Harnell is rumored to be planning to rejoin his former bandmates for their 30th-anniversary concert on June 2 at the Clarion Hotel in Trondheim, Norway. The group will perform a special setlist while accompanied by the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra (Trondheim Symfoniorkester).
In a posting on his Facebook page, Harnell addressed the rumors of his one-off appearance with TNT by writing simply, "You never know," and adding a smiley face.
After leaving TNT in 2006, Harnell was replaced by British singer Tony Mills (SHY), who has since appeared on three studio albums from the band: 2007's "The New Territory", 2008's "Atlantis" and 2010's "A Farewell To Arms".
Harnell's final release as a member of TNT was the "Live in Madrid" DVD, which came out in September 2006 via MTM Music. The set, which was filmed on April 1, 2006 in Madrid, Spain, was accompanied by an 82-minute audio CD plus booklet liner notes from Harnell about his work with the group as well as an additional tour documentary by Darren Paltrowitz.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Harnell addressed the rumors of his one-off appearance with TNT by writing simply, "You never know," and adding a smiley face.
After leaving TNT in 2006, Harnell was replaced by British singer Tony Mills (SHY), who has since appeared on three studio albums from the band: 2007's "The New Territory", 2008's "Atlantis" and 2010's "A Farewell To Arms".
Harnell's final release as a member of TNT was the "Live in Madrid" DVD, which came out in September 2006 via MTM Music. The set, which was filmed on April 1, 2006 in Madrid, Spain, was accompanied by an 82-minute audio CD plus booklet liner notes from Harnell about his work with the group as well as an additional tour documentary by Darren Paltrowitz.
The ferocious debut— "Sold My Soul" — from Laura Wilde, the 22-year-old hard rock import from Down Under (Melbourne, Australia, to be exact) was enough to land her on the upcoming TED NUGENT tour. Wilde is exactly that. She's a hard-charging take-no-prisoners balls-to-the-wall rocker who wrote it all, sang it all, played lead guitar, bass guitar and drums on this, her gritty, powerful debut. Totally fearless, citing such influences as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Joan Jett, and Dave Grohl, Wilde intends to knock out crowds on her leg of the upcoming tour.
"It's truly an honor to be invited to tour the USA and I feel so privileged to be selected by such an established rocker, exclaims Wilde. "I promise to crank it up to 11 and shake the foundations before Ted brings the house down."
Playing her signature Flying V electric guitar (created specifically for her), Wilde writes the kind of songs that dig down deep into the essence of what makes rock'n'roll so timeless. Her music is bred of the pure mono-maniacal aesthetic that fueled all the greats from Chuck Berry on.
"I am really proud to finally present my debut album, 'Sold My Soul'. It is mostly an expression of the thoughts and feelings I experienced in my late teens. This album is almost an emotional journal touching on my dreams, wishes, lost loves and the adventure of growing up. It is an introduction to the body of work that I am really excited to share with my fans over time, a taste of things to come."
On stage, Wilde boils with raw, passionate energy, with all the fire and brimstone of an artist who has truly sold her soul to the music.
"If you have the spirit of rock'n'roll pumping through your veins," she says, "resistance is futile. You have no choice but to succumb to its power. It makes you crazy, it gives you the courage to do things you would never dream of doing. Rock 'n' roll is heaven and hell combined, but it's what I love and I'll fight for it to the end."
Laura Wilde, at 16, was playing bass professionally. Her bottomless capacity for guitar knowledge manifested itself at 17 during a well-timed job at an instrument store. She suffered through one year of college to please her parents ("I found the environment to be too suppressive and conservative," she says). At 18, her amazing chops landed her in recording studios as both a bassist and a guitarist for a plethora of major names. Her looks certainly didn't hurt as she wound up as a fixture on television ("Australia's Got Talent", as a presenter and part of the house band). Still, all she wanted to do was rock.
Now, with the release of "Sold My Soul", a video of the title-track single, and a series of dates with TED NUGENT, America will get to see what Australia already knows. Laura Wilde is the real deal. She will rock your socks off.
"It's truly an honor to be invited to tour the USA and I feel so privileged to be selected by such an established rocker, exclaims Wilde. "I promise to crank it up to 11 and shake the foundations before Ted brings the house down."
Playing her signature Flying V electric guitar (created specifically for her), Wilde writes the kind of songs that dig down deep into the essence of what makes rock'n'roll so timeless. Her music is bred of the pure mono-maniacal aesthetic that fueled all the greats from Chuck Berry on.
"I am really proud to finally present my debut album, 'Sold My Soul'. It is mostly an expression of the thoughts and feelings I experienced in my late teens. This album is almost an emotional journal touching on my dreams, wishes, lost loves and the adventure of growing up. It is an introduction to the body of work that I am really excited to share with my fans over time, a taste of things to come."
On stage, Wilde boils with raw, passionate energy, with all the fire and brimstone of an artist who has truly sold her soul to the music.
"If you have the spirit of rock'n'roll pumping through your veins," she says, "resistance is futile. You have no choice but to succumb to its power. It makes you crazy, it gives you the courage to do things you would never dream of doing. Rock 'n' roll is heaven and hell combined, but it's what I love and I'll fight for it to the end."
Laura Wilde, at 16, was playing bass professionally. Her bottomless capacity for guitar knowledge manifested itself at 17 during a well-timed job at an instrument store. She suffered through one year of college to please her parents ("I found the environment to be too suppressive and conservative," she says). At 18, her amazing chops landed her in recording studios as both a bassist and a guitarist for a plethora of major names. Her looks certainly didn't hurt as she wound up as a fixture on television ("Australia's Got Talent", as a presenter and part of the house band). Still, all she wanted to do was rock.
Now, with the release of "Sold My Soul", a video of the title-track single, and a series of dates with TED NUGENT, America will get to see what Australia already knows. Laura Wilde is the real deal. She will rock your socks off.
Norwegian thrashers DEAD TROOPER have announced the addition of bassist Andreas Stenvoll the group's ranks. The band comments, "Andreas plays with Norwegian stompers BLODSPOR and he is possibly one of the best finger-pickin' thrashmasters out there!!"
DEAD TROOPER last month parted ways with guitarist/vocalist Birger Larsen. A replacement guitarist has not yet been announced.
DEAD TROOPER recently released a live album with a bit of a difference. The eight-track effort, "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", with artwork by Danny Larsen, was released digitally on March 9, and is inspired by the band's appearance at Mexico's Wild Metal Fest last year which was rained off only one and a half songs into the set. As a result, the group decided to release a live studio recording of what would have been the entire show as a tribute to the fans who took DEAD TROOPER to their hearts after they performed an impromptu set at a local biker bar following the cancelation of the festival.
The members of DEAD TROOPER, who describe their music as "groovy, aggressive thrash metal," are currently on the hunt for a label to release what will be their sophomore full-length album.
"Kiss of the Kannibal", a track from "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", along with other songs from DEAD TROOPER can be heard using the SoundCloud player below.
For more information, visit www.deadtrooper.com.
DEAD TROOPER last month parted ways with guitarist/vocalist Birger Larsen. A replacement guitarist has not yet been announced.
DEAD TROOPER recently released a live album with a bit of a difference. The eight-track effort, "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", with artwork by Danny Larsen, was released digitally on March 9, and is inspired by the band's appearance at Mexico's Wild Metal Fest last year which was rained off only one and a half songs into the set. As a result, the group decided to release a live studio recording of what would have been the entire show as a tribute to the fans who took DEAD TROOPER to their hearts after they performed an impromptu set at a local biker bar following the cancelation of the festival.
The members of DEAD TROOPER, who describe their music as "groovy, aggressive thrash metal," are currently on the hunt for a label to release what will be their sophomore full-length album.
"Kiss of the Kannibal", a track from "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", along with other songs from DEAD TROOPER can be heard using the SoundCloud player below.
For more information, visit www.deadtrooper.com.
"Yesterworlds", a collection of early DARK TRANQUILLITY recordings gathered from the legendary "Trail Of Life" demo, the highly sought-after "A Moonclad Reflection" seven-inch single and songs from the long-out-of-print W.A.R. compilation as well as other unreleased gems, has just been released via Floga Records.
Specifications:
* 350gsm gatefold cover
* High glossy lamination with full-colored 220gsm (carton) printed inner sleeve with UV lacquer
* 12-page booklet in 7" size
* 400 x Yello/Blue
DARK TRANQUILLITY recently re-signed with Century Media Records. The influential band from Gothenburg released its first album on Century Media in 1999, and has since issued six full-length CDs, two DVDs and a handful of special releases.
DARK TRANQUILLITY's ninth album, "We Are The Void", sold around 2,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 15 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.
"We Are The Void" was released in North America on March 9, 2010 via Century Media Records. The LP was made available in Europe as a CD, digital download and strictly limited-edition die-cut digipak featuring two bonus songs ("Stars Of Nothingness" and "To Where Fires Cannot Feed") and a bonus DVD.
Specifications:
* 350gsm gatefold cover
* High glossy lamination with full-colored 220gsm (carton) printed inner sleeve with UV lacquer
* 12-page booklet in 7" size
* 400 x Yello/Blue
DARK TRANQUILLITY recently re-signed with Century Media Records. The influential band from Gothenburg released its first album on Century Media in 1999, and has since issued six full-length CDs, two DVDs and a handful of special releases.
DARK TRANQUILLITY's ninth album, "We Are The Void", sold around 2,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 15 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.
"We Are The Void" was released in North America on March 9, 2010 via Century Media Records. The LP was made available in Europe as a CD, digital download and strictly limited-edition die-cut digipak featuring two bonus songs ("Stars Of Nothingness" and "To Where Fires Cannot Feed") and a bonus DVD.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/tranqyester.jpg
Apostasy Records has announced signing of OVERTORTURE from Sweden. The band is currently recording its debut album for a late 2012 release.
OVERTORTURE was formed in 2011 by Magnus Martinsson, Joel Fornbrant, Fredrik Widigs and Jonas Torndal, known from bands like GRAVE, COLDWORKER and WITCHERY, with the mission to deliver new, fresh, groovy and pure crushing death metal.
Commented the band: "We're very happy to be a part of Apostasy Records roster, and very excited to working together with Tomasz Wisniewski and his team for the release of our debut album! At the moment we're busy recording and it's going great! It will be a kick-ass album for sure!"
One of the tracks from OVERTORTURE's 2011 demo-recording sessions, "Slaves To the Atom", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
OVERTORTURE is:
Joel Fornbrant (COLDWORKER) - Vocals
Magnus Martinsson (ex-GRAVE, ex-INSISION) - Guitar
Andreas Hemmander - Guitar
Jonas Torndal (ex-GRAVE) - Bass
Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, session WITCHERY) – Drums
OVERTORTURE was formed in 2011 by Magnus Martinsson, Joel Fornbrant, Fredrik Widigs and Jonas Torndal, known from bands like GRAVE, COLDWORKER and WITCHERY, with the mission to deliver new, fresh, groovy and pure crushing death metal.
Commented the band: "We're very happy to be a part of Apostasy Records roster, and very excited to working together with Tomasz Wisniewski and his team for the release of our debut album! At the moment we're busy recording and it's going great! It will be a kick-ass album for sure!"
One of the tracks from OVERTORTURE's 2011 demo-recording sessions, "Slaves To the Atom", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
OVERTORTURE is:
Joel Fornbrant (COLDWORKER) - Vocals
Magnus Martinsson (ex-GRAVE, ex-INSISION) - Guitar
Andreas Hemmander - Guitar
Jonas Torndal (ex-GRAVE) - Bass
Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, session WITCHERY) – Drums
PIRALARMS, the San Francisco Bay Area-based band featuring Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN, ex-MANMADEGOD) on guitar, Tim Narducci (ex-SYSTEMATIC) on vocals, Chris "Cornbread" Lombardo on bass, Brad Barth on keyboards, Anthony Traslavina on rhythm guitar and Ron Redeen on drums, will release its sophomore album, "Freedom", in June.
A one-minute YouTube clip containing an audio snippet of the new SPIRALARMS track "Dropping Like Flies" can be found below.
Commented Locicero: "When I joined back up with FORBIDDEN in 2008, we put SPIRAL on hold longer than we ever intended it to happen.
"I love this band, man!
"Tim Narducci has been finishing up the mixes for 'Freedom' over the last few weeks and it kicks some MASSIVE ASS!
"There's a very positive response to the songs from every turn in the industry right now, and that's exciting, but I think we've all gotten over the idea of becoming huge and just want to do things right. SPIRAL can be a kick-ass cult band and maybe a lot more, but we're cool letting momentum take us wherever we may end up. Great f'n band and I am committed to seeing things through. Can't wait for everyone to hear it!"
SPIRALARMS released its full-length debut, "Highest Society", in June 2010 through Luxury Buzz, the label started by Narducci and Barth, in association with Apache Productions.
SPIRALARMS is:
Tim Narducci - Vocals/Guitar
Craig Locicero - Guitar
Anthony Traslavina - Guitar
Chris "Cornbread" Lombardo - Bass/Vocal
Brad Barth - Keyboards
Ron Redeen – Drums
A one-minute YouTube clip containing an audio snippet of the new SPIRALARMS track "Dropping Like Flies" can be found below.
Commented Locicero: "When I joined back up with FORBIDDEN in 2008, we put SPIRAL on hold longer than we ever intended it to happen.
"I love this band, man!
"Tim Narducci has been finishing up the mixes for 'Freedom' over the last few weeks and it kicks some MASSIVE ASS!
"There's a very positive response to the songs from every turn in the industry right now, and that's exciting, but I think we've all gotten over the idea of becoming huge and just want to do things right. SPIRAL can be a kick-ass cult band and maybe a lot more, but we're cool letting momentum take us wherever we may end up. Great f'n band and I am committed to seeing things through. Can't wait for everyone to hear it!"
SPIRALARMS released its full-length debut, "Highest Society", in June 2010 through Luxury Buzz, the label started by Narducci and Barth, in association with Apache Productions.
SPIRALARMS is:
Tim Narducci - Vocals/Guitar
Craig Locicero - Guitar
Anthony Traslavina - Guitar
Chris "Cornbread" Lombardo - Bass/Vocal
Brad Barth - Keyboards
Ron Redeen – Drums
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/spiralarmsfreedom.jpg
Michigan's unstoppable sons of molten melodic death metal THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER have officially announced the addition of bassist Max Lavelle (BURN IN SILENCE, GORATORY, DESPISED ICON) to the group's ranks.
Commented singer Trevor Strnad: "Well, kids, enough with all the secrets… it's about time we in THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER clue you fans in and tell all about our recent hush-hush bassist situation…
"I'm sure some of you who have seen us on tour in the last months have grown curious as to who this mystery man bass extraordinaire could be and have wondered what longtime bassist Ryan 'Bart' Williams could be up to.
"After months of tip-toeing around it, we've decided to break the silence and let you guys know the truth.
"After six long, grueling years of relentless back-to-back touring, Ryan Williams has decided to step down from his full-time position in THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER to pursue a career in recording. Although the remaining members are indeed saddened by his decision, the good news is that Ryan will still be involved in the band in many ways, from continued contributions of songwriting (Ryan wrote those sick Robocop riffs in 'Malenchantments Of The Necrosphere', amongst several others, mind you) to overseeing and co-producing future THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER recordings.
"As you will clearly see by the statements of all parties involved, the change is completely amicable, and the love and brotherhood we've shared with Ryan over the years remains untarnished. We wish him the absolute best of luck with Augmented Audio and all of his future endeavors.
"Max Lavelle was literally the first idea of a replacement for Ryan. We had toured alongside him when he was playing with DESPISED ICON a few different times and had the chance to become pretty good friends with the guy as well as be allowed the chance to see him perform live many times. Max is a diehard metal head, a great bassist, a monstrous live presence and a welcome shot of energy into the bloodstream of this band. His enthusiasm for forwarding the whole is inspiring and exactly what we need at this point in time."
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's latest album, "Ritual", sold 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 31 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Deflorate", opened with around 12,000 units to enter the chart at No. 43.
Commented singer Trevor Strnad: "Well, kids, enough with all the secrets… it's about time we in THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER clue you fans in and tell all about our recent hush-hush bassist situation…
"I'm sure some of you who have seen us on tour in the last months have grown curious as to who this mystery man bass extraordinaire could be and have wondered what longtime bassist Ryan 'Bart' Williams could be up to.
"After months of tip-toeing around it, we've decided to break the silence and let you guys know the truth.
"After six long, grueling years of relentless back-to-back touring, Ryan Williams has decided to step down from his full-time position in THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER to pursue a career in recording. Although the remaining members are indeed saddened by his decision, the good news is that Ryan will still be involved in the band in many ways, from continued contributions of songwriting (Ryan wrote those sick Robocop riffs in 'Malenchantments Of The Necrosphere', amongst several others, mind you) to overseeing and co-producing future THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER recordings.
"As you will clearly see by the statements of all parties involved, the change is completely amicable, and the love and brotherhood we've shared with Ryan over the years remains untarnished. We wish him the absolute best of luck with Augmented Audio and all of his future endeavors.
"Max Lavelle was literally the first idea of a replacement for Ryan. We had toured alongside him when he was playing with DESPISED ICON a few different times and had the chance to become pretty good friends with the guy as well as be allowed the chance to see him perform live many times. Max is a diehard metal head, a great bassist, a monstrous live presence and a welcome shot of energy into the bloodstream of this band. His enthusiasm for forwarding the whole is inspiring and exactly what we need at this point in time."
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's latest album, "Ritual", sold 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 31 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Deflorate", opened with around 12,000 units to enter the chart at No. 43.
Swedish Viking metallers KING OF ASGARD have finished recording their second album, "…To North", at Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden with engineer Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND guitarist) at the helm. A July release is expected.
Comments bassist Jonas Albrektsson: "The '…To North' master just arrived and it sounds astonishing! Andy La Rocque made a great job on the production and the mastering along with Olof Berggren. It's upright and powerful. We feel very proud of what we achieved on this recording and merely the sound of it makes it a worthy follow-up to the firstborn 'Fi'mbulvintr'. Songs and sounds came out much as of what we planned, with power and a great variety. '…To North' takes off pretty much where 'Fi'mbulvintr' left off, so to say, with a natural development, more varied songs and structures. It's a development of our sound which will be recognized by old fans as well as bring some new ones to the horde. This time around I've been more involved in the writing process along with Karl, which kind of shines through, giving the songs a wider perspective. Expect some very strong songs on '…To North', where epic meets with brutality! The lyrical theme this time is basically in the same vein but has different twists. Not as obvious as before. '…To North' will make The Nine Worlds Burn… and Varberg was just left behind."
Songtitles set to appear on "…To North" include "Gap Of Ginnungs", "Plague-Ridden Rebirth", "Nordvegr", "Upon The Mountain" and "The Nine Worlds Burn".
"…To North" is the first KING OF ASGARD album to feature second guitar player Lars Tängmark.
KING OF ASGARD is:
Karl Beckman - Vocals/Guitars
Lars Tängmark - Guitars
Jonas Albrektsson – Bass
Karsten Larsson - Drums
Comments bassist Jonas Albrektsson: "The '…To North' master just arrived and it sounds astonishing! Andy La Rocque made a great job on the production and the mastering along with Olof Berggren. It's upright and powerful. We feel very proud of what we achieved on this recording and merely the sound of it makes it a worthy follow-up to the firstborn 'Fi'mbulvintr'. Songs and sounds came out much as of what we planned, with power and a great variety. '…To North' takes off pretty much where 'Fi'mbulvintr' left off, so to say, with a natural development, more varied songs and structures. It's a development of our sound which will be recognized by old fans as well as bring some new ones to the horde. This time around I've been more involved in the writing process along with Karl, which kind of shines through, giving the songs a wider perspective. Expect some very strong songs on '…To North', where epic meets with brutality! The lyrical theme this time is basically in the same vein but has different twists. Not as obvious as before. '…To North' will make The Nine Worlds Burn… and Varberg was just left behind."
Songtitles set to appear on "…To North" include "Gap Of Ginnungs", "Plague-Ridden Rebirth", "Nordvegr", "Upon The Mountain" and "The Nine Worlds Burn".
"…To North" is the first KING OF ASGARD album to feature second guitar player Lars Tängmark.
KING OF ASGARD is:
Karl Beckman - Vocals/Guitars
Lars Tängmark - Guitars
Jonas Albrektsson – Bass
Karsten Larsson - Drums
Finnish death/thrash metallers THE UNDIVINE will release their sophomore album, "Delusional Noise", on May 18 via Inverse Records.
According to a press release, "Delusional Noise" is "a theme album about insanity divided into two brain blocks. The left cortex titled Secretary Of Lunacy deals with the outcome resulting from substances, fear and paranoia. The right cortex titled Strength, Hope And Fall deals with so called 'mechanical keys' used to open the gate to oblivion. The end not necessarily meaning death, but an end of an episode or some kind of change. The central character from both stories are indeed insane, but don't see themselves that way. Instead they see themselves as the solution for their problems, whatever they are."
"Delusional Noise" track listing:
Left Cortex - Secretary of Lunacy
01. Columbian Tie
02. Satellite Monarchy
03. 'Til Dreads Come Home
04. Seduction
Right Cortex - Strength, Hope and Fall
05. Landmine Marathon
06. The Walker Experience
07. One Step to Parabellum
08. Balisong Flip
09. Delusional Noise
THE UNDIVINE is:
Henri Harberg - Vocals
Iiro Illman - Guitar
Juha Pakalén - Guitar
Ville Riihelä - Bass
Rainer Tuomikanto - Drums (session)
According to a press release, "Delusional Noise" is "a theme album about insanity divided into two brain blocks. The left cortex titled Secretary Of Lunacy deals with the outcome resulting from substances, fear and paranoia. The right cortex titled Strength, Hope And Fall deals with so called 'mechanical keys' used to open the gate to oblivion. The end not necessarily meaning death, but an end of an episode or some kind of change. The central character from both stories are indeed insane, but don't see themselves that way. Instead they see themselves as the solution for their problems, whatever they are."
"Delusional Noise" track listing:
Left Cortex - Secretary of Lunacy
01. Columbian Tie
02. Satellite Monarchy
03. 'Til Dreads Come Home
04. Seduction
Right Cortex - Strength, Hope and Fall
05. Landmine Marathon
06. The Walker Experience
07. One Step to Parabellum
08. Balisong Flip
09. Delusional Noise
THE UNDIVINE is:
Henri Harberg - Vocals
Iiro Illman - Guitar
Juha Pakalén - Guitar
Ville Riihelä - Bass
Rainer Tuomikanto - Drums (session)
Diana Brancoveanu of Steel And Fire recently conducted an interview with vocalist/bassist Johnny Hedlund of Swedish death metal veterans UNLEASHED. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Steel And Fire: So, let's get straight to the point: [the new UNLEASHED album] "Odalheim". It sounds amazing, and I have to say that I really love the concept. Can you tell us a bit more about the writing and thinking process behind it… especially as a continuation to "As Yggdrasil Trembles"?
Hedlund: "Odalheim" is a book I have been working on for about seven years and it just never seem to get finished, so we figured it was time to release the "chapters" as songs instead. The fundamental idea was to write a continuation on the Viking tradition instead of just relying on past mythology. It all started on the three first songs on "Yggdrasil", as you mentioned. And then continued on "Odalheim" which is the new world after Ragnarok. "Odalheim" is all about the Midgard Warriors that survive Ragnarok and carry on the Viking tradition into the new world.
Steel And Fire: It seems to me that you guys are progressing the musical style — and that your own black metal influences are a bit more obvious. Is this a road you are going to continue on?
Hedlund: I don't think it is all that purposely done. Influences are not something that are an exact science. The roots are, however, and we always keep developing and keep the roots of death metal. Black metal is like a close friend or a family member, so it is also something that is there to stay. It may be more obvious on this album but come next, you never know.
Steel And Fire: Do you feel that the work that you guys and other Scandinavian bands like GRAND MAGUS, etc., are doing, in bringing forward and putting emphasis on the original Scandinavian religion and culture, will change the self perceived image of more than just the metalheads that are following you? Is this your way of reclaiming your land's own cultural identity?
Hedlund: In a way, you're right, but it is also a personal war. I don't think for a second I can change the world. But I can promote the Viking traditions and values to those who give a damn. Others need not bother. Go against us and we will fight back with the strength and determination of a true Viking warrior. But I think it is very important to show to the world who has the right to interpret the Viking traditions and values. The Nazis sure as hell did not. Neither do the Christians of today or any other religious or political dogma. These traditions and values are meant for people of many colours and places of the world. Not just Scandinavian people. Being a Viking is about many things...like how you treat your family and friends. It's in the spririt, not the place of birth etc.
Steel And Fire: After doing this for so long... how do you see the industry in how it has changed and how did that affect you?
Hedlund: It hasn't changed much and that's a bad thing. All record deals, for example, are written by the Mafia way back in the early 1900-something and if I call a lawyer at any record company, they will have a hard time explaining what and how to interpret the legal meaning of said record deal. So if you argue with them… they will just send you a mail back saying you don't understand… while it is obvious that THEY don't understand since they can't answer and explain a simple line in there. Pretty sad. But it is all about power. Musicians have little power… large companies have lots of power and they want to keep it that way… by saying you need not bother about details in record deals, etc.
Steel And Fire: So, let's get straight to the point: [the new UNLEASHED album] "Odalheim". It sounds amazing, and I have to say that I really love the concept. Can you tell us a bit more about the writing and thinking process behind it… especially as a continuation to "As Yggdrasil Trembles"?
Hedlund: "Odalheim" is a book I have been working on for about seven years and it just never seem to get finished, so we figured it was time to release the "chapters" as songs instead. The fundamental idea was to write a continuation on the Viking tradition instead of just relying on past mythology. It all started on the three first songs on "Yggdrasil", as you mentioned. And then continued on "Odalheim" which is the new world after Ragnarok. "Odalheim" is all about the Midgard Warriors that survive Ragnarok and carry on the Viking tradition into the new world.
Steel And Fire: It seems to me that you guys are progressing the musical style — and that your own black metal influences are a bit more obvious. Is this a road you are going to continue on?
Hedlund: I don't think it is all that purposely done. Influences are not something that are an exact science. The roots are, however, and we always keep developing and keep the roots of death metal. Black metal is like a close friend or a family member, so it is also something that is there to stay. It may be more obvious on this album but come next, you never know.
Steel And Fire: Do you feel that the work that you guys and other Scandinavian bands like GRAND MAGUS, etc., are doing, in bringing forward and putting emphasis on the original Scandinavian religion and culture, will change the self perceived image of more than just the metalheads that are following you? Is this your way of reclaiming your land's own cultural identity?
Hedlund: In a way, you're right, but it is also a personal war. I don't think for a second I can change the world. But I can promote the Viking traditions and values to those who give a damn. Others need not bother. Go against us and we will fight back with the strength and determination of a true Viking warrior. But I think it is very important to show to the world who has the right to interpret the Viking traditions and values. The Nazis sure as hell did not. Neither do the Christians of today or any other religious or political dogma. These traditions and values are meant for people of many colours and places of the world. Not just Scandinavian people. Being a Viking is about many things...like how you treat your family and friends. It's in the spririt, not the place of birth etc.
Steel And Fire: After doing this for so long... how do you see the industry in how it has changed and how did that affect you?
Hedlund: It hasn't changed much and that's a bad thing. All record deals, for example, are written by the Mafia way back in the early 1900-something and if I call a lawyer at any record company, they will have a hard time explaining what and how to interpret the legal meaning of said record deal. So if you argue with them… they will just send you a mail back saying you don't understand… while it is obvious that THEY don't understand since they can't answer and explain a simple line in there. Pretty sad. But it is all about power. Musicians have little power… large companies have lots of power and they want to keep it that way… by saying you need not bother about details in record deals, etc.
Knoxville, Tennessee death metallers WHITECHAPEL will release their self-titled fourth album on June 19 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was engineered and mixed by Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEVILDRIVER), who also handled production duties alongside the band. The artwork was created by Aaron Marsh of Forefathers Group with art direction provided by WHITECHAPEL.
The first single from "Whitechapel", entitled "Hate Creation", is available for streaming below.
"Whitechapel" track listing:
01. Make It Bleed
02. Hate Creation
03. (Cult)uralist
04. I, Dementia
05. Section 8
06. Faces
07. Dead Silence
08. The Night Remains
09. Devoid
10. Possibilities Of An Impossible Existence
A press release states: "Having spent several years lauded as one of the frontrunners in their genre, in 2012 WHITECHAPEL stand as a defining force in contemporary heavy music. Building dramatically on the trademarked bludgeon of their first three releases, with WHITECHAPEL the Tennessean sextet have inarguably delivered their most intense, dynamic, and downright hostile record to date. Drenched in atmospheric darkness, the record is also rife with gripping melodies that drag the listener in to the tumult, willing or otherwise, and across its ten tracks it is infused with an emotional depth that pointedly separates the band from the plethora of two-dimensional mosh-starters that have sprung up in their wake."
In a recent interview with Capital Chaos, WHITECHAPEL guitarist Zach Householder stated about the band's the forthcoming CD, "Everybody always says, 'Do stuff more like 'The Somatic Defilement' [2007] or 'This Is Exile' [2008], but every album, we always try to do it differently for a change." He added, "[The new material] probably has some faster stuff like 'A New Era Of Corruption' [2010], but it's definitely got some slower stuff, too. It's groovier and it's got more hooks and catches.
"If you're a 'The Somatic Defilement' fan, you're gonna like it, but if you're expecting [another] 'The Somatic Defilement', you're not gonna get it. It's still gonna be heavy. It's WHITECHAPEL. It's gonna be angry; it's very pissed off. I don't know what else to say… It's us trying to do it in our own way as opposed to us trying to live up to what people's expectations are of us. We don't wanna alienate our fans by any means. It's just that we want them to sit there and go, 'OK, well, this band does this one thing, and they do it differently every time.' So I guess you either like it or you hate it. Even so, if you do it differently the next time, you might gain more fans."
Returning to their rightful place on the road, the members of WHITECHAPEL are enthused to take these new songs to their rabid fan base. They stand confident in their belief that their followers will hungrily devour the latest evolution of their sound, and having dramatically bolstered their fan base through blowing away the unsuspecting crowds on 2010's Warped Tour they are sure to draw in new adherents anywhere they play.
WHITECHAPEL is set to tour with MISS MAY I, AFTER THE BURIAL, WITHIN THE RUINS, and THE PLOT IN YOU as part of the "Recorruptor", kicking off May 3 in Louisville, Kentucky and running through May 17 in Portland, Maine. Immediately following the tour, the band is set to play at this year's Bamboozle festival is Asbury Park, New Jersey on May 18. WHITECHAPEL will also be a part of this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, which starts June 30.
WHITECHAPEL's most recent EP, "Recorrupted", came out in November. The effort featured a brand new track titled "Section 8", a cover of PANTERA's "Strength Beyond Strength", an acoustic version of "End OF Flesh", and remixes of "Breeding Violence" by BIG CHOCOLATE and "This Is Exile" by Ben Weinman from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.
"Section 8" and "Strength Beyond Strength" marked WHITECHAPEL's very first recordings with drummer Ben Harclerode of the Glendale, Arizona band KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS, who replaced Kevin Lane in 2010.
WHITECHAPEL's third album, "A New Era Of Corruption", sold around 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on The Billboard 200 chart.
WHITECHAPEL's previous album, "This Is Exile", opened with 5,900 copies in July 2008 to land at No. 117.
The first single from "Whitechapel", entitled "Hate Creation", is available for streaming below.
"Whitechapel" track listing:
01. Make It Bleed
02. Hate Creation
03. (Cult)uralist
04. I, Dementia
05. Section 8
06. Faces
07. Dead Silence
08. The Night Remains
09. Devoid
10. Possibilities Of An Impossible Existence
A press release states: "Having spent several years lauded as one of the frontrunners in their genre, in 2012 WHITECHAPEL stand as a defining force in contemporary heavy music. Building dramatically on the trademarked bludgeon of their first three releases, with WHITECHAPEL the Tennessean sextet have inarguably delivered their most intense, dynamic, and downright hostile record to date. Drenched in atmospheric darkness, the record is also rife with gripping melodies that drag the listener in to the tumult, willing or otherwise, and across its ten tracks it is infused with an emotional depth that pointedly separates the band from the plethora of two-dimensional mosh-starters that have sprung up in their wake."
In a recent interview with Capital Chaos, WHITECHAPEL guitarist Zach Householder stated about the band's the forthcoming CD, "Everybody always says, 'Do stuff more like 'The Somatic Defilement' [2007] or 'This Is Exile' [2008], but every album, we always try to do it differently for a change." He added, "[The new material] probably has some faster stuff like 'A New Era Of Corruption' [2010], but it's definitely got some slower stuff, too. It's groovier and it's got more hooks and catches.
"If you're a 'The Somatic Defilement' fan, you're gonna like it, but if you're expecting [another] 'The Somatic Defilement', you're not gonna get it. It's still gonna be heavy. It's WHITECHAPEL. It's gonna be angry; it's very pissed off. I don't know what else to say… It's us trying to do it in our own way as opposed to us trying to live up to what people's expectations are of us. We don't wanna alienate our fans by any means. It's just that we want them to sit there and go, 'OK, well, this band does this one thing, and they do it differently every time.' So I guess you either like it or you hate it. Even so, if you do it differently the next time, you might gain more fans."
Returning to their rightful place on the road, the members of WHITECHAPEL are enthused to take these new songs to their rabid fan base. They stand confident in their belief that their followers will hungrily devour the latest evolution of their sound, and having dramatically bolstered their fan base through blowing away the unsuspecting crowds on 2010's Warped Tour they are sure to draw in new adherents anywhere they play.
WHITECHAPEL is set to tour with MISS MAY I, AFTER THE BURIAL, WITHIN THE RUINS, and THE PLOT IN YOU as part of the "Recorruptor", kicking off May 3 in Louisville, Kentucky and running through May 17 in Portland, Maine. Immediately following the tour, the band is set to play at this year's Bamboozle festival is Asbury Park, New Jersey on May 18. WHITECHAPEL will also be a part of this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, which starts June 30.
WHITECHAPEL's most recent EP, "Recorrupted", came out in November. The effort featured a brand new track titled "Section 8", a cover of PANTERA's "Strength Beyond Strength", an acoustic version of "End OF Flesh", and remixes of "Breeding Violence" by BIG CHOCOLATE and "This Is Exile" by Ben Weinman from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.
"Section 8" and "Strength Beyond Strength" marked WHITECHAPEL's very first recordings with drummer Ben Harclerode of the Glendale, Arizona band KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS, who replaced Kevin Lane in 2010.
WHITECHAPEL's third album, "A New Era Of Corruption", sold around 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on The Billboard 200 chart.
WHITECHAPEL's previous album, "This Is Exile", opened with 5,900 copies in July 2008 to land at No. 117.
Jordanian dark oriental metallers BILOCATE will release their new album, "Summoning The Bygones", on June 11 via Code666 Records (Aural Music). The artwork was designed by by Matthew Vickerstaff of U.K.'s Darkwave Art (MY DYING BRIDE, DEICIDE, MORBID ANGEL, CRADLE OF FILTH, DECAPITATED, HATE ETERNAL). The CD was mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studio in Sweden with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, BLOODBATH, AMON AMARTH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST).
According to a press release, "Summoning The Bygones" includes a reworked version of the song "Days Of Joy" under a new title, as well as cover version of PARADISE LOST's "Dead Emotion".
The tracks "Hypia" and the 20-minute "A Desire To Leave" feature a guest appearance on vocals by Dan Swanö (ex-EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, NIGHTINGALE).
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. The Tragedy Within
02. Beyond Inner Sleep
03. A Deadly Path
04. Passage
05. Dead Emotion (PARADISE LOST cover)
06. Hypia
07. 2nd War In Heaven
08. A Desire To Leave
I. Obscurity
II. Surrounding Hell
III …Of Leaving
According to a press release, "Summoning The Bygones" includes a reworked version of the song "Days Of Joy" under a new title, as well as cover version of PARADISE LOST's "Dead Emotion".
The tracks "Hypia" and the 20-minute "A Desire To Leave" feature a guest appearance on vocals by Dan Swanö (ex-EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, NIGHTINGALE).
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. The Tragedy Within
02. Beyond Inner Sleep
03. A Deadly Path
04. Passage
05. Dead Emotion (PARADISE LOST cover)
06. Hypia
07. 2nd War In Heaven
08. A Desire To Leave
I. Obscurity
II. Surrounding Hell
III …Of Leaving
Resurrected German death metallers MORGOTH will release their first-ever live album and DVD, "Cursed To Live", on June 25 via Century Media Records. The audio tracks were mixed at Unisound Studio in Sweden with Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA, DISSECTION).
"Cursed To Live" is the documentation of MORGOTH's ongoing 20th-anniversary celebration of the band's all-time classic album "Cursed" (released by Century Media Records in 1991). It will be released on CD, a limited DVD+2CD as well as a limited deluxe 2LP. The live show featured on the album was recorded at the band's triumphant show headlining Way Of Darkness festival 2011, at which MORGOTH performed an extensive set of 15 songs, with the main focus on the songs off "Cursed". The cover artwork — with an intentional nod to the original "Cursed" art — was designed by the renowned artist Dirk Rudolph (RAMMSTEIN, IN EXTREMO, APOCALYPTICA), who had also created the original artwork for "Cursed" 21 years ago.
Commented MORGOTH: "By the end of June, we will be finally releasing our career's first-ever official live DVD/live album, 'Cursed To Live'. Get ready for the full power of MORGOTH during the 2011/2012 'Cursed' reunion! The package's main show is a 70 min. live recording of the Way Of Darkness festival show that we played on October 7th, 2011 in Lichtenfels, Germany. Next to this main feature, we also added plenty of extra bonus material for the DVD format (like the early, original promo clips and more recent live footage) and its companion bonus disc (composed of live songs from Rock Hard Festival and Wacken Open Air, both in 2011). There will even be a gatefold 2LP release of the live album, so this is all sounding and looking really cool…Watch out!"
"22 years ago I proudly wore a MORGOTH t-shirt on the group-photo for the first EDGE OF SANITY album," Dan said. "Any metalhead knows that for the really important photos, you only wear what you truly worship!!! Sometime during the mix sessions of the live material I had to pinch my arm to make sure I wasn't dreaming! It's always a great vibe when something in your life comes 'full circle,' and this is one of those moments for me!"
MORGOTH will return to North American ground by appearing at Baltimore's acclaimed Maryland Deathfest on May 27. Furthermore, the band will perform at Neurotic Deathfest (The Netherlands), Brutal Assault (Czech Republic) as well as the following events in Germany: Winternachtstraum (Arnsberg), Walpurgis Metal Dayz (Passau), Rock Harz (Ballenstedt) and Summer Breeze (Dinkelsbühl).
For a complete list of dates, visit the band's Facebook page.
Video footage of MORGOTH's August 5, 2011 performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany can be viewed below.
The band's setlist was as follows:
01. Body Count
02. Exit To Temptation
03. Travel
04. Resistance
05. Suffer Life
06. Under the Surface
07. Burnt Identity
08. Sold Baptism
09. Pits of Utumno
10. Isolated
11. White Gallery
MORGOTH is:
Marc Grewe - Vocals
Harry Busse - Guitar
Sebastian Swart - Guitar
Sotirios "Soti" Kelekides - Bass
Marc Reign – Drums
"Cursed To Live" is the documentation of MORGOTH's ongoing 20th-anniversary celebration of the band's all-time classic album "Cursed" (released by Century Media Records in 1991). It will be released on CD, a limited DVD+2CD as well as a limited deluxe 2LP. The live show featured on the album was recorded at the band's triumphant show headlining Way Of Darkness festival 2011, at which MORGOTH performed an extensive set of 15 songs, with the main focus on the songs off "Cursed". The cover artwork — with an intentional nod to the original "Cursed" art — was designed by the renowned artist Dirk Rudolph (RAMMSTEIN, IN EXTREMO, APOCALYPTICA), who had also created the original artwork for "Cursed" 21 years ago.
Commented MORGOTH: "By the end of June, we will be finally releasing our career's first-ever official live DVD/live album, 'Cursed To Live'. Get ready for the full power of MORGOTH during the 2011/2012 'Cursed' reunion! The package's main show is a 70 min. live recording of the Way Of Darkness festival show that we played on October 7th, 2011 in Lichtenfels, Germany. Next to this main feature, we also added plenty of extra bonus material for the DVD format (like the early, original promo clips and more recent live footage) and its companion bonus disc (composed of live songs from Rock Hard Festival and Wacken Open Air, both in 2011). There will even be a gatefold 2LP release of the live album, so this is all sounding and looking really cool…Watch out!"
"22 years ago I proudly wore a MORGOTH t-shirt on the group-photo for the first EDGE OF SANITY album," Dan said. "Any metalhead knows that for the really important photos, you only wear what you truly worship!!! Sometime during the mix sessions of the live material I had to pinch my arm to make sure I wasn't dreaming! It's always a great vibe when something in your life comes 'full circle,' and this is one of those moments for me!"
MORGOTH will return to North American ground by appearing at Baltimore's acclaimed Maryland Deathfest on May 27. Furthermore, the band will perform at Neurotic Deathfest (The Netherlands), Brutal Assault (Czech Republic) as well as the following events in Germany: Winternachtstraum (Arnsberg), Walpurgis Metal Dayz (Passau), Rock Harz (Ballenstedt) and Summer Breeze (Dinkelsbühl).
For a complete list of dates, visit the band's Facebook page.
Video footage of MORGOTH's August 5, 2011 performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany can be viewed below.
The band's setlist was as follows:
01. Body Count
02. Exit To Temptation
03. Travel
04. Resistance
05. Suffer Life
06. Under the Surface
07. Burnt Identity
08. Sold Baptism
09. Pits of Utumno
10. Isolated
11. White Gallery
MORGOTH is:
Marc Grewe - Vocals
Harry Busse - Guitar
Sebastian Swart - Guitar
Sotirios "Soti" Kelekides - Bass
Marc Reign – Drums
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/morgothcurseddvd.jpg
Bullet Tooth has announced the signing of THE PARAMEDIC.
Intensity, emotion and raw power are three ways to describe Dayton, Ohio's THE PARAMEDIC. But to pigeon hole the band with just three words would simply be an injustice to this group.
Formed in late 2010 by friends Jake Nolan (guitar), Travis Adkins (bass), Tony Hovater (drums), Sean Salasny (guitar) and Mike Luciano (lead vocals), THE PARAMEDIC is poised to spearhead the next generation of dynamic metalcore bands, thanks in part to Luciano's diverse R&B background. The band delivers a unique mix blending the insanity of ASKING ALEXANDRIA, the electro-sensibilities of ATTACK ATTACK, and the soulfulness of Jonny Craig.
Living the dream is a philosophy that Luciano and the guys thrive to live out on a daily basis and will have nothing stand in their way. Against his parents' wishes, Luciano dropped out of college to pursue his dream of making it in the world of music. This intense internal struggle has made Luciano's lyrics a personal one-of-a-kind statement that range from raising awareness towards rape to standing up for what you believe in. Judging by the nearly 300,000 views of their cover of Lil' Wayne's "6 Foot 7 Foot" on YouTube and their 40,000 fans on Facebook, all of the hard work and life altering decisions have been worth it.
In early 2012, the band's dream finally came together when New Jersey based-record label Bullet Tooth signed THE PARAMEDIC to a deal. Joining other acts such as AFFIANCE and SERIANNA, the band is sure to reach new audiences that they only ever dreamed about.
"It's been our dream to not only be signed to a label, but also to a label that we know and trust and with Bullet Tooth, we know we are getting just that," said Luciano.
THE PARAMEDIC is currently in pre-production for its debut full-length, to be released sometime in late 2012. Luciano went on to say, "We could have never done this without the help of a reputable label and now that we have the backing of an amazing label, we plan on making nothing but the best for our fans. We cannot wait to see what the future holds."
Intensity, emotion and raw power are three ways to describe Dayton, Ohio's THE PARAMEDIC. But to pigeon hole the band with just three words would simply be an injustice to this group.
Formed in late 2010 by friends Jake Nolan (guitar), Travis Adkins (bass), Tony Hovater (drums), Sean Salasny (guitar) and Mike Luciano (lead vocals), THE PARAMEDIC is poised to spearhead the next generation of dynamic metalcore bands, thanks in part to Luciano's diverse R&B background. The band delivers a unique mix blending the insanity of ASKING ALEXANDRIA, the electro-sensibilities of ATTACK ATTACK, and the soulfulness of Jonny Craig.
Living the dream is a philosophy that Luciano and the guys thrive to live out on a daily basis and will have nothing stand in their way. Against his parents' wishes, Luciano dropped out of college to pursue his dream of making it in the world of music. This intense internal struggle has made Luciano's lyrics a personal one-of-a-kind statement that range from raising awareness towards rape to standing up for what you believe in. Judging by the nearly 300,000 views of their cover of Lil' Wayne's "6 Foot 7 Foot" on YouTube and their 40,000 fans on Facebook, all of the hard work and life altering decisions have been worth it.
In early 2012, the band's dream finally came together when New Jersey based-record label Bullet Tooth signed THE PARAMEDIC to a deal. Joining other acts such as AFFIANCE and SERIANNA, the band is sure to reach new audiences that they only ever dreamed about.
"It's been our dream to not only be signed to a label, but also to a label that we know and trust and with Bullet Tooth, we know we are getting just that," said Luciano.
THE PARAMEDIC is currently in pre-production for its debut full-length, to be released sometime in late 2012. Luciano went on to say, "We could have never done this without the help of a reputable label and now that we have the backing of an amazing label, we plan on making nothing but the best for our fans. We cannot wait to see what the future holds."
__._,_.___
.
__,_._,___
0 comments:
Post a Comment