[Classic_Rock_Forever] Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, Slash, Soundgarden, Motorhead, Buckcherry and tons more hard rock and heavy metal news

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According to the Los Angeles Times, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife/manager Sharon have sold their oceanfront house in Malibu, California for $7.925 million. Listed at $10 million last year, the price had been reduced to $8.795 million.

Located on La Costa Beach, the home — which has been on the market since 2006 — was originally listed for $14 million.

The Osbournes originally bought the 4,500-square-foot home for $5.1 million in March 2003, and had reportedly been renting it over the years while holing up primarily in the Hidden Hills, California, home they bought in 2007.
 
 

"Jamming with Ozzy Osbourne - to me this is like the top of the mountain!"

If you ever need an example of a young, talented hotshot who has made his way, thanks to hard work and determination, through the ranks of the musical hierarchy to achieve fame and global recognition, then Gus G is your perfect man.

Having formed power metal band Firewind in 1998, unto which he has projected a considerable amount of time and effort into developing, Gus has been a part of the making of six solid studio albums and countless energetic live shows. Evidently not content with just one steady and respectable musical venture, he has also lent his six-string services to the likes of Arch Enemy, Nightrage and Rob Rock as a guest musician.

His remarkable finger dexterity and fret play, supported by an excellent and impressive sense of musical phrasing, recently landed him the spot of lead guitarist in legendary Ozzy Osbourne's band. Since 2009, Gus has contributed to a modern manifestation of one of the most quintessentially classic metal bands of all time, an honour which undoubtedly earns him the tag of a talented and resolute musician.

With a new Firewind album set for release in May, we were lucky enough to catch up with the man himself for a chat about Ozzy, guitars and wanking. Yup.

AltSounds: Hey Gus! How're you doing man?

Gus G: I'm fine thanks!

AltSounds: Good stuff! How's your day been so far?

Gus G: Yeah! So far, so good.

AltSounds: How're you finding it over here in rainy England?

Gus G: Good! Yeah, I flew over yesterday and I've just taken some time to go shopping really.

AltSounds: Manage to pick up anything decent?

Gus G: Yeah, I bought some cool stuff! Today and tomorrow I've got days full of press, so it's all good!

AltSounds: Fantastic! So, looking back at your year so far, how has 2012 been treating you?

Gus G: Yeah, it's been good. We've just finished the work on our new album, I'm very excited about that. Now it's time to start the touring pretty soon!
 

AltSounds: And that new album – Few Against Many – is going to hit Europe on May 21st. What should we be looking forward to from the record? Anything particularly different?
We didn't have a label, and we hadn't told anybody we were working on a new album; we just wanted to do it on our own terms

Gus G: Yeah, it's actually a very different album to our previous ones – in songwriting, production, concept, pretty much everything. We made a lot of stuff pretty different. I think it's a much heavier album than our previous album too.

AltSounds: So how long have you and the rest of the band been working on the album? Has it taken a while to put together?

Gus G: It's kinda weird because we've been kind of on-and-off with it; I was writing a lot of material whilst I was on the road with Ozzy, over the last year. During a lot of the tour breaks I just sat down with all these ideas for riffs and things, and I was thinking 'I should make some demos before I forget them!' [laughs] Then I realised I had about six or seven good songs that had come out, which I sent to the guys. We started working on the songs – exchanging files and stuff – and then we did some tours and festivals in the summer. We went on tour in the fall and over time we just kept working on the album. It really was on-and-off for a few months, but without all the stress to be honest. We didn't have a label, and we hadn't told anybody we were working on a new album; we just wanted to do it on our own terms. Whenever we were ready, we just booked studio time, and by the time we'd finished we started talking to labels and that kind of thing. So it was a very relaxed kind of process, even though a lot of the writing was between tours and traveling and playing. It sounds chaotic but it really wasn't.

AltSounds: Did you find that keeping the album under wraps gave you more creative freedom than you'd normally get from your typical writing and recording process?

Gus G: Oh yeah! Once you call up the label and say 'hey, I'm doing a new album', then they start hitting you with dates, organising what you're doing with your time and sending people to check out what you're doing. We didn't want any of that. We didn't really have a record deal at the time either, and we wanted to take things one thing at a time. The music came first. Once we had that part down, we knew we were in for the long haul and we were going to be mixing the album and all of that, then we started negotiating with people and labels and exploring our options.



AltSounds: And when it comes to actually constructing your music, it's obvious that guitar soloing and lead guitar parts are an important element of your sound. How do you go about putting together some of your more complex solos? Is it a question of improvisation or disciplined music theory?

Gus G: I usually start jamming to a song, and then I'll pick out all the parts that I like, sit and piece them together. I don't often just jam a solo, although there are a couple on this record that I just jammed out; we actually have a one-take solo which is the ending solo on 'Glorious'. But the rest of the stuff is thought-out and planned; it has to sound like a composition. The music has to come across and say the right things, therefore I've got to play the right things. I wouldn't just roll the tape and go for it – I want my solos to mean something.

AltSounds: Do you find that when you're playing live you match how the record sounds, or do you feel more inclined to improvise and change things up according to how you feel?

Gus G: Well live, we'll usually stick to the record, but there are parts where I'll have fun and start improvising. If I get bored of playing the same thing every night, then I'll just see what comes out instead. There are some tracks where you've got more space to do that kind of thing; if the solo's shorter then I tend to just go with it. It depends on the song.

AltSounds: And what advice would you give to young guitarists who are perhaps trying to emulate the way that you play, trying to become technically proficient lead guitarists like yourself?

Gus G: Well the first thing I would say is to not emulate what I do. If they're influenced by what I do, then that is fantastic and it's an honour. But whatever guitar player you like, sure, steal their licks in the first phase of your learning, but try to use them in your own way. The ultimate thing in music is to really have your own voice, and not to sound like somebody else. That really takes time, and you should be patient about that. Don't get stuck emulating your guitar heroes – move on, play what you like from each of your favourite guitar players, get rid of the rest, and try to come up with ways of making these styles your own. It'll take years, but eventually your own sound will come out.

AltSounds: Sound advice man! Let's take a look at the guitars that you play; for some time now you've been partnered with ESP Guitars. What made you choose them for your gear?

Gus G: To me I really think they just make the best guitars, and so far they've all played really well. They're all really well crafted – the way they make everything is just so detailed and they clearly have a passion for what they do. The whole thing started when they made me a custom model from the Japanese factory; just to design your own guitar and have it the way you like it, it's just phenomenal. I've never really looked anywhere else because I was so happy with the way they made instruments for me.

AltSounds: Looking back at your childhood and growing up in Greece, what was the music scene like around you? Was it easy for you to explore your interest in music by going to gigs and things like that?

Gus G: Yeah, it was! I went to a conservatory and I had formal music training, which meant I was meeting other musicians and stuff. I didn't really find the right kind of musicians to form a band – I guess being a metalhead meant being a minority then, especially as a teenager – and usually at a conservatory you don't really meet other metalhead kinda people, you meet musicians who play jazz or fusion, that kind of thing. It was good education-wise, but I wasn't really finding the right guys in the area to form a band. That's why I started going around other countries, trying to find the right people.
 

AltSounds: So do you think that the formal musical education you got at the conservatory has impacted the way you write music even today?

Gus G: What it really does is makes you much more aware of what you're playing. It doesn't make you a better musician than somebody else; look at Jimi Hendrix, he was self-taught and he didn't know what the fuck was a C or a D – it doesn't matter! Music is just something that comes out of you. If you get the chance to learn what it's called – that chord or scale you're playing – that's a good thing. It becomes easier to communicate with other musicians. It might even make you more creative or something, I don't know. When music comes to you, don't say "oh this is gonna be an A minor and I'm gonna play from the A Dorian mode" or whatever – nobody thinks like that. It's good to know; it's like learning to read and write.

AltSounds: Over your career, you've worked as a guest musician with a number of artists, including, of course, the great Ozzy Osbourne. Given the opportunity to jam with anyone, alive or dead, who would you pick?

Gus G: Hmm… I don't know man! I mean, I'm in a pretty good place right now! [laughs]
More people are paying attention, more people are listening, and I'm grateful for that.

AltSounds: [laughs] Very true!

Gus G: Yeah, jamming with Ozzy Osbourne – I don't really have many other people that I'd pick – to me, this is like the top of the mountain! This summer I'm going to be jamming with Geezer Butler and Slash, which is going to be an awesome experience! I'm looking forward to that.

AltSounds: Obviously – working with Ozzy as a member of his band – quite the achievement! How've things changed for you since you started playing together?
There's room enough for me to be myself and do things my way, but it's not like I'll just go in and change the songs. You don't re-write the Bible!

Gus G: Oh, my whole life has changed for the better! It's opened a lot of new doors for me, and it's definitely exposed me to a much bigger audience. It's such a great feeling, such a rewarding thing, to know that all the years of hard work are paying off now; more people are paying attention, more people are listening, and I'm grateful for that.

AltSounds: And clearly, Ozzy is a man who's got mountains of experience in the music industry; what has he taught you that you'll never forget?

Gus G: The guy has many pieces of advice, it's never just one just being around the guy, seeing how he works and hearing his stories is just one big learning experience. You don't get to hear or see that stuff anywhere else. But the one thing that he told me that has really stuck with me was, after the first gigs, every night he would say "you're playing great, but be yourself. Be more yourself, don't be scared about who was here before you." He was right about that.
 

AltSounds: And, as you just mentioned, taking on the role of Ozzy's guitarist has meant quite a few people have drawn comparisons between yourself and the likes of Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. When you first began playing with Ozzy, did you find yourself imitating their style or changing the way certain things were played to reflect your personality?

Gus G: Well I had to imitate them to some degree, that comes with the gig. If you ask Zakk Wylde, he didn't play "Mr Crowley" any differently. The way that he plays the notes sounds like Zakk, of course, but the songs themselves and their solos are kept very much the same, and I do the same. I feel it wouldn't be nice of me to just go in there and change that stuff [laughs] There's room enough for me to be myself and do things my way, but it's not like I'll just go in and change the songs. You don't re-write the Bible! [laughs]

AltSounds: [laughs] When it came to the recording of the Scream album, as it was your first with the band, did you find that it was difficult to contribute ideas during the songwriting and recording process?

Gus G: It was weird because all the songs were written already and I really just had to go in and play the guitar parts like I would play them. What was different was that I was playing on somebody else's songs, and that was a challenge. It was an interesting challenge. But I think that it came out really well in the end, because the songs were really good, and the producer Kev [Churko] did a great job. Everybody was really open to my ideas and my contributions – there weren't even any lead parts in the songs when I went in, so I had to create all these lead sections from the start. It was a lot of work, but it came out really good I think.

AltSounds: Glad to hear it dude! That just leaves one final question; can you tell us something weird or interesting about yourself that our readers might be surprised to know about you?

Gus G: Umm… it depends what you call weird [laughs] I definitely don't like to hang myself from the fucking door in order to ejaculate or anything like that [laughs]

AltSounds: [laughs] If you say so! [laughs]

Gus G: [laughs] We were talking about that yesterday [laughs] Like, how fucked up is it that to have an orgasm you need to hang yourself from the back of a door?! [laughs] Oh man, I don't have any weird stories or anything like that for you [laughs]

AltSounds: Honestly, I'm glad [laughs]

Gus G: [laughs] Nah, I'm just a pretty ordinary guy. I got a wife and a cat at home, I love guitars and that's about it! [laughs]

AltSounds: Well, thanks very much for your time man! Really appreciate you chatting with me today.

Gus G: Thanks a lot bud.

AltSounds: Take care! Have an awesome tour when it comes around.

Gus G: Cheers dude! Take care. Bye!

AltSounds: Bye!
Firewind's latest album is due to be released on May 21st in Europe and May 22nd in Northern America. The band will also be making an appearance at this year's Download Festival.
 
KISS will perform on the April 9 and April 10 episodes of of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars". The episodes air next Monday at 8 p.m. EST and Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.

KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a summer release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".

Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner following the March 20 press conference at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California to officially announce details of KISS' summer co-headlining tour withMÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley stated about the band's new CD, "'Monster' is really the culmination of everything this band has been in the past and where we're going. When we did [2009's] 'Sonic Boom', it was a big task for us because we were saying, 'How do we define who we are today without losing who we've been?' So, that was a tall order for us, but once we got that under our belts, we wanted to go back in and 'Monster' is far, far beyond anything we've done in terms of 'Sonic Boom' and yet it's right up there with some of the best stuff we've done. It's KISS."

In a 2011 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Stanley stated about the band's decision to return to the studio so soon after releasing "Sonic Boom", "I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly. The band's all there, all the time, and we cut the tracks all facing each other in the same room. Chemistry and camaraderie, that's essential. That's what made [2009's] 'Sonic Boom' so great, and this album is thunderously better."
 
 
 
Legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) has released the following statement regarding the passing of Jim Marshall, the creator of the Marshall amplifier:

"I consider myself very fortunate to have known the late Jim Marshall. He was such a fantastic individual.

"Not only did he create the loudest, most effective, brilliant-sounding rock and roll amplifier ever designed, but he was a caring, hardworking family man who remained true to his integrity to the very end. His work ethic was unequaled and his passion unrivaled.

"He took great care of me personally, as one of his loyal fans and Marshall amp enthusiasts, ever since we first met in the early '90s.

"At that time, he did the unprecedented; he had the first-ever artist model Marshall series designed for me when my Marshall amps were destroyed in a GUNS N' ROSES concert riot in St. Louis in 1991. We had been friends ever since.

"Jim cared for all his customers like they were his family. He would do whatever it took to make sure an artist was completely satisfied and he made sure his staff did likewise. It was very important to him that Marshall quality and customer care was paramount.

"Jim's passing marks the end of a very loud and colorful era. From Pete Townshend to Kerry King, Marshall amplifiers have been behind every great rock and roll guitarist since the beginning. Marshall Amplification is one of the most enduring, iconic brands of contemporary music history.

"This industry will likely never see the likes of Jim again. But his legacy will live on forever."

Marshall died last week at the age of 88. A message posted at the web site of Marshall Amplification, the company he founded 50 years ago, stated, "Jim's ascent into the history books as 'the Father of Loud' and the man responsible for 'the Sound of Rock' is a true rags-to-riches tale. Cruelly robbed of his youth by tubercular bones, Jim rose to become one of the four forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar as we know and love it today to be born. The groundbreaking quartet also included the late, great trio of Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover — together with Jim, they truly are the cornerstones of all things rock."

The site described Marshall as "a legendary man who led a full and truly remarkable life."

The cause of Marshall's death was not announced.

A former singer, drummer and music shop owner, Marshall eventually landed a job as an electrical engineer that helped him design a transportable amplifier to use at his own live shows. Consulting with musicians like THE WHO's Pete Townshend and DEEP PURPLE's Ritchie Blackmore, Marshall refined his invention and opened Marshall Amplification in 1962.

By the mid-1960s, he had created the classic Marshall Stack, consisting of one head containing the actual amplifier, on top of two stacked loudspeaker cabinets each containing four 12-inch loudspeakers arranged in a square layout. The setup has become an iconic symbol of rock music played as loud as possible.
 
According to The Pulse Of Radio, SOUNDGARDEN frontman Chris Cornell told hometown radio station KISW in Seattle that fans should not think of the band's newly released song, "Live To Rise", as an indication of what the rest of the group's new record will sound like. The track appears on an album of songs "inspired by" the upcoming movie "The Avengers". Cornell explained, "Some of the songs on our new album are pretty far left of center, and sort of zero in on more of a hardcore SOUNDGARDEN fan and not necessarily a family that goes to see a film like that. Although ['Live To Rise' is] not really what I think of as a necessarily family-friendly song, but it's as close as we've ever come."

The singer added that the tune wasn't specifically based on the movie, saying, "I think a film like this appeals to little kids all the way to old people because it's an action film, it's comic book characters, but it's also pretty witty dialog and accomplished actors doing it. So it had to be somewhat open to all of that. But also first and foremost it has to be a SOUNDGARDEN song."

The collection of music, called "Avengers Assemble", arrives on May 1, while the Marvel superhero team-up movie opens on May 4.

SOUNDGARDEN's new album, its first set of fresh material since 1996, is due out this fall.

"Avengers Assemble" track listing:

01. Live To Rise - SOUNDGARDEN
02. I'm Alive - SHINEDOWN
03. Dirt And Roses - RISE AGAINST
04. Even If I Could - PAPA ROACH
05. Unbroken - BLACK VEIL BRIDES
06. Breath - SCOTT WEILAND
07. Comeback - REDLIGHT KING
08. Into The Blue - BUSH
09. A New Way To Bleed (Photek Remix)" - EVANESCENCE
10. Count Me Out - PUSHERJONES
11. Shoot To Thrill - THEORY OF A DEADMAN
12. Wherever I Go - BUCKCHERRY
13. From Out Of Nowhere - FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
14. Shake The Ground - CHERRI BOMB

Additional track on the international release:

15. Pistols At Dawn - KASABIAN

When asked how he would compare SOUNDGARDEN's new material to the group's previous efforts, Cornell told Australia's rock station Triple M, "It sounds like SOUNDGARDEN, but I wouldn't say it's similar. I think there are parts of it that are gonna remind anybody of us, but we've always kind of progressed from album to album. So it's definitely not a throwback. It's not us getting back to our roots — it's not that — it's just kind of a natural progression, I think."

SOUNDGARDEN released a CD/DVD retrospective set in September 2010 called "Telephantasm", featuring singles, album cuts, live material and the previously unavailable "Black Rain", which has been nominated for a Grammy Award.

SOUNDGARDEN's first-ever official concert album, titled "Live On I5", sold 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 47 on The Billboard 200 chart. The set is compiled of live tracks from a 1996 West Coast tour by the band and is named after the Interstate 5. SOUNDGARDEN had intended to release the tapes of these shows as its first live album shortly after the tour, but the group ended up disbanding and the tapes were left in the studio, untouched for years.
 
Lemmy is the person your parents warned you about. His only rule is that there are no rules. He is a rebel without a cause; a ladies man; and the guy at the party that you just want to hang with. In Cowboy movies he is the villain that gets away. In horror flicks he's the madman and in rock and roll he is the bass player and lead vocalist for what was once called The Best Worst Band in the World. There is also no doubt that he could totally kick that guys ass in the Dos Equis commercial and take the title of 'coolest man in the world' for himself.
Classic Rock Revisited took a few moments to chat with Lem and find out what he has coming up in 2012. Motorhead is a featured band on the Mayhem Festival this summer, along with Anthrax, Slayer and a slew of other Metal bands. Lemmy also won a Shorty Award, even though he has no idea what that means and is considered by experts to be among the Top 100 Living Rock Stars. And, if he sells a lot of Motorhead Vodka, to the point where he can't do all of the quality taste testing himself, then there may just be a job opening for me!
 
Jeb: You're getting ready to embark on the Mayhem festival.
Lemmy: It should be energetic. It should be hell backstage between acts. The first day will be crazy and disorganized. It will be hopeless. More or less, I will just sit back and laugh at all of them. These days, everyone takes everything so seriously. It's only rock and roll, you know, its okay.
Jeb: Any festival called 'Mayhem' should have Motorhead be a part of it. Where are you playing?
Lemmy: That is fair enough, yeah. I think we are going to be between Anthrax and Slayer. We may be before Anthrax, I'm not sure yet.
Jeb: Slayer and Anthrax look up to you, Lemmy. Are you comfortable being The Godfather of Heavy Metal?
Lemmy: I wouldn't call it that, they might, you know. I just do what I do and that is to be the bass player and vocalist for Motorhead, that's my title.
Jeb: I think Motorhead's epitaph will be, "They kicked ass." How do you explain that America wants you around now? For years they didn't want anything to do with you.
Lemmy: Well, that is what we do, we kick ass. As far as the popularity goes, I never saw the point of letting them win. If you let them win then the whole thing was for nothing. You've got to prove it. You've got to say, "Yeah, I was here and I shit on your hydrant – you've got to leave your mark.
Jeb: You never did get that hit single in America, though.
Lemmy: We never did and I think that it is a bit late for that now. The movie did alright, though. It went Gold and it was number one on Billboard; I couldn't believe it. It's okay though because I thought I deserved it anyway… Seriously, I've always felt that we were a pretty good band and I always have thought that we deserved more attention in America. We've been putting albums out here since 1982. If it takes making a movie about one of us to get us more recognition then I say, 'Let's do it."
Jeb: I loved watching you hanging out at the Rainbow in LA. I heard that when California went non-smoking in bars that the Rainbow actually built that back patio just for you.
Lemmy: You've got to have a night out, sometime. I mean you can't just sit in the house all of the time. No, they put that up for their smoking customers; it was not just for me.
Jeb: One of my favorite scenes in the movie is where you talk about how you love your son. His face just really lit up and you can tell that he was shocked that you said that.
Lemmy: I thought it was great. I thought he should know. I'm not very good at saying things like that to people. I just thought I should say it. British people keep it pretty close to the chest, you know what I mean? That is kind of why I like Americans; they are keen. They are eager to get out there and they want to get the most out of things. They want to find out how things work. It is certainly different than the British, as they are so fucking stuck on their manners. Manners do not make for progress.
Jeb: Have you ever thought of making an album with your son?
Lemmy: Not really. Maybe after I retire I will think of that. With Motorhead's schedule we are lucky to have time to make Motorhead albums.
Jeb: You have a new release that consists of CDs and a DVD. Do you enjoy watching the old shows?
Lemmy: You always want to watch the old shows so that you can learn what you don't want to do again. Sometimes you discover that you really look like an asshole on stage and you really don't want to repeat that.
Jeb: Revolver Magazine has named you one of the Top 100 Living Rock Stars.
Lemmy: How about that? You see, you can't believe this sort of shit. Other people can believe that stuff and think it is okay but it is when you think it is okay that you're really fucked.
Jeb: You have to admit being on the 100 greatest list is coming a long way from when you were called the worst band ever.
Lemmy: We were called The Best Worst Band in the World. I remember seeing that for the first time and I really thought that was unjust. You've got to read the reviews just to see what people are saying but, like I said, just don't believe them – the good or the bad. You've just got to figure out what is relevant. Most of what they say is irrelevant.
Jeb: I always have to bring up the odd way of playing bass that you have…did your odd style cause problems with any of the band members?
Lemmy: I play rhythm guitar bass. Brian Robertson had problems with it because he was always bitching about it. He used to say, "There is no bass. How can I do this? Can we set up another bass drum? I need bass." I said, "What makes you think that I wanted bass?"
Jeb: Why not just be a guitar player?
Lemmy: I was a guitar player but I was so fucking mediocre I switched to bass.
Jeb: Ian Anderson told me that the guitar he traded for his first flute was a guitar that you used to own.
Lemmy: I don't know. He might have ended up with one of my guitars. He was with The John Evans Blues Band back in the '60's and I was in The Vicars. It is very possible that he ended up with one of my guitars. When I left The Vicars, the guitar stayed. It was a band guitar. When people left that band then the instruments stayed and I think that really made a lot of sense. If you need a guitar player but he hasn't got a guitar then you have one for him to use. When he leaves you have one for the next guy so you don't have to run around.
Jeb: Why not do that with Motorhead?
Lemmy: We can't as Phil collects all of his guitars – there are no spares.
Jeb: You're a man that enjoys a drink. Tell me about Motorhead Vodka.
Lemmy: Well, the company takes care of the business end and all I have to worry about is the quality. I am not going to sell shit to people, you know. We have a wine as well, that is very good. It was really simple how I got into it. This guy came up and said, "You know, you could make money if we make this wine." I said, "Okay." I think it is a California wine or it might be Spanish, I don't know. The Vodka is Swedish.
Jeb: I would certainly be available for a quality control job, if you need a wine taster.
Lemmy: Yeah, I know but I've already got that job. I will keep your number though, in case I get overwhelmed.
Jeb: You are doing okay these days. The business has been hard on you in the past. Is Lemmy happy?
Lemmy: Pretty much. Most of our dreams have come true. There are only a couple left that have not come true; like having that hit in America.
Jeb: In retrospect, with the resurgence of your career, can't you call "Ace of Spades" a hit in America?
Lemmy: By word of mouth, yes, but it wasn't on the charts.
Jeb: Did you even know you were nominated for a Shorty award?
Lemmy: What is a Shorty award?
Jeb: A Shorty award honors the best social media on the web.
Lemmy: I didn't even know about that. I suppose we do an okay job with keeping up with our fans but I am not sitting around on Facebook. I think this stuff is not social; I think it is anti-social. You don't get to meet people anymore, you just type things out. You can just send anybody's picture out and nobody will ever know if it is really you.
Jeb: Well, like it or not, you did get nominated for an award.
Lemmy: I guess so.
Jeb: In 2011, you turned…
Lemmy: I was 66 at the end of last year.
Jeb: You had a party and you jammed with famous people and you got a video birthday card from Ozzy. Is it still cool, at age 66, to be recognized by your peers?
Lemmy: Yes, of course it is. It means that you're doing it right. For me, music and friendship come together.
Jeb: I have to ask this… I talked to Fast Eddie and I interviewed him and he said to say hello to you. I told him that I would try and put the band back together. Would you ever consider a tour with the original three?
Lemmy: The thing is that I've had this band together with these two guys now for a lot longer than the original band. They have been through a lot harder times than the first band. I don't see why I should put this band on hold for a bit of nostalgia. I don't see why I should put these guys out of work while I go and tour with the old guys. I don't think its fair of us to do that. I don't know if Eddie and Phil [Campbell] can still do it at this point.
Jeb: Eddie has a new Fastway album coming out and it is really good.
Lemmy: Eddie has always been a great player.
Jeb: Eddie said that when you did "Stand By Your Man" with Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics it was bad for Motorhead.
Lemmy: He left the band over that.
Jeb: He said the day after you had the big fight that you and everyone else on the bus were all wearing Plasmatics t-shirts.
Lemmy: Yeah, I remember that. It was really funny. He was mad but it was really funny. If you haven't got a sense of humor about you then you might as well check out.
Jeb: Was Eddie the best guitar player in Motorhead?
Lemmy: I think they've all been good. Brian Robertson was great. I just couldn't get along with him but he was a great player. Phil is a fantastic guitar player and so is Eddie.
Jeb: What is the fastest album you ever made?
Lemmy: We made Orgasmatron in two weeks.
Jeb: What was the hardest album to make?
Lemmy: Probably Iron Fist. I didn't like that album. We let Eddie produce it, which was a mistake. It was also following No Sleep Till Hammersmith, which didn't help. The next studio album after a great live album is always going to sound a bit wet.
Jeb: I think Motorhead has had success because you have never tried to have a hit.
Lemmy: I never did see the point in it. I am not going to throw my heart away for money. You may be able to do that but you will lose all of your original fans because they will know you're selling out.
Jeb: Motorhead has a worldwide fan base. You transcend language and governments.
Lemmy: Rock and roll has always done that. When Pink Floyd did that Berlin concert at the wall there were kids on the east side getting fire hosed because they were trying to get up close to listen to it. They just kept coming back until they stopped doing it.
Jeb: What is it about Motorhead that appeals to so many people?
Lemmy: It pisses your parents off. The best rock and roll has always pissed off parents. The best stuff makes them go, "Turn that rubbish down." If they are saying that, then you're on the right track.
Jeb: Last one: Is there a new Motorhead album on the way?
Lemmy: We have not started writing any songs yet but we will. We put out an album out every two years. I will continue to do that as long as I can afford an amp.
 
 
"Wherever I Go", a new song from California rockers BUCKCHERRY will appear on the upcoming soundtrack to this year's highly anticipated movie, "Marvel's The Avengers". "Wherever I Go" is included on "Avengers Assemble", a 14-track compilation of music from and inspired by the film. "Avengers Assemble" will be released on May 1.

Says the band: "The song was written specifically for the film, and was recorded during the sessions for our upcoming album. Check it out and hope you dig it!"

"The Avengers" original motion picture soundtrack, with score by Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning composer Alan Silvestri ("Captain America: The First Avenger", "Forrest Gump", the "Back To The Future" trilogy) will be available at online retailers on May 1.

In addition to BUCKCHERRY's "Wherever I Go", the "Avengers Assemble" collection features original songs inspired by the exciting and action-packed film event. The diverse range of artists includes SOUNDGARDEN, RISE AGAINST, SHINEDOWN, BUSH and REDLIGHT KING.

"Avengers Assemble" track listing:

01. Live To Rise - SOUNDGARDEN
02. I'm Alive - SHINEDOWN
03. Dirt And Roses - RISE AGAINST
04. Even If I Could - PAPA ROACH
05. Unbroken - BLACK VEIL BRIDES
06. Breath - SCOTT WEILAND
07. Comeback - REDLIGHT KING
08. Into The Blue - BUSH
09. A New Way To Bleed (Photek Remix)" - EVANESCENCE
10. Count Me Out - PUSHERJONES
11. Shoot To Thrill - THEORY OF A DEADMAN
12. Wherever I Go - BUCKCHERRY
13. From Out Of Nowhere - FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
14. Shake The Ground - CHERRI BOMB

Additional track on the international release:

15. Pistols At Dawn - KASABIAN

BUCKCHERRY is currently in the midst of recording its sixth studio album and has posted two video diaries online that allow fans a glimpse into the group's creative process. According to The Pulse Of Radio, the first video shows the band in the early stages of pre-production as they play the songs over and over in order to fine-tune them. In the second clip, called "Envy", dissatisfaction over a song with that name leads to visible tension and frustration in the studio as the band tries to make the song work.

Singer Josh Todd tells the camera at one point, "There is always a song during our record making process that is a thorn in our side."

When the group finally gets "Envy" to where they want it, Todd later says, "We hated this song for a while, now it's fun."

Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson are the band's original members and have been working together for 17 years, but Todd told The Pulse Of Radio they still occasionally butt heads while making a record. "It's not like what people would think, you know," he said. "We're not like, we don't have to have like a shrink come in and talk to us, or we don't need a mediator in the studio to get through writing a song. But yeah, you know, occasionally we'll butt heads on like an issue, but it's like we work stuff out so quickly. You know, Keith and I and everybody in BUCKCHERRY, we're all focused on the outcome, which is we're just trying to make the song the best it can be."

BUCKCHERRY's new album will follow up 2010's "All Night Long" and is said to possibly be a concept record.

The band will break from the studio later this month to begin a spring run of tour dates that will include both headlining gigs and festival appearances. The tour kicks off on April 21 in San Antonio.
 
 
GREAT WHITE lead guitarist Mark Kendall, drummer Audie Desbrow, guitarist/keyboardist/backing vocalist Michael Lardie have retained the Pasadena, California intellectual property law firm of Karish & Bjorgum, PC to represent them in the recent trademark lawsuit filed by the band's estranged lead singer, Jack Russell.

Kendall, Lardie and Desbrow "were shocked and saddened that their former singer and friend took the extreme step of filing a federal lawsuit against their continued use of the GREAT WHITE name, which they have used and protected for 30 years," according to a press release.

GREAT WHITE attorney Eric Bjorgum said: "Mr. Russell's lawsuit is ridden with demonstrably false statements, and the band looks forward to setting the record straight on GREAT WHITE's history, Mr. Russell's actual contributions and the sacrifices made to help him stay in the band. Mr. Russell postponed his return to GREAT WHITE on several occasions, and he harmed the GREAT WHITE brand, as visibly demonstrated in his final concerts with GREAT WHITE and his current band performances."

According to the Courthouse News Service, Russell filed a lawsuit against his estranged bandmates claiming that they fired him and stole the group's name while he was recovering from surgery to repair a perforated bowel. Named in the complaint were Kendall, Desbrow, Lardie and talent agency Bigg Time Entertainment.

The March 22 federal lawsuit — which can be downloaded as a PDF file at this location — states: "In August of 2010, plaintiff was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery for a life threatening condition. While he recuperated from this surgery, other singers filled in for him during [GREAT WHITE's] live performances, however, it was undisputed that plaintiff's absence was temporary, and that he retained his position in the band's lineup and would resume singing with the band upon his recuperation.

"By December of 2011, plaintiff had recuperated sufficiently to be able to once again perform as lead singer. However, defendants, who had apparently decided that they would prefer that band continue without plaintiff, stated that he would not be 'permitted' to return to his band until he agreed to a lengthy set of conditions (including, for example, that he agree to no longer take the pain medications or even the anti-inflammatory medicines that had been prescribed by his treating physicians) that was clearly designed to keep him from returning to the band."

Russell recently enlisted former members of FIREHOUSE, FIGHT and GREAT WHITE to perform with him under the name JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. That band kicked off its "High Seas" tour on March 3 at Route 46 in Sanford, Florida and is scheduled to headline this summer's "America Rocks Tour" with support from FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE.

According to Jack's complaint: "In an attempt to injure the business reputation of plaintiff and interfere with his band's prospective economic advantage, defendants posted defamatory material about him on their website claiming that he was too infirm to perform as a musician. Defendants also claimed to be the true owners of the 'GREAT WHITE' trademark, and posted threats to litigate against any venue or promoter that booked plaintiff's band. Plaintiff has also been informed by various venues that defendants, by and through their agents, contacted bookers that had employed plaintiff's band and threatened litigation."

Kendall, Desbrow, Lardie, bassist Scott Snyder and singer Terry Ilous recently announced plans to release a new GREAT WHITE studio album, "Elation", via Frontiers Records. Due in May, the 12-song CD will mark GREAT WHITE's first effort with Ilous following the band's split with Russell.

According to Jack's lawsuit, "[The] release of the ['Elation'] album [under the GREAT WHITE name] will irretrievably alter the discography of the band 'GREAT WHITE,' tarnishing and diluting the trademark, reputation, and goodwill that plaintiff has developed over 30 years."
 
After ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach posted a message on his social media sites this past weekend that he was "getting the band back together" as an April Fool's Day joke, Fox News picked up the story thinking it was real. On Monday, Bach followed up with another post which read in part, "Where there is smoke, there is fire. Kinda sorta."

In an interview with the Boise Music Examiner on Thursday, Bach talked about the incident.

"It's hilarious," laughed the singer. "Fox News picked it up, but it was April Fool's."

He added, "Where there's smoke there's fire — what I meant by that was that we got offered a couple of reunion shows. A lot of the time people say, "How come you aren't together?' and I've never been offered any reunion with those guys until this year. There was a couple of offers for this Knebworth gig in England. Sonisphere… And they actually printed up a poster, 'KISS with special guests SKID ROW,' and that was actually a real thing, but those guys [the current members of SKID ROW] did not want to do it."

Bach last year tweeted that he wanted his fans to stop asking him about a possible reunion with his former bandmates after SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan made it clear that the group has "never looked back" following Sebastian's dismissal from the band in 1996.

Speaking to Adam Hammer of SCTimes.com, Bolan stated about Sebastian's departure from SKID ROW, "We thought we were disbanded and that we'd never do it again. Then we kept getting emails and the management office was getting lots of letters about people wanting to see SKID ROW on stage and we really started to miss it. We knew if we got back together, we were going to do things different."

He added, "When [current SKID ROW singer] Johnny [Solinger] joined the band [in 1999], that really gave us a kick in the ass. It was a different guy there and everything that came out of that guy was positive."

On the topic of the persistent rumors of a reunion with Sebastian, Bolan said, "Actually, there were never any talks. Ever. That was all just total rumor. We got rid of him in the '90s and never looked back. . . After the first tour [with Solinger on vocals], it seemed like this is the way it's always been. It's so weird, I'll hear an old song on the radio and it just sounds so bizarre to me because I'm so used to Johnny singing it."

After Bolan's comments were posted on BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Bach tweeted the following in response to the article, "If this makes even one of you stop asking me 'when are you getting the band back together' then good. IT'S NOT HAPPENING."

Sebastian previously shot down the possibility of a SKID ROW reunion with him on vocals at the February 2011 press conference in Los Angeles to announce the details of the third annual Revolver Golden Gods awards show. He said, "No [I am not interested in a reunion], because I don't base my life in 2011 on, like, 30 years ago. And I also... I was kicked out of that band. Like, if you worked at Pizza Hut and you got fired, would you be knocking on the door of the Pizza Hut, 'Please let me back in!!' You'd be, like, 'Fuck Pizza Hut! Fuck you!' I'd be, like, 'Fuck you! You wanna fucking kick me out? Go fuck yourself!' [Laughs] I'm always perplexed by that. You don't want me to sing in your band? Kiss my fucking ass! Don't hurt yourself finding someone that can. [Laughs]"
 
Maria Voutyriadou and Dimitris Kontogeorgakos of Metal Kaoz recently conducted an interview with guitarist Bruce Franklin and new vocalist Kyle Thomas of Chicago doom metal legends TROUBLE. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Metal Kaoz: Has Kory's [Clarke, vocals] exit caused any problems/setbacks, regarding the new album? I mean do you have to re-record songs or even re-arrange some to fit Kyle's vocals?

Bruce: No setbacks at all. Kyle already has half the album lyrics and singing melodies completed and they are awesome. We didn't need to change any of the music. He really knows how to sing to TROUBLE stuff because he was a fan from way back.

Metal Kaoz: Metal Kaoz doesn't like the "statements war," but it would useful to know the reasons for parting ways with Kory.

Bruce: What seemed like a good idea in the beginning increasingly became obvious that it wasn't the right fit for the band. Even though you might like someone's work with other projects, [it] doesn't mean that it will work within your band.

Metal Kaoz: I can't help it so I'm gonna ask; ex-former TROUBLE members [Jeff "Oly" Olson, Eric Wagner and Ron Holzner] have created THE SKULL. What is your point of view about that, since reunions are so in fashion these days?

Bruce: People like tribute bands. They like nostalgia. Who hasn't gone to see a BEATLES tribute band or a PINK FLOYD tribute band? THE SKULL just happens to have some former members who want to do a tour and make some money.

Metal Kaoz: [To Kyle] Was it an easy decision to take and join TROUBLE?

Kyle: I would say yes, it took very little debate for me to join TROUBLE as an official member. I got the call from Rick [Wartell, guitar], and he had informed me that they wanted to move in a different direction for their new recordings. As a fan and with former experience playing with them live, I agreed to join. We discussed typical artistic and business topics, and shortly after that I spoke with Bruce on the same subject. I love these guys — my entire experience with them back in the '90s was phenomenal. I had no reason not to want this job.

Metal Kaoz: Kyle, how does it feel working with Bruce and Rick again? Do you see this opportunity as a challenge or as a lost chance in your career, since TROUBLE haven't released an album with you on vocals?

Kyle: Every album is a challenge. The ones I have written with the other bands I have played in were, and so will this one be. That is the beauty of art, though. Creating something from nothing is an amazing thing. I really couldn't say it is a lost chance, either. That would be unfair to Eric Wagner, whose presence in this band was obviously deserved when I stepped aside for his return. They had given me four songs to work on when I was jamming with them in anticipation of possibly doing the album that came to be "Simple Mind Condition". I did demo one song, but nothing I did ever made it to the album. Things turned out the way that they have between then and now, and here I am. Lost chance? Naah. Great opportunity by way of a long and storied path? Damn right! As I have already stated, Bruce and Rick have always been great to me as people and business partners. I was made to feel an equal back then, and the same goes for now. That is monumental for me — I grew up listening to these guys and now I am a member of one of my favorite bands. You can't beat that. I guess KISS and BLACK SABBATH are next. (laughs)

Read the entire interview from Metal Kaoz.

TROUBLE's current lineup is:

Kyle Thomas (vocals)
Rick Wartell (guitar)
Bruce Franklin (guitar)
Shane Pasqualla (bass)
Mark Lira (drums)
 
ADRENALINE MOB — the band featuring featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), SYMPHONY X frontman Russell Allen, guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (SONIC STOMP) and DISTURBED bassist John Moyer — has been added to the third installment of Samson's "Metal Masters" series, which will be held on Thursday, April 12 at the Key Club on the famed Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California.

Having blown audiences away at "Metal Masters 2" in New York City with surprise appearances by Philip Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN) and Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), as well as a full ANTHRAX performance, Charlie Benante and Frank Bello (both of ANTHRAX), David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, ex-DREAM THEATER), Kerry King and now Dave Lombardo (both of SLAYER) are back on the West Coast with an exclusive metal experience that's bigger than ever. Artists will perform both individually and collectively, demonstrating their personal techniques and how they all come together to create the music that millions bang their heads to every day.

Tickets are available for $20 (on a first-come-first served basis) at the Key Club's box office, located at 9039 Sunset Boulevard, or via www.keyclub.com. With door giveaways and surprise guests, all should purchase their tickets early for this all-ages event to witness the return of the "Metal Masters".
 
According to Metal Talk, I AM I, the new band led by former DRAGONFORCE singer ZP Theart, will release a promotional video for the song "Silent Genocide" in late April. The group, whose lineup is completed by Paul Clark Jr. on drums, Jacob Ziemba on guitar and Neil Salmon on bass, will make its live debut on Sunday, May 27 at Birmingham, England's O2 Academy 2.

I AM I's debut album, "Event Horizon", will be the first-ever heavy metal album to be released solely on USB. The stick will be packaged in a CD case and will include full artwork and all the usual content you would expect on a disc and more. Due on May 26, the effort will be available to pre-order next week from the official I AM I web site.

Tickets for I AM I's debut show are limited to 600 and will also be available from the official I AM I site next week. 600 special commemorative t-shirts will be produced for the gig and are an exclusive free gift for fans who buy tickets. The shirts will be numbered and will correspond with the ticket number and are sure to become collector's items.

Commented ZP: "['Event Horizon' is] an album of message. It's about past meeting future and everything in between. It's about warnings for the current generation not to go down the same road in the future as we are doing now as that will surely secure our demise. To see and not to perceive, to hear and not to listen, is the downfall of all... It's a new age of enlightenment and there's a lot of messages in the songs that will hopefully kickstart a few people who are slow on the uptake.

"My whole career has been leading up to this point and I've never been more proud of anything in my life and this album will definitely live up to its name."

Added Paul: "'Event Horizon' totally encapsulates my style of playing. Every song is different and that made me me push myself that much further in the studio. This is a great album with something for everyone."

Stated Ziemba: "It's refreshing to know we're in a team where everyone holds the same cards. Let the music speak for itself."

Said Salmon: "This is an album to suit many tastes. I'm sure variation will be one of its ultimate strengths."

DRAGONFORCE parted ways with Theart in March 2010 "due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion," according to a statement released by the British extreme epic power metal band.

After entries from thousands of hopefuls across the globe, DRAGONFORCE in March 2011 welcomed then-23-year-old Marc Hudson to the group.
 
"The Celebrity Apprentice" winner and POISON singer Bret Michaels is a rock star, philanthropist, entrepreneur and TV star. For every one of those sides of Bret, there is a story as to how he got there and where he is going. How he has pushed the boundaries, fought his diabetes and succeeded in so many different arenas of life. Each month on the 15th, a new column will be posted at BretMichaels.com, written by Bret, detailing his thoughts on health, wealth, love and the pursuit of happiness, among other things.

Tune in and see what drives Bret Michaels, along with exclusive stories, his thoughts on life and how to succeed at everything... almost.

Join Bret on the 15th of each month and read his personal "Music for Your Soul" column exclusively at BretMichaels.com.
 
I LEGION's debut album, "Beyond Darkness", will feature 13 tracks, produced and mixed by former MUTINY WITHIN singer Chris Clancy.

I LEGION is the musical work of Frederic Riverin, who shaped and wrote all the songs in fall 2011 at his home in Quebec. Helped by friend Clancy, he crafted these recordings into a melodic metal machine. Metal monsters Björn Strid (SOILWORK), Jon Howard (THREAT SIGNAL) and Chris himself took the vocal duties and put their melodies and talent over the 12 songs of the album.

I LEGION also features modern guitar heroes Peter Wichers (SOILWORK), Angel Vivaldi, and Brandon Jacobs (MUTINY WITHIN) on the lead guitars for tasteful and melodic solos.

All these musicians helped Frederic to create his own album: alone, but with a legion behind him.
 
Guitarist Paulo Schroeber has left Brazilian metallers ALMAH"due to health problems."

Commented ALMAH lead singer Edu Falaschi (also of ANGRA): "I think many of you already know about health problems that our brother, partner and member of the band, Paulo Schroeber, has recently faced. Due to these problems, we had to call another guitarist to replace him at the latest ALMAH shows during 'Motion' tour, but we always hoped that Paulo would be with us again very soon. Unfortunately, a very serious heart problem made it impossible for our friend to continue his long-term works, and we received his message that he had to leave the band! All of us became extremely sad but at the same moment we respect his decision to stay with his family at such a delicate moment.

"For us, there remains only one thing: to keep public our eternal support, love and, most of all, gratitude for all the great moments we had together!

"We are very happy to know that his treatment is going on and the diagnosis is positive.

"The band is here with all its energy and now it's even stronger because we do what we love and 'cos we respect all the dedication of our friend Paulo over these years of hard work and fun.

"The name of new ALMAH's guitarist will be revealed soon, together with announcement of new ways of the band and tour dates for 2012.

"The band's "philosophy" to create music for the sake of music in friendship and fun will always be our priority."

Schroeber recorded two studio albums with ALMAH, "Fragile Equality" (2008) and "Motion" (2011).

"Motion" was released in Europe in October 2011 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded in May-June 2011 at Norcal Studios in São Paulo, Brazil and was mixed and mastered in July at Split Second Sound Studios in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Jochem Jacobs (TEXTURES).
 
One of the leading forces in melodic hardcore, IGNITE will release its first-ever concert DVD, "Our Darkest Days Live", on June 19 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media. The disc contains 21 "cracking good songs," a band documentary, a making-of feature and video clips.

The IGNITE concert featured on the "Our Darkest Days Live" DVD was filmed in Leipzig, Germany during the band's 2008 tour with TERROR, STRUNG OUT, DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR and BURNTHE8TRACK.

IGNITE will promote the DVD release by taking part in several festival appearances and club shows this summer.

IGNITE's acclaimed 2006 album "Our Darkest Days" was re-released in 2007 as a limited "tour edition" for a fan-friendly price and including two bonus tracks ("Last Time" and "Bleeding"), a video clip ("Bleeding") and alternate artwork.

IGNITE is:

Zoli Teglas - Vocals
Brett Rasmussen - Bass
Brian Balchack - Guitar
Nik Hill - Guitar
Craig Anderson - Drums
Kevin Kilkenny – Guitar
 
DEF-CON-ONE, the British metal band featuring former VENOM and MPIRE OF EVIL drummer Antony "Antton" Lant (brother of VENOM frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant), has inked a deal with Scarlet Records. The group's debut album, "Warface", will be released on June 19.

With influences covering a wide range of musical styles, from modern metal to old-school rock and punk, DEF-CON-ONE has been described by the organizers of Bloodstock Open Air festival (where the band played in 2011) as a bar fight between MACHINE HEAD, SLAYER and PANTERA.

DEF-CON-ONE is on a mission to spread its sound and infect the world with songs such as the "Warface" title track (audio stream available below) and "Steeped In Pain", which offer up huge slabs of aggressive, groove-laden riffs, beats and vocals.

A solid year of gigs in 2011 increased DEF-CON-ONE's fan base and saw them play the length and breadth of the U.K.
 
HATEFX, the Fresno, California-based metal band featuring guitarist Glen Alvelais (FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, LD/50), has entered the studio to begin recording its third CD. According to a press release, the follow-up to 2009's "The Holy Frail" will contain "a diverse range of material" and will feature "some interesting musical guests that will be announced at a later time."

Regarding the new music, HATEFX's Chilean frontman G, who was previously a member of DOGMA, stated, "We have been hard at work since the incorporation of Glen to the fold and are very excited with what we are coming up with. It feels like we have such a musical connection that the new material is flowing organically and we will be taking our fair share of risks and branching out to add even more textures to the music. We are using a unique new method to record that has proven to be very effective and the sound should speak for itself, can't wait for everyone to check it out."

Added Glen: "I can't say enough how pumped up I am to do this CD. I get the opportunity to write solos over music that is not only driving but outstanding on its own. There's something about the music of HATEFX that is bringing out the melodic but technical solos out of me. So far the solos that I've written are coming out epic and becoming more and more of a challenge to beat the last one written. I can't wait for people to hear this new material."

The new lineup of HATEFX will make its live debut on April 21 at Fulton 55 in Fresno, California as part of the third anniversary of the popular "Dirty Dowdy" podcast with fellow local acts GROOVEYARD, SPACEHOOKER, FROM THE FALLEN and SIX DAY TRUCE. Free ticket giveaways will be made available via 104.1 New Rock radio station and the "Dirty Dowdy" podcast. HATEFX will be playing new material at this event.

A teaser video featuring audio of a new song can be seen below.

Alvelais brings years of experience to the up-and-coming metal heavy hitters, who encompass a distinctive approach to metal, adding sonic textures to their mix and a light/FX-filled live show. They have become one of the strongest Central Valley outfits, having previously shared the stage with such national acts as EXODUS, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and STATIC-X, among others.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/hatefx.
 
 
Singer Charlotte Wessels of Dutch symphonic metallers DELAIN has issued the following update:

"I would like to bring your attention a new project I'm personally involved with; 'Queer Amsterdam'.

"'Queer Amsterdam' will be a TV series on the Amsterdam queer community, and basically a serie about everyone who is a bit different in a way. In the underground scene of Berlin, 'queer' is a name for those who can't find themselves in the binary oppositions of male/female, gay/straight, black/white, etc.

"Four young filmmakers who identify themselves as queer are fed up with the old-fahioned labels (lesbian, gay, bi, trans) and plan on showing you their world from a whole new perspective. Where most films and series stop at the usual conflicts like the coming out, this pilot shows you their world that for many is unknown until now. This world is about love, drama, work, humor, friendship, but also about being 'different'. And this might be closer to you then you think. In fact, everyone is a little bit 'queer'; gay and straight, man and woman, and this includes you, too.

"I am very happy that the 'Queer Amsterdam' crew have asked me to provide them with music they can use for the series. I am currently writing for the pilot and will introduce you to my partners in crime soon. I am really proud to be involved in this very important project!

"So what's the plan? 'Queer Amsterdam' have released a trailer video which is supporting their crowdfunding action so they can record the pilot this summer, and make the series happen! If you want to contribute to this series, please visit their crowdfunding page.

"The pilot is completely dependent on funds and the community so your help is very welcome! (Please, note the music in the trailer is not me yet, although you might be able to spot me here and there in the trailer.)"

DELAIN will release its long-awaited third album, "We Are The Others", on June 1 in the Benelux and Germany; and on June 4 in the U.K. and France through CNR Entertainment and Roadrunner Records. The lead single, "Get The Devil Out Of Me", hits stores on April 13 (April 15 for U.K.) to coincide with the start of the band's European tour.
 
Due on April 24 via Bridge Nine Records, "No Regrets, No Shame: The Bridge Nine Days" release captures modern hardcore band TERROR in their beginning stages with never-before-seen interviews and performances from one of their most popular albums, "Lowest Of The Low". Filmed in January 2003 at the Showcase Theater in Corona, California by then-new filmmaker Ian McFarland (now of the established Killswitch Productions), this amazing footage has been sitting in a vault at Bridge Nine for the last nine years and is finally assembled to see the light of day. With stagedives, sing-a-longs, and unparalleled energy from the band, the "No Regrets, No Shame" CD/DVD (and LP with all remastered Showcase Theater audio tracks) captures TERROR in their most raw and nascent form. Bonus features like the "Push It Away" music video and a full set from TERROR's Headline Records in-store performance from the same timeframe are also included.

Check out the "No Regrets, No Shame: The Bridge Nine Days" teaser trailer below.

"No Regrets, No Shame: The Bridge Nine Days" track listing:

01. Another Face
02. What Have We Done
03. Keep Your Distance
04. Better Off Without You
05. Nothing To Me
06. Don't Need Your Help
07. Push It Away
08. Life And Death
09. Lowest Of The Low
Virginia-based melodic death metallers ARSIS have recruited Shawn Priest as the full-time replacement for recently departed drummer Mike VanDyne. Priest, who has toured with ARSIS in the past, will be behind the kit for the band's upcoming fifth studio album.

Commented Priest, "After several major tours with ARSIS since 2008, I am more than happy to take the position of full-time drummer. These guys have become some of my best friends and based on the new material we've been putting together, I think the new record will be one of the best and most extreme ARSIS releases to date. Get stoked. people."
Added ARSIS guitarist/vocalist James Malone: "I am beyond thrilled with the pre-production for the new album and the addition of Shawn Priest on drums. Shawn has done many tours for ARSIS and felt we it was time to give him the respect he deserves and bring him on as the full-time drummer. Shawn's input into the new songs has made them more intense than I could have ever imagined."

"We weren't looking for a drummer who robotically plays a thousand miles an hour," said ARSIS bassist Noah Martin. "Anyone who's seen us with Shawn knows he's capable of playing pretty much anything, but with tremendous feel. We've put him through hell, hiring him to fill in on multiple tours over the years, and we're glad we can welcome him to the fold. That being said, we understand and respect the decision Mike made, given the circumstances. I know I speak for all of us when I say it wasn't necessarily an easy one to make. His involvement helped get the band to where it is today, and we'll always miss playing with him.

"We have nine songs so far that we're continuing to tweak, and still tossing around ideas forcover tunes. We hope to create a pivotal album that sums up everything that ARSIS was, is and will be."

ARSIS is currently in the pre-production stages of its impending full-length with producer Mark Lewis. The new record will serve as the follow-up to 2010's "Starve For The Devil" (Nuclear Blast Records), which sold 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, landing at No. 13 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart.

"I'm truly excited to be producing the new ARSIS record," said Lewis. "The new material I've been hearing from James is nothing short of awesome. I'm such a huge fan of 'A Celebration Of Guilt', as well as 'A Diamond For Disease', which was produced by my Audiohammer colleague Eyal Levi. This new material sees the band come full circle and I'm so stoked they've landed here at Audiohammer. It's about time!"

The band has posted an updated pre-production version of the new track "Choking On Sand" online to show off Priest's punishing percussionary prowess, and to give fans a glimpse of what to expect on the upcoming album.

"I feel it is safe to say that this is going to be the most brutal ARSIS album to date," added Malone. "So excited!"
 

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