Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios today announced the voice cast for "Epic", a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of "Ice Age" and "Rio", "Epic" tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world…and ours.
Beyoncé Knowles, one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture and star of the upcoming "A Star Is Born", voices Queen Tara; Colin Farrell ("Total Recall") is Ronin; Josh Hutcherson ("The Hunger Games") is Nod; Amanda Seyfried ("Dear John") portrays Mary Katherine; and Johnny Knoxville ("Jackass") voices Mandrake.
Aziz Ansari ("Parks and Recreation") portrays Mub; and rapper Pitbull voices Bufo. Jason Sudeikis ("Horrible Bosses" and the upcoming "The Campaign") portrays Bomba; and AEROSMITH rock legend and "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler is Nim Galuu.
Co-starring are Blake Anderson ("Workaholics") as Dagda, and Judah Friedlander ("30 Rock") as Larry.
"Epic" charges into theaters everywhere May 24, 2013. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Chris Wedge, and produced by Lori Forte ("Ice Age: Continental Drift") and Jerry Davis ("Robots").
Beyoncé Knowles, one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture and star of the upcoming "A Star Is Born", voices Queen Tara; Colin Farrell ("Total Recall") is Ronin; Josh Hutcherson ("The Hunger Games") is Nod; Amanda Seyfried ("Dear John") portrays Mary Katherine; and Johnny Knoxville ("Jackass") voices Mandrake.
Aziz Ansari ("Parks and Recreation") portrays Mub; and rapper Pitbull voices Bufo. Jason Sudeikis ("Horrible Bosses" and the upcoming "The Campaign") portrays Bomba; and AEROSMITH rock legend and "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler is Nim Galuu.
Co-starring are Blake Anderson ("Workaholics") as Dagda, and Judah Friedlander ("30 Rock") as Larry.
"Epic" charges into theaters everywhere May 24, 2013. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Chris Wedge, and produced by Lori Forte ("Ice Age: Continental Drift") and Jerry Davis ("Robots").
On sale a full three weeks before the regular U.K. album release date, Classic Rock Presents Rush Clockwork Angels (fanpack edition) features RUSH's new CD, "Clockwork Angels", in full plus a 132-page magazine that forms the "ultimate sleevenotes" to the new album, with extensive and exclusive interviews with Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.
Inside is everything you need to know about "Clockwork Angels": full track-by-track rundown by the band, an interview with producer Nick Raskulinecz, longtime cover artist Hugh Syme and more — all with exclusive, previously unseen shots.
An exclusive "page-turner" preview of the RUSH fanpack magazine can be found here.
The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) — who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".
Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
"Clockwork Angels" track listing:
01. Caravan
02. BU2B
03. Clockwork Angels
04. The Anarchist
05. Carnies
06. Halo Effect
07. Seven Cities Of Gold
08. The Wreckers
09. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden
Inside is everything you need to know about "Clockwork Angels": full track-by-track rundown by the band, an interview with producer Nick Raskulinecz, longtime cover artist Hugh Syme and more — all with exclusive, previously unseen shots.
An exclusive "page-turner" preview of the RUSH fanpack magazine can be found here.
The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) — who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".
Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
"Clockwork Angels" track listing:
01. Caravan
02. BU2B
03. Clockwork Angels
04. The Anarchist
05. Carnies
06. Halo Effect
07. Seven Cities Of Gold
08. The Wreckers
09. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden
Rolling Stone magazine conducted separate interviews with the four members of METALLICA — guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo — during a recent visit to the band's headquarters in San Rafael, California. The full interviews can be found in Rolling Stone's "The Big Issue", as well as online at RollingStone.com.
Video footage of METALLICA's cover shoot for "The Big Issue" of Rolling Stone — featuring snippets from the the magazine's interview with Ulrich — can be seen below. A couple of excerpts follow below.
Rolling Stone: What parts of the Orion festival can you take credit for?
Ulrich: I came up with the name [laughs]. For me, having the ARCTIC MONKEYS on there is big. I think they're a heavy-metal band disguised as an indie band. If you listen to a song like "Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But...", there's almost a RUSH element in there. AVENGED SEVENFOLD are near and dear to me. They were on the fence about it. They were taking the summer off. I called one of the guys and said, "It would really mean a lot to us." THE BLACK ANGELS are just cool. A friend of mine said, "Check them out," and I was like, "Wow, it's THE DOORS meets something else in 2011."
Rolling Stone: Were there any bands you invited who said, "No way, we'll get killed by your fans."
Ulrich: The issue isn't with the bands. It's more if this type of festival can exist from the fans' point of view. Because we're doing it, it gets branded as a particular thing. We have to work harder. If Radiohead does it, it's cool. If we do it, it's not. I'm stunned that people are stunned by us doing these things. It's our DNA.
Rolling Stone: The 3D movie is a weird leap, even for you. It has elements of documentary, fiction and live performance, on this crazy stage.
Ulrich: This has been circling for two years. It's time to life-size it, get it out of our minds and on the screen. And if it's done right, it can be sensational. You're not watching METALLICA onstage. You're onstage with METALLICA. In IMAX, James Hetfield is 38 feet tall, snotting on you, spitting on you. It's 2,000 decibels. If there is an earthquake outside, you wouldn't notice. But you can't do that for 100 minutes. It loses its appeal. There is another element in there – intimate, small, a story that takes place over the same trajectory as the concert. The question is, "Where do they weave in and out of each other?" But you have to cut away from the concert to enjoy the concert.
Rolling Stone: Even at a METALLICA show, you gotta take a break for a beer or a leak.
Ulrich: This idea goes back to the Nineties, when IMAX movies started coming out. We were in talks with them. That's when an IMAX camera was the size of a house, and they only had 12 minutes of film. You had to stop to reload. But seeing "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" in IMAX, which I did the week it came out, and then when we broadcast the "Big Four" show [with ANTHRAX, SLAYER and MEGADETH] from Sofia, Bulgaria, to movie theaters in 2010 — that's what sealed the deal.
Video footage of METALLICA's cover shoot for "The Big Issue" of Rolling Stone — featuring snippets from the the magazine's interview with Ulrich — can be seen below. A couple of excerpts follow below.
Rolling Stone: What parts of the Orion festival can you take credit for?
Ulrich: I came up with the name [laughs]. For me, having the ARCTIC MONKEYS on there is big. I think they're a heavy-metal band disguised as an indie band. If you listen to a song like "Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But...", there's almost a RUSH element in there. AVENGED SEVENFOLD are near and dear to me. They were on the fence about it. They were taking the summer off. I called one of the guys and said, "It would really mean a lot to us." THE BLACK ANGELS are just cool. A friend of mine said, "Check them out," and I was like, "Wow, it's THE DOORS meets something else in 2011."
Rolling Stone: Were there any bands you invited who said, "No way, we'll get killed by your fans."
Ulrich: The issue isn't with the bands. It's more if this type of festival can exist from the fans' point of view. Because we're doing it, it gets branded as a particular thing. We have to work harder. If Radiohead does it, it's cool. If we do it, it's not. I'm stunned that people are stunned by us doing these things. It's our DNA.
Rolling Stone: The 3D movie is a weird leap, even for you. It has elements of documentary, fiction and live performance, on this crazy stage.
Ulrich: This has been circling for two years. It's time to life-size it, get it out of our minds and on the screen. And if it's done right, it can be sensational. You're not watching METALLICA onstage. You're onstage with METALLICA. In IMAX, James Hetfield is 38 feet tall, snotting on you, spitting on you. It's 2,000 decibels. If there is an earthquake outside, you wouldn't notice. But you can't do that for 100 minutes. It loses its appeal. There is another element in there – intimate, small, a story that takes place over the same trajectory as the concert. The question is, "Where do they weave in and out of each other?" But you have to cut away from the concert to enjoy the concert.
Rolling Stone: Even at a METALLICA show, you gotta take a break for a beer or a leak.
Ulrich: This idea goes back to the Nineties, when IMAX movies started coming out. We were in talks with them. That's when an IMAX camera was the size of a house, and they only had 12 minutes of film. You had to stop to reload. But seeing "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" in IMAX, which I did the week it came out, and then when we broadcast the "Big Four" show [with ANTHRAX, SLAYER and MEGADETH] from Sofia, Bulgaria, to movie theaters in 2010 — that's what sealed the deal.
Legendary VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash says that the forthcoming "The Cat In The Hat: The Story So Far" documentary "is not authorized" and that he has "nothing to do with it."
"Slash - The Cat In The Hat: The Story So Far" will be released on on Blu-ray on August 21 via Pride. A two-disc set with a running time of 131 minutes, it is described as follows: "The most iconic rock guitarist since Keith Richards, Slash has achieved the status of 'most interesting hard rock act in the world today'. And 20 years after the demise proper of the group with whom he made his name, he continues to build on an already remarkable career trajectory, while his old sparring partner in GUNS N' ROSES produces pale imitations of past glories. This two-disc set includes a DVD documentary tracing the life and times of Slash, and a disc of audio interviews with the Cat himself during which he speaks candidly and honestly on almost everything he feels strongly about."
b>Slash's (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", sold around 38,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 4 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Slash's self-titled debut album scored the highest new entry on The Billboard 200 chart in April 2010, with first-week U.S. sales of around 60,000 copies.
"Slash - The Cat In The Hat: The Story So Far" will be released on on Blu-ray on August 21 via Pride. A two-disc set with a running time of 131 minutes, it is described as follows: "The most iconic rock guitarist since Keith Richards, Slash has achieved the status of 'most interesting hard rock act in the world today'. And 20 years after the demise proper of the group with whom he made his name, he continues to build on an already remarkable career trajectory, while his old sparring partner in GUNS N' ROSES produces pale imitations of past glories. This two-disc set includes a DVD documentary tracing the life and times of Slash, and a disc of audio interviews with the Cat himself during which he speaks candidly and honestly on almost everything he feels strongly about."
b>Slash's (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", sold around 38,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 4 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Slash's self-titled debut album scored the highest new entry on The Billboard 200 chart in April 2010, with first-week U.S. sales of around 60,000 copies.
Ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined his former band on stage earlier tonight (Thursday, May 31) at the O2 Arena in London, England to perform the songs "14 Years", "You Could Be Mine", Dead Flowers", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "Nightrain" and "Paradise City".
The last time the "Use Your Illusion II" track "14 Years" was performed live by GUNS N' ROSES was in August 1991, also in London.
Stradlin previously played with GN'R at a few shows in 2006.
Both Izzy and GUNS N' ROSES lead singer Axl Rose skipped the band's recent induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Stradlin issued a statement the week before the induction, thanking his bandmates, the Hall Of Fame for "the acknowledgment of our works over the years," and the fans who "have supported GUNS N' ROSES from day one."
Former GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan joined Axl Rose on stage for the first time in seventeen years at the band's October 14, 2010 concert in London.
For the Rock Hall induction performance, McKagan, guitarist Slash and drummer Steven Adler were joined by guitarist Gilby Clarke and drummer Matt Sorum for three songs — "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City" — from the band's classic 1987 debut, "Appetite For Destruction". Providing vocals in the absence of Axl Rose was Myles Kennedy, the singer for ALTER BRIDGE and Slash's current solo band.
Sorum played drums for "Mr. Brownstone", while original drummer Adler took over for the other two songs.
The last time the "Use Your Illusion II" track "14 Years" was performed live by GUNS N' ROSES was in August 1991, also in London.
Stradlin previously played with GN'R at a few shows in 2006.
Both Izzy and GUNS N' ROSES lead singer Axl Rose skipped the band's recent induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Stradlin issued a statement the week before the induction, thanking his bandmates, the Hall Of Fame for "the acknowledgment of our works over the years," and the fans who "have supported GUNS N' ROSES from day one."
Former GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan joined Axl Rose on stage for the first time in seventeen years at the band's October 14, 2010 concert in London.
For the Rock Hall induction performance, McKagan, guitarist Slash and drummer Steven Adler were joined by guitarist Gilby Clarke and drummer Matt Sorum for three songs — "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City" — from the band's classic 1987 debut, "Appetite For Destruction". Providing vocals in the absence of Axl Rose was Myles Kennedy, the singer for ALTER BRIDGE and Slash's current solo band.
Sorum played drums for "Mr. Brownstone", while original drummer Adler took over for the other two songs.
British rockers Procol Harum have been forced to cancel the remainder of their dates in South Africa after frontman Gary Brooker injured himself. The fall came on Brooker's 67th birthday (May 29). The band was part of the British Invasion Tour of South Africa along with the Moody Blues and 10cc.
Details on how or why Brooker fell are scarce, with a promoter only telling Times Live that the singer is healing. "Our thoughts are with Gary and the band during this difficult time," Attie Van Wyk of Big Concerts said. "We are confident that he is receiving the very best medical attention and we wish him a speedy recovery."
According to the fan website Beyond the Pale, the 'Whiter Shade of Pale' hitmakers were scheduled to play in Cape Town on May 30 and Johannesburg on June 1. They'll open a string of American dates on July 13 in Atlantic City, N.J. It's not clear if Brooker's injury will affect other shows.
Brooker founded Procol Harum pin 1966, and remained the band leader until they broke up in 1977. 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' was by far their biggest hit, reaching No. 5 in America and No. 1 in the U.K., but they also scored a lesser hit with 'Conquistador' in 1972. In 1991 the group reformed, and they have toured and recorded off and on since.
Vocalist Biff Byford of British heavy metal legends SAXON has issued the following update:
"We are in the middle of our studio work and recording right now some vocals. I have got a throat infection and it hurts quite a bit.
"We have made the decision to postpone the show in Hatfield into September/October. It would be too risky to play an hour and 45 minutes and drive after the show up to Donington as we are on quite early and this could be a serious damage to my voice. Because of this, we are thinking that we shouldn't risk the Download appearance and album.
"We are very sorry to cause you problems with travel and hotels but hopefully letting you know early is better than finding out the night before. It's not cancelled! We will let you know a new date [as soon as possible] and maybe we play you a couple of new songs.
"I hope you all understand and have a great time at Donington!"
SAXON las month released "Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken", the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from the band's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising thirty songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to "Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to "Crusader" in front of 75,000-pluds loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance SAXON have been delivering for 32 years.
"Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the Golden Ticket D2C/Direct To Consumer Box.
Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete SAXON Wacken Open Air performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a SAXON flag.
"Call To Arms" sold around 700 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 51 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. The digipack version of "Call To Arms" includes a glorious bonus — a free seven-track CD, "Live At Donington 1980".
"We are in the middle of our studio work and recording right now some vocals. I have got a throat infection and it hurts quite a bit.
"We have made the decision to postpone the show in Hatfield into September/October. It would be too risky to play an hour and 45 minutes and drive after the show up to Donington as we are on quite early and this could be a serious damage to my voice. Because of this, we are thinking that we shouldn't risk the Download appearance and album.
"We are very sorry to cause you problems with travel and hotels but hopefully letting you know early is better than finding out the night before. It's not cancelled! We will let you know a new date [as soon as possible] and maybe we play you a couple of new songs.
"I hope you all understand and have a great time at Donington!"
SAXON las month released "Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken", the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from the band's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising thirty songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to "Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to "Crusader" in front of 75,000-pluds loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance SAXON have been delivering for 32 years.
"Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the Golden Ticket D2C/Direct To Consumer Box.
Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete SAXON Wacken Open Air performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a SAXON flag.
"Call To Arms" sold around 700 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 51 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. The digipack version of "Call To Arms" includes a glorious bonus — a free seven-track CD, "Live At Donington 1980".
MANOWAR's new studio album, "The Lord Of Steel", will be released in retail stores from September 7 (dates may vary from territory to territory). The CD will already be available for worldwide shipping from The Kingdom Of Steel from July 27 and in the special limited "Steel Edition" of U.K.'s Metal Hammer #233 from June 26.
The digital version of "The Lord Of Steel" will be released on June 16.
"The Lord Of Steel" — which was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper — is blazing with pure power, untamed energy, and a sound as raw and wild as a force of nature. Track titles like "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!" set the tone for a record that is packed with surprises. In contrast to the 2007 release "Gods Of War", this new album is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love.
MANOWAR fans should expect to have "their heads completely blown off," said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio in a recent interview, and explained that "this album is all about brutality and raw power!"
"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."
"The Lord Of Steel" will include the track "El Gringo", which will also serve as the theme song for the After Dark Action franchise film "El Gringo", an action western starring Scott Adkins ("The Expendables 2", "The Bourne Ultimatum"), Christian Slater and Yvette Yates ("Without Men").
"El Gringo" marks the first time MANOWAR has written a song specifically for a movie. The song depicts the struggle of a hero torn between his moral code and financial gain, and the challenge of being true to oneself and the real values in life — a recurring theme in MANOWAR's music.
"Everyone loves action movies! Our music, along with ass-kicking visuals and a great story, are a perfect match, not to mention a chance to actually see the music come alive on screen," said MANOWAR bassist and composer Joey DeMaio. "'El Gringo' has been a great experience, the team at After Dark Films has been a pleasure to work with, and we are ready for more!" he continued.
On March 12, a select group of special MANOWAR fans known as The Circle, who represent the band's worldwide fan base, were invited to a private pre-listening session of the forthcoming MANOWAR album, as well as a tour of Wisseloord Studios.
MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio, and longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper, provided insight into the making of a record, and the specific requirements in the production for a band that is world-renowned for a sound that is louder than any other band and yet equally clear and perfect.
Fans from all over the world were chosen to represent their countries and receive news and updates to share them with their fellow brothers and sisters, and listen to first songs from the new album that is set for release in June/July.
"It was important to us that the fans should be the first to hear the new music. After all, it is all for them!" explained DeMaio.
When asked about the long gap between MANOWAR's last CD and upcoming effort, DeMaio said, "I know that a lot of people don't wanna wait another five years for a MANOWAR record, but we hope that people are gonna think that it was worth waiting the time. Because, you know, you go to a restaurant and you order dinner, if the waiter walks in the kitchen and comes back out two seconds later and puts the dinner on the table, I really don't know what you're gonna get. Every now and then I like McDonald's, too — it doesn't mean something fast is not good — but we're not a fast-food restaurant with MANOWAR. We think it's quality, so we hope you're gonna feel the same way."
MANOWAR will headline several European festivals this summer, celebrating their new album and the 10th anniversary of one of their most popular records, "Warriors Of The World".
The digital version of "The Lord Of Steel" will be released on June 16.
"The Lord Of Steel" — which was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper — is blazing with pure power, untamed energy, and a sound as raw and wild as a force of nature. Track titles like "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!" set the tone for a record that is packed with surprises. In contrast to the 2007 release "Gods Of War", this new album is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love.
MANOWAR fans should expect to have "their heads completely blown off," said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio in a recent interview, and explained that "this album is all about brutality and raw power!"
"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."
"The Lord Of Steel" will include the track "El Gringo", which will also serve as the theme song for the After Dark Action franchise film "El Gringo", an action western starring Scott Adkins ("The Expendables 2", "The Bourne Ultimatum"), Christian Slater and Yvette Yates ("Without Men").
"El Gringo" marks the first time MANOWAR has written a song specifically for a movie. The song depicts the struggle of a hero torn between his moral code and financial gain, and the challenge of being true to oneself and the real values in life — a recurring theme in MANOWAR's music.
"Everyone loves action movies! Our music, along with ass-kicking visuals and a great story, are a perfect match, not to mention a chance to actually see the music come alive on screen," said MANOWAR bassist and composer Joey DeMaio. "'El Gringo' has been a great experience, the team at After Dark Films has been a pleasure to work with, and we are ready for more!" he continued.
On March 12, a select group of special MANOWAR fans known as The Circle, who represent the band's worldwide fan base, were invited to a private pre-listening session of the forthcoming MANOWAR album, as well as a tour of Wisseloord Studios.
MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio, and longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper, provided insight into the making of a record, and the specific requirements in the production for a band that is world-renowned for a sound that is louder than any other band and yet equally clear and perfect.
Fans from all over the world were chosen to represent their countries and receive news and updates to share them with their fellow brothers and sisters, and listen to first songs from the new album that is set for release in June/July.
"It was important to us that the fans should be the first to hear the new music. After all, it is all for them!" explained DeMaio.
When asked about the long gap between MANOWAR's last CD and upcoming effort, DeMaio said, "I know that a lot of people don't wanna wait another five years for a MANOWAR record, but we hope that people are gonna think that it was worth waiting the time. Because, you know, you go to a restaurant and you order dinner, if the waiter walks in the kitchen and comes back out two seconds later and puts the dinner on the table, I really don't know what you're gonna get. Every now and then I like McDonald's, too — it doesn't mean something fast is not good — but we're not a fast-food restaurant with MANOWAR. We think it's quality, so we hope you're gonna feel the same way."
MANOWAR will headline several European festivals this summer, celebrating their new album and the 10th anniversary of one of their most popular records, "Warriors Of The World".
Fans in Canada and select cities in the northern part of the U.S. will finally have a chance to see what reviewers have called "the best metal tour of the year" when co-headliners ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT, joined by DEATH ANGEL, kick off a late-summer trek on September 14. Starting in Portland, Oregon, the bands will work their way north, cross into Canada, and play all of the major Canadian cities before wrapping up in Montclair, New Jersey on October 5. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 1.
This run will be the third leg of the ANTHRAX/TESTAMENT/DEATH ANGEL hat-trick; the three bands packed five weeks worth of venues coast-to-coast last fall, marking the first time ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT had shared a stage in more than a decade; again, earlier this year, the line-up played another dozen dates to headbangers in cities from Las Vegas to New York.
Commented ANTHRAX's guitarist Scott Ian, "We played to sold-out shows, raging crowds and EPIC war dances, and we can't wait to do it again, especially for our Canadian fans who have been waiting a long to time 'worship music' with us."
"There have been very few three band bills in which the acts are so compatible and the shows so consistent that a second leg of the tour is a "no-brainer," said TESTAMENT's lead guitarist Alex Skolnick. "But in the case of ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL, that's been the case. Things have gone so well, in fact, that it's made sense to add a third leg with this exact same line up. All three bands are excited to take this show into new territory with a trek across Canada, and a few spots in the U.S. we missed last time around. And this time, TESTAMENT will be armed with a brand new album with music that we're eager to share with everyone. Hope to see you out there!"
"We've been tight with the guys in TESTAMENT for a long, long time, and had a great time touring with them before," added ANTHRAX's drummer Charlie Benante. "And all of us in ANTHRAX are big DEATH ANGEL fans, so this is going to be a monster of a great time, for us and for the fans."
Said TESTAMENT's frontman Chuck Billy, "It's good to see that metal is alive in 2012 and the fans want a third leg of the ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL tour. Don't fucking miss it! Metal forever!"
With more dates to be confirmed, the ANTHRAX/TESTAMENT/DEATH ANGEL tour are as follows:
Sep. 14 - Ace of Spades, Sacramento, CA
Sep. 15 - Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR
Sep. 16 - Toyota Arena, Kennewick, WA
Sep. 17 - Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA
Sep. 20 - Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Sep. 21 - MacEwan Hall Ballroom, Calgary, AL
Sep. 22 - Events Center, Edmonton, AL
Sep. 24 - The Odeon, Saskatoon, SK
Sep. 25 - Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
Sep. 29 - Danforth Hall, Toronto, ON
Sep. 30 - Capitole du Quebec, Quebec City, QC
Oct. 02 - Metropolis, Montreal, QC
Oct. 03 - State Theatre, Portland, ME
Oct. 05 - Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ
This run will be the third leg of the ANTHRAX/TESTAMENT/DEATH ANGEL hat-trick; the three bands packed five weeks worth of venues coast-to-coast last fall, marking the first time ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT had shared a stage in more than a decade; again, earlier this year, the line-up played another dozen dates to headbangers in cities from Las Vegas to New York.
Commented ANTHRAX's guitarist Scott Ian, "We played to sold-out shows, raging crowds and EPIC war dances, and we can't wait to do it again, especially for our Canadian fans who have been waiting a long to time 'worship music' with us."
"There have been very few three band bills in which the acts are so compatible and the shows so consistent that a second leg of the tour is a "no-brainer," said TESTAMENT's lead guitarist Alex Skolnick. "But in the case of ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL, that's been the case. Things have gone so well, in fact, that it's made sense to add a third leg with this exact same line up. All three bands are excited to take this show into new territory with a trek across Canada, and a few spots in the U.S. we missed last time around. And this time, TESTAMENT will be armed with a brand new album with music that we're eager to share with everyone. Hope to see you out there!"
"We've been tight with the guys in TESTAMENT for a long, long time, and had a great time touring with them before," added ANTHRAX's drummer Charlie Benante. "And all of us in ANTHRAX are big DEATH ANGEL fans, so this is going to be a monster of a great time, for us and for the fans."
Said TESTAMENT's frontman Chuck Billy, "It's good to see that metal is alive in 2012 and the fans want a third leg of the ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL tour. Don't fucking miss it! Metal forever!"
With more dates to be confirmed, the ANTHRAX/TESTAMENT/DEATH ANGEL tour are as follows:
Sep. 14 - Ace of Spades, Sacramento, CA
Sep. 15 - Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR
Sep. 16 - Toyota Arena, Kennewick, WA
Sep. 17 - Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA
Sep. 20 - Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Sep. 21 - MacEwan Hall Ballroom, Calgary, AL
Sep. 22 - Events Center, Edmonton, AL
Sep. 24 - The Odeon, Saskatoon, SK
Sep. 25 - Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
Sep. 29 - Danforth Hall, Toronto, ON
Sep. 30 - Capitole du Quebec, Quebec City, QC
Oct. 02 - Metropolis, Montreal, QC
Oct. 03 - State Theatre, Portland, ME
Oct. 05 - Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has announced four summer tour dates as well as a three-day appearance at the Days Of The Dead event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The details are as follows:
Jul. 06 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 07 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 08 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 11 - New York, NY - Best Buy Theater
Jul. 13 - Jackson, MI - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Thrills In The Irish Hills, (w/ TED NUGENT)
Jul. 27 - Detroit, MI - GM Renaissance Center, Rockin' On The Riverfront
Aug. 04 - Greenville, WI - Greenville Lions Park (w/ SAMMY HAGAR)
Ace VIP meet-and-greet packages will soon be offered. Stay tuned to AceFrehley.com for details.
Ace Frehley's book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
"No Regrets", which was published under Gallery's VH1 Books imprint, was co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden who also authored "The Last Great Fight" about what is considered by many to be the biggest upset in the history of boxing: James "Buster" Douglas' tenth-round knockout win over Mike Tyson in 1990.
Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time.
Ace's latest album, "Anomaly", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Released on September 15, 2009 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.
The details are as follows:
Jul. 06 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 07 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 08 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 11 - New York, NY - Best Buy Theater
Jul. 13 - Jackson, MI - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Thrills In The Irish Hills, (w/ TED NUGENT)
Jul. 27 - Detroit, MI - GM Renaissance Center, Rockin' On The Riverfront
Aug. 04 - Greenville, WI - Greenville Lions Park (w/ SAMMY HAGAR)
Ace VIP meet-and-greet packages will soon be offered. Stay tuned to AceFrehley.com for details.
Ace Frehley's book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
"No Regrets", which was published under Gallery's VH1 Books imprint, was co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden who also authored "The Last Great Fight" about what is considered by many to be the biggest upset in the history of boxing: James "Buster" Douglas' tenth-round knockout win over Mike Tyson in 1990.
Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time.
Ace's latest album, "Anomaly", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Released on September 15, 2009 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.
Casey Pukl of AnthologySD.com recently conducted an interview with QUEENSRŸCHE lead singer Geoff Tate. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
AnthologySD.com: I'd love to get into what you've been up to since we saw you in January! I know you've been touring with these acoustic shows, working on that solo record you mentioned last time…
Geoff Tate: That's exactly what I've been doing (laughs). Been playing lots of shows, working on the album — that's recorded now, so I'm happy about that. I don't know exactly when it's coming out, but I think it'll be around the fall. That all changes weekly depending on the record company's schedule, but we're working on it.
AnthologySD.com: Any hints as to what the new record is going to sound like? I know you said it was going to be quite a departure from what you've done in the past.
Geoff Tate: Well, it's very different from my last one for sure. It's a new bunch of people I've been working with to write and record it, so that changes things. When you're working with different people, it really changes the record. This one is really hard rock. The last one was really all over the place with different styles of music and everything, but this one really keeps with the hard rock style. It does it in kind of a different way — more of my way or what I would envision. I guess it's experimental in some ways, while in others it's very traditional. What I tried to do was take traditional rock instrumentation and apply it in kind of a different song structure. That's what I would best describe it as. [laughs] Music is kind of like that. It's a personal journey. It's hard to describe. I would never want to be a music journalist. [laughs] It's very hard to describe music! I'd rather just listen to it, and come up with my own conclusions. It can be taken so many ways and interpreted so many different ways. People can always apply that song to their own lives and life experiences. Over the years, I've had so many people tell me completely different stories about songs I've written and what they mean to them. They remember when they first heard the song, what they were doing, where they were, how it's affected their life. So often it's so different of a story than what the song means to me. I always find that kind of interesting. Why that happens, I don't know. Music is one of those things that just becomes the background music for people's lives in a lot of respects.
AnthologySD.com: Last time we spoke, you were discussing branching out into different genres, and you made a comment that if someone offered you a million dollars to sing "Danny Boy", you wouldn't be able to do it. Have you been learning more of other people's songs in this time? What have you been doing to really expand?
Geoff Tate: Well, typically when I put together a record, I have a vision for it. I know what I want to accomplish. While I always reach the goal, the path is always different from what I think it will be. [laughs] Sometimes I think that's the way that it has to be — especially when you're working with a group of people. Everyone has their own input and their own interpretation of what the music means to them. For an experiment, I set an outline for the people I'm working with, and said something like I really want like a really sexy kind of song here as an example. Give me some music that you would listen to if you were making love. Man [laughs], the stuff I get is just so different! What somebody thinks of when you give them an outline like that is just so different from what I think. I found that that was just too vague of a description, and I needed to get more specific with it. We're doing something that has sort of an uplifting and spiritual feel to it. I needed a chorus for that, and what's uplifting and spiritual to one person is not at all to another person. It's really strange, but that's kind of the process. You have to try and find and adhere to it when you're making a record. You have to try a lot of different roads in order to get to the destination somehow.
AnthologySD.com: I'd love to get into what you've been up to since we saw you in January! I know you've been touring with these acoustic shows, working on that solo record you mentioned last time…
Geoff Tate: That's exactly what I've been doing (laughs). Been playing lots of shows, working on the album — that's recorded now, so I'm happy about that. I don't know exactly when it's coming out, but I think it'll be around the fall. That all changes weekly depending on the record company's schedule, but we're working on it.
AnthologySD.com: Any hints as to what the new record is going to sound like? I know you said it was going to be quite a departure from what you've done in the past.
Geoff Tate: Well, it's very different from my last one for sure. It's a new bunch of people I've been working with to write and record it, so that changes things. When you're working with different people, it really changes the record. This one is really hard rock. The last one was really all over the place with different styles of music and everything, but this one really keeps with the hard rock style. It does it in kind of a different way — more of my way or what I would envision. I guess it's experimental in some ways, while in others it's very traditional. What I tried to do was take traditional rock instrumentation and apply it in kind of a different song structure. That's what I would best describe it as. [laughs] Music is kind of like that. It's a personal journey. It's hard to describe. I would never want to be a music journalist. [laughs] It's very hard to describe music! I'd rather just listen to it, and come up with my own conclusions. It can be taken so many ways and interpreted so many different ways. People can always apply that song to their own lives and life experiences. Over the years, I've had so many people tell me completely different stories about songs I've written and what they mean to them. They remember when they first heard the song, what they were doing, where they were, how it's affected their life. So often it's so different of a story than what the song means to me. I always find that kind of interesting. Why that happens, I don't know. Music is one of those things that just becomes the background music for people's lives in a lot of respects.
AnthologySD.com: Last time we spoke, you were discussing branching out into different genres, and you made a comment that if someone offered you a million dollars to sing "Danny Boy", you wouldn't be able to do it. Have you been learning more of other people's songs in this time? What have you been doing to really expand?
Geoff Tate: Well, typically when I put together a record, I have a vision for it. I know what I want to accomplish. While I always reach the goal, the path is always different from what I think it will be. [laughs] Sometimes I think that's the way that it has to be — especially when you're working with a group of people. Everyone has their own input and their own interpretation of what the music means to them. For an experiment, I set an outline for the people I'm working with, and said something like I really want like a really sexy kind of song here as an example. Give me some music that you would listen to if you were making love. Man [laughs], the stuff I get is just so different! What somebody thinks of when you give them an outline like that is just so different from what I think. I found that that was just too vague of a description, and I needed to get more specific with it. We're doing something that has sort of an uplifting and spiritual feel to it. I needed a chorus for that, and what's uplifting and spiritual to one person is not at all to another person. It's really strange, but that's kind of the process. You have to try and find and adhere to it when you're making a record. You have to try a lot of different roads in order to get to the destination somehow.
Maryland rockers CLUTCH are gearing up for the release of their new picture disc single, "Pigtown Blues". The single will receive its worldwide digital release on June 5 and its worldwide physical release on June 19. This is the first new studio material from CLUTCH since 2009's "Strange Cousins From The West", and the first simultaneous worldwide release for Weathermaker Music.
This coming Monday, June 4, CLUTCH frontman Neil Fallon will be a special guest on "The Rock Show With Daniel P. Carter", which airs on BBC Radio 1 from midnight to 2:00 a.m. U.K. time. Carter, who has been a longtime fan and supporter of CLUTCH for years, will be exclusively premiering the track "Pigtown Blues".
For more information on the show and to listen live, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/rockshow.
CLUTCH will embark on a headlining tour this summer with special guests PRONG and LIONIZE. The run kicks off July 11 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and wraps up July 22 in Richmond, Virginia.
This coming Monday, June 4, CLUTCH frontman Neil Fallon will be a special guest on "The Rock Show With Daniel P. Carter", which airs on BBC Radio 1 from midnight to 2:00 a.m. U.K. time. Carter, who has been a longtime fan and supporter of CLUTCH for years, will be exclusively premiering the track "Pigtown Blues".
For more information on the show and to listen live, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/rockshow.
CLUTCH will embark on a headlining tour this summer with special guests PRONG and LIONIZE. The run kicks off July 11 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and wraps up July 22 in Richmond, Virginia.
Legendary rockers KING'S X will return to the North American tour circuit this fall as direct support to KANSAS.
In regards to this upcoming trek, KING'S X bassist/vocalist Doug Pinnick comments: "I've been a huge KANSAS fan since the beginning. I remember sitting on the floor with my friends listening to the just released record 'Song For America'... Fast forward to years later, KING'S X is going on tour with them!! It is an honor to be doing shows with them. This is gonna rock!!"
These dates will mark KING'S X's first performances since Gaskill's remarkable recovery from a major heart attack earlier this year.
"Not too long ago I was thinking I might not ever get back on a stage, now I'm ready and with the OK from all my doctors," says Gaskill. "What better way to get back than to tour with the legendary KANSAS. Let's rock..."
KANSAS original member and guitar virtuoso Richard Williams adds, "We are really looking forward to the upcoming shows with KING'S X. They're a great band and a force to be reckoned with. It's a tour like this that allows us to dig a little bit deeper into our catalogue and play a few songs that KANSAS fans haven't heard for a while. It's gonna be a lot of fun!"
On select dates, the one-man band THAT 1 GUY (featuring Mike Silverman) will open the show.
All confirmed tour dates are below with more dates to be added soon.
Tickets go on sale June 15 unless otherwise noted.
KING'S X supporting KANSAS:
Sep. 13 - New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
Sep. 14 - Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Events Center
Sep. 15 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Spa & Resort - Music Box
Oct. 05 - Salina, KS @ Steifel Theatre for Performing Arts *
Oct. 06 - Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theatre
Oct. 12 - Montgomery, AL @ Alabama National Fair ***
Oct. 19 - Little Rock, AR @ Arkansas State Fair
* Tickets on sale June 1
*** No THAT 1 GUY
In regards to this upcoming trek, KING'S X bassist/vocalist Doug Pinnick comments: "I've been a huge KANSAS fan since the beginning. I remember sitting on the floor with my friends listening to the just released record 'Song For America'... Fast forward to years later, KING'S X is going on tour with them!! It is an honor to be doing shows with them. This is gonna rock!!"
These dates will mark KING'S X's first performances since Gaskill's remarkable recovery from a major heart attack earlier this year.
"Not too long ago I was thinking I might not ever get back on a stage, now I'm ready and with the OK from all my doctors," says Gaskill. "What better way to get back than to tour with the legendary KANSAS. Let's rock..."
KANSAS original member and guitar virtuoso Richard Williams adds, "We are really looking forward to the upcoming shows with KING'S X. They're a great band and a force to be reckoned with. It's a tour like this that allows us to dig a little bit deeper into our catalogue and play a few songs that KANSAS fans haven't heard for a while. It's gonna be a lot of fun!"
On select dates, the one-man band THAT 1 GUY (featuring Mike Silverman) will open the show.
All confirmed tour dates are below with more dates to be added soon.
Tickets go on sale June 15 unless otherwise noted.
KING'S X supporting KANSAS:
Sep. 13 - New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
Sep. 14 - Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Events Center
Sep. 15 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Spa & Resort - Music Box
Oct. 05 - Salina, KS @ Steifel Theatre for Performing Arts *
Oct. 06 - Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theatre
Oct. 12 - Montgomery, AL @ Alabama National Fair ***
Oct. 19 - Little Rock, AR @ Arkansas State Fair
* Tickets on sale June 1
*** No THAT 1 GUY
Russ Irwin, Los Angeles-based keyboardist, singer-songwriter and touring member of AEROSMITH for over 15 years, has released the ten-song solo album "Get Me Home". Featuring guest vocals from AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler and appearances by AEROSMITH guitarist Brad Whitford, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Dean DeLeo, and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Chris Botti, the CD showcases Irwin's unique style of piano-driven, jazz-inspired, blues rock.
According to a press release, "the album's sharp arrangements and eclectic dynamics represent just a sample of the songwriting acuity that has earned Irwin high-praise status as a hitmaker among his peers. Irwin's first single 'Manhattan', a modern-day standard and ode to New York City, chronicles a born and bred New Yorker's nostalgia for the landmarks and mood of the Big Apple after years of being on the road and living in L.A. The raucous 'I Miss Being Lonely' laments an addict friend's chaotic downward spiral despite claims of being sober and the slow-burning build and tight vocal harmonies of 'Find The Light' give universal encouragement to not 'give up when times are rough.'"
In recent years, Irwin has toured with Sting, Bryan Adams, Curt Smith (TEARS FOR FEARS), and Duncan Sheik and has written songs for FOREIGNER, MEAT LOAF, SCORPIONS, and produced Clay Aiken's "I Want To Know What Love Is" which entered the Billboard Hot 200.
This June, Irwin will embark on The Global Warming Tour with AEROSMITH and will appear on episodes of Bravo's "The Real Housewives Of New York City" as Carole Radziwell's boyfriend. Solo tour dates will be announced later this year.
For more information, visit www.russirwin.com.
According to a press release, "the album's sharp arrangements and eclectic dynamics represent just a sample of the songwriting acuity that has earned Irwin high-praise status as a hitmaker among his peers. Irwin's first single 'Manhattan', a modern-day standard and ode to New York City, chronicles a born and bred New Yorker's nostalgia for the landmarks and mood of the Big Apple after years of being on the road and living in L.A. The raucous 'I Miss Being Lonely' laments an addict friend's chaotic downward spiral despite claims of being sober and the slow-burning build and tight vocal harmonies of 'Find The Light' give universal encouragement to not 'give up when times are rough.'"
In recent years, Irwin has toured with Sting, Bryan Adams, Curt Smith (TEARS FOR FEARS), and Duncan Sheik and has written songs for FOREIGNER, MEAT LOAF, SCORPIONS, and produced Clay Aiken's "I Want To Know What Love Is" which entered the Billboard Hot 200.
This June, Irwin will embark on The Global Warming Tour with AEROSMITH and will appear on episodes of Bravo's "The Real Housewives Of New York City" as Carole Radziwell's boyfriend. Solo tour dates will be announced later this year.
For more information, visit www.russirwin.com.
DEVICE is the name of the new collaborative project featuring DISTURBED vocalist David Draiman and former FILTER guitarist Geno Lenardo. The band, which has just launched its official Facebook page at this location, will enter the studio later this week to begin demoing material for its debut release. Draiman previously described the group's sound as in the vein of industrial acts like NINE INCH NAILS and MINISTRY.
When asked by a fan via Twitter if the project would be anything "like dubstep," Draiman wrote, "No, it's about as close to it as [NINE INCH NAILS] or MINISTRY or RAMMSTEIN are. Industrial predates dubstep. . . In other words, it is at all times a guitar-driven sound."
Lenardo was initially hired as a touring guitarist for FILTER's "Short Bus" tour in 1995, then later signed on as a full-fledged member, co-writing tracks on FILTER's second album, "Title Of Record" (released in 1999), and the group's follow-up disc, 2002's "The Amalgamut".
Lenardo most recently contributed three songs to the soundtrack to the film "Underworld: Awakening", including "Heavy Prey" (see video below), which was a collaboration with FLYLEAF singer Lacey Sturm. The CD, which came out in January through Lakeshore Records, sold 3,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at position No. 175 on The Billboard 200 chart.
DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus last fall, and although the members of the band expressed interest in working on other endeavors, Draiman told The Pulse Of Radio at the time that he wasn't sure if he would do a solo project. "I don't know," he said. "I'm concerned about that, to be honest. I think too many people have tried and failed. You know, I think that the number of artists that have done it and been successful at it, you can count on one hand, and I would never want to stymie my persona or my growth individually by doing something just for the sake of doing it. If I were going to do something, it would have really have to be something special."
DISTURBED has not indicated when it plans to return, although all four members say they're likely to come back.
Aside from Draiman, DISTURBED bassist John Moyer has branched out recently by joining ADRENALINE MOB, a new group also featuring ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy and SYMPHONY X vocalist Russell Allen.
DISTURBED issued a limited-edition box set of all five of its studio albums on vinyl on April 21, Record Store Day, called "The Collection". The six-disc package includes all the records remastered and pressed on 140-gram heavy duty vinyl, with each housed in new artwork that is unique and exclusive to the box. Only 2,500 copies were made available worldwide.
When asked by a fan via Twitter if the project would be anything "like dubstep," Draiman wrote, "No, it's about as close to it as [NINE INCH NAILS] or MINISTRY or RAMMSTEIN are. Industrial predates dubstep. . . In other words, it is at all times a guitar-driven sound."
Lenardo was initially hired as a touring guitarist for FILTER's "Short Bus" tour in 1995, then later signed on as a full-fledged member, co-writing tracks on FILTER's second album, "Title Of Record" (released in 1999), and the group's follow-up disc, 2002's "The Amalgamut".
Lenardo most recently contributed three songs to the soundtrack to the film "Underworld: Awakening", including "Heavy Prey" (see video below), which was a collaboration with FLYLEAF singer Lacey Sturm. The CD, which came out in January through Lakeshore Records, sold 3,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at position No. 175 on The Billboard 200 chart.
DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus last fall, and although the members of the band expressed interest in working on other endeavors, Draiman told The Pulse Of Radio at the time that he wasn't sure if he would do a solo project. "I don't know," he said. "I'm concerned about that, to be honest. I think too many people have tried and failed. You know, I think that the number of artists that have done it and been successful at it, you can count on one hand, and I would never want to stymie my persona or my growth individually by doing something just for the sake of doing it. If I were going to do something, it would have really have to be something special."
DISTURBED has not indicated when it plans to return, although all four members say they're likely to come back.
Aside from Draiman, DISTURBED bassist John Moyer has branched out recently by joining ADRENALINE MOB, a new group also featuring ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy and SYMPHONY X vocalist Russell Allen.
DISTURBED issued a limited-edition box set of all five of its studio albums on vinyl on April 21, Record Store Day, called "The Collection". The six-disc package includes all the records remastered and pressed on 140-gram heavy duty vinyl, with each housed in new artwork that is unique and exclusive to the box. Only 2,500 copies were made available worldwide.
Tune in to the Discovery Channel's new hit motorcycle club series "The Devil's Ride", next week to hear select tracks from ATTIKA 7's upcoming full-length album, "Blood Of My Enemies". The episode, featuring a previously recorded live performance with exclusive, never-before-heard tracks, will air on June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The series often features ATTIKA 7 guitarist Rusty Coones and will include music from the band's new CD throughout the rest of the season.
ATTIKA 7 is the Los Angeles-based heavy metal/hard rock band featuring Tony Campos (SOULFLY, POSSESSED, STATIC-X, ASESINO, MINISTRY) on bass; Evan Seinfeld (BIOHAZARD) on vocals; and songwriter and famed motorcycle builder Rusty Coones on guitar.
"Blood Of My Enemies" will be released on July 31 via THC: Music/Rocket Science Ventures. The CD was recorded with producer Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK).
Commented Seinfeld: "As I embarked on my journey of musical and personal reinvention, the first step was to put together a band of incredible players, with diverse styles and a unified vision to write, record and perform timeless heavy metal, backed by an authentic outlaw lifestyle.
"After 10 albums and probably around 4000 concerts with BIOHAZARD in over 90 countries, all I can say is that the only thing constant in life is change, and without it, things can become stagnant and repetitious. The creative situation for me playing with Rusty and Tony in ATTIKA fosters my genuine creativity to flow, and allowed us to build something heavy, authentic, new and exciting from the ground up; more than music, but real camaraderie."
The ATTIKA7 sound "boasts very heavy, down-tuned and melodic harmonies, all the while boasting brutal hooks and grooves," according to a press release. "The band draws from several musical influences, including their own additional projects, and has been compared to the likes of BLACK SABBATH, METALLICA, GODSMACK, PANTERA, and WHITE ZOMBIE. The timeless no-frills songwriting of ATTIKA 7 is set apart from today's homogenized, derivative copycat bands by so many things, but above all: authenticity."
The majority of the ATTIKA7 album was written by lifetime biker and ATTIKA 7 lead guitarist Rusty Coones while serving a seven-year federal prison sentence for a false conviction. Rather than rat on his friends, Rusty used the tension to teach himself how to play guitar in solitary confinement. The passion and street credibility in his lyrics and riffs speak to the underdogs of the world who will not break, will not bend, but stand against forever.
When Rusty called best friend and riding buddy Evan Seinfeld to check in on whether he knew of a singer who could join his band, Evan immediately jumped in without hesitation. Since then, Rusty and Evan have been writing, recording, living and breathing ATTIKA 7 and haven't looked back.
ATTIKA 7 is the Los Angeles-based heavy metal/hard rock band featuring Tony Campos (SOULFLY, POSSESSED, STATIC-X, ASESINO, MINISTRY) on bass; Evan Seinfeld (BIOHAZARD) on vocals; and songwriter and famed motorcycle builder Rusty Coones on guitar.
"Blood Of My Enemies" will be released on July 31 via THC: Music/Rocket Science Ventures. The CD was recorded with producer Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK).
Commented Seinfeld: "As I embarked on my journey of musical and personal reinvention, the first step was to put together a band of incredible players, with diverse styles and a unified vision to write, record and perform timeless heavy metal, backed by an authentic outlaw lifestyle.
"After 10 albums and probably around 4000 concerts with BIOHAZARD in over 90 countries, all I can say is that the only thing constant in life is change, and without it, things can become stagnant and repetitious. The creative situation for me playing with Rusty and Tony in ATTIKA fosters my genuine creativity to flow, and allowed us to build something heavy, authentic, new and exciting from the ground up; more than music, but real camaraderie."
The ATTIKA7 sound "boasts very heavy, down-tuned and melodic harmonies, all the while boasting brutal hooks and grooves," according to a press release. "The band draws from several musical influences, including their own additional projects, and has been compared to the likes of BLACK SABBATH, METALLICA, GODSMACK, PANTERA, and WHITE ZOMBIE. The timeless no-frills songwriting of ATTIKA 7 is set apart from today's homogenized, derivative copycat bands by so many things, but above all: authenticity."
The majority of the ATTIKA7 album was written by lifetime biker and ATTIKA 7 lead guitarist Rusty Coones while serving a seven-year federal prison sentence for a false conviction. Rather than rat on his friends, Rusty used the tension to teach himself how to play guitar in solitary confinement. The passion and street credibility in his lyrics and riffs speak to the underdogs of the world who will not break, will not bend, but stand against forever.
When Rusty called best friend and riding buddy Evan Seinfeld to check in on whether he knew of a singer who could join his band, Evan immediately jumped in without hesitation. Since then, Rusty and Evan have been writing, recording, living and breathing ATTIKA 7 and haven't looked back.
Bass Guitar Magazine, the U.K.'s only print publication devoted solely to the bass-playing community, has announced that Paolo Gregoletto of TRIVIUM and Michael McKeegan of THERAPY? will be writing monthly columns for the magazine from June.
Gregoletto, whose precision playing has earned him the acclaim of studio producers and engineers as well as other professional bass players, and McKeegan, whose fluid command of the low end has driven his band for over two decades, will be supplying advice on gear, technique and surviving life on the road. Look out for their first columns in Bass Guitar Magazine issue 80, out June 27.
Visit www.bassguitarmagazine.com for more information.
Gregoletto, whose precision playing has earned him the acclaim of studio producers and engineers as well as other professional bass players, and McKeegan, whose fluid command of the low end has driven his band for over two decades, will be supplying advice on gear, technique and surviving life on the road. Look out for their first columns in Bass Guitar Magazine issue 80, out June 27.
Visit www.bassguitarmagazine.com for more information.
Bassist Karin Axelsson of Swedish/British modern metallers SONIC SYNDICATE is pregnant with her first child. According to Karin, the baby is due the first week of October. She says, "Please welcome the next generation Axelsson."
Axelsson is engaged to André Gonzales, guitarist of the Swedish band BY NIGHT.
After an almost year-long hiatus, SONIC SYNDICATE will co-headline the Vekeri Fesztival, set to take place June 21-23 in Hungary. Also scheduled to appear are AMORPHIS, NORTHER, ELUVEITIE and many other acts.
SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden with producer Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others.
Axelsson is engaged to André Gonzales, guitarist of the Swedish band BY NIGHT.
After an almost year-long hiatus, SONIC SYNDICATE will co-headline the Vekeri Fesztival, set to take place June 21-23 in Hungary. Also scheduled to appear are AMORPHIS, NORTHER, ELUVEITIE and many other acts.
SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden with producer Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others.
REVAMP/ex-AFTER FOREVER vocalist Floor Jansen will join MAYAN — the band featuring EPICA guitarist/songwriter Mark Jansen alongside Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) and Frank Schiphorst — on stage at the ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, Georgia in September.
The ProgPower USA event will take place September 12-15 at Center State in Atlanta.
MAYAN's debut album, "Quarterpast", was released in Europe on May 20, 2011 and in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded and mixed by Sascha Paeth (EPICA, KAMELOT).
"Quarterpast" track listing:
01. Symphony Of Aggression
02. Mainstay Of Society
03. Quarterpast
04. Course Of Life
05. The Savage Massacre
06. Essenza Di Te
07. Bite The Bullet
08. Drown The Demon
09. Celibate Aphrodite
10. War On Terror
11. Tithe
12. Sinner's Last Retreat (bonus track)
"Quarterpast" features vocal contributions from the following musicians:
* Mark Jansen (EPICA, ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Ariën van Weesenbeek (EPICA)
* Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Floor Jansen (REVAMP, ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Simone Simons (EPICA)
* Henning Basse (SONS OF SEASONS)
* Laura Macrì (Italian opera singer)
In an interview with The Great Southern Brainfart, Mark Jansen stated about MAYAN, "It started as just something for fun but soon it grew into something that had to be perfect as well. I thought it was just for fun to make music with old friends but now it's as serious for me as EPICA is. Of course, EPICA remains my priority band and that's the band that's doing the most of the tours but MAYAN will fill in the gaps."
When asked if the MAYAN material is — conceptually and lyrically — be similar to EPICA, Mark replied, "Lyrically, you will find a lot of comparisons because it's my style of writing. I didn't attempt to write about completely different stuff. It could have been lyrics for an EPICA CD as well but music-wise it's completely different. It contains way more grunts and it's way more heavy. It is still symphonic because I love that kind of music. It's like a mixture of SYMPHONY X and OPETH style. That kind of direction."
MAYAN is:
* Mark Jansen (EPICA, ex-AFTER FOREVER) – Guitar, Vocals
* Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) - Keyboards
* Frank Schiphorst - Guitar, Vocals
* Rob van der Loo (ex-SUN CAGED, DELAIN) - Bass
* Isaac Delahaye (EPICA) - Guitar
The ProgPower USA event will take place September 12-15 at Center State in Atlanta.
MAYAN's debut album, "Quarterpast", was released in Europe on May 20, 2011 and in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded and mixed by Sascha Paeth (EPICA, KAMELOT).
"Quarterpast" track listing:
01. Symphony Of Aggression
02. Mainstay Of Society
03. Quarterpast
04. Course Of Life
05. The Savage Massacre
06. Essenza Di Te
07. Bite The Bullet
08. Drown The Demon
09. Celibate Aphrodite
10. War On Terror
11. Tithe
12. Sinner's Last Retreat (bonus track)
"Quarterpast" features vocal contributions from the following musicians:
* Mark Jansen (EPICA, ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Ariën van Weesenbeek (EPICA)
* Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Floor Jansen (REVAMP, ex-AFTER FOREVER)
* Simone Simons (EPICA)
* Henning Basse (SONS OF SEASONS)
* Laura Macrì (Italian opera singer)
In an interview with The Great Southern Brainfart, Mark Jansen stated about MAYAN, "It started as just something for fun but soon it grew into something that had to be perfect as well. I thought it was just for fun to make music with old friends but now it's as serious for me as EPICA is. Of course, EPICA remains my priority band and that's the band that's doing the most of the tours but MAYAN will fill in the gaps."
When asked if the MAYAN material is — conceptually and lyrically — be similar to EPICA, Mark replied, "Lyrically, you will find a lot of comparisons because it's my style of writing. I didn't attempt to write about completely different stuff. It could have been lyrics for an EPICA CD as well but music-wise it's completely different. It contains way more grunts and it's way more heavy. It is still symphonic because I love that kind of music. It's like a mixture of SYMPHONY X and OPETH style. That kind of direction."
MAYAN is:
* Mark Jansen (EPICA, ex-AFTER FOREVER) – Guitar, Vocals
* Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) - Keyboards
* Frank Schiphorst - Guitar, Vocals
* Rob van der Loo (ex-SUN CAGED, DELAIN) - Bass
* Isaac Delahaye (EPICA) - Guitar
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/mayanprogpower.jpg
Dallas-based thrashers POWER TRIP have inked a multi-album deal with Southern Lord.
Having amassed a diehard following since their 2008 formation through their crushing live shows, as well as several compilation inclusions, demos and EPs released via Lockin' Out, Withdrawal Records, Triple B Records and other indie labels, POWER TRIP channel the old-school crossover energy of legendary acts like CRO-MAGS, NUCLEAR ASSAULT and LEEWAY through modern thrash warfare.
This weekend POWER TRIP will invade the sweltering Chaos In Tejas fiesta in Austin, Texas for two crushing shows, performing Saturday night alongside their allies in TOXIC HOLOCAUST and MIDNIGHT, and Sunday flanking BOSTON STRANGLER, RIVAL MOB and THE ABUSED. And as previously announced, POWER TRIP will also terrorize all three Texas shows of the forthcoming Southern Lord label summer package tour, joining now-labelmates ENABLER, BURNING LOVE, MARTYRDÖD and BLACK BREATH.
Having amassed a diehard following since their 2008 formation through their crushing live shows, as well as several compilation inclusions, demos and EPs released via Lockin' Out, Withdrawal Records, Triple B Records and other indie labels, POWER TRIP channel the old-school crossover energy of legendary acts like CRO-MAGS, NUCLEAR ASSAULT and LEEWAY through modern thrash warfare.
This weekend POWER TRIP will invade the sweltering Chaos In Tejas fiesta in Austin, Texas for two crushing shows, performing Saturday night alongside their allies in TOXIC HOLOCAUST and MIDNIGHT, and Sunday flanking BOSTON STRANGLER, RIVAL MOB and THE ABUSED. And as previously announced, POWER TRIP will also terrorize all three Texas shows of the forthcoming Southern Lord label summer package tour, joining now-labelmates ENABLER, BURNING LOVE, MARTYRDÖD and BLACK BREATH.
After months of paperwork, hoop-jumping, and making the appropriate sacrifices, today Slave Pit is pleased to announce that the GWAR-B-Q is 100% completely legal and confirmed, and set for August 18 at Hadad's Lake, the location the band had planned on using last year.
As you may recall, last year's GWAR-B-Q was switched from Hadad's to the National Theater because of problems getting the correct permits. Even though the event was still completely awesome, most people seemed to agree that generally speaking, GWAR-B-Qs should be held outdoors.
"All the proper arrangements have been made in triplicate and the proper demonic sponsorships attained," said GWAR spokes-thing Oderus Urungus. "It's going to be a stinking hot, beer and beef-smeared metallic murderfest of unprecedented debauchery...the most splat-tac-cular GWAR-B-Q!"
This marks the third consecutive year for the growing festival, and like last year, GWAR will headline the event. As Best Friends Day, the hugely popular Richmond music fest, is taking this summer off, the GWAR-B-Q is set to be the hugest heavy music event of the Richmond summer scene. Bands will be spread across two stages and feature such acts as THE CASUALTIES, GHOUL, VALIENT THORR, OCCULTIST, LIONIZE, HIGHNESS, ANTIETAM 1862, MUTWAWA, and BLACK NAKED WINGS. There will also be Spew-O-Lympics, numerous food vendors, endless streams of golden nectar, pools to cool your fevered sun-burn, and much much more, including the return of the Sexecutioner to the GWAR stage for the first time in twelve years. Sexy has completed a lengthy sabbatical beneath the catacombs of Paris with his good friend, Prince Ray Pierre, better known as "Frenchy", the demon of France. His return to the rock stage provides the promise of attaining unprecedented levels of naughtiness.
Added Oderus, "I can't tell you how ecstatic I am to once again be engaging in acts of necro-bestial delight with my old buddy, The Sexecutioner. Well actually, I can. I am ecstatic I am to once again be engaging in acts of necro-bestial delight with my old buddy, The Sexecutioner."
Some of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit Richmond's Ring Dog Rescue.
More info on the GWAR-B-Q will be released in the coming weeks.
As you may recall, last year's GWAR-B-Q was switched from Hadad's to the National Theater because of problems getting the correct permits. Even though the event was still completely awesome, most people seemed to agree that generally speaking, GWAR-B-Qs should be held outdoors.
"All the proper arrangements have been made in triplicate and the proper demonic sponsorships attained," said GWAR spokes-thing Oderus Urungus. "It's going to be a stinking hot, beer and beef-smeared metallic murderfest of unprecedented debauchery...the most splat-tac-cular GWAR-B-Q!"
This marks the third consecutive year for the growing festival, and like last year, GWAR will headline the event. As Best Friends Day, the hugely popular Richmond music fest, is taking this summer off, the GWAR-B-Q is set to be the hugest heavy music event of the Richmond summer scene. Bands will be spread across two stages and feature such acts as THE CASUALTIES, GHOUL, VALIENT THORR, OCCULTIST, LIONIZE, HIGHNESS, ANTIETAM 1862, MUTWAWA, and BLACK NAKED WINGS. There will also be Spew-O-Lympics, numerous food vendors, endless streams of golden nectar, pools to cool your fevered sun-burn, and much much more, including the return of the Sexecutioner to the GWAR stage for the first time in twelve years. Sexy has completed a lengthy sabbatical beneath the catacombs of Paris with his good friend, Prince Ray Pierre, better known as "Frenchy", the demon of France. His return to the rock stage provides the promise of attaining unprecedented levels of naughtiness.
Added Oderus, "I can't tell you how ecstatic I am to once again be engaging in acts of necro-bestial delight with my old buddy, The Sexecutioner. Well actually, I can. I am ecstatic I am to once again be engaging in acts of necro-bestial delight with my old buddy, The Sexecutioner."
Some of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit Richmond's Ring Dog Rescue.
More info on the GWAR-B-Q will be released in the coming weeks.
According to a new video message from drummer Kelly David Smith of Long-running Arizona metallers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, the band has "about eight songs [for the next album] done in pre-production." The group is hoping to complete all tracks by the middle of the summer for a tentative late 2012/early 2013 release.
Funding for the next FLOTSAM AND JETSAM album is being aided by the PledgeMusic.com project, which encourages fans to contribute funds to the recording of albums and the artists themselves to donate to charity as a part of their fundraising.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM last summer parted ways with drummer Craig Nielsen and was rejoined by Kelly David Smith.
The band's current lineup is the same as the one that recorded the "Cuatro" (1992), "Drift" (1995) and "High" (1997) albums:
Eric "A.K." Knutson - Vocals
Ed Carlson - Guitar
Michael Gilbert - Guitar
Jason Ward - Bass
Kelly David Smith – Drums
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's latest album, "The Cold", was released in Europe in February 2011 via Nuclear Blast. The CD's cover artwork was created by Travis Smith, who has previously worked with OPETH, NEVERMORE, AMORPHIS and KING DIAMOND, among others.
"The Cold" was released in North America on September 14, 2010.
Funding for the next FLOTSAM AND JETSAM album is being aided by the PledgeMusic.com project, which encourages fans to contribute funds to the recording of albums and the artists themselves to donate to charity as a part of their fundraising.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM last summer parted ways with drummer Craig Nielsen and was rejoined by Kelly David Smith.
The band's current lineup is the same as the one that recorded the "Cuatro" (1992), "Drift" (1995) and "High" (1997) albums:
Eric "A.K." Knutson - Vocals
Ed Carlson - Guitar
Michael Gilbert - Guitar
Jason Ward - Bass
Kelly David Smith – Drums
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's latest album, "The Cold", was released in Europe in February 2011 via Nuclear Blast. The CD's cover artwork was created by Travis Smith, who has previously worked with OPETH, NEVERMORE, AMORPHIS and KING DIAMOND, among others.
"The Cold" was released in North America on September 14, 2010.
After a break of ten years, former ANGEL DUST vocalist Dirk Thurisch returns with his band MERCURY TIDE, which once started as a project and has since grown into a full-fledged band.
MERCURY TIDE's new album, "Killing Saw", is a natural progression from the band's last CD, "Why?", which came out in 2003.
"Killing Saw" was released in Europe on May 25 and will be made available in the U.S. on July 10 via Limited Access Records. The effort was recorded and mixed at the CKB Recording Studio by drummer and producer Carsten Rehmann (JAPANISCHE KAMPFHÖRSPIELE, KREATOR, HARASAI) and was mixed by Eroc (MATT ROEHR, MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND).
In the two YouTube clips below, Thurisch presents the "Killing Saw" liner notes. Part one features the tracks "In The Shame Of Trust" and "Killing Saw", while the second part focuses on the songs "Home" and "Searching".
MERCURY TIDE's new album, "Killing Saw", is a natural progression from the band's last CD, "Why?", which came out in 2003.
"Killing Saw" was released in Europe on May 25 and will be made available in the U.S. on July 10 via Limited Access Records. The effort was recorded and mixed at the CKB Recording Studio by drummer and producer Carsten Rehmann (JAPANISCHE KAMPFHÖRSPIELE, KREATOR, HARASAI) and was mixed by Eroc (MATT ROEHR, MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND).
In the two YouTube clips below, Thurisch presents the "Killing Saw" liner notes. Part one features the tracks "In The Shame Of Trust" and "Killing Saw", while the second part focuses on the songs "Home" and "Searching".
Alaskan metallers 36 CRAZYFISTS have announced the addition of drummer Kyle Baltus to the group's ranks. In addition, the band has been rejoined by bassist Mick Whitney following the recent departure of Brett "Buzzard" Makowski.
Commented 36 CRAZYFISTS: "We have known Kyle for many years and are very excited to have him join the band. He is an absolute BEAST behind the kit and his first shows with the band will be the upcoming August gigs."
The band added, "Words cannot express how stoked we are to have [Whitney] back with us after a four-year hiatus.
"Many thanks to our brother Buzzard for rocking with us when Mick had to step down and helping us continue on as a band; we are truly grateful.
"In addition to the gigs we are playing in August to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of [36 CRAZYFISTS's 2002 debut album] 'Bitterness The Star', we are working diligently to make up the canceled European tour from last year, so we plan on crossing the pond and celebrate the anniversary with our Euro pals as well!
"Lastly, we are writing new music and looking to create the next chapter of the band."
36 CRAZYFISTS will perform "Bitterness The Star" in its entirety at the following shows:
Aug. 03 - Chilkoot Charlie's - Anchorage, AK
Aug. 04 - Alyeska Day Lodge - Girdwood, AK
Aug. 10 - The Alibi - Homer, AK
Aug. 11 - Hooligan's - Soldotna, AK
Aug. 17 - Hell's Kitchen - Tacoma, WA
Aug. 18 - Ash Street Saloon - Portland, OR
36 CRAZYFISTS's latest album, "Collisions And Castaways", sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 161 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Collisions And Castaways" was written and recorded between October 2009 and May 2010. It follows on the heels of 2009's DVD, "Underneath a Northern Sky", and is the band's second straight effort to feature Steve Holt in the producer's chair and Andy Sneap handling the final mix.
Commented 36 CRAZYFISTS: "We have known Kyle for many years and are very excited to have him join the band. He is an absolute BEAST behind the kit and his first shows with the band will be the upcoming August gigs."
The band added, "Words cannot express how stoked we are to have [Whitney] back with us after a four-year hiatus.
"Many thanks to our brother Buzzard for rocking with us when Mick had to step down and helping us continue on as a band; we are truly grateful.
"In addition to the gigs we are playing in August to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of [36 CRAZYFISTS's 2002 debut album] 'Bitterness The Star', we are working diligently to make up the canceled European tour from last year, so we plan on crossing the pond and celebrate the anniversary with our Euro pals as well!
"Lastly, we are writing new music and looking to create the next chapter of the band."
36 CRAZYFISTS will perform "Bitterness The Star" in its entirety at the following shows:
Aug. 03 - Chilkoot Charlie's - Anchorage, AK
Aug. 04 - Alyeska Day Lodge - Girdwood, AK
Aug. 10 - The Alibi - Homer, AK
Aug. 11 - Hooligan's - Soldotna, AK
Aug. 17 - Hell's Kitchen - Tacoma, WA
Aug. 18 - Ash Street Saloon - Portland, OR
36 CRAZYFISTS's latest album, "Collisions And Castaways", sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 161 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Collisions And Castaways" was written and recorded between October 2009 and May 2010. It follows on the heels of 2009's DVD, "Underneath a Northern Sky", and is the band's second straight effort to feature Steve Holt in the producer's chair and Andy Sneap handling the final mix.
Italian/Norwegian electro/post-black metallers ABORYM will enter the studio in October to record their sixth album for an early 2013 release through Agonia Records. The band is also working on a special song to celebrate its 20th anniversary, described in a press release as "an assembly of riffs, ideas, lyrics, loops, grooves sent in by fans." Furthermore, a big fan-wall poster is under construction, with hundreds of photos from the fans. You'll find all the infos and restrictions on sending audio and visual material inside the fan area section at www.aborym.it.
ABORYM's fifth CD, "Psychogrotesque", was released in November 2010 via Season Of Mist. The effort was composed of a single song written by the band's mastermind Malfeitor Fabban and talented guitarist Hell:IO:Kabbalus.
ABORYM's fifth CD, "Psychogrotesque", was released in November 2010 via Season Of Mist. The effort was composed of a single song written by the band's mastermind Malfeitor Fabban and talented guitarist Hell:IO:Kabbalus.
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