Ozzy Osbourne's 26-year-old son Jack made an appearance on this past Wednesday's (June 20) edition of "The Talk" show on CBS to discuss his recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Joining him during the program was his mother, "The Talk" co-host Sharon Osbourne, who also manages Ozzy's career.
"I guess I've been having symptoms for the last three or four years, but I didn't realize it," Jack said. "I had problems with my bladder, problems with my stomach and then, about two years ago, my legs went numb for two months and I just thought I had pinched a nerve."
Jack went blind in one eye as a result of the autoimmune disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord. He has since regained "about 80 percent" of his sight. He said, "They don't know if it will ever improve beyond that, but everyone's different.
"[My vision] will return to some capacity but like I said, everyone is different, some people are left with a blind spot, some people return a 100 percent, some people never even get anything back, so it's hit or miss.
"Ultimately, that's the toughest thing with this disease that I'm learning... One minute you can be fine, and the next I went blind in my right eye. It's a completely unpredictable disease."
Speaking to Piers Morgan on his CNN show, "Piers Morgan Tonight", on Thursday (June 21), Jack said, "I've been told by all my doctors that if you are going to get MS now is the best time to have it. There are, I think, two or three new drugs coming out within the next six months... I do believe there will be a solution in sight in my lifetime."
Jack revealed that there is some family history with MS, saying, "Mum took it really quite hard; my uncle on her side has MS and, the way my mum is, she thinks that somehow it's her fault. Both my parents were handling it way worse than I was; they were pretty shaken up about the whole thing."
Sharon told Hello! magazine, "I keep thinking, 'What did I do wrong? What did I eat or drink when I was pregnant? I feel like it's somehow my fault."
Ozzy added, "If it was me, you'd think: 'Ozzy had a reputation and it caught up with him.' But Jack is such a good guy."
MS affects the central nervous system and can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking. The disease affects people differently in each case, with some people having only minor problems, while others become seriously disabled.
"I guess I've been having symptoms for the last three or four years, but I didn't realize it," Jack said. "I had problems with my bladder, problems with my stomach and then, about two years ago, my legs went numb for two months and I just thought I had pinched a nerve."
Jack went blind in one eye as a result of the autoimmune disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord. He has since regained "about 80 percent" of his sight. He said, "They don't know if it will ever improve beyond that, but everyone's different.
"[My vision] will return to some capacity but like I said, everyone is different, some people are left with a blind spot, some people return a 100 percent, some people never even get anything back, so it's hit or miss.
"Ultimately, that's the toughest thing with this disease that I'm learning... One minute you can be fine, and the next I went blind in my right eye. It's a completely unpredictable disease."
Speaking to Piers Morgan on his CNN show, "Piers Morgan Tonight", on Thursday (June 21), Jack said, "I've been told by all my doctors that if you are going to get MS now is the best time to have it. There are, I think, two or three new drugs coming out within the next six months... I do believe there will be a solution in sight in my lifetime."
Jack revealed that there is some family history with MS, saying, "Mum took it really quite hard; my uncle on her side has MS and, the way my mum is, she thinks that somehow it's her fault. Both my parents were handling it way worse than I was; they were pretty shaken up about the whole thing."
Sharon told Hello! magazine, "I keep thinking, 'What did I do wrong? What did I eat or drink when I was pregnant? I feel like it's somehow my fault."
Ozzy added, "If it was me, you'd think: 'Ozzy had a reputation and it caught up with him.' But Jack is such a good guy."
MS affects the central nervous system and can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking. The disease affects people differently in each case, with some people having only minor problems, while others become seriously disabled.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vmItzp2EICs
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2012/06/22/piers-morgan-jack-osbourne-multiple-sclerosis.cnn
Close to 14,000 fans turned out in force this past Thursday night, June 21 for the opening show of IRON MAIDEN's "Maiden England North American Tour" in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting the spectacular tour off to a flying start.
Singer Bruce Dickinson commented: "We haven't played in Charlotte since 1988 so we really didn't expect anything like this number of people would come and see us! And what a terrific audience! Truly magical. We had expected this to be a sort of lower key warm-up show to get the production, pyro and stuff into shape, and ourselves too! It was our first show since those at London's 02 Arena last August so band and crew can all get a bit rusty. But a crowd this loud and supportive soon blew the cobwebs away. Thank you, Charlotte!"
Bass player Steve Harris added: "It was fantastic to see so many fans since we were last here with the original 'Seventh Son' tour 24 years ago. Some of the songs we've not performed for many years and the crowd reaction was just amazing, especially among the younger fans hearing them live for the first time. A response like that on the first night was incredible. We're totally knocked out and can't wait for the rest of the tour!"
Courtney Devores from The Charlotte Observer commented: "The crowd response was that of fans that had been waiting over two decades (and in some cases their entire lives), The reaction to 'The Trooper' . . . was arguably unparalleled throughout the night."
Creative Loafing's Jeff Hahne called the show "a feast for the eyes and ears... MAIDEN isn't on a nostalgia trip this time round. They're putting everything they've got into the music, getting the crowd involved at every chance and loving every minute of it."
The band's setlist was as follows:
01. Moonchild
02. Can I Play With Madness
03. The Prisoner (performed for first time since September 21, 1991)
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. Afraid To Shoot Strangers (performed for first time since December 12, 1998)
06. The Trooper
07. The Number Of The Beast
08. Phantom Of The Opera
09. Run To The Hills
10. Wasted Years
11. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (performed for first time since December 12, 1988)
12. The Clairvoyant
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden
Encore:
15. Aces High
16. The Evil That Men Do
17. Running Free
The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is the band's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!
The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.
Singer Bruce Dickinson commented: "We haven't played in Charlotte since 1988 so we really didn't expect anything like this number of people would come and see us! And what a terrific audience! Truly magical. We had expected this to be a sort of lower key warm-up show to get the production, pyro and stuff into shape, and ourselves too! It was our first show since those at London's 02 Arena last August so band and crew can all get a bit rusty. But a crowd this loud and supportive soon blew the cobwebs away. Thank you, Charlotte!"
Bass player Steve Harris added: "It was fantastic to see so many fans since we were last here with the original 'Seventh Son' tour 24 years ago. Some of the songs we've not performed for many years and the crowd reaction was just amazing, especially among the younger fans hearing them live for the first time. A response like that on the first night was incredible. We're totally knocked out and can't wait for the rest of the tour!"
Courtney Devores from The Charlotte Observer commented: "The crowd response was that of fans that had been waiting over two decades (and in some cases their entire lives), The reaction to 'The Trooper' . . . was arguably unparalleled throughout the night."
Creative Loafing's Jeff Hahne called the show "a feast for the eyes and ears... MAIDEN isn't on a nostalgia trip this time round. They're putting everything they've got into the music, getting the crowd involved at every chance and loving every minute of it."
The band's setlist was as follows:
01. Moonchild
02. Can I Play With Madness
03. The Prisoner (performed for first time since September 21, 1991)
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. Afraid To Shoot Strangers (performed for first time since December 12, 1998)
06. The Trooper
07. The Number Of The Beast
08. Phantom Of The Opera
09. Run To The Hills
10. Wasted Years
11. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (performed for first time since December 12, 1988)
12. The Clairvoyant
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden
Encore:
15. Aces High
16. The Evil That Men Do
17. Running Free
The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is the band's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!
The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.
IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain will guest on "Eddie Trunk Live" on SiriusXM satellite radio (channel 39 Hair Nation) this coming Monday, June 25 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Close to 14,000 fans turned out in force this past Thursday night, June 21 for the opening show of IRON MAIDEN's "Maiden England North American Tour" in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting the spectacular tour off to a flying start.
The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is the band's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!
The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.
For a complete list of "Maiden England" 2012 tour dates, visit IronMaiden.com.
Close to 14,000 fans turned out in force this past Thursday night, June 21 for the opening show of IRON MAIDEN's "Maiden England North American Tour" in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting the spectacular tour off to a flying start.
The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is the band's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!
The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.
For a complete list of "Maiden England" 2012 tour dates, visit IronMaiden.com.
The artwork for the new KISS single, "Hell Or Hallelujah", can be seen below. The track, which is expected to be released next week, was previously described by KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley as "uptempo" and "very definitive."
"Hell Or Hallelujah" comes off KISS' new album, "Monster", which is scheduled for a fall release. The CD was again produced by the Stanley and is, in KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons' words, "either the best or one of the top three records we've ever done. It's like 'Revenge' meets 'Destroyer' — just guitar and drums, nothing else. No keyboards, no little boys' choir, no strings, no nothing. Band-written; literally we'd get in and strum guitars like the old days." The album "was written very fast," according to Simmons and includes one track, "Are You Ready?", that he describes as, "an old song that was torn apart and re-written." Other 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" and "Wall Of Sound".
"I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly," Stanley told Classic Rock magazine. "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."
"Monster" will be accompanied by a "monstrous book" of the same name, an over-sized art book that Simmons told Billboard magazine "should weigh 100 pounds or more" and come with its own stand. "It's something you can't put on your coffee table, 'cause it'll crush it. It IS the coffee table."
"Hell Or Hallelujah" comes off KISS' new album, "Monster", which is scheduled for a fall release. The CD was again produced by the Stanley and is, in KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons' words, "either the best or one of the top three records we've ever done. It's like 'Revenge' meets 'Destroyer' — just guitar and drums, nothing else. No keyboards, no little boys' choir, no strings, no nothing. Band-written; literally we'd get in and strum guitars like the old days." The album "was written very fast," according to Simmons and includes one track, "Are You Ready?", that he describes as, "an old song that was torn apart and re-written." Other 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" and "Wall Of Sound".
"I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly," Stanley told Classic Rock magazine. "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."
"Monster" will be accompanied by a "monstrous book" of the same name, an over-sized art book that Simmons told Billboard magazine "should weigh 100 pounds or more" and come with its own stand. "It's something you can't put on your coffee table, 'cause it'll crush it. It IS the coffee table."
According to AliceCooper.com, legendary rocker Alice Cooper made a quick detour from his "No More Mr. Nice Guy" U.S. tour on Sunday, June 24 to attend a fundraising event benefiting the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. OMRF scientists have discovered an experimental compound that has shown effectiveness in shrinking tumors in lab animals, and the proceeds from this event will help pay for the clinical trials needed for people suffering from a deadly form of brain cancer. Alice joined Shooter Jennings and his band on stage at the end of Jennings' performance, ripping through well-received versions of Chuck Berry's "Nadine" and the immortal Cooper classic "School's Out". After the surprise performance, Alice offered for auction a once-in-a-lifetime "On Stage With Alice" package, and legendary University Of Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer provided the winning bid! Barry's bid contributed $50,000 at the urging of David Chernicky (who also won an "On Stage With Alice" auction, having just performed with Alice Saturday night in Atlanta).
Coach Switzer will be joining Alice on stage at an upcoming show this year.
Coach Switzer will be joining Alice on stage at an upcoming show this year.
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund will host its second Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 31 at The Avalon in Hollywood, California to raise funds for its commitment to cancer prevention, research and education. Founded in memory of Ronnie James Dio, the world-renowned voice of DIO, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL who died of gastric cancer in May 2010, the Dio Cancer Fund has raised more than $500,000 in its short history.
Awards named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio will be presented to honorees in recognition of their support of the Fund's important work. Eddie Trunk, host of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show", will once again serve as special guest emcee, with this year's King Of Rock 'N' Roll Award going to Ronnie's BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL bandmate Tony Iommi, who in january announced he was battling lymphoma. A number of ticket options are available, from as low as $200 all the way up to $12,000. Guests will enjoy a costume contest, both silent and live auctions, gourmet food, a fully hosted bar and a performance by DIO DISCIPLES, which is made up of ex-DIO members Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums) and Craig Goldy (guitar) along with former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens.
With nearly five decades of worldwide success and album sales in the tens of millions as the front man of ELF, RAINBOW, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, and, most recently, HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie James Dio grabbed the mic, took the stage, and led a movement whose influence resonates to this day.
"Ronnie was a very special person," Wendy Dio said in a December 2011 interview. "Not only was he an amazing vocalist, amazing songwriter, he was an amazing person as a human being. He loved people. He loved his fans. He listened when people spoke. A lot of times people don't listen. He listened. He remembered people's names. He remembered their children's names. He was just a very, very special person. He was taken too soon from us. . . I don't think anyone's ever said a bad word about Ronnie except for [former DIO and current DEF LEPPARD guitarist] Vivian Campbell. [Laughs]"
Awards named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio will be presented to honorees in recognition of their support of the Fund's important work. Eddie Trunk, host of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show", will once again serve as special guest emcee, with this year's King Of Rock 'N' Roll Award going to Ronnie's BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL bandmate Tony Iommi, who in january announced he was battling lymphoma. A number of ticket options are available, from as low as $200 all the way up to $12,000. Guests will enjoy a costume contest, both silent and live auctions, gourmet food, a fully hosted bar and a performance by DIO DISCIPLES, which is made up of ex-DIO members Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums) and Craig Goldy (guitar) along with former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens.
With nearly five decades of worldwide success and album sales in the tens of millions as the front man of ELF, RAINBOW, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, and, most recently, HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie James Dio grabbed the mic, took the stage, and led a movement whose influence resonates to this day.
"Ronnie was a very special person," Wendy Dio said in a December 2011 interview. "Not only was he an amazing vocalist, amazing songwriter, he was an amazing person as a human being. He loved people. He loved his fans. He listened when people spoke. A lot of times people don't listen. He listened. He remembered people's names. He remembered their children's names. He was just a very, very special person. He was taken too soon from us. . . I don't think anyone's ever said a bad word about Ronnie except for [former DIO and current DEF LEPPARD guitarist] Vivian Campbell. [Laughs]"
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/diocancerfundsecond.jpg
According to Superluchas.net, METALLICA will likely perform at this year's SummerSlam, WWE's second-largest annual pay-per-view after WrestleMania.
METALLICA's "St. Anger" was the 2003 SummerSlam theme song and "All Nightmare Long" was the theme song for the 2008 pay-per-view WWE event No Mercy. In addition, professional wrestler Triple H used the intro to "For Whom The Bell Tolls" in his WrestleMania XXVII entrance and "The Memory Remains" was used for the "Hell In A Cell" match between Triple H and Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII.
WWE SummerSlam 2012 takes place on Sunday, August 19 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
METALLICA's "St. Anger" was the 2003 SummerSlam theme song and "All Nightmare Long" was the theme song for the 2008 pay-per-view WWE event No Mercy. In addition, professional wrestler Triple H used the intro to "For Whom The Bell Tolls" in his WrestleMania XXVII entrance and "The Memory Remains" was used for the "Hell In A Cell" match between Triple H and Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII.
WWE SummerSlam 2012 takes place on Sunday, August 19 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
This weekend, Metallica will perform 1984's Ride the Lightning and 1991's Metallica during their Orion Music + More Festival in Atlantic City. In the spirit of reviving those albums, frontman James Hetfield and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett talked about select tracks from each album. Today, they look back on their band's breakthrough from 20 years ago.
"Nothing Else Matters" was a major departure for the band. It pissed off some fans expecting thrash metal, but it's still played at almost every show.
James Hetfield: It's absolutely crazy, that was the song that I thought was least Metallica, least likely to ever played by us, the last song anyone would really want to hear. It was a song for myself in my room on tour when I was bumming out about being away from home. It's quite amazing, it's a true testament to honesty and exposing yourself, putting your real self out there, and taking the risk, taking a gamble that someone's either going to step on your heart with spikes on or they're going to put their heart right next to it, and you never know until you try. That solidified, I think, that we were doing the right thing, writing form the heart about what we felt, and you can't go wrong that way. It has become an unbelievable song live, and from the New York Hells Angels putting it in their movie to sports people to people getting married to it, all kinds of stuff, people relate to it. I'm grateful that the guys forced me to take it out of my tape player and make it Metallica.
In A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica, there was a running gag about how you had trouble learning "Nothing Else Matters," which delayed its live debut. Is that amusing to you in retrospect?
Kirk Hammett: We kept putting it in the set and taking it out until we were certain we were actually able to play it. I had to relearn that whole intro part to play by myself onstage, which was a little bit intimidating for me at that point, we never had a song that started that way. After a while, once we got it down, it was no problem. Once we put our sights onto whipping a song into shape and getting it together and ready to play, we're pretty good about putting it together and making it happen.
What do you find so compelling about the themes in "The Unforgiven" that you decided to revisit the song for two sequels?
James Hetfield: Maybe it's not done, maybe I didn't feel forgiven or wasn't able to forgive. It's one of those songs to me that is pretty personal, obviously revolving around forgiveness of the world and self and whatever else you have some resentment against, working through that. The melody itself never went away in my head, it's potent for me, and lyrically, stuff kept coming along with it, and probably the fact that you're not supposed to do a trilogy or something, or keep writing the same thing onto the next album. I think after "The Unforgiven III," we're kind of done with it. I think I'm able to forgive, forgive myself and move on.
"The God That Failed" is an extremely personal song that you used to lash out about your Christian Scientist upbringing and your mother's death after refusing to seek medical treatment. Does playing that song now take you back to the same place that it came from?
James Hetfield: It will take me back there as much as I want it to. I've made a lot of peace with my upbringing and religion and all that, and I know why it happened and how it had to happen, and I've come to terms with it all. When I was writing that song, I was in the throes of hatred around it, an upheaval of some unpleasant childhood stuff. I know what my higher power is all about, and I now know what my parents' idea of a higher power was all about. So I'm able to leave their stuff with them and take my stuff where I need to claim it. I'm able to move on with that. And the song is pretty damn heavy.
I imagine you were pretty proud of the line "the healing hand held back by the deepened nail."
James Hetfield: "I've arrived. Move over, Bob Dylan." It sounded pretty grown up coming from someone so angry.
In Year and a Half, there's a scene where [producer] Bob Rock tries to convince you that "Holier Than Thou" should be the album's first single, not "Enter Sandman."
James Hetfield: Well, good. I think we probably all had a different opinion on what should be the single, and that made the album pretty strong, every song had its potency. "Holier Than Thou," we're still playing that live, and that's one of those that people do enjoy live. It's a complex song, but simple.
"My Friend of Misery" is one of the songs you're playing for the first time on these black album shows. I always thought that was a standout track on the record, with the long bass intro and twin-lead guitar solo.
James Hetfield: It's awesome, I love that song. It's real moody. That song was originally an instrumental. I don't know how or why, I just started adding vocals to it and brought it to another level. That twin solo-y thing is pretty cool, Kirk and I are pulling that off pretty good. Those are the solos that I'm able to contribute, some of those non-fast solos, more melodic with crazy harmonies, that's what I like doing.
You make a pair of references to the Founding Fathers on the album: Thomas Paine on "My Friend of Misery" and Patrick Henry on "Don't Tread on Me." Were you reading up on American history at the time?
James Hetfield: No, nothing on purpose. "Don't Tread on Me," I love the song, but it shocked a lot of people, because everyone thought it was pro-war when they thought we were anti-war, and alls we're doing is writing songs, we're not standing politically on any side. "Don't Tread On Me" was just one of those "don't fuck with us" songs, and obviously referencing the flag and the snake and what it meant, that all tied into the black album and the snake icon on the album cover, and I think it's great to play that song live. We're over here in Europe playing it, and people aren't appalled by the songs. We haven't played it in Iraq or Iran yet, though.
I heard "Don't Tread On Me" blaring out of a number of cars in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
James Hetfield: As long as it helps people, that's what I take away from that. If it brings strength, that's what I like our songs to do.
Kirk Hammett: That song was never really a big favorite, from what I can tell. People definitely relate to that song, and definitely have made the connection with it in certain political scenarios or war scenarios or whatnot, and our music is open to interpretation. We're not going to say, "It means that, it doesn't mean that, you can draw these conclusions, but not those conclusions." Our music is basically up for interpretive grasp. That's the one song a lot of people were into, and added that gravity to. It really puts over a feeling of "don't fuck with me."
Do you ever look at a setlist before a show, see "Enter Sandman," and say, "Seriously, guys, not tonight."
Kirk Hammett: There's a certain amount of songs we know we have to play, because the audience expects us to play them, and songs we throw in because we feel like playing or get requests. The great thing about our music is most of it is really, really fun to play, and very dynamic, dynamic enough so that if we wanted to change part of a song or add a part, take out a part, it can pretty much survive that. When songs start to become a little tedious, what we'll do is just change them, take parts out, add parts, or make it more dynamic, and that's our way around getting around the whole boredom factor, which I think is a good approach, an honorable approach. There were times when the mention of "Seek and Destroy" would make me gag, but we started playing it in a heavier key, and now it sounds like a brand new song to me. We made the change six or seven years ago, and I love it all over again.
On Live Shit, you guys played "Seek and Destroy" for almost 20 minutes.
Kirk Hammett: Thank god we're not doing it like that anymore.
Orion Music + More, with Metallica, Titus Andronicus, Eric Church, Arctic Monkeys, and others, takes place at Bader Field in Atlantic City on June 23 and 24.
According to THIN LIZZY guitarist Damon Johnson, the band will enter the recording studio tomorrow "with electric guitars and amps a'blazin'; and Brian Downey's full drum kit!" No futher details are currently available.
In a recent interview with Rock Fusion, THIN LIZZY frontman Ricky Warwick stated about THIN LIZZY's plans to record a new studio album, "We've just been working on some ideas that we all have. We all write in the band, so we've just been sitting down and playing each other our stuff, and it's been really great. I mean, it's really early days, but everyone's very excited and got loads of ideas, and we're all working really great together as a band, and that's what it's all about — let's get in there and see what ideas we have and take it from there. It was all very productive and we all had a great time. We're back in next week so we will just take it from there and see what happens. Ideally we'd love to record as much as we can, but obviously it's got to be to a great fucking standard. We're all as nervous about it as the fans, but in a good way. The bar has been set very high and we will only release what we 100 percent believe in, whether that's two tracks or 12 tracks. I mean, I'd love it to be a full album, but we'll just need to take it as it goes."
When asked if there any plans for a live DVD in the future, Warwick said, "Yeah, there's talk about that further down the line. I mean, VH1 are revisiting us, they're updating 'Behind The Music' to include the new members in the band. Last year was all about re-establishing the band, the brand and the name and showing that what we have is something very real, and I think we've got over that hump now and this year we can move on. It's a case of taking it one step at a time. THIN LIZZY fans are very passionate and so loyal, you can't just go, 'Look, the band's back together, here's an album, here's a tour, and you'rd going fucking like it.' You've got to do it one bit at a time and win people over, and that's what we're doing. Like I said, at the end of the day, we are all fans, too."
In a recent interview with Rock Fusion, THIN LIZZY frontman Ricky Warwick stated about THIN LIZZY's plans to record a new studio album, "We've just been working on some ideas that we all have. We all write in the band, so we've just been sitting down and playing each other our stuff, and it's been really great. I mean, it's really early days, but everyone's very excited and got loads of ideas, and we're all working really great together as a band, and that's what it's all about — let's get in there and see what ideas we have and take it from there. It was all very productive and we all had a great time. We're back in next week so we will just take it from there and see what happens. Ideally we'd love to record as much as we can, but obviously it's got to be to a great fucking standard. We're all as nervous about it as the fans, but in a good way. The bar has been set very high and we will only release what we 100 percent believe in, whether that's two tracks or 12 tracks. I mean, I'd love it to be a full album, but we'll just need to take it as it goes."
When asked if there any plans for a live DVD in the future, Warwick said, "Yeah, there's talk about that further down the line. I mean, VH1 are revisiting us, they're updating 'Behind The Music' to include the new members in the band. Last year was all about re-establishing the band, the brand and the name and showing that what we have is something very real, and I think we've got over that hump now and this year we can move on. It's a case of taking it one step at a time. THIN LIZZY fans are very passionate and so loyal, you can't just go, 'Look, the band's back together, here's an album, here's a tour, and you'rd going fucking like it.' You've got to do it one bit at a time and win people over, and that's what we're doing. Like I said, at the end of the day, we are all fans, too."
Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee of Canadian rock legends RUSH was one of more than 600 distinguished Ontario residents who were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals at a ceremony on June 18 at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The special medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.
The commemorative medals are being presented to distinguished Ontario residents who have already been invested with the Order Of Canada and Order Of Ontario.
RUSH's 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", debuted at No. 2 on last week's Billboard album chart, selling 103,000 copies in its first week of release. The disc marks RUSH's highest chart debut since 1993's "Counterparts", which also entered at No. 2. The Canadian trio has yet to land at No. 1 despite having 28 releases make the Billboard chart in the past four decades. "Clockwork Angels" also beat out the band's previous effort, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows", which sold 93,000 copies to debut at No. 3.
The commemorative medals are being presented to distinguished Ontario residents who have already been invested with the Order Of Canada and Order Of Ontario.
RUSH's 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", debuted at No. 2 on last week's Billboard album chart, selling 103,000 copies in its first week of release. The disc marks RUSH's highest chart debut since 1993's "Counterparts", which also entered at No. 2. The Canadian trio has yet to land at No. 1 despite having 28 releases make the Billboard chart in the past four decades. "Clockwork Angels" also beat out the band's previous effort, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows", which sold 93,000 copies to debut at No. 3.
Last week, it was reported that ANTHRAX was recording several cover songs, to be issued in September to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of the band's latest album, "Worship Music".
While the band does have plans to release an EP of covers that they've done, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian made it clear to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner that they are "not working on a covers album." He said, "It's not at all what we're doing. [laughs] We just always record cover songs. They just happen when we're in the studio or when we're touring, we get bored of jamming on our own songs at soundcheck, so you end up jamming on cover songs and eventually we'll end up recording them and eventually, somehow, they end up getting released in some way, shape or form as B-sides, but we're definitely not working on a covers album."
Regarding ANTHRAX's plans to write and record new music, Ian told VH1 Radio Network, "We do already have two or three things kind of in the works as far as new music goes, so it's just a case of if you can get into that mode to start working on them. I can't even explain why or how it happens, but sometimes you'll just get into a mode and you're able to create and you're able to work on stuff and move stuff forward, new stuff, but sometimes you just can't. Sometimes you're on tour and there's just no spark, it's just not there, it's just all about what you're doing in the moment, playing those shows."
ANTHRAX has reportedly started recording the following cover songs for possible release:
* AC/DC - "T.N.T."
* BOSTON - "Smokin'"
* JOURNEY - "Keep On Runnin'"
* RUSH - "Anthem"
ANTHRAX also recorded a cover version of BLACK SABBATH's classic song "Neon Knights" for inclusion on the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album which is being assembled by the singer's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio.
According to Ian, ANTHRAX's sold-out March 15 concert at O2 Islington Academy in London, England was filmed for an upcoming DVD.
ANTHRAX's latest album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
While the band does have plans to release an EP of covers that they've done, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian made it clear to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner that they are "not working on a covers album." He said, "It's not at all what we're doing. [laughs] We just always record cover songs. They just happen when we're in the studio or when we're touring, we get bored of jamming on our own songs at soundcheck, so you end up jamming on cover songs and eventually we'll end up recording them and eventually, somehow, they end up getting released in some way, shape or form as B-sides, but we're definitely not working on a covers album."
Regarding ANTHRAX's plans to write and record new music, Ian told VH1 Radio Network, "We do already have two or three things kind of in the works as far as new music goes, so it's just a case of if you can get into that mode to start working on them. I can't even explain why or how it happens, but sometimes you'll just get into a mode and you're able to create and you're able to work on stuff and move stuff forward, new stuff, but sometimes you just can't. Sometimes you're on tour and there's just no spark, it's just not there, it's just all about what you're doing in the moment, playing those shows."
ANTHRAX has reportedly started recording the following cover songs for possible release:
* AC/DC - "T.N.T."
* BOSTON - "Smokin'"
* JOURNEY - "Keep On Runnin'"
* RUSH - "Anthem"
ANTHRAX also recorded a cover version of BLACK SABBATH's classic song "Neon Knights" for inclusion on the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album which is being assembled by the singer's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio.
According to Ian, ANTHRAX's sold-out March 15 concert at O2 Islington Academy in London, England was filmed for an upcoming DVD.
ANTHRAX's latest album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.
GODSMACK has released the following statement:
"Due to an unfortunate illness with Sully Erna, [GODSMACK] will be forced to cancel several dates on their current European tour. Erna has been advised by doctors to not sing for the next five days. Their performance at Luxembourg's Rock A Field festival; The Bataclan in Paris, France for Saturday the 23rd; and Zurich, Switzerland at Komplex 457 on June 26th will, unfortunately, all be cancelled. Information regarding ticket refunds can be found at the box office for each venue."
GODSMACK bassist Robbie Merrill was recently asked by Loudwire when fans can expect to hear the follow-up to the band's last collection of all-original music, "The Oracle", which came out in 2010. "We're going to Europe next week, we're there for a month, and then we're home for a month before [the] Uproar [tour]," he said. "We've actually been writing on tour, or trying to anyway. So after that, what I hear is that at the beginning of next year we're going to go in, start writing, and hopefully we'll have a new disc out in 2014."
The Rockstar Energy Uproar Tour kicks off on August 17 in Bonner Springs, Kansas and features STAIND, SHINEDOWN, PAPA ROACH and a number of other acts. Merrill said about the tour, "We're all friends with them so to me it was going to be fun and it was going to be a nice easy summer . . . (each show) should be a good day."
GODSMACK issued a concert album last month called "Live And Inspired", which also featured newly recorded studio covers of some of the band's favorite classic rock songs, including JOE WALSH's "Rocky Mountain Way", METALLICA's "Nothing Else Matters", THE BEATLES' "Come Together" and PINK FLOYD's "Time".
Later this year, the group will also perform as part of ShipRocked, a five-day cruise that will feature a lineup of rock acts including FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SEVENDUST and more.
"Due to an unfortunate illness with Sully Erna, [GODSMACK] will be forced to cancel several dates on their current European tour. Erna has been advised by doctors to not sing for the next five days. Their performance at Luxembourg's Rock A Field festival; The Bataclan in Paris, France for Saturday the 23rd; and Zurich, Switzerland at Komplex 457 on June 26th will, unfortunately, all be cancelled. Information regarding ticket refunds can be found at the box office for each venue."
GODSMACK bassist Robbie Merrill was recently asked by Loudwire when fans can expect to hear the follow-up to the band's last collection of all-original music, "The Oracle", which came out in 2010. "We're going to Europe next week, we're there for a month, and then we're home for a month before [the] Uproar [tour]," he said. "We've actually been writing on tour, or trying to anyway. So after that, what I hear is that at the beginning of next year we're going to go in, start writing, and hopefully we'll have a new disc out in 2014."
The Rockstar Energy Uproar Tour kicks off on August 17 in Bonner Springs, Kansas and features STAIND, SHINEDOWN, PAPA ROACH and a number of other acts. Merrill said about the tour, "We're all friends with them so to me it was going to be fun and it was going to be a nice easy summer . . . (each show) should be a good day."
GODSMACK issued a concert album last month called "Live And Inspired", which also featured newly recorded studio covers of some of the band's favorite classic rock songs, including JOE WALSH's "Rocky Mountain Way", METALLICA's "Nothing Else Matters", THE BEATLES' "Come Together" and PINK FLOYD's "Time".
Later this year, the group will also perform as part of ShipRocked, a five-day cruise that will feature a lineup of rock acts including FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SEVENDUST and more.
Geoff Tate, the legendary QUEENSRŸCHE frontman and one of the most acclaimed vocalists in the history of hard rock and heavy metal, has signed a worldwide recording contract with InsideOut Music.
"I'm very excited to join forces with InsideOut Music," says Tate of his multi-album deal. "They are very committed to progressive music and care deeply for their artists, working together with them to bring music lovers worldwide some of the most compelling rock music available."
"Obviously, we at the label have been fans of Geoff for a long time," says InsideOut Music founder Thomas Waber. "We are looking forward to working with such a renowned musician. Welcome to the InsideOut Music family!"
Geoff Tate is currently finishing production on his first InsideOut Music release. The album is planned for release this fall, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
When asked about the sound of his new solo album, Tate told AnthologySD.com, "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]"
Tate released his first solo CD in 2002 on Sanctuary Records. Self-titled, the LP was a huge departure from the work he had previously done with QUEENSRŸCHE.
"[Sanctuary weren't really a record company. Sanctuary was a money-making machine and they went out of business very quickly," Tate told Oregon Music News earlier this month. "I'm glad to be done with that actually."
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has already performed live, having played two successful shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
"I'm very excited to join forces with InsideOut Music," says Tate of his multi-album deal. "They are very committed to progressive music and care deeply for their artists, working together with them to bring music lovers worldwide some of the most compelling rock music available."
"Obviously, we at the label have been fans of Geoff for a long time," says InsideOut Music founder Thomas Waber. "We are looking forward to working with such a renowned musician. Welcome to the InsideOut Music family!"
Geoff Tate is currently finishing production on his first InsideOut Music release. The album is planned for release this fall, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
When asked about the sound of his new solo album, Tate told AnthologySD.com, "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]"
Tate released his first solo CD in 2002 on Sanctuary Records. Self-titled, the LP was a huge departure from the work he had previously done with QUEENSRŸCHE.
"[Sanctuary weren't really a record company. Sanctuary was a money-making machine and they went out of business very quickly," Tate told Oregon Music News earlier this month. "I'm glad to be done with that actually."
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has already performed live, having played two successful shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
On Tuesday, July 10, German metal queen Doro Pesch will hold an exclusive listening session for her new EP, "Raise Your Fist In The Air", at Nuclear Blast Records' headquarters in Donzdorf (near Stuttgart), Germany. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and Doro will be in attendance for a signing session. Click here for more information.
http://www.facebook.com/events/235592136543434/
U.D.O.'s November 16, 2011 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria was professionally filmed for the band's next official live DVD, "Live In Sofia", due later in the year.
Commented the group: "The audience was absolutely fantastic and forced us to play for nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. More than 2,000 fans welcomed back us after 7 years and pushed everybody over his personal limit. Sofia was absolutely great and we will never forget this show. To make sure all the fans can participate of this great event, we will do everything to release the DVD/CD/Blu-ray as soon as possible."
U.D.O.'s setlist for the Sofia concert was as follows:
01. Rev-Raptor
02. Dominator
03. Thunderball
04. Leatherhead
05. Independence Day
06. Screaming For A Love Bite (ACCEPT cover)
07. Heart Of Gold
08. Vendetta
09. Princess Of The Dawn (ACCEPT cover)
10. I Give As Good As I Get
11. Guitar Solo
12. Neon Nights (ACCEPT cover)
13. Break The Rules
14. Man And Machine
15. Drum Solo
16. Living On A Frontline
17. Up To The Limit (ACCEPT cover)
18. Two Faced Woman
19. Metal Heart (ACCEPT cover)
Encore:
20. The Bogeyman
21. I'm A Rebel (ACCEPT cover)
Encore 2:
22. Balls To The Wall (ACCEPT cover)
23. Burning (ACCEPT cover)
The cover artwork for the DVD can be seen below.
"Celebrator", a collection of rare tracks from U.D.O., will be released on double vinyl on August 17 via High Roller Records. It is limited to 500 copies in three different colors:
* 100 x white vinyl
* 200 x yellow vinyl
* 200 x black vinyl
"Celebrator" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 73.
The set was made available in Europe on May 4 via AFM Records and was released in North America on June 19.
U.D.O.'s latest album, "Rev-Raptor", was released on May 20, 2011 via AFM Records. The recordings for the CD took place between June 2010 and February 2011 at Roxx studios (owned by U.D.O. guitarist and ex-ACCEPT drummer Stefan Kaufmann) in Pulheim, Germany. The effort was mastered by Manfred Melchior at MM Sound Digital studios in Steinhagen, Germany. The album's cover artwork is once again a comic-like motif: but the "Dominator" character is this time "a lot more effectual and colorful," according to a press release.
Commented the group: "The audience was absolutely fantastic and forced us to play for nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. More than 2,000 fans welcomed back us after 7 years and pushed everybody over his personal limit. Sofia was absolutely great and we will never forget this show. To make sure all the fans can participate of this great event, we will do everything to release the DVD/CD/Blu-ray as soon as possible."
U.D.O.'s setlist for the Sofia concert was as follows:
01. Rev-Raptor
02. Dominator
03. Thunderball
04. Leatherhead
05. Independence Day
06. Screaming For A Love Bite (ACCEPT cover)
07. Heart Of Gold
08. Vendetta
09. Princess Of The Dawn (ACCEPT cover)
10. I Give As Good As I Get
11. Guitar Solo
12. Neon Nights (ACCEPT cover)
13. Break The Rules
14. Man And Machine
15. Drum Solo
16. Living On A Frontline
17. Up To The Limit (ACCEPT cover)
18. Two Faced Woman
19. Metal Heart (ACCEPT cover)
Encore:
20. The Bogeyman
21. I'm A Rebel (ACCEPT cover)
Encore 2:
22. Balls To The Wall (ACCEPT cover)
23. Burning (ACCEPT cover)
The cover artwork for the DVD can be seen below.
"Celebrator", a collection of rare tracks from U.D.O., will be released on double vinyl on August 17 via High Roller Records. It is limited to 500 copies in three different colors:
* 100 x white vinyl
* 200 x yellow vinyl
* 200 x black vinyl
"Celebrator" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 73.
The set was made available in Europe on May 4 via AFM Records and was released in North America on June 19.
U.D.O.'s latest album, "Rev-Raptor", was released on May 20, 2011 via AFM Records. The recordings for the CD took place between June 2010 and February 2011 at Roxx studios (owned by U.D.O. guitarist and ex-ACCEPT drummer Stefan Kaufmann) in Pulheim, Germany. The effort was mastered by Manfred Melchior at MM Sound Digital studios in Steinhagen, Germany. The album's cover artwork is once again a comic-like motif: but the "Dominator" character is this time "a lot more effectual and colorful," according to a press release.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/udolivesofia.jpg
The "Raise Your Fist In The Air" EP will be released on August 3. A full-length album, "Raise Your Fist", will follow in the fall via Nuclear Blast Records.
"Raise Your Fist" was recorded and written in the U.S., Germany, and Scandinavia. Doro says, "Right now we're in the mixing stages and are close to finishing everything. Most important to me are the power hymns 'Raise Your Fist In The Air' and 'Victory', which will also be available on the forthcoming EP! Both songs have been played live on our last tour and also made last year's Wacken Open Air shake! 'Raise Your Fist In The Air' will also be available in French… which is going to be very interesting. For the diehard fans of German songs like 'Für Immer' ['Forever'], there are two songs in the same vein — sensitive and quite dark 'Human Rights' and the very emotional 'Engel' ['Angel']. There are also a lot of fast songs like 'Little Headbanger' and various fist-pumping ones featuring amazing guests like Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND) on 'Last Man Standing' which fans will for sure dig live. We also have a song that honors the late Ronnie James Dio called 'Hero' and another highlight named 'It Still Hurts' featuring MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister. The cover artwork has once again been created by British artist Geoffrey Gillespie who is a close friend and companion since he made it into the Guinness Book Of World Records for his 'Triumph And Agony' cover as the biggest album cover in the world. Since then, he's done ten covers for us!"
The "Raise Your Fist In The Air" EP will be made available on CD, vinyl and as a digital download.
"Raise Your Fist In The Air" EP track listing:
01. Raise Your Fist In The Air
02. Victory
03. Engel
04. Lève Ton Poing Vers Le Ciel
In a 2011 interview with Canada's XplosiveMetal.com, Pesch spoke about the song "Raise Your Fist In The Air" which she played for the first time at last year's Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. ""It got great feedback [from the Wacken audience]. . . . It was originally written by a Wacken fan, a metalhead, and then I did my own thing to it. It was actually a diehard Wacken fan who did a demo and sent it to the promoter. He sent it to me and said, 'Hey, how about we make a Wacken anthem and here's an idea from a diehard Wacken fan.' I listened to it and thought, 'Hey, that's great.' Then we worked on it and continued working on it. Just to tell you how that song came about, it was a collaboration with a diehard fan and it was actually really good. Sometimes the fans have the best ideas. It was so dead-on."
During a 2011 interview with Metal Kaoz, Pesch was asked about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for her next studio album. "I think we have completed 80 percent of the new record and there are some great songs coming up," she replied. "Actually, one song is dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and the working title is 'Hero'. That's a very special song. I was a big Dio fan and I know that there are so many fans out there are missing him so much, so definitely this song will be on the new record. Also they will be some speed metal songs, some anthems songs and, of course, some power ballads."
In conjunction with the Stateside release of the mammoth "25 Years In Rock" 2 DVD/CD set, Doro performed two special shows in New York City on September 9, 2011 and Chicago on September 11, 2011. Both nights included clips from the DVD, limited edition merchandise and an autograph session followed by a performance by the metal queen herself.
Released in Europe in 2010 (also via Nuclear Blast), the epic "25 Years In Rock" two-DVD/CD set includes Doro's 25-year anniversary show in its entirety as well as clips from her 2,500th concert and so much more.
"Fear No Evil", the latest album from Pesch, was made available in North America in June 2009 via AFM/Dismanic/Ryko Distribution.
New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL will embark on the European "Killfest" tour in October.
Commented OVERKILL frontman vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth: "It's 'The Electric Age' and you're invited! See you on tour this October. Let's tear it up together, AGAIN!"
The dates are as follows:
Oct. 04 - D Hannover - Musikzentrum
Oct. 05 - D Osnabrück - Rosenhof
Oct. 06 - NL Den Haag - Paard Van Troje
Oct. 07 - UK London - O2 Islington Academy
Oct. 08 - UK Sheffield - Corporation
Oct. 10 - IT Milano - Alcatraz
Oct. 11 - CH Pratteln - Z7
Oct. 12 - D Geiselwind - Musichall
Oct. 13 - D Straubing - Metal Invasion Festival
Oct. 14 - PL Katowice - Mega Club
Oct. 15 - CZ Prague - Meet Factory
Oct. 16 - D Saarbrücken - Garage
Oct. 17 - D Karlsruhe - Substage
Oct. 18 - B Antwerp - Trix
Oct. 19 - D Andernach - JUZ
Oct. 20 - D Bochum - Zeche
Oct. 21 - D Hamburg - Markthalle
OVERKILL's new album, "The Electric Age", sold 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 77 on The Billboard 200 chart.
OVERKILL's previous CD, "Ironbound", opened with 4,100 units to enter the chart at No. 192. The effort landed at No. 4 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 "Electric Rattlesnake" video was directed by Kevin J. Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION), who previously worked with OVERKILL on the "Bring Me The Night" video.
"The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.
OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).
Commented OVERKILL frontman vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth: "It's 'The Electric Age' and you're invited! See you on tour this October. Let's tear it up together, AGAIN!"
The dates are as follows:
Oct. 04 - D Hannover - Musikzentrum
Oct. 05 - D Osnabrück - Rosenhof
Oct. 06 - NL Den Haag - Paard Van Troje
Oct. 07 - UK London - O2 Islington Academy
Oct. 08 - UK Sheffield - Corporation
Oct. 10 - IT Milano - Alcatraz
Oct. 11 - CH Pratteln - Z7
Oct. 12 - D Geiselwind - Musichall
Oct. 13 - D Straubing - Metal Invasion Festival
Oct. 14 - PL Katowice - Mega Club
Oct. 15 - CZ Prague - Meet Factory
Oct. 16 - D Saarbrücken - Garage
Oct. 17 - D Karlsruhe - Substage
Oct. 18 - B Antwerp - Trix
Oct. 19 - D Andernach - JUZ
Oct. 20 - D Bochum - Zeche
Oct. 21 - D Hamburg - Markthalle
OVERKILL's new album, "The Electric Age", sold 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 77 on The Billboard 200 chart.
OVERKILL's previous CD, "Ironbound", opened with 4,100 units to enter the chart at No. 192. The effort landed at No. 4 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 "Electric Rattlesnake" video was directed by Kevin J. Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION), who previously worked with OVERKILL on the "Bring Me The Night" video.
"The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.
OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).
Danish thrash metal veterans ARTILLERY have recruited drummer Josua Madsen to replace founding member Carsten Nielsen, who left the band in April "for personal reasons." Madsen previously played for the Houston, Texas-based progressive death act CONSUMED.
Commented ARTILLERY: "Josua has been living the last couple of years in the U.S. playing with different bands. Last Danish band was CLUB HELL. We are looking forward to go on the road with Josua and first gig will be Headbangers Open Air in Hamburg, Germany: Thanx to former drummer Carsten for the 30 years of thrashing!"
ARTILLERY played gigs in May in New York and at the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore. They then moved to South America to perform in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. At the end of the year, ARTILLERY will return to U.S. to play on the Barge To Hell cruise ship from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas.
ARTILLERY's sixth album, "My Blood", was released in Europe on March 21, 2011 via Metal Mind Productions (April 5 in the U.S. through MVD and March 9 in Japan via King Records). 14 songs were laid down during the sessions at Medley Studios in Copenhagen — 10 brand new tracks, a remake of "Ain't Giving In" (from 1992's "Mind Factory" demo) and three bonus tracks which are all new versions of timeless classics from the 1985 album "Fear Of Tomorrow" ("The Eternal War", "The Almighty" and "Show Your Hate"). The cover artwork was created by well-known Polish graphic designer Graal, who has previously worked with VITAL REMANS, SINISTER, SOLITUDE AETURNUS and BULLDOZER. Graal was also responsible for the covers of ARTILLERY's "Through The Years" box and "When Death Comes".
Commented ARTILLERY: "Josua has been living the last couple of years in the U.S. playing with different bands. Last Danish band was CLUB HELL. We are looking forward to go on the road with Josua and first gig will be Headbangers Open Air in Hamburg, Germany: Thanx to former drummer Carsten for the 30 years of thrashing!"
ARTILLERY played gigs in May in New York and at the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore. They then moved to South America to perform in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. At the end of the year, ARTILLERY will return to U.S. to play on the Barge To Hell cruise ship from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas.
ARTILLERY's sixth album, "My Blood", was released in Europe on March 21, 2011 via Metal Mind Productions (April 5 in the U.S. through MVD and March 9 in Japan via King Records). 14 songs were laid down during the sessions at Medley Studios in Copenhagen — 10 brand new tracks, a remake of "Ain't Giving In" (from 1992's "Mind Factory" demo) and three bonus tracks which are all new versions of timeless classics from the 1985 album "Fear Of Tomorrow" ("The Eternal War", "The Almighty" and "Show Your Hate"). The cover artwork was created by well-known Polish graphic designer Graal, who has previously worked with VITAL REMANS, SINISTER, SOLITUDE AETURNUS and BULLDOZER. Graal was also responsible for the covers of ARTILLERY's "Through The Years" box and "When Death Comes".
LEAVES' EYES singer Liv Kristine will join FIREWIND on stage during the two bands' upcoming European tour in September/October to perform the FIREWIND song "Breaking The Silence".
The studio version of "Breaking The Silence", which can be found on FIREWIND's 2006 album "Allegiance", featured the female singer Tara Teresa. The track broke the Top 20 in Greece and remained on the chart for several weeks.
"Few Against Many", the new album from FIREWIND, entered the official chart in Greece at No. 42 and in Germany at No. 90.
A CD-single version of the song "Wall Of Sound" is being released with the current issue (RUSH front cover) of the biggest hardrock/metal magazine in Scandinavia, Sweden Rock Magazine. This single is now exclusively available with the magazine as digipak CD, including the album tracks "Wall Of Sound" and "Few Against Many" as well as a previously unreleased demo version of "Wall Of Sound".
"Few Against Many" was released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
The studio version of "Breaking The Silence", which can be found on FIREWIND's 2006 album "Allegiance", featured the female singer Tara Teresa. The track broke the Top 20 in Greece and remained on the chart for several weeks.
"Few Against Many", the new album from FIREWIND, entered the official chart in Greece at No. 42 and in Germany at No. 90.
A CD-single version of the song "Wall Of Sound" is being released with the current issue (RUSH front cover) of the biggest hardrock/metal magazine in Scandinavia, Sweden Rock Magazine. This single is now exclusively available with the magazine as digipak CD, including the album tracks "Wall Of Sound" and "Few Against Many" as well as a previously unreleased demo version of "Wall Of Sound".
"Few Against Many" was released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Guitarist Brent Doerner has announced his departure from Canadian hard rockers HELIX.
Says the band: "Although we are sad to hear the news, we wish Brent all the best in his future. Brent is a huge part of the band and will be truly missed by fans from around the world to the HELIX family. Brent's last shows will be September 28th at the Rockpile in Toronto and September 29th in Stratford, Ontario. Thanks for all the music and the lifelong memories you've brought to the band, Brent... YOU ROCK!!!"
HELIX will release a compilation CD entitled "1983-2012" in September. Singer Brian Vollmer states, "It will feature 19 tracks from various HELIX CDs over the years plus one brand new track, the Christmas track that Sean [Kelly; CRASH KELLY] and I wrote. We're keeping the name of the song under wraps for the time present, but as we get into the later part of the summer I'll let everyone know what it is. The game plan is to have the song go to radio the first week of September and the video to be released on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and [the] Planet Helix [web site] at the same time. At the end of the video will be the Christmas tour dates plus a link to the Heavy Mental Christmas web site where fans will be able to buy tickets online. I'm very excited about this and everyone who has heard the song thinks it's going to get lots of airplay/video play. We'll see..."
"1983-2012" CD tentative track listing:
01. Danger Zone
02. Running Wild In The 21st Century
03. Give It To You
04. Jaws Of The Tiger
05. Deep Cuts The Knife
06. Skin In The Game
07. Good To The Last Drop
08. The Same Room
09. Heavy Metal Love
10. Fill Your Head With Rock
11. Get Up!
12. Wild In The Streets
13. Six Feet Underground
14. Rock You
15. Champagne Communist
16. Animal Inside
17. Make 'Em Dance
18. I'm A Live Frankenstein
19. You Got The Love That I Like
20. Mystery Christmas Song
HELIX last year released the "Skin In The Game" EP. The CD was mixed by Aaron Murray and was mastered at Carvello Mastering in Toronto, Ontario. The artwork was once again created by Babyjack Design, who previously worked with the band on the "Vagabond Bones" and "Smash Hits Unplugged" releases.
Says the band: "Although we are sad to hear the news, we wish Brent all the best in his future. Brent is a huge part of the band and will be truly missed by fans from around the world to the HELIX family. Brent's last shows will be September 28th at the Rockpile in Toronto and September 29th in Stratford, Ontario. Thanks for all the music and the lifelong memories you've brought to the band, Brent... YOU ROCK!!!"
HELIX will release a compilation CD entitled "1983-2012" in September. Singer Brian Vollmer states, "It will feature 19 tracks from various HELIX CDs over the years plus one brand new track, the Christmas track that Sean [Kelly; CRASH KELLY] and I wrote. We're keeping the name of the song under wraps for the time present, but as we get into the later part of the summer I'll let everyone know what it is. The game plan is to have the song go to radio the first week of September and the video to be released on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and [the] Planet Helix [web site] at the same time. At the end of the video will be the Christmas tour dates plus a link to the Heavy Mental Christmas web site where fans will be able to buy tickets online. I'm very excited about this and everyone who has heard the song thinks it's going to get lots of airplay/video play. We'll see..."
"1983-2012" CD tentative track listing:
01. Danger Zone
02. Running Wild In The 21st Century
03. Give It To You
04. Jaws Of The Tiger
05. Deep Cuts The Knife
06. Skin In The Game
07. Good To The Last Drop
08. The Same Room
09. Heavy Metal Love
10. Fill Your Head With Rock
11. Get Up!
12. Wild In The Streets
13. Six Feet Underground
14. Rock You
15. Champagne Communist
16. Animal Inside
17. Make 'Em Dance
18. I'm A Live Frankenstein
19. You Got The Love That I Like
20. Mystery Christmas Song
HELIX last year released the "Skin In The Game" EP. The CD was mixed by Aaron Murray and was mastered at Carvello Mastering in Toronto, Ontario. The artwork was once again created by Babyjack Design, who previously worked with the band on the "Vagabond Bones" and "Smash Hits Unplugged" releases.
U.K.'s Terrorizer conducted an interview with SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison for the magazine's July 2012 issue. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On SLIPKNOT's original guitarist Donnie Steele, who will join the band on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival shows and will again be playing bass from backstage, out of the view of the crowd:
Joey: "The other guy [Donnie] is not allowed onstage, no fucking way. He is behind the stage and he does a great job. We are nine people and we, unfortunately, lost one. [SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray was found dead of an overdose of morphine and fentanyl at a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa in May 2010.] But it doesn't matter; we are still nine. We can never replace Paul, but that's why I brought Donnie into the band. He was the first guitarist who played before I came into the picture, when we were THE PALE ONES. He is really cool guy and very mellow.
"We haven't decided on another bassist yet. We don't want any marquee names or anything like that. It doesn't make sense to bring anyone in from another band that's huge. We want to keep it in the family, and he's part of our family and it's been great ever since."
On SLIPKNOT's next album:
Joey: "So far, I've written and recorded 40 songs. . . Everyone is writing stuff, but people want to do other projects [vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarist Jim Root are working on a new STONE SOUR album; percussionist Shawn M. Crahan has released a photography book], and so I'm writing alone until we can all come together. Then we can start playing and go from there. That's how we wrote 'Prelude', 'The Blister Exists'. It's how we start a lot of songs.
"This will be our deepest, most celebrated record. The journey is that we are trying to live our lives, just like everyone else is trying ot live theirs. We all have weird shit in our lives and a lot of our songs reflect that. On the next record, we will be exorcising, getting out a lot of the crap that I think, personally, we have held in too much, against each other."
On the kinds of emotions that will come out on the next SLIPKNOT CD:
Joey: "Both positive and negative. Jealousy? That doesn't exist in this band. That is the worst emotion; it kills people. You know who fucking does that? It's the press, and it just pisses us off. People [journalists] keep putting words in our mouth. If they want to keep doing it, keep doing it, because it's pissing us off right now. Everyone on the outside — journalists, business manager, accountant — this album will be the worst in terms of 'fuck you.' 'Iowa' was kind of playful. This one, as far as emotions go, is going to connect with everyone way more than any of our others."
On Crahan's statement to Terrorizer in 2011 that he wasn't sure if he wanted to do SLIPKNOT anymore:
Joey: "I don't believe that at all. Plus, there isn't any shit that needs to be 'repaired,' like there's a rift between bandmembers. We all do other stuff. There are no fights. We are getting along so well right now. The feeling is like it was in 1999 when we first came out. Corey and I understand each other more than we ever have. The thing is that we have never not gotten along; it's the fucking press that turned us against each other. In fact, I brought Corey into SLIPKNOT. Back then, no one even wanted him in the band."
On SLIPKNOT's original guitarist Donnie Steele, who will join the band on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival shows and will again be playing bass from backstage, out of the view of the crowd:
Joey: "The other guy [Donnie] is not allowed onstage, no fucking way. He is behind the stage and he does a great job. We are nine people and we, unfortunately, lost one. [SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray was found dead of an overdose of morphine and fentanyl at a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa in May 2010.] But it doesn't matter; we are still nine. We can never replace Paul, but that's why I brought Donnie into the band. He was the first guitarist who played before I came into the picture, when we were THE PALE ONES. He is really cool guy and very mellow.
"We haven't decided on another bassist yet. We don't want any marquee names or anything like that. It doesn't make sense to bring anyone in from another band that's huge. We want to keep it in the family, and he's part of our family and it's been great ever since."
On SLIPKNOT's next album:
Joey: "So far, I've written and recorded 40 songs. . . Everyone is writing stuff, but people want to do other projects [vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarist Jim Root are working on a new STONE SOUR album; percussionist Shawn M. Crahan has released a photography book], and so I'm writing alone until we can all come together. Then we can start playing and go from there. That's how we wrote 'Prelude', 'The Blister Exists'. It's how we start a lot of songs.
"This will be our deepest, most celebrated record. The journey is that we are trying to live our lives, just like everyone else is trying ot live theirs. We all have weird shit in our lives and a lot of our songs reflect that. On the next record, we will be exorcising, getting out a lot of the crap that I think, personally, we have held in too much, against each other."
On the kinds of emotions that will come out on the next SLIPKNOT CD:
Joey: "Both positive and negative. Jealousy? That doesn't exist in this band. That is the worst emotion; it kills people. You know who fucking does that? It's the press, and it just pisses us off. People [journalists] keep putting words in our mouth. If they want to keep doing it, keep doing it, because it's pissing us off right now. Everyone on the outside — journalists, business manager, accountant — this album will be the worst in terms of 'fuck you.' 'Iowa' was kind of playful. This one, as far as emotions go, is going to connect with everyone way more than any of our others."
On Crahan's statement to Terrorizer in 2011 that he wasn't sure if he wanted to do SLIPKNOT anymore:
Joey: "I don't believe that at all. Plus, there isn't any shit that needs to be 'repaired,' like there's a rift between bandmembers. We all do other stuff. There are no fights. We are getting along so well right now. The feeling is like it was in 1999 when we first came out. Corey and I understand each other more than we ever have. The thing is that we have never not gotten along; it's the fucking press that turned us against each other. In fact, I brought Corey into SLIPKNOT. Back then, no one even wanted him in the band."
STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor has posted a "tidbit" of the story behind the band's fourth album, "House Of Gold And Bones", a two-part concept effort which is being recorded at Sound Farm Studios, just outside STONE SOUR's home base of Des Moines, Iowa, with producer David Bottrill (TOOL, MUSE, STAIND). Check it out below.
Taylor recently told Revolver magazine about STONE SOUR's forthcoming CD, "Picture [PINK FLOYD's] 'The Wall' crossed with ALICE IN CHAINS' 'Dirt' with some good heavy blasts in there," Corey said. "The heaviest song is a total ass-kicker that sounds as if SLAYER and ANTHRAX had a baby. Then, there's a darker bluesy dirge that has the vibe of LED ZEPPELIN's 'In My Time Of Dying'. There's even a little industrial vibe. It's definitely going to blow people's fucking minds.
Taylor added that he came up with a very ambitious concept for the disc.
"The album is a morality play about a man who's standing at the crossroads of his life trying to figure out what to do next," he said. "He's going, 'Do I move foward and evolve? Do I become more responsible or do I run backwards and pilfer the basket of youth?' Sometimes it's romantic to live in the mistakes that you made when you were 20, and condemn yourself to perpetual adolescence."
According to Taylor, part 1 of "House Of Gold And Bones" will contain 12 songs and will be released in October via Roadrunner Records, with the second 12-track part to follow next year. Each disc will include one half of the story, the lyrics for which fans will have to visit the band's official web site. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Taciturn", "Absolute Zero", "RU486" and "A Rumor Of Skin". A single will precede the album in August.
Taylor played an acoustic version of "Taciturn" at the Download festival on June 9 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom . Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
As previously reported, SKID ROW's Rachel Bolan laid down the bass tracks for the new STONE SOUR CD. He has described the material on the record as "fucking fierce."
Guitarist Josh Rand recently said that the CD will be "another progression for the band," adding. "Musically, we have always challenged one another to push things to our limits, and this record is no exception."
Taylor recently told Revolver magazine about STONE SOUR's forthcoming CD, "Picture [PINK FLOYD's] 'The Wall' crossed with ALICE IN CHAINS' 'Dirt' with some good heavy blasts in there," Corey said. "The heaviest song is a total ass-kicker that sounds as if SLAYER and ANTHRAX had a baby. Then, there's a darker bluesy dirge that has the vibe of LED ZEPPELIN's 'In My Time Of Dying'. There's even a little industrial vibe. It's definitely going to blow people's fucking minds.
Taylor added that he came up with a very ambitious concept for the disc.
"The album is a morality play about a man who's standing at the crossroads of his life trying to figure out what to do next," he said. "He's going, 'Do I move foward and evolve? Do I become more responsible or do I run backwards and pilfer the basket of youth?' Sometimes it's romantic to live in the mistakes that you made when you were 20, and condemn yourself to perpetual adolescence."
According to Taylor, part 1 of "House Of Gold And Bones" will contain 12 songs and will be released in October via Roadrunner Records, with the second 12-track part to follow next year. Each disc will include one half of the story, the lyrics for which fans will have to visit the band's official web site. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Taciturn", "Absolute Zero", "RU486" and "A Rumor Of Skin". A single will precede the album in August.
Taylor played an acoustic version of "Taciturn" at the Download festival on June 9 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom . Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
As previously reported, SKID ROW's Rachel Bolan laid down the bass tracks for the new STONE SOUR CD. He has described the material on the record as "fucking fierce."
Guitarist Josh Rand recently said that the CD will be "another progression for the band," adding. "Musically, we have always challenged one another to push things to our limits, and this record is no exception."
According to The Pulse Of Radio, that STONE SOUR concert DVD that singer Corey Taylor first spoke about last year is finally coming out...sort of. The "Live At Brighton" DVD will be made available only to members of the band's fan club. The disc will be provided to new members as part of their one-year membership welcome package, along with a poem from Taylor, autographed memorabilia, plus early access to music and concert tickets.
Apparently the DVD will not include a proposed EP of cover songs that the group planned to record and put in the package. Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio about the plans for the DVD and EP in 2011. "We shot a concert last year on the co-headlining tour that we did with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and we shot it in Brighton (England), and we've been trying to get it together ever since and it's just been insane," he said. "There's been so much work and we just haven't had a chance to kind of get a handle on it. But we've been talking about doing a covers EP forever. This is just a kind of a cool way to put something cool out that the fans will dig."
The DVD was filmed on November 7, 2010 at the Brighton Center in Brighton, England on STONE SOUR's "Audio Secrecy" tour.
Meanwhile, STONE SOUR's upcoming fourth effort, "House Of Gold And Bones", will be a double concept album, with part one coming out in October 2012 and part two arriving sometime next year.
Each disc will contain 12 of the project's total of 24 songs, with the complete package telling one story.
Taylor told Kerrang! magazine that the new album will have "a lot of multi-media involved," including a comic book that may be published by DC Comics.
Apparently the DVD will not include a proposed EP of cover songs that the group planned to record and put in the package. Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio about the plans for the DVD and EP in 2011. "We shot a concert last year on the co-headlining tour that we did with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and we shot it in Brighton (England), and we've been trying to get it together ever since and it's just been insane," he said. "There's been so much work and we just haven't had a chance to kind of get a handle on it. But we've been talking about doing a covers EP forever. This is just a kind of a cool way to put something cool out that the fans will dig."
The DVD was filmed on November 7, 2010 at the Brighton Center in Brighton, England on STONE SOUR's "Audio Secrecy" tour.
Meanwhile, STONE SOUR's upcoming fourth effort, "House Of Gold And Bones", will be a double concept album, with part one coming out in October 2012 and part two arriving sometime next year.
Each disc will contain 12 of the project's total of 24 songs, with the complete package telling one story.
Taylor told Kerrang! magazine that the new album will have "a lot of multi-media involved," including a comic book that may be published by DC Comics.
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER will release their new album, "Clash Of The Gods", on August 31 in Europe and September 4 in North America via Napalm Records. A six-song mini-CD, "Home At Last", will precede the full-length effort on July 27 in Europe and August 7 in North America.
GRAVE DIGGER's new CD was recorded at Principal Studios in Münster, Germany. The band laid down at least 10 new original compositions as well as "a cover version of a male, 'not-heavy-metal' artist," which the group said "won't be another German 'Schlager' song... it will be 150 percent pure GRAVE DIGGER metal. Again we transferred the spirit of the '80s into the sound of 2012."
"Clash Of The Gods" track listing:
01. Charon
02. God Of Terror
03. Hell Dog
04. Medusa
05. Clash Of The Gods
06. Death Angel & The Grave Digger
07. Walls Of Sorrow
08. Call Of The Sirens
09. Warriors Revenge
10. With The Wind
11. Home At Last
Bonus tracks on digibook version:
12. Saints Of The Broken Souls
13. Zurück Nach Haus ("Home At Last" German version)
"Home At Last" track listing:
01. Home At Last
02. Rage Of The Savage Beast (non-album track)
03. Metal Will Never Die (non-album track)
04. Ballad Of A Hangman (live in Wacken 2010)
05. Excalibur (live in Wacken 2010)
06. Heavy Metal Breakdown (live in Wacken 2010)
GRAVE DIGGER last fall extended its contract with Napalm Records. The band said in a statement, "Napalm is a small and hard-working team that is as effective and productive as a company of 70 people. Always reachable and competent, they work with their artists individually. These are the strengths of Napalm, and that is why we have signed a deal for three more records under the Napalm banner."
"The Clans Are Still Marching", the latest DVD from GRAVE DIGGER, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 56 (German chart rules allow music DVDs to enter album charts).
GRAVE DIGGER's latest album, "The Clans Will Rise Again", was released in Europe on October 1, 2010 via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded between mid-May 2010 and mid-July 2010 at the Meadow Studios, which is owned by GRAVE DIGGER's new guitarist Axel Ritt, and Principal Studios, where all of GRAVE DIGGER albums since 1995's "Heart Of Darkness" have been tracked. It was produced by Chris Boltendahl and mixed by Jörg Umbreit.
GRAVE DIGGER's new CD was recorded at Principal Studios in Münster, Germany. The band laid down at least 10 new original compositions as well as "a cover version of a male, 'not-heavy-metal' artist," which the group said "won't be another German 'Schlager' song... it will be 150 percent pure GRAVE DIGGER metal. Again we transferred the spirit of the '80s into the sound of 2012."
"Clash Of The Gods" track listing:
01. Charon
02. God Of Terror
03. Hell Dog
04. Medusa
05. Clash Of The Gods
06. Death Angel & The Grave Digger
07. Walls Of Sorrow
08. Call Of The Sirens
09. Warriors Revenge
10. With The Wind
11. Home At Last
Bonus tracks on digibook version:
12. Saints Of The Broken Souls
13. Zurück Nach Haus ("Home At Last" German version)
"Home At Last" track listing:
01. Home At Last
02. Rage Of The Savage Beast (non-album track)
03. Metal Will Never Die (non-album track)
04. Ballad Of A Hangman (live in Wacken 2010)
05. Excalibur (live in Wacken 2010)
06. Heavy Metal Breakdown (live in Wacken 2010)
GRAVE DIGGER last fall extended its contract with Napalm Records. The band said in a statement, "Napalm is a small and hard-working team that is as effective and productive as a company of 70 people. Always reachable and competent, they work with their artists individually. These are the strengths of Napalm, and that is why we have signed a deal for three more records under the Napalm banner."
"The Clans Are Still Marching", the latest DVD from GRAVE DIGGER, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 56 (German chart rules allow music DVDs to enter album charts).
GRAVE DIGGER's latest album, "The Clans Will Rise Again", was released in Europe on October 1, 2010 via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded between mid-May 2010 and mid-July 2010 at the Meadow Studios, which is owned by GRAVE DIGGER's new guitarist Axel Ritt, and Principal Studios, where all of GRAVE DIGGER albums since 1995's "Heart Of Darkness" have been tracked. It was produced by Chris Boltendahl and mixed by Jörg Umbreit.
Swedish singer Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER), who recently joined American/German symphonic metallers KAMELOT as the replacement for Roy Khan, has released the following statement regarding his addition to the band:
"It is not a secret that I have been in close contact with the KAMELOT crew for some time now. I played with them on ProgPower 2010 and I joined them on the European part of the tour in the spring of 2011. I learned a lot from this experience and had a great time together with the guys. Of course, musically, it is a bit different from the SEVENTH WONDER style, but to me, that is also what makes it interesting and challenging. Over the past months I have come to love the music and the vibe of the band and when I finally and officially was asked to join as the singer and full-blown member of KAMELOT, I was very happy and gladly accepted! This is something I am really proud of and something I am looking forward to making my own. However, I do want to say this... and this is very important to me... I will not leave SEVENTH WONDER! The SEVENTH WONDER guys and all of you fantastic and supportive fans out there will not get rid of me so easily! I love you all and you are the reason I got to where I am today! We are already working on some stuff for the next SEVENTH WONDER album and really can't wait to show it to you all!"
Karevik also spoke about his musical upbringing and the journey that led him to audition for the KAMELOT singer position.
"I was born on the 1st of November 1981 just south of Stockholm in a suburb called Botkyrka," he said. "Raised with music within the family, my sister Jenny and I were surrounded by the great songs of that time. Growing up I only sang for fun and because it was a natural thing for me. I even joined the school choir as one of the two only boys there... At the age of 12 my mother took me to see 'The Phantom Of The Opera' and I remember being totally floored by the music, the voices and the ambiance... I guess you could say that this is where it all started...
"After elementary school, Jenny was accepted into a musical college but I was more into sports at the time. I was studying nature and science in college and it wasn't until my 2nd year when I was 16 years old, that I 'discovered music' for real.
"In my class, there was a guy called Johan Larsson who was a musician and a guitar player. We instantly became good friends, and inspired by his musicality I picked up the guitar for the first time. During the days that followed I wrote my first song... It was in Swedish and I was really proud. Johan and I wrote a lot of music together during that time and it really helped me to develop my singing as well.
"My first contact with metal music was also through Johan. For me it was a new world of music that opened before me. Coming from musicals and artists like QUEEN, MICHAEL JACKSON and ABBA, I started to interest myself in the more melodic side of metal like DREAM THEATER, SYMPHONY X, SONATA ARCTICA and A.C.T. But my biggest wake-up call was when I heard Jorn Lande [MASTERPLAN] for the first time... I couldn't believe my ears — and I still can't. I started practicing to sing like all the great artists I loved and somehow found my own style in the middle of it.
"In 2004 I was asked to write and sing on a metal project with Stefan Lindholm. The project was called VINDICTIV and the vocals were recorded together with Johan in his home studio. Later that same year I was contacted by the Stockholm-based prog metal band SEVENTH WONDER. They had heard the recordings with VINDICTIV and asked me if I wanted to come and audition for the singer position. They were about to release their first studio album and had just parted ways with their previous singer. I did the audition and a couple of days later they called me on the phone asking me if I wanted in. I happily accepted.
"Since that day I have recorded three studio albums a played a lot of great shows with SEVENTH WONDER and I have a lot to thank the guys in the band for. They are all fantastic musicians and great friends. Apart from the known ones, my musical heroes remain my sister Jenny, Johan Larsson and my SEVENTH WONDER family. As for today I am still in the band and have no intention of leaving.
"In September 2010, we were heading to Atlanta with SEVENTH WONDER to play the well-known festival ProgPower USA. One of the headliners of the festival was KAMELOT. Roy had just left the band prior to the North American tour and I was asked by [KAMELOT guitarist] Thomas Youngblood to perform a song with them on the night of their show. So I did, and joined stage with my friend Michael Eriksen of CIRCUS MAXIMUS who covered for Khan that night.
"Shortly after, Thomas called me again asking if I wanted to join them on the European tour as a guest vocalist together with Fabio Lione. The tour was a lot of fun and I met a lot of nice people and got some good experience. The guys were super-nice and we had a great time together!
"By now I was really into the music of the band and had fallen in love with the amazingly loyal and dedicated fans at every show.
"We kept contact throughout the whole process of auditioning singers, and I sent some demos of new material their way... When I finally was asked if I wanted to be the singer in the band, I was very happy and gladly accepted the offer!
"A lot of time and energy has been poured in the next album to make sure every die-hard KAMELOT fan gets what he/she deserves! I can't wait to share it with all of you! All the best and here is to the next chapter!"
KAMELOT's new album is planned for a September release, which coincides with the beginning a massive world tour that will bring the band to nearly every continent on the planet.
In KAMELOT's search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Youngblood on the style and content of the concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
"It is not a secret that I have been in close contact with the KAMELOT crew for some time now. I played with them on ProgPower 2010 and I joined them on the European part of the tour in the spring of 2011. I learned a lot from this experience and had a great time together with the guys. Of course, musically, it is a bit different from the SEVENTH WONDER style, but to me, that is also what makes it interesting and challenging. Over the past months I have come to love the music and the vibe of the band and when I finally and officially was asked to join as the singer and full-blown member of KAMELOT, I was very happy and gladly accepted! This is something I am really proud of and something I am looking forward to making my own. However, I do want to say this... and this is very important to me... I will not leave SEVENTH WONDER! The SEVENTH WONDER guys and all of you fantastic and supportive fans out there will not get rid of me so easily! I love you all and you are the reason I got to where I am today! We are already working on some stuff for the next SEVENTH WONDER album and really can't wait to show it to you all!"
Karevik also spoke about his musical upbringing and the journey that led him to audition for the KAMELOT singer position.
"I was born on the 1st of November 1981 just south of Stockholm in a suburb called Botkyrka," he said. "Raised with music within the family, my sister Jenny and I were surrounded by the great songs of that time. Growing up I only sang for fun and because it was a natural thing for me. I even joined the school choir as one of the two only boys there... At the age of 12 my mother took me to see 'The Phantom Of The Opera' and I remember being totally floored by the music, the voices and the ambiance... I guess you could say that this is where it all started...
"After elementary school, Jenny was accepted into a musical college but I was more into sports at the time. I was studying nature and science in college and it wasn't until my 2nd year when I was 16 years old, that I 'discovered music' for real.
"In my class, there was a guy called Johan Larsson who was a musician and a guitar player. We instantly became good friends, and inspired by his musicality I picked up the guitar for the first time. During the days that followed I wrote my first song... It was in Swedish and I was really proud. Johan and I wrote a lot of music together during that time and it really helped me to develop my singing as well.
"My first contact with metal music was also through Johan. For me it was a new world of music that opened before me. Coming from musicals and artists like QUEEN, MICHAEL JACKSON and ABBA, I started to interest myself in the more melodic side of metal like DREAM THEATER, SYMPHONY X, SONATA ARCTICA and A.C.T. But my biggest wake-up call was when I heard Jorn Lande [MASTERPLAN] for the first time... I couldn't believe my ears — and I still can't. I started practicing to sing like all the great artists I loved and somehow found my own style in the middle of it.
"In 2004 I was asked to write and sing on a metal project with Stefan Lindholm. The project was called VINDICTIV and the vocals were recorded together with Johan in his home studio. Later that same year I was contacted by the Stockholm-based prog metal band SEVENTH WONDER. They had heard the recordings with VINDICTIV and asked me if I wanted to come and audition for the singer position. They were about to release their first studio album and had just parted ways with their previous singer. I did the audition and a couple of days later they called me on the phone asking me if I wanted in. I happily accepted.
"Since that day I have recorded three studio albums a played a lot of great shows with SEVENTH WONDER and I have a lot to thank the guys in the band for. They are all fantastic musicians and great friends. Apart from the known ones, my musical heroes remain my sister Jenny, Johan Larsson and my SEVENTH WONDER family. As for today I am still in the band and have no intention of leaving.
"In September 2010, we were heading to Atlanta with SEVENTH WONDER to play the well-known festival ProgPower USA. One of the headliners of the festival was KAMELOT. Roy had just left the band prior to the North American tour and I was asked by [KAMELOT guitarist] Thomas Youngblood to perform a song with them on the night of their show. So I did, and joined stage with my friend Michael Eriksen of CIRCUS MAXIMUS who covered for Khan that night.
"Shortly after, Thomas called me again asking if I wanted to join them on the European tour as a guest vocalist together with Fabio Lione. The tour was a lot of fun and I met a lot of nice people and got some good experience. The guys were super-nice and we had a great time together!
"By now I was really into the music of the band and had fallen in love with the amazingly loyal and dedicated fans at every show.
"We kept contact throughout the whole process of auditioning singers, and I sent some demos of new material their way... When I finally was asked if I wanted to be the singer in the band, I was very happy and gladly accepted the offer!
"A lot of time and energy has been poured in the next album to make sure every die-hard KAMELOT fan gets what he/she deserves! I can't wait to share it with all of you! All the best and here is to the next chapter!"
KAMELOT's new album is planned for a September release, which coincides with the beginning a massive world tour that will bring the band to nearly every continent on the planet.
In KAMELOT's search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Youngblood on the style and content of the concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
American/German symphonic metallers KAMELOT last week announced the addition of Scandinavian singer Tommy Karevik to the group's ranks.
The general public may not be overly familiar with the 30-year-old Swede Karevik, but people in the industry know him as the immensely talented frontman of the Swedish band SEVENTH WONDER.
Commented Tommy: "I am truly happy to finally get to write these words to you...
"It is with great respect I look at the things KAMELOT has achieved over the years, both in terms of songwriting and when it comes to reaching out to the heart of the listener.
"Changing a singer is always a big thing for a band and even more so when you had a singer like Roy [Khan]. But although I am humble before the task ahead, I am also strongly confident in the new material and in the future to come!
"I am so honored to now be a part of the family and I can't wait to move into the new era of the band together with the guys. You can rest assured I will give it my all! From this day, a new journey has begun and I am really eager to meet you all along the way to share with you my passion for this music. I believe in this, so thank you for believing in me!"
KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood previously stated about Karevik: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy. We want to thank all the applicants, thank you for your understanding and we wish you all lots of success in the future!"
In their search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour (see footage below).
Youngblood on the style and content of the concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
"Our new album marks another step and a new chapter for KAMELOT and our amazing fans!"
KAMELOT will support Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on a North American tour in September and October.
For more information, visit EnterTheVault.com.
KAMELOT's recently completed North American, South American and European tours featured guest singer Fabio Lione of RHAPSODY OF FIRE following the departure of KAMELOT's longtime frontman, Roy Khan.
The general public may not be overly familiar with the 30-year-old Swede Karevik, but people in the industry know him as the immensely talented frontman of the Swedish band SEVENTH WONDER.
Commented Tommy: "I am truly happy to finally get to write these words to you...
"It is with great respect I look at the things KAMELOT has achieved over the years, both in terms of songwriting and when it comes to reaching out to the heart of the listener.
"Changing a singer is always a big thing for a band and even more so when you had a singer like Roy [Khan]. But although I am humble before the task ahead, I am also strongly confident in the new material and in the future to come!
"I am so honored to now be a part of the family and I can't wait to move into the new era of the band together with the guys. You can rest assured I will give it my all! From this day, a new journey has begun and I am really eager to meet you all along the way to share with you my passion for this music. I believe in this, so thank you for believing in me!"
KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood previously stated about Karevik: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy. We want to thank all the applicants, thank you for your understanding and we wish you all lots of success in the future!"
In their search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool: "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour (see footage below).
Youngblood on the style and content of the concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
"Our new album marks another step and a new chapter for KAMELOT and our amazing fans!"
KAMELOT will support Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on a North American tour in September and October.
For more information, visit EnterTheVault.com.
KAMELOT's recently completed North American, South American and European tours featured guest singer Fabio Lione of RHAPSODY OF FIRE following the departure of KAMELOT's longtime frontman, Roy Khan.
British thrash metal veterans ONSLAUGHT are recording a new version of their classic song "Metal Forces", to be included as a bonus track on the upcoming re-release of the band's 1986 album, "The Force", due later in the year via AFM Records later this year. There will also be revised artwork and some sleeve notes written by ONSLAUGHT guitarist Nige Rockett.
ONSLAUGHT will perform "The Force" in its entirety on their upcoming European headlining tour in September and October. Main support on the trek will be shared by Dutch metal outfit IZEGRIM, who are still promoting the critically acclaimed "Code Of Consequence" CD from 2011, and German thrashers CRIPPER who will release their new album, "Antagonist", on June 22. Both bands will be rotating positions during the entire tour.
Commented Rockett: "It's been what the fans have been asking for from ONSLAUGHT for so long now, so that's exactly what we're gonna give them! AFM are re-releasing 'The Force' album in September, so it seemed quite appropriate to take this show on the road. We're gonna play the whole album in running order, as well as all the favorites from the other four releases. I think it's gonna be a whole lot of messy fun!"
ONSLAUGHT is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio at the end of the year to record its new album for a spring release via AFM Records.
ONSLAUGHT recruited Michael Hourihan (EXTREME NOISE TERROR, DESECRATION) to play the drums following last year's departure of Steve Grice.
ONSLAUGHT's fifth album, "Sounds Of Violence", was released in January 2011 via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Killing Peace" was recorded and mixed at Hansen Studio in Ribe, Denmark with acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, MERCENARY, VOLBEAT, HEAVEN SHALL BURN).
ONSLAUGHT will perform "The Force" in its entirety on their upcoming European headlining tour in September and October. Main support on the trek will be shared by Dutch metal outfit IZEGRIM, who are still promoting the critically acclaimed "Code Of Consequence" CD from 2011, and German thrashers CRIPPER who will release their new album, "Antagonist", on June 22. Both bands will be rotating positions during the entire tour.
Commented Rockett: "It's been what the fans have been asking for from ONSLAUGHT for so long now, so that's exactly what we're gonna give them! AFM are re-releasing 'The Force' album in September, so it seemed quite appropriate to take this show on the road. We're gonna play the whole album in running order, as well as all the favorites from the other four releases. I think it's gonna be a whole lot of messy fun!"
ONSLAUGHT is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio at the end of the year to record its new album for a spring release via AFM Records.
ONSLAUGHT recruited Michael Hourihan (EXTREME NOISE TERROR, DESECRATION) to play the drums following last year's departure of Steve Grice.
ONSLAUGHT's fifth album, "Sounds Of Violence", was released in January 2011 via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Killing Peace" was recorded and mixed at Hansen Studio in Ribe, Denmark with acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, MERCENARY, VOLBEAT, HEAVEN SHALL BURN).
Helsinki, Finland-based gothic metallers THE 69 EYES are putting the finishing touches on their 10th studio album, "X", in Stockholm, Sweden for a September/October release through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America. A single, "Red", will precede the full-length CD in August. According to a press release, the new album — which is being helmed by the Swedish production team On The Verge — will be melancholic and melodic in best THE 69 EYES tradition, reminiscent of such landmark "goth 'n' roll" as "Blessed Be" (2000) and "Paris Kills" (2002).
THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years in July in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
"The last album was recorded in Hollywood, adding that special L.A. glam flavor to our sound," says THE 69 EYES vocalist Jyrki69. "Now this time as this album is our 'Made In Sweden' record, our melodic, Scandinavian melancholy side is rising on the top!"
THE 69 EYES's latest album, "Back In Blood", was issued in Europe (excluding Finland) on August 28, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 15, 2009 in the U.S. through The End Records). It was tracked with the Grammy-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET, FU MANCHU) and features a guest appearance by MONSTER MAGNET's Ed Mundell. The recording process took place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles.
The first single from the album, "Dead Girls Are Easy", was described in a press release as "a nasty power anthem for sleazy pin-ups complete with a sing-a-long chorus aimed at those online chicks with the looks that kill!" The video for the song was directed by Margera and the artwork was designed by Estevan Oriol, whose work has graced countless covers from such artists as CYPRESS HILL, THE TRANSPLANTS and SNOOP DOGG.
THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years in July in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
"The last album was recorded in Hollywood, adding that special L.A. glam flavor to our sound," says THE 69 EYES vocalist Jyrki69. "Now this time as this album is our 'Made In Sweden' record, our melodic, Scandinavian melancholy side is rising on the top!"
THE 69 EYES's latest album, "Back In Blood", was issued in Europe (excluding Finland) on August 28, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 15, 2009 in the U.S. through The End Records). It was tracked with the Grammy-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET, FU MANCHU) and features a guest appearance by MONSTER MAGNET's Ed Mundell. The recording process took place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles.
The first single from the album, "Dead Girls Are Easy", was described in a press release as "a nasty power anthem for sleazy pin-ups complete with a sing-a-long chorus aimed at those online chicks with the looks that kill!" The video for the song was directed by Margera and the artwork was designed by Estevan Oriol, whose work has graced countless covers from such artists as CYPRESS HILL, THE TRANSPLANTS and SNOOP DOGG.
Finnish fantasy metallers BATTLELORE will play an acoustic show at Nosturi downstairs in Helsinki, Finland on August 9. The band states, "In spite of this gig we are still on a break."
BATTLELORE announced last November that it was going on an indefinite hiatus after performing at the Metal Female Voices Fest IX on October 21, 2011. The group ssaid at the time, "This is not the end, however, just a time-out to focus on other aspects of life and build up more creative energy for the future. . . There's no drama behind the decision to go on break, just a need to take a step back and have a breather."
BATTLELORE's sixth full-length album, "Doombound", was released in January 2011 via Napalm Records. The band's first conceptual effort, features lyrics which "tell the story of J.R.R. Tolkien's tragic hero Túrin Turambar and his kin," according to a press release. "One of the songs is sung completely in Finnish in appreciation to BATTLELORE's beautiful home country Finland and Kalevala, the national Finnish epic. The songs themselves are more dynamic, atmospheric and epic than ever before."
BATTLELORE announced last November that it was going on an indefinite hiatus after performing at the Metal Female Voices Fest IX on October 21, 2011. The group ssaid at the time, "This is not the end, however, just a time-out to focus on other aspects of life and build up more creative energy for the future. . . There's no drama behind the decision to go on break, just a need to take a step back and have a breather."
BATTLELORE's sixth full-length album, "Doombound", was released in January 2011 via Napalm Records. The band's first conceptual effort, features lyrics which "tell the story of J.R.R. Tolkien's tragic hero Túrin Turambar and his kin," according to a press release. "One of the songs is sung completely in Finnish in appreciation to BATTLELORE's beautiful home country Finland and Kalevala, the national Finnish epic. The songs themselves are more dynamic, atmospheric and epic than ever before."
According to the Courthouse News Service, Dallas attorney-turned-international concert promoter Gabe Reed of Gabe Reed Productions is being sued for $270,000 over a canceled stadium show in Caracas, Venezuela.
Evenpro Entertainment Holding claims that in March it agreed to pay Reed $270,000 for a two-hour concert by the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars, an 11-piece supergroup comprised of Gene Simmons of KISS, Joe Elliott of DEF LEPPARD, Ed Roland of COLLECTIVE SOUL, Matt Sorum, Gilby Clarke and Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES, Steve Stevens of BILLY IDOL, Mike Inez of ALICE IN CHAINS, Sebastian Bach of SKID ROW and Glenn Hughes of DEEP PURPLE.
Gabe Reed Productions in April canceled Rock 'N' Roll Allstars shows in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela, citing "the failure of the local promoters to comply with contractual obligations," and Evenpro claims it never got its $270,000 back.
Commenting on the lawsuit, Reed — who claims that the terms of the contract allowed his company to keep the money — told the Dallas Observer. "They breached the contract. We had every intention of doing the show, but when we weren't paid as agreed under the contract, then we had to do what we had to do."
Evenpro's attorney Michael Hurst told the Dallas Observer that he believes Reed will argue that Evenpro paid part of the deposit late. However, "We paid the full amount," Hurst said. "There was no reason why the concert should've or would've been canceled."
Evenpro seeks actual damages and prejudgment garnishment. It alleges breach of contract, money had and received, conversion, fraud, unjust enrichment and business disparagement.
Evenpro Entertainment Holding claims that in March it agreed to pay Reed $270,000 for a two-hour concert by the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars, an 11-piece supergroup comprised of Gene Simmons of KISS, Joe Elliott of DEF LEPPARD, Ed Roland of COLLECTIVE SOUL, Matt Sorum, Gilby Clarke and Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES, Steve Stevens of BILLY IDOL, Mike Inez of ALICE IN CHAINS, Sebastian Bach of SKID ROW and Glenn Hughes of DEEP PURPLE.
Gabe Reed Productions in April canceled Rock 'N' Roll Allstars shows in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela, citing "the failure of the local promoters to comply with contractual obligations," and Evenpro claims it never got its $270,000 back.
Commenting on the lawsuit, Reed — who claims that the terms of the contract allowed his company to keep the money — told the Dallas Observer. "They breached the contract. We had every intention of doing the show, but when we weren't paid as agreed under the contract, then we had to do what we had to do."
Evenpro's attorney Michael Hurst told the Dallas Observer that he believes Reed will argue that Evenpro paid part of the deposit late. However, "We paid the full amount," Hurst said. "There was no reason why the concert should've or would've been canceled."
Evenpro seeks actual damages and prejudgment garnishment. It alleges breach of contract, money had and received, conversion, fraud, unjust enrichment and business disparagement.
Kennesaw, Georgia-based rockers JACKYL will release their new album, "Best In Show", on July 31 via Mighty Loud Entertainment, with distribution from Fontana Distribution, LLC.
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Best in Show (4:04)
02. Encore (3:55)
03. Screwdriver (4:08)
04. Horns Up (3:28)
05. Golden Spookytooth (3:30)
06. Cover of the Rolling Stone (2:59)
07. Walk My Mile (5:18)
08. Favorite Sin (3:17)
09. Better Than Chicken (2:44)
10. Don't Lay Down On Me (3:57)
11. Eleven (4:30)
12. It's Tricky (2:59)
The album's first single, "Screwdriver", will be made available next week. An audio sample of the song can be streamed at Amazon.co.uk.
JACKYL ended 2010 with a bang by collaborating with Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame legend Darryl "DMC" Matthews McDaniels from RUN DMC on the single "Just Like A Negro".
The single is available for purchase at Jackyl.com and comes with a limited-edition "JACKYL featuring DMC" poster. It can also be downloaded from iTunes.
Formed in 1990, JACKYL has enjoyed a career stretching two decades, bringing a hybrid of Southern metal to millions. From the band's debut in 1992 via Geffen Records, through today, they are notorious as one of the hardest-working bands in rock. JACKYL holds two Guiness world records, one for staging 100 shows in 50 days, and another for performing 21 concerts in a 24-hour period. Jesse James Dupree and partner Michael Ballard also brew Jessie James Dupree's America's Outlaw Beer.
The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Best in Show (4:04)
02. Encore (3:55)
03. Screwdriver (4:08)
04. Horns Up (3:28)
05. Golden Spookytooth (3:30)
06. Cover of the Rolling Stone (2:59)
07. Walk My Mile (5:18)
08. Favorite Sin (3:17)
09. Better Than Chicken (2:44)
10. Don't Lay Down On Me (3:57)
11. Eleven (4:30)
12. It's Tricky (2:59)
The album's first single, "Screwdriver", will be made available next week. An audio sample of the song can be streamed at Amazon.co.uk.
JACKYL ended 2010 with a bang by collaborating with Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame legend Darryl "DMC" Matthews McDaniels from RUN DMC on the single "Just Like A Negro".
The single is available for purchase at Jackyl.com and comes with a limited-edition "JACKYL featuring DMC" poster. It can also be downloaded from iTunes.
Formed in 1990, JACKYL has enjoyed a career stretching two decades, bringing a hybrid of Southern metal to millions. From the band's debut in 1992 via Geffen Records, through today, they are notorious as one of the hardest-working bands in rock. JACKYL holds two Guiness world records, one for staging 100 shows in 50 days, and another for performing 21 concerts in a 24-hour period. Jesse James Dupree and partner Michael Ballard also brew Jessie James Dupree's America's Outlaw Beer.
I AM I, the new band led by former DRAGONFORCE singer ZP Theart, has parted ways with drummer Paul Clarke Jr. for "personal reasons." A replacement drummer has already been recruited but the musician's identity has not yet been revealed.
I AM I's next live appearance will take place on August 11 at this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival at Catton Hall in Walton On Trent, Derbyshire, England.
I AM I made its live debut on May 27 at Birmingham, England's O2 Academy 2.
The group's lineup is completed by Jacob Ziemba on guitar and Neil Salmon on bass.
I AM I released its debut album, "Event Horizon", independently on May 26. Written and produced by Theart and Jacob Ziemba and mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (HELLOWEEN, MASTERPLAN), the CD is described in a press release as "an absolutely blistering slice of heavy rock liberally infused with Theart's passion, energy and soaring vocals."
"Event Horizon" was, according to I AM I, the first-ever heavy metal album to be released solely on USB. The stick is packaged in a CD case and includes full artwork and all the usual content you would expect on a disc and more. The effort is available to order from the official I AM I web site.
"Event Horizon" track listing:
01. This is My Life
02. Silent Genocide
03. Stay A While
04. Cross The Line
05. In The Air Tonight
06. King In Ruins
07. Kiss Of Judas
08. Dust 2 Dust
09. Wasted Wonders
10. Pave The Way
The "Silent Genocide" video can be seen below.
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.
I AM I's next live appearance will take place on August 11 at this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival at Catton Hall in Walton On Trent, Derbyshire, England.
I AM I made its live debut on May 27 at Birmingham, England's O2 Academy 2.
The group's lineup is completed by Jacob Ziemba on guitar and Neil Salmon on bass.
I AM I released its debut album, "Event Horizon", independently on May 26. Written and produced by Theart and Jacob Ziemba and mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (HELLOWEEN, MASTERPLAN), the CD is described in a press release as "an absolutely blistering slice of heavy rock liberally infused with Theart's passion, energy and soaring vocals."
"Event Horizon" was, according to I AM I, the first-ever heavy metal album to be released solely on USB. The stick is packaged in a CD case and includes full artwork and all the usual content you would expect on a disc and more. The effort is available to order from the official I AM I web site.
"Event Horizon" track listing:
01. This is My Life
02. Silent Genocide
03. Stay A While
04. Cross The Line
05. In The Air Tonight
06. King In Ruins
07. Kiss Of Judas
08. Dust 2 Dust
09. Wasted Wonders
10. Pave The Way
The "Silent Genocide" video can be seen below.
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.
DOWNSPIRIT, the German/Swiss blues/metal-oriented band formed by SYMPHORCE/ex-FREEDOM CALL guitarist Cedric "Cede" Dupont, has set "Bulletproof" as the title of its sophomore album, due in Europe on July 27 and in North America on August 14 via Metalville.
"Bulletproof" track listing:
01. Greed
02. Life After her
03. Get the F*** Up
04. The Wish
05. Human Gift
06. Are you Proud?
07. Hellyeah
08. Overload
09. Gotta Get Away
10. What a Way to Die
11. I'm a Survivor
12. The Look
DOWNSPIRIT will support ADRENALINE MOB for five German shows in late June and early July.
DOWNSPIRIT's debut album, "Point Of Origin", was received well, with much positive feedback all over the world, and brought the band's touring schedule to include more than 60 shows around Europe.
DOWNSPIRIT is:
Steffen Lauth - Vocals
Cede Dupont - Guitar
Dennis Wohlbold - Bass
Steffen Theurer – Drums
"Bulletproof" track listing:
01. Greed
02. Life After her
03. Get the F*** Up
04. The Wish
05. Human Gift
06. Are you Proud?
07. Hellyeah
08. Overload
09. Gotta Get Away
10. What a Way to Die
11. I'm a Survivor
12. The Look
DOWNSPIRIT will support ADRENALINE MOB for five German shows in late June and early July.
DOWNSPIRIT's debut album, "Point Of Origin", was received well, with much positive feedback all over the world, and brought the band's touring schedule to include more than 60 shows around Europe.
DOWNSPIRIT is:
Steffen Lauth - Vocals
Cede Dupont - Guitar
Dennis Wohlbold - Bass
Steffen Theurer – Drums
The release date of "Hammer Damage", the new album from veteran metallers OMEN, has once again been postponed. Originally due on June 29, the CD has been pushed back after it was determined that hurricane damages to guitarist Kenny Powell's house were greater than the band originally thought and this has caused technical problems with the mixing and mastering of the new record.
Commented Powell: "First off, I hate to be an excuse-maker, but I have had a huge problem with the studio. I have been putting off a new roof on my house until the record was finished. After several days of heavy rain, the studio was flooded and the roof collapsed in. It took me several days to patch things up and clean up all of the equipment. Thankfully, nothing was damaged."
"Hammer Damage" track listing:
01. Hammer Damage
02. Knights Of The Cross
03. Era Of Crisis
04. Epitaph For A Warrior
05. The Canyon
06. Demons
07. Caligula
08. Hellas
09. A.F.U.
OMEN was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983, by lead guitarist Kenny Powell; previously with the rock group SAVAGE GRACE and signed on with Metal Blade Records in 1984, and released their debut album "Battle Cry". In 1985 the second album, "Warning Of Danger", followed, building up OMEN's reputation as one of the forefathers of power metal acts, such as METALLICA, ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, and SLAYER. In 1986, OMEN's successes lead to the release of the blockbuster album "The Curse" on Capitol Records. The hit single "Thorn In Your Flesh" from their release "Escape To Nowhere" topped the metal charts in 1985.
OMEN continued releasing an incredible collection of heavy metal masterpieces over the years, as well as building a loyal fan base via successful worldwide tours.
OMEN in 2008 released a live album, "Into the Arena: 20 Years Live", which contained previously unreleased recordings of the band's original lineup.
OMEN appeared at last year's Keep It True XII festival on April 24-25, 2009 at the Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.
OMEN 2012 is:
Kenny Powell - Guitar
Andy Haas - Bass
Matt Story - Vocals
Steve Wittig - Drums
Commented Powell: "First off, I hate to be an excuse-maker, but I have had a huge problem with the studio. I have been putting off a new roof on my house until the record was finished. After several days of heavy rain, the studio was flooded and the roof collapsed in. It took me several days to patch things up and clean up all of the equipment. Thankfully, nothing was damaged."
"Hammer Damage" track listing:
01. Hammer Damage
02. Knights Of The Cross
03. Era Of Crisis
04. Epitaph For A Warrior
05. The Canyon
06. Demons
07. Caligula
08. Hellas
09. A.F.U.
OMEN was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983, by lead guitarist Kenny Powell; previously with the rock group SAVAGE GRACE and signed on with Metal Blade Records in 1984, and released their debut album "Battle Cry". In 1985 the second album, "Warning Of Danger", followed, building up OMEN's reputation as one of the forefathers of power metal acts, such as METALLICA, ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, and SLAYER. In 1986, OMEN's successes lead to the release of the blockbuster album "The Curse" on Capitol Records. The hit single "Thorn In Your Flesh" from their release "Escape To Nowhere" topped the metal charts in 1985.
OMEN continued releasing an incredible collection of heavy metal masterpieces over the years, as well as building a loyal fan base via successful worldwide tours.
OMEN in 2008 released a live album, "Into the Arena: 20 Years Live", which contained previously unreleased recordings of the band's original lineup.
OMEN appeared at last year's Keep It True XII festival on April 24-25, 2009 at the Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.
OMEN 2012 is:
Kenny Powell - Guitar
Andy Haas - Bass
Matt Story - Vocals
Steve Wittig - Drums
PHILM — the Los Angeles-based experimental post-hardcore triumvirate featuring drummer Dave Lombardo (SLAYER), guitarist/vocalist Gerry Nestler (CIVIL DEFIANCE), and bassist Pancho Tomaselli (WAR) — has been confirmed for the Slaughter By The Water festival, set to take place on August 25 aboard the decommissioned USS Hornet flight carrier docked in Alameda, California.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ABSU
ABYSMAL DAWN
AUTOPSY
FOG OF WAR
IMPALED
PHILM
SEVERED FIFTH
WITCHAVEN
The USS Hornet, 893 feet long and 33,000 tons of metal, is nicknamed "The Grey Ghost in Alameda" and is said to be one of the most haunted warships in the American Navy, with numerous reports of supernatural events occurring onboard. She is also a "Rosie the Riveter" ship with thirty percent of her construction crew being women and she holds a couple Navy records: most planes shot down in a day (72) and most planes shot down in a month (255). The USS Hornet was also where San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS filmed the video for the song "War Is My Sheppard".
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ABSU
ABYSMAL DAWN
AUTOPSY
FOG OF WAR
IMPALED
PHILM
SEVERED FIFTH
WITCHAVEN
The USS Hornet, 893 feet long and 33,000 tons of metal, is nicknamed "The Grey Ghost in Alameda" and is said to be one of the most haunted warships in the American Navy, with numerous reports of supernatural events occurring onboard. She is also a "Rosie the Riveter" ship with thirty percent of her construction crew being women and she holds a couple Navy records: most planes shot down in a day (72) and most planes shot down in a month (255). The USS Hornet was also where San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS filmed the video for the song "War Is My Sheppard".
Canadian metallers ODIUM have announced the exclusive online release of their new track "No Way Out" as part of a limited-edition digital single that will be made available for free to fans worldwide. Due to the overwhelming response to the accompanying video for the track, the single will include the song "No Way Out" as well as a free download of their new video in HD quality. The clip was directed by Chad Archibald of Black Fawn Films (BAPTIZED IN BLOOD, FAREWELL TO FREEWAY, MEGADETH, ARISE AND RUIN) and was shot on location in Guelph, Ontario. The concept of the video was designed to utilize the new camera technology that's available today with a focus on slow motion.
"With this new era of media, we felt that we had to create something really interesting and really unique," says Year Of The Sun label president C. Benner. "We were toying around with the idea of using 'No Way Out' as the main single off of the new album and when Chad came to us with the treatment for the video it really intensified the song and its lyrics. It really provokes a tactile response from the viewer and that was important especially for a band like ODIUM. It's really an incredible visual presentation."
ODIUM is:
Thomas Emmans - Vocals
Joe Mullen - Drums
Andrew Fullerton - Guitar
Bo Louther - Guitar
Dale Burrows – Bass
"With this new era of media, we felt that we had to create something really interesting and really unique," says Year Of The Sun label president C. Benner. "We were toying around with the idea of using 'No Way Out' as the main single off of the new album and when Chad came to us with the treatment for the video it really intensified the song and its lyrics. It really provokes a tactile response from the viewer and that was important especially for a band like ODIUM. It's really an incredible visual presentation."
ODIUM is:
Thomas Emmans - Vocals
Joe Mullen - Drums
Andrew Fullerton - Guitar
Bo Louther - Guitar
Dale Burrows – Bass
Bobbie Brown, an actress and model and probably best known as the video vixen in WARRANT's "Cherry Pie" video, is working on her autobiography, "Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie", for an early 2013 release.
Brown recently completed filming a new reality series called "Ex-Wives Rock", which "chronicles the highs and lows of the glamorous L.A. lives of four women who have led the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll life... and have survived to reinvent themselves."
The show, which will premiere on August 29 on the Canadian network Slice, is co-produced by the former FEMME FATALE frontwoman Lorraine Lewis, and is brought by the Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based distribution company Tricon Films & Television.
"Ex-Wives Rock" follows video vixen Susan Dixon (ex-wife of WARRANT bassist Jerry Dixon); Brown (ex-wife of WARRANT frontman Jani Lane); drummer and Tommy Lee's sister, Athena Lee (ex-wife of SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak); and Sharise Neil (ex-wife of MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil). Throughout each episode, you will see all sides of the four ex-wives: the good, the bad and the ugly. We'll witness family drama, messed up love lives and friendships crash and burn. We'll see the glamorous red carpet events, the seedy rock clubs, the fabulous hotel lunches and the quiet dinners at home.
Being "hair-band groupies" is far in the past for these now late-thirties, early-forties ladies; but that doesn't mean their rock 'n' roll days are over. Their journey begins where one life has ended and another one has just begun. They are mothers. Business owners. Partiers. And ladies of the L.A. lifestyle.
Brown recently completed filming a new reality series called "Ex-Wives Rock", which "chronicles the highs and lows of the glamorous L.A. lives of four women who have led the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll life... and have survived to reinvent themselves."
The show, which will premiere on August 29 on the Canadian network Slice, is co-produced by the former FEMME FATALE frontwoman Lorraine Lewis, and is brought by the Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based distribution company Tricon Films & Television.
"Ex-Wives Rock" follows video vixen Susan Dixon (ex-wife of WARRANT bassist Jerry Dixon); Brown (ex-wife of WARRANT frontman Jani Lane); drummer and Tommy Lee's sister, Athena Lee (ex-wife of SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak); and Sharise Neil (ex-wife of MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil). Throughout each episode, you will see all sides of the four ex-wives: the good, the bad and the ugly. We'll witness family drama, messed up love lives and friendships crash and burn. We'll see the glamorous red carpet events, the seedy rock clubs, the fabulous hotel lunches and the quiet dinners at home.
Being "hair-band groupies" is far in the past for these now late-thirties, early-forties ladies; but that doesn't mean their rock 'n' roll days are over. Their journey begins where one life has ended and another one has just begun. They are mothers. Business owners. Partiers. And ladies of the L.A. lifestyle.
British glam metal legends TIGERTAILZ have revealed their new lineup. Original members Jay Pepper (lead guitar) and Ace Finchum (drums) are joined by vocalist Jules Millis, guitarist Rob Wylde and bassist Jason Sims.
Jules, who also sings for acclaimed melodic rockers WHITE WIDDOW, grew up in Australia on a diet of '80s glam rock, including KISS, RATT and TIGERTAILZ themselves. For Jules, joining the 'TAILZ is a musical dream come true. "It's amazing to be joining a band I grew up listening to back in Melbourne," he said. "'Bezerk' and 'Young And Crazy' were part of the soundtrack to my youth, and I hope to do those classic songs and many others full justice. It feels crazy — such an honor to be involved with this thing. I can't wait to see where this road leads — it should be quite a ride."
Robb Wylde, frontman and guitarist with Brit rockers TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY, also joins on guitar. A versatile musician who certainly knows the meaning of showmanship, Robb has not only released three albums with TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY but also fronted U.S. glam rockers SINS OF AMERICA, and plays bass with melodic rockers VEGA. Expect Robb's explosive guitar sound and stage presence to take the 'TAILZ experience to a new dimension.
Former PSYCHO KISS bassist Jason Sims completes the lineup. The full-metal Welshman lists METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH as his heroes and confesses that he's "chomping at the bit" to get started. "It's a strong lineup and I can't wait to play these tracks live," he adds. "I know how big TIGERTAILZ' fan base is, and I hope I can do them proud."
TIGERTAILZ is set to release a video for their new version of "Fall In Love Again", a song originally recorded for their 1987 debut album, "Young And Crazy". Re-recorded in the studio and featuring the first vocal contribution from Jules, the single is a tribute to former bass player Pepsi Tate, who died in 2007. All proceeds from the song will support Amser Justin Time, the pancreatic cancer charity set up in his memory.
Jules, who also sings for acclaimed melodic rockers WHITE WIDDOW, grew up in Australia on a diet of '80s glam rock, including KISS, RATT and TIGERTAILZ themselves. For Jules, joining the 'TAILZ is a musical dream come true. "It's amazing to be joining a band I grew up listening to back in Melbourne," he said. "'Bezerk' and 'Young And Crazy' were part of the soundtrack to my youth, and I hope to do those classic songs and many others full justice. It feels crazy — such an honor to be involved with this thing. I can't wait to see where this road leads — it should be quite a ride."
Robb Wylde, frontman and guitarist with Brit rockers TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY, also joins on guitar. A versatile musician who certainly knows the meaning of showmanship, Robb has not only released three albums with TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY but also fronted U.S. glam rockers SINS OF AMERICA, and plays bass with melodic rockers VEGA. Expect Robb's explosive guitar sound and stage presence to take the 'TAILZ experience to a new dimension.
Former PSYCHO KISS bassist Jason Sims completes the lineup. The full-metal Welshman lists METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH as his heroes and confesses that he's "chomping at the bit" to get started. "It's a strong lineup and I can't wait to play these tracks live," he adds. "I know how big TIGERTAILZ' fan base is, and I hope I can do them proud."
TIGERTAILZ is set to release a video for their new version of "Fall In Love Again", a song originally recorded for their 1987 debut album, "Young And Crazy". Re-recorded in the studio and featuring the first vocal contribution from Jules, the single is a tribute to former bass player Pepsi Tate, who died in 2007. All proceeds from the song will support Amser Justin Time, the pancreatic cancer charity set up in his memory.
The first official live CD from STAIND, "Live From Mohegan Sun", will be released by Eagle Rock Entertainment on July 10, followed by the DVD and Blu-ray release on August 14. This concert was recorded and filmed in high definition at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville, Connecticut on November 25, 2011, and the chords must still be echoing somewhere deep within the bowels of the building.
Raw, uncompromising, loud, and totally, energetically exciting, STAIND pulls out all the stops in this sixteen-song set. Singer/guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April pummel through a career-spanning set that includes "It's Been Awhile", "Not Again", "Eyes Wide Open", "Right Here" and "So Far Away". Drummer Sal Giancarelli gives a swift kick and a solid boost (replacing original drummer Jon Wysocki who left the band in May 2011).
In addition to these "Live From Mohegan Sun" releases, STAIND will hit the road this summer as part of the Rockstar Energy Uproar festival, sharing the main stage with SHINEDOWN and GODSMACK. This makes 2012 THE year to experience STAIND live.
"Live From Mohegan Sun" track listing:
01. Eyes Wide Open
02. Falling
03. Right Here
04. Throw It All Away
05. Spleen
06. Fade
07. Failing
08. So Far Away
09. Crawl
10. For You
11. Paper Wings
12. Outside
13. Not Again
14. It's Been Awhile
15. Mudshovel
16. Something To Remind You
Raw, uncompromising, loud, and totally, energetically exciting, STAIND pulls out all the stops in this sixteen-song set. Singer/guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April pummel through a career-spanning set that includes "It's Been Awhile", "Not Again", "Eyes Wide Open", "Right Here" and "So Far Away". Drummer Sal Giancarelli gives a swift kick and a solid boost (replacing original drummer Jon Wysocki who left the band in May 2011).
In addition to these "Live From Mohegan Sun" releases, STAIND will hit the road this summer as part of the Rockstar Energy Uproar festival, sharing the main stage with SHINEDOWN and GODSMACK. This makes 2012 THE year to experience STAIND live.
"Live From Mohegan Sun" track listing:
01. Eyes Wide Open
02. Falling
03. Right Here
04. Throw It All Away
05. Spleen
06. Fade
07. Failing
08. So Far Away
09. Crawl
10. For You
11. Paper Wings
12. Outside
13. Not Again
14. It's Been Awhile
15. Mudshovel
16. Something To Remind You
FAITH NO MORE bassist Billy Gould will make a guest appearance on one of the songs on the fourth full-length album from Hungarian "progressive-grunge metallers" ANGERTEA. Due in September via the Norwegian label Smash Fabric Records, the CD is being recorded at in Szeged, Hungary with producer Gábor Vári.
ANGERTEA previously stated about the forthcoming effort, "Compared to our previous recordings, this one is gonna include shorter and maybe more 'understandable' songs."
ANGERTEA's "Distrust" video can be seen below. The song is the title track of the band's 2011 EP, which features a guest appearance by former KYUSS bassist Scott Reeder.
ANGERTEA previously released three full-length albums — "Lélekvágy" (2001), "Rushing Towards the Hateline" (2006) and "Twenty-Eight Ways to Bleed" (2009) — and an EP that was mixed by Neil Kernon (NILE, NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE).
ANGERTEA is:
Mihály Gergely - Vocals/Guitar
Peralta Miguel - Bass
Bárkai László – Drums
ANGERTEA previously stated about the forthcoming effort, "Compared to our previous recordings, this one is gonna include shorter and maybe more 'understandable' songs."
ANGERTEA's "Distrust" video can be seen below. The song is the title track of the band's 2011 EP, which features a guest appearance by former KYUSS bassist Scott Reeder.
ANGERTEA previously released three full-length albums — "Lélekvágy" (2001), "Rushing Towards the Hateline" (2006) and "Twenty-Eight Ways to Bleed" (2009) — and an EP that was mixed by Neil Kernon (NILE, NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE).
ANGERTEA is:
Mihály Gergely - Vocals/Guitar
Peralta Miguel - Bass
Bárkai László – Drums
Reactivated Boston-based hardcore/punk band BLOOD FOR BLOOD has been forced to reschedule this coming weekend's "Wasted Nights" shows in Boston and New York City.
Guitarist/vocalist Rob Lind and bassist Ian McFarland have issued the following statement:
"We regret to inform you, due to a situation that has arisen involving [vocalist] Buddha, it has become impossible for BLOOD FOR BLOOD to play the shows scheduled for this weekend in Boston and NYC. We'd like to thank and apologize to everyone who brought these shows together, as well as all of the Wasted Youth crew, who were planning on attending. Trust us, this was not something we wanted to do."
Refunds will be available at point of purchase.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD is currently working on its seventh album, the band's first since 2004's "Serenity".
After lying dormant for six years, BLOOD FOR BLOOD made its American return at last year's New England Metal And Hardcore Festival.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD reunited in 2010 for the European Persistence Tour, which also featured SICK OF IT ALL, UNEARTH and EVERGREEN TERRACE.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD 2012 consists of the longtime core of Buddha, guitarist Rob Lind, and bassist Ian McFarland, along with drummer Neal Dike.
Special guests Billy Graziadei (BIOHAZARD) and Craig Silverman (ONLY LIVING WITNESS) have filled in on guitar for live shows in Lind's absence from the stage due to personal reasons.
Guitarist/vocalist Rob Lind and bassist Ian McFarland have issued the following statement:
"We regret to inform you, due to a situation that has arisen involving [vocalist] Buddha, it has become impossible for BLOOD FOR BLOOD to play the shows scheduled for this weekend in Boston and NYC. We'd like to thank and apologize to everyone who brought these shows together, as well as all of the Wasted Youth crew, who were planning on attending. Trust us, this was not something we wanted to do."
Refunds will be available at point of purchase.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD is currently working on its seventh album, the band's first since 2004's "Serenity".
After lying dormant for six years, BLOOD FOR BLOOD made its American return at last year's New England Metal And Hardcore Festival.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD reunited in 2010 for the European Persistence Tour, which also featured SICK OF IT ALL, UNEARTH and EVERGREEN TERRACE.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD 2012 consists of the longtime core of Buddha, guitarist Rob Lind, and bassist Ian McFarland, along with drummer Neal Dike.
Special guests Billy Graziadei (BIOHAZARD) and Craig Silverman (ONLY LIVING WITNESS) have filled in on guitar for live shows in Lind's absence from the stage due to personal reasons.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania natives THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE have signed a North and South American deal with eOne Music. The band's new album will be released in the fall.
"On behalf of THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE enterprises, I'm proud to let everyone know that our new American home is located at eOne Music," says THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE vocalist Ricky Armellino. "Please make a note on all outgoing packages. Honestly, I couldn't believe we would be making one signing announcement, so the third feels pretty surreal. It's humbling and a reminder that hard work pays off."
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE's forthcoming CD will be the band's first release since "Haunt What's Left", produced by Josh Wilbur and LAMB OF GOD's own Chris Adler in 2010.
The band is on tour with NORMA JEAN and will head over to China for a short batch of dates.
Having originally released its debut record, "Monuments", in 2007 the band has not slowed down since. With a few dozen tours under their belt with bands like WE CAME AS ROMANS, PERIPHERY and BORN OF OSIRIS, the band is hardly new to the hands-on approach. Things like giving lessons while on tour and actively taking a role in their day to day is what sets THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE apart.
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE is: Rick Armellino (vocals), Jack Esbenshade (guitar), Matthew Marcellus (bass, vocals) and Rodney Phillips (guitar, vocals).
"On behalf of THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE enterprises, I'm proud to let everyone know that our new American home is located at eOne Music," says THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE vocalist Ricky Armellino. "Please make a note on all outgoing packages. Honestly, I couldn't believe we would be making one signing announcement, so the third feels pretty surreal. It's humbling and a reminder that hard work pays off."
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE's forthcoming CD will be the band's first release since "Haunt What's Left", produced by Josh Wilbur and LAMB OF GOD's own Chris Adler in 2010.
The band is on tour with NORMA JEAN and will head over to China for a short batch of dates.
Having originally released its debut record, "Monuments", in 2007 the band has not slowed down since. With a few dozen tours under their belt with bands like WE CAME AS ROMANS, PERIPHERY and BORN OF OSIRIS, the band is hardly new to the hands-on approach. Things like giving lessons while on tour and actively taking a role in their day to day is what sets THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE apart.
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE is: Rick Armellino (vocals), Jack Esbenshade (guitar), Matthew Marcellus (bass, vocals) and Rodney Phillips (guitar, vocals).
Former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis will enter the studio this week to record three new tracks. Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY), who plays guitar with Loomis in Jeff's solo band, will lay down the vocals for the songs.
"After we got off our last tour with PERIPHERY and PROTEST THE HERO, Jeff and I got to talking about how it would be cool to do some heavier, death metal-type stuff with some more aggresive vocals," Joe said. "So Jeff and I will be hitting the studio with producer/engineer Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES), who also recorded and mixed Jeff's latest record, 'Plains Of Oblivion'. We will be playing some of these songs on our upcoming tour with THE CONTORTIONIST, so we hope to see some of you out there."
Video footage of Loomis and his solo band rehearsing the song "Surrender" in March 2012 can be seen below.
Loomis and his solo band recently part in a 24-date, coast-to-coast U.S. tour with PROTEST THE HERO, PERIPHERY, THE SAFETY FIRE and TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE.
Jeff was accompanied on the stage by the following musicians:
* Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY) - Guitar
* Gregory Macklin (SYSTEM DIVIDE, ORDINANCE) - Bass
* Anup Sastry (INTERVALS, SKYHARBOR) - Drums
Loomis will next head out on a North American tour with THE CONTORTIONIST. The trek is scheduled to kick off on July 14 in Indianapolis, Indiana and run through August 3. Support will come from CHIMP SPANNER and 7 HORNS 7 EYES.
Loomis's second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion", sold 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 179 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 2 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.
"Plains Of Oblivion" was released on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
"After we got off our last tour with PERIPHERY and PROTEST THE HERO, Jeff and I got to talking about how it would be cool to do some heavier, death metal-type stuff with some more aggresive vocals," Joe said. "So Jeff and I will be hitting the studio with producer/engineer Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES), who also recorded and mixed Jeff's latest record, 'Plains Of Oblivion'. We will be playing some of these songs on our upcoming tour with THE CONTORTIONIST, so we hope to see some of you out there."
Video footage of Loomis and his solo band rehearsing the song "Surrender" in March 2012 can be seen below.
Loomis and his solo band recently part in a 24-date, coast-to-coast U.S. tour with PROTEST THE HERO, PERIPHERY, THE SAFETY FIRE and TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE.
Jeff was accompanied on the stage by the following musicians:
* Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY) - Guitar
* Gregory Macklin (SYSTEM DIVIDE, ORDINANCE) - Bass
* Anup Sastry (INTERVALS, SKYHARBOR) - Drums
Loomis will next head out on a North American tour with THE CONTORTIONIST. The trek is scheduled to kick off on July 14 in Indianapolis, Indiana and run through August 3. Support will come from CHIMP SPANNER and 7 HORNS 7 EYES.
Loomis's second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion", sold 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 179 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 2 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.
"Plains Of Oblivion" was released on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
Hungarian extreme metallers EKTOMORF will release a new studio album, "Black Flag", on August 31 via AFM Records. The cover was once again created by German illustrator and designer Tim Eckhorst, who previously did illustrations for the Wacken Open Air festival and various other bands.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. War Is My Way
02. Unscarred
03. The Cross
04. Cut It Out
05. Black Flag
06. Private Hell
07. 12 Angels
08. Enemy
09. Fuck Your God
10. Never Surrender
11. Sick Love
12. Feel Like This
13. Kill It
EKTOMORF's very special "acoustic" album, "The Acoustic", was released on February 17 via AFM Records. The CD contained cover versions (LYNYRD SKYNYRD's "Simple Man" and "Folsom Prison Blues" by JOHNNY CASH), re-recorded EKTOMORF classics ("I Know Them", "Redemption", "Who Can I Trust", "Stigmatized" and "I'm In Hate"), plus five brand new tracks, written specially for this release.
Commented EKTOMORF frontman Zoltán "Zoli" Farkas: "To make 'The Acoustic' album was a great experience for EKTOMORF. I'm still very happy with what we created and I want to thank all the fans for supporting us. But now with the new album we go back to the heavy stuff. The tons-of-bricks sound that is typical EKTOMORF, but with a few surprises here and there."
EKTOMORF's last studio album, "Redemption", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. War Is My Way
02. Unscarred
03. The Cross
04. Cut It Out
05. Black Flag
06. Private Hell
07. 12 Angels
08. Enemy
09. Fuck Your God
10. Never Surrender
11. Sick Love
12. Feel Like This
13. Kill It
EKTOMORF's very special "acoustic" album, "The Acoustic", was released on February 17 via AFM Records. The CD contained cover versions (LYNYRD SKYNYRD's "Simple Man" and "Folsom Prison Blues" by JOHNNY CASH), re-recorded EKTOMORF classics ("I Know Them", "Redemption", "Who Can I Trust", "Stigmatized" and "I'm In Hate"), plus five brand new tracks, written specially for this release.
Commented EKTOMORF frontman Zoltán "Zoli" Farkas: "To make 'The Acoustic' album was a great experience for EKTOMORF. I'm still very happy with what we created and I want to thank all the fans for supporting us. But now with the new album we go back to the heavy stuff. The tons-of-bricks sound that is typical EKTOMORF, but with a few surprises here and there."
EKTOMORF's last studio album, "Redemption", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.
Legendary gore metal pioneers NECROPHAGIA have announced that the band's upcoming release, "WhiteWorm Cathedral", will feature the return of Mirai Kawashima (SIGH) on keyboards/synthesizer. Both NECROPHAGIA mainman Frank "Killjoy" Pucci and Mirai have stated that really miss working together. According to NECROPHAGIA, "The keyboards will be Mirai's most horrific and chilling yet!"
"WhiteWorm Cathedral" will tentatively be released this Halloween.
A demo version of a new song, "March Of The DeathCorps(e)", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
NECROPHAGIA recently released a teaser trailer (see below) for their upcoming DVD, "Gospel Of Gore". Produced and directed by Toetag Inc., the DVD "combines the audio horror of NECROPHAGIA and the visual assault Toetag brings forth," according to a press release.
NECROPHAGIA's most recent CD, "Deathtrip 69", came out in May 2011 via Season Of Mist. The band's fifth official full-length effort was recorded at Last House On The Left Studios in Ohio with vocalist Killjoy and guitarist Boris Randall handling production duties. The cover concept and title track were based on the "Manson family" ordeal of the late 1960s.
"Deathtrip 69" featured guest appearances by Maniac (SKITLIV, ex-MAYHEM) and Casey Chaos (AMEN).
"WhiteWorm Cathedral" will tentatively be released this Halloween.
A demo version of a new song, "March Of The DeathCorps(e)", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
NECROPHAGIA recently released a teaser trailer (see below) for their upcoming DVD, "Gospel Of Gore". Produced and directed by Toetag Inc., the DVD "combines the audio horror of NECROPHAGIA and the visual assault Toetag brings forth," according to a press release.
NECROPHAGIA's most recent CD, "Deathtrip 69", came out in May 2011 via Season Of Mist. The band's fifth official full-length effort was recorded at Last House On The Left Studios in Ohio with vocalist Killjoy and guitarist Boris Randall handling production duties. The cover concept and title track were based on the "Manson family" ordeal of the late 1960s.
"Deathtrip 69" featured guest appearances by Maniac (SKITLIV, ex-MAYHEM) and Casey Chaos (AMEN).
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