According to People.com, Ozzy Osbourne's 26-year-old son Jack has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Jack and his fiancée, actress Lisa Stelly, welcomed a daughter named Pearl Clementine on April 24.
"I was just angry and frustrated and kept thinking, 'Why now?'" Jack tells People.com. "I've got a family and that's what's supposed to be the most important thing."
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
Jack and his fiancée, actress Lisa Stelly, welcomed a daughter named Pearl Clementine on April 24.
"I was just angry and frustrated and kept thinking, 'Why now?'" Jack tells People.com. "I've got a family and that's what's supposed to be the most important thing."
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
RUSH's first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records, "Clockwork Angels", is likely to sell between 85,000 and 95,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on June 12.
RUSH's 18th studio album, "Snakes & Arrows", debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart in May 2007 with sales of 93,000 copies. The disc was the first collection of all-new RUSH material since 2002's "Vapor Trails" and the 27th RUSH release to make the Billboard album chart. The band's chart peak was in 1993, when "Counterparts" debuted at No. 2.
The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) — who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".
Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
"Clockwork Angels" track listing:
01. Caravan
02. BU2B
03. Clockwork Angels
04. The Anarchist
05. Carnies
06. Halo Effect
07. Seven Cities Of Gold
08. The Wreckers
09. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden
RUSH's 18th studio album, "Snakes & Arrows", debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart in May 2007 with sales of 93,000 copies. The disc was the first collection of all-new RUSH material since 2002's "Vapor Trails" and the 27th RUSH release to make the Billboard album chart. The band's chart peak was in 1993, when "Counterparts" debuted at No. 2.
The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) — who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".
Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
"Clockwork Angels" track listing:
01. Caravan
02. BU2B
03. Clockwork Angels
04. The Anarchist
05. Carnies
06. Halo Effect
07. Seven Cities Of Gold
08. The Wreckers
09. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden
Benjy Eisen of RollingStone.com recently conducted an interview with former PANTERA and current HELLYEAH drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
RollingStone.com: In the liner notes for [PANTERA's "Vulgar Display Of Power"] reissue, you say that METALLICA abandoned thrash metal when they released The Black Album, and that you guys saw that as an opportunity. How explicitly was that talked about in the studio back then?
Vinnie: I think the biggest goal of the whole record was to top [PANTERA's 1990 album] "Cowboys From Hell". We thought that with "Cowboys From Hell" we got really close to getting the definitive PANTERA sound that we wanted. We felt like the songs were really moving in the direction that we had grown into as a band, and we just were really, really hungry. We got in there and we worked so hard. Our intention was just to be a heavy metal band. When METALLICA put out The Black Album, it was kind of a letdown to a lot of fans and we felt like that was a window of opportunity for us to go ahead and step up to the front of the heavy metal plate.
RollingStone.com: Now that two decades have passed, do you feel differently about the album in any way?
Vinnie: Not really, man. I just remember at that point in time, we truly were an army. And if you fucked with one of us, you fucked with all four of us. We pulled the very best out of each one of ourselves, and with each record that we made, that mountain got taller and taller to climb. After "Vulgar", we had to make "Far Beyond Driven"; it was just another level to go to, and that was [reflected in] the title. We learned a lot during "Cowboys From Hell". We took all our experiences from playing live on the road, we knew what parts in which songs moved people and we really made sure that we incorporated lots of those kinds of parts in "Vulgar". We just did our thing, man.
RollingStone.com: What lies ahead for the band's legacy? Is there any chance of performing the material live in any configuration, or putting out additional archival material?
Vinnie: Stuff has always come out every two years consistently, so two years from now you'll be looking forward to the 20th anniversary of "Far Beyond Driven", and four years from now the 20th anniversary of "The Great Southern Trendkill", and on and on. So it will just keep building and keep growing. And the music will be untouched. It stands the test of time. It's better left as it is. It really was a great time and a time period, and it's time for all of us to move on with all of the other things that we're doing. And we're all doing our own thing and happy about it. But PANTERA definitely was special.
RollingStone.com: In the liner notes for [PANTERA's "Vulgar Display Of Power"] reissue, you say that METALLICA abandoned thrash metal when they released The Black Album, and that you guys saw that as an opportunity. How explicitly was that talked about in the studio back then?
Vinnie: I think the biggest goal of the whole record was to top [PANTERA's 1990 album] "Cowboys From Hell". We thought that with "Cowboys From Hell" we got really close to getting the definitive PANTERA sound that we wanted. We felt like the songs were really moving in the direction that we had grown into as a band, and we just were really, really hungry. We got in there and we worked so hard. Our intention was just to be a heavy metal band. When METALLICA put out The Black Album, it was kind of a letdown to a lot of fans and we felt like that was a window of opportunity for us to go ahead and step up to the front of the heavy metal plate.
RollingStone.com: Now that two decades have passed, do you feel differently about the album in any way?
Vinnie: Not really, man. I just remember at that point in time, we truly were an army. And if you fucked with one of us, you fucked with all four of us. We pulled the very best out of each one of ourselves, and with each record that we made, that mountain got taller and taller to climb. After "Vulgar", we had to make "Far Beyond Driven"; it was just another level to go to, and that was [reflected in] the title. We learned a lot during "Cowboys From Hell". We took all our experiences from playing live on the road, we knew what parts in which songs moved people and we really made sure that we incorporated lots of those kinds of parts in "Vulgar". We just did our thing, man.
RollingStone.com: What lies ahead for the band's legacy? Is there any chance of performing the material live in any configuration, or putting out additional archival material?
Vinnie: Stuff has always come out every two years consistently, so two years from now you'll be looking forward to the 20th anniversary of "Far Beyond Driven", and four years from now the 20th anniversary of "The Great Southern Trendkill", and on and on. So it will just keep building and keep growing. And the music will be untouched. It stands the test of time. It's better left as it is. It really was a great time and a time period, and it's time for all of us to move on with all of the other things that we're doing. And we're all doing our own thing and happy about it. But PANTERA definitely was special.
Video footage of ANTHRAX performing a cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "Neon Knights" earlier today (Friday, June 15) at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.
When ANTHRAX was given the choice of playing this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival main stage or the festival's Jägermeister Stage, the band opted to headline the latter, and to do something special for the crowd.
Since vocalist Joey Belladonna rejoined the ANTHRAX lineup two years ago, ANTHRAX has made one of the most impressive comebacks in rock 'n' roll. As one of the "Big Four," the original architects of speed and thrash-metal, ANTHRAX joined METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH during the summer of 2010 on a series of "Big Four" shows in ten European cities, followed by a "Big Four" show outside of Los Angeles at the Coachella site (April 2011), and the big "homecoming" event for the New York-born-and-bred band members at Yankee Stadium last September.
The band released "Worship Music" on September 13, 2011, its first new album in eight years and the first with Belladonna on vocals in twenty years. "Worship Music" debuted at No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart, received stellar reviews that included being named one of the best albums of the year in countless media outlets.
When ANTHRAX was given the choice of playing this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival main stage or the festival's Jägermeister Stage, the band opted to headline the latter, and to do something special for the crowd.
Since vocalist Joey Belladonna rejoined the ANTHRAX lineup two years ago, ANTHRAX has made one of the most impressive comebacks in rock 'n' roll. As one of the "Big Four," the original architects of speed and thrash-metal, ANTHRAX joined METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH during the summer of 2010 on a series of "Big Four" shows in ten European cities, followed by a "Big Four" show outside of Los Angeles at the Coachella site (April 2011), and the big "homecoming" event for the New York-born-and-bred band members at Yankee Stadium last September.
The band released "Worship Music" on September 13, 2011, its first new album in eight years and the first with Belladonna on vocals in twenty years. "Worship Music" debuted at No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart, received stellar reviews that included being named one of the best albums of the year in countless media outlets.
The 10th annual Layne Staley tribute will be held this August in Seattle, Washington. In memory of the music left behind by this one-of-a-kind vocalist, a five-day tribute has been planned in the Seattle/Tacoma area. In addition to the music of ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON, the entire Seattle grunge scene of the '90s will be honored as well, making this a historic week of celebration for grunge lovers everywhere.
First off, there will be a memorial gathering at the Seattle Center International Fountain by the historic Space Needle on Wednesday evening, August 22, for Layne Staley's birthday. There will be a candlelight vigil and quiet time for reflection as fans gather and share memories, but acoustic performances by any musicians are welcome, and afterwards everyone is also welcome to gather across the street at Floyd's Place in Queen Anne for an acoustic jam session.
Second will be a weekend warm-up show, Thursday, August 23 at Pioneer Square's historic Central Saloon in downtown Seattle. Local musical artist Jonny Smokes will be performing his incredible one-man band — loop sampling show, along with many special guest musicians, spotlighting music from classic to current Seattle artists. Expect everything from Jimi Hendrix to NIRVANA, ALICE IN CHAINS to SCREAMING TREES, DEATHCAB FOR CUTIE to PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and more!
The third event will take the party down south to Tacoma on Friday, August 24, where the Backstage Bar & Grill will be hosting an evening of Seattle grunge featuring JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) and OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute).
Next up will be the fourth show, Saturday, August 25 at the Crocodile in Seattle. The lineup will start with VITALOGY (PEARL JAM tribute,) followed by OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute) with JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) headlining.
Last but far from least, the fifth and final show will be held Sunday, August 26 at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Seattle. This will be a very special end to the week with an entirely acoustic performance by all three tribute acts, and a big jam session at the end! The acoustic lineup will start with OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute,) followed by VITALOGY (PEARL JAM tribute,) with JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) headlining.
Proceeds from the weekend will be donated to Therapeutic Health Services Of Washington, where donations are always welcome. You can help contribute to the Layne Staley Memorial Fund at any time, and help others in need of recovery.
First off, there will be a memorial gathering at the Seattle Center International Fountain by the historic Space Needle on Wednesday evening, August 22, for Layne Staley's birthday. There will be a candlelight vigil and quiet time for reflection as fans gather and share memories, but acoustic performances by any musicians are welcome, and afterwards everyone is also welcome to gather across the street at Floyd's Place in Queen Anne for an acoustic jam session.
Second will be a weekend warm-up show, Thursday, August 23 at Pioneer Square's historic Central Saloon in downtown Seattle. Local musical artist Jonny Smokes will be performing his incredible one-man band — loop sampling show, along with many special guest musicians, spotlighting music from classic to current Seattle artists. Expect everything from Jimi Hendrix to NIRVANA, ALICE IN CHAINS to SCREAMING TREES, DEATHCAB FOR CUTIE to PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and more!
The third event will take the party down south to Tacoma on Friday, August 24, where the Backstage Bar & Grill will be hosting an evening of Seattle grunge featuring JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) and OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute).
Next up will be the fourth show, Saturday, August 25 at the Crocodile in Seattle. The lineup will start with VITALOGY (PEARL JAM tribute,) followed by OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute) with JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) headlining.
Last but far from least, the fifth and final show will be held Sunday, August 26 at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Seattle. This will be a very special end to the week with an entirely acoustic performance by all three tribute acts, and a big jam session at the end! The acoustic lineup will start with OUTSHINED (SOUNDGARDEN and TEMPLE OF THE DOG tribute,) followed by VITALOGY (PEARL JAM tribute,) with JAR OF FLIES (ALICE IN CHAINS and MAD SEASON tribute) headlining.
Proceeds from the weekend will be donated to Therapeutic Health Services Of Washington, where donations are always welcome. You can help contribute to the Layne Staley Memorial Fund at any time, and help others in need of recovery.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, two never-before-released songs from late ALICE IN CHAINS frontman Layne Staley appear on the soundtrack of a new film. The movie, called "Grassroots", is based on the true story of two Seattle music journalists who tried to shake up the local political scene despite having no experience in it. It is not clear whether the two songs were recorded before or during Staley's time with ALICE IN CHAINS, or during the long, six-year period in which he virtually disappeared from public view until his death in 2002 from an overdose of drugs.
The titles of the songs have not been announced yet, nor whether they will be just heard in the film or on a soundtrack album.
The movie, due out June 22 in limited release, stars Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore as Seattle music journalists who both decide to run for office.
The film is based on the book "Zioncheck For President: A True Story Of Idealism And Madness In American Politics", which was written by the man Biggs is playing, Phil Campbell.
Meanwhile, some other Staley-related material may soon see the light of day as well: as previously reported, PEARL JAM guitarist Mike McCready is looking for singers to lay vocals down for some uncompleted tracks by MAD SEASON, the band he and Staley formed in the mid-'90s and recorded one album with.
ALICE IN CHAINS is also about to get to work recording the follow-up to its 2009 "comeback" album, "Black Gives Way To Blue". The new disc will be the second with William DuVall on vocals and guitar.
ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that artists like Staley didn't come around very often. "Layne was a very unique, one-of-a-kind guy," he said. "There's, like, a handful of those guys in music, for every generation, that are that unique and that hard to cop, but a lot of people try. [Laughs] But there's a lot of people that feel the weight of what that guy brought to music and have been influenced by it."
The titles of the songs have not been announced yet, nor whether they will be just heard in the film or on a soundtrack album.
The movie, due out June 22 in limited release, stars Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore as Seattle music journalists who both decide to run for office.
The film is based on the book "Zioncheck For President: A True Story Of Idealism And Madness In American Politics", which was written by the man Biggs is playing, Phil Campbell.
Meanwhile, some other Staley-related material may soon see the light of day as well: as previously reported, PEARL JAM guitarist Mike McCready is looking for singers to lay vocals down for some uncompleted tracks by MAD SEASON, the band he and Staley formed in the mid-'90s and recorded one album with.
ALICE IN CHAINS is also about to get to work recording the follow-up to its 2009 "comeback" album, "Black Gives Way To Blue". The new disc will be the second with William DuVall on vocals and guitar.
ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that artists like Staley didn't come around very often. "Layne was a very unique, one-of-a-kind guy," he said. "There's, like, a handful of those guys in music, for every generation, that are that unique and that hard to cop, but a lot of people try. [Laughs] But there's a lot of people that feel the weight of what that guy brought to music and have been influenced by it."
The "America Rocks" tour — featuring JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE — kicked off this past Friday, June 15 at Avalon in Santa Clara, California. Fan-filmed video footage of some of the performances can be seen below.
Jack Russell's GREAT WHITE went from metal/hard rock to mainstream radio airplay with their breakthrough smash "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and haven't looked back, as they celebrate 30 years of the band's history by performing all their hits.
Hollywood's FASTER PUSSYCAT bring their notorious live show back to North American stages, and they promise to go deep into their extensive catalog including "House Of Pain" and "Poison Ivy".
BULLETBOYS perform their numerous smash hits such as "Smooth Up In Ya" and "For The Love Of Money" off their platinum selling classic self-titled debut, which dominated both MTV and radio airwaves, and remain relevant to this day in heavy rotation on VH1's "Metal Mania" and Internet (SiriusXM's Hair Nation, KNAC.COM, etc.) radio throughout the world.
PRETTY BOY FLOYD took the Sunset Strip by storm in hair metal's heyday and continue to have a die hard following to this day! Their classic album "Leather Boys With Electric Toys" will be well represented as well as other surprises.
Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame members LILLIAN AXE have proven their success with over a million albums sold worldwide. They are known for thought-provoking lyrics with their melodic song structure and the musical chops to back it up.
Jack Russell's GREAT WHITE went from metal/hard rock to mainstream radio airplay with their breakthrough smash "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and haven't looked back, as they celebrate 30 years of the band's history by performing all their hits.
Hollywood's FASTER PUSSYCAT bring their notorious live show back to North American stages, and they promise to go deep into their extensive catalog including "House Of Pain" and "Poison Ivy".
BULLETBOYS perform their numerous smash hits such as "Smooth Up In Ya" and "For The Love Of Money" off their platinum selling classic self-titled debut, which dominated both MTV and radio airwaves, and remain relevant to this day in heavy rotation on VH1's "Metal Mania" and Internet (SiriusXM's Hair Nation, KNAC.COM, etc.) radio throughout the world.
PRETTY BOY FLOYD took the Sunset Strip by storm in hair metal's heyday and continue to have a die hard following to this day! Their classic album "Leather Boys With Electric Toys" will be well represented as well as other surprises.
Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame members LILLIAN AXE have proven their success with over a million albums sold worldwide. They are known for thought-provoking lyrics with their melodic song structure and the musical chops to back it up.
Ted Nugent is known for his outspoken political views and raunchy song lyrics, but he recently showed a softer side when he met hospice patient Michael Golder at the legendary rocker's concert in Peoria, Illinois.
As a teenager, Golder played guitar and had hopes of being a musician. He even moved to Nashville to chase his dream before serving with the Army in Vietnam.
Golder was just 19 and already a veteran when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed. After a year in the hospital and a series of strokes, he was blind and in a wheelchair.
Even after all he'd been through, music was still a big part of his life, said Golder's brother Stephen Kuhnke.
But the past three decades have taken their toll, and at 55, Golder is now a hospice patient. His life may have changed a lot, but his enthusiasm for rock 'n' roll never has.
"He's a ham," says Golder's nurse Thad Flohr of Passages Hospice. "Michael's a real character."
So Golder's caregivers contacted non-profit organization Hospice Dreams to see what kind of special day they could arrange for the lifelong fan. Hospice Dreams grants wishes for adult hospice patients, with each Dream customized to the patient's favorite activities.
The organization contacted musician Ted Nugent, who was holding a concert at the Peoria Civic Center near Golder's nursing home. Nugent donated tickets and backstage passes to the show so Golder could have "one awesome night."
"I'm gonna meet Ted Nugent," he told everyone he saw the day of the concert.
Nugent welcomed Golder, his brother and his caregivers backstage. Nugent's dog Thunder and drummer Mick Brown were also on hand for the visit.
The Motor City Madman joked that Golder should come on stage and dance with him from his wheelchair. Golder shook his head, but accepted a gift of guitar picks.
"These'll give you some really sexy licks [on the guitar]," Nugent said.
Although Golder couldn't see Nugent on stage, he heard Nugent dedicate a song to him and call out his name.
Golder did his part by bobbing his head and singing along with the music.
"I never knew Michael would get something like this," Kuhnke said. "What a great organization. I'm indebted to everybody that takes care of him."
For more information about Hospice Dreams or to make a Dream come true through a donation, see www.hospicedreams.org.
As a teenager, Golder played guitar and had hopes of being a musician. He even moved to Nashville to chase his dream before serving with the Army in Vietnam.
Golder was just 19 and already a veteran when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed. After a year in the hospital and a series of strokes, he was blind and in a wheelchair.
Even after all he'd been through, music was still a big part of his life, said Golder's brother Stephen Kuhnke.
But the past three decades have taken their toll, and at 55, Golder is now a hospice patient. His life may have changed a lot, but his enthusiasm for rock 'n' roll never has.
"He's a ham," says Golder's nurse Thad Flohr of Passages Hospice. "Michael's a real character."
So Golder's caregivers contacted non-profit organization Hospice Dreams to see what kind of special day they could arrange for the lifelong fan. Hospice Dreams grants wishes for adult hospice patients, with each Dream customized to the patient's favorite activities.
The organization contacted musician Ted Nugent, who was holding a concert at the Peoria Civic Center near Golder's nursing home. Nugent donated tickets and backstage passes to the show so Golder could have "one awesome night."
"I'm gonna meet Ted Nugent," he told everyone he saw the day of the concert.
Nugent welcomed Golder, his brother and his caregivers backstage. Nugent's dog Thunder and drummer Mick Brown were also on hand for the visit.
The Motor City Madman joked that Golder should come on stage and dance with him from his wheelchair. Golder shook his head, but accepted a gift of guitar picks.
"These'll give you some really sexy licks [on the guitar]," Nugent said.
Although Golder couldn't see Nugent on stage, he heard Nugent dedicate a song to him and call out his name.
Golder did his part by bobbing his head and singing along with the music.
"I never knew Michael would get something like this," Kuhnke said. "What a great organization. I'm indebted to everybody that takes care of him."
For more information about Hospice Dreams or to make a Dream come true through a donation, see www.hospicedreams.org.
Former DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW and current BLACKMORE'S NIGHT guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (a.k.a. Richard Hugh) and his wife, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Candice Night (a.k.a. Candice Lauren), welcomed their second child, Rory Dartanyan, on February 7. The couple have a two-year old daughter, Autumn Esmerelda.
Ritchie, 67, and Candice, 41, were married on October 5, 2008 at a small gathering of friends and family at Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, New York.
The third BLACKMORE'S NIGHT DVD release, "A Knight In York", will be made available on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and 3-LP set (limited edtion) in late June/early July.
"A Knight In York" was filmed and recorded during BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's British tour at York Opera House on September 30, 2011.
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's latest album, "Autumn Sky", came out in 2010.
Ritchie, 67, and Candice, 41, were married on October 5, 2008 at a small gathering of friends and family at Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, New York.
The third BLACKMORE'S NIGHT DVD release, "A Knight In York", will be made available on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and 3-LP set (limited edtion) in late June/early July.
"A Knight In York" was filmed and recorded during BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's British tour at York Opera House on September 30, 2011.
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's latest album, "Autumn Sky", came out in 2010.
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER have joined forces with two of Germany's leading manufacturers of natural cosmetics, Esthertol and Rutano. The bandmembers want to do their share in protecting the nature and are encouraging their fans to do the same. Both companies produce only articles which are subjected to the strict German animal-protection guidelines and do not engage in animal testing. All product ingredients are produced by organic farming, using mainly natural raw material.
GRAVE DIGGER will release its new album 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.
"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)
Check out the cover artwork below.
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."
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 will release its new album 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.
"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)
Check out the cover artwork below.
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."
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.
Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH has recorded some vocals in collaboration with legendary GENESIS guitarist Steve Hackett. Mikael is featured on a re-recording of the classic GENESIS mega-epos "Supper's Ready" from 1972's "Foxtrot" album. More information about the upcoming release will be released soon.
In other news, due to popular demand, Mikael has recorded a further eight shows for Swedish national radio. "De Bortglömda Mästerverken" (The Forgotten Masterpieces) is a series of shows where Mikael flips vinyl on air, playing mostly obscure progressive and psychedelic rock. The show is being produced by Andreas Matz for radio P4 and will start airing on July 15. You can also catch it online at www.sr.se.
OPETH recently completed a North America co-headlining tour with MASTODON. The trek kicked off on April 4 in Portland, Maine, and visited more than 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up at Atlanta's Masquerade on May 12.
OPETH's new album, "Heritage", sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2008's "Watershed", opened with more than 19,000 units to land at No. 23.
"Watershed" was the follow-up to the band's acclaimed "Ghost Reveries" CD, which debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard chart back in September 2005 with first-week sales of just under 15,000.
OPETH's 2003 album, "Damnation", premiered with a little over 5,000 copies.
In other news, due to popular demand, Mikael has recorded a further eight shows for Swedish national radio. "De Bortglömda Mästerverken" (The Forgotten Masterpieces) is a series of shows where Mikael flips vinyl on air, playing mostly obscure progressive and psychedelic rock. The show is being produced by Andreas Matz for radio P4 and will start airing on July 15. You can also catch it online at www.sr.se.
OPETH recently completed a North America co-headlining tour with MASTODON. The trek kicked off on April 4 in Portland, Maine, and visited more than 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up at Atlanta's Masquerade on May 12.
OPETH's new album, "Heritage", sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous studio CD, 2008's "Watershed", opened with more than 19,000 units to land at No. 23.
"Watershed" was the follow-up to the band's acclaimed "Ghost Reveries" CD, which debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard chart back in September 2005 with first-week sales of just under 15,000.
OPETH's 2003 album, "Damnation", premiered with a little over 5,000 copies.
"Carolus Rex", the new album from Swedish metallers SABATON, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Sweden: #2
Poland: #7
Germany: #7
Finland: #9
Commented the band: "We just found out the amazing news that SABATON entered the world chart at position 50. With that, SABATON are, at the moment, the best-selling Swedish artist, worldwide, all because of YOU who bought the brand new album, 'Carolus Rex'!"
"Carolus Rex" sold around 950 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 29 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.
"Carolus Rex" was released on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The lyrics for the CD, which was made available in both English and Swedish, deal with the Swedish Empire (referring to the Kingdom of Sweden between 1561 and 1721).
The band previously stated about "Carolus Rex": "For the first time ever we have had an expert to help us out with the theme, the well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren. We have also added some extra time in the studio to find the absolute right sound on 'Carolus Rex', and our producer, Peter Tägtgren, says that this album will mark a brand new standard for how a heavy metal album should sound like!"
Liljegren's published works include acclaimed biographies of Adolf Hitler and Karl XII. He also appeared in the popular Swedish TV series "Boston Tea Party".
"Carolus Rex" - English version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. The Lion From The North
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. A Lifetime Of War
05. 1 6 4 8
06. The Carolean's Prayer
07. Carolus Rex
08. Killing Ground
09. Poltava
10. Long Live The King
11. Ruina Imperii
"Carolus Rex" - Swedish version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. Lejonet från Norden
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. En Livstid i Krig
05. 1 6 4 8
06. Karolinens bön
07. Carolus Rex
08. Ett Slag Färgat Rött
09. Poltava
10. Konungens Likfärd
11. Ruina Imperii
SABATON recently parted ways with guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, drummer Daniel Mulback and keyboardist Daniel Mÿhr. The band's new touring lineup is as follows:
Joakim Brodén - Vocals
Pär Sundström - Bass
Chris Rörland (NOCTURNAL RITES) - Guitar
Thobbe Englund (WINTERLONG, RAUBTIER) - Guitar
Robban Bäck (BALTIMOORE, PREY) - Drums
Sweden: #2
Poland: #7
Germany: #7
Finland: #9
Commented the band: "We just found out the amazing news that SABATON entered the world chart at position 50. With that, SABATON are, at the moment, the best-selling Swedish artist, worldwide, all because of YOU who bought the brand new album, 'Carolus Rex'!"
"Carolus Rex" sold around 950 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 29 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.
"Carolus Rex" was released on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The lyrics for the CD, which was made available in both English and Swedish, deal with the Swedish Empire (referring to the Kingdom of Sweden between 1561 and 1721).
The band previously stated about "Carolus Rex": "For the first time ever we have had an expert to help us out with the theme, the well-known Swedish historian Bengt Liljegren. We have also added some extra time in the studio to find the absolute right sound on 'Carolus Rex', and our producer, Peter Tägtgren, says that this album will mark a brand new standard for how a heavy metal album should sound like!"
Liljegren's published works include acclaimed biographies of Adolf Hitler and Karl XII. He also appeared in the popular Swedish TV series "Boston Tea Party".
"Carolus Rex" - English version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. The Lion From The North
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. A Lifetime Of War
05. 1 6 4 8
06. The Carolean's Prayer
07. Carolus Rex
08. Killing Ground
09. Poltava
10. Long Live The King
11. Ruina Imperii
"Carolus Rex" - Swedish version track listing:
01. Dominium Maris Baltici
02. Lejonet från Norden
03. Gott Mit Uns
04. En Livstid i Krig
05. 1 6 4 8
06. Karolinens bön
07. Carolus Rex
08. Ett Slag Färgat Rött
09. Poltava
10. Konungens Likfärd
11. Ruina Imperii
SABATON recently parted ways with guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, drummer Daniel Mulback and keyboardist Daniel Mÿhr. The band's new touring lineup is as follows:
Joakim Brodén - Vocals
Pär Sundström - Bass
Chris Rörland (NOCTURNAL RITES) - Guitar
Thobbe Englund (WINTERLONG, RAUBTIER) - Guitar
Robban Bäck (BALTIMOORE, PREY) - Drums
SOULFLY, HYPOCRISY and PAIN have been added to the Close-Up Båten cruise, which will leave the Stockholm, Sweden port on September 6 for Åbo, Finland, and return the following day. Also scheduled to appear are ASPHYX, CRASHDÏET, THE 69 EYES, NICKE BORG HOMELAND and RAUBTIER.
Unfortunately, fans from abroad can't order tickets to the cruise via the Internet. The only way tickets can be bought from abroad is to call +46 8 666 33 33 (booking code: CLOSE).
For more information, go to www.closeupmagazine.net.
Unfortunately, fans from abroad can't order tickets to the cruise via the Internet. The only way tickets can be bought from abroad is to call +46 8 666 33 33 (booking code: CLOSE).
For more information, go to www.closeupmagazine.net.
The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Rock Of Ages" — with an all-star cast including Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand — earned an abysmal $15.1 million in its opening weekend from 3,470 theaters for a per-screen average of $4,340. The film reportedly cost $75 million to produce, making it highly unlikely that it will match its production budget domestically.
Director Adam Shankman's "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", both of which were also based on hit Broadway films, opened just north of $25 million.
"Rock Of Ages" didn't fare much better overseas, where it grossed $4.1 million from 10 markets. It came in No. 3 in the U.K. and Australia, earning $1.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Tom Cruise stars in "Rock Of Ages" as Stacee Jaxx, an aging musician whose glory days are long past. The movie is a love story told through the music of PAT BENATAR, BON JOVI, JOURNEY, POISON, TWISTED SISTER and other artists from the 1980s.
The soundtrack to the film adaptation of "Rock Of Ages", which features the cast — Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough — singing some of the greatest hits of the "hair-band" era, sold 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at opposition No. 15 on The Billboard 200 chart. The original cast production of the stage show peaked at No. 118 in 2009.
Director Adam Shankman's "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", both of which were also based on hit Broadway films, opened just north of $25 million.
"Rock Of Ages" didn't fare much better overseas, where it grossed $4.1 million from 10 markets. It came in No. 3 in the U.K. and Australia, earning $1.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Tom Cruise stars in "Rock Of Ages" as Stacee Jaxx, an aging musician whose glory days are long past. The movie is a love story told through the music of PAT BENATAR, BON JOVI, JOURNEY, POISON, TWISTED SISTER and other artists from the 1980s.
The soundtrack to the film adaptation of "Rock Of Ages", which features the cast — Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough — singing some of the greatest hits of the "hair-band" era, sold 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at opposition No. 15 on The Billboard 200 chart. The original cast production of the stage show peaked at No. 118 in 2009.
CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist Roope Latvala and Finnish composer Anssi Tikanmäki have released a collection of metalized versions of some of the most well-known national anthems via Rockadillo Records. The CD was recorded by Eljas Tikanmäki (studio Skyview) and Roope Latvala (studio Bunker) and was mixed by Anssi Tikanmäki and Eljas Tikanmäki (studio Skyview).
"Anthems" track listing:
01. Maamme Oh Our Land
02. Du Gamla Du Fria Thou Ancient, Thou Free
03. Gimn Rossiiskoi (Hymn Of Russia)
04. Das Lied Der Deutschen (The Song Of The Germans)
05. Finlandia
06. La Marseillaise (The Song Of Marseillaise)
07. The Star-Spangled Banner (Anthem Of The USA)
08. God Save The Queen (Anthem Of The UK)
"Anthems" track listing:
01. Maamme Oh Our Land
02. Du Gamla Du Fria Thou Ancient, Thou Free
03. Gimn Rossiiskoi (Hymn Of Russia)
04. Das Lied Der Deutschen (The Song Of The Germans)
05. Finlandia
06. La Marseillaise (The Song Of Marseillaise)
07. The Star-Spangled Banner (Anthem Of The USA)
08. God Save The Queen (Anthem Of The UK)
Swedish melodic metallers BLOODBOUND have completed mixing their fifth full-length CD with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, SONIC SYNDICATE, HYPOCRISY, CENTINEX, CARNAL FORGE). According to the band, "This is BY FAR the best album we've done!"
During the mixing sessions for the new BLOODBOUND CD, "the SABATON boys dropped by and they liked what they heard," according to BLOODBOUND.
During the mixing sessions for the new BLOODBOUND CD, "the SABATON boys dropped by and they liked what they heard," according to BLOODBOUND.
BLOODBOUND's fourth album, "Unholy Cross", entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 50. The CD was released on March 18, 2011 via Germany's AFM Records.
BLOODBOUND in 2010 parted ways with lead vocalist Urban Breed due to "musical and personal differences" and replaced him with Patrik "Pata" Johansson (DAWN OF SILENCE) from Finspång, Sweden.
Former TESLA guitarist Tommy Skeoch has released his second solo album, "Brand Of Metal", via CDBaby. The effort will also be available in a few days via Amazon, iTunes and other digital distributors.
"Brand Of Metal" track listing:
01. Fsdsrrmf
02. Scapegoat
03. Hit Away
04. Hate To Hate
05. Destruction
06. Quarter To 3
07. Something Wrong
08. Soul Fucker
09. Hard To Swallow
10. At World's End
Skeoch left TESLA in 2006 to spend time with his family and to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues. He has since been replaced by Dave Rude.
In a 2011 interview with AOL's Noisecreep, TESLA singer Jeff Keith stated about Skeoch, "Look, everyone in TESLA has been through their own substance-abuse issues. But Tommy got in too deep again. So the band told him that the only way we would be able to make this work is if he was clean and sober. I felt like we couldn't ask him to do that if we weren't going to commit to it, too. So I was the first one to say that I wouldn't drink, or do anything else, on the tour. The next thing you know, the other guys did the same thing. Troy [Luccketta, drums] has been clean and sober for over 20 years, so it wasn't even an issue for him. . . Tommy couldn't stay off the stuff he was doing. It broke my heart to see it, but we knew we had to replace him."
"Brand Of Metal" track listing:
01. Fsdsrrmf
02. Scapegoat
03. Hit Away
04. Hate To Hate
05. Destruction
06. Quarter To 3
07. Something Wrong
08. Soul Fucker
09. Hard To Swallow
10. At World's End
Skeoch left TESLA in 2006 to spend time with his family and to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues. He has since been replaced by Dave Rude.
In a 2011 interview with AOL's Noisecreep, TESLA singer Jeff Keith stated about Skeoch, "Look, everyone in TESLA has been through their own substance-abuse issues. But Tommy got in too deep again. So the band told him that the only way we would be able to make this work is if he was clean and sober. I felt like we couldn't ask him to do that if we weren't going to commit to it, too. So I was the first one to say that I wouldn't drink, or do anything else, on the tour. The next thing you know, the other guys did the same thing. Troy [Luccketta, drums] has been clean and sober for over 20 years, so it wasn't even an issue for him. . . Tommy couldn't stay off the stuff he was doing. It broke my heart to see it, but we knew we had to replace him."
Swedish heavy metal guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Magnus Karlsson has inked a solo deal with Frontiers Records.
Magnus' first critically acclaimed musical project was with the band LAST TRIBE, which has released three full-length albums.
In 2004, Magnus started to work as a session musician in a project put together by Frontiers Records, featuring two acclaimed heavy metal vocalists singing together as a duet — Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X) and Jørn Lande (MASTERPLAN). Dubbed ALLEN/LANDE, the project has released three full-length albums with all music and lyrics written by Magnus Karlsson. That same year Magnus also started to write music for STARBREAKER, a project with singer Tony Harnell (TNT), drummer John Macaluso (ARK, TNT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and bassist Fabrizio Grossi (STEVE VAI).
Magnus is currently one of the guitarists in the German metal band PRIMAL FEAR. He also teamed up with the band's bassist and leader, Mat Sinner, to work in a number of projects released by Frontiers Records, such as KISKE/SOMERVILLE (another singer-duet project, featuring ex-HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske and American singer and vocal coach Amanda Somerville) and the first solo album by PRIMAL FEAR frontman Ralf Scheepers.
Magnus' first critically acclaimed musical project was with the band LAST TRIBE, which has released three full-length albums.
In 2004, Magnus started to work as a session musician in a project put together by Frontiers Records, featuring two acclaimed heavy metal vocalists singing together as a duet — Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X) and Jørn Lande (MASTERPLAN). Dubbed ALLEN/LANDE, the project has released three full-length albums with all music and lyrics written by Magnus Karlsson. That same year Magnus also started to write music for STARBREAKER, a project with singer Tony Harnell (TNT), drummer John Macaluso (ARK, TNT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and bassist Fabrizio Grossi (STEVE VAI).
Magnus is currently one of the guitarists in the German metal band PRIMAL FEAR. He also teamed up with the band's bassist and leader, Mat Sinner, to work in a number of projects released by Frontiers Records, such as KISKE/SOMERVILLE (another singer-duet project, featuring ex-HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske and American singer and vocal coach Amanda Somerville) and the first solo album by PRIMAL FEAR frontman Ralf Scheepers.
Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED have recorded a cover version of the EXHORDER song "Cadence Of The Dirge", to be included as a bonus track on DEVOLVED's forthcoming album, due out in November. "Cadence Of The Dirge" was originally featured on the EXHORDER album "The Law", which was released by Roadrunner Records in 1992.
Commented DEVOLVED drummer John Sankey: "EXHORDER was one of the first metal bands who mixed a modern thrash sound with really powerful grooves. I was so blown away when I first heard them. They are such an underrated band who deserve a lot of credit for being a major influence on a whole new style which dominated the metal scene in the '90s.
"I have always wanted to cover 'Cadence Of The Dirge'; to this day it is still one of the heaviest songs I've ever heard, and since this year is the 20th anniversary of 'The Law' the timing was perfect to record it for the new DEVOLVED album.
"I emailed Monte Conner (Senior VP A&R at Roadrunner Records) the recording we did of the song and he actually sent it on to Kyle Thomas (ex-EXHORDER vocalist who performed on the original version), Kyle contacted me shortly after saying, 'The cover sounds really amazing, you guys did the song justice, great work.'"
All music on the new DEVOLVED album was written and performed by John Sankey and Mark Hawkins (ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS), with lyrics and arrangement by Sankey. The vocals were performed by DEVOLVED's new lead singer, Mark Haggblad (UNVEIL THE STRENGTH), following the departure of Kyle Zemanek (DEADSETT). The CD will feature guest appearances from several noteable artists, including ALL SHALL PERISH guitarist Francesco Artusato. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Systematic Avenger", "Collateral Damage", "Accelerated Human Degeneration" and "Terminal Enslavement".
Commented Sankey: "This is the fastest, heaviest and most accomplished DEVOLVED album yet. We pushed the boundaries as far as possible with these songs, I can't wait for people to hear it!"
Sankey late last year recorded all the demo drum sessions for the new FEAR FACTORY album, "The Industrialist", and co-wrote and programmed all the drum parts, along with FF guitarist Dino Cazares, for the final CD. He was unable to join FEAR FACTORY as the band's new touring drummer due to visa restrictions.
Cazares previously stated about the new DEVOLVED material, "Systematic brutality at its best. Raising the bar once again with their intellectual song arrangements [and] insane drum patterns that would make any tech metal fan turn their heads. This band just keeps getting better and better. Welcome to the end of everything that you once knew and say hello to the future."
DEVOLVED's last album, "Oblivion", was released in May 2011 via Unique Leader Records.
Commented DEVOLVED drummer John Sankey: "EXHORDER was one of the first metal bands who mixed a modern thrash sound with really powerful grooves. I was so blown away when I first heard them. They are such an underrated band who deserve a lot of credit for being a major influence on a whole new style which dominated the metal scene in the '90s.
"I have always wanted to cover 'Cadence Of The Dirge'; to this day it is still one of the heaviest songs I've ever heard, and since this year is the 20th anniversary of 'The Law' the timing was perfect to record it for the new DEVOLVED album.
"I emailed Monte Conner (Senior VP A&R at Roadrunner Records) the recording we did of the song and he actually sent it on to Kyle Thomas (ex-EXHORDER vocalist who performed on the original version), Kyle contacted me shortly after saying, 'The cover sounds really amazing, you guys did the song justice, great work.'"
All music on the new DEVOLVED album was written and performed by John Sankey and Mark Hawkins (ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS), with lyrics and arrangement by Sankey. The vocals were performed by DEVOLVED's new lead singer, Mark Haggblad (UNVEIL THE STRENGTH), following the departure of Kyle Zemanek (DEADSETT). The CD will feature guest appearances from several noteable artists, including ALL SHALL PERISH guitarist Francesco Artusato. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Systematic Avenger", "Collateral Damage", "Accelerated Human Degeneration" and "Terminal Enslavement".
Commented Sankey: "This is the fastest, heaviest and most accomplished DEVOLVED album yet. We pushed the boundaries as far as possible with these songs, I can't wait for people to hear it!"
Sankey late last year recorded all the demo drum sessions for the new FEAR FACTORY album, "The Industrialist", and co-wrote and programmed all the drum parts, along with FF guitarist Dino Cazares, for the final CD. He was unable to join FEAR FACTORY as the band's new touring drummer due to visa restrictions.
Cazares previously stated about the new DEVOLVED material, "Systematic brutality at its best. Raising the bar once again with their intellectual song arrangements [and] insane drum patterns that would make any tech metal fan turn their heads. This band just keeps getting better and better. Welcome to the end of everything that you once knew and say hello to the future."
DEVOLVED's last album, "Oblivion", was released in May 2011 via Unique Leader Records.
U.K.-based modern hard rock band TAINTED NATION has inked a deal with Massacre Records. The band's debut album, "F.E.A.R.", will be released on December 7.
Commented TAINTED NATION vocalist Pete Newdeck: "This is a very exciting time for the band. We feel it an honor and a privilege to be signed to Massacre Records and we look forward to forging a strong working relationship together. The band is very hungry and keen to make an impact with what we feel is a strong and powerful debut album and in turn, we aim to hit the live scene with all guns blazing. It excites me to be involved with such a lineup of talented musicians who are highly motivated and focused. This is only the beginning…"
An audio sample of the song "Dare You" from TAINTED NATION can be streamed below. The group, which recently signed a worldwide management deal with Germany's Rock N Growl Management, consists of the following musicians:
* Pete Newdeck (EDEN'S CURSE, GRIM REAPER, KILLERS, STEVE GRIMMETT) - Vocals
* Pontus Egberg (THE POODLES, LION'S SHARE, ZAN CLAN) - Bass
* Ian Nash (STEVE GRIMMETT, LIONSHEART) - Guitar
* Mark Cross (FIREWIND, OUTLOUD, HELLOWEEN, KINGDOM COME) - Drums
"F.E.A.R." was produced by Pete Newdeck and mixed/mastered by Dennis Ward.
Newdeck, who is mostly known for his work with EDEN'S CURSE and bands like GRIM REAPER, KILLERS and Steve Grimmett, started writing songs with bandmate and friend Ian Nash, who also played guitar for Grimmett, in 2009.
While with EDEN'S CURSE and supporting STRATOVARIOUS and FIREWIND in May 2009 on their U.K. tour, Pete and then-FIREWIND drummer Mark Cross became close friends and discussed the idea of forming a new band, only this time with Newdeck as the lead singer.
Newdeck's vocal abilities were truly convincing and in the spring of 2010, Pontus Egberg, bass player for Swedish hard rockers THE POODLES, completed the lineup.
Newdeck, Nash, Cross and Egberg recorded the TAINTED NATION debut album in the U.K. and mixed and mastered it in Germany under the supervision of Dennis Ward, producer of many successful international artists.
TAINTED NATION's music is described in a press release as "a commercial, modern and powerful-sounding rock mix."
Commented TAINTED NATION vocalist Pete Newdeck: "This is a very exciting time for the band. We feel it an honor and a privilege to be signed to Massacre Records and we look forward to forging a strong working relationship together. The band is very hungry and keen to make an impact with what we feel is a strong and powerful debut album and in turn, we aim to hit the live scene with all guns blazing. It excites me to be involved with such a lineup of talented musicians who are highly motivated and focused. This is only the beginning…"
An audio sample of the song "Dare You" from TAINTED NATION can be streamed below. The group, which recently signed a worldwide management deal with Germany's Rock N Growl Management, consists of the following musicians:
* Pete Newdeck (EDEN'S CURSE, GRIM REAPER, KILLERS, STEVE GRIMMETT) - Vocals
* Pontus Egberg (THE POODLES, LION'S SHARE, ZAN CLAN) - Bass
* Ian Nash (STEVE GRIMMETT, LIONSHEART) - Guitar
* Mark Cross (FIREWIND, OUTLOUD, HELLOWEEN, KINGDOM COME) - Drums
"F.E.A.R." was produced by Pete Newdeck and mixed/mastered by Dennis Ward.
Newdeck, who is mostly known for his work with EDEN'S CURSE and bands like GRIM REAPER, KILLERS and Steve Grimmett, started writing songs with bandmate and friend Ian Nash, who also played guitar for Grimmett, in 2009.
While with EDEN'S CURSE and supporting STRATOVARIOUS and FIREWIND in May 2009 on their U.K. tour, Pete and then-FIREWIND drummer Mark Cross became close friends and discussed the idea of forming a new band, only this time with Newdeck as the lead singer.
Newdeck's vocal abilities were truly convincing and in the spring of 2010, Pontus Egberg, bass player for Swedish hard rockers THE POODLES, completed the lineup.
Newdeck, Nash, Cross and Egberg recorded the TAINTED NATION debut album in the U.K. and mixed and mastered it in Germany under the supervision of Dennis Ward, producer of many successful international artists.
TAINTED NATION's music is described in a press release as "a commercial, modern and powerful-sounding rock mix."
Victory Records has announced the signing of the South Wales, U.K. metal/hardcore outfit CONTINENTS.
Kerrang! magazine described CONTINENTS' sound as "energy-fueled epic-core with lots of aggression, a healthy blend of raw shouts and low end growls and foot stomping hooks."
"We've always tried to put our own passion for our music before external influence, the most important thing for us is that we enjoy the music we play, and if other people enjoy it too then that's awesome," said CONTINENTS vocalist Philip Cross. "We like to mix elements of our favorite styles and influences, and then put our own perspective on things to see where it takes us."
Formed in 2010, CONTINENTS quickly established themselves within the U.K. music scene. They are five self-proclaimed "lads with a party attitude who love getting groups of people into a room who share their passion for music." In concert, this bunch throws a blistering barrage of songs and energy at the crowd which is evident in their first music video from the band's self-released single "Trials", which received over 10,000 views on YouTube in just the first few days. Thanks to "Trials", the band was voted as a favorite YouTube U.K. metal act in November and was featured on the YouTube home page.
CONTINENTS will be killing it on stage Saturday, June 30, at Leeds University for Europe's biggest indoor metal/hardcore festival, Ghostfest 2012. They will be joining the likes of EMMURE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, COMEBACK KID, DEFEATER and many more.
Kerrang! magazine described CONTINENTS' sound as "energy-fueled epic-core with lots of aggression, a healthy blend of raw shouts and low end growls and foot stomping hooks."
"We've always tried to put our own passion for our music before external influence, the most important thing for us is that we enjoy the music we play, and if other people enjoy it too then that's awesome," said CONTINENTS vocalist Philip Cross. "We like to mix elements of our favorite styles and influences, and then put our own perspective on things to see where it takes us."
Formed in 2010, CONTINENTS quickly established themselves within the U.K. music scene. They are five self-proclaimed "lads with a party attitude who love getting groups of people into a room who share their passion for music." In concert, this bunch throws a blistering barrage of songs and energy at the crowd which is evident in their first music video from the band's self-released single "Trials", which received over 10,000 views on YouTube in just the first few days. Thanks to "Trials", the band was voted as a favorite YouTube U.K. metal act in November and was featured on the YouTube home page.
CONTINENTS will be killing it on stage Saturday, June 30, at Leeds University for Europe's biggest indoor metal/hardcore festival, Ghostfest 2012. They will be joining the likes of EMMURE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, COMEBACK KID, DEFEATER and many more.
Drummer Hans Rutten of Dutch/Norwegian rockers THE GATHERING recently spoke to Greece's RockOverdose.gr about the band's tenth studio album, "Disclosure", which is scheduled for release on September 12 via Psychonaut Records.
"It's almost finished," Rutten said. "We mixed the album, and we're busy with mastering, which is a long process, to get everything in the right place, and of course, the mastering process itself, but it's almost finished. On and off, we worked two years on the album, and I'm really very, very happy with it. We've tried a lot of new things, but it's still THE GATHERING sound, and I think we've evolved, and I'm really happy. We had some ideas with this record. We wanted to make an album with more epic songs, longer songs, songs with dynamics, and also changes, like we did in the past, which we didn't do on 'Home' and 'The West Pole'. It just happened. We had some ideas lying around, we felt it would be cool to combine the parts we had. We had an urge to make a very atmospheric album. 'The West Pole' is more rock-orientated, it has some atmospheric parts of course. This time, it's way more dreamy; it's not ambient, because there's a lot of rhythms involved, it's more dream rock! We already used the term trip rock, it's perfect for it. It's still THE GATHERING, you can really hear it, but we tried, of course, a lot of new elements on it. You can also hear it on the last single we have released, 'Meltdown'. . . We have some songs which are six, seven minutes and there's one other very long song which is almost nine minutes, so yes, we have a lot of long songs. Also some small songs, but especially long songs. It's one of the strongest points of THE GATHERING. Of course we look at the past, and a lot of people really like the long songs, because we're quite good at making atmospheres; it's our strongest point. This is what we tried to achieve on this album. . . 'The West Pole', it was quite harsh, maybe. Rock songs now and then, it was really in the now. Right now, it's much more dreamy. It's the thing we wanted to do. It's a starting point with writing songs. We had a lot of ideas lying around, and we just picked up the atmospheric ones. But there's a lot of diversity in these songs, there's one song that's really industrial, kind of strange, a very slow, doomy, one song that's up-tempo - it's not happy, but there's a positive feeling going around. There's a very heavy ending of a song — of course, I can't talk a lot about it, but it also has a bit of surprise for listeners also. But it's a very diverse album. I think it's a good album, organic and electronic sounds. We worked a bit more with electronics, like we did with 'Souvenirs', and a bit with 'Home'. It's a bit back again, it just happens."
Rutten also revealed that THE GATHERING will release a 10-inch vinyl EP containing "some exclusive tracks." More details about the effort, which will arrive around the same time as the full-length CD, will be made available soon.
The "Disclosure" cover artwork was created by the Chilean artist Carlos Vergara Rivera. THE GATHERING keyboardist Frank Boeijen says, "The handcrafted cover art is inspired by our track 'Heroes For Ghosts', which we released last year."
"Disclosure" track listing:
01. Paper Waves
02. Meltdown
03. Gemini I
04. Heroes For Ghosts
05. Missing Seasons
06. See For Miles
07. Paralyzed
08. Gemini II
The new song "Meltdown" can be streamed below. According to the band, it is "an epic song with emotional atmosphere and a typical THE GATHERING touch. This time, though, the band also has a brand new voice coloring the song: Frank Boeijen!"
"Meltdown" lyrics:
(I)
It's time to leave - this eerie sound
I cared but failed - the ones I love
I guess its just - what comes around
We try to bend - but then it breaks
What kind of mind - makes these odd shakes
I can't believe - it ends all here
You pull me down
You always failed
You pull me down - I fake a laugh - I sway
You broke my heart – I fell so hard always
Because of you I'm still afraid today
It's time to leave - this eerie sound
I cared but failed - the ones I love
I guess its just - what comes around
You pull me down
You pull me down - I fake a laugh - I sway
You broke my heart – I fell so hard always
Because of you I'm still afraid today
Because of you I'm still afraid today
(II)
I will not give you what you think that you earn from me
I will not make the same mistakes you always made
I tried to show you that I cared although you always failed
I was too young to have known better - better than you
You could have kept all those stories to your self
I tried to show you that I cared although you always failed
I was too young to have known better - better than you (End of lyrics)
THE GATHERING's new CD includes the song "Heroes For Ghosts", which was made available for free download last year at the group's Bandcamp page. A video for the track was shot in Norway by the band's "dear friend" Marcus Moonen and can be seen below.
THE GATHERING's previous album, "The West Pole", was released in North America on June 2, 2009 via Season of Mist. The CD was issued in most of Europe on May 4, 2009 via the group's own label, Psychonaut Records.
"The West Pole" marks the recording debut of new THE GATHERING singer Silje Wergeland, who was previously in the Norwegian band OCTAVIA SPERATI. It also included two very talented guest vocalists, Anne van den Hoogen and Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION), along with other guest musicians.
Singer Anneke van Giersbergen announced her departure from THE GATHERING in 2007. She has since released four albums on her own and with her AGUA DE ANNIQUE solo project: "Air" (2007), "Pure Air" (2009), "In Your Room" (2009) and "Everything Is Changing" (2012).
"It's almost finished," Rutten said. "We mixed the album, and we're busy with mastering, which is a long process, to get everything in the right place, and of course, the mastering process itself, but it's almost finished. On and off, we worked two years on the album, and I'm really very, very happy with it. We've tried a lot of new things, but it's still THE GATHERING sound, and I think we've evolved, and I'm really happy. We had some ideas with this record. We wanted to make an album with more epic songs, longer songs, songs with dynamics, and also changes, like we did in the past, which we didn't do on 'Home' and 'The West Pole'. It just happened. We had some ideas lying around, we felt it would be cool to combine the parts we had. We had an urge to make a very atmospheric album. 'The West Pole' is more rock-orientated, it has some atmospheric parts of course. This time, it's way more dreamy; it's not ambient, because there's a lot of rhythms involved, it's more dream rock! We already used the term trip rock, it's perfect for it. It's still THE GATHERING, you can really hear it, but we tried, of course, a lot of new elements on it. You can also hear it on the last single we have released, 'Meltdown'. . . We have some songs which are six, seven minutes and there's one other very long song which is almost nine minutes, so yes, we have a lot of long songs. Also some small songs, but especially long songs. It's one of the strongest points of THE GATHERING. Of course we look at the past, and a lot of people really like the long songs, because we're quite good at making atmospheres; it's our strongest point. This is what we tried to achieve on this album. . . 'The West Pole', it was quite harsh, maybe. Rock songs now and then, it was really in the now. Right now, it's much more dreamy. It's the thing we wanted to do. It's a starting point with writing songs. We had a lot of ideas lying around, and we just picked up the atmospheric ones. But there's a lot of diversity in these songs, there's one song that's really industrial, kind of strange, a very slow, doomy, one song that's up-tempo - it's not happy, but there's a positive feeling going around. There's a very heavy ending of a song — of course, I can't talk a lot about it, but it also has a bit of surprise for listeners also. But it's a very diverse album. I think it's a good album, organic and electronic sounds. We worked a bit more with electronics, like we did with 'Souvenirs', and a bit with 'Home'. It's a bit back again, it just happens."
Rutten also revealed that THE GATHERING will release a 10-inch vinyl EP containing "some exclusive tracks." More details about the effort, which will arrive around the same time as the full-length CD, will be made available soon.
The "Disclosure" cover artwork was created by the Chilean artist Carlos Vergara Rivera. THE GATHERING keyboardist Frank Boeijen says, "The handcrafted cover art is inspired by our track 'Heroes For Ghosts', which we released last year."
"Disclosure" track listing:
01. Paper Waves
02. Meltdown
03. Gemini I
04. Heroes For Ghosts
05. Missing Seasons
06. See For Miles
07. Paralyzed
08. Gemini II
The new song "Meltdown" can be streamed below. According to the band, it is "an epic song with emotional atmosphere and a typical THE GATHERING touch. This time, though, the band also has a brand new voice coloring the song: Frank Boeijen!"
"Meltdown" lyrics:
(I)
It's time to leave - this eerie sound
I cared but failed - the ones I love
I guess its just - what comes around
We try to bend - but then it breaks
What kind of mind - makes these odd shakes
I can't believe - it ends all here
You pull me down
You always failed
You pull me down - I fake a laugh - I sway
You broke my heart – I fell so hard always
Because of you I'm still afraid today
It's time to leave - this eerie sound
I cared but failed - the ones I love
I guess its just - what comes around
You pull me down
You pull me down - I fake a laugh - I sway
You broke my heart – I fell so hard always
Because of you I'm still afraid today
Because of you I'm still afraid today
(II)
I will not give you what you think that you earn from me
I will not make the same mistakes you always made
I tried to show you that I cared although you always failed
I was too young to have known better - better than you
You could have kept all those stories to your self
I tried to show you that I cared although you always failed
I was too young to have known better - better than you (End of lyrics)
THE GATHERING's new CD includes the song "Heroes For Ghosts", which was made available for free download last year at the group's Bandcamp page. A video for the track was shot in Norway by the band's "dear friend" Marcus Moonen and can be seen below.
THE GATHERING's previous album, "The West Pole", was released in North America on June 2, 2009 via Season of Mist. The CD was issued in most of Europe on May 4, 2009 via the group's own label, Psychonaut Records.
"The West Pole" marks the recording debut of new THE GATHERING singer Silje Wergeland, who was previously in the Norwegian band OCTAVIA SPERATI. It also included two very talented guest vocalists, Anne van den Hoogen and Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION), along with other guest musicians.
Singer Anneke van Giersbergen announced her departure from THE GATHERING in 2007. She has since released four albums on her own and with her AGUA DE ANNIQUE solo project: "Air" (2007), "Pure Air" (2009), "In Your Room" (2009) and "Everything Is Changing" (2012).
RETALIATION/FINAL BREATH guitarist Dennis Schneider is one of three musicians who have recorded special guest appearances on "Icarus", the new album from German thrashers DEW-SCENTED. Schneider can be heard on the songs "The Fall Of Man" and "Perpetuated".
Commented Schneider: "I've been hooked on DEW-SCENTED ever since the release of 'Impact' back in 2003. When they asked me to do a few guest leads on the new album, I didn't hesitate one second. I'm really happy with the way it turned out — 'Icarus' will rip your head off!"
Added DEW-SCENTED: "Dennis Schneider is an incredibly talented guitarist that has jammed with DEW-SCENTED in the rehearsal room before. In the production period for 'Icarus', the idea came up to have him be part of the actual album as well by adding some skillful lead guitar parts. Dennis appears with some furious shred on the songs 'The Fall Of Man' and 'Perpetuated'."
As previously reported, Rob Urbinati of Canadian thrash metal veterans SACRIFICE contributed guest vocals to the song "Gleaming Like Silver".
"Icarus" will be released on July 31 in North America via Prosthetic Records (one day earlier internationally through Metal Blade Records).
DEW-SCENTED vocalist Leif Jensen previously described the "Icarus" main theme as "a modern-times, very apocalyptic adaption of elements of the Icarus myth, using a lot of its symbolism while interlinking with several other personal or observant subjects in true DEW-SCENTED fashion." While the album — recorded at Soundlodge Studio and produced by Jörg Uken (NIGHTFALL, SUICIDAL ANGELS, GOD DETHRONED) — is not quite a concept album per se, Jensen said "Icarus" "has a pretty coherent lyrical flow, and that helps to enhance and also to intentionally enlarge the atmosphere and vibe created by the music." The "Icarus" cover artwork was once created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.
DEW-SCENTED's new lineup is as follows (pictured from left to right in photo below):
Rory Hansen - Guitar
Marvin Vriesde - Guitar
Leif Jensen - Vocals
Joost van der Graaf - Bass
Koen Herfst - Drums
The new DEW-SCENTED lineup will play its first shows on July 20 at Metalsplash festival and July 21 at Queens Of Metal festival.
Commented Schneider: "I've been hooked on DEW-SCENTED ever since the release of 'Impact' back in 2003. When they asked me to do a few guest leads on the new album, I didn't hesitate one second. I'm really happy with the way it turned out — 'Icarus' will rip your head off!"
Added DEW-SCENTED: "Dennis Schneider is an incredibly talented guitarist that has jammed with DEW-SCENTED in the rehearsal room before. In the production period for 'Icarus', the idea came up to have him be part of the actual album as well by adding some skillful lead guitar parts. Dennis appears with some furious shred on the songs 'The Fall Of Man' and 'Perpetuated'."
As previously reported, Rob Urbinati of Canadian thrash metal veterans SACRIFICE contributed guest vocals to the song "Gleaming Like Silver".
"Icarus" will be released on July 31 in North America via Prosthetic Records (one day earlier internationally through Metal Blade Records).
DEW-SCENTED vocalist Leif Jensen previously described the "Icarus" main theme as "a modern-times, very apocalyptic adaption of elements of the Icarus myth, using a lot of its symbolism while interlinking with several other personal or observant subjects in true DEW-SCENTED fashion." While the album — recorded at Soundlodge Studio and produced by Jörg Uken (NIGHTFALL, SUICIDAL ANGELS, GOD DETHRONED) — is not quite a concept album per se, Jensen said "Icarus" "has a pretty coherent lyrical flow, and that helps to enhance and also to intentionally enlarge the atmosphere and vibe created by the music." The "Icarus" cover artwork was once created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.
DEW-SCENTED's new lineup is as follows (pictured from left to right in photo below):
Rory Hansen - Guitar
Marvin Vriesde - Guitar
Leif Jensen - Vocals
Joost van der Graaf - Bass
Koen Herfst - Drums
The new DEW-SCENTED lineup will play its first shows on July 20 at Metalsplash festival and July 21 at Queens Of Metal festival.
The family of DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng has revealed that his health has taken a turn for the worse. The musician, who has been receiving special treatments in New Jersey after showing more signs of emerging from a semi-comatose state to a semi-conscious state, over three years since he was gravely injured in a November 2008 car crash, has been diagnosed with pneumonia.
According to postings on the OneLoveForChi.com web site, which was created to help raise funds for Cheng and his medical expenses, Cheng "just got back home last night from NJ and is in ER with SOMETHING serious going on. Pneumonia and don't know what else. Not good! Please send the word again to PRAY HARD." A follow-up posting revealed that the bassist was in the intensive care unit and taking three antibiotics to treat the pneumonia. They also stated that his blood pressure and oxygen levels were both low.
P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval also checked in via Twitter after speaking with Chi's family. He said, "Spoke with Chi's mom. He really needs our prayers. He's in ICU and still fighting. Gods will be done!"
Cheng required surgery after the car accident to remove part of his brain, but his recovery was strong enough that he was taken off life support seven months later.
Over the course of the past two years, Cheng has emerged from his coma for brief intervals. He opens his eyes and apparently can see and hear things going on around him, but cannot respond verbally.
DEFTONES have held several benefit concerts and continue to donate money from the band's tours. Singer Chino Moreno said that the group's fans have continued to help as well. "Whatever people can do, it's all appreciated, and it's all just in the hopes that there will be one day where he can talk back and have a conversation and see his kids and, you know, continue on living, you know," he said. "That's what we pray and hope for, you know what I mean, that's all we can do."
DEFTONES is in the studio working on a follow-up to 2010's "Diamond Eyes", one of the band's most successful outings yet.
Sergio Vega continues to play bass for the band. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after Cheng's accident, and stayed on to record "Diamond Eyes" with the group.
According to postings on the OneLoveForChi.com web site, which was created to help raise funds for Cheng and his medical expenses, Cheng "just got back home last night from NJ and is in ER with SOMETHING serious going on. Pneumonia and don't know what else. Not good! Please send the word again to PRAY HARD." A follow-up posting revealed that the bassist was in the intensive care unit and taking three antibiotics to treat the pneumonia. They also stated that his blood pressure and oxygen levels were both low.
P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval also checked in via Twitter after speaking with Chi's family. He said, "Spoke with Chi's mom. He really needs our prayers. He's in ICU and still fighting. Gods will be done!"
Cheng required surgery after the car accident to remove part of his brain, but his recovery was strong enough that he was taken off life support seven months later.
Over the course of the past two years, Cheng has emerged from his coma for brief intervals. He opens his eyes and apparently can see and hear things going on around him, but cannot respond verbally.
DEFTONES have held several benefit concerts and continue to donate money from the band's tours. Singer Chino Moreno said that the group's fans have continued to help as well. "Whatever people can do, it's all appreciated, and it's all just in the hopes that there will be one day where he can talk back and have a conversation and see his kids and, you know, continue on living, you know," he said. "That's what we pray and hope for, you know what I mean, that's all we can do."
DEFTONES is in the studio working on a follow-up to 2010's "Diamond Eyes", one of the band's most successful outings yet.
Sergio Vega continues to play bass for the band. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after Cheng's accident, and stayed on to record "Diamond Eyes" with the group.
According to Law360.com, former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has been ordered to hand over royalty payments (PDF file) to KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons (a.k.a. Gene Klein) to cover attorneys' fees Simmons incurred while defending himself in a legal dispute with the axeman.
Cusano previously argued that his royalty payments were protected from garnishment.
Vincent, whose real name is Vincent Cusano, played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, co-writing "I Love it Loud", "Lick it Up" and other songs.
Back in October 2006, Vincent lost a Supreme Court appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former KISS bandmates and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs.
Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the band's 1983 album "Lick It Up".
Cusano previously argued that his royalty payments were protected from garnishment.
Vincent, whose real name is Vincent Cusano, played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, co-writing "I Love it Loud", "Lick it Up" and other songs.
Back in October 2006, Vincent lost a Supreme Court appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former KISS bandmates and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs.
Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the band's 1983 album "Lick It Up".
Norwegian thrashers TANTARA will release their debut album, "Based On Evil", on August 24. The CD was recorded in July 2011 with producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, MORBID ANGEL) at ARK Recording Studios and Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"Based On Evil" track listing:
01. Based On Evil
02. Mass Murder
03. Negligible Souls
04. The Debate
05. Human Mutation
06. Trapped In Bodies
07. Prejudice Of Violence
08. Killing Of Mother Earth
TANTARA will release a seven-inch vinyl single, "Based On Evil", on June 29 contaning the title track and the previously unreleased song "Court Justice". It will be strictly limited to 300 copies and only available in certain online stores.
TANTARA will embark on the Norwegian "Thrash 'Till Death Tour 2012" in October with FORGERY and HARM. The kick-off party will take place on May 19 at Gamla in Oslo.
TANTARA is a young Norwegian thrash metal band, mainly from Vestfold. The band saw the light in September 2009 when drummer Stian Sannerud and rhythm guitarist Fredrik Bjerkø decided to take their "talent show" project to a new level. The two musicians recruited Per Semb as their lead guitarist. In April 2011, the Swedish bass virtuoso Max Warnby joined TANTARA after an impressing performance at one of the band's concerts, where he played as a stand-in.
TANTARA's influences consist mostly of old-school thrash metal bands like HEATHEN, ANTHRAX, EXODUS, MEGADETH, SLAYER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, VIO-LENCE and METALLICA.
In August 2010, TANTARA recorded its first EP, which came out later that same year.
"Based On Evil" track listing:
01. Based On Evil
02. Mass Murder
03. Negligible Souls
04. The Debate
05. Human Mutation
06. Trapped In Bodies
07. Prejudice Of Violence
08. Killing Of Mother Earth
TANTARA will release a seven-inch vinyl single, "Based On Evil", on June 29 contaning the title track and the previously unreleased song "Court Justice". It will be strictly limited to 300 copies and only available in certain online stores.
TANTARA will embark on the Norwegian "Thrash 'Till Death Tour 2012" in October with FORGERY and HARM. The kick-off party will take place on May 19 at Gamla in Oslo.
TANTARA is a young Norwegian thrash metal band, mainly from Vestfold. The band saw the light in September 2009 when drummer Stian Sannerud and rhythm guitarist Fredrik Bjerkø decided to take their "talent show" project to a new level. The two musicians recruited Per Semb as their lead guitarist. In April 2011, the Swedish bass virtuoso Max Warnby joined TANTARA after an impressing performance at one of the band's concerts, where he played as a stand-in.
TANTARA's influences consist mostly of old-school thrash metal bands like HEATHEN, ANTHRAX, EXODUS, MEGADETH, SLAYER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, VIO-LENCE and METALLICA.
In August 2010, TANTARA recorded its first EP, which came out later that same year.
The fate of Pyramid Sound Studios, a recording studio renowned for spawning the onslaught of American heavy metal in the 1980s and beyond, has captured the attention of longtime Ithaca, New York residents, recording artists, and friends of business owner Alex Perialas.
At Wednesday's Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting, several local musicians and educators urged city officials to take demolition of the studio off the table.
Pyramid Sound Studios, launched by Perialas in 1974, has recorded artists from BAD RELIGION, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, AGNOSTIC FRONT and Brian Wilson to local favorites THE HORSE FLIES and DONNA THE BUFFALO, as well as student projects. Pyramid Sound Studios is a pinnacle in the local area, being that local musicians do not always have the ability to travel to New York City, Los Angeles, etc. to record their albums. Located directly next to the Clinton St. Bridge, which is undergoing heavy construction until November, the building is at risk of being condemned as a result of the project, stirring alarm among the local and online community.
"This is one of those things that is a state and city project where they're replacing a 70-year-old bridge and its right in our footprint, if you will. With the building of this new bridge, there's a chance that if they aren't careful, they could do damage to the studio," states owner Alex Perialas. "I'm currently working with the administration to land on an amicable solution to the situation. This has been a landmark facility for years. We pretty much created a style of music here that people had never heard of before. It would be a shame to lose such an integral part of music history due to this temporary construction."
Jeff Klaus, professor of education at Ithaca College and member of THE HORSE FLIES, addressed the committee Wednesday, "What is housed inside that scruffy building is a building within a building that's purpose-built to be a studio."
Klaus and his colleagues noted that 109 E. Clinton St. is a commercial garage space, which is located closest to the bridge project, while the recording studio is located at 105 E. Clinton St. The supporters stressed that the garage and the studio are two separate buildings, though it may not appear so on the outside.
In many ways, both the mayor's and the common council's hands are tied, given that the construction on the Clinton St. bridge is federally funded. Earlier this week, supporters of Pyramid Sound Studios launched an online petition to help save the historical building. Thus far, over 550 people have signed. You can sign the petition at this location.
For more information, visit www.pyramidsoundstudios.com.
At Wednesday's Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting, several local musicians and educators urged city officials to take demolition of the studio off the table.
Pyramid Sound Studios, launched by Perialas in 1974, has recorded artists from BAD RELIGION, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, AGNOSTIC FRONT and Brian Wilson to local favorites THE HORSE FLIES and DONNA THE BUFFALO, as well as student projects. Pyramid Sound Studios is a pinnacle in the local area, being that local musicians do not always have the ability to travel to New York City, Los Angeles, etc. to record their albums. Located directly next to the Clinton St. Bridge, which is undergoing heavy construction until November, the building is at risk of being condemned as a result of the project, stirring alarm among the local and online community.
"This is one of those things that is a state and city project where they're replacing a 70-year-old bridge and its right in our footprint, if you will. With the building of this new bridge, there's a chance that if they aren't careful, they could do damage to the studio," states owner Alex Perialas. "I'm currently working with the administration to land on an amicable solution to the situation. This has been a landmark facility for years. We pretty much created a style of music here that people had never heard of before. It would be a shame to lose such an integral part of music history due to this temporary construction."
Jeff Klaus, professor of education at Ithaca College and member of THE HORSE FLIES, addressed the committee Wednesday, "What is housed inside that scruffy building is a building within a building that's purpose-built to be a studio."
Klaus and his colleagues noted that 109 E. Clinton St. is a commercial garage space, which is located closest to the bridge project, while the recording studio is located at 105 E. Clinton St. The supporters stressed that the garage and the studio are two separate buildings, though it may not appear so on the outside.
In many ways, both the mayor's and the common council's hands are tied, given that the construction on the Clinton St. bridge is federally funded. Earlier this week, supporters of Pyramid Sound Studios launched an online petition to help save the historical building. Thus far, over 550 people have signed. You can sign the petition at this location.
For more information, visit www.pyramidsoundstudios.com.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based sympho/black/folk/power metallers BLACKGUARD (formerly PROFUGUS MORTIS) have parted ways with lead guitarist Kim Gosselin and have replaced him with Louis Jacques (KEMILON).
Commented the band: "For those of you who have seen us play during our last few tours, this will not come as a shock seeing as Kim has been absent from the live lineup for quite some time.
"Kim has decided not to continue with the band, and we'd like to thank him for his invaluable contribution to this group over the years.
"As hard as it is seeing a brother go, this is truly the best thing for both parties as Kim's interest in touring and writing have been waning over the last year.
"We wanted to wait until we had found a suitable replacement before making any official announcement and we're very happy to finally be able to let everyone in on what's going on.
"BLACKGUARD is very happy to welcome Mr. Louis Jacques of the band KEMILON to the family as new lead guitarist.
"Louis made his live debut with BLACKGUARD yesterday at the D-Tox Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec. This was an amazing show and a great way to kick off our journey together.
"We're hard at work on our follow-up to last year's 'Firefight' record. We already have songs demoed and we expect an early 2013 release through Victory Records.
"The next few months are going to be very busy for us. We do have a few shows planned so keep your eyes on our tour section of our Facebook and come welcome Louis in style."
Added Louis: "I'm very glad to joining the mighty BLACKGUARD! Together we'll get to a new level. Expect more violence, originality and shred!"
Commented the band: "For those of you who have seen us play during our last few tours, this will not come as a shock seeing as Kim has been absent from the live lineup for quite some time.
"Kim has decided not to continue with the band, and we'd like to thank him for his invaluable contribution to this group over the years.
"As hard as it is seeing a brother go, this is truly the best thing for both parties as Kim's interest in touring and writing have been waning over the last year.
"We wanted to wait until we had found a suitable replacement before making any official announcement and we're very happy to finally be able to let everyone in on what's going on.
"BLACKGUARD is very happy to welcome Mr. Louis Jacques of the band KEMILON to the family as new lead guitarist.
"Louis made his live debut with BLACKGUARD yesterday at the D-Tox Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec. This was an amazing show and a great way to kick off our journey together.
"We're hard at work on our follow-up to last year's 'Firefight' record. We already have songs demoed and we expect an early 2013 release through Victory Records.
"The next few months are going to be very busy for us. We do have a few shows planned so keep your eyes on our tour section of our Facebook and come welcome Louis in style."
Added Louis: "I'm very glad to joining the mighty BLACKGUARD! Together we'll get to a new level. Expect more violence, originality and shred!"
Ramon Ortiz, the virtuoso guitarist of metal bands PUYA and ANKLA, has just released his first solo album, "Ortiz", digitally via www.ramonortiz.net and online music outlets.
After many years in the music industry as a composer, musician and producer and touring U.S. and Latin America, Ortiz's solo album is one that will travel through the broadest musical landscapes. With equal emphasis on acoustic and electric guitars, vocal and instrumental sounds, it's a vast exploration through different music genres that define Ortiz's musical essence, with his guitar leading the whole way.
Ortiz states, "I'm really excited about this album. I feel I've paid homage to all my musical influences and roots while taking my sound, my playing and my fusion to an unprecedented level. All with the help of my long time music partner and friend, master drummer/percussionist Oscar Santiago."
"Ortiz" features guest appearances by several musicians, including a guitar duet with Ramon's father. Production was handled by Ramon, with Nick Page (THE DARKNESS) and Alexis Perez co-producing, recording and mixing on some of the tracks. Mastering duties were taken care of by Kingnaldo at Heretic Mute Studio.
After many years in the music industry as a composer, musician and producer and touring U.S. and Latin America, Ortiz's solo album is one that will travel through the broadest musical landscapes. With equal emphasis on acoustic and electric guitars, vocal and instrumental sounds, it's a vast exploration through different music genres that define Ortiz's musical essence, with his guitar leading the whole way.
Ortiz states, "I'm really excited about this album. I feel I've paid homage to all my musical influences and roots while taking my sound, my playing and my fusion to an unprecedented level. All with the help of my long time music partner and friend, master drummer/percussionist Oscar Santiago."
"Ortiz" features guest appearances by several musicians, including a guitar duet with Ramon's father. Production was handled by Ramon, with Nick Page (THE DARKNESS) and Alexis Perez co-producing, recording and mixing on some of the tracks. Mastering duties were taken care of by Kingnaldo at Heretic Mute Studio.
CEREMONIAL OATH, the late '80s/early '90s Swedish extreme metal band whose members went on to create or join such acclaimed acts as IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL and TIAMAT, will reunite for an appearance at the inaugural edition of The Gothenburg Sound festival, set to take place January 5-6, 2013 at Trädgår'n in Gothenburg, Sweden.
"We want to celebrate Gothenburg's history and status as hard rock city," organizer Per "PK" Carlsson of PK Musik tells Göteborgs Posten.
According to Carlsson, the idea is to make The Gothenburg Sound — which got its name from the type of metal that first developed in Gothenburg and then spread across the world — an annual event and make it grow each year.
"There are plenty of ideas about how to handle this whole thing, and many people have already shown great interest and dedication to making it happen," he says. "But the festival itself will take place at Trädgår'n for the time being. We like it there and the festival is being held during a weekend when we're hoping many of the members of this metal family will be home from their tours."
Formed in 1988 under the name DESECRATOR, CEREMONIAL OATH released three demos, one EP and two full-length albums before calling it quits in 1995. The band's former members include such internationally recognized names as Anders Fridén (IN FLAMES), Oscar Dronjak (HAMMERFALL), Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES) and Anders Iwers (TIAMAT).
More acts for The Gothenburg Sound will be announced during the coming months. The event will feature two stages, and members of different bands will act as disc jockeys during the festival.
"We want to celebrate Gothenburg's history and status as hard rock city," organizer Per "PK" Carlsson of PK Musik tells Göteborgs Posten.
According to Carlsson, the idea is to make The Gothenburg Sound — which got its name from the type of metal that first developed in Gothenburg and then spread across the world — an annual event and make it grow each year.
"There are plenty of ideas about how to handle this whole thing, and many people have already shown great interest and dedication to making it happen," he says. "But the festival itself will take place at Trädgår'n for the time being. We like it there and the festival is being held during a weekend when we're hoping many of the members of this metal family will be home from their tours."
Formed in 1988 under the name DESECRATOR, CEREMONIAL OATH released three demos, one EP and two full-length albums before calling it quits in 1995. The band's former members include such internationally recognized names as Anders Fridén (IN FLAMES), Oscar Dronjak (HAMMERFALL), Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES) and Anders Iwers (TIAMAT).
More acts for The Gothenburg Sound will be announced during the coming months. The event will feature two stages, and members of different bands will act as disc jockeys during the festival.
Ramon Ortiz, the virtuoso guitarist of metal bands PUYA and ANKLA, has just released his first solo album, "Ortiz", digitally via www.ramonortiz.net and online music outlets.
After many years in the music industry as a composer, musician and producer and touring U.S. and Latin America, Ortiz's solo album is one that will travel through the broadest musical landscapes. With equal emphasis on acoustic and electric guitars, vocal and instrumental sounds, it's a vast exploration through different music genres that define Ortiz's musical essence, with his guitar leading the whole way.
Ortiz states, "I'm really excited about this album. I feel I've paid homage to all my musical influences and roots while taking my sound, my playing and my fusion to an unprecedented level. All with the help of my long time music partner and friend, master drummer/percussionist Oscar Santiago."
"Ortiz" features guest appearances by several musicians, including a guitar duet with Ramon's father. Production was handled by Ramon, with Nick Page (THE DARKNESS) and Alexis Perez co-producing, recording and mixing on some of the tracks. Mastering duties were taken care of by Kingnaldo at Heretic Mute Studio.
After many years in the music industry as a composer, musician and producer and touring U.S. and Latin America, Ortiz's solo album is one that will travel through the broadest musical landscapes. With equal emphasis on acoustic and electric guitars, vocal and instrumental sounds, it's a vast exploration through different music genres that define Ortiz's musical essence, with his guitar leading the whole way.
Ortiz states, "I'm really excited about this album. I feel I've paid homage to all my musical influences and roots while taking my sound, my playing and my fusion to an unprecedented level. All with the help of my long time music partner and friend, master drummer/percussionist Oscar Santiago."
"Ortiz" features guest appearances by several musicians, including a guitar duet with Ramon's father. Production was handled by Ramon, with Nick Page (THE DARKNESS) and Alexis Perez co-producing, recording and mixing on some of the tracks. Mastering duties were taken care of by Kingnaldo at Heretic Mute Studio.
Baton Rouge-based lords of brutal death metal SUTURE are back with a vengeance. After years of dormancy, the band that once terrorized the swamplands of the Southern United States has re-emerged with one goal in mind — global domination. A recently re-recorded and remixed version of their 2008 release, "Skeletal Vortex", is now available via Soulflesh Collector Records, but the fun doesn't stop there. With the original lineup intact, SUTURE is currently in the process of re-recording their long-out-of-print 2002 debut full-length, "Carnivorous Urge To Kill", for release later this year.
SUTURE is:
Jason McIntyre - Guitar
Bruno Muenzler - Bass
Jayson Ramsay - Vocals, Drums
SUTURE is:
Jason McIntyre - Guitar
Bruno Muenzler - Bass
Jayson Ramsay - Vocals, Drums
Northern California extremists RINGS OF SATURN will release their sophomore album, "Dingir" (din-jeer), on November 20 via Unique Leader Records. The CD, which will have a running time of roughly 42 minutes, will feature the following tracks:
01. Objective to Harvest (4:06)
02. Galactic Cleansing (3:28)
03. Shards of Scorched Flesh (3:08)
04. Feast Upon their Bowels (3:35)
05. Faces Imploding (5:51)
06. Peeling Arteries (4:05)
07. Hyperforms (3:50)
08. Fruitless Existence (3:13)
09. Immaculate Order (4:37)
10. Utopia (instrumental, 5:25)
Commented RINGS OF SATURN guitarist Lucas Mann: "Instrumentally, we wanted to expand on the chaotic sound that we have become known for in 'Embryonic Anomaly', but at the same time wanted to add in new progressive and melodic elements that would compliment all the dissonance found in our music. This is very apparent on the instrumental track, Utopia, and on the second-to-last track, 'Immaculate Order', where you will find that we concentrated solely on progressive melody. Lyrically, the album stays true to the subjects that RINGS OF SATURN is known for. The album title, 'Dingir', translates over from ancient Sumerian language meaning deity, god, or sky. In the stance of the album, Dingir portrays the aliens as gods who created man, and also harvest and ultimately destroy the human civilization."
RINGS OF SATURN is:
Lucas Mann - Guitar
Joel Omans - Guitar
Ian Bearer - Vocals
Sean Martinez - Bass
Ian Baker – Drums
01. Objective to Harvest (4:06)
02. Galactic Cleansing (3:28)
03. Shards of Scorched Flesh (3:08)
04. Feast Upon their Bowels (3:35)
05. Faces Imploding (5:51)
06. Peeling Arteries (4:05)
07. Hyperforms (3:50)
08. Fruitless Existence (3:13)
09. Immaculate Order (4:37)
10. Utopia (instrumental, 5:25)
Commented RINGS OF SATURN guitarist Lucas Mann: "Instrumentally, we wanted to expand on the chaotic sound that we have become known for in 'Embryonic Anomaly', but at the same time wanted to add in new progressive and melodic elements that would compliment all the dissonance found in our music. This is very apparent on the instrumental track, Utopia, and on the second-to-last track, 'Immaculate Order', where you will find that we concentrated solely on progressive melody. Lyrically, the album stays true to the subjects that RINGS OF SATURN is known for. The album title, 'Dingir', translates over from ancient Sumerian language meaning deity, god, or sky. In the stance of the album, Dingir portrays the aliens as gods who created man, and also harvest and ultimately destroy the human civilization."
RINGS OF SATURN is:
Lucas Mann - Guitar
Joel Omans - Guitar
Ian Bearer - Vocals
Sean Martinez - Bass
Ian Baker – Drums
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/ringssaturn2012cd.jpg
Yonkers, New York-based technical death metallers MALIGNANCY will embark on a European tour this July in support of their upcoming full-length release, "Eugenics". The band's drummer, Mike Heller, will not be able to join his bandmates on the upcoming trek due to the fact that he is currently sitting behind the kit for FEAR FACTORY and will be temporarily replaced by Alex Cohen (PYRRHON).
"Alex Cohen is well versed in jazz and metal, he is the logical choice to get the job done," said MALIGNANCY vocalist Danny Nelson.
The "Containment Breach Europe" tour will pass through Extremefest, Obscene Extreme and Houten Deathfest with support from CEPHALIC IMPURITY. The tour will also cross paths with the "Condemned" European tour.
"Eugenics" will be released late fall/early winter via Willowtip and promises to be MALIGNANCY's most innovative release to date.
"Alex Cohen is well versed in jazz and metal, he is the logical choice to get the job done," said MALIGNANCY vocalist Danny Nelson.
The "Containment Breach Europe" tour will pass through Extremefest, Obscene Extreme and Houten Deathfest with support from CEPHALIC IMPURITY. The tour will also cross paths with the "Condemned" European tour.
"Eugenics" will be released late fall/early winter via Willowtip and promises to be MALIGNANCY's most innovative release to date.
Willowtip has announced the signing of German death metallers INGURGITATING OBLIVION. The band's new album, "Enigmatic Symmetries", will be released before the end of the year. INGURGITATING OBLIVION describes the CD as "a churning maelstrom of technical drums, subsonic atrocities, frantic vocal obscurities, and multi-dimensional guitar atonalities."
INGURGITATING OBLIVION's previous full-album, "Voyage Towards Abhorrence", was released in 2005 via Unmatched Brutality Records.
Ingo Neugebauer - Drums
Christian Pfeil - Bass
Sascha Hermesdorf - Guitar
Ulrich Kreienbrink - Vocals
Florian Engelke - Lead Guitar
INGURGITATING OBLIVION's previous full-album, "Voyage Towards Abhorrence", was released in 2005 via Unmatched Brutality Records.
Ingo Neugebauer - Drums
Christian Pfeil - Bass
Sascha Hermesdorf - Guitar
Ulrich Kreienbrink - Vocals
Florian Engelke - Lead Guitar
Swedish death metallers SYN:DROM have completed recording their sophomore album at Nevo studios in Sundsvall, Sweden. The mixing sessions for the as-yet-untitled CD will be overseen by bandmembers Roger Bergsten (guitar) and Daniel Mikaelsson (drums) at the same facility in July. A late 2012 release via via ViciSolum Productions is expected.
SYN:DROM previously stated that their forthcoming album would contain "the most powerful and aggressive material" the group has ever created.
SYN:DROM's debut album, "With Flesh Unbound", came out in April 2010 via ViciSolum Productions.
The band previously described its musical direction as "high-quality death metal in the vein of HATE ETERNAL, AEON and DECAPITATED."
SYN:DROM is:
Jonny Pettersson (BONEGOD, MOURNING, HUMAN HARVEST) - Vocals
Roger Bergsten (PSYCHO POETRY, ex-HECTORITE) - Guitar
David Karlsson - Lead Guitar
Daniel Mikaelsson (MOURNING) - Drums
Daniel Åsén - Bass
SYN:DROM previously stated that their forthcoming album would contain "the most powerful and aggressive material" the group has ever created.
SYN:DROM's debut album, "With Flesh Unbound", came out in April 2010 via ViciSolum Productions.
The band previously described its musical direction as "high-quality death metal in the vein of HATE ETERNAL, AEON and DECAPITATED."
SYN:DROM is:
Jonny Pettersson (BONEGOD, MOURNING, HUMAN HARVEST) - Vocals
Roger Bergsten (PSYCHO POETRY, ex-HECTORITE) - Guitar
David Karlsson - Lead Guitar
Daniel Mikaelsson (MOURNING) - Drums
Daniel Åsén - Bass
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