In the August 2012 issue of Guitar World magazine, legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen spoke about the group's future in glowing terms and dismissed rumors that the he and his bandmates were having a hard time getting along on the road.
"We truly are a band; it's not just a one-off thing," he said. "I don't want to say it's a rebuilding process. If anything it's continuation. It feels more like a band and a family than it ever has, and not just because three-quarters of it is family."
He added, "Working with Dave [Lee Roth, vocals] has been very productive. We're all very opinionated about things, but it's all for the benefit of the music. We're working together better than ever. I can see, I see us doing this for a long, long time. When things feel right, why the hell not keep doing it?
"I can't think of anyone on the planet who is more lucky and blessed. Not only do I get to play with my brother but I also get to play with my son. If my dad was still here now, that would really make things amazing. I have a wonderful wife, wonderful friends, and a son who doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs. I'm just a guitarist in a kick-ass rock and roll band. What more could I ask for?"
Eddie's son Wolfgang joined VAN HALEN in 2007 at the age of 16, replacing original bassist Michael Anthony.
VAN HALEN is touring behind "A Different Kind Of Truth", its first album in 14 years and first with Roth since 1984.
"We truly are a band; it's not just a one-off thing," he said. "I don't want to say it's a rebuilding process. If anything it's continuation. It feels more like a band and a family than it ever has, and not just because three-quarters of it is family."
He added, "Working with Dave [Lee Roth, vocals] has been very productive. We're all very opinionated about things, but it's all for the benefit of the music. We're working together better than ever. I can see, I see us doing this for a long, long time. When things feel right, why the hell not keep doing it?
"I can't think of anyone on the planet who is more lucky and blessed. Not only do I get to play with my brother but I also get to play with my son. If my dad was still here now, that would really make things amazing. I have a wonderful wife, wonderful friends, and a son who doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs. I'm just a guitarist in a kick-ass rock and roll band. What more could I ask for?"
Eddie's son Wolfgang joined VAN HALEN in 2007 at the age of 16, replacing original bassist Michael Anthony.
VAN HALEN is touring behind "A Different Kind Of Truth", its first album in 14 years and first with Roth since 1984.
Rob Cavuoto of Guitar International recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Guitar International: How does it feel for "Worship Music" to go to #12 on The Billboard 200?
Rob Caggiano: It feels great for us to have just finished the record. [laughs] We went through a really dark period. At one point we were uncertain about the future of the band and whether the record was ever going to get done. It feels good that it's in the stores and we are able to play it in front of the fans.
Guitar International: People are talking that "Worship Music" is the best comeback LP of the year. I never felt that ANTHRAX was ever gone. What's your take on that?
Rob Caggiano: I agree, we never went away. There was stuff that went down and confused the fans with the lineup changes. Nobody really knew what to think. The band really needed to prove to the metal community what we are all about and I think we did it with the record.
Guitar International: I understand that a cover tunes EP is in the works?
Rob Caggiano: (Laughing) There has been talk about. We cut some cover tunes and we are trying to sort it all out. We recorded "Neon Nights" [BLACK SABBATH] for the new Ronnie James Dio tribute CD. It came out pretty smoking.
Guitar International: I heard that you are doing a JOURNEY cover?
Rob Caggiano: There has been some talk. [laughs] There are a bunch of tunes in various states of completion so I really don't know what will end up on the EP. Steve Perry [JOURNEY] and Ronnie James Dio are two of Joey Belladonna's favorite singers. So, it totally makes sense on that level. I always loved JOURNEY and [was a] fan of Neal Schon.
Guitar International: Will you be producing the EP?
Rob Caggiano: I'm not sure who is producing what yet. Charlie [Benante] did his drum in Chicago and hasn't even tracked a few of the songs yet… the JOURNEY song being one of them. I did Frankie Bello's bass for "Neon Knights" song in a hotel room in South America and did my parts in another room. It's coming together in a non-traditional way. Were in the middle of a crazy touring cycle and then on top of things we all live in different states.
Guitar International: How does it feel for "Worship Music" to go to #12 on The Billboard 200?
Rob Caggiano: It feels great for us to have just finished the record. [laughs] We went through a really dark period. At one point we were uncertain about the future of the band and whether the record was ever going to get done. It feels good that it's in the stores and we are able to play it in front of the fans.
Guitar International: People are talking that "Worship Music" is the best comeback LP of the year. I never felt that ANTHRAX was ever gone. What's your take on that?
Rob Caggiano: I agree, we never went away. There was stuff that went down and confused the fans with the lineup changes. Nobody really knew what to think. The band really needed to prove to the metal community what we are all about and I think we did it with the record.
Guitar International: I understand that a cover tunes EP is in the works?
Rob Caggiano: (Laughing) There has been talk about. We cut some cover tunes and we are trying to sort it all out. We recorded "Neon Nights" [BLACK SABBATH] for the new Ronnie James Dio tribute CD. It came out pretty smoking.
Guitar International: I heard that you are doing a JOURNEY cover?
Rob Caggiano: There has been some talk. [laughs] There are a bunch of tunes in various states of completion so I really don't know what will end up on the EP. Steve Perry [JOURNEY] and Ronnie James Dio are two of Joey Belladonna's favorite singers. So, it totally makes sense on that level. I always loved JOURNEY and [was a] fan of Neal Schon.
Guitar International: Will you be producing the EP?
Rob Caggiano: I'm not sure who is producing what yet. Charlie [Benante] did his drum in Chicago and hasn't even tracked a few of the songs yet… the JOURNEY song being one of them. I did Frankie Bello's bass for "Neon Knights" song in a hotel room in South America and did my parts in another room. It's coming together in a non-traditional way. Were in the middle of a crazy touring cycle and then on top of things we all live in different states.
MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has posted the following open letter to his fans on the band's Facebook page:
"Dear fans,
"I fucking LOVE my fans! And you know this!!!... If you asked anyone that knows me really well, they would tell ya the same thing... 'Tommy loves his fans. He lives for this shit... he eats, breathes,shits music 24/7.' They'll also probably tell ya that 'he's a down-to-earth grateful life-lovin dude and a nice guy, too.'
"What I have a problem with is... taking pictures! I hate it! Irritates the fuck out of me when people say... 'You owe it to your fans, they put you where you are, etc. etc.!'
"I certainly don't owe anybody anything!
"When I bought all my LED ZEPPELIN records and concert tickets, I didn't say, 'One day these fuckers are gonna owe me a picture.' It's the least they can do for me!...
"[What the fuck], people? You don't admire something so that it can give back... You just cherish it! And to those who say, 'You should be grateful that people wanna take your picture. Maybe one day they won't want it!' That day can't come soon enough!
"[By the way]… I'm not here to take pictures with you, I'm here to entertain you!
"Nobody put me where I am but ME! They may have helped inspire me with their love for what I do... but I put myself right here where I want to be with a lot of hard work, practice, talent, luck, etc. What I do owe myself and others is being THE BEST I can be! And that's making great music, being a good man, father, lover and human being! We all owe that kinda stuff to ourselves and each other.
"People, do we really need a silly picture?... For what?! Bragging rights? Really?.. Who fucking cares! Someone's not gonna believe you if ya don't have the proof pic? Then fuck 'em! I'd never go up to someone that I admired and bug them for a picture!! Why! I might say a quick hello... maybe a handshake? I dunno... It depends on the 'situation'... Most people never consider the 'situation.' That's really important... Ya wouldn't wanna handshake standing at the pisser in the men's bathroom next to me, would ya? And yes, that's happened to me, too... Or when you're eating a nice, quiet meal with your family, some rude jackass comes up and asks for a picture!
"You can't even imagine what kinda crazy has happened to me. I understand the excitement and all, but just take a second and think... Is this cool right now? It's called consciousness; it's the quality or state of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. Be conscious.
"So like I said… yhe fastest way to get me to leave is whip out a camera! Maybe just say hello and I'll probably take ya home with me! Well, I'd have to ask my girlfriend first! Hah!
"Sincerely yours, The Picture Taker Hater! Tommy Lee"
"Dear fans,
"I fucking LOVE my fans! And you know this!!!... If you asked anyone that knows me really well, they would tell ya the same thing... 'Tommy loves his fans. He lives for this shit... he eats, breathes,shits music 24/7.' They'll also probably tell ya that 'he's a down-to-earth grateful life-lovin dude and a nice guy, too.'
"What I have a problem with is... taking pictures! I hate it! Irritates the fuck out of me when people say... 'You owe it to your fans, they put you where you are, etc. etc.!'
"I certainly don't owe anybody anything!
"When I bought all my LED ZEPPELIN records and concert tickets, I didn't say, 'One day these fuckers are gonna owe me a picture.' It's the least they can do for me!...
"[What the fuck], people? You don't admire something so that it can give back... You just cherish it! And to those who say, 'You should be grateful that people wanna take your picture. Maybe one day they won't want it!' That day can't come soon enough!
"[By the way]… I'm not here to take pictures with you, I'm here to entertain you!
"Nobody put me where I am but ME! They may have helped inspire me with their love for what I do... but I put myself right here where I want to be with a lot of hard work, practice, talent, luck, etc. What I do owe myself and others is being THE BEST I can be! And that's making great music, being a good man, father, lover and human being! We all owe that kinda stuff to ourselves and each other.
"People, do we really need a silly picture?... For what?! Bragging rights? Really?.. Who fucking cares! Someone's not gonna believe you if ya don't have the proof pic? Then fuck 'em! I'd never go up to someone that I admired and bug them for a picture!! Why! I might say a quick hello... maybe a handshake? I dunno... It depends on the 'situation'... Most people never consider the 'situation.' That's really important... Ya wouldn't wanna handshake standing at the pisser in the men's bathroom next to me, would ya? And yes, that's happened to me, too... Or when you're eating a nice, quiet meal with your family, some rude jackass comes up and asks for a picture!
"You can't even imagine what kinda crazy has happened to me. I understand the excitement and all, but just take a second and think... Is this cool right now? It's called consciousness; it's the quality or state of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. Be conscious.
"So like I said… yhe fastest way to get me to leave is whip out a camera! Maybe just say hello and I'll probably take ya home with me! Well, I'd have to ask my girlfriend first! Hah!
"Sincerely yours, The Picture Taker Hater! Tommy Lee"
Jeremy Spencer from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and Chachi Riot from POP EVIL will take part in a live chat today (Thursday, June 28) at 4:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. PST at TrespassAmerica.com. Submit your questions on Facebook.com/trespassamerica or tweet them with #trespass.
Trespass America is the new summer festival tour FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is launching this year. The trek kicks off on July 13 in Broomfield, Colorado, hitting 31 cities before winding down on August 28 in Los Angeles. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, POP EVIL, TRIVIUM, GOD FORBID, EMMURE and BATTLECROSS will round out the lineup of the metal-centric package.
The trek is a joint venture with Europe's Metal Hammer magazine, which is sponsoring a U.S. tour for the first time.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is touring behind its third album, "American Capitalist", which came out last fall and looks likely to be the Las Vegas-based act's third consecutive gold album.
Trespass America is the new summer festival tour FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is launching this year. The trek kicks off on July 13 in Broomfield, Colorado, hitting 31 cities before winding down on August 28 in Los Angeles. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, POP EVIL, TRIVIUM, GOD FORBID, EMMURE and BATTLECROSS will round out the lineup of the metal-centric package.
The trek is a joint venture with Europe's Metal Hammer magazine, which is sponsoring a U.S. tour for the first time.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is touring behind its third album, "American Capitalist", which came out last fall and looks likely to be the Las Vegas-based act's third consecutive gold album.
Vocalist/guitarist Michael Poulsen of Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT has issued the following update:
"At this year's Sweden Rock Festival, I had one of the best experiences and I'm still very much up in the air about it; it was a great emotional ride. King Diamond gave me an amazing opportunity, to go on stage with him and sing 'Come To The Sabbath'.
"The show was fantastic and King sounded better than ever. I have been a huge KING DIAMOND / MERCYFUL FATE fan since my school days in Denmark. He was the first frontman in a metal band that I really became a fan of. At a very early age, I was already on my knees for Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi. But when the Danish newspapers started to write about KING DIAMOND and his new record, 'Them', I knew that I was about to discover something unique and special.
"A few minutes after reading the newspapers, I jumped on my bike and headed to my local record shop. 15 minutes later, I was holding the record in my hands and a new young KING DIAMOND fan was born and I have been following him and buying all his records since.
"I remember asking my dad if I could have some money for a KING DIAMOND concert ticket, he said, 'Sure, but how will you earn the money for the train ticket and merchandise?' he asked smiling. I responded I would figure it out, smiling.
"I ended up selling my BMX Raleigh bicycle, my dad got a little pissed about that in the beginning, but he ended up thinking that was real dedication and a good smart move from my side, because now he also had to buy me a new bike so I could get to school.
"Even my first tattoo was a MERCYFUL FATE cover ('Don't Break The Oath'). I was still in school and not old enough to get a tattoo, and I was begging the local tattoo artist to give me this tattoo. In the end, he said, 'Okay I'll do it if you. Come NOW, but don't tell anyone.' I said, 'I cannot do it now because I'm about to have my exam in school in less than an hour.' He didn't care, so I said, 'Fuck school, I'm on my way.' I didn't take my exam, but I got something that was so much more important to me, my first tattoo.
"The first time I met King in person was around 1996 or 1997, at that time, I had released my first two metal records and some demos with my previous band, DOMINUS. As an eager fan, I was telling him how much he inspired me. And now here in 2012 he still inspires me a lot in VOLBEAT.
"King has been to a few VOLBEAT shows in the U.S. to check us out and hang out and also to say hello to his good friend, Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), who is currently helping VOLBEAT on our U.S. tour, which also is a great compliment for me and VOLBEAT.
"If you, as a reader, haven't met King in person, then let me tell you about him, he's the most dedicated man to his music and one of the nicest guys in this scene I have ever met. I am proud to calling him my friend.
"The King is back!"
"At this year's Sweden Rock Festival, I had one of the best experiences and I'm still very much up in the air about it; it was a great emotional ride. King Diamond gave me an amazing opportunity, to go on stage with him and sing 'Come To The Sabbath'.
"The show was fantastic and King sounded better than ever. I have been a huge KING DIAMOND / MERCYFUL FATE fan since my school days in Denmark. He was the first frontman in a metal band that I really became a fan of. At a very early age, I was already on my knees for Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi. But when the Danish newspapers started to write about KING DIAMOND and his new record, 'Them', I knew that I was about to discover something unique and special.
"A few minutes after reading the newspapers, I jumped on my bike and headed to my local record shop. 15 minutes later, I was holding the record in my hands and a new young KING DIAMOND fan was born and I have been following him and buying all his records since.
"I remember asking my dad if I could have some money for a KING DIAMOND concert ticket, he said, 'Sure, but how will you earn the money for the train ticket and merchandise?' he asked smiling. I responded I would figure it out, smiling.
"I ended up selling my BMX Raleigh bicycle, my dad got a little pissed about that in the beginning, but he ended up thinking that was real dedication and a good smart move from my side, because now he also had to buy me a new bike so I could get to school.
"Even my first tattoo was a MERCYFUL FATE cover ('Don't Break The Oath'). I was still in school and not old enough to get a tattoo, and I was begging the local tattoo artist to give me this tattoo. In the end, he said, 'Okay I'll do it if you. Come NOW, but don't tell anyone.' I said, 'I cannot do it now because I'm about to have my exam in school in less than an hour.' He didn't care, so I said, 'Fuck school, I'm on my way.' I didn't take my exam, but I got something that was so much more important to me, my first tattoo.
"The first time I met King in person was around 1996 or 1997, at that time, I had released my first two metal records and some demos with my previous band, DOMINUS. As an eager fan, I was telling him how much he inspired me. And now here in 2012 he still inspires me a lot in VOLBEAT.
"King has been to a few VOLBEAT shows in the U.S. to check us out and hang out and also to say hello to his good friend, Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), who is currently helping VOLBEAT on our U.S. tour, which also is a great compliment for me and VOLBEAT.
"If you, as a reader, haven't met King in person, then let me tell you about him, he's the most dedicated man to his music and one of the nicest guys in this scene I have ever met. I am proud to calling him my friend.
"The King is back!"
In a brand new interview with The Press-Enterprise, SLIPKNOT mastermind/percussionist M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan spoke about taking part in this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival — the band's first full U.S. tour since losing bassist Paul Gray, who was found dead of an overdose of morphine and fentanyl at a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa in May 2010.
"When I walk out onstage and [Paul's] not there, it's devastating," Crahan said. "But I celebrate him. I talk to him. I ask for his love. I ask for his participation. I ask for him to enjoy himself. Some days I yell at him. Some days I cry. As far as our fans go, I make eye contact because I notice that they notice he's not there, and I feel their pain. So I try to look at them, everybody in the eye and let them know I know what they're going through."
He added, "Paul will always be #2 of nine guys, always, for the rest of my life. Anybody that comes in, this might sound bad, they're not going to be part of the nine. They're going to be an addition. They'll never be part of that sacred nine, the nine that started and are continuing."
According to Crahan, SLIPKNOT plans to wrap up touring in August, and then take a break before reconvening to work in earnest on a new CD.
"We're going to stay strong together," he said. "We're going to move on, and we're going to continue to make SLIPKNOT music, and Paul will always be there. As long as I'm in the band, he will not never be there."
SLIPKNOT's last record, "All Hope Is Gone", was released in 2008.
"When I walk out onstage and [Paul's] not there, it's devastating," Crahan said. "But I celebrate him. I talk to him. I ask for his love. I ask for his participation. I ask for him to enjoy himself. Some days I yell at him. Some days I cry. As far as our fans go, I make eye contact because I notice that they notice he's not there, and I feel their pain. So I try to look at them, everybody in the eye and let them know I know what they're going through."
He added, "Paul will always be #2 of nine guys, always, for the rest of my life. Anybody that comes in, this might sound bad, they're not going to be part of the nine. They're going to be an addition. They'll never be part of that sacred nine, the nine that started and are continuing."
According to Crahan, SLIPKNOT plans to wrap up touring in August, and then take a break before reconvening to work in earnest on a new CD.
"We're going to stay strong together," he said. "We're going to move on, and we're going to continue to make SLIPKNOT music, and Paul will always be there. As long as I'm in the band, he will not never be there."
SLIPKNOT's last record, "All Hope Is Gone", was released in 2008.
According to the Czech news web site Novinky, LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe was arrested earlier today (Thursday, June 28) in the Czech Republic and charged with manslaughter over an incident that happened more than two years ago.
Blythe reportedly got into an altercation with a fan during the band's show at the Prague club Abaton in May 2010 and the fan later died of his injuries.
When LAMB OF GOD arrived on Thursday to play a show at the Rock Café in Prague with SKELETONWITCH and ALL SHALL PERISH, the local police brought the musician in for questioning. LAMB OF GOD's appearance at the venue was canceled later in the day.
A spokesperson for LAMB OF GOD says that Blythe is "wrongly accused," that the band's "lawyers are dealing with it," and that "we expect him to be fully exonerated."
Blythe reportedly got into an altercation with a fan during the band's show at the Prague club Abaton in May 2010 and the fan later died of his injuries.
When LAMB OF GOD arrived on Thursday to play a show at the Rock Café in Prague with SKELETONWITCH and ALL SHALL PERISH, the local police brought the musician in for questioning. LAMB OF GOD's appearance at the venue was canceled later in the day.
A spokesperson for LAMB OF GOD says that Blythe is "wrongly accused," that the band's "lawyers are dealing with it," and that "we expect him to be fully exonerated."
Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the release of their debut album and the 20-year anniversary of LORDI's conception (then just featuring the band's mainman, Mr. Lordi) the by issuing a new CD/DVD, entitled "Scarchives Vol. 1", containing rare and previously unreleased material. On the CD you will find the full unreleased album from 1997, "Bend Over And Pray The Lord". The DVD brings out the full, completely uncensored and untouched recording of LORDI's very first show from 2002. Pretty much no one's ever heard the album, and no one's ever seen this video ... until now. On the booklet you'll also find a long, detailed backstory of making of "Bend Over And Pray The Lord".
Earlier this year, LORDI mainman Mr. Lordi commented on the "Scarchives Vol. 1" release: "The [proposed] box set will NOT come out as a box per se. The items that were supposed to be in the box will be released separately item by item. The reason for this unforeseen change of plans is that all the planned items in the physical box would have raised the production costs so high that the very small, limited quantity of the box would have put the price of each individual box probably unbearable for most of the fans. So it was decided that the best solution is to divide the set in parts. This way the price of each item will not be as pricy, and everyone can decide for themselves what items they want and can afford. So, in a way, the contents of the box set are coming, but the actual physical box is not."
He continued, "The first part to be released is a CD/DVD. It will include the very first unreleased LORDI album, 'Bend Over And Pray The Lord - The Heavy Rock Album' (CD) from 1997. The original booklet is included with no touch-ups whatsoever, plus a long story about making the album. As bonus tracks, 'Get Heavy', which was added to the album a bit later on, is included, as well as 'Hulking Dynamo', produced and mixed by late TT Oksala for 'Get Heavy' in 2002, with little additional work done this year by Mikko Karmila. The other part is a DVD, which includes the very first LORDI show from Nosturi, Helsinki 2002. The show was filmed by multiple cameras, and it is completely unfixed and none of the mistakes and embarrassing moments are edited out. The setlist includes, naturally, all the 'Get Heavy' songs. As a bonus, commentary track by myself and a gallery of all the unreleased merchandise from that era."
LORDI will enter WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee in September with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH) to begin recording their new album for an early 2013 release.
LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.
Earlier this year, LORDI mainman Mr. Lordi commented on the "Scarchives Vol. 1" release: "The [proposed] box set will NOT come out as a box per se. The items that were supposed to be in the box will be released separately item by item. The reason for this unforeseen change of plans is that all the planned items in the physical box would have raised the production costs so high that the very small, limited quantity of the box would have put the price of each individual box probably unbearable for most of the fans. So it was decided that the best solution is to divide the set in parts. This way the price of each item will not be as pricy, and everyone can decide for themselves what items they want and can afford. So, in a way, the contents of the box set are coming, but the actual physical box is not."
He continued, "The first part to be released is a CD/DVD. It will include the very first unreleased LORDI album, 'Bend Over And Pray The Lord - The Heavy Rock Album' (CD) from 1997. The original booklet is included with no touch-ups whatsoever, plus a long story about making the album. As bonus tracks, 'Get Heavy', which was added to the album a bit later on, is included, as well as 'Hulking Dynamo', produced and mixed by late TT Oksala for 'Get Heavy' in 2002, with little additional work done this year by Mikko Karmila. The other part is a DVD, which includes the very first LORDI show from Nosturi, Helsinki 2002. The show was filmed by multiple cameras, and it is completely unfixed and none of the mistakes and embarrassing moments are edited out. The setlist includes, naturally, all the 'Get Heavy' songs. As a bonus, commentary track by myself and a gallery of all the unreleased merchandise from that era."
LORDI will enter WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee in September with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH) to begin recording their new album for an early 2013 release.
LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.
Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the release of their debut album and the 20-year anniversary of LORDI's conception (then just featuring the band's mainman, Mr. Lordi) the by issuing a new CD/DVD, entitled "Scarchives Vol. 1", containing rare and previously unreleased material. On the CD you will find the full unreleased album from 1997, "Bend Over And Pray The Lord". The DVD brings out the full, completely uncensored and untouched recording of LORDI's very first show from 2002. Pretty much no one's ever heard the album, and no one's ever seen this video ... until now. On the booklet you'll also find a long, detailed backstory of making of "Bend Over And Pray The Lord".
Earlier this year, LORDI mainman Mr. Lordi commented on the "Scarchives Vol. 1" release: "The [proposed] box set will NOT come out as a box per se. The items that were supposed to be in the box will be released separately item by item. The reason for this unforeseen change of plans is that all the planned items in the physical box would have raised the production costs so high that the very small, limited quantity of the box would have put the price of each individual box probably unbearable for most of the fans. So it was decided that the best solution is to divide the set in parts. This way the price of each item will not be as pricy, and everyone can decide for themselves what items they want and can afford. So, in a way, the contents of the box set are coming, but the actual physical box is not."
He continued, "The first part to be released is a CD/DVD. It will include the very first unreleased LORDI album, 'Bend Over And Pray The Lord - The Heavy Rock Album' (CD) from 1997. The original booklet is included with no touch-ups whatsoever, plus a long story about making the album. As bonus tracks, 'Get Heavy', which was added to the album a bit later on, is included, as well as 'Hulking Dynamo', produced and mixed by late TT Oksala for 'Get Heavy' in 2002, with little additional work done this year by Mikko Karmila. The other part is a DVD, which includes the very first LORDI show from Nosturi, Helsinki 2002. The show was filmed by multiple cameras, and it is completely unfixed and none of the mistakes and embarrassing moments are edited out. The setlist includes, naturally, all the 'Get Heavy' songs. As a bonus, commentary track by myself and a gallery of all the unreleased merchandise from that era."
LORDI will enter WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee in September with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH) to begin recording their new album for an early 2013 release.
LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.
Earlier this year, LORDI mainman Mr. Lordi commented on the "Scarchives Vol. 1" release: "The [proposed] box set will NOT come out as a box per se. The items that were supposed to be in the box will be released separately item by item. The reason for this unforeseen change of plans is that all the planned items in the physical box would have raised the production costs so high that the very small, limited quantity of the box would have put the price of each individual box probably unbearable for most of the fans. So it was decided that the best solution is to divide the set in parts. This way the price of each item will not be as pricy, and everyone can decide for themselves what items they want and can afford. So, in a way, the contents of the box set are coming, but the actual physical box is not."
He continued, "The first part to be released is a CD/DVD. It will include the very first unreleased LORDI album, 'Bend Over And Pray The Lord - The Heavy Rock Album' (CD) from 1997. The original booklet is included with no touch-ups whatsoever, plus a long story about making the album. As bonus tracks, 'Get Heavy', which was added to the album a bit later on, is included, as well as 'Hulking Dynamo', produced and mixed by late TT Oksala for 'Get Heavy' in 2002, with little additional work done this year by Mikko Karmila. The other part is a DVD, which includes the very first LORDI show from Nosturi, Helsinki 2002. The show was filmed by multiple cameras, and it is completely unfixed and none of the mistakes and embarrassing moments are edited out. The setlist includes, naturally, all the 'Get Heavy' songs. As a bonus, commentary track by myself and a gallery of all the unreleased merchandise from that era."
LORDI will enter WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee in September with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH) to begin recording their new album for an early 2013 release.
LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.
Canadian metal legends ANVIL will perform at the Celebration Canada event in Taiwan on July 1. The concert, which is scheduled to be held at the Legacy Club in Taipei, is part of a two-day festival to celebrate Canada's 145th birthday organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan. It marks the first time that the band will have played in Taiwan.
Celebration Canada is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Canada. The popularity of ANVIL's documentary, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", in Taiwan was the catalyst to the promoter approaching the band to play the show. The movie did extraordinarily well in theatres and via pay-per-view in Taiwan.
"I'm a proud Canadian and playing on Canada Day in Taiwan is living proof Canadians are proud of ANVIL," says ANVIL guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow. "It's such an honor and privilege for ANVIL to be part of this celebration."
Following their performance in Taiwan and the success of their Canadian tour earlier this year, ANVIL will embark on another block of Canadian dates which will take them from Toronto to Vancouver. ANVIL is also scheduled to plays at the Skogsröjet Festival in Skogsröjet, Sweden on August 10 and at the Bloodstock festival at Catton Hall in England on August 12.
Celebration Canada is the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Canada. The popularity of ANVIL's documentary, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", in Taiwan was the catalyst to the promoter approaching the band to play the show. The movie did extraordinarily well in theatres and via pay-per-view in Taiwan.
"I'm a proud Canadian and playing on Canada Day in Taiwan is living proof Canadians are proud of ANVIL," says ANVIL guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow. "It's such an honor and privilege for ANVIL to be part of this celebration."
Following their performance in Taiwan and the success of their Canadian tour earlier this year, ANVIL will embark on another block of Canadian dates which will take them from Toronto to Vancouver. ANVIL is also scheduled to plays at the Skogsröjet Festival in Skogsröjet, Sweden on August 10 and at the Bloodstock festival at Catton Hall in England on August 12.
Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records, in conjunction with Hamburg, Germany-based earMUSIC, has announced the release of the first ever live solo album from Finnish singer Tarja Turunen. Entitled "Act I", the release will be unleashed to North American fans on September 4 in 2-CD, 2-DVD and Blu-ray format. The cover artwork for the CD can now be seen below.
The first ever live audio/video offering from the former NIGHTWISH soprano, "Act I" is a mammoth undertaking recorded and filmed with 10 HD cameras at the breathtaking Teatro El Círculo in Rosario, Argentina in March 2012. With an elaborate track listing of solo tunes, NIGHTWISH classics and various covers, including a rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom Of The Opera", Gary Moore's "Over The Hills And Far Away", WHITESNAKE's "Still Of The Night" and a variety of video extras, "Act I" provides a full-fledged bill of fare to every diehard Tarja fan.
Comments Turunen of the offering: "Those two nights in Rosario were a huge emotional drive to me personally," adding that she was many times "ready to burst into tears."
"Act I" track listing:
CD 1
01. Anteroom Of Death
02. My Little Phoenix
03. Dark Star
04. Naiad
05. Falling Awake
06. I Walk Alone
07. Little Lies
08. Into The Sun (previously unreleased)
09. Nemo (NIGHWISH)
10. Never Enough (previously unreleased)
11. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE)
12. In For A Kill
CD 2
01. Boy And The Ghost
02. Lost Northern Star
03. Ciaran's Well
04. Tired Of Being Alone (written with Schiller)
05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin' On A Prayer (Medley)
06. Underneath
07. Oasis / The Archive Of Lost Dreams
08. Crimson Deep
09. The Phantom Of The Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
10. Die Alive
11. Until My Last Breath
12. Over The Hills And Far Away (Gary Moore)
DVD 1
01. If You Believe
02. Anteroom Of Death
03. My Little Phoenix
04. Dark Star
05. Naiad
06. Falling Awake
07. I Walk Alone
08. Orpheus Hallucination / Orpheus In The Underworld
09. Little Lies (band jam)
10. Little Lies
11. Into The Sun (previously unreleased)
12. Nemo
13. Rivers Of Lust
14. Minor Heaven
15. Montañas De Silencio
16. Sing For Me
17. I Feel Immortal
18. Never Enough (previously unreleased)
19. In For A Kill
20. Toccata And Fugue D-minor (BWV 565) (Johann Sebastian Bach)
21. The Phantom Of The Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
22. Die Alive
23. Until My Last Breath
24. Over The Hills And Far Away (Gary Moore)
DVD 2
01. Boy And The Ghost
02. Lost Northern Star
03. Ciaran's Well
04. Tired Of Being Alone (written with Schiller)
05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin' On A Prayer (Medley)
06. Underneath
07. The Reign
08. Oasis/The Archive Of Lost Dreams
09. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE)
Blu-ray track listing is the same as DVD 1 and 2.
In other news, Tarja is in pre-production for her third solo album, which is expected to be released sometime next year. She says, "I have 25 songs where to choose the best ones for the album. Some of the musicians are already working on them with me."
Tarja's sophomore solo album, "What Lies Beneath", sold around 1,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 24 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.
"What Lies Beneath" was released in North America on September 14, 2010 via The End Records.
CD:
The first ever live audio/video offering from the former NIGHTWISH soprano, "Act I" is a mammoth undertaking recorded and filmed with 10 HD cameras at the breathtaking Teatro El Círculo in Rosario, Argentina in March 2012. With an elaborate track listing of solo tunes, NIGHTWISH classics and various covers, including a rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom Of The Opera", Gary Moore's "Over The Hills And Far Away", WHITESNAKE's "Still Of The Night" and a variety of video extras, "Act I" provides a full-fledged bill of fare to every diehard Tarja fan.
Comments Turunen of the offering: "Those two nights in Rosario were a huge emotional drive to me personally," adding that she was many times "ready to burst into tears."
"Act I" track listing:
CD 1
01. Anteroom Of Death
02. My Little Phoenix
03. Dark Star
04. Naiad
05. Falling Awake
06. I Walk Alone
07. Little Lies
08. Into The Sun (previously unreleased)
09. Nemo (NIGHWISH)
10. Never Enough (previously unreleased)
11. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE)
12. In For A Kill
CD 2
01. Boy And The Ghost
02. Lost Northern Star
03. Ciaran's Well
04. Tired Of Being Alone (written with Schiller)
05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin' On A Prayer (Medley)
06. Underneath
07. Oasis / The Archive Of Lost Dreams
08. Crimson Deep
09. The Phantom Of The Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
10. Die Alive
11. Until My Last Breath
12. Over The Hills And Far Away (Gary Moore)
DVD 1
01. If You Believe
02. Anteroom Of Death
03. My Little Phoenix
04. Dark Star
05. Naiad
06. Falling Awake
07. I Walk Alone
08. Orpheus Hallucination / Orpheus In The Underworld
09. Little Lies (band jam)
10. Little Lies
11. Into The Sun (previously unreleased)
12. Nemo
13. Rivers Of Lust
14. Minor Heaven
15. Montañas De Silencio
16. Sing For Me
17. I Feel Immortal
18. Never Enough (previously unreleased)
19. In For A Kill
20. Toccata And Fugue D-minor (BWV 565) (Johann Sebastian Bach)
21. The Phantom Of The Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
22. Die Alive
23. Until My Last Breath
24. Over The Hills And Far Away (Gary Moore)
DVD 2
01. Boy And The Ghost
02. Lost Northern Star
03. Ciaran's Well
04. Tired Of Being Alone (written with Schiller)
05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin' On A Prayer (Medley)
06. Underneath
07. The Reign
08. Oasis/The Archive Of Lost Dreams
09. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE)
Blu-ray track listing is the same as DVD 1 and 2.
In other news, Tarja is in pre-production for her third solo album, which is expected to be released sometime next year. She says, "I have 25 songs where to choose the best ones for the album. Some of the musicians are already working on them with me."
Tarja's sophomore solo album, "What Lies Beneath", sold around 1,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 24 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.
"What Lies Beneath" was released in North America on September 14, 2010 via The End Records.
CD:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/tarjaacticd.jpg
DVD:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/tarjaact1cover1.jpeg
Blu-ray:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/tarjaact1cover2.jpeg
James Iha is excited to announce the release of his new solo album, "Look To The Sky", out September 18 on The End Records. As a member of A PERFECT CIRCLE, the power pop super-group TINTED WINDOWS, and of course, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, Iha has gathered musical depth and craftsmanship inspired by his many bands as well as his production work with THE SOUNDS, WHISKEYTOWN and LADYTRON, to create a new album offering listeners sophisticated pop melodies, lyrical sharpness and guitar driven rock.
Rolling Stone caught up with Iha and is currently streaming cinematic first track, "To Who Knows Where". Check it out here.
Produced by Iha and guitarist Nathan Larson (formerly of beloved indie rockers SHUDDER TO THINK) at Iha's own studio Stratosphere Sound in New York City, the sessions for "Look To The Sky" were designed to create an atmosphere of freedom, experimentation and shared fondness for a variety of enduring genres: from bright, modern rock, to '60s nuggets and cool, clean '80s new wave.
"I wanted this record to be more eclectic and reflect all of my tastes which is why it took so long," Iha explains. "It was important to me for the record to be multi-dimensional and complex. Being a part of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, and working with so many other bands and artists since my last album [1998's solo debut 'Let It Come Down'] gave me a fresh perspective on what music could be."
This free and fun environment attracted friends and peers such as the YEAH YEAH YEAHS' Karen O and Nick Zinner, TEGAN AND SARA's Sara Quin, FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE's Adam Schlesinger, ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS and legendary TELEVISION guitarist Tom Verlaine.
"Working with all of these talented people helped the record evolve in great and unexpected ways," Iha says.
"Look To The Sky" sees Iha returning as a solo artist after nearly a decade and a half, newly inspired, a little wiser and proud to share what he's learned and created. "I feel like everything should lead up to something and this is a culmination of my journey," he says.
Rolling Stone caught up with Iha and is currently streaming cinematic first track, "To Who Knows Where". Check it out here.
Produced by Iha and guitarist Nathan Larson (formerly of beloved indie rockers SHUDDER TO THINK) at Iha's own studio Stratosphere Sound in New York City, the sessions for "Look To The Sky" were designed to create an atmosphere of freedom, experimentation and shared fondness for a variety of enduring genres: from bright, modern rock, to '60s nuggets and cool, clean '80s new wave.
"I wanted this record to be more eclectic and reflect all of my tastes which is why it took so long," Iha explains. "It was important to me for the record to be multi-dimensional and complex. Being a part of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, and working with so many other bands and artists since my last album [1998's solo debut 'Let It Come Down'] gave me a fresh perspective on what music could be."
This free and fun environment attracted friends and peers such as the YEAH YEAH YEAHS' Karen O and Nick Zinner, TEGAN AND SARA's Sara Quin, FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE's Adam Schlesinger, ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS and legendary TELEVISION guitarist Tom Verlaine.
"Working with all of these talented people helped the record evolve in great and unexpected ways," Iha says.
"Look To The Sky" sees Iha returning as a solo artist after nearly a decade and a half, newly inspired, a little wiser and proud to share what he's learned and created. "I feel like everything should lead up to something and this is a culmination of my journey," he says.
Helsinki, Finland-based gothic metallers THE 69 EYES are putting the finishing touches on their 10th studio album, "X", in Stockholm, Sweden for a late September release through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America. A single, "Red", will precede the full-length CD in August.
"We've never really celebrated anything, not that we've been playing 20 years or so (vampires don't count decades). Thus this time we thought to celebrate a bit: the new album is entitled as tenth in Roman numbers, it'll be called 'X'," says lead singer Jyrki69.
"X" was mixed by Stefan Boman (THE HELLACOPTERS, BULLET). "The sound is the most melodic, yet melancholic, we've ever had," says Jyrki69. "Listening to the pre-mixes have been giving goose bumps to everyone here. This is the best THE 69 EYES album ever done!"
THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years in July in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
To coincide with the new album release, THE 69 EYES will also launch its own vampire-style red wine, simply called as "Red," which will mainly be distributed in Sweden and Finland.
While waiting for the album, the Helsinki vampire enthusiastic can go to listen to singer Jyrki's DJ skills as he hosts his goth'n'roll club nights in Barcelona's Undead club on July 7 and Fangtasia II event in New Orleans on July 21.?
"We've never really celebrated anything, not that we've been playing 20 years or so (vampires don't count decades). Thus this time we thought to celebrate a bit: the new album is entitled as tenth in Roman numbers, it'll be called 'X'," says lead singer Jyrki69.
"X" was mixed by Stefan Boman (THE HELLACOPTERS, BULLET). "The sound is the most melodic, yet melancholic, we've ever had," says Jyrki69. "Listening to the pre-mixes have been giving goose bumps to everyone here. This is the best THE 69 EYES album ever done!"
THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years in July in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
To coincide with the new album release, THE 69 EYES will also launch its own vampire-style red wine, simply called as "Red," which will mainly be distributed in Sweden and Finland.
While waiting for the album, the Helsinki vampire enthusiastic can go to listen to singer Jyrki's DJ skills as he hosts his goth'n'roll club nights in Barcelona's Undead club on July 7 and Fangtasia II event in New Orleans on July 21.?
SEVENDUST will enter the studio on September 5 to begin working on its new album for an early 2013 release.
SEVENDUST's latest CD, "Cold Day Memory", sold around 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous effort, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow", opened with 25,000 units back in April 2008 to land at position No. 19.
"Cold Day Memory" was released on April 20, 2010 on the band's own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The CD — produced by Grammy Award winner Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, 3 DOORS DOWN, PLAIN WHITE T'S) — was the group's first new album with its original lineup back together with Lowery's return after his departure in 2003.
CALL ME NO ONE — the new project featuring Lowery and SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose — released its debut album, "Last Parade", on June 5. The CD's first single, "Biggest Fan", was made available to purchase on iTunes on April 24.
SEVENDUST guitarist John Connolly and bassist Vince Hornsby also recently launched a new project, joining forces with CREED/ALTER BRIDGE drummer Scott Phillips in a new outfit called PROJECTED.
PROJECTED has already completed recording its debut disc, to be made available later in the year.
SEVENDUST's latest CD, "Cold Day Memory", sold around 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous effort, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow", opened with 25,000 units back in April 2008 to land at position No. 19.
"Cold Day Memory" was released on April 20, 2010 on the band's own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The CD — produced by Grammy Award winner Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, 3 DOORS DOWN, PLAIN WHITE T'S) — was the group's first new album with its original lineup back together with Lowery's return after his departure in 2003.
CALL ME NO ONE — the new project featuring Lowery and SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose — released its debut album, "Last Parade", on June 5. The CD's first single, "Biggest Fan", was made available to purchase on iTunes on April 24.
SEVENDUST guitarist John Connolly and bassist Vince Hornsby also recently launched a new project, joining forces with CREED/ALTER BRIDGE drummer Scott Phillips in a new outfit called PROJECTED.
PROJECTED has already completed recording its debut disc, to be made available later in the year.
Nottingham, England's EARTHTONE9 spent nearly a decade in the deep freeze after a messy implosion in 2002. The quintet appeared to be long gone — another casualty of music industry indifference and internal conflict — yet in 2010 they unexpectedly resurfaced to play to rapturous receptions at both the Sonisphere and Damnation festivals. This was followed by last year's new EP (the Pledge Music-funded "For Cause & Consequence"), which showed a band completely renewed with vigor and enthusiasm.
And now the next stage of EARTHTONE9 has surfaced. The band has announced that they plan to record a brand new album in the autumn of 2012. Once again they intend to use the fan-driven mechanism of Pledge Music. (Pledge allows supporters of the band to "pledge" money in advance of the release on a wide array of exclusive items.)
To kick off the campaign, the band recorded a one-off single with rock über-producer Chris Sheldon (FOO FIGHTERS, BIFFY CLYRO), and are offering it completely free to all and sundry. The track, "Horizons End", is available completely free at this location.
A hulking, lurching behemoth of a tune, "Horizons End" rides in on a sledge-heavy riff and builds to one of EARTHTONE9's most melodic choruses. As frontman Karl Middleton explains, "It definitely represents where the material for this new album is at. It feels like a mix of the face pounding heaviness of 'Arc Tan Gent' with the experimental twists of our swansong 'Omega' EP. We could not be more excited about people hearing it."
He adds, "We have recorded this new single specifically to give away and let people hear where we are at musically. We really love the Pledge Music model. The direct link with music fans. The immediacy and purity of the dialogue.
"So here's our message: Please download the 'Horizons End' single. If you like it, paste the download link on your Facebook page. Tell your friends. Help us spread the word. And then 'pledge' on the new album on our Pledge page. If enough people put their money where their mouth is, we will be able to unleash every note we have written direct to your ears."
Anyone pledging on the album project will receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes video and access to unheard material over the coming months.
And now the next stage of EARTHTONE9 has surfaced. The band has announced that they plan to record a brand new album in the autumn of 2012. Once again they intend to use the fan-driven mechanism of Pledge Music. (Pledge allows supporters of the band to "pledge" money in advance of the release on a wide array of exclusive items.)
To kick off the campaign, the band recorded a one-off single with rock über-producer Chris Sheldon (FOO FIGHTERS, BIFFY CLYRO), and are offering it completely free to all and sundry. The track, "Horizons End", is available completely free at this location.
A hulking, lurching behemoth of a tune, "Horizons End" rides in on a sledge-heavy riff and builds to one of EARTHTONE9's most melodic choruses. As frontman Karl Middleton explains, "It definitely represents where the material for this new album is at. It feels like a mix of the face pounding heaviness of 'Arc Tan Gent' with the experimental twists of our swansong 'Omega' EP. We could not be more excited about people hearing it."
He adds, "We have recorded this new single specifically to give away and let people hear where we are at musically. We really love the Pledge Music model. The direct link with music fans. The immediacy and purity of the dialogue.
"So here's our message: Please download the 'Horizons End' single. If you like it, paste the download link on your Facebook page. Tell your friends. Help us spread the word. And then 'pledge' on the new album on our Pledge page. If enough people put their money where their mouth is, we will be able to unleash every note we have written direct to your ears."
Anyone pledging on the album project will receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes video and access to unheard material over the coming months.
BONZ, the new band led by original STUCK MOJO vocalist Bonz, will embark on "The Mouth Of Mojo" tour in August. The trek will cover North America and Europe over the next several months.
The first confirmed dates are as follows:
Aug. 16 - The Basement - Atlanta, GA
Aug. 17 - Zakk's - Murfreesboro, NC
Aug. 18 - The Berkeley Café - Raleigh, NC (w/ STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, DIECAST)
Aug. 24 - The Haven Lounge - Winter Park, FL
Aug. 25 - The Pit - Jacksonville, FL
Aug. 26 - Club Boa, Clermont, FL
After years of speculation, and many rumors, regarding his musical career, Bonz is back on the scene with a new band and new music that is sure to excite fans and impress critics. The group's first single, "Broken Silence", includes some of the most insightful and poignant lyrics of his career, and he has assembled a band that enables him to explore avenues that he has wanted to go to for many years.
Bonz recruited his friend, Curt Taylor, formerly of PRIMER 55, as well as Erin Stagg and Troi Mosby to complete the lineup. The band also has a number of friends and surprises who make guest appearances on the recordings, truly making this a team effort.
After creating the first few demos, Bonz and his bandmates knew that something really new and invigorating was in store, and the music reflects that feeling. This is a "new" Bonz, with all of the flair and attitude that only he can bring, as part of a band that delivers the goods night in and night out, reiterating that the "Mouth Of Mojo" is indeed back in fine form.
Bonz in 2010 collaborated with former SOULFLY bassist Bobby Burns in the KILLER IN THE WORKPLACE project.
The first confirmed dates are as follows:
Aug. 16 - The Basement - Atlanta, GA
Aug. 17 - Zakk's - Murfreesboro, NC
Aug. 18 - The Berkeley Café - Raleigh, NC (w/ STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, DIECAST)
Aug. 24 - The Haven Lounge - Winter Park, FL
Aug. 25 - The Pit - Jacksonville, FL
Aug. 26 - Club Boa, Clermont, FL
After years of speculation, and many rumors, regarding his musical career, Bonz is back on the scene with a new band and new music that is sure to excite fans and impress critics. The group's first single, "Broken Silence", includes some of the most insightful and poignant lyrics of his career, and he has assembled a band that enables him to explore avenues that he has wanted to go to for many years.
Bonz recruited his friend, Curt Taylor, formerly of PRIMER 55, as well as Erin Stagg and Troi Mosby to complete the lineup. The band also has a number of friends and surprises who make guest appearances on the recordings, truly making this a team effort.
After creating the first few demos, Bonz and his bandmates knew that something really new and invigorating was in store, and the music reflects that feeling. This is a "new" Bonz, with all of the flair and attitude that only he can bring, as part of a band that delivers the goods night in and night out, reiterating that the "Mouth Of Mojo" is indeed back in fine form.
Bonz in 2010 collaborated with former SOULFLY bassist Bobby Burns in the KILLER IN THE WORKPLACE project.
Denver thrashers SILENCER will release their third full-length album and their first concept record, "The Great Bear", on September 25.
Commented the band: "SILENCER has followed a steady progression of thrash through the years, bordering on the extreme on recent releases. On this album we rewind to more '70s and '80s influences, aiming to bring a bit more rock back into metal without sacrificing any punch; things like big choruses and hooks as opposed to our previous works' all-out intensity and such. We were definitely influenced by concept albums such as RUSH's '2112' and QUEENSRŸCHE's 'Operation: Mindcrime' (among others) in putting together our story. This album musically is more denim, spikes, spit and vodka than anything we've done. Conceptually, SILENCER takes a look at the U.S-Soviet space race of the 1950s/1960s and asks some 'what if' questions. Lyrically, we rewind back to space race era Soviet Russia, and we chose to take a fictional turn towards what would have happened if the Russians chose to one-up the American's moon landing by going somewhere further. We tell the story from the Russian perspective, and try to capture the mentality of a union that could mobilize their entire population to achieve a goal, and also from the perspective of a member of this mission. This sort of story almost wrote itself, and its mood lent us to write some more straightforward yet very heavy tracks. It's definitely more thematic than prior releases, but aims to get to the point and tell a large story fairly efficiently."
"The Great Bear" will be distributed by Vanity Music Group and will be available in stores, iTunes and Amazon MP3. Available physical formats are CD and limited edition 180-gram vinyl.
SILENCER will perform on select warm-up dates and is in the planning stages for tours following the album's release.
"The Great Bear" track listing:
01. Sacred War
02. I Am Thunder!
03. 1969
04. Great Bear
05. Insignia
06. Star City Pt. I
07. Star City Pt. II
08. Orders/Noble Sacrifice
09. The Roar
10. Light
11. The First, The Last
Commented the band: "SILENCER has followed a steady progression of thrash through the years, bordering on the extreme on recent releases. On this album we rewind to more '70s and '80s influences, aiming to bring a bit more rock back into metal without sacrificing any punch; things like big choruses and hooks as opposed to our previous works' all-out intensity and such. We were definitely influenced by concept albums such as RUSH's '2112' and QUEENSRŸCHE's 'Operation: Mindcrime' (among others) in putting together our story. This album musically is more denim, spikes, spit and vodka than anything we've done. Conceptually, SILENCER takes a look at the U.S-Soviet space race of the 1950s/1960s and asks some 'what if' questions. Lyrically, we rewind back to space race era Soviet Russia, and we chose to take a fictional turn towards what would have happened if the Russians chose to one-up the American's moon landing by going somewhere further. We tell the story from the Russian perspective, and try to capture the mentality of a union that could mobilize their entire population to achieve a goal, and also from the perspective of a member of this mission. This sort of story almost wrote itself, and its mood lent us to write some more straightforward yet very heavy tracks. It's definitely more thematic than prior releases, but aims to get to the point and tell a large story fairly efficiently."
"The Great Bear" will be distributed by Vanity Music Group and will be available in stores, iTunes and Amazon MP3. Available physical formats are CD and limited edition 180-gram vinyl.
SILENCER will perform on select warm-up dates and is in the planning stages for tours following the album's release.
"The Great Bear" track listing:
01. Sacred War
02. I Am Thunder!
03. 1969
04. Great Bear
05. Insignia
06. Star City Pt. I
07. Star City Pt. II
08. Orders/Noble Sacrifice
09. The Roar
10. Light
11. The First, The Last
TOMAHAWK, the eclectic rock band featuring Duane Denison (THE JESUS LIZARD, UNSEMBLE), Trevor Dunn (FANTOMAS, MELVINS LITE), Mike Patton (MONDO CANE, FAITH NO MORE) and John Stanier (BATTLES, HELMET), is set to release "Oddfellows" in January.
"It's dark and claustrophobic here, light and spacious there," says Denison of the new album. "Live in the studio, all together in one room. Oddfellows indeed."
"Oddfellows" was recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville (which is owned by THE BLACK KEYS' Dan Auerbach) and co-produced by TOMAHAWK and Collin Dupuis (THE BLACK KEYS, THE NOCTURNALS).
As Denison recently told Rolling Stone, TOMAHAWK is essentially re-launching after a lengthy hiatus. "Oddfellows" is the band's first new album in five years and marks the addition of bass player Trevor Dunn (Patton's longtime cohort dating back to their teenage years in MR. BUNGLE).
TOMAHAWK's first live performance in nearly a decade is slated for the New Orleans' Voodoo Music And Arts Experience in late October. Additional dates will be announced soon.
"It's dark and claustrophobic here, light and spacious there," says Denison of the new album. "Live in the studio, all together in one room. Oddfellows indeed."
"Oddfellows" was recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville (which is owned by THE BLACK KEYS' Dan Auerbach) and co-produced by TOMAHAWK and Collin Dupuis (THE BLACK KEYS, THE NOCTURNALS).
As Denison recently told Rolling Stone, TOMAHAWK is essentially re-launching after a lengthy hiatus. "Oddfellows" is the band's first new album in five years and marks the addition of bass player Trevor Dunn (Patton's longtime cohort dating back to their teenage years in MR. BUNGLE).
TOMAHAWK's first live performance in nearly a decade is slated for the New Orleans' Voodoo Music And Arts Experience in late October. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Swedish melodic metallers SOILWORK have announced the addition of guitarist David Andersson (NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA) to the group's ranks.
"We're super-stoked to have David with us," said SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid. "He's a blast to be around and a kick-ass guitarist. Plus, we've known him for so many years, from all the touring together, we just know he's a perfect fit for us."
Andersson has toured, on and off, with SOILWORK since 2006, and most recently during the 2011 festival season in support of the band's acclaimed eighth album, "The Panic Broadcast".
Regarding the recently announced split with founding SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers, who first left the band in 2005 only to return four years later, Speed commented, "We just had to do this. It's in the best interest of both him and us. SOILWORK was born to be out there, tearing up the stage. Peter's been unable to commit to the kind of touring we need to do and it's time for us to move on. David's played with us for so long, he's really grown into the band. It feels natural, like a seamless transition. We're thankful for everything Peter has contributed to SOILWORK over the years and we sincerely wish him the best."
SOILWORK is currently in the process of writing music for its ninth album, "The Living Infinite". "We're working our asses off to put this record together," said Strid. "It's gonna be fantastic, the songs and ideas are flowing like crazy! As far as the musical direction goes, there's tons of crushing, high energy, in-your-face metal. Trust me, we're not about to go mellow anytime soon!"
Wichers originally quit SOILWORK in late 2005 and was replaced by Daniel Antonsson (DARK TRANQUILLITY, DIMENSION ZERO).
Peter played on every SOILWORK album with the exception of 2007's "Sworn To A Great Divide".
SOILWORK's latest album, "The Panic Broadcast", was released in Europe on July 2, 2010 and in North America on July 13, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
"The Panic Broadcast" was SOILWORK's studio debut with axeman Sylvain Coudret, who joined in 2008.
"We're super-stoked to have David with us," said SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid. "He's a blast to be around and a kick-ass guitarist. Plus, we've known him for so many years, from all the touring together, we just know he's a perfect fit for us."
Andersson has toured, on and off, with SOILWORK since 2006, and most recently during the 2011 festival season in support of the band's acclaimed eighth album, "The Panic Broadcast".
Regarding the recently announced split with founding SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers, who first left the band in 2005 only to return four years later, Speed commented, "We just had to do this. It's in the best interest of both him and us. SOILWORK was born to be out there, tearing up the stage. Peter's been unable to commit to the kind of touring we need to do and it's time for us to move on. David's played with us for so long, he's really grown into the band. It feels natural, like a seamless transition. We're thankful for everything Peter has contributed to SOILWORK over the years and we sincerely wish him the best."
SOILWORK is currently in the process of writing music for its ninth album, "The Living Infinite". "We're working our asses off to put this record together," said Strid. "It's gonna be fantastic, the songs and ideas are flowing like crazy! As far as the musical direction goes, there's tons of crushing, high energy, in-your-face metal. Trust me, we're not about to go mellow anytime soon!"
Wichers originally quit SOILWORK in late 2005 and was replaced by Daniel Antonsson (DARK TRANQUILLITY, DIMENSION ZERO).
Peter played on every SOILWORK album with the exception of 2007's "Sworn To A Great Divide".
SOILWORK's latest album, "The Panic Broadcast", was released in Europe on July 2, 2010 and in North America on July 13, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
"The Panic Broadcast" was SOILWORK's studio debut with axeman Sylvain Coudret, who joined in 2008.
Maryland-based experimental, progressive metallers PERIPHERY have issued the following update:
"We're incredibly excited to announce that our longtime friend and contributor Adam 'Nolly' Getgood (RED SEAS FIRE) will be joining PERIPHERY as a full-time member. He will be taking care of bass duties live and in the studio, and additionally will be bringing his considerable guitar playing, production and songwriting abilities to the table.
"Nolly should already be known to many, having filled-in live on both bass and guitar several times over the years. He also played all of the bass on, and co-produced, our new album, 'Periphery II: This Time It's Personal'. He will be taking up his permanent spot in the live line-up as of this October's European tour with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and THE SAFETY FIRE. Our excellent friend Jeff Holcomb will be filling in on bass for all live dates between now and October, including the imminent Summer Slaughter tour."
Commented PERIPHERY guitarist Misha Mansoor: "Nolly has been an honorary PERIPHERY member for the last few years. He filled in on bass for us on our first real tour (Thrash And Burn 2009) and since then has always been there for us and has helped us out immensely. Given that we love him dearly as a friend and found that we have excellent chemistry both on stage and in the studio, and he is a master of all of his instruments, hiring him as our full-time bassist was the logical solution. His irreplaceable ability and insight brought so much to the production and bass on 'Periphery II: This Time It's Personal' — we don't feel that anyone else would be able to take on the roles he has filled. He has already been writing with us for new material, and we are proud to have him on board!"
Added Nolly: "It's absolutely amazing to be joining my friends in PERIPHERY full-time! Having felt like part of the 'family' for quite some time, this feels like an incredibly natural step. I've had the pleasure of watching them grow to their current stage and can't wait to see where we can take the band together!"
"Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" can be streamed in its entirety in the YouTube clip below. Due in North America on July 3 via Sumerian Records and in Europe on July 16 through Century Media Records, the CD will feature guest appearances by John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER), Guthrie Govan (THE ARISTOCRATS) and Wes Hauch (THE FACELESS).
"We're incredibly excited to announce that our longtime friend and contributor Adam 'Nolly' Getgood (RED SEAS FIRE) will be joining PERIPHERY as a full-time member. He will be taking care of bass duties live and in the studio, and additionally will be bringing his considerable guitar playing, production and songwriting abilities to the table.
"Nolly should already be known to many, having filled-in live on both bass and guitar several times over the years. He also played all of the bass on, and co-produced, our new album, 'Periphery II: This Time It's Personal'. He will be taking up his permanent spot in the live line-up as of this October's European tour with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and THE SAFETY FIRE. Our excellent friend Jeff Holcomb will be filling in on bass for all live dates between now and October, including the imminent Summer Slaughter tour."
Commented PERIPHERY guitarist Misha Mansoor: "Nolly has been an honorary PERIPHERY member for the last few years. He filled in on bass for us on our first real tour (Thrash And Burn 2009) and since then has always been there for us and has helped us out immensely. Given that we love him dearly as a friend and found that we have excellent chemistry both on stage and in the studio, and he is a master of all of his instruments, hiring him as our full-time bassist was the logical solution. His irreplaceable ability and insight brought so much to the production and bass on 'Periphery II: This Time It's Personal' — we don't feel that anyone else would be able to take on the roles he has filled. He has already been writing with us for new material, and we are proud to have him on board!"
Added Nolly: "It's absolutely amazing to be joining my friends in PERIPHERY full-time! Having felt like part of the 'family' for quite some time, this feels like an incredibly natural step. I've had the pleasure of watching them grow to their current stage and can't wait to see where we can take the band together!"
"Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" can be streamed in its entirety in the YouTube clip below. Due in North America on July 3 via Sumerian Records and in Europe on July 16 through Century Media Records, the CD will feature guest appearances by John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER), Guthrie Govan (THE ARISTOCRATS) and Wes Hauch (THE FACELESS).
4th Street Media acquired literary and all-media rights to the autobiographical tell-all "Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie" by actress, model, and glam rock icon Bobbie Brown. An early 2013 release is expected.
Before "American Idol", there was "Star Search". Before there were sex tapes, there were sexy videos. And before there was Pamela Anderson, there was Bobbie Brown.
"Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie" is the outrageous true story of a Louisiana beauty queen who became an L.A. Goddess, and the dozens of celebrity encounters, rock stars, and tumultuous affairs that followed — Tommy Lee, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Slash, Dave Navarro, and more.
In 1987, America tuned in each week to hear Ed McMahon announce Bobbie Brown as their choice as "Spokesmodel Champion." She soon landed on the Sunset Strip, and the dream girl seemed to be on her way to a dream life, taking Hollywood by storm as the ultimate video vixen in WARRANT's infamous "Cherry Pie" video. Her future seemed as bright as her smile, but the world of privilege and adoration was filled with demons, drugs, and a downward spiral of self-destruction.
In "Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie", Bobbie takes us on a journey of debauchery, excess, fame, and hair products; detailing how touring the world with music royalty can sometimes lead down a rocky road towards redemption.
Brown recently completed filming a new reality series called "Ex-Wives Rock", which "chronicles the highs and lows of the glamorous L.A. lives of four women who have led the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll life... and have survived to reinvent themselves."
The show, which will premiere on August 29 on the Canadian network Slice, is co-produced by the former FEMME FATALE frontwoman Lorraine Lewis, and is brought by the Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based distribution company Tricon Films & Television.
"Ex-Wives Rock" follows video vixen Susan Dixon (ex-wife of WARRANT bassist Jerry Dixon); Brown (ex-wife of WARRANT frontman Jani Lane); drummer and Tommy Lee's sister, Athena Lee (ex-wife of SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak); and Sharise Neil (ex-wife of MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil). Throughout each episode, you will see all sides of the four ex-wives: the good, the bad and the ugly. We'll witness family drama, messed up love lives and friendships crash and burn. We'll see the glamorous red carpet events, the seedy rock clubs, the fabulous hotel lunches and the quiet dinners at home.
Being "hair-band groupies" is far in the past for these now late-thirties, early-forties ladies; but that doesn't mean their rock 'n' roll days are over. Their journey begins where one life has ended and another one has just begun. They are mothers. Business owners. Partiers. And ladies of the L.A. lifestyle.
Before "American Idol", there was "Star Search". Before there were sex tapes, there were sexy videos. And before there was Pamela Anderson, there was Bobbie Brown.
"Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie" is the outrageous true story of a Louisiana beauty queen who became an L.A. Goddess, and the dozens of celebrity encounters, rock stars, and tumultuous affairs that followed — Tommy Lee, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Slash, Dave Navarro, and more.
In 1987, America tuned in each week to hear Ed McMahon announce Bobbie Brown as their choice as "Spokesmodel Champion." She soon landed on the Sunset Strip, and the dream girl seemed to be on her way to a dream life, taking Hollywood by storm as the ultimate video vixen in WARRANT's infamous "Cherry Pie" video. Her future seemed as bright as her smile, but the world of privilege and adoration was filled with demons, drugs, and a downward spiral of self-destruction.
In "Sex, Drugs And Cherry Pie", Bobbie takes us on a journey of debauchery, excess, fame, and hair products; detailing how touring the world with music royalty can sometimes lead down a rocky road towards redemption.
Brown recently completed filming a new reality series called "Ex-Wives Rock", which "chronicles the highs and lows of the glamorous L.A. lives of four women who have led the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll life... and have survived to reinvent themselves."
The show, which will premiere on August 29 on the Canadian network Slice, is co-produced by the former FEMME FATALE frontwoman Lorraine Lewis, and is brought by the Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based distribution company Tricon Films & Television.
"Ex-Wives Rock" follows video vixen Susan Dixon (ex-wife of WARRANT bassist Jerry Dixon); Brown (ex-wife of WARRANT frontman Jani Lane); drummer and Tommy Lee's sister, Athena Lee (ex-wife of SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak); and Sharise Neil (ex-wife of MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil). Throughout each episode, you will see all sides of the four ex-wives: the good, the bad and the ugly. We'll witness family drama, messed up love lives and friendships crash and burn. We'll see the glamorous red carpet events, the seedy rock clubs, the fabulous hotel lunches and the quiet dinners at home.
Being "hair-band groupies" is far in the past for these now late-thirties, early-forties ladies; but that doesn't mean their rock 'n' roll days are over. Their journey begins where one life has ended and another one has just begun. They are mothers. Business owners. Partiers. And ladies of the L.A. lifestyle.
Los Angeles, California death dealers MURDER CONSTRUCT have completed work on their highly anticipated debut full-length entitled "Results". Featuring 11 tracks of violent, uncompromising death/grind, the CD displays cut-throat songwriting and top-notch musicianship mixed with the band's own brand of twisted experimentation to create one of 2012's most punishing auditory experiences.
Due on CD/LP/digital on August 28 via via Relapse Records, "Results" was recorded in Hollywood, California's Architeuthis Sound studio with engineer Sean Vahle while drums were tracked at Trench Studios in Corona, California with John Haddad (ABYSMAL DAWN, EXHUMED, INTRONAUT).
MURDER CONSTRUCT features Travis Ryan (CATTLE DECAPITATION) on vocals, Leon del Muerte (EXHUMED, PHOBIA, IMPALED) on guitar and vocals, Kevin Fetus (FETUS EATERS, WATCH ME BURN) on guitar, Danny Walker (INTRONAUT, EXHUMED, UPHILL BATTLE) on drums, and Caleb Schneider (BADACID TRIP) on bass. The band previously released a seven-song EP in November 2010.
Due on CD/LP/digital on August 28 via via Relapse Records, "Results" was recorded in Hollywood, California's Architeuthis Sound studio with engineer Sean Vahle while drums were tracked at Trench Studios in Corona, California with John Haddad (ABYSMAL DAWN, EXHUMED, INTRONAUT).
MURDER CONSTRUCT features Travis Ryan (CATTLE DECAPITATION) on vocals, Leon del Muerte (EXHUMED, PHOBIA, IMPALED) on guitar and vocals, Kevin Fetus (FETUS EATERS, WATCH ME BURN) on guitar, Danny Walker (INTRONAUT, EXHUMED, UPHILL BATTLE) on drums, and Caleb Schneider (BADACID TRIP) on bass. The band previously released a seven-song EP in November 2010.
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