Former Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin says he doesn’t understand how the band’s relationship with drummer Bill Ward collapsed â€" and he wonders if it’s a publicity stunt.
Last November the Birmingham outfit announced their original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tonny Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ward would reunite for a world tour and their first album together since 1979.
Plans were soon rocked when Iommi was diagnosed with cancer the next month, leading to the cancellation of all but three concerts.
But fans were even more astonished when Ward announced he wouldn’t take part in Sabbath’s activities because he hadn’t been offered a contract he considered “signable.â€
Singer Osbourne later admitted none of them had spoken directly to Ward, and all communication had been through lawyers â€" but recently told the Times: “There was no row, no argument. The door ain’t closed. Whether we work something out up the road, I don’t know.â€
Now Martin, who fronted Iommi’s outfit for ten years from 1987, says he’s bewildered at the “Sab opera†â€" and suggests Ward’s lack of recent experience might be a factor in the disagreement.
Martin tells Metal Shock FInland: “I don’t get it. I really don’t. I’ve heard all the stories, and not once did anyone ever speak badly of Bill. They’ve never had a bad thing to say about him. They’ve always rated him. He’s had his little moments like we all have, but basically they love him.
“I don’t understand why they didn’t give him time to get his thing together. He may have been out of the band for a long time, but set up some rehearsal or something â€" go and help him out.
“It seems a bit like a publicity stunt in that they’s saying, ‘Well, we can’t be bothered to go and do any rehearsals to get him to learn all the stuff again, so let’s keep him for another time so we can have another reunion later on.
“A bit like a publicity stunt in that way. But I don’t know â€" I wasn’t privy to any of the conversations and I haven’t seen the contracts they were talking about. So I can’t say for sure, but I just don’t get it.â€
The release of the deluxe 35th-anniversary edition of KISS' classic fourth album, "Destroyer", is scheduled for August 21 via Universal Music. The two-disc set, dubbed "Destroyer/Resurrected", will feature remixes of the original LP by producer Bob Ezrin, outtakes from the 1976 album sessions as well as the LP's original cover art.
Ken Kelly's original version of the album cover for "Destroyer" was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent-looking. Also, the original version had the members of KISS wearing the "Alive" costumes.
Released in March 1976, "Destroyer" was the second consecutive KISS album to reach the Top 20 in the U.S. The LP was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976. It was certified platinum on November 11, 1976, the first KISS album to achieve that distinction.
Ken Kelly's original version of the album cover for "Destroyer" was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent-looking. Also, the original version had the members of KISS wearing the "Alive" costumes.
Released in March 1976, "Destroyer" was the second consecutive KISS album to reach the Top 20 in the U.S. The LP was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976. It was certified platinum on November 11, 1976, the first KISS album to achieve that distinction.
German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS spent the first three months of this year in the studio with producers Mikael "Nord" Andersson and Martin Hansen resurrecting a dozen unfinished songs from what some people believe was the band's best and most creative period — leftovers from the albums "Blackout" (1982), "Love At First Sting" (1984), "Savage Amusement" (1988) and "Crazy World" (1990) — for an album that is tentatively scheduled for release in 2013.
"We will dig in again and maybe have a selection of 16 to 18 songs and pick the best 12 from those," Jabs tells Billboard.com. "It's actually very good material." He adds, "We're doing it the way we are recording albums today, but the basic ideas, the riffs, the feel, the way they were written and arranged, we try to keep as much from the old recordings as possible. Thirty years later no one would come up with these ideas we came up with when we were younger, so we want to keep that spirit in there."
According to Jabs, the idea for the project "came from the fans. They were the ones saying, 'There must be some extra material from those days,' and they were right," he says.
The guitarist recently told ArizonaRepublic.com about the project, "There's so much strong material, but it hasn't ever been finished, especially the lyrics. They're like 'Blah blah blah blah blah.' It was recorded like you would record a demo, no click track, anything. But the vibe is great because it's from the time when we were starting out. Everything I played back then, I remember when I found a new riff, I would get excited. It's slightly different today because I know it all. I've heard it all. So it's much harder to get excited about the simplest or sometimes half-genius riff. But there was a definite spark in those old recordings and the idea is to redo them with today's technology and take it further as a tribute to the fans."
"We will dig in again and maybe have a selection of 16 to 18 songs and pick the best 12 from those," Jabs tells Billboard.com. "It's actually very good material." He adds, "We're doing it the way we are recording albums today, but the basic ideas, the riffs, the feel, the way they were written and arranged, we try to keep as much from the old recordings as possible. Thirty years later no one would come up with these ideas we came up with when we were younger, so we want to keep that spirit in there."
According to Jabs, the idea for the project "came from the fans. They were the ones saying, 'There must be some extra material from those days,' and they were right," he says.
The guitarist recently told ArizonaRepublic.com about the project, "There's so much strong material, but it hasn't ever been finished, especially the lyrics. They're like 'Blah blah blah blah blah.' It was recorded like you would record a demo, no click track, anything. But the vibe is great because it's from the time when we were starting out. Everything I played back then, I remember when I found a new riff, I would get excited. It's slightly different today because I know it all. I've heard it all. So it's much harder to get excited about the simplest or sometimes half-genius riff. But there was a definite spark in those old recordings and the idea is to redo them with today's technology and take it further as a tribute to the fans."
The members of THE CULT, currently on tour in Europe, experienced a terrifying crash just before 6:00 a.m. local time earlier this week while in their tour bus traveling from Split, Croatia to Ljubijana, Slovenia.
"I was the only one awake," said the band's vocalist Ian Astbury, who was seated in the bus's front lounge. "All of a sudden, the bus veered violently, hit the guard rail and tipped on a 45-degree angle, then righted itself and came to a halt. The guard rail was the only thing that prevented us from going over an 80-foot drop."
Astbury was thrown into the aisle and suffered injuries to his neck, back and shoulder. The rest of the band and crew were asleep in their bunks, so no one else was badly hurt.
Limping down the highway, the driver was able to get the bus to a service station a few miles up the road. Astbury's injuries were iced and he received pain medication. After some temporary patching up of the bus, the band was able to make it to the venue for that night's show, and played a full concert. But it wasn't until 5:00 a.m. the next morning that their fully-repaired bus arrived to take them on the 20+ hour trip to the next gig.
"No one has had any sleep, so the guys are pretty beat, and we are still in shock, to be honest," admitted Astbury. "You never think something like this is going to happen to you, and it just did."
THE CULT — Astbury, guitarist Billy Duffy, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer John Tempesta — is on tour to support its new release, "Choice Of Weapon", hailed as the band's best work in 20 years. The remainder of THE CULT's European tour dates are below. Following this European trek, THE CULT will kick off leg two of its North American tour.
"I was the only one awake," said the band's vocalist Ian Astbury, who was seated in the bus's front lounge. "All of a sudden, the bus veered violently, hit the guard rail and tipped on a 45-degree angle, then righted itself and came to a halt. The guard rail was the only thing that prevented us from going over an 80-foot drop."
Astbury was thrown into the aisle and suffered injuries to his neck, back and shoulder. The rest of the band and crew were asleep in their bunks, so no one else was badly hurt.
Limping down the highway, the driver was able to get the bus to a service station a few miles up the road. Astbury's injuries were iced and he received pain medication. After some temporary patching up of the bus, the band was able to make it to the venue for that night's show, and played a full concert. But it wasn't until 5:00 a.m. the next morning that their fully-repaired bus arrived to take them on the 20+ hour trip to the next gig.
"No one has had any sleep, so the guys are pretty beat, and we are still in shock, to be honest," admitted Astbury. "You never think something like this is going to happen to you, and it just did."
THE CULT — Astbury, guitarist Billy Duffy, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer John Tempesta — is on tour to support its new release, "Choice Of Weapon", hailed as the band's best work in 20 years. The remainder of THE CULT's European tour dates are below. Following this European trek, THE CULT will kick off leg two of its North American tour.
Legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) and his wife, Barbaranne, welcomed their fourth child, Sabbath Page Wielandt Wylde, yesterday (Wednesday, July 4) at 11:40 p.m. He weighed in at eight pounds, 1.3 ounces and measured 21 inches long.
Zakk and Barbaranne have three other children: Hayley Rae, Hendrix, and Jesse. BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne is the godfather of Jesse, and baseball slugger Mike Piazza is the godfather of Hendrix.
When asked in a recent interview with Zoiks! Online if he had any free time coming up in the next couple of years, Zakk replied, "No. I gotta be honest with you, I love working. My kids, the two oldest are in college, the little guy is nine and Barbaranne is 6 ½ months pregnant right now. My friends are like, 'You must be excited you're having another baby.' 'Yeah, we just extended the tour another twenty years.'"
Zakk and Barbaranne have three other children: Hayley Rae, Hendrix, and Jesse. BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne is the godfather of Jesse, and baseball slugger Mike Piazza is the godfather of Hendrix.
When asked in a recent interview with Zoiks! Online if he had any free time coming up in the next couple of years, Zakk replied, "No. I gotta be honest with you, I love working. My kids, the two oldest are in college, the little guy is nine and Barbaranne is 6 ½ months pregnant right now. My friends are like, 'You must be excited you're having another baby.' 'Yeah, we just extended the tour another twenty years.'"
DREAM THEATER's August 19 and August 20 concerts at Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina will be professionally filmed and recorded for the band's next live DVD, to be released sometime next year.
DREAM THEATER — James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar and vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards and continuum) and Mike Mangini (drums) — launched a major North American headlining summer tour on June 15 in Rochester, New York. The tour includes stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, New York. They are touring behind their 11th studio album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world. It also produced the band's first-ever Grammy nomination for "On The Backs Of Angels" in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category.
Joining DREAM THEATER, starting June 16 in Columbus, Ohio and for the rest of the tour, is special guest CRIMSON PROJEKCT featuring Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph. They are performing the songs of progressive rock legends KING CRIMSON.
DREAM THEATER was among the nominees in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category at the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
DREAM THEATER — James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar and vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards and continuum) and Mike Mangini (drums) — launched a major North American headlining summer tour on June 15 in Rochester, New York. The tour includes stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, New York. They are touring behind their 11th studio album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events", which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world. It also produced the band's first-ever Grammy nomination for "On The Backs Of Angels" in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category.
Joining DREAM THEATER, starting June 16 in Columbus, Ohio and for the rest of the tour, is special guest CRIMSON PROJEKCT featuring Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph. They are performing the songs of progressive rock legends KING CRIMSON.
DREAM THEATER was among the nominees in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category at the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION will enter the studio at the end of July to begin recording their 30th-anniversary album for a November release via Nuclear Blast Records. Vocalist/bassist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer states, "[We are] recording the demos for the new album now. Eight songs are written and it feels great... Amazing teamwork so far! [I] can't wait to nail down the new shit in the studio! [Drummer] Vaaver [real name: Wawrzyniec Dramowicz] will make the job of a lifetime. The new record will be much more intense than 'Day Of Reckoning'! And that wasn't a blues album ...haha!"
DESTRUCTION recently completed the North American "30th Year Anniversary Tour" with support from WARBRINGER, VITAL REMAINS (who were alternating each night) and PATHOLOGY.
Inspired by IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, MOTÖRHEAD and VENOM, DESTRUCTION was formed as KNIGHT OF DEMON in 1982. The band's original lineup included vocalist and bassist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, drummer Tommy Sandmann, and guitarist Mike Sifringer. They soon changed their name to DESTRUCTION and released a demo titled "Bestial Invasion Of Hell" in 1984.
"Day Of Reckoning", the latest album from DESTRUCTION, sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 58 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.
"Day Of Reckoning" was the first album to feature DESTRUCTION's new drummer Vaaver (INDUKTI, ex-UNSUN).
DESTRUCTION recently completed the North American "30th Year Anniversary Tour" with support from WARBRINGER, VITAL REMAINS (who were alternating each night) and PATHOLOGY.
Inspired by IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, MOTÖRHEAD and VENOM, DESTRUCTION was formed as KNIGHT OF DEMON in 1982. The band's original lineup included vocalist and bassist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, drummer Tommy Sandmann, and guitarist Mike Sifringer. They soon changed their name to DESTRUCTION and released a demo titled "Bestial Invasion Of Hell" in 1984.
"Day Of Reckoning", the latest album from DESTRUCTION, sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 58 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.
"Day Of Reckoning" was the first album to feature DESTRUCTION's new drummer Vaaver (INDUKTI, ex-UNSUN).
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM were forced to cancel their July 3 concert in Oslo, Norway and July 4 show in Malmö, Sweden after the band's guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho was rushed to the hospital with extreme stomach pain.
The group has since issued the following update:
"This is not an easy letter for us to write. Alexi is suffering from a serious infection. He is still in hospital in Oslo under supervision of the doctors and we don't know yet when they will release him.
"We have no choice other than canceling Ruisrock in Turku on Saturday as well. This is a very bitter pill for us to swallow. We had decided to do only two festivals in our homeland this summer to make it real special, and now this. We hope that we will be able to make up for this very soon.
"To all our fans who had been looking forward to rock with us at Ruisrock this weekend, take our apologies and enjoy the festival. In our spirits, we will be there, too."
CHILDREN OF BODOM recently inked a worldwide deal (excluding Japan) with Nuclear Blast Records. The band, which kicked off a year-long celebration of its 15th anniversary with a successful North American tour alongside labelmates ELUVEITIE, has a new studio album planned for release in 2013.
"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)", a very special CD+DVD career retrospective in celebration of CHILDREN OF BODOM's 15th anniversary, spotlights specially selected tracks from every one of CHILDREN OF BODOM's critically acclaimed albums (1997's "Something Wild", 1999's "Hatebreeder", 2000's "Follow The Reaper", 2003's "Hate Crew Deathroll", 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?", 2008's "Blooddrunk" and 2011's "Relentless Reckless Forever"), plus two newly recorded (and undeniably fun) cover songs and detailed liner notes penned by the members of CHILDREN OF BODOM themselves. The DVD portion of the package includes "candid touring and backstage footage from around the world", plus the "Shovel Knockout" video.
The group has since issued the following update:
"This is not an easy letter for us to write. Alexi is suffering from a serious infection. He is still in hospital in Oslo under supervision of the doctors and we don't know yet when they will release him.
"We have no choice other than canceling Ruisrock in Turku on Saturday as well. This is a very bitter pill for us to swallow. We had decided to do only two festivals in our homeland this summer to make it real special, and now this. We hope that we will be able to make up for this very soon.
"To all our fans who had been looking forward to rock with us at Ruisrock this weekend, take our apologies and enjoy the festival. In our spirits, we will be there, too."
CHILDREN OF BODOM recently inked a worldwide deal (excluding Japan) with Nuclear Blast Records. The band, which kicked off a year-long celebration of its 15th anniversary with a successful North American tour alongside labelmates ELUVEITIE, has a new studio album planned for release in 2013.
"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)", a very special CD+DVD career retrospective in celebration of CHILDREN OF BODOM's 15th anniversary, spotlights specially selected tracks from every one of CHILDREN OF BODOM's critically acclaimed albums (1997's "Something Wild", 1999's "Hatebreeder", 2000's "Follow The Reaper", 2003's "Hate Crew Deathroll", 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?", 2008's "Blooddrunk" and 2011's "Relentless Reckless Forever"), plus two newly recorded (and undeniably fun) cover songs and detailed liner notes penned by the members of CHILDREN OF BODOM themselves. The DVD portion of the package includes "candid touring and backstage footage from around the world", plus the "Shovel Knockout" video.
An attorney for LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who was arrested in the Czech Republic in connection with the death of a fan two years ago, tells Blesk.cz that the singer is very sorry and he wants to meet the fan's family upon his release, which is expected early next week.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after his manager posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
Despite previous reports that Blythe was considered a flight risk, the musician will be allowed to leave the Czech Republic, said his defense lawyer Martin Radvan.
LAMB OF GOD manager Larry Mazer told The Prague Post said that he and Randy's bandmates were shocked to learn of the incident.
According to Mazer, neither he nor the band heard about the case until they arrived in Prague last week for a June 28 performance in the city.
"We are stunned," he said. "We flew in from Norway and were looking forward to putting on a great show. We would never have come out here if we knew this was going to happen."
Mazer added that he couldn't understand why he hadn't been contacted earlier with information related to the case.
"I would raise blood and hell trying to find the person who killed my son. The whole thing is a crock of shit," he said.
Another one of Blythe's Czech attorneys, Tomáš Morysek, told Blesk.cz that his client would have immediately cooperated with the police had he learned of the incident earlier.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after his manager posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
Despite previous reports that Blythe was considered a flight risk, the musician will be allowed to leave the Czech Republic, said his defense lawyer Martin Radvan.
LAMB OF GOD manager Larry Mazer told The Prague Post said that he and Randy's bandmates were shocked to learn of the incident.
According to Mazer, neither he nor the band heard about the case until they arrived in Prague last week for a June 28 performance in the city.
"We are stunned," he said. "We flew in from Norway and were looking forward to putting on a great show. We would never have come out here if we knew this was going to happen."
Mazer added that he couldn't understand why he hadn't been contacted earlier with information related to the case.
"I would raise blood and hell trying to find the person who killed my son. The whole thing is a crock of shit," he said.
Another one of Blythe's Czech attorneys, Tomáš Morysek, told Blesk.cz that his client would have immediately cooperated with the police had he learned of the incident earlier.
LAMB OF GOD manager Larry Mazer spoke to RollingStone.com's Greg Prato about the arrest of the band's singer, Randy Blythe, last week in the Czech Republic on suspicion of manslaughter.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
"We were told on Saturday that he had been approved by the judge for bail – $200,000 – and if we paid it, he would be released probably this morning," Mazer told RollingStone.com on Tuesday (July 3). "We all went to bed thinking that he would be out. I had flights booked for him to come back. And then at 4 o'clock this morning — because they're six hours ahead — I received a call from the lawyer in the Czech Republic telling us that the prosecution was challenging the bail, and because of that, he wouldn't be released today."
Although none of Blythe's bandmates recall the incident in question, "there are YouTube videos, which 100 percent show Randy's innocence," Mazer says. "As a matter of fact, all of those videos have now been sent to our lawyer, and he's presenting it to the judge tomorrow morning [July 4]. This case is so full of holes. Nobody reported an injury of any kind at the concert, or after the concert. It was at least an hour to two hours later, supposedly, when this kid went to a hospital.
"So that's number one — why did nothing occur during the show? Number two, he had supposedly been in a coma for 30 days, but it wasn't [until] a couple of months later that they contacted the promoter to ask his understanding of the events. He said the same thing — that the show went on fine, no nothing, no incidents. They told him that a person had been injured, which led to a death, which he had no knowledge of whatsoever. And then it went away. Two years go by, and Randy gets arrested."
Regarding the aforementioned YouTube video, which can be seen below, Mazer tells RollingStone.com, "I got sent this video, which clearly shows a security guy sitting at the edge of the stage. This kid, by the way, climbed up on stage twice prior. The third time, he tried to climb up on stage, the security guard grabs him, throws him down the stage. You see him thrown on the floor. How does the prosecution in the Czech Republic do an investigation of this, charge Randy Blythe with manslaughter, when this video shows a security guy throwing the guy onto the floor?"
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
"We were told on Saturday that he had been approved by the judge for bail – $200,000 – and if we paid it, he would be released probably this morning," Mazer told RollingStone.com on Tuesday (July 3). "We all went to bed thinking that he would be out. I had flights booked for him to come back. And then at 4 o'clock this morning — because they're six hours ahead — I received a call from the lawyer in the Czech Republic telling us that the prosecution was challenging the bail, and because of that, he wouldn't be released today."
Although none of Blythe's bandmates recall the incident in question, "there are YouTube videos, which 100 percent show Randy's innocence," Mazer says. "As a matter of fact, all of those videos have now been sent to our lawyer, and he's presenting it to the judge tomorrow morning [July 4]. This case is so full of holes. Nobody reported an injury of any kind at the concert, or after the concert. It was at least an hour to two hours later, supposedly, when this kid went to a hospital.
"So that's number one — why did nothing occur during the show? Number two, he had supposedly been in a coma for 30 days, but it wasn't [until] a couple of months later that they contacted the promoter to ask his understanding of the events. He said the same thing — that the show went on fine, no nothing, no incidents. They told him that a person had been injured, which led to a death, which he had no knowledge of whatsoever. And then it went away. Two years go by, and Randy gets arrested."
Regarding the aforementioned YouTube video, which can be seen below, Mazer tells RollingStone.com, "I got sent this video, which clearly shows a security guy sitting at the edge of the stage. This kid, by the way, climbed up on stage twice prior. The third time, he tried to climb up on stage, the security guard grabs him, throws him down the stage. You see him thrown on the floor. How does the prosecution in the Czech Republic do an investigation of this, charge Randy Blythe with manslaughter, when this video shows a security guy throwing the guy onto the floor?"
LAMB OF GOD guitarist Willie Adler has posted a message on his Facebook page inviting all of the band's supporters in the Richmond, Virginia area to attend the "Free Randy Blythe Vigil" on Sunday, July 8 on Browns Island from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at the band's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal group — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Willie writes: "I want to thank all for the support first and foremost. I also want to share the link to the event this Sunday on Brown Island here in Richmond. An event spearheaded by Mr. Tommy Streat. It's a get-together for all who care to attend to show support for our brother Randy Blythe, and to voice our concerns over the travesty of justice that is currently unfolding. I hope to see you all there."
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
For more information on the "Free Randy Blythe Vigil", go to this location.
LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at the band's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal group — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Willie writes: "I want to thank all for the support first and foremost. I also want to share the link to the event this Sunday on Brown Island here in Richmond. An event spearheaded by Mr. Tommy Streat. It's a get-together for all who care to attend to show support for our brother Randy Blythe, and to voice our concerns over the travesty of justice that is currently unfolding. I hope to see you all there."
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
For more information on the "Free Randy Blythe Vigil", go to this location.
Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD have released the following statement:
"As many of you know, Randy [Blythe, vocals] is being held in Czech jail for a crime we believe he did not commit. We are still learning about the legal system there and the situation is fluid. We have retained local legal counsel, have support from the U.S. embassy and we are flying over additional lawyers to try and assure that Randy has the best representation possible. As many of you have pointed out, the simple fact is that the legal fees are adding up very quickly.
"While we appreciate the outpouring of support, we are not interested in trying to profit or gather press or sympathy from this event. We have assembled this page to make it possible for people that feel so inclined to donate to the expenses incurred in defending this case. One hundred percent of the money raised will go to the legal fees and any remaining balance will be given to a charity of Randy's choice upon his release."
To donate, go to this location.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
"As many of you know, Randy [Blythe, vocals] is being held in Czech jail for a crime we believe he did not commit. We are still learning about the legal system there and the situation is fluid. We have retained local legal counsel, have support from the U.S. embassy and we are flying over additional lawyers to try and assure that Randy has the best representation possible. As many of you have pointed out, the simple fact is that the legal fees are adding up very quickly.
"While we appreciate the outpouring of support, we are not interested in trying to profit or gather press or sympathy from this event. We have assembled this page to make it possible for people that feel so inclined to donate to the expenses incurred in defending this case. One hundred percent of the money raised will go to the legal fees and any remaining balance will be given to a charity of Randy's choice upon his release."
To donate, go to this location.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after Mazer posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.
Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.
Guitarist Joel Stroetzel of Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Writing on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's Facebook page, Joel said, "Everyone in our camp was shocked to hear about what Randy has been going through. LAMB OF GOD have been longtime friends and tourmates of ours. Our thoughts are with them and we all hope everything gets resolved soon! A death is always a tragic thing, but Randy certainly does not deserve such accusations."
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Writing on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's Facebook page, Joel said, "Everyone in our camp was shocked to hear about what Randy has been going through. LAMB OF GOD have been longtime friends and tourmates of ours. Our thoughts are with them and we all hope everything gets resolved soon! A death is always a tragic thing, but Randy certainly does not deserve such accusations."
Bassist Matt Camacho has left San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN. In addition, the band's singer, Russ Anderson, has decided to take a break from the music business.
Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave FORBIDDEN permanently.
"For those that know and love Matt, this may be a shock to you. Matt's always been gung-ho for the band since the beginning and was a positive guy. But ever since he went to law school after FORBIDDEN split up the first time, he was on a career path that would eventually take him to this day. His job position keeps getting better and taking care of our families is the most important thing.
"With that being said, Russ Anderson has made the decision to take a break away from music to get his bearings back and rekindle his fire for FORBIDDEN. Russ is not quitting, but has decided that he needs to do this for himself. We support him and his decision to not fake his way through what needs to be real.
"I had always said since we reformed in 2008, that as soon as things become tedious or a grind we'd either stop doing this or take a break. But we'd never say never again! FORBIDDEN is not through yet. Russ simply needs to recharge his thrash metal batteries!
"So then there is the unfortunate reality that under these circumstances FORBIDDEN will not be appearing at the Wacken Open Air festival this year. This breaks my heart as much as anything else! Steve [Smyth, guitar], Sasha [Horn, drums] and myself were very much looking forward to playing in front of that crowd and we had been holding out hope for Russ to change his mind. But he feels strongly that he just can't do it right now. So we must respect his wishes and let him have his space.
"We'd like to apologize to our fans, Continental Concerts, the Wacken Open Air organizers and everyone at Nuclear Blast Europe. You've all stood by us for so long and we understand how bad the fans in Europe want to see FORBIDDEN again. But you deserve to see FORBIDDEN at its best. Not under these circumstances.
"This is our promise to you we'll come back with stronger and with new material! We've already got half of the new record written and we'll finish it up when Russ feels good enough to thrash it up again!
"Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts..."
Added Matt Camacho: "Playing in FORBIDDEN has been a dream come true for me. It has allowed me to tour the world, play with and meet some of the most amazing bands, make friends for life, perform some phenomenal shows, and, most important, experience the most amazing FANS... I'll truly miss the inspiration and love that people from around the world have shown towards the MUSIC. As I leave for a new endeavor, I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the incredible musicians both past and present who have graced their magical touch on FORBIDDEN's music. To be a part of this band and to have these guys as friends and family for life is a true blessing. Thanks guys for the support and I look forward to seeing FORBIDDEN carry on for years to come."
FORBIDDEN's latest album, "Omega Wave", was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD landed at position No. 27 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.
Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave FORBIDDEN permanently.
"For those that know and love Matt, this may be a shock to you. Matt's always been gung-ho for the band since the beginning and was a positive guy. But ever since he went to law school after FORBIDDEN split up the first time, he was on a career path that would eventually take him to this day. His job position keeps getting better and taking care of our families is the most important thing.
"With that being said, Russ Anderson has made the decision to take a break away from music to get his bearings back and rekindle his fire for FORBIDDEN. Russ is not quitting, but has decided that he needs to do this for himself. We support him and his decision to not fake his way through what needs to be real.
"I had always said since we reformed in 2008, that as soon as things become tedious or a grind we'd either stop doing this or take a break. But we'd never say never again! FORBIDDEN is not through yet. Russ simply needs to recharge his thrash metal batteries!
"So then there is the unfortunate reality that under these circumstances FORBIDDEN will not be appearing at the Wacken Open Air festival this year. This breaks my heart as much as anything else! Steve [Smyth, guitar], Sasha [Horn, drums] and myself were very much looking forward to playing in front of that crowd and we had been holding out hope for Russ to change his mind. But he feels strongly that he just can't do it right now. So we must respect his wishes and let him have his space.
"We'd like to apologize to our fans, Continental Concerts, the Wacken Open Air organizers and everyone at Nuclear Blast Europe. You've all stood by us for so long and we understand how bad the fans in Europe want to see FORBIDDEN again. But you deserve to see FORBIDDEN at its best. Not under these circumstances.
"This is our promise to you we'll come back with stronger and with new material! We've already got half of the new record written and we'll finish it up when Russ feels good enough to thrash it up again!
"Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts..."
Added Matt Camacho: "Playing in FORBIDDEN has been a dream come true for me. It has allowed me to tour the world, play with and meet some of the most amazing bands, make friends for life, perform some phenomenal shows, and, most important, experience the most amazing FANS... I'll truly miss the inspiration and love that people from around the world have shown towards the MUSIC. As I leave for a new endeavor, I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the incredible musicians both past and present who have graced their magical touch on FORBIDDEN's music. To be a part of this band and to have these guys as friends and family for life is a true blessing. Thanks guys for the support and I look forward to seeing FORBIDDEN carry on for years to come."
FORBIDDEN's latest album, "Omega Wave", was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD landed at position No. 27 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.
Veteran hard rockers BANG TANGO, along with videographer Drew Fortier, are working on a documentary of the band for release later this year. The documentary will contain interviews with current and original BANG TANGO members as well as most of the in-betweeners who have performed with the group over the years. The film will explore the history of the band and what the original members are up to now, but for the most part it will give insight into the recording of the group's latest release, 2011's "Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt".
"The BANG TANGO documentary will be a great insight on where the band has come from and where the band is now," Fortier said, "and also bridge the gap for the fans of the original lineup to allow them to know what the original guys are up to now. Also there will be interviews with original members, current members, and a few previous members such as Alex Grossi and Mark Tremalgia, etc. It will give people a reason, fan or not, to care about BANG TANGO, and the current lineup in general — how hard these guys actually work when they're on the road, in the studio, etc."
"Another reason, of course, is the comedy," Fortier continues. "I have over 100 hours of footage, and most of it is like 'Animal House' in a recording studio. A lot of it will also concentrate on the recording sessions for their latest release, 'Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt'. Another thing I wanted to touch on was what happened with the long lost album 'Love After Death', which is a hidden treasure in the world of rock and never got released in the U.S. — only in Europe in 1994."
"They actually brought the idea up to me, for the most part, to do a short studio documentary while they were recording here in Chicago," stated Fortier when asked what the members of BANG TANGO thought of a documentary. "But the more footage I got, the more we knew we had something special here. And when I dug deeper into the actual story of BANG TANGO, and everything that went along with that, I knew that this could easily be a great movie. So then I started contacting people, and traveling for interviews. Overall its going to be something special — a little bit different, off the cuff, insightful and funny as hell!"
"The BANG TANGO documentary will be a great insight on where the band has come from and where the band is now," Fortier said, "and also bridge the gap for the fans of the original lineup to allow them to know what the original guys are up to now. Also there will be interviews with original members, current members, and a few previous members such as Alex Grossi and Mark Tremalgia, etc. It will give people a reason, fan or not, to care about BANG TANGO, and the current lineup in general — how hard these guys actually work when they're on the road, in the studio, etc."
"Another reason, of course, is the comedy," Fortier continues. "I have over 100 hours of footage, and most of it is like 'Animal House' in a recording studio. A lot of it will also concentrate on the recording sessions for their latest release, 'Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt'. Another thing I wanted to touch on was what happened with the long lost album 'Love After Death', which is a hidden treasure in the world of rock and never got released in the U.S. — only in Europe in 1994."
"They actually brought the idea up to me, for the most part, to do a short studio documentary while they were recording here in Chicago," stated Fortier when asked what the members of BANG TANGO thought of a documentary. "But the more footage I got, the more we knew we had something special here. And when I dug deeper into the actual story of BANG TANGO, and everything that went along with that, I knew that this could easily be a great movie. So then I started contacting people, and traveling for interviews. Overall its going to be something special — a little bit different, off the cuff, insightful and funny as hell!"
DUBLIN DEATH PATROL (DDP) — the band featuring TESTAMENT singer Chuck Billy and former EXODUS and LEGACY (pre-TESTAMENT) vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza — will release two albums on the Mascot Records label, 2005's "DDP 4 Life" and 2011's follow-up effort, "Death Sentence", on August 14.
The "Death Sentence" cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, ATHEIST, SODOM, SIGH, ANACRUSIS, GWAR) and can be seen below.
Billy originally teamed up with fellow Dublin, California ragers Willy Lange (RAMPAGE, LAAZ ROCKIT), Souza and three of the Billy brothers as well as some other local Dublin boys.
The seeds were planted in or about 1980 with a Bay Area thrash band called RAMPAGE, featuring neighborhood kids from Dublin, California — Chuck Billy, along with his brother Andy Billy, Greg Bustamante, Ernie Boehm and Willy Lange. The guys were about 18 years old and had all known each other since they were about five. They grew up listening to a variety of bands — from LED ZEPPELIN, KISS, AEROSMITH to THE DEAD KENNEDYS and THE SEX PISTOLS — and were influenced by the sounds of the late '70s and early '80s.
Souza recalled how the idea to reactivate the ultimate DUBLIN DEATH PATROL came to him: "Originally it was Willy's and Chuck Billy's idea. The first I heard of getting this project together was at a Raider pre-season game in 2005. Willy was telling me his idea of DDP and getting the old RAMPAGE guys together. But this version would have Chuck and I singing on every song and include different musicians that grew up in Dublin to play on this record. Well, I was right in."
After six months of writing, arranging and restructuring songs new and old. the guys went in to record the first DDP album through strains and pains with Vinnie Wojno. Souza boldly claimed, "This is what we have to give to the metal world, a kick-ass, straight-up aggressive and in-your-fucking-face album of music by guys just from Dublin, California. Represented by members of TESTAMENT, LEGACY, EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, LAAZ ROCKIT, TESLA, HEIST and a group of headbanging Dubliners that deserved status. For fans of the Bay Area thrash whom I love and will always, I hope they dig what Chuck and I have done vocally on the DDP project."
In 2011, DUBLIN DEATH PATROL went back into the studio with the same team to record their crushing second album, "Death Sentence". That same year, DDP played the famous Belgian metal festival Graspop Metal Meeting. Needless to say, the crowd went completely nuts.
DUBLIN DEATH PATROL is:
Chuck Billy - Lead Vocals
Steve Souza - Lead Vocals
Willy Lange - Bass
Andy Billy - Rhythm/lead guitar
Steve Robello - Lead/ Rhythm Guitar
Greg Bustamante - Rhythm Guitar
Danny Cunningham -Drums
Troy Luccketta - Drums
John Hartsinck - Lead Guitar
John Souza - Bass
Eddie Billy – Bass
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/DDPDeathSentence.jpg
The "Death Sentence" cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, ATHEIST, SODOM, SIGH, ANACRUSIS, GWAR) and can be seen below.
Billy originally teamed up with fellow Dublin, California ragers Willy Lange (RAMPAGE, LAAZ ROCKIT), Souza and three of the Billy brothers as well as some other local Dublin boys.
The seeds were planted in or about 1980 with a Bay Area thrash band called RAMPAGE, featuring neighborhood kids from Dublin, California — Chuck Billy, along with his brother Andy Billy, Greg Bustamante, Ernie Boehm and Willy Lange. The guys were about 18 years old and had all known each other since they were about five. They grew up listening to a variety of bands — from LED ZEPPELIN, KISS, AEROSMITH to THE DEAD KENNEDYS and THE SEX PISTOLS — and were influenced by the sounds of the late '70s and early '80s.
Souza recalled how the idea to reactivate the ultimate DUBLIN DEATH PATROL came to him: "Originally it was Willy's and Chuck Billy's idea. The first I heard of getting this project together was at a Raider pre-season game in 2005. Willy was telling me his idea of DDP and getting the old RAMPAGE guys together. But this version would have Chuck and I singing on every song and include different musicians that grew up in Dublin to play on this record. Well, I was right in."
After six months of writing, arranging and restructuring songs new and old. the guys went in to record the first DDP album through strains and pains with Vinnie Wojno. Souza boldly claimed, "This is what we have to give to the metal world, a kick-ass, straight-up aggressive and in-your-fucking-face album of music by guys just from Dublin, California. Represented by members of TESTAMENT, LEGACY, EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, LAAZ ROCKIT, TESLA, HEIST and a group of headbanging Dubliners that deserved status. For fans of the Bay Area thrash whom I love and will always, I hope they dig what Chuck and I have done vocally on the DDP project."
In 2011, DUBLIN DEATH PATROL went back into the studio with the same team to record their crushing second album, "Death Sentence". That same year, DDP played the famous Belgian metal festival Graspop Metal Meeting. Needless to say, the crowd went completely nuts.
DUBLIN DEATH PATROL is:
Chuck Billy - Lead Vocals
Steve Souza - Lead Vocals
Willy Lange - Bass
Andy Billy - Rhythm/lead guitar
Steve Robello - Lead/ Rhythm Guitar
Greg Bustamante - Rhythm Guitar
Danny Cunningham -Drums
Troy Luccketta - Drums
John Hartsinck - Lead Guitar
John Souza - Bass
Eddie Billy – Bass
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/DDPDeathSentence.jpg
Former ARCH ENEMY guitarist Christopher Amott has set "Impulses" as the title of his new solo album, tentatively due before the end of the summer. He says, "There's been a few delays, but that's what happens when you strive for perfection! Can't wait to release this one — I am really pleased."
The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.
Amott in March issued a statement explaining that he left ARCH ENEMY to pursue his solo career. He said, "I'm gonna continue to be very active in music, working with all kinds of styles — this does not rule out metal."
ARCH ENEMY recruited 26-year-old American guitarist Nick Cordle (ARSIS) to replace Christopher.
Christopher Amott started his career in music in 1995 as a founding creative force and guitarist in ARCH ENEMY. In this context, he is known for his tastefully technical guitar work and memorably emotive playing style.
After garnering his early success, Christopher had the desire to express himself on a personal level in the same genre. At this time he began writing albums under the name ARMAGEDDON. Christopher wrote and recorded three albums over the next few years as ARCH ENEMY grew into an internationally recognized act, with his compositions featuring his own vocal stylings on the last album. This would be Christopher's first foray into singing and a spark of inspiration for his later musical ventures.
In 2008, Christopher began to consider his creative options as a mature musician. He began writing songs of an entirely different atmosphere, which saw his guitar playing focused less on technical ecstasy and more on a chord-based blues rock ambience as a foundation for more prominent vocal and lyrical ideas. These compositions developed into his next solo project; the album would be called "Follow Your Heart", released under his own name in 2010.
The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.
Amott in March issued a statement explaining that he left ARCH ENEMY to pursue his solo career. He said, "I'm gonna continue to be very active in music, working with all kinds of styles — this does not rule out metal."
ARCH ENEMY recruited 26-year-old American guitarist Nick Cordle (ARSIS) to replace Christopher.
Christopher Amott started his career in music in 1995 as a founding creative force and guitarist in ARCH ENEMY. In this context, he is known for his tastefully technical guitar work and memorably emotive playing style.
After garnering his early success, Christopher had the desire to express himself on a personal level in the same genre. At this time he began writing albums under the name ARMAGEDDON. Christopher wrote and recorded three albums over the next few years as ARCH ENEMY grew into an internationally recognized act, with his compositions featuring his own vocal stylings on the last album. This would be Christopher's first foray into singing and a spark of inspiration for his later musical ventures.
In 2008, Christopher began to consider his creative options as a mature musician. He began writing songs of an entirely different atmosphere, which saw his guitar playing focused less on technical ecstasy and more on a chord-based blues rock ambience as a foundation for more prominent vocal and lyrical ideas. These compositions developed into his next solo project; the album would be called "Follow Your Heart", released under his own name in 2010.
Nuclear Blast Records made DN Journal's Top 20 Sales Chart this week with its acquisition of the NuclearBlast.com domain for $12,000.
Asif Salam of SoundShock.com recently travelled to the Nuclear Blast Records headquarters in Donzdorf, Germany, where he interviewed the label's vice president, Jochen Maass, and A&R representative/product manager Jaap Waagemaker. You can now watch the report below.
Nuclear Blast was founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987 by Markus Staiger.
Since 2000, Nuclear Blast has maintained U.S. staff and operations in Los Angeles via a successful and long-running production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc., parent of Century Media Records. Century Media currently maintains a distribution deal with Caroline/EMI which it manages for Nuclear Blast under the arrangement.
Artists currently signed to Nuclear Blast include EXODUS, DIMMU BORGIR, ACCEPT, DEATH ANGEL and KREATOR.
Asif Salam of SoundShock.com recently travelled to the Nuclear Blast Records headquarters in Donzdorf, Germany, where he interviewed the label's vice president, Jochen Maass, and A&R representative/product manager Jaap Waagemaker. You can now watch the report below.
Nuclear Blast was founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987 by Markus Staiger.
Since 2000, Nuclear Blast has maintained U.S. staff and operations in Los Angeles via a successful and long-running production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc., parent of Century Media Records. Century Media currently maintains a distribution deal with Caroline/EMI which it manages for Nuclear Blast under the arrangement.
Artists currently signed to Nuclear Blast include EXODUS, DIMMU BORGIR, ACCEPT, DEATH ANGEL and KREATOR.
Dave Hofer, a Chicago-based music fan, record store employee and sporadic freelance writer, has been selected to participate in the first-ever Book Fort at thePitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, Illinois. He will read an excerpt from his upcoming biography of the veteran heavy metal bassist Dan Lilker, titled "Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting In The Life Of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker", on Sunday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Due this summer via Paper + Plastick Records, "Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting In The Life Of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker" follows Lilker's career from his pre-ANTHRAX band WHITE HEAT in 1980, through BRUTAL TRUTH's latest 2011 release, "End Time". It traces Lilker's time spent in seminal metal bands NUCLEAR ASSAULT, BRUTAL TRUTH, ANTHRAX, STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) and HEMLOCK, and also includes his lesser-known projects THE RAVENOUS, CRAB SOCIETY, CRAB SOCIETY NORTH, EXIT-13, EXTRA HOT SAUCE, CRUCIFIST, NOKTURNAL HELLSTORM, NUNFUCKRITUAL, LAST SATANIC DANCE, OVERLORD EXTERMINATOR and more.
Although not classically trained in long-form writing, Hofer spent years interviewing Lilker, his friends and his family to present what Hofer calls "the most comprehensive interview Lilker has ever done."
"After spending a decent amount of time with Danny, I decided that this book would function best mostly from his perspective, as his tone and sense of humor are right on point," Hofer says. "The transcriptions were providing too much good material to pick and choose pull quotes."
Featuring input from Scott Ian and Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX, John Connelly and Glenn Evans of NUCLEAR ASSAULT, Kevin Sharp and Rich Hoak from BRUTAL TRUTH, Barney Greenway and Shane Embury of NAPALM DEATH, Fenriz, Faust, Craig Setari, Gene Hoglan, Gloria Cavalera, Howie Abrams, Jim Welch and others, "Perpetual Conversion" will detail Lilker's life in an unparalleled way.
"Anyone who's enjoyed anything I've done over the last 30 years will also enjoy this book," Lilker says, "And endless thanks to Dave Hofer for having the inspiration and patience to pry all the memories out of my brain."
"Perpetual Conversion" will be accompanied by a multitude of unreleased pictures and other types of memorabilia that Lilker has had in storage for years. There is also a plan in the works to bring a very special music-related accompaniment to the project, but it is unconfirmed so far.
Due this summer via Paper + Plastick Records, "Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting In The Life Of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker" follows Lilker's career from his pre-ANTHRAX band WHITE HEAT in 1980, through BRUTAL TRUTH's latest 2011 release, "End Time". It traces Lilker's time spent in seminal metal bands NUCLEAR ASSAULT, BRUTAL TRUTH, ANTHRAX, STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) and HEMLOCK, and also includes his lesser-known projects THE RAVENOUS, CRAB SOCIETY, CRAB SOCIETY NORTH, EXIT-13, EXTRA HOT SAUCE, CRUCIFIST, NOKTURNAL HELLSTORM, NUNFUCKRITUAL, LAST SATANIC DANCE, OVERLORD EXTERMINATOR and more.
Although not classically trained in long-form writing, Hofer spent years interviewing Lilker, his friends and his family to present what Hofer calls "the most comprehensive interview Lilker has ever done."
"After spending a decent amount of time with Danny, I decided that this book would function best mostly from his perspective, as his tone and sense of humor are right on point," Hofer says. "The transcriptions were providing too much good material to pick and choose pull quotes."
Featuring input from Scott Ian and Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX, John Connelly and Glenn Evans of NUCLEAR ASSAULT, Kevin Sharp and Rich Hoak from BRUTAL TRUTH, Barney Greenway and Shane Embury of NAPALM DEATH, Fenriz, Faust, Craig Setari, Gene Hoglan, Gloria Cavalera, Howie Abrams, Jim Welch and others, "Perpetual Conversion" will detail Lilker's life in an unparalleled way.
"Anyone who's enjoyed anything I've done over the last 30 years will also enjoy this book," Lilker says, "And endless thanks to Dave Hofer for having the inspiration and patience to pry all the memories out of my brain."
"Perpetual Conversion" will be accompanied by a multitude of unreleased pictures and other types of memorabilia that Lilker has had in storage for years. There is also a plan in the works to bring a very special music-related accompaniment to the project, but it is unconfirmed so far.
"This Is War", the new EP from HALFORD guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak, will be released in August via iTunes, Amazon MP3 and all major digital retailers. It will feature the second single from Mike's upcoming solo album, "The Metalworker", as well as additional tracks from the full-length CD.
An audio sample of Chlasciak's last single, "Hell No!", is available for streaming at CDBaby.com.
"Hell No!" features Chlasciak and vocalist Carlos Zema (OUTWORLD, VOUGAN) alongside Kevin Talley (DAATH, CHIMAIRA, HATE ETERNAL, SIX FEET UNDER) on drums and Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) on bass.
Produced by Mike, "The Metalworker" was mixed by Orlando Villasenor at Dead Room Studio in San Antonio, Texas. Artwork was provided by Guilherme Sevens of Sevens Design Studio (ADAGIO, PAINSIDE).
"I am excited that 'The Metalworker' is nearing the shore," says Mike. "I am extremely proud of it. I must confess that it is everything I wanted it to be not only as an artist, but also as a fan of heavy metal. I wanted to make the absolute best album that I could make with no compromises, no matter how long it took and I did that."
"The Metalworker" will feature the following songs:
* On Leather Wings
* Don't Shoot The Crown
* Silence Of The Steel
* Tonight We Ride
* We Are The Cross
* This Is War
* M Is For Metal
* Hell No
* Weight Of The Heart
Talley previously stated about his involvement with "The Metalworker", "As a full-time studio drummer, it is sometimes overwhelming to constantly track ultra-technical brutal death metal songs. But, while tracking 'The Metalworker' album for Metal Mike, it reminds me why I got into metal in the first place … straight-forward brutal catchy riffs without any of the B.S. associated with most metal bands today. This is the 'meat and potatoes' of metal, if you will. It's not one of those 'Can I have a side salad, please?' type of bands. The album plows with killer riffage, ragin' leads, and ultra-sick double bass for days."
An audio sample of Chlasciak's last single, "Hell No!", is available for streaming at CDBaby.com.
"Hell No!" features Chlasciak and vocalist Carlos Zema (OUTWORLD, VOUGAN) alongside Kevin Talley (DAATH, CHIMAIRA, HATE ETERNAL, SIX FEET UNDER) on drums and Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) on bass.
Produced by Mike, "The Metalworker" was mixed by Orlando Villasenor at Dead Room Studio in San Antonio, Texas. Artwork was provided by Guilherme Sevens of Sevens Design Studio (ADAGIO, PAINSIDE).
"I am excited that 'The Metalworker' is nearing the shore," says Mike. "I am extremely proud of it. I must confess that it is everything I wanted it to be not only as an artist, but also as a fan of heavy metal. I wanted to make the absolute best album that I could make with no compromises, no matter how long it took and I did that."
"The Metalworker" will feature the following songs:
* On Leather Wings
* Don't Shoot The Crown
* Silence Of The Steel
* Tonight We Ride
* We Are The Cross
* This Is War
* M Is For Metal
* Hell No
* Weight Of The Heart
Talley previously stated about his involvement with "The Metalworker", "As a full-time studio drummer, it is sometimes overwhelming to constantly track ultra-technical brutal death metal songs. But, while tracking 'The Metalworker' album for Metal Mike, it reminds me why I got into metal in the first place … straight-forward brutal catchy riffs without any of the B.S. associated with most metal bands today. This is the 'meat and potatoes' of metal, if you will. It's not one of those 'Can I have a side salad, please?' type of bands. The album plows with killer riffage, ragin' leads, and ultra-sick double bass for days."
Former KITTIE and current SUICIDE CITY bassist Jennifer Arroyo is one of 12 brand-new houseguests featured on the new season of CBS reality show "Big Brother", which kicks off next Thursday, July 12 at 9 p.m. ET.
The heavily tattoed Arroyo, who played with KITTIE from 2002 to 2005, lives in Brooklyn, New York and describes herself as "smart, sexy and funny." She also says that she is "a very proud gay woman" and that her journal entries often end up as song lyrics. She said, "I'm so very proud of every album I've ever worked on. A piece of my heart and soul are located within."
When asked what she would do if "Big Brother" made her famous, the 37-year-old said, "Head right back into the studio and record a full-length album and then head out on the road with my band and tour. Start a music program to help underprivileged kids stay focused." She added, "Music has saved my life and I want to give back to what has been so good to me."
The heavily tattoed Arroyo, who played with KITTIE from 2002 to 2005, lives in Brooklyn, New York and describes herself as "smart, sexy and funny." She also says that she is "a very proud gay woman" and that her journal entries often end up as song lyrics. She said, "I'm so very proud of every album I've ever worked on. A piece of my heart and soul are located within."
When asked what she would do if "Big Brother" made her famous, the 37-year-old said, "Head right back into the studio and record a full-length album and then head out on the road with my band and tour. Start a music program to help underprivileged kids stay focused." She added, "Music has saved my life and I want to give back to what has been so good to me."
Guitarist Steven Bradley of IWRESTLEDABEARONCE — the Shreveport, Louisiana quintet now transplanted to Los Angeles, California — has issued the following update:
"The day before our [Vans] Warped Tour show in Dallas, Texas, we had a day off in the [Dallas/Fort Worth] area. Krysta [Cameron, lead vocals] lives there now, so she went home to relax and do some laundry. The next day, we received word from her minutes before our set that she discovered she and her fiancé are expecting a kid and she would not be returning to finish Warped Tour with us. Obviously, this is an insane curveball for everybody, but in typical IWRESTLEDABEARONCE fashion, we will press on. And no matter what happens, Krysta has been our best friend for years and we want her to be happy.
"So what the fuck is the plan then, you ask? Well on literally a few minutes notice, our friend Courtney LaPlante [UNICRON] flew her ass down to meet up with us today so that won't miss a single show of this tour. Courtney is a beast in both the singing and screaming departments and is also an incredibly awesome person. We wouldn't tarnish the years of work that we've put into this band by having somebody half-ass it on stage with us, so please come to a show and give her a high-five and make her feel welcome for doing us this huge favor. It makes it feel even better and more natural since she has been a long-term fan of our band and already knows the material.
"So long story short; Fear not, friends and Bear Fuckers... We will continue to play Warped Tour and we hope that you will continue to support us. Getting to play for and talk to so many of you on a daily basis is honestly what we live for, and we will definitely continue with our plan to high-five everybody on Earth. We will update you with more info soon, including some new tour dates and info on our recently-finished full-length horror/comedy/whatever film 'A Beary Scary Movie'!
"And finally, thank you so much to everybody who has been so supportive of us for all these years and we hope to see you again soon!"
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's latest album, "Ruining It For Everybody", sold around 5,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 80 on The Billboard 200 chart.
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's "I'm Gonna Shoot" video can be seen below. The clip features footage from the band's first-ever shows in Mexico, which took place on May 26 in Guadalajara and May 27 in Mexico City.
"The day before our [Vans] Warped Tour show in Dallas, Texas, we had a day off in the [Dallas/Fort Worth] area. Krysta [Cameron, lead vocals] lives there now, so she went home to relax and do some laundry. The next day, we received word from her minutes before our set that she discovered she and her fiancé are expecting a kid and she would not be returning to finish Warped Tour with us. Obviously, this is an insane curveball for everybody, but in typical IWRESTLEDABEARONCE fashion, we will press on. And no matter what happens, Krysta has been our best friend for years and we want her to be happy.
"So what the fuck is the plan then, you ask? Well on literally a few minutes notice, our friend Courtney LaPlante [UNICRON] flew her ass down to meet up with us today so that won't miss a single show of this tour. Courtney is a beast in both the singing and screaming departments and is also an incredibly awesome person. We wouldn't tarnish the years of work that we've put into this band by having somebody half-ass it on stage with us, so please come to a show and give her a high-five and make her feel welcome for doing us this huge favor. It makes it feel even better and more natural since she has been a long-term fan of our band and already knows the material.
"So long story short; Fear not, friends and Bear Fuckers... We will continue to play Warped Tour and we hope that you will continue to support us. Getting to play for and talk to so many of you on a daily basis is honestly what we live for, and we will definitely continue with our plan to high-five everybody on Earth. We will update you with more info soon, including some new tour dates and info on our recently-finished full-length horror/comedy/whatever film 'A Beary Scary Movie'!
"And finally, thank you so much to everybody who has been so supportive of us for all these years and we hope to see you again soon!"
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's latest album, "Ruining It For Everybody", sold around 5,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 80 on The Billboard 200 chart.
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's "I'm Gonna Shoot" video can be seen below. The clip features footage from the band's first-ever shows in Mexico, which took place on May 26 in Guadalajara and May 27 in Mexico City.
ATTIKA 7, the Los Angeles-based band featuring vocalist Evan Seinfeld (ex-BIOHAZARD) and lead guitarist Rusty Coones (famed motorcycle builder), has announced the addition of guitarist Zach Broderick (formerly with NONPOINT), drummer Tommy Holt (ex-UPO) and former KYUSS bassist Scott Reeder to the group's ranks.
ATTIKA 7's debut album, "Blood Of My Enemies", will be released on July 31 via Rocket Science Ventures/THC:MUSIC in North America and Membran/Ninetone in Europe.
Commented Evan, "Both Rusty and I feel extremely privileged to have found such killer guys and accomplished musicians to be members of ATTIKA 7.
"We can't wait to get out on the road and blow away audiences with our unique brand of melodic heavy metal.
"We have been enjoying working on the live show with Scott, Tommy and Zach.
"The album has been getting a lot of positive reviews so far, but I know that the real work begins now.
"It was super-important to us to find band members that were not only masters of their instruments but REAL team players and guys who were willing to make the commitment to dedicating themselves to the hard work it takes to break a new band nowadays. These guys are seasoned veterans who all believe in 'Blood Of My Enemies' and are all hungry to go out and destroy!"
ATTIKA 7 recorded "Blood Of My Enemies" with producer Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK).
The bass and drum tracks on the CD were laid down by Tony Campos (SOULFLY, POSSESSED, STATIC-X, ASESINO, MINISTRY) and Devin Lebsack, respectively, but due to scheduling conflicts they were not able to make the required commitment to ATTIKA 7.
ATTIKA 7's debut album, "Blood Of My Enemies", will be released on July 31 via Rocket Science Ventures/THC:MUSIC in North America and Membran/Ninetone in Europe.
Commented Evan, "Both Rusty and I feel extremely privileged to have found such killer guys and accomplished musicians to be members of ATTIKA 7.
"We can't wait to get out on the road and blow away audiences with our unique brand of melodic heavy metal.
"We have been enjoying working on the live show with Scott, Tommy and Zach.
"The album has been getting a lot of positive reviews so far, but I know that the real work begins now.
"It was super-important to us to find band members that were not only masters of their instruments but REAL team players and guys who were willing to make the commitment to dedicating themselves to the hard work it takes to break a new band nowadays. These guys are seasoned veterans who all believe in 'Blood Of My Enemies' and are all hungry to go out and destroy!"
ATTIKA 7 recorded "Blood Of My Enemies" with producer Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK).
The bass and drum tracks on the CD were laid down by Tony Campos (SOULFLY, POSSESSED, STATIC-X, ASESINO, MINISTRY) and Devin Lebsack, respectively, but due to scheduling conflicts they were not able to make the required commitment to ATTIKA 7.
San Diego death metallers PATHOLOGY have revealed the cover art for their new album, "The Time Of Great Purification", due on September 25 via Victory Records.
PATHOLOGY putting the finishing touches on the new CD at Lambesis Studios with Daniel Castleman.
"This is definitely our heaviest and most technical album to date," states drummer Dave Astor.
"The Time Of Great Purification" features artwork by Pär Olofsson, creator of the cover art for PATHOLOGY's last two albums, 2010's "Legacy Of The Ancients" and 2011's "Awaken To The Suffering". The concept is simple: the doctor is controlling the 2012 apocalypse and destroying the world!
PATHOLOGY is gearing up for a twenty-six city headlining run on the "Slaughter Survivors Tour" with ENFOLD DARKNESS, FALLUJAH, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY and AEGAEON. The tour kicks off in Santa Cruz, California on July 21.
PATHOLOGY will perform three brand new tracks on the upcoming trek.
PATHOLOGY putting the finishing touches on the new CD at Lambesis Studios with Daniel Castleman.
"This is definitely our heaviest and most technical album to date," states drummer Dave Astor.
"The Time Of Great Purification" features artwork by Pär Olofsson, creator of the cover art for PATHOLOGY's last two albums, 2010's "Legacy Of The Ancients" and 2011's "Awaken To The Suffering". The concept is simple: the doctor is controlling the 2012 apocalypse and destroying the world!
PATHOLOGY is gearing up for a twenty-six city headlining run on the "Slaughter Survivors Tour" with ENFOLD DARKNESS, FALLUJAH, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY and AEGAEON. The tour kicks off in Santa Cruz, California on July 21.
PATHOLOGY will perform three brand new tracks on the upcoming trek.
Guitarist/vocalist Helmuth Lehner of the Austrian blackened death metal outfit BELPHEGOR, who underwent "a serious and difficult" operation last October, is still not fully recovered and will therefore be unable to handle lead vocals at the band's upcoming Extremefest appearances. Filling in for him until he is "able to do the vocals again and give 100 percent" wil be the band's former bassist, Bartholomäus "Barth" Resch, who is described by Helmuth as "our man behind the curtain since 1998." Helmuth adds, "[Barth] knows exactly how we roll."
Extremefest dates are as follows:
July 5-7 - Hünxe, Germany - ExtremeFest Germany
July 5-7 - St. Pölten, Austria - ExtremeFest Austria
July 5-7 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland - ExtremeFest Switzerland
BELPHEGOR entered Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE) to begin laying down its as-yet-untitled new CD for a March 2013 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The recording sessions and the mixing/mastering process will be completed by mid-October.
Rutan previously stated about the upcoming CD: "I am very excited to be recording and mixing the new BELPHEGOR album at Mana. After many discussions with Helmuth and hearing some clips of new material, I know that the band is very focused and determined on making a harmoniously evil extreme masterpiece. We shall make one beast of an album that the fans have come to expect from BELPHEGOR!"
BELPHEGOR's last album, "Blood Magick Necromance", was released in January 2011 in Europe and February 2011 in the U.S. via Nuclear Blast Records. The album was produced by Peter Tägtgren (IMMORTAL, CELTIC FROST, HYPOCRISY, DIMMU BORGIR) at his Abyss Studios in Pärlby, Sweden and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren.
Extremefest dates are as follows:
July 5-7 - Hünxe, Germany - ExtremeFest Germany
July 5-7 - St. Pölten, Austria - ExtremeFest Austria
July 5-7 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland - ExtremeFest Switzerland
BELPHEGOR entered Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE) to begin laying down its as-yet-untitled new CD for a March 2013 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The recording sessions and the mixing/mastering process will be completed by mid-October.
Rutan previously stated about the upcoming CD: "I am very excited to be recording and mixing the new BELPHEGOR album at Mana. After many discussions with Helmuth and hearing some clips of new material, I know that the band is very focused and determined on making a harmoniously evil extreme masterpiece. We shall make one beast of an album that the fans have come to expect from BELPHEGOR!"
BELPHEGOR's last album, "Blood Magick Necromance", was released in January 2011 in Europe and February 2011 in the U.S. via Nuclear Blast Records. The album was produced by Peter Tägtgren (IMMORTAL, CELTIC FROST, HYPOCRISY, DIMMU BORGIR) at his Abyss Studios in Pärlby, Sweden and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren.
"The Earthling", the brand new video from Norwegian avantgarde metallers BORKNAGAR, will make its online debut on Monday, July 9. A few "still photos" from the clip can be seen at Borknagar.com.
"The Earthling" comes off BORKNAGAR's new album, "Urd", which was released March 27 in North America via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded with Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden.
The "Urd" artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, who has not only already worked on BORKNAGAR's previous "Universal" release but also with artists such as SOULFLY, BELPHEGOR, EINHERJER and KEEP OF KALESSIN.
"Urd" track listing:
01. Epochalypse
02. Roots
03. The Beauty Of Dead Cities
04. The Earthling
05. The Plains Of Memories
06. Mount Regency
07. Frostrite
08. The Winter Eclipse
09. In A Deeper World
BORKNAGAR recently recruited Baard Kolstad (ICS VORTEX) as its new drummer.
BORKNAGAR 2012 is:
* Øystein G. Brun (Cronian, ex-Molested) – Clean and Electric Guitar
* Vintersorg (VINTERSORG, FISSION) - Grim Vocals, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Lars A. Nedland (SOLEFALD, ex-CARPATHIAN FOREST) - Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Choirs
* Jens F. Ryland (ICS VORTEX) - Lead Guitar
* ICS Vortex (ex-DIMNMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, ICS VORTEX) - Bass, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Baard Kolstad - Drums
Drums and percussion on "Urd" were performed by David Kinkade (SOULFLY, ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).
"The Earthling" comes off BORKNAGAR's new album, "Urd", which was released March 27 in North America via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded with Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden.
The "Urd" artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, who has not only already worked on BORKNAGAR's previous "Universal" release but also with artists such as SOULFLY, BELPHEGOR, EINHERJER and KEEP OF KALESSIN.
"Urd" track listing:
01. Epochalypse
02. Roots
03. The Beauty Of Dead Cities
04. The Earthling
05. The Plains Of Memories
06. Mount Regency
07. Frostrite
08. The Winter Eclipse
09. In A Deeper World
BORKNAGAR recently recruited Baard Kolstad (ICS VORTEX) as its new drummer.
BORKNAGAR 2012 is:
* Øystein G. Brun (Cronian, ex-Molested) – Clean and Electric Guitar
* Vintersorg (VINTERSORG, FISSION) - Grim Vocals, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Lars A. Nedland (SOLEFALD, ex-CARPATHIAN FOREST) - Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Choirs
* Jens F. Ryland (ICS VORTEX) - Lead Guitar
* ICS Vortex (ex-DIMNMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, ICS VORTEX) - Bass, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Baard Kolstad - Drums
Drums and percussion on "Urd" were performed by David Kinkade (SOULFLY, ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).
Indie Recordings has announced the signing of Norway's NETTLECARRIER.
NETTLECARRIER is freezing cold, satanic black metal at its best. Starring T. Ciekals (DJEVEL, LJÅ), Mannevond (KOLDBRANN, URGEHAL) and Dirge Rep (ORCUSTUS, GEHENNA, GORGOROTH, ENSLAVED), the group will release its debut album later in the year.
NETTLECARRIER was formed in 2004 when T. Ciekals, who was a member of the band LJÅ at the time, moved to Oslo and teamed up with Mannevond from the infamous KOLDBRANN. "I had been in contact with Mannevond a few years back and we were both fans of each others bands," said Ciekals. They had a burning desire to create a black metal band that did not sound like anyone else, but with an older and more sinister sound. In late 2006, Vold joined in on drums for a short while and as a three-piece the pace increased. This resulted in the release of the seven-inch vinyl single, "To Strangle The Hero Of Heaven".
When Mannevond started Urgehal and T. Ciekals formed DJEVEL, NETTLECARRIER was put on ice for almost three years. "I left LJÅ in 2007 to focus on DJEVEL and Mannevond was busy with URGEHAL, but NETTLECARRIER wasn't dead, just buried for a while," explained Ciekals. After the DJEVEL album was released, Ciekals was finally able to focus on NETTLECARRIER again. The very talented Dirge Rep joined the band on drums in 2010 and the decision to record an album was made.
NETTLECARRIER is freezing cold, satanic black metal at its best. Starring T. Ciekals (DJEVEL, LJÅ), Mannevond (KOLDBRANN, URGEHAL) and Dirge Rep (ORCUSTUS, GEHENNA, GORGOROTH, ENSLAVED), the group will release its debut album later in the year.
NETTLECARRIER was formed in 2004 when T. Ciekals, who was a member of the band LJÅ at the time, moved to Oslo and teamed up with Mannevond from the infamous KOLDBRANN. "I had been in contact with Mannevond a few years back and we were both fans of each others bands," said Ciekals. They had a burning desire to create a black metal band that did not sound like anyone else, but with an older and more sinister sound. In late 2006, Vold joined in on drums for a short while and as a three-piece the pace increased. This resulted in the release of the seven-inch vinyl single, "To Strangle The Hero Of Heaven".
When Mannevond started Urgehal and T. Ciekals formed DJEVEL, NETTLECARRIER was put on ice for almost three years. "I left LJÅ in 2007 to focus on DJEVEL and Mannevond was busy with URGEHAL, but NETTLECARRIER wasn't dead, just buried for a while," explained Ciekals. After the DJEVEL album was released, Ciekals was finally able to focus on NETTLECARRIER again. The very talented Dirge Rep joined the band on drums in 2010 and the decision to record an album was made.
__._,_.___
.
__,_._,___
0 comments:
Post a Comment