It's been exactly 30 years since British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST unleashed "Screaming For Vengeance" — the album that solidified their position as world's greatest heavy metal band! To celebrate the event, former PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing's official web site, Steel Mill, has posted a new blog from K.K. on the recording, impact and legacy of "Screaming For Vengeance". It follows in its entirety below.
"'Screaming For Vengeance' is still the band's biggest-ever-selling record. This may come as a surprise to many, but if you ask me why this might be, I would give you quite a few reasons:
"Firstly, I would say that 'Screaming' has an undeniable completeness about it. By that, I mean a good and varied selection of songs, a cool cover and an overall uplifting feel that was perfect for the time when it was released.
"Timing! Now there is a very interesting topic when it comes to releases. I have a theory that timing plays a very crucial role in a bands career. In fact, I am convinced that even some PRIEST albums have been released before their time. Typically, a lot of bands have released albums that did not have a particular impact at the time of release but went on to be revered as classic albums for me! Although one could argue 'Painkiller' was just such an album for PRIEST and I am optimistic that 'Nostradamus' will follow.
"Back to 'Screaming'; there is no doubt that without 'You've Got Another Thing Comin'', the album may not have been the success that it was, but I guess we will never really know.
"As it happened, I seem to remember that we were quite happy with the album but decided late on that we could add one more song. I know we had some of the parts but we set about completing 'Another Thing Comin'' during the mixing sessions at Bee Jay studios. It came together quite quickly, and I seem to remember that we all had a good feeling about it as it did sound like a good driving song and possibly a good radio track.
"There is no particular secret as to how a band puts its sound together. Quite simply, each player does his best to achieve his own individual sound and then when everyone plays together there you have it: the bands unique sound. Then, if you are lucky, the studio that you choose to use will have some good-sounding rooms with acoustics that will complement the sounds from each instrument, including vocals. There is no doubt that you will see artists recording in the bathrooms, kitchen, offices, etc., or in fact anywhere that they can to achieve the right acoustics, reverb and so forth that is to their liking. It's no wonder that there is such a wide variety in the sound of bands' albums. Not only are they changing their instruments and equipment throughout time, but they are also using different studios around the world and I can honestly say that no two kitchens sound the same.
"For sure the band was enjoying life at the time. Personally, I felt that we were on a roll and nothing could stop us and it didn't. We also got to make the record in Florida, which, for us English lads, was a real treat. The atmosphere and weather was definitely rock and roll. Although the material was written back home, there is nothing better than recording in a warm sunny climate. It certainly helped to be able to spend a little down time at the pool.
"Sadly, it is too long ago for me to remember the exact details and events that surrounded the making of this record. I can only sum it up by saying that I sincerely wish that I could turn back time and experience the whole thing again as it certainly was the year that JUDAS PRIEST was Screaming for Vengeance!"
"'Screaming For Vengeance' is still the band's biggest-ever-selling record. This may come as a surprise to many, but if you ask me why this might be, I would give you quite a few reasons:
"Firstly, I would say that 'Screaming' has an undeniable completeness about it. By that, I mean a good and varied selection of songs, a cool cover and an overall uplifting feel that was perfect for the time when it was released.
"Timing! Now there is a very interesting topic when it comes to releases. I have a theory that timing plays a very crucial role in a bands career. In fact, I am convinced that even some PRIEST albums have been released before their time. Typically, a lot of bands have released albums that did not have a particular impact at the time of release but went on to be revered as classic albums for me! Although one could argue 'Painkiller' was just such an album for PRIEST and I am optimistic that 'Nostradamus' will follow.
"Back to 'Screaming'; there is no doubt that without 'You've Got Another Thing Comin'', the album may not have been the success that it was, but I guess we will never really know.
"As it happened, I seem to remember that we were quite happy with the album but decided late on that we could add one more song. I know we had some of the parts but we set about completing 'Another Thing Comin'' during the mixing sessions at Bee Jay studios. It came together quite quickly, and I seem to remember that we all had a good feeling about it as it did sound like a good driving song and possibly a good radio track.
"There is no particular secret as to how a band puts its sound together. Quite simply, each player does his best to achieve his own individual sound and then when everyone plays together there you have it: the bands unique sound. Then, if you are lucky, the studio that you choose to use will have some good-sounding rooms with acoustics that will complement the sounds from each instrument, including vocals. There is no doubt that you will see artists recording in the bathrooms, kitchen, offices, etc., or in fact anywhere that they can to achieve the right acoustics, reverb and so forth that is to their liking. It's no wonder that there is such a wide variety in the sound of bands' albums. Not only are they changing their instruments and equipment throughout time, but they are also using different studios around the world and I can honestly say that no two kitchens sound the same.
"For sure the band was enjoying life at the time. Personally, I felt that we were on a roll and nothing could stop us and it didn't. We also got to make the record in Florida, which, for us English lads, was a real treat. The atmosphere and weather was definitely rock and roll. Although the material was written back home, there is nothing better than recording in a warm sunny climate. It certainly helped to be able to spend a little down time at the pool.
"Sadly, it is too long ago for me to remember the exact details and events that surrounded the making of this record. I can only sum it up by saying that I sincerely wish that I could turn back time and experience the whole thing again as it certainly was the year that JUDAS PRIEST was Screaming for Vengeance!"
KISS is regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time and holds the honor as one of America's top gold-record champions.
On August 21, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release KISS's 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album "Destroyer: Resurrected", newly remixed from the original master tapes by the album's original producer, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin pulled the tapes from the vaults and painstakingly remixed the entire album, enhancing the sound and bringing out its rich texture and vibrancy, while keeping the integrity of the original recording intact. "Destroyer: Resurrected" will also include rare and unreleased recordings rediscovered during the remixing process, plus the originally intended cover artwork.
Hot on the heels of their breakthrough hit album "Alive!", KISS released their fourth studio album "Destroyer" which is considered the most ambitious studio recording of KISS's '70s catalog. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper, was brought in to produce the album and among the production flourishes Ezrin introduced to KISS were sound effects, strings, a children's choir, reversed drumming and the eerie, echoing sounds of screaming children over Gene Simmons' vocals on "God Of Thunder". Upon its release, "Destroyer" reached the No. 11 position on the Billboard Top 200 and, with the help of the surprise top-10 hit "Beth", was their first album to go platinum.
Originally released as the B-side to the single "Detroit Rock City", "Beth — the heart-yearning ballad co-written and performed by drummer Peter Criss — was quickly picked up by radio nationwide and became the first top 10 for KISS, climbing all the way to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While going through the original tapes, a forgotten vocal piece that was originally edited out in the final mix of "Beth" was discovered and now, for the first time, the complete original vocal recording has been restored and is included in the final mix. Other rediscovered gems include a complete, alternate guitar solo for the track "Sweet Pain", now heard for the first time since it was originally recorded. The newly remixed "Sweet Pain" with the original guitar solo will be included as a bonus track. In addition to the treasures found buried in the hours of recordings, KISS classics such as "Detroit Rock City", "Shout It Out Loud", "Do You Love Me?" and "God Of Thunder" were painstakingly remixed by Ezrin as he fleshed out the drums and guitars, bringing out the bottom end to the bass, making his mixes tight and tough.
In addition, "Destroyer: Resurrected" will now be issued with the originally intended cover art thought too controversial for the time. Created by artist Ken Kelly, the "brown" cover depicts KISS dressed in their "Alive!" costumes and standing on rubble in front of a burning city in ruins. At the time, the record company thought it was too violent and settled for the tamer "blue" version known today. This release also marked the first time that a comic-book illustration of the band appeared on the cover, confirming that the band was transforming from hard rockers to superheroes.
To this day, "Destroyer" remains one of the group's most ambitious recordings and greatest accomplishments. In both Kerrang! and Guitar World magazine it is listed as one of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time" and in 2003, it was included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time." Now, with today's state-of-the-art technology, this landmark release can be heard the way that KISS intended.
The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race and creed. KISS releases their 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 15 internationally and October 16 in North America.
"Destroyer: Resurrected" track listing:
01. Detroit Rock City
02. King Of The Night Time World
03. God Of Thunder
04. Great Expectations
05. Flaming Youth
06. Sweet Pain
07. Shout It Out Loud
08. Beth
09. Do You Love Me?
10. Sweet Pain (original guitar solo) (bonus track)
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.
On August 21, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release KISS's 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album "Destroyer: Resurrected", newly remixed from the original master tapes by the album's original producer, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin pulled the tapes from the vaults and painstakingly remixed the entire album, enhancing the sound and bringing out its rich texture and vibrancy, while keeping the integrity of the original recording intact. "Destroyer: Resurrected" will also include rare and unreleased recordings rediscovered during the remixing process, plus the originally intended cover artwork.
Hot on the heels of their breakthrough hit album "Alive!", KISS released their fourth studio album "Destroyer" which is considered the most ambitious studio recording of KISS's '70s catalog. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper, was brought in to produce the album and among the production flourishes Ezrin introduced to KISS were sound effects, strings, a children's choir, reversed drumming and the eerie, echoing sounds of screaming children over Gene Simmons' vocals on "God Of Thunder". Upon its release, "Destroyer" reached the No. 11 position on the Billboard Top 200 and, with the help of the surprise top-10 hit "Beth", was their first album to go platinum.
Originally released as the B-side to the single "Detroit Rock City", "Beth — the heart-yearning ballad co-written and performed by drummer Peter Criss — was quickly picked up by radio nationwide and became the first top 10 for KISS, climbing all the way to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While going through the original tapes, a forgotten vocal piece that was originally edited out in the final mix of "Beth" was discovered and now, for the first time, the complete original vocal recording has been restored and is included in the final mix. Other rediscovered gems include a complete, alternate guitar solo for the track "Sweet Pain", now heard for the first time since it was originally recorded. The newly remixed "Sweet Pain" with the original guitar solo will be included as a bonus track. In addition to the treasures found buried in the hours of recordings, KISS classics such as "Detroit Rock City", "Shout It Out Loud", "Do You Love Me?" and "God Of Thunder" were painstakingly remixed by Ezrin as he fleshed out the drums and guitars, bringing out the bottom end to the bass, making his mixes tight and tough.
In addition, "Destroyer: Resurrected" will now be issued with the originally intended cover art thought too controversial for the time. Created by artist Ken Kelly, the "brown" cover depicts KISS dressed in their "Alive!" costumes and standing on rubble in front of a burning city in ruins. At the time, the record company thought it was too violent and settled for the tamer "blue" version known today. This release also marked the first time that a comic-book illustration of the band appeared on the cover, confirming that the band was transforming from hard rockers to superheroes.
To this day, "Destroyer" remains one of the group's most ambitious recordings and greatest accomplishments. In both Kerrang! and Guitar World magazine it is listed as one of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time" and in 2003, it was included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time." Now, with today's state-of-the-art technology, this landmark release can be heard the way that KISS intended.
The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race and creed. KISS releases their 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 15 internationally and October 16 in North America.
"Destroyer: Resurrected" track listing:
01. Detroit Rock City
02. King Of The Night Time World
03. God Of Thunder
04. Great Expectations
05. Flaming Youth
06. Sweet Pain
07. Shout It Out Loud
08. Beth
09. Do You Love Me?
10. Sweet Pain (original guitar solo) (bonus track)
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.
Legendary rockers KISS will release their 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 16 through Universal Music Enterprises. Described in a press release as a "12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album," the CD features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game.
When asked by Reuters what fans can expect from "Monster", Stanley said, "Its heart is beating, and it's chained down until we release it in October. I was asked if it's a great KISS album and I said, forget about KISS — I truly believe it's far beyond being a KISS album. It's a great album of its genre with all the elements of all the classic bands that I listened to — all the music that inspired me — THE WHO, THE [ROLLING] STONES, HUMBLE PIE, [Eric] Clapton, [Jimi] Hendrix, LED ZEPPELIN. That's what I grew up with, and it inspired me to create passion, chaos, something sexually aggressive that'd celebrate life. That's a description of rock 'n' roll."
KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE will joined forces for a co-headlining tour — dubbed simply "The Tour" — which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. Stanley told Reuters about the trek, "It's a lot more than people usually get in one night. It's being bombarded with rock 'n' roll. MÖTLEY's co-headlining, and one thing we didn't want to do was the kind of sabotage between bands that happens. We always figured, let a band go out and do the greatest show they can, and that'll only amp us up to do what we do that much better. There's no ego clashes, and this is another way to give fans more than just a concert — it's an event."
When asked for his view of the music business today, Stanley told Reuters, "It's in shambles. I don't even know if it's a business now. It lost its footing when the Internet arrived and ways to clamp down on piracy weren't put into effect. Suddenly you had people file sharing, which is a nice way of saying stealing. You can't share what you don't own."
When asked by Reuters what fans can expect from "Monster", Stanley said, "Its heart is beating, and it's chained down until we release it in October. I was asked if it's a great KISS album and I said, forget about KISS — I truly believe it's far beyond being a KISS album. It's a great album of its genre with all the elements of all the classic bands that I listened to — all the music that inspired me — THE WHO, THE [ROLLING] STONES, HUMBLE PIE, [Eric] Clapton, [Jimi] Hendrix, LED ZEPPELIN. That's what I grew up with, and it inspired me to create passion, chaos, something sexually aggressive that'd celebrate life. That's a description of rock 'n' roll."
KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE will joined forces for a co-headlining tour — dubbed simply "The Tour" — which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. Stanley told Reuters about the trek, "It's a lot more than people usually get in one night. It's being bombarded with rock 'n' roll. MÖTLEY's co-headlining, and one thing we didn't want to do was the kind of sabotage between bands that happens. We always figured, let a band go out and do the greatest show they can, and that'll only amp us up to do what we do that much better. There's no ego clashes, and this is another way to give fans more than just a concert — it's an event."
When asked for his view of the music business today, Stanley told Reuters, "It's in shambles. I don't even know if it's a business now. It lost its footing when the Internet arrived and ways to clamp down on piracy weren't put into effect. Suddenly you had people file sharing, which is a nice way of saying stealing. You can't share what you don't own."
NPR's (National Public Radio) Guy Raz recently conducted an interview with DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
NPR: Why can't I download your original songs off iTunes?
Joe Elliott: When we signed our record contracts, Noah was still sailing the arc off into foreign climes. It was 1979 and there was no such thing as "digitally." It wasn't written into the deal and consequently they [the band's label, Universal Records] have no rights for a digital release. They can only release them digitally with our permission because that's written into our contract. We're trying to wrestle back all control or as much as possible. We're not enjoying it — but they've got to come to the table with some kind of reasonable proposal, which they haven't done, so we shall go in the studio and have a bit of fun.
NPR: You haven't been able to come to an agreement about how you would be compensated, so in order for you to, as you said, "control your work," you guys are going to re-record your entire back catalog.
Joe Elliott: That's about 180 songs. There are some strange Japanese B-sides that really aren't worth the effort, but when it comes to the "Bringin' On The Heartbreaks", the "Photographs", the "Hysterias", "Love Bites" — I can name 20 Top-20 hits — some of those are well worth the effort.
NPR: You guys are covering yourselves.
Joe Elliott: Yeah, we're just basically doing re-records — it's as simple as that. We're making them available on iTunes, but what we're trying to attempt to do — and it's down to the listeners to decide whether we achieve it or not — is give them something that sounds like the original. We don't want them to say it's better or it's worse, we want them to say it's the same. I've done it myself where I've gone in iTunes where I've looked for a certain song where I accidentally bought the re-record and it's been awful. It's just been lousily, quickly done for a quick buck. We're not trying to make a quick buck, we're actually trying to maintain some kind of dignity in this. 'Cause we don't want other people making a shitload of cash out of our work and not pay us for it.
NPR: Why can't I download your original songs off iTunes?
Joe Elliott: When we signed our record contracts, Noah was still sailing the arc off into foreign climes. It was 1979 and there was no such thing as "digitally." It wasn't written into the deal and consequently they [the band's label, Universal Records] have no rights for a digital release. They can only release them digitally with our permission because that's written into our contract. We're trying to wrestle back all control or as much as possible. We're not enjoying it — but they've got to come to the table with some kind of reasonable proposal, which they haven't done, so we shall go in the studio and have a bit of fun.
NPR: You haven't been able to come to an agreement about how you would be compensated, so in order for you to, as you said, "control your work," you guys are going to re-record your entire back catalog.
Joe Elliott: That's about 180 songs. There are some strange Japanese B-sides that really aren't worth the effort, but when it comes to the "Bringin' On The Heartbreaks", the "Photographs", the "Hysterias", "Love Bites" — I can name 20 Top-20 hits — some of those are well worth the effort.
NPR: You guys are covering yourselves.
Joe Elliott: Yeah, we're just basically doing re-records — it's as simple as that. We're making them available on iTunes, but what we're trying to attempt to do — and it's down to the listeners to decide whether we achieve it or not — is give them something that sounds like the original. We don't want them to say it's better or it's worse, we want them to say it's the same. I've done it myself where I've gone in iTunes where I've looked for a certain song where I accidentally bought the re-record and it's been awful. It's just been lousily, quickly done for a quick buck. We're not trying to make a quick buck, we're actually trying to maintain some kind of dignity in this. 'Cause we don't want other people making a shitload of cash out of our work and not pay us for it.
"Sex", a brand new song from MÖTLEY CRÜE, is available for free download for 24 hours only at Motley.com.
Written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February, "Sex" is the first studio track from the CRÜE since their June 2008 release of "Saints Of Los Angeles". The song was recorded at MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California.
Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner in March, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist and main songwriter Nikki Sixx stated about the band's new track, "It sounds very much like it's off of the first record [1981's 'Too Fast For Love']. And that was definitely on purpose. I've been writing very simple riffs for the last year and focusing on how these riffs would work for Vince [Neil, vocals], basically, and took it in the studio with Tommy and Mick [Mars, guitar] and the thing just came alive."
In an interview with AOL's Noisecreep, Tommy stated about "Sex", "I think Nikki is partially right. It's got a retro CRÜE kind of vibe to it — a simplistic riff. But I also think the song has a modern sound to it. There's some cool analog synths in it and a beat that is really funky and modern. So I guess you can say that it has a retro yet modern sound."
He added, "Overall, I think that 'Sex' sounds like 2012 and that makes me really happy. It turned out killer! Not that I'm not into some retro-sounding stuff, but it is 2012 kids — let's keep it moving. At the end of the day, it's a great summertime song that's going to have everybody screaming along to it on this upcoming tour."
Written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February, "Sex" is the first studio track from the CRÜE since their June 2008 release of "Saints Of Los Angeles". The song was recorded at MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California.
Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner in March, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist and main songwriter Nikki Sixx stated about the band's new track, "It sounds very much like it's off of the first record [1981's 'Too Fast For Love']. And that was definitely on purpose. I've been writing very simple riffs for the last year and focusing on how these riffs would work for Vince [Neil, vocals], basically, and took it in the studio with Tommy and Mick [Mars, guitar] and the thing just came alive."
In an interview with AOL's Noisecreep, Tommy stated about "Sex", "I think Nikki is partially right. It's got a retro CRÜE kind of vibe to it — a simplistic riff. But I also think the song has a modern sound to it. There's some cool analog synths in it and a beat that is really funky and modern. So I guess you can say that it has a retro yet modern sound."
He added, "Overall, I think that 'Sex' sounds like 2012 and that makes me really happy. It turned out killer! Not that I'm not into some retro-sounding stuff, but it is 2012 kids — let's keep it moving. At the end of the day, it's a great summertime song that's going to have everybody screaming along to it on this upcoming tour."
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with singer Geoff Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has already performed live, having played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Tate revealed in a recent interview with RollingStone.com that he and his wife, Susan, who has been managing the band for the past several years, filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington in order to "sort out who is what, and who owns what, and that stuff." Tate is also attempting to get a court injunction against Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield that would prevent them from using the name QUEENSRŸCHE for their new group.
On July 9, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield filed a response to Tate's motion for preliminary injunction and included individual declarations from all of the defendants supporting their position that Tate's motion should be denied.
In her sworn "reply declaration in further support" of Geoff's motion for preliminary injunction — which was filed last Thursday, July 12 in the King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington and obtained by BLABBERMOUTH.NET — Susan Tate says, "The defendants' response paints an inaccurate picture of how I became the manager of QUEENSRŸCHE. The decisions which ultimately led the band to hire me were made by Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton. Their allegations that I usurped control of management are untrue.
"I was initially hired by QUEENSRŸCHE to run the band's fan 'club in 1997. At that time, the fan club was in debt and had only 500 members. Within a year, membership increased to 5,000 members and it became a source of profit for the band. I ran the operations for a few years, but left to pursue other opportunities. After I left, the fan club slowly declined in membership and began to lose money. Eddie Jackson asked me if I would consider running the fan club again. I accepted the offer and quickly returned the membership and revenue to the levels it had been prior to my departure. I later became responsible for the merchandising operations, too.
"In 2001, the band was becoming dissatisfied with its manager at the time. It seemed as though the manager was not doing enough to promote and book performances for the band.
"The band desired to get back out on tour and play with some well-known bands. Word spread that IRON MAIDEN, another metal band, was searching for an opening act for an upcoming tour. The band asked its manager to contact IRON MAIDEN's management to see if IRON MAIDEN was interested in having QUEENSRŸCHE be the opening act. The manager said that IRON MAIDEN did not return repeated phone calls.
"Worried that QUEENSRŸCHE would miss the opportunity to get on the tour with IRON MAIDEN, I asked Geoff if he would mind if I contacted IRON MAIDEN to see why it had not returned the phone calls. Geoff agreed that a different tact might yield a more positive result. I called IRON MAIDEN's management and the manager said he had not heard from the band's manager. The manager said that IRON MAIDEN would love to have QUEENSRŸCHE join them on the upcoming tour. I contacted the band members who quickly agreed to join the IRON MAIDEN tour. I then negotiated the contract with IRON MAIDEN. This tour earned the band around $500,000. Geoff then contacted KISS, another major metal band that QUEENSRŸCHE knew was organizing a tour. Despite the band's manager saying he had contacted that contacted KISS, KISS's manager said that no one from QUEENSRŸCHE had called them about becoming an opening act.
"Based on the lack of communication and the mishandling of potential touring opportunities, the band members called a vote and agreed to find a new manager. Lars Sorensen heard that the band needed a new manager. I knew Lars and believed that he would be a good advocate for the band. In May or June of 2001, the band collectively interviewed Lars, liked his ideas, and believed that it was a good idea to have me assist him in thy management of the band. The band paid Lars at least 10% of gross revenue.
"Typically, managers earn 10-20% of gross revenue. I received 3% of gross revenue for my role as assistant manager. Lars was a good advocate, but he began to make expensive mistakes. For example, the budgets he prepared for tours were often so far off that the band ended up losing money. The band's attorney, Neil Sussman, and I took over all tour budgeting and the tours became profitable again. Relations between the band and Lars took a turn for the worse in 2001. Instead of using the band's existing promoter as he had been instructed, Lars booked a tour of Japan using a new promotions company. After the events of 9/11 prevented the band from playing those dates, that promoter filed a lawsuit against the band, which cost QUEENSRŸCHE tens of thousands of dollars.
"As time passed, I began to perform more of the tasks usually performed by a manager. Lars would ask me to do certain activities each week. He would then take my notes and assert to the band that he had actually done the work. Being the assistant, I accepted this arrangement, but did ask Lars to split his commissions with me. Lars agreed to this arrangement.
"In 2005, it was apparent that Sanctuary Records, our current label, was having financial problems. Despite the importance of finding a new label, Lars did not actively search for one. I contacted Kenny Nemes, a friend of mine who was then the vice-president of marketing at Rhino Records, about a record deal. Kenny said that Rhino was interested in signing QUEENSRŸCHE. Due to the lack of involvement by Lars, I alone negotiated the contract with Rhino. Before meeting with the band to review and approve the contract, Lars and I met to discuss it. Despite disappearing at this crucial moment, Lars wanted to take credit for negotiating the deal. I told him that since I had found and negotiated the deal, I would explain it to the band. Instead of facing the band, Lars decided to quit. I panicked and called Scott Rockenfield to tell him the news and to ask him what I should do. Scott, knowing that I had done wonders with the fan club, with the IRON MAIDEN tour, and in obtaining the deal with Rhino, asked if I would consider staying on as the manager if they continued to pay me 5% of gross revenue. Although this was far less than most thanagers made and half of what Lars was paid, I was committed to the band and said that would be fine. Scott then said he would ensure that the rest of the band agreed with his decision. That is how I became the manager of QUEENSRŸCHE.
"Rockenfield, Jackson and Wilton's assertions that Geoff and I conspired to take control of the band by force belies the fact that they were the very ones who hired me as the band's manager.
"During my time as the manager of the band, I worked very hard to maximize the band's earning potential. Given the recessionary climate, this has been difficult over the last five years. Despite this fact, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton earned between $109,000 and $340,000 per year during this time. They never complained to me that they were not earning enough money. Indeed, they seemed pleased with what they were earning at the time.
"I have worked in the music industry for more than 15 years. During this time, the Internet and music-sharing websites, like Napster, have dramatically changed the entire industry. Before the Internet and music-sharing websites, the industry used record sales as a common measure of success. This is no longer the case. Record sales have been steadily declining at nearly 8% per year from 1999 to 2009, with the result that sales of records in 2009 were 57% lower than they were in 1999. Moreover, unauthorized downloads and music-sharing represents about 90% of the market. It is clear that people are still listening to music. But they are not paying for it like they did in the past. Consequently, a band's popularity or business acumen has little to no correlation to the sales of its records. If it did, the same argument could be used to show that nearly every band or performer is about to go bankrupt, which is plainly not the case. Bands and performers now primarily make their living through touring, merchandising, and promotions, not record sales. The lack of sales is correlated with one recent outcome: the declining number of record labels. Each of our last three records labels either closed, is about to close, or filed for bankruptcy.
"The band hired Kevin Scurlock in 1997 to design and be the webmaster for the QUEENSRŸCHE website. Kevin continued in this role up until April or May of 2012. Around this time, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton told him that wanted to save money by switching the website operations to GoDaddy.com. Geoff was uncomfortable with this decision and we spoke to Kevin about how GoDaddy is known as an inexpensive stepping stone for start-up companies. After talking to Kevin, Geoff and I were of the opinion that GoDaddy could not handle a mature, sophisticated website like Queensrcyhe.com. The QUEENSRŸCHE website has an active fan forum, a password-protected fan club, and an online store through which the band solicits merchandising orders. It also has a special system to distribute passes and allow fan club members to purchase tickets. Despite these facts, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton insisted that Kevin facilitate the switch to GoDaddy. Due to this dispute between the band members, Kevin quit. He gave the passcodes for the website to Mr. Susssman.
"Once this dispute arose, Mr. Sussman decided that he could not release any of the passcodes to one group over the other. He held onto the passcodes until he recently released them to all of the band members at the same time.
"At the point I was fired by Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton, the band's agent and I had booked five shows for the band to play. After Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton publicly fired Geoff, they cancelled these shows. They then attempted to rebook the shows without Geoff, apparently in an attempt to cut Geoff out of any earnings. However, they were only able to rebook one show. This decision probably cost the band and Geoff a substantial sum of money and tarnished the band's reputation.
"The declaration of Paul Geary contains a letter, dated July 2, 2012, from Sullivan D. Bigg of Bigg Time Entertainment. Bigg is an agent, not a promoter. Thus, he books concerts, but does not purchase them on behalf of venues. Bigg suggests that in less than one week, he was able to book the band without Geoff to three shows for a total of $72,000. Tellingly, the contracts for these shows were not provided, which leads me to conclude that these shows were not actually booked. Furthermore, Bigg or Bigg Time Entertainment is not the agent Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton hired. In fact, they announced that their new agent is Bobby Lee from Paradise Artists, Inc.
"Despite this announcement, Geary seems to suggest that they are looking at two other agents, John Branigan of William Morris Agency and Ken Fermaglich of The Agency Group, neither of whom is Sullivan Bigg of Bigg Time Entertainment. In the music business, constantly switching agents suggests instability and mismanagement. This conduct illustrates one of the reasons why we decided to pursue the preliminary injunction."
Tate revealed in a recent interview with RollingStone.com that he and his wife, Susan, who has been managing the band for the past several years, filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington in order to "sort out who is what, and who owns what, and that stuff." Tate is also attempting to get a court injunction against Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield that would prevent them from using the name QUEENSRŸCHE for their new group.
On July 9, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield filed a response to Tate's motion for preliminary injunction and included individual declarations from all of the defendants supporting their position that Tate's motion should be denied.
In her sworn "reply declaration in further support" of Geoff's motion for preliminary injunction — which was filed last Thursday, July 12 in the King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington and obtained by BLABBERMOUTH.NET — Susan Tate says, "The defendants' response paints an inaccurate picture of how I became the manager of QUEENSRŸCHE. The decisions which ultimately led the band to hire me were made by Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton. Their allegations that I usurped control of management are untrue.
"I was initially hired by QUEENSRŸCHE to run the band's fan 'club in 1997. At that time, the fan club was in debt and had only 500 members. Within a year, membership increased to 5,000 members and it became a source of profit for the band. I ran the operations for a few years, but left to pursue other opportunities. After I left, the fan club slowly declined in membership and began to lose money. Eddie Jackson asked me if I would consider running the fan club again. I accepted the offer and quickly returned the membership and revenue to the levels it had been prior to my departure. I later became responsible for the merchandising operations, too.
"In 2001, the band was becoming dissatisfied with its manager at the time. It seemed as though the manager was not doing enough to promote and book performances for the band.
"The band desired to get back out on tour and play with some well-known bands. Word spread that IRON MAIDEN, another metal band, was searching for an opening act for an upcoming tour. The band asked its manager to contact IRON MAIDEN's management to see if IRON MAIDEN was interested in having QUEENSRŸCHE be the opening act. The manager said that IRON MAIDEN did not return repeated phone calls.
"Worried that QUEENSRŸCHE would miss the opportunity to get on the tour with IRON MAIDEN, I asked Geoff if he would mind if I contacted IRON MAIDEN to see why it had not returned the phone calls. Geoff agreed that a different tact might yield a more positive result. I called IRON MAIDEN's management and the manager said he had not heard from the band's manager. The manager said that IRON MAIDEN would love to have QUEENSRŸCHE join them on the upcoming tour. I contacted the band members who quickly agreed to join the IRON MAIDEN tour. I then negotiated the contract with IRON MAIDEN. This tour earned the band around $500,000. Geoff then contacted KISS, another major metal band that QUEENSRŸCHE knew was organizing a tour. Despite the band's manager saying he had contacted that contacted KISS, KISS's manager said that no one from QUEENSRŸCHE had called them about becoming an opening act.
"Based on the lack of communication and the mishandling of potential touring opportunities, the band members called a vote and agreed to find a new manager. Lars Sorensen heard that the band needed a new manager. I knew Lars and believed that he would be a good advocate for the band. In May or June of 2001, the band collectively interviewed Lars, liked his ideas, and believed that it was a good idea to have me assist him in thy management of the band. The band paid Lars at least 10% of gross revenue.
"Typically, managers earn 10-20% of gross revenue. I received 3% of gross revenue for my role as assistant manager. Lars was a good advocate, but he began to make expensive mistakes. For example, the budgets he prepared for tours were often so far off that the band ended up losing money. The band's attorney, Neil Sussman, and I took over all tour budgeting and the tours became profitable again. Relations between the band and Lars took a turn for the worse in 2001. Instead of using the band's existing promoter as he had been instructed, Lars booked a tour of Japan using a new promotions company. After the events of 9/11 prevented the band from playing those dates, that promoter filed a lawsuit against the band, which cost QUEENSRŸCHE tens of thousands of dollars.
"As time passed, I began to perform more of the tasks usually performed by a manager. Lars would ask me to do certain activities each week. He would then take my notes and assert to the band that he had actually done the work. Being the assistant, I accepted this arrangement, but did ask Lars to split his commissions with me. Lars agreed to this arrangement.
"In 2005, it was apparent that Sanctuary Records, our current label, was having financial problems. Despite the importance of finding a new label, Lars did not actively search for one. I contacted Kenny Nemes, a friend of mine who was then the vice-president of marketing at Rhino Records, about a record deal. Kenny said that Rhino was interested in signing QUEENSRŸCHE. Due to the lack of involvement by Lars, I alone negotiated the contract with Rhino. Before meeting with the band to review and approve the contract, Lars and I met to discuss it. Despite disappearing at this crucial moment, Lars wanted to take credit for negotiating the deal. I told him that since I had found and negotiated the deal, I would explain it to the band. Instead of facing the band, Lars decided to quit. I panicked and called Scott Rockenfield to tell him the news and to ask him what I should do. Scott, knowing that I had done wonders with the fan club, with the IRON MAIDEN tour, and in obtaining the deal with Rhino, asked if I would consider staying on as the manager if they continued to pay me 5% of gross revenue. Although this was far less than most thanagers made and half of what Lars was paid, I was committed to the band and said that would be fine. Scott then said he would ensure that the rest of the band agreed with his decision. That is how I became the manager of QUEENSRŸCHE.
"Rockenfield, Jackson and Wilton's assertions that Geoff and I conspired to take control of the band by force belies the fact that they were the very ones who hired me as the band's manager.
"During my time as the manager of the band, I worked very hard to maximize the band's earning potential. Given the recessionary climate, this has been difficult over the last five years. Despite this fact, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton earned between $109,000 and $340,000 per year during this time. They never complained to me that they were not earning enough money. Indeed, they seemed pleased with what they were earning at the time.
"I have worked in the music industry for more than 15 years. During this time, the Internet and music-sharing websites, like Napster, have dramatically changed the entire industry. Before the Internet and music-sharing websites, the industry used record sales as a common measure of success. This is no longer the case. Record sales have been steadily declining at nearly 8% per year from 1999 to 2009, with the result that sales of records in 2009 were 57% lower than they were in 1999. Moreover, unauthorized downloads and music-sharing represents about 90% of the market. It is clear that people are still listening to music. But they are not paying for it like they did in the past. Consequently, a band's popularity or business acumen has little to no correlation to the sales of its records. If it did, the same argument could be used to show that nearly every band or performer is about to go bankrupt, which is plainly not the case. Bands and performers now primarily make their living through touring, merchandising, and promotions, not record sales. The lack of sales is correlated with one recent outcome: the declining number of record labels. Each of our last three records labels either closed, is about to close, or filed for bankruptcy.
"The band hired Kevin Scurlock in 1997 to design and be the webmaster for the QUEENSRŸCHE website. Kevin continued in this role up until April or May of 2012. Around this time, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton told him that wanted to save money by switching the website operations to GoDaddy.com. Geoff was uncomfortable with this decision and we spoke to Kevin about how GoDaddy is known as an inexpensive stepping stone for start-up companies. After talking to Kevin, Geoff and I were of the opinion that GoDaddy could not handle a mature, sophisticated website like Queensrcyhe.com. The QUEENSRŸCHE website has an active fan forum, a password-protected fan club, and an online store through which the band solicits merchandising orders. It also has a special system to distribute passes and allow fan club members to purchase tickets. Despite these facts, Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton insisted that Kevin facilitate the switch to GoDaddy. Due to this dispute between the band members, Kevin quit. He gave the passcodes for the website to Mr. Susssman.
"Once this dispute arose, Mr. Sussman decided that he could not release any of the passcodes to one group over the other. He held onto the passcodes until he recently released them to all of the band members at the same time.
"At the point I was fired by Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton, the band's agent and I had booked five shows for the band to play. After Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton publicly fired Geoff, they cancelled these shows. They then attempted to rebook the shows without Geoff, apparently in an attempt to cut Geoff out of any earnings. However, they were only able to rebook one show. This decision probably cost the band and Geoff a substantial sum of money and tarnished the band's reputation.
"The declaration of Paul Geary contains a letter, dated July 2, 2012, from Sullivan D. Bigg of Bigg Time Entertainment. Bigg is an agent, not a promoter. Thus, he books concerts, but does not purchase them on behalf of venues. Bigg suggests that in less than one week, he was able to book the band without Geoff to three shows for a total of $72,000. Tellingly, the contracts for these shows were not provided, which leads me to conclude that these shows were not actually booked. Furthermore, Bigg or Bigg Time Entertainment is not the agent Rockenfield, Jackson, and Wilton hired. In fact, they announced that their new agent is Bobby Lee from Paradise Artists, Inc.
"Despite this announcement, Geary seems to suggest that they are looking at two other agents, John Branigan of William Morris Agency and Ken Fermaglich of The Agency Group, neither of whom is Sullivan Bigg of Bigg Time Entertainment. In the music business, constantly switching agents suggests instability and mismanagement. This conduct illustrates one of the reasons why we decided to pursue the preliminary injunction."
Former QUEENSRŸCHE manager Lars Sorensen has weighed in on the current legal battle between singer Geoff Tate and the group's other members over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name.
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has already performed live, having played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Tate revealed in a recent interview with RollingStone.com that he and his wife, Susan, who has been managing the band for the past several years, filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington in order to "sort out who is what, and who owns what, and that stuff." Tate is also attempting to get a court injunction against Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield that would prevent them from using the name QUEENSRŸCHE for their new group.
On July 9, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield filed a response to Tate's motion for preliminary injunction and included individual declarations from all of the defendants supporting their position that Tate's motion should be denied.
In his sworn declaration, Sorensen writes, "I was the manager for the band QUEENSRŸCHE from approximately 2001 through 2005. I negotiated the band's original contract with EMI. I've worked in the music business for over 30 years I have managed various artists, including MEN AT WORK (North America), SPLIT ENZ (North America) and CROWDED HOUSE. I was VP Worldwide Marketing for YANNI. I handled all concert production for Universal Concerts NW from 1999-2005. I am currently Director of Marketing for Snoqualmie Casino.
"There is increased market value to the new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup after the parting of singer Geoff Tate. This is a unique situation having the original lead singer depart but this is a situation of 'addition by subtraction.'
"The QUEENSRŸCHE brand had been damaged severely. The band had been marketed poorly, over played various markets, produced bad records and offered live performance and tour theme/productions that were not in the image of the band. Buyers like me were turned off and chose to pass on potential shows. I had done several shows for large guarantees knowing the market value, but this all changed. There was little value in buying a band that was no longer true to itself.
"QUEENSRŸCHE is a very good band with a strong recording sales and concert ticket sales history. Unfortunately, this has been in a steep decline for years now. To save the band brand, something had to be done. The band was no longer playing their 'hits' and no longer being true to their hard rock roots.
"To sustain a career after your peak, you need to give the fans what they want. QUEENSRŸCHE was no longer doing this.
"From all accounts, the majority of decisions were being made by Tate and his manager wife. The decisions were poor. For years the band members no longer were allowed to contribute to songwriting, tour theme decisions, most touring and marketing plans. This isolation in decision making proved fatal to the value of the band.
"In the live music market today, a band with a strong record and ticket sales history has a great value, if they are marketed correctly and give the core fans what they desire. There are few bands after 2000 that have sold more records than QUEENSRŸCHE. Their audience is older and if they produce quality records and live performances that are true to their image, the fans will come.
"Changing a lead singer is difficult and proving to the fans that this is a good thing will take a bit of time. Fortunately, the band found an amazing singer that can deliver the songs in the original dynamic manner. As the existing fan base experiences the real QUEENSRŸCHE again, they will return and the market for real rock music is strong and there are potentially many new fans.
"The band needs to approach this is in a calculated, well-planned manner. If the recordings are strong and written by the band, if the performances include the songs the fans want to hear and are performed well, QUEENSRŸCHE will survive and prosper.
"It was time for something drastic to happen. The brand was on life support but nearly dead. The future can be bright again."
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has already performed live, having played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Tate revealed in a recent interview with RollingStone.com that he and his wife, Susan, who has been managing the band for the past several years, filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington in order to "sort out who is what, and who owns what, and that stuff." Tate is also attempting to get a court injunction against Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield that would prevent them from using the name QUEENSRŸCHE for their new group.
On July 9, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield filed a response to Tate's motion for preliminary injunction and included individual declarations from all of the defendants supporting their position that Tate's motion should be denied.
In his sworn declaration, Sorensen writes, "I was the manager for the band QUEENSRŸCHE from approximately 2001 through 2005. I negotiated the band's original contract with EMI. I've worked in the music business for over 30 years I have managed various artists, including MEN AT WORK (North America), SPLIT ENZ (North America) and CROWDED HOUSE. I was VP Worldwide Marketing for YANNI. I handled all concert production for Universal Concerts NW from 1999-2005. I am currently Director of Marketing for Snoqualmie Casino.
"There is increased market value to the new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup after the parting of singer Geoff Tate. This is a unique situation having the original lead singer depart but this is a situation of 'addition by subtraction.'
"The QUEENSRŸCHE brand had been damaged severely. The band had been marketed poorly, over played various markets, produced bad records and offered live performance and tour theme/productions that were not in the image of the band. Buyers like me were turned off and chose to pass on potential shows. I had done several shows for large guarantees knowing the market value, but this all changed. There was little value in buying a band that was no longer true to itself.
"QUEENSRŸCHE is a very good band with a strong recording sales and concert ticket sales history. Unfortunately, this has been in a steep decline for years now. To save the band brand, something had to be done. The band was no longer playing their 'hits' and no longer being true to their hard rock roots.
"To sustain a career after your peak, you need to give the fans what they want. QUEENSRŸCHE was no longer doing this.
"From all accounts, the majority of decisions were being made by Tate and his manager wife. The decisions were poor. For years the band members no longer were allowed to contribute to songwriting, tour theme decisions, most touring and marketing plans. This isolation in decision making proved fatal to the value of the band.
"In the live music market today, a band with a strong record and ticket sales history has a great value, if they are marketed correctly and give the core fans what they desire. There are few bands after 2000 that have sold more records than QUEENSRŸCHE. Their audience is older and if they produce quality records and live performances that are true to their image, the fans will come.
"Changing a lead singer is difficult and proving to the fans that this is a good thing will take a bit of time. Fortunately, the band found an amazing singer that can deliver the songs in the original dynamic manner. As the existing fan base experiences the real QUEENSRŸCHE again, they will return and the market for real rock music is strong and there are potentially many new fans.
"The band needs to approach this is in a calculated, well-planned manner. If the recordings are strong and written by the band, if the performances include the songs the fans want to hear and are performed well, QUEENSRŸCHE will survive and prosper.
"It was time for something drastic to happen. The brand was on life support but nearly dead. The future can be bright again."
According to Billboard.com, QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren defeated singer Geoff Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired from the group in June.
"We are excited that the Washington courts saw what we and the fans have always known, that QUEENSRŸCHE is more than any one member," AGPS Management senior manager Glen Parrish said in a statement. "We are sorry we had to go to court to show this, but we are determined to bring back the quality product QUEENSRŸCHE was known for. We can't wait to unveil to the fans what [the band creates] next musically."
AGPS Management is overseeing QUEENSRŸCHE affairs after the band was previously managed by Tate's wife, Susan.
In his sworn declaration, Wilton stated about QUEENSRŸCHE's current legal dispute with Geoff Tate, "Geoff Tate has never written an entire song. He only writes lyrics. QUEENSRŸCHE is a sound; a sound that comes from the music and that music comes from us, not Geoff Tate alone. And, Geoff Tate has refused to be a part of that for some time. Instead, he wants QUEENSRŸCHE to be something else, something that's not guitar-driven and sold millions of albums, but something that fits his tastes alone. And, now that the rest of us will no longer go along with that alternative vision anymore, which is so unpopular with the fans and has had such dismal record sales, he wants the name all for himself, or for no one. As seen in the latest interview of Rolling Stone magazine and Billboard.com, he is doing everything in his power to tarnish any QUEENSRŸCHE credibility and to stop any momentum the new lineup has had. Through his lack of remorse towards his physical assault on us (that was not provoked as he alludes to in his interview), he is a detriment to the band. His blatant use of the media for his own agenda with no regard for the integrity of the band as an entity alone is grounds for the remaining band members to own the name. We have always shown respect for the brand and name QUEENSRŸCHE. We want to rebuild the name to the respect of our fans and peers.
"The enthusiasm for the new QUEENSRŸCHE, doing the songs that made us popular, that have not been performed in years due to Geoff Tate's refusal, is tremendous. The critical response to new lead singer Todd La Torre and his chemistry with the band at the RISING WEST shows in early June has been wildly positive as well.
"QUEENSRŸCHE and Geoff Tate can co-exist; it's simply Geoff Tate that cannot accept that. But, that is not what is best for the band, our companies, or our fans."
In his own declaration, Rockenfield said, "Geoff Tate's continued lack of interest in original QUEENSRŸCHE music or playing the older QUEENSRŸCHE music is resulting in damage to the brand of QUEENSRŸCHE. His recent and ongoing threats and assaults continued to place a great amount of stress on the remaining band members and their crew. Geoff Tate was no longer allowed to travel with the band, stay in the same hotels, participate in any band interviews, and had to be escorted at the venues with security. This was a very damaging form of business and had left the band with no choice but to move on without him."
In his declaration, Jackson said, "Geoff Tate's continued random threats and irrational, violent behavior still poses a threat to Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton and me, and has caused a significant amount of stress and we therefore cannot continue working with him in the future."
Tate filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court in the state of Washington over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired from the group in June.
"We are excited that the Washington courts saw what we and the fans have always known, that QUEENSRŸCHE is more than any one member," AGPS Management senior manager Glen Parrish said in a statement. "We are sorry we had to go to court to show this, but we are determined to bring back the quality product QUEENSRŸCHE was known for. We can't wait to unveil to the fans what [the band creates] next musically."
AGPS Management is overseeing QUEENSRŸCHE affairs after the band was previously managed by Tate's wife, Susan.
In his sworn declaration, Wilton stated about QUEENSRŸCHE's current legal dispute with Geoff Tate, "Geoff Tate has never written an entire song. He only writes lyrics. QUEENSRŸCHE is a sound; a sound that comes from the music and that music comes from us, not Geoff Tate alone. And, Geoff Tate has refused to be a part of that for some time. Instead, he wants QUEENSRŸCHE to be something else, something that's not guitar-driven and sold millions of albums, but something that fits his tastes alone. And, now that the rest of us will no longer go along with that alternative vision anymore, which is so unpopular with the fans and has had such dismal record sales, he wants the name all for himself, or for no one. As seen in the latest interview of Rolling Stone magazine and Billboard.com, he is doing everything in his power to tarnish any QUEENSRŸCHE credibility and to stop any momentum the new lineup has had. Through his lack of remorse towards his physical assault on us (that was not provoked as he alludes to in his interview), he is a detriment to the band. His blatant use of the media for his own agenda with no regard for the integrity of the band as an entity alone is grounds for the remaining band members to own the name. We have always shown respect for the brand and name QUEENSRŸCHE. We want to rebuild the name to the respect of our fans and peers.
"The enthusiasm for the new QUEENSRŸCHE, doing the songs that made us popular, that have not been performed in years due to Geoff Tate's refusal, is tremendous. The critical response to new lead singer Todd La Torre and his chemistry with the band at the RISING WEST shows in early June has been wildly positive as well.
"QUEENSRŸCHE and Geoff Tate can co-exist; it's simply Geoff Tate that cannot accept that. But, that is not what is best for the band, our companies, or our fans."
In his own declaration, Rockenfield said, "Geoff Tate's continued lack of interest in original QUEENSRŸCHE music or playing the older QUEENSRŸCHE music is resulting in damage to the brand of QUEENSRŸCHE. His recent and ongoing threats and assaults continued to place a great amount of stress on the remaining band members and their crew. Geoff Tate was no longer allowed to travel with the band, stay in the same hotels, participate in any band interviews, and had to be escorted at the venues with security. This was a very damaging form of business and had left the band with no choice but to move on without him."
In his declaration, Jackson said, "Geoff Tate's continued random threats and irrational, violent behavior still poses a threat to Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton and me, and has caused a significant amount of stress and we therefore cannot continue working with him in the future."
Former QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Mike Stone, who was in the band for six years, has commented on the current legal battle between singer Geoff Tate and the group's other members over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name.
Stone joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years. He was eventually replaced by Parker Lundgren, a former member of Tate's solo group who was also briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda.
During an appearance on the latest episode of the Internet radio show "Rockin' Metal Revival" with hosts Red and Jerry, Stone was asked for his "take" on the current QUEENSRŸCHE situation and the public way in which it has played out.
"I heard about all this a bit late," Stone began. "I've been buried in a number of projects. I have three new records coming out this summer, [and I've been] getting all the music together and the promotional end and the artwork and all that stuff — I've been just immersed in that. I kind of started hearing stuff [about problems in the QUEENSRŸCHE camp] a few weeks ago. And I have to say, I just think it's really kind of unfortunate. As someone who's been with the band, played in the band, had a history with the band, I have to be honest, it makes me a little sad. I think there's a legacy there, and when I think of QUEENSRŸCHE, I think of all the guys. When I was in the band, no one was fighting with each other like that. So I don't think of them in those terms. I don't know if it will happen, but I hope they can work it out. And I wish them all the best."
When asked who should eventually be awarded the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name — Geoff Tate or the other members of the band — Stone replied, "I guess, apparently, the legal system will sort that out. That's not for me to make the call."
He added, "I just think it's unfortunate for a band that's been around for that long, they've put out so many records and had so many dedicated fans, that they couldn't work it out somehow. But, you know, that's rock and roll, and such is life, and things change and that's just a part of life."
On the topic of whether he still keeps in touch with his former bandmates, Stone said, "I talk to everybody occasionally. I've been really out of the QUEENSRŸCHE world for over three years now, so it's not like we're chatting every day. Another thing, too, even when I was in the band, the band was based in Seattle, but I still lived in the Midwest. I'd come in for rehearsals, for tours and recording and that kind of thing. [But] I wasn't in Seattle all the time with them."
Stone joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years. He was eventually replaced by Parker Lundgren, a former member of Tate's solo group who was also briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda.
During an appearance on the latest episode of the Internet radio show "Rockin' Metal Revival" with hosts Red and Jerry, Stone was asked for his "take" on the current QUEENSRŸCHE situation and the public way in which it has played out.
"I heard about all this a bit late," Stone began. "I've been buried in a number of projects. I have three new records coming out this summer, [and I've been] getting all the music together and the promotional end and the artwork and all that stuff — I've been just immersed in that. I kind of started hearing stuff [about problems in the QUEENSRŸCHE camp] a few weeks ago. And I have to say, I just think it's really kind of unfortunate. As someone who's been with the band, played in the band, had a history with the band, I have to be honest, it makes me a little sad. I think there's a legacy there, and when I think of QUEENSRŸCHE, I think of all the guys. When I was in the band, no one was fighting with each other like that. So I don't think of them in those terms. I don't know if it will happen, but I hope they can work it out. And I wish them all the best."
When asked who should eventually be awarded the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name — Geoff Tate or the other members of the band — Stone replied, "I guess, apparently, the legal system will sort that out. That's not for me to make the call."
He added, "I just think it's unfortunate for a band that's been around for that long, they've put out so many records and had so many dedicated fans, that they couldn't work it out somehow. But, you know, that's rock and roll, and such is life, and things change and that's just a part of life."
On the topic of whether he still keeps in touch with his former bandmates, Stone said, "I talk to everybody occasionally. I've been really out of the QUEENSRŸCHE world for over three years now, so it's not like we're chatting every day. Another thing, too, even when I was in the band, the band was based in Seattle, but I still lived in the Midwest. I'd come in for rehearsals, for tours and recording and that kind of thing. [But] I wasn't in Seattle all the time with them."
American power metallers ICED EARTH will embark on a European tour in December with support from EVERGREY (Sweden), STEEL ENGRAVED (Germany) and DEAD SHAPE FIGURE (Finland).
The dates are as follows:
Dec. 12 - Prague, Czech Republic - Meat Factory
Dec. 13 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
Dec. 14 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Dec. 15 - München, Germany - Backstage
Dec. 16 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
Dec. 18 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Trix
Dec. 19 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
Dec. 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom
Dec. 21 - Rotterdam, Holland - Maassilo
To coincide with the band's North American tour with VOLBEAT and HELLYEAH, ICED EARTH released a limited tour edition of its latest album, "Dystopia". Currently available only at the merchandise stands on the tour, the two-disc "Dystopia Tour Edition" contains the original full-length album, as well as B-side covers of IRON MAIDEN's "The Trooper" and BLACK SABBATH's "Mob Rules", as well as the classic 17-minute ICED EARTH track "Dante's Inferno", re-recorded with vocalist Stu Block. The bonus disc also contains both music videos from "Dystopia" — the title track and "Anthem" — as well as a "Making Of Dystopia" studio interview with the band, and exclusive cell phone skins and desktop backgrounds.
Bassist Freddie Vidales recently left ICED EARTH and was replaced by Luke Appleton of FURY UK.
ICED EARTH's video for the song "Anthem" was filmed on December 7, 2011 at Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany.
Produced and directed by Kosch Fabian Film, "Anthem" is the second music video from ICED EARTH's new album, "Dystopia", which sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.
ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.
ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17, 2011 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.
The dates are as follows:
Dec. 12 - Prague, Czech Republic - Meat Factory
Dec. 13 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
Dec. 14 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Dec. 15 - München, Germany - Backstage
Dec. 16 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
Dec. 18 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Trix
Dec. 19 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
Dec. 20 - London, England - Electric Ballroom
Dec. 21 - Rotterdam, Holland - Maassilo
To coincide with the band's North American tour with VOLBEAT and HELLYEAH, ICED EARTH released a limited tour edition of its latest album, "Dystopia". Currently available only at the merchandise stands on the tour, the two-disc "Dystopia Tour Edition" contains the original full-length album, as well as B-side covers of IRON MAIDEN's "The Trooper" and BLACK SABBATH's "Mob Rules", as well as the classic 17-minute ICED EARTH track "Dante's Inferno", re-recorded with vocalist Stu Block. The bonus disc also contains both music videos from "Dystopia" — the title track and "Anthem" — as well as a "Making Of Dystopia" studio interview with the band, and exclusive cell phone skins and desktop backgrounds.
Bassist Freddie Vidales recently left ICED EARTH and was replaced by Luke Appleton of FURY UK.
ICED EARTH's video for the song "Anthem" was filmed on December 7, 2011 at Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany.
Produced and directed by Kosch Fabian Film, "Anthem" is the second music video from ICED EARTH's new album, "Dystopia", which sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.
ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.
ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17, 2011 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/icedevergreytour.jpg
DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 71.
A message at his web site states:
"It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday, July 16th at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family.
"Jon Lord, the legendary keyboard player with DEEP PURPLE co-wrote many of the bands legendary songs including 'Smoke On The Water' and played with many bands and musicians throughout his career.
"Best known for his orchestral work Concerto For Group & Orchestra first performed at Royal Albert Hall with DEEP PURPLE and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969 and conducted by the renowned Malcolm Arnold, a feat repeated in 1999 when it was again performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra and DEEP PURPLE.
"Jon's solo work was universally acclaimed when he eventually retired from DEEP PURPLE in 2002."
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
A message at his web site states:
"It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday, July 16th at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family.
"Jon Lord, the legendary keyboard player with DEEP PURPLE co-wrote many of the bands legendary songs including 'Smoke On The Water' and played with many bands and musicians throughout his career.
"Best known for his orchestral work Concerto For Group & Orchestra first performed at Royal Albert Hall with DEEP PURPLE and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969 and conducted by the renowned Malcolm Arnold, a feat repeated in 1999 when it was again performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra and DEEP PURPLE.
"Jon's solo work was universally acclaimed when he eventually retired from DEEP PURPLE in 2002."
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler (pictured below) has released the following statement:
"[I was] very sad to hear of [former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist] Jon's [Lord] death, following his battle with the demon cancer. [He was] one of the great musicians of my generation. Tony Iommi [BLACK SABBATH guitarist] recently worked with Jon, and said what a lovely bloke he was. I met him a few times, but never got to work with him. Blessings."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
"[I was] very sad to hear of [former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist] Jon's [Lord] death, following his battle with the demon cancer. [He was] one of the great musicians of my generation. Tony Iommi [BLACK SABBATH guitarist] recently worked with Jon, and said what a lovely bloke he was. I met him a few times, but never got to work with him. Blessings."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
Former DEEP PURPLE and current WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale (pictured below) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"It was an absolute joy and pleasure for me to know him and to work alongside him. He is missed already."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"It was an absolute joy and pleasure for me to know him and to work alongside him. He is missed already."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Bassist Peter Baltes of reformed heavy metal legends ACCEPT has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"Just like Ronnie [James Dio] was the master on vocals, Jon Lord was the king on the Hammond organ...
"R.I.P., Jon Lord.
"I grew up on DEEP PURPLE. He was truly the best... [It's a] very sad day for rock."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"Just like Ronnie [James Dio] was the master on vocals, Jon Lord was the king on the Hammond organ...
"R.I.P., Jon Lord.
"I grew up on DEEP PURPLE. He was truly the best... [It's a] very sad day for rock."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Legendary guitarist Slash (pictured below) (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"[It's a] sad day in rock and roll; Jon Lord has passed on. One of the biggest, baddest, heaviest sounds in heavy metal. One if a kind."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"[It's a] sad day in rock and roll; Jon Lord has passed on. One of the biggest, baddest, heaviest sounds in heavy metal. One if a kind."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Keyboardist Jordan Rudess (pictured below) of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"I'm very sad to hear about the passing of Jon Lord. He was an inspiration to me!"
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"I'm very sad to hear about the passing of Jon Lord. He was an inspiration to me!"
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo (pictured below; OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"My condolences to Jon Lord's family, fans and friends on his passing. Jon, thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"My condolences to Jon Lord's family, fans and friends on his passing. Jon, thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Keyboardist Adam Wakeman (pictured below; OZZY OSBOURNE, HEADSPACE) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"Very sad news about the great Jon Lord. [He was] one of my biggest influences and idols growing up. RIP."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"Very sad news about the great Jon Lord. [He was] one of my biggest influences and idols growing up. RIP."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Internationally renowned guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa (pictured below; BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Lord today. [He was] one of the nicest and most talented people I've ever met. Rest in peace."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Lord today. [He was] one of the nicest and most talented people I've ever met. Rest in peace."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Guitarist Damon Johnson (pictured below; THIN LIZZY, ALICE COOPER, BROTHER CANE) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"Love and respect to the legendary Jon Lord. Condolences to his family. His mark in contemporary music is long and permanent. R.I.P."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"Love and respect to the legendary Jon Lord. Condolences to his family. His mark in contemporary music is long and permanent. R.I.P."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Legendary rock singer Graham Bonnet (pictured below; RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, IMPELLITTERI) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"It is with great shock and deep sadness that I was informed of the loss of a dear friend and great musician, Jon Lord. You brought fun, laughter, silliness and light with your sense of humor to everything you worked on, you changed the world of rock with your unique take on it all. I send my love, thoughts, and deepest sympathy to his family. God bless you, Jon. [You will be] forever in our hearts."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"It is with great shock and deep sadness that I was informed of the loss of a dear friend and great musician, Jon Lord. You brought fun, laughter, silliness and light with your sense of humor to everything you worked on, you changed the world of rock with your unique take on it all. I send my love, thoughts, and deepest sympathy to his family. God bless you, Jon. [You will be] forever in our hearts."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Legendary hard rock singer Joe Lynn Turner (pictured below; DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Jon Lord. I am proud and humbled to have known him both personally and professionally, and blessed to share a special time with him. He was a true and gifted original, a gentleman of the industry, and he shall be greatly missed! My sincerest sympathies to his family and relatives and to all of us who have lost one of the great musicians of our time! R.I.P., Jon... May God hold you in his hands."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Jon Lord. I am proud and humbled to have known him both personally and professionally, and blessed to share a special time with him. He was a true and gifted original, a gentleman of the industry, and he shall be greatly missed! My sincerest sympathies to his family and relatives and to all of us who have lost one of the great musicians of our time! R.I.P., Jon... May God hold you in his hands."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"Wow, I can't believe Jon Lord passed away today. His style of playing the organ set the standard by which every rock band with organ lived by. A real legend and a real star. RIP, Jon!"
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"Wow, I can't believe Jon Lord passed away today. His style of playing the organ set the standard by which every rock band with organ lived by. A real legend and a real star. RIP, Jon!"
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello (pictured below) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former DEEP PURPLE/WHITESNAKE keyboardist Jon Lord:
"RIP the great Jon Lord, DEEP PURPLE's cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great, great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
"RIP the great Jon Lord, DEEP PURPLE's cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great, great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to DEEP PURPLE, Lord played in WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-PURPLE singer David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums "Trouble", "Lovehunter", "Ready An' Willing", "Come An' Get It", "Saints & Sinners" and "Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters — Amy and Sara.
Coming off a highly successful 2011 marked by the release of the critically acclaimed "Testimony 2" and an enthusiastically attended tour throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe, Neal Morse could easily have justified going on a creative hiatus to catch his breath. But that would fly in the face of his convictions and the sense that he is being led to build upon the swell of success he is experiencing.
In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart SPOCK'S BEARD to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded six impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record's title track: "You've got some new momentum, you better keep going."
Morse's long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, ADRENALINE MOB, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.
"Momentum" features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there's the quirkily clever, GENTLE GIANT-inspired "Thoughts Part 5", which follows in the footsteps of the previous "Thoughts" tracks penned by Morse with SPOCK'S BEARD. "Smoke and Mirrors" trods an introspective, acoustic path, while "Weathering Sky" offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is "Freak", an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes "World Without End", a near-34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.
Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette — three musicians who were selected as members of Morse's new touring band through an exciting YouTube-driven open-audition process.
While "Momentum" propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific progressive rock icon, it steers clear of the potential "more of the same" trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.
The release of "Momentum" on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.
Much to the delight of progressive rock fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with "Momentum", and there doesn't appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.
"Momentum" track listing:
01. Momentum (6:25)
02. Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
03. Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)
04. Weathering Sky (4:15)
05. Freak (4:29)
06. World Without End (33:39)
i) Introduction
ii) Never Pass Away
iii) Losing Your Soul
iv) The Mystery
v) Some Kind of Yesterday
vi) World Without End
Total Length: 61:17
* Written and produced by Neal Morse
* "Thoughts Part 5" - Written by Neal Morse and Randy George
* "Smoke and Mirrors" and "The Mystery" - Music by Neal Morse, lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse
* Mixed by Rich Mouser
Featured musicians:
* Neal Morse - Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
* Mike Portnoy - Drums
* Randy George - Bass
Additional musicians:
* Paul Gilbert - Guitar solo on "Momentum"
* Adson Sodré - Guitar Solos on "World Without End"
* Bill Hubauer - Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on "The Mystery"
* Eric Gillette - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
* Wil Morse - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
* Chris Carmichael - Strings
* Rick Altizer - Additional vocals on "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke and Mirrors"
In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart SPOCK'S BEARD to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded six impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record's title track: "You've got some new momentum, you better keep going."
Morse's long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, ADRENALINE MOB, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.
"Momentum" features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there's the quirkily clever, GENTLE GIANT-inspired "Thoughts Part 5", which follows in the footsteps of the previous "Thoughts" tracks penned by Morse with SPOCK'S BEARD. "Smoke and Mirrors" trods an introspective, acoustic path, while "Weathering Sky" offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is "Freak", an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes "World Without End", a near-34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.
Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette — three musicians who were selected as members of Morse's new touring band through an exciting YouTube-driven open-audition process.
While "Momentum" propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific progressive rock icon, it steers clear of the potential "more of the same" trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.
The release of "Momentum" on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.
Much to the delight of progressive rock fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with "Momentum", and there doesn't appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.
"Momentum" track listing:
01. Momentum (6:25)
02. Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
03. Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)
04. Weathering Sky (4:15)
05. Freak (4:29)
06. World Without End (33:39)
i) Introduction
ii) Never Pass Away
iii) Losing Your Soul
iv) The Mystery
v) Some Kind of Yesterday
vi) World Without End
Total Length: 61:17
* Written and produced by Neal Morse
* "Thoughts Part 5" - Written by Neal Morse and Randy George
* "Smoke and Mirrors" and "The Mystery" - Music by Neal Morse, lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse
* Mixed by Rich Mouser
Featured musicians:
* Neal Morse - Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
* Mike Portnoy - Drums
* Randy George - Bass
Additional musicians:
* Paul Gilbert - Guitar solo on "Momentum"
* Adson Sodré - Guitar Solos on "World Without End"
* Bill Hubauer - Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on "The Mystery"
* Eric Gillette - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
* Wil Morse - Additional vocals on "Thoughts Part 5"
* Chris Carmichael - Strings
* Rick Altizer - Additional vocals on "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke and Mirrors"
A389 Recordings will release a new single by New Orleans punk/metal legends EYEHATEGOD.
Between touring in EYEHATEGOD and their numerous affiliated projects, the band has been slowly stacking up new demo material to put towards an upcoming album. You may have heard a few songs in the band's live set as of late, including the recent staple "New Orleans Is The New Vietnam", which will make its recorded debut via this new seven-inch release, due on the street by late summer.
When asked how this pairing came to be, EYEHATEGOD guitarist/founder Jimmy Bower explains: "We played A389's anniversary party a while back and they do really cool releases, so we figured, let's do a cool seven-inch before the new album."
A389's Domenic Romeo adds: "It's been amazing watching this band refuse to release anything subpar, and just take their time with their new material making sure everything is dialed in just right. This new single is a great indication of what's to come."
Video footage of EYEHATEGOD performing "New Orleans Is The New Vietnam" on April 28 at the Dark Lord Day in Munster, Indiana can be seen below.
EYEHATEGOD released an official live DVD in March 2011 via MVD. Simply titled "Live", the 88-minute production features multi-camera footage from 2009 (Baltimore, Maryland) and 2010 (Cleveland, Ohio), with bonus clips from the last show of their 2010 European tour and videos never before released on DVD.
Since forming in 1988, EYEHATEGOD has defied all odds and continues to exist and persist despite personal and professional setbacks. They've been called doomcore, sludge and stoner rock, survived line-up shuffles, label hassles and a short-lived split. And after more than two decades of creating some of the most corrosive, vile music known to man, EYEHATEGOD still hasn't lost the piss and vinegar that fueled it back in '88.
Between touring in EYEHATEGOD and their numerous affiliated projects, the band has been slowly stacking up new demo material to put towards an upcoming album. You may have heard a few songs in the band's live set as of late, including the recent staple "New Orleans Is The New Vietnam", which will make its recorded debut via this new seven-inch release, due on the street by late summer.
When asked how this pairing came to be, EYEHATEGOD guitarist/founder Jimmy Bower explains: "We played A389's anniversary party a while back and they do really cool releases, so we figured, let's do a cool seven-inch before the new album."
A389's Domenic Romeo adds: "It's been amazing watching this band refuse to release anything subpar, and just take their time with their new material making sure everything is dialed in just right. This new single is a great indication of what's to come."
Video footage of EYEHATEGOD performing "New Orleans Is The New Vietnam" on April 28 at the Dark Lord Day in Munster, Indiana can be seen below.
EYEHATEGOD released an official live DVD in March 2011 via MVD. Simply titled "Live", the 88-minute production features multi-camera footage from 2009 (Baltimore, Maryland) and 2010 (Cleveland, Ohio), with bonus clips from the last show of their 2010 European tour and videos never before released on DVD.
Since forming in 1988, EYEHATEGOD has defied all odds and continues to exist and persist despite personal and professional setbacks. They've been called doomcore, sludge and stoner rock, survived line-up shuffles, label hassles and a short-lived split. And after more than two decades of creating some of the most corrosive, vile music known to man, EYEHATEGOD still hasn't lost the piss and vinegar that fueled it back in '88.
Bassist Tony Campos (SOULFLY, POSSESSED, STATIC-X, ASESINO, MINISTRY, ATTIKA 7) has issued the following statement:
"I keep getting asked about this STATIC-X / PRONG tour coming up, so I want to clear up a few things. I have no interest in working with [STATIC-X mainman] Wayne Static, now, or anytime in the foreseeable future, so I will not be part of this version of STATIC-X. As for PRONG, I will not be performing with them due to my current commitments to SOULFLY. However, I do look forward to working with PRONG again in the near future. If you haven't checked out [PRONG's new album] 'Carved Into Stone' yet, what the hell are you waiting for?"
The new touring lineup of STATIC-X will consist of the following musicians:
Wayne Static - Guitar, Vocals
Sean Davidson - Drums
Ashes - Guitar
Brent Ashley - Bass
Speaking to Loudwire, Wayne stated about his new bandmates, "We all get along really good, actually. It's kind of a different vibe behind the scenes. As far as onstage, though, it's all business. We all have a great time as always and put on a great show. This tour in particular, we're playing a lot of old stuff off of the first two records."
Regarding his decision to resurrect STATIC-X, Wayne said, "I really just wanted to go back to old-school STATIC-X since the band has been gone for a few years. The last tour I was on I did a lot of my solo stuff, and I'm ready to get back to old-school STATIC-X stuff, which is actually new again."
STATIC-X's upcoming trek will mark the band's first outing since they announced a hiatus in 2009.
Athough none of the other original members — Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (guitar) and Nick Oshiro (drums) — will be joining Wayne on this tour, Tony previously said that he was supportive of his former bandmate's decision to reform the group, saying, "I'm proud of my years with STATIC-X, and want to see the name of the band stay alive and well. I hope that all of our fans will continue to support both Wayne and I in our individual endeavors."
"Cult of Static", the latest album from STATIC-X, sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 16 on The Billboard 200 chart.
STATIC-X's previous CD, "Cannibal", opened with more than 30,000 copies back in April 2007 to land at No. 36. This represented a slight drop from the 35,000 tally registered by the band's "Start A War" album, which came out in June 2005 and debuted at No. 29.
"I keep getting asked about this STATIC-X / PRONG tour coming up, so I want to clear up a few things. I have no interest in working with [STATIC-X mainman] Wayne Static, now, or anytime in the foreseeable future, so I will not be part of this version of STATIC-X. As for PRONG, I will not be performing with them due to my current commitments to SOULFLY. However, I do look forward to working with PRONG again in the near future. If you haven't checked out [PRONG's new album] 'Carved Into Stone' yet, what the hell are you waiting for?"
The new touring lineup of STATIC-X will consist of the following musicians:
Wayne Static - Guitar, Vocals
Sean Davidson - Drums
Ashes - Guitar
Brent Ashley - Bass
Speaking to Loudwire, Wayne stated about his new bandmates, "We all get along really good, actually. It's kind of a different vibe behind the scenes. As far as onstage, though, it's all business. We all have a great time as always and put on a great show. This tour in particular, we're playing a lot of old stuff off of the first two records."
Regarding his decision to resurrect STATIC-X, Wayne said, "I really just wanted to go back to old-school STATIC-X since the band has been gone for a few years. The last tour I was on I did a lot of my solo stuff, and I'm ready to get back to old-school STATIC-X stuff, which is actually new again."
STATIC-X's upcoming trek will mark the band's first outing since they announced a hiatus in 2009.
Athough none of the other original members — Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (guitar) and Nick Oshiro (drums) — will be joining Wayne on this tour, Tony previously said that he was supportive of his former bandmate's decision to reform the group, saying, "I'm proud of my years with STATIC-X, and want to see the name of the band stay alive and well. I hope that all of our fans will continue to support both Wayne and I in our individual endeavors."
"Cult of Static", the latest album from STATIC-X, sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 16 on The Billboard 200 chart.
STATIC-X's previous CD, "Cannibal", opened with more than 30,000 copies back in April 2007 to land at No. 36. This represented a slight drop from the 35,000 tally registered by the band's "Start A War" album, which came out in June 2005 and debuted at No. 29.
David E. Gehlke of Blistering.com recently conducted an interview with former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Blistering.com: I know you're in the studio now working on some stuff that is supposed to be more death metal-sounding. Can you elaborate?
Loomis: Yeah, we're going back to old-school thrash, but still melodic. I have a lot of people telling me that every time I write something it sounds like NEVERMORE. [laughs] It's hard to get away from that since I was one of the main songwriters in the band. There's a lot of faster stuff going on, but still melodic at the same time. And Joe [Nurre, guitars] is completely going off with his death metal vocals. I think it's going to add a huge edge to everything. Obviously, there's going to be people out there who will disapprove, since they're used to hearing me with a clean singer. But hey, man, that doesn't bother me. I want to do something that makes me happy first and if the majority people enjoy it, that makes me happy, too.
Blistering.com: You mentioned when we opened our chat that you're thinking of putting together a new band with a new name. That's a risky endeavor, wouldn't you say? What do you think would be in store?
Loomis: Oh, boy. [laughs] It would almost be smart to keep the band I have now because we're developing, and if I started a new one, I would be starting all over again. There's going to be discussions when we're out on the road, if the musicians who I have now would be interested in moving onto that next phase. Joe is really a death metal singer at heart and I don't know if I'd want to stick with that 100%. I'd really like to have a singer like Devin Townsend. He's so amazing with the way he can change up his voice… he could do everything. I'm looking for a singer like that. We'll see what happens. It will need some time before we decide and I don't want to make the wrong move. Might as well take my time in doing it.
Blistering.com: With the whole NEVERMORE thing, you've stayed relatively quiet, while Warrel [Dane, vocals] has made some statements regarding that he might get some new people, or he doesn't know if they'll continue. Are you going to remain with this stance and let the chips fall where they may?
Loomis: If they want to reform NEVERMORE with new members… I just don't think that's a great idea. A lot of the heart and soul is, and was, from the whole band. If you change up a band that drastically with the original drummer and guitar player, with somebody else, it's not that band anymore. It's not. It's impossible. Sure, there's guitar players out there who could learn and play this stuff, but as far as writing new material, it's going to be a different band. It's their call. I wouldn't be hurt by it, but I know for a fact that it wouldn't be right. It would be cheating the fans. I don't keep in communication with those guys as much. I'm not ruling out that there would never be a reunion thing or a festival of some sorts in the future. I wouldn't have a problem with that. But working with those guys again, it's just not my cup of tea at all.
Blistering.com: You mentioned getting another guitar player [to fill your spot]. You guys struggled for years filling the second guitar spot between Pat O'Brien, Curran Murphy, Attila [Vörös]…
Loomis: And Tim Calvert. He just texted me right before we got on the phone. A lot of these guitar players I still keep in contact with. I'm probably the closest with Tim since he comes to the shows a lot.
Blistering.com: He's a great player.
Loomis: He is. He has a very unique style. So NEVERMORE was always lucky to have great guitar players in the band, but unfortunately, it never worked out in the long run. I think a lot of the reason for that was because Warrel and I definitely had a writing chemistry going on. And when tended to horde it and that was the whole thing that pissed off some of the players we had that wanted to do their thing.
Blistering.com: It's funny that you mentioned the death metal project and I was on Blabbermouth today or yesterday, and someone commented about a recent article of yours saying, "Wouldn't it be cool if Pat O'Brien was involved?"
Loomis: It was so much fun working with Pat. He was really the first guitar player we had in the band in '93 or '94. I ended up going to Kentucky to his house to audition and spend some time with him to see if he was right. But I could tell there was always something in the band of his head that he was a death metal guy at heart. He was the guy who would wake up with a cup of coffee, then crank CANNIBAL CORPSE. He lived and breathed that stuff, but was still playing NEVERMORE at the same time.
Blistering.com: As are you adjusting to being the now ex-NEVERMORE guitar player? Do you worry that will always be your tag?
Loomis: I don't mind it, but it's getting boring reading it on Blabbermouth. I wish they would say "Jeff Loomis." It doesn't bother me, but they could state that differently. I think people write it that way is because people still care about NEVERMORE a lot. People still listen to the tunes, which makes me happy.
Blistering.com: I know you're in the studio now working on some stuff that is supposed to be more death metal-sounding. Can you elaborate?
Loomis: Yeah, we're going back to old-school thrash, but still melodic. I have a lot of people telling me that every time I write something it sounds like NEVERMORE. [laughs] It's hard to get away from that since I was one of the main songwriters in the band. There's a lot of faster stuff going on, but still melodic at the same time. And Joe [Nurre, guitars] is completely going off with his death metal vocals. I think it's going to add a huge edge to everything. Obviously, there's going to be people out there who will disapprove, since they're used to hearing me with a clean singer. But hey, man, that doesn't bother me. I want to do something that makes me happy first and if the majority people enjoy it, that makes me happy, too.
Blistering.com: You mentioned when we opened our chat that you're thinking of putting together a new band with a new name. That's a risky endeavor, wouldn't you say? What do you think would be in store?
Loomis: Oh, boy. [laughs] It would almost be smart to keep the band I have now because we're developing, and if I started a new one, I would be starting all over again. There's going to be discussions when we're out on the road, if the musicians who I have now would be interested in moving onto that next phase. Joe is really a death metal singer at heart and I don't know if I'd want to stick with that 100%. I'd really like to have a singer like Devin Townsend. He's so amazing with the way he can change up his voice… he could do everything. I'm looking for a singer like that. We'll see what happens. It will need some time before we decide and I don't want to make the wrong move. Might as well take my time in doing it.
Blistering.com: With the whole NEVERMORE thing, you've stayed relatively quiet, while Warrel [Dane, vocals] has made some statements regarding that he might get some new people, or he doesn't know if they'll continue. Are you going to remain with this stance and let the chips fall where they may?
Loomis: If they want to reform NEVERMORE with new members… I just don't think that's a great idea. A lot of the heart and soul is, and was, from the whole band. If you change up a band that drastically with the original drummer and guitar player, with somebody else, it's not that band anymore. It's not. It's impossible. Sure, there's guitar players out there who could learn and play this stuff, but as far as writing new material, it's going to be a different band. It's their call. I wouldn't be hurt by it, but I know for a fact that it wouldn't be right. It would be cheating the fans. I don't keep in communication with those guys as much. I'm not ruling out that there would never be a reunion thing or a festival of some sorts in the future. I wouldn't have a problem with that. But working with those guys again, it's just not my cup of tea at all.
Blistering.com: You mentioned getting another guitar player [to fill your spot]. You guys struggled for years filling the second guitar spot between Pat O'Brien, Curran Murphy, Attila [Vörös]…
Loomis: And Tim Calvert. He just texted me right before we got on the phone. A lot of these guitar players I still keep in contact with. I'm probably the closest with Tim since he comes to the shows a lot.
Blistering.com: He's a great player.
Loomis: He is. He has a very unique style. So NEVERMORE was always lucky to have great guitar players in the band, but unfortunately, it never worked out in the long run. I think a lot of the reason for that was because Warrel and I definitely had a writing chemistry going on. And when tended to horde it and that was the whole thing that pissed off some of the players we had that wanted to do their thing.
Blistering.com: It's funny that you mentioned the death metal project and I was on Blabbermouth today or yesterday, and someone commented about a recent article of yours saying, "Wouldn't it be cool if Pat O'Brien was involved?"
Loomis: It was so much fun working with Pat. He was really the first guitar player we had in the band in '93 or '94. I ended up going to Kentucky to his house to audition and spend some time with him to see if he was right. But I could tell there was always something in the band of his head that he was a death metal guy at heart. He was the guy who would wake up with a cup of coffee, then crank CANNIBAL CORPSE. He lived and breathed that stuff, but was still playing NEVERMORE at the same time.
Blistering.com: As are you adjusting to being the now ex-NEVERMORE guitar player? Do you worry that will always be your tag?
Loomis: I don't mind it, but it's getting boring reading it on Blabbermouth. I wish they would say "Jeff Loomis." It doesn't bother me, but they could state that differently. I think people write it that way is because people still care about NEVERMORE a lot. People still listen to the tunes, which makes me happy.
Helsinki, Finland-based gothic metallers THE 69 EYES filmed a video for the song "Red" this past weekend with with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.
Commented THE 69 EYES singer Jyrki69: "We've known the director Patric for years and been talking nearly a decade of doing a video with him. So it was about the time finally! Since the whole new upcoming album, 'X', is our 'made in Sweden' record, it was natural to shoot a video with a Swedish director and in Sweden. I really loved David Fincher's movie 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo', which is set in Sweden and wanted some of that kind of vibe to be in this video, too.
"We shot the video in the Bjertorp Slott mansion outside of Gothenburg. It's a mystery scene in the most beautiful Swedish countryside with fast sports cars, Playboy playmates and the Helsinki Vampires!
"When THE 69 EYES make videos, it always is more based on pleasure in contrary to the recording session. And that's how it was again this time!"
A photo from the "Red" video shoot can be seen below.
The full track will be made available on August 10.
"Red" comes off THE 69 EYES's 10th studio album, "X", which is scheduled for release in late September through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America.
The cover artwork for "X" can be seen below.
Commented Jyrki69: "The cover is pure goth 'n' roll: a psychedelic mirror image of old wild animal bones with our X-tagram projected over all. It's good, evil, magic and voodoo all together! Something to stare at when tripping on the album."
"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!"
Regarding the album title, Jyrki69 said, "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'."
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.
Commented THE 69 EYES singer Jyrki69: "We've known the director Patric for years and been talking nearly a decade of doing a video with him. So it was about the time finally! Since the whole new upcoming album, 'X', is our 'made in Sweden' record, it was natural to shoot a video with a Swedish director and in Sweden. I really loved David Fincher's movie 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo', which is set in Sweden and wanted some of that kind of vibe to be in this video, too.
"We shot the video in the Bjertorp Slott mansion outside of Gothenburg. It's a mystery scene in the most beautiful Swedish countryside with fast sports cars, Playboy playmates and the Helsinki Vampires!
"When THE 69 EYES make videos, it always is more based on pleasure in contrary to the recording session. And that's how it was again this time!"
A photo from the "Red" video shoot can be seen below.
The full track will be made available on August 10.
"Red" comes off THE 69 EYES's 10th studio album, "X", which is scheduled for release in late September through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America.
The cover artwork for "X" can be seen below.
Commented Jyrki69: "The cover is pure goth 'n' roll: a psychedelic mirror image of old wild animal bones with our X-tagram projected over all. It's good, evil, magic and voodoo all together! Something to stare at when tripping on the album."
"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!"
Regarding the album title, Jyrki69 said, "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'."
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.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/69eyesvideo.jpg
Tommy Streat, the organizer of the vigil which was held on July 8 on Brown's Island in Richmond, Virginia in support of LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he is planning another vigil for Sunday, July 22 from 1 to 3 p.m., in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 27 and is facing manslaughter charges in connection with a 2010 Prague concert at which he allegedly shoved a local fan off the stage. The man, who is said to have stormed the stage three times during the show, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in his death nearly a month later.
Blythe's next Czech court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 19.
"Hopefully, we'll be welcoming him home" after the court appearance, said Streat. "But if not, we'll be sending the message that will support him."
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, who has already posted bail of 4 millionCzech Koruna (approximately $200,000), will have been imprisoned for three weeks by the time he gets his next day in court.
This week's hearing will reportedly involve a panel of judges that meet to review the prosecutors bail challenge; they can approve the bail or annul the bail.
Streat told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he's been amazed by the support from fans so far but hoped that some of the more vocal fans would remember to better consider their comments.
"A lot of the Czech news sources are starting to pick up on that stuff, and it's getting nasty," he said. "There's no reason to bash another country. They have a different legal system from ours, but we have to respect that."
Jonathan Crane, a reporter for the Prague Post, an English-language newspaper in Prague, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in an e-mail, "Blythe has not been denied bail, but rather, the bail has been challenged by the state prosecutor. I know this seems strange — in most other countries, you post bail and then you're released. Bail in the Czech Republic is subject to appeal, which is what happened here."
A LAMB OF GOD fan from Brandenburg, Kentucky created a petition in an online forum on the White House web site to ease the process of petitioning the government to help Blythe. As of this morning, more than 15,000 people had signed the petition. (A petition needs 25,000 signatures in 30 days to get attention.)
"In just eight days open to the public, we have gotten … 10,000 signatures," creator Espedito C. "Tito" Fink told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in an email Thursday. "This has been a group effort of everyone in the Facebook group that I created. Without them, I don't think this would have gotten off the ground.
"I'm hoping this will bring enough awareness so the federal government will do any and everything within its power to diplomatically bring Randy home while remaining on good terms with the Czech Republic."
Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 27 and is facing manslaughter charges in connection with a 2010 Prague concert at which he allegedly shoved a local fan off the stage. The man, who is said to have stormed the stage three times during the show, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in his death nearly a month later.
Blythe's next Czech court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 19.
"Hopefully, we'll be welcoming him home" after the court appearance, said Streat. "But if not, we'll be sending the message that will support him."
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, who has already posted bail of 4 millionCzech Koruna (approximately $200,000), will have been imprisoned for three weeks by the time he gets his next day in court.
This week's hearing will reportedly involve a panel of judges that meet to review the prosecutors bail challenge; they can approve the bail or annul the bail.
Streat told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he's been amazed by the support from fans so far but hoped that some of the more vocal fans would remember to better consider their comments.
"A lot of the Czech news sources are starting to pick up on that stuff, and it's getting nasty," he said. "There's no reason to bash another country. They have a different legal system from ours, but we have to respect that."
Jonathan Crane, a reporter for the Prague Post, an English-language newspaper in Prague, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in an e-mail, "Blythe has not been denied bail, but rather, the bail has been challenged by the state prosecutor. I know this seems strange — in most other countries, you post bail and then you're released. Bail in the Czech Republic is subject to appeal, which is what happened here."
A LAMB OF GOD fan from Brandenburg, Kentucky created a petition in an online forum on the White House web site to ease the process of petitioning the government to help Blythe. As of this morning, more than 15,000 people had signed the petition. (A petition needs 25,000 signatures in 30 days to get attention.)
"In just eight days open to the public, we have gotten … 10,000 signatures," creator Espedito C. "Tito" Fink told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in an email Thursday. "This has been a group effort of everyone in the Facebook group that I created. Without them, I don't think this would have gotten off the ground.
"I'm hoping this will bring enough awareness so the federal government will do any and everything within its power to diplomatically bring Randy home while remaining on good terms with the Czech Republic."
Candlelight Records has set a September 17 European release date for "The Cursed Remain Cursed", the new album from New York's VISION OF DISORDER. Produced by Will Putney (SHADOWS FALL, SUICIDE SILENCE) and mixed by Cameron Webb (MOTÖRHEAD, SOCIAL DISTORTION), the CD features eleven new songs, including the album's lead single "Loveless". It is the first new recording by the band in over ten years.
"We feel we accomplished a very unique, vicious and exciting record without compromising the V.O.D. brand of hardcore," says guitarist Mike Kennedy. "'The Cursed Remain Cursed' sounds like nothing we've ever done." Vocalist Tim Williams adds, "the songs are raw, real and from the heart."
Seton Hall University's WSOU recently welcomed Kennedy and Williams in studio for an interview to discuss the band's history and the lengthy creative and recording process of "The Cursed Remain Cursed". During the live broadcast, "Loveless" was played for the first time. Music director Deeps Gera excitedly proclaims, "V.O.D. are back with a hard, driving sound that will make you insane!" "Loveless" impacted metal radio nationwide the week of June 25; the single placing #2 Most Added on CMJ's Loud Rock chart. Music Choice music director Gary Susalis comments, "V.O.D. is one of the last true hardcore bands and they are back with an amazingly volatile record."
VISION OF DISORDER performed this at the CBGB Festival in New York City earlier in the month. The band participated in the three-day event that included live music and film events at over 30 venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Williams says, "It was a great honor to be a part of the 2012 CBGB music festival. We were very happy to be asked to take part in such an iconic show. If you had told us this was going to happen back in 1994 we would have never believed it. As for the set, it was everything you would expect from a NYC hardcore show. It was packed, hot, and with no barricade the kids were flying all over the place. The crowd was singing along and the new song went over well."
In an interview with Terrorizer magazine, Williams stated about the band's new CD, "This record is vintage V.O.D., but we've all grown as musicians and individuals since the last stuff we released. It's pretty diverse. You've got songs like 'Blood Red Sun' that are among the most forward-thinking, progressive things we've ever done, while still being real vicious — but there are some straight-up numbers too, like 'Hard Times' and 'Loveless'. Lyrically, it's coming from a pretty dark place, falling into the pits of one's own personal hell, and having to crawl out or die down there, plus there's some more political stuff, too. This has been a long time in the making and we just went with what felt right."
Regarding the musical direction of VISION OF DISORDER's new material, bassist Mike Fleischmann previously told Greg Prato of UGO, "The songs are what you would expect from V.O.D. — very aggressive and melodic. We really feel that on these new songs we have kind of mixed up all of our past efforts into a blender with a dash of new flavor, and we are excited to see what V.O.D. fans will think of it."
VISION OF DISORDER's current lineup includes singer Tim Williams, guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy, Fleischmann and drummer Brendon Cohen.
The band's last studio album, "From Bliss to Devastation", came out in 2001 via TVT Records.
VISION OF DISORDER toured with some of metal's biggest names during the late 1990s — including PANTERA, BLACK SABBATH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, ANTHRAX and BAD BRAINS — before calling it quits in 2001, and then reuniting in 2008.
"We feel we accomplished a very unique, vicious and exciting record without compromising the V.O.D. brand of hardcore," says guitarist Mike Kennedy. "'The Cursed Remain Cursed' sounds like nothing we've ever done." Vocalist Tim Williams adds, "the songs are raw, real and from the heart."
Seton Hall University's WSOU recently welcomed Kennedy and Williams in studio for an interview to discuss the band's history and the lengthy creative and recording process of "The Cursed Remain Cursed". During the live broadcast, "Loveless" was played for the first time. Music director Deeps Gera excitedly proclaims, "V.O.D. are back with a hard, driving sound that will make you insane!" "Loveless" impacted metal radio nationwide the week of June 25; the single placing #2 Most Added on CMJ's Loud Rock chart. Music Choice music director Gary Susalis comments, "V.O.D. is one of the last true hardcore bands and they are back with an amazingly volatile record."
VISION OF DISORDER performed this at the CBGB Festival in New York City earlier in the month. The band participated in the three-day event that included live music and film events at over 30 venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Williams says, "It was a great honor to be a part of the 2012 CBGB music festival. We were very happy to be asked to take part in such an iconic show. If you had told us this was going to happen back in 1994 we would have never believed it. As for the set, it was everything you would expect from a NYC hardcore show. It was packed, hot, and with no barricade the kids were flying all over the place. The crowd was singing along and the new song went over well."
In an interview with Terrorizer magazine, Williams stated about the band's new CD, "This record is vintage V.O.D., but we've all grown as musicians and individuals since the last stuff we released. It's pretty diverse. You've got songs like 'Blood Red Sun' that are among the most forward-thinking, progressive things we've ever done, while still being real vicious — but there are some straight-up numbers too, like 'Hard Times' and 'Loveless'. Lyrically, it's coming from a pretty dark place, falling into the pits of one's own personal hell, and having to crawl out or die down there, plus there's some more political stuff, too. This has been a long time in the making and we just went with what felt right."
Regarding the musical direction of VISION OF DISORDER's new material, bassist Mike Fleischmann previously told Greg Prato of UGO, "The songs are what you would expect from V.O.D. — very aggressive and melodic. We really feel that on these new songs we have kind of mixed up all of our past efforts into a blender with a dash of new flavor, and we are excited to see what V.O.D. fans will think of it."
VISION OF DISORDER's current lineup includes singer Tim Williams, guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy, Fleischmann and drummer Brendon Cohen.
The band's last studio album, "From Bliss to Devastation", came out in 2001 via TVT Records.
VISION OF DISORDER toured with some of metal's biggest names during the late 1990s — including PANTERA, BLACK SABBATH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, ANTHRAX and BAD BRAINS — before calling it quits in 2001, and then reuniting in 2008.
Progressive rock/cutting-edge metal innovators BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME have set "The Parallax II: Future Sequence" as the title of their new full-length album. The CD, which clocks in at approximately 72 minutes, will be released October 9 and features artwork from Charlotte, North Carolina artist and designer Chandler Owen (UNDEROATH, SHAI HULUD, HOPESFALL). The group — Tommy Rogers (vocals / keyboards), Paul Waggoner (guitar), Dustie Waring (guitar), Blake Richardson (drums / percussion) Dan Briggs (bass) — is currently preparing for its direct support slot on the Summer Slaughter tour that kicks off in Los Angeles, California at the House of Blues on Friday, July 20.
"The Parallax II: Future Sequence" was recorded at The Basement Studios in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with longtime friend of the band and producer Jamie King. Jamie engineered, mixed and mastered "The Parallax II: Future Sequence", which makes this the sixth release Jamie and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME have worked together on.
Regarding the concept of "The Parallax II: Future Sequence", the new full-length album picks up where the 2011 EP, "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues", left off.
"The two main characters of the story take on a journey through space and time with the unenviable task of having to cure the flaws of humanity by any means necessary," comments guitarist Paul Waggoner. "While the EP served mostly as an introduction to the characters, 'Future Sequence' contains the action of the story. The lyrics are written in the stream of consciousness style, which really helps to capture the perspective and emotion of the characters. We really enjoyed the challenge of writing this record, and I think we were all pleasantly surprised with how well the music and lyrics jived with one another. I couldn't be happier with how 'Future Sequence' turned out."
Vocalist and keyboardist Tommy Rogers adds his thoughts on the musical direction of "The Parallax II: Future Sequence": "This album is BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME on steroids. I feel like we have created an album that perfectly mirrors the band we've been trying to create since day one. An album that has sounds that will stimulate many genres and music fans alike. A conceptual journey that takes the listener to worlds that seem familiar and worlds that make you scratch your head. From start to finish this is music we want to create, not music we think people want us to create. We create songs that keep us (and hopefully you) excited about heavy music. Keep listening… something new will be there each time. Enjoy the music… we enjoyed writing it."
"The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues" (released in April 2011) is a three-song strong, 30-minute tour de force of modern heavy music. Produced and engineered by the Grammy award–winning David Bottrill (TOOL, MUSE, KING CRIMSON, DREAM THEATER) with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, the record soared to No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release while landing the No. 5 spot on the Hard Music chart, and No. 8 on the Independent Albums chart in its first week of release. "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues" also debuted in Canada charting at Mo. 62 on the Top 200 Current chart, No. 6 on the Hard chart, and No. 14 on the Independent chart.
"The Parallax II: Future Sequence" was recorded at The Basement Studios in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with longtime friend of the band and producer Jamie King. Jamie engineered, mixed and mastered "The Parallax II: Future Sequence", which makes this the sixth release Jamie and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME have worked together on.
Regarding the concept of "The Parallax II: Future Sequence", the new full-length album picks up where the 2011 EP, "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues", left off.
"The two main characters of the story take on a journey through space and time with the unenviable task of having to cure the flaws of humanity by any means necessary," comments guitarist Paul Waggoner. "While the EP served mostly as an introduction to the characters, 'Future Sequence' contains the action of the story. The lyrics are written in the stream of consciousness style, which really helps to capture the perspective and emotion of the characters. We really enjoyed the challenge of writing this record, and I think we were all pleasantly surprised with how well the music and lyrics jived with one another. I couldn't be happier with how 'Future Sequence' turned out."
Vocalist and keyboardist Tommy Rogers adds his thoughts on the musical direction of "The Parallax II: Future Sequence": "This album is BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME on steroids. I feel like we have created an album that perfectly mirrors the band we've been trying to create since day one. An album that has sounds that will stimulate many genres and music fans alike. A conceptual journey that takes the listener to worlds that seem familiar and worlds that make you scratch your head. From start to finish this is music we want to create, not music we think people want us to create. We create songs that keep us (and hopefully you) excited about heavy music. Keep listening… something new will be there each time. Enjoy the music… we enjoyed writing it."
"The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues" (released in April 2011) is a three-song strong, 30-minute tour de force of modern heavy music. Produced and engineered by the Grammy award–winning David Bottrill (TOOL, MUSE, KING CRIMSON, DREAM THEATER) with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, the record soared to No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release while landing the No. 5 spot on the Hard Music chart, and No. 8 on the Independent Albums chart in its first week of release. "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues" also debuted in Canada charting at Mo. 62 on the Top 200 Current chart, No. 6 on the Hard chart, and No. 14 on the Independent chart.
Swedish metallers MORGANA LEFAY, who have been inactive since 2007, have been confirmed for an exclusive show at the Sweden Rock Double Cruise in early October. Also confirmed for the Sweden Rock Double Cruise is the legendary Finnish metal band AMORPHIS.
The billing is shaping up as follows:
Melodic Cruise, October 4-5
MICHAEL MONROE
MAGNUM
JORN
RAGE (melodic set)
MORGANA LEFAY
+ Two more bands to be announced!
Hard Cruise, October 5-6
SATYRICON
AMORPHIS
MACABRE
RAGE (hard set)
PORTRAIT
+ Two more bands to be announced!
Rates: Tickets, including cabin, from 595 SEK (approx. 66 euros) per cruise. Book tickets for both cruises and get a free T-shirt!
Check-in first cruise: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm, October 4 no later than 18.15.
Check-in second cruise: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm, October 5 no later than 18.15.
Ship departs: 19.15
Age limit: 18 years
For more information, visit www.swedenrockcruise.com.
MORGANA LEFAY's last album, "Aberrations Of The Mind", came out in March 2007 via Black Mark.
The billing is shaping up as follows:
Melodic Cruise, October 4-5
MICHAEL MONROE
MAGNUM
JORN
RAGE (melodic set)
MORGANA LEFAY
+ Two more bands to be announced!
Hard Cruise, October 5-6
SATYRICON
AMORPHIS
MACABRE
RAGE (hard set)
PORTRAIT
+ Two more bands to be announced!
Rates: Tickets, including cabin, from 595 SEK (approx. 66 euros) per cruise. Book tickets for both cruises and get a free T-shirt!
Check-in first cruise: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm, October 4 no later than 18.15.
Check-in second cruise: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm, October 5 no later than 18.15.
Ship departs: 19.15
Age limit: 18 years
For more information, visit www.swedenrockcruise.com.
MORGANA LEFAY's last album, "Aberrations Of The Mind", came out in March 2007 via Black Mark.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/swedenrockdouble2012.jpg
Multinational melodic metallers EDEN'S CURSE have inked a worldwide deal with AFM Records.
The group, which is currently nearing the final stages of the writing phase for its as-yet-untitled fourth album — the first to feature new vocalist Marco Sandron (PATHOSRAY, FAIRYLAND) at the microphone — couldn't hide its delight. "Signing a new deal with AFM was one of the easiest decisions we have made as band," quipped bassist Paul Logue. "AFM have been our long term partners since 2007 and have always done a great job for us. We recently sat down together and discussed our future plans and where we saw the band headed and they made it known that they are firmly behind us."
He added, "Consolidating everything under one roof, as opposed to having several separate deals, made great business sense to us and our management," Logue said. "I'm sure it means less paperwork for all involved! We will, however, still be working with our long-term Japanese partners, Spiritual Beast. Why fix what ain't broke?"
Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for the next album, Logue said, "It's going! We are really into the home straight of the writing phase now. We are taking our time to make sure we have the song ideas that does the EDEN'S CURSE name proud and exactly what our fan base would expect from us. We are very excited by the new tunes."
Timo Hoffmann of AFM Records stated: "Working with EDEN'S CURSE always was a delight. These guys are really dedicated to what they do and their ambitions, positive attitude and high standards always result in great quality. Since signing with us in 2007, the band has released three fantastic albums. No signs of slowing down — in fact, it's quite the contrary. But also beside the creative part, we found reliable partners in EDEN'S CURSE. That's why we are very happy that the previous deal with the band (which was for the European territory only) now has become enhanced to a worldwide deal. We are looking forward to a great fourth album next year, and many more to come hopefully…"
EDEN'S CURSE's new album is tentatively scheduled for release in the spring of 2013.
The group, which is currently nearing the final stages of the writing phase for its as-yet-untitled fourth album — the first to feature new vocalist Marco Sandron (PATHOSRAY, FAIRYLAND) at the microphone — couldn't hide its delight. "Signing a new deal with AFM was one of the easiest decisions we have made as band," quipped bassist Paul Logue. "AFM have been our long term partners since 2007 and have always done a great job for us. We recently sat down together and discussed our future plans and where we saw the band headed and they made it known that they are firmly behind us."
He added, "Consolidating everything under one roof, as opposed to having several separate deals, made great business sense to us and our management," Logue said. "I'm sure it means less paperwork for all involved! We will, however, still be working with our long-term Japanese partners, Spiritual Beast. Why fix what ain't broke?"
Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for the next album, Logue said, "It's going! We are really into the home straight of the writing phase now. We are taking our time to make sure we have the song ideas that does the EDEN'S CURSE name proud and exactly what our fan base would expect from us. We are very excited by the new tunes."
Timo Hoffmann of AFM Records stated: "Working with EDEN'S CURSE always was a delight. These guys are really dedicated to what they do and their ambitions, positive attitude and high standards always result in great quality. Since signing with us in 2007, the band has released three fantastic albums. No signs of slowing down — in fact, it's quite the contrary. But also beside the creative part, we found reliable partners in EDEN'S CURSE. That's why we are very happy that the previous deal with the band (which was for the European territory only) now has become enhanced to a worldwide deal. We are looking forward to a great fourth album next year, and many more to come hopefully…"
EDEN'S CURSE's new album is tentatively scheduled for release in the spring of 2013.
Paige Montgomery from Alternative Revolt Magazine and the Denver Post Reverb conducted an interview with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach for idobi radio at the first stop of the Trespass America tour in Broomfield, Colorado. Leach discussed returning to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, preparing for tour, and he revealed what the band has in store for their next studio release.
On how it feels to be back in KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
Jesse: "It feels great, man. Surprisngly, [it was] a natural transition. I think the one thing for me was just learning [former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer] Howard's [Jones] material, learning how I was gonna, like, live in the songs and make them my own, and once that happened, it feels natural. It almost feels, in a way, that I hadn't left, but it is ten years later and we're all much different people, so it just feels a lot better than it did back then."
On the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's new album:
Jesse: "We've got two songs completed for our new record and another 12-13 to go that I'm gonna finish up in the fall. . . Thankfully, [they didn't have any vocals done with Howard] — it was just music; it had no lyrics, no vocals — Howard hadn't attempted to do anything, so it was a nice, clean slate. [The stuff sounds] fresh, fast, heavy… I couldn't be more stoked to sing on the record. As a matter of fact, once I signed up to do the audition for those guys, they took me back to Adam's [Dutkiewicz, guitar] house and we listened to the record and that totally sold me. When I heard the record, I was like, 'I've gotta sing on this.'"
On how it feels to be back in KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
Jesse: "It feels great, man. Surprisngly, [it was] a natural transition. I think the one thing for me was just learning [former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer] Howard's [Jones] material, learning how I was gonna, like, live in the songs and make them my own, and once that happened, it feels natural. It almost feels, in a way, that I hadn't left, but it is ten years later and we're all much different people, so it just feels a lot better than it did back then."
On the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's new album:
Jesse: "We've got two songs completed for our new record and another 12-13 to go that I'm gonna finish up in the fall. . . Thankfully, [they didn't have any vocals done with Howard] — it was just music; it had no lyrics, no vocals — Howard hadn't attempted to do anything, so it was a nice, clean slate. [The stuff sounds] fresh, fast, heavy… I couldn't be more stoked to sing on the record. As a matter of fact, once I signed up to do the audition for those guys, they took me back to Adam's [Dutkiewicz, guitar] house and we listened to the record and that totally sold me. When I heard the record, I was like, 'I've gotta sing on this.'"
SONIC SYNDICATE drummer John Bengtsson and his wife welcomed a baby daughter last week.
Commented John: "I've experienced a lot of amazing things in my life, but seriously NOTHING can prepare you for the birth of your child! It is the most incredible thing that can happen to you! And I'm stunned at how strong women are, to be able to give birth! And yes, to answer the question I've been asked, I did cry out sheer happiness the first time I saw my daughter!"
SONIC SYNDICATE bassist Karin Axelsson announced in May that she was pregnant with her first child. According to Karin, the baby is due the first week of October.
Guitarist Roger Sjunnesson left SONIC SYNDICATE last month. A replacement axeman has not yet been announced.
"The plan is to continue the band, but we have not had time to sit down and discuss everything," SONIC SYNDICATE guitarist Robin Sjunnesson told Sweden's Hallands Nyheter last month. "Right now we have some other priorities in life to tend to, so there will probably be no further activities this year. But we have all individually begun writing new material."
Part of the problem is that the four members of SONIC SYNDICATE all live in different cities — Karin resides in Falkenberg and John in Ullared. But Robin has moved to Stockholm and Nathan, the only non-Swedish member of the group, lives with a girl in Helsinki, Finland.
After an almost year-long hiatus, SONIC SYNDICATE co-headlined the Vekeri Fesztival in Hungary in late June.
SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
SONIC SYNDICATE 2012 is:
Robin Sjunnesson (guitar)
Karin Axelsson (bass, vocals)
John Bengtsson (drums)
Nathan James Biggs (vocals)
Commented John: "I've experienced a lot of amazing things in my life, but seriously NOTHING can prepare you for the birth of your child! It is the most incredible thing that can happen to you! And I'm stunned at how strong women are, to be able to give birth! And yes, to answer the question I've been asked, I did cry out sheer happiness the first time I saw my daughter!"
SONIC SYNDICATE bassist Karin Axelsson announced in May that she was pregnant with her first child. According to Karin, the baby is due the first week of October.
Guitarist Roger Sjunnesson left SONIC SYNDICATE last month. A replacement axeman has not yet been announced.
"The plan is to continue the band, but we have not had time to sit down and discuss everything," SONIC SYNDICATE guitarist Robin Sjunnesson told Sweden's Hallands Nyheter last month. "Right now we have some other priorities in life to tend to, so there will probably be no further activities this year. But we have all individually begun writing new material."
Part of the problem is that the four members of SONIC SYNDICATE all live in different cities — Karin resides in Falkenberg and John in Ullared. But Robin has moved to Stockholm and Nathan, the only non-Swedish member of the group, lives with a girl in Helsinki, Finland.
After an almost year-long hiatus, SONIC SYNDICATE co-headlined the Vekeri Fesztival in Hungary in late June.
SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.
SONIC SYNDICATE 2012 is:
Robin Sjunnesson (guitar)
Karin Axelsson (bass, vocals)
John Bengtsson (drums)
Nathan James Biggs (vocals)
RED LAMB, the band led by former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz, has signed a management deal with the Nashville, Tennessee-based firm Mind's I Entertainment.
"RED LAMB's schedule is about to become very busy," says James McComas, partner at Mind's I Entertainment. The company plans immediate U.S. tour dates, licensing deals worldwide, as well as worldwide touring in 2013, including a music festival that will be a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. Autism is a cause close to the hearts of the Spitz family, as Dan and his wife Candi have twin sons with autism, and the cause continues within the Mind's I Entertainment family, with partner Bonnie Neves having three children with autism and two of James McComas's nieces suffering from the the same neurological disorder.
RED LAMB's self-titled debut album was released in February via iTunes. The 12-song effort was co-produced by Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH) and Spitz and is described in a press release as "explosive hard rock, pop punk, alternative rock, with a taste of thrash." The CD was mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, DROWNING POOL, MEGADETH) and it features cover artwork by John Lorenzi, who worked on the last three MEGADETH studio albums — 2007's "United Abominations", 2009's "Endgame" and 2011's "TH1RT3EN" — as well as the band's 2007 box set, "Warchest". Grammy Award winner Chris Vrenna (NINE INCH NAILS, MARILYN MANSON) handled all synths and additional programming on the entire CD.
RED LAMB features Spitz (lead guitar, guitar, bass guitar, programming, background vocals, engineering, co-producer), Patrick Johansson (drums; YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, W.A.S.P.) and Don Chaffin (vocals and video productions).
"Red Lamb" track listing:
01. Watchman
02. The Cage
03. Get Up
04. Runaway Train
05. Angels Of War
06. Puzzle Box
07. Keep Pushing Me
08. Warpaint
09. One Shell (In The Chamber)
10. Standby Passenger
11. Temptation
12. Don't Threaten To Love Me
"The Cage" video can be seen below.
In a recent interview with Metal Insider, Spitz stated about Mustaine's involvement with RED LAMB, "Dave heard what used to be my project [DEUXMONKEY] before RED LAMB and we were just cruising into the studio in one of his crazy cars, I think it was an Aston Martin or something. And he just fell in love with the music, and as a friend offered, 'Can I take this from you and kind of help?' At that point in time, I was wearing 50 hats, so it became quite difficult. It was just a blessing for Dave to say, 'Yeah, absolutely!' and that's where we started. His credit is he's a co-producer; we worked together on taking that material that was already recorded. All the music was done by me and recorded and we edited the music and moved verses and choruses around, shortening songs and got rid of the seven-minute solo if there was one. [laughs] . . . Dave worked with Donnie consistently day in day out on all the vocals. . . And previous to that, via electronic means, meaning e-mail and so forth, me and Dave took all the lyrics that I had written for the CD and we dissected those the same way we dissected the music. And Dave co-wrote every song on the album with me as far as the lyrics go and so that's his role in it. He's the co-writer on every song. So it's a wonderful collaboration."
In a December 2010 interview, Mustaine revealed that he helped fine-tune the songs on RED LAMB's debut album after hearing some of the material in its early stages of development.
"[Dan] was working on a little side project, and I'd heard it a while ago and it kind of went by in passing 'cause he was just starting it," Mustaine said. "And I heard it about three weeks ago; he was almost done. And I said, 'Man, I love this record.' I said, 'And do you think it's done?' And he goes, 'Yeah.' And he goes, 'Why? What do you think?' And I said, 'Well, I would kind of do this and that.' And he goes, 'Really? Go ahead.' And I went, 'Really?' So I rolled up my sleeves and I completely dedicated myself to Danny's record for the last three weeks, working tirelessly in my studio on this record with him. And it's that good. I heard it and I just went, 'Oh my God!' It's like a cross between, say, DISTURBED, SOUNDGARDEN and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE kind of thing. Little bit of some smatterings of ANTHRAX because of the speed stuff, but it's much more modern and much more heavy sounding."
"RED LAMB's schedule is about to become very busy," says James McComas, partner at Mind's I Entertainment. The company plans immediate U.S. tour dates, licensing deals worldwide, as well as worldwide touring in 2013, including a music festival that will be a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. Autism is a cause close to the hearts of the Spitz family, as Dan and his wife Candi have twin sons with autism, and the cause continues within the Mind's I Entertainment family, with partner Bonnie Neves having three children with autism and two of James McComas's nieces suffering from the the same neurological disorder.
RED LAMB's self-titled debut album was released in February via iTunes. The 12-song effort was co-produced by Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH) and Spitz and is described in a press release as "explosive hard rock, pop punk, alternative rock, with a taste of thrash." The CD was mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, DROWNING POOL, MEGADETH) and it features cover artwork by John Lorenzi, who worked on the last three MEGADETH studio albums — 2007's "United Abominations", 2009's "Endgame" and 2011's "TH1RT3EN" — as well as the band's 2007 box set, "Warchest". Grammy Award winner Chris Vrenna (NINE INCH NAILS, MARILYN MANSON) handled all synths and additional programming on the entire CD.
RED LAMB features Spitz (lead guitar, guitar, bass guitar, programming, background vocals, engineering, co-producer), Patrick Johansson (drums; YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, W.A.S.P.) and Don Chaffin (vocals and video productions).
"Red Lamb" track listing:
01. Watchman
02. The Cage
03. Get Up
04. Runaway Train
05. Angels Of War
06. Puzzle Box
07. Keep Pushing Me
08. Warpaint
09. One Shell (In The Chamber)
10. Standby Passenger
11. Temptation
12. Don't Threaten To Love Me
"The Cage" video can be seen below.
In a recent interview with Metal Insider, Spitz stated about Mustaine's involvement with RED LAMB, "Dave heard what used to be my project [DEUXMONKEY] before RED LAMB and we were just cruising into the studio in one of his crazy cars, I think it was an Aston Martin or something. And he just fell in love with the music, and as a friend offered, 'Can I take this from you and kind of help?' At that point in time, I was wearing 50 hats, so it became quite difficult. It was just a blessing for Dave to say, 'Yeah, absolutely!' and that's where we started. His credit is he's a co-producer; we worked together on taking that material that was already recorded. All the music was done by me and recorded and we edited the music and moved verses and choruses around, shortening songs and got rid of the seven-minute solo if there was one. [laughs] . . . Dave worked with Donnie consistently day in day out on all the vocals. . . And previous to that, via electronic means, meaning e-mail and so forth, me and Dave took all the lyrics that I had written for the CD and we dissected those the same way we dissected the music. And Dave co-wrote every song on the album with me as far as the lyrics go and so that's his role in it. He's the co-writer on every song. So it's a wonderful collaboration."
In a December 2010 interview, Mustaine revealed that he helped fine-tune the songs on RED LAMB's debut album after hearing some of the material in its early stages of development.
"[Dan] was working on a little side project, and I'd heard it a while ago and it kind of went by in passing 'cause he was just starting it," Mustaine said. "And I heard it about three weeks ago; he was almost done. And I said, 'Man, I love this record.' I said, 'And do you think it's done?' And he goes, 'Yeah.' And he goes, 'Why? What do you think?' And I said, 'Well, I would kind of do this and that.' And he goes, 'Really? Go ahead.' And I went, 'Really?' So I rolled up my sleeves and I completely dedicated myself to Danny's record for the last three weeks, working tirelessly in my studio on this record with him. And it's that good. I heard it and I just went, 'Oh my God!' It's like a cross between, say, DISTURBED, SOUNDGARDEN and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE kind of thing. Little bit of some smatterings of ANTHRAX because of the speed stuff, but it's much more modern and much more heavy sounding."
Three musicians who played on KING DIAMOND's 1990 album, "The Eye" — guitarist Pete Blakk, bassist Hal Patino and drummer Snowy Shaw — will perform with Patino's son, Danish rock singer Maryann Cotton (born Jackie Patino), on September 14 at Amager Bio in Copenhagen, Denmark. According to a press release, "It will be a big event with red carpet, celebrities, and a big rock theater."
Commented Maryann: "I have read in many media that Maryann is said to be the new generation of Alice Cooper and shock rock, and he's Alice Cooper's unknown son. It gives the audience some expectations for the show — so, of course, we will come out with a great stage show!"
The band lineup for the show will be as follows:
Maryann Cotton - Vocals
Hal Patino - Bass
Pete Blakk - Guitar
Sebastian Sly - Guitar
Snowy Shaw - Drums
Maryann Cotton's debut album, "Free Falling Angels", was released on June 15 via Pure Steel Records.
Maryann Cotton's career was launched in 2006 when he performed live on Danish TV as part of the "Scenen Er Din" program (Danish version of "Star Search").
King Diamond stated about Maryann's Shock Me" single (which also featured appearances by La Rocque, Blakk, Hal Patino and Shaw), "I checked out the Maryann Cotton song 'Shock Me'. I really liked it. It reminded me in a positive way of Alice Cooper 1971. I think his vocals fit really well in the music, and the few backing vocals he did seemed to make everything sound a lot bigger. Normally horn sections really give me the creeps, but the way they used it in this song, I didn't mind. Great musicians, of course. I really look forward to hear more songs from him, so I can begin to get the full picture."
Commented Maryann: "I have read in many media that Maryann is said to be the new generation of Alice Cooper and shock rock, and he's Alice Cooper's unknown son. It gives the audience some expectations for the show — so, of course, we will come out with a great stage show!"
The band lineup for the show will be as follows:
Maryann Cotton - Vocals
Hal Patino - Bass
Pete Blakk - Guitar
Sebastian Sly - Guitar
Snowy Shaw - Drums
Maryann Cotton's debut album, "Free Falling Angels", was released on June 15 via Pure Steel Records.
Maryann Cotton's career was launched in 2006 when he performed live on Danish TV as part of the "Scenen Er Din" program (Danish version of "Star Search").
King Diamond stated about Maryann's Shock Me" single (which also featured appearances by La Rocque, Blakk, Hal Patino and Shaw), "I checked out the Maryann Cotton song 'Shock Me'. I really liked it. It reminded me in a positive way of Alice Cooper 1971. I think his vocals fit really well in the music, and the few backing vocals he did seemed to make everything sound a lot bigger. Normally horn sections really give me the creeps, but the way they used it in this song, I didn't mind. Great musicians, of course. I really look forward to hear more songs from him, so I can begin to get the full picture."
Vocalist Philip Labonte of Massachusetts metallers ALL THAT REMAINS has posted the following message on his Facebook page:
"Got a [Facebook] email that said 'random metal blog' said you hide behind Facebook. I submit that MOST (not all) frontmen hide behind their own band. Not willing to be honest, they're just spineless and won't really divulge their opinion in the fear that it may affect their band or record sales. Now, there are a lot of honest people who really don't have an opinion about most things, and that's cool. I'm not here to judge them. But for those who have an opinion and won't say what it is 'cause they are afraid of the possibility of negative effects, I say FUCK THAT. I'm just as much a normal guy as any of you are. I am worth no more, and no less, than any of you reading this. So let the blogs talk shit, while they take money from labels, to promote the records, by the bands who they shit on, while they profit from talking shit about them. That's the system, and fuck the system."
ALL THAT REMAINS recently completed tracking its new studio album, "A War You Can Not Win", for a September release via Razor & Tie/Prosthetic. The CD sees the band reunited with longtime producer Adam Dutkiewicz (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE). The record is the culmination of an intense writing period for the group that began shortly after their 18-month tour in support of "For We Are Many".
Dutkiewicz previously helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' 2010 album, "For We Are Many", as well as 2004's "This Darkened Heart" and 2006's "The Fall of Ideals".
"Got a [Facebook] email that said 'random metal blog' said you hide behind Facebook. I submit that MOST (not all) frontmen hide behind their own band. Not willing to be honest, they're just spineless and won't really divulge their opinion in the fear that it may affect their band or record sales. Now, there are a lot of honest people who really don't have an opinion about most things, and that's cool. I'm not here to judge them. But for those who have an opinion and won't say what it is 'cause they are afraid of the possibility of negative effects, I say FUCK THAT. I'm just as much a normal guy as any of you are. I am worth no more, and no less, than any of you reading this. So let the blogs talk shit, while they take money from labels, to promote the records, by the bands who they shit on, while they profit from talking shit about them. That's the system, and fuck the system."
ALL THAT REMAINS recently completed tracking its new studio album, "A War You Can Not Win", for a September release via Razor & Tie/Prosthetic. The CD sees the band reunited with longtime producer Adam Dutkiewicz (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE). The record is the culmination of an intense writing period for the group that began shortly after their 18-month tour in support of "For We Are Many".
Dutkiewicz previously helmed ALL THAT REMAINS' 2010 album, "For We Are Many", as well as 2004's "This Darkened Heart" and 2006's "The Fall of Ideals".
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