Amy Harris of CityBeat recently conducted an interview with MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
CityBeat: What is the best and worst part of being out on the road now? You guys have been touring for 30 years.
Phil Campbell: You are home for three weeks and then you are ready to come on the road for two months. You are dying get back home. We are not really complainers. One of the worst parts obviously is not having your family there, home comforts and your dogs and things like that. The food can be tough because you really don't have much choice. That's not particularly good. The best part is you don't have to get up early in the morning anymore. We sleep in until really late, so that's very cool.
CityBeat: Any regrets through the years?
Phil Campbell: No, not really, none. It has been pretty good. It has been a privilege to be able to play music for people who enjoy our music. No, no major regrets, no.
CityBeat: I know your children are also in bands. Have you thought about recording with them anytime in the future?
Phil Campbell: Yeah, they are doing really good. I have some children in a band called STRAIGHT LINES. They have their second album out and they are doing lots of shows. They have great reviews in all the magazines and everything. Hopefully they will be doing the Warped Tour next summer. Another is in a band called INSIDE THE TREES but they changed their name to THE PEOPLE'S POET and they are recording their new album now, as we speak. It's a quite different kind of music. They have their own sound as well. They are all doing really well.
CityBeat: Do you ever play with them?
Phil Campbell: I used to when they were younger but they won't let me play anymore. I'm not good enough.
CityBeat: What is the best and worst part of being out on the road now? You guys have been touring for 30 years.
Phil Campbell: You are home for three weeks and then you are ready to come on the road for two months. You are dying get back home. We are not really complainers. One of the worst parts obviously is not having your family there, home comforts and your dogs and things like that. The food can be tough because you really don't have much choice. That's not particularly good. The best part is you don't have to get up early in the morning anymore. We sleep in until really late, so that's very cool.
CityBeat: Any regrets through the years?
Phil Campbell: No, not really, none. It has been pretty good. It has been a privilege to be able to play music for people who enjoy our music. No, no major regrets, no.
CityBeat: I know your children are also in bands. Have you thought about recording with them anytime in the future?
Phil Campbell: Yeah, they are doing really good. I have some children in a band called STRAIGHT LINES. They have their second album out and they are doing lots of shows. They have great reviews in all the magazines and everything. Hopefully they will be doing the Warped Tour next summer. Another is in a band called INSIDE THE TREES but they changed their name to THE PEOPLE'S POET and they are recording their new album now, as we speak. It's a quite different kind of music. They have their own sound as well. They are all doing really well.
CityBeat: Do you ever play with them?
Phil Campbell: I used to when they were younger but they won't let me play anymore. I'm not good enough.
La Boite Noire conducted an interview with MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover at this year's edition of the Hellfest festival, which took place June 15-17 in Clisson, France. You can now watch the chat below.
During a January 2012 interview with Legendary Rock Interviews, Drover was asked to recount the very unusual story of how he joined MEGADETH. "It was 2004 and my brother Glen was in the band as their guitar player," Shawn said. "They were in rehearsals for their tour and I was in contact with him every day and checking on him and stuff and seeing how things were going. The situation just came up where they didn't want Nick [Menza, former drummer] in the band anymore, so I came home and my brother got hold of me and said, You better sit down.' And I was like, 'Why? What's going on?' And Glen was like, 'Well, they want you on the next plane to come out here.' [laughs] This was six days before the first day of the tour, so to be honest with you, that was quite a shock, you know, and I was just like, 'Jesus, man,' because I was well aware of when the tour was starting. So I called my wife and filled her in real quick and I was on a plane bound for Arizona a few hours later to rehearse with the band. We rehearsed for four days, travelled the fifth day, and the sixth day was the first show of the tour. It was quite a daunting task, but looking back now, I probably wouldn't want to do it any other way. It was pretty cool and I really didn't have time to freak out or be nervous or anything like that. I was so focused on learning the songs that I didn't know yet, they had just put out 'The System Has Failed' and I hadn't heard a note of it at all because it was just released. I tried to learn and cram as much material as I could in those four days of rehearsal. The first show was in front of thousands of kids and was off the hook; it was a great show. It's funny, because for some reason, the barricades weren't up at that venue and the kids were jumping all over the stage and going crazy. I guess nobody remembered to, or whatever, so it turned into an old-school MEGADETH thrash show with kids stagediving and the whole bit, so I thought that was how it was going to be all the time, which was fine by me, you know, because I am definitely from that era. [laughs] Come to find out someone messed up and everyone was like, 'What happened to the barricade?' and I was like, 'Oh, OK….' [laughs] It was pretty funny and I have a lot of fond memories of that time. It was nerve-wracking, of course, but it was so exciting and I was just so focused on learning that it kind of all worked out."
MEGADETH was among the nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band's tenth Grammy nomination was for its single "Public Enemy No. 1", off MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", which came out on November 1, 2011.
"Public Enemy No. 1" actually marked the second Grammy nomination for music from "TH1RT3EN", as the song "Sudden Death" was first unveiled in the 2010 video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" and received a "Best Metal Performance" nod.
During a January 2012 interview with Legendary Rock Interviews, Drover was asked to recount the very unusual story of how he joined MEGADETH. "It was 2004 and my brother Glen was in the band as their guitar player," Shawn said. "They were in rehearsals for their tour and I was in contact with him every day and checking on him and stuff and seeing how things were going. The situation just came up where they didn't want Nick [Menza, former drummer] in the band anymore, so I came home and my brother got hold of me and said, You better sit down.' And I was like, 'Why? What's going on?' And Glen was like, 'Well, they want you on the next plane to come out here.' [laughs] This was six days before the first day of the tour, so to be honest with you, that was quite a shock, you know, and I was just like, 'Jesus, man,' because I was well aware of when the tour was starting. So I called my wife and filled her in real quick and I was on a plane bound for Arizona a few hours later to rehearse with the band. We rehearsed for four days, travelled the fifth day, and the sixth day was the first show of the tour. It was quite a daunting task, but looking back now, I probably wouldn't want to do it any other way. It was pretty cool and I really didn't have time to freak out or be nervous or anything like that. I was so focused on learning the songs that I didn't know yet, they had just put out 'The System Has Failed' and I hadn't heard a note of it at all because it was just released. I tried to learn and cram as much material as I could in those four days of rehearsal. The first show was in front of thousands of kids and was off the hook; it was a great show. It's funny, because for some reason, the barricades weren't up at that venue and the kids were jumping all over the stage and going crazy. I guess nobody remembered to, or whatever, so it turned into an old-school MEGADETH thrash show with kids stagediving and the whole bit, so I thought that was how it was going to be all the time, which was fine by me, you know, because I am definitely from that era. [laughs] Come to find out someone messed up and everyone was like, 'What happened to the barricade?' and I was like, 'Oh, OK….' [laughs] It was pretty funny and I have a lot of fond memories of that time. It was nerve-wracking, of course, but it was so exciting and I was just so focused on learning that it kind of all worked out."
MEGADETH was among the nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band's tenth Grammy nomination was for its single "Public Enemy No. 1", off MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", which came out on November 1, 2011.
"Public Enemy No. 1" actually marked the second Grammy nomination for music from "TH1RT3EN", as the song "Sudden Death" was first unveiled in the 2010 video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" and received a "Best Metal Performance" nod.
http://youtu.be/WLqHrQ4C6Js
Rock guitar legend Tommy Bolin will be honored with a box set release of his lauded solo release "The Definitive Teaser" — a three-CD collection featuring a remastered version of his classic album along with two CDs of outtakes and alternates. The project was produced by Greg Hampton and Johnnie Bolin.
In the annals of rock history, Tommy Bolin occupied a brief, but shining stint as a brilliant guitarist who wowed those in the know with his mastery of many genres — rock, fusion, funk, reggae and heavy metal among others. Along with a much-lauded solo career that pushed the boundaries of rock/jazz fusion, Bolin played with THE JAMES GANG and DEEP PURPLE, setting him up for major solo guitar stardom, which was cut short by his untimely death in 1976.
Along with the three-CD "Teaser" box set, 429 Records will release a five-CD set, "The Definitive Teaser Collector's Edition" which will also include the two-CD deluxe version of "Great Gypsy Soul" — a collection of Bolin songs recorded by a top-notch roster of players who signed on to pay tribute to Bolin. Produced by Greg Hampton and Warren Haynes, it's a remarkable project that brings together major players who actually perform alongside Tommy Bolin's playing and vocals from the recording outtakes to "Teaser". Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes (a key supporter of the project), Nels Cline, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa, John Scofield, Derek Trucks, Glenn Hughes and Myles Kennedy all contribute to this amazing project. "The Definitive Teaser" and "Collector's Edition" will be released by 429 Records on July 31.
Tommy Bolin was the quintessential guitar prodigy who focused his talents within the burgeoning rock/metal scenes of the early '70s as well as mastered a highly lauded jazz fusion technique catching the attention of rock tastemakers and guitar legend peers. It was just a matter of time before Bolin was making a name for himself playing on projects as diverse as Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" project (considered one of the great jazz fusion recordings of all time), replacing Joe Walsh in THE JAMES GANG, playing session work on seminal fusion projects by MOXY and Alphonse Mouzon, to replacing Ritchie Blackmore in DEEP PURPLE. With the release of his second solo album "Private Eyes", what should have been a red letter moment for Bolin, opening up for Jeff Beck in Miami, sadly turned tragic as Bolin was found dead of an overdose shortly after the gig.
Says Warren Haynes: "Many of the guests added after the fact have a close personal connection to Tommy — all share in acknowledging his place in rock history. Watching (and hearing) it all come to fruition some 35 years later was a journey of its own — well worth the travel."
"The Definitive Teaser" track listing:
Disc 1
"Teaser" Remastered
01. The Grind
02. Homeward Strut
03. Dreamer
04. Savannah Woman
05. Teaser
06. People, People
07. Marching Powder
08. Wild Dogs
09. Lotus
Disc 2
Alternates and Outtakes
01. Teaser
02. Flying Fingers
03. Cookoo
04. Wild Dogs
05. Chameleon
Disc 3
01. Crazed Fandango
02. People, People
03. Smooth Fandango
04. Marching Powder
05. Homeward Strut
06. Oriental Sky (Lotus)
Deluxe version of "Great Gypsy Soul" track listing:
Disc 1
01. The Grind (w/ Peter Frampton)
02. Teaser (w/ Warren Haynes)
03. Dreamer (w/ Myles Kennedy and Nels Cline)
04. Savannah Woman (w/ John Scofield)
05. Smooth Fandango (w/ Derek Trucks)
06. People People (w/ Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson)
07. Wild Dogs (w/ Brad Whitford)
08. Homeward Strut (w/ Steve Lukather)
09. Sugar Shack (w/ Glenn Hughes and Sonny Landreth)
10. Crazed Fandango (w/ Steve Morse)
11. Lotus (w/ Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Huges and Nels Cline)
Disc 2 - Bonus CD
01. Flying Fingers (w/ Oz Noy and Nels Cline)
02. Marching Bag - Movement One (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Greg Hampton, John Scofield, Sonny Landreth)
03. Marching Bag - Movement Two (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Steve Lukather, Derek Trucks, Peter Frampton)
04. Marching Bag - Movement Three (w/ Gordie Johnson, Bolin, Nels Cline, Oz Noy, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa)
05. Marching Bag - Movement Four (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Oz Noy, Brad Whitford, Peter Frampton)
For more information, visit www.429records.com.
In the annals of rock history, Tommy Bolin occupied a brief, but shining stint as a brilliant guitarist who wowed those in the know with his mastery of many genres — rock, fusion, funk, reggae and heavy metal among others. Along with a much-lauded solo career that pushed the boundaries of rock/jazz fusion, Bolin played with THE JAMES GANG and DEEP PURPLE, setting him up for major solo guitar stardom, which was cut short by his untimely death in 1976.
Along with the three-CD "Teaser" box set, 429 Records will release a five-CD set, "The Definitive Teaser Collector's Edition" which will also include the two-CD deluxe version of "Great Gypsy Soul" — a collection of Bolin songs recorded by a top-notch roster of players who signed on to pay tribute to Bolin. Produced by Greg Hampton and Warren Haynes, it's a remarkable project that brings together major players who actually perform alongside Tommy Bolin's playing and vocals from the recording outtakes to "Teaser". Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes (a key supporter of the project), Nels Cline, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa, John Scofield, Derek Trucks, Glenn Hughes and Myles Kennedy all contribute to this amazing project. "The Definitive Teaser" and "Collector's Edition" will be released by 429 Records on July 31.
Tommy Bolin was the quintessential guitar prodigy who focused his talents within the burgeoning rock/metal scenes of the early '70s as well as mastered a highly lauded jazz fusion technique catching the attention of rock tastemakers and guitar legend peers. It was just a matter of time before Bolin was making a name for himself playing on projects as diverse as Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" project (considered one of the great jazz fusion recordings of all time), replacing Joe Walsh in THE JAMES GANG, playing session work on seminal fusion projects by MOXY and Alphonse Mouzon, to replacing Ritchie Blackmore in DEEP PURPLE. With the release of his second solo album "Private Eyes", what should have been a red letter moment for Bolin, opening up for Jeff Beck in Miami, sadly turned tragic as Bolin was found dead of an overdose shortly after the gig.
Says Warren Haynes: "Many of the guests added after the fact have a close personal connection to Tommy — all share in acknowledging his place in rock history. Watching (and hearing) it all come to fruition some 35 years later was a journey of its own — well worth the travel."
"The Definitive Teaser" track listing:
Disc 1
"Teaser" Remastered
01. The Grind
02. Homeward Strut
03. Dreamer
04. Savannah Woman
05. Teaser
06. People, People
07. Marching Powder
08. Wild Dogs
09. Lotus
Disc 2
Alternates and Outtakes
01. Teaser
02. Flying Fingers
03. Cookoo
04. Wild Dogs
05. Chameleon
Disc 3
01. Crazed Fandango
02. People, People
03. Smooth Fandango
04. Marching Powder
05. Homeward Strut
06. Oriental Sky (Lotus)
Deluxe version of "Great Gypsy Soul" track listing:
Disc 1
01. The Grind (w/ Peter Frampton)
02. Teaser (w/ Warren Haynes)
03. Dreamer (w/ Myles Kennedy and Nels Cline)
04. Savannah Woman (w/ John Scofield)
05. Smooth Fandango (w/ Derek Trucks)
06. People People (w/ Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson)
07. Wild Dogs (w/ Brad Whitford)
08. Homeward Strut (w/ Steve Lukather)
09. Sugar Shack (w/ Glenn Hughes and Sonny Landreth)
10. Crazed Fandango (w/ Steve Morse)
11. Lotus (w/ Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Huges and Nels Cline)
Disc 2 - Bonus CD
01. Flying Fingers (w/ Oz Noy and Nels Cline)
02. Marching Bag - Movement One (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Greg Hampton, John Scofield, Sonny Landreth)
03. Marching Bag - Movement Two (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Steve Lukather, Derek Trucks, Peter Frampton)
04. Marching Bag - Movement Three (w/ Gordie Johnson, Bolin, Nels Cline, Oz Noy, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa)
05. Marching Bag - Movement Four (w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Oz Noy, Brad Whitford, Peter Frampton)
For more information, visit www.429records.com.
Punk rock legends BAD RELIGION have entered the studio to begin work on their brand new album. The as-yet-untitled CD is being recorded at Joe Barresi's (THE MELVINS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, PARKWAY DRIVE) JHOC studio and co-produced by band members Brett Gurewitz, Greg Graffin and Barresi. This will be their 16th full-length effort.
BAD RELIGION reconvenes amidst a period of heightened activity. Singer-songwriter Greg Graffin is preparing for his second year of teaching evolution at Cornell University and is writing a new book, "Population Wars", for St. Martins Press. Guitarist-songwriter Brett Gurewitz continues to shepherd his labels Epitaph and Anti- and recently received a prestigious Independent Spirit Award. Drummer Brooks Wackerman has been touring with TENACIOUS D and released a record by his band KIDNEYS. Throughout it all, the iconic band has performed throughout the world and appeared at the historic Reason Rally in Washington D.C.
Formed in the suburbs of Los Angeles as disaffected teenagers, BAD RELIGION has generated numerous memorable hits and become synonymous with intelligent and provocative hook-filled punk rock.
BAD RELIGION reconvenes amidst a period of heightened activity. Singer-songwriter Greg Graffin is preparing for his second year of teaching evolution at Cornell University and is writing a new book, "Population Wars", for St. Martins Press. Guitarist-songwriter Brett Gurewitz continues to shepherd his labels Epitaph and Anti- and recently received a prestigious Independent Spirit Award. Drummer Brooks Wackerman has been touring with TENACIOUS D and released a record by his band KIDNEYS. Throughout it all, the iconic band has performed throughout the world and appeared at the historic Reason Rally in Washington D.C.
Formed in the suburbs of Los Angeles as disaffected teenagers, BAD RELIGION has generated numerous memorable hits and become synonymous with intelligent and provocative hook-filled punk rock.
L.A. GUNS — featuring Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin — has released the following statement regarding their former bandmate Tracii Guns' (guitar) announcement that he was retiring his version of the group:
"All the members of L.A. GUNS believe this will help everyone to move on from the past, from the confusion, and wish Tracii all the best in the future."
In a recent interview with The Musician's Voice, Tracii said about the current status of his version of L.A. GUNS, "I think I've kind of done it to death, I think the band has done itself to death. . . . I mean, listen, we play a lot of L.A. GUNS songs in our [Tracii's project TRACII GUNS' LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN's] live set — people expect to hear those from me — but being in L.A. GUNS is just not worth the trouble, with two different versions of the band running around, and neither band does the other band any good, and I think it's disappointing for the fans, ultimately. You're dealing with people who have supported you and your music for, God, I don't know… over 20 years… at least over 20 years. I would like to be able to go into each gig with a clear conscience, put out records with a clear conscience and know that I'm doing my best and I'm not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes."
The Tracii Guns version of L.A. GUNS — which has featured several different lead vocalists over the course of the last few years — completed a European headlining tour in March.
The Phil Lewis-fronted L.A. GUNS released a new album, "Hollywood Forever", on June 5 via via Cleopatra Records. The CD was recorded with legendary producer, and old friend, Andy Johns, who has previously worked with LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, CINDERELLA and VAN HALEN, and who collaborated with L.A. GUNS on their last three albums.
"All the members of L.A. GUNS believe this will help everyone to move on from the past, from the confusion, and wish Tracii all the best in the future."
In a recent interview with The Musician's Voice, Tracii said about the current status of his version of L.A. GUNS, "I think I've kind of done it to death, I think the band has done itself to death. . . . I mean, listen, we play a lot of L.A. GUNS songs in our [Tracii's project TRACII GUNS' LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN's] live set — people expect to hear those from me — but being in L.A. GUNS is just not worth the trouble, with two different versions of the band running around, and neither band does the other band any good, and I think it's disappointing for the fans, ultimately. You're dealing with people who have supported you and your music for, God, I don't know… over 20 years… at least over 20 years. I would like to be able to go into each gig with a clear conscience, put out records with a clear conscience and know that I'm doing my best and I'm not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes."
The Tracii Guns version of L.A. GUNS — which has featured several different lead vocalists over the course of the last few years — completed a European headlining tour in March.
The Phil Lewis-fronted L.A. GUNS released a new album, "Hollywood Forever", on June 5 via via Cleopatra Records. The CD was recorded with legendary producer, and old friend, Andy Johns, who has previously worked with LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, CINDERELLA and VAN HALEN, and who collaborated with L.A. GUNS on their last three albums.
Intergalactic mutant overlords GWAR are plotting their return to the road this fall. Taking a break from working on their new album as well as an extended arctic slumber, GWAR is back with an entirely new show. Your lords and masters will be wreaking havoc across North America, with support coming from DEVILDRIVER, CANCER BATS and LEGACY OF DISORDER. The tour is currently scheduled to kick off October 12 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and run through November 26 in Millvale, Pennsylvania. More dates are expected to be added in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28.
When asked for comment on the upcoming tour, GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus muttered something incoherent, then when prodded a bit more muttered something else incoherent. After the third attempt for comment something more intelligible came from the mouth of the warty one:
Said Lord Oderus, "Once again GWAR returns, hoof and nail, to our old stomping grounds, North America, on a tour of utter destruction, and this time nothing less than the greatest power in the universe will do as our primary victim! That's right, this time GWAR, fresh from our battle with Death, takes on another of history's biggest assholes...God himself! Seeing as we don't have the new album done yet, we really had to do something spectacular..."
Oderus belched out a midget and continued. "This tour will also see the arrival of a new Scumdog brother to aid GWAR in our quest to destroy everything that sucks. That's right, I can finally reveal certain details regarding our new album...ever since our missing band mate Flattus Maximus took his leave of Earth, members of the Maximus tribe have been showing up at our Antarctic fortress, not only to pay their respects but also eat all of our food. And also lay tracks on the new album! You see, every member of the Maximus family rips on guitar (though Flattus taught them all they know), and they were anxious to help us fill the void left by Flattus. We have been working with his brothers Pustulus, Infecticus, Bubonus and even the shunned Corpulus...and right now they are fighting it out as to which one of them will stay here with the mighty GWAR for the 'Fate Or Chaos' tour...and beyond! Get ready world, this fall shall see the birth of a new Scumdog!"
Before GWAR takes to the road this fall, they are of course hosting the premiere event of the summer, the third annual GWAR-B-Q. Ring Dog Rescue and Slave Pit Inc. are proud to present the 2012 GWAR-B-Q, being held August 18 at Hadad's Water Park in lovely Richmond, Virginia. Bands on the bill include GWAR, THE CASUALTIES, STRIKE ANYWHERE, VALIENT THORR and GHOUL.
"Fate Or Chaos Tour" dates:
Oct. 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Oct. 14 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights
Oct. 15 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
Oct. 16 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
Oct. 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Oct. 19 - Ybor City, FL - The Ritz Ybor
Oct. 20 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
Oct. 22 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
Oct. 24 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
Oct. 25 - Austin, TX - Emo's
Oct. 26 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
Oct. 27 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
Oct. 31 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Nov. 01 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
Nov. 02 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
Nov. 03 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
Nov. 04 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
Nov. 05 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
Nov. 06 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Nov. 08 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
Nov. 09 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Nov. 10 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
Nov. 11 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
Nov. 12 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theater
Nov. 14 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Events Centre
Nov. 15 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Nov. 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Odeon Events Centre
Nov. 17 - Winnipeg, MB - The Garrick Center
Nov. 18 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Nov. 20 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
Nov. 21 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Nov. 23 - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
Nov. 24 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
Nov. 26 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theater
When asked for comment on the upcoming tour, GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus muttered something incoherent, then when prodded a bit more muttered something else incoherent. After the third attempt for comment something more intelligible came from the mouth of the warty one:
Said Lord Oderus, "Once again GWAR returns, hoof and nail, to our old stomping grounds, North America, on a tour of utter destruction, and this time nothing less than the greatest power in the universe will do as our primary victim! That's right, this time GWAR, fresh from our battle with Death, takes on another of history's biggest assholes...God himself! Seeing as we don't have the new album done yet, we really had to do something spectacular..."
Oderus belched out a midget and continued. "This tour will also see the arrival of a new Scumdog brother to aid GWAR in our quest to destroy everything that sucks. That's right, I can finally reveal certain details regarding our new album...ever since our missing band mate Flattus Maximus took his leave of Earth, members of the Maximus tribe have been showing up at our Antarctic fortress, not only to pay their respects but also eat all of our food. And also lay tracks on the new album! You see, every member of the Maximus family rips on guitar (though Flattus taught them all they know), and they were anxious to help us fill the void left by Flattus. We have been working with his brothers Pustulus, Infecticus, Bubonus and even the shunned Corpulus...and right now they are fighting it out as to which one of them will stay here with the mighty GWAR for the 'Fate Or Chaos' tour...and beyond! Get ready world, this fall shall see the birth of a new Scumdog!"
Before GWAR takes to the road this fall, they are of course hosting the premiere event of the summer, the third annual GWAR-B-Q. Ring Dog Rescue and Slave Pit Inc. are proud to present the 2012 GWAR-B-Q, being held August 18 at Hadad's Water Park in lovely Richmond, Virginia. Bands on the bill include GWAR, THE CASUALTIES, STRIKE ANYWHERE, VALIENT THORR and GHOUL.
"Fate Or Chaos Tour" dates:
Oct. 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Oct. 14 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights
Oct. 15 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
Oct. 16 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
Oct. 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Oct. 19 - Ybor City, FL - The Ritz Ybor
Oct. 20 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
Oct. 22 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
Oct. 24 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
Oct. 25 - Austin, TX - Emo's
Oct. 26 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
Oct. 27 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
Oct. 31 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Nov. 01 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
Nov. 02 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
Nov. 03 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
Nov. 04 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
Nov. 05 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
Nov. 06 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Nov. 08 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
Nov. 09 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Nov. 10 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
Nov. 11 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
Nov. 12 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theater
Nov. 14 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Events Centre
Nov. 15 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Nov. 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Odeon Events Centre
Nov. 17 - Winnipeg, MB - The Garrick Center
Nov. 18 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Nov. 20 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
Nov. 21 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Nov. 23 - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
Nov. 24 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
Nov. 26 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theater
Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of San Francisco-based doom rockers ORCHID to a worldwide deal.
Commented the band: "After many months of talking to different labels about our future, we're very excited to announce that we've decided to join forces with Nuclear Blast. We've been working on new material on and off for the last year and we're feeling really good about the new songs. It seems like they're a continuation in the same tradition of the material on our first full length, 'Capricorn', but also, show some new sides of our music that should surprise everyone and show that ORCHID isn't a band that just wants to keep making the same album over and over. We're really excited for everyone to hear it!"
Commented Nuclear Blast head of A&R, Andy Siry: "Ever since we first heard of ORCHID and witnessed their perfect way of bringing back the glorious days of rock music, we knew we had to work with this amazing band. After meeting them on their most recent European tour we literally were blown away by their stunningly intense performance! So here we are, proud as fuck, welcoming one of the most hopefully and authentic bands to the Nuclear Blast family. Every single one at the label loves ORCHID and so will you! Check them out!"
Since its inception in 2006, ORCHID — which features in its ranks well-known tattoo artist Theo Mindell on vocals — has achieved massive global awareness with their stunning releases "Through The Devil's Doorway" (EP, 2009) and "Capricorn" (full-length, 2011).
ORCHID is:
Theo Mindell: Vocals
Carter Kennedy: Drums
Mark Thomas Baker: Guitar
Keith Nickel: Bass
Commented the band: "After many months of talking to different labels about our future, we're very excited to announce that we've decided to join forces with Nuclear Blast. We've been working on new material on and off for the last year and we're feeling really good about the new songs. It seems like they're a continuation in the same tradition of the material on our first full length, 'Capricorn', but also, show some new sides of our music that should surprise everyone and show that ORCHID isn't a band that just wants to keep making the same album over and over. We're really excited for everyone to hear it!"
Commented Nuclear Blast head of A&R, Andy Siry: "Ever since we first heard of ORCHID and witnessed their perfect way of bringing back the glorious days of rock music, we knew we had to work with this amazing band. After meeting them on their most recent European tour we literally were blown away by their stunningly intense performance! So here we are, proud as fuck, welcoming one of the most hopefully and authentic bands to the Nuclear Blast family. Every single one at the label loves ORCHID and so will you! Check them out!"
Since its inception in 2006, ORCHID — which features in its ranks well-known tattoo artist Theo Mindell on vocals — has achieved massive global awareness with their stunning releases "Through The Devil's Doorway" (EP, 2009) and "Capricorn" (full-length, 2011).
ORCHID is:
Theo Mindell: Vocals
Carter Kennedy: Drums
Mark Thomas Baker: Guitar
Keith Nickel: Bass
DEATH ANGEL drummer Will Carroll has joined AC/DZ, the San Francisco Bay Area-based AC/DC tribute band formed by legendary thrash singer Steve "Zetro" Souza (HATRIOT, TENET, DUBLIN DEATH PATROL, EXODUS, LEGACY) and executive producer Walter Morgan (organizer of the Thrash Of The Titans 2001 benefit concert). Will will sit behind the kit for AC/DZ whenever he is not busy touring with DEATH ANGEL.
Carroll made his live debut with AC/DZ on Saturday, July 14 at the Pine Street Bar In Livermore, California. A photo can be seen below.
AC/DZ's next live appearance is scheduled for August 24 at The Rodeo Club in San Jose, Headlining the show will WINGER.
"I've always had a very close relationship with AC/DC growing up; they influenced me heavily and this will mean a great deal to me," Souza previously told BLABBERMOUTH.NET.
"I love performing, and this is another just another side of me, paying tribute to one of the bands that helped define me as a singer."
In addition to Souza and Carroll, AC/DZ's current lineup includes Elena Luciano Repetto (BOMB SCARY, MOTHER EARTH, IMAGIKA) on bass, Dan Kopp on rhythm guitar, and Dave Chapman (RIFF/RAFF) on lead guitar.
Carroll made his live debut with AC/DZ on Saturday, July 14 at the Pine Street Bar In Livermore, California. A photo can be seen below.
AC/DZ's next live appearance is scheduled for August 24 at The Rodeo Club in San Jose, Headlining the show will WINGER.
"I've always had a very close relationship with AC/DC growing up; they influenced me heavily and this will mean a great deal to me," Souza previously told BLABBERMOUTH.NET.
"I love performing, and this is another just another side of me, paying tribute to one of the bands that helped define me as a singer."
In addition to Souza and Carroll, AC/DZ's current lineup includes Elena Luciano Repetto (BOMB SCARY, MOTHER EARTH, IMAGIKA) on bass, Dan Kopp on rhythm guitar, and Dave Chapman (RIFF/RAFF) on lead guitar.
Joe Daly of The Nervous Breakdown recently conducted an interview with ALTER BRIDGE and CREED guitarist and songwriter Mark Tremonti. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
The Nervous Breakdown: You've gone platinum many many times, you've scored a Grammy and you've done all the things that kids aspire to do when they first pick up a guitar. What were you missing from your other projects that you hoped to experience [with your solo album, "All I Was"?
Tremonti: I grew up a metalhead, and when you start bands, you work with the people that you know in town and not everybody has the same roots. The band that you form becomes a mixture of everybody's influences and I wanted to really pull out all my roots on this record and go in that direction where it's a combination of strong vocal melody and heavy, speed metal-rooted music.
The Nervous Breakdown: When you talk about your roots, are there specific influences that you were really tapping into at the time you put these songs together?
Tremonti: It's all of the stuff that I grew up on, ever since I was a kid. That's the stuff that's really in my wheelhouse. The right hand, down-strokey kind of speed metal rhythms and thrash kind of stuff. That's what I dug as a kid and I always wrote riffs like that, it's just that a lot of them were too metal for my other bands, so this is a perfect time to get them out there.
The Nervous Breakdown: Understanding that you wanted something melodic and heavy, did you have an idea of how these songs were going to sound, or did they come together when you brought in the other musicians?
Tremonti: Well, I write parts when I write music, and when it came down to writing this record, I'd just break out my laptop and run through ideas and get feedback from the other guys and see which ideas they liked more than others. We would always kind of steer towards the heavier stuff and we'd start playing that right off the bat, so we knew how it was going to sound and we'd all get really excited when we'd get into a riff that we all really dug and we'd try our best to carve a song out of it.
The Nervous Breakdown: What are your plans for supporting the solo record?
Tremonti: We've done a couple shows already and then we've got huge amounts of airtime all over the place on Comcast to get people to check out the record. Then we're going to be touring in September, October and maybe a bit of November. Hopefully back out again in February, after Myles [Kennedy] and I put together a big chunk of the next ALTER BRIDGE record, and then wherever there are breaks, we'll try and support it.
The Nervous Breakdown: You've gone platinum many many times, you've scored a Grammy and you've done all the things that kids aspire to do when they first pick up a guitar. What were you missing from your other projects that you hoped to experience [with your solo album, "All I Was"?
Tremonti: I grew up a metalhead, and when you start bands, you work with the people that you know in town and not everybody has the same roots. The band that you form becomes a mixture of everybody's influences and I wanted to really pull out all my roots on this record and go in that direction where it's a combination of strong vocal melody and heavy, speed metal-rooted music.
The Nervous Breakdown: When you talk about your roots, are there specific influences that you were really tapping into at the time you put these songs together?
Tremonti: It's all of the stuff that I grew up on, ever since I was a kid. That's the stuff that's really in my wheelhouse. The right hand, down-strokey kind of speed metal rhythms and thrash kind of stuff. That's what I dug as a kid and I always wrote riffs like that, it's just that a lot of them were too metal for my other bands, so this is a perfect time to get them out there.
The Nervous Breakdown: Understanding that you wanted something melodic and heavy, did you have an idea of how these songs were going to sound, or did they come together when you brought in the other musicians?
Tremonti: Well, I write parts when I write music, and when it came down to writing this record, I'd just break out my laptop and run through ideas and get feedback from the other guys and see which ideas they liked more than others. We would always kind of steer towards the heavier stuff and we'd start playing that right off the bat, so we knew how it was going to sound and we'd all get really excited when we'd get into a riff that we all really dug and we'd try our best to carve a song out of it.
The Nervous Breakdown: What are your plans for supporting the solo record?
Tremonti: We've done a couple shows already and then we've got huge amounts of airtime all over the place on Comcast to get people to check out the record. Then we're going to be touring in September, October and maybe a bit of November. Hopefully back out again in February, after Myles [Kennedy] and I put together a big chunk of the next ALTER BRIDGE record, and then wherever there are breaks, we'll try and support it.
British post-punk band OCTOBER FILE has issued the following update:
"After a busy summer of shows with FEAR FACTORY and PRONG, and some smashing festivals — Hellfest being the highlight — we are now going to bury ourselves in our fourth studio album.
"The album is entitled 'The Application Of Loneliness, Ignorance, Misery, Love And Despair - An Introspective Of The Human Condition'. It will be a concept album based on the contents of the aforementioned title. Taking a look at the human state, what we see and what we feel in certain situations, and how we look at things totally uniquely. We hope that the album will see the light of day in March 2013 on the Candlelight label. More information as we see fit to release it.
"In the meantime we will release a live album/DVD with the performance taken from last year's Bloodstock Festival. It will come as a limited edition of 1000 only CD/DVD sets and will be entitled 'Renditions In Juxtaposition – Live At Bloodstock'. Vinyl rights are being negotiated with a label, more on that when we have the information. The CD/DVD will be released via the Candlelight label on 22nd October 2012.
"Some one-off shows, etc. will happen, details when we have them."
OCTOBER FILE's third album, "Our Souls To You", was released in April 2010 via Candlelight Records. The CD was described in a press release as "a raging assault of post-apocalypse sonic heaviness on the senses from start to finish. . . Dark, aggressive, angular and downright angry are the closest descriptions."
"After a busy summer of shows with FEAR FACTORY and PRONG, and some smashing festivals — Hellfest being the highlight — we are now going to bury ourselves in our fourth studio album.
"The album is entitled 'The Application Of Loneliness, Ignorance, Misery, Love And Despair - An Introspective Of The Human Condition'. It will be a concept album based on the contents of the aforementioned title. Taking a look at the human state, what we see and what we feel in certain situations, and how we look at things totally uniquely. We hope that the album will see the light of day in March 2013 on the Candlelight label. More information as we see fit to release it.
"In the meantime we will release a live album/DVD with the performance taken from last year's Bloodstock Festival. It will come as a limited edition of 1000 only CD/DVD sets and will be entitled 'Renditions In Juxtaposition – Live At Bloodstock'. Vinyl rights are being negotiated with a label, more on that when we have the information. The CD/DVD will be released via the Candlelight label on 22nd October 2012.
"Some one-off shows, etc. will happen, details when we have them."
OCTOBER FILE's third album, "Our Souls To You", was released in April 2010 via Candlelight Records. The CD was described in a press release as "a raging assault of post-apocalypse sonic heaviness on the senses from start to finish. . . Dark, aggressive, angular and downright angry are the closest descriptions."
CIVIL WAR — the new Swedish metal band featuring former SABATON members Rikard Sundén (guitar), Daniel Mullback (drums), Daniel Mÿhr (keyboards) and Oskar Montelius (guitar) alongside singer Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, LION'S SHARE) and bassist Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson (VOLTURYON) — has inked a deal with Despotz Records. The group will enter the studio in August to record its debut EP, to be followed by a full-length album next spring.
According to Sundén, CIVIL WAR's sound is "more old-school hard rock," with "a little less keyboards" than that of SABATON. He says, "With Patrik's vocals on top, it becomes a different thing, but there are some parallels [to our previous band]."
Regarding how CIVIL WAR came together, b>Mullback told the Swedish-language newspaper Dalarnas Tidningar (DT), "It came pretty naturally. We always thought Patrik had a good voice and he accepted our offer when we asked him to join the band."
"I had no hesitation about getting involved," Patrik said. "ASTRAL DOORS certainly has a solid fan base, but we are a little more underground. I see this as an opportunity to reach a wider audience."
The four ex members of SABATON were never involved in the songwriting process with their former band since those duties were usually handled by vocalist Joakim Brodén. But in the new group, everyone is contributing ideas.
"This has been a reawakening of sorts," Mÿhr said. "I have never been in a situation where there has been so much creativity."
On the topic of whether CIVIL WAR will continue SABATON's tradition of focusing on war-related themes in its lyrics, Mÿhr said, "No, we won't. Now the lyrics can be about anything. [CIVIL WAR was just] a good name that sounded good."
According to Sundén, CIVIL WAR's sound is "more old-school hard rock," with "a little less keyboards" than that of SABATON. He says, "With Patrik's vocals on top, it becomes a different thing, but there are some parallels [to our previous band]."
Regarding how CIVIL WAR came together, b>Mullback told the Swedish-language newspaper Dalarnas Tidningar (DT), "It came pretty naturally. We always thought Patrik had a good voice and he accepted our offer when we asked him to join the band."
"I had no hesitation about getting involved," Patrik said. "ASTRAL DOORS certainly has a solid fan base, but we are a little more underground. I see this as an opportunity to reach a wider audience."
The four ex members of SABATON were never involved in the songwriting process with their former band since those duties were usually handled by vocalist Joakim Brodén. But in the new group, everyone is contributing ideas.
"This has been a reawakening of sorts," Mÿhr said. "I have never been in a situation where there has been so much creativity."
On the topic of whether CIVIL WAR will continue SABATON's tradition of focusing on war-related themes in its lyrics, Mÿhr said, "No, we won't. Now the lyrics can be about anything. [CIVIL WAR was just] a good name that sounded good."
Instrumental melodic rock fans will be rejoicing this September as renowned guitarist Joe Matera unleashes his new album, "Creature Of Habit", on the world. The Australian native has built up a fine body of work to date and this may well be his best yet.
Following in the tradition of fellow instrumental artists such as Joe Satriani, Matera has added a vocal track to the album as well as the eleven instrumental numbers (nine plus three bonus) on offer here.
Backing up Matera on "Creature Of Habit" are American drummer James Strickler (ANGELIC RAGE), who also handles bass on several songs, and Tony Dolan (VENOM, MPIRE OF EVIL) on bass on three tracks and Rich Davenport on one.
Matera is also joined by a few guests, THE ANGELS' Rick Brewster, SMOKIE's Mick McConnell — both of whom who appeared on Matera's 2011 EP, "Slave To The Fingers" — make a welcome return, again contributing a guest guitar solo to one track a piece (Brewster on "No Way!" and McConnell on "Outland"), while Fred Mascherino (TAKING BACK SUNDAY, THE COLOR FRED, TERRIBLE THINGS) lays down a stunning guitar solo on "Endless Summer".
A much-admired artist and esteemed music journalist, Matera is a man of many talents. "Creature Of Habit" easily highlights just how much his music means to him and how dedicated he is to producing the best album he can.
For more information, visit www.joematera.com.
Following in the tradition of fellow instrumental artists such as Joe Satriani, Matera has added a vocal track to the album as well as the eleven instrumental numbers (nine plus three bonus) on offer here.
Backing up Matera on "Creature Of Habit" are American drummer James Strickler (ANGELIC RAGE), who also handles bass on several songs, and Tony Dolan (VENOM, MPIRE OF EVIL) on bass on three tracks and Rich Davenport on one.
Matera is also joined by a few guests, THE ANGELS' Rick Brewster, SMOKIE's Mick McConnell — both of whom who appeared on Matera's 2011 EP, "Slave To The Fingers" — make a welcome return, again contributing a guest guitar solo to one track a piece (Brewster on "No Way!" and McConnell on "Outland"), while Fred Mascherino (TAKING BACK SUNDAY, THE COLOR FRED, TERRIBLE THINGS) lays down a stunning guitar solo on "Endless Summer".
A much-admired artist and esteemed music journalist, Matera is a man of many talents. "Creature Of Habit" easily highlights just how much his music means to him and how dedicated he is to producing the best album he can.
For more information, visit www.joematera.com.
SLIPKNOT releases a greatest hits package on Tuesday (July 24) called "Antennas To Hell". The set consists of 19 songs from the band's four major label studio albums, as well as live performances of "The Heretic Anthem" and "Purity", plus a remix of "My Plague". A 17-track bonus disc, "(sic)nesses: Live At The Download Festival 2009", is also included in the package.
Drummer Joey Jordison told The Pulse Of Radio that he and the band compiled the set based not on their own feelings about their music, but on what their fans enjoy. "When we create music, and we record it and then we throw it out to the world; it's other people's music now, you know what I mean?" he said. "And like, it's not really ours anymore. We'll perform it, but it's for other people to enjoy. Like, I mean, it's still our songs, and we'll always play 'em, but it's like it's other people's music. So that's like kind of what we were doing, you know, with 'Antennas To Hell'."
Singer Corey Taylor said about the set, "It really took no time at all to get those together, and it's a good problem to have. And trust me, this band shudders at the thought of calling something a 'greatest-hits' or a 'best-of.' To us, it was just a compilation to a) celebrate the fact that our fans have been with us since day one, and b) to basically celebrate what we call the Paul years. To pay respect to that, to the years that we had Paul, and everything we built together."
The collection is the first release from SLIPKNOT since the passing of bassist Paul Gray in 2010.
Taylor recently confirmed that the group has been "putting together demos" for its fifth major label album, which it expects to begin recording next year.
SLIPKNOT is currently co-headlining the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival tour, which stops in Cincinnati on Tuesday (July 24).
Drummer Joey Jordison told The Pulse Of Radio that he and the band compiled the set based not on their own feelings about their music, but on what their fans enjoy. "When we create music, and we record it and then we throw it out to the world; it's other people's music now, you know what I mean?" he said. "And like, it's not really ours anymore. We'll perform it, but it's for other people to enjoy. Like, I mean, it's still our songs, and we'll always play 'em, but it's like it's other people's music. So that's like kind of what we were doing, you know, with 'Antennas To Hell'."
Singer Corey Taylor said about the set, "It really took no time at all to get those together, and it's a good problem to have. And trust me, this band shudders at the thought of calling something a 'greatest-hits' or a 'best-of.' To us, it was just a compilation to a) celebrate the fact that our fans have been with us since day one, and b) to basically celebrate what we call the Paul years. To pay respect to that, to the years that we had Paul, and everything we built together."
The collection is the first release from SLIPKNOT since the passing of bassist Paul Gray in 2010.
Taylor recently confirmed that the group has been "putting together demos" for its fifth major label album, which it expects to begin recording next year.
SLIPKNOT is currently co-headlining the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival tour, which stops in Cincinnati on Tuesday (July 24).
Former WHITESNAKE, MANIC EDEN and VANDENBERG guitarist Adrian Vandenberg has revealed via his Facebok page that he is once again being taken to court by his former VANDENBERG bandmates over the rights to the "VANDENBERG" group name.
He writes: "Sometimes there are things in life that are so ridiculous and seemingly far-fetched, that if the scriptwriter for a cheesy TV soap would come up with it, the producers would roll on the floor laughing, foaming at the mouth and tell the writer to start looking for another job. Well, in my life a situation just as surrealistic is happening as we speak.
"Some of you may remember that before joining my close friend David Coverdale in his band WHITESNAKE, I had my own band under my own name 'VANDENBERG', which I founded, wrote all the music and lyrics for, made the paintings for the albumcovers, designed the logo for etc. etc. and I eventually disbanded my own band in 1986 to join WHITESNAKE.
"Now sit down, fasten your seatbelts, here comes the surrealistic part: almost a year ago I got summoned by a lawyer representing the three guys who I invited to play in my band at the time in 1981, trying to claim my own name 'VANDENBERG' and actually trying to prohibit me from using my own name 'VANDENBERG' through a lawsuit .. now how bizarre is that?!?
"These individuals, singer Bert Heerink, bassist Dick Kemper (appropriate first name) and drummer Jos Zoomer, each of them factually not having achieved anything worth mentioning in about 27 years, now opportunistically trying to lift piggyback on the name/ reputation that I was fortunate to build through years of working my ass off with VANDENBERG, MANIC EDEN and WHITESNAKE. A sad situation indeed, since I always thought these guys were friends.
"The Bert Heerink attempt is even more pathetic than the others, since I had to fire him from my band a year before I disbanded it, for reasons that I won't disclose right now. So this individual wasn't even in my band when I disbanded it. Nevertheless this person attempts to claim my personal name 26 years later.
"Naturally the judge wiped their claims away. You'd expect these leeches would crawl back embarrassed under the damp, mossy stones that they'd been hiding under for 27 years, but noooo; right now they're trying once again to hijack my name through a different route (a 'trademark office').
"It is basically like when you invite a couple of people for a ride on the backseat of your new car, and then after the ride these passengers claim that your car is now theirs because they were given a ride in it. Some people have no shame.
"In Holland their first attempt was all over the newspapers, and after several questions from [fans], I promised to keep [everyone] up to date about this bizarre situation. Don't hesitate to let these individuals know your honest opinion about this, whatever it is, they have [Facebook] pages.
"I will keep you posted again as soon as news comes up about this surrealistic, but actually sad soap.
"Never a dull moment!"
VANDENBERG released three albums — "Vandenberg", "Heading For A Storm" and "Alibi" — before Adrian disbanded the group in 1986 to join WHITESNAKE.
He writes: "Sometimes there are things in life that are so ridiculous and seemingly far-fetched, that if the scriptwriter for a cheesy TV soap would come up with it, the producers would roll on the floor laughing, foaming at the mouth and tell the writer to start looking for another job. Well, in my life a situation just as surrealistic is happening as we speak.
"Some of you may remember that before joining my close friend David Coverdale in his band WHITESNAKE, I had my own band under my own name 'VANDENBERG', which I founded, wrote all the music and lyrics for, made the paintings for the albumcovers, designed the logo for etc. etc. and I eventually disbanded my own band in 1986 to join WHITESNAKE.
"Now sit down, fasten your seatbelts, here comes the surrealistic part: almost a year ago I got summoned by a lawyer representing the three guys who I invited to play in my band at the time in 1981, trying to claim my own name 'VANDENBERG' and actually trying to prohibit me from using my own name 'VANDENBERG' through a lawsuit .. now how bizarre is that?!?
"These individuals, singer Bert Heerink, bassist Dick Kemper (appropriate first name) and drummer Jos Zoomer, each of them factually not having achieved anything worth mentioning in about 27 years, now opportunistically trying to lift piggyback on the name/ reputation that I was fortunate to build through years of working my ass off with VANDENBERG, MANIC EDEN and WHITESNAKE. A sad situation indeed, since I always thought these guys were friends.
"The Bert Heerink attempt is even more pathetic than the others, since I had to fire him from my band a year before I disbanded it, for reasons that I won't disclose right now. So this individual wasn't even in my band when I disbanded it. Nevertheless this person attempts to claim my personal name 26 years later.
"Naturally the judge wiped their claims away. You'd expect these leeches would crawl back embarrassed under the damp, mossy stones that they'd been hiding under for 27 years, but noooo; right now they're trying once again to hijack my name through a different route (a 'trademark office').
"It is basically like when you invite a couple of people for a ride on the backseat of your new car, and then after the ride these passengers claim that your car is now theirs because they were given a ride in it. Some people have no shame.
"In Holland their first attempt was all over the newspapers, and after several questions from [fans], I promised to keep [everyone] up to date about this bizarre situation. Don't hesitate to let these individuals know your honest opinion about this, whatever it is, they have [Facebook] pages.
"I will keep you posted again as soon as news comes up about this surrealistic, but actually sad soap.
"Never a dull moment!"
VANDENBERG released three albums — "Vandenberg", "Heading For A Storm" and "Alibi" — before Adrian disbanded the group in 1986 to join WHITESNAKE.
Glam-rock powerhouse BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART has announced today that vocalist Tony Gambino will be leaving the band for personal reasons. Stepping up to the mic to replace him will be current guitarist Sam Ryder, who brings with him Gambino's full endorsement.
"This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Gambino said in a videotaped message which can be seen below. "But I recently decided to leave the touring life so I can stay home with my family. With that said, I have some exciting news — I'm super stoked to announce that Sam Ryder is going to be stepping in as lead vocalist, and I couldn't be more honored to have anyone else take my spot. Sam is a world-class musician and vocalist and I have nothing but confidence in him."
By filling the "vacant position of singer from within, the international shred-metal group can ensure fans of a fluid, flawless transition into the next era of BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's music. Driving that point home is the release of a previously unheard track, "Out Of Control" — featuring vocals from the newly promoted Sam Ryder — that illustrates in no uncertain terms his talent and capability as the band's new frontman.
"Tony is my best bud," says the Essex, U.K.-based Ryder. "Duty is calling him right now and he's gotta do what he's gotta do, but the show must go on. We have some great fans and they should know that I ain't about to let anyone down! Come bang your heads and sing some rock n' roll. That's what this is all about, and believe me — we're just getting started."
The launch of this new chapter comes on the heels of the band's third album, "Feel The Power", which was released this January on Tooth And Nail Records. The lauded, high-octane, release is the follow-up to the band's celebrated 2008 album "Pedal To The Metal" (Century Media), and finds BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART shrugging off past metalcore trappings in favor of something more heartfelt. Like any artist with a notable body of work, BLESSED has experienced a near constant evolution over the past eight years, in some part due to lineup changes, but mostly due to a stylistic progression away from pure metalcore in favor of more traditional metal and hard rock. One listen to "Feel The Power" confirms that not only is this not the same band that recorded "All Is Fair", but that that very fact is their saving grace. Staying ahead of the curve and distancing themselves from the pack is the key to BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's longevity, and the reason the new album will resonate with even the most veteran headbangers.
"This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Gambino said in a videotaped message which can be seen below. "But I recently decided to leave the touring life so I can stay home with my family. With that said, I have some exciting news — I'm super stoked to announce that Sam Ryder is going to be stepping in as lead vocalist, and I couldn't be more honored to have anyone else take my spot. Sam is a world-class musician and vocalist and I have nothing but confidence in him."
By filling the "vacant position of singer from within, the international shred-metal group can ensure fans of a fluid, flawless transition into the next era of BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's music. Driving that point home is the release of a previously unheard track, "Out Of Control" — featuring vocals from the newly promoted Sam Ryder — that illustrates in no uncertain terms his talent and capability as the band's new frontman.
"Tony is my best bud," says the Essex, U.K.-based Ryder. "Duty is calling him right now and he's gotta do what he's gotta do, but the show must go on. We have some great fans and they should know that I ain't about to let anyone down! Come bang your heads and sing some rock n' roll. That's what this is all about, and believe me — we're just getting started."
The launch of this new chapter comes on the heels of the band's third album, "Feel The Power", which was released this January on Tooth And Nail Records. The lauded, high-octane, release is the follow-up to the band's celebrated 2008 album "Pedal To The Metal" (Century Media), and finds BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART shrugging off past metalcore trappings in favor of something more heartfelt. Like any artist with a notable body of work, BLESSED has experienced a near constant evolution over the past eight years, in some part due to lineup changes, but mostly due to a stylistic progression away from pure metalcore in favor of more traditional metal and hard rock. One listen to "Feel The Power" confirms that not only is this not the same band that recorded "All Is Fair", but that that very fact is their saving grace. Staying ahead of the curve and distancing themselves from the pack is the key to BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's longevity, and the reason the new album will resonate with even the most veteran headbangers.
German symphonic metallers XANDRIA are searching for a new bassist following the recent departure of Nils Middelhauve.
Commented the band: "If you think you are the perfect match and, of course, can play your instrument very well, please send an e-mail with all relevant info, pictures of you, sound samples, links to YouTube clips with you playing etc. — basically whatever you have — to management@xandria.de. Deadline is August 31st!"
Nils, who joined the band in 2004 just after the release of XANDRIA's second studio album, "Ravenheart", made the decision to leave the band primarily for personal reasons.
"It gradually became obvious that some points of view vastly grew apart, concluding in Nils' determination to not continue in XANDRIA anymore," the band said in a statement. "Especially since all members are friends first and foremost, any more compromises had been even more hurtful."
The remaining members of XANDRIA are sad about Nils' decision but are respectful of his choice.
If the band is unable to secure a replacement for Middelhauve in the coming weeks, he will step in and play any previously scheduled shows until a new bassist has been found.
XANDRIA's new album, "Neverworld's End", was released in North America on March 6 via Napalm Records.
XANDRIA in December 2010 announced the addition of Manuela Kraller to the group's ranks.
XANDRIA performed several concerts in 2009 with the band's former frontwoman, Lisa Middelhauve, filling in.
XANDRIA in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof. The group stated at the time, "Due to occupational and private reasons, [Kerstin] wants to concentrate on her non-musical career in the future and cannot support XANDRIA the way it would be necessary."
Bischof joined XANDRIA in February 2009 as the replacement for Middelhauve, who left the band in May 2008 for "personal reasons."
Commented the band: "If you think you are the perfect match and, of course, can play your instrument very well, please send an e-mail with all relevant info, pictures of you, sound samples, links to YouTube clips with you playing etc. — basically whatever you have — to management@xandria.de. Deadline is August 31st!"
Nils, who joined the band in 2004 just after the release of XANDRIA's second studio album, "Ravenheart", made the decision to leave the band primarily for personal reasons.
"It gradually became obvious that some points of view vastly grew apart, concluding in Nils' determination to not continue in XANDRIA anymore," the band said in a statement. "Especially since all members are friends first and foremost, any more compromises had been even more hurtful."
The remaining members of XANDRIA are sad about Nils' decision but are respectful of his choice.
If the band is unable to secure a replacement for Middelhauve in the coming weeks, he will step in and play any previously scheduled shows until a new bassist has been found.
XANDRIA's new album, "Neverworld's End", was released in North America on March 6 via Napalm Records.
XANDRIA in December 2010 announced the addition of Manuela Kraller to the group's ranks.
XANDRIA performed several concerts in 2009 with the band's former frontwoman, Lisa Middelhauve, filling in.
XANDRIA in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof. The group stated at the time, "Due to occupational and private reasons, [Kerstin] wants to concentrate on her non-musical career in the future and cannot support XANDRIA the way it would be necessary."
Bischof joined XANDRIA in February 2009 as the replacement for Middelhauve, who left the band in May 2008 for "personal reasons."
Swedish industrial metallers PAIN have issued the following update:
"Great news for those of you who haven't had the chance to see PAIN live during the 'You Only Live Twice' tour that started in October 2011. We've recorded the whole final show of the first leg at Debaser Medis in Stockholm last November and parts of the show at the Masters Of Rock festival this July which will be released on a DVD later this year together with tons of crazy backstage and 'behind-the-scenes' material! Stay tuned for the release date!!! Also, we've been confirmed to once again support our friends in NIGHTWISH on their forthcoming 'Imaginaerum' U.K. Tour 2012! Four shows are booked in early November just before the start of 'Into Darkness 2012' that we do together with MOONSPELL, SWALLOW THE SUN, LAKE OF TEARS, and SCAR OF THE SUN. See you on the road!"
Fan-filmed video footage of PAIN's July 20 performance at the Zwarte Cross festival in Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands can be seen below.
PAIN's seventh album, "You Only Live Twice", was released in June 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Regarding the album's cover artwork, PAIN mainman Peter Tägtgren previously said, "I really wanted something 'Nightmare Before Christmas' meets 'Alice In Wonderland' kind of feeling but with our mascot, the Painhead in it. And Heile created that after what I wanted. And he did it in his own way. It really has this kinda Tim Burton feel to it. It will be really crazy with a big backdrop. We also gonna do some inflatable stuff with our Painhead. Its gonna be our Eddie, like IRON MAIDEN has it."
On the topic of the CD's title, Tägtgren stated, "[The title] has nothing to do with James Bond. I am sure I will hear this for the rest of my life! The title song is mainly about people struggling. Don't you wish you had another chance? Don't you wanna live twice? Like you're always jealous of other people. How good their life is or they won on lotto or anything. It's about jealousy in general towards other people that surrounds you. About not being satisfied with what you have. Trying to create this fantasy world that you can live twice kind of…"
"Great news for those of you who haven't had the chance to see PAIN live during the 'You Only Live Twice' tour that started in October 2011. We've recorded the whole final show of the first leg at Debaser Medis in Stockholm last November and parts of the show at the Masters Of Rock festival this July which will be released on a DVD later this year together with tons of crazy backstage and 'behind-the-scenes' material! Stay tuned for the release date!!! Also, we've been confirmed to once again support our friends in NIGHTWISH on their forthcoming 'Imaginaerum' U.K. Tour 2012! Four shows are booked in early November just before the start of 'Into Darkness 2012' that we do together with MOONSPELL, SWALLOW THE SUN, LAKE OF TEARS, and SCAR OF THE SUN. See you on the road!"
Fan-filmed video footage of PAIN's July 20 performance at the Zwarte Cross festival in Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands can be seen below.
PAIN's seventh album, "You Only Live Twice", was released in June 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Regarding the album's cover artwork, PAIN mainman Peter Tägtgren previously said, "I really wanted something 'Nightmare Before Christmas' meets 'Alice In Wonderland' kind of feeling but with our mascot, the Painhead in it. And Heile created that after what I wanted. And he did it in his own way. It really has this kinda Tim Burton feel to it. It will be really crazy with a big backdrop. We also gonna do some inflatable stuff with our Painhead. Its gonna be our Eddie, like IRON MAIDEN has it."
On the topic of the CD's title, Tägtgren stated, "[The title] has nothing to do with James Bond. I am sure I will hear this for the rest of my life! The title song is mainly about people struggling. Don't you wish you had another chance? Don't you wanna live twice? Like you're always jealous of other people. How good their life is or they won on lotto or anything. It's about jealousy in general towards other people that surrounds you. About not being satisfied with what you have. Trying to create this fantasy world that you can live twice kind of…"
Candlelight Records has set an October 9 North American release date for DAYLIGHT DIES' new album, "A Frail Becoming". Mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, KATATONIA, DEVIN TOWNSEND), the CD features photography from Jonathan Mehring and packaging design by Agni Kaster.
The release of "A Frail Becoming" silences a nearly four-year writing gap from the quintet.
"'A Frail Becoming' is an album which, at many times during its creation, felt as if it may never be realized," states drummer Jesse Haff. "As each of our lives proceeded down different paths, the challenges and obstacles we faced felt daunting and at times impassible. Out of this struggle, we forged ahead, determined to write the best collection of music we've ever created. Thankfully our perseverance prevailed and 'A Frail Becoming' stands as the most accomplished and varied album of our career."
Recording of "A Frail Becoming" commenced late 2011. Bassist/vocalist Egan O'Rourke coordinated capturing individual performances of Haff, guitarists Barre Gambling and Charley Shackelford, and vocalist Nathan Ellis. By year's end, the raw tracks were ready for Bogren's impressive and critical touches. Haff notes, "While still sounding distinctly DAYLIGHT DIES, each songs stands independently on its own, uncompromisingly representing a reflection of the moment in time they were each born in. Expect beautiful and haunting guitar-driven dark metal, enveloped by a wall of rhythms and textures one minute, and deeply expressive guitar leads, solos and acoustic passages the next."
"A Frail Becoming" track listing:
01. Infidel
02. The Pale Approach
03. Sunset
04. Dreaming of Breathing
05. A Final Vestige
06. Ghosting
07. Hold On To Nothing
08. Water's Edge
The release of "A Frail Becoming" silences a nearly four-year writing gap from the quintet.
"'A Frail Becoming' is an album which, at many times during its creation, felt as if it may never be realized," states drummer Jesse Haff. "As each of our lives proceeded down different paths, the challenges and obstacles we faced felt daunting and at times impassible. Out of this struggle, we forged ahead, determined to write the best collection of music we've ever created. Thankfully our perseverance prevailed and 'A Frail Becoming' stands as the most accomplished and varied album of our career."
Recording of "A Frail Becoming" commenced late 2011. Bassist/vocalist Egan O'Rourke coordinated capturing individual performances of Haff, guitarists Barre Gambling and Charley Shackelford, and vocalist Nathan Ellis. By year's end, the raw tracks were ready for Bogren's impressive and critical touches. Haff notes, "While still sounding distinctly DAYLIGHT DIES, each songs stands independently on its own, uncompromisingly representing a reflection of the moment in time they were each born in. Expect beautiful and haunting guitar-driven dark metal, enveloped by a wall of rhythms and textures one minute, and deeply expressive guitar leads, solos and acoustic passages the next."
"A Frail Becoming" track listing:
01. Infidel
02. The Pale Approach
03. Sunset
04. Dreaming of Breathing
05. A Final Vestige
06. Ghosting
07. Hold On To Nothing
08. Water's Edge
09. An Heir to Emptiness
Norwegian avant-garde metal band SOLEFALD is writing material for its eighth studio album, "Kosmopolis", which it plans to release in the fall of 2013.
In other news, SOLEFALD will make its live debut at the Southern Discomfort festival in Kristiansand, Norway on September 15. SOLEFALD is also set to play the Inferno festival in Oslo in April 2013.
Fronted by Lars Are "Lazare" Nedland and Cornelius Jakhelln, SOLEFALD's touring lineup will feature members of avantgarde deathsters IN VAIN, a lethal lineup capable of rendering all the nuances of the SOLEFALD discography.
SOLEFALD's last album, "Norrøn Livskunst" ("Norse Art Of Living"), was released in November 2010 via Indie Recordings.
In other news, SOLEFALD will make its live debut at the Southern Discomfort festival in Kristiansand, Norway on September 15. SOLEFALD is also set to play the Inferno festival in Oslo in April 2013.
Fronted by Lars Are "Lazare" Nedland and Cornelius Jakhelln, SOLEFALD's touring lineup will feature members of avantgarde deathsters IN VAIN, a lethal lineup capable of rendering all the nuances of the SOLEFALD discography.
SOLEFALD's last album, "Norrøn Livskunst" ("Norse Art Of Living"), was released in November 2010 via Indie Recordings.
Riff-Mag.com recently conducted an interview with former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman. You can now listen to the entire 47-minute chat below.
On Japanese food:
Marty: "I love it. It's my favorite. I think if you don't like Japanese food, it would be really hard to live in Japan. [Friedman moved to Japan in 2003. — Ed.] It was very natural [for me to get accustomed to eating Japanese food]. I always ate a lot of Japanese food when I was on tour around the world or living in America. And it's probably the healthiest food that I like. I mean, I like almost everything — all kinds of food — but Japanese food, on the whole, is really quite healthy. So once I moved to Japan, I became much healthier than I ever was before — [I just had] much more energy, and healthier skin, and [I was] overall in much better shape than I was before. So that really kind of helped me do more work and do better work here."
On what it was like being in Japan when the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the country in March 2011:
Marty: "I was here in Tokyo when the earthquake happened. It was definitely the scariest thing — ever — that I'd been through, but I wasn't where the tsunami was, and my house, my apartment at the time, was just completely wrecked, but I was OK, and my band was OK. I was actually with my band at rehearsal when it happened. But it changes the way you think of everything, because you're kind of constantly living with a little bit of fear that it will happen again and happen worse or happen closer by. And so there's always that little bit of fear, but you really can't let that fear become paranoia, because then that's just no way to live your life that way."
Friedman will embark on the "Guitar Universe 2012" European tour in October. Support on the trek will come from Israel's Yossi Sassi (ORPHANED LAND) and France's Stéphan Forté (ADAGIO).
As previously reported, three recent albums by Marty Friedman — whose groundbreaking work with MEGADETH and CACOPHONY continues to receive international acclaim to this day — will be released in North America by Prosthetic Records on August 14. Two of the titles — 2010's "Bad D.N.A." and 2008's "Future Addict" — have until this year only been available in Japan, where Friedman now lives, while 2006's acclaimed "Loudspeaker", originally released Stateside by Shrapnel Records, will be made available domestically once again. You can head over to the Prosthetic store now to pre-order a bundle consisting of all three titles.
On Japanese food:
Marty: "I love it. It's my favorite. I think if you don't like Japanese food, it would be really hard to live in Japan. [Friedman moved to Japan in 2003. — Ed.] It was very natural [for me to get accustomed to eating Japanese food]. I always ate a lot of Japanese food when I was on tour around the world or living in America. And it's probably the healthiest food that I like. I mean, I like almost everything — all kinds of food — but Japanese food, on the whole, is really quite healthy. So once I moved to Japan, I became much healthier than I ever was before — [I just had] much more energy, and healthier skin, and [I was] overall in much better shape than I was before. So that really kind of helped me do more work and do better work here."
On what it was like being in Japan when the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the country in March 2011:
Marty: "I was here in Tokyo when the earthquake happened. It was definitely the scariest thing — ever — that I'd been through, but I wasn't where the tsunami was, and my house, my apartment at the time, was just completely wrecked, but I was OK, and my band was OK. I was actually with my band at rehearsal when it happened. But it changes the way you think of everything, because you're kind of constantly living with a little bit of fear that it will happen again and happen worse or happen closer by. And so there's always that little bit of fear, but you really can't let that fear become paranoia, because then that's just no way to live your life that way."
Friedman will embark on the "Guitar Universe 2012" European tour in October. Support on the trek will come from Israel's Yossi Sassi (ORPHANED LAND) and France's Stéphan Forté (ADAGIO).
As previously reported, three recent albums by Marty Friedman — whose groundbreaking work with MEGADETH and CACOPHONY continues to receive international acclaim to this day — will be released in North America by Prosthetic Records on August 14. Two of the titles — 2010's "Bad D.N.A." and 2008's "Future Addict" — have until this year only been available in Japan, where Friedman now lives, while 2006's acclaimed "Loudspeaker", originally released Stateside by Shrapnel Records, will be made available domestically once again. You can head over to the Prosthetic store now to pre-order a bundle consisting of all three titles.
http://youtu.be/O7_0K1jwxhc
South German metallers BLACK ABYSS have inked a deal with Apostasy Records. The band's next album will be released before the end of the year.
BLACK ABYSS has played countless shows in nearly all of Europe. They have thus far released three albums: "Why" (1998; Mainstreet Records), "Land Of Darkness" (2000; B.O. / Last Episode Records) and "Angels Wear Black" (2004; Massacre Records).
BLACK ABYSS is:
Olli Hornung - Vocals
Oliver Hedrich - Guitars
Martin Gerosa - Guitars
Felix Schurr - Bass
Andy Heidmann – Drums
BLACK ABYSS has played countless shows in nearly all of Europe. They have thus far released three albums: "Why" (1998; Mainstreet Records), "Land Of Darkness" (2000; B.O. / Last Episode Records) and "Angels Wear Black" (2004; Massacre Records).
BLACK ABYSS is:
Olli Hornung - Vocals
Oliver Hedrich - Guitars
Martin Gerosa - Guitars
Felix Schurr - Bass
Andy Heidmann – Drums
When Philip Labonte, lead singer of ALL THAT REMAINS, wrote an Alternative Press op-ed piece (abbreviated from opposite the editorial page, a newspaper article that expresses the opinions of a named writer who is usually unaffiliated with the newspaper's editorial board) on the right to bear arms, last week's shooting in Colorado had not yet happened. The op-ed was set to run in an upcoming issue. However, in light of the horrific events, Labonte revised his column in order to address last week's tragedy. His position hasn't changed: He still believes Americans have a right to bear arms. Whenever there's a shooting of this scale, the ongoing debate over gun control comes back into the national spotlight. But amid all the arguing and finger-pointing that always accompanies a topic this controversial, Labonte offers a thoughtful look at the Second Amendment and what he believes the words directly state.
Labonte writes, in part, "It is clear that people who would seek to outlaw all guns are a tiny minority, and the overwhelming population believes as the Supreme Court has decided, that individuals have a right to carry a firearm for self-defense. So the question remains: What, if any, arms should be outlawed or regulated? By the letter of the Second Amendment, the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Hughes Amendment to the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 all infringe upon an individual's right to keep and bear arms by limiting or restricting what an individual can possess. The Second Amendment does not say 'firearms'; it says 'arms,' meaning weapons of any kind. Requiring a tax stamp, fingerprints or paperwork to own anything under the National Firearms Act (short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, silencer) not only violates the Second Amendment, but it violates the Fourth Amendment's Right to Privacy clause as well. I believe that anything the U.S. military or a contractor to the federal government can own, a private individual should also be able to own.
"It is clear that we live in a police state. The National Defense Authorization Act, the Patriot Act and the Transportation Security Administration all prove this. I know everyone will not agree with my opinions, but my facts are sound. The Second Amendment is a right that was given to us to prevent the federal government from becoming tyrannical. Proponents of gun control would do well to learn the history of gun control and the terrible tragedies that often follow the disarming of a population."
Labonte writes, in part, "It is clear that people who would seek to outlaw all guns are a tiny minority, and the overwhelming population believes as the Supreme Court has decided, that individuals have a right to carry a firearm for self-defense. So the question remains: What, if any, arms should be outlawed or regulated? By the letter of the Second Amendment, the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Hughes Amendment to the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 all infringe upon an individual's right to keep and bear arms by limiting or restricting what an individual can possess. The Second Amendment does not say 'firearms'; it says 'arms,' meaning weapons of any kind. Requiring a tax stamp, fingerprints or paperwork to own anything under the National Firearms Act (short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, silencer) not only violates the Second Amendment, but it violates the Fourth Amendment's Right to Privacy clause as well. I believe that anything the U.S. military or a contractor to the federal government can own, a private individual should also be able to own.
"It is clear that we live in a police state. The National Defense Authorization Act, the Patriot Act and the Transportation Security Administration all prove this. I know everyone will not agree with my opinions, but my facts are sound. The Second Amendment is a right that was given to us to prevent the federal government from becoming tyrannical. Proponents of gun control would do well to learn the history of gun control and the terrible tragedies that often follow the disarming of a population."
Reuters published a story today focusing on the growing influence of American rock music on Afghan youth.
DISTRICT UNKNOWN, which is said to be Afghanistan's first heavy metal band, is one of a handful of groups to emerge with mentoring from Afghanistan's first school of rock, Kabul's "Sound Centre", which opened in May.
For young Afghans, the fast-paced, aggressive sound of heavy metal gives them a chance to vent their anger at the violence they have witnessed during years of war before and after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
"We live under the constant fear of sudden death," said DISTRICT UNKNOWN guitarist Qasem Foushanji.
One of DISTRICT UNKNOWN's songs, "The Beast", has lyrics like: "I scream loud and harsh; For you to run away".
"The beast in the song is fear, and if one can defeat fear then they can make a better reality for themselves," says Pedram Foushanji, Qasem's brother, and band's songwriter and drummer.
Two of DISTRICT UNKNOWN's members said discovered heavy metal in part because they were given a METALLICA album while studying in Iran. They added that living at war for a decade helped them connect with the music's heavy sound.
DISTRICT UNKNOWN, which is said to be Afghanistan's first heavy metal band, is one of a handful of groups to emerge with mentoring from Afghanistan's first school of rock, Kabul's "Sound Centre", which opened in May.
For young Afghans, the fast-paced, aggressive sound of heavy metal gives them a chance to vent their anger at the violence they have witnessed during years of war before and after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
"We live under the constant fear of sudden death," said DISTRICT UNKNOWN guitarist Qasem Foushanji.
One of DISTRICT UNKNOWN's songs, "The Beast", has lyrics like: "I scream loud and harsh; For you to run away".
"The beast in the song is fear, and if one can defeat fear then they can make a better reality for themselves," says Pedram Foushanji, Qasem's brother, and band's songwriter and drummer.
Two of DISTRICT UNKNOWN's members said discovered heavy metal in part because they were given a METALLICA album while studying in Iran. They added that living at war for a decade helped them connect with the music's heavy sound.
"Unrelenting Fucking Hatred", the debut album from Montreal's RAGE NUCLÉAIRE, will be released on October 19 in Europe and November 6 in North America via Season Of Mist. A 2LP vinyl edition will be available in North America, strictly limited to 300 copies.
RAGE NUCLÉAIRE was formed by legendary vocalist Lord Worm (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and includes guitarist Dark Rage (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and bassist Alvater (ex-FROZEN SHADOWS) in its ranks. The group's influences range from early EMPEROR and IMMORTAL to ANAAL NATHRAKH and MYSTICUM.
The band issued the following statement: "If anyone had ever told us that some day we'd be signed to Season Of Mist, we'd have laughed at them. The point is, being accepted into the Season Of Mist family, along with such ungodly notables as ARCKANUM, MAYHEM and DEATHSPELL OMEGA, is like being given a Sith name — it feels great to be part of Season Of Mist's evil empire."
RAGE NUCLÉAIRE has already commenced work on its second album, tentatively titled "Annihilation Frenzy".
RAGE NUCLÉAIRE was formed by legendary vocalist Lord Worm (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and includes guitarist Dark Rage (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and bassist Alvater (ex-FROZEN SHADOWS) in its ranks. The group's influences range from early EMPEROR and IMMORTAL to ANAAL NATHRAKH and MYSTICUM.
The band issued the following statement: "If anyone had ever told us that some day we'd be signed to Season Of Mist, we'd have laughed at them. The point is, being accepted into the Season Of Mist family, along with such ungodly notables as ARCKANUM, MAYHEM and DEATHSPELL OMEGA, is like being given a Sith name — it feels great to be part of Season Of Mist's evil empire."
RAGE NUCLÉAIRE has already commenced work on its second album, tentatively titled "Annihilation Frenzy".
"Last Man Standing", the latest album from New Zealand metallers LEGACY OF DISORDER, will receive a North American release on September 18 via Black Orchard Music. The band builds on its signature sound which largely resembles the power metal that such renowned U.S. acts like PANTERA perfected and popularized. As they did with their 2008 demo, LEGACY OF DISORDER worked on "Last Man Standing" with Dallas, Texas-based producer Sterling Winfield, who is best known for his past association with PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN, and HELLYEAH.
As one would figure from the explosiveness of their recordings thus far, LEGACY OF DISORDER is one ferocious live beast when they hit the stage. In celebration of the release of their new album, the band will join GWAR, DEVILDRIVER and CANCER BATS on tour this fall. The trek kicks off on Friday, October 12 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and hits several major U.S. cities, coming to a close in its kick-off state on Monday, November 26 in Pittsburgh
"We can't wait to get back on the road. This upcoming tour will be killer! It's an honour to be back on tour with the mighty GWAR," states LEGACY OF DISORDER guitarist Rana Freilich. "The lineup is brilliant, with DEVILDRIVER and CANCER BATS joining in on the festivities. The timing couldn't be better with our new album, 'Last Man Standing', being released September 18, followed up with such a badass tour. The band is pumped and can't wait to throw down the new material on stage. There will be no holds barred."
Adds LEGACY OF DISORDER lead singer James Robinson: "We think our style fits in well with today's metal scene. We have elements of a wide range of metal — all into one robust unit. LEGACY OF DISORDER shows in a lot of ways the evolution of this genre, but with a unique sound that no one can replicate."
As one would figure from the explosiveness of their recordings thus far, LEGACY OF DISORDER is one ferocious live beast when they hit the stage. In celebration of the release of their new album, the band will join GWAR, DEVILDRIVER and CANCER BATS on tour this fall. The trek kicks off on Friday, October 12 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and hits several major U.S. cities, coming to a close in its kick-off state on Monday, November 26 in Pittsburgh
"We can't wait to get back on the road. This upcoming tour will be killer! It's an honour to be back on tour with the mighty GWAR," states LEGACY OF DISORDER guitarist Rana Freilich. "The lineup is brilliant, with DEVILDRIVER and CANCER BATS joining in on the festivities. The timing couldn't be better with our new album, 'Last Man Standing', being released September 18, followed up with such a badass tour. The band is pumped and can't wait to throw down the new material on stage. There will be no holds barred."
Adds LEGACY OF DISORDER lead singer James Robinson: "We think our style fits in well with today's metal scene. We have elements of a wide range of metal — all into one robust unit. LEGACY OF DISORDER shows in a lot of ways the evolution of this genre, but with a unique sound that no one can replicate."
Mike Sloan of Blistering.com recently conducted an interview with Karl Sanders of South Carolina-based extreme technical death metallers NILE. A few excerpts from the chat follow below:
Blistering.com: First of all, congrats on "At The Gate Of Sethu". It's a great album in typical NILE fashion. How proud are you of the final product and are you totally satisfied with how it turned out?
Karl Sanders: Right now, the album is still real fresh to us and we're just really excited about it. We love it and we're all gung-ho about it. It's going to take a while until I start hearing things where I'll go, "Oh I could've done this a little different, or that a little better…" Eventually that'll happen because it always does, but right now we're just loving the fucking record. There's some really good stuff on there and there were a lot of challenges with it. It's hard, it's technical; it's still a NILE record.
Blistering.com: Can you explain to the layman out there who has never been in the studio the challenges you face in recording an album? How do you capture the sheer brutality and bite of your music, keep the music sounding raw and savage, yet produce it so clean that everything is heard clearly? That has to be quite a task.
Sanders: Oh yeah, I understand your question and that is a huge fucking challenge while in the studio. There's an inverse equation to it all. If you play slower music, a band like AC/DC, for example, it's actually very easy to record a band like AC/DC and retain the natural vibe and make it all sound good. They play music that, by metal standards, is very slow. It's a lot of mid-tempo and slow tempo, so it's very easy. You can easily take that style of music, retain the energy, and make everything nice and clear so you can hear the individual fire of each member of the band. Each time you get a little faster, that equation gets more and more inverted. The faster you go, the harder it is to make it sound clean. The more you try to get it right, the more you suck the life out of it. It's a non-ending battle to try and capture super fast music and make it hearable yet keeping its life and conviction to it. It's a super fucking challenge and that's one of the reasons why it took so long to create this record. We wanted to hear everything we were playing and also have that life and fire and personality to it. That was a lot of fucking hard work. Holy shit!
Blistering.com: NILE is known for inhumanly technical death metal that is both brutal and full of hooks. Your complexities in the song structures have gotten so crazy over the years, but has there ever a time when a song is finished, you worried that you can't reproduce the song live in concert because of the complexities?
Sanders: There have been a few songs over the years where we've made the judgment call that as fun as they are to play, are they interesting enough or fun for the audience? Is it enjoyable to watch and listen to from and audience's perspective? That's kind of how we decide which songs we are going to play: which ones are the audience going to grasp? Certainly something like "Invocation To Seditious Heresy", which has incredible technical guitar and drumming on it and is incredibly fun to play in the band room — we have fun listening to and playing it — but there's so much technicality going on where you tend to lose people. In the live setting, you've got to be able to balance those factors. You want to present some kickass stuff and you want people to enjoy it and you want to have something that is fun and challenging to play. The songs that are picked for the live setting all have to meet those criteria. They have to be fun for us, fun for the audience, and they have to be the songs that people want to hear. I remember on one tour we did "The Burning Pits Of The Duat" and that's a very technical song off of "Annihilation Of The Wicked". We could tell this was an audience separator. The musicians in the audience would be riveted and watching exactly what we were doing but the non-musician types would wander off to the bathroom or go get a drink or go outside to get a smoke. You've got to factor in that sort of stuff when creating the setlist.
Blistering.com: With most if not all metal concerts, there tends to be a breaking point where the crowd has to eventually slow down to catch their collective breath. Can you tell while onstage whether someone is just catching their breath or just not interested?
Sanders: Oh yeah. You can tell the difference. When the audience simply disappears, like you're playing to a few hundred people and then all of a sudden you're playing to, like, 50 people. [laughs] You can tell; it's immediately apparent. You can also tell with the energy level from the amount of humanity that's focused on you. It's a hard concept to explain and I never really appreciated it until I played the Dynamo festival out in Holland somewhere. We played to a crowd of about 8,000-9,000 people. It was the biggest crowd I had ever played to at that point. Playing on stage, I immediately felt that kinetic presence of all that energy focused onto the band. It was a tangible thing; I could feel the weight of it on my chest. A couple years later we played at Wacken in front of about 40,000 people and I experienced the same thing again. The more people you have in front of you and the more energy from that audience is focused on the band, the more the kinetic energy builds with everyone. It's a collective thing. You can feel it; it's real. So, you can tell when you're losing your audience; you can fucking feel it. It's an emotional, electrical sort of connection.
Blistering.com: First of all, congrats on "At The Gate Of Sethu". It's a great album in typical NILE fashion. How proud are you of the final product and are you totally satisfied with how it turned out?
Karl Sanders: Right now, the album is still real fresh to us and we're just really excited about it. We love it and we're all gung-ho about it. It's going to take a while until I start hearing things where I'll go, "Oh I could've done this a little different, or that a little better…" Eventually that'll happen because it always does, but right now we're just loving the fucking record. There's some really good stuff on there and there were a lot of challenges with it. It's hard, it's technical; it's still a NILE record.
Blistering.com: Can you explain to the layman out there who has never been in the studio the challenges you face in recording an album? How do you capture the sheer brutality and bite of your music, keep the music sounding raw and savage, yet produce it so clean that everything is heard clearly? That has to be quite a task.
Sanders: Oh yeah, I understand your question and that is a huge fucking challenge while in the studio. There's an inverse equation to it all. If you play slower music, a band like AC/DC, for example, it's actually very easy to record a band like AC/DC and retain the natural vibe and make it all sound good. They play music that, by metal standards, is very slow. It's a lot of mid-tempo and slow tempo, so it's very easy. You can easily take that style of music, retain the energy, and make everything nice and clear so you can hear the individual fire of each member of the band. Each time you get a little faster, that equation gets more and more inverted. The faster you go, the harder it is to make it sound clean. The more you try to get it right, the more you suck the life out of it. It's a non-ending battle to try and capture super fast music and make it hearable yet keeping its life and conviction to it. It's a super fucking challenge and that's one of the reasons why it took so long to create this record. We wanted to hear everything we were playing and also have that life and fire and personality to it. That was a lot of fucking hard work. Holy shit!
Blistering.com: NILE is known for inhumanly technical death metal that is both brutal and full of hooks. Your complexities in the song structures have gotten so crazy over the years, but has there ever a time when a song is finished, you worried that you can't reproduce the song live in concert because of the complexities?
Sanders: There have been a few songs over the years where we've made the judgment call that as fun as they are to play, are they interesting enough or fun for the audience? Is it enjoyable to watch and listen to from and audience's perspective? That's kind of how we decide which songs we are going to play: which ones are the audience going to grasp? Certainly something like "Invocation To Seditious Heresy", which has incredible technical guitar and drumming on it and is incredibly fun to play in the band room — we have fun listening to and playing it — but there's so much technicality going on where you tend to lose people. In the live setting, you've got to be able to balance those factors. You want to present some kickass stuff and you want people to enjoy it and you want to have something that is fun and challenging to play. The songs that are picked for the live setting all have to meet those criteria. They have to be fun for us, fun for the audience, and they have to be the songs that people want to hear. I remember on one tour we did "The Burning Pits Of The Duat" and that's a very technical song off of "Annihilation Of The Wicked". We could tell this was an audience separator. The musicians in the audience would be riveted and watching exactly what we were doing but the non-musician types would wander off to the bathroom or go get a drink or go outside to get a smoke. You've got to factor in that sort of stuff when creating the setlist.
Blistering.com: With most if not all metal concerts, there tends to be a breaking point where the crowd has to eventually slow down to catch their collective breath. Can you tell while onstage whether someone is just catching their breath or just not interested?
Sanders: Oh yeah. You can tell the difference. When the audience simply disappears, like you're playing to a few hundred people and then all of a sudden you're playing to, like, 50 people. [laughs] You can tell; it's immediately apparent. You can also tell with the energy level from the amount of humanity that's focused on you. It's a hard concept to explain and I never really appreciated it until I played the Dynamo festival out in Holland somewhere. We played to a crowd of about 8,000-9,000 people. It was the biggest crowd I had ever played to at that point. Playing on stage, I immediately felt that kinetic presence of all that energy focused onto the band. It was a tangible thing; I could feel the weight of it on my chest. A couple years later we played at Wacken in front of about 40,000 people and I experienced the same thing again. The more people you have in front of you and the more energy from that audience is focused on the band, the more the kinetic energy builds with everyone. It's a collective thing. You can feel it; it's real. So, you can tell when you're losing your audience; you can fucking feel it. It's an emotional, electrical sort of connection.
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