According to South Wales Argus, a WHITESNAKE fan is suing the Newport, Wales, United Kingdom council because she was injured after slipping and falling in a puddle of vomit while attending the band's December 2011 concert in Newport.
Lindy Butcher, 39, who claims that she was not drinking at the show, tells the paper, "It was horrifying, you don't expect to fall in someone's vomit."
As a result of the fall, Butcher claims to have suffered bruising and soreness to both of her knees, as well as muscle spasms between her ribs.
The Newport council says they did what they could to prevent this incident. "It would appear the presence of vomit was reported to staff by a member of the public," a letter from Newport council's legal representatives said. "One of the bar staff tried to call for a cleaner. However, it was extremely busy in the bar and cafe areas. In the absence of any detail concerning the actual whereabouts of the vomit and with so many people in the bars, it was difficult to pinpoint immediately where the vomit was located."
Lindy Butcher, 39, who claims that she was not drinking at the show, tells the paper, "It was horrifying, you don't expect to fall in someone's vomit."
As a result of the fall, Butcher claims to have suffered bruising and soreness to both of her knees, as well as muscle spasms between her ribs.
The Newport council says they did what they could to prevent this incident. "It would appear the presence of vomit was reported to staff by a member of the public," a letter from Newport council's legal representatives said. "One of the bar staff tried to call for a cleaner. However, it was extremely busy in the bar and cafe areas. In the absence of any detail concerning the actual whereabouts of the vomit and with so many people in the bars, it was difficult to pinpoint immediately where the vomit was located."
Eagle Records has announced the release of "Re-Machined - A Tribute To Deep Purple's Machine Head" album on September 25.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of this landmark album and in recognition of the influence of the band, and of "Machine Head" in particular. Some of rock music's biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create "Re-Machined - A Tribute To Deep Purple's Machine Head".
There are two wildly differing versions of the album's most famous track "Smoke On The Water", one from guitar hero Carlos Santana with vocals by Jacoby Shaddix and one from alternative rockers FLAMING LIPS, and METALLICA have contributed their own special take on "When A Blind Man Cries", a track recorded at the "Machine Head" sessions but originally released as the B-side to "Never Before".
IRON MAIDEN's "Space Truckin'" cover was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, "Initially we didn't think we'd be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered 'Space Truckin'' which we'd recorded as a single B-side during our 'A Matter Of Life And Death' album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley's remixing skills, we're able to include it on 'Re-Machined'."
Drummer Lars Ulrich of METALLICA, who are also recording a song for the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album, previously said, "We were asked if we'd contribute to the anniversary of 'Machine Head' — we can't turn that down. We're circling the Dio and PURPLE catalogs and hopefully we'll come up with something that is worthy of these wonderful men."
Initially released as a limited edition Classic Rock "fanpack" on September 3, this is a truly unique release that will appeal to rock fans everywhere.
"Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head" track listing:
01. Smoke On The Water - CARLOS SANTANA
02. Highway Star - CHICKENFOOT
03. Maybe I'm A Leo - GLENN HUGHES, CHAD SMITH, LUIS MALDONADO
04. Pictures Of Home - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
05. Never Before - KINGS OF CHAOS (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Arlan Schierbaum)
06. Smoke On The Water - THE FLAMING LIPS
07. Lazy - JIMMY BARNES, JOE BONAMASSA
08. Space Truckin' - IRON MAIDEN
09. When A Blind Man Cries – METALLICA
10. Highway Star - GLENN HUGHES, STEVE VAI, CHAD SMITH, LACHLAN DOLEY (exclusive track)
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of this landmark album and in recognition of the influence of the band, and of "Machine Head" in particular. Some of rock music's biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create "Re-Machined - A Tribute To Deep Purple's Machine Head".
There are two wildly differing versions of the album's most famous track "Smoke On The Water", one from guitar hero Carlos Santana with vocals by Jacoby Shaddix and one from alternative rockers FLAMING LIPS, and METALLICA have contributed their own special take on "When A Blind Man Cries", a track recorded at the "Machine Head" sessions but originally released as the B-side to "Never Before".
IRON MAIDEN's "Space Truckin'" cover was actually recorded back in 2006. Lead singer Bruce Dickinson explains, "Initially we didn't think we'd be able to contribute anything due to our touring commitments. Then we remembered 'Space Truckin'' which we'd recorded as a single B-side during our 'A Matter Of Life And Death' album session, but never used. However now, thanks to Kevin Shirley's remixing skills, we're able to include it on 'Re-Machined'."
Drummer Lars Ulrich of METALLICA, who are also recording a song for the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album, previously said, "We were asked if we'd contribute to the anniversary of 'Machine Head' — we can't turn that down. We're circling the Dio and PURPLE catalogs and hopefully we'll come up with something that is worthy of these wonderful men."
Initially released as a limited edition Classic Rock "fanpack" on September 3, this is a truly unique release that will appeal to rock fans everywhere.
"Re-Machined: A Tribute To Machine Head" track listing:
01. Smoke On The Water - CARLOS SANTANA
02. Highway Star - CHICKENFOOT
03. Maybe I'm A Leo - GLENN HUGHES, CHAD SMITH, LUIS MALDONADO
04. Pictures Of Home - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
05. Never Before - KINGS OF CHAOS (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Arlan Schierbaum)
06. Smoke On The Water - THE FLAMING LIPS
07. Lazy - JIMMY BARNES, JOE BONAMASSA
08. Space Truckin' - IRON MAIDEN
09. When A Blind Man Cries – METALLICA
10. Highway Star - GLENN HUGHES, STEVE VAI, CHAD SMITH, LACHLAN DOLEY (exclusive track)
According to Rolling Stone, reunited grunge legends SOUNDGARDEN have set a November 13 release date for their as-yet-untitled new album. "It re-establishes that we still rock, we're still heavy, and we're still a little weird," SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil tells the magazine. The CD will feature tracks like "Blood On The Valley Floor" and "A Thousand Days Before", the latter of which "has a little Indian thing and some chicken-pickin'," Thayil says. "We call it 'country and eastern.'"
After reuniting in 2010, SOUNDGARDEN completed recording earlier this year on its first set of all-new material since 1996's "Down On The Upside".
The group's new song "Live To Rise" recently topped the Active Rock radio chart. The tune was taken from "Avengers Assemble", the companion soundtrack to the blockbuster movie "The Avengers".
According to The Pulse Of Radio, SOUNDGARDEN singer Chris Cornell recently revealed in an interview with the New York Times that there are some 15 songs from the band's earliest days that have yet to be released in any form. Cornell explained, "It was the first 15 we wrote. It was on a cassette that Kim [Thayil, guitarist] always referred to as 'The First 15.'" He added, "We were a band for a couple of years before we really did much (recording) . . . when we would go in to record, we tended to record the newest things we had written, because it was what we were most excited about."
Cornell continued that as a result, some of that earlier material fell by the wayside. He said, "We just got together in our room and started writing songs and did it very quickly. And then we would sit around and discuss what that sounds like, and then over time, I think we would maybe be critical about some of the things we were writing and playing and excited about some of the new stuff we were bringing into the band."
Drummer Matt Cameron told The Pulse Of Radio that the band's approach to making music hasn't changed that dramatically since its early days. "We started out very humbly here in the Northwest and I don't think we've ever really gone too far from those sort of ideals, which were, you know, real do-it-yourself, kind of '80s underground ideals," he said. "And it just feels good to lock up in a room together and write music together and play together that is uniquely our own thing."
After reuniting in 2010, SOUNDGARDEN completed recording earlier this year on its first set of all-new material since 1996's "Down On The Upside".
The group's new song "Live To Rise" recently topped the Active Rock radio chart. The tune was taken from "Avengers Assemble", the companion soundtrack to the blockbuster movie "The Avengers".
According to The Pulse Of Radio, SOUNDGARDEN singer Chris Cornell recently revealed in an interview with the New York Times that there are some 15 songs from the band's earliest days that have yet to be released in any form. Cornell explained, "It was the first 15 we wrote. It was on a cassette that Kim [Thayil, guitarist] always referred to as 'The First 15.'" He added, "We were a band for a couple of years before we really did much (recording) . . . when we would go in to record, we tended to record the newest things we had written, because it was what we were most excited about."
Cornell continued that as a result, some of that earlier material fell by the wayside. He said, "We just got together in our room and started writing songs and did it very quickly. And then we would sit around and discuss what that sounds like, and then over time, I think we would maybe be critical about some of the things we were writing and playing and excited about some of the new stuff we were bringing into the band."
Drummer Matt Cameron told The Pulse Of Radio that the band's approach to making music hasn't changed that dramatically since its early days. "We started out very humbly here in the Northwest and I don't think we've ever really gone too far from those sort of ideals, which were, you know, real do-it-yourself, kind of '80s underground ideals," he said. "And it just feels good to lock up in a room together and write music together and play together that is uniquely our own thing."
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine took part in a meet-and-greet and special autograph signing yesterday (Wednesday, August 15) at Guitar Center in San Diego, California. Fan-filmed video footage of the event, which was free to the public, can be seen below.
As previously reported, Mustaine last week publicly accused President Barack Obama of somehow being responsible for recent mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin.
"Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban," Mustaine said at an August 7 concert in Singapore. "So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast and Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
In a recent interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Mustaine said he was "disgusted" with Obama.
"See, the thing that I laugh about when I hear Obama say, 'Give the folks a chance,'" Mustaine said, responding to comments Obama made about small businesses at a campaign stop in Virginia. "'Give everybody a chance. Take away from the rich people.' Well, what happens when the folks that he's giving a chance gets a chance, becomes successful, is rich. Well, then all of a sudden, you're Obama's enemy now."
"I'm disgusted with this guy," he added. "He's my president, I respect the office of the presidency, but I think as a person and the things that he says, I've never heard anything this offensive ever come out of the mouth of a president. And I'm 50 — I've heard a lot of presidents talk in my life."
Mustaine then went on to again question the president's American citizenship.
"Why hasn't somebody moved to impeach this man?" Mustaine said. "With all of the proof about his birth certificate being fake. And you see the signs in Kenya that say 'the birthplace of Barack Obama.' Hello?! C'mon, guys. How stupid are we right now?"
As previously reported, Mustaine last week publicly accused President Barack Obama of somehow being responsible for recent mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin.
"Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban," Mustaine said at an August 7 concert in Singapore. "So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast and Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
In a recent interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Mustaine said he was "disgusted" with Obama.
"See, the thing that I laugh about when I hear Obama say, 'Give the folks a chance,'" Mustaine said, responding to comments Obama made about small businesses at a campaign stop in Virginia. "'Give everybody a chance. Take away from the rich people.' Well, what happens when the folks that he's giving a chance gets a chance, becomes successful, is rich. Well, then all of a sudden, you're Obama's enemy now."
"I'm disgusted with this guy," he added. "He's my president, I respect the office of the presidency, but I think as a person and the things that he says, I've never heard anything this offensive ever come out of the mouth of a president. And I'm 50 — I've heard a lot of presidents talk in my life."
Mustaine then went on to again question the president's American citizenship.
"Why hasn't somebody moved to impeach this man?" Mustaine said. "With all of the proof about his birth certificate being fake. And you see the signs in Kenya that say 'the birthplace of Barack Obama.' Hello?! C'mon, guys. How stupid are we right now?"
http://youtu.be/09QmZlv977Y
Carli Richards, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds when James Holmes opened fire during a screening of "Dark Knight Rises" last month in Aurora, Colorado, has slammed MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine for suggesting that Barack Obama was responsible for the massacre.
After watching the footage of Mustaine blaming the current president for "staging" the Aurora shooting to push an anti-gun agenda (see video below), Richards told TMZ.com, "Some people think the President is a good scapegoat but he didn't shoot me."
She added, "It's obviously kind of absurd and people who make up conspiracies just want attention.
"Everybody is emotional at this time and needs to blame somebody I guess. I don't think they realize the consequences of not being responsible for your own actions and James Holmes needs to be held accountable for his, to whatever way the justice system deems fit."
After watching the footage of Mustaine blaming the current president for "staging" the Aurora shooting to push an anti-gun agenda (see video below), Richards told TMZ.com, "Some people think the President is a good scapegoat but he didn't shoot me."
She added, "It's obviously kind of absurd and people who make up conspiracies just want attention.
"Everybody is emotional at this time and needs to blame somebody I guess. I don't think they realize the consequences of not being responsible for your own actions and James Holmes needs to be held accountable for his, to whatever way the justice system deems fit."
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine spoke exclusively with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in an attempt to "clarify" his recent statement that Barack Obama was somehow responsible for recent mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin.
During an August 7 concert in Singapore, Mustaine told the crowd, "Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban. So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast And Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
Fast And Furious was part of a federal sting operation intended to trace the movement of weapons from legal dealers in the United States to the leaders of Mexican drug cartels. The government lost track of some weapons, which were later found at crime scenes in Mexico.
Earlier today, Mustaine addressed the controversy regarding his comments, telling Jones (hear audio below), "To clarify things, no one can deny there were criminal rogues in the administration. CBS News got the memos, Congress has the information and basically, Larry Pratt, the head of Gun Owners Of America, who is a highly respected person, said that if they would stage 'Fast And Furious,' they'd be capable of staging everything. And it was all done to blame the Second Amendment. We'd be fools not to look at this. Our U.S. border patrol agents were killed. And like I said, I was just quoting Larry Pratt. That's it bottom line."
He continued, "In the heat of the moment, when you're onstage and you're talking, sometimes you're not as eloquent as you'd like to be. Like I said, I was just quoting what Larry said. We really need to investigate this and we need to have the Attorney General release the documents and find out who's responsible for this. People died and the democratic process says, 'Let's investigate this. Let's find out what's going on here.'
"I love our country and my whole thing with this is that I think we should just look into it. . . I just think that we deserve to know the truth — that's it.
"I'm a patriot. I've always been controversial. I'm a political songwriter. And this wasn't done to hurt any our my fellow countrymen. I think that it's something that we really, really need to look into."
During an August 7 concert in Singapore, Mustaine told the crowd, "Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban. So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast And Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
Fast And Furious was part of a federal sting operation intended to trace the movement of weapons from legal dealers in the United States to the leaders of Mexican drug cartels. The government lost track of some weapons, which were later found at crime scenes in Mexico.
Earlier today, Mustaine addressed the controversy regarding his comments, telling Jones (hear audio below), "To clarify things, no one can deny there were criminal rogues in the administration. CBS News got the memos, Congress has the information and basically, Larry Pratt, the head of Gun Owners Of America, who is a highly respected person, said that if they would stage 'Fast And Furious,' they'd be capable of staging everything. And it was all done to blame the Second Amendment. We'd be fools not to look at this. Our U.S. border patrol agents were killed. And like I said, I was just quoting Larry Pratt. That's it bottom line."
He continued, "In the heat of the moment, when you're onstage and you're talking, sometimes you're not as eloquent as you'd like to be. Like I said, I was just quoting what Larry said. We really need to investigate this and we need to have the Attorney General release the documents and find out who's responsible for this. People died and the democratic process says, 'Let's investigate this. Let's find out what's going on here.'
"I love our country and my whole thing with this is that I think we should just look into it. . . I just think that we deserve to know the truth — that's it.
"I'm a patriot. I've always been controversial. I'm a political songwriter. And this wasn't done to hurt any our my fellow countrymen. I think that it's something that we really, really need to look into."
According to BusinessInsider.com, ANTHRAX's cover version of JOE JACKSON's "Got The Time" is one of several songs that have been used to wake up the Mars Science Laboratory rover, nicknamed Curiosity, since it touched down on the Red Planet's surface on August 5.
Former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz commented, "Thrash metal and my guitar have been heard on Mars. I'm the first Intergalactic dual planet metal artist. Do the Alien Mosh!"
Added founding ANTHRAX axeman Scott Ian, "Yes, there will be moshing on Mars."
Every morning the crew plays a song for Curiosity — a tradition more than likely dates back to NASA's manned spaceflight missions, according to Steve Collins, a member of the attitude control systems team.
Former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz commented, "Thrash metal and my guitar have been heard on Mars. I'm the first Intergalactic dual planet metal artist. Do the Alien Mosh!"
Added founding ANTHRAX axeman Scott Ian, "Yes, there will be moshing on Mars."
Every morning the crew plays a song for Curiosity — a tradition more than likely dates back to NASA's manned spaceflight missions, according to Steve Collins, a member of the attitude control systems team.
MANOWAR's new studio album, "The Lord Of Steel", will be released into worldwide retail on September 28 (dates may vary from territory to territory), following a limited-edition pre-release as the "Hammer Edition" in collaboration with U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine.
The retail edition of "The Lord Of Steel" will feature different mixes and mastering, spectacular new art by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, and other surprises. The album will be available as CD, limited-edition vinyl and digital album.
"MANOWAR have always dared to do things differently. You have to look at these two versions like a movie that comes out in alternate versions; a director's cut or alternate endings or stories even told from different perspectives," explained bassist Joey DeMaio. "For those of you who enjoyed the first taste of 'The Lord Of Steel', meaning the Metal Hammer version, I can tell you that the forthcoming 'The Lord Of Steel' release on Magic Circle Entertainment will be even more unique and yes, more brutal," he continued.
Described by the press as "a brutal and unstoppable force of molten metal" and "flawlessly heavy," "The Lord Of Steel" is a raw-to-the-bone production, merging vintage elements with the trademark sound MANOWAR have developed over the years.
"When you have to make room for literally hundreds of other instruments such as orchestras, choirs, marching armies on 'Gods Of War', for example, you have to create sonic space for that. The fewer instruments you have the louder they can be individually. As an artist you want to give your audience new experiences. This is not 'elevator music.' This is an album that hits you hard right between the eyes and does not let up," said Joey DeMaio.
For their twelfth studio album, MANOWAR have tapped into the world of action heroes and their stories, writing their first song specifically for a Hollywood movie, "El Gringo", and another one, "Expendable", inspired by Sylvester Stallone's action movie franchise "The Expendables". The band has meanwhile confirmed their next movie project, "Soldiers", for "The Expendables 2" star Jean-Claude Van Damme.
From the furious title track and the pumping "Black List", to the power ballad "Righteous Glory" and the Ennio Morricone homage "El Gringo" — "The Lord Of Steel" is full of surprises.
"The Lord Of Steel" (retail edition) will be mixed and mastered by longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and two-time Grammy-award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper.
Coinciding with the release of the album, MANOWAR will kick off "The Lord Of Steel" world tour, with first shows in October and November, in Europe and the United States.
The retail edition of "The Lord Of Steel" will feature different mixes and mastering, spectacular new art by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, and other surprises. The album will be available as CD, limited-edition vinyl and digital album.
"MANOWAR have always dared to do things differently. You have to look at these two versions like a movie that comes out in alternate versions; a director's cut or alternate endings or stories even told from different perspectives," explained bassist Joey DeMaio. "For those of you who enjoyed the first taste of 'The Lord Of Steel', meaning the Metal Hammer version, I can tell you that the forthcoming 'The Lord Of Steel' release on Magic Circle Entertainment will be even more unique and yes, more brutal," he continued.
Described by the press as "a brutal and unstoppable force of molten metal" and "flawlessly heavy," "The Lord Of Steel" is a raw-to-the-bone production, merging vintage elements with the trademark sound MANOWAR have developed over the years.
"When you have to make room for literally hundreds of other instruments such as orchestras, choirs, marching armies on 'Gods Of War', for example, you have to create sonic space for that. The fewer instruments you have the louder they can be individually. As an artist you want to give your audience new experiences. This is not 'elevator music.' This is an album that hits you hard right between the eyes and does not let up," said Joey DeMaio.
For their twelfth studio album, MANOWAR have tapped into the world of action heroes and their stories, writing their first song specifically for a Hollywood movie, "El Gringo", and another one, "Expendable", inspired by Sylvester Stallone's action movie franchise "The Expendables". The band has meanwhile confirmed their next movie project, "Soldiers", for "The Expendables 2" star Jean-Claude Van Damme.
From the furious title track and the pumping "Black List", to the power ballad "Righteous Glory" and the Ennio Morricone homage "El Gringo" — "The Lord Of Steel" is full of surprises.
"The Lord Of Steel" (retail edition) will be mixed and mastered by longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and two-time Grammy-award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper.
Coinciding with the release of the album, MANOWAR will kick off "The Lord Of Steel" world tour, with first shows in October and November, in Europe and the United States.
ADLER, the new band led by former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler, has been added to the lineup of the Kiss Kruise. The second Kiss Kruise is setting sail October 31 – November 4, 2012 from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Pearl.
The Kiss Kruise will mark the first-ever live performance of ADLER.
"I'm really excited to debut my new band by playing with KISS," states Adler. "KISS has always been one of my favorite bands and they are all great guys. The cruise is sure to be an amazing time!"
ADLER is comprised of Steven Adler, frontman Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC), guitarist Lonny Paul (ADLER'S APPETITE), and bassist Johnny Martin (CHELSEA SMILES).
"I'm really looking forward to playing live with this band," states Bunton. "We just finished an incredible record and are looking forward to taking it on the road."
Due later this year, ADLER's debut album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, DOKKEN) and was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR). The CD features guest appearances by Adler's former GUNS N ROSES bandmate Slash and ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5. The first single, "The One That You Hated", is out now on iTunes.
The Kiss Kruise will mark the first-ever live performance of ADLER.
"I'm really excited to debut my new band by playing with KISS," states Adler. "KISS has always been one of my favorite bands and they are all great guys. The cruise is sure to be an amazing time!"
ADLER is comprised of Steven Adler, frontman Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC), guitarist Lonny Paul (ADLER'S APPETITE), and bassist Johnny Martin (CHELSEA SMILES).
"I'm really looking forward to playing live with this band," states Bunton. "We just finished an incredible record and are looking forward to taking it on the road."
Due later this year, ADLER's debut album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, DOKKEN) and was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR). The CD features guest appearances by Adler's former GUNS N ROSES bandmate Slash and ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5. The first single, "The One That You Hated", is out now on iTunes.
Singer Geoff Tate's (QUEENSRŸCHE) official Facebook page has been updated with the following message under the heading "Queensrÿche Starring Geoff Tate The Original Voice":
"This fall, Geoff Tate electric band will be releasing his new solo metal album on InsideOut Music, which features such labelmates as KING'S X, FATES WARNING, PAIN OF SALVATION and DREAM THEATER's frontman James LaBrie, and many others! Geoff Tate solo tour dates with ALICE COOPER beginning in November.
"Watch for the announcement of the upcoming 2013 QUEENSRŸCHE anniversary tour featuring an all-star lineup, starring Geoff Tate, the longtime creative and driving force behind the band, whose vocals can be heard on every QUEENSRŸCHE song ever released!"
Tate will support ALICE COOPER on the following Canadian dates:
Nov. 07 - Calgary, AB - Southern Jubilee
Nov. 08 - Saskatoon, SK - TCU Place
Nov. 09 - Moose Jaw, SK - Mosaic Place
Nov. 11 - Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat Arena
Nov. 13 - Dawson Creek, BC - Encana Events Center
Nov. 14 - Edmonton, AB - Northern Jubilee
Nov. 16 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tate's personal web site, GeoffTate.com, was recently upgraded with a new banner that reads "Geoff Tate: The Voice Of QUEENSRŸCHE." He is also billed on the web site for booking agency Monterey International as "QUEENSRŸCHE Starring Geoff Tate: The Original Voice." The band's lineup isn't listed.
Guitarist Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield, bassist Eddie Jackson and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Geoff Tate and recruiting La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
"This fall, Geoff Tate electric band will be releasing his new solo metal album on InsideOut Music, which features such labelmates as KING'S X, FATES WARNING, PAIN OF SALVATION and DREAM THEATER's frontman James LaBrie, and many others! Geoff Tate solo tour dates with ALICE COOPER beginning in November.
"Watch for the announcement of the upcoming 2013 QUEENSRŸCHE anniversary tour featuring an all-star lineup, starring Geoff Tate, the longtime creative and driving force behind the band, whose vocals can be heard on every QUEENSRŸCHE song ever released!"
Tate will support ALICE COOPER on the following Canadian dates:
Nov. 07 - Calgary, AB - Southern Jubilee
Nov. 08 - Saskatoon, SK - TCU Place
Nov. 09 - Moose Jaw, SK - Mosaic Place
Nov. 11 - Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat Arena
Nov. 13 - Dawson Creek, BC - Encana Events Center
Nov. 14 - Edmonton, AB - Northern Jubilee
Nov. 16 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tate's personal web site, GeoffTate.com, was recently upgraded with a new banner that reads "Geoff Tate: The Voice Of QUEENSRŸCHE." He is also billed on the web site for booking agency Monterey International as "QUEENSRŸCHE Starring Geoff Tate: The Original Voice." The band's lineup isn't listed.
Guitarist Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield, bassist Eddie Jackson and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Geoff Tate and recruiting La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
OZZY OSBOURNE and FIREWIND guitarist Gus G. will take over Ozzy's SiriusXM channel Ozzy's Boneyard and is fired up to show the world his favorite hard and heavy classic rock/metal songs from JUDAS PRIEST, METALLICA, PANTERA, THIN LIZZY, JIMI HENDRIX, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, OZZY OSBOURNE more! Plus you'll hear some music from FIREWIND's latest album, "Few Against Many". It's another showcase of rock and roll flavor courtesy of Ozzy's extended family, and the only place to hear this kind of family support is on SiriusXM Ozzy's Boneyard!
Thursday, August 23 @ 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT
Encore broadcasts:
Friday, August 24 @ 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
Saturday, August 25 @ 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Sunday, August 26 @ 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
"Few Against Many" sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 28 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Few Against Many" was released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Thursday, August 23 @ 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT
Encore broadcasts:
Friday, August 24 @ 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
Saturday, August 25 @ 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Sunday, August 26 @ 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
"Few Against Many" sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 28 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Few Against Many" was released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.
Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).
Former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. frontman Udo Dirkschneider — who turned 60 this past April — was honored with a "lifetime achievement award" by his record label, AFM Records, at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, which was held on August 2-4 in Wacken, Germany. Dirkschneider's award recognized his status as one of the most popular and respected voices in metal ever, having had a massive impact on future generations of metal musicians.
In other news, U.D.O. and AFM recently extended their long-term deal and look forward to continuing on the path of success.
U.D.O.'s November 16, 2011 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria was professionally filmed for release as a DVD+CD and Blu-ray+CD. Entitled "Live In Sofia", it will be made available on September 28 via AFM Records.
"Celebrator", a collection of rare tracks from U.D.O., will be released on double vinyl on August 17 via High Roller Records. It is limited to 500 copies in three different colors. The set was made available in Europe on May 4 via AFM Records and was released in North America on June 19.
U.D.O.'s latest album, "Rev-Raptor", was released on May 20, 2011 via AFM Records.
In other news, U.D.O. and AFM recently extended their long-term deal and look forward to continuing on the path of success.
U.D.O.'s November 16, 2011 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria was professionally filmed for release as a DVD+CD and Blu-ray+CD. Entitled "Live In Sofia", it will be made available on September 28 via AFM Records.
"Celebrator", a collection of rare tracks from U.D.O., will be released on double vinyl on August 17 via High Roller Records. It is limited to 500 copies in three different colors. The set was made available in Europe on May 4 via AFM Records and was released in North America on June 19.
U.D.O.'s latest album, "Rev-Raptor", was released on May 20, 2011 via AFM Records.
American symphonic metal band KAMELOT will release its new album, "Silverthorn", on October 30 in North America, October 26 in Germany and October 29 in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The set will arrive in Japan on October 24 through King Records. The CD will mark the band's first release with new singer Tommy Karevik, the 30-year-old Swede who previously fronted SEVENTH WONDER (a group that he is still a member of).
The "Silverthorn" LP and limited edition will have one version of the cover artwork, while the standard version of "Silverthorn" will have a different but equally exquisite version. The standard version is presented as an Ecolbook. The limited edition contains the Ecolbook, a bonus CD with nearly 60 minutes of music, a 44-page book and an exclusive poster. The double LP version is a gatefold on colored vinyl and includes the CD.
KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood says of the artwork: "Artist Stefan Heilemann captured the true essence of the story and the main character. The booklet and 44-page book is packed with amazing images!"
In a recent interview with RockLiveBG, KAMELOT keyboardist Oliver Palotai stated about the band's new vocalist, "[Tommy] was already with us on some tour dates as a guest singer, and he was singing on one or two songs. And in the past year, we were considering which singer to take. I was strongly on Tommy's side because he made a huge impression on me. Personality. of course. is really important. and he is a little bit introverted and I like this 'Scandinavian feel' about him and he fits KAMELOT really well."
He continued, "The final decision for him was sending in vocals, lyrics and recorded melody on a ballad that I wrote which is on the album. And it was so great and impressive. We all had goosebumps and when we heard that for the first time we knew immediately that was 'it.' He wrote most of the vocal melodies in the album also."
On the topic of the upcoming CD, Palotai said, "The cover was done by Stephan Heilemann. He also did covers for EPICA and my other band, SONS OF SEASONS. He is one of my best buddies, living in the neighborhood, and in my opinion, he is one of the greatest designers in the whole world. The amount of songs is ... I think 9 or 10 without the interludes. . . It's a concept album and it has a story. In the special edition you will get a little book where the story is described. All the songs will be around the story. It will be something like [2005's] 'The Black Halo'.
Regarding how the upcoming CD compares to 2010's "Poetry For The Poisoned", Oliver said, "To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of 'Poetry For The Poisoned'. For me, 'The Black Halo' is a bit like a reference also when I produce bands in my studio. So we wanted to go back to 'The Black Halo' but also include modern elements, which we included since then. You will never hear from a band, Our new record sucks,' but this record is a real killer and brings KAMELOT back on track. It is exactly what I wanted, and I'm really happy with it. I hope the fans will like it as well."
Thomas Youngblood previously stated about Karevik: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy."
In KAMELOT's search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool. "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour.
Youngblood on the style and content of the forthcoming KAMELOT concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
KAMELOT will support Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on a North American tour in September and October.
KAMELOT has posted a five-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the band's appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, which took place August 2-4 in Wacken, Germany. Check it out below.
The "Silverthorn" LP and limited edition will have one version of the cover artwork, while the standard version of "Silverthorn" will have a different but equally exquisite version. The standard version is presented as an Ecolbook. The limited edition contains the Ecolbook, a bonus CD with nearly 60 minutes of music, a 44-page book and an exclusive poster. The double LP version is a gatefold on colored vinyl and includes the CD.
KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood says of the artwork: "Artist Stefan Heilemann captured the true essence of the story and the main character. The booklet and 44-page book is packed with amazing images!"
In a recent interview with RockLiveBG, KAMELOT keyboardist Oliver Palotai stated about the band's new vocalist, "[Tommy] was already with us on some tour dates as a guest singer, and he was singing on one or two songs. And in the past year, we were considering which singer to take. I was strongly on Tommy's side because he made a huge impression on me. Personality. of course. is really important. and he is a little bit introverted and I like this 'Scandinavian feel' about him and he fits KAMELOT really well."
He continued, "The final decision for him was sending in vocals, lyrics and recorded melody on a ballad that I wrote which is on the album. And it was so great and impressive. We all had goosebumps and when we heard that for the first time we knew immediately that was 'it.' He wrote most of the vocal melodies in the album also."
On the topic of the upcoming CD, Palotai said, "The cover was done by Stephan Heilemann. He also did covers for EPICA and my other band, SONS OF SEASONS. He is one of my best buddies, living in the neighborhood, and in my opinion, he is one of the greatest designers in the whole world. The amount of songs is ... I think 9 or 10 without the interludes. . . It's a concept album and it has a story. In the special edition you will get a little book where the story is described. All the songs will be around the story. It will be something like [2005's] 'The Black Halo'.
Regarding how the upcoming CD compares to 2010's "Poetry For The Poisoned", Oliver said, "To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of 'Poetry For The Poisoned'. For me, 'The Black Halo' is a bit like a reference also when I produce bands in my studio. So we wanted to go back to 'The Black Halo' but also include modern elements, which we included since then. You will never hear from a band, Our new record sucks,' but this record is a real killer and brings KAMELOT back on track. It is exactly what I wanted, and I'm really happy with it. I hope the fans will like it as well."
Thomas Youngblood previously stated about Karevik: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy."
In KAMELOT's search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool. "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."
Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour.
Youngblood on the style and content of the forthcoming KAMELOT concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."
KAMELOT will support Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on a North American tour in September and October.
KAMELOT has posted a five-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the band's appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, which took place August 2-4 in Wacken, Germany. Check it out below.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/kamelotsilverthornartwork.jpg
Get ready for rock n' roll history as the third annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards 2012 gets ready to rock the Joint on Sunday, August 26 at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Vegas Rocks! Magazine is proud to be celebrating its eighth anniversary in a big way as the rock 'n' roll royal red carpet will be rolled out for some of the biggest stars in the music business.
This year, Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards 2012 will be broadcast live exclusively on AXS TV. Coverage will begin from the red carpet at 6 p.m. PT and stay live with the awards program at 8 p.m. PT.
With recent live broadcasts from pure rock festivals including M3 and Rocklahoma, live concert events from Sebastian Bach and premiere events from Slash and IRON MAIDEN, AXS TV is the number one destination for artists and their fans to experience and share any live event in the world of music and pop culture.
Many national artists are already confirmed to be honored, including Sammy Hagar (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE) and Michael Schenker (UFO, SCORPIONS), Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, HELLYEAH) and Levi Benton (MISS MAY I). Also in attendance presenting/performing will be Michael Anthony (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), John 5 (MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE), Eddie Trunk (VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show"), Kip Winger (WINGER), Mark Kendall ( GREAT WHITE), Blas Elias (SLAUGHTER), Nick Oshiro (STATIC-X), Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS), Ron Jeremy, SIN CITY SINNERS, Ron Keel (KEEL), and many others.
Sammy Hagar will be honored with the prestigious "Voice Of Rock" award for the evening and this will be a night that will go down in rock 'n' roll history! David Coverdale will be honored with the "Lifetime Achievement In Rock N' Roll" award. Michael Schenker will receive the "Rock Guitar Legend" award. Geoff Tate will receive the "Voice In Progressive Heavy Metal" award. Vinnie Paul will receive the "Drum Legend Icon" award and Levi Benton will receive the "Male Metal Star Of Tomorrow" award. Sammy Hagar will also take the stage to perform a tribute for Ronnie Montrose as well as leading the all-star celebrity performance for the grand finale for the evening.
Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards will be hosted by the "publishing queen of rock and roll," Sally Steele.
Tickets are only $26 and can be purchased in person at the Hard Rock Hotel box office (800-693-ROCK) or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
For more information, go to www.vegasrocks.com.
This year, Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards 2012 will be broadcast live exclusively on AXS TV. Coverage will begin from the red carpet at 6 p.m. PT and stay live with the awards program at 8 p.m. PT.
With recent live broadcasts from pure rock festivals including M3 and Rocklahoma, live concert events from Sebastian Bach and premiere events from Slash and IRON MAIDEN, AXS TV is the number one destination for artists and their fans to experience and share any live event in the world of music and pop culture.
Many national artists are already confirmed to be honored, including Sammy Hagar (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE) and Michael Schenker (UFO, SCORPIONS), Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, HELLYEAH) and Levi Benton (MISS MAY I). Also in attendance presenting/performing will be Michael Anthony (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), John 5 (MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE), Eddie Trunk (VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show"), Kip Winger (WINGER), Mark Kendall ( GREAT WHITE), Blas Elias (SLAUGHTER), Nick Oshiro (STATIC-X), Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS), Ron Jeremy, SIN CITY SINNERS, Ron Keel (KEEL), and many others.
Sammy Hagar will be honored with the prestigious "Voice Of Rock" award for the evening and this will be a night that will go down in rock 'n' roll history! David Coverdale will be honored with the "Lifetime Achievement In Rock N' Roll" award. Michael Schenker will receive the "Rock Guitar Legend" award. Geoff Tate will receive the "Voice In Progressive Heavy Metal" award. Vinnie Paul will receive the "Drum Legend Icon" award and Levi Benton will receive the "Male Metal Star Of Tomorrow" award. Sammy Hagar will also take the stage to perform a tribute for Ronnie Montrose as well as leading the all-star celebrity performance for the grand finale for the evening.
Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards will be hosted by the "publishing queen of rock and roll," Sally Steele.
Tickets are only $26 and can be purchased in person at the Hard Rock Hotel box office (800-693-ROCK) or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
For more information, go to www.vegasrocks.com.
Brazilian metallers ANGRA will release their first best-of album, "Best Reached Horizons", in October via SPV/Steamhammer. The collection was compiled by the band and will be available as a double jewel case CD with a massive booklet, including liner notes by guitar player Rafael Bittencourt.
CD1 contains an overview of the André Matos era, while CD2 covers the Eduardo "Edu" Falaschi era and included a rare cover version of LED ZEPPELIN's "Kashmir".
Release Dates:
Scandinavia: October 24
Germany: October 26
Rest Of Europe: October 29
USA: October 30
"Best Reached Horizons" track listing:
CD1
01. Carry On
02. Angels Cry
03. Wuthering Heights
04. Evil Warning
05. Nothing To Say
06. Holy Land
07. Carolina IV (live)
08. Freedom Call
09. Lisbon
10. Metal Icarus
CD2
01. Nova Era
02. Rebirth
03. Hunters And Prey
04. Spread Your Fire
05. Waiting Silence
06. The Course Of Nature
07. Salvation:Suicide
08. Arising Thunder
09. Lease Of Life
10. Kashmir (LED ZEPPELIN cover)
Falaschi recently left ANGRA. A replacement vocalist has not yet been announced.
CD1 contains an overview of the André Matos era, while CD2 covers the Eduardo "Edu" Falaschi era and included a rare cover version of LED ZEPPELIN's "Kashmir".
Release Dates:
Scandinavia: October 24
Germany: October 26
Rest Of Europe: October 29
USA: October 30
"Best Reached Horizons" track listing:
CD1
01. Carry On
02. Angels Cry
03. Wuthering Heights
04. Evil Warning
05. Nothing To Say
06. Holy Land
07. Carolina IV (live)
08. Freedom Call
09. Lisbon
10. Metal Icarus
CD2
01. Nova Era
02. Rebirth
03. Hunters And Prey
04. Spread Your Fire
05. Waiting Silence
06. The Course Of Nature
07. Salvation:Suicide
08. Arising Thunder
09. Lease Of Life
10. Kashmir (LED ZEPPELIN cover)
Falaschi recently left ANGRA. A replacement vocalist has not yet been announced.
According to TMZ.com, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has been threatened with legal action by a Los Angeles engineer who claims that Lee stole his idea for a drum kit roller coaster.
Scott King sent a letter to CRÜE's lawyers claiming that he approached the drummer in 1991 to pitch him the idea for roller coaster setup that Lee has been using during the band's shows.
CRÜE's attorneys have since responded to King, insisting that Lee never received a pitch and that the two ideas in question were completely different.
Regarding how the idea of the 360-degree drum roller coaster came about, Tommy stated last year, "[It] came about from when I was a kid going to concerts. Whenever the drummer started his drum solo, I wondered why people would leave to go get a beer, buy a t-shirt, restroom, whatever!! I wanted to show people what happens behind the drum set, so I decided to expose it all by flipping the drums vertical, upside-down making them disappear and fly over the audience's heads! MÖTLEY CRÜE brings you on a thrill ride, jump on the 360! Let's do this! By the way, it's really fucking difficult playing while on this ride!"
Scott King sent a letter to CRÜE's lawyers claiming that he approached the drummer in 1991 to pitch him the idea for roller coaster setup that Lee has been using during the band's shows.
CRÜE's attorneys have since responded to King, insisting that Lee never received a pitch and that the two ideas in question were completely different.
Regarding how the idea of the 360-degree drum roller coaster came about, Tommy stated last year, "[It] came about from when I was a kid going to concerts. Whenever the drummer started his drum solo, I wondered why people would leave to go get a beer, buy a t-shirt, restroom, whatever!! I wanted to show people what happens behind the drum set, so I decided to expose it all by flipping the drums vertical, upside-down making them disappear and fly over the audience's heads! MÖTLEY CRÜE brings you on a thrill ride, jump on the 360! Let's do this! By the way, it's really fucking difficult playing while on this ride!"
South Africa's Voice Of Rock Radio conducted an interview with vocalist/guitarist Matt Tuck of Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE when the band played the One Night In Cape Town indoor festival on August 9.
Asked about BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's longevity and musical progression over the years, Tuck said, "I definitely think we've got longevity, 'cause we are longevity. We've been doing this eight years now and we're still at the top of the game of… we're still at the top of our tree of our style of music. I mean, no one's really kind of tried to take us over. So we have kind of taken the foot off the gas already a little bit with [2010's] 'Fever', and the album we just recorded, we've actually backed off a little bit again — not because we don't think people don't wanna hear heavy music, we've actually made it heavier by slowing down and less is more. Like METALLICA's 'black album,' you wouldn't necessarily call it a heavy album, but the sound of it is fucking heavy and it's big and it sounds timeless because of that. It's not a million miles an hour — it's big and heavy and loud. We're not trying to make a 'black' album, we're just trying to kind of take that theory of slowing down, putting less technical bits in and concentrating on the vocals and the meat and bones of the song."
According to Tuck, the recording sessions for BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's new album went more smoothly than those for the band's previous CDs, due in part to the experience of working with acclaimed rock producer Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, GOOD CHARLOTTE) on the group's last LP, the aforementioned "Fever". "We worked with Don Gilmore again on this new record we just finished, Matt said. "For me, it's a huge compliment that he really didn't have much input, 'cause on the last record he did, and it kind of opened my eyes to write differently and to think about, not slowing things down, but kind of… there's no restraint on screaming and restraint on a million miles an hour. It's not necessary, really. We've kind of done that [already]. So on this record, [he kind of] sat back and let me do it without having much input, which to me, knowing Don, is a huge compliment, 'cause it means I've kind of done it right by my own. So, yeah, we've definitely fucking nailed it on this record. I know it's a long way before coming out and anyone's gonna hear anything, but I've lived with [it] and I know what it is, and trust me, it's good."
"Fever" sold 71,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. "Fever" also landed in the Top Five in Australia, the U.K., Japan, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Asked about BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's longevity and musical progression over the years, Tuck said, "I definitely think we've got longevity, 'cause we are longevity. We've been doing this eight years now and we're still at the top of the game of… we're still at the top of our tree of our style of music. I mean, no one's really kind of tried to take us over. So we have kind of taken the foot off the gas already a little bit with [2010's] 'Fever', and the album we just recorded, we've actually backed off a little bit again — not because we don't think people don't wanna hear heavy music, we've actually made it heavier by slowing down and less is more. Like METALLICA's 'black album,' you wouldn't necessarily call it a heavy album, but the sound of it is fucking heavy and it's big and it sounds timeless because of that. It's not a million miles an hour — it's big and heavy and loud. We're not trying to make a 'black' album, we're just trying to kind of take that theory of slowing down, putting less technical bits in and concentrating on the vocals and the meat and bones of the song."
According to Tuck, the recording sessions for BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's new album went more smoothly than those for the band's previous CDs, due in part to the experience of working with acclaimed rock producer Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, GOOD CHARLOTTE) on the group's last LP, the aforementioned "Fever". "We worked with Don Gilmore again on this new record we just finished, Matt said. "For me, it's a huge compliment that he really didn't have much input, 'cause on the last record he did, and it kind of opened my eyes to write differently and to think about, not slowing things down, but kind of… there's no restraint on screaming and restraint on a million miles an hour. It's not necessary, really. We've kind of done that [already]. So on this record, [he kind of] sat back and let me do it without having much input, which to me, knowing Don, is a huge compliment, 'cause it means I've kind of done it right by my own. So, yeah, we've definitely fucking nailed it on this record. I know it's a long way before coming out and anyone's gonna hear anything, but I've lived with [it] and I know what it is, and trust me, it's good."
"Fever" sold 71,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. "Fever" also landed in the Top Five in Australia, the U.K., Japan, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Savannah, Georgia-based quartet BARONESS was involved in a road accident yesterday morning (Wednesday, August 15) in England when the band's tour bus reportedly plummeted for 30 feet over a viaduct after going through a security barrier during heavy rain. Nine people, including the four members of the group, were sent to the hospital, two of them with serious injuries. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
All previously scheduled BARONESS shows have been postponed until further notice.
Earlier today, BARONESS's publicist, Monica Seide of Speakeasy PR & Marketing, released the following update regarding the musicians' medical condition:
"The band members of BARONESS and their crew are recovering from injuries sustained after their tour bus crashed outside of Bath, England early on Wednesday morning.
"John Baizley [rhythm guitar, lead vocals] has broken his left arm and left leg. Allen Blickle [drums] and Matt Maggioni [bass] each suffered fractured vertebrae. All three remain in the hospital as of this writing. Pete Adams [lead guitar, vocals] has been treated and released from the hospital.
"Three of the five crew members who were on the bus have also been treated and released. One member is still undergoing testing. The driver of the bus remains in critical condition.
"Please stay tuned for further updates. Thank you for all the support during this extremely difficult time."
A two-minute BBC News video report on yesterday's road accident can be seen below.
BARONESS played at The Fleece in Bristol Tuesday night. They were on their way to Southampton when the accident happened.
The band released its new album, "Yellow & Green", last month via Relapse Records.
All previously scheduled BARONESS shows have been postponed until further notice.
Earlier today, BARONESS's publicist, Monica Seide of Speakeasy PR & Marketing, released the following update regarding the musicians' medical condition:
"The band members of BARONESS and their crew are recovering from injuries sustained after their tour bus crashed outside of Bath, England early on Wednesday morning.
"John Baizley [rhythm guitar, lead vocals] has broken his left arm and left leg. Allen Blickle [drums] and Matt Maggioni [bass] each suffered fractured vertebrae. All three remain in the hospital as of this writing. Pete Adams [lead guitar, vocals] has been treated and released from the hospital.
"Three of the five crew members who were on the bus have also been treated and released. One member is still undergoing testing. The driver of the bus remains in critical condition.
"Please stay tuned for further updates. Thank you for all the support during this extremely difficult time."
A two-minute BBC News video report on yesterday's road accident can be seen below.
BARONESS played at The Fleece in Bristol Tuesday night. They were on their way to Southampton when the accident happened.
The band released its new album, "Yellow & Green", last month via Relapse Records.
Domonic Rini and Michael Strong of the "Maximum Threshold" show recently conducted an interview with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE frontman Jack Russell.
On where his lawsuit against his former GREAT WHITE bandmates over the rights to the band's name currently stands:
Jack: "I was the president of the corporation. On December 10 [of 2011], I told them I was taking the name and moving on. In other words, [I said to them], 'You're fired.' And so now we're just waiting for the court to go through the process and it'll be then. They can say whatever they want, as they have. They keep changing their story. One day [they say] I quit, the next they [they say] they fired me, the next day it's something else. The bottom line is they have nothing except, 'Jack's a bad guy, so they say.' The fact is that I'm the president of Great White Productions, I'm the president of Shark Touring, which is the last company the band toured under. And that's my company. And when I said I was taking the name and moving on, that means, 'You're not working for Shark Touring anymore. You're fired and I'm taking the name.' So they just don't like to be fired [laughs], you know what I mean?! And I get it — I understand why they're fighting for this thing. I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot, I probably would, too. . . They keep saying, 'Oh, we're gonna make you look bad we're gonna embarrass you.' It's like, 'Go ahead. Give it your best shot. I've been embarrassed before — a lot. I'm sure I'll be embarrassed again."
On GREAT WHITE's recently released album, "Elation", featuring Jack's "replacement," Terry Ilous of XYZ fame:
Jack: "They don't sound bad. How could they? I mean, these are guys that I played with for 30 years. I didn't play with those guys because they were slouches. But the sound of the band is so completely changed with that singer. And it's not like it's a singer that's remotely in league with what I did as a vocalist for 30 years. It's blasphemous."
On how it feels like to still be performing GREAT WHITE songs after so many years:
Jack: "I'm enjoying this stuff more now than I have in years — just because I'm in a situation where it's not as toxic as it used to be. And I'm not saying it's… It's everybody's fault. There's a lot more people involved in that than just my ex-members. I [would] say it's everybody's fault; we all had a part in that, in that relationship. I wanna believe that at one point these guys were my real friends, but it's hard to look back now, with what happened, without questioning that — whether they really were and whether this just always was about money."
On where his lawsuit against his former GREAT WHITE bandmates over the rights to the band's name currently stands:
Jack: "I was the president of the corporation. On December 10 [of 2011], I told them I was taking the name and moving on. In other words, [I said to them], 'You're fired.' And so now we're just waiting for the court to go through the process and it'll be then. They can say whatever they want, as they have. They keep changing their story. One day [they say] I quit, the next they [they say] they fired me, the next day it's something else. The bottom line is they have nothing except, 'Jack's a bad guy, so they say.' The fact is that I'm the president of Great White Productions, I'm the president of Shark Touring, which is the last company the band toured under. And that's my company. And when I said I was taking the name and moving on, that means, 'You're not working for Shark Touring anymore. You're fired and I'm taking the name.' So they just don't like to be fired [laughs], you know what I mean?! And I get it — I understand why they're fighting for this thing. I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot, I probably would, too. . . They keep saying, 'Oh, we're gonna make you look bad we're gonna embarrass you.' It's like, 'Go ahead. Give it your best shot. I've been embarrassed before — a lot. I'm sure I'll be embarrassed again."
On GREAT WHITE's recently released album, "Elation", featuring Jack's "replacement," Terry Ilous of XYZ fame:
Jack: "They don't sound bad. How could they? I mean, these are guys that I played with for 30 years. I didn't play with those guys because they were slouches. But the sound of the band is so completely changed with that singer. And it's not like it's a singer that's remotely in league with what I did as a vocalist for 30 years. It's blasphemous."
On how it feels like to still be performing GREAT WHITE songs after so many years:
Jack: "I'm enjoying this stuff more now than I have in years — just because I'm in a situation where it's not as toxic as it used to be. And I'm not saying it's… It's everybody's fault. There's a lot more people involved in that than just my ex-members. I [would] say it's everybody's fault; we all had a part in that, in that relationship. I wanna believe that at one point these guys were my real friends, but it's hard to look back now, with what happened, without questioning that — whether they really were and whether this just always was about money."
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE will perform at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California tonight (Thursday, August 16) as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival. This will mark Russell's first appearance at the legendary venue in over 30 years, and to celebrate the homecoming, the show will be recorded and given away to the fans as a free download. As part of this very special occasion, original GREAT WHITE drummer Gary Holland, and former GREAT WHITE bass player (from the "Twice Shy" era) Tony Montana, will each join the band on stage for a song. Other surprise guests are planned as well. Along with the performance, there will be backstage footage of the group, exclusive interviews, soundcheck footage, etc.
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE's performance at Whisky A Go Go is part of the America Rocks tour, which featured JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE as the headliner, with special guest FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE. The trek crossed the country throughout June and July, and will wrap up on August 18 in Fresno, California. This final leg of the tour does not include PRETTY BOY FLOYD or LILLIAN AXE.
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is:
Jack Russell - Vocals
Robby Lochner (FIGHT) - Guitar
Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) - Guitar
Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) - Bass
Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) – Drums
Californian rockers RHINO BUCKET will film a live performance scene for the movie "To Hell With A Bullet" on August 19 at The Central (formerly 14 Below) in Santa Monica, California. The shoot will be followed by "a rockin' half-hour set of your favorite RHINO BUCKET songs."
Filming of the performance scenes starts at 9 p.m., so any fans interested in being included in the shoot should get there around 8 p.m.
RHINO BUCKET's current lineup:
Georg Dolivo - Vocals/Guitar
Reeve Downes - Bass/Vocals
Brian Forsythe - Guitar/vocals
Dave DuCey - Drums
RHINO BUCKET's sixth studio album and third on Acetate Records, "Who's Got Mine?", came out last year. The CD was recorded at legendary Hollywood rock-shack Grandmaster Recorders with producer Doug Boehm (DIRTY SWEET, THE VINES).
Filming of the performance scenes starts at 9 p.m., so any fans interested in being included in the shoot should get there around 8 p.m.
RHINO BUCKET's current lineup:
Georg Dolivo - Vocals/Guitar
Reeve Downes - Bass/Vocals
Brian Forsythe - Guitar/vocals
Dave DuCey - Drums
RHINO BUCKET's sixth studio album and third on Acetate Records, "Who's Got Mine?", came out last year. The CD was recorded at legendary Hollywood rock-shack Grandmaster Recorders with producer Doug Boehm (DIRTY SWEET, THE VINES).
GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus has slammed MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine for implying during a concert that Barack Obama was somehow responsible for recent mass shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin.
While performing with MEGADETH on August 7 in Singapore, Mustaine told the crowd, "Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban. So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast And Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
Earlier today (Thursday, August 16), Oderus took to his Twitter account to say, "I don't need to berate Dave Mustaine to make him look like an asshole. He does fine just by opening his mouth. To say something as ignorant and insensitive as Obama 'staged' the recent U.S. mass shootings you would have to be… ME! I just can't think of anything more ignorant or insensitive right of the top of my head…"
This is not the first time Oderus has had hash words for Mustaine. During a March 28, 2012 interview with Turbo from RSU Radio and the Metal Meltdown, the GWAR frontman noted that both he and Mustaine have been in the press a lot lately. "Yeah, but see, the difference between Dave Mustaine and Oderus is that Dave Mustaine, every time he opens his mouth, he makes a fucking idiot out of himself," Oderus said. "You know what?! Keep your mouth fucking shut, Dave Mustaine. Play your fucking guitar, all right?! Maybe keep it to the lyrics of 'Peace Sells'. Anything else… We don't wanna fucking hear about how Obama was born in Africa and how Rick Santorum is your man; he hates fucking heavy metal. Shut the fuck up, Dave Mustaine. Shut the fuck up, you God, cock-s***ing f****t."
Mustaine in March made headlines when he told Canadian television and radio personality George Stroumboulopoulos that he is certain that President Obama "was born somewhere else than America."
"I have a lot of questions about [Obama], but certainly not where he was born," Mustaine said. "I know he was born somewhere else than America."
When Stroumboulopoulos pointed out that this school of thought made the musician part of the so-called "birther" movement, Mustaine countered, "I'm not calling a question to it, I just, you know, it's a point. How come he was invisible until he became whatever he was in Illinois?"
Stroumboulopoulos tried to further challenge Mustaine on his claims, causing the MEGADETH frontman to attempt to change the subject.
"I don't want to talk about my president," Mustaine said, before going on to admit that he was going to "have to do some more homework on where Obama came from."
While performing with MEGADETH on August 7 in Singapore, Mustaine told the crowd, "Back in my country, my president is trying to pass a gun ban. So he's staging all of these murders, like the Fast And Furious thing down at the border and Aurora, Colorado, all the people that were killed there. And now the beautiful people at the Sikh temple."
He continued: "I don't know where I'm gonna live if America keeps going the way it's going because it looks like it's turning into Nazi America."
Earlier today (Thursday, August 16), Oderus took to his Twitter account to say, "I don't need to berate Dave Mustaine to make him look like an asshole. He does fine just by opening his mouth. To say something as ignorant and insensitive as Obama 'staged' the recent U.S. mass shootings you would have to be… ME! I just can't think of anything more ignorant or insensitive right of the top of my head…"
This is not the first time Oderus has had hash words for Mustaine. During a March 28, 2012 interview with Turbo from RSU Radio and the Metal Meltdown, the GWAR frontman noted that both he and Mustaine have been in the press a lot lately. "Yeah, but see, the difference between Dave Mustaine and Oderus is that Dave Mustaine, every time he opens his mouth, he makes a fucking idiot out of himself," Oderus said. "You know what?! Keep your mouth fucking shut, Dave Mustaine. Play your fucking guitar, all right?! Maybe keep it to the lyrics of 'Peace Sells'. Anything else… We don't wanna fucking hear about how Obama was born in Africa and how Rick Santorum is your man; he hates fucking heavy metal. Shut the fuck up, Dave Mustaine. Shut the fuck up, you God, cock-s***ing f****t."
Mustaine in March made headlines when he told Canadian television and radio personality George Stroumboulopoulos that he is certain that President Obama "was born somewhere else than America."
"I have a lot of questions about [Obama], but certainly not where he was born," Mustaine said. "I know he was born somewhere else than America."
When Stroumboulopoulos pointed out that this school of thought made the musician part of the so-called "birther" movement, Mustaine countered, "I'm not calling a question to it, I just, you know, it's a point. How come he was invisible until he became whatever he was in Illinois?"
Stroumboulopoulos tried to further challenge Mustaine on his claims, causing the MEGADETH frontman to attempt to change the subject.
"I don't want to talk about my president," Mustaine said, before going on to admit that he was going to "have to do some more homework on where Obama came from."
KITTIE members Morgan Lander (guitar, vocals) and Mercedes Lander (drums) are collaborating with as-yet-undisclosed musicians on a new "supergroup." Mercedes took to KITTIE's official Twitter account earlier today (Thursday, August 16) to reveal, "[I] wrote two new songs for [Morgan] and I's secret supergroup project today. You will be punched in the face!"
KITTIE will release a best-of compilation, "Not So… Safe", on September 11 via eOne Music. The collection will feature tracks from the band's records "Spit" (1999), "Oracle" (2001), "Safe" (2002), "In The Black" (2009) and "I've Failed You" (2011).
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music. The CD was recorded at Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The band once again worked with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".
KITTIE will release a best-of compilation, "Not So… Safe", on September 11 via eOne Music. The collection will feature tracks from the band's records "Spit" (1999), "Oracle" (2001), "Safe" (2002), "In The Black" (2009) and "I've Failed You" (2011).
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music. The CD was recorded at Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The band once again worked with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".
Nuclear Blast owner Markus Staiger has joined forces with former Roadrunner Records A&R chief Monte Conner in the formation of a new U.S. partnership — Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
The new record label, which will share most major operations with the existing U.S. branch of Nuclear Blast, will announce its first signings in the coming months.
Conner recently departed Roadrunner after a 25-year run that saw him sign most of the successful hard rock and metal bands on the label, including SLIPKNOT, SEPULTURA, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, FEAR FACTORY, STONE SOUR, TYPE O NEGATIVE, SOULFLY, COAL CHAMBER, LIFE OF AGONY, BIOHAZARD, DEVILDRIVER, DEICIDE and most recently, RUSH and GOJIRA.
Plans are also underway to expand Nuclear Blast's strength in the U.K. market and the label has now paired with former Roadrunner U.K. managing director, Mark Palmer. Palmer will open Nuclear Blast's first U.K. office. Palmer had been with Roadrunner almost from the start and had built the U.K. branch of Roadrunner into one of the most respected and successful local record company teams the metal world has ever seen.
Says Conner: "What Markus Staiger and his incredibly dedicated staff have built over the last 25 years is quite an achievement, and it has all happened almost concurrently with my time at Roadrunner Records. I am very pleased to align myself with a team of loyal, hard-working people and am looking forward to playing my part in the continued evolution and dominance of this worldwide metal powerhouse. I hope to both complement as well as expand on all the great things already happening at Nuclear Blast, especially when it comes to the U.S. market and Nuclear Blast Entertainment. I feel Markus and I can be an unstoppable force in metal and beyond, and with my long-term colleague Mark Palmer also now aboard in the U.K., this already feels like home to me."
Adds Palmer: "I am really excited at the prospect of working with the amazing staff at Nuclear Blast and putting together a new team to strongly develop their business and profile in the U.K."
States Staiger: "I am absolutely thrilled to welcome metal veterans Monte Conner and Mark Palmer to the Nuclear Blast team. I am continually striving to strengthen Nuclear Blast on all fronts as a worldwide force, and with the addition of Monte and Mark, I feel we just took major steps in two key territories."
Nuclear Blast was founded by Staiger in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987. With offices in Donzdorf and Los Angeles and a worldwide staff of 150 people (including a thriving mail order business), Nuclear Blast is one of the biggest independent labels in the world. Some of the label's current artists are MESHUGGAH, TESTAMENT, NIGHTWISH (Europe only), CHILDREN OF BODOM, ANTHRAX (Europe only), DIMMU BORGIR, ALL SHALL PERISH, EPICA, EXODUS and ACCEPT.
The new record label, which will share most major operations with the existing U.S. branch of Nuclear Blast, will announce its first signings in the coming months.
Conner recently departed Roadrunner after a 25-year run that saw him sign most of the successful hard rock and metal bands on the label, including SLIPKNOT, SEPULTURA, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, FEAR FACTORY, STONE SOUR, TYPE O NEGATIVE, SOULFLY, COAL CHAMBER, LIFE OF AGONY, BIOHAZARD, DEVILDRIVER, DEICIDE and most recently, RUSH and GOJIRA.
Plans are also underway to expand Nuclear Blast's strength in the U.K. market and the label has now paired with former Roadrunner U.K. managing director, Mark Palmer. Palmer will open Nuclear Blast's first U.K. office. Palmer had been with Roadrunner almost from the start and had built the U.K. branch of Roadrunner into one of the most respected and successful local record company teams the metal world has ever seen.
Says Conner: "What Markus Staiger and his incredibly dedicated staff have built over the last 25 years is quite an achievement, and it has all happened almost concurrently with my time at Roadrunner Records. I am very pleased to align myself with a team of loyal, hard-working people and am looking forward to playing my part in the continued evolution and dominance of this worldwide metal powerhouse. I hope to both complement as well as expand on all the great things already happening at Nuclear Blast, especially when it comes to the U.S. market and Nuclear Blast Entertainment. I feel Markus and I can be an unstoppable force in metal and beyond, and with my long-term colleague Mark Palmer also now aboard in the U.K., this already feels like home to me."
Adds Palmer: "I am really excited at the prospect of working with the amazing staff at Nuclear Blast and putting together a new team to strongly develop their business and profile in the U.K."
States Staiger: "I am absolutely thrilled to welcome metal veterans Monte Conner and Mark Palmer to the Nuclear Blast team. I am continually striving to strengthen Nuclear Blast on all fronts as a worldwide force, and with the addition of Monte and Mark, I feel we just took major steps in two key territories."
Nuclear Blast was founded by Staiger in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987. With offices in Donzdorf and Los Angeles and a worldwide staff of 150 people (including a thriving mail order business), Nuclear Blast is one of the biggest independent labels in the world. Some of the label's current artists are MESHUGGAH, TESTAMENT, NIGHTWISH (Europe only), CHILDREN OF BODOM, ANTHRAX (Europe only), DIMMU BORGIR, ALL SHALL PERISH, EPICA, EXODUS and ACCEPT.
Vocalist Mark Hunter of Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA has released the following statement:
"The last few years have been bizarre, to say the least.
"CHIMAIRA went through an insane amount of changes that would have killed 99% of the bands out there, and all things considered, probably should have killed us, too.
"Since 2009, we've switched labels, management companies, booking agents, merchandisers, and unfortunately, band members.
"Like many bands, we were tested in order to survive an ever-changing industry. There were various suggestions implemented to try and improve our situation; some methods worked, some not so much. Regardless, we all had different ideas and life goals that ultimately led to where we are today.
"For over a year, we've been working incessantly to assemble a solid team that would represent CHIMAIRA moving forward, all the while rebuilding the entire infrastructure. With the music industry being in a transitional period, it was imperative to align ourselves with the right people.
"Thankfully, a new balance has been found and goals have been met. Though the past few years have been difficult (with actual blood, sweat, and tears), today I'm excited to announce that the machine is running stronger than ever.
"I want to thank all of our dedicated fans for understanding that every change made was to keep CHIMAIRA alive. A harrowing journey, the humility that accompanied each step of the path is a blessing, and your loyalty speaks volumes that will not go unrecognized.
"I fully understand the vastness that is the flip side of the coin and empathize with the fact there are a few upset fans disappointed in the changes that happened.
"The question (or scoff) I encounter regarding the lineup change is why I decided to keep the name CHIMAIRA despite losing key members. It's quite understandable as I'm the first person this riotous situation perplexed.
"It's unchallenging to say that after the guys split that my commitment to move forward with the name was for ego, or I'm holding on too long, call me Axl Rose, etc… while all of that is somewhat accurate (and innocuous), I hope you get the logical explanation as well, and discern the passion behind the motivation.
"First, it's not as straightforward as changing a band name. When I learned of Matt [DeVries, guitar] and Rob's [Arnold, guitar] decision to leave the group, there were five months of announced tours on the agenda, there were contracts with my name on it — and there are still contracts with my name on it.
"Record labels had invested over six figures into 'The Age Of Hell', which at the time had not been released. Closing out in the middle of a cycle is a complex scenario. Family members, crew, and beyond needed the wheels to spin in order to pay bills. Like many decisions, this was an intricate conundrum and needed to be respected with careful thought. I couldn't walk away from that type of responsibility, nor was I about to disappoint our fans any further.
"After securing the new lineup, I had no idea how the tours or the future would work out. There was no crystal ball to establish a fan reaction toward the new look and feel. What would the chemistry be like on the bus? There was a healthy amount of pressure on all of us and it was imperative to stay focused.
"After spending a few months with Emil [Werstler, guitar], Austin [D'Amond, drums], Jeremy [Creamer, bass], Matt [Szlachta, guitar], and recent winner of the best beard in metal, Sean [Zatorsky, keyboards], our mission became clear, and everyone involved realized CHIMAIRA was more relevant than previously imagined. Numbers went up across the board and are continuing to do so.
"The audience seemed genuinely stoked and accepting, and we felt tight as a unit. One awesome aspect of the tour was meeting skeptical fans that walked in thinking the night would suck; then watching those same fans leave with a feeling that it might have been the best show they'd seen. The most fulfilling feeling was the sound of the name CHIMAIRA chanted.
"The band was named, and is still named 'CHIMAIRA' to represent a hybrid style of heavy metal. The Chimera is a mythological creature comprised of several different animals forming into one unique monster. In modern terms, it can be defined as follows: 'Biology: an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation: the sleeplike goat chimera.
"'A DNA molecule with sequences derived from two or more different organisms, formed by laboratory manipulation.'
"That sounds like us.
"I hope that puts an end to some of the confusion.
"Will the new music sound like the old albums? None of our albums sound the same, but there are always familiarities. The five new CHIMAIRA songs I'm listening to sound like the band you love, without question.
"Old-school fans can be excited about the fact that we brought back the seven strings on a couple jams, and the thrash era can be excited for some of the most technical riffing yet. Like the ethereal, electronic, heavy-as-fuck stoner sludge of the last two? It's there. We have every intention of preserving the quality you expect from this band, while at the same time raising the bar to unreachable heights. It's a powerful time.
"Thanks again to everyone that continues to stick by our side through thick and thin. Now that everything is worked out behind the scenes and the business fun again, it's time to go back and concentrate on what's integral. The music. We plan to make an incredible album.
"The Age Of Hell is over."
"The last few years have been bizarre, to say the least.
"CHIMAIRA went through an insane amount of changes that would have killed 99% of the bands out there, and all things considered, probably should have killed us, too.
"Since 2009, we've switched labels, management companies, booking agents, merchandisers, and unfortunately, band members.
"Like many bands, we were tested in order to survive an ever-changing industry. There were various suggestions implemented to try and improve our situation; some methods worked, some not so much. Regardless, we all had different ideas and life goals that ultimately led to where we are today.
"For over a year, we've been working incessantly to assemble a solid team that would represent CHIMAIRA moving forward, all the while rebuilding the entire infrastructure. With the music industry being in a transitional period, it was imperative to align ourselves with the right people.
"Thankfully, a new balance has been found and goals have been met. Though the past few years have been difficult (with actual blood, sweat, and tears), today I'm excited to announce that the machine is running stronger than ever.
"I want to thank all of our dedicated fans for understanding that every change made was to keep CHIMAIRA alive. A harrowing journey, the humility that accompanied each step of the path is a blessing, and your loyalty speaks volumes that will not go unrecognized.
"I fully understand the vastness that is the flip side of the coin and empathize with the fact there are a few upset fans disappointed in the changes that happened.
"The question (or scoff) I encounter regarding the lineup change is why I decided to keep the name CHIMAIRA despite losing key members. It's quite understandable as I'm the first person this riotous situation perplexed.
"It's unchallenging to say that after the guys split that my commitment to move forward with the name was for ego, or I'm holding on too long, call me Axl Rose, etc… while all of that is somewhat accurate (and innocuous), I hope you get the logical explanation as well, and discern the passion behind the motivation.
"First, it's not as straightforward as changing a band name. When I learned of Matt [DeVries, guitar] and Rob's [Arnold, guitar] decision to leave the group, there were five months of announced tours on the agenda, there were contracts with my name on it — and there are still contracts with my name on it.
"Record labels had invested over six figures into 'The Age Of Hell', which at the time had not been released. Closing out in the middle of a cycle is a complex scenario. Family members, crew, and beyond needed the wheels to spin in order to pay bills. Like many decisions, this was an intricate conundrum and needed to be respected with careful thought. I couldn't walk away from that type of responsibility, nor was I about to disappoint our fans any further.
"After securing the new lineup, I had no idea how the tours or the future would work out. There was no crystal ball to establish a fan reaction toward the new look and feel. What would the chemistry be like on the bus? There was a healthy amount of pressure on all of us and it was imperative to stay focused.
"After spending a few months with Emil [Werstler, guitar], Austin [D'Amond, drums], Jeremy [Creamer, bass], Matt [Szlachta, guitar], and recent winner of the best beard in metal, Sean [Zatorsky, keyboards], our mission became clear, and everyone involved realized CHIMAIRA was more relevant than previously imagined. Numbers went up across the board and are continuing to do so.
"The audience seemed genuinely stoked and accepting, and we felt tight as a unit. One awesome aspect of the tour was meeting skeptical fans that walked in thinking the night would suck; then watching those same fans leave with a feeling that it might have been the best show they'd seen. The most fulfilling feeling was the sound of the name CHIMAIRA chanted.
"The band was named, and is still named 'CHIMAIRA' to represent a hybrid style of heavy metal. The Chimera is a mythological creature comprised of several different animals forming into one unique monster. In modern terms, it can be defined as follows: 'Biology: an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation: the sleeplike goat chimera.
"'A DNA molecule with sequences derived from two or more different organisms, formed by laboratory manipulation.'
"That sounds like us.
"I hope that puts an end to some of the confusion.
"Will the new music sound like the old albums? None of our albums sound the same, but there are always familiarities. The five new CHIMAIRA songs I'm listening to sound like the band you love, without question.
"Old-school fans can be excited about the fact that we brought back the seven strings on a couple jams, and the thrash era can be excited for some of the most technical riffing yet. Like the ethereal, electronic, heavy-as-fuck stoner sludge of the last two? It's there. We have every intention of preserving the quality you expect from this band, while at the same time raising the bar to unreachable heights. It's a powerful time.
"Thanks again to everyone that continues to stick by our side through thick and thin. Now that everything is worked out behind the scenes and the business fun again, it's time to go back and concentrate on what's integral. The music. We plan to make an incredible album.
"The Age Of Hell is over."
New York hardcore veterans SWORN ENEMY have completed work on a new four-song EP at MEI Studios in Westbury, New York.
The band, which has spent much of the last two years touring the U.S. and Europe with the likes of SEPULTURA and BIOHAZARD, took this summer off to write and record new music.
There is no set release date for the new material, pending label and management negotiations. However, SWORN ENEMY does promise its fans that the EP will be made available "sooner rather than later."
SWORN ENEMY's last album, "Total World Domination", was released in June 2009 via Century Media Records. The CD landed at position No. 114 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Like its predecessor, "Maniacal", "Total World Domination" was recorded with producer Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING).
The band, which has spent much of the last two years touring the U.S. and Europe with the likes of SEPULTURA and BIOHAZARD, took this summer off to write and record new music.
There is no set release date for the new material, pending label and management negotiations. However, SWORN ENEMY does promise its fans that the EP will be made available "sooner rather than later."
SWORN ENEMY's last album, "Total World Domination", was released in June 2009 via Century Media Records. The CD landed at position No. 114 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Like its predecessor, "Maniacal", "Total World Domination" was recorded with producer Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING).
Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw has assembled the following lineup of musicians for his November 3 concert at Sparbankshallen in Varberg, Sweden:
* Mark U Black (M.A.N., ex-DREAM EVIL, KUNG DIAMANT) - Lead Guitar
* Petter Karlsson (ex-THERION, DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA) - Drums
* Vikki Valkyrie (ex-ICE AGE, THEM SLUTS) - Bass
Snowy states: "Like last time around, I'm delighted and grateful to be joined on stage by some of the best friends from my former bands… and I'm looking forward to one helluva kick-ass performance with a specially designed Halloween theme that will make last year's performance seem like a band practice by comparison.
"For obvious reasons, I won't reveal any of the special guests, though it would ruin the surprise and fun of it. All I can say is, I don't think anyone will be disappointed.
"Feel free to speculate away!"
Shaw's live album, "Snowy Shaw Is Alive!", was released last December via iTunes. The CD was recorded during his May 27, 2011 concert at the Brew House in Gothenburg, Sweden , which saw Snowy performing "all his favorite songs" from "all his former bands" — including KING DIAMOND, NOTRE DAME, DREAM EVIL, MERCYFUL FATE, THERION, MEMENTO MORI, ILLWILL, XXX and DIMMU BORGIR — and featured guest appearances by the following musicians:
* Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND, ILLWILL)
* Mike Wead (BIBLEBLACK, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE)
* Hal Patino (KING DIAMOND)
* Mats Levén (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TREAT, KRUX)
* Thomas Vikström (CANDLEMASS)
* Kee Marcello (EUROPE)
* Jackie Patino (a.k.a. Maryann Cotton)
Snowy's backing band consisted of the following players:
* Kristian Niemann (ex-THERION) - Lead Guitar
* Mannequin De Sade (ex-NOTRE DAME, ENGEL) - Drums
* Elvira - Bass
The "Snowy Shaw Is Alive!" artwork was created by Snowy Shaw, with illustration by Andrej Bartulovic.
Due to the "astonishing response" and many offers from festival promoters and booking agencies, Snowy has decided to postpone the release of the DVD version of the Brew House concert "with the intention of having even more material filmed and included from the upcoming shows," according to a press release.
* Mark U Black (M.A.N., ex-DREAM EVIL, KUNG DIAMANT) - Lead Guitar
* Petter Karlsson (ex-THERION, DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA) - Drums
* Vikki Valkyrie (ex-ICE AGE, THEM SLUTS) - Bass
Snowy states: "Like last time around, I'm delighted and grateful to be joined on stage by some of the best friends from my former bands… and I'm looking forward to one helluva kick-ass performance with a specially designed Halloween theme that will make last year's performance seem like a band practice by comparison.
"For obvious reasons, I won't reveal any of the special guests, though it would ruin the surprise and fun of it. All I can say is, I don't think anyone will be disappointed.
"Feel free to speculate away!"
Shaw's live album, "Snowy Shaw Is Alive!", was released last December via iTunes. The CD was recorded during his May 27, 2011 concert at the Brew House in Gothenburg, Sweden , which saw Snowy performing "all his favorite songs" from "all his former bands" — including KING DIAMOND, NOTRE DAME, DREAM EVIL, MERCYFUL FATE, THERION, MEMENTO MORI, ILLWILL, XXX and DIMMU BORGIR — and featured guest appearances by the following musicians:
* Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND, ILLWILL)
* Mike Wead (BIBLEBLACK, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE)
* Hal Patino (KING DIAMOND)
* Mats Levén (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TREAT, KRUX)
* Thomas Vikström (CANDLEMASS)
* Kee Marcello (EUROPE)
* Jackie Patino (a.k.a. Maryann Cotton)
Snowy's backing band consisted of the following players:
* Kristian Niemann (ex-THERION) - Lead Guitar
* Mannequin De Sade (ex-NOTRE DAME, ENGEL) - Drums
* Elvira - Bass
The "Snowy Shaw Is Alive!" artwork was created by Snowy Shaw, with illustration by Andrej Bartulovic.
Due to the "astonishing response" and many offers from festival promoters and booking agencies, Snowy has decided to postpone the release of the DVD version of the Brew House concert "with the intention of having even more material filmed and included from the upcoming shows," according to a press release.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/snowyhalloween2012.jpg
"The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined", the new multidisc DVD from Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based extreme metallers KATAKLYSM, has entered the German chart at position No. 98.
Commented KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono: "We did this DVD with no expectations. Our little story immortalized with the luck of a label that would support it, I guess our great fans in our second home Germany have showed their love and brought a DVD release into the Top 100 album charts of the country. This is very unusual and we are very humbled by it. Thank you!"
"The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" depicts the ups and downs of KATAKLYSM's long, turbulent career, as well as footage of the band's performance at last year's Summer Breeze festival, which took place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The cover art for the release was created by artist Colin Marks (ORIGIN, EXODUS, NEVERMORE) and can be viewed below.
"The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" track listing:
DVD I
Iron Will Part I
The Early Years 1991-2004
01. Let's Start A Band 1991-1993
02. Signing to Nuclear Blast in 1994
03. Mexico in 1995
04. Max Leaves the Band
05. The Temple of Knowledge
06. The Reformation in 1997
07. Leaving NB in 1998
08. The Prophecy Returns to NB in 2000
09. EPIC 2001
10. In Shadows & Dust
11. Max Quits, Again
DVD II
Iron Will Part II
The Rebirth 2004-2011
01. Serenity In Fire with Martin in 2004
02. Max Comes Back
03. In The Arms... 2006
04. Prevailing in 2008
05. 2010 Heaven's Venom
06. Ozzfest
07. Albano's & Saverio
08. The World Tour
09. Transylvania
10. SPQR Rome
11. Touring with Kids
12. New Orleans
13. 2 Decades of Congrats
14. Credits
+ "Iron Will" video clip
DVD II and CD I
On Fire At Summer Breeze
Live at Summer Breeze Open Air 2011
01. Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)
02. Taking The World By Storm
03. The Awakener
04. To Reign Again
05. Manipulator Of Souls
06. As I Slither
07. At The Edge Of The World
08. As My World Burns
09. Drum Solo
10. Blood On The Swans
11. Astral Empire
12. Feeling The Neverworld
13. The Orb Of Uncreation
14. In Shadows And Dust
15. Crippled And Broken
16. Push The Venom
CD II
Best Of Kataklysm
01. Iron Will
02. Like Angels Weeping (The Dark)
03. Push The Venom
04. In Shadows And Dust
05. Manipulator Of Souls
06. Crippled And Broken
07. Prevail
08. As I Slither
09. The Awakener
10. The Resurrected
11. Let Them Burn
12. At The Edge Of The World
13. Taking The World By Storm
14. Blood In Heaven
15. The Ambassador Of Pain
16. Where The Enemy Sleeps
17. The Road To Devastation
18. Sorcery
19. The Orb Of Uncreation
The "At The Edge Of The World" performance clip, taken from the "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" DVD can be seen below.
KATAKLYSM's latest album, "Heaven's Venom", sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
KATAKLYSM's previous CD, "Prevail", opened with 2,250 units back in June 2008.
"Heaven's Venom" was produced by Jean-Francois Dagenais and was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).
Commented KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono: "We did this DVD with no expectations. Our little story immortalized with the luck of a label that would support it, I guess our great fans in our second home Germany have showed their love and brought a DVD release into the Top 100 album charts of the country. This is very unusual and we are very humbled by it. Thank you!"
"The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" depicts the ups and downs of KATAKLYSM's long, turbulent career, as well as footage of the band's performance at last year's Summer Breeze festival, which took place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The cover art for the release was created by artist Colin Marks (ORIGIN, EXODUS, NEVERMORE) and can be viewed below.
"The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" track listing:
DVD I
Iron Will Part I
The Early Years 1991-2004
01. Let's Start A Band 1991-1993
02. Signing to Nuclear Blast in 1994
03. Mexico in 1995
04. Max Leaves the Band
05. The Temple of Knowledge
06. The Reformation in 1997
07. Leaving NB in 1998
08. The Prophecy Returns to NB in 2000
09. EPIC 2001
10. In Shadows & Dust
11. Max Quits, Again
DVD II
Iron Will Part II
The Rebirth 2004-2011
01. Serenity In Fire with Martin in 2004
02. Max Comes Back
03. In The Arms... 2006
04. Prevailing in 2008
05. 2010 Heaven's Venom
06. Ozzfest
07. Albano's & Saverio
08. The World Tour
09. Transylvania
10. SPQR Rome
11. Touring with Kids
12. New Orleans
13. 2 Decades of Congrats
14. Credits
+ "Iron Will" video clip
DVD II and CD I
On Fire At Summer Breeze
Live at Summer Breeze Open Air 2011
01. Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)
02. Taking The World By Storm
03. The Awakener
04. To Reign Again
05. Manipulator Of Souls
06. As I Slither
07. At The Edge Of The World
08. As My World Burns
09. Drum Solo
10. Blood On The Swans
11. Astral Empire
12. Feeling The Neverworld
13. The Orb Of Uncreation
14. In Shadows And Dust
15. Crippled And Broken
16. Push The Venom
CD II
Best Of Kataklysm
01. Iron Will
02. Like Angels Weeping (The Dark)
03. Push The Venom
04. In Shadows And Dust
05. Manipulator Of Souls
06. Crippled And Broken
07. Prevail
08. As I Slither
09. The Awakener
10. The Resurrected
11. Let Them Burn
12. At The Edge Of The World
13. Taking The World By Storm
14. Blood In Heaven
15. The Ambassador Of Pain
16. Where The Enemy Sleeps
17. The Road To Devastation
18. Sorcery
19. The Orb Of Uncreation
The "At The Edge Of The World" performance clip, taken from the "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined" DVD can be seen below.
KATAKLYSM's latest album, "Heaven's Venom", sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
KATAKLYSM's previous CD, "Prevail", opened with 2,250 units back in June 2008.
"Heaven's Venom" was produced by Jean-Francois Dagenais and was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).
Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based sympho/black/folk/power metallers BLACKGUARD are hard at work on pre-production for their fourth album, "Storm". Vocalist Paul Zinay states, "Everyone here is ecstatic over the material we have. Our new guitarist, Louis, is a riff machine and working his ass off to help make this the best BLACKGUARD album to date.
"The writing process this time around is unlike anything we've done before. In the past, one or two people would make up the vast majority of material for the album. This time, however, everyone is contributing ideas and music and the results are beyond my expectations.
"We will be heading into studio in September to start tracking and we're hoping to have the record out in early 2013. Lyrically, I'm taking a step into new territory by trying my hand at writing a concept album. This won't be as intricate or vast as 'The Emerald Sword Saga' or 'The Metal Opera', but this will be an exciting and new challenge for me nonetheless."
BLACKGUARD's critically acclaimed album "Firefight" was released on March 29, 2011 via Victory Records. Revolver magazine praised the CD for its "epic, cinematic presence… filled with explosions, breaking glass, warrior chants and foreboding drumming."
BLACKGUARD will embark on a month-long tour on October 7 in New York City. They will join EPICA starting October 23 and will wrap up in their hometown of Montreal, Quebec.
"The writing process this time around is unlike anything we've done before. In the past, one or two people would make up the vast majority of material for the album. This time, however, everyone is contributing ideas and music and the results are beyond my expectations.
"We will be heading into studio in September to start tracking and we're hoping to have the record out in early 2013. Lyrically, I'm taking a step into new territory by trying my hand at writing a concept album. This won't be as intricate or vast as 'The Emerald Sword Saga' or 'The Metal Opera', but this will be an exciting and new challenge for me nonetheless."
BLACKGUARD's critically acclaimed album "Firefight" was released on March 29, 2011 via Victory Records. Revolver magazine praised the CD for its "epic, cinematic presence… filled with explosions, breaking glass, warrior chants and foreboding drumming."
BLACKGUARD will embark on a month-long tour on October 7 in New York City. They will join EPICA starting October 23 and will wrap up in their hometown of Montreal, Quebec.
TeePee of Total Rock Radio conducted an interview with Jørn Stubberud, best known as the bassist in the legendary Norwegian black metal band MAYHEM (where he performs under the stage name Necrobutcher), at this year's edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival, which was held August 9-12 at Catton Park, Derbyshire in the United Kingdom. You can now watch the chat below.
Asked if MAYHEM has begun working on material for the follow-up to 2007's "Ordo Ad Chao", Stubberud said, "I think that we are not a traditional band in that matter, that we make an album every year and then do a tour with that. 'Cause we don't feel it's necessary to do that — we do an album when we feel like doing an album. It's true — all the guys have some other projects also; like Hellhammer [drums] has ARCTURUS, Attila [Csihar, vocals] has VOID OV VOICES and SUNN O))). It takes time to come up with some good stuff, and we don't wanna rush anything. But we are now, actually, working on some new stuff. It's very hard to say [when the next CD will be released], but we are currently working on some new material and we have a plan to do something that will kick us in the ass a little bit. It's too long a story to go into that [right now]. . . We're waiting for the right inspiration, but having a blast in the meantime, too — travelling around the world and playing."
MAYHEM was honored in the "Metal" category at the 36th annual Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards) for "Ordo Ad Chao".
Asked if MAYHEM has begun working on material for the follow-up to 2007's "Ordo Ad Chao", Stubberud said, "I think that we are not a traditional band in that matter, that we make an album every year and then do a tour with that. 'Cause we don't feel it's necessary to do that — we do an album when we feel like doing an album. It's true — all the guys have some other projects also; like Hellhammer [drums] has ARCTURUS, Attila [Csihar, vocals] has VOID OV VOICES and SUNN O))). It takes time to come up with some good stuff, and we don't wanna rush anything. But we are now, actually, working on some new stuff. It's very hard to say [when the next CD will be released], but we are currently working on some new material and we have a plan to do something that will kick us in the ass a little bit. It's too long a story to go into that [right now]. . . We're waiting for the right inspiration, but having a blast in the meantime, too — travelling around the world and playing."
MAYHEM was honored in the "Metal" category at the 36th annual Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards) for "Ordo Ad Chao".
According to TheNews.pl, guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH has been cast as former German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop in a new comedy film about the Nazis.
"AmbaSSada" (EmbaSSy) is the brainchild of established film director Juliusz Machulski, who is responsible for such cult Polish comedies as 1984's "Sex Misja" (Sex Mission) and 2004's "Vinci".
The plot of Machulski's film, which is being shot this month is Warsaw, revolves around a young couple living in present-day Warsaw. Their home happens to be the former German Embassy, and entering the elevator one day, they find themselves transported back to the eve of war in 1939.
"I've always wanted to make a contemporary film about Warsaw which at the same time has a dialogue with history," the director told the Polish Press Agency.
Darski recently became the new spokesman for energy drink called Demon in his native Poland.
Nergal will reportedly donate a portion of his earnings from the campaign to DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center whose mission is to save people's lives by registering and motivating stem cell donors over the long run in all corners of the globe.
Darski was found innocent in August 2011 of offending religious feelings in connection with a September 2007 incident when he reportedly called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" during the band's performance in Gdynia and tore up a copy of the Bible, calling it "a book of lies."
A Polish judge ruled on August 18, 2011 that Darski's ripping up of a Bible during a show was a form of artistic expression consistent with the style of his band.
Judge Krzysztof Wieckowski said he considered Darski's actions "a form of art." He added that the court had no intention of limiting freedom of expression or the right to criticize religion.
"AmbaSSada" (EmbaSSy) is the brainchild of established film director Juliusz Machulski, who is responsible for such cult Polish comedies as 1984's "Sex Misja" (Sex Mission) and 2004's "Vinci".
The plot of Machulski's film, which is being shot this month is Warsaw, revolves around a young couple living in present-day Warsaw. Their home happens to be the former German Embassy, and entering the elevator one day, they find themselves transported back to the eve of war in 1939.
"I've always wanted to make a contemporary film about Warsaw which at the same time has a dialogue with history," the director told the Polish Press Agency.
Darski recently became the new spokesman for energy drink called Demon in his native Poland.
Nergal will reportedly donate a portion of his earnings from the campaign to DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center whose mission is to save people's lives by registering and motivating stem cell donors over the long run in all corners of the globe.
Darski was found innocent in August 2011 of offending religious feelings in connection with a September 2007 incident when he reportedly called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" during the band's performance in Gdynia and tore up a copy of the Bible, calling it "a book of lies."
A Polish judge ruled on August 18, 2011 that Darski's ripping up of a Bible during a show was a form of artistic expression consistent with the style of his band.
Judge Krzysztof Wieckowski said he considered Darski's actions "a form of art." He added that the court had no intention of limiting freedom of expression or the right to criticize religion.
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