According to The Pulse Of Radio, Alice Cooper has revealed in a new interview with ClashMusic.com how he would like to spend his last day on Earth, saying he would start the day on Hawaii before hitting the legendary golf courses at Augusta and Pine Valley. He explained, "I'd wake up in Maui. That's the best place to wake up in the world anyway, because that's sort of like halfway between Earth and Heaven. It's the halfway point. It gives you a little taste of Heaven . . . And then you're immediately on the first tee at Augusta, and then you're immediately on the first tee at Pine Valley."
Cooper added that if the record on each course is a score of 64, "two 59s would be great!"
The shock-rocker told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that people are always surprised that his game is very strong. "Three handicap, and I play five times a week, and I play really good," he laughed. "Yeah, that's the one thing I can really do, other than Alice Cooper. That surprises people, I think. They just can't believe that Alice Cooper could be a three handicap, but I am."
Cooper added that his last day would be completed by a dinner with people like Mike Myers, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sylvester Stallone, Rob Zombie, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney — with the vegan McCartney eating a "big thick steak" in Cooper's honor.
Finally, after a jam session with his guests, Cooper said, "I think you just go to sleep. I can't imagine a long death."
As for his epitaph, Cooper suggested, "Here lies Alice. Since when he was teething, he never stopped talking 'til he stopped breathing."
Cooper is among the 2011 inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Darlene Love and Tom Waits. The ceremony will be held on March 14 at New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
According to Reuters, AC/DC came in at No. 2 on the list of the world's top concert attractions of 2010 after making all its money overseas. AC/DC grossed $177 million from 40 shows while METALLICA was No. 5 with $110.1 million from 60 overseas dates. Meanwhile, BON JOVI ended the year as the world's top concert draw, having sold $201.1 million worth of tickets, split almost evenly between North America and the rest of the world.
AC/DC was honored in the "Top Boxscore" category at the Billboard Touring Awards, which were handed out at a special reception in New York on November 4. The awards are primarily based on global box office numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore from October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010.
The "Top Boxscore" award recognizes the highest-grossing single engagement for the time period. Two of the Boxscore finalists were from AC/DC: a three-night, sold-out stand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney and three more sellouts at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne; both were in February. The third finalist for Top Boxscore was the Download festival in the U.K.
METALLICA wrapped up its two-year-long "World Magnetic" tour on November 21 with the last of three shows in Melbourne, Australia, bringing to an end a trek that began on September 12, 2008 in Berlin to support the band's ninth studio album, "Death Magnetic". The group issued a statement compiling the tour's numbers, which included "45 countries, 143 arena shows, 34 festival shows, 29 stadium shows, four club/theater shows, three TV/radio shows, two Hall of Fame shows, 3790 songs, and not a single setlist was the same."
The group played a total of 216 shows in 800 days.
METALLICA is already confirmed to headline Rock In Rio next September in Brazil. The band will also make several festival appearances in Europe over the summer.
Rocker-turned-filmmaker Rob Zombie has rolled out his very own line of coffee. His first two blends — French Roast Organic and Peru Organic — are available in 1 lb. bags for $13.99 each (plus shipping and handling) at
http://robzombie.shop.bravadousa.com/Dept.aspx?cp=30708_41622
"What can I say? I fucking love coffee," Zombie told AOL's Noisecreep. "I started drinking this magic drink when I was a little kid and never stopped. So that's the reason I now have my own Hellbilly brew; 24/7, cranked on black gold! Hell yeah, let's go!"
Rob Zombie French Roast Organic Whole Bean Coffee description: "Our deepest and darkest roasted coffee. This 100% Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified French Roast offering has a surprising characteristic that you'll notice when you purchase whole beans — a hint of speckle. This is because we artistically blend our French Roast with a moderate percentage of different roasts, producing a complex taste profile that no other French-style coffee has in existence. Savor the deepness."
Rob Zombie Peru Organic Whole Bean Coffee description: "From the tall peaks of the Andes to the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin, Peruvian coffees are as distinct as their birthplace. Featuring 100% Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified beans, this incredible single-origin coffee supports the battle against social and environmental challenges. Medium-bodied with a tangy fruit finish, our lively Peru has been hand-crafted to realize its complete flavor potential."
Zoom has announced the addition of guitarist and lead vocalist Dave Mustaine of the iconic band MEGADETH to its family of artists. Mustaine has been a mainstay in the metal community for over 25 years, having formed MEGADETH in 1983. Internationally acclaimed as one of the greatest metal guitarists in the world, Mustaine is also an accomplished producer.
Mustaine and Zoom will introduce the all-new G2.1DM Dave Mustaine Signature Edition Guitar Effects Pedal at a press conference on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Zoom booth (#5940) at the NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
"This pedal is built for action," declares Mustaine. "With my personal sound effects and a large expression pedal modeled after the accelerator of one of my favorite cars onboard, the G2.1DM leaves all contenders at the starting line."
2010 was a huge year for Mustaine and MEGADETH. It marked the 20th anniversary of "Rust In Peace", considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time. MEGADETH also performed as part of the "Big Four" tour in Europe alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and ANTHRAX, as well as the "American Carnage" tour. And 2011 is expected to be even bigger.
"It's been a honor working closely with Dave on this new pedal," says Mark Menghi, Artist Relations Director. "Zoom has been fully committed to capturing his thrash metal guitar sound in the G2.1DM. We are excited to be unleashing it on guitar players everywhere."
Last year's NAMM drew 85,000 registrants from 100 countries and attracted 1,400-plus exhibitors.
The NAMM show is one of the largest music product trade shows in the world.
NAMM show is **NOT** open to the public. The only attendees are NAMM member companies and their invited guests.
For more information, visit Namm.org.
Legendary hard rock singer Joe Lynn Turner (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) is slated to appear on Russia's most popular New Year's Eve television broadcast: Channel One's "Olivier". According to Russian music journalist Tatiana Mikhailova, the word "Olivier" in Russian culture is the name of the popular salad dish traditionally served on New Year's Eve. The television show itself is reportedly a "salad" mix of interviews and entertainment. Mikhailova reports that Sting, Elton John and ROXETTE are other musicians scheduled to be shown on this broadcast. Although Joe did not perform at the show's taping, he was interviewed for the program.
"Olivier" is recorded a few days before New Year's Eve and also shown on January 7 (Russian Christmas).
In mid-December, Turner was summoned to appear as a member of the "jury" on "Fashion Verdict", one of Russia's most widely viewed daytime television shows, with one of the largest audience of women viewers. It's a fashion makeover show with goals that are similar to the American TV show "Style Court" and USA cable TV programs "What Not To Wear" (The Learning Channel) or "How Do I Look?" (Style network). Joe gave advice to the woman "on trial."
Turner's recent solo tour of Russia was a huge success. He played over 15 dates, including several in Siberia. The singer states, "Siberia was an amazing mix of Chinese, Japanese and Russian fans. They loved the music so much they were singing along to many of the songs!"
Joe is humbled by his multi-dimensional celebrity status in Russia and all of Eastern Europe. He explains, "This area is like the Wild West of the East! There is so much uncharted territory and I have enjoyed every minute of playing to these loyal audiences who still appreciate pure, classic rock. Yet I still cannot wrap myself around the fact that I am considered a major celebrity here. I am just doing my job... making music, singing, giving my 'all' on tour."
The Russian infatuation with Turner probably began in the late 1980s when he played several sold out shows in Leningrad and Moscow as a member of guitarist YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE. The singer helped the guitar virtuoso reach a wider audience with the album "Odyssey" and album/video/DVD "Live In Leningrad". The Russians did not forget and later embraced Turner when he toured the country with Glenn Hughes and the HUGHES TURNER PROJECT. Many other appearances followed, including numerous solo shows and a command performance for President Dmitry Medvedev, other major government officials and Russian oil company executives at a private concert in Moscow.
Turner has many exciting projects in the works for 2011 and will announce more news in January.
Glam rockers BANG TANGO have updated their tour schedule. Confirmed dates are as follows:
January
21 - Murphy's - Memphis, TN
22 - Samurai Saki House - Oklahoma City, OK
23 - The House of Bricks - Des Moines, IA
25 - The Grove - Lincoln, NE
28 - Out of Bounds - Loveland, CO
February
20 - Island Bar & Grill - Surfside Beach, SC
23 - 37 Main - Buford, GA
24 - The Muse - Nashville, TN
25 - Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
26 - Sky Club - Augusta, GA
27 - The State Theatre - St. Petersburg, FL
May
19 - Club Vegas - Salt Lake City, UT
20 - Diamonds - Jerome, ID
22 - Bike Rally - Casper, WY
Critically acclaimed New York City rock 'n' roll band THE COMPULSIONS has scheduled a live performance at legendary rock club Don Hill's In New York City. The group's lineup will feature founder and front man Rob Carlyle along with Richard Fortus (GUNS N' ROSES) on guitar, Sami Yaffa (MICHAEL MONROE, NEW YORK DOLLS) on bass and Frank Ferrer (GUNS N' ROSES) on drums. The show will take place at midnight on Saturday, January 8.
Commented Carlyle: "It's been about a year since we performed together because we've all been busy with different projects. But everyone's schedule is finally clear so we figured it was time to do a show."
A full-length COMPULSIONS album, titled "Beat The Devil", is in the works.
"The audience response has been over the top and there's an incredible amount of chemistry when we play together so the goal is to raise THE COMPULSIONS' profile and keep this thing going as long as possible," added Carlyle. "Fingers crossed."
Ferrer and Fortus have both appeared on all three THE COMPULSIONS EPs, "Laughter From Below", "Demon Love" and "Been Through Hell". The six-song discs have received near universal critical acclaim from both the underground and mainstream press, including being called "coolest band in the world" by Classic Rock magazine.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thecompulsions.
Websites: www.marcomendoza.com - www.myspace.com/marcomendozamusic
Interviewer: Ruben Mosqueda
Marco Mendoza is an inspiration to all the kids with Latin American roots who aspire to have a career in music. Mendoza is a bass player by trade, but he also writes, sings and plays guitar. He has performed with some pretty big names in the metal and hard rock world -- playing with David Coverdale in Whitesnake and with John Sykes in both Blue Murder and Thin Lizzy as well as on Sykes' solo work. He's also recorded and toured with Ted Nugent, been a part of Planet US which evolved into SoulsirkUS, played on the latest Lynch Mob album 'Smoke And Mirrors' and he's recently released his second solo record 'Casa Mendoza'. Marco's latest album is an eclectic body of work that ranges from hard rock to soul to blues to jazz with a Latin flavor to it. 'Casa Mendoza' is an album that any true music connoisseur will sink their teeth into and give multiple spins to. Sleaze Roxx recently spoke with Marco about his new album and the various projects that he's been
involved in -- most recently the resurrected Thin Lizzy with new recruits Vivian Campbell and Ricky Warwick.
Sleaze Roxx: How long has 'Casa Mendoza' been in the planning stages?
Marco Mendoza: I'm always writing. I'm always moving fast as you know -- I'm always involved with something. I'm constantly writing and recording demos. I tuck them away and when there's a window of opportunity to do some work on my solo material I'll pull them out. I'd say that about two years after the release of my last album 'Live For Tomorrow' I was approached by Mascot Records to work on a new album. I agreed to do it when I had some down time. The advent of Protools has made recording so convenient, it virtually makes pre-production easy. I like that once you get going things move relatively fast. Right now I have about five songs that are ready for the next album, there's a tentative time frame for the next record -- it will also be released by Mascot Records. I'd like to have the next album released around August of 2011, so I'd like to have that record turned into the label by April or May of 2011. The last three years have been extremely busy
for me, it seems like I go from one project to another to another.
Sleaze Roxx: As rock fans we try to find comparisons when we hear new music -- it's what we do. I compare 'Casa Mendoza' to classic Santana if the band debuted in 2010. There's a great mix of classic rock, blues, soul, funk and jazz.
Marco Mendoza: Thank you for that comparison. I agree with what you said, it just happened that I went into the studio with some of my friends and the only rule was that there would be no boundaries. I'm hearing a lot of positive things in the reviews and interviews that I've do so far. It's very cool man, I think everybody has been pleasantly surprised with what they heard on the album.
Sleaze Roxx: The bulk of the material on 'Casa Mendoza' is original material but there are some covers. Steve Wonder's "Living For The City" is in there as is the classic "Suzie Q" which has been rearranged and sounds nothing like the version that we've come to know.
Marco Mendoza: I've been doing new arrangements for classic songs for years when I've played with friends or with my trio. "Suzie Q" is the first song that I ever learned when I was getting into music. There's a lot of sentimental value in that song for me, whenever I get a chance to play it live I do. "Suzie Q" is a very simple song but it's well known amongst the classic rock fans. It's a blast to play that song live -- we feed off the audience's energy. "Living For The City", which you mentioned, also gets a pretty good response. These songs have been a huge part of musical vocabulary and they've left a lasting impression on me as a musician. This, for me, was another way of saying 'this is a classic, here it is like you haven't heard it before'.
Sleaze Roxx: You've assembled a solid band on 'Casa Mendoza'. Bass players aren't given much credit in the hard rock realm unless you're Geddy Lee or Billy Sheehan but you showed off your chops on this album.
Marco Mendoza: You know what, I'll agree with you there. The common denominator has been, in all of the interviews that I have been doing today, is that people are surprised with my playing. I'm so happy with the response and the compliments about my playing... I'm so honored. I'll say this, if you see me and the band live we take it to an entire other level. I surround myself with nothing but the best musicians.
Sleaze Roxx: You close out 'Casa Mendoza' with a bonus cut entitled "Tu" which is sung entirely in Spanish. Is this a potential market that you would like to explore in the future? Rock music in Spanish is hard to come by in North America.
Marco Mendoza: My first language is Spanish -- I grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, and then lived in Mexico City. I was bombarded with all of the Latin American influences and rhythms, then the English invasion and southern rock... so again these were part of my musical vocabulary. A song in Spanish will surprise some but to me it's very natural. I included my mother on "Tu", she sang on it -- she's since passed away but I will always have her on the song. I didn't note that on the album, I'd rather do it in these interviews.
My mom was a professional singer, it was my mother who said to me, "Marco why don't you think about doing a song in Spanish?" As you know "Tu" is the translation of "you" in Spanish. The song, in essence, is me talking to God -- it speaks to my spiritual beliefs and the power of prayer. I hope you like it, I know a lot of people are digging it. It's a trip because we did an English and Spanish version and I think the Spanish version is better. I'm not one to listen to my own music, but when I heard "Tu" I was like wow!
Sleaze Roxx: Your musical resume is outstanding -- you played with John Sykes and Blue Murder, then you followed him to Thin Lizzy and you worked with David Coverdale and Whitesnake. How uncomfortable was it for you having had a foot in both the Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy camps, seeing as the falling out between Coverdale and Sykes has been well documented.
Marco Mendoza: Yeah I think you hit the nail on the head, it was uncomfortable. I have since resolved my issues with John. I'm a bass player, it's not only my livelihood but my passion and my trade. If you can believe this, I received a call from David Coverdale who was looking for a bass player. He offered to fly me up to his house to see if we clicked and we hit it off. During the time that I was with David we talked about maybe him reuniting with John Sykes. I'll take credit for them talking again years after their falling out. I did the same with Tommy Aldridge. For whatever reason things didn't work out and John didn't return. It would have been great to have John back in Whitesnake but it didn't work. In my opinion that would have been the right move.
My time in Whitesnake was a great time, I loved every second of it. Going back to my time with John Sykes we did a great live album that wasn't well received for whatever reason. I'm a guy that if I make mistakes or have issues with somebody I like to resolve them. The truth is life is too short, bury the hatchet if you will, and move on. I like to keep my sanity, resentments are not good period. I was a little disappointed that John and David weren't able to forgive and more forward, but they make their own choices. I haven't spoke to David Coverdale since I left Whitesnake. I talk to John Sykes, our paths have crossed and we live in the same town.
Sleaze Roxx: What are John's thoughts on Thin Lizzy continuing on without him? I guess he thought that Thin Lizzy had gone as far as it could and wanted to put the band to rest. Scott Gorham obviously thought otherwise because he went out and picked up guitarist Vivian Campbell and singer Ricky Warwick.
Marco Mendoza: I think that in John's mind the idea had run its course. John had been there for years and he needed to address what he wanted to do musically. I wanted to do my solo album, I was slated to do some work with Ted Nugent and was working with Neal Schon. I don't think I would have been able to get this album done had there not been that break from Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. It's hard for fans to understand, but for John he just needed to move on. It was Scott Gorham and Brian Downey that wanted to revisit Thin Lizzy, they made some phone calls and I was one of them and here we go. I have to say the band sound great and the players couldn't be better. The new guys are Irish, they know the history of the band and they experienced the Phil Lynott phenomenon first hand. We're excited the word is out and now we'll see how it goes.
Sleaze Roxx: I think the live performance speaks for itself. You guys released a great live album 'One Night Only' with the previous incarnation of Thin Lizzy -- you would have to hear the band before you pan it.
Marco Mendoza: The bottom line is the songs speak for themselves. I would say that you can take any line-up and the songs would sound great. It's one of those rarities where the songs and the legacy are so strong that it's truly a testament to Phil Lynott's incredible ability to write a song. You can't go wrong here man, the true fans will really appreciate the players and the musicianship. Ultimately I think you'd have to see it to believe it. We just played a showcase for about 150 people a few days ago. It was a full set for people in the press and industry people and they were just blown away. That's all I've got to say, just come check us out before you judge. I fly out of L.A. on January 3rd and we kick off our European tour on January 6th. We're looking at booking some U.S. dates for 2011. We're getting invited to play places now. It's an exciting time for us right now.
Sleaze Roxx: You recorded with George Lynch and laid down the bass tracks for the new Lynch Mob album 'Smoke And Mirrors'. Why didn't that work out because you were supposed to do the tour, right?
Marco Mendoza: We did the album and we were supposed to do a big summer tour with Cinderella but Tom Keifer blew out his voice and the tour was cancelled. George called me and Lynch Mob had some festival dates slated which was cool because I was free. It was a blast, we wanted to do some writing and get a deal. We got a deal with Frontiers Records which was my label, we recorded and started looking into promoting the album and I started getting calls about other projects. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with Dolores O'Riordan, the former singer of The Cranberries, on her album, I got a call from Neal Schon, Ted Nugent and Mascot approached me about the solo album. There was a conflict because George was spending his time doing Souls Of We and I just couldn't wait around for him to do the Lynch Mob tour. I was offered the Lynch Mob tour but I just couldn't wait 2-3 months to do it. He understood, I talk to him all the time. I just saw him at
the Thin Lizzy rehearsals, we talked a little bit and we talked about possibly doing some dates, so we'll see what happens.
Sleaze Roxx: Last question, you were also part of Soul SirkUS, which was initially Planet US, and originally featured Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar. Then Jeff Scott Soto and you stepped in and joined guitarist Neal Schon and drummer Deen Castronovo, who was later replaced by Virgil Donati. The talent pool was there, so why didn't that band make it?
Marco Mendoza: I was disappointed that band didn't continue. Neal went back to work with Journey, Jeff always has something brewing, and I was doing other things. We went out and did a few shows behind the album and there was little support by the label and our management. Soul SirkUS wasn't our priority at that time, that along with some personality issues which I won't go into. We lost interest and the thing fizzled. Sorry I can't go into specifics, but sometimes things are just not meant to be. If the people involved aren't fully committed it just won't work.
Having said that, I just completed an album with Neal Schon and Deen Castonovo. I was in San Francisco two weeks ago wrapping up the recording. The record will be out early next year right after the release of the new Journey album. I hope that we get a chance to go out on the road to promote that because we all sing on it. I'm curious to hear the fans' reaction.
Rock artists GREAT WHITE with special guest vocalist Jani Lane (ex-WARRANT) will perform New Year's Eve (December 31) in the Woodlands Ballroom at the Fortune Bay Resort Casino in the Minnesota family vacation resort Lake Vermilion Resort from 10 p.m. to midnight. This will be a free show but you must be 18 to attend
Lane has been singing with GREAT WHITE for the past few months, filling in for the band's longtime lead vocalist, Jack Russell, who is recuperating from surgery.
"It's been fantastic," Lane told Timberjay. "I've been friends with Jack for decades and I told him I'd be happy to fill in for him."
Regarding his approach to singing someone else's material for the first time, Lane said, "I wanted to stay true to how Jack sings. I didn't realize how hard that would be." Lane said he had to train himself to sing at a higher pitch than usual. "I asked him why he sings so high all the time," Jani said.
As for his newfound bandmates, Lane said, "The guys in GREAT WHITE have been really pleasant to work with. They're very professional. For them, it's all about sounding good for the fans and coming home and taking care of business."
AC/DC, GODSMACK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and DISTURBED have released some of the top-selling hard rock/heavy metal albums of 2010, according to Billboard.com.
The following CDs have made Billboard.com's Top 200 list of the year-end top-selling albums across all genres, ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan:
42. Dark Horse - NICKELBACK
53. A Thousand Suns - LINKIN PARK
65. Iron Man 2 (Soundtrack) - AC/DC
71. The Oracle - GODSMACK
76. Nightmare - AVENGED SEVENFOLD
81. Asylum - DISTURBED
88. The Circle - BON JOVI
106. Journey's Greatest Hits - JOURNEY
111. Them Crooked Vultures - THEM CROOKED VULTURES
124. Valleys Of Neptune - JIMI HENDRIX
134. Night Castle - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
152. War Is The Answer - FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
154. Scream - OZZY OSBOURNE
165. Greatest Hits - GUNS N' ROSES
168. Fever - BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
174. Black Gives Way To Blue - ALICE IN CHAINS
187. Guitar Heaven: The Greatest ... - SANTANA
WJCU 88.7 FM and Auburn Records hosted a food drive for the Cleveland Foodbank on Saturday, December 11 at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fans attending the Iron Ingo Cleveland Indoor Air festival were encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable foods to the Beachland to help those in need this holiday season. A donation was made from the Cleveland metal community to the Cleveland Foodbank.
"We just received the final numbers," says festival organizer, Auburn Records president and WJCU "Metal On Metal" host Bill Peters. "The total donation was an amazing 1,256 pounds of food! That's more than triple the amount of the 340 pounds we collected last year.
"I challenged the Cleveland metal community to top last year's total and they more than responded by completely shattering our goal. We also raised $213 in cash donations with the help of the Cleveland Burlesque Company.
"Thank you to all of the fans for their unbelievable support to a great charity during these very difficult economic times."
"We were so thrilled by the outpouring of support from heavy metal fans for the Cleveland Foodbank and hunger relief efforts," says Kristin Warzocha, Vice President of External Affairs for the Foodbank. "These food contributions will provide more than 1,000 meals for local hunger programs and the families they serve."
Bands performing at the festival this year included BLACK DEATH, BREAKER, DESTRUCTOR, ETERNAL LEGACY, GROUND ZERO, H.A.T.E., LICK THE BLADE, SHOK PARIS, SOULLESS and VENOMIN JAMES, plus special guest appearances by MAIDEN VOYAGE (performing IRON MAIDEN's "The Number Of The Beast" album in its entirety) and THE CLEVELAND BURLESQUE COMPANY girls. Admission to the festival was free. All production and marketing costs were covered by Peters. The bands and Beachland donated their time and venue, respectively.
"If a radio station is judged by the character of its listeners, then WJCU must be blessed," says WJCU General Manager Mark Krieger. "The heartfelt response that metal music fans demonstrated during the Auburn Records/WJCU food drive proves that Northeast Ohioans are not only resilient and fun loving, but that they're generous and sensitive to the needs of their neighbors.
"WJCU is proud to have been part of this effort, but we give all the credit to Auburn Records, the bands and production crew who donated their time and talent, and especially the fans who came from across the region to make this drive a great success."
The festival was co-hosted by Germany's Iron Ingo Stührenberg and CELLBOUND vocalist Chris Emig.
Ingo is a writer for the popular German underground heavy metal webzine Metal Rules. He traveled to Cleveland from his home in Wiesmoor, Germany, at his own expense, for the second year in a row to be part of the event. His first visit to Cleveland was in 2009.
"My second wild and crazy trip to Cleveland got me even more connected to the city and the people", proudly states Ingo. "I enjoyed my visit a lot, especially seeing my closest friends Bill Peters and Dave Overkill from DESTRUCTOR who let me stay in his house again and made me feel at home.
"Cleveland is my second home now. I'm proud to say from now on I am a little part of Cleveland's metal history.
"Thanks to everyone who donated food or cash for the Foodbank. One thing is for sure, the Iron Ingo will return!"
"Sometimes people think there is nothing they can do to significantly help causes like this, especially when they feel they have little to contribute themselves, because the problems appear too big and overwhelming", adds Peters.
"It's hard to believe that right now in this country millions of people are struggling with hunger. You do not think of people going without food here but the problem is more widespread than most of us may realize. Shockingly 1 in 6 Americans or 49 million people are affected, including 17 million children. They are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who are forced to skip meals, sometimes for days, due to economic and employment misfortunes. The success of this food drive shows one person can make a significant difference in their local community.
"We did this event without any big money investors or corporate backers behind us. We're just average, everyday hard-working citizens like anyone else who care about our community.
"Heavy metal fans are the most generous in the world when it comes to supporting good causes. Everyone who attended the benefit and contributed was part of the solution. The whole is most definitely greater than the sum of its parts. We can take on and defeat these kinds of problems in society with the power of unity.
British gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST and Dutch death metallers GOD DETHRONED have been confirmed for next year's FortaRock festival, set to take place July 2, 2011 at Park Brakkestein in Nijmegen, Holland.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
GOD DETHRONED
IMMORTAL
PARADISE LOST
SACRED REICH
For more information, visit www.fortarock.nl.
40-year-old international drumming sensation Marco Minnemann (KREATOR, NECROPHAGIST) is strongly rumored to have joined DREAM THEATER as the replacement for the recently departed Mike Portnoy.
In a posting on his official web site, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci stated about the group's drummer search, "Auditions went great and we do have someone but we are spending some time getting everything in order before making an official announcement. Let me just say that we are all incredibly excited about our choice and just bursting at the seams to let the world know!"
German native Minnemann — who currently resides in San Diego, California — is looked upon by his peers as one of the most gifted, innovative, cutting-edge drummers on the international music scene today. He has won numerous awards for his educational drum books and videos and was featured on the cover of the world's leading drum magazine, Modern Drummer. Minnemann's unusual drum kit setup, which includes an array of multiple foot pedals, gong drum, electronics and unique cymbal configurations, combined with his amazing, extreme interdependence skills has propelled him to superstar status among today's elite drumming royalty. His total command of four-way independence is unequaled, and his over-the-top drumming creations are simply mind-boggling.
Marco's "Extreme Interdependence" drum instructional book was voted the No. 1 educational book in several drumming magazines. His "Extreme Drumming" DVD also won several readers' poll awards and earned Marco the prestigious Telly Award.
Not only is Minnemann a world-class drumming innovator, having brought stunned audiences to their feet at most every major drum festival in the world, but he is also a musical renaissance man. His eclectic musical skills include composing, producing, and engineering, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist on guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Minnemann has seven multi-faceted solo recordings to his name, along with several outstanding recordings with his former band, ILLEGAL ALIENS, and numerous recordings as a sideman and producer, working with such artists as Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG), Mike Keneally (FRANK ZAPPA) and European superstar Nina Hagen.
DREAM THEATER will co-headline next year's edition of Classic Rock magazine's award-winning High Voltage festival, set to take place Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011 in Victoria Park, London, England. The band will headline the main stage on July 24. High Voltage 2011 will mark the first U.K. performance of the group's new lineup following the departure of Mike Portnoy.
Just days after it was announced that he'd been dismissed as the touring drummer for AVENGED SEVENFOLD, Portnoy revealed that he tried to rejoin DREAM THEATER, and was rebuffed.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band this summer while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD.
He played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and has toured with them since early summer.
Tuesday (December 28) marks the one-year anniversary of the death of AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan, who was found dead in his Huntington Beach, California home at the age of 28. AVENGED frontman M. Shadows urged fans to celebrate The Rev's life and not his death.
"It's a daily struggle since Jimmy's death," he told Kerrang! magazine. "There are good days and bad days — days where you don't think about it so much, and then there're days where you sit there and just can't believe it. We're just trying to move forward and live our lives as best we can, and we're just happy to be here right now.
"We're going to celebrate his birthday [February 9] and not necessarily his death," he added. "But I think I'll want to get together [with the rest of the band] and watch his tribute video and talk about him. We do that every day anyway, but [today] I just want to keep it chilled and remember the guy for how fucking awesome he was."
Sullivan's death was attributed to a lethal combination of several prescription drugs, including OxyContin and Valium, with alcohol.
The drummer died just before AVENGED SEVENFOLD was to begin recording its fifth album.
The band recruited Sullivan's favorite drummer, DREAM THEATER's Mike Portnoy, to record the album with them and be their touring drummer throughout 2010.
The disc, titled "Nightmare", came out last summer and was AVENGED SEVENFOLD's first No. 1 record.
Portnoy was dismissed from the group earlier this month. A new, yet-to-be-named drummer will join AVENGED SEVENFOLD on tour in January when the band hits the road with STONE SOUR.
According to a posting on FEAR FACTORY's Facebook page, the band's previously announced U.S. tour dates — which were scheduled to kick off latet this week — have been "potponed." No further details are currently available.
Affected shows:
Jan. 02 - Amarillo, TX - The Sorority House
Jan. 04 - Farmington, NM - Top Deck
Jan. 05 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
Jan. 06 - Tucson, AZ - DV8
Jan. 07 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky A Go Go
Jan. 08 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
FEAR FACTORY has just completed "The Industrial Discipline Tour" of Europe with HIGH ON FIRE.
FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Mechanize", was released in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 via Candlelight Records. The CD, which was co-produced by the band with Rhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, PARADISE LOST), was mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY).
FEAR FACTORY's current lineup — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who was credited on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — made its live debut on December 4, 2009 at Espaço Lux in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION will film a video for the song "Hate Is My Fuel" on Friday, December 31 at the Headbangersball Silvester Festival in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Berlin, Germany's Roax Films will produce the clip, which will be released in early February.
"Hate Is My Fuel" comes off DESTRUCTION's new album, "Day Of Reckoning", which will be released on February 18, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The first limited edition of the album will not feature the band's logo on the booklet while the vinyl version and second pressing of the CD will show a red DESTRUCTION logo on it.
Commented DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer: "First of all, 'cause I hear the hardcore fans already complaining, the DESTRUCTION skull and the butcher can be found in the illustrated booklet of 'Day Of Reckoning'.
"The last man on earth that faces the end of the world, the concept of the album had to have the most evil base with a striking eye-catching look.
"We decided to not use the classical butcher theme on the cover front this time, 'cause this album needed a malicious look with symbols that express this strong title in the most bold and simple way.
"The story line will continue through the whole cover art and booklet. Gyula, a fantastic artist and metal fan from Hungary, was a great help for us with nailing down this concept. It's not the first time we worked with him; he illustrated all our latest releases! Like the band, he breathes, lives and understands the concept of a rather socially critical band like DESTRUCTION to the bone!"
"Day Of Reckoning" is the first album to feature DESTRUCTION's new drummer Vaaver (INDUKTI, ex-UNSUN). The band stated, "Some of you may have seen him already with the band on this year's summer festivals. He is a studied musician (McGill University of Montreal) and is a Polish-Canadian citizen!"
Commented Schmier: "The new guy behind the drumkit, the hard-hitting but well-versed, six-foot-six-inch-tall animal Vaaver took his first album with us as a challenge: no other DESTRUCTION album has the fastness, the tightness and crazy doublebass and drum fills as the 'Day Of Reckoning'! That's for fuckin' sure!"
He added: "The DESTRUCTION fans can look forward to an explosive drum massacre on the upcoming record, 'Day Of Reckoning'. Vaaver delightens our sound with a unbelievable tightness, technique and speed! A true rejuvenation for the band! And most important... he fits really good on the human level — a fortunate choice! It feels great to be a real band again!"
"Day Of Reckoning" limited slipcase edition track listing:
01. The Price
02. Hate Is My Fuel
03. Armageddonizer
04. Devil's Advocate
05. Day Of Reckoning
06. Sorcerer Of Black Magic
07. Misfit
08. The Demon Is God
09. Church Of Disgust
10. Destroyer Or Creator
11. Sheep Of The Regime
12. Stand Up And Shout (limited-edition bonus track)
Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH entered the studio in October to begin recording the follow-up to 2007's "Dark Passion Play". According to the band, "Emppu [Vuorinen] is nearly done with his guitar recordings, having done four comp tracks to all the songs plus half of all the leads. (The solos and acoustics are best left to record AFTER the orchestral and choir sessions). Marco [Hietala, bass/vocals] is also finished with his bass recordings so now we basically just wait for [arranger] Pip [Williams] and Tuomas [Holopainen, keyboards] to get the orchestral arrangements sorted out for the London sessions in February."
Regarding the musical direction of the forthcoming album, NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon recently wrote on her official blog, "I think it's a great and varied CD. The feelings in it are great and there are a lot of elements in it, so I am sure it will have many different favorite songs for the listeners since the songs are so different in styles and sound. 'Dark Passion Play' is a great album and this one, too, so I don't know yet which one I like more, but, of course, for me personally, this one feels better to do since the songs are more adjusted to my voice and my style."
The pre-production sessions for the new NIGHTWISH CD took place in "the deepest countryside of Finland," where most of the band spent several weeks finalizing the song arrangements and recording their instrumental parts.
NIGHTWISH played a special homecoming show in September 2009 at the sold-out, 11,000-capacity Hartwall Arena in Helsinki to mark the end of the band's colossal "Dark Passion Play" two-year world tour.
NIGHTWISH is not expected to play any more concerts until the release of the band's next studio album.
Finnish fantasy metallers BATTLELORE will release their sixth full-length album, "Doombound", on the following dates:
Jan. 26 - Spain, Finland, Sweden
Jan. 28 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, BeNeLux, Italy
Jan. 31 - rest of Europe
Feb. 08 - Canada, U.S.
"Doombound" features 11 new songs, one of which is instrumental. As was the case with previous BATTLELORE albums, there will be a jewel-case edition of "Doombound" and a special limited-edition digipack including some rare material. This time around the extra material is more special than ever before — as a "thank you" to all BATTLELORE fans and followers for their enormous support over the past 10 years, the band has compiled a bonus DVD from their personal archives. "10 Years Of Battlelore" includes footage from two live shows, two tour videos, a huge photo gallery and all of BATTLELORE's music videos.
The band's first conceptual effort, "Doombound" features lyrics which "tell the story of J.R.R. Tolkien's tragic hero Túrin Turambar and his kin," according to a press release. "One of the songs is sung completely in Finnish in appreciation to BATTLELORE's beautiful home country Finland and Kalevala, the national Finnish epic. The songs themselves are more dynamic, atmospheric and epic than ever before — prepare for the ultimate music experience and a life-long journey through the eyes of a fallen hero!"
"Doombound" track listing:
01. Bloodstained
02. Iron of Death
03. Bow and Helm
04. Enchanted
05. Kärmessurma
06. Olden Gods
07. Fate of the Betrayed
08. Men as Wolves
09. Last of the Lords
10. Doombound
11. Kielo (instrumental)
Continuing to devastate America one tour at a time, sludgemongers BUZZOV*EN today announce their third tour installment since reuniting early in the year. Hitting all new markets throughout the Southern and Southeastern U.S. this time, the band will hit the old dusty trail again in early February with Virginia's sludgesters COUGH providing direct support. Confirmed appearances on this newly announced rampage are as follows:
Feb. 04 - Ground Zero - Spartanburg, SC
Feb. 05 - The Jinx - Savannah, GA
Feb. 07 - Siberia - New Orleans, LA
Feb. 08 - Walters on Washington - Houston, TX
Feb. 09 - Trees - Dallas, TX
Feb. 10 - Downtown Music - Little Rock, AR
Feb. 11 - Hi Tone - Memphis, TN
Feb. 13 - Southgate House - Newport, KY
Feb. 15 - Canal Club - Richmond, VA
Feb. 16 - Casbah - Durham, NC
As with BUZZOV*EN's previous 2010 mini-tours in October and earlier this month, the band's classic lineup from its "At A Loss" LP of Kirk Fisher on guitar and vocals, "Dixie" Dave Collins (WEEDEATER, BONGZILLA) on bass and vocals, and Ramzi Ateyeh (SOURVEIN) on drums, now also includes Sleepy Floyd (SOURVEIN) on second guitar.
Following its inception in 1990, BUZZOV*EN quickly created an impact on the metal scene with its harsh, raging style of sludge, cementing the band as both a purveying act of the genre. After disbanding in 1999, the group revamped things and reformed in 2010, bringing their chaotic and caustic live rage back to the stage.
BUZZOV*EN will appear at The Netherlands' annual Roadburn Festival in April, as well as next year's installment of the Maryland Deatnfest in May.
German metallers AXXIS have set "20 Years Of Axxis" as the title of their first-ever DVD, due in early 2011. The footage for the disc was filmed at the band's December 13, 2009 20th-anniversary show at Zeche in Bochum, Germany and it will feature 33 songs spanning AXXIS's entire career. Also included are guest appearances by Rolf Stahlhofen (ex-SÖHNE MANNHEIMS), Kosta Zafirou (PINK CREAM 69), The Obel (comedian), Walter Pietsch (ex-AXXIS), Kuno Niemeyer (ex-AXXIS), Dirk Brand and Thomas "Harry" Weinkauf (SAT1 TV police officer), Wolfgang Funk (who previously worked in the marketing department of EMI; founder of GUN Records), Bob Arnz (former EMI A&R manager, now manager of Lafee) and Rolf Hanekamp (producer of "Kingdom Of The Night" and "Axxis II").
"20 Years Of Axxis" will be released through AXXIS's own label, Phonotraxx. Vocalist Bernhard Weiß explains, "If we don't try it ourselves, we will miss the boat.
"Since the release of 'Time Machine' this idea has been in our heads, but to be honest we never had the courage to do it.
"AFM is a great record company with a well-functioning infrastructure, and for us it's hard to bear the risk itself now. But with this DVD and our label, Phonotraxx, we want to know if we can be more independent in the future and if we will be able to do this.
"Around the world it's a crystal-clear trend of a many artists to move toward independence. Therefore I hope our fans support us and buy our first DVD directly from us!"
For more information, go to this location.
AXXIS's last studio album, "Utopia", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 40. This was the third highest German chart entry in the band's history.
"Utopia" was released on August 28, 2009 via AFM Records. The CD was made available as a standard jewel case version with 11 new songs and in a limited digipack format, which includes two bonus tracks (including the "20 Years Anniversary Song" with a running time of over 12 minutes!).
"Utopia" was the first AXXIS record to feature the band's new drummer, Alex Landenburg (MEKONG DELTA, ex-ANNIHILATOR).
Finnish metallers ENTHROPE have entered D-studio in Klaukkala to record cover versions of "Wolf Moon" by TYPE O NEGATIVE and "Presence Of The Dead" by PESTILENCE. The "Wolf Moon" track will appear on an upcoming tribute album to late TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele.
ENTHROPE's debut album, "Tomorrow's Dead Days", was released in June via Supernova Records, the rock/metal sub-label of Sweden's Bonnier Amigo Music Group.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Cloud Six
02. The Last Lunation
03. Moon Chains Descent
04. Illumination Paradox
05. Enemy Within
06. End It All
07. Dead Sun Fragment
08. The Desolate
09. Stars Of Nhagrad
For more information, visit www.enthrope.com.
"Dance Of Ignorance", the second album from the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-based heavy metal band DREADNOX, will be released in North America on January 11, 2011 via Nightmare Records. The CD was produced by Renato Tribuzy and mixed by Alex Macedo at Full Sound Studio and it features "a unique sound" characterized by "quality songs, powerful riffs and striking melodies," according to a press release.
"Dance Of Ignorance" track listing:
01. Fight With The Light
02. Survive
03. Echoes Of Midnight
04. Go On
05. Miracle
06. All Is Not Lost
07. Dance Of Ignorance
08. Annie
09. Sinners In Paradise
10. Impromptu
11. Waiting For The Sun
12. Bettle & Honor (bonus track)
Formed in 1993, DREADNOX consists of Fabio Schneider (vocals), Kiko Dittert (guitars), Dead Montana (bass) and Felipe Curi (drums).
The band's first album, "Divine Act", came out in 1998.
Sacramento, California's WILL HAVEN is putting the finishing touches to the follow-up to 2007's "The Hierophant". The as-yet-untitled, self-produced effort will mark the return of the band's original vocalist Grady Avenell, who rejoined WILL HAVEN in October 2009 after a two-year break. The CD will also feature SLIPKNOT percussionist Chris Fehn handling bass duties, following the departure of Mike Martin, who left the group to focus on family life.
"Grady is halfway done with vocals for the new record, all [we] can say is damn!" reads a post on the band's blog. "He is killing it! He sounds more amazing than ever: straight rage, emotion and feeling on this one. Getting close my friends. We can't wait for everyone to hear it."
"The Hierophant" was released in June 2007 through Bieler Bros. Records. Heralded by guitarist Jeff Irwin as "by far the best stuff we have ever done" and featuring production by Shaun Lopez (FAR, REVOLUTION SMILE) and DEFTONES vocalist Chino Moreno, the CD was WILL HAVEN's first release since 2001's critically acclaimed "Carpe Diem". It was also the group's first and only effort with singer Jeff Jaworski (formerly of RED TAPE).
MONGREL, the female-fronted aggressive punk-rock-metal band known as "the hardest working band in Boston" (Metal Edge) is looking for a new bassist. The group's bassist of the last five years, Rev, will be stepping down at the beginning of February.
"Rev has been a valued member of this band and good friend for five years now and while we're certainly disappointed he's not able to continue with the band, we certainly respect his decision, are on excellent terms with him, and wish him nothing but the best," stated band founder Adam Savage. "Being the class act that he's been throughout his five years in the band, Rev let us know his intent to leave a couple months ago and still was more than willing to record his parts for our new full length album."
Recording and mixing for MONGREL's new full-length album (due out in April or May) was completed a couple of weeks ago by Jim Foster (NULLSET, POD, GRAVEYARD BBQ) at White Sight and Sound in Framingham, Massachusetts.
The band's last release, the six-song "The New Breed of Old School" EP, came out this past fall.
MONGREL recently signed on with manager Damon Moreno at The Inner Light Agency (DESTROPHY, HELL WITHIN) and is currently entertaining options for the release of the new album.
MONGREL's final shows with Rev on bass:
Jan. 13 - Chop Shop, Seabrook NH (18+)
Jan. 15 - Anchors Up, Haverhill, MA (all ages)
Jan. 19 - Church, Boston MA (21+)
Jan. 28 - Platinum Premier, Worcester, MA
Jan. 29- The Silver Fern, Claremont NH (21+)
Feb. 03 - Club 58, Quincy, MA (21+, w/ Sex Slaves)
Feb. 04 - London Billiards, Worcester, MA (18+)
Swiss melodic-folk-death-metallers ELUVEITIE will embark on a tour of Brazil in late January. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Jan. 27 - Beco - Porto Alegre, Brazil
Jan. 28 - Music Hall BH - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Jan. 29 - Estudio Emme - São Paulo, Brazil
Jan. 30 - John Bull Music Hall - Curitiba, Brazil
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)", the latest album from ELUVEITIE, sold around 1,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 23 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.
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)" registered the following first-week European chart positions:
Switzerland: #8
Germany: #19
Austria: #22
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)" was released on February 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed at Nott-In Pill studios in Wales with Colin Richardson (SLIPKNOT, MACHINE HEAD, KREATOR, BEHEMOTH, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and Martyn "Ginge" Ford.
ELUVEITIE in 2008 announced the addition of Paede Kistler (bagpipes, whistles, acoustic guitars) and Kay Brem (bass) to the group's ranks.
ELUVEITIE will embark on a North American headlining tour in February 2011. Support on the trek will come from 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL and SYSTEM DIVIDE.
VREID, WOLF, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH, THE SORROW, 9MM ASSI ROCK'N'ROLL and DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL have been confirmed for next year's installment of the Summer Breeze festival, set to take place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
9MM ASSI ROCK'N'ROLL
A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH
ARCH ENEMY
BOLT THROWER
CALIBAN
CORVUS CORAX
DECAPITATED
DESTRUCTION
DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
FARMER BOYS
HAIL OF BULLETS
HATEBREED
HAYSEED DIXIE
J.B.O.
KALMAH
KAMPFAR
KVELERTAK
MARDUK
MELECHESH
MOONSORROW
PRIMORDIAL
REVAMP
SALTATIO MORTIS
SCAR SYMMETRY
SKELETONWITCH
SODOM
SONIC SYNDICATE
SYLOSIS
TARJA
THE HAUNTED
THE SORROW
TURISAS
TÝR
VADER
VOMITORY
VREID
WITCHERY
WOLF
Tickets can be purchased for 72 euros (excluding pre-sale fees, including parking/camping) at Silverdust-Shop.de. The first 10,000 tickets get a free DVD with live footage and impressions from the 2009 edition of the festival.
Canadian death metal lunatics KATAKLYSM have launched a new web site specially created for the Neckbreakers Ball 2011 tour where fans can see new interviews with the band and obtain information about VIP backstage meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise and much more. Check it out at SpreadTheVenom.com.
Neckbreakers Ball 2011 — which also features LEGION OF THE DAMNED, EQUILIBRIUM, MÅNEGARM and MILKING THE GOATMACHINE — will kick off on January 14 in Geiselwind, Germany.
The North American leg of KATAKLYSM's "Spread the Venom 2010 - 2011 World Tour" will include support from groove-laden death shredders ALL SHALL PERISH, technical/progressive death masters DECREPIT BIRTH, Sumerian Records' touring juggernaut CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE, and Relapse Records' modern death metal merchants ABYSMAL DAWN. This will be just a part of a massive worldwide tour that will be the band's last before a much-needed break from extensive performance schedule.
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).
1 comments:
yeah, it has to be Marco. He played an online show with Ruddess earlier last month. Writing was on the wall after that. Some folks want to hold out hope for someone else for one reason or another.
And after the annoucement here comes the "PLEASE COME BACK MIKE PORTNOYYYY" posts and "THIS GUY IS TOO GOOFY TO BE IN DERAME THEATERE, WE NEED SOMEONE SERIOUS!!"
You know these people exist. They're just bitter, middle aged fairweather ex-Queensryche fans.
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