Following last Saturday's (April 23) first U.S. "Big Four" concert in Indio, California, the so-called "Big Four" bands of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, SLAYER, ANTHRAX and MEGADETH — have announced that they will perform in the new version of the famed Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on September 14, 2011.
Commented METALLICA: "We can't wait for a night in the Bronx as our second American show and for those of you who love fun facts, this will also be the second live music event hosted at the new ballpark."
All seats are reserved for this show and tickets go on sale Friday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com. MetClub members should log in for more information about a special pre-sale starting on Wednesday, May 4. Yankees season ticket holders will have their own pre-sale, also on May 4, starting at noon.
METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told RollingStone.com in an interview earlier this week that more U.S. dates are on the way. He revealed, "We are looking to book something on the East Coast because of the success of this . . . Maybe we'll do somewhere in the Midwest and South, too. Still, I don't think it will turn into a 40-date arena tour; that would make it less special. I like the fact that there's an element of chaos to the whole thing. It shouldn't be sterile, streamlined and perfect: it needs an edgy underbelly to remain authentic."
The all-day event last weekend featured the so-called "big four" bands of the Eighties thrash metal scene — SLAYER, ANTHRAX, MEGADETH and headliners METALLICA — performing together on a U.S. stage for the first time ever in their 30-year careers.
Members of all four bands got together at the end of METALLICA's set to play the song "Am I Evil?", originally by the cult British metal band DIAMOND HEAD. Lars Ulrich told The Pulse Of Radio why that was a good choice for a show-closing jam. "The great thing about cover songs, you know, certainly in that context with the four bands, was that you're not playing anybody's song. So I think to invite everybody up onstage to play a METALLICA song would just be weird. DIAMOND HEAD, I think, seems like such a common denominator in everybody's inspiration pool that "Am I Evil?" just seemed like the perfect song."
A series of similar shows last summer in Europe was wildly popular, leading to demand for a U.S. version. The "Big Four" package will also head back to Europe this July.
All four bands were presented over the weekend with awards for sales of two million copies of a "Big Four" live DVD which was released late last year.
"Into The Wild", the 23rd studio album from legendary British hard rockers URIAH HEEP, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Czech Republic: #28
Sweden: #29
Finland: #31
Germany: #32
Switzerland: #42
"Into The Wild" was released on April 15 in Europe and will be made available on May 3 in North America via Frontiers Records. The CD was produced by Mike Paxman (STATUS QUO, ASIA) and features cover artwork (see below) by the renowned Greek-American artist Ioannis (LYNYRD SKYNYRD, STYX, SAGA).
"Into The Wild" track listing:
01. Nail On The Head
02. I Can See You
03. Into The Wild
04. Money Talk
05. Trail Of Diamonds
06. Lost
07. Believe
08. Southern Star
09. I'm Ready
10. T-bird Angel
11. Kiss Of Freedom
When you think of '80s heavy metal music — admit it, you get the craving every now and then — among the acts that spring to mind are Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot and Whitesnake.
Rudy Sarzo was on hand for all three.
Bassist Sarzo — a native of Cuba who spent his teen years in Hudson County — played with these acts during their respective high points: Osbourne, on his 1981-82 post-Black Sabbath comeback tour; Quiet Riot, on its 1983 No. 1 album "Metal Health"; and Whitesnake, in its 1987 "Still of the Night" video and tour. Sarzo is set to appear Friday and Saturday at the Chiller Theatre expo in Parsippany.
Unlike many musicians who won success in the '80s, Sarzo doesn't play down the period.
"I think people liked the element of fun that we had in the '80s," Sarzo says. "We celebrated fun."
But it wasn't all fun. Sarzo was in Osbourne's band at the time of the tragic 1982 airplane accident — a morning joy ride gone horribly wrong in Florida — that took the life of guitarist Randy Rhoads, 25.
"We all deal with grief in different ways," says Sarzo.
"You're grieving and you learn to live with the passing of your friend — somebody who I owe my career to, someone who saved our lives by turning the plane from actually completely crashing into the bus where we were sleeping, and just clipping the bus instead."
After the accident, Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, decided against canceling the remainder of the tour.
"She was afraid that if she pulled the tour, there was a good chance Ozzy would hurt himself, either with drink or drugs," Sarzo says.
"The reason I left Ozzy was only, only because it was so painful to go onstage and be a member of Ozzy's band within 10 days of the crash."
Sarzo decided to rejoin his and Rhoads' pre-Osbourne band, then a relatively unknown Los Angeles bar band by the name of Quiet Riot.
"I left the biggest band in the world to join total uncertainty," says Sarzo, with a chuckle.
"I just needed some peace of mind. Thank God it turned out how it did. When we got to be No. 1 in 1983, we were competing with 'Thriller,' we were competing with 'Synchronicity' — all great albums of that era. That was quite an honor. It was more than just selling records. It was what it meant to achieve that in the company of artists like Michael Jackson and Sting."
Lightning struck a third time for Sarzo when he joined singer David Coverdale's band Whitesnake on its 1987 tour. By this time, success was something Sarzo took in stride.
Says the musician: "When it happened again with Whitesnake, I was prepared."
Sarzo's family left Cuba for Miami in 1961, when he was 10. Sarzo immersed himself in American rock 'n' roll.
"After Miami, in 1964, we relocated to New Jersey," he says. "I grew up in West New York. I went to Public School No. 5 and Memorial High.
"People ask me why I don't play Latin music. To me, rock 'n' roll — people are born to play it. To me, it's music about longing for freedom; it's music about hope. You know, rock 'n' roll is outlawed in any communist country, any fascist country. It's the ultimate form of expression."
Chiller Theatre Toy, Model and Film Expo
Who: Zacherley, Ernest Borgnine, Loni Anderson, Hal Linden, Gary Busey, Vivica A. Fox, Britt Ekland and 75 others. Rudy Sarzo will appear Friday and Saturday only.
Where: Hilton Parsippany, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany
When: Friday, 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: $25 at the door per day. Call (973) 267-7373 or visit
chillertheatre.com
ROCK stars and pop fans joined together to pay tribute to Brummie music legend Bev Bevan when he was presented with a prestigious Walk of Stars' plaque at a special charity night to honour the former Move and ELO drummer.
He was joined on stage by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, comedian Jasper Carrott, guitarist Trevor Burton and rock and roll star Raymond Froggatt as they rocked the city's Gatecrasher nightclub to celebrate the award.
Iommi and Carrott have already been honoured with a Star, funded by traders' group the Broad Street Business Improvement District.
The all-star line-up played a memorable gig following the presentation of the Star in recognition of his work for the city and rock music. The band played a hit-packed set featuring songs from Bev's career such as Move rockers Fire Brigade, Flowers In the Rain and California Man. They also belted out a host of classics like Summertime Blues and Go Now, the chart-topping ballad by Birmingham band The Moody Blues.
The Star was presented by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Coun Len Gregory, who said: "The line-up for this celebration is amazing. We are all here to honour a legend worthy of a place on the Walk of Stars."
An emotional Bev wiped away a tear as he spoke about the award.
"I am really touched by this honour. I never thought it would come to this when I started playing drums as a young schoolboy in Sparkhill. To think the star will be set into the pavement for ever is unbelievable," added Bev.
He also paid tribute to wife Val and son Adrian. "They have stood by me through all the ups and downs," he told fans.
Comic and pal Jasper Carrott joined in the tributes. He said: "Bev is one of my greatest friends and one of the top three rock drummers in the world. He thoroughly deserves the honour."
The Broad Street Walk of Stars honours those people who have made a significant contribution in the categories of music, television, film, radio, theatre, sport, business and literacy.
Over the past four years, 21 stars have been honoured, including Frank Skinner, Ozzy Osborne, Julie Walters and Lenny Henry. Proceeds from the packed show will go to The Birmingham Mail Charity Fund, formerly the Christmas Tree Fund, which has been aiding needy local causes for nearly 120 years, since its foundation in 1889.
Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/04/29/brummie-music-legend-bev-bevan-celebrates-walk-of-stars-award-in-style-97319-28603302/#ixzz1KwQ822aq
Mike Mangini, the 48-year-old session artist who has played for ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE and STEVE VAI, has officially joined DREAM THEATER as the replacement for the recently departed Mike Portnoy.
Commented Mangini: "The day that I got the phone call to be in DREAM THEATER, it took my brain a minute to assemble what was going on, and when it sank in, the feeling was just of tremendous relief.
"It means so much to me, I almost felt like crying a couple of times. [Laughs] I didn't know what to do.
"What it means to me to be part of not only such a legendary band, but this band, is a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I feel like a puzzle piece, and with Mike [Portnoy] in particular, I feel really honored to carry on the torch for him; I'm carrying on his spirit."
Regarding the decision-making process, the members of DREAM THEATER had the following to say:
Jordan Rudess (keyboards): "The thing that stands about Mike Mangini is that he [plays] with such intensity and direction and power, and that was very engaging.
"It was hard to totally decide; you can't just say, 'OK, it's him and write off some other guy, because they're both incredible."
John Petrucci (guitar): "We unknowingly used a method that we use when we write music, which is, 'Just hear out my side.'
"During that discussion, we kind of came to some conclusions, we hashed things out, and at the end of the discussion, it was clear. We made a decision."
John Myung (bass): "A lot of it was just how felt with each particular drummer. It turned out that we were kind of all on the same page as to who we needed to carry on. I think it was meant to be."
Mangini is notorious for his technical prowess and holds three out of four World's Fastest Drummer titles. These include the Fastest Matched grip at 1,247 strokes in 60 seconds; Fastest Hands, which he earned by executing 1,203 single-stroke notes in 60 seconds without drumsticks mallets etc.; Fastest Traditional Grip which he earned by executing 1,126 strokes in 60 seconds; and Fastest Single Stroke Foot record, playing 13,222 hits in 15 minutes and 5,222 hits in five minutes.
Mangini has written two books about his drumming techniques. These books, titled "Rhythm Knowledge", are a practice method for deconstructing and simplifying complex polyrhythms and time signatures.
Mangini joined ANNIHILATOR in 1991 and appeared on the band's "Set The World On Fire" album. He toured with the group in support of the CD until 1994 at which point he was asked to play with the Massachusetts band EXTREME, replacing that group's original drummer Paul Geary.
After EXTREME dissolved in 1996, Mike was informed through drummer Jonathan Mover that guitarist Steve Vai was auditioning drummers for his live band. Mike successfully auditioned for Steve Vai's band and relocated to Los Angeles.
From late 1996 to early 2000, Mangini was the highly regarded drummer of Vai's live ensemble, which also included bassist Philip Bynoe, guitar wizard Mike Keneally and (in 2000) guitarist Dave Weiner. Mike also recorded several drum tracks for Steve's "Fire Garden" and "Ultrazone" albums.
In 2005, Mike accepted a full-time teaching position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and today he is a prominent faculty member in the school's percussion department.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band last 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 toured with them in late 2010 .
The third and final webisode in which the members of DREAM THEATER share with their fans some of the intense process, along with the musical joy, that went into choosing a new drummer can be viewed below.
A little more than a month after Portnoy's sudden departure from DREAM THEATER, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world's greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer's incredible chops with the band's trademark prog-rock sound.
The members of DREAM THEATER have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of their fans around the world. "The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow," said guitarist John Petrucci. "The fact that as a result of that event we'd be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening."
The following seven drummers took part in the DREAM THEATER audition process:
* Aquiles Priester (age 39) (ANGRA, PAUL DI'ANNO)
* Peter Wildoer (age 36) (DARKANE)
* Marco Minnemann (age 40) (KREATOR, NECROPHAGIST, EPHEL DUATH, JOE SATRIANI)
* Virgil Donati (age 52) (PLANET X, SEVEN THE HARDWAY)
* Derek Roddy (age 38) (HATE ETERNAL, NILE, TODAY IS THE DAY)
* Mike Mangini (age 48) (STEVE VAI, EXTREME, ANNIHILATOR)
* Thomas Lang (age 43) (JOHN WETTON, ROBERT FRIPP, GLENN HUGHES)
Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD will release a new live album, "Warriors Of Ice", in the U.S. on June 21 via Sonic Unyon Metal. The CD, which can already be purchased digitally (see below), will be made available in Canada on June 17 through Indica Records.
Late in 2009, VOIVOD released their live "Tatsumaki: Voivod Japan 2008" DVD, filmed the previous fall when they toured Japan for the first time ever. To celebrate its release of the DVD, VOIVOD performed in front of a sold-out crowd on December 12, 2009 at Club Soda in their adopted hometown of Montreal, Quebec. It was their first headlining show in the city of Montreal in more than ten years and it was celebrated in grand style. It was a fitting end to a busy year that saw them named "Metal Band Of The Year" at the 2010 Indie Awards in Canada. The show was recorded for posterity and is now being released as the fifteen-track "Warriors Of Ice", the first official VOIVOD live album to feature original band members Denis "Snake" Belanger on vocals, Jean-Yves "Blacky" Theriault on bass and Michel "Away" Langevin on drums, as well as new guitarist Dan "Chewy" Mongrain.
"Warriors Of Ice" highlights the classic period of the original VOIVOD lineup as well as a few new songs, all raging with the band's notorious live energy. Containing songs from their classic albums, spanning from 1984's "War And Pain" right up through 1991's "Angel Rat", as well as two songs from their 2009 "Infini" LP, the album is built of VOIVOD's signature songs, from "Voivod" and "Nuclear War" to "Tribal Convictions" and "Astronomy Domine" (PINK FLOYD cover).
"Warriors Of Ice" track listing:
01. Voivod
02. The Unknown Knows
03. The Prow
04. Ripping Headaches
05. Ravenous Medicine
06. Tribal Convictions
07. Overreaction
08. Panorama
09. Global Warning
10. Treasure Chase
11. Tornado
12. Nothingface
13. Brain Scan
14. Nuclear War
15. Astronomy Domine (PINK FLOYD cover)
The 15-track set captured on "Warriors Of Ice" is undeniably packed with VOIVOD fan favorites, making it an absolute must-have release for diehard fans and a great starting point for the uninitiated as well. This is the main set VOIVOD ravaged their audiences with on their 2010 U.S. tour alongside KREATOR, and at their headlining slot at the 2010 Scion Rock Fest.
VOIVOD is currently touring Europe, and will begin to assault the North American masses again this May when it is scheduled as one of the top headliners of the 2011 Maryland Deathfest.
VOIVOD is currently working on material for a new studio album. The CD will contain the band's first music to be written with new guitarist Dan Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005.
"Tatsumaki: Voivod Japan 2008" was released on November 17, 2009 via MVD Entertainment Group. The disc contains professionally filmed footage (three-camera shoot) of VOIVOD's September 20, 2008 concert at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan. The band was in Japan taking part in the two-night Thrash Domination 2008 event alongside TESTAMENT and FORBIDDEN.
"Infini", the latest album from VOIVOD, landed at position No. 67 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.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, the Anglo-American rock supergroup featuring the talents of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, TRAPEZE, BLACK SABBATH), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER), will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, June 8 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).
For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION will release its second album, simply entitled "2", in Europe on June 13 via Mascot Records and in the U.S. on June 14, 2011 through the J&R Adventures label.
"2" track listing:
01. The Outsider
02. Man In The Middle
03. I Can See Your Spirit
04. The Battle For Hadrian's Wall
05. Save Me
06. Cold
07. Smokestack Woman
08. Faithless
09. An Ordinary Son
10. Little Secret
11. Crossfire
12. Crawl
Video footage from the "2" recording sessions can be viewed below.
On June 9, the band will kick off a U.S. summer tour in San Diego, California. It will take them across the country with stops in Anaheim, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; St. Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; Sayreville, New Jersey; and Washington, D.C.
The self-titled debut album from BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION sold 7,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD, which was made available in Europe on September 20, 2010 via Mascot Records and North America on September 21 through J&R Adventures, was produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (BLACK CROWES, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN), and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig. It was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in early 2010.
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION initially came to fruition when Shirley saw Hughes and Bonamassa join forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center's King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian for the project, which is named after the industrial area in the British Midlands where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised.
German power metallers RUNNING WILD played their farewell show at the 2009 edition of Wacken Open Air festival, which was held July 30 - August 1, 2009 in Wacken, Germany. The band's July 30, 2009 "best-of" performance was filmed and recorded for an upcoming DVD and CD.
"The Final Jolly Roger" will released on June 24 via Golden Core/ZYX and will be made available as a double CD, separate DVD or a special "deluxe" three-disc box set comprised of the other two formats packaged together.
"The Final Jolly Roger" track listing:
DVD:
01. Intro
02. Port Royal
03. Bad To The Bone
04. Riding The Storm
05. Soulless
06. Prisoner Of Our Time
07. Black Hand Inn
08. Gates Of Purgatory
09. Battle Of Waterloo
10. Der Kaltverformer
11. Raging Fire
12. Whirlwind
13. Tortuga Bay
14. Branded And Exiled
15. Raise Your Fist
16. Conquistadores
17. Under Jolly Roger
CD 1:
01. Intro
02. Port Royal
03. Bad To The Bone
04. Riding The Storm
05. Soulless
06. Prisoner Of Our Time
07. Black Hand Inn
08. Gates Of Purgatory
09. Battle Of Waterloo
10. Der Kaltverformer
11. Raging Fire
CD 2:
01. Whirlwind
02. Tortuga Bay
03. Branded And Exiled
04. Raise Your Fist
05. Conquistadores
06. Under Jolly Roger
"Performocracy", the fourth album from Swedish hard rockers THE POODLES, has entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 1. Released on April 15 in Europe (May 5 in North America) via Frontiers Records, the CD was again produced by Mats Valentin, but this time Tobias Lindell (EUROPE, MUSTASCH) mixed the 12 outstanding tracks that make up the effort.
According to a press release, the "Performocracy" title is a combination of the words "performance" and "democracy," meaning "the power of performance" or "rule by performance." The album was again produced by Mats Valentin, but this time Tobias Lindell (EUROPE, MUSTASCH) mixed the 12 outstanding tracks that make up the CD.
"I think we have followed through on what we started with the last album, 'Clash Of The Elements'," explains singer Jakob Samuel. "Besides continuing to work with producer extraordinaire, Mats Valentin, we took a step further with some of the material that was hinted at on 'Clash Of The Elements'. On 'Performocracy' there is a more epic and darker character to some of the songs that we wanted to explore in more detail. Having said this, we have definitely stayed with a lot of the signature melodic elements that are trademark of the band."
"One important aspect of having a few releases in the bag is that you know more what you want as a band," says bassist Pontus Egberg. "Someone once said that 'if you want to dream big, you have to dream in great detail.' To us this means that we take all the knowledge and experience that we have acquired from our previous efforts and use that to plan ahead and make our dreams bigger."
As the album title suggests, performing songs live is the reason for what THE POODLES are as a band. A full European tour is planned for the early fall, with dates in South America and Japan also in the works.
"Performocracy" track listing:
01. I Want It All
02. Until Our Kingdom Falls
03. Father To A Son
04. I Believe In You
05. Cuts Like A Knife
06. As Time Is Passing
07. Love Is All
08. Your Time Is Now
09. Action!
10. Bring Back The Night
11. Vampire's Call
12. Into The Quiet Night
13. Don't Tell Me (bonus track)
Reactivated Florida-based melodic metallers CRIMSON GLORY made their European live debut with new singer Todd La Torre this past Wednesday, April 27 at Dynamo in Eindhoven, Holland. Video footage of the concert can be viewed below.
In other news, CRIMSON GLORY's tour manager Frode Johnsrud has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
"CRIMSON GLORY deeply regret to inform you that the scheduled show in Milan, Italy on May 3rd is cancelled for reasons totally outside the band's control. All attempts to solve the situation or make compromises failed. The band has made an agreement with the promoter in Switzerland, and tickets sold for Milan will be honored. People travelling from Milan to Pratteln, Switzerland for the May 2nd show will also get a free tour T-shirt, signed poster by the band as well as a meet and greet when showing their Milan ticket. Again, the cancellation does not come from the CRIMSON GLORY. The band just played two successful gigs in The Netherlands, and the rest of the tour will not be affected by this."
Support on CRIMSON GLORY's 25th anniversary tour is coming from Norway's TRIOSPHERE and Holland's CIRRHA NIVA.
"Gearing up for this tour has been an amazing, intense experience," lead guitarist Jon Drenning previously said. "As the band has coalesced and centered around Todd La Torre, it's helped to both ease the loss of [former vocalist] Midnight, as well as remind us that we still have so much more to accomplish as a band. I know that there have been a lot of mixed feelings about CRIMSON GLORY carrying on without Midnight, but I know for certain that he would be very proud to know that his legacy marches on, and I truly believe that his fans worldwide will feel the same as we rise up, shake off the ashes and sear across the darkened sky. We're entering the next chapter of CRIMSON GLORY's 'Transcendence', and with Todd now fully integrated both as a singer and a brother, the band sounds as special, true, unique, and bad-ass as ever!"
The 2011 "Phoenix Rising" European spring tour has been in the works following the unveiling of Todd La Torre as the new frontman for the band at an intimate venue in Atlanta late last year. La Torre's spot-on performance was well-received and met with rave reviews, and it was immediately clear that the time had come to take CRIMSON GLORY back on the road.
The 25th anniversary marks more than just a milestone in the band's history — it is also a final chance to share late vocalist Midnight's legacy with fans across Europe:
"This is a real honor for me," said La Torre. "I'm looking forward to hitting the stage and proving myself to all our fans across Europe. This is a new beginning for me and CRIMSON GLORY, but I would also like to personally dedicate CRIMSON GLORY's 25th-anniversary tour and classic songs to Midnight. He was and will always be a legend in my mind. I will be developing my own style and have more influence on the band's sound as time goes on, of course, but I proudly carry the torch and will do my best to always keep Midnight's spirit alive by performing all the classic songs true to his original vision and in his honor."
"It will be a healing experience for a lot of people, including us," Drenning added. "There are so many fans of ours out there who never had the chance to see Midnight perform live with the band, and so these performances will at least allow them to feel his presence within the music we created together. Todd [La Torre] has not only displayed the technical ability to emulate Midnight, but he also has the emotional ability to convey the triumph and the torment that Mid lent to every song. This tour will be an honorable and fitting way for fans to say farewell to a legend, while celebrating the life and legacy of our late brother now and into the future of CRIMSON GLORY. Midnight will always be a part of us; in our hearts, our music, and our lives... forever."
The band has keyboardist John Zahner (CIRCLE II CIRCLE, JON OLIVA'S PAIN, SAVATAGE) onboard. Zahner also accompanied CRIMSON GLORY on their 1989 "Transcendence" world tour.
"We're very excited and honored to have John Zahner playing with us again," said CRIMSON GLORY bassist Jeff Lords. "John is obviously very familiar with our material, having played with us before on many occasions and we're looking forward to his presence adding to the atmosphere and well-rounded sound that is so intrinsic to CRIMSON GLORY's music."
According to The Pulse Of Radio, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has given a statement to "Harddrive Radio" about the departure of bassist Matt Snell at the end of last year. Guitarist Zoltan Bathory confirmed that Snell was let go back in December, but also told "Harddrive Radio" why it wasn't made official until now and why he can't speak about the reason for Snell's exit. "You know, we want to concentrate on our record, and that's the most important right now, the third record, so that's why it wasn't really like publicly available information," he said. "As for reasons, we have contracts between each other and the contracts that we have between each other always protect the band members. Like we have a contract with Matt, you know. Word by word the contract says I can't tell you anything that would hurt his career if he goes any further."
In a separate statement to Gun Shy Assassin, Bathory had the following to say about Snell's exit: "We let him go a long time ago… way back in December, actually. We have been recording our third album since January and as you can imagine the band is in lockdown mode in the studio 24/7 writing and recording. No time for extracurricular distractions so we decided to keep it under wraps for now.
"This kind of stuff usually becomes a damn circus which we really didn't want to be bothered with during the recording process. Somebody leaked it against the band's wishes, [and] that's why all kind of semi-retarded rumors are spreading, I guess.
"I can't follow this shit, man — we have better things to do and especially right now we are busy as hell… but you know how this works; everyone can run their mouth on the Internet and state whatever they want you to believe. In this case, most stuff you'll find is probably false since we didn't make any sort of public statement, so whatever you hear is only a speculation.
"To put this to sleep for now, I'll answer this: yes, he was fired… but there's nothing else to announce, really. We'll deal with replacing him when we finish the record and have time to focus on that. As for the sound of the band, and the recording process, etc. — Matt wasn't a writing member so it doesn't change anything. The process is the same as it always was."
Uber Rock recently conducted an interview with guitarist Michael "Padge" Paget of Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Uber Rock: With JUDAS PRIEST gearing up for their final tour, speculation from the metal press that IRON MAIDEN's "Final Frontier" album could be their last, how does it feel when BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is being mentioned as the only U.K. metal band that can fill their mighty shoes?
Paget: Well, that is true to some extent. But we still dream about being the U.K.'s Number 1 band, and it's still a long way away yet. I think that is the prize that every band wants — to be the biggest band in the world.
Uber Rock: You personally enjoy the heavier end of the metal spectrum such as CARCASS and TESTAMENT along with a love of the blues. Do you think we will see a solo project from Michael Padget when the band takes a break, and if so what form would it take?
Paget: Yes. I am working on my album right now. I have seven tracks demoed already, and still working on it at home. It is heavy metal, with chugging riffs, with screaming bluesy metal guitar solos everywhere. It's gonna be great. I hope people like it.
Uber Rock: You were recently due to support IRON MAIDEN at their Japan dates during the recent earthquake. Thankfully, everybody in the BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE camp were lucky to leave unscathed. What were the feelings of the band during the atrocities?
Paget: We got diverted when we were in the air over Taiwan; so we had to stay the night there, and then fly into Japan the next day. They were still having some crazy aftershocks, and driving from the damaged airport we seen huge cracks through the road and stuff. Our crew were in the hotel for the big quake, some of them ran, some accepted their death and waved to people in opposite hotels goodbye. But everyone was safe. We all met up in the hotel lobby and when all your friends are with you things never seem that bad.
Uber Rock: Can you tell us about your gig from Hell as a performer or as a fan?
Paget: As a performer, my gig from hell was in New Jersey somewhere. We played a shithole club years ago with our friends 36 CRAZYFISTS. The stage was low so everybody could see you. The stage was horrible and full of holes...Yep you guessed it, halfway through "4 Words", I found one of these holes with my foot, and the momentum made me fall flat on my face, destroying my guitar, and very badly damaging my ego.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello will release a new EP, "Union Town", digitally on May 17 and as a CD and vinyl album on July 19. All profits from "Union Town" will benefit The America Votes Labor Unity Fund via SaveWorkers.org. The disc consists of eight pro-union songs, with Morello saying in a statement, "Unions are a crucial counterweight to the raw corporate greed that torpedoed our economy, threatens our environment and wants to strip away decades of social progress."
Morello played at pro-union rallies in Madison, Wisconsin this past February, where Governor Scott Walker put forward an anti-union bill passed by Republicans.
The title track from the "Union Town" EP is available now at SaveWorkers.org.
Morello will release his third folk-oriented album under the THE NIGHTWATCHMAN name, "World Wide Rebel Songs", late summer via New West Records.
THE NIGHTWATCHMAN is a band name Morello used for two previous solo albums — 2007's "One Man Revolution" and 2008's "The Fabled City".
Morello explained a while back the origin of THE NIGHTWATCHMAN moniker, which started when he first began performing his protest songs in coffeehouses. "I would sign up anonymously, you know," he said. "I didn't want to sign up as Tom Morello and have people, you know, between their mochaccinos clamoring for 'Bulls On Parade'. So I signed up as THE NIGHTWATCHMAN, and it was a moniker that seemed to fit the music that I was writing and playing, and it stuck."
Tom Morello is a founding member and guitarist of the rock bands RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and AUDIOSLAVE. The two bands are responsible for multiple Grammy Awards and a combined 30 million albums sold worldwide. Morello has also received critical acclaim as a solo artist known as THE NIGHTWATCHMAN. Widely celebrated for his unique voice as a master electric guitarist, he is recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "100 Greatest Guitar Players of All-Time" (#26). He is also one of only two guitarists featured as a playable animated character in the overwhelmingly popular Activision video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Tom Morello graduated from Harvard University with honors as a political science major and has been a widely recognized political activist throughout his career. With SYSTEM OF A DOWN's Serj Tankian, Morello formed Axis of Justice, an organization whose purpose is to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.
Guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø of Norwegian/British hard rockers has released the following statement regarding the passing of the band's keyboardist, Dag Stokke:
"My world fell apart some days ago, but luckily I got to see you and speak with you just before we lost you. I'm so grateful that we could have that last goodbye and that I could touch you and kiss you.
"You mystical, strange, warmhearted and beautiful soul.
"The first time I met you, you were four years old (I was seven) and you were visiting my school with your mother that was my music teacher.
"My childhood was filled with your presence. We had the same humor. We attended the same schools, we had common friends all over. We were scouts together and I gave you your first lessons in guitar playing, but it was a grand keyboard player you would become.
"You were 19 when we asked you to join TNT and we spent countless hours together on the road. We saw the world together, Dag, and we experienced things that most people never will.
"In 1990 we started Studio Studio together, and worked hard on building the studio complex while producing albums at the same time. You had such a stamina and moral work-wise, and I will always respect you for that.
"Spiritually, we experienced some of the most musical, magic, supernatural moments together. We'll keep them secret and in our hearts.
"I can assure you that this planet won't ever be the same for me again after your physical departure, but I am convinced that you're waiting for me and our friends in room 302 in heaven. Like you said, 'It's a relatively short distance to the reception.' That was typical of our way of communicating. But we agreed on room 302 many, many years ago, and we were dead serious about it.
"Thank you for being a part of all my projects: Studio Studio Nyhagen, TNT, VAGABOND, RYPDAL & TEKRØ-BAND, MAGIC LANTERNA. And thank you for every mile and minute we spent together. I don't regret a second of it.
"I miss your smile and laughter and your great musicality.
"I love you forever, Dag."
Dag Stokke, who has played keyboards for TNT since 1987, lost his battle with cancer early on Wednesday, April 27. He was only 44 years old.
TNT drummer Morten "Diesel" Dahl told VG Nett about his bandmate, "He was simply a wonderful human being — very positive and [full of] life."
Former TNT singer Tony Harnell wrote on his blog, "I can't believe I am writing these words. Sadly, this morning I have to say goodbye to Dag Stokke, my longtime friend and keyboardist for TNT, who has left us today way too young. He fought a hard battle with dignity, courage and optimism. I will always see him in my mind, smiling at me from across the stage. A gentle giant, a huge spirit, truly an angel on this earth. I loved him very much, as did so many that he touched in his brief time here. My thoughts are with his son Jonathan and his family and friends. Have a good journey, my friend. I will miss you dearly."
Stokke's last performance with TNT took place in early March at the House Of Metal festival in Umeå, Sweden. He also played with the band at Rockefeller in Oslo, Norway in January around the time when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
"It is a terrible disease," Dahl told VG Nett. "We had all hoped and believed that he would be able to beat the cancer. Everything happened so incredibly fast. It is simply brutal. We are completely devastated."
Dag Stokke first started working with TNT in 1987 during the band's "Tell No Tales" tour.
"We toured the world together," said Dahl. "He was a unique musician and human being"
Stokke owned an online mastering service called OnlineMastering. He played on every TNT album from "Realized Fantasies" (1992) to "A Farewell to Arms" (2010). However, he was never a permanent TNT member.
"I'm cool with my position in TNT," he said in a 2010 interview, "Some people ask me why I'm not in the pictures and why I'm not spotlighted [like the other musicians in TNT]. That's just the way it is, and I'm completely OK with that. I got to experience the rock star lifestyle so much in 1987 and especially in 1989 and a little bit into 1992, so that dream has been fulfilled. If I'm not [featured in any of the photos], that's totally cool, because I know I've been part of all this."
Dutch/Mexican gothic/progressive metal band STREAM OF PASSION has set "Darker Days" as the title of its third album, due via Napalm Records on the following dates:
Spain, Finland, Sweden: June 22
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: June 24
Rest Of Europe: June 27
USA/Canada: July 5
The CD was recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities in Rijen, Holland.
Check out the cover artwork below.
STREAM OF PASSION has spent the last few months working on material for the new CD. But to make the wait a little bit easier and as a big "thank you" to all its fans for their unconditional support, the band released a new track online entirely for free! The song, titled "Spark" can be heard below.
STREAM OF PASSION's sophomore album, "The Flame Within", entered the official chart in Holland at position No. 57.
The band's debut CD, "Embrace the Storm", was released in Holland in October 2005 via Sony/BMG Benelux. The effort was issued in the rest of Europe and the U.S./Canada via InsideOut Music.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/streamdarkerdays.jpg
PAIN, the Swedish industrial metal outfit led by musician and producer Peter Tägtgren, will release its seventh album, "You Only Live Twice", on June 3 via Nuclear Blast Records.
The two-disc version of the effort will feature the following track listing:
Regular CD
01. Let Me Out
02. Feed The Demons
03. The Great Pretender
04. You Only Live Twice
05. Dirty Woman
06. We Want More
07. Leave Me Alone
08. Monster
09. Season Of The Reaper
Bonus CD
01. Crawling Thru Bitterness (unreleased bonus track)
02. The Great Pretender (Millboy & Peka P Remix)
03. Dirty Woman (MC Raaka Pee Remix)
04. You Only Live Twice (Rectifier Remix)
05. Leave Me Alone (Rectifier Remix)
06. Eleanor Rigby (Live at Sundown Festival, 2008)
07. Follow Me (Live in Brussels, 2009)
08. I Don't Care (Live at Raimsmes Festival, 2009)
09. Bitch (Live at Raismes Festival, 2009)
Regarding the album's cover artwork, Tägtgren previously said, "I really wanted something 'Nightmare Before Christmas' meets 'Alice In Wonderland' kind of feeling but with our mascot, the Painhead in it. And Heile created that after what I wanted. And he did it in his own way. It really has this kinda Tim Burton feel to it. It will be really crazy with a big backdrop. We also gonna do some inflatable stuff with our Painhead. Its gonna be our Eddie, like IRON MAIDEN has it."
On the topic of the CD's title, Tägtgren stated, "[The title] has nothing to do with James Bond. I am sure I will hear this for the rest of my life! The title song is mainly about people struggling.
"Don't you wish you had another chance? Don't you wanna live twice? Like you're always jealous of other people. How good their life is or they won on lotto or anything. It's about jealousy in general towards other people that surrounds you. About not being satisfied with what you have. Trying to create this fantasy world that you can live twice kind of…"
California extreme metallers DEEDS OF FLESH have parted ways with guitarist Sean Southern due to "personal reasons" and have replaced him with Craig Peters (ARKAIK).
Commented the band: "Craig is one of the top lead guitarist in the metal scene today in our opinion and has already been contributing in the writing process for [the ninth DEEDS OF FLESH album] 'Portal To Canaan'. He also will add another element by doing back-up vocals. We also added vocalist and fifth member, Corey Athos (FLESH CONSUMED) to the lineup and will now be bringing a three-person vocal assault to our sound adding a ton of range. Corey will be doing majority of the vocals but Craig and Erik will be much involved. We had Corey replace the original vocals on a couple songs off 'Of What's To Come' as well as a couple older tracks and they were perfect. We are all very excited to be working together and are anxious to get into the studio this summer to start recording 'Portals To Canaan', proceeded by DEEDS getting back out on the road."
DEEDS OF FLESH is:
Erik Lindmark - Guitar/Vocals
Michael Hamilton - Drums
Erlened Caspersen - Bass
Craig Peters - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Corey Athos - Vocals
"Portal to Canaan" will feature "amazing artwork and numerous conceptual pieces" by Raymond Swanland.
DEEDS OF FLESH's last CD, "Of What's to Come", came out in November 2008 via Unique Leader. The label previously described the follow-up to 2005's "Crown Of Souls" as "nothing short of a masterpiece, combining the usual DEEDS OF FLESH sound with many added new elements, twisted and memorable guitar riffs and lead work, blistering drums, powerful vocals and mind-blowing bass lines."
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