On May 4 in New York City and May 12 in Los Angeles, KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley will appear at a free SoundRules! teen music and hearing event.
The SoundRules! event features Stanley, along with the hot New York City indie band I LOVE MONSTERS! and popular L.A. indie tribute band BLACK CRYSTAL WOLF KIDS. Live music, amazing prizes — including concert tickets to Rihanna and Taylor Swift and an autographed Paul Stanley guitar, a competitive audience game-show, limited-edition event t-shirts and lots of freebies for everyone attending. Space is limited, so make your reservation today at www.soundrules.org.
Vocalist Biff Byford of British heavy metal legends SAXON has revealed to RockAAA that the band's next project will see SAXON collaborating with Polish Philharmonic Orchestra to give some of the group's most popular songs an orchestral overhaul. The entire event will be filmed for a DVD and a documentary will be made featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the preparations for the big concert.
"We're going to do a show with an orchestra next year in Warsaw," Biff said. "The guy who runs the Philharmonic Orchestra asked us to do and we fancied it as we have a quite few songs which are scored to orchestra, like 'Call To Arms' on the new album and we've just done 'Crusader' with an orchestra which sounds fantastic, so it will be a bit unplugged and a bit orchestra and a bit if heavy metal, too. It will be filmed and we'll do a making-of too. We don't know exactly when that will be but we're trying to work it out now as it is a nightmare logistically."
During the same interview, Byford indicated that it is important for SAXON to keep trying new ideas and not relying on former glories helps keep the band motivated.
"I believe it is writing new songs which refresh the band," he said. "Every new album does that and gives us a burst of ideas and energy. I think it would be different if we were just touring the old songs. But we don't, and we always try and play songs off our most recent albums.
"I think it is a big mistake for bands to do that because you just become known for your old songs. There is nothing in itself wrong with that as songs like 'Wheels Of Steel', 'Crusader' and '747', are all fantastic songs, but I think bands have to write new songs and not be afraid of not selling as many. I think some bands are worried they won't sell as many records as they did in the 1980s, so that means they are a bit scared of writing new albums. Bands like ourselves, MOTÖRHEAD and JUDAS PRIEST are doing it and I think it is important."
The third annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards — happening Wednesday, April 20 at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles — has officially sold out a week in advance, and tickets are no longer available. The highlights from the show will air on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 28. All "Black Carpet" and backstage footage will be available exclusively on Revolver TV, Revolver's mobile video app.
The show will feature host Chris Jericho (WWE, FOZZY, "Dancing With The Stars") along with presenters, performers, nominees and attendees, including:
* Alice Cooper
* MÖTLEY CRÜE
* Rob Zombie
* Actor William Shatner
* Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL)
* Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER, LOADED)
* Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR)
* Steve Jones (SEX PISTOLS)
* Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION)
* Chino Moreno (DEFTONES)
* Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA/HELLYEAH)
* Scott Ian (ANTHRAX, THE DAMNED THINGS)
* Actress Juliette Lewis
* David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE, DEEP PURPLE)
* Steven Adler (GUNS N' ROSES)
* Max Cavalera (SEPULTURA, SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY)
* Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED, KINGDOM OF SORROW)
* Taylor Momsen (THE PRETTY RECKLESS)
* Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES)
And members of:
* ALICE IN CHAINS
* SLAYER
* MEGADETH
* STATIC-X
* DETHKLOK
* FEAR FACTORY
* MACHINE HEAD
* WE ARE THE FALLEN
* MURDERDOLLS
* SUICIDE SILENCE
* WINDS OF PLAGUE
Also appearing will be comedian Brian Posehn, skateboarders Mike Vallely and Chris Cole, MMA fighters Dan Hardy and Josh Barnett, Wendy Dio (wife of Ronnie James Dio) and many more.
Live performances for the Revolver Golden Gods awards include musical sets from ALICE COOPER (fresh off their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and their first L.A. appearance in 40 years), LOADED (featuring Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER), Elvis Presley/Johnny Cash-inspired metal group VOLBEAT, host Chris Jericho's band FOZZY, fast-rising metalcore newcomers ASKING ALEXANDRIA, and hometown heroes AVENGED SEVENFOLD will close out the night.
Special collaborations to take place at the 2011 show include: Steve Jones and Corey Taylor performing JUDAS PRIEST's "Electric Eye" with LOADED. Sebastian Bach performing SKID ROW's "Youth Gone Wild" with ASKING ALEXANDRIA. Scott Ian of ANTHRAX performing DUSTY SPRINGFIELD's "I Only Want To Be With You" with VOLBEAT. Max Cavalera, Jamey Jasta, and Mike Vallely joining DEVILDRIVER for a salute to BLACK FLAG.
According to Le Journal de Québec, METALLICA is in talks to play this year's edition of Quebec's Summer Festival (Festival d'été de Québec) on July 15 in Québec City, Québec, Canada.
This is the 44th year for the festival, which began in 1968 by showcasing local artists, and has since evolved into an annual major attraction featuring the cream of international talent across all genres of music.
Festival d'été de Québec runs July 7-17, with an amazing 300 shows spanning 11 days, making it Canada's biggest outdoor artistic event.
Festival d'été de Québec is a major cultural enterprise that generates CAD $25.4 million in added value for Québec and CAD $7.4 million in provincial and federal tax and parafiscal revenues. Still Quebec City's best-loved event, the Festival now draws more and more tourists and foreign media to town.
METALLICA finished out its "Death Magnetic" touring cycle in November in New Zealand and Australia. The band is already confirmed to headline the Rock In Rio festival in Brazil on September 24. "Big Four" dates in California and parts of Europe are also scheduled.
Every hard rock fan has a Metallica story.
There was that moment of discovery either via a friend who had already seen the light, the radio, MTV back when they actually played music videos, the Heshers in the last row of math class, or one of the million VH1 specials about the band. There's nothing quite like the first time hearing Metallica either. It's life-changing for anyone who keeps themselves open to the music. No one will ever forget seeing the music video for "One", hearing the intro to "Enter Sandman", or falling under Master of Puppets' spell. Even for people who aren't fans, the first Metallica experience is paramount. However, for those of us who get it (and there are millions upon millions worldwide), it's a landmark moment.
Given the significance of discovering Metallica and with The Big Four taking over Indio next Saturday April 23, ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolorauthor Rick Florino spoke to numerous musicians and celebrities about the first time they heard Metallica and what the band means to them.
Slash, Kerry King of Slayer, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Corey Taylor of Slipknot & Stone Sour, Sully Erna of Godsmack, Hollywood Undead, Michelle Rodriguez, and many more shared their stories in this exclusive feature.
When did you first discover Metallica and what do they mean to you?
Slash [Velvet Revolver, Guns N' Roses]
Slash: I first discovered Metallica when they came out with their first EP. Metallica has always been one of my favorite heavy metal bands. I think that they are one of the most versatile metal bands that came out in the '80s. They are also one of the most creative. I think that James Hetfield is one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists to ever walk this earth.
Kerry King of Slayer
Kerry King: I imagine it was at The Woodstock in Orange County when Dave Mustaine was in the band. I instantly became a fan. I couldn't believe Mustaine was ripping these incredible leads way back then and not even looking at his fingers. I still fucking looking at my fingers [Laughs]. There were no records then it was just seeing them. I think Metallica might've just been on the Metal Massacre compilation or something.
Scott Ian of Anthrax and The Damned Things
Scott Ian: I was actually at Johnny Z's record store, Rock'n Roll Heaven, in New Jersey. He played me the No Life 'Til Leather demo so that was the first time I had ever heard any Metallica. It was pretty mind-blowing to hear for the first time. One of the coolest feelings about hearing it was just knowing there was another band out there on the West Coast that had the same mindset. Certainly, we didn't sound alike at the time. Just the fact that they were playing their own music and had their own thing going on was how we felt about what we were doing as Anthrax in New York. It's not like we had the Internet back then and you could find out what people were doing all over the world. We didn't know there were other bands doing their own thing. It was hard to find out back in the day unless you were tape trading and things like that. I heard Metallica and thought, "These guys have the same mindset that we do. We're obviously all into the same music." It
was a really good feeling to know that there were other people out there like us.
Jonathan Davis of Korn:
Jonathan Davis: I first heard them on either Master of Puppets or Ride the Lightning. I was at my buddy's house, and this guy came over and said, "You've got to hear this shit!" I was 14-years-old or something; I can't even remember how old I was [Laughs]. This dude put Metallica on, and I was like, "Wow, what the hell is that?" I only listened to them at that moment, and I sort of forgot about it afterwards. I thought it was cool, but I genuinely didn't get into them again until they hit with The Black Album. It was all over MTV at the time. I really got into Metallica when I got in Korn though. I love playing "One." It was cool to play it for them at the MTV Icon special. They're one of my favorite bands. I look up to them. They've been doing it for so long. That's truly the band I look up to—them and Ozzy Osbourne. We've also toured with Metallica a bunch; it's fucking awesome!
Fieldy of Korn & StillWell:
Fieldy: I was in high school! I remember I got Kill 'Em All. I heard it, and I didn't understand it. I was like, "What is this? It's fast metal, but I hear punk rock." I was blown away though. The musicians weren't sloppy at all; they were great. I was tripping out because it was the first time I heard something that was totally off the wall. I was even more blown away by Ride the Lightning. From there, I started following them and I became a fan all the way up to today. Death Magnetic is unbelievable! It's mind-blowing. I can't believe it. We'd love to tour with them again. They're really cool guys. It's an honor to play with Metallica.
Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour
Corey Taylor: I actually talk about when I discovered Metallica in my book—The Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good. That's how big it was [Laughs]. I remember hearing Master of Puppets at a friend's house. That line at the end of "Damage Inc."—"Fuck it all and fucking no regrets"—was the one that every metal head waited for with baited breath. When it came, you'd jump up and scream along to it. It was amazing. Metallica will always be important to me!
Sully Erna of Godsmack
Sully Erna: I first discovered them somewhere around 1982 or 1983. It was the early '80s. I remember that a friend of mine came over with Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning. For whatever it was worth, this dude was always way ahead of his time. He knew what new thing was going to hit before it hit. I was still very much into Iron Maiden and Judas Priest at that moment. That was metal, but it wasn't Metallica metal. My buddy put on Ride The Lightning, and the first song I heard was "Fight Fire With Fire." I just said, "What the fuck is this?!" [Laughs] It so fast, the double bass was flying, and the vocals stood out. I didn't get it at first. However, a week later, I was like, "This is the greatest band ever to walk the planet!" I couldn't get enough. That was my first Metallica experience.
J-Dog of Hollywood Undead
J-Dog: Everybody likes Metallica at one time or another [Laughs]. When I first heard Metallica, I was in school. Shit, I must've been ten-years-old. There were all of these heshers in the higher grade than me. They all had Metallica shirts on, and I asked, "What's that?" They sat me down and played cassette tapes of Metallica and made me listen to them [Laughs]. That's when they still had KNAC and Pirate Radio in LA. A couple of heshers sat me down and schooled me on Metallica at school.
Max Cavalera of The Cavalera Conspiracy & Soulfly
Max Cavalera: I cut my hair for Ride the Lightning [Laughs]. It's a true story. My cousin was trying to get Iggor and me to go the right way. We had long hair back then. He was like, "I'll make a deal with you. I'll give you an imported album and you can pick anything you want, if you cut your hair." I had a cassette tape of Ride the Lightning already and I loved it. There was an imported version of Ride the Lightning in there store. I thought, "I can get that one if I cut my hair! The hair will grow back. In one year, I'll have long hair again and I'll have an imported album! Fuck it!" I went out, cut my hair, and got Ride the Lightning as an imported album on vinyl. I loved the smell of the vinyl and looking at the pictures on the back cover. That blue album artwork was so fucking awesome. It's still my favorite Metallica record.
Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides
Andy Biersack: When I was a very young kid, I had a neighbor named Kenny. He always had Metallica VHS. He'd bring over A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica and other concert stuff. He brought over a VHS tape of the time right when Jason Newsted joined the band, and I was blown away. Pre-Black Album Metallica is some of the best metal that's ever been made. I still love The Black Album though. Metallica is Metallica; you can't go wrong there. In terms of really solid, intricate, and classical-sounding metal, we're definitely influenced hugely. That especially holds true for our guitar player Jinxx and the way we write bridges using that Bach-like influence. For what it's worth, James Hetfield is a fantastic metal singer. He created that gravelly metal voice that we all love.
Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman
Tyler Connolly: The first song that I heard from Metallica was "One." I saw the music video, and it was the first music video that they ever did. It was like 800 minutes long [Laughs]. I didn't know much about the band. They had long hair and wore black. "Wherever I May Roam" from The Black Album was my favorite song, and I learned all of those songs on guitar. They definitely made a difference in my guitar playing. I was a guitar player first. I never was a singer until I was about 20-years-old so it was all about guitar playing. The good thing about Metallica is they're one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, but we can easily say a song like "Enter Sandman" is no different than a Beatles song. It really isn't. It's one of the greatest sing-a-long rock songs of all time from a band that is typically known for writing really dark, heavy eight-minute long tracks. I thought that was cool! I learned a lot from Metallica. They have massive
appeal, and they do what they do. That's what we're looking for. We're looking for massive appeal but to still keep that Theory identity in it. Metallica did it. They're a huge influence.
Michelle Rodriguez of Battle: Los Angeles, Machete, and Avatar
Michelle Rodriguez: I think "Midnight Sonata" was the first melancholy song that I really heard. It was like I felt the pain of the world in that song, and it just made me want to cry. I was about eleven or twelve-years-old. Then I started discovering rock. I discovered The Doors. When I heard the organs, they reminded me of Mozart! Then, I discovered The Black Album by Metallica. The guitars on The Black Album are so similar to classical music. I started connecting the dots, and I realized, "Wow, this is the soundtrack to my life!" I can't live without melody…
Jeremy Spencer of Five Finger Death Punch
Jeremy Spencer: As a kid I sometimes may or may not have made the best decisions [Laughs], but I stole the Master Of Puppets cassette from Wal-Mart or somewhere like that. I remember going home, putting it on the family stereo and listening with headphones. I lay down on the floor and listened to the entire thing and I remember it just gave me the most exhausted feeling by the time it was over! It was so awesome that an album could tire you out just by listening to it. I loved every second of it and from then on I collected everything I could on Metallica. They were my favorite band!
Ben Bruce of Asking Alexandria
Ben Bruce: I was in my seventh grade art class. My art teacher was really cool; he used to let us pick a CD to listen to. It was my friend's turn to pick a CD, and he put on Ride The Lightning. As soon as that started, I was like, "Whoa, what the fuck is this?" I'd heard of Metallica, but I hadn't actually listened to them at that point. I was really into Blink-182, Sum 41, and all of that pop punk. I was blown away. The guitar was unlike anything I'd ever heard before. I got a weekly allowance from my parents, and every week that I went out, I bought a different Metallica CD until I had all of them. They're so good!
Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge Myles Kennedy: I discovered Metallica when they released Ride the Lightning. I remember that I was going through a phase where I was searching for the heaviest and fastest band possible. At the time I was really into the New Wave of British Metal along with bands like Accept, etc. I heard 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' one day and I thought to myself, 'This is it....this is what I've been looking for.' Little did I know that they would eventually become biggest metal band in the world.
Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge and Creed
Mark Tremonti: I discovered Metallica when I was in the 6th grade. Master of Puppets probably influenced me more than any other record.
Jeffrey Kendrick of DevilDriver and Founder AllAxess.com
Jeffrey Kendrick: I first discovered Metallica in 1991 when The Black Album dropped. Although some would criticize me being a "late arrival" on the Metallica train, it was just the time that I happened to discover them. Metallica has and still does represent the world to me! James Hetfield was my idol as a kid and the reason I started playing the guitar. Without Metallica, I would never be playing guitar in DevilDriver. They are the greatest band EVER!
Johann Urb of 2012 and Strictly Sexual: A Love Story
Johann Urb: Growing up in Finland, it was always dark and cold so heavy music spoke to me as a teenager. I still listen to Metallica—they're possibly my favorite band of all time. They're fucking brilliant. I love Death Magnetic. I always felt like, even in the early days, they spoke about important issues. For me, nature and taking care of this planet are crucial so we don't destroy it. In "Blackened," James Hetfield touches on that lyrically. Even though they're a metal band, they talk about how fucked up the government is and they address real issues. When they played Russia for the first time, it was incredible. They were connected to it because they were writing about the man. They're a metal band with a message and deeper meaning. I love that, and it always moves me and rocks me out! As a kid, I would bang my head to the point of neck injury, and there's no better band to do that to than Metallica. I still listen to them when I want to get fired
up, work out or punch somebody—or get sentimental and howl at the moon.
Jake Scherer of New Medicine
Jake Scherer: Somebody put on a burned CD and it had "Enter Sandman". There was a music section at the video store where I used to rent VHS tapes. They had the making-of The Black Album. That was when I first really got into them and listened to the music. The tape showed them writing the album with Bob Rock and you learn about all of the guys. That was my fondest memory. Then I rented every other movie they had about Metallica [Laughs]. I got a bunch of their records. Somebody at school gave me Master of Puppets , and I loved that album! "Enter Sandman" and "Master of Puppets" are the first two songs I tried to learn on guitar.
Leigh Whannell Screenwriter of Saw and Insidious
Leigh Whannell: I discovered Metallica through a friend. It's the classic story. My friend had an older brother who was into cooler music. He started playing it and it scared the hell out of me. I saw the video for "One," which is from Johnny Got His Gun. It's the guy whose arms and legs are blown off. He can't see or hear, and he's trapped. He's tapping out Morse code like, "Kill me." It traumatized the shit out of me. Talk about horror influences! The video for "One" was wicked. That's where it started. I love Metallica!
Former DIO and current DIO DISCIPLES members Simon Wright (drums) and Craig Goldy (guitars) will be on hand to sign autographs at this spring's edition of the Chiller Theatre toy, model and film expo in Parsippany, New Jersey. The three-day event will take place April 29 - May 1 at Hilton Parsippany. Also scheduled to appear at the event are Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT), Bobby Steele (UNDEAD, ex-MISFITS) and Michale Grave (MISFITS).
For more information, visit ChillerTheatre.com.
Vorterix.com conducted an interview with Slash when the legendary VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow.
On the current status of VELVET REVOLVER:
Slash: "What happens is with VELVET REVOLVER, when we parted ways with [singer] Scott Weiland, I was so frustrated because Scott was such a pain in the ass. And I thought, 'I just wanna have some quiet time and just write some music,' and then the idea of doing the solo record came up. And in the meantime, no new singers for VELVET REVOLVER, that were really good enough for VELVET REVOLVER, popped up. So I just started working on the solo record, and put it out and went on the road. But the whole time [I was] very conscious of [trying to find someone] who was going to sing for VELVET REVOLVER — but no one's turned up. So in the meantime I just keep doing what it is that I do and I've got a great bunch of guys that I work with [in my solo band], I enjoy working with them. I'm having a lot of fun; there's no unnecessary hassles or anything, and everybody's good players. And now we're writing music for [my] next [solo] record, which is gonna be killer.
So, you know, with VELVET REVOLVER, it's like Duff's [McKagan, bass] got his own thing, I've got my thing, Matt's [Sorum, drums] got his thing. If a great singer comes and says, 'I wanna sing for VELVET REVOLVER,' and we all go, 'Yeah,' we'll make a VELVET record. But I can do my own thing — I don't have to go back and do that — unless it's good enough to do it, you know what I mean?!
"Next year I definitely will make another Slash record with [ALTER BRIDGE singer] Myles Kennedy [and the rest of my solo band] and go on tour. So at least for the next couple of years, nothing is going to be happening with VELVET REVOLVER that I can see 'cause I'll be focused on this. And after that's over, if something happens… I'm just not really concerning myself with it right now. We had all these different guys try out, all really good singers, but nobody has fit the thing, so, you know, I have to move on."
On the rumor that VELVET REVOLVER was recording with Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR) and that VELVET REVOLVER was close to announcing Taylor as the band's new singer:
Slash: "Because of the social networking, and the way that information gets out so quickly now… We did work with Corey Taylor, and as soon as that rumor [got around], next thing you know, everybody is saying Corey's the new singer. And all we were doing was just rehearsing with him and trying him out — auditioning him, so to speak. So, in order to do that, our process is to… we take a lot of music that we wrote and we give it to him and he writes his lyrics and he comes in and we just perform it and record it and see [what it sounds like]. It's just an audition process; it's the way that we do it. So he did come in and do all that. But I just wasn't… It just didn't seem to fit right to me. And he's great — and I love Corey — but it didn't seem like the answer to the VELVET REVOLVER problem."
VELVET bassist Duff McKagan recently revealed that recordings exist of Taylor singing with the band. Asked about the speculation that Taylor was their man, McKagan told Music Radar, "We recorded a bunch of songs with Corey. I think he's fucking great. Whether he's in VELVET REVOLVER or not . . . I think he's the best voice of a new generation. The best rock 'n' voice out there. He's got a lot of positive energy. I'd be proud to do anything with him."
McKagan added, "But the truth is . . . I can't see VELVET REVOLVER happening till fall, maybe. (VELVET guitarist) Slash is touring, I'm just starting to tour . . . We'll just see. I just don't have an answer. I don't."
This was the first time that a member of VELVET REVOLVER has confirmed actually recording with Taylor.
It was just two months ago that it looked increasingly likely that VELVET REVOLVER was going to announce Taylor as the band's new vocalist. Taylor had hinted at it, and both McKagan and Slash had confirmed meeting with Taylor.
But things seemed to cool down in March, with Taylor recently sporting a "I am not the new singer in VELVET REVOLVER" T-shirt and McKagan telling England's Total Rock that the band may even put its search on hold again.
Slash has said in recent interviews that he plans to make a new solo album this year, while McKagan is touring with his side band LOADED and launching a wealth management firm for musicians.
Taylor is currently on the road with STONE SOUR and will do some summer festival gigs with SLIPKNOT.
Rob Cavuoto from Guitar International spoke with Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER , LOADED, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) recently about a number of topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow:
Guitar International: Was it a difficult transition from bassist in Guns 'N' Roses and Velvet Revolver to frontman in Loaded?
Duff McKagan: "I've been playing rhythm guitar in bands since 1980. I did it for my Believe in Me CD in 1993 and Neurotic Outsiders in 1996ish. So for me it's easier to sing and play guitar than it is to play bass and sing. I like to feel outside of myself when I'm playing a gig, and if I'm playing bass and signing I'm just too self-aware."
Guitar International: You've accomplished so much over your career. What do you think is your greatest musical accomplishment?
Duff McKagan: "Oh Shit, wow. That's a tough one! It has to be Guns 'N' Roses getting signed to a major label and getting the deal that we wanted. That's was a magical time when we were being touted by major labels. We got a baby-band deal, but a really good one. LA was a buzz about our band, it was big town. Bands come out of the entrepreneurial spirit, making something out of nothing, so it was truly special."
Guitar International: Why do you think it is taking so long to find a singer for Velvet Revolver?
Duff McKagan: "I don't know how much I want to say about that. I think Slash is very happy doing his solo thing, and why not. I think if Velvet Revolver is going to happen again it will happen when it's supposed to happen. We played with some good singers and Scott Weiland is tough guy to replace. A lot of singers are daunted by that. You don't want to go out there and fuck up. Some things are better left as is. There's a lot going through you head. Should we fuck with this or leave it alone? The things you put into a band you don't want it tainted. Like I said, if it's supposed to happen well do it."
MÖTLEY CRÜE has decided to let the fans decide the band's setlist for this summer's tour via online vote. According to CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, a voting page will be placed at the group's official web site, Motley.com, on Monday, April 18. He says, "You wanted it, you got it, fuckers..."
When asked about CRÜE and POISON's upcoming tour with NEW YORK DOLLS and why their two bands hadn't hit the road together before, Sixx said during a recent interview, "We were on separate paths. And MÖTLEY's thing had been we didn't wanna tour with any bands from the same era that we were about; we wanted to stay on our own. And me and Bret had talked and they'd been doing the same thing — [turns to Bret, who was also part of the interview] you've taken out a lot of the alternative and active rock bands as well. And the fans are the ones that really kind of demanded it and made MÖTLEY and the guys in POISON start to talk about it. And the [NEW YORK] DOLLS signed on, and we were, like, 'You know, this time right now, economically, it's so bad for touring and for fans and for bands. What can we do to make the ultimate fan experience?" All the hits, the show, they know all the music... And both bands put on just a killer show, and we're looking
forward to it. So I'm glad we didn't do it [earlier]."
In response to a question about whether there was any bad blood between CRÜE and POISON, POISON singer Bret Michaels said during a separate interview, "There may be some friendly competition but there is no bad blood at all on my part. Nikki and I have spoken several times on the phone recently and the conversations went great. Music is a universal language and I am extremely excited that this tour has come together as are the fans, they are truly going to see a great show. Honestly, I could care less about all the mudslinging, it gets nobody nowhere, and after all I have been through health wise in the last year, I am going to try to focus on what does matter which is the show, the fans, fun and personally throwing a hell of a backstage party."
Rob Zombie has posted the following message on his RZFilms blog:
"Well, I just wrapped a very odd directing gig in sunny Vancouver. A very scary TV commercial for [ fabric care product maker] Woolite called 'The Torturer'. Yes, I said Woolite. This ain't yo Mamma's Woolite. 'Halloween 2''s <>D.P. Brandon Trost and 'House Of 1000 Corpses' producer Danielle Lovett were part of the fun. Can't show you much but, below are a few shots from this crazy week of filming."
Zombie recently told Empire magazine that his upcoming fil, "The Lords Of Salem", will be his "bleakest" outing yet — this from the man whose four previous directorial efforts include the ultra-violent "The Devil's Rejects" and two grim "Halloween" movies. As for the plot of "Salem", Zombie gave a more detailed outline than before, saying, "There were twenty people that everyone knows about — obviously all innocent — executed as witches in Salem . . . there were a further four who actually were witches, who were killed secretly, and vowed one day to return to wreak havoc on Salem's descendants. That's when the movie jumps ahead to the present day and things start to go wrong."
Zombie said he's had the idea for the movie for years, even before he recorded the song of the same name.
Zombie also revealed that he's no longer involved with a remake of "The Blob", saying, "If it's too similar to the original, everybody wonders what the point was, but if it's too different, everybody complains that it's too different! . . . It's like people have a set of rules in their minds about how these things should function, and you can't work like that."
Zombie told Empire that he still would like to make his biker film, "Tyrannosaurus Rex", someday, and also hopes to make a Western. He also told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago what kind of horror movie he'd like to see Hollywood make again. "It would be so cool to do, like, 'The Return Of Frankenstein', but you do it like Frankenstein looked in all the original Universal films," he said. "That would be so cool to go back and make a totally classic horror movie. Don't jazz it all up like Van Helsing, but make something really classic. I think people would go for it."
Zombie, who directed all his own music videos, made his debut as a feature film writer and director with 2003's "House Of 1000 Corpses".
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L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns Tweets: "Just found out I get to shred on The Price Is Right next Tuesday (April 19th) and it airs May 9th."
In other news, Tracii's LAG - featuring Jizzy Pearl on vocals - have the following shows booked:
June
26 - Alicante, Spain - Sala Stereo
27 - Murcia, Spain - Sala Stereo
28 - Lleida, Spain - Cafe del Teatre
29 - Valladolid, Spain - Sala Porta Caeli
30 - Valencia, Spain - Durango Club
August
6 - San Angelo, Texas - The Deadhorse
11 - West Allis, Wisconsin - Wisconsin State Fair
14 - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Launchpad *
A brand new metal "supergroup" featuring Chris Impellitteri on lead guitar, Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST) on drums, Rudy Sarzo (DIO, QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE) on bass, and Mike Vescera (LOUDNESS, OBSESSION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals is currently being recorded in a Los Angeles Studio for Sony. Chris said that he is getting along splendidly with Scott and Rudy and looks forward to their future collaboration. "I think the three of us seem to have a great chemistry," he said. "The music we are playing is definitely metal, loaded with lots of shredding guitar solos, screaming vocals, thunderous bass, and amazing drumming; mixed with a lot of SPINAL TAP… ha ha! Looking forward to playing live dates with my new mates."
North America's progressive metal masterminds SYMPHONY X would like to assure everyone that their upcoming North American headlining tour will still go on as planned. In fact, SYMPHONY X will now be playing a longer set for their fans who have been eagerly waiting to see the band perform live again since 2008. Still joining SYMPHONY X on the road beginning on April 21 in Philadelphia and through May 22 in West Springfield, Virginia are Boston's POWERGLOVE and Montreal's BLACKGUARD.
Commented SYMPHONY X guitarist and founding member Michael Romeo: "Some of you may be disappointed that SOILWORK, and just recently NEVERMORE, left the tour; we share your frustration. We were looking forward to taking such a great lineup out on the road, but shit happens; best of luck to those bands in the future. That being said, we're still psyched about getting back on the road and giving the fans a full-on, killer show every night. We plan on doing some tracks from our upcoming CD, 'Iconoclast', and are really excited to be playing them for our North American fans for the first time ever. It's going to be awesome!"
SYMPHONY X's ninth studio album, "Iconoclast", will be released in Europe on June 17 and in North America on June 21 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Illustrator and film concept artist Warren Flanagan ("Watchmen", "The Incredible Hulk", "2012") is the talent behind the album artwork. He states, "The idea was to create imagery that was a little darker in tone to previous SYMPHONY X albums and to represent the overall theme of 'Iconoclast' into the artwork. The whole concept came from [SYMPHONY X guitarist] Mike [Romeo], who had a strong idea of what the cover should represent based off the music. I just ran with it. When the album's title was decided on, I focused the image based on the meaning of it. I also wanted to use the band's signature 'masks' but present them in a way that connected to the new album."
SYMPHONY X founder and lead guitarist Michael Romeo has the following to say about Flanagan's art: "We worked with Warren on the last CD, 'Paradise Lost', and have a good relationship with him. When I talk to Warren about artwork ideas, a lot of times we end up making comparisons to films and movies. With the new CD, 'Iconoclast', the music and lyrics have a darker mechanical/technological theme, and I remember us talking about scenes from films like 'The Matrix' and 'Terminator'. From there, we sent him some songtitles and lyrics (songs like 'Dehumanized', 'Bastards Of The Machine', 'Electric Messiah') and just let Warren run with the ball. He has a great imagination and style, and he totally gets what we are trying to convey with the music."
The track listing for the jewel-cased version of "Iconoclast" is:
01. Iconoclast
02. The End Of Innocence
03. Dehumanized
04. Bastards Of The Machine
05. Heretic
06. Children Of A Faceless God
07. Electric Messiah
08. Prometheus (I Am Alive)
09. When All Is Lost
The track listing for the 2-CD special edition digipak version of "Iconoclast" is:
CD 1:
01. Iconoclast
02. The End Of Innocence
03. Dehumanized
04. Bastards Of The Machine
05. Heretic
06. Children Of A Faceless God
07. When All Is Lost
CD 2:
01. Electric Messiah
02. Prometheus (I Am Alive)
03. Light Up The Night
04. The Lords Of Chaos
05. Reign In Madness
THE RESISTANCE, the new Sweden-based metal band featuring former members of IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and GRAVE, will make its live debut at the second installment of this year's Close-Up Båten cruise, set to leave Stockholm, Sweden, for Finland on September 8 and return the next day.
The billing for the cruise is shaping up as follows:
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR
DIA PSALMA
THE RESISTANCE
SCAR SYMMETRY
F.K.Ú.
For more information, go to this location.
THE RESISTANCE's lineup is as follows:
* Marco Aro (FACE DOWN, ex-THE HAUNTED) - Vocals
* Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Glenn Ljungström (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Alex Losbäck Holstad (ex-DESPITE, DECAMERON, CARDINAL SIN) - Bass
* Chris Barkensjö (CARNAL FORGE, GODSIC, ex-GRAVE) - Drums
Strömblad quit IN FLAMES in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.
DIMENSION ZERO's third album, "He Who Shall Not Bleed", was released in 2008 via Vic Records. The CD contained "11 tracks of aggressive, fast and melodic Gothenburg metal," according to a press release.
FACE DOWN entered the Swedish hard rock album chart at position No. 19 with its last effort, "The Will to Power", which came out in November 2005.
NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has decided to push back the tentative release date of her debut solo album to after the band has completed touring in support of its new studio album, "Imaginarium".
"I had planned to release my solo album now when we have had a break from NIGHTWISH," Olzon writes on her official blog. "The solo was meant to be a fun thing and a thing for me to start doing my own songs since that is something I feel I want to learn more about. When I got pregnant with Nemo [Anette's second son and first with current boyfriend, bassist Johan Husgafvel of the Swedish metal band PAIN], I felt that I didn't want to stress during the pregnancy since my pregnancy with Seth [Anette's older son] was hard and I had to take it very easy. So to not 'jump in' and promise things I couldn't keep, I put the solo down.
"When Nemo came, and I felt that he was healthy and I also felt good, I started to feel that I could put the album out and still had time to do that. We started to discuss with different labels, but the progress took so much time and things happened along the way — the biggest thing being a producer who suddenly couldn't do it due to personal problems — and all of a sudden it was April and my time is running out. So I pulled the break yesterday and just said 'thanks, but no thanks' to the record label 'cause it can't be done at this time.
"My autumn is quite full with 'Imaginarium', so the solo [album] will have to wait to be released. I will work with the production of the songs when I have the time and if I get a song ready, I will put it out for you all to listen, but there won't be an album out. Then, after 'Imaginarium' and the tour — if I still feel like releasing it — I will do that then."
Olzon worked on material for her solo CD in 2009 with Swedish producers Stefan Örn and Johan Glössner. The album was slated to be co-produced by Swedish producer/songwriter Anders Bagge, who has previously worked with MADONNA, CELINE DION, JANET JACKSON and JESSICA SIMPSON, among others. He was also one of judges on the Swedish TV talent competition "Idol" and a producer of the TV series "Made in Sweden".
Olzon in 2009 hired a personal manager — the Swedish management company Hagenburg Management, which also represents EUROPE and THE CARDIGANS.
Tom Hess, the guitar virtuoso well known for his unique guitar skills and for being the creator of the famous online guitar courses, is now officially a member of Italian symphonic metal masters RHAPSODY OF FIRE. Tom recorded most of the rhythm-guitar parts and two guitar solos on the new RHAPSODY OF FIRE album, "From Chaos To Eternity", to be released on June 17 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented RHAPSODY OF FIRE's Alex Staropoli: "I saw Tom Hess playing on stage several times and always got impressed by his great stage presence and his way of playing. When I heard the rhythmic and the solo guitars he recorded for RHAPSODY OF FIRE, I was blown away, I could feel that strong presence in between every single note."
Added RHAPSODY OF FIRE's Luca Turilli: "I know Tom [for] many years. He is a great person, a good friend of mine and I am not surprised of the success he's having teaching his guitar techniques all around the world. I am really proud to have built a strong partnership with him and I will always thank him for the support he gave me when I decided to create my 'Neoclassical Revelation' guitar course. Therefore, I am really honored to present Tom to all the fans of RHAPSODY OF FIRE as I am sure he will be the one who, through his artistic talent and unique skills, will make the difference in this band for the years to come!"
A new RHAPSODY OF FIRE song, "Aeons Of Raging Darkness" — taken from the band's forthcoming album, "From Chaos To Eternity", is available for free download at this location (e-mail sign-up required). Luca says, "[This] song is dedicated to all the innocent people victims of the war, of the abuses, of those acts of violence that on a daily basis rape the soul of our wonderful planet."
Described by the band as "the natural evolution" from last year's "The Frozen Tears Of Angels", "From Chaos To Eternity" marks RHAPSODY OF FIRE's final release based on the fantasy saga started in 1997 with the group's debut album, "Legendary Tales". As in the past, RHAPSODY OF FIRE founding members Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli produced the effort, part of which (vocals and guitars) was laid down in their hometown of Trieste. The bass and drum recordings were completed in Wolfsburg, Germany at the Gate Studio under the supervision of RHAPSODY OF FIRE's longtime friend and collaborator Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, ANGRA, KAMELOT).
"From Chaos To Eternity" track listing:
01. Ad Infinitum
02. From Chaos To Eternity
03. Tempesta Di Fuoco
04. Ghosts Of Forgotten Worlds
05. Anima Perduta
06. Aeons Of Raging Darkness
07. I Belong To The Stars
08. Tornado
09. Heroes Of The Waterfalls' Kingdom
I. Lo Spirito Della Foresta
II. Realm Of Sacred Waterfalls
III. Thanor's Awakening
IV. Northern Skies Enflamed
V. The Splendour Of Angels' Glory (A Final Revelation)
"From Chaos To Eternity" will be released in a standard jewelcase edition of 24 pages, and in an exclusive limited edition of 48 pages, full of great and unique surprises, as well as two bonus tracks, for a total of 65 minutes of RHAPSODY OF FIRE's legendary music.
San Francisco Bay Area metallers HEATHEN will not perform with DESTRUCTION at the May 13 stop of the German thrash act's "North American Reckoning" tour in Springfield, Virginia. "DESTRUCTION and WARBEAST will be playing will some local support acts but HEATHEN is not on the bill for that show," HEATHEN says in a statement. "We will, however, be playing at Bourbon Street Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland. Anyone in the Springfield, D.C. or Baltimore area that wants to see HEATHEN live, please come on out to the Baltimore show on May 10th."
As previously reported, former SLAYER/TESTAMENT drummer Jon Dette will fill in for HEATHEN's Darren Minter on the North American tour with DESTRUCTION and WARBEAST.
Commented HEATHEN: "Darren is unable to join us on the North American tour due to previous work commitments during that time. We will miss him on the tour, but we are happy to have found Jon to fill in. We're looking forward to seeing everyone on the road!"
HEATHEN played its first show with returning bassist Jason VieBrooks on February 4 at Madhouse in San Francisco, California.
VieBrooks is filling in for regular HEATHEN bassist Jon Torres, who was forced to sit out the San Francisco show and the recently completed European tour with OVERKILL and DESTRUCTION in order "to focus on his health."
HEATHEN's lineup for the upcoming tour will be as follows:
David White - Vocals
Lee Altus - Guitar
Kragen Lum - Guitar
Jason VieBrooks - Bass
Jon Dette - Drums
HEATHEN's latest album, "The Evolution Of Chaos", was released in the U.S. on February 16, 2010. The CD was issued in Japan on December 23, 2009 via King Records and was made available on January 25 in Europe via Holland's Mascot Records.
New York-based progressive/gothic metallers DESDEMON have announced the addition of female singer Chelsea Knaack to the group's ranks.
After a series of auditions, this Minnesota native flew out to New York and recorded DESDEMON's soon-to-be-released album, "Through The Gates", "like no other could" according to a press release. "Her vocal prowess is impressive, through years of training with renowned vocal instructor Diana Grasselli out in Minneapolis.
Commented DESDEMON lead guitarist Frank Tosi: "It's refreshing to have such an enthusiastic feel here in the band again.
"This album process really threw some unexpected curveballs for us all here in the group. Through snow storm after snowstorm, members leaving, members returning, new members coming in...it has been quite the stressful circus! Thankfully, our Japanese label (Radtone Music) was extremely patient as we worked things out. In retrospect, it was definitely the best decision we could have made for us all.
"I can honestly say that I've never been happier in this band. It's a real pleasure to play with such a great group of high-powered musicians, especially our new drummer Mike Marrone and our incredible new vocalist, Chelsea Knaack! What an amazing range and demeanor. Such a pro! Now it's onto getting some live dates together and hitting the road!"
This May, DESDEMON will get back to the live stage when it supports the KING DIAMOND tribute band THEM.
Guitarist Christian Muenzner (OBSCURA) has revealed the cover artwork and track listing for his upcoming, all-instrumental solo album, "Timewarp". The CD features Hannes Grossmann (OBSCURA, BLOTTED SCIENCE) on drums and Daniel Galmarini (MERCURY FALLING) on keyboards, with bass duties split between Steve DiGiorgio (DEATH, SADUS, ex-TESTAMENT, ex-ICED EARTH) and Jacob Schmidt (DEFEATED SANITY). Due by the end of April, it features guest appearances by Shrapnel recording artists Derek Taylor, Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY, KAIPA), Ryan Knight (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ex-ARSIS), Bob Katsionis (FIREWIND) and Alex Guth (STORMWARRIOR).
"Timewarp" track listing:
01. Maybe Tomorrow
02. Confusion
03. The Tell-Tale Heart
04. Timewarp
05. Victory
06. Rocket Shop
07. Soulmates
08. Over The Mountains
09. Wastelands
10. Dawn Of The Shred
11. The Gunslinger
12. Endless Caravan
The cover artwork was created by Anestis Goudas and can be seen below.
"Omnivium", the new album from OBSCURA, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 11 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.
OBSCURA's previous album, "Cosmogenesis", opened with 900 units to debut at No. 71 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart.
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