According to The Pulse Of Radio, an Australian tour operator has discovered that the music of AC/DC attracts great white sharks to his boat so that his customers can see them.
Adventure Bay operator Matt Waller said songs like "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" bring the creatures up close to the boat and his clients in their viewing cages.
Waller said, "We know AC/DC's music works best by trial and error — I've seen the sharks rub their faces on the cage where the sound is coming from, as if to feel it.
"We're doing more research to see what works best with different species of shark."
The Kiss Coffeehouse's fifth-anniversary party is going to be a rock 'n' roll celebration — an "all-day-and-all-nite, rain-or-shine" rock 'n' roll party, with very special guests, KISS drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, will also be at this very special, and historic event, and KISS ARMY — "the coolest band in the world" — will perform a live "KISS" concert!
This is a very rare, and unique opportunity to meet both Eric and Tommy, together for the first time at the Kiss Coffeehouse, to talk to, to take photos with, and to sign autographs, as well as to take part in an intimate question-and-answer session with. All professional, high-resolution photographs taken with Eric and Tommy will be e-mailed to all fans purchasing either the Platinum or Double Platinum package within 1-2 weeks of the event.
This will be Kiss Coffeehouse's last anniversary party for the next five years! This very special and historic event is sure to sell out quickly! Tickets are limited, so if you want to be a part of Kisstory" and celebrate this very special, and historic milestone, purchase your tickets today. Tickets are available online only at KissCoffeehouse.com.
The Kiss Coffeehouse is a specialty coffee retailer operating at Broadway at the Beach, an entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Its theme revolves around the band KISS, who own the franchise. A number of items from KISS' stage shows, such as costumes, are also on display at the establishment.
The Kiss Coffeehouse, which opened to huge crowds in the summer of 2006, features signature KISS coffees, including Kiss Army Blend and French Kiss Vanilla, the Kiss Frozen Rockuccino, cookies, brownies and other sinful sweets.
The grand opening of the store was attended by founding KISS bandmembers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
On July 9, 2006, Lisa-Holly Friedman and Ronald K Marukawa (two longtime KISS fans) were married on the premises, with Paul Stanley telephoning during the proceedings to wish them well.
Jackson Custom Shop introduced its new Chris Broderick (MEGADETH) signature guitar model in January . Broderick himself worked closely with Custom Shop master craftsmen to create a distinctive guitar based on a classic Jackson design.
That guitar, the Jackson Chris Broderick Soloist, brings his long and exacting search for instrumental excellence to a most satisfying conclusion.
Broderick's Soloist model boasts an unusual new touch in the form of a slightly offset carved-top body design for which the guitarist collaborated with longtime Jackson Custom Shop master builder Mike Shannon. Other features include dual DiMarzio humbucking pickups and a 24-fret 12"-radius fingerboard. Further, the guitar will be available in six- and seven-string models.
Broderick has issued the following update on his signature-model guitar:
"Thanks for the interest in my guitars. They are in the production phase of the six-strings so those should be out soon. As for the [seven-string guitar], we are working out the details of the Floyd low pro bridge (this will be the only [seven-string guitar] to have it) and it should be going into production runs any time now. For the record it will not have a barrel jack (I never liked them), it will have a Fender style jack plate on the side of the guitar that you can reverse if you like.
"Here is a list of specs on the guitar, I hope you guys like it.
"Available to the public in a seven- and six-string version exactly like the ones I play. I wanted this because first and foremost I primarily play and feel at home on the seven-string but play my six-strings on stage with MEGADETH.
"Available at various price points. This make a lot of sense because, some people might not need the extra features found on the USA custom but want some of the other features available, and this makes it possible.
"A 12" radius neck. I have played with neck varying from perfectly flat (like my first classical guitar) to 10" radius' (Fender Strat) and feel that a 12" radius is the most ergonomic, not only for the left hand but for picking as well (the strings feel like they have a little more separation).
"Stainless steel frets. These are perfect for two handed tapping and other techniques as they don't wear out and actually add a little sustain to the guitar.
"Tall narrow frets. This allows for all the benefits of jumbo frets but also allows you to get your fingers in those tight areas above the 15th fret.
"Quilt Maple binding. I am always a fan of natural woods and to use quilt maple as fretboard binding sets this guitar apart.
"Ebony fret board. Being one of the most dense woods you can get for the fret board this adds sustain and punch to the guitar also you don't have to use dye (like on rosewood) to get that black color.
"Neck-thru. I was not initially a fan of the neck-thru however when Jackson sent me one of their Japanese Pro models to check out I was sold, the increase in sustain was all I needed to hear to convince me I wanted it on my guitars.
"Reversed Jackson headstock with quilt top. I had always liked this headstock by Jackson and was a fan of reversed headstocks so this combination was the perfect combination, also it solved the problem with [six-string] or [seven-string] in line reversed headstocks where the strings would ring out on the headstock side when playing.
"Planet Waves auto trim locking tuners. These are my favorite tuners they are smooth, accurate, solid and trim the string for you (even 70 gauge strings!!!).
"Custom DiMarzio pickups (the Fundamental) that I designed after pickups that are great but with some EQ tweaking to get more of the fundamental note to pop out. I'm excited to see what people think of these.
"Custom placed 3-way switch, volume with pull single coil split, tone with pull tone knob engage, and kill switch. I spent a lot of time on the placement of the controls to make sure you could palm mute the high E and still have easy access to it to them. The combination of the pull knobs add tonal options while keeping things clean and functional.
"Quilt Maple top, mahogany back. In my mind, there is no better-looking and tonal combination then the blend of these two woods, and with the colors solid black with natural binding, transparent black with natural binding, blood red with transparent black binding, and transparent white with transparent black binding these guitars should suit a lot of different tastes.
"Custom body shape with upper and lower horn cutaway. When I designed this I had two main concepts in mind; one is that the guitar would be very ergonomic and balanced, and two that it would look like it were in motion. Both points were achieved with the asymmetrical body design and because of that the guitar seems to become an extension of myself when I am playing."
The Colorado-bred Broderick is not only a formidable shred guitarist, but also an extraordinary musician in a much wider sense. He started playing at age 10, studying guitar, voice, violin and piano, and eagerly devoured a wealth of diverse musical influences extending well beyond rock into classical, jazz, blues and country forms. He earned a degree in classical guitar performance from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music, and he himself has taught guitar for more than a dozen years.
Broderick joined MEGADETH in early 2008. His molten guitar work has contributed to the band's current revitalization, including 2009 album "Endgame", the "American Carnage" and "Rust in Peace" 20th-anniversary tours, and the summer 2010 Sonisphere festival shows in Europe that featured several metallically historic "Big Four" shows.
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MEGADETH's Shawn Drover will take part in a drum clinic on Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at House Of Guitars in Rochester, New York. Admission is free.
House of Guitars
645 Titus Ave
Rochester, NY 14617
585-544-3500
MEGADETH has resumed recording its new album at mainman Dave Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California after the sessions were briefly "halted" when producer Johnny K (full name: John Karkazis; DISTURBED, SEVENDUST, MACHINE HEAD, STAIND) was "suddenly struck ill."
The drum tracking for the CD — which is tentatively due this fall via Roadrunner Records — began early last month, with the entire recording process expected to be completed by the time the group hits the road this summer as part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival with DISTURBED and GODSMACK.
MEGADETH's platinum-certified 1986 masterpiece, "Peace Sells… But Who's Buying?", has been digitally remastered for the first time and expanded for a special 25th-anniversary release in multiple configurations. It will be released July 12 by Capitol/EMI.
All of the versions, including a 2CD lift-top box, digital album and a deluxe 5Disc+3LP box set, contain a previously unreleased 1987 concert from the band's first world tour and new liner notes written by Mustaine and METALLICA's Lars Ulrich.
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"Worship Music", the long-awaited new album from ANTHRAX, is tentatively due in the U.S. on September 13 via Megaforce Records (one day earlier in Europe through Nuclear Blast Records).
To promote the new CD, ANTHRAX will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, September 12 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with ANTHRAX by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).
For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
"Worship Music", which was originally supposed to be released in 2009 and be the band's first CD with singer Dan Nelson, will mark the first new ANTHRAX recording to feature vocalist Joey Belladonna in 20 years.
"Some of the songs we tweaked, some of the songs we did more than tweak," ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante told Revolver magazine. "Some we started from scratch, and some were written just for this album."
"With Joey singing them, they sound like classic ANTHRAX. The hair on my arms stood up when he started singing them. It was ANTHRAX once again."
Guitarist Scott Ian agreed. "The songs like sound like metal. They sound like ANTHRAX circa 1987 through a 2011 filter."
"I think this record is more of a celebration for us," Benante added. "We haven't had a new record since 2003. The ups and downs in between really reflect the mood of this record. There is a lot of aggression, emotion and power. I feel like this is once again back to our New York style and attitude."
In a recent interview with SoundSpike.com, Benante elaborated on the difficulties ANTHRAX encountered while trying to complete the new CD.
"This is years in the making," he said. "It's finally at the end stages of it all. I'm very happy. This record is like a labor of love in all the different ways that it took to get here — a lot of blood, a lot of sweat, a lot of tears. It's very emotional to get to this point. Nothing's fabricated here. It's all based on truth." He added, "The ANTHRAX car was driving through peaks and valleys, peaks and valleys, peaks and valleys. Sometimes we just couldn't get out of the valleys. Finally, we went in for a tune-up, and now it's running really well. We're trying to stay up in the peaks. There were so many things that went into this record that made it special. There were so many other things going into it that were not special. We needed to make this record as special as possible. Certain personalities interfered. This record is probably the most emotional record that we've ever had to make."
Songtitles set to appear on "Worship Music" include "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't", "I'm Alive", "Crawl", "The Giant", "Earth On Hell" and "Down Goes The Sun".
During a chat with RockMusicStar.com, ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna was asked if working on the band's new songs was a challenge because of the fact that most of the material was written for previous vocalist, Dan Nelson. "I kind of hate that someone was already singing this stuff and now I have to kind of dance around it and do it all over," he said. "They [the rest of ANTHRAX] have in their mind already how they want it to sound, so it's kind of hard to shake it away. They are not going to say to me, 'Go on and do something totally different and we will just dig it.' [Laughs] It's hard, but I'm not worried about it."
ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna will take part in an in-store signing session on June 15, 2011 at Soundcheck Hollywood in West Hollywood, California beginning at 6:00 p.m. before his solo show at the Key Club that night.
For more information, see the flyer below.
A list of upcoming Joey Belladonna solo dates can be found at this location.
Fan-filmed video footage of Belladonna's March 11, 2011 solo concert at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut can be viewed below.
When asked in a recent interview with RockMusicStar.com why he decided to do solo dates at this time, Joey replied, "Well, I'm always putting dates together. Right now, I'm working with some agents and we found some places to play. But I'm always pursuing that, regardless. I've been doing this solo for so long and even though I'm with ANTHRAX now, I'm still doing it. It's not just because I have nothing to do, but because it's what I do. We really aren't working that much (with ANTHRAX) anyhow, but at the same time it really doesn't have anything to do with that. But the dates are just falling in this year, as opposed to last year. I also play out every weekend, locally. I have a cover band called CHIEF BIG WAY. And we do a classic rock covers from BOSTON, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, LED ZEPPELIN and bands like that."
On the topic of whether he plans on releasing a new BELLADONNA CD anytime soon, Joey said, "I have about three-quarters of a record ready. And we are trying to finish it up. It seems like it takes forever, but it's really a matter of who is available to work on it and finish it. I'm really enjoying the music that we are creating."
Regarding the sound of his new solo material and how it compares to his previous solo work, Belladonna said, "I think that it's a bit more metal in some ways. It's harder, it has different tunings and it is a bit more intricate. But it's still hard and heavy rock. There is a bit of old-school thrash. But I really don't want to put any labels on it."
CINDERELLA, KIX, FIREHOUSE, STRYPER, FASTER PUSSYCAT and BANG TANGO are among the newly confirmed bands for the new metal cruise Monsters Of Rock - The Voyage, which is set to sail on February 25 and return three days later via Ft. Lauderdale / Bahamas / Key West.
The billing is shaping up as follows:
TESLA
CINDERELLA
KIX
Y&T
FIREHOUSE
STRYPER
BLACK 'N BLUE
LYNCH MOB
KEEL
ERIC MARTIN
JOHN CORABI
FASTER PUSSYCAT
BANG TANGO
Commented the organizers: "The inaugural Monsters Of Rock cruise will be nothing short of epic! Think of it as one big backstage party… Talk about getting up close and personal with some of your favorite bands! This will indeed be the rock 'n roll vacation that people will chatter about for years to come... and we invite you to be a part of it."
For more information, go to this location.
The Pulse Of Radio reports that the recording of PEARL JAM's 10th studio album is underway earlier than anticipated, according to RollingStone.com. The site caught up with frontman Eddie Vedder at the Los Angeles studio where the band has been working, noting that the project is "coming together faster than the band expected." Vedder remarked at the beginning of the interview, "I don't want to jinx it, but it's on!"
Vedder himself released a new solo album, "Ukulele Songs", on Tuesday (May 31), consisting almost entirely of just him singing and playing the tracks on ukulele. Vedder explained, "I just wanted it to be the one sound. At first it was kind of a joke, and then it became a little bit of a challenge, a puzzle, to see if I could create 11 or 12 songs with just a ukulele. It's like painting with one color."
The singer is touring behind the album this month, while PEARL JAM will continue its 20th anniversary celebration with its own two-day festival on Labor Day weekend and the release of Cameron Crowe's documentary "Pearl Jam: Twenty" and an accompanying book this fall.
Bassist Jeff Ament told The Pulse Of Radio that he's ready to leave the past behind — which included recent reissues of the band's first three albums — and focus on the new record. "If every two years we were doing one of those kind of box set, you know, like a group of two records or whatever, that would be fine," he said. "But I think that with the movie and this book and all that stuff, I'm ready to make a new record."
Vedder also doesn't want to wallow in PEARL JAM nostalgia too long, saying, "I feel like we have to keep our eyes on the road. Being nostalgic is like taking an offramp and getting a sandwich — and then you get back on the highway. I don't want to be spending the rest of my life at the gas station."
The reunited classic "Animosity" lineup of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — Mike Dean (bass, vocals), Woody Weatherman (guitar) and Reed Mullin (drums) — entered the studio earlier in the year with longtime producer John Custer (1991's "Blind", 1994's "Deliverance", 1996's "Wiseblood", 2000's "America's Volume Dealer", 2005's "In The Arms Of God") to begin recording the band's new album for a late 2011 release.
In a recent interview with UGO, Dean stated about the forthcoming CD, "The title is yet to be determined.?A self-titled release crossed our minds but the album title is a game-time decision. October is a good time but if we miss that, early 2012 would be a fine time for release.? 'The Moneychangers', 'River Of Stone' and 'Rat City' are some of the [song]titles [that will appear on the CD]."
Speaking to Metal Kaoz, Dean described CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's new material as "familiar but surprising. All of the old influences are there — hardcore, three generations of heavy rock and no rules as to how to combine them and make something new and creative."
With the twenty-fifth anniversary of the classic "Animosity" album approaching, the original incarnation of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY played its first live show in over twenty years on July 30, 2010 in Asheville, North Carolina.
The reunited trio has recorded a new seven-inch single, "Your Tomorrow (Parts 1 and 2)", which was made available via Southern Lord's web site.
Mullin co-founded CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1982 as a hardcore punk act alongside Weatherman and Dean before leaving the band in 2001 amidst health concerns.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's latest album, "In the Arms of God", came out in 2005 on Sanctuary Records. The group's first collection of new material since 2000's "America's Volume Dealer" was produced by C.O.C.'s longtime collaborator John Custer.
According to the French edition of Rock Hard magazine, keyboardist Joakim Svalberg (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, GLENN HUGHES) has been rehearsing with Swedish progressive metallers OPETH for the past few weeks, but has not yet been made an official member of the band.
A photo of Svalberg in the studio with OPETH during the mixing sessions for the group's new album, "Heritage", can be seen below.
Keyboardist Per Wiberg, who joined OPETH in 2005, was relieved of his duties in April as part of a mutual decision with the remaining members of the band.
OPETH vocalist/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt released the following statement on the matter: "Well, it's been somewhat of a revolving door of members during the last couple of years, and now Per is no longer a member. [Martin] Mendez [bass], Axe [Martin Axenrot, drums] and Fredrik [Åkesson, guitar] and I came to the decision that we should find a replacement for Per right after the recordings of the new album, and this came as no surprise to Per. He had, in turn, been thinking about leaving, so you could say it was a mutual decision. There's no bad blood, just a relationship that came to an end, and that's that. We wish Per the best, and he did a splendid job recording keyboards for the last record, which stands as his final recording with OPETH."
In other news, OPETH will embark on a North American headlining tour in September with support from KATATONIA. So far the following dates have been revealed:
Sep. 19 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Sep. 20 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre
Sep. 21 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Sep. 22 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Sep. 26 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
Sep. 28 - Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom
Sep. 29 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
Oct. 06 - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club
Oct. 08 - Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre
Oct. 16 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Oct. 21 - Pomona, CA - The Fox Theater
Oct. 25 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
OPETH will release its tenth album, "Heritage", on September 20 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt and was recorded earlier this year at Atlantis studios (formerly Metronome studios) in Stockholm. Mixing duties were handled by Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) and Åkerfeldt. Longtime collaborator Travis Smith also worked with Åkerfeldt to create, design and execute the album's artwork, which can be seen below.
"Heritage" will be released in several configurations that will certainly incite the interest of OPETH's legion of fans, known for their passion for collecting and collectibles. The album will be released as a standard version; as a special edition loaded with extras; as a box set exclusive to the Roadrunner and the band's own official Omerch webstore; and as a double LP. There is something for every OPETH fan, thanks to this variety of options.
Commented Åkerfeldt, "It will be our 10th album/observation. I dig it; we all do. In fact, it feels like I've been building up to write for and participate on an album like this since I was 19."
Åkerfeldt went a little deeper and described the music contained within "Heritage", saying, "It's quite intense at times in some 'old' murky way, and quite beautiful and stark at times, if I may say so myself.
"It's obvious I'm going to say nice things about it since I wrote, basically, the whole piece, but I guess it will raise a few eyebrows and it certainly is an acquired taste.
"I think you'll need a slightly deeper understanding of our music as a whole to be able to appreciate this record.
"I've realized my influences for this album are so diverse that I can't really say what it sounds like.
"If I can compare it to any other band, it would have to be OPETH, but it's different from the stuff we've done before.
"I've listened a lot to ALICE COOPER for the last year, yet I can't say it sounds like 'No More Mr. Nice Guy'.
"I hope you'll like it once you hear it."
"Heritage" track listing:
01. Heritage
02. The Devil's Orchard
03. I Feel The Dark
04. Slither
05. Nepenthe
06. Haxprocess
07. Famine
08. The Lines In My Hand
09. Folklore
10. Marrow Of The Earth
The first single and video from "Heritage" will be the song "The Devil's Orchard".
OPETH's last album, "Watershed" (2008), sold more than 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 23 on The Billboard 200 chart. Its predecessor, "Ghost Reveries", debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard chart back in September 2005 with first-week sales of just under 15,000. OPETH's 2003 album, "Damnation", opened with a little over 5,000 copies.
As part of the celebration of their 20th anniversary, OPETH released live footage and audio from the band's performance at London's famed Royal Albert Hall. The concert (recorded on April 5, 2010) included two sets, the first consisting of the band performing 2000's now-classic, breakthrough epic "Blackwater Park" in its entirety, and the second, a chronologically arranged selection of material from the rest of OPETH's extensive catalogue, totaling almost three hours of music. "In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall" is, like the rest of OPETH's greatest work, "purposefully warped in all the right places" (Decibel). The front cover artwork concept pays tribute to DEEP PURPLE's "Concerto for Group and Orchestra", underlining the band's longstanding love for their prog-rock roots.
Zoiks! Online recently conducted an interview with GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Zoiks! Online: Now that "Avalon" [Erna's solo album] has been out a while and the fans have had a chance to soak it in, what has the feedback been like?
Sully Erna: It's been great. No problems so far, thankfully. (laughs) We haven't had anyone boo us off the stage or anything. It seems like everyone who comes in contact with the record, even if they hadn't heard of it and they're skeptical about [it] — "OK, what is it?" — once they hear it, they're like, "Wow, I really like this." So no one so far has bummed this thing out yet, which has been a blessing. The live shows are going great; people are really receptive to it and having a blast. We put something really cool together on that end of things. Ultimately, it's still a developing project, you know, and it's in the early stages and it's going to take a little bit of time to nurture it. If it keeps going the way it is, I can't see this not being successful, because it all feels right at this point.
Zoiks! Online: What feedback have you gotten from the guys in GODSMACK?
Sully Erna: They're OK. You know, they did a project, too, a year or two ago when we took a break, ANOTHER ANIMAL, some side rock band that they did. They knew this was coming. They know I have multiple sides to me and I just can't be that guy all the time. It just so happens that GODSMACK put me in the limelight and kept me busy for the last twelve or fifteen years, or whatever it's been. I was just waiting for the opportunity to step away from it and vent the other side of me. People don't realize that I listen to rock music the least. I have so many different backgrounds in music and I have to explore them. My dad is a musician, he's a trumpet player, and he has been his whole life. My great uncle was a famous composer in Sicily. I have a lot of different backgrounds in music. I don't always just want to play rock, and this was the perfect opportunity to explore another side of me and put together some different musicians and get out there and have a
really good time with it and show the world that there are a lot of different kinds of music that I really enjoy writing, not just rock music all the time.
Zoiks! Online: What role does ego play in the big festivals? A lot of you guys are big name bands, is it more competition or more collaboration to put on a great show?
Sully Erna: I've learned over the years that rock and roll is more of a competition and I think that's sad. I don't think it should be. I wish more rock bands would just embrace each other and realize that working competitively towards each other we're working against each other. There was a time when metal dominated Top 40 radio, back in the '80s with MÖTLEY CRÜE and all those kinds of bands, VAN HALEN — that's what pop music was back then, because that was the popular music. Everybody worked together, bands went out on tour together and all that stuff. Now sometimes I feel that there are a little bit too many egos out there when it comes to rock music, because everyone wants to swing the big dick, everyone wants to have the belt and think they're the king and they have a bigger draw than anybody. It's silly. Everybody needs to just come down and embrace it for what it is. The more the fans see us unite, the more the fans will unite and they won't
be segregated and have to pick and choose who they're going to see that year. The festival things are great for that, but there is always backstage drama. It's like, whatever; I don't even care anymore. I honestly bring my George Foreman grill, and I get on stage and I do what I've gotta do and when I'm done, I go and cook buffalo burgers fucking and I don't even talk to anybody, because I've learned that you meet people and you just get more disappointed than anything. For me, I'm always open to working with other artists and I love collaborating, and, I don't know… It's one of those things. I don't think music should be a competition, it's a universal language and it should be shared equally. It doesn't matter if your band's more popular or not, it's about allowing the fans to see we're one big family out here and we're creating music for everybody.
Multinational melodic metallers EDEN'S CURSE will support progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER on the following dates:
July 22 - Leeds Academy – Leeds, UK
July 23 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
Commented EDEN'S CURSE frontman Michael Eden: "Yes, it's true my friends .... anything can and will happen! The CURSE has nailed the opening slot for the DREAM THEATER shows in July. We look towards the future with our friends in DREAM THEATER, as they prepare their U.K. return, with a show that will blow minds and speakers!! An evening of metal delights will never sound better to metal supporters everywhere!! DREAM THEATER is back and the CURSE is ready to kick some ass with their hardcore fans in the U.K., and our fans? They know what's coming. PREPARE!"
"No Holy Man", the new video from EDEN'S CURSE, can be viewed below, The song, which features a guest appearance by DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie, was released as a digital single via AFM Records.
"No Holy Man" was the first track to be released from EDEN'S CURSE's third studio album, "Trinity", which hit the stores on March 18.
LaBrie lends his backing vocals to the entire CD and also duets with EDEN'S CURSE frontman Michael Eden on "No Holy Man".
Michael Eden said: "James recorded the 'Trinity' sessions at Iguana Studios in Ontario straight after he finished his solo release, 'Static Impulse', which was perfect timing as he headed off on tour with IRON MAIDEN immediately after. "
James LaBrie himself added: "In 2010 I was fortunate to discover EDEN'S CURSE. I absolutely love this band. Great players and people and they deserve nothing but huge success. They belong with the best of today's music. Trust me, you're going to love this from beginning to end."
Bass player and main songwriter Paul Logue explained: "James was highly professional, as you'd expect, extremely approachable and very enthusiastic about our music. We sealed the deal very quickly and we got him in top form as he was also in the middle of recording and we feel the end results are breathtaking."
Michael Eden further added: "'Trinity' has been a long time in the making as we always strive to bring our current fan base and new fans our very best. I spoke with James LaBrie backstage on the IRON MAIDEN tour last summer and we had a great conversation. James has a way of making you see things in a different light than other people. It was an honor to have him along for the ride and we hope that it is not the last time we work together."
"Trinity" was helmed by EDEN'S CURSE's longtime producer Dennis Ward (KROKUS, PINK CREAM 69, ANGRA) and was released in Japan via Spiritual Beast and in the USA on Metal Mayhem.
Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN will embark on their first Australian headlining tour in late July. The dates are as follows:
Jul. 30 - The Prague, Melbourne
Jul. 31 - The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Aug. 03 - Enigma Bar, Adelaide
Aug. 04 - Jubilee Hotel, Brisbane
Aug. 05 - The Bald Faced Stagg, Sydney
Aug. 06 - The Corner Hotel, Melbourne - High Voltage Festival
Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (ex-DARK ANGEL, ex-STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK) filled in for FORBIDDEN drummer Mark Hernandez at the band's recent appearances at Inferno Festival in Norway and Metropole Ruhr Fest in Germany.
"Omega Wave", the latest album from FORBIDDEN, sold around 950 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 27 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.
"Omega Wave" was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. It was recorded at Sonic Room/Audio Voyage Studios in Livermore, California, produced by FORBIDDEN guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero with Tim Narducci, and mixed by Sean Beavan (SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, NINE INCH NAILS).
FORBIDDEN's current lineup consists of Russ Anderson on vocals, Craig Locicero on guitar, Steve Smyth on guitar, Matt Camacho on bass and Mark Hernandez on drums.
Veteran all-girl Canadian metal outfit KITTIE will embark on a U.S. tour in August. Support on the trek will come from DIRGE WITHIN and DIAMOND PLATE.
The dates are as follows:
Aug. 11 - Cave In Rock, IL - Hog Rock (Gathering of the Juggalos) *
Aug. 12 - Waterloo, IA - Spicoli's Rock Garden
Aug. 13 - Milwaukee, WI - The Basement @ The Rave
Aug. 14 - Joliet, IL - Mojoes
Aug. 16 - Sauget, IL - Pop's
Aug. 19 - Columbus, OH - Alrosa Villa
Aug. 20 - Lake Odessa, MI - Carnival Of Chaos
Aug. 21 - Battle Creek, MI - Planet Live Music
Aug. 24 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Aug. 25 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
Aug. 26 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights
Aug. 27 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
Aug. 28 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz
Aug. 30 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom
Aug. 31 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Sep. 01 - Fayetteville, NC - Hooligans
Sep. 02 - Jacksonville, NC - Jesters
Sep. 03 - Spartanburg, NC - Ground Zero
Sep. 04 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
Sep. 07 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Sep. 08 - San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
Sep. 09 - Dallas, TX - Trees
Sep. 10 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's
Sep. 12 - Farmington, NM - Top Deck
Sep. 13 - Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse
Sep. 14 - Los Angeles, CA - Whisky A Go Go
Sep. 15 - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction
Sep. 16 - Santa Clara, CA - Avalon
Sep. 17 - Orangevale, CA - Boardwalk
Sep. 20 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
Sep. 21 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
* No DIRGE WITHIN, DIAMOND PLATE
KITTIE entered Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in April to begin work on its as-yet-untitled sixth album for a summer release via eOne Music. The band is once again working with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".
Morgan Landerpreviously stated about KITTIE's new material, "We have been working exceptionally hard these cold winter months, crafting what is to be our six full-length release, and our second for eOne. In some cases these new songs are faster, darker and much more sinister than our previous release. It contains some of the most difficult and personal subject matter I have had the pleasure (or displeasure) of writing."
Added Meier: "The girls have written some incredible and personal songs this time around. They're heavy as shit and relentless. It's a pleasure and an honor to be doing another record with one of the best metal bands of our time."
"In The Black" sold around 3,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 132 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KITTIE's previous CD, "Funeral for Yesterday", opened with 9,000 units back in February 2007 to land at No. 101.
"In The Black" was made available in Europe on October 23, 2009 via Germany's Massacre Records.
KITTIE last year took part in the Thrash And Burn tour alongside ASKING ALEXANDRIA, BORN OF OSIRIS, STICK TO YOUR GUNS, IMPENDING DOOM, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD (first half), EVERGREEN TERRACE (second half), GREELEY ESTATES, PERIPHERY, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE and CHELSEA GRIN.
KITTIE is:
Morgan Lander (Guitar, Vocals)
Mercedes Lander (Drums)
Tara Mcleod (Guitar)
Ivy Vujic (Bass)
Drummer Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) and guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS) spent time in Brazil late last month working on the new album from the Brazilian rock band KIARA ROCKS. They helped produce three new songs plus a new version of the previously released track "All My Steps".
Tracii Guns and KIARA ROCKS vocalist/guitarist Cadu Pelegrini met three years ago when Tracii performed in São Paulo, Brazil with L.A. GUNS. The two eventually became friends and talked about the possibility of doing something together. But it wasn't until this year that the opportunity presented itself, with Tracii and Matt coming over to Brazil to produce and play on some tracks on the new KIARA ROCKS disc, as well as to film a video with the Brazilian band.
Commented Guns: "So my buddy Sorum and I [were] down in São Paulo, Brazil recording four new songs with my friend Cadu Peligrini and I gotta tell you guys... Matt absolutely slayed on drums, we [were] having a blast down here... It's nice to have friends so far away from home that make you feel at home."
Pelegrini added: "It was simply indescribable. Nearly three nights without sleep (but do it all again), from up at the airport, take the hotel, seeking to stop recording. And of course the unique feeling of being able to see two legends of rock recording your music, right there on your side, entitled to praise. Tracii and Matt are great people."
The new KIARA ROCKS album will be released before the end of the year.
For over 30 years, Guitar World magazine has consistently been a publishing innovator in the music and MI space. Today Guitar World announces several new initiatives designed to give its readers more value with the most immersive and progressive user experience ever, and all without increasing the price of the publication.
As many music industry publications shrink in both size and circulation, Guitar World introduces a new larger-sized magazine format with a collectible pullout poster in every issue, together with a high-definition video experience online that directly complements the magazine content. Premiering with the July 2011 issue — on sale today — the new print format will physically enhance the look and feel of the magazine, making it bigger, fresher, and meatier than ever. The new, full-screen, high-definition video platform will deliver exclusive top-quality interviews, instruction, reviews and more, all for free on GuitarWorld.com.
Concurrently, Guitar World announces the launch of the new GuitarWorld.com. The redesigned site will feature fresh, original content for guitar players of all types, levels, and genres, including a stable of blogs written by pro players and industry insiders. Exclusive articles, video and more will be posted continually for players interested in blues, country, jazz, acoustic, rock, metal, and more. The new video player will host new lessons, tips, reviews, and exclusive feature content. In addition, columns focusing on amplifiers, effects, recording, bass and more will significantly increase the gear coverage online.
With the introduction of its Lick Of The Day app in 2010, Guitar World has succeeded in creating an invaluable platform that delivers a fresh lesson each day to an audience of over 700,000 guitarists. Coming in early June, Guitar World will also introduce a smart phone app, Guitar World Mobile. Guitar World Mobile will feature the best content from the magazine — interviews, lessons, gear reviews and more — plus video and up-to-the-minute news in a robust app designed for iPhone and Android smartphones and devices.
"Today musicians want to be able to experience and learn more about their craft in a wide variety of ways… online, in print, via mobile, at live events, and much more. Guitar World will be there. It is our mission to enhance the guitarist's experience in whatever way they choose — with high-quality, fresh, meaningful content, lessons, tab, and so much more," said Brad Tolinski, editor of Guitar World.
GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal is recovering from minor injuries he sustained in a road accident that involved four cars. Thal was driving his silver Toyota on Tuesday, May 31 when an SUV "just plowed into [him] full speed." He wrote on Twitter, "Car is totaled. Two other cars she smashed me into." He added, "Well enough to tweet; means I'm not dead yet."
Thal posted a photo of his wrecked vehicle on Twitter and praised Toyota for the "functional seat belt, air bags and crumple zone," which he credits for "saving [his] skull."
He later posted another message which said, "I've spent 24 hours dealing with car rental, insurance and collision folks, banks and police — as the injuries begin to reveal themselves," before telling concerned fans: "Oh, please — I'm in GUNS N' fucking ROSES. This is all like a walk in the park!"
Bumblefoot joined GUNS N' ROSES in early 2006 as the replacement for Buckethead. He made his live debut with the band at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on May 12, 2006.
Tommy Stinson, founding member of the seminal Minneapolis-based rock group THE REPLACEMENTS and current bass player for GUNS N' ROSES and SOUL ASYLUM, will release his second solo effort, "One Man Mutiny", on his own Done To Death Music label on August 30.
"One Man Mutiny" is Stinson's most fully-realized effort to date in both production quality and craftsmanship of song. "I'm finding it a lot more interesting to make music these days," says Tommy. "Especially given the musical climate as of the last few years — there are a lot of people complaining about how bad it is. I am actually embracing the challenges." This album is also a family affair for Tommy — his fiancée Emily Roberts sings harmonies on many of the songs and lead on his first ever duet, "Destroy Me", while her uncle Chip Roberts' slide guitar playing flavors the album from beginning to end.
The album was produced by Phillip Broussard, Jr. (who has engineered records for such groups as RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, WEEZER as well as Tommy's first solo effort, "Village Gorilla Head") and recorded at Tommy's Bipolarbear studios in both Los Angeles and suburban Philadelphia. The exception would be the title track, "One Man Mutiny", which was recorded with GUNS N' ROSES members Dizzy Reed and Richard Fortus in the restaurant of the Conrad Hotel in Brussels, Belgium on a day off from their 2010 European tour, which was documented on video (along with all sorts of other adventures on the road with GUNS N' ROSES) on Tommy's web site. The album was mixed by Sean Beavan (GUNS N' ROSES, NINE INCH NAILS, and Tommy's "Village Gorilla Head").
Stinson played a few shows in May to preview some of the new material. He was backed by a full rock band, which featured Mike Gent (THE FIGGS), fiancée Emily Roberts, Tim Schweiger, Jon Phillip (LIMBECK) and special guests.
As if that's not enough to keep him busy, Stinson is currently helping SOUL ASYLUM put the finishing touches on the band's upcoming release and will tour with the group this summer.
JANE'S ADDICTION will be partnering with Guitar Center to offer an unsigned artist a chance to open for the band through the innovative Guitar Center On-Stage program.
Guitar Center announced their partnership with JANE'S ADDICTION for the third installment of their groundbreaking unsigned artist program — Guitar Center On-Stage. The program offers one unsigned band the career-altering opportunity to open for JANE'S ADDICTION as part of their summer album launch tour in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago as well as; $20,000 in new gear from Gibson and Epiphone, a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree and a mentoring session from Prospect Park, the management team behind JANE'S ADDICTION. Unsigned bands nationwide can submit their music now at GConstage.com.
Guitar Center On-Stage: JANE'S ADDICTION is another example of Guitar Center's ongoing commitment to developing unique programming that provides unsigned artists and bands career altering opportunities. Previous editions of Guitar Center On-Stage featured MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS, with the MÖTLEY CRÜE winning band, THE LAST VEGAS, going on to win iTunes critics' 2009 "Rock Single of the Year" with their hit single "I'm Bad".
Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent (real name Vincent John Cusano) has released the following statement regarding his May 21 arrest on suspicion of assault:
"I want to thank the many people who sent their well wishes to me through this very hurting time.
"There is much to say to all of you but the most important thing for me to let you know is that what you have been reading is not true. Irresponsible reporting and fabrication of events that never happened destroys people's lives, and that is exactly what has happened.
"It's very unfortunate we live in times where you're guilty even if you're innocent, but it's the way of the world now. It's also sad to me that not only do the media get away with publishing unsubstantiated sensationalized reports that are then taken as 'the truth,' but people now routinely hide behind their computers and usernames to intentionally inflict enormous damage without consequence, all for their own amusement. What they don't know is the pain they cause will always be greater than their fabrication or exaggeration.
"About my precious dogs: My dogs and cat have been, are, and will always be the most important thing in my whole life. I love them more than my words can say. I look at dogs and cats as 'perfect little people' with loving and unconditional hearts that I believe God gifted to us to help comfort us through our lives, which always seems to be filled with pain in one way or another.
"I have 20 dogs that were rescued since 1999 from unspeakable and horrible abuse. I never turned my back or said no if a dog or cat needed a loving home. Each one of them is spoiled rotten; great food, love, comfort, care and shelter. They never leave my side and sit with me when I watch videos or when I play my guitar, the sound of which seems to fascinate them.
"Out of my twenty dogs, half of them are big dogs and the others are small. Fencing was put up to separate the big dogs from the little ones who could roam without any problem. One day, without my knowing, some of the big dogs accidently got loose somehow and killed three of my babies. When I found out, it was too late. I was shattered and just too devastated for words. I still am and always will be. I will never get over it and I will always live with a pain greater than that of anything I had ever known or ever will know. I wrapped them each in blankets and laid them to rest in 'caskets' where I made a cross and wrote the words to 'Danny Boy' on their casket.
"The weather had been pretty bad here for awhile and an excavator was planned to come the property to dig up the ground so I could give them a proper burial when this terrible thing happened.
"I only hope someday we'll be together and I can watch them once again run in the meadows under the deep blue skies.
"As for the despicable reports regarding my beloved dogs, those who know me know I would never harm any animal as they are God's most beautiful and innocent of creations. I'm a vegetarian because of my respect for all animals.
"For those of you who wrongfully accused and judged me based on these 'stories, I understand because I would feel the same way if it was the truth. But it's not the truth. So, to all who perpetuated these cruel and vicious lies may the truth bring you to your senses so you can stop these terrible and unfounded accusations.
"About the domestic situation: As you must know, this is a private matter that I cannot comment on at this time. Please don't believe everything you read. I would never hurt anyone — ever. What has been reported is an absolutely inaccurate depiction of the events that occurred that evening. When it's time, the truth will be known.
"In all, God gave me a silver lining to this terrible time by putting a long-lost family back together through this tragedy and for that, it was worth what I am going through. Unfortunately, this 'incident' caused my loved ones, who suffered through another emotionally devastating experience, to suffer a new burden they didn't need to bear. As much as they are hurting for me and from this, they're still there for me. I am a lucky person.
"I'm an immensely private person and these events have caused me great pain and emotional anguish.
"I am requesting that you respect my privacy and that of my family during this difficult time and not engage in harmful useless gossip posted on blogs and forums.
"My music: It has been my greatest desire to put out my new music, including remixed/remastered tracks that I am very proud of which many of you seem to enjoy, but I have experienced setbacks that hindered and delayed my plans. I am hoping to work through it all and get back on track. I would appreciate it if you could please bear with me.
"About the Vinnie Vincent model guitar: My website is in the process of being constructed. Keep watching YouTube for the link to the site and for the video catalog. The Vinnie website will be a fun place to visit with everything Vinnie Vincent: music, photos, and the Vinnie Vincent guitar in all its glory."
Vincent, 58, was charged with one count of aggravated assault on May 22 after his wife Diane accused him of hitting her in the face, throwing her to the ground, and dragging her through broken glass following an argument.
Vincent replaced lead guitarist Ace Frehley in 1982 and played with KISS for two years. He left the group on bad terms, and later claimed KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley owed him royalties for his work on KISS' 1983 album "Lick It Up", according to the Courthouse News Service. However, a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled against him and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs.
Last June, Vincent lost his 6th Circuit appeal of an order barring him from seeking bankruptcy protection from paying more than $81,000 to his former bandmates.
In January, Vincent, in association with Guitarmageddon Guitars, unveiled the official Vinnie Vincent model guitar at the NAMM convention.
According to WSMV.com, a Tennessee judge has allowed former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent (real name Vincent John Cusano) to go back to his home in Smyrna following his arrest on suspicion of assault.
Vincent, 58, was charged with one count of aggravated assault on May 22 after his wife Diane accused him of hitting her in the face, throwing her to the ground, and dragging her through broken glass following an argument.
In court earlier today (Thursday, June 2), both Vincent and his wife agreed that the guitarist can return to the family property but he will live in a separate home. The judge also allowed Vincent to visit the main house, but only if his wife is not there.
Vincent is scheduled to appear back in court later this month on aggravated domestic assault charges.
Vincent released a statement earlier this week calling published reports of last month's events "not true." He went on to say, "Irresponsible reporting and fabrication of events that never happened destroys people's lives, and that is exactly what has happened." He also attempted to clear up reports about the four dead dogs packed up in plastic containers police found strewn throughout his home after answering a call from his wife. He said, "I have 20 dogs that were rescued since 1999 from unspeakable and horrible abuse. I never turned my back or said no if a dog or cat needed a loving home. Each one of them is spoiled rotten; great food, love, comfort, care and shelter. They never leave my side and sit with me when I watch videos or when I play my guitar, the sound of which seems to fascinate them.
"Fencing was put up to separate the big dogs from the little ones who could roam without any problem. One day, without my knowing, some of the big dogs accidently [sic] got loose somehow and killed three of my babies. When I found out, it was too late. I was shattered and just too devastated for words.
"I wrapped them each in blankets and laid them to rest in caskets where I made a cross and wrote the words to [Irish ballad] 'Danny Boy' on their casket. The weather had been pretty bad here for awhile and an excavator was planned to come (to) the property to dig up the ground so I could give them a proper burial when this terrible thing happened."
He added, "Those who know me know I would never harm any animal as they are God's most beautiful and innocent of creations. I'm a vegetarian because of my respect for all animals."
Vincent also insisted the truth will come out about the argument between him and his wife, adding, "As you must know, this is a private matter that I cannot comment on at this time. Please don't believe everything you read. I would never hurt anyone — ever. What has been reported is an absolutely inaccurate depiction of the events that occurred that evening. When it's time, the truth will be known."
Vincent replaced lead guitarist Ace Frehley in 1982 and played with KISS for two years. He left the group on bad terms, and later claimed KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley owed him royalties for his work on KISS' 1983 album "Lick It Up", according to the Courthouse News Service. However, a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled against him and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs.
Last June, Vincent lost his 6th Circuit appeal of an order barring him from seeking bankruptcy protection from paying more than $81,000 to his former bandmates.
In January, Vincent, in association with Guitarmageddon Guitars, unveiled the official Vinnie Vincent model guitar at the NAMM convention.
DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover's new solo album. "If Life Was Easy", is scheduled for release in Europe on July 11 via earMUSIC/Edel. The follow-up to 2002's "Snapshot" was reportedly recorded in 2007 but is only now surfacing. It features Roger's daughter Gillian Glover, with lead vocals by Ronnie Bramblett.
DEEP PURPLE's 18th studio album, "Rapture of the Deep", was released in November 2005. It is the fourth studio CD from DEEP PURPLE since guitarist Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.
In a recent interview with QMI Agency, Glover was asked why it is taking so long for DEEP PURPLE to release a new CD. "There's been disagreement in the band about whether to do another album," he replied. "They really don't make money any more. My opinion is that we are an album band and should make them even if it costs us money, because that's what we do. Maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I believe we should stay what we are. We can progress with our music, but the way we do it should be the way we've always done it. There's nothing wrong with that. An album is like capturing a moment in time. And in a band with a history like ours, those moments mean a lot.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/rogergloverlife.jpg
New Jersey metallers THE AIR I BREATHE will release their debut album, "Great Faith In Fools", on July 4 via Rise Records. The CD is described in a press release as "mature, melodic and sonically mind-blowing and sure to leave guitar players in shock and awe."
"With their own brand of full-on tech-metal a la BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE AIR I BREATHE retains something that sets it apart from the crowd," the press release adds. "It's not all shred and screaming in their camp; this is a band that knows how to blend in a hooky chorus. Mixing their love of melody with technical death metal, this young band have a bright future ahead of them, making their debut sound more like their fourth album."
"Great Faith In Fools" track listing:
01. The Inevitable
02. Take This To Heart
03. Deliverance
04. Desolate And Disowned
05. For What It's Worth
06. Vultures
07. The Life They Promised
08. Here's To Letting Go
09. Xlll
10. The Awakening
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/theairibreatheband.
Vocalist Mark Hunter of Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA recently spoke to AOL's Noisecreep about the band's recent lineup changes and its upcoming studio album, "The Age Of Hell", tentatively due in August in North America, South America and Japan via eOne Music
"Last year we did the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem Festival, which was an amazing opportunity for us, and I had a great time doing those shows," Hunter explained. "But somewhere in between, we all started taking different directions in our personal lives. It's like any relationship, really. I think after 12 years of playing in a band together you start experiencing things that you don't enjoy anymore. It just doesn't seem worth it to carry on like that. Even though we had just finished a big tour, we started feeling like that. It became a drag."
He continued, "Musically speaking, we felt that we needed to make something truly special this time out. It got frustrating when we weren't getting the same feedback from the drummer [Andols Herrick] we had at the time. We brought it up to him and we didn't like how the conversation went. So from there we decided it was best if we just parted ways with each other. Jim [LaMarca, bassist] quit late in 2010. If that weren't enough, the next thing I know our keyboardist [Chris Spicuzza] left and we're down to three members left out of a six-piece band. And we have to go into the studio [laughs]."
CHIMAIRA 2011 is:
Mark Hunter - Vocals
Rob Arnold - Guitar
Matt DeVries - Guitar
Emil Werstler (DAATH) - Bass
Sean Zatorsky (DAATH) - Keyboards/Samples
Austin D'Amond (BLEED THE SKY, THE ELITE) – Drums
Although D'Amond is sitting behind the kit for all of CHIMAIRA's current shows, the drum tracks on "The Age Of Hell" were laid down by the CD's producer, Ben Schigel, who has previously worked with DROWNING POOL and WALLS OF JERICHO, among others. The effort was mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, MURDERDOLLS, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD).
"[Getting three new members] was huge deal, but we had to try and make it not be one," Hunter told Noisecreep. "We then enlisted our longtime producer, Ben Schigel, to come in and play drums for the recording and also be the conductor of sorts. Here we are with a new album and some new guys in the lineup. We played our first show together [late last month] and it felt like all of those bad things were supposed to happen.
"We wound making an album that we're all extremely proud of and we're out playing more shows.
"Look, we're from Cleveland, so we only see the sun three days a year, but today I feel the sunshine [laughs]. It hasn't felt this good playing in CHIMAIRA for a long time."
Read more from Noisecreep.
Fan-filmed video footage of the new lineup of CHIMAIRA performing a new song, "Trigger Finger", on May 28 in Cleveland, Ohio and on May 30 in Mentor, Ohio can be viewed below.
CHIMAIRA spent several days last month filming a new music video and DVD, to be released in connection with "The Age Of Hell".
"The Beginning Of Times", the new album from Finnish melancholic dark rock/metal masters AMORPHIS, landed at position No. 1 on the official chart in the band's home country.
Released on May 27 via Nuclear Blast Records, "The Beginning Of Times" is described as "the most challenging AMORPHIS album so far in terms of both music and lyrics." Its central character is the iconic hero of Finnish mythology, Väinämöinen, whose tale has been masterfully retold by lyricist Pekka Kainulainen.
"The Beginning Of Times" was produced by the band; vocals were recorded under the guidance of Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT) in his home studio in Kuopio. Like its predecessors, the album was mixed by Mikko Karmila. Its cover artwork shows Travis Smith's magnificent interpretation of the mythological birth of the world from a goldeneye's egg.
"The Beginning Of Times" track listing:
01. Battle For Light
02. Mermaid
03. My Enemy
04. You I Need
05. Song Of The Sage
06. Three Words
07. Reformation
08. Soothsayer
09. On A Stranded Shore
10. Escape
11. Crack In A Stone
12. Beginning Of Time
13. Heart's Song (digipack bonus track)
Ohio metallers SKELETONWITCH entered a Los Angeles studio today with producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, KREATOR) to begin recording the follow up to 2009's "Breathing The Fire". Due this fall via Prosthetic Records, the as-yet-untitled effort will include the track "The Infernal Resurrection", the demo version of which appears as the B-side on the soon-to-be-released seven-inch single, which constitutes the final part of a limited-edition vinyl trilogy. This will mark SKELETONWITCH's first recording with the group's new drummer, former DEMIRICOUS skin-pounder Dustin Boltjes.
Commented SKELETONWITCH guitarist Scott Hedrick: "Waiting fucking sucks! So, after months of writing, it's great to finally be in the studio tracking the new album.
"It's not rocket science... it's epic, it's brutal, it's fucking SKELETONWITCH! We can't wait for everyone to hear it.
"We'd also like to officially welcome aboard our newest member Dustin Boltjes. He's a great fucking dude and an animal behind the kit. We couldn't have found a better fit."
Immediately following the new album recording sessions, SKELETONWITCH will head to Europe for a run of dates which will include stops at several festivals. The band will also take part in a fall North American tour with CHTHONIC and two other as-yet-undisclosed bands.
SKELETONWITCH's latest album, "Breathing the Fire" (2009), debuted at No. 151 on The Billboard 200 chart and No. 2 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. It was SKELETONWITCH's second full-length release for Prosthetic Records, with whom the band recently extended its recording deal.
Sick Drummer Magazine will host a five-day Sick Drummer Camp, featuring George Kollias (NILE), Derek Roddy (HATE ETERNAL, NILE, TODAY IS THE DAY), Sean Reinert (CYNIC, DEATH), Danny Walker (INTRONAUT) and Navene Koperweis (ANIMALS AS LEADERS). Additionally, there will be guest appearances by other well-known players. The event will be held the first week of October in Northern California, about an hour north of San Francisco.
Sick Drummer Camp will include group clinics, daily workshops, small group master classes with each drummer, live performances, individual time with each drummer, group jam sessions, indoor go-kart racing and black light miniature golf, casino night (over 21), gourmet pizza night, wine tasting with George Kollias (21 and over), and a special private performance by either CYNIC or ANIMALS AS LEADERS.
Vocalist Adrie "Aad" Kloosterwaard of Dutch death metallers SINISTER has issued the following update:
"I like to tell you all that we from SINISTER have a serious project called ABSURD UNIVERSE. Some time ago we signed a record deal with Punishment 18 Records from Italy for our first record that will get the name 'Habeas Corpus'. What you can expect is a mix from old-school death/thrash. The record will come out late September. Some titles are: 'Red Water', 'Under Command', 'Ships Of Enslavement', 'Boiled Through Dead Water'."
ABSURD UNIVERSE is:
Bastiaan - Guitar
Adrie - Vocals
Toep - Drums
Mathijs - Bass
Dennis – Guitar
Austrian extreme metallers MASTIC SCUM have issued the following update:
"We are currently working on the new album! We are fucking excited about the new record which follows our last album, 'Dust', our strongest release up to date, of which we are very proud!! However, the new release will be for sure a progression from the songwriting and sound production points of view. Some of the songwriting is already done, but we still have work to do! The new material so far is fucking brutal, combining shredding rhythms, mosh grooves and grindcore blast attacks! We sure give 100% in the songwriting process and we cannot wait to enjoy with everyone the new overdose of brutal distorted structures! Be prepared!! As our goal is to enter the studio earliest in autumn 2011, we are very focused on our work and will play just a few live shows this summer/fall. Nevertheless, we really look forward to grind with you at our upcoming shows!"
"Construcdead", the latest video from MASTIC SCUM, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in Innsbruck, Austria and was produced and directed by Sulinor.
"Construcdead" comes off MASTIC SCUM's latest album, "Dust", which was released on November 13, 2009 via Twilight Distribution. 12 songs were recorded for the effort, which was mixed at Grindlab Studio and mastered by Jacob Hansen (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, ABORTED, HATESPHERE). Artwork for the CD was created by Killustrations (SIX FEET UNDER, KATAKLYSM, AMON AMARTH).
An e-card for "Dust" can be found at this location.
MASTIC SCUM in 2009 parted ways with vocalist Will due to "musical differences" and replaced him with Maggo Wenzel (INZEST, TRISTWOOD, WATCH ME BLEED).
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