According to the Associated Press, AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler is "doing splendidly" after taking what was described as a "nasty fall" in a hotel shower in Paraguay on Tuesday (October 25). The 63-year-old singer required emergency dental work and stitches to repair cuts to his face and to replace the two teeth knocked out during the accident. Sources later told TMZ.com that Tyler was suffering from dehydration as a result of food poisoning, which led him to collapse in the shower.
Tyler, who was in town to perform with AEROSMITH when the accident occurred, was reportedly "friendly and humble" during his surgeries and surprised the Paraguayan dentist who treated him "with his cheerfulness."
Nicolas Garzia, a spokesperson for the concert's promoter, tweeted that the singer had been suffering stomach problems and was dehydrated prior to the fall.
The Tuesday night gig in Asuncion, Paraguay was canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday (October 26).
Tyler fell from a stage in South Dakota two years ago, breaking his shoulder and leading to the cancellation of the rest of the band's 2009 summer tour.
The group took a break from the studio for the current South American trek, which it will follow with a Japanese run at the end of November.
AEROSMITH is expected to resume work on its first all-new studio album in 10 years early in 2012, immediately after the holidays.
Tyler, who was in town to perform with AEROSMITH when the accident occurred, was reportedly "friendly and humble" during his surgeries and surprised the Paraguayan dentist who treated him "with his cheerfulness."
Nicolas Garzia, a spokesperson for the concert's promoter, tweeted that the singer had been suffering stomach problems and was dehydrated prior to the fall.
The Tuesday night gig in Asuncion, Paraguay was canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday (October 26).
Tyler fell from a stage in South Dakota two years ago, breaking his shoulder and leading to the cancellation of the rest of the band's 2009 summer tour.
The group took a break from the studio for the current South American trek, which it will follow with a Japanese run at the end of November.
AEROSMITH is expected to resume work on its first all-new studio album in 10 years early in 2012, immediately after the holidays.
AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler reportedly took what was described as a "nasty fall" in a hotel shower in Paraguay on Tuesday (October 25). Multiple reports out of the country, where AEROSMITH was scheduled to perform that night, say that the 63-year-old singer smashed his face, knocked out several teeth and had to go to a local hospital after falling in the shower in his room at the Bourbon Hotel.
AEROSMITH has since issued the following official statement on the matter:
"Steven Tyler suffered minor injuries as a result of food poisoning yesterday in Paraguay. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. Last night's show has been postponed until today. Steven would like to sincerely apologize to his fans in Paraguay for the inconvenience and hopes to see them all tonight."
Tyler fell from a stage in South Dakota two years ago, breaking his shoulder and leading to the cancellation of the rest of the band's 2009 summer tour.
The group took a break from the studio for the current South American trek, which it will follow with a Japanese run at the end of November.
AEROSMITH is expected to resume work on its first all-new studio album in 10 years early in 2012, immediately after the holidays.
AEROSMITH has since issued the following official statement on the matter:
"Steven Tyler suffered minor injuries as a result of food poisoning yesterday in Paraguay. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. Last night's show has been postponed until today. Steven would like to sincerely apologize to his fans in Paraguay for the inconvenience and hopes to see them all tonight."
Tyler fell from a stage in South Dakota two years ago, breaking his shoulder and leading to the cancellation of the rest of the band's 2009 summer tour.
The group took a break from the studio for the current South American trek, which it will follow with a Japanese run at the end of November.
AEROSMITH is expected to resume work on its first all-new studio album in 10 years early in 2012, immediately after the holidays.
Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing has posted the following message on his official web site:
"I hope that you have had a great summer season and that you all had lashings of metal from your favourite bands. I am just on my way to a HOSTILE gig in Birmingham to get a good metal pounding myself.
"It's great news that the band has now procured a release for their debut album, 'Eve Of Destruction'. It seems forever since a band from the Birmingham-area last made an impression on the metal world. I am anticipating that this young band will raise the flag for Midlands metal and join the ranks of their predecessors. With Ian's [Hill, JUDAS PRIEST bassist] son Alex in the band now, how befitting that would be.
"On that note, I must urge everyone to try pay for their music because without your support our beloved metal will become an endangered species if it is not that way already.
"I have many friends and associates that once had a good career and prospects; these include producers, record engineers, managers and of course many musicians. Now most of them are struggling to make ends meet and stay in the business. Unfortunately it is now virtually impossible for new bands to make any headway at all.
"I know that many bands are making pretty decent records in their bedrooms or garages, but just think what we are missing — even as good as we thought we were back in the day we would never have made the records we did without the professionals that helped us to achieve our goals. It is essential to get things back on track, in order that the young musicians can afford the help of good experienced engineers and producers. But that will never happen until record labels start signing again and give the financial support that is much needed for this to happen. To get this on track, all of us need to endeavour to pay for our music if we can in order to secure the future of metal which we all hold dear to our hearts.
"Just imagine if downloading was available in the sixties or seventies? I guarantee that the great metal legacy that we know today would not exist or at least not as we know it.
"If there is one thing that I would like to take with me to my grave, it would be to know that all of the young and new talented players out there would at least have the fair chance to make it in the way that I did.
"Many thanks again for your continued support."
Downing, whose retirement from the band was announced in April, issued a statement regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
The band has recruited 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner to replace Downing on the tour, with singer Rob Halford saying, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring extensively after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
"I hope that you have had a great summer season and that you all had lashings of metal from your favourite bands. I am just on my way to a HOSTILE gig in Birmingham to get a good metal pounding myself.
"It's great news that the band has now procured a release for their debut album, 'Eve Of Destruction'. It seems forever since a band from the Birmingham-area last made an impression on the metal world. I am anticipating that this young band will raise the flag for Midlands metal and join the ranks of their predecessors. With Ian's [Hill, JUDAS PRIEST bassist] son Alex in the band now, how befitting that would be.
"On that note, I must urge everyone to try pay for their music because without your support our beloved metal will become an endangered species if it is not that way already.
"I have many friends and associates that once had a good career and prospects; these include producers, record engineers, managers and of course many musicians. Now most of them are struggling to make ends meet and stay in the business. Unfortunately it is now virtually impossible for new bands to make any headway at all.
"I know that many bands are making pretty decent records in their bedrooms or garages, but just think what we are missing — even as good as we thought we were back in the day we would never have made the records we did without the professionals that helped us to achieve our goals. It is essential to get things back on track, in order that the young musicians can afford the help of good experienced engineers and producers. But that will never happen until record labels start signing again and give the financial support that is much needed for this to happen. To get this on track, all of us need to endeavour to pay for our music if we can in order to secure the future of metal which we all hold dear to our hearts.
"Just imagine if downloading was available in the sixties or seventies? I guarantee that the great metal legacy that we know today would not exist or at least not as we know it.
"If there is one thing that I would like to take with me to my grave, it would be to know that all of the young and new talented players out there would at least have the fair chance to make it in the way that I did.
"Many thanks again for your continued support."
Downing, whose retirement from the band was announced in April, issued a statement regarding his departure from the legendary heavy metal group on the eve of its farewell tour. Downing said, "It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am OK. There has been an ongoing breakdown in (the) working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans. However, I would urge you to please support the PRIEST as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed."
The band has recruited 31-year-old British guitarist Richie Faulkner to replace Downing on the tour, with singer Rob Halford saying, "K.K. can never be replaced; he's unique, and we didn't want any kind of K.K. copycat. Richie Faulkner came to Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] house to jam, and Glenn simply told me he was absolutely brilliant."
Although PRIEST plans to stop touring extensively after this run, the band will continue to record and intends to issue a new studio album in 2012.
IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson opened the Oxjam Chiswick mini-music festival on Saturday, October 22 at the festival's flagship venue The Hogarth Health Club in Chiswick, West London, England. He officially announced the opening of the mini-music festival by cutting the cord on the big day around midday as crowds gathered to enjoy live music until midnight with over sixty bands performimg across venues up and down Chiswick high Road.
Oxjam is Oxfam's national music festival which, between the various venues across the U.K., is now the biggest music festival in the U.K. All money raised goes to help the charity which focuses on three main objectives: emergency response, campaigning for change, and development work worldwide.
Bruce described the fundraiser as a "lovely idea".
"It's people doing local stuff, playing music locally and trying to raise money. And everyone can have a terrific time," he told ChiswickW4.com.
Dickinson first came to Chiswick in the late '70s while visiting a friend in St. Peter's Square, near Hammersmith.
"I came out of the Tube and decided to take a walk along to Chiswick. I liked the vibe straight away. Of course in those days it was more bohemian than it is now — most of my mates were students or sound engineers and didn't have much money. But I liked the people here, and there were some great little pubs. It felt very villagy but also very open. I loved the fact that there were beautiful trees everywhere. It reminded me of where I grew up, in Sheffield".
When asked if he had any advice for would-be rock stars on a day when sixty bands all seeking fame and fortune were playing across Chiswick, Bruce said, "Never take 'no' for an answer and never believe it's impossible. Okay realistically not everyone will make it, but the most important thing is not to compromise your integrity. Have a great time, do what you do with real passion not just for the passion of the cheque book."
Oxjam is Oxfam's national music festival which, between the various venues across the U.K., is now the biggest music festival in the U.K. All money raised goes to help the charity which focuses on three main objectives: emergency response, campaigning for change, and development work worldwide.
Bruce described the fundraiser as a "lovely idea".
"It's people doing local stuff, playing music locally and trying to raise money. And everyone can have a terrific time," he told ChiswickW4.com.
Dickinson first came to Chiswick in the late '70s while visiting a friend in St. Peter's Square, near Hammersmith.
"I came out of the Tube and decided to take a walk along to Chiswick. I liked the vibe straight away. Of course in those days it was more bohemian than it is now — most of my mates were students or sound engineers and didn't have much money. But I liked the people here, and there were some great little pubs. It felt very villagy but also very open. I loved the fact that there were beautiful trees everywhere. It reminded me of where I grew up, in Sheffield".
When asked if he had any advice for would-be rock stars on a day when sixty bands all seeking fame and fortune were playing across Chiswick, Bruce said, "Never take 'no' for an answer and never believe it's impossible. Okay realistically not everyone will make it, but the most important thing is not to compromise your integrity. Have a great time, do what you do with real passion not just for the passion of the cheque book."
According to CNN, KISS lead singer Paul Stanley underwent successful surgery for "recurring vocal cord issues" Tuesday that the musician said Wednesday "come with 40 years of preaching rock 'n' roll."
His doctors say Stanley, who's been touring and recording with KISS for nearly 40 years, will make a "swift and complete" recovery, according to a statement from his publicist.
"I hold myself to a higher standard than others do," Stanley said. "With that in mind, I wanted to remedy a few minor issues that come with 40 years of preaching rock 'n' roll."
His doctors say Stanley, who's been touring and recording with KISS for nearly 40 years, will make a "swift and complete" recovery, according to a statement from his publicist.
"I hold myself to a higher standard than others do," Stanley said. "With that in mind, I wanted to remedy a few minor issues that come with 40 years of preaching rock 'n' roll."
Legendary rock band RUSH played its 1981 album "Moving Pictures" every night on its 2010-2011 "Time Machine" tour and bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee tells Rolling Stone it was a tough to pick one show to film for a DVD and CD release. "We realized that we've recorded almost all of our DVDs abroad," he says. "And we had never done one in America, and we noticed we were doing Cleveland on the last leg of the tour. We though it was an appropriate choice seeing as Cleveland's such an important town in our history. It was the first city that was ever warm to us. We thought it would be kind of apropos to come full circle and do that particular show there."
"Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" will be made available on Blu-ray and DVD formats on November 8 via Rounder Records in the U.S. and Eagle Rock Entertainment abroad.
Captured in April at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena during the renowned trio's extensive "Time Machine" world tour, "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" marks the band's first live effort recorded at a U.S show, a deliberate nod of gratitude to the first city to support RUSH on its radio airwaves. The wildly popular tour featured a set filled with classic hits, fan favorites, and a glimpse into RUSH's forthcoming 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels". As a centerpiece for the concerts, the band performed their landmark album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety — a first in the band's long and illustrious career. Rave reviews of the tour included The Hollywood Reporter's declaration that "the current 'Time Machine' jaunt is nothing less than a must see… for nearly three hours, with intermission, RUSH proved why it remains among rock's elite live acts."
Track listing:
Set One
* The 'Real' History of Rush Episode No. 2 "Don't Be Rash"
* The Spirit of Radio
* Time Stand Still
* Presto
* Stick It Out
* Workin' Them Angels
* Leave That Thing Alone
* Faithless
* BU2B
* Free Will
* Marathon
* Subdivisions
Set Two
The 'Real'' History of Rush Episode No. 17 "...and Rock and Roll is my name."
* Tom Sawyer
* Red Barchetta
* YYZ
* Limelight
* The Camera Eye
* Witch Hunt
* Vital Signs
* Caravan
* Moto Perpetuo (featuring Love For Sale)
* O'Malley's Break
* Closer To The Heart
* 2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx
* Far Cry
Encore
* La Villa Strangiato
* Working Man
Bonus Material
* Outtakes from "History of Rush, Episode 2 & 17"
* "Tom Sawyer" featuring the cast of "History of Rush, Episode 17"
* "Need Some Love" Live from Laura Secord Secondary School
* "Anthem" Live from Passaic New Jersey
"Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" will be made available on Blu-ray and DVD formats on November 8 via Rounder Records in the U.S. and Eagle Rock Entertainment abroad.
Captured in April at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena during the renowned trio's extensive "Time Machine" world tour, "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" marks the band's first live effort recorded at a U.S show, a deliberate nod of gratitude to the first city to support RUSH on its radio airwaves. The wildly popular tour featured a set filled with classic hits, fan favorites, and a glimpse into RUSH's forthcoming 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels". As a centerpiece for the concerts, the band performed their landmark album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety — a first in the band's long and illustrious career. Rave reviews of the tour included The Hollywood Reporter's declaration that "the current 'Time Machine' jaunt is nothing less than a must see… for nearly three hours, with intermission, RUSH proved why it remains among rock's elite live acts."
Track listing:
Set One
* The 'Real' History of Rush Episode No. 2 "Don't Be Rash"
* The Spirit of Radio
* Time Stand Still
* Presto
* Stick It Out
* Workin' Them Angels
* Leave That Thing Alone
* Faithless
* BU2B
* Free Will
* Marathon
* Subdivisions
Set Two
The 'Real'' History of Rush Episode No. 17 "...and Rock and Roll is my name."
* Tom Sawyer
* Red Barchetta
* YYZ
* Limelight
* The Camera Eye
* Witch Hunt
* Vital Signs
* Caravan
* Moto Perpetuo (featuring Love For Sale)
* O'Malley's Break
* Closer To The Heart
* 2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx
* Far Cry
Encore
* La Villa Strangiato
* Working Man
Bonus Material
* Outtakes from "History of Rush, Episode 2 & 17"
* "Tom Sawyer" featuring the cast of "History of Rush, Episode 17"
* "Need Some Love" Live from Laura Secord Secondary School
* "Anthem" Live from Passaic New Jersey
METALLICA and former VELVET UNDERGROUND frontman Lou Reed have scheduled the following European television appearances during November:
*** U.K.: November 8 and November 11
BBC 
television show "Later... With Jools Holland"
*** France: November 9
Performing two songs on France 4 television show "Taratata", to air later in the month
*** Italy: November 13
Performing one song on Rai Tre television show "Che Tempo Che Fa", to air that evening.
"Lulu", the musical collaboration between Lou Reed and METALLICA, is now available for streaming in its entirety at LouReedMetallica.com.
Due on November 1 in North America via Warner Bros. Records and one day earlier (October 31) in the rest of the world through Universal Music, the CD was co-produced by Reed, METALLICA, Hal Willner — who has produced albums for Reed, Marianne Faithfull, and Laurie Anderson, among others — and Greg Fidelman. Fidelman also mixed the record.
"Lulu" final track listing:
01. Brandenburg Gate (4:19)
02. The View (5:17)
03. Pumping Blood (7:24)
04. Mistress Dread (6:52)
05. Iced Honey (4:36)
06. Cheat On Me (11:26)
07. Frustration (8:33)
08. Little Dog (8:01)
09. Dragon (11:08)
10. Junior Dad (19:28)
METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett told Revolver in a new interview that "Lulu" is "one of the best things we've ever done." Hammett explained that the set "showed me that we could still be truly spontaneous and in the moment. We haven't been spontaneous like that for years and years and years, probably since the '80s."
METALLICA's lead axeman added, "We were all out of our comfort zone, and because of that, we came up with stuff we wouldn't normally come up with. It's largely an artistic endeavor for ourselves. And we're just inviting everyone else along for the party. This is something that most people won't be expecting from us. All I have to say is don't judge it by heavy metal standards and maybe you'll understand it better."
Hammett admitted that Reed "has a reputation for being a grouchy kind of guy," adding, "Once we started rehearsing (for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th anniversary concerts, though, Lou was just like, 'Oh my God. This is great! This is what I've wanted to hear all my life.' And that's what led to, 'Oh, we should make an album.' And we all kind of unanimously agreed."
METALLICA frontman James Hetfield sought to soothe fans alarmed by the music they've heard so far from "Lulu", telling an Argentinian radio station, "I'm sure there's some METALLICA fans that will think that 'This is the new METALLICA record. I don't like it. I'm scared.' And it's not. This is a project that was presented to us that we wanted to challenge ourselves with."
Hetfield has also hinted that the band and Reed would like to perform "Lulu" live, but so far no tour dates have been announced.
*** U.K.: November 8 and November 11
television show "Later... With Jools Holland"*** France: November 9
Performing two songs on France 4 television show "Taratata", to air later in the month
*** Italy: November 13
Performing one song on Rai Tre television show "Che Tempo Che Fa", to air that evening.
"Lulu", the musical collaboration between Lou Reed and METALLICA, is now available for streaming in its entirety at LouReedMetallica.com.
Due on November 1 in North America via Warner Bros. Records and one day earlier (October 31) in the rest of the world through Universal Music, the CD was co-produced by Reed, METALLICA, Hal Willner — who has produced albums for Reed, Marianne Faithfull, and Laurie Anderson, among others — and Greg Fidelman. Fidelman also mixed the record.
"Lulu" final track listing:
01. Brandenburg Gate (4:19)
02. The View (5:17)
03. Pumping Blood (7:24)
04. Mistress Dread (6:52)
05. Iced Honey (4:36)
06. Cheat On Me (11:26)
07. Frustration (8:33)
08. Little Dog (8:01)
09. Dragon (11:08)
10. Junior Dad (19:28)
METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett told Revolver in a new interview that "Lulu" is "one of the best things we've ever done." Hammett explained that the set "showed me that we could still be truly spontaneous and in the moment. We haven't been spontaneous like that for years and years and years, probably since the '80s."
METALLICA's lead axeman added, "We were all out of our comfort zone, and because of that, we came up with stuff we wouldn't normally come up with. It's largely an artistic endeavor for ourselves. And we're just inviting everyone else along for the party. This is something that most people won't be expecting from us. All I have to say is don't judge it by heavy metal standards and maybe you'll understand it better."
Hammett admitted that Reed "has a reputation for being a grouchy kind of guy," adding, "Once we started rehearsing (for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th anniversary concerts, though, Lou was just like, 'Oh my God. This is great! This is what I've wanted to hear all my life.' And that's what led to, 'Oh, we should make an album.' And we all kind of unanimously agreed."
METALLICA frontman James Hetfield sought to soothe fans alarmed by the music they've heard so far from "Lulu", telling an Argentinian radio station, "I'm sure there's some METALLICA fans that will think that 'This is the new METALLICA record. I don't like it. I'm scared.' And it's not. This is a project that was presented to us that we wanted to challenge ourselves with."
Hetfield has also hinted that the band and Reed would like to perform "Lulu" live, but so far no tour dates have been announced.
Nicki Gostin of The Huffington Post recently conducted an interview with Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
The Huffington Post: What was the hardest thing for you when you were newly sober?
Duff: Number one, the hardest thing to come to grips with was, if you're going to drink, you're going to die and I didn't have sober people around me. I didn't know anything about AA. I'm stubborn and I work hard, so those were the two things I relied on. The first time I went into a supermarket, it was like being on acid ... I was sweating on the verge of a panic attack. I bought cigarettes and BBQ sauce. I guess I just wanted to go into the store and buy something.
The Huffington Post: Why did you decide to go to college?
Duff: Because those first months started to go by, and I did things to fill my time. One of them was that I had all the GUNS N' ROSES financial statements and I tried reading them. Personally, I had made a good amount of dough for a 30-year-old guy, but I didn't know a thing about money. I'm not a dumb guy but I couldn't figure them out. I didn't know the difference between a stock and a bond -- too embarrassed to ask and I didn't trust anybody — so went and enrolled in a course. Now I have a Bachelor's degree in business.
The Huffington Post: And now you have a financial planning company.
Duff: When I started going to business school, I started getting calls from my peers asking for my help. I thought, "Well, there are a lot of people like me who make a bunch of money and just get so scared of it and don't know what to do with it."' I just didn't want to be 60 years old and broke.
The Huffington Post: Any chance for a VELVET REVOLVER reunion?
Duff: We'll see. We didn't call it a day. I don't think we'll ever do anything with Scott [Weiland]. I love that guy but I feel sorry for him.
The Huffington Post: What was the hardest thing for you when you were newly sober?
Duff: Number one, the hardest thing to come to grips with was, if you're going to drink, you're going to die and I didn't have sober people around me. I didn't know anything about AA. I'm stubborn and I work hard, so those were the two things I relied on. The first time I went into a supermarket, it was like being on acid ... I was sweating on the verge of a panic attack. I bought cigarettes and BBQ sauce. I guess I just wanted to go into the store and buy something.
The Huffington Post: Why did you decide to go to college?
Duff: Because those first months started to go by, and I did things to fill my time. One of them was that I had all the GUNS N' ROSES financial statements and I tried reading them. Personally, I had made a good amount of dough for a 30-year-old guy, but I didn't know a thing about money. I'm not a dumb guy but I couldn't figure them out. I didn't know the difference between a stock and a bond -- too embarrassed to ask and I didn't trust anybody — so went and enrolled in a course. Now I have a Bachelor's degree in business.
The Huffington Post: And now you have a financial planning company.
Duff: When I started going to business school, I started getting calls from my peers asking for my help. I thought, "Well, there are a lot of people like me who make a bunch of money and just get so scared of it and don't know what to do with it."' I just didn't want to be 60 years old and broke.
The Huffington Post: Any chance for a VELVET REVOLVER reunion?
Duff: We'll see. We didn't call it a day. I don't think we'll ever do anything with Scott [Weiland]. I love that guy but I feel sorry for him.
Th1rt3en is Dave Ellefson's first Megadeth album since leaving the band in 2002. The interview below covers several topics including Dave's thoughts on the new album, the current Megadeth lineup, and more.
Interview by Jeff Treppel
Do you feel like being out of Megadeth for eight years and playing in other projects has made you a better bass player?
Yeah, without a doubt. To a large degree, I almost started to get staid as a musician because I didn't have any other outlets. I guess what it took was, one day Megadeth ended, and that was the catapult that it took to get me out of the nest and hook up with other musicians and start playing and having other musical experiences. I mean, with the exception of Megadeth, none of these things are really meant to be forever. And even Megadeth, at one point, when we get to our rocking chairs and wheelchairs, we won't be able to play anymore either. To some degree, to me, music is something to be enjoyed. It's why we never went and got day jobs, so we could enjoy playing our guitars. Being in a bunch of different musical experiences over the last 10 years is one of the best things I've had the opportunity to do, to really just grow my palate of chops and have different experiences with other musicians.
Did the maturity you gained from having some distance from the band facilitate the process of putting together TH1RT3EN?
Well, I look at it like, I'm here to be the best bass player I can, regardless of who writes the songs. We all throw out a lot of ideas, both lyrically and musically, bring different ideas to the table. I just know from working with Dave [Mustaine] that there comes a point where, when he wants to get his songs done, he wants to get his songs done, and stay out of the way. Just let that happen. By and large, my attitude is, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? And I'd rather be happy in my life then always try to prove a point. So that's the maturity level I think all of us had in this, which is like, man, let's just make the best riffs, the best songs, let's get them down and everybody show up and do the best part, because that's what makes it feel like a true Megadeth album, when everybody is able to do their best on it.
Is it hard to summon up the anger that fuels so much of thrash metal at this point in your career?
You know, I think that part is always in us, and it always was in us. I think the delusion is, "well, if I dump a bunch of drugs and booze in me, I'll be angrier." The truth of it is, we were angry anyway, that's what made us dump the dope and the booze in us. So you take the dope and the booze away, and the anger still comes out. That was what people heard on the Rust in Peace album, because that was the first album where we recorded stone cold sober. So you hear all the piss and vinegar that was always inside of us come out on that record. And over the years, you start to season and become a veteran at your craft and you get more comfortable taking chances and trying different things because you don't remain a 21-year-old your whole life, you grow. And as a result your music is a reflection of your life instead of trying to make your life a reflection of your music.
So do you feel TH1RT3EN stacks up against the classic albums like Rust in Peace as far as your playing goes?
I think so, I'm really happy with my playing on it. I think what you hear is the thrash metal approach that you always hear on Megadeth records, but you also get the eight years of experience that I had away from Megadeth working with a lot of other bands, writers, producers, musicians that really developed and evolved my playing in so many other ways. It's probably why I was able to come in and knock out a whole record in three days, because I had those years of those experiences there. To me, the bass is really tight with the drums and guitars, and yet it's very liberated, a lot of different movements that haven't been heard on previous records. There's just sort of a simplicity – there's a simple progressive nature about it [laughs]. I don't think I've really been able to combine those two elements until this album.
How would you say this Megadeth lineup compares to lineups you've played with in the past?
Well, like [TH1RT3EN producer] Johnny K said about Chris Broderick, "he's very capable of playing anything we need him to play," which is true. That's the kind of player Chris is. He's very – Chris practices eight hours a day, his chops are superb and Chris is a guy who works really good under direction. Shawn Drover is probably the best friend Megadeth could ever have, because even though he wasn't there in the beginning, he breathes Megadeth. He really understands what is at the core of Megadeth and the music. And I think for Dave, knowing that he had me back as his right-hand man, he knew that he had a solid band under him, and he didn't have to stress about having to reeducate or educate or teach people how to play his music. He knew that whatever he wrote, we could play. And I think that was a major source of stress off Dave's head, and it allowed the whole project to be relaxed, and as a result we were able to make a Megadeth album in 10 weeks.
Are you happy with where you are in your life and with Megadeth as a band?
I am. I'm thrilled and humbly grateful that we have been given a second chance together, especially between me and Dave. It's an experience that I'm so thrilled we can lock arms and go do this together again. The fans are thrilled about it, and just for me personally, in my own life I'm happy, I have a family. I have a wife who supports me – it's unusual for a wife to want her old man to be back in a rock 'n' roll band again. Most women I know – they love guys who are in rock 'n' roll bands until they hook up with them, and then they want them to be out of rock 'n' roll because they're afraid they're going to go be rock 'n' roll guys. My wife is actually really supportive of me. She's the one who actually really encouraged me to get back together and work with Dave again, so when you have that kind of support at home, it makes life out on the road and out on stage easier. It's one less thing to have to worry about so you can concentrate on being right where your feet are, which is in the moment.
Yeah, without a doubt. To a large degree, I almost started to get staid as a musician because I didn't have any other outlets. I guess what it took was, one day Megadeth ended, and that was the catapult that it took to get me out of the nest and hook up with other musicians and start playing and having other musical experiences. I mean, with the exception of Megadeth, none of these things are really meant to be forever. And even Megadeth, at one point, when we get to our rocking chairs and wheelchairs, we won't be able to play anymore either. To some degree, to me, music is something to be enjoyed. It's why we never went and got day jobs, so we could enjoy playing our guitars. Being in a bunch of different musical experiences over the last 10 years is one of the best things I've had the opportunity to do, to really just grow my palate of chops and have different experiences with other musicians.
Did the maturity you gained from having some distance from the band facilitate the process of putting together TH1RT3EN?
Well, I look at it like, I'm here to be the best bass player I can, regardless of who writes the songs. We all throw out a lot of ideas, both lyrically and musically, bring different ideas to the table. I just know from working with Dave [Mustaine] that there comes a point where, when he wants to get his songs done, he wants to get his songs done, and stay out of the way. Just let that happen. By and large, my attitude is, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? And I'd rather be happy in my life then always try to prove a point. So that's the maturity level I think all of us had in this, which is like, man, let's just make the best riffs, the best songs, let's get them down and everybody show up and do the best part, because that's what makes it feel like a true Megadeth album, when everybody is able to do their best on it.
Is it hard to summon up the anger that fuels so much of thrash metal at this point in your career?
You know, I think that part is always in us, and it always was in us. I think the delusion is, "well, if I dump a bunch of drugs and booze in me, I'll be angrier." The truth of it is, we were angry anyway, that's what made us dump the dope and the booze in us. So you take the dope and the booze away, and the anger still comes out. That was what people heard on the Rust in Peace album, because that was the first album where we recorded stone cold sober. So you hear all the piss and vinegar that was always inside of us come out on that record. And over the years, you start to season and become a veteran at your craft and you get more comfortable taking chances and trying different things because you don't remain a 21-year-old your whole life, you grow. And as a result your music is a reflection of your life instead of trying to make your life a reflection of your music.
So do you feel TH1RT3EN stacks up against the classic albums like Rust in Peace as far as your playing goes?
I think so, I'm really happy with my playing on it. I think what you hear is the thrash metal approach that you always hear on Megadeth records, but you also get the eight years of experience that I had away from Megadeth working with a lot of other bands, writers, producers, musicians that really developed and evolved my playing in so many other ways. It's probably why I was able to come in and knock out a whole record in three days, because I had those years of those experiences there. To me, the bass is really tight with the drums and guitars, and yet it's very liberated, a lot of different movements that haven't been heard on previous records. There's just sort of a simplicity – there's a simple progressive nature about it [laughs]. I don't think I've really been able to combine those two elements until this album.
How would you say this Megadeth lineup compares to lineups you've played with in the past?
Well, like [TH1RT3EN producer] Johnny K said about Chris Broderick, "he's very capable of playing anything we need him to play," which is true. That's the kind of player Chris is. He's very – Chris practices eight hours a day, his chops are superb and Chris is a guy who works really good under direction. Shawn Drover is probably the best friend Megadeth could ever have, because even though he wasn't there in the beginning, he breathes Megadeth. He really understands what is at the core of Megadeth and the music. And I think for Dave, knowing that he had me back as his right-hand man, he knew that he had a solid band under him, and he didn't have to stress about having to reeducate or educate or teach people how to play his music. He knew that whatever he wrote, we could play. And I think that was a major source of stress off Dave's head, and it allowed the whole project to be relaxed, and as a result we were able to make a Megadeth album in 10 weeks.
Are you happy with where you are in your life and with Megadeth as a band?
I am. I'm thrilled and humbly grateful that we have been given a second chance together, especially between me and Dave. It's an experience that I'm so thrilled we can lock arms and go do this together again. The fans are thrilled about it, and just for me personally, in my own life I'm happy, I have a family. I have a wife who supports me – it's unusual for a wife to want her old man to be back in a rock 'n' roll band again. Most women I know – they love guys who are in rock 'n' roll bands until they hook up with them, and then they want them to be out of rock 'n' roll because they're afraid they're going to go be rock 'n' roll guys. My wife is actually really supportive of me. She's the one who actually really encouraged me to get back together and work with Dave again, so when you have that kind of support at home, it makes life out on the road and out on stage easier. It's one less thing to have to worry about so you can concentrate on being right where your feet are, which is in the moment.
ICED EARTH's new album, "Dystopia", sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.
ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.
ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.
"Dystopia" track listing:
01. Dystopia (05:49)
02. Anthem (04:54)
03. Boiling Point (02:46)
04. Anguish Of Youth (04:41)
05. V (03:39)
06. Dark City (05:42)
07. Equilibrium (04:30)
08. Days Of Rage (02:17)
09. End Of Innocence (04:07)
10. Soylent Green (bonus track) (04:20)
11. Iron Will (bonus track) (04:15)
12. Tragedy And Triumph (07:44)
13. Anthem (String Mix) (04:51)
The European leg of the 2011-2012 "World Dystopia Tour" begins October 30 in Bochum, Germany.
ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer admitted the recording of "Dystopia" was especially challenging because of the band's summer festival gigs requiring him to criss-cross the ocean numerous times.
Despite the challenges, Schaffer said working with new vocalist Stu Block was "a pleasure."
"You just can't ask for a better attitude," said Schaffer. "Stu is so excited to be here. He brings a youthful exuberance to the band, which is a lot of fun. And he's a real dude. He's down to earth, and willing to try anything that Jim [Morris, co-producer, engineer] or I throw at him. He's stepping into the shoes in a very natural way."
Schaffer continued: "We're opening up a part of his voice and a style of singing that he didn't even really know he had. We're exploring this whole new range. And we're just getting started. I believe Stu will continue to grow — and has the potential to grow — into one of the greats, one of the guys that will go down in metal history. If he stays on this course, with the attitude that he has, his willingness to learn, and his passion, he's destined for really great things. I firmly believe that."
ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.
ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.
"Dystopia" track listing:
01. Dystopia (05:49)
02. Anthem (04:54)
03. Boiling Point (02:46)
04. Anguish Of Youth (04:41)
05. V (03:39)
06. Dark City (05:42)
07. Equilibrium (04:30)
08. Days Of Rage (02:17)
09. End Of Innocence (04:07)
10. Soylent Green (bonus track) (04:20)
11. Iron Will (bonus track) (04:15)
12. Tragedy And Triumph (07:44)
13. Anthem (String Mix) (04:51)
The European leg of the 2011-2012 "World Dystopia Tour" begins October 30 in Bochum, Germany.
ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer admitted the recording of "Dystopia" was especially challenging because of the band's summer festival gigs requiring him to criss-cross the ocean numerous times.
Despite the challenges, Schaffer said working with new vocalist Stu Block was "a pleasure."
"You just can't ask for a better attitude," said Schaffer. "Stu is so excited to be here. He brings a youthful exuberance to the band, which is a lot of fun. And he's a real dude. He's down to earth, and willing to try anything that Jim [Morris, co-producer, engineer] or I throw at him. He's stepping into the shoes in a very natural way."
Schaffer continued: "We're opening up a part of his voice and a style of singing that he didn't even really know he had. We're exploring this whole new range. And we're just getting started. I believe Stu will continue to grow — and has the potential to grow — into one of the greats, one of the guys that will go down in metal history. If he stays on this course, with the attitude that he has, his willingness to learn, and his passion, he's destined for really great things. I firmly believe that."
New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL will embark on the "Killfest 2" headlining tour in April/May 2012. Support on the trek will come from BELPHEGOR, ABORTED, BLACKGUARD, SYSTEM DIVIDE and DIAMOND PLATE.
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 20 - Trocadero Theater - Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 22 - Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY
Apr. 23 - Screamin WIllie's - Columbus, OH
Apr. 24 - Blondie's - Detroit, MI
Apr. 25 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL
Apr. 26 - Beaumont Club - Kansas City, MO
Apr. 27 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
Apr. 28 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
Apr. 30 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
May 01 - Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR
May 02 - The Grand Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
May 03 - Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
May 05 - Emo's East - Austin, TX
May 06 - Trees - Dallas, TX
May 08 - The Club at Firestone - Orlando, FL
May 09 - Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
May 11 - Jaxx Nightclub - West Springfield, VA
May 12 - Best Buy Theater - New York, NY
OVERKILL is currently in the studio working on its new album for an early 2012 release.
OVERKILL's latest CD, "Ironbound", sold 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 192 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 4 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.
OVERKILL's previous album, "Immortalis", opened with 2,800 units back in October 2007.
"Ironbound" was released on February 9, 2010 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The CD, which was issued in Europe on January 29, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records, was mixed by PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren and is described in a press release as "a true thrasher-piece."
OVERKILL filmed a video for the song "Bring Me The Night" on January 9, 2010 in Brooklyn, New York with director Kevin Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION).
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 20 - Trocadero Theater - Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 22 - Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY
Apr. 23 - Screamin WIllie's - Columbus, OH
Apr. 24 - Blondie's - Detroit, MI
Apr. 25 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL
Apr. 26 - Beaumont Club - Kansas City, MO
Apr. 27 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
Apr. 28 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
Apr. 30 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
May 01 - Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR
May 02 - The Grand Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
May 03 - Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
May 05 - Emo's East - Austin, TX
May 06 - Trees - Dallas, TX
May 08 - The Club at Firestone - Orlando, FL
May 09 - Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
May 11 - Jaxx Nightclub - West Springfield, VA
May 12 - Best Buy Theater - New York, NY
OVERKILL is currently in the studio working on its new album for an early 2012 release.
OVERKILL's latest CD, "Ironbound", sold 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 192 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 4 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.
OVERKILL's previous album, "Immortalis", opened with 2,800 units back in October 2007.
"Ironbound" was released on February 9, 2010 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The CD, which was issued in Europe on January 29, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records, was mixed by PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren and is described in a press release as "a true thrasher-piece."
OVERKILL filmed a video for the song "Bring Me The Night" on January 9, 2010 in Brooklyn, New York with director Kevin Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION).
Dave Reffett of GuitarWorld.com recently conducted an interview with former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
GuitarWorld.com: Who in modern music do you really like these days?
Bach: I really like the album by BLACK VEIL BRIDES, "Set The World On Fire". That's a great guitar record with blistering solos, and I really like ASKING ALEXANDRIA from England. There are a lot of bands that are coming out now that are really into just straight-up rock and straight-up heavy metal, and I really love that BLACK VEIL BRIDES album. I think that's an incredible album.
GuitarWorld.com: [Have you] ever had any Zen moments on stage that you can think of?
Bach: The most recent one I had was when we first did the song "Kicking & Screaming" live on the beach summer stage in New Jersey, and we had worked really hard on the record for years, and that was the last song we wrote. So right before I sang the first line onstage, I just looked at Nick [Sterling, guitar] and I said, "Dude we did it," and had a Zen moment. I opened my eyes and we started the song and I felt like we had accomplished a lot. And it feels good, you know? The new record is doing really well on the charts. It's the highest I've ever charted with any solo project, so that's very very satisfying, and I'd really like to bang out another record as quickly as possible and capitalize on the momentum.
GuitarWorld.com: You have an amazing tone in your vocals, and to me very few people can pull you into a song the way that you do. Any advice on tone?
Bach: Well, about the tone of the voice, I'll get a lot of people that come up to me and try to sing my songs in my face, and they're always yelling too hard and screaming too much. It's more of a spoken-voice singing style. So it's more of a speech kind of style of singing, like I'm trying to make people understand the words and what I'm saying, and I save all of my power for the big high screams. A lot of people when they try to sing SKID ROW songs, they're screaming and yelling too much. It's more singing than screaming.
GuitarWorld.com: Do you have a bucket list, and is there still anything you want to accomplish?
Bach: Yeah, I want to establish myself touring-wise as a solo artist, away from the band, like I have now on record. So I would like promoters to kind of look at the content of what's going on sometimes more than the form, you know.
GuitarWorld.com: What is on your iPod that you love to listen to that your fans might be surprised by?
Bach: Probably Neil Young. What impresses me about him is his writing is very dark and his melodies are dark, and he keeps making great albums. You have to go to the store like every eight months to get his new album, and I just think that's awesome. I think that's it's so cool that he is so relentless.
GuitarWorld.com: Over the years, you have met and played with so many amazing musicians you grew up on. Could you share any cool stories from a fan's perspective what it was like to jam with some of these great guys?
Bach: Jamming with Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD is the loudest experience I can think of (laughs). I don't know how he hears his vocals up there, but when I go up there with MOTÖRHEAD, it's just an amazing experience. Playing with Axl [Rose] is amazing. When I do duets with him, it's always fun. He's a great singer. I've jammed with Chris Cornell; I've jammed with [Rob] Halford. Halford is probably the loudest singer. Angry Anderson of ROSE TATTOO is extremely loud on stage. But, of course, I'm jamming with my band more than other bands (laughs).
GuitarWorld.com: Who in modern music do you really like these days?
Bach: I really like the album by BLACK VEIL BRIDES, "Set The World On Fire". That's a great guitar record with blistering solos, and I really like ASKING ALEXANDRIA from England. There are a lot of bands that are coming out now that are really into just straight-up rock and straight-up heavy metal, and I really love that BLACK VEIL BRIDES album. I think that's an incredible album.
GuitarWorld.com: [Have you] ever had any Zen moments on stage that you can think of?
Bach: The most recent one I had was when we first did the song "Kicking & Screaming" live on the beach summer stage in New Jersey, and we had worked really hard on the record for years, and that was the last song we wrote. So right before I sang the first line onstage, I just looked at Nick [Sterling, guitar] and I said, "Dude we did it," and had a Zen moment. I opened my eyes and we started the song and I felt like we had accomplished a lot. And it feels good, you know? The new record is doing really well on the charts. It's the highest I've ever charted with any solo project, so that's very very satisfying, and I'd really like to bang out another record as quickly as possible and capitalize on the momentum.
GuitarWorld.com: You have an amazing tone in your vocals, and to me very few people can pull you into a song the way that you do. Any advice on tone?
Bach: Well, about the tone of the voice, I'll get a lot of people that come up to me and try to sing my songs in my face, and they're always yelling too hard and screaming too much. It's more of a spoken-voice singing style. So it's more of a speech kind of style of singing, like I'm trying to make people understand the words and what I'm saying, and I save all of my power for the big high screams. A lot of people when they try to sing SKID ROW songs, they're screaming and yelling too much. It's more singing than screaming.
GuitarWorld.com: Do you have a bucket list, and is there still anything you want to accomplish?
Bach: Yeah, I want to establish myself touring-wise as a solo artist, away from the band, like I have now on record. So I would like promoters to kind of look at the content of what's going on sometimes more than the form, you know.
GuitarWorld.com: What is on your iPod that you love to listen to that your fans might be surprised by?
Bach: Probably Neil Young. What impresses me about him is his writing is very dark and his melodies are dark, and he keeps making great albums. You have to go to the store like every eight months to get his new album, and I just think that's awesome. I think that's it's so cool that he is so relentless.
GuitarWorld.com: Over the years, you have met and played with so many amazing musicians you grew up on. Could you share any cool stories from a fan's perspective what it was like to jam with some of these great guys?
Bach: Jamming with Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD is the loudest experience I can think of (laughs). I don't know how he hears his vocals up there, but when I go up there with MOTÖRHEAD, it's just an amazing experience. Playing with Axl [Rose] is amazing. When I do duets with him, it's always fun. He's a great singer. I've jammed with Chris Cornell; I've jammed with [Rob] Halford. Halford is probably the loudest singer. Angry Anderson of ROSE TATTOO is extremely loud on stage. But, of course, I'm jamming with my band more than other bands (laughs).
Kelley Simms of HailsAndHorns.com recently conducted an interview with guitarist Andreas Kisser of Brazilian/American thrashers SEPULTURA. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
HailsAndHorns.com: What were you trying to achieve on "Kairos"? What kind of sound were you going for?
Andreas: Every time SEPULTURA goes into the studio, we try to get the live sound that we have on the stage and try to reproduce that in the studio. When you're in the studio there's lots of tricks; different amps, things you want to try and create stuff. We decided not to do that — just bring the stuff we use on stage. The instruments we use, no more no less, and work with that. In the end, we mixed a little overdub in a live situation; we tried to keep it live as possible. Having Roy Z work with us in the studio… he's a producer with excellent know-how inside a studio. And he's a very active musician. He's not a frustrated musician like most producers are. Roy has the best of both worlds; with his know how in the studio, his experience and sensibility performing on stage. We're very happy with the results.
HailsAndHorns.com: "Kairos" seems to have that classic thrash sound and the pace is so menacing. Were you going for a certain sound or feel, or did the songs just come naturally?
Andreas: Both. We had it in our mind to do something like that; to really get a balance. We celebrated 25 years of SEPULTURA last year. Naturally, we have a balance of our whole career, about everything that happened. You remember how you used to do things. With vinyl, you have a realization of time. That's why the classic stuff like [METALLICA's] "Master Of Puppets" or [SLAYER's] "Reign In Blood" are still good. We wanted to go back and immerse ourselves with that. Stay in the vinyl state of mind, the things we used to do. That naturally brings the kind of environment and feeling we had. Just jam, that kind of feeling. We're not trying to reproduce or copy our old ways — that would be very stupid. "Kairos" is the musical expression of that feeling. The lyrics talk about the fans, our relationship with managers, record labels, our families, everybody. It's a very personal album and I think it's believable for the fans, because they are a part of that, more than anybody else.
HailsAndHorns.com: There were kind of some harsh words or miscommunication a few months back between the band and Max [Cavalera, former SEPULTURA guitarist/vocalist] about a reunion. Of course, a lot of people would like to see you reunited with the Cavalera brothers. But, do you think this is a possibility some time in the near future? Is everything still good between you guys, or is there no communication at all?
Andreas: The whole reunion thing … for us to bring the past back is impossible; it would be ridiculous. I don't know what people expect from that. Most of the people who want a SEPULTURA reunion have never seen SEPULTURA before. They (Max and Igor) were an important part of the band, they started all this stuff, but they chose to leave and it is what it is. I don't see any possibility of that happening. We talk to each other … finally got in touch. At least we have a channel of communication that is very healthy and positive. But that doesn't mean we're going to work together, it has nothing to do with that. I respect every type of feelings and it's really hard to define exactly what a SEPULTURA fan is. I don't want to try and live in the past. I don't want to be trapped there. Some people are still there. I don't want to see our band in a nostalgic way. We have an incredible story, but here we are. And that's the most important thing; here we are now.
HailsAndHorns.com: What were you trying to achieve on "Kairos"? What kind of sound were you going for?
Andreas: Every time SEPULTURA goes into the studio, we try to get the live sound that we have on the stage and try to reproduce that in the studio. When you're in the studio there's lots of tricks; different amps, things you want to try and create stuff. We decided not to do that — just bring the stuff we use on stage. The instruments we use, no more no less, and work with that. In the end, we mixed a little overdub in a live situation; we tried to keep it live as possible. Having Roy Z work with us in the studio… he's a producer with excellent know-how inside a studio. And he's a very active musician. He's not a frustrated musician like most producers are. Roy has the best of both worlds; with his know how in the studio, his experience and sensibility performing on stage. We're very happy with the results.
HailsAndHorns.com: "Kairos" seems to have that classic thrash sound and the pace is so menacing. Were you going for a certain sound or feel, or did the songs just come naturally?
Andreas: Both. We had it in our mind to do something like that; to really get a balance. We celebrated 25 years of SEPULTURA last year. Naturally, we have a balance of our whole career, about everything that happened. You remember how you used to do things. With vinyl, you have a realization of time. That's why the classic stuff like [METALLICA's] "Master Of Puppets" or [SLAYER's] "Reign In Blood" are still good. We wanted to go back and immerse ourselves with that. Stay in the vinyl state of mind, the things we used to do. That naturally brings the kind of environment and feeling we had. Just jam, that kind of feeling. We're not trying to reproduce or copy our old ways — that would be very stupid. "Kairos" is the musical expression of that feeling. The lyrics talk about the fans, our relationship with managers, record labels, our families, everybody. It's a very personal album and I think it's believable for the fans, because they are a part of that, more than anybody else.
HailsAndHorns.com: There were kind of some harsh words or miscommunication a few months back between the band and Max [Cavalera, former SEPULTURA guitarist/vocalist] about a reunion. Of course, a lot of people would like to see you reunited with the Cavalera brothers. But, do you think this is a possibility some time in the near future? Is everything still good between you guys, or is there no communication at all?
Andreas: The whole reunion thing … for us to bring the past back is impossible; it would be ridiculous. I don't know what people expect from that. Most of the people who want a SEPULTURA reunion have never seen SEPULTURA before. They (Max and Igor) were an important part of the band, they started all this stuff, but they chose to leave and it is what it is. I don't see any possibility of that happening. We talk to each other … finally got in touch. At least we have a channel of communication that is very healthy and positive. But that doesn't mean we're going to work together, it has nothing to do with that. I respect every type of feelings and it's really hard to define exactly what a SEPULTURA fan is. I don't want to try and live in the past. I don't want to be trapped there. Some people are still there. I don't want to see our band in a nostalgic way. We have an incredible story, but here we are. And that's the most important thing; here we are now.
WARRIOR SOUL/TROUBLE singer Kory Clarke will release a solo "electro acoustic album" entitled "Light Your Bonfires" on November 5. This effort features brand new material to "fight the system" with and includes some "old classics" of Kory's prophetic politically charged and relevant protest songs.
According to a press release, "Light Your Bonfires" is "as raw as John Lee Hooker and is a uniting anthem for all of us who fight for justice, equality and freedom from the insensitive and cruel ruling class that needs to hear rebellion at its castles gates.
"Light Your Bonfires" is a special release out for Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Day, November 5, and will be shipped on November 1. Everyone who orders will receive the title track in his/her e-mail in time for Guy Fawkes Night.
Commented Clarke: "This is due to the significance of that day to the people of Great Britain, but it is also a message to us, the American People and the rest of the world; let's make this a rallying cry to unite against tyranny, the bankers, the ruling class and the corporate government system!"
Pre-sale prices:
Download album: 7.95 GBP/13.00 USD
Physical copy album: 11.95 GBP/19.00 USD
Physical copy of album and WARRIOR SOUL T-shirt: 25.00 GBP/39.95 USD
Download album and T-shirt: 19.95 GBP/30.00 USD
Please pay secure by PayPal using korythewords@gmail.com.
According to a press release, "Light Your Bonfires" is "as raw as John Lee Hooker and is a uniting anthem for all of us who fight for justice, equality and freedom from the insensitive and cruel ruling class that needs to hear rebellion at its castles gates.
"Light Your Bonfires" is a special release out for Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Day, November 5, and will be shipped on November 1. Everyone who orders will receive the title track in his/her e-mail in time for Guy Fawkes Night.
Commented Clarke: "This is due to the significance of that day to the people of Great Britain, but it is also a message to us, the American People and the rest of the world; let's make this a rallying cry to unite against tyranny, the bankers, the ruling class and the corporate government system!"
Pre-sale prices:
Download album: 7.95 GBP/13.00 USD
Physical copy album: 11.95 GBP/19.00 USD
Physical copy of album and WARRIOR SOUL T-shirt: 25.00 GBP/39.95 USD
Download album and T-shirt: 19.95 GBP/30.00 USD
Please pay secure by PayPal using korythewords@gmail.com.
German thrash metal veterans KREATOR will enter Fascination Street studio in Örebro, Sweden in January with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST) to begin recording their new album for a late spring 2012 release. The band's guitarist/vocalist Miland "Mille" Petrozza states, "The songs are coming along great and I think it's OK to say that this will be our most epic album so far. There's some classical, a lot of traditional metal, and, of course, a huge dose of thrash metal influences in the new stuff. Everyone in the band is very excited at this point. The demos sound killer so far. We have about 10 songs we're working on so far.
Regarding the lyrical and visual concept for the forthcoming CD, Petrozza says, "It's too early to talk about the lyrics yet; many are written, but they keep changing all the time. Visually, we have tapped Wes Benscoter [BLACK SABBATH, DIO, SLAYER, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BLOODBATH] for the cover art. I can tell you this much: The artwork will be insane!"
In a recent interview with Aftonbladet journalist Mattias Kling, Petrozza stated about KREATOR's collaboration with Jens Bogren, "He's really good; I like him. I like the sounds that he gets. And I think the combination — Jens Bogren and KREATOR — it will be pretty heavy."
Regarding how the new material is different from KREATOR's previous output, Mille said, "It's always a little hard for me to talk about music has been written but is not released yet. It will definitely have all the KREATOR trademarks. The lyrics will talk about nowadays stuff, as usual, so it will be like a photography of the year 2012. Also the lyrics will deal a lot of things that are actually happening at this point in time. It will be like reading a newspaper or something [laughs], with all the stuff happening. And, of course, the music will be typical KREATOR, and we also wanna expand the sound and progress as musicians. I mean, this lineup has been the strongest lineup KREATOR ever had since ten years, and now I think we're ready to come out with an album that blows everyone away."
KREATOR is:
Miland "Mille" Petrozza – Vocals, Guitrar
Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar
Christian "Speesy" Giesler - Bass
Jürgen "Ventor" Reil - Drums
Regarding the lyrical and visual concept for the forthcoming CD, Petrozza says, "It's too early to talk about the lyrics yet; many are written, but they keep changing all the time. Visually, we have tapped Wes Benscoter [BLACK SABBATH, DIO, SLAYER, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BLOODBATH] for the cover art. I can tell you this much: The artwork will be insane!"
In a recent interview with Aftonbladet journalist Mattias Kling, Petrozza stated about KREATOR's collaboration with Jens Bogren, "He's really good; I like him. I like the sounds that he gets. And I think the combination — Jens Bogren and KREATOR — it will be pretty heavy."
Regarding how the new material is different from KREATOR's previous output, Mille said, "It's always a little hard for me to talk about music has been written but is not released yet. It will definitely have all the KREATOR trademarks. The lyrics will talk about nowadays stuff, as usual, so it will be like a photography of the year 2012. Also the lyrics will deal a lot of things that are actually happening at this point in time. It will be like reading a newspaper or something [laughs], with all the stuff happening. And, of course, the music will be typical KREATOR, and we also wanna expand the sound and progress as musicians. I mean, this lineup has been the strongest lineup KREATOR ever had since ten years, and now I think we're ready to come out with an album that blows everyone away."
KREATOR is:
Miland "Mille" Petrozza – Vocals, Guitrar
Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar
Christian "Speesy" Giesler - Bass
Jürgen "Ventor" Reil - Drums
Guitarist Jeff Waters of Canadian metal veterans ANNIHILATOR will guest on "The Barry Morgan Show" on Montreal's CJAD 800 radio station tonight (Wednesday, October 26) from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST. Waters will discuss the new study which claims to have found that young people at risk of depression are more likely to listen habitually and repetitively to heavy metal music.You can listen to the program online at www.cjad.com and call in at (514) 790-0991 or (800) 491-2523.
Dr. Katrina McFerran, a researcher at University Of Melbourne — which consistently ranks among the best universities in Australia and the world, especially in the biological and health sciences — is immersed in a new study that aims to find out why some young people use heavy metal music in a negative way.
By conducting in-depth interviews with 50 young people aged between 13 and 18, along with a national survey of 1000 young people, McFerran is looking to develop an early intervention model that can be integrated into schools to impact positively before behavioral problems occur.
"The mp3 revolution means that young people are accessing music more than ever before and it's not uncommon for some to listen to music for seven or eight hours a day," she said.
"Most young people listen to a range of music in positive ways; to block out crowds, to lift their mood or to give them energy when exercising, but young people at risk of depression are more likely to be listening to music, particularly heavy metal music, in a negative way.
"Examples of this are when someone listens to the same song or album of heavy metal music over and over again and doesn't listen to anything else. They do this to isolate themselves or escape from reality.
"If this behavior continues over a period of time then it might indicate that this young person is suffering from depression or anxiety, and at worst, might suggest suicidal tendencies."
McFerran said parents should be aware of their children's music listening habits, pick up on early warning signs and take early action.
"If parents are worried, they should ask their children questions like — how does that music make you feel? If children say the music reflects or mirrors the way they feel then ask more about what the music is saying," she said.
"If listening doesn't make them feel good about themselves, this should ring alarm bells. Alternatively, if parents notice a downturn in their child's mood after listening to music this is also a cause for showing interest and getting involved."
Dr. Katrina McFerran, a researcher at University Of Melbourne — which consistently ranks among the best universities in Australia and the world, especially in the biological and health sciences — is immersed in a new study that aims to find out why some young people use heavy metal music in a negative way.
By conducting in-depth interviews with 50 young people aged between 13 and 18, along with a national survey of 1000 young people, McFerran is looking to develop an early intervention model that can be integrated into schools to impact positively before behavioral problems occur.
"The mp3 revolution means that young people are accessing music more than ever before and it's not uncommon for some to listen to music for seven or eight hours a day," she said.
"Most young people listen to a range of music in positive ways; to block out crowds, to lift their mood or to give them energy when exercising, but young people at risk of depression are more likely to be listening to music, particularly heavy metal music, in a negative way.
"Examples of this are when someone listens to the same song or album of heavy metal music over and over again and doesn't listen to anything else. They do this to isolate themselves or escape from reality.
"If this behavior continues over a period of time then it might indicate that this young person is suffering from depression or anxiety, and at worst, might suggest suicidal tendencies."
McFerran said parents should be aware of their children's music listening habits, pick up on early warning signs and take early action.
"If parents are worried, they should ask their children questions like — how does that music make you feel? If children say the music reflects or mirrors the way they feel then ask more about what the music is saying," she said.
"If listening doesn't make them feel good about themselves, this should ring alarm bells. Alternatively, if parents notice a downturn in their child's mood after listening to music this is also a cause for showing interest and getting involved."
ORANGE GOBLIN, the heavy-hitting British metal band, will release its brand new studio album, "A Eulogy For The Damned", on February 14 (one day earlier internationally) via Candlelight Records. The ten-track offering was recorded at The Animal Farm studio in South London, produced and engineered by Jamie Dodd and mastered two-time Grammy-nominated PINK FLOYD engineer Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering.
"A Eulogy For The Damned" will be released on CD and limited-edition colored vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
"A Eulogy For The Damned" track listing:
01. Red Tide Rising
02. Stand For Something
03. Acid Trial
04. The Filthy & The Few
05. Save Me From Myself
06. The Fog
07. Return To Mars
08. Death Of Aquarius
09. The Bishops Wolf
10. A Eulogy For The Damned
To celebrate the release of the new album, ORANGE GOBLIN will hit the road in April 2012 for the "A Eulogy For The Damned" U.K. and Ireland tour.
Formed in 1995 (as OUR HAUNTED KINGDOM), ORANGE GOBLIN has released six full-length albums, developing an enthusiastic fan base that revels in the band's aggressive sound built on "booze-sodden riffs and attitude." Longtime label Rise Above Records has reissued the group's super-heavy back catalog.
ORANGE GOBLIN is fronted by towering vocalist Ben Ward who leads the charge of the band's live assault which delivers plenty of classic metal hallmarks such as unison-headbanging, hand-clapping and (quite often) out-and-out chaos!
"A Eulogy For The Damned" will be released on CD and limited-edition colored vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
"A Eulogy For The Damned" track listing:
01. Red Tide Rising
02. Stand For Something
03. Acid Trial
04. The Filthy & The Few
05. Save Me From Myself
06. The Fog
07. Return To Mars
08. Death Of Aquarius
09. The Bishops Wolf
10. A Eulogy For The Damned
To celebrate the release of the new album, ORANGE GOBLIN will hit the road in April 2012 for the "A Eulogy For The Damned" U.K. and Ireland tour.
Formed in 1995 (as OUR HAUNTED KINGDOM), ORANGE GOBLIN has released six full-length albums, developing an enthusiastic fan base that revels in the band's aggressive sound built on "booze-sodden riffs and attitude." Longtime label Rise Above Records has reissued the group's super-heavy back catalog.
ORANGE GOBLIN is fronted by towering vocalist Ben Ward who leads the charge of the band's live assault which delivers plenty of classic metal hallmarks such as unison-headbanging, hand-clapping and (quite often) out-and-out chaos!
Chad Bowar of HeavyMetal.About.com recently conducted an interview with vocalist/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Congratulations on "Heritage" cracking the Top 20 on the Billboard chart in its debut week. Were you surprised, considering the sorry state of the music industry today?
Mikael: It's a little bit more than they estimated. I know it means we sold records, but I'm not too impressed with chart positions. It's fun and cool to the people at the record label; it means a lot to them.
HeavyMetal.About.com: What was your mindset going into the songwriting process for "Heritage"?
Mikael: I was a bit discouraged with the contemporary metal scene, and I wanted to break away from it even more. I feel we've been on the outskirts of that scene for a a couple of years. I just couldn't see myself writing another album in the same vein as the last couple of records. Thankfully, I listen to so many different kinds of music, and writing music has never been a problem. I've always seen OPETH as a band without boundaries. So if it's good and everybody in the band likes it, it's an OPETH record. In the end, I sat down and wrote the music that I wanted to hear right now.
HeavyMetal.About.com: How does your songwriting process work?
Mikael: I write for all the instruments and make demos for the entire record. Just because I write for all the instruments doesn't mean they have to play it exactly. It's what I think sounds good, but if you have a better idea I'd love to hear it. I'm not an accomplished keyboard player or drummer, but I can write for those instruments. I just leave it open for everyone to do what they want to do. The idea in making a good sounding demo for me is to intimidate them a little bit and make them feel like they have to go to that next level.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Do you think "Heritage" will have a wider appeal than your past albums, and might appeal to more non-metal fans?
Mikael: I've never seen the metal label as a stigma. Those are our roots. I don't have a problem with that. I'd like to think metal fans today have more of an open mind, but I'm not sure. Our fans for sure have an open mind, because we've been hinting about an album like this for a long time. It's not a complete surprise. It wasn't an overnight switch. It is different-sounding, though.
HeavyMetal.About.com: You and Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) will be releasing an album next year as STORM CORROSION. Give us a preview.
Mikael: It doesn't sound like either of our bands. I'm not sure if it's completely now and original. There's a lot of soundtrack type music. Both myself and Steven are into '70s music like TANGERINE DREAM and stuff like that. I wouldn't say it's electronic music, but it has an earthy vibe to it. We have choirs and strings. It's a pretty beautiful record, not very rock-sounding.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Did you do all the singing?
Mikael: No. He's doing most of the vocals. I'm singing on one and a half songs, he's singing on four. Generally I play guitar and some bass and sing, and Steve plays the keyboard and some bass and sings.
HeavyMetal.About.com: With both your busy schedules was it difficult to find time to do it?
Mikael: No. We're friends. He bought a new place and I went over to see what it was like and to hang. In the back of our minds we knew we might write something, but we wanted to keep it casual and didn't want to stress. If we came up with something on that trip, fine. If not, the next one. We had a couple glasses of wine and went in to see what we could do. We went in and started recording.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Congratulations on "Heritage" cracking the Top 20 on the Billboard chart in its debut week. Were you surprised, considering the sorry state of the music industry today?
Mikael: It's a little bit more than they estimated. I know it means we sold records, but I'm not too impressed with chart positions. It's fun and cool to the people at the record label; it means a lot to them.
HeavyMetal.About.com: What was your mindset going into the songwriting process for "Heritage"?
Mikael: I was a bit discouraged with the contemporary metal scene, and I wanted to break away from it even more. I feel we've been on the outskirts of that scene for a a couple of years. I just couldn't see myself writing another album in the same vein as the last couple of records. Thankfully, I listen to so many different kinds of music, and writing music has never been a problem. I've always seen OPETH as a band without boundaries. So if it's good and everybody in the band likes it, it's an OPETH record. In the end, I sat down and wrote the music that I wanted to hear right now.
HeavyMetal.About.com: How does your songwriting process work?
Mikael: I write for all the instruments and make demos for the entire record. Just because I write for all the instruments doesn't mean they have to play it exactly. It's what I think sounds good, but if you have a better idea I'd love to hear it. I'm not an accomplished keyboard player or drummer, but I can write for those instruments. I just leave it open for everyone to do what they want to do. The idea in making a good sounding demo for me is to intimidate them a little bit and make them feel like they have to go to that next level.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Do you think "Heritage" will have a wider appeal than your past albums, and might appeal to more non-metal fans?
Mikael: I've never seen the metal label as a stigma. Those are our roots. I don't have a problem with that. I'd like to think metal fans today have more of an open mind, but I'm not sure. Our fans for sure have an open mind, because we've been hinting about an album like this for a long time. It's not a complete surprise. It wasn't an overnight switch. It is different-sounding, though.
HeavyMetal.About.com: You and Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) will be releasing an album next year as STORM CORROSION. Give us a preview.
Mikael: It doesn't sound like either of our bands. I'm not sure if it's completely now and original. There's a lot of soundtrack type music. Both myself and Steven are into '70s music like TANGERINE DREAM and stuff like that. I wouldn't say it's electronic music, but it has an earthy vibe to it. We have choirs and strings. It's a pretty beautiful record, not very rock-sounding.
HeavyMetal.About.com: Did you do all the singing?
Mikael: No. He's doing most of the vocals. I'm singing on one and a half songs, he's singing on four. Generally I play guitar and some bass and sing, and Steve plays the keyboard and some bass and sings.
HeavyMetal.About.com: With both your busy schedules was it difficult to find time to do it?
Mikael: No. We're friends. He bought a new place and I went over to see what it was like and to hang. In the back of our minds we knew we might write something, but we wanted to keep it casual and didn't want to stress. If we came up with something on that trip, fine. If not, the next one. We had a couple glasses of wine and went in to see what we could do. We went in and started recording.
During a recent interview with Attention Deficit Delirium, legendary rocker Sammy Hagar (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT) offered his thoughts on a reunion of the classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES. "They've proved it again and again and again that it ain't [about] the money," observed Hagar. "They just don't get along because Axl [Rose, vocals] goes out for a lot less money with his version of GUNS N' ROSES, and Slash goes out for a lot less money with VELVET REVOLVER or by himself. The amount of money they could make if they got it all back together, made a great record and toured the world would probably be as much as THE ROLLING STONES [get], and for them not to do it, it obviously ain't about the money. Because they could do it. I would manage them. I'd be their manager and make sure they got the right deal from all the promoters. They could be the biggest band in the world if they wanted to."
During a 2009 interview with longtime friend and former road manager Del James, first published on Spinner, Rose called former GUNS N' ROSES axeman Slash a "cancer."
"There's zero possibility of me having anything to do with Slash other than by ambush, and that wouldn't be pretty," Rose told James. "There is the distinct possibility that having his intentions in regard to me so deeply ingrained and his personal, though guarded, distaste for much of 'Appetite [For Destruction'] the band's diamond-certified debut album] other than his or Duff's playing, Slash either should not have been in GUNS to begin with or should have left after 'Lies'. In a nutshell, personally I consider him a cancer and better removed, avoided — and the less anyone heard of him or his supporters, the better."
A year later, Slash responded to Axl's comments, saying in an interview, "For one, I've never said anything derogatory about anyone's performance on 'Appetite'. So right from the start it's just off."
Furthermore the guitarist, who lost his mother to lung cancer, revealed that though he agreed with the sentiment behind some of Rose's comments, the singer's choice of wording was tough to take.
"The cancer thing, I'll go with him on that, that fits into his description of things. I wouldn't use the word 'cancer' but I haven't gone anywhere and I don't seem to be going anywhere so that's justified," Slash said. "Actually, I lost my mom to cancer so that was a little bit of hard rhetoric at that particular time, but it's typical Axl stuff... I know how he comes off and how he really is, so I give him credit where hopefully it's due."
During a 2009 interview with longtime friend and former road manager Del James, first published on Spinner, Rose called former GUNS N' ROSES axeman Slash a "cancer."
"There's zero possibility of me having anything to do with Slash other than by ambush, and that wouldn't be pretty," Rose told James. "There is the distinct possibility that having his intentions in regard to me so deeply ingrained and his personal, though guarded, distaste for much of 'Appetite [For Destruction'] the band's diamond-certified debut album] other than his or Duff's playing, Slash either should not have been in GUNS to begin with or should have left after 'Lies'. In a nutshell, personally I consider him a cancer and better removed, avoided — and the less anyone heard of him or his supporters, the better."
A year later, Slash responded to Axl's comments, saying in an interview, "For one, I've never said anything derogatory about anyone's performance on 'Appetite'. So right from the start it's just off."
Furthermore the guitarist, who lost his mother to lung cancer, revealed that though he agreed with the sentiment behind some of Rose's comments, the singer's choice of wording was tough to take.
"The cancer thing, I'll go with him on that, that fits into his description of things. I wouldn't use the word 'cancer' but I haven't gone anywhere and I don't seem to be going anywhere so that's justified," Slash said. "Actually, I lost my mom to cancer so that was a little bit of hard rhetoric at that particular time, but it's typical Axl stuff... I know how he comes off and how he really is, so I give him credit where hopefully it's due."
According to People, Josh "Lazie" Resnik — who played bass on DANZIG's "Blackacidevil" (1996), "Satan's Child" (1999) and "The Lost Tracks Of Danzig" (2007) albums — is engaged to marry "The Big Bang Theory" actress Kaley Cuoco.
"The surprise proposal took place during a quiet date night at home," a rep told People. "The couple are very happy and excited to begin planning their wedding."
Lazie currently works as an addiction specialist, and was married to Jesse James' ex Janine Lindemulder for four years.
"The surprise proposal took place during a quiet date night at home," a rep told People. "The couple are very happy and excited to begin planning their wedding."
Lazie currently works as an addiction specialist, and was married to Jesse James' ex Janine Lindemulder for four years.
Swedish metallers IN FLAMES will release the second digital single off their new album, "Sounds Of A Playground Fading", next month. Due on November 15, "Where The Dead Ships Dwell" will include three completely different remixes. With versions by German rapper Casper, drum-and-bass act THE QEMISTS and Kristof Bathory, vocalist of the black metal band DAWN OF ASHES, there should be something everyone can enjoy.
"The songs have already been made and the originals are as good as they can be, but what if I give them to an artist from a whole different genre, what would be there take on it?" says IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén. "I love collaborations like this and all the artists we worked with have done an awesome job. It's not meant to be taken dead serious and it's not how In Flames is gonna sound next, but I love it and I hope you'll enjoy a twist to the formula."
The track listing for the single is as follows:
01. Where The Dead Ships Dwell
02. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Casper Remix)
03. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (The Qemists Remix)
04. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Kristof Bathory - Dawn of Ashes Remix) (iTunes-exclusive track)
The remixers had this to say about the collaborations:
Casper: "Since I have been a huge IN FLAMES fan since I was a teenager, I was honored to even be considered for a remix of one of their songs from their new chart-topping album. When I used to play in metal bands, it was all about having riffs comparable to these guys and to now, as a rapper (!!!), be a part of the new single is mindblowing. We didn't really know how to approach the material, since it is my first remix job ever, so we went the dancy French house route. I really deeply do hope that people enjoy it. Feeling blessed."
THE QEMISTS: "From the first listen we were blown away by the whole album, so we jumped at the chance to remix one of our favorite tracks from 'Playground'. We wanted to create something for the clubs which still embodied the spirit of this album. Going back to the original recordings rather than just having a vocal accapella allowed us to do something with the vocals which would not normally be possible on a remix, and IN FLAMES are a band who obviously like to push the boundaries, so we thought they would probably like our ideas!"
Kristof Bathory from DAWN OF ASHES: "It was quite an honor to work on this remix and add an industrial vibe to an IN FLAMES track. I feel that my evil ways definitely comes out in this remix. So for IN FLAMES fans, enjoy my devilry!"
IN FLAMES' tenth album, "Sounds Of A Playground Fading", sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
IN FLAMES' previous CD, "A Sense of Purpose" (Koch) opened with 20,000 units to land at No. 28. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which shifted just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to enter the chart at position No. 58.
"The songs have already been made and the originals are as good as they can be, but what if I give them to an artist from a whole different genre, what would be there take on it?" says IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén. "I love collaborations like this and all the artists we worked with have done an awesome job. It's not meant to be taken dead serious and it's not how In Flames is gonna sound next, but I love it and I hope you'll enjoy a twist to the formula."
The track listing for the single is as follows:
01. Where The Dead Ships Dwell
02. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Casper Remix)
03. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (The Qemists Remix)
04. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Kristof Bathory - Dawn of Ashes Remix) (iTunes-exclusive track)
The remixers had this to say about the collaborations:
Casper: "Since I have been a huge IN FLAMES fan since I was a teenager, I was honored to even be considered for a remix of one of their songs from their new chart-topping album. When I used to play in metal bands, it was all about having riffs comparable to these guys and to now, as a rapper (!!!), be a part of the new single is mindblowing. We didn't really know how to approach the material, since it is my first remix job ever, so we went the dancy French house route. I really deeply do hope that people enjoy it. Feeling blessed."
THE QEMISTS: "From the first listen we were blown away by the whole album, so we jumped at the chance to remix one of our favorite tracks from 'Playground'. We wanted to create something for the clubs which still embodied the spirit of this album. Going back to the original recordings rather than just having a vocal accapella allowed us to do something with the vocals which would not normally be possible on a remix, and IN FLAMES are a band who obviously like to push the boundaries, so we thought they would probably like our ideas!"
Kristof Bathory from DAWN OF ASHES: "It was quite an honor to work on this remix and add an industrial vibe to an IN FLAMES track. I feel that my evil ways definitely comes out in this remix. So for IN FLAMES fans, enjoy my devilry!"
IN FLAMES' tenth album, "Sounds Of A Playground Fading", sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
IN FLAMES' previous CD, "A Sense of Purpose" (Koch) opened with 20,000 units to land at No. 28. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which shifted just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to enter the chart at position No. 58.
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE frontman Matt Tuck has revealed that he is collaborating with as-yet-undisclosed musicians on a "metal-as-fuck" side project, with plans record a full-length album over the coming months. Speaking to "Metal Zone" host Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco, California radio station 107.7 The Bone, Tuck said, "At the moment, there's just three [guys in the new band], but there'll be a minimum of four [in the final lineup]." Regarding the new group's musical direction, Matt said, "It's, like, far more like SLIPKNOT, PANTERA… It's metal as fuck, you know what I mean?! Stepping away from the melodic, not giving a fuck… 'Cause obviously BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is a business and we have our formula, and what we do works — it's great — so we won't stray from that. So it's nice to step out of that comfort zone and do something fucking ridiculous and not worry about what people are gonna think, because it doesn't exist yet. . . We wanted to go in there with kind of like a SLIPKNOT attitude of just everything… Like the 'Iowa' album — just fucking violent. Let it all out. No holds barred."
According to Tuck, he already has a name picked up for his side project, which has been secretly recording demos with a view towards securing a record deal. "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's] management already know what's going on — they're in the loop — so they've already got stuff lined up," he said.
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's third album, "Fever", sold 71,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. "Fever" also landed in the Top Five in Australia, the U.K., Japan, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the U.K. it reached No. 5 on sales of 21,965.
According to Tuck, he already has a name picked up for his side project, which has been secretly recording demos with a view towards securing a record deal. "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's] management already know what's going on — they're in the loop — so they've already got stuff lined up," he said.
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's third album, "Fever", sold 71,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. "Fever" also landed in the Top Five in Australia, the U.K., Japan, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the U.K. it reached No. 5 on sales of 21,965.
For the third time this year, elements of TRIPTYKON's Tom Gabriel Warrior's celebrated "Antecedent Death" death mask sculpture project will be on display — but this time, as part of the renowned "The 13th Hour" exhibition! This annual group exhibit is held by New York's acclaimed Last Rites Gallery and runs from October 28 through November 27, so be sure to attend while you can! Other featured artists at "The 13th Hour" include: Shawn Barber, Nick Baxter, Matthew Bone, Paul Booth, Colin Christian, Sas Christian, Jason D'aquino, Pedro De Kastro, HR Giger, Fred Harper, Naoto Hattori, Michael Hussar, Joka, Sarah Joncas, Aunia Kahn, Eli Livingston, Michael Mararian, Chris Mars, Annie Owens, Chris Peters, Anthony Pontius, Dan Quintana, Matt Rota, Paul Rumsey, Beau Stanton, David Stoupakis, Jasmine Worth, among others.
According to the Last Rites Gallery's press release: "In its annual exhibit, Last Rites sets out to present a broad-spectrum representation of Dark Surrealism. Held during Halloween weekend, the show is the gallery's largest group exhibit, and features renowned artists from around the globe — working in an array of mediums including painting, photography, and sculpture. From gothic elegance to finely crafted grotesquery, the beauty within the darkness is embraced and brought into the spotlight."
Warrior's death mask sculptures were previously on public display during "Antecedent Death I" (solo exhibition, Lausanne, Switzerland, February/March 2011) and "Terminus" (group exhibition, Zurich, Switzerland, June/July 2011).
According to the Last Rites Gallery's press release: "In its annual exhibit, Last Rites sets out to present a broad-spectrum representation of Dark Surrealism. Held during Halloween weekend, the show is the gallery's largest group exhibit, and features renowned artists from around the globe — working in an array of mediums including painting, photography, and sculpture. From gothic elegance to finely crafted grotesquery, the beauty within the darkness is embraced and brought into the spotlight."
Warrior's death mask sculptures were previously on public display during "Antecedent Death I" (solo exhibition, Lausanne, Switzerland, February/March 2011) and "Terminus" (group exhibition, Zurich, Switzerland, June/July 2011).
"American Idol" finalist James Durbin will release his hard rock and melodic-metal influenced debut solo album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster", on November 21 via Wind-Up.
"I just remember being a kid, driving around with my mom, and then DIO's 'Holy Diver' came on the radio and it changed everything," Durbin tells AOL's Noisecreep. "It was the first time I had ever heard a metal song. I loved it right away. From there I just wanted to learn as much about music as I could. Eventually I found the artists that I liked more and stuck with those. I'm talking about IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, MÖTLEY CRÜE — you know, the classics," says the singer.
"I've always showed an interest for music of all kinds, so they might have thought that the metal thing was just a phase [laughs]. When I was a teenager I even started a metal band called LEVIATHAN. I've always wanted to be a professional musician. Look, metal isn't the kind of music my mom would listen to, but she's always been supportive nonetheless."
"I learned so much from listening to STEELHEART. They were a band that just missed the hair scene of the '80s and merged the thrash look with a glam sound. STEELHEART's singer is a guy named Michael Matijevic and man, can he fucking wail! I would watch all of their videos on YouTube and listen to their records and try and hit the notes he was nailing. I always wanted to see how far I could take my voice and listening to that band helped me out a lot. Michael actually did some of the vocals for the Mark Wahlberg movie 'Rock Star'. That's how I first discovered him."
Unforgettable performances on the "Idol" stage with legends such as JUDAS PRIEST and Zakk Wylde led Durbin's own "Idols" to support the rocker's first-ever release, including Mick Mars of MÖTLEY CRÜE, songwriters James Michael (SIXX: A.M., MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marti Frederiksen (AEROSMITH, BUCKCHERRY, OZZY OSBOURNE), along with Swedish rock band HARDCORE SUPERSTAR. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was "surreal" to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, "When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind." The long-time MÖTLEY CRÜE fan continued saying, "He's a true rock legend and he's playing on my record. It doesn't get any cooler than that." Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, "It was sick to have played on James' debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass; he's the real deal."
22-year-old Durbin was guided throughout the making of "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster" by leading rock producer, Howard Benson. Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, DAUGHTRY, MOTÖRHEAD) gives Durbin room to evolve musically on the hard-hitting album, saying the opportunity to work with Durbin was "pretty simple: I loved his voice. I think he has a compelling story to tell." Benson, who kept his eye on Durbin throughout 'Idol' thought, "It was interesting that he spoke his mind and didn't back down from who he was. That's always a good sign."
"Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster" track listing:
01. Higher Than Heaven
02. All I Want
03. Love In Ruins
05. Right Behind You
06. Love Me Bad
07. Deeper
08. May
09. Screaming
10. Outcast - feat. Mick Mars
11. Everything Burns
12. Stand Up
In a recent interview with SoundSpike, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford called Durbin "brilliant. Absolutely sensational." He added, "The first we heard about James and the connection with PRIEST was when he covered our song 'You've Got Another Thing Comin''. We were really excited to hear that was taking place. As we kind of followed his growth through the last season of 'Idol' and listening to him speak, it became clear he was a champion for heavy metal music.
"I can recall, right from these early weeks, thinking, 'If this guy gets to where we hope he's going to get, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if something comes our way, in terms of do we want to get involved.' When the call came, we weren't 100 percent surprised. We were absolutely delighted. We dropped everything to fly to Los Angeles and then fly back to London, all within the space of a couple days. It was a great moment for James and, more importantly, it was a great moment for heavy metal music because it was suddenly in the arms of 30-odd-million-plus households throughout the USA. And then, of course, it bounced around the rest of the world afterward. Everything that we've done in those types of appearances for us has been not only for PRIEST but championing the cause of heavy metal music."
"I just remember being a kid, driving around with my mom, and then DIO's 'Holy Diver' came on the radio and it changed everything," Durbin tells AOL's Noisecreep. "It was the first time I had ever heard a metal song. I loved it right away. From there I just wanted to learn as much about music as I could. Eventually I found the artists that I liked more and stuck with those. I'm talking about IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, MÖTLEY CRÜE — you know, the classics," says the singer.
"I've always showed an interest for music of all kinds, so they might have thought that the metal thing was just a phase [laughs]. When I was a teenager I even started a metal band called LEVIATHAN. I've always wanted to be a professional musician. Look, metal isn't the kind of music my mom would listen to, but she's always been supportive nonetheless."
"I learned so much from listening to STEELHEART. They were a band that just missed the hair scene of the '80s and merged the thrash look with a glam sound. STEELHEART's singer is a guy named Michael Matijevic and man, can he fucking wail! I would watch all of their videos on YouTube and listen to their records and try and hit the notes he was nailing. I always wanted to see how far I could take my voice and listening to that band helped me out a lot. Michael actually did some of the vocals for the Mark Wahlberg movie 'Rock Star'. That's how I first discovered him."
Unforgettable performances on the "Idol" stage with legends such as JUDAS PRIEST and Zakk Wylde led Durbin's own "Idols" to support the rocker's first-ever release, including Mick Mars of MÖTLEY CRÜE, songwriters James Michael (SIXX: A.M., MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marti Frederiksen (AEROSMITH, BUCKCHERRY, OZZY OSBOURNE), along with Swedish rock band HARDCORE SUPERSTAR. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was "surreal" to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, "When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind." The long-time MÖTLEY CRÜE fan continued saying, "He's a true rock legend and he's playing on my record. It doesn't get any cooler than that." Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, "It was sick to have played on James' debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass; he's the real deal."
22-year-old Durbin was guided throughout the making of "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster" by leading rock producer, Howard Benson. Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, DAUGHTRY, MOTÖRHEAD) gives Durbin room to evolve musically on the hard-hitting album, saying the opportunity to work with Durbin was "pretty simple: I loved his voice. I think he has a compelling story to tell." Benson, who kept his eye on Durbin throughout 'Idol' thought, "It was interesting that he spoke his mind and didn't back down from who he was. That's always a good sign."
"Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster" track listing:
01. Higher Than Heaven
02. All I Want
03. Love In Ruins
05. Right Behind You
06. Love Me Bad
07. Deeper
08. May
09. Screaming
10. Outcast - feat. Mick Mars
11. Everything Burns
12. Stand Up
In a recent interview with SoundSpike, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford called Durbin "brilliant. Absolutely sensational." He added, "The first we heard about James and the connection with PRIEST was when he covered our song 'You've Got Another Thing Comin''. We were really excited to hear that was taking place. As we kind of followed his growth through the last season of 'Idol' and listening to him speak, it became clear he was a champion for heavy metal music.
"I can recall, right from these early weeks, thinking, 'If this guy gets to where we hope he's going to get, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if something comes our way, in terms of do we want to get involved.' When the call came, we weren't 100 percent surprised. We were absolutely delighted. We dropped everything to fly to Los Angeles and then fly back to London, all within the space of a couple days. It was a great moment for James and, more importantly, it was a great moment for heavy metal music because it was suddenly in the arms of 30-odd-million-plus households throughout the USA. And then, of course, it bounced around the rest of the world afterward. Everything that we've done in those types of appearances for us has been not only for PRIEST but championing the cause of heavy metal music."
According to The Pulse Of Radio, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory said in a new feature on the band at Billboard.com that the success of the metal act's third album, "American Capitalist", is a "testament to our fans," adding, "We are in a fortunate position that the DEATH PUNCH fans take pride in buying the album and supporting us — we owe everything to them."
"American Capitalist" debuted at No. 3 on last week's The Billboard 200 chart, selling 91,000 copies in its first week of release. Both the chart and sales numbers were career highs for the group. Singer Ivan Moody told The Pulse Of Radio he could not believe the response to the record. "I mean, it's almost just massive the way it's taken off," he said. "I mean, I jumped on Facebook last night — I was on for like five minutes and I had to get off. I mean, it was just flooded with emails and with people. The reaction is so through the roof. You know, if you would have told me five or six years that this was gonna happen, I would have probably laughed at you. It's fantastic. I've worked my whole life for this, man. The reaction's just stupendous."
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's previous two albums, 2007's "The Way Of The Fist" and 2009's "War Is The Answer", are both certified gold for sales of more than 500,000 copies each.
The group's label, Prospect Park — which also doubles as its management — plans an extensive 18-month campaign behind the new disc. Up to four singles could be released, with the first, "Under And Over It", already a rock radio hit.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH just kicked off the Share The Welt tour last week, which has the band headlining over ALL THAT REMAINS, HATEBREED and REV THEORY. It stops in Reno on Wednesday night (October 26) and finishes up on December 18 in Chicago.
"American Capitalist" debuted at No. 3 on last week's The Billboard 200 chart, selling 91,000 copies in its first week of release. Both the chart and sales numbers were career highs for the group. Singer Ivan Moody told The Pulse Of Radio he could not believe the response to the record. "I mean, it's almost just massive the way it's taken off," he said. "I mean, I jumped on Facebook last night — I was on for like five minutes and I had to get off. I mean, it was just flooded with emails and with people. The reaction is so through the roof. You know, if you would have told me five or six years that this was gonna happen, I would have probably laughed at you. It's fantastic. I've worked my whole life for this, man. The reaction's just stupendous."
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's previous two albums, 2007's "The Way Of The Fist" and 2009's "War Is The Answer", are both certified gold for sales of more than 500,000 copies each.
The group's label, Prospect Park — which also doubles as its management — plans an extensive 18-month campaign behind the new disc. Up to four singles could be released, with the first, "Under And Over It", already a rock radio hit.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH just kicked off the Share The Welt tour last week, which has the band headlining over ALL THAT REMAINS, HATEBREED and REV THEORY. It stops in Reno on Wednesday night (October 26) and finishes up on December 18 in Chicago.
JANE'S ADDICTION's new album, "The Great Escape Artist", sold around 24,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"The Great Escape Artist" is JANE'S ADDICTION's first all-new studio effort since 2003's "Strays", which opened with more than 110,000 units to enter the chart at No. 4.
"The Great Escape Artist" is only JANE'S ADDICTION's fourth album of original material in 20 years. Like other bands that have reunited in recent years such as BLINK-182, the members of JANE'S ADDICTION recorded a lot of the album in separate studios. Drummer Stephen Perkins told The Pulse Of Radio why this worked in JANE'S' favor. "Back in the day, we spent all our time together playing," he said. "Now we have a big pie. JANE'S is just a slice of that pie. But we still want to work and be efficient musicians, so hey, you can't make it to Burbank, you're in Santa Monica? I'll send you the tracks, let's get to work. So it is still just as raw and as emotional as being in the same room together, but it also lets, I guess, a more efficient way of making the record nowadays that we have different things going on in our life."
"The Great Escape Artist" track listing:
01. Underground
02. End To The Lies
03. Curiosity Kills
04. Irresistible Force
05. I'll Hit You Back
06. Twisted Tales
07. Ultimate Reason
08. Splash A Little Water On It
09. Broken People
10. Words Right Out Of My Mouth
An additional look at the band's recording process and the album cover concept for "The Great Escape Artist" is available in the YouTube clip below.
The current JANE'S ADDICTION lineup features original members Perkins, Perry Farrell on vocals and Dave Navarro on guitar.
Although founding bassist Eric Avery initially returned to the band when it reactivated in 2009, he quit the following year.
Dave Sitek of TV ON THE RADIO played bass on and co-produced the new record, while Chris Chaney has returned as touring bassist.
"The Great Escape Artist" is JANE'S ADDICTION's first all-new studio effort since 2003's "Strays", which opened with more than 110,000 units to enter the chart at No. 4.
"The Great Escape Artist" is only JANE'S ADDICTION's fourth album of original material in 20 years. Like other bands that have reunited in recent years such as BLINK-182, the members of JANE'S ADDICTION recorded a lot of the album in separate studios. Drummer Stephen Perkins told The Pulse Of Radio why this worked in JANE'S' favor. "Back in the day, we spent all our time together playing," he said. "Now we have a big pie. JANE'S is just a slice of that pie. But we still want to work and be efficient musicians, so hey, you can't make it to Burbank, you're in Santa Monica? I'll send you the tracks, let's get to work. So it is still just as raw and as emotional as being in the same room together, but it also lets, I guess, a more efficient way of making the record nowadays that we have different things going on in our life."
"The Great Escape Artist" track listing:
01. Underground
02. End To The Lies
03. Curiosity Kills
04. Irresistible Force
05. I'll Hit You Back
06. Twisted Tales
07. Ultimate Reason
08. Splash A Little Water On It
09. Broken People
10. Words Right Out Of My Mouth
An additional look at the band's recording process and the album cover concept for "The Great Escape Artist" is available in the YouTube clip below.
The current JANE'S ADDICTION lineup features original members Perkins, Perry Farrell on vocals and Dave Navarro on guitar.
Although founding bassist Eric Avery initially returned to the band when it reactivated in 2009, he quit the following year.
Dave Sitek of TV ON THE RADIO played bass on and co-produced the new record, while Chris Chaney has returned as touring bassist.
Ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan also contributed to the album and has songwriting credits on three songs.
A memorial for Mikko Laine, the 30-year-old guitarist of the Finnish metal band SOLE REMEDY, will be held on Saturday, October 29 in the basement of JC Sjiwa in in the Dutch municipality of Baarlo.
Laine was killed in a traffic accident on October 2 in Baarlo — just hours after SOLE REMEDY's performance at the ProgPower Europe festival. According to a spokesperson for the Sjiwa youth center (where the concert took place), the accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. when Laine, who was sleeping next to a fence, was run over by a truck, which was loaded with some of the festival's backline, instruments and other equipment, as the driver drove backwards and turned onto the road. The 50-year-old driver, a local man, didn't see the Finn, who died at the site.
Formed in 1998, SOLE REMEDY's sophomore album, "Apoptosis", was released in September 2010 via Aftermath Music. The CD was described in a press release as the band's "most ambitious and diverse piece of music to this day. There are moments of pure metal, pop and even an acoustic ballad. Alternative-progressive metal without losing the catchiness."
For more information on this weekend's memorial event for Mikko Laine, visit ProgPower.eu.
Laine was killed in a traffic accident on October 2 in Baarlo — just hours after SOLE REMEDY's performance at the ProgPower Europe festival. According to a spokesperson for the Sjiwa youth center (where the concert took place), the accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. when Laine, who was sleeping next to a fence, was run over by a truck, which was loaded with some of the festival's backline, instruments and other equipment, as the driver drove backwards and turned onto the road. The 50-year-old driver, a local man, didn't see the Finn, who died at the site.
Formed in 1998, SOLE REMEDY's sophomore album, "Apoptosis", was released in September 2010 via Aftermath Music. The CD was described in a press release as the band's "most ambitious and diverse piece of music to this day. There are moments of pure metal, pop and even an acoustic ballad. Alternative-progressive metal without losing the catchiness."
For more information on this weekend's memorial event for Mikko Laine, visit ProgPower.eu.
Pomona, California thrashers BONDED BY BLOOD have announced the addition of bassist Jessie Sanchez to the group's ranks. He replaces former BONDED BY BLOOD bassist Jerry Garcia, who left the band earlier this year.
The new BONDED BY BLOOD lineup is writing songs for a new album, which is tentatively due to be recorded in early 2012.
Commented the band: "We are thrilled to announce that our good friend Jessie Sanchez has joined the BONDED BY BLOOD family! It was a long and devious search to find the right dude for the job, but we are proud to have him in the band slapping the bass for us! Album #3 is sounding killer so far and we can't wait to hit the studio sometime in January!"
A photo of the new BONDED BY BLOOD lineup can be seen below (left to right: Mauro Gonzalez [vocals], Carlos Regalado [drums], Jessie Sanchez [bass], Juan Juarez [guitars]).
BONDED BY BLOOD's latest album, "Exiled To Earth", sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 86 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.
The new BONDED BY BLOOD lineup is writing songs for a new album, which is tentatively due to be recorded in early 2012.
Commented the band: "We are thrilled to announce that our good friend Jessie Sanchez has joined the BONDED BY BLOOD family! It was a long and devious search to find the right dude for the job, but we are proud to have him in the band slapping the bass for us! Album #3 is sounding killer so far and we can't wait to hit the studio sometime in January!"
A photo of the new BONDED BY BLOOD lineup can be seen below (left to right: Mauro Gonzalez [vocals], Carlos Regalado [drums], Jessie Sanchez [bass], Juan Juarez [guitars]).
BONDED BY BLOOD's latest album, "Exiled To Earth", sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 86 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.
New England hardcore/metal veteran act HELL WITHIN has called it quits. The band will play its final show on November 11 at the Village Smoke House in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Commented guitarist Tony Zimmerman: "We'd like to thank everyone that supported us over the years and made this band happen. It's been a long hard road, but the most enjoyable experience of our lives. All across the U.S. this band traveled, met tons of great people and experienced things that we will cherish forever.
"HELL WITHIN released three records, had two recording contracts, did countless tours and shared with so many people something that is so precious to us.
"To all the band members that we ever played with, to our record labels Lifeforce and Thorp Records, we will never forget you guys. From our first manager, Cynthia Donovan, to our latest manager, Damon Moreno, we thank you for dedicating so much time to us. Then to all the great companies like Jägermeister, Dean Guitars, B.C. Rich, Mesa Boogie, GHS, D'Addario etc., that endorsed us, we thank you so much for the support.
"We'd like to thank our family and friends for always being there for us through the good and tough times.
"I could go on and on, because the list never ends; just too many people and memories to count.
"Please come out to the Village Smoke House show and for one last time, [and] help us make one more memory that everyone will never forget."
HELL WITHIN's latest album, "God Grant Me Vengeance", was released in July 2010 via Thorp Records. The CD was recorded at Damage Studios in Massachusetts with engineer/co-producer Peter Rutcho , who has previously worked with BURY YOUR DEAD, UNEARTH and REVOCATION, among others. The artwork comes courtesy of HELL WITHIN vocalist J.J. Long.
HELL WITHIN is:
J.J. Long - Vocals
Tony Zimmerman - Guitar
Isaias Martinez - Guitar
Philip Sica - Drums
Derek Garabedian – Bass
Commented guitarist Tony Zimmerman: "We'd like to thank everyone that supported us over the years and made this band happen. It's been a long hard road, but the most enjoyable experience of our lives. All across the U.S. this band traveled, met tons of great people and experienced things that we will cherish forever.
"HELL WITHIN released three records, had two recording contracts, did countless tours and shared with so many people something that is so precious to us.
"To all the band members that we ever played with, to our record labels Lifeforce and Thorp Records, we will never forget you guys. From our first manager, Cynthia Donovan, to our latest manager, Damon Moreno, we thank you for dedicating so much time to us. Then to all the great companies like Jägermeister, Dean Guitars, B.C. Rich, Mesa Boogie, GHS, D'Addario etc., that endorsed us, we thank you so much for the support.
"We'd like to thank our family and friends for always being there for us through the good and tough times.
"I could go on and on, because the list never ends; just too many people and memories to count.
"Please come out to the Village Smoke House show and for one last time, [and] help us make one more memory that everyone will never forget."
HELL WITHIN's latest album, "God Grant Me Vengeance", was released in July 2010 via Thorp Records. The CD was recorded at Damage Studios in Massachusetts with engineer/co-producer Peter Rutcho , who has previously worked with BURY YOUR DEAD, UNEARTH and REVOCATION, among others. The artwork comes courtesy of HELL WITHIN vocalist J.J. Long.
HELL WITHIN is:
J.J. Long - Vocals
Tony Zimmerman - Guitar
Isaias Martinez - Guitar
Philip Sica - Drums
Derek Garabedian – Bass
"Five Serpent's Teeth", the third full-length album from British thrashers EVILE, sold around 680 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 35 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.
EVILE's previous CD, "Infected Nations", opened with around 460 units to debut at No. 132 on the Heatseekers chart.
"Five Serpent's Teeth" was once again recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in Kettering, U.K. and was released in Europe on September 26 via Earache Records.
Regarding the new album cover, EVILE vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matt Drake stated, "As is always the case with EVILE, we try and do things a bit differently from what we've done before, so we fancied something a bit more design-orientated this time around. It's been done by a great artist by the name of Gustavo Sazes and he really came through for us as we were struggling to find something that visually accompanied the music, so hats off to the man! Make what you will of any meaning you think the cover may hold, much the same as you will be able to do with the lyrical content of the album; we know what it means to us, so enjoy!"
"Five Serpent's Teeth" track listing:
01. Five Serpent's Teeth
02. In Dreams of Terror
03. Cult
04. Eternal Empire
05. Xaraya
06. Origin of Oblivion
07. Centurion
08. In Memoriam
09. Descent Into Madness
10. Long Live New Flesh
EVILE last month kicked off a headlining U.K. tour in support of "Five Serpent's Teeth" with support from SAVAGE MESSIAH.
EVILE's previous CD, "Infected Nations", opened with around 460 units to debut at No. 132 on the Heatseekers chart.
"Five Serpent's Teeth" was once again recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in Kettering, U.K. and was released in Europe on September 26 via Earache Records.
Regarding the new album cover, EVILE vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matt Drake stated, "As is always the case with EVILE, we try and do things a bit differently from what we've done before, so we fancied something a bit more design-orientated this time around. It's been done by a great artist by the name of Gustavo Sazes and he really came through for us as we were struggling to find something that visually accompanied the music, so hats off to the man! Make what you will of any meaning you think the cover may hold, much the same as you will be able to do with the lyrical content of the album; we know what it means to us, so enjoy!"
"Five Serpent's Teeth" track listing:
01. Five Serpent's Teeth
02. In Dreams of Terror
03. Cult
04. Eternal Empire
05. Xaraya
06. Origin of Oblivion
07. Centurion
08. In Memoriam
09. Descent Into Madness
10. Long Live New Flesh
EVILE last month kicked off a headlining U.K. tour in support of "Five Serpent's Teeth" with support from SAVAGE MESSIAH.
"Evermore Darkly", the new mini-album from British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH, sold around 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release.
CRADLE OF FILTH's last full-length effort, "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa", opened with 5,800 units in November 2010 to debut at position No. 99 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder", registered a first-week tally of a little over 11,000 copies back in November 2008 to land at No. 48. This was slightly less than the first-week tally registered by 2006's "Thornography", which shifted nearly 13,000 copies the first week out to enter The Billboard chart at No. 66, and "Nymphetamine", which premiered with almost 14,000 copies back in October 2004.
"Evermore Darkly" arrived as a CD/DVD package including new tracks and rarities, with a lengthy on-the-road documentary and ten songs filmed live at this year's Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium, as well as the video for "Lilith Immaculate".
The "Evermore Darkly…" CD features brand new musical beast "Thank Your Lucky Stars", plus a special remix of "Forgive Me Father", courtesy of ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano, an extended rendition of "Lilith Immaculate", as well as tempered demo versions of three "Darkly, Darkly…" songs. The mini-album closes with a special taster from CRADLE OF FILTH's impending orchestral project in the form of a haunting, classic reworking of fan favorite "Summer Dying Fast".
The "Evermore Darkly…" DVD contains footage from summer 2011 when CRADLE OF FILTH embarked on a rapid spat of tours, accompanied by two eager filmmakers. The resulting documentary, "You Can't Polish A Turd, But You Can Roll It In Glitter", combined with performance and interview footage culminates in a forty five minute film of the not so glamorous reality of life in a touring band at work and play, as they trawl their way across Europe over eight performances. The DVD includes an interview with ghoul-guide Dani Filth, interspersed and peppered with live footage and backstage shenanigans, culminating in the entire hour long set from this year's Graspop Metal Meeting appearance.
"Evermore Darkly…" track listing:
01. Transmission From Hell?
02. Thank Your Lucky Scars
03. Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned) - Elder Version
04. Lilith Immaculate (Extended Length)
05. The Persecution Song - Elder Version
06. Forgive Me Father (I'm In A Trance)
07. The Spawn Of Love And War - Elder Version
08. Summer Dying Fast ("Midnight In The Labyrinth" breadcrumb trail)
"Venus Diversa" DVD:
01. "Lilith Immaculate" Promo Video
02. "You Can't Polish A Turd…But You Can Roll It In Glitter" Rockumentary
03. "Burning Down Graspop", Dessel, Belgium, June 25, 2011 Live Footage
According to vocalist Dani Filth, "Evermore Darkly…" is "a much-loved musical stop-gap between albums, a pleasure treasure trove of wild and wicked wonders primed especially for fans. Something for them to sink their teeth into this autumn as the CRADLE invasion fleet is primed for future contagion."
CRADLE OF FILTH's last full-length effort, "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa", opened with 5,800 units in November 2010 to debut at position No. 99 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder", registered a first-week tally of a little over 11,000 copies back in November 2008 to land at No. 48. This was slightly less than the first-week tally registered by 2006's "Thornography", which shifted nearly 13,000 copies the first week out to enter The Billboard chart at No. 66, and "Nymphetamine", which premiered with almost 14,000 copies back in October 2004.
"Evermore Darkly" arrived as a CD/DVD package including new tracks and rarities, with a lengthy on-the-road documentary and ten songs filmed live at this year's Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium, as well as the video for "Lilith Immaculate".
The "Evermore Darkly…" CD features brand new musical beast "Thank Your Lucky Stars", plus a special remix of "Forgive Me Father", courtesy of ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano, an extended rendition of "Lilith Immaculate", as well as tempered demo versions of three "Darkly, Darkly…" songs. The mini-album closes with a special taster from CRADLE OF FILTH's impending orchestral project in the form of a haunting, classic reworking of fan favorite "Summer Dying Fast".
The "Evermore Darkly…" DVD contains footage from summer 2011 when CRADLE OF FILTH embarked on a rapid spat of tours, accompanied by two eager filmmakers. The resulting documentary, "You Can't Polish A Turd, But You Can Roll It In Glitter", combined with performance and interview footage culminates in a forty five minute film of the not so glamorous reality of life in a touring band at work and play, as they trawl their way across Europe over eight performances. The DVD includes an interview with ghoul-guide Dani Filth, interspersed and peppered with live footage and backstage shenanigans, culminating in the entire hour long set from this year's Graspop Metal Meeting appearance.
"Evermore Darkly…" track listing:
01. Transmission From Hell?
02. Thank Your Lucky Scars
03. Forgive Me Father (I Have Sinned) - Elder Version
04. Lilith Immaculate (Extended Length)
05. The Persecution Song - Elder Version
06. Forgive Me Father (I'm In A Trance)
07. The Spawn Of Love And War - Elder Version
08. Summer Dying Fast ("Midnight In The Labyrinth" breadcrumb trail)
"Venus Diversa" DVD:
01. "Lilith Immaculate" Promo Video
02. "You Can't Polish A Turd…But You Can Roll It In Glitter" Rockumentary
03. "Burning Down Graspop", Dessel, Belgium, June 25, 2011 Live Footage
According to vocalist Dani Filth, "Evermore Darkly…" is "a much-loved musical stop-gap between albums, a pleasure treasure trove of wild and wicked wonders primed especially for fans. Something for them to sink their teeth into this autumn as the CRADLE invasion fleet is primed for future contagion."
Norwegian progressive/psychedelic black metallers ENSLAVED are the recepients of this year's Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association honorary award. The award will be presented to the band by the Norwegian minister of culture Anniken Huitfeldt on Monday, October 31.
ENSLAVED has received four Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards), toured the U.S., Europe and Asia. In addition to the bandmembers' musical achievements, their interest, dedication and contribution to the Norwegian music industry was a significant reason for them receiving the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association award.
The Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association honorary award is handed out, for the 10th time, by a jury consisting of the board at the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association. The award prize is a glass microphone made by glass artist Camilla Prytz, and the inscription reads as follows: "The prize is presented to a person or group that has done a significant effort to promote Norwegian music within the genres of which the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association represent; Pop / Rock / Related."
Previous winners:
2001 NORA BROCKSTEDT
2003 JAHN TEIGEN
2004 ÅGE ALEKSANDERSEN
2005 JAN EGGUM
2006 BJØRN EIDSVÅG
2007 ANNE GRETE PREUS
2008 HENNING KVITNES
2009 MARIT LARSEN
2010 HELLBILLIES
ENSLAVED earlier in the year released "The Sleeping Gods" via Scion A/V as a free downloadable five-song EP. Following up on last year's near-universally praised "Axioma Ethica Odini", the EP finds the quintet once again expanding the boundaries of what metal can be, deftly incorporating influences from across the musical spectrum. Mainly recorded in Solslottet Studio in Bergen, and partly in the band's own home studio, the effort finds the group sounding leaner and more confident than ever, part and parcel of maintaining a presence at the foreground of the international metal movement for 20 years.
Throughout its 30-minute playing time, the EP sways and punches in equal measure, in no small part due to the dexterous and powerful rhythm section of vocalist/bassist Grutle Kjellson and drummer Cato Bækkevold. Herbrand Larsen's swirling keyboard textures form an ether around Ice Dale and Ivar Bjørnson's guitars, which ooze tasteful sophistication and melodic sensibility in equal measure with their crushing, impenetrable force.
ENSLAVED has received four Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards), toured the U.S., Europe and Asia. In addition to the bandmembers' musical achievements, their interest, dedication and contribution to the Norwegian music industry was a significant reason for them receiving the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association award.
The Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association honorary award is handed out, for the 10th time, by a jury consisting of the board at the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association. The award prize is a glass microphone made by glass artist Camilla Prytz, and the inscription reads as follows: "The prize is presented to a person or group that has done a significant effort to promote Norwegian music within the genres of which the Norwegian Artists And Songwriters Association represent; Pop / Rock / Related."
Previous winners:
2001 NORA BROCKSTEDT
2003 JAHN TEIGEN
2004 ÅGE ALEKSANDERSEN
2005 JAN EGGUM
2006 BJØRN EIDSVÅG
2007 ANNE GRETE PREUS
2008 HENNING KVITNES
2009 MARIT LARSEN
2010 HELLBILLIES
ENSLAVED earlier in the year released "The Sleeping Gods" via Scion A/V as a free downloadable five-song EP. Following up on last year's near-universally praised "Axioma Ethica Odini", the EP finds the quintet once again expanding the boundaries of what metal can be, deftly incorporating influences from across the musical spectrum. Mainly recorded in Solslottet Studio in Bergen, and partly in the band's own home studio, the effort finds the group sounding leaner and more confident than ever, part and parcel of maintaining a presence at the foreground of the international metal movement for 20 years.
Throughout its 30-minute playing time, the EP sways and punches in equal measure, in no small part due to the dexterous and powerful rhythm section of vocalist/bassist Grutle Kjellson and drummer Cato Bækkevold. Herbrand Larsen's swirling keyboard textures form an ether around Ice Dale and Ivar Bjørnson's guitars, which ooze tasteful sophistication and melodic sensibility in equal measure with their crushing, impenetrable force.
WARMEN, the brainchild of CHILDREN OF BODOM keyboardist Janne Wirman, has entered the studio to begin recording the follow-up for the band's critically acclaimed 2009 studio album "Japanese Hospitality". A 2012 release is expected.
The first batch of photos from the recording sessions for the as-yet-untitled new CD can be found on the WARMEN Facebook page.
WARMEN celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a concert during the Helsinki Metal Meeting weekend in February 2010 at Dante's Highlight in Helsinki, Finland. The band's third live performance ever included guest appearances by Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM) on a cover version of ROCKWELL's "Somebody's Watching Me", Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS), Finnish pop/rock queen Jonna Kosonen (JONNA'S PROBLEM) and Pasi Rantanen (ex-THUNDERSTONE).
Spinefarm Records released a WARMEN compilation album entitled "The Evil That Warmen Do" on January 27, 2010.
WARMEN's fourth album, "Japanese Hospitality", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 36. The CD was released via Spinefarm Records. The 10-song effort includes two cover versions — "Separate Ways", originally recorded by JOURNEY, and "Black Cat" by JANET JACKSON, featuring a guest appearance by Jonna Kosonen. Other guest musicians that appear on the CD include Laiho, Rantanen, Kotipelto and Marko Vaara.
The first batch of photos from the recording sessions for the as-yet-untitled new CD can be found on the WARMEN Facebook page.
WARMEN celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a concert during the Helsinki Metal Meeting weekend in February 2010 at Dante's Highlight in Helsinki, Finland. The band's third live performance ever included guest appearances by Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM) on a cover version of ROCKWELL's "Somebody's Watching Me", Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS), Finnish pop/rock queen Jonna Kosonen (JONNA'S PROBLEM) and Pasi Rantanen (ex-THUNDERSTONE).
Spinefarm Records released a WARMEN compilation album entitled "The Evil That Warmen Do" on January 27, 2010.
WARMEN's fourth album, "Japanese Hospitality", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 36. The CD was released via Spinefarm Records. The 10-song effort includes two cover versions — "Separate Ways", originally recorded by JOURNEY, and "Black Cat" by JANET JACKSON, featuring a guest appearance by Jonna Kosonen. Other guest musicians that appear on the CD include Laiho, Rantanen, Kotipelto and Marko Vaara.
OVERTORTURE, the new Swedish death metal band featuring former and current members of GRAVE, COLDWORKER, WITCHERY and MACHINERY, has finished recording an 11-song demo and is currently seeking a record deal.
One of the tracks from the most recent recordings sessions, "Slaves To the Atom", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
Formed earlier this year, OVERTORTURE's mission is "to deliver new, fresh, groovy and pure crushing death metal!"
OVERTORTURE is:
* Joel Fornbrant (COLDWORKER) - Vocals
* Magnus Martinsson (ex-GRAVE, ex-INSISION) - Guitar
* Mano Lewys (ex-MACHINERY) - Guitar
* Jonas Torndal (ex-GRAVE) - Bass
* Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, session WITCHERY) - Drums
For more information, visit www.overtorture.se.
One of the tracks from the most recent recordings sessions, "Slaves To the Atom", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.
Formed earlier this year, OVERTORTURE's mission is "to deliver new, fresh, groovy and pure crushing death metal!"
OVERTORTURE is:
* Joel Fornbrant (COLDWORKER) - Vocals
* Magnus Martinsson (ex-GRAVE, ex-INSISION) - Guitar
* Mano Lewys (ex-MACHINERY) - Guitar
* Jonas Torndal (ex-GRAVE) - Bass
* Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, session WITCHERY) - Drums
For more information, visit www.overtorture.se.
Swedish death metal veterans GRAVE have parted ways with guitarist Magnus Martinsson. According to the group, Magnus — who has played with GRAVE since 2008 — and his now-former bandmates made "this joint decision after going through plans for next year and we needed to address this within the band before we start the new album process. There aren't now, and have never been, any hard feelings between us and we wish him the best in any future endeavors."
Regarding his departure from GRAVE, Magnus said, "People develop on and off the field, and sometimes in different directions, and I feel I can't fully commit to the band's upcoming and intense touring plans. So the time has come for me to pass the torch. No drama or bloodshed has occurred and I wish the guys all the best for the future.
"It's been a great time since I joined GRAVE back in 2008; I have many amazing memories from our gigs, tours and travels together, and all amazing fans and friends out there. We've toured all over the world, toured together with great bands/guys like NILE, MISERY INDEX, BELPHEGOR, KRISIUN and VADER, just to mention a few. It's been a blast!
"But don't worry folks; I wont' stop playing music. Check out my new band OVERTORTURE."
GRAVE's next live appearance is scheduled for November 12 at Club Distortion/Kulturhuset in Stockholm, Sweden. The band will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its classic 1991 debut album, "Into The Grave", by performing the LP in its entirety, along with "another handful classic tunes." Support at the show will come from VICIOUS ART and GENERAL SURGERY.
Commented GRAVE: "We've recruited Mika Lagreen (FACEBREAKER) for the Stockholm anniversary gig and he should fit right in since he already handled the stage left axe on our latest European tour. He will, of course, also be with us through the new album process and upcoming shows/tours."
GRAVE last month completed a North American headlining tour with support from BLOOD RED THRONE, PATHOLOGY and GIGAN. The band states, "We had a great time and many great shows. Since we haven't headlined the U.S. since 1996, we didn't know what to expect, but [we] must say that we were pleasantly overwhelmed by the response from our fans. This gave us the kick in the nuts and the motivation to get back over there again in a near future."
GRAVE recently inked a new deal with Century Media Records and is preparing to enter the studio to begin recording its next album for a late spring 2012 release. The group says, "We will start writing and arranging songs in November and enter the legendary Studio Soulless again in early January. We also have a very cool idea for a special bonus disc, [but] more on this later."
Regarding his departure from GRAVE, Magnus said, "People develop on and off the field, and sometimes in different directions, and I feel I can't fully commit to the band's upcoming and intense touring plans. So the time has come for me to pass the torch. No drama or bloodshed has occurred and I wish the guys all the best for the future.
"It's been a great time since I joined GRAVE back in 2008; I have many amazing memories from our gigs, tours and travels together, and all amazing fans and friends out there. We've toured all over the world, toured together with great bands/guys like NILE, MISERY INDEX, BELPHEGOR, KRISIUN and VADER, just to mention a few. It's been a blast!
"But don't worry folks; I wont' stop playing music. Check out my new band OVERTORTURE."
GRAVE's next live appearance is scheduled for November 12 at Club Distortion/Kulturhuset in Stockholm, Sweden. The band will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its classic 1991 debut album, "Into The Grave", by performing the LP in its entirety, along with "another handful classic tunes." Support at the show will come from VICIOUS ART and GENERAL SURGERY.
Commented GRAVE: "We've recruited Mika Lagreen (FACEBREAKER) for the Stockholm anniversary gig and he should fit right in since he already handled the stage left axe on our latest European tour. He will, of course, also be with us through the new album process and upcoming shows/tours."
GRAVE last month completed a North American headlining tour with support from BLOOD RED THRONE, PATHOLOGY and GIGAN. The band states, "We had a great time and many great shows. Since we haven't headlined the U.S. since 1996, we didn't know what to expect, but [we] must say that we were pleasantly overwhelmed by the response from our fans. This gave us the kick in the nuts and the motivation to get back over there again in a near future."
GRAVE recently inked a new deal with Century Media Records and is preparing to enter the studio to begin recording its next album for a late spring 2012 release. The group says, "We will start writing and arranging songs in November and enter the legendary Studio Soulless again in early January. We also have a very cool idea for a special bonus disc, [but] more on this later."
GRAVE last year parted ways with bassist Fredrik Isaksson "due to personal reasons and issues."
Fredrik played his last show with GRAVE in July 2010 at the Eisenwahn festival in Germany.
GRAVE's latest album, "Burial Ground", was released on June 14, 2010 via Regain Records. The CD's cover artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13 Media.
Fredrik played his last show with GRAVE in July 2010 at the Eisenwahn festival in Germany.
GRAVE's latest album, "Burial Ground", was released on June 14, 2010 via Regain Records. The CD's cover artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13 Media.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD — the speed/thrash/black metal project led by former IMMORTAL bassist Iscariah — has inked a deal with Soulseller Records. The band's new mini-album, "Sacrifice", will be released on December 16. This effort features close to 30 minutes of all-devouring darkness and shall be followed by a full-length album in 2012.
"We are very pleased with the agreement with Soulseller and feel we have found mutual enthusiasm through them," stated Iscariah. "We are ready once again and nothing will stand in our way. Let it be known."
"Sacrifice" was recorded and produced by the DEAD TO THIS WORLD bandmembers themselves. The result is "a foul and untamed force which has left them armed, hungry and ready to kill," according to a press release.
The cover art for "Sacrificed" can be seen below. The entire release was designed and drawn by Adam Zaars of Bells Of Death.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD is:
Iscariah (ex-IMMORTAL, ex-NECROPHAGIA) - Guitar, Vocals
Skuggen (GORGOROTH, TORTORUM) - Guitar
Thurzur (TAAKE, GAAHLSKAGG) - Bass
m:A Fog (ex-MORTUARY DRAPE, BLACK FLAME) - Drums
A brand new DEAD TO THIS WORLD song, "Death Courageous", is available for streaming at www.myspace.com/deadtothisworld.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD's debut album, "First Strike for Spiritual Renewance", was released in November 2007 via Dark Essence Records. The CD was produced by Bjørnar E Nielsen at Nielsen's Conclave Media Studios in Bergen.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD was originally founded by Iscariah (NECROPHAGIA, ex-IMMORTAL) as a solo project, but was expanded to a full lineup, releasing a three-track demo in 2005.
"We are very pleased with the agreement with Soulseller and feel we have found mutual enthusiasm through them," stated Iscariah. "We are ready once again and nothing will stand in our way. Let it be known."
"Sacrifice" was recorded and produced by the DEAD TO THIS WORLD bandmembers themselves. The result is "a foul and untamed force which has left them armed, hungry and ready to kill," according to a press release.
The cover art for "Sacrificed" can be seen below. The entire release was designed and drawn by Adam Zaars of Bells Of Death.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD is:
Iscariah (ex-IMMORTAL, ex-NECROPHAGIA) - Guitar, Vocals
Skuggen (GORGOROTH, TORTORUM) - Guitar
Thurzur (TAAKE, GAAHLSKAGG) - Bass
m:A Fog (ex-MORTUARY DRAPE, BLACK FLAME) - Drums
A brand new DEAD TO THIS WORLD song, "Death Courageous", is available for streaming at www.myspace.com/deadtothisworld.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD's debut album, "First Strike for Spiritual Renewance", was released in November 2007 via Dark Essence Records. The CD was produced by Bjørnar E Nielsen at Nielsen's Conclave Media Studios in Bergen.
DEAD TO THIS WORLD was originally founded by Iscariah (NECROPHAGIA, ex-IMMORTAL) as a solo project, but was expanded to a full lineup, releasing a three-track demo in 2005.
Israeli melodic death metalelrs PREY FOR NOTHING have inked a deal with Massacre Records. The band's second album, "Against All Good And Evil", will be released on December 9.
After playing with former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno, Yaniv Aboudy (guitar), Amir Salomon (bass) and Iftah Levi (drums) decided to dissolve their prog-metal band DAMNNATION in order to form a band more extreme and write songs more suitable to their musical taste.
PREY FOR NOTHING was joined by Yotam Avni (vocals) with his acid throat and iron lungs, and the band released its debut album, "Violence Divine", in 2008.
Inspired by classic metal acts like DEATH, AT THE GATES and TESTAMENT, PREY FOR NOTHING recruited second guitarist Tal Behar (ORPHANED LAND touring axeman) and toured Israel, establishing a massive following in the local scene.
PREY FOR NOTHING is:
Yotam Avni - Vocals
Yaniv Aboudy - Guitar
Tal Behar - Guitar
Amir Salomon - Bass
Iftah Levy – Drums
After playing with former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno, Yaniv Aboudy (guitar), Amir Salomon (bass) and Iftah Levi (drums) decided to dissolve their prog-metal band DAMNNATION in order to form a band more extreme and write songs more suitable to their musical taste.
PREY FOR NOTHING was joined by Yotam Avni (vocals) with his acid throat and iron lungs, and the band released its debut album, "Violence Divine", in 2008.
Inspired by classic metal acts like DEATH, AT THE GATES and TESTAMENT, PREY FOR NOTHING recruited second guitarist Tal Behar (ORPHANED LAND touring axeman) and toured Israel, establishing a massive following in the local scene.
PREY FOR NOTHING is:
Yotam Avni - Vocals
Yaniv Aboudy - Guitar
Tal Behar - Guitar
Amir Salomon - Bass
Iftah Levy – Drums
Maldives-based death/black metallers NOTHNEGAL have set "Decadence" as the title of their full-length debut, due on January 20, 2012 (January 24 in the U.S.) 2012 via Season Of Mist. The CD was mixed by Greg Reely (FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, DEVIN TOWNSEND) and Ahti Kortelainen (SENTENCED, SONATA ARCTICA).
Commented NOTHNEGAL guitarist Hilarl: "'Decadence' is NOTHNEGAL's first official studio release and the first release featuring the current lineup, with Fufu handling both the guitar and vocal duties, Marco on keyboards and Kevin on drums
"The writing process of 'Decadence' began in summer 2010 and has been quite a challenge for us as we have taken time to do a lot of experimentation on the sound shifting more towards thrash and progressive metal with industrial elements making it entirely different from the sound we had on our 2009 four-track demo, 'Antidote Of Realism'. With a completely new and original sound and attitude we feel like we starting again from scratch as we believe NOTHNEGAL have finally discovered its sound with 'Decadence'."
NOTHNEGAL's current lineup is as follows:
* Fufu - Vocals, Guitar
* Hilarl - Guitar
* Marco Sneck (KALMAH, POISONBLACK) - Keyboards/Samples
* Kevin Talley (DAATH, CHIMAIRA, MISERY INDEX, DYING FETUS) – Drums
Commented NOTHNEGAL guitarist Hilarl: "'Decadence' is NOTHNEGAL's first official studio release and the first release featuring the current lineup, with Fufu handling both the guitar and vocal duties, Marco on keyboards and Kevin on drums
"The writing process of 'Decadence' began in summer 2010 and has been quite a challenge for us as we have taken time to do a lot of experimentation on the sound shifting more towards thrash and progressive metal with industrial elements making it entirely different from the sound we had on our 2009 four-track demo, 'Antidote Of Realism'. With a completely new and original sound and attitude we feel like we starting again from scratch as we believe NOTHNEGAL have finally discovered its sound with 'Decadence'."
NOTHNEGAL's current lineup is as follows:
* Fufu - Vocals, Guitar
* Hilarl - Guitar
* Marco Sneck (KALMAH, POISONBLACK) - Keyboards/Samples
* Kevin Talley (DAATH, CHIMAIRA, MISERY INDEX, DYING FETUS) – Drums
Legendary Swedish grinders NASUM will reconvene for a limited number of farewell performances in 2012. NASUM was hit hard by the passing of guitarist and co-founder Mieszko Talarczyk in the 2004 Asian tsunami, but will announce the farewell performances shortly to mark the group's 20th anniversary and close the book on the wildly influential band.
In a joint statement, the members of NASUM (Anders Jakobson: drums, Jesper Liveröd: bass/vocals, Urab Skytt: guitars, Jon Lindquist: guitars/vocals) had the following to say:
"You thought NASUM was dead? We are. This is not resurrection. It's farewell, for good.
"If things were different, if Mieszko hadn't died, NASUM would have celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012, believe it or not. Therefore, and after long deliberation and scrutiny, we have decided that it's now or never: NASUM will do a handful of shows and festival gigs around the world in 2012 — to celebrate our anniversary, say a final goodbye to the fans and Mieszko.
"No cheesy reunion, no new albums, no epitaph for Mieszko. We will play only a few cities and festivals in a limited number of disruptive, unruly concerts.
"It will be a total blast, and we aim to go out hard. Just you wait.
"When lead singer Mieszko Talarczyk disappeared and died in the devastating and tragic tsunami of 2004, NASUM instantly ceased to exist. As the band's voice, producer and one of the main songwriters, Mieszko was a vital part of NASUM's bloodline. When he passed, all plans for tours and recordings were abruptly stopped. NASUM died when Mieszko died, and the rest of the band members went their separate ways.
"But in the years that passed, the feeling that everything had been left unfinished lingered with the rest of us. Suddenly seven years had passed, and we realized it was time for closure; for us, the band and for the fans. With our anniversary coming up it felt like a perfect time to end NASUM the way it was supposed to — exploding in a ferocious, blasting frenzy, not wither away at the mercy of tragedy. And finally we are ready, able and totally fucking charged, so expect something over the top. The shows will be a varied, intense mix of the best songs from this colossus of grind.
"To handle vocal duties on the upcoming shows we have asked Keijo Niinimaa, vocalist in Finnish grind faves ROTTEN SOUND, to join us. They were always close friends of NASUM, and while Keijo's plagued screams won't replace Mieszko, they will add a crippling viciousness to the shows. On a few occasions, we might ask a few other close friends of NASUM to do some vocal sessions. Who? Wait and see!
"Note this: if you ever wanted to see NASUM blast shit to bits, this is your last and only chance."
NASUM 2011 is:
Anders Jakobson - Drums
Jesper Liveröd - Bass And Low Vocals
Jon Lindqvist - Guitars And Low Vocals
Urban Skytt - Guitars
Keijo Niinimaa - Vocals
In a joint statement, the members of NASUM (Anders Jakobson: drums, Jesper Liveröd: bass/vocals, Urab Skytt: guitars, Jon Lindquist: guitars/vocals) had the following to say:
"You thought NASUM was dead? We are. This is not resurrection. It's farewell, for good.
"If things were different, if Mieszko hadn't died, NASUM would have celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012, believe it or not. Therefore, and after long deliberation and scrutiny, we have decided that it's now or never: NASUM will do a handful of shows and festival gigs around the world in 2012 — to celebrate our anniversary, say a final goodbye to the fans and Mieszko.
"No cheesy reunion, no new albums, no epitaph for Mieszko. We will play only a few cities and festivals in a limited number of disruptive, unruly concerts.
"It will be a total blast, and we aim to go out hard. Just you wait.
"When lead singer Mieszko Talarczyk disappeared and died in the devastating and tragic tsunami of 2004, NASUM instantly ceased to exist. As the band's voice, producer and one of the main songwriters, Mieszko was a vital part of NASUM's bloodline. When he passed, all plans for tours and recordings were abruptly stopped. NASUM died when Mieszko died, and the rest of the band members went their separate ways.
"But in the years that passed, the feeling that everything had been left unfinished lingered with the rest of us. Suddenly seven years had passed, and we realized it was time for closure; for us, the band and for the fans. With our anniversary coming up it felt like a perfect time to end NASUM the way it was supposed to — exploding in a ferocious, blasting frenzy, not wither away at the mercy of tragedy. And finally we are ready, able and totally fucking charged, so expect something over the top. The shows will be a varied, intense mix of the best songs from this colossus of grind.
"To handle vocal duties on the upcoming shows we have asked Keijo Niinimaa, vocalist in Finnish grind faves ROTTEN SOUND, to join us. They were always close friends of NASUM, and while Keijo's plagued screams won't replace Mieszko, they will add a crippling viciousness to the shows. On a few occasions, we might ask a few other close friends of NASUM to do some vocal sessions. Who? Wait and see!
"Note this: if you ever wanted to see NASUM blast shit to bits, this is your last and only chance."
NASUM 2011 is:
Anders Jakobson - Drums
Jesper Liveröd - Bass And Low Vocals
Jon Lindqvist - Guitars And Low Vocals
Urban Skytt - Guitars
Keijo Niinimaa - Vocals
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