Having last week announced a special one-off U.K. concert performing with U.S. singer-songwriter, and "American Idol" finalist, Adam Lambert at the Sonisphere festival on July 7, legendary rock band QUEEN has announced it will play an additional earlier date with the singer when QUEEN and Lambert appear at Moscow's Olympic Arena on June 30.
These two shows are the only concerts presently planned for QUEEN and Lambert in 2012.
The potent chemistry between QUEEN and Lambert broke the surface when at the invitation of Brian May and Roger Taylor, Lambert joined them for the closing showcase at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards where QUEEN were present to collect their "Global Icon" award.
During a recent interview with NME.com, Lambert insisted that he is not trying to replace the later Freddie Mercury. He said, "The way I look at it is I'm not trying to imitate or outdo him or compete in any way, that's not even in my mind at all, I think it's really an honor to be asked to sing the music that he and the band wrote and get up there and put on a good show. If people are too busy trying to compare, they're not going to enjoy the music."
Although Lambert did not rule out another collaboration with QUEEN in the future, he insisted that for now the Knebworth show is simply a one-off. He told NME.com, "One of the things [people have said] was, 'He's gonna be the permanent frontman of QUEEN.' And although that would be a beautiful experience, the tricky thing this year for me is I also have my album coming out, 'Trespassing', and that's gonna take a lot of work and time and energy. So it's really a one-off experience with the band, and I'm really excited for it. But I'm not joining the band and touring with them."
These two shows are the only concerts presently planned for QUEEN and Lambert in 2012.
The potent chemistry between QUEEN and Lambert broke the surface when at the invitation of Brian May and Roger Taylor, Lambert joined them for the closing showcase at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards where QUEEN were present to collect their "Global Icon" award.
During a recent interview with NME.com, Lambert insisted that he is not trying to replace the later Freddie Mercury. He said, "The way I look at it is I'm not trying to imitate or outdo him or compete in any way, that's not even in my mind at all, I think it's really an honor to be asked to sing the music that he and the band wrote and get up there and put on a good show. If people are too busy trying to compare, they're not going to enjoy the music."
Although Lambert did not rule out another collaboration with QUEEN in the future, he insisted that for now the Knebworth show is simply a one-off. He told NME.com, "One of the things [people have said] was, 'He's gonna be the permanent frontman of QUEEN.' And although that would be a beautiful experience, the tricky thing this year for me is I also have my album coming out, 'Trespassing', and that's gonna take a lot of work and time and energy. So it's really a one-off experience with the band, and I'm really excited for it. But I'm not joining the band and touring with them."
Tune in to Liquid Metal on SiriusXM channel 40 on Thursday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT for an exclusive interview with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield. James will talk to Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin about METALLICA's 30th-anniversary celebrations, the Orion Music + More festival, progress on the follow-up to "Death Magnetic", and more. In addition, the entire hour's playlist was handpicked by James himself.
METALLICA's next major project is its Orion Music + More festival, a band-curated two-day event which will take place in late June in Atlantic City and feature over 20 bands as well as lifestyle attractions and other entertainment.
When METALLICA recently confirmed reports that it was working on a 3D movie, the band was vague about what exactly the project would entail or when it come out. The Pulse Of Radio asked drummer Lars Ulrich for more info and he said that film production is new territory for the group which they're taking very slowly. "It's been an idea that's been kind of circling in everybody's heads for about the last two years," he said. "Getting your own 3D movie off the ground is easier said than done, but we're doing our best and we have a window for that later in the year that we're hoping to still make happen. We just want to make sure that we don't throw ourselves out into something that gets so completely overwhelming that the whole thing just blows up in our face."
Ulrich added that the band hopes to get the movie onto screens in late 2013.
Entertainment industry web site Deadline first broke the news in October that METALLICA was looking to self-finance its own 3D feature film, and had hired Hollywood producer Charlotte Huggins to develop the project for them.
Ulrich did hint to Rolling Stone a few months back what the film might be like, saying, "Imagine if you took [LED ZEPPELIN's concert film] 'The Song Remains The Same', which is 75 percent concert, 25 percent other stuff, and flipped it around. And all the non-concert footage, instead of being about the band members, is a story that unfolds, set against the backdrop of the concert."
METALLICA's four-song EP called "Beyond Magnetic", which was made available digitally last month, was released as a physical CD on January 31 (one day earlier internationally). The effort consists of the quartet of previously unheard tracks that the band unveiled in concert in December during its 30th-anniversary celebration. All four tunes — "Hate Train", "Just A Bullet Away", "Hell And Back" and "Rebel Of Babylon" — were recorded during the sessions for the band's 2008 "Death Magnetic" album but left off the final track list.
METALLICA's next major project is its Orion Music + More festival, a band-curated two-day event which will take place in late June in Atlantic City and feature over 20 bands as well as lifestyle attractions and other entertainment.
When METALLICA recently confirmed reports that it was working on a 3D movie, the band was vague about what exactly the project would entail or when it come out. The Pulse Of Radio asked drummer Lars Ulrich for more info and he said that film production is new territory for the group which they're taking very slowly. "It's been an idea that's been kind of circling in everybody's heads for about the last two years," he said. "Getting your own 3D movie off the ground is easier said than done, but we're doing our best and we have a window for that later in the year that we're hoping to still make happen. We just want to make sure that we don't throw ourselves out into something that gets so completely overwhelming that the whole thing just blows up in our face."
Ulrich added that the band hopes to get the movie onto screens in late 2013.
Entertainment industry web site Deadline first broke the news in October that METALLICA was looking to self-finance its own 3D feature film, and had hired Hollywood producer Charlotte Huggins to develop the project for them.
Ulrich did hint to Rolling Stone a few months back what the film might be like, saying, "Imagine if you took [LED ZEPPELIN's concert film] 'The Song Remains The Same', which is 75 percent concert, 25 percent other stuff, and flipped it around. And all the non-concert footage, instead of being about the band members, is a story that unfolds, set against the backdrop of the concert."
METALLICA's four-song EP called "Beyond Magnetic", which was made available digitally last month, was released as a physical CD on January 31 (one day earlier internationally). The effort consists of the quartet of previously unheard tracks that the band unveiled in concert in December during its 30th-anniversary celebration. All four tunes — "Hate Train", "Just A Bullet Away", "Hell And Back" and "Rebel Of Babylon" — were recorded during the sessions for the band's 2008 "Death Magnetic" album but left off the final track list.
According to The Pulse Of Radio, Slash has teamed up with, of all people, veteran actress Betty White to film a commercial for the Los Angeles Zoo's new attraction, called The Lair. The Lair is scheduled to open on March 8 and will feature what the Zoo described in a press release as "60 species of weird, rare and endangered amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles." Slash himself became well-known during his days with GUNS N' ROSES as the owner of numerous snakes, although he told The Pulse Of Radio he had to dial it down when he became a father. "I used to have a plethora of snakes, but we got rid of everything right before my first son was born because you have 80, you know, life-threatening snakes around and a baby, you know, who's going to grow up to be a toddler that's gonna get into everything," he said. "You know, I got sort of cold feet about the whole thing."
White and Slash have been longtime supporters of the Los Angeles Zoo, with White working on raising funds and awareness for it. She also serves on the board of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
Slash was honored last year by the Zoo for his contributions to the wildlife center and is also a trustee on the board.
The legendary guitarist and the equally legendary "Hot In Cleveland" star have filmed several Zoo commercials, of which this is the first.
Meanwhile, Slash's new single, "You're A Lie", hit the rock radio airwaves on Monday (February 27). The track is taken from his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", which is due out on May 22.
White and Slash have been longtime supporters of the Los Angeles Zoo, with White working on raising funds and awareness for it. She also serves on the board of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
Slash was honored last year by the Zoo for his contributions to the wildlife center and is also a trustee on the board.
The legendary guitarist and the equally legendary "Hot In Cleveland" star have filmed several Zoo commercials, of which this is the first.
Meanwhile, Slash's new single, "You're A Lie", hit the rock radio airwaves on Monday (February 27). The track is taken from his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", which is due out on May 22.
Tom Murphy of the Denver Westword recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Denver Westword: You spoke at length in the movie "The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years". And you didn't embarrass yourself unlike some of the other artists. How did you get to be a part of that and what was it like working with [director] Penelope Spheeris on that movie?
Ellefson: Penelope really liked us, she loved Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH mainman]. She really liked Dave's approach, that it was just raw, edgy, sort of unrefined — there's just a real animal quality that she liked about Dave's style. That was kind of how she was. She was this sort of unrefined filmmaker. That's why she liked doing punk and rock and roll movies. MEGADETH, we weren't a glossy, glitzy, rock and roll band. We were a really raw, basically a punk and metal band, which is what became thrash. We had punk attitude with metal chops. That's what lead to that. We did "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and before that "In My Darkest Hour" and the movie and stuff so we had kind of a nice little run of stuff that we did with her.
Denver Westword: You wrote that book "Making Music Your Business" many years ago. Why did you feel compelled to write that book and if you had to write an update for it, what might you add that you've learned since 1997?
Ellefson: I was reading a lot of different types of books around that period. A lot of self-development and personal growth type of books. We were recording the Youthanasia record then we did a tour cycle behind that. That was time period when I wrote the book. It just turned into this thing where I thought, "You know, I've been blessed with having a really good career up to this point." It was kind of a way to give something back to our fans. Especially the musicians who, like all of us...You can't really go to school to learn it. Everybody's career path is different. But there's so much in the business that you figure out on your own and I thought it would be a cool way to give something back, that was my motive behind it. As far as the actual book itself, I've been asked to write a follow-up for years. So what I did was start up David Ellefson's Rock Shop on YouTube. You can look those up and those are basically a series of videos — and I continue to do them — intended to explain music business things and even going over playing and performance and different things pertaining to [being a bassist and a musician in general].
Denver Westword: When you rejoined MEGADETH, what did you and Mustaine say to each other to kind of seal the deal and be able to work together again in a productive way?
Ellefson: We had talked several times over the years. It wasn't like we were total strangers to each other. We got on the phone and Dave was like, "Look, this is what it is, this is where the band is at today and this is basically what we can do to make it work." I said, "You know what? Sounds good." Because, quite honestly I was sort of like, "Let's get together and see if this works." He said, "I'd love to have you here if you want to be here." And I said, "Well, I'd love to be there." That was it. I drove over, we rehearsed, it sounded great and it was a done deal. It was really simple and it was something that took what it took and it took the time that it took and when it took, it took. From there on were just said, let's just close the door on the past, let's just keep our eyes on the future and let's move forward. And that's what we've done ever since.
Denver Westword: You spoke at length in the movie "The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years". And you didn't embarrass yourself unlike some of the other artists. How did you get to be a part of that and what was it like working with [director] Penelope Spheeris on that movie?
Ellefson: Penelope really liked us, she loved Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH mainman]. She really liked Dave's approach, that it was just raw, edgy, sort of unrefined — there's just a real animal quality that she liked about Dave's style. That was kind of how she was. She was this sort of unrefined filmmaker. That's why she liked doing punk and rock and roll movies. MEGADETH, we weren't a glossy, glitzy, rock and roll band. We were a really raw, basically a punk and metal band, which is what became thrash. We had punk attitude with metal chops. That's what lead to that. We did "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and before that "In My Darkest Hour" and the movie and stuff so we had kind of a nice little run of stuff that we did with her.
Denver Westword: You wrote that book "Making Music Your Business" many years ago. Why did you feel compelled to write that book and if you had to write an update for it, what might you add that you've learned since 1997?
Ellefson: I was reading a lot of different types of books around that period. A lot of self-development and personal growth type of books. We were recording the Youthanasia record then we did a tour cycle behind that. That was time period when I wrote the book. It just turned into this thing where I thought, "You know, I've been blessed with having a really good career up to this point." It was kind of a way to give something back to our fans. Especially the musicians who, like all of us...You can't really go to school to learn it. Everybody's career path is different. But there's so much in the business that you figure out on your own and I thought it would be a cool way to give something back, that was my motive behind it. As far as the actual book itself, I've been asked to write a follow-up for years. So what I did was start up David Ellefson's Rock Shop on YouTube. You can look those up and those are basically a series of videos — and I continue to do them — intended to explain music business things and even going over playing and performance and different things pertaining to [being a bassist and a musician in general].
Denver Westword: When you rejoined MEGADETH, what did you and Mustaine say to each other to kind of seal the deal and be able to work together again in a productive way?
Ellefson: We had talked several times over the years. It wasn't like we were total strangers to each other. We got on the phone and Dave was like, "Look, this is what it is, this is where the band is at today and this is basically what we can do to make it work." I said, "You know what? Sounds good." Because, quite honestly I was sort of like, "Let's get together and see if this works." He said, "I'd love to have you here if you want to be here." And I said, "Well, I'd love to be there." That was it. I drove over, we rehearsed, it sounded great and it was a done deal. It was really simple and it was something that took what it took and it took the time that it took and when it took, it took. From there on were just said, let's just close the door on the past, let's just keep our eyes on the future and let's move forward. And that's what we've done ever since.
MOTÖRHEAD will not perform at tonight's (Tuesday, February 28) Gigantour show at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colorado. The band's founder, bassist and principal songwriter Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister has lost his voice and has decided to give it the night off. Things should be OK for the last three shows of the tour. The other bands on the Gigantour bill — MEGADETH, LACUNA COIL and VOLBEAT — will go ahead and perform this evening as scheduled.
Motörhead Music/UDR has just released "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else", a blistering DVD containing some of the finest moments from MOTÖRHEAD's 2011 tour.
Mixed by the band's long-time producer Cameron Webb, "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" is stuffed with the classics Motörfans demand, from "Overkill" to "Ace Of Spades" to "Killed By Death" as well as some old gems like "Over The Top" and new favorites such as "I Know How To Die".
"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" gives you the complete set from the band's supreme performance in Chile at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago on April 9, 2011, shot by Banger Films and Sam Dunn ("Iron Maiden Flight 666", "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage"). The DVD continues with some tasty morsels from New York's Best Buy Theater and the Manchester Apollo.
"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" is a pure testament to the power, glory and sheer voltage of the finest rock 'n' roll played by real legends. Accept NO substitute!
Motörhead Music/UDR has just released "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else", a blistering DVD containing some of the finest moments from MOTÖRHEAD's 2011 tour.
Mixed by the band's long-time producer Cameron Webb, "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" is stuffed with the classics Motörfans demand, from "Overkill" to "Ace Of Spades" to "Killed By Death" as well as some old gems like "Over The Top" and new favorites such as "I Know How To Die".
"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" gives you the complete set from the band's supreme performance in Chile at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago on April 9, 2011, shot by Banger Films and Sam Dunn ("Iron Maiden Flight 666", "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage"). The DVD continues with some tasty morsels from New York's Best Buy Theater and the Manchester Apollo.
"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" is a pure testament to the power, glory and sheer voltage of the finest rock 'n' roll played by real legends. Accept NO substitute!
According to the New York Post, FOREIGNER guitarist Mick Jones underwent aortoiliac bypass surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami beach, Florida on Monday and "already up and walking around." The procedure involves using a shunt to unite the aorta and iliac artery to relieve obstruction. "The surgery was more urgent because Mick had needed it for some time," a source said.
Jones, 67, missed some of the shows on FOREIGNER's 2011 tour with JOURNEY and NIGHT RANGER due to illness. He was temporarily replaced at various shows by NIGHT RANGER guitarist Joel Joekstra and former ROD STEWART axeman Bruce Watson.
FOREIGNER's last studio album, "Can't Slow Down", came out in 2009.
The band is scheduled to hit the road for another round of U.S. dates on March 1.
Even though FOREIGNER has never fallen into the category of "critics' darlings," Mick Jones told The Pulse Of Radio that the band's album sales and ticket receipts prove that FOREIGNER has always struck the right chord with fans. "How can you complain about people listening, and hearing, and your music reaching so many people?" he said. "I think it's wonderful. It's a great achievement to have these songs having stood the test of time like this, you know, and getting the amount of play they still do."
Jones, 67, missed some of the shows on FOREIGNER's 2011 tour with JOURNEY and NIGHT RANGER due to illness. He was temporarily replaced at various shows by NIGHT RANGER guitarist Joel Joekstra and former ROD STEWART axeman Bruce Watson.
FOREIGNER's last studio album, "Can't Slow Down", came out in 2009.
The band is scheduled to hit the road for another round of U.S. dates on March 1.
Even though FOREIGNER has never fallen into the category of "critics' darlings," Mick Jones told The Pulse Of Radio that the band's album sales and ticket receipts prove that FOREIGNER has always struck the right chord with fans. "How can you complain about people listening, and hearing, and your music reaching so many people?" he said. "I think it's wonderful. It's a great achievement to have these songs having stood the test of time like this, you know, and getting the amount of play they still do."
During a brand new interview with I Heart Guitar, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley spoke about his future plans. He said, "I've started working on a new album, I'm writing a new book… there are a lot of good things on the horizon. At this point, I think [the next book is] just going to be an extension of [Ace's 2011 memoir] 'No Regrets'. There's so much I left out because of the deadline, but after talking with so many different people I've got so many stories that have eluded me over the years. And there just wasn't enough room to put them into 'No Regrets', and I was past the deadline as it was. But I think I'm going to come out with something in the effect of like a 'No Regrets II'. But I also have the idea to put out a guitar book with all my guitar effects, tricks, recording techniques… I've learned a lot of tricks from working with a lot of great producers over the years, and I think I should write a book about it."
Ace Frehley's book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
"No Regrets", which was published under Gallery's VH1 Books imprint, was co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden who also authored "The Last Great Fight" about what is considered by many to be the biggest upset in the history of boxing: James "Buster" Douglas' tenth-round knockout win over Mike Tyson in 1990.
Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time.
As previously reported, Brookvale Records, in partnership with Rocket Science, will release the Ace Frehley "Anomaly" album on vinyl. Due on April 10, it will be a double LP set in special gatefold packaging with the vinyl silver in color. Only 1,000 copies hand-numbered copies will be made. The album will also be available at select retailers starting April 10.
For more information, go to this location.
"Anomaly", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages were made available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy locations. The Wal-Mart version includes an Ace autographed tattoo while the Best Buy edition is printed on silver stock, like the KISS "Double Platinum" album.
Released on September 15, 2009 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.
Ace Frehley's book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
"No Regrets", which was published under Gallery's VH1 Books imprint, was co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden who also authored "The Last Great Fight" about what is considered by many to be the biggest upset in the history of boxing: James "Buster" Douglas' tenth-round knockout win over Mike Tyson in 1990.
Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time.
As previously reported, Brookvale Records, in partnership with Rocket Science, will release the Ace Frehley "Anomaly" album on vinyl. Due on April 10, it will be a double LP set in special gatefold packaging with the vinyl silver in color. Only 1,000 copies hand-numbered copies will be made. The album will also be available at select retailers starting April 10.
For more information, go to this location.
"Anomaly", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.
In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages were made available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy locations. The Wal-Mart version includes an Ace autographed tattoo while the Best Buy edition is printed on silver stock, like the KISS "Double Platinum" album.
Released on September 15, 2009 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.
Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY will headline the annual Pulp Summer Slam festival on April 28 at the Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City in Manila, Philippines. Also scheduled to appear are AUGUST BURNS RED, BLESSTHEFALL, DARKEST HOUR, PERIPHERY and WE CAME AS ROMANS. The lineup will be supported by six more bands which are yet to be announced. Tickets to Pulp Summer Slam 12: The Apostles will cost P400 (approximately 9 U.S. dollars) and will include freebies such as beer, pizza, soda, cellphone load, condoms, and discount to the official festival shirt.
Presented by Colt 45, Pulp Summer Slam 12: The Apostles will also conduct a video filming for ARCH ENEMY's upcoming live concert DVD. This will be the third time for the festival to host a filming — DEATH ANGEL filmed parts of their documentary, "A Thrashumentary", at the festival last April 2011 which will be released in spring of 2012 while SHADOWS FALL released "Madness In Manila" in October 2010, also filmed at the festival and venue in 2009.
Last year, Pulp Summer Slam was headlined by ANTHRAX, HELLYEAH and DEATH ANGEL. Thousands of rock and heavy metal fans all over the country, as well as neighboring countries, flocked to the Amoranto Stadium to witness the 15-hour show which was highlighted by ANTHRAX's performance followed by a two-minute pyro show.
Presented by Colt 45, Pulp Summer Slam 12: The Apostles will also conduct a video filming for ARCH ENEMY's upcoming live concert DVD. This will be the third time for the festival to host a filming — DEATH ANGEL filmed parts of their documentary, "A Thrashumentary", at the festival last April 2011 which will be released in spring of 2012 while SHADOWS FALL released "Madness In Manila" in October 2010, also filmed at the festival and venue in 2009.
Last year, Pulp Summer Slam was headlined by ANTHRAX, HELLYEAH and DEATH ANGEL. Thousands of rock and heavy metal fans all over the country, as well as neighboring countries, flocked to the Amoranto Stadium to witness the 15-hour show which was highlighted by ANTHRAX's performance followed by a two-minute pyro show.
Southern California female-fronted heavy rockers IN THIS MOMENT recently headed in to the studio to begin work on their fourth album for longtime label Century Media Records. The band has once again tapped producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) to helm the as-yet-untitled CD, which is slated for a summer 2012 release.
IN THIS MOMENT began work on the new album just a few months following the departures of drummer Jeff Fabb and guitarist Blake Bunzel, who left the band late last year in order to join the backing group of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin.
Commented IN THIS MOMENT frontwoman Maria Brink: "There are no words to describe how excited we are... We are on fire with this record. It's by far the most powerful material we have ever written.
"IN THIS MOMENT has gone through some big changes. I admit sometimes change is scary, especially when facing the unknown, but in this case everything has been perfectly meant to be. It's a brave, dark, hard-hitting album that will make you feel dirty inside, but still wanting more."
Added guitarist Chris Howorth: "Over the last six months, we have undergone some interesting changes within the band. As a result, Maria and I were brought closer together united in our mutual determination to top everything we have previously done with IN THIS MOMENT. It's our fourth album and we definitely have something to prove this time. During the writing process Maria, Kevin and I are pushing ourselves to make sure every song is something unique and special. I honestly feel this is the most focused and powerful music we have ever created and I am beyond psyched to get it out there for people to hear."
In a recent interview with Australia's Loud magazine, Maria stated about IN THIS MOMENT's new material, "We brought some stuff to the table that we've never done before and it really sounds like something special, something new. I can't explain it; I mean, if you know our old music, when you hear the new stuff you're going to go, 'Holy shit, okay, I totally get it.' But I don't want to give away anything either, it's just unique; it's something new we've brought to the table. We found something special within us; we found this certain thing, so I'm excited for it."
Regarding IN THIS MOMENT's split with Fabb and Bunzel, Brink said, "You know how sometimes, you don't realize sometimes something happening (that's) traumatic, that it can be the most beautiful thing that could have happened to you? It's like one of those situations. It got really stripped back down to me and Chris [Howorth, guitar], and me and Chris started this band together, just me and him, and then it was like everybody came to the table, everybody brings their own influence. I believe it was all meant to be, all of those albums with them. I love them, I wish them the best. But it was almost like this new, with just me and Chris, this new fire, this new strength within me that I just… magical things started happening between what we started creating. And it's just so meant to be; it's meant to be that they moved on and some other things in my life, it's so cool 'cause it's just like this brand new everything and it feels really awesome. And you're going to be able to hear it."
IN THIS MOMENT is currently taking a short break from recording to play at the Soundwave Festival in Australia and will return to the studio immediately following those dates. Upon completion of the new album and in advance of the summer touring season, the band will head out on a brief run of American tour dates in May including an appearance at Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio.
IN THIS MOMENT began work on the new album just a few months following the departures of drummer Jeff Fabb and guitarist Blake Bunzel, who left the band late last year in order to join the backing group of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin.
Commented IN THIS MOMENT frontwoman Maria Brink: "There are no words to describe how excited we are... We are on fire with this record. It's by far the most powerful material we have ever written.
"IN THIS MOMENT has gone through some big changes. I admit sometimes change is scary, especially when facing the unknown, but in this case everything has been perfectly meant to be. It's a brave, dark, hard-hitting album that will make you feel dirty inside, but still wanting more."
Added guitarist Chris Howorth: "Over the last six months, we have undergone some interesting changes within the band. As a result, Maria and I were brought closer together united in our mutual determination to top everything we have previously done with IN THIS MOMENT. It's our fourth album and we definitely have something to prove this time. During the writing process Maria, Kevin and I are pushing ourselves to make sure every song is something unique and special. I honestly feel this is the most focused and powerful music we have ever created and I am beyond psyched to get it out there for people to hear."
In a recent interview with Australia's Loud magazine, Maria stated about IN THIS MOMENT's new material, "We brought some stuff to the table that we've never done before and it really sounds like something special, something new. I can't explain it; I mean, if you know our old music, when you hear the new stuff you're going to go, 'Holy shit, okay, I totally get it.' But I don't want to give away anything either, it's just unique; it's something new we've brought to the table. We found something special within us; we found this certain thing, so I'm excited for it."
Regarding IN THIS MOMENT's split with Fabb and Bunzel, Brink said, "You know how sometimes, you don't realize sometimes something happening (that's) traumatic, that it can be the most beautiful thing that could have happened to you? It's like one of those situations. It got really stripped back down to me and Chris [Howorth, guitar], and me and Chris started this band together, just me and him, and then it was like everybody came to the table, everybody brings their own influence. I believe it was all meant to be, all of those albums with them. I love them, I wish them the best. But it was almost like this new, with just me and Chris, this new fire, this new strength within me that I just… magical things started happening between what we started creating. And it's just so meant to be; it's meant to be that they moved on and some other things in my life, it's so cool 'cause it's just like this brand new everything and it feels really awesome. And you're going to be able to hear it."
IN THIS MOMENT is currently taking a short break from recording to play at the Soundwave Festival in Australia and will return to the studio immediately following those dates. Upon completion of the new album and in advance of the summer touring season, the band will head out on a brief run of American tour dates in May including an appearance at Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio.
InsideOutMusic has announced the signing of the progressive rock/metal band band AFFECTOR to a worldwide deal. The group's debut album, "Harmagedon", was mixed and mastered at The Mouse House in Los Angeles by Rich Mouser (SPOCK'S BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC, NEAL MORSE) and is scheduled for release on May 22 (one day earlier internationally).
AFFECTOR is a highly skilled, new international band consisting of German guitar-player Daniel Fries, Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (NEAL MORSE, DILEMMA) as well bass player Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (SPOCK'S BEARD, ENCHANT, THOUGHT CHAMBER) — both from the United States.
Commented Leijenaar: "We are thrilled to be signing with InsideOutMusic/Century Media. It is THE home for progressive rock and metal, and it feels very much home to us! It has always been a personal dream of mine to release something on this label, and with AFFECTOR this dream has come true! I'm stoked about the future of AFFECTOR, and I hope the audience is too!"
On "Harmagedon", AFFECTOR is joined by four very special guests on keyboards: Alex Argento, Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, FLYING COLORS), Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) and Derek Sherinian (PLANET X, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION). Also featured on the album is the Polish orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus. This concept album fuses a dark, apocalyptic scenery with themes of hope and light and features heavy riffs and lightning fast solos, but also has softer and more fragile moments, where the soulful singing of Ted Leonard opens a wide spectrum of vocal harmonies.
Citing broad musical influences and diverse inspirations between prog and classic as well as modern rock acts, AFFECTOR is like an open marriage between progressive rock/metal and orchestral minimalism, destined to appeal to everyone into bands ranging from DREAM THEATER, A.C.T., SYMPHONY X, DARKWATER to QUEEN or RUSH.
AFFECTOR is:
Daniel Fries - Guitar
Collin Leijenaar - Drums
Mike LePond - Bass
Ted Leonard - Vocals
For more information, visit www.affector.net.
AFFECTOR is a highly skilled, new international band consisting of German guitar-player Daniel Fries, Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (NEAL MORSE, DILEMMA) as well bass player Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (SPOCK'S BEARD, ENCHANT, THOUGHT CHAMBER) — both from the United States.
Commented Leijenaar: "We are thrilled to be signing with InsideOutMusic/Century Media. It is THE home for progressive rock and metal, and it feels very much home to us! It has always been a personal dream of mine to release something on this label, and with AFFECTOR this dream has come true! I'm stoked about the future of AFFECTOR, and I hope the audience is too!"
On "Harmagedon", AFFECTOR is joined by four very special guests on keyboards: Alex Argento, Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, FLYING COLORS), Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER) and Derek Sherinian (PLANET X, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION). Also featured on the album is the Polish orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus. This concept album fuses a dark, apocalyptic scenery with themes of hope and light and features heavy riffs and lightning fast solos, but also has softer and more fragile moments, where the soulful singing of Ted Leonard opens a wide spectrum of vocal harmonies.
Citing broad musical influences and diverse inspirations between prog and classic as well as modern rock acts, AFFECTOR is like an open marriage between progressive rock/metal and orchestral minimalism, destined to appeal to everyone into bands ranging from DREAM THEATER, A.C.T., SYMPHONY X, DARKWATER to QUEEN or RUSH.
AFFECTOR is:
Daniel Fries - Guitar
Collin Leijenaar - Drums
Mike LePond - Bass
Ted Leonard - Vocals
For more information, visit www.affector.net.
Shauna O'Donnell of Alternative Addiction recently conducted an interview with drummer Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENDFOLD). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Alternative Addiction: ADRENALINE MOB is unlike projects that you have done in the past. Do you see that as being a challenge for you both musically and with getting the fans to the shows and buying records?
Portnoy: A bigger challenge is getting the fans to accept something that is so different from anything I have done in the past. Musically, it is not really difficult for me. For me, it is very easy to jump into different musical environments. I'm a big fan of many different styles of music, so I'm as at home playing this kind of music as I am with technical and progressive music. Really the challenge for me was the anticipation and expectations of my existing fan base who are kind of expecting something to be very progressive, whereas in this case it is a very different style from what I used to do in DREAM THEATER. That has been the challenge so far, getting people to put there pre-conceptions aside and listen to this for what it is. It is basically riff-driven, groove-oriented and melodic, song-oriented music. You don't need to use a calculator to enjoy it. You basically just bang your head and get into the bounce of the groove.
Alternative Addiction: You did a cover of DURAN DURAN's "Come Undone" featuring vocals by Lzzy Hale from HALESTORM. What was it about that particular song that made you choose it to cover?
Portnoy: Mike [Orlando, guitar] and Russ [Allen, vocals] had already kind of demoed up a new rockin version of it when I came on board, so they had already picked the tune. In fact, I had never even heard the original, even though I guess it was a radio hit, but I was never really aware of it. When I first heard it, I thought it was another song that those guys were working on. When they told me it was a cover, I thought it really fit in with the rest of the stuff. Once we started recording it to the album, the idea came up of getting a female voice on there as well. I had known Lzzy from when AVENGED SEVENFOLD and HALESTORM toured together at Uproar. I knew that she would kill it and would be an amazing voice to have on there. She came on board and did it. She took it to a whole new level. I get goosebumps when I hear her singing along with Russ.
Alternative Addiction: You guys just added a new member to the band, John Moyer from DISTURBED. He will be filling the bass player spot. You are actually the one that gave him the call about joining the band right?
Portnoy: Yes, I've known John for a couple years now. We toured together when I was playing with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and he was with DISTURBED. We did Uproar festival together. I spent a lot of time hanging out with him and I knew what a cool guy he was. I knew musically he would also fit in because he comes with that background of what he has done with DISTURBED. I knew musically and personally he would fit in, but most important for us right now is scheduling. That is an important thing for us. The issue that we had with our previous bass player was scheduling, commitments, obstacles and conflicts with other bands that he was playing with and committed to. We needed somebody that had an empty schedule and no other band commitments. With DISTURBED on an indefinite hiatus, it worked out perfectly that John would be available and not have any scheduling conflicts in the coming year or so and just be able to devote himself to ADRENALINE MOB. With all three of those elements, the personal, musical and scheduling, he worked out to be the perfect guy for us. He fits like a glove.
Alternative Addiction: Are you guys running all of your own social media sites?
Portnoy: I do mine, to me that is very important. My Facebook page has over 600,000 people and my Twitter has over 125,000. I oversee those day to day and I value an open relationship with my fans, I always have. In all my years with DREAM THEATER, the most valuable and important thing for the band and me was the relationship with the fans. Now that I'm on my own, I still value the relationship with the fans. I still continue to stay in touch with them daily and let them know everything that is going on.
Alternative Addiction: ADRENALINE MOB is unlike projects that you have done in the past. Do you see that as being a challenge for you both musically and with getting the fans to the shows and buying records?
Portnoy: A bigger challenge is getting the fans to accept something that is so different from anything I have done in the past. Musically, it is not really difficult for me. For me, it is very easy to jump into different musical environments. I'm a big fan of many different styles of music, so I'm as at home playing this kind of music as I am with technical and progressive music. Really the challenge for me was the anticipation and expectations of my existing fan base who are kind of expecting something to be very progressive, whereas in this case it is a very different style from what I used to do in DREAM THEATER. That has been the challenge so far, getting people to put there pre-conceptions aside and listen to this for what it is. It is basically riff-driven, groove-oriented and melodic, song-oriented music. You don't need to use a calculator to enjoy it. You basically just bang your head and get into the bounce of the groove.
Alternative Addiction: You did a cover of DURAN DURAN's "Come Undone" featuring vocals by Lzzy Hale from HALESTORM. What was it about that particular song that made you choose it to cover?
Portnoy: Mike [Orlando, guitar] and Russ [Allen, vocals] had already kind of demoed up a new rockin version of it when I came on board, so they had already picked the tune. In fact, I had never even heard the original, even though I guess it was a radio hit, but I was never really aware of it. When I first heard it, I thought it was another song that those guys were working on. When they told me it was a cover, I thought it really fit in with the rest of the stuff. Once we started recording it to the album, the idea came up of getting a female voice on there as well. I had known Lzzy from when AVENGED SEVENFOLD and HALESTORM toured together at Uproar. I knew that she would kill it and would be an amazing voice to have on there. She came on board and did it. She took it to a whole new level. I get goosebumps when I hear her singing along with Russ.
Alternative Addiction: You guys just added a new member to the band, John Moyer from DISTURBED. He will be filling the bass player spot. You are actually the one that gave him the call about joining the band right?
Portnoy: Yes, I've known John for a couple years now. We toured together when I was playing with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and he was with DISTURBED. We did Uproar festival together. I spent a lot of time hanging out with him and I knew what a cool guy he was. I knew musically he would also fit in because he comes with that background of what he has done with DISTURBED. I knew musically and personally he would fit in, but most important for us right now is scheduling. That is an important thing for us. The issue that we had with our previous bass player was scheduling, commitments, obstacles and conflicts with other bands that he was playing with and committed to. We needed somebody that had an empty schedule and no other band commitments. With DISTURBED on an indefinite hiatus, it worked out perfectly that John would be available and not have any scheduling conflicts in the coming year or so and just be able to devote himself to ADRENALINE MOB. With all three of those elements, the personal, musical and scheduling, he worked out to be the perfect guy for us. He fits like a glove.
Alternative Addiction: Are you guys running all of your own social media sites?
Portnoy: I do mine, to me that is very important. My Facebook page has over 600,000 people and my Twitter has over 125,000. I oversee those day to day and I value an open relationship with my fans, I always have. In all my years with DREAM THEATER, the most valuable and important thing for the band and me was the relationship with the fans. Now that I'm on my own, I still value the relationship with the fans. I still continue to stay in touch with them daily and let them know everything that is going on.
Jerry Gaskill, drummer for legendary rockers KING'S X, suffered a heart attack Sunday, February 26, and was rushed to the hospital. After undergoing an emergency operation, Jerry was placed in intensive care (where he currently remains).
According to a posting on KING'S X's official Facebook page, "[Jerry] has been on a ventilator since [he suffered the heart attack]. However, there are some positive signs concerning his recovery."
In light of Jerry's sudden hospitalization, all previously announced North American tour dates for KING'S X have been cancelled. Jerry will be taking the time to recover back to full health so that he can hopefully join the band behind the drums at some point in the future.
KING'S X was scheduled to launch a three-week tour on March 28 in Austin.
Gaskill and Doug Pinnick have been playing together since 1979, when they met in Springfield, Missouri.
KING'S X is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its self-titled Atlantic debut this year.
KING'S X's 2008 album, "XV", sold 4,450 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 145 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marked the first time in over a decade that the band had cracked the Top 200 in the first week of release.
KING'S X's "Gretchen Goes To London: Live At The Astoria 5.6.90" DVD was released in November 2008 via Molken Music. The set documents the historic show at the Astoria Theatre in 1990 and includes never-before-seen footage. The DVD was produced by Wally Farkas and has a running time of 64 minutes.
According to a posting on KING'S X's official Facebook page, "[Jerry] has been on a ventilator since [he suffered the heart attack]. However, there are some positive signs concerning his recovery."
In light of Jerry's sudden hospitalization, all previously announced North American tour dates for KING'S X have been cancelled. Jerry will be taking the time to recover back to full health so that he can hopefully join the band behind the drums at some point in the future.
KING'S X was scheduled to launch a three-week tour on March 28 in Austin.
Gaskill and Doug Pinnick have been playing together since 1979, when they met in Springfield, Missouri.
KING'S X is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its self-titled Atlantic debut this year.
KING'S X's 2008 album, "XV", sold 4,450 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 145 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marked the first time in over a decade that the band had cracked the Top 200 in the first week of release.
KING'S X's "Gretchen Goes To London: Live At The Astoria 5.6.90" DVD was released in November 2008 via Molken Music. The set documents the historic show at the Astoria Theatre in 1990 and includes never-before-seen footage. The DVD was produced by Wally Farkas and has a running time of 64 minutes.
Vocalist Göran Edman (JOHN NORUM, YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN) and drummer Scott Rockenfield (QUEENSRŸCHE, SLAVE TO THE SYSTEM) appear on the two new singles from reactivated '90s Italian heavy metal band HEADLESS. The first single, "Primetime", was released on December 14, 2011, and can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon. The second track, "Sink Deep In A Fairy Tale", was mastered in Hollywood, California by Warren Sokol and was issued on February 14. It can be downloaded from iTunes and Amazon.
HEADLESS is:
Walter Cianciusi - Guitar
Dario Parente - Guitar
For more information, visit www.headless.it.
HEADLESS is:
Walter Cianciusi - Guitar
Dario Parente - Guitar
For more information, visit www.headless.it.
Sacramento, California-based heavy metal group DEADLANDS released its debut album, "Evilution", on February 1 via Molten Metal Records. The CD was mixed and mastered at Trident Studios by Juan Urteaga (MACHINE HEAD, TESTAMENT).
DEADLANDS is:
Brian O'Connor - Vocals
Michael J. Gardner - Lead Guitar
Kevin Rohr - Lead Guitar
Steve "Dedbass" Northam - Bass
Danny Sablan - Drums
Some amazing guest legendary metal guitarists can be heard soloing on two songs from "Evilution". The track "Final Solution" features Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), Michael Denner (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND), Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND), Claudeous Creamer (SERPENT & SERAPH, DRAGONLORD) and Mike Wead (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND); while "Path We've Chosen" contains contributions from Glen Alvelais (FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, LD50) and Steve Smyth (NEVERMORE, FORBIDDEN).
DEADLANDS is currently shopping for a label worldwide while booking shows in Northern California with Iron Fist Circle Productions and Man Down Productions, playing support with such acts as EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL, ANVIL, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, HEATHEN and more.
For more information, visit www.deadlandsmusic.com.
DEADLANDS is:
Brian O'Connor - Vocals
Michael J. Gardner - Lead Guitar
Kevin Rohr - Lead Guitar
Steve "Dedbass" Northam - Bass
Danny Sablan - Drums
Some amazing guest legendary metal guitarists can be heard soloing on two songs from "Evilution". The track "Final Solution" features Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), Michael Denner (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND), Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND), Claudeous Creamer (SERPENT & SERAPH, DRAGONLORD) and Mike Wead (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND); while "Path We've Chosen" contains contributions from Glen Alvelais (FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, LD50) and Steve Smyth (NEVERMORE, FORBIDDEN).
DEADLANDS is currently shopping for a label worldwide while booking shows in Northern California with Iron Fist Circle Productions and Man Down Productions, playing support with such acts as EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL, ANVIL, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, HEATHEN and more.
For more information, visit www.deadlandsmusic.com.
British metallers ARCHITECTS have completed work on their new album, "Daybreaker", to be released on May 28 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Century Media Records. The follow-up to "The Here And Now" was produced by the band with John Mitchell and Ben Humphreys at Outhouse Studios (ENTER SHIKARI, YOU ME AT SIX, THE BLACKOUT, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, EXIT TEN, YOUR DEMISE, LOWER THAN ATLANTIS, KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES) in Reading, the same team that previously worked on ARCHITECTS' "Hollow Crown" CD. The stunning artwork was created by Paul Jackson (Tank.Axe.Love).
ARCHITECTS has just released the "The Here And Now 2012 Special Edition" including "Devil's Island" and "Untitled" as well as all video clips ("Day In Day Out", "Learn To Live", "Heartburn", "Delete, Rewind" and "An Open Letter To Myself"), making-of footage for "Learn To Live" and "Heartburn" plus several previously released online clips.
ARCHITECTS' latest album, "The Here And Now", sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 47 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 Here And Now" was produced by Steve Evetts, who has previously worked with THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and SEPULTURA, among many others.
"The Here And Now" debuted at position No. 57 on the official U.K. chart.
ARCHITECTS has just released the "The Here And Now 2012 Special Edition" including "Devil's Island" and "Untitled" as well as all video clips ("Day In Day Out", "Learn To Live", "Heartburn", "Delete, Rewind" and "An Open Letter To Myself"), making-of footage for "Learn To Live" and "Heartburn" plus several previously released online clips.
ARCHITECTS' latest album, "The Here And Now", sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 47 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 Here And Now" was produced by Steve Evetts, who has previously worked with THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and SEPULTURA, among many others.
"The Here And Now" debuted at position No. 57 on the official U.K. chart.
The first photo of the new lineup of the Knoxville, Tennessee-based female-fronted metal/hardcore act STRAIGHT LINE STITCH can be seen below.
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH 2012 (pictured below) is:
Alexis Brown - Vocals
Jason White - Bass
Ian Shuirr - Drums
Kris Hawkins - Guitar
Nathan Palmer - Guitar
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH bassist Jason White told Metalholic about the band's new lineup, "I'm excited that Lex and I are able to continue with the band. I hope that our fans won't be let down. Of course, things will be different. But for better or worse? Come see for yourself."
When asked if he felt any pressure stepping into STRAIGHT LINE STITCH because of the band's past success, Palmer told Metalholic, "Absolutely. Yeah, it's a little intimidating to come into a band this big. STRAIGHT LINE has been busting their asses for a very long time. They've worked for everything they have. But I feel confident in my writing and playing and dedication, that I think this is going to be a great thing. STRAIGHT LINE has a lot of fans that have stuck with them this whole time and they deserve for STRAIGHT LINE to keep going. Again, I'm so thankful for this opportunity. Everyone in the band wants the same thing, and everyone is prepared to do whatever it takes. I'm excited. Good things are to come for this band. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH deserves it."
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH's sophomore album, "The Fight Of Our Lives", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 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 follow-up to 2008's "When Skies Wash Ashore", "The Fight Of Our Lives" was produced and mixed by the Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SEVENDUST) and includes eleven new songs. Additional work on the album was done by Ben Schigel.
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH 2012 (pictured below) is:
Alexis Brown - Vocals
Jason White - Bass
Ian Shuirr - Drums
Kris Hawkins - Guitar
Nathan Palmer - Guitar
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH bassist Jason White told Metalholic about the band's new lineup, "I'm excited that Lex and I are able to continue with the band. I hope that our fans won't be let down. Of course, things will be different. But for better or worse? Come see for yourself."
When asked if he felt any pressure stepping into STRAIGHT LINE STITCH because of the band's past success, Palmer told Metalholic, "Absolutely. Yeah, it's a little intimidating to come into a band this big. STRAIGHT LINE has been busting their asses for a very long time. They've worked for everything they have. But I feel confident in my writing and playing and dedication, that I think this is going to be a great thing. STRAIGHT LINE has a lot of fans that have stuck with them this whole time and they deserve for STRAIGHT LINE to keep going. Again, I'm so thankful for this opportunity. Everyone in the band wants the same thing, and everyone is prepared to do whatever it takes. I'm excited. Good things are to come for this band. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH deserves it."
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH's sophomore album, "The Fight Of Our Lives", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 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 follow-up to 2008's "When Skies Wash Ashore", "The Fight Of Our Lives" was produced and mixed by the Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SEVENDUST) and includes eleven new songs. Additional work on the album was done by Ben Schigel.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/straightline2012.jpg
Gothenburg, Sweden-based metallers ENGEL will release their third album, "Blood Of Saints", on May 18 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Aabyhøj, Denmark. According to the group, the new album "is going to be a good mixture between both [previous ENGEL efforts] 'Threnody' [2010] and 'Absolute Design' [2007], but with some new angles as well! If you liked 'Threnody', you will LOVE 'Blood Of Saints'!"
ENGEL filmed a video for the new song "Question Your Place" on February 10 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg.
ENGEL features guitarists Marcus Sunesson (THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), vocalist Mangan Klavborn, drummer Jimmy Olausson (ex-MARIONETTE) and bassist Steve Drennan (LOCUS).
"Threnody" was released in Europe on November 8, 2010 and in the U.S. on January 11, 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD was issued in Japan on April 20, 2010 via Avex.
The band was previously signed to SPV Records which issued ENGEL's debut album, "Absolute Design", in 2007.
ENGEL filmed a video for the new song "Question Your Place" on February 10 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg.
ENGEL features guitarists Marcus Sunesson (THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), vocalist Mangan Klavborn, drummer Jimmy Olausson (ex-MARIONETTE) and bassist Steve Drennan (LOCUS).
"Threnody" was released in Europe on November 8, 2010 and in the U.S. on January 11, 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD was issued in Japan on April 20, 2010 via Avex.
The band was previously signed to SPV Records which issued ENGEL's debut album, "Absolute Design", in 2007.
American/German hard rock band BANGALORE CHOIR will release its third album, "Metaphor", on April 27 via AOR Heaven. The group currently consists of original members David Reece (vocals; ex-ACCEPT), Curtis Mitchell (guitar) and Danny Greenberg (bass), alongside German guitarist/producer Andy Susemihl and drummer Rene Letters.
According to a press release, "Metaphor" features some collaborative efforts as well. David turned to old friends Rikard Quist, who collaborated on the tracks "Silhouettes On The Shade" and "Scandinavian Rose" on the new CD and also worked with lyricist Jon Wilde, with whom David had shared songwriting credits on his Reece-Kronlund release.
Commented Reece: "We look forward to the new release and to hitting the road this year in support of the new disc. We're currently looking at some U.S. dates this spring and hopefully, a return trip to Europe this summe."
According to a press release, "Metaphor" features some collaborative efforts as well. David turned to old friends Rikard Quist, who collaborated on the tracks "Silhouettes On The Shade" and "Scandinavian Rose" on the new CD and also worked with lyricist Jon Wilde, with whom David had shared songwriting credits on his Reece-Kronlund release.
Commented Reece: "We look forward to the new release and to hitting the road this year in support of the new disc. We're currently looking at some U.S. dates this spring and hopefully, a return trip to Europe this summe."
French act BLACKLODGE has inked a deal with Season Of Mist's Underground Activists division. The industrial black metallers' fourth album is already in the can and should hit the stores later this year.
Commented the band: "BLACKLODGE uncovers with fervour a new conspiracy with Season Of Mist to release their forthcoming album in 2012. The band is proud to join the label's quality squadron in order to weave a stronger web worldwide and push the venom of Industrial black metal to a higher level of toxicity."
Commented the band: "BLACKLODGE uncovers with fervour a new conspiracy with Season Of Mist to release their forthcoming album in 2012. The band is proud to join the label's quality squadron in order to weave a stronger web worldwide and push the venom of Industrial black metal to a higher level of toxicity."
Acclaimed extreme-metal drummer Tim Yeung (MORBID ANGEL, DIVINE HERESY, VITAL REMAINS, HATE ETERNAL) is available for private drum lessons within the Los Angeles area as well as studio work throughout the year, schedule permitting. He can also offer lessons while he is on the road. Interested parties can contact Tim at info@timyeung.com.
With the inspiration of a songwriting mother and artistic father, Tim began playing drums in 1990 at the age of eleven. Within a few short years he was recording demos and playing live shows within the local muisc scene in upstate New York. He attended Hochstein School Of Music in Rochester and got his first big break in 1997 when he joined the death metal band HATE ETERNAL.
Now based in Los Angeles, Yeung has performed and worked with such national acts as ALL THAT REMAINS, HANK WILLIAMS III, NILE, VITAL REMAINS and DECREPIT BIRTH. His straddling of the extreme and mainstream is perhaps best reflected in his work with his band DIVINE HERESY, whose music features elements of extreme death metal as well as more mainstream genres.
For more information, visit Tim's new official web site at TimYeung.com.
With the inspiration of a songwriting mother and artistic father, Tim began playing drums in 1990 at the age of eleven. Within a few short years he was recording demos and playing live shows within the local muisc scene in upstate New York. He attended Hochstein School Of Music in Rochester and got his first big break in 1997 when he joined the death metal band HATE ETERNAL.
Now based in Los Angeles, Yeung has performed and worked with such national acts as ALL THAT REMAINS, HANK WILLIAMS III, NILE, VITAL REMAINS and DECREPIT BIRTH. His straddling of the extreme and mainstream is perhaps best reflected in his work with his band DIVINE HERESY, whose music features elements of extreme death metal as well as more mainstream genres.
For more information, visit Tim's new official web site at TimYeung.com.
Black metal powerhouse INQUISITION just inked a deal with Season Of Mist. The Americans' sixth album will be released on the Underground Activists division.
Commented INQUISITION frontman Dagon: "For many years INQUISITION has loyally walked upon the path of black metal deeply devoted to its spirituality and magic while growing and maturing our craft, yet always preserving the essence that ignited us since our beginning, always keeping us rooted in the elements that make us what we are now and who we were in the past. Time is relativity and this relativity is affected by choice and selection during our time of existence as INQUISITION. Therefore, our careful choice of a new label as a means to take us further into our journey, and your journey, extending this path we walk upon into deeper dimensions and allowing us to heighten our potential will be placed in the hands of Season Of Mist. At this time we are heavily devoted to the composition and arrangement of our next opus. We know what we want, we know what you expect and we look forward to 2012 being the year of creation and production of this upcoming ritual. With pride we announce this new relationship and with pride we will continue to deliver INQUISITION at its finest."
According to the band's official bio, INQUISITION's style of black metal involves slow, deep and dark riffing combined with sudden tempo changes to faster sections based around blast beats and high-speed riffing; at times adding melodic solos. The classic INQUISITION sound involves the combination of old-school thrash metal-influenced riffs with darker and more chaotic black metal, primarily involving fast, tremolo picked minor-key guitar riffs, thus creating the trademark "INQUISITION sound."
Commented INQUISITION frontman Dagon: "For many years INQUISITION has loyally walked upon the path of black metal deeply devoted to its spirituality and magic while growing and maturing our craft, yet always preserving the essence that ignited us since our beginning, always keeping us rooted in the elements that make us what we are now and who we were in the past. Time is relativity and this relativity is affected by choice and selection during our time of existence as INQUISITION. Therefore, our careful choice of a new label as a means to take us further into our journey, and your journey, extending this path we walk upon into deeper dimensions and allowing us to heighten our potential will be placed in the hands of Season Of Mist. At this time we are heavily devoted to the composition and arrangement of our next opus. We know what we want, we know what you expect and we look forward to 2012 being the year of creation and production of this upcoming ritual. With pride we announce this new relationship and with pride we will continue to deliver INQUISITION at its finest."
According to the band's official bio, INQUISITION's style of black metal involves slow, deep and dark riffing combined with sudden tempo changes to faster sections based around blast beats and high-speed riffing; at times adding melodic solos. The classic INQUISITION sound involves the combination of old-school thrash metal-influenced riffs with darker and more chaotic black metal, primarily involving fast, tremolo picked minor-key guitar riffs, thus creating the trademark "INQUISITION sound."
HUNG's debut self-titled album will be released on May 8 via ReThink Records, the new label founded by Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD), and The End Records. The CD features 10 tracks engineered and produced by Andy Abel and Lyris Hung at Abel Studios in Connecticut, with vocals tracked and produced by Ryan Kelly at MSR Studios and Nova Studios in New York City.
World-renowned violinist Lyris Hung (BRYAN ADAMS, INDIGO GIRLS, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), the band's namesake, had known for a long time that she wanted to start a band focused on heavy music. The tattoo-clad, classically trained violinist (Juilliard, Columbia University) decided to bring this to fruition in early 2005. A Craigslist ad and one fateful meeting later, HUNG was born.
Jon Clark and Sam Roon (founder, SkullsNBones.com) had been playing together for many years, searching for musicians (including violinists) to play a unique style of progressive music. Naturally when the call came in to play with Lyris, the decision was easy.
Finding a singer took less than a year when Moscow native Dmitry Kostitsyn came in to front the band. HUNG went through several drummers before adding the final piece to the puzzle with renowned jazz/world powerhouse Kenny Grohowski (Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz. Cassandra Wilson, Lonnie Plaxico).
HUNG's sound was developed with the intention of blending technical proficiency with innovative songwriting while not being bound by any particular genre.
HUNG's unique sound is due, in part, to their unusual writing style. The songs are created in layers allowing each member to add their individual affect one at a time before bringing it to the rehearsal studio to be molded together. This creative process is very intensive and meticulous but invites each band member to push the limits of their own boundaries.
The lyrical content of HUNG's music often comes from religious or historical material and is heavily researched before being finalized. Dmitry Kostitsyn will sometimes spend months becoming knowledgeable on a subject before creating a story based on it and then finally turns the story into lyrics.
HUNG prides itself on being a phenomenal live band. From the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, to the Milwaukee Metalfest, HUNG lives and breathes for the stage.
Commented Clark: "In the beginning, we set a goal to blend dynamic qualities and technical complexity with the sort of musical elements that can appeal to a wide audience. More than anything we wanted to make sure that we were making music that didn't sound like anything we'd already heard before. This isn't always something easily done with metal because it can be a very niche genre but, given the diverse backgrounds and influences of HUNG's lineup, we always end up with music that blends pieces of each of us. Staying away from formulas in our writing process has allowed us to produce songs that are not only unique within the progressive and metal genres, but distinct among one another as well."
Added Roon: "There's no better place in the world than on the stage, under the lights, banging our heads with a room full of enthusiastic listeners. We challenged ourselves to bring the intensity of our live shows to the recording studio so our fans could appreciate it at home. The debut full-length is the first time we've successfully been able to capture that live feeling on a recording."
"Hung" track listing:
01. Eos
02. Desert of Sad
03. Progeny
04. Maria
05. Left For The New Life
06. Evil Tsar
07. Inertia
08. Infernal Redeemer
09. Matter Of The Blood
10. Sediment Of War
World-renowned violinist Lyris Hung (BRYAN ADAMS, INDIGO GIRLS, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), the band's namesake, had known for a long time that she wanted to start a band focused on heavy music. The tattoo-clad, classically trained violinist (Juilliard, Columbia University) decided to bring this to fruition in early 2005. A Craigslist ad and one fateful meeting later, HUNG was born.
Jon Clark and Sam Roon (founder, SkullsNBones.com) had been playing together for many years, searching for musicians (including violinists) to play a unique style of progressive music. Naturally when the call came in to play with Lyris, the decision was easy.
Finding a singer took less than a year when Moscow native Dmitry Kostitsyn came in to front the band. HUNG went through several drummers before adding the final piece to the puzzle with renowned jazz/world powerhouse Kenny Grohowski (Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz. Cassandra Wilson, Lonnie Plaxico).
HUNG's sound was developed with the intention of blending technical proficiency with innovative songwriting while not being bound by any particular genre.
HUNG's unique sound is due, in part, to their unusual writing style. The songs are created in layers allowing each member to add their individual affect one at a time before bringing it to the rehearsal studio to be molded together. This creative process is very intensive and meticulous but invites each band member to push the limits of their own boundaries.
The lyrical content of HUNG's music often comes from religious or historical material and is heavily researched before being finalized. Dmitry Kostitsyn will sometimes spend months becoming knowledgeable on a subject before creating a story based on it and then finally turns the story into lyrics.
HUNG prides itself on being a phenomenal live band. From the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, to the Milwaukee Metalfest, HUNG lives and breathes for the stage.
Commented Clark: "In the beginning, we set a goal to blend dynamic qualities and technical complexity with the sort of musical elements that can appeal to a wide audience. More than anything we wanted to make sure that we were making music that didn't sound like anything we'd already heard before. This isn't always something easily done with metal because it can be a very niche genre but, given the diverse backgrounds and influences of HUNG's lineup, we always end up with music that blends pieces of each of us. Staying away from formulas in our writing process has allowed us to produce songs that are not only unique within the progressive and metal genres, but distinct among one another as well."
Added Roon: "There's no better place in the world than on the stage, under the lights, banging our heads with a room full of enthusiastic listeners. We challenged ourselves to bring the intensity of our live shows to the recording studio so our fans could appreciate it at home. The debut full-length is the first time we've successfully been able to capture that live feeling on a recording."
"Hung" track listing:
01. Eos
02. Desert of Sad
03. Progeny
04. Maria
05. Left For The New Life
06. Evil Tsar
07. Inertia
08. Infernal Redeemer
09. Matter Of The Blood
10. Sediment Of War
Perth, Australia-based deathcore/black metal band MAKE THEM SUFFER is officially the first act to graduate from SignMeTo — Roadrunner Records' dynamic free service that mimics the actual A&R process using social networking tactics — to a deal with Roadrunner.
On the back of the group's stunning "Lord Of Woe" EP, MAKE THEM SUFFER was brought to the attention of Roadrunner's Australian A&R executives after posting their tracks on SignMeTo. It was at this point that label staff were intrigued to see if MAKE THEM SUFFER could execute their unique blend of modern extreme metal, neo-classical strings, dark piano lines, razor-sharp riffing, crazy blast beats and roaring vocals in the live environment. Seeing the band up close in a small sweaty club immediately verified this in spades. The band sounded as good live as their EP had promised, with the multiple layers of each track finding space amongst the chaos and complexity.
Now in 2012, MAKE THEM SUFFER is preparing the impending release of its debut full-length album, "Neverbloom". Engineered by Roland Lim (BIRDS OF TOKYO), who also produced the "Lord Of Woe" EP, the world-class debut release captures the depth, darkness, musical prowess and brutality that is MAKE THEM SUFFER.
"Neverbloom" will be released on May 25 on Roadrunner Records in Australia.
On the back of the group's stunning "Lord Of Woe" EP, MAKE THEM SUFFER was brought to the attention of Roadrunner's Australian A&R executives after posting their tracks on SignMeTo. It was at this point that label staff were intrigued to see if MAKE THEM SUFFER could execute their unique blend of modern extreme metal, neo-classical strings, dark piano lines, razor-sharp riffing, crazy blast beats and roaring vocals in the live environment. Seeing the band up close in a small sweaty club immediately verified this in spades. The band sounded as good live as their EP had promised, with the multiple layers of each track finding space amongst the chaos and complexity.
Now in 2012, MAKE THEM SUFFER is preparing the impending release of its debut full-length album, "Neverbloom". Engineered by Roland Lim (BIRDS OF TOKYO), who also produced the "Lord Of Woe" EP, the world-class debut release captures the depth, darkness, musical prowess and brutality that is MAKE THEM SUFFER.
"Neverbloom" will be released on May 25 on Roadrunner Records in Australia.
Dutch symphonic black metal act CARACH ANGREN will release its third album, "Where The Corpses Sink Forever", on May 18 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded Tidal Wave studio in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The first in a series of video clips featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the studio can be seen below.
CARACH ANGREN previously promised that the band's "new horrific concept album" would "be darker and more epic than ever before!"
CARACH ANGREN's "The Sighting Is A Portent Of Doom" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot over a period of about six months by CARACH ANGREN and Erik Wijnands of Negakinu Photography at different locations.
"The Sighting Is A Portent Of Doom" comes off the band's CARACH ANGREN's second album, "Death Came Through A Phantom Ship", which was released in early 2010 via Maddening Media.
CARACH ANGREN's previous concept album, "Lammendam", was released in April 2008 via Maddening Media, the label run by LE GRAND GUIGNOL singer Philip Breuer.
The first in a series of video clips featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the studio can be seen below.
CARACH ANGREN previously promised that the band's "new horrific concept album" would "be darker and more epic than ever before!"
CARACH ANGREN's "The Sighting Is A Portent Of Doom" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot over a period of about six months by CARACH ANGREN and Erik Wijnands of Negakinu Photography at different locations.
"The Sighting Is A Portent Of Doom" comes off the band's CARACH ANGREN's second album, "Death Came Through A Phantom Ship", which was released in early 2010 via Maddening Media.
CARACH ANGREN's previous concept album, "Lammendam", was released in April 2008 via Maddening Media, the label run by LE GRAND GUIGNOL singer Philip Breuer.
Swedish death metallers SYN:DROM will enter Nevo studios in Sundsvall, Sweden on March 26 to begin recording their sophomore album for a late 2012 release via ViciSolum Productions. The new CD will be recorded, mixed and mastered by SYN:DROM members Roger Bergsten (guitar) and Daniel Mikaelsson (drums).
SYN:DROM previously stated that their forthcoming album would contain "the most powerful and aggressive material" the group has ever created.
A four-and-a-half-minute video clip containing behind-the-scenes footage from the pre-production sessions for the new CD can be seen below.
SYN:DROM's debut album, "With Flesh Unbound", came out in April 2010 via ViciSolum Productions.
The band previously described its musical direction as "high-quality death metal in the vein of HATE ETERNAL, AEON and DECAPITATED."
SYN:DROM is:
Jonny Pettersson (BONEGOD, MOURNING, HUMAN HARVEST) - Vocals
Roger Bergsten (PSYCHO POETRY, ex-HECTORITE) - Guitar
David Karlsson - Lead Guitar
Daniel Mikaelsson (MOURNING) - Drums
Daniel Åsén - Bass
SYN:DROM previously stated that their forthcoming album would contain "the most powerful and aggressive material" the group has ever created.
A four-and-a-half-minute video clip containing behind-the-scenes footage from the pre-production sessions for the new CD can be seen below.
SYN:DROM's debut album, "With Flesh Unbound", came out in April 2010 via ViciSolum Productions.
The band previously described its musical direction as "high-quality death metal in the vein of HATE ETERNAL, AEON and DECAPITATED."
SYN:DROM is:
Jonny Pettersson (BONEGOD, MOURNING, HUMAN HARVEST) - Vocals
Roger Bergsten (PSYCHO POETRY, ex-HECTORITE) - Guitar
David Karlsson - Lead Guitar
Daniel Mikaelsson (MOURNING) - Drums
Daniel Åsén - Bass
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