DEF LEPPARD recently joined the long list of rockers who have re-recorded their biggest hits in note-perfect renditions. Frontman Joe Elliott shed some light on the new "2012" versions of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages" now available at various digital retailers. Elliott told The Hollywood Reporter, "It's about principle. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was about money because the problem we've got is, [our former record company] want to pay us what we think is a ridiculously low rate.
He continued, "It's a well-known fact: Artists throughout the years have always been shafted by record companies. … The reason we're being so sticky about it is because two years ago, we made a deal with a gentleman at Universal who was pretty much on our side — he was a fan, a smart businessman and a fair guy — and we shook hands. Fifteen days later, somebody above his head said the deal's not going through. To an Englishman, when you shake hands, it's a binding contract, and Universal reneged on it. So we dug in our heels and said, 'We're gonna say a blanket no to anything that you ask for."
According to Elliott, DEF LEPPARD is in a unique position because they are one of few bands to have veto power. He said, "[Universal] can't release our back catalog, we're not going to let them put a song on a compilation unless we want it there, and they'll never be able to license. They won't be able to do anything without our permission because that's in our contract."
Asked to explain the crux of the band's argument, Elliott said, "We want to get the same rate for digital as we do when we sell CDs, and they're trying to give us a rate that doesn't even come close. They illegally put up our songs for a while, paying us the rate they chose without even negotiating with us, so we had our lawyer take them down.
He added, "When you do your own recordings, you're making about 85 percent and 15 percent goes to iTunes or whichever particular digital domain you put them up. Something along those lines would be fair. But they were offering us the opposite — a quarter of what we get paid on our CDs. So we thought if we can't get them to pay us a decent rate on the digital, then we're going to go in, re-record them and pay ourselves decently. Because we're not fighting against our own back catalog. If we put rerecords up against the originals, nobody would buy the re-records. So what we're trying to create is what they know by making as close as we can, forgeries of what we did in '83, '81, '87…"
He continued, "It's a well-known fact: Artists throughout the years have always been shafted by record companies. … The reason we're being so sticky about it is because two years ago, we made a deal with a gentleman at Universal who was pretty much on our side — he was a fan, a smart businessman and a fair guy — and we shook hands. Fifteen days later, somebody above his head said the deal's not going through. To an Englishman, when you shake hands, it's a binding contract, and Universal reneged on it. So we dug in our heels and said, 'We're gonna say a blanket no to anything that you ask for."
According to Elliott, DEF LEPPARD is in a unique position because they are one of few bands to have veto power. He said, "[Universal] can't release our back catalog, we're not going to let them put a song on a compilation unless we want it there, and they'll never be able to license. They won't be able to do anything without our permission because that's in our contract."
Asked to explain the crux of the band's argument, Elliott said, "We want to get the same rate for digital as we do when we sell CDs, and they're trying to give us a rate that doesn't even come close. They illegally put up our songs for a while, paying us the rate they chose without even negotiating with us, so we had our lawyer take them down.
He added, "When you do your own recordings, you're making about 85 percent and 15 percent goes to iTunes or whichever particular digital domain you put them up. Something along those lines would be fair. But they were offering us the opposite — a quarter of what we get paid on our CDs. So we thought if we can't get them to pay us a decent rate on the digital, then we're going to go in, re-record them and pay ourselves decently. Because we're not fighting against our own back catalog. If we put rerecords up against the originals, nobody would buy the re-records. So what we're trying to create is what they know by making as close as we can, forgeries of what we did in '83, '81, '87…"
Back in 1987, I heard a guitar riff for the first time that would change the face of music forever! That riff was the intro for "Welcome To The Jungle" off of the smash hit Appetite For Destruction. Today, "Welcome To The Jungle" can be heard in just about every sports arena or stadium in the U.S. The hits that followed like "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Paradise City," "You Could Be Mine," "Don't Cry," "November Rain," and "Civil War" became instant classics, making Guns 'N' Roses one of the most influential bands to come out of the '80s. Unlike the hair bands that dominated that era, GNR were different. They were dangerous!
The creator of these classic Guns 'N' Roses riffs, of course, was Slash, one of the most recognizable guitar players in rock and roll. He's the only guy that can successfully pull off his trademarked top hat, long, curly hair, and sunglasses. In 1994, while GNR was on a hiatus, he formed Slash's Snakepit, a side project that featured his GNR band mates Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke, along with Alice In Chains' Mike Inez and Jellyfish's Eric Dover. The group would go on to record Slash's material that was originally intended for GNR and released It's Five O'Clock Somewhere in 1995. In 1996, Slash officially left Guns 'N' Roses, which would ignite his much publicized feud with eccentric singer Axl Rose. For the next two years, the guitarist would tour with his blues rock cover band, Slash's Blues Ball. The following year he reformed Slash's Snakepit with a whole new lineup and in 2000, would release his second CD, Ain't Life Grand. He would spend the summer opening for AC/DC on their world tour to support the disc. Finally, in 2002, Slash's Snakepit would disband for the last time.
Later that year, during a tribute concert for the late Randy Castillo, Slash reunited with GNR's Sorum and Duff McKagan, leaving the trio to realize that they still had the chemistry they had in Guns 'N' Roses, so they decided to form a new band. They brought in another guitarist, Dave Kushner, who played in Duff's side project, Loaded. After many months of searching for a lead singer, Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland would join the group and Velvet Revolver was born, allowing Slash to shine once again. In 2003, Velvet Revolver released their first single, "Set Me Free," and the next year, their debut CD, Contraband, debuted at number one. A few years later, Velvet Revolver released their sophomore effort, Libertad. During a show in 2008, Weiland announced to the crowd that it would be the band's final tour and a month later, he parted ways with the group.
After Slash released his debut solo album, Slash, Velvet Revolver began writing new songs for their third CD while auditioning new singers, including Jersey's own Jimmy Gnecco. In the meantime, Slash would bring in Myles Kennedy, Bobby Schneck, Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz to help him promote his solo debut with a world tour.
In April 2011, Slash stated that Velvet Revolver still hadn't been able to find a suitable singer and will remain on hiatus while his fellow Revolver mates focus on other projects. He then began work on his second solo CD and this past May, Slash released his second solo effort, Apocalyptic Love, featuring the hit single, "You're A Lie." His bond with Kennedy grew so strong that when Guns 'N' Roses was recently inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and Axl Rose chose to decline a fan-craving one-time reunion with the original GNR lineup, it was Kennedy who stepped up to perform with the original lineup at the induction ceremony.
Slash, Kennedy and crew will be at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ, on Aug. 3, and The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY, on Aug. 4. I was recently given a few minutes with the legendary guitar hero to talk about the new album, Velvet Revolver and the tour. The transcription is below:
First of all, congratulations on becoming the newest star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame!
Oh, thank you (laughs). Yeah, it was very, very cool! On the personal level, it had a significant feeling for me because it was totally where I grew up and a lot of my young adult and adult experiences all across the board and every extreme happened all in that particular neighborhood. Even from when I started playing guitar in my first band, and even for Guns 'N' Roses, it was all within that fuckin' however many square mile radius. And so it was very sort of a…not what you call an achievement, but it was definitely sort of a very personal kind of milestone, I guess, for me.
Now, let's talk about your current lineup on Apocalyptic Love with Myles Kennedy. How did that collaboration come about?
It came about when we were touring off the last record. From the time that I met Myles all through the tour, I was really taken back at how awesome of a singer and songwriter he was, and not to mention a fantastic overall individual he is. And then I also have these great comrades-in-arms in Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns, and I just thought that if I was going to make another fuckin' record, I should just make it with these guys!
So far off of Apocalyptic Love, I've only heard the title-track, "You're A Lie," "Halo," "No More Heroes," and my personal favorite, "Anastasia." Were these songs all brand new or were some of these old riffs that you had lying around in the Slash riff Vault?
(Laughs) Well, thank you, but I don't really like to rehash old riffs, I like to move forward. There's not really a "Slash's riff vault" for that reason. So, everything that is on Apocalyptic Love is brand new and nothing is rehashed from Slash's riff vault (laughs).
How does it feel to be put in the same category as a Jimmy Page or a Joe Perry when it comes to legendary guitarists?
Dude, I'm not even going to answer that one! I don't even see myself in the same light as those two guys. In fact, they are the reason why I picked up the guitar in the first place and the only reason that I do what I do. To say that I fit in the same category as those guys would be an injustice to them, but I do appreciate the compliment!
Where do we stand with Velvet Revolver? Because, I remember seeing footage of my bud, Jimmy Gnecco, joining you guys on stage for a few songs. What happened there?
Actually, we jammed with Duff last night! Unfortunately, as for Velvet Revolver, we'll remain on a hiatus until we find the right singer to replace Scott. Jimmy Gnecco is an amazing singer and we really wanted to work with him. The unfortunate thing was that our schedules conflicted. Whenever we wanted to fly him out to work with us, he was already engaged in something else, but Jimmy was without a doubt the type of singer we were looking for! He was amazing!
Your tour hits The Wellmont Theatre on Aug. 3. When was the last time you played in Jersey and what can we expect to hear? All new stuff with some Velvet Revolver and GNR sprinkled in?
It's funny that you ask that. Our set seems to change every single night! We play stuff from Snakepit, my last solo record, and the new one, Apocalyptic Love, and we'll sprinkle in some Velvet Revolver stuff and GNR stuff that the fans want to hear, but the setlist changes almost every night. The one thing that does constant is that the set will be dirty, sludgy, sweaty, and heavy! As for the last time we played in Jersey, we were there last year only at a different venue. We're really looking forward to this show because we always have fun in Jersey!
Slash will be at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ, on Aug. 3, and The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY, on Aug. 4. For more information, go to slashonline.com.
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine will take part in a meet-and-greet and special autograph signing at Guitar Center in San Diego on August 15 at 7:00 p.m. The event is free to the public.
Purchase any Dean guitar the day of the event and get front-of-the-line access to Dave Mustaine's autograph signing.
For complete details, see the event poster below.
Guitar Center TV has uploaded video footage of MEGADETH guitarist Dave Mustaine demonstrating his Dean Dave Mustaine VMNT signature electric guitar.
MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", sold 42,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was recorded at Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California with producer Johnny K (full name: John Karkazis), who has previously worked with DISTURBED, SEVENDUST, MACHINE HEAD and STAIND, among others. The artwork was once again created by artist John Lorenzi, who worked on the last two MEGADETH studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame", as well as the band's 2007 box set, "Warchest".
"TH1RT3EN" marks the recorded return of bassist David Ellefson who was part of the band's classic lineup from 1983 to 2002. In a move that delighted the band's legion of diehards, Ellefson returned to performing live with MEGADETH in early 2010 and has remained a fixture on the stage ever since. This is the first time Ellefson has played on a MEGADETH record since 2002's "Rude Awakening".
Purchase any Dean guitar the day of the event and get front-of-the-line access to Dave Mustaine's autograph signing.
For complete details, see the event poster below.
Guitar Center TV has uploaded video footage of MEGADETH guitarist Dave Mustaine demonstrating his Dean Dave Mustaine VMNT signature electric guitar.
MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", sold 42,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was recorded at Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California with producer Johnny K (full name: John Karkazis), who has previously worked with DISTURBED, SEVENDUST, MACHINE HEAD and STAIND, among others. The artwork was once again created by artist John Lorenzi, who worked on the last two MEGADETH studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame", as well as the band's 2007 box set, "Warchest".
"TH1RT3EN" marks the recorded return of bassist David Ellefson who was part of the band's classic lineup from 1983 to 2002. In a move that delighted the band's legion of diehards, Ellefson returned to performing live with MEGADETH in early 2010 and has remained a fixture on the stage ever since. This is the first time Ellefson has played on a MEGADETH record since 2002's "Rude Awakening".
The official promotional photo of the new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup can be seen below (courtesy of Mike Savoia Photography).
The new QUEENSRŸCHE made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
In response to a number of questions regarding his vocal performance at the concert, the new QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre (also of CRIMSON GLORY) posted the following message on his Facebook page:
"I've been asked about backing vocal tracks and that many believe they are hearing [original QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff] Tate's voice on them. Let me clearly state that there are NO backing vocals with his voice in ANY songs with my performance. Any tracks that have accompanied backing vocals have all been re-recorded with my voice and Eddie's [Jackson, bass]. We don't use any tracks to fake a lead vocal with me, but to simple give a fuller nicer sound to a chorus as backing vocals, NOT to replace my lead vocal role. Yes, they are very similar and would naturally be heard as Geoff's, but they are not. All recordings are time-stamped and recorded in the computer and Pro Tools and my point is indisputable."
He added, "[I] just needed to clarify that, and I also sing the full chorus live to 'Empire' since some have asked me about that."
QUEENSRŸCHE's setlist for the Halfway Jam was as follows:
01. Queen Of The Reich
02. Speak
03. Neue Regel
04. Walk In The Shadows
05. En Force
06. I Don't Believe In Love
07. Child Of Fire
08. The Whisper
09. Warning
10. Spreading The Disease
11. The Needle Lies
12. Prophecy
13. Take Hold Of The Flame
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger
16. Empire
--------------
17. Wrathchild (IRON MAIDEN cover)
18. Jet City Woman
19. Roads To Madness
An audio-only recording of the "Roads To Madness" performance is available below.
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Geoff Tate and recruiting La Torre as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup previously played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
The new QUEENSRŸCHE made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
In response to a number of questions regarding his vocal performance at the concert, the new QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre (also of CRIMSON GLORY) posted the following message on his Facebook page:
"I've been asked about backing vocal tracks and that many believe they are hearing [original QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff] Tate's voice on them. Let me clearly state that there are NO backing vocals with his voice in ANY songs with my performance. Any tracks that have accompanied backing vocals have all been re-recorded with my voice and Eddie's [Jackson, bass]. We don't use any tracks to fake a lead vocal with me, but to simple give a fuller nicer sound to a chorus as backing vocals, NOT to replace my lead vocal role. Yes, they are very similar and would naturally be heard as Geoff's, but they are not. All recordings are time-stamped and recorded in the computer and Pro Tools and my point is indisputable."
He added, "[I] just needed to clarify that, and I also sing the full chorus live to 'Empire' since some have asked me about that."
QUEENSRŸCHE's setlist for the Halfway Jam was as follows:
01. Queen Of The Reich
02. Speak
03. Neue Regel
04. Walk In The Shadows
05. En Force
06. I Don't Believe In Love
07. Child Of Fire
08. The Whisper
09. Warning
10. Spreading The Disease
11. The Needle Lies
12. Prophecy
13. Take Hold Of The Flame
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger
16. Empire
--------------
17. Wrathchild (IRON MAIDEN cover)
18. Jet City Woman
19. Roads To Madness
An audio-only recording of the "Roads To Madness" performance is available below.
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Geoff Tate and recruiting La Torre as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup previously played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/queensryche2012new.jpg
The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup has been confirmed for the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, which will embark on its second voyage from March 16 to March 20, 2013.
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this cruise will visit the private island of CocoCay, plus Nassau, Bahamas with a rockin' bonus day at sea, sailing the emerald waters in this unprecedented floating heavy metal festival.
For one all-inclusive price, fans will enjoy a myriad of special heavy metal concerts, events and activities, designed to please the most discerning rock 'n' roll metalhead. While the music is the centerpiece, this is more than a concert cruise event. It is fantasy camp designed for interaction between artists and fans. The fun will begin the moment fans begin to board the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert.
For more information, visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com.
The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with singer Geoff Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup previously played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this cruise will visit the private island of CocoCay, plus Nassau, Bahamas with a rockin' bonus day at sea, sailing the emerald waters in this unprecedented floating heavy metal festival.
For one all-inclusive price, fans will enjoy a myriad of special heavy metal concerts, events and activities, designed to please the most discerning rock 'n' roll metalhead. While the music is the centerpiece, this is more than a concert cruise event. It is fantasy camp designed for interaction between artists and fans. The fun will begin the moment fans begin to board the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert.
For more information, visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com.
The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup made its official live debut as the headliner of the last day of this year's Halfway Jam, which took place July 26-28 in Royalton, Minnesota.
QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with singer Geoff Tate and recruiting powerhouse vocalist Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement. The new QUEENSRŸCHE lineup previously played two shows in their home city of Seattle under the name RISING WEST.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,
Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.
If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.
In the meantime, Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, along with Lundgren and La Torre have launched a new web site at QueensrycheOfficial.com.
Lundgren was briefly married to Geoff's stepdaughter Miranda; they have since divorced.
Michael Christopher of The Boston Phoenix recently conducted an interview with former PANTERA and current DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On how he remembers his time in PANTERA:
Anselmo: "I miss the days, I long for the days, sometimes, and I miss [late PANTERA guitarist] Dimebag very, very much. There's a plethora of emotions, and to dwell on the past doesn't feel healthy for me and when I think about those days. It's not like I try to think of all the good stuff; it kind of comes naturally, especially 'Vulgar Display Of Power' and that whole touring cycle and the change in the audience and their perception of us. When we toured 'Cowboys From Hell', there was a very lukewarm if not awful response. But when you back it up with a record like 'Vulgar Display', that's when the tide did turn — rapidly, to say the fucking least. There were some extremely educational, memorable, cherishable times in my life."
On a long-rumored VAN HALEN cover track that was recorded by PANTERA but never released:
Anselmo: "We used to fuck with all kinds of songs. Obviously we did that ridiculous version of 'Cat Scratch Fever' for some movie soundtrack ['Detroit Rock City'], that dickface Ted Nugent. Shit, dude, we would kick into KANSAS and all kinds of shit. What you said does ring a bell; I think it was something like 'Outta Love Again', I wonder where that shit is. And here's another one for ya: I never did sing on the motherfucker, that old Phil Collins [he starts singing 'I Don't Care Anymore'], we did a version of that, and it's somewhere. But there really probably isn't any original material left, but cover tunes and shit like that. If there was the proper amount of digging, we could find all kinds of shit."
On the constant media portrayal of metal fans on the whole as uneducated lunkheads:
Anselmo: "We haven't helped. There's been a lot of things that have not helped us. I remember being flown into New York when MTV was going through some kind of change-up in the early 2000s, and they wanted me to be the host of 'Headbangers Ball'. First of all, the name of the show sucks — it fucking sucks, it's cheesy as fuck. Why don't you just call it the 'Extreme Music Hour' or something like that and give it some fucking credibility — because honestly, there's great musicians in heavy metal. Look at some of the great guitar players. . . But heavy metal has always gotten the meathead rap, and you know, hey, honestly I haven't fucking helped. I've made more bad decisions than great decisions in my fucking life, and I regret a lot of things I've said onstage, a lot of actions I've done onstage, and a lot of trouble that I've got into, because all it does is bring bad publicity to heavy metal. It kind of makes us, heavy metallers, a sovereign state in a lot of ways. We might not get as much big-time praise from mainstream media, but let them call us meatheads, let them think we're ignorant, and let them keep writing awful music — and I'll keep calling it awful and we'll just be even at that."
On how he remembers his time in PANTERA:
Anselmo: "I miss the days, I long for the days, sometimes, and I miss [late PANTERA guitarist] Dimebag very, very much. There's a plethora of emotions, and to dwell on the past doesn't feel healthy for me and when I think about those days. It's not like I try to think of all the good stuff; it kind of comes naturally, especially 'Vulgar Display Of Power' and that whole touring cycle and the change in the audience and their perception of us. When we toured 'Cowboys From Hell', there was a very lukewarm if not awful response. But when you back it up with a record like 'Vulgar Display', that's when the tide did turn — rapidly, to say the fucking least. There were some extremely educational, memorable, cherishable times in my life."
On a long-rumored VAN HALEN cover track that was recorded by PANTERA but never released:
Anselmo: "We used to fuck with all kinds of songs. Obviously we did that ridiculous version of 'Cat Scratch Fever' for some movie soundtrack ['Detroit Rock City'], that dickface Ted Nugent. Shit, dude, we would kick into KANSAS and all kinds of shit. What you said does ring a bell; I think it was something like 'Outta Love Again', I wonder where that shit is. And here's another one for ya: I never did sing on the motherfucker, that old Phil Collins [he starts singing 'I Don't Care Anymore'], we did a version of that, and it's somewhere. But there really probably isn't any original material left, but cover tunes and shit like that. If there was the proper amount of digging, we could find all kinds of shit."
On the constant media portrayal of metal fans on the whole as uneducated lunkheads:
Anselmo: "We haven't helped. There's been a lot of things that have not helped us. I remember being flown into New York when MTV was going through some kind of change-up in the early 2000s, and they wanted me to be the host of 'Headbangers Ball'. First of all, the name of the show sucks — it fucking sucks, it's cheesy as fuck. Why don't you just call it the 'Extreme Music Hour' or something like that and give it some fucking credibility — because honestly, there's great musicians in heavy metal. Look at some of the great guitar players. . . But heavy metal has always gotten the meathead rap, and you know, hey, honestly I haven't fucking helped. I've made more bad decisions than great decisions in my fucking life, and I regret a lot of things I've said onstage, a lot of actions I've done onstage, and a lot of trouble that I've got into, because all it does is bring bad publicity to heavy metal. It kind of makes us, heavy metallers, a sovereign state in a lot of ways. We might not get as much big-time praise from mainstream media, but let them call us meatheads, let them think we're ignorant, and let them keep writing awful music — and I'll keep calling it awful and we'll just be even at that."
According to The Batavian, 21 people were arrested or cited during the August 1 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York. Of the four people arrested, a 49-year-old man and a 27-year-old male were charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the parking lot; a 23-year-old man was charged with trespass after allegedly climbing a light pole inside the concert venue; and a 51-year-old male was charged with DWI and Driving with more than .08 BAC after allegedly driving in the parking lot intoxicated. Seven people were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and 10 others were issued citations for alleged consumtion/possession of alcohol under age 21.
Regarding the lower number of underage drinking citations, Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble said SLIPKNOT and SLAYER — who are headlining this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival — draw a slightly older crowd than, say, Toby Keith. "We still went out looking for violations, we just didn't find too many," Dibble said.
Dibble didn't have the exact attendance figures, but the the projected attendance (which the Sheriff's Office uses to guage the size of its enforcement and traffic detail) was 6,500.
Regarding the lower number of underage drinking citations, Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble said SLIPKNOT and SLAYER — who are headlining this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival — draw a slightly older crowd than, say, Toby Keith. "We still went out looking for violations, we just didn't find too many," Dibble said.
Dibble didn't have the exact attendance figures, but the the projected attendance (which the Sheriff's Office uses to guage the size of its enforcement and traffic detail) was 6,500.
Since releasing Worship Music last September, Anthrax have been going nonstop. And after their current stint headlining the second stage on Mayhem Fest, the thrash legends will be right back on the road touring again with Testament and Death Angel. Yet somehow, Anthrax have been finding time to record a handful of covers. Although, it turns out that they're not as complete as we originally thought.
While backstage at Mayhem Fest's stop in Camden, NJ, guitarist Rob Caggiano was kind enough to clarify the status and plan behind Anthrax's recent covers. In addition to that, we spoke to Caggiano about the status of his other projects (including Temple Of The Black Moon and The Damned Things), his experience as a producer, and the highlights from this year's Mayhem Fest.
[Note: this interview was conducted prior to drummer Charlie Benante's arrest]
I know that you guys have been recording an EP of covers.
No, it's not an EP. Basically, we have a bunch of different cover tunes that are all at different states of completion at this point. We did a Black Sabbath song, "Neon Knights," for the Dio tribute album. That's completely done and that's coming out soon. The other tunes, actually Scott and I were just talking about doing some recording on the bus before this tour is over.
So it's not even completed?
Well the Dio song is, but the other songs aren't. Joey still hasn't sang them, I have to do the leads and stuff, Scott has to play some guitar. We're going to finish them some point very soon, but I think there's going to be a re-release of the album [Worship Music], some bonus tracks. They're going to be used for different things. But the whole EP rumor, I'm not really sure where that came from [laughs].
How did you guys come about choosing the songs to cover? Did have a say in what you guys recorded?
Yeah, it's really just about having fun with the cover tunes. Basically, it's tunes that we all love and connect with and stuff that inspired us over the years, and that's pretty much the basis for it when we pick the tunes.
Is there one song that you kind of wish the band covered but that maybe got outvoted on?
There's a tune that we recorded that's actually pretty much done, but it's not going to get finished because I don't think Joey [Belladonna, singer] wants to sing it [laughs].
Which one was that?
It's AC/DC, "Whole Lotta Rosie." It's one of my favorite tunes.
Really? That would have been a lot of fun to hear!
Well, we ended up doing a lot of different ones. We ended up doing, "TNT," as well. So, he did the vocals on that and came out awesome.
So of course Anthrax has been keeping you busy enough. However, I was wondering what's the situation with Temple of the Black Moon [Rob's black metal supergroup]?
Basically, it's Anthrax full swing right now. We have enough material for almost two albums for Temple of the Black Moon. It's just a matter of the stars need to align and schedules need to work, but at some point soon that's going to get recorded, and I'm pretty excited about that.
What state is the band at right now?
We have days and days of demos. Tom [King Ov Hell] and I, we've been working on this for a long time, going back and forth with writing and different ideas. We have tons and tons of material. Right now it's just Anthrax is so full on, the touring has been really, really intense in this whole cycle.
So I guess the same thing goes for The Damned Things [Rob's group with Scott Ian and members of Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die]?
Yeah, exactly. We did our cycle. We put the record out, we toured the world, and we had a blast doing it. Hopefully one day soon it will happen again. But right now, Keith [Buckley] is doing Every Time I Die on the Warped Tour, Joe [Trohman] and Josh [Newton] have a new band called With Knives that they're working on, and Scott and I are obviously out here. We're all doing different things. Like I said before, the stars need to align for something like that to happen. I think they will.
In addition to your guitar playing, you've been highly noted as a producer. What would you say is the biggest difficulty that fans on the outside don't realize?
Biggest difficulty? That's an interesting question. Can I change the question a little? [laughs]
Please do!
I'll talk about the pitfalls and certain things that I work really hard to stay away from. Basically, what I find today is a lot of records sound the same. Years ago, you put on a U2, a Van Halen, or a Metallica album, and they all had their own sound. If you could picture listening to a U2 song, without the vocals, you still know it's U2. You take "Hot for Teacher," without David Roth's vocals, do you know its Van Halen? Of course you do. These days, a lot of these records come out and it's the same snare drum sound, same guitar sound, same kick-drum sound. If you take the vocals off, it can be any fucking band. And that's one of the things I try to stay away from. I treat each record as its own identity, its own thing, and try to give it its own sound, its own life. It's not easy sometimes.
How do you make sure each album has it's "own" sound and identity?
It depends, different things. Basically, it just boils down to the sounds and how you capture the energy. With a band like Anthrax, for me it was all about capturing the energy of what the band actually is. When a band like Anthrax plays in a room, there's a certain magic that happens that if you don't capture it, we suck, basically [laughs]. You gotta keep that intact, and that's what gives the music its life.
I know this might be like choosing your favorite child, but do you have one album that you're particularly the most proud of?
I'm really proud of Worship Music. There are a few records that I've done over the years. There's a band called A Life Once Lost, I did their album Hunter years ago [2005] and I'm really happy with the way that came out. It's a kick-ass metal record. Great guitar player in that band, too. Cradle Of Filth's Nymphetamine, that was a lot of fun to make that album, and it was Grammy nominated. I kind of tend to not look back as much, and kind of live in the moment, and I'm really proud of this new Anthrax album. The response it's been getting feels really good.
Is there one particular band that you'd love to produce?
Wow. There's a bunch of them.
Note, this could also be your way of pitching, to said band.
[laughs] I'd love to work with Van Halen. I'd love to work with Metallica too, actually. That would be a blast, to make an evil record [laughs].
How would you approach those albums? I mean, considering those are bands with such a huge legacy and the possible egos involved as well, how would you approach those?
That's actually a good question. A lot of it is getting to know each person in the band, their personalities, how they do what they do and how they like to do things because all of that stuff gets factored in when you're working on a record. You've got to kind of ride the waves a little bit, so to speak. I've been doing this a really long time, so I'm pretty used to it. I've worked with some crazy people [laughs].
You've been on Mayhem Fest for a few weeks now. So far, what's been the highlight of the tour?
This tour's been crazy. The shows have been great. The crowds have been over the top. It has been extremely hot, though. We've played some really hot days. I think when we played in Oklahoma City, it was 117 degrees on stage. We were all literally dying, almost passing out. That's how crazy it was. I remember walking back to the bus after the show was done and putting my hand on the handle and almost falling down [laughs]. Belladonna was slurring for two hours after the show [laughs].
One of the highlights was the Motörhead party the other night. That was fun. They've been throwing parties every few days on this tour. Every band has a chance to throw a party or a theme, that kind of thing, so it's been cool. Slipknot party was the other night, that was fun too.
Jeff Niesel of Scene magazine recently conducted an interview with guitarist Jason Hook of Las Vegas metallers FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Scene: The band started in Los Angeles but you all live in Vegas now?
Jason: Yeah, we all moved to Vegas over the course of the last three years. It has mostly to do with the fact that we started in L.A. but when any band starts operating on an international level, you're never home and you're always traveling and touring. In Vegas, we all secured these great houses for half price. The city can be in complete disaster but all we need is an airport. It seemed to make logical sense. Getting to L.A. from here is no big deal.
Scene: Talk about what it was like playing shows in Iraq?
Jason: Well, we have been there twice. We went to Kuwait the second time to cheer up a bunch of our friends who work for the military. It's designed to be a morale lifter and they get a sense for what the guys want and we were on the top of the list. We're happy to donate our time to make those guys feel better. That's not on the regular beaten path of any circuit. It's a rare opportunity for us to see something you don't normally get to see.
Scene: Are the songs [on the latest FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH album, "American Capitalist"] written about the country's economic collapse?
Jason: Not really. We just like the mentality of capitalism. Everyone is trying to get ahead and trying to strike it rich or come up with an idea and trying to capitalize. Some are better than others. I think it's a good thing. The people who are successful don't accidentally fall into the successful hole. It usually comes from motivation, intelligence and hard work. Those are the people who inspire me. I don't relate to the guy who sits on the sidewalk with a sign that says "I'm getting screwed." For me, I'm from Canada, so I busted my ass trying to learn and grow and take chances and risks. To call the record "American Capitalist" is saying we're A-type personalities and that's supposed to inspire.
Scene: The band started in Los Angeles but you all live in Vegas now?
Jason: Yeah, we all moved to Vegas over the course of the last three years. It has mostly to do with the fact that we started in L.A. but when any band starts operating on an international level, you're never home and you're always traveling and touring. In Vegas, we all secured these great houses for half price. The city can be in complete disaster but all we need is an airport. It seemed to make logical sense. Getting to L.A. from here is no big deal.
Scene: Talk about what it was like playing shows in Iraq?
Jason: Well, we have been there twice. We went to Kuwait the second time to cheer up a bunch of our friends who work for the military. It's designed to be a morale lifter and they get a sense for what the guys want and we were on the top of the list. We're happy to donate our time to make those guys feel better. That's not on the regular beaten path of any circuit. It's a rare opportunity for us to see something you don't normally get to see.
Scene: Are the songs [on the latest FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH album, "American Capitalist"] written about the country's economic collapse?
Jason: Not really. We just like the mentality of capitalism. Everyone is trying to get ahead and trying to strike it rich or come up with an idea and trying to capitalize. Some are better than others. I think it's a good thing. The people who are successful don't accidentally fall into the successful hole. It usually comes from motivation, intelligence and hard work. Those are the people who inspire me. I don't relate to the guy who sits on the sidewalk with a sign that says "I'm getting screwed." For me, I'm from Canada, so I busted my ass trying to learn and grow and take chances and risks. To call the record "American Capitalist" is saying we're A-type personalities and that's supposed to inspire.
Since Rudy Sarzo turned up on heavy metal's radar in the early '80s as Ozzy Osbourne's bassist, he's made a career out of providing the low end to a bevy of heavy, household-name bands, from Whitesnake and Quiet Riot to Dio and Blue Öyster Cult.
However, Sarzo recently left BÖC to concentrate on a fairly new project, Animetal USA, a new version of a successful Japan-based power-metal band that reigned from 1996 to 2006.
Animetal USA includes singer Mike Vescera (who goes by "Metal-Rider" in the band), guitarist Chris Impellitteri ("Speed King"), Sarzo ("Stormbringer") and former Slayer drummer Jon Dette ("Tank"), who replaced Judas Priest's Scott Travis due to the ongoing success of Priest's Epitaph Tour.
How to sum up the Animetal USA experience? Try mentally melding Japanese-style anime with speed metal.
"Animetal USA really excited me to be able to play more of the speed metal style," Sarzo says. "To play at 160, 180 bpm doing 16 beats. I never played like that with Whitesnake, I never played like that even with Quiet Riot, so this gives me a fresh challenge. It's also is an outlet to put my creativity playing in speed-metal style."
Below, Sarzo discusses the new album, reflects on his early days with Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads and discusses the future.
GUITAR WORLD: How did Animetal USA come about?
The band is Mike Vescera, our singer. He was a member of band called Loudness, which was one of Japan's most significant metal bands. They were very popular in Japan, so he has been living in Japan for about two years. While he was there, he became a fan of anime. A few years ago, there was band called Animetal, and they did what we do, which was basically take anime theme songs and do them in the style of heavy metal or speed metal. We're basically more of a speed metal band.
Animetal ceased to exist a few years back, so a couple of years ago, Mike was having a conversation with our record company, Sony Music. He was talking about the idea of resurrecting the whole concept of Animetal. So we're now called Animetal USA. The reason I was asked to join the band is I'm a 3D animator, I do graphics, compositing, animation and all that, and I'm fan of anime, being one of the most influential art forms of visual art that there is. Also I had toured in Japan with Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake and Dio.
Then next came to getting a guitar player, Chris Impellitteri, which was one of the most popular guitar players in Japan with his own group, Impellitteri. The guy is just an amazing, amazing musician. On our first record, Scott Travis of Judas Priest was the drummer, but he's so busy with his schedule with Judas Priest; when it came time to perform in Japan we recruited Jon Dette, who had been a member of Testament and Slayer. So that's our band.
When we went in to record our second album, that was the group. We have two albums on Sony Music. The first is called Animetal USA. The second is called W. it's a very famous phrase in the anime world. It's distributed throughout the world through Century Music. Through Century Music we basically have what's called the Special Edition, which is songs taken from the first and second albums.
As a bassist, are you playing differently with Animetal USA than with any of your other bands?
It's always refreshing where you can play with a group where you can actually use certain musical skills you didn't get to practice with other bands. One of the things that enabled me to go toward playing with Ozzy to Quiet Riot to Whitesnake to Dio to Animetal USA is the fact that I can adapt to the style of the band. With Animetal USA, it excited me to be able to play more of the speed metal style. To play at 160, 180 bpm doing 16 beats -- I never played like that with Whitesnake, I never played like that even with Quiet Riot, so this gives me a whole fresh challenge. It's also an outlet to put my creativity playing in speed metal style.
Are you still using Peavey basses?
I do still play Peavey basses, which is what I played on both albums. I use a four-string and the five-string. There's a lot of different tuning, a lot of drop tuning. So sometimes instead of me dropping down to a C, I actually tune my D string to a C, which actually gives me a tighter feel, especially when I'm playing really fast -- anything from 140 beats and above. It gives me better articulation and clarity in my count. It's ideal to have a tighter string.
With the Peavey, the neck is stained, not painted. When that's the case, do you feel the vibrations in the wood?
That's exactly what it is. After playing all these years, I've noticed that the more bare the wood is ... when I test a base I never plug it in. I pick it up and I see how it feels acoustically. I look at my left hand as a grip, and if I feel the vibration, that is a sign of a great instrument.
Do you use Peavey amps?
No, I haven't used Peavey amps since Whitesnake. There was a period where I was using Ampeg prior to Whitesnake and Quiet Riot. With Ozzy I used mainly Ampeg, but in the '70s, I was using Acoustic and recently I started playing with Acoustic amps again, and I just love it. With Animetal USA, every single track and performance I do live is with my Acoustic amps. I just can't believe the clarity, the punch, the volume. Actually, for the first time I have to put the amp as far away from me as possible. The volume, the clarity is just so overwhelming.
You were good friends with Randy Rhoads, who died in 1982. Do you still see his influence today -- and do you still think about him?
I think about him enough to have to sit down and write a book to answer the No. 1 question I get asked around the world: What was it like to play with Randy Rhoads? He's such an influential musician even today, 30 years after his passing. The way I put it is, in any post-Randy Rhoads guitar player, I always hear some kind of influence in their performance, even in their compositional style. Every time I receive an email or a message on Facebook or whatever, from kids, young guitar players, 10, 14 years old, they say, "Man, I discovered Randy Rhoads. He's my favorite guitar player."
That really touches me because it's great to hear a new generation giving Randy the credit he deserves for being the well where most guitar players drink from. He has influenced generations and still does. So do I think of Randy every day? Of course I do. We all do. All of us that got to know him and perform with him. We have that common. We'll never lose that bond, that thread, our admiration toward Randy as a musician and as a friend.
A long time ago, you were feuding with Ozzy and a few other people. Is all that in the past now?
Yes, yes. Silly things happen. If you look at the big picture, you look more at what we have in common than what we have not. At the end of the day, that's what always takes precedence. As a matter of fact, I'll be doing a lot of interviews on behalf of Ozzy and Sharon for the latest release of the Speak of the Devil DVD. Everything is really wonderful between the Osbournes and me, which is the way it should be. Because if you ask me what the most significant group in my career was, it has to be being a member of the Ozzy Osbourne band. They gave me my first break, they took a chance on me, a complete unknown, just based on Randy's recommendation. If it wasn't for them we would probably not be having this conversation. I owe my career to Sharon, Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.
For someone who has been in the metal circuit for more than 30 years, how do you feel it has evolved or changed?
When I look up my influences, I can look back as far as Hendrix, to me the first metal influence, and then bands like Vanilla Fudge, which were metal and progressive. Then it keeps evolving -- Led Zeppelin, The Who, Deep Purple. They're all part of the roots of the metal tree, and then it evolves. In the '70s, it kept evolving. It branched out to prog-rock, then Judas Priest, then to be a part of the new wave of metal with Ozzy, British metal. To tour with Ozzy with bands like UFO; then with Quiet Riot with bands like Iron Maiden. I see it has a huge tree with some really deep roots that just keep branching out.
Animetal USA's self-titled debut (Buy it on iTunes) is gold-certified in Japan. Their latest album, Animetal USA W, came out June 6 (Available as an import only at this point).
For more about Animetal USA, check out their official website and Facebook page.
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell, who is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with his former GREAT WHITE bandmates over the rights to the group's name, has posted the following message on his Facebook page:
"A friend of mine just showed me an interview with my former guitarist Mark Kendall [of GREAT WHITE]. In this interview, he insinuates and/or alleges that I am not sober. Ordinarily I do not let such idiotic and slanderous comments bother me, as I must consider the source, but at this point I have had enough!
"My A.A. sponsor, who has been sober for twenty six years, will verify along with anyone else in my life that I AM SOBER. I will take my one-year cake and coin on August 10th.
"[Addressing Kendall directly] Do me a favor, worry about your own sobriety and quit taking cheap pot shots at me in the press while acting like a 'concerned old friend.'
"Remember, Mark, you were one of my dear old friends who never even called me once while I was in a coma for five days in the hospital. So for you to come off now like you are seriously concerned about my welfare is insulting. You are not fooling anyone, certainly not me.
"I wish you would stop 'wishing me nothing but the best' after doing your best to throw me under the bus.
"I propose from now on, if we don't have anything good to say about each other, let's just not say anything at all."
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE recently took part in the "America Rocks" tour alongside FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE.
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with the other touring and recording version of GREAT WHITE, which features Mark Kendall, Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals).
When asked if he has heard the new album, "Elation", from the "other" version of GREAT WHITE, Russell said, "I haven't. I have no need to. I know what it's going to sound like, it's not going to sound like what I'd want to hear anyway. It would just kind of make me feel bad because it's not going to sound like GREAT WHITE. Good, bad or indifferent, it's not going to be a GREAT WHITE album. . . You can't take a lead vocalist out. That's the one thing that distinguishes each band from another. Every guitar kind of sounds the same, every guitar player that is decent can play another guy's riffs. There have been a couple of bands that have been successful after changing lead singers — like you look at VAN HALEN when they got Sammy [Hagar]. He's a great singer and a friend, but I don't want to hear him sing the songs of David Lee Roth. They should have changed the name of the band to VAN HAGAR. That's the way I feel about any band. There's been talk from some people that Ronnie James Dio went in after Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH was still great. Well, okay, great, he did but it still wasn't BLACK SABBATH to me. . . . You can have a guy, like the guy that is now singing for JOURNEY. He sounds like Steve Perry, but it's still not the same. Not everybody feels that way, but whatever they do, I wish them the best."
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is:
Jack Russell - Vocals
Robby Lochner (FIGHT) - Guitar
Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) - Guitar
Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) - Bass
Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) - Drums
Russell filed a lawsuit against his estranged bandmates in March claiming that they fired him and stole the group's name while he was recovering from surgery to repair a perforated bowel. Named in the complaint were Kendall, Desbrow, Lardie and talent agency Bigg Time Entertainment. Kendall, Desbrow and Lardie responded with a 30-page counterclaim, filed on April 24 in a federal court in Los Angeles, accusing their former frontman of, among other things, "miss[ing] 80 performances in 18 months" before leaving the band; "irreparably damag[ing]" their "market reputation" by putting on performances that "are not up to the standard of GREAT WHITE; and misleading the public by stating that the musicians in Jack's new band "were once full members of GREAT WHITE." They also accuse Russell's new bandmates of "profit[ing] from their wrongful affiliation with the GREAT WHITE brand."
"A friend of mine just showed me an interview with my former guitarist Mark Kendall [of GREAT WHITE]. In this interview, he insinuates and/or alleges that I am not sober. Ordinarily I do not let such idiotic and slanderous comments bother me, as I must consider the source, but at this point I have had enough!
"My A.A. sponsor, who has been sober for twenty six years, will verify along with anyone else in my life that I AM SOBER. I will take my one-year cake and coin on August 10th.
"[Addressing Kendall directly] Do me a favor, worry about your own sobriety and quit taking cheap pot shots at me in the press while acting like a 'concerned old friend.'
"Remember, Mark, you were one of my dear old friends who never even called me once while I was in a coma for five days in the hospital. So for you to come off now like you are seriously concerned about my welfare is insulting. You are not fooling anyone, certainly not me.
"I wish you would stop 'wishing me nothing but the best' after doing your best to throw me under the bus.
"I propose from now on, if we don't have anything good to say about each other, let's just not say anything at all."
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE recently took part in the "America Rocks" tour alongside FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE.
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with the other touring and recording version of GREAT WHITE, which features Mark Kendall, Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals).
When asked if he has heard the new album, "Elation", from the "other" version of GREAT WHITE, Russell said, "I haven't. I have no need to. I know what it's going to sound like, it's not going to sound like what I'd want to hear anyway. It would just kind of make me feel bad because it's not going to sound like GREAT WHITE. Good, bad or indifferent, it's not going to be a GREAT WHITE album. . . You can't take a lead vocalist out. That's the one thing that distinguishes each band from another. Every guitar kind of sounds the same, every guitar player that is decent can play another guy's riffs. There have been a couple of bands that have been successful after changing lead singers — like you look at VAN HALEN when they got Sammy [Hagar]. He's a great singer and a friend, but I don't want to hear him sing the songs of David Lee Roth. They should have changed the name of the band to VAN HAGAR. That's the way I feel about any band. There's been talk from some people that Ronnie James Dio went in after Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH was still great. Well, okay, great, he did but it still wasn't BLACK SABBATH to me. . . . You can have a guy, like the guy that is now singing for JOURNEY. He sounds like Steve Perry, but it's still not the same. Not everybody feels that way, but whatever they do, I wish them the best."
JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is:
Jack Russell - Vocals
Robby Lochner (FIGHT) - Guitar
Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) - Guitar
Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) - Bass
Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) - Drums
Russell filed a lawsuit against his estranged bandmates in March claiming that they fired him and stole the group's name while he was recovering from surgery to repair a perforated bowel. Named in the complaint were Kendall, Desbrow, Lardie and talent agency Bigg Time Entertainment. Kendall, Desbrow and Lardie responded with a 30-page counterclaim, filed on April 24 in a federal court in Los Angeles, accusing their former frontman of, among other things, "miss[ing] 80 performances in 18 months" before leaving the band; "irreparably damag[ing]" their "market reputation" by putting on performances that "are not up to the standard of GREAT WHITE; and misleading the public by stating that the musicians in Jack's new band "were once full members of GREAT WHITE." They also accuse Russell's new bandmates of "profit[ing] from their wrongful affiliation with the GREAT WHITE brand."
Avid motorcyclist and famed guitarist Neal Schon will help lead the fifth annual Legends Ride on Monday August 6 to kick off the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
Schon, along with actress Kristy Swanson, legendary motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel and iconic custom motorcycle builders Arlen, Cory and Zack Ness, will be joining hundreds of riders at the event in support of the Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.
Led by Schon, the Legends Ride departs Deadwood on a 55-mile guided tour of the scenic canyons of the Black Hills to a reception at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. After the ride and catered reception, JOURNEY will take over the main stage of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip to unleash their hits such as "Wheel In the Sky", "Anyway You Want It" and "Don't Stop Believing".
"The Legends Ride is a great opportunity to spend the day on my bike with some good friends and fans for a great cause," says Neal Schon.
The Legends Ride has raised more than $240,000 for the local charities since its inception four years ago. 100% of riders contributions go to benefit programs such a new bus and fuel for the Special Olympics travel needs. The new bus will be unveiled at this year's Legends Ride.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.LegendsRide.com or call (605) 347-9000.
JOURNEY's 2012 tour is scheduled through December, with most dates featuring special guests Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo and LOVERBOY.
Schon, along with actress Kristy Swanson, legendary motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel and iconic custom motorcycle builders Arlen, Cory and Zack Ness, will be joining hundreds of riders at the event in support of the Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.
Led by Schon, the Legends Ride departs Deadwood on a 55-mile guided tour of the scenic canyons of the Black Hills to a reception at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. After the ride and catered reception, JOURNEY will take over the main stage of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip to unleash their hits such as "Wheel In the Sky", "Anyway You Want It" and "Don't Stop Believing".
"The Legends Ride is a great opportunity to spend the day on my bike with some good friends and fans for a great cause," says Neal Schon.
The Legends Ride has raised more than $240,000 for the local charities since its inception four years ago. 100% of riders contributions go to benefit programs such a new bus and fuel for the Special Olympics travel needs. The new bus will be unveiled at this year's Legends Ride.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.LegendsRide.com or call (605) 347-9000.
JOURNEY's 2012 tour is scheduled through December, with most dates featuring special guests Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo and LOVERBOY.
ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano (pictured below) is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking to Metal Insider, Caggiano said, "It's definitely something that's been really bugging me lately, especially since we were just with Randy in Europe right before this tour started. He's got some pretty funny drunk pictures of me from Germany on his phone. [laughs] But yeah, we love those guys. It's such a crazy thing to watch this happen. It's real scary too because it affects everybody. If you're an entertainer in any way, shape, or form, you're a target. That's what this means. He didn't do anything wrong. If you're a fan and are going to jump on a stage, you should accept the responsibility of whatever happens. You're not supposed to be on the fucking stage, that's the bottom line. It's so crazy."
Asked about whether the incident has scared him from performing on stage, Caggiano said, "Am I scared? No. Ever since the whole Dimebag [late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist who was killed while performing on stage] thing, too, I think we all look at things a little differently. We all realized that anything can happen. But we love what we do, and that's the bottom line. That's what keeps us going."
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.
Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking to Metal Insider, Caggiano said, "It's definitely something that's been really bugging me lately, especially since we were just with Randy in Europe right before this tour started. He's got some pretty funny drunk pictures of me from Germany on his phone. [laughs] But yeah, we love those guys. It's such a crazy thing to watch this happen. It's real scary too because it affects everybody. If you're an entertainer in any way, shape, or form, you're a target. That's what this means. He didn't do anything wrong. If you're a fan and are going to jump on a stage, you should accept the responsibility of whatever happens. You're not supposed to be on the fucking stage, that's the bottom line. It's so crazy."
Asked about whether the incident has scared him from performing on stage, Caggiano said, "Am I scared? No. Ever since the whole Dimebag [late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist who was killed while performing on stage] thing, too, I think we all look at things a little differently. We all realized that anything can happen. But we love what we do, and that's the bottom line. That's what keeps us going."
Canadian metallers KITTIE will release a best-of compilation, "Not So… Safe", on September11 via eOne Music. The collection will feature tracks from the band's records "Spit" (1999), "Oracle" (2001), "Safe" (2002), "In The Black" (2009) and "I've Failed You" (2011).
"Not So… Safe" track listing:
01. Brackish
02. Charlotte
03. Spit
04. Paper Doll
05. What I Always Wanted
06. Run Like Hell
07. Safe (KMFDM Inc. Remix)
08. Into The Darkness
09. Look So Pretty
10. Cut Throat
11. My Plague
12. Do You Think... (live)
Bassist Trish Doan recently rejoined KITTIE as the replacement for Ivy Vujic. Trish was previously with the band from 2005 to 2007, appearing on the band's 2007 release "Funeral For Yesterday".
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music. The CD was recorded at Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The band once again worked with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".
"Not So… Safe" track listing:
01. Brackish
02. Charlotte
03. Spit
04. Paper Doll
05. What I Always Wanted
06. Run Like Hell
07. Safe (KMFDM Inc. Remix)
08. Into The Darkness
09. Look So Pretty
10. Cut Throat
11. My Plague
12. Do You Think... (live)
Bassist Trish Doan recently rejoined KITTIE as the replacement for Ivy Vujic. Trish was previously with the band from 2005 to 2007, appearing on the band's 2007 release "Funeral For Yesterday".
KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.
KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.
"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music. The CD was recorded at Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The band once again worked with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/kittienss.jpg
San Francisco based doom rockers ORCHID will release an EP featuring three brand new tracks and one song from their latest full-length album, "Capricorn", on September 7, 2012. The EP, entitled "Heretic", marks the band's first release for Nuclear Blast Records and will be made available both digitally as well as on 10-inch vinyl.
"Heretic" EP track listing:
01. Heretic
02. Falling Away
03. Saviours Of The Blind
04. He Who Walks Alone
Commented ORCHID guitarist Mark Baker: "Late in 2010, after we submitted the 'Capricorn' full-length to our label and waited for the release, we realized that there wouldn't be any extensive touring, so we just kept writing and rehearsing new material. A few months later, we were back in the studio cutting basics for new songs. By the time we finished the business of changing labels, we had way more than one album worth of new songs. We, along with Nuclear Blast, decided it would be a great idea to release a few of those on an EP this year while we wrap up everything for our next full-length. We're really excited for people worldwide to get a chance to check out what we've been up to in the last year. These new songs have the classic, anthemic ORCHID sound that people expect from us, along with a few elements that we've never shown before."
Since its inception in 2006, ORCHID — which features in its ranks well-known tattoo artist Theo Mindell on vocals — has achieved massive global awareness with their stunning releases "Through The Devil's Doorway" (EP, 2009) and "Capricorn" (full-length, 2011).
ORCHID is:
Theo Mindell: Vocals
Carter Kennedy: Drums
Mark Thomas Baker: Guitar
Keith Nickel: Bass
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/orchidep.jpg
"Heretic" EP track listing:
01. Heretic
02. Falling Away
03. Saviours Of The Blind
04. He Who Walks Alone
Commented ORCHID guitarist Mark Baker: "Late in 2010, after we submitted the 'Capricorn' full-length to our label and waited for the release, we realized that there wouldn't be any extensive touring, so we just kept writing and rehearsing new material. A few months later, we were back in the studio cutting basics for new songs. By the time we finished the business of changing labels, we had way more than one album worth of new songs. We, along with Nuclear Blast, decided it would be a great idea to release a few of those on an EP this year while we wrap up everything for our next full-length. We're really excited for people worldwide to get a chance to check out what we've been up to in the last year. These new songs have the classic, anthemic ORCHID sound that people expect from us, along with a few elements that we've never shown before."
Since its inception in 2006, ORCHID — which features in its ranks well-known tattoo artist Theo Mindell on vocals — has achieved massive global awareness with their stunning releases "Through The Devil's Doorway" (EP, 2009) and "Capricorn" (full-length, 2011).
ORCHID is:
Theo Mindell: Vocals
Carter Kennedy: Drums
Mark Thomas Baker: Guitar
Keith Nickel: Bass
http://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/orchidep.jpg
Legendary hardcore band PRO-PAIN has inked a deal with the Chicago independent record company Goomba Music. The band's new album, "Straight To The Dome", will be released in North America on September 25. The CD was recorded at Little Creek Studio in Gelterkinden, Switzerland and produced by V.O. Pulver.
Aggressive, meticulous, passionate, righteous — all distinguishing traits that have come to symbolize the fundamentals of metal/hardcore pioneers PRO-PAIN. Since their crushing 1992 NAIRD-nominated debut album, "Foul Taste Of Freedom", PRO-PAIN have become a staple in the diets of heavy music listeners around the globe. Their successful and enviable career has perpetually prospered throughout its course, and yet they still manage to find room to improve, and more importantly, impress.
Commented PRO-PAIN frontman Gary Meskil, "We intended to make an old-school PRO-PAIN album with this one, and I think that this is perhaps our most sonically brutal effort since 'The Truth Hurts'. Having said that, the album does have a few tasteful melodic moments here and there, which in my opinion contribute to its depth and diversity."
Aggressive, meticulous, passionate, righteous — all distinguishing traits that have come to symbolize the fundamentals of metal/hardcore pioneers PRO-PAIN. Since their crushing 1992 NAIRD-nominated debut album, "Foul Taste Of Freedom", PRO-PAIN have become a staple in the diets of heavy music listeners around the globe. Their successful and enviable career has perpetually prospered throughout its course, and yet they still manage to find room to improve, and more importantly, impress.
Commented PRO-PAIN frontman Gary Meskil, "We intended to make an old-school PRO-PAIN album with this one, and I think that this is perhaps our most sonically brutal effort since 'The Truth Hurts'. Having said that, the album does have a few tasteful melodic moments here and there, which in my opinion contribute to its depth and diversity."
Century Media Records has announced the signing of the black metal outfit TWILIGHT.
Composed of some of the most talented members of the underground metal community, TWILIGHT previously released two full-length albums (2005's "Twilight" and 2010's "Monument To Time End") and is ready to begin work on a third album this August — this time, with Thurston Moore (CHELSEA LIGHT MOVING, SONIC YOUTH) added to the band's ranks.
In regards to joining TWILIGHT, Thurston Moore comments, "We're not coming together to make music, we're joining forces to destroy all rational thought."
TWILIGHT's upcoming album will be produced by the band's own Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTIUM, MINSK) and will see a 2013 release.
"I had SONIC YOUTH records when I was 12," Judd told The 1st Five in an interview. "And to now know that, not only am I having a dialogue with this person about anything, but dude's gonna join a band I started, and it's like . . . whoah. Fucking amazing, amazing feeling."
He added, "I've done so much shit, and worked with so many cool people, and I'll get to work with Thurston. You know Century Media could offer us $100,000 to make that TWILIGHT record and say: 'Blake, you get ninety percent of that money but Thurston Moore's not gonna be on the record, or, you can be on it and we'll give you 10 grand and that's what you have to make it work.' And I would, I would take the 10 grand and work with Thurston. That's like how much I love SONIC YOUTH."
TWILIGHT 2012 is:
Blake Judd (NACHTMYSTIUM) - Guitars
Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTIUM, MINSK) - Synth, Production
Thurston Moore (CHELSEA LIGHT MOVING, SONIC YOUTH) - Guitar
Stavros Giannopoulos (THE ATLAS MOTH) - Guitar
Wrest (LEVIATHAN) - Drums, Bass
Imperial (KRIEG) - Vocals
Composed of some of the most talented members of the underground metal community, TWILIGHT previously released two full-length albums (2005's "Twilight" and 2010's "Monument To Time End") and is ready to begin work on a third album this August — this time, with Thurston Moore (CHELSEA LIGHT MOVING, SONIC YOUTH) added to the band's ranks.
In regards to joining TWILIGHT, Thurston Moore comments, "We're not coming together to make music, we're joining forces to destroy all rational thought."
TWILIGHT's upcoming album will be produced by the band's own Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTIUM, MINSK) and will see a 2013 release.
"I had SONIC YOUTH records when I was 12," Judd told The 1st Five in an interview. "And to now know that, not only am I having a dialogue with this person about anything, but dude's gonna join a band I started, and it's like . . . whoah. Fucking amazing, amazing feeling."
He added, "I've done so much shit, and worked with so many cool people, and I'll get to work with Thurston. You know Century Media could offer us $100,000 to make that TWILIGHT record and say: 'Blake, you get ninety percent of that money but Thurston Moore's not gonna be on the record, or, you can be on it and we'll give you 10 grand and that's what you have to make it work.' And I would, I would take the 10 grand and work with Thurston. That's like how much I love SONIC YOUTH."
TWILIGHT 2012 is:
Blake Judd (NACHTMYSTIUM) - Guitars
Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTIUM, MINSK) - Synth, Production
Thurston Moore (CHELSEA LIGHT MOVING, SONIC YOUTH) - Guitar
Stavros Giannopoulos (THE ATLAS MOTH) - Guitar
Wrest (LEVIATHAN) - Drums, Bass
Imperial (KRIEG) - Vocals
Italian modern thrashers SAWTHIS have 11 tracks ready to be recorded for the follow-up to their 2010 album "Egod"
The band will perform on August 5 at Spirit of Burgas festival in Bulgaria and on August 7 at Metalcamp in Slovenia. Following these two shows, SAWTHIS will enter the studio to begin recording its third full-length CD.
In other news, a five-minute video diary of SAWTHIS's 2012 European tour with SEPULTURA can be seen below.
SAWTHIS's sophomore album, "Egod", was released in May 2010 via Scarlet Records. The CD was recorded at Petemkin Studios with producer Paolo Ojetti (INFERNAL POETRY). 13 songs were written for the album and 10 of them were tracked for the final product. Daniele "Axo" Galassi from INFERNAL POETRY played a guest guitar solo on "Barabba", which is said to be "the most atypical song that SAWTHIS has ever written."
The band will perform on August 5 at Spirit of Burgas festival in Bulgaria and on August 7 at Metalcamp in Slovenia. Following these two shows, SAWTHIS will enter the studio to begin recording its third full-length CD.
In other news, a five-minute video diary of SAWTHIS's 2012 European tour with SEPULTURA can be seen below.
SAWTHIS's sophomore album, "Egod", was released in May 2010 via Scarlet Records. The CD was recorded at Petemkin Studios with producer Paolo Ojetti (INFERNAL POETRY). 13 songs were written for the album and 10 of them were tracked for the final product. Daniele "Axo" Galassi from INFERNAL POETRY played a guest guitar solo on "Barabba", which is said to be "the most atypical song that SAWTHIS has ever written."
Los Angeles-based metal quartet ALL HAIL THE YETI will release its self-titled debut album in North America on August 28 via AFM Records.
Uniting elements of sludge metal, hardcore and groove-laden hard rock, ALL HAIL THE YETI unify these influences into their own diverse, modern style which is delivered in a way to make people move.
ALL HAIL THE YETI's self-titled debut album captures the act's most crushing tunes to date, with over a solid hour of energized thunderous riffage. The band has documented the creation of the album as well as the band's overall whiskey-soaked, fight-fueled, locked-cocked-and-ready-to-rock approach, liberated through a killer new trailer viewable below.
Featuring well-known tattoo artist Connor Garritty of Timeless Tattoos in L.A., ALL HAIL THE YETI have forged their own path through what they see as a desolate Hollywood music scene, the hard-working unit dead-set against burning out like so many bands from the same town and scene have over the past few decades of heavy music. Coinciding with their 2010-released "Trees On Fire With Songs Of Blood" EP, the band broke into the local scene with a surge of shows which led them to support slots for major national acts including TIMES OF GRACE, SOULFLY, FEAR FACTORY, SUICIDE SILENCE and more. With no record deal in place at the time, last year AHTY took it upon themselves to get things moving and entered the studio with producers Tommy Decker and Mike Sarkisyan to record their self-titled, debut LP. Upon its completion, the album received attention from several labels, and after some talks with AFM about the direction and goals of the band, happily took the deal the label offered them for the release of "All Hail The Yeti".
"All Hail The Yeti Track" Listing:
01. Deep Creek
02. When The Sky Falls
03. Suicide Woods
04. The Weak and Wounded (Prelude to Flames)
05. After The Great Fire
06. Bloodguilt
07. The Art Of Mourning
08. I Am Wendigod
09. Axe Murder Hollow
10. Ruby Ridge (Every Knee Shall Bow)
11. Judas Cradle
Uniting elements of sludge metal, hardcore and groove-laden hard rock, ALL HAIL THE YETI unify these influences into their own diverse, modern style which is delivered in a way to make people move.
ALL HAIL THE YETI's self-titled debut album captures the act's most crushing tunes to date, with over a solid hour of energized thunderous riffage. The band has documented the creation of the album as well as the band's overall whiskey-soaked, fight-fueled, locked-cocked-and-ready-to-rock approach, liberated through a killer new trailer viewable below.
Featuring well-known tattoo artist Connor Garritty of Timeless Tattoos in L.A., ALL HAIL THE YETI have forged their own path through what they see as a desolate Hollywood music scene, the hard-working unit dead-set against burning out like so many bands from the same town and scene have over the past few decades of heavy music. Coinciding with their 2010-released "Trees On Fire With Songs Of Blood" EP, the band broke into the local scene with a surge of shows which led them to support slots for major national acts including TIMES OF GRACE, SOULFLY, FEAR FACTORY, SUICIDE SILENCE and more. With no record deal in place at the time, last year AHTY took it upon themselves to get things moving and entered the studio with producers Tommy Decker and Mike Sarkisyan to record their self-titled, debut LP. Upon its completion, the album received attention from several labels, and after some talks with AFM about the direction and goals of the band, happily took the deal the label offered them for the release of "All Hail The Yeti".
"All Hail The Yeti Track" Listing:
01. Deep Creek
02. When The Sky Falls
03. Suicide Woods
04. The Weak and Wounded (Prelude to Flames)
05. After The Great Fire
06. Bloodguilt
07. The Art Of Mourning
08. I Am Wendigod
09. Axe Murder Hollow
10. Ruby Ridge (Every Knee Shall Bow)
11. Judas Cradle
Roadrunner Records Senior VP A&R Monte Conner, who signed countless bands to the label over the years — including ANNIHILATOR, BIOHAZARD, COAL CHAMBER, DEICIDE, DEVILDRIVER, FEAR FACTORY, GOJIRA, LIFE OF AGONY, MACHINE HEAD, OBITUARY, RUSH, SEPULTURA, SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR, TRIVIUM and TYPE O NEGATIVE — has left the company after 25 years.
The label couldn't let him just slip quietly out the door, so he was visited in his office on his last day (Wednesday, August 1) by a special guest — Troy Norr, vocalist for the KING DIAMOND tribute act THEM. Check out video footage below.
Roadrunner's recent "restructuring" under parent label Warner Music Group resulted in roughly 36 staff members worldwide being let go and several regional offices being closed (including the office in the U.K.).
In the U.S., Roadrunner is continuing to operate as a standalone frontline label, although 16 staffers in the States have lost their jobs, according to Billboard.biz. In addition, Roadrunner Records founder/CEO Cees Wessels left the label 17 months after the completion of its sale to the Warner Music Group.
Initially founded in the Netherlands in 1980, Roadrunner Records earned its place as one of the most prominent international independent record labels. The Roadrunner catalog boasts early releases from such seminal artists as KING DIAMOND, TYPE O NEGATIVE, SEPULTURA and ANNIHILATOR. More recently, the label has experienced unprecedented success with multi-platinum artists NICKELBACK and SLIPKNOT, gold-certified STONE SOUR and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, as well as modern heavy hitters TRIVIUM and MACHINE HEAD.
The label couldn't let him just slip quietly out the door, so he was visited in his office on his last day (Wednesday, August 1) by a special guest — Troy Norr, vocalist for the KING DIAMOND tribute act THEM. Check out video footage below.
Roadrunner's recent "restructuring" under parent label Warner Music Group resulted in roughly 36 staff members worldwide being let go and several regional offices being closed (including the office in the U.K.).
In the U.S., Roadrunner is continuing to operate as a standalone frontline label, although 16 staffers in the States have lost their jobs, according to Billboard.biz. In addition, Roadrunner Records founder/CEO Cees Wessels left the label 17 months after the completion of its sale to the Warner Music Group.
Initially founded in the Netherlands in 1980, Roadrunner Records earned its place as one of the most prominent international independent record labels. The Roadrunner catalog boasts early releases from such seminal artists as KING DIAMOND, TYPE O NEGATIVE, SEPULTURA and ANNIHILATOR. More recently, the label has experienced unprecedented success with multi-platinum artists NICKELBACK and SLIPKNOT, gold-certified STONE SOUR and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, as well as modern heavy hitters TRIVIUM and MACHINE HEAD.
Century Media Records has announced the signing of the Scottish metal band BLEED FROM WITHIN. The group is currently recording drums and vocals for its third album with Romesh Dodangoda (FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, MOTÖRHEAD, LOST PROPHETS) and all the guitars with Adam "Nolly" Getgood of PERIPHERY.
In support of their previous two CDs, the Glasgow-based quintet played a number of shows alongside such bands as SOILWORK, ALL THAT REMAINS, AFTER THE BURIAL, SUICIDE SILENCE and CALIBAN.
Commented BLEED FROM WITHIN: "We're honored to be joining the Century Media family, alongside bands which we've looked up to and admired since before we even began making music. The label is one of the most respected metal labels in the world and we are excited to be a part of it. Century Media have always been a powerhouse in bringing cutting edge new music to the world and we will endeavour to live up to the name. We look forward to our future at the label, working with great people who have shown their belief in this band."
BLEED FROM WITHIN has an impressive list of shows confirmed that will keep them busy for the rest of the year. First on their agenda is a U.K. tour supporting WHILE SHE SLEEPS in September/October followed by co-headlining tour of Europe with BURY TOMORROW in October/November.
In support of their previous two CDs, the Glasgow-based quintet played a number of shows alongside such bands as SOILWORK, ALL THAT REMAINS, AFTER THE BURIAL, SUICIDE SILENCE and CALIBAN.
Commented BLEED FROM WITHIN: "We're honored to be joining the Century Media family, alongside bands which we've looked up to and admired since before we even began making music. The label is one of the most respected metal labels in the world and we are excited to be a part of it. Century Media have always been a powerhouse in bringing cutting edge new music to the world and we will endeavour to live up to the name. We look forward to our future at the label, working with great people who have shown their belief in this band."
BLEED FROM WITHIN has an impressive list of shows confirmed that will keep them busy for the rest of the year. First on their agenda is a U.K. tour supporting WHILE SHE SLEEPS in September/October followed by co-headlining tour of Europe with BURY TOMORROW in October/November.
Innerstrength Records has announces the signing of THE INSURGENCE. The band's new album, "Elimi-Nation", was recorded at Soundhouse by Jack Endino (NIRVANA, HIGH ON FIRE, ZEKE, VALIENT THORR, SKELETONWITCH, BLACK TUSK) and is scheduled for release on September 29 on CD, colored vinyl, and digitally. A video for the song "We Can't Be Stopped" was recently filmed and will be released soon.
Formed in 2006, THE INSURGENCE is a punk band with metal and hardcore influences. Influenced by "world issues" and not just governmental politics, a cliché and overused subject in the world of punk philosophies, they "take being pissed off about unjust bullshit in the world and turn it into a musical outlet where they can possibly educate and motivate others," according to a press release. "Not sounding like you're being preached to, it's more coming from the gut, sincere, raw and pissed off. It's about 'the big guy stepping on the little guy,' which you quickly discover listening to their songs about such topics as corporate greed, the American oligarchy, religious exploitation and the military industrial complex. Such truths might not be easy to stomach, but they are a glaring reality, and THE INSURGENCE do not avoid anything controversial or uncomfortable, just to avoid offending people."
"Elimi-Nation" track listing:
01. Permanent Resistance
02. We Can't Be Stopped
03. Dear Leader
04. House On Fire
05. National Razor
06. Elimi-Nation
07. Reprisal
08. Saviors
09. A Dream Is All They Left You
10. Cocaine Wasteland
11. Eternal Black
Formed in 2006, THE INSURGENCE is a punk band with metal and hardcore influences. Influenced by "world issues" and not just governmental politics, a cliché and overused subject in the world of punk philosophies, they "take being pissed off about unjust bullshit in the world and turn it into a musical outlet where they can possibly educate and motivate others," according to a press release. "Not sounding like you're being preached to, it's more coming from the gut, sincere, raw and pissed off. It's about 'the big guy stepping on the little guy,' which you quickly discover listening to their songs about such topics as corporate greed, the American oligarchy, religious exploitation and the military industrial complex. Such truths might not be easy to stomach, but they are a glaring reality, and THE INSURGENCE do not avoid anything controversial or uncomfortable, just to avoid offending people."
"Elimi-Nation" track listing:
01. Permanent Resistance
02. We Can't Be Stopped
03. Dear Leader
04. House On Fire
05. National Razor
06. Elimi-Nation
07. Reprisal
08. Saviors
09. A Dream Is All They Left You
10. Cocaine Wasteland
11. Eternal Black
Canadian melodic death metallers KÄLTER have inked a deal with Maple Metal Records of Toronto, Canada, for the re-release of their 2010 album "Spiritual Angel". Due in late August, the CD was recorded at Badass Studio (NEURAXIS, AUGURY, BLACKGUARD, UNEXPECT) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and was produced by Jeff Fortin and KÄLTER.
KÄLTER, a quintet hailing from Quebec City, Canada, initially released "Spiritual Angel" indepedently in 2010 to critical acclaim, but with very limited distribution.
KÄLTER has shared the stage with such bands as KATAKLYSM, NECRONOMICON, CATAMENIA, BLACKGUARD and NORTHER.
KÄLTER most recently performed at last year's Trois-Rivières Metalfest alongside ANNIHILATOR, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, NAPALM DEATH, ATHEIST, CRYPTOPSY and CARNIFEX, among others.
"Spiritual Angel" track listing:
01. Darker By The Day
02. Time Out Of Mind (featuring Leïlindel From UNEXPECT)
03. Of Tears and Blood
04. Ashes
05. From Now To Eternity
06. Requiem
07. For The Last Time
08. Spiritual Angel
KÄLTER is:
Marc-André Lafrenière - Guitar, Vocals
Mathieu Plamondon - Guitar
Jean-François Racine - Keyboards
Louis-Antoine Pelletier - Bass
Lucas Biron – Drums
KÄLTER, a quintet hailing from Quebec City, Canada, initially released "Spiritual Angel" indepedently in 2010 to critical acclaim, but with very limited distribution.
KÄLTER has shared the stage with such bands as KATAKLYSM, NECRONOMICON, CATAMENIA, BLACKGUARD and NORTHER.
KÄLTER most recently performed at last year's Trois-Rivières Metalfest alongside ANNIHILATOR, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, NAPALM DEATH, ATHEIST, CRYPTOPSY and CARNIFEX, among others.
"Spiritual Angel" track listing:
01. Darker By The Day
02. Time Out Of Mind (featuring Leïlindel From UNEXPECT)
03. Of Tears and Blood
04. Ashes
05. From Now To Eternity
06. Requiem
07. For The Last Time
08. Spiritual Angel
KÄLTER is:
Marc-André Lafrenière - Guitar, Vocals
Mathieu Plamondon - Guitar
Jean-François Racine - Keyboards
Louis-Antoine Pelletier - Bass
Lucas Biron – Drums
Malta-based death metallers BEHEADED will release their new album, "Never To Dawn", on November 6 via Unique Leader Records. The CD was recorded at Temple Studios in Malta and was mixed at 16th Cell Studio in Rome, Italy.
Commented the band: "We're really enthusiastic to see the album finally coming together.
"Musically, we held to our roots and delved into those areas that define the BEHEADED sound. The sound is making justice to the songs and captures the feel we wanted to project.
"All songs entail a common concept — the water element, which in turn reflects BEHEADED's Maltese origins. Artwork and lyrics are a continuation of the concept.
"The tracks are packed with slabs of pure death metal which should go down well on record as well as on the live front."
Songtitles set to appear on "Never To Dawn" include "Where Hours Etch Their Names", "Lament Of A Sordid God" and "The Ancient Acumen".
The song "Elapsed In The Vortex Of Extinction" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
BEHEADED is:
Frank Calleja - Vocals
David "Cejca" Cachia - Bass
Omar Grech - Guitar
Robert Agius - Guitar
Chris Brincat – Drums
Commented the band: "We're really enthusiastic to see the album finally coming together.
"Musically, we held to our roots and delved into those areas that define the BEHEADED sound. The sound is making justice to the songs and captures the feel we wanted to project.
"All songs entail a common concept — the water element, which in turn reflects BEHEADED's Maltese origins. Artwork and lyrics are a continuation of the concept.
"The tracks are packed with slabs of pure death metal which should go down well on record as well as on the live front."
Songtitles set to appear on "Never To Dawn" include "Where Hours Etch Their Names", "Lament Of A Sordid God" and "The Ancient Acumen".
The song "Elapsed In The Vortex Of Extinction" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
BEHEADED is:
Frank Calleja - Vocals
David "Cejca" Cachia - Bass
Omar Grech - Guitar
Robert Agius - Guitar
Chris Brincat – Drums
GOREMENT — one of the finest yet most obscure death metal bands to ever emerge from Sweden — has inked a worldwide deal with Century Media Records for the release of the band's entire catalog.
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness - The Complete Recordings" will be made available on September 24 on 2CD and double vinyl as well as digital download.
Other than on GOREMENT's discography compilation, "Darkness Of The Dead" (released in 2004), the entire musical content included on the upcoming release has been carefully remastered from the original master tapes by Dan Swanö, who has already been in charge for the production of GOREMENT's demos and the "Into Shadows" EP. The result is mind-blowing: All songs sound fresh and incredibly massive without ever losing their original character.
Commented Swanö: "GOREMENT was one of the first bands outside my 'circle' that I ever recorded. The first demo was done on a four-track portastudio, and I must say I am a bit surprised that the sound on that one is the coolest after the restoration!! GOREMENT could have been so much bigger if they had recorded the first album in a studio that would have given them the fat and 'gory' sound their music deserves. The songs are catchy and the musicianship high above average in the SweDeath scene at the time. It was a pure pleasure to revisit these recordings and carve out the best sonics possible."
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness – The Complete Recordings" track listing:
CD1
01. My Ending Quest
02. Vale Of Tears
03. Human Relic
04. The Memorial
05. The Lost Breed
06. Silent Hymn (For The Dead)
07. Sea Of Silence
08. Obsequies Of Mankind
09. Darkness Of The Dead
10. Into Shadows
All songs taken from the album "The Ending Quest" (1994)
CD2
01. Intro
02. Darkness Of The Dead
03. Human Relic
04. Moulder Within
05. Intro
06. Process Of Cent
07. Gruesome Modification Of Form
08. Obsequies Of Mankind
09. The Memorial
10. Into Shadows
11. Garden Of Delight
12. Profound Harmony
13. Soulless Sanity
14. Gruesome Modification Of Form (live)
15. Obsequies Of Mankind (live)
16. Darkness Of The Dead (live)
17. Exhume To Consume (live)
18. Blood, Pus And Gastric Juice (live)
* Tracks 1-4 taken from the "Human Relic" demo (1991)
* Tracks 5-8 taken from the "Obsequies …" demo (1991)
* Tracks 9-10 taken from the "Into Shadows" EP (1992)
* Tracks 11-13 taken from the "Promo '95" demo (1995)
* Tracks 14-18 are previously unreleased live tracks (1991) - only on CD
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness" features cover artwork by German/Swiss artist Carlos Schwabe († 1926) whose creepy painting "La Vague" fits the release like perfectly. The album is packed with everything you can ask for: liner notes by the band, a detailed interview done by Nicola Costantini (well known for his books "Encyclopedia of Svensk Dödsmetall" and "The Return … Of Svensk Dödsmetall"), all lyrics and loads of old flyers, photos, covers, fanzine interviews, etc.
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness - The Complete Recordings" is meant for all those true fans who either missed the chance to get a copy of the super-rare album, demos or EP of the band or who don't have the money to pay a fortune for them at online auctions. It's also released to stop the material for being bootlegged. This album is the one and only official release of GOREMENT to date.
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness - The Complete Recordings" will be made available on September 24 on 2CD and double vinyl as well as digital download.
Other than on GOREMENT's discography compilation, "Darkness Of The Dead" (released in 2004), the entire musical content included on the upcoming release has been carefully remastered from the original master tapes by Dan Swanö, who has already been in charge for the production of GOREMENT's demos and the "Into Shadows" EP. The result is mind-blowing: All songs sound fresh and incredibly massive without ever losing their original character.
Commented Swanö: "GOREMENT was one of the first bands outside my 'circle' that I ever recorded. The first demo was done on a four-track portastudio, and I must say I am a bit surprised that the sound on that one is the coolest after the restoration!! GOREMENT could have been so much bigger if they had recorded the first album in a studio that would have given them the fat and 'gory' sound their music deserves. The songs are catchy and the musicianship high above average in the SweDeath scene at the time. It was a pure pleasure to revisit these recordings and carve out the best sonics possible."
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness – The Complete Recordings" track listing:
CD1
01. My Ending Quest
02. Vale Of Tears
03. Human Relic
04. The Memorial
05. The Lost Breed
06. Silent Hymn (For The Dead)
07. Sea Of Silence
08. Obsequies Of Mankind
09. Darkness Of The Dead
10. Into Shadows
All songs taken from the album "The Ending Quest" (1994)
CD2
01. Intro
02. Darkness Of The Dead
03. Human Relic
04. Moulder Within
05. Intro
06. Process Of Cent
07. Gruesome Modification Of Form
08. Obsequies Of Mankind
09. The Memorial
10. Into Shadows
11. Garden Of Delight
12. Profound Harmony
13. Soulless Sanity
14. Gruesome Modification Of Form (live)
15. Obsequies Of Mankind (live)
16. Darkness Of The Dead (live)
17. Exhume To Consume (live)
18. Blood, Pus And Gastric Juice (live)
* Tracks 1-4 taken from the "Human Relic" demo (1991)
* Tracks 5-8 taken from the "Obsequies …" demo (1991)
* Tracks 9-10 taken from the "Into Shadows" EP (1992)
* Tracks 11-13 taken from the "Promo '95" demo (1995)
* Tracks 14-18 are previously unreleased live tracks (1991) - only on CD
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness" features cover artwork by German/Swiss artist Carlos Schwabe († 1926) whose creepy painting "La Vague" fits the release like perfectly. The album is packed with everything you can ask for: liner notes by the band, a detailed interview done by Nicola Costantini (well known for his books "Encyclopedia of Svensk Dödsmetall" and "The Return … Of Svensk Dödsmetall"), all lyrics and loads of old flyers, photos, covers, fanzine interviews, etc.
"Within The Shadow Of Darkness - The Complete Recordings" is meant for all those true fans who either missed the chance to get a copy of the super-rare album, demos or EP of the band or who don't have the money to pay a fortune for them at online auctions. It's also released to stop the material for being bootlegged. This album is the one and only official release of GOREMENT to date.
Swedish goregrind legends GENERAL SURGERY will release a brand new seven-inch EP entitled "Like An Ever Flying Limb" this fall via Relapse Records. The limited-edition EP, which contains five new tracks of the band's gut-splattering gore, was recorded in October 2011 at Audiogrind Studio in the band's hometown of Stockholm. An official release date will be announced shortly.
Commented GENERAL SURGERY's Dr. Carlsson: "These five splatter-dripping tunes are designed to deeply disturb all mere mortals, be it the poor departed in the bowels of the morgue or some unfortunate soul catching us playing live during the festival season.Please hold on to life and limb."
In other news, GENERAL SURGERY has announced a string of festival appearances plus rare U.K. club shows, including Czech Republic's Brutal Assault, Germany's Party.San Open Air and Denmark's Kill-Town Deathfest.
Earlier this year saw the release of "A Collection of Depravation", a compilation of 30 GENERAL SURGERY choice cuts digitally remastered by PIG DESTROYER's Scott Hull.
GENERAL SURGERY plans to enter the studio in the new future to record its long-awaited third full-length album.
Commented GENERAL SURGERY's Dr. Carlsson: "These five splatter-dripping tunes are designed to deeply disturb all mere mortals, be it the poor departed in the bowels of the morgue or some unfortunate soul catching us playing live during the festival season.Please hold on to life and limb."
In other news, GENERAL SURGERY has announced a string of festival appearances plus rare U.K. club shows, including Czech Republic's Brutal Assault, Germany's Party.San Open Air and Denmark's Kill-Town Deathfest.
Earlier this year saw the release of "A Collection of Depravation", a compilation of 30 GENERAL SURGERY choice cuts digitally remastered by PIG DESTROYER's Scott Hull.
GENERAL SURGERY plans to enter the studio in the new future to record its long-awaited third full-length album.
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