GODSMACK will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, May 3 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with GODSMACK by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).
GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna admitted in a recent webisode for GODSMACK's upcoming fifth studio album, "The Oracle", that the CD's first single, "Cryin' Like A Bitch", was inspired by events of last summer's Crüe Fest 2 tour, on which GODSMACK appeared alongside headliners MÖTLEY CRÜE. Sully told Artisan News Service at the time, "There's definitely been some rock-star garbage on this tour that we just have never seen in our career . . . this was the first time that I felt like, 'You know what?! If there's gonna be some people that are gonna treat other people a certain way, then I'm gonna go out there every night and . . . make sure that we make you look old and fat, and go home with a nice big fat paycheck."
According to HardDrive Radio, Erna intended the song as a slam on MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, although that has yet to be officially confirmed by anyone in the GODSMACK camp.
Samples of some of the lyrics on "Cryin' Like A Bitch" include lines like: "Strut on by like a king/Telling everybody they know nothing/Long lived what you thought you were/Time ain't on your side anymore"
Due on May 4, the new GODSMACK CD follows up 2006's "IV" and a nearly two-year hiatus that ended last summer when GODSMACK joined the Crüe Fest 2 tour.
Dent, host of the afternoon drive show called "Road Rage" on the Dayton, Ohio radio station New Rock 103.9 The X, recently conducted an interview with bassist Tobin Esperance of California rockers PAPA ROACH. The chat is now available for streaming using the audio player below.
PAPA ROACH recently went into the studio to lay down five brand new songs for inclusion on a live album that will be out sometime later this year. The group is working with BREAKING BENJAMIN and CAVO producer David Bendeth. The concert tracks were taped on the band's recent tour with SHINEDOWN.
PAPA ROACH recently partnered with WHY (World Hunger Year) to continue its mission to raise funds and awareness for organizations who are working towards finding answers to hunger, poverty and homelessness. Led by frontman Jacoby Shaddix, who revealed last year that he was homeless as a child, the band has been touring behind its fifth major label set, "Metamorphosis", which addresses many of the current social and economic themes prevalent today. PAPA ROACH joins BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, MICHAEL MCDONALD, JACKSON BROWNE, CROSBY STILLS & NASH, CHICAGO, EARTH WIND & FIRE, JOSS STONE, DARRYL MCDANIELS, O.A.R, and many others as part of WHY's Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program.
EYE EMPIRE, the new band featuring former/current members of DARK NEW DAY, STUCK MOJO, SWITCHED and SUBMERSED, has scheduled the following dates:
Mar 20 - Hard Rock Cafe - Atlanta, Georgia (w/ SPEED X) Mar 23 - The Country Club - Augusta, Georgia (w/ CHEVELLE)
Commented the band: "We have plenty of kick-ass material to get us going which will lead to some major developments in the coming months.
"Aside from preparing to get out and play, tours, etc. we are also in the process of locking down permanent management and exploring label options as well... all with the hopes of having a killer full-length release to everyone this year!
"There is a good possibility that we could be putting together a five-song LP for purchase very soon, to get something into everyone's hands and help spread the word out there.
"We are very proud of what we have put together in such a short time and very anxious to get it out there!
"We have an album's worth of amazing material that we are all very happy with.
"Although we will never stop writing and creating, we now feel we have the collection of tunes that will make up our debut record and give us our identity.
"With this record you will hear a variety of sounds and influences that contrast the talented members of this band. Prepare to open your mind and look deep into every track; there is something for everyone to discover."
SUICIDE OF DEMONS — the Belgian band featuring NIGHTRAGE drummer Jo Nunez — will enter Noise Factory Studios on April 2 with engineer Nico Debois to begin recording its second album, "A New Beginning", for a late 2010 release via Fakto Records.
Commetned guitarist Fern Nunez "We've been working hard during these last few months to write our best songs so far. The new tunes will be totally different from [2009's] 'Before Our Eyes' and I can't wait to record and play them live."
SUICIDE OF DEMONS's "Hurt To Kill" video can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Before Our Eyes", which was released in the Benelux countries on November 1, 2009 through Sonic Rendez-Vous.
Commented Nunez: "We chose the song 'Hurt To Kill' to represent in image the very best moments we had on tour for the promotion of this album, as it is one of the most representative and heavy song from our set so far."
Video footage Braunschweig, Germany-based, female-fronted death metallers D.A.M.N. (DIARY ABOUT MY NIGHTMARES) performing at the B58 club in their hometown on March 5, 2010 can be viewed below.
D.A.M.N.'s new album, "Forbidden Anger", was released in Japan on January 27 via Spiritual Beast Records. The Japanese version of the CD, which was issued in Europe in October 2009 via the Swedish record label Unexploded Records, includes two bonus tracks.
"Forbidden Anger" was recorded with Jakob Batten (ILLDISPOSED) and Ziggy (ILLDISPOSED, BEHEMOTH, MERCENARY, AS WE FIGHT).
"Forbidden Anger" track listing:
01. Urt La Bu Tal 02. Lost In Lines 03. Close to The Border 04. Deathinfection 05. Hate 06. Ewigkeit 07. First Class Suicide 08. Forbidden Anger 09. Across The Street 10. Hall Of Fame
Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.
Stacy Arrington of Revolution Magazine conducted an interview with MEGADETH guitarist Chris Broderick on March 15, 2010 in Washington D.C. You can now watch the chat below.
MEGADETH kicked off its "Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour" on March 1 at the Knitting Factory in Spokane, Washington.
Photos of the band's performance can be found at Live 'N Loud Magazine (all pictures by Joseph R. Scozzari).
MEGADETH recently commenced filming a video for the song "The Right To Go Insane" in South El Monte, California. The track comes off MEGADETH's latest album, "Endgame", which was recorded at Vic's Garage, the band's brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California. The CD was helmed by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine and British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD).
"Valleys of Neptune", the long-awaited album of previously unavailable Jimi Hendrix studio recordings, has debuted on The Billboard 200 best-selling albums chart at #4, while four additional Hendrix catalog titles — "Are You Experienced" (#44), "Electric Ladyland" (#60), "First Rays of the New Rising Sun" (#63), and "Axis: Bold As Love" (#67) — have returned to The Billboard 200 four decades after their original release dates, a testimony to the enduring vitality and importance of the trailblazing artist-guitarist-performer.
A newly curated album of 12 fully realized studio cuts, more than a hour's worth of previously unheard Jimi Hendrix music, "Valleys of Neptune", the centerpiece of the historic 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project, rocketed to #1 on Amazon in anticipation of its release. Approximately 20% of first week's sales have been in the digital realm.
"The consumer response to 'Valleys of Neptune' and the Jimi Hendrix catalog has been phenomenal," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "It reminds us that his spirit still speaks to so many and inspires and motivates fans of all ages."
"It's really gratifying to know that my brother's music is still playing as vital a role in the culture today as it did when he recorded these tracks," said Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC. "The acceptance of 'Valleys of Neptune' and the classic catalog albums underscores the fact that his innovation and creative force are truly transcendent."
Legacy Recordings have issued deluxe CD+DVD editions of the three studio albums released during Hendrix's lifetime — "Are You Experienced", "Axis: Bold As Love", "Electric Ladyland" — as well as "First Rays of the New Rising Sun", an acclaimed posthumous album reconstruction drawn from recordings Hendrix worked on from 1968-1970. Each of these essential titles in the Jimi Hendrix catalog available now on Legacy includes a bonus DVD featuring a newly created "making of the album" documentary directed by the Grammy-award-winning Bob Smeaton, featuring interviews with EXPERIENCE members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, original producer Chas Chandler and engineer Eddie Kramer.
Experience Hendrix LLC and Legacy Recordings are celebrating the release of "Valleys of Neptune" and the launch of the 2010 Jimi Hendrix catalog campaign with an array of online activity. The official Jimi Hendrix web site, JimiHendrix.com has been redesigned for the catalog relaunch and will contain exclusive content with new features being added throughout the year.
Debuting today on JimiHendrix.com is the Jimi Hendrix Messenger, JimiMessaging.com, an interactive messaging tool that enables new and experienced fans to send messages to friends and family from their front row seats at Jimi's historic 1970 performance from the Isle of Wight Festival.
Acclaimed British film director Julien Temple ("The Filth & the Fury", "Absolute Beginners", "Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten") lensed a visionary music clip for "Bleeding Heart", Jimi's cover of an Elmore James blues, placing Jimi on stage in a surrealistic Glastonbury Faire of the mind. "I saw Jimi's first showcase gig in London and I never thought I would work with him," said Julien Temple. "Making this video felt like completing a circle." The Julien Temple-directed "Bleeding Heart" and the music video for "Valleys of Neptune"'s title track may be seen on the dedicated Jimi HendrixVEVO channel on YouTube.
Centered around tracks recorded during a pivotal and turbulent four-month period in 1969, "Valleys of Neptune" unveils the original JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE's final studio recordings, as the group lays down the foundation for its follow-up to "Electric Ladyland", alongside the guitar superhero's first sessions with bassist Billy Cox, an old army buddy he'd recruited into his new ensemble.
SCORPIONS — known worldwide for their mega, arena hard rock and over 100 million records sold — will travel the globe one last time on the "Get Your Sting And Blackout" tour. Kicking off the North American leg in June, the tour will take the band across the U.S. all summer and continue on around the world with special guests supporting along the way. Dates will be announced soon.
To thank their loyal fans for their 40-plus years support, the band — Klaus Meine (vocals), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), Rudolf Schenker (guitar), James Kottak (drums) and Pawel Maciwoda (bass) — has helped create a special promotion with the iTunes Store. Starting this week, iTunes customers have the opportunity to pre-order the new and final SCORPIONS album, "Sting In The Tail", until March 22. Fans who pre-order the album on iTunes will receive a unique code to exclusively pre-purchase tickets to U.S. tour dates via Ticketmaster.
For this offer, visit: iTunes.com/Scorpions.
Fans who purchase the album on iTunes will also receive an exclusive bonus track, "Let's Rock".
"Sting in the Tail" will be released March 23 via Universal Music Group and is already #48 on iTunes album chart. The final album features the anthemic single "Raised On Rock" which is already #10 on the Mediabase classic rock chart, #2 most added for mainstream radio and steadily climbing.
On "Sting in the Tail", the band adds to their remarkable list of hits with "Raised On Rock", the ballad "Lorelei" which shares the story of a German legend, and "The Good Die Young", which Meine says is "about people who stand up for peace and freedom… in a world that gets out of balance more and more every day, we try to put this feeling into music."
EYES OF NOCTUM, the California-based black metal band fronted by Weston "Arcane" Coppola Cage (19-year-old son of actor Nicolas Cage), will release its new album on Tuesday, June 22 through Morbid Rose Records. The group will announce the single release date soon.
EYES OF NOCTUM's debut album, "Inceptum" , was released last year through Morbid Rose. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL). Norwegian drummer Hellhammer (MAYHEM, DIMMU BORGIR) and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME) both make guest appearances on the CD.
Fan-filmed video footage of EYES OF NOCTUM's September 14, 2009 performance at Club Europa in Brooklyn, New York can be viewed at this location. One of the clips is available below (courtesy of "loginkill").
For more information, visit the band's MySpace page.
Austrian symphonic metallers VISIONS OF ATLANTIS will enter Dreamscape Studios in Munich, Germany in late May to begin recording their fourth album for a fall 2010 release. The band states, "The producers [at Dreamscape] exactly know how to bring out the best of our work and we enjoy working together with such nice guys."
Working songtitles set to appear on the new CD include:
* Aeon * Memento * Reflections * Gravitate Towards Fatality * New Dawn * Beyond Horizon - The Poem Pt. II
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS' new album will mark the recording debut of the band's new singer, Maxi Nil, who joined the group last summer.
For more information on Maxi Nil, visit her MySpace page.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS in 2007 parted ways with the group's Minnesota-based vocalist, Melissa Ferlaak, and her now-husband, guitarist Wolfgang "Wops" Koch, due to "musical differences." Koch has since been replaced by the returning guitarist Werner Fiedler, who was responsible for much of the songwriting on the group's first two records.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS's latest album, "Trinity", was released in May 2007 via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded at Dreamscape Studios and was mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. The CD's cover artwork was created by Anthony Clarkson, who has previously worked with BLIND GUARDIAN, HYPOCRISY and EXODUS, among others.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS (featuring new singer Maxi Nil) performing at Slovenia's Metalcamp festival on July 3, 2009:
"Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov", the new video from the Moscow, Russia-based "Slavic pagan metal" band ARKONA, can be viewed below. The song is the title track of the group's new album, which was released last October via Napalm Records.
"Goi, Rode, Goi!" was recorded at CDM Records studio between October 2008 and May 2009 except the drums, which were recorded at Gigant studio, and the guitars, which were recorded at Astia studio.
"Goi, Rode, Goi!" contains a 15-minute song called "Na Moey Zemle" ("In My Land"), which was described as "a kind of pagan metal opera about the travelling of Slav around countries of Europe." The CD artwork was created by Kris Verwimp (THYRFING, MÅNEGARM).
"Goi, Rode, Goi!" track listing:
01. Goi, Rode, Goi! 02. Tropoiu Nevedannoi (On the Unknown Trail ) 03. Nevidal (The Wonder) 04. Na Moey Zemle (In My Land) 05. Pritcha (The Parable) 06. V Tsepiakh Drevney Tainy (In Chains of Ancient Mystery) 07. Yarilo 08. Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov (Faces of Immortal Gods) 09. Kolo Navi (Kolo of Nav) 10. Korochun 11. Pamiat (The Memory) 12. Kupalets 13. Arkona 14. Nebo Hmuroe, Tuchi Mrachniye (Sullen Sky Lurid Clouds)
According to a press release, ARKONA's "leader is the charismatic frontlady Masha Scream, who also writes all the music and lyrics, as well as delivering her fierce vocals. The band plays Slavic pagan metal and embellishes their versatile compositions with the use of folk instrumentation."
ARKONA is:
Masha "Scream" - Vocals Sergei "Lazar" - Guitar Ruslan "Kniaz" - Bass Vlad "Artist" – Drums
Canadian thrash metal veterans ANNIHILATOR will release 13th,self-titled album in Europe on May 17 via Earache Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. The Trend 02. Coward 03. Ambush 04. Betrayed 05. 25 Seconds 06. Nowhere To Go 07. The Other Side 08. Death In Your Eyes 09. Payback 10. Romeo Delight
Total running time: 48:50
Check out the cover artwork below.
Since releasing its classic "Alice In Hell" debut in 1989, ANNIHILATOR has consistently played heads-down, no-frills metal, led by guitar virtuoso Jeff Waters.
ANNIHILATOR was honored in the "Favorite Metal Artist/Group" category at the 2009 Indie Awards (Independent Music Awards), which was held on March 14, 2009 at the Royal York Hotel (Canadian Room) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Also nominated in the "Metal" category were BISON B.C., CRYPTOPSY, CURSED and FUCK THE FACTS.
The Indies celebrate the best in independent music. Nominees are selected by committees of industry professionals from all areas of the music scene and winners are decided by a combination of public and industry voting.
For more information on the 2009 Indie Awards, go to this location.
ANNIHILATOR released its latest album, "Metal", in North America in January 2008 via SPV. The CD's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (longtime vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). The album features sensational performances by some of metal's finest players and ANNIHILATOR's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Danko Jones, Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY), Corey Beaulieu (TRIVIUM), William Adler (LAMB OF GOD), Jeff Loomis, Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES), Steve "Lips" Kudlow, Anders Björler (THE HAUNTED), Jacob Lynam (LYNAM) and more.
Combing the complex atypical rhythms and technical precision of math rock with the sensational brutality of progressive metal, Washington D.C.'s PERIPHERY will unleash its self-titled debut on April 20 through Sumerian Records. A track from the CD, "The Walk", is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
"'The Walk' is a very special song for us," says guitarist Misha Mansoor. "Apart from being one of the oldest ones, it is also one of the heaviest ones we have to offer, and we love playing it live and wanted to share the album version with all the fans so they could enjoy it as well!"
Earlier this month the guys traveled to Boston to film a new video with Killswitch Productions and directors Mike Pecci and Ian McFarland (FEAR FACTORY, MESHUGGAH), before setting out on the road with KITTIE and GOD FORBID.
"Wait until you see this video," says Pecci. "Loaded with epic shots, heroic stances, and awesome band performances, I will say that it is Ian's and my most abstract piece to date! Working with the guys from PERIPHERY was a blast!"
States guitarist Alex Bois: "It was an honor to work with Ian, Mike and crew! As this was our first video, we didn't realize how exciting the filming process could be. Now, we fully understand where all the hype surrounding these guys comes from and we WILL be working with them on future projects!"
Founded in 2004 by guitarist Misha Mansoor, PERIPHERY seems to always be drawing from a constant stream of inspiration. To date, the band has recorded over 100 songs and continues to deliver new tracks on a regular basis, each time pushing the envelope on its compositional structures.
Taking the DIY approach to getting their music heard, PERIPHERY garnered the attention of metal fans across the globe by deciding to make all of its songs available to listeners online. Inspired by its fans' feedback and fervent requests, the band frequently adds new music and video blogs, constantly cultivating a stronger online presence.
This continuous exposure on the web, combined with a strong hometown following, provided PERIPHERY the opportunity to showcase its explosive live show and music on national tours such as Summer Slaughter, the Thrash and Burn Tour and select dates with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, DARKEST HOUR, LAMB OF GOD and DESPISED ICON.
PERIPHERY is:
Spencer Sotelo - Vocals Misha Mansoor - Guitar Alex Bois - Guitar Jake Bowen - Guitar Tom Murphy - Bass Matt Halpern - Drums
Since 1910 musicians have associated visual arts with their sonic output in the form of the almighty album cover. And since 1987, Roadrunner Records has been a source of some visually stunning and visually disturbing images in the wide world of album art, nevertheless honoring the tradition. Whether using an image to set the tone for what's to follow on your speakers, or as a means of branding in forever associating a picture with a title, there is no question as to the power of the album cover — which is why the label took a look at every album released on Roadrunner Records U.S. to find the greatest covers in its celebrated history.
Voted on by the Roadrunner worldwide staff, showcasing the iconic vs. the blasphemous, the painted vs. the photographed, as well as the found art vs. the commissioned art, we give you the "Ten Greatest Album Covers in Roadrunner History" — one at a time.
Feast your eyes on #9 below, and check back at RoadrunnerRecords.com every day as the label counts down to number one.
#9: MACHINE HEAD - "The Blackening"
Holding the title of Metal Hammer's "Album of the Decade," this 2007 crusher from Bay Area heavyweights MACHINE HEAD received a bevy of critical acclaim for balancing memorable, thrashing riffage with angry, thought-provoking lyrics. Surpassing the bar set by their former body of work, the long-running band's sixth full-length to date is a powerful statement for the timeless band — which is why frontman Robb Flynn went for a powerful, timeless image to represent it.
Says Flynn of the find, "I stumbled upon an old punk rock flyer I had from the late eighties that had a wood carving of this creepy looking dude with a huge knife in his hand, standing over the bed of some sleeping children. It was powerful, and disturbing. The fact that it was so crude looking gave it that much more impact. It got me interested about finding some wood carvings. I dug around on the Internet, found what-would-become the album, showed it to the dudes, and everyone dug it."
Continues Flynn, "The fact that it was 500 years old, yet still so powerful, was impressive. The main elements: the skeleton king, his foot on the earth, the almost-empty sand in hour glass, and most importantly the mirror with the words etched on it 'The Mirror Which Flatters Not' — it all seemed to tie into the lyrics on the record.
"'The Blackening' was a harsh look at ourselves, our society, or choices we as a people were making. And there was a lot of bad going on in the world, and a lot of ugly truths being unearthed. Those words summed it up so powerfully."
As for the reaction the band received to their dark imagery, Flynn explains, "The fans loved it. It was different, especially back then. It won album cover of the year in a few mags. Now a million metal bands have copied the idea, which is flattering. But honestly, we were just trying to get away from the cheesy photoshop thing that was going on back then."
And for what he loves about it the most, Flynn contends, "Just that something so simple and crude could be so powerful. It's like the old Gene Simmons motto, 'Keep it simple, stupid.'"
As for why Roadrunner loves it, Senior VP of A&R Monte Conner fills you in in the YouTube clip below.
According to a posting on the ALICE COOPER fan site SickThingsUK, guitarist Damon Johnson is in the final stages of recording a new solo acoustic album, tentatively titled "Release". This will be his first solo effort since 2000's "Dust".
"There was a stack of songs sitting around that I felt I'd be proud to have a recorded version of me singing them," Damon says. "For all the different projects I've been involved in, the one thing they all have in common is great songs. It's been amazing to be able to collaborate and learn from all these great musicians and songwriters."
"Release" is being recorded at Kensington Road Studios in Birmingham, Alabama and will showcase a diverse array of material. There are a couple of songs that have been staples of Damon's live acoustic shows in recent years, like "Leave It All Behind" and "Every Day", which Stevie Nicks recorded a version of in 2002. Several songs will feature a full rhythm section accompaniment, and Damon's daughter Sarah duets with him on "Better Days Will Come At Last" and a cover of SHELBY LYNNE's "Where I'm From".
"I've lived in Birmingham since 1987," Damon says. "As I'm getting ready to move my family and start our new life in Nashville, this album is sort of a love letter to Alabama."
The new album will also contain a cover of Damon's favorite ALICE COOPER song, "Generation Landslide", featuring Alice himself on harmonica. "I've wanted Coop to add this song to the live set ever since I joined the band," Damon says. "The original version from 'Billion Dollar Babies' is centered around the acoustic guitar, and we've stayed true to that arrangement. We had a blast recording it."
The album will be mixed by Damon's longtime collaborator Kelly Gray, and should be completed by June 1.
"Release" will be available for purchase at iTunes, CD Baby, and at DamonJohnson.com.
Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman will take part in a clinic tour of Australia at Allans Music stores in the following cities:
April 26 - Melbourne (at 7 p.m.) April 27 - Sydney (at 7:30 p.m.) April 28 - Brisbane (at 6:30 p.m.) April 29 - Adelaide (at 6:30 p.m.)
For more information, see the poster below.
Friedman's ninth album, "Tokyo Jukebox", was released in Europe on February 22, 2010 via Mascot Records. The CD features extendsive liner notes (written by Friedman in the "story behind the song" format) which are exclusive to the European release.
Video footage of Friedman talking about the making of "Tokyo Jukebox" can be viewed below.
Released in Japan on May 20, 2009 via AVEX, "Tokyo Jukebox" was produced and arranged by Marty and it reflects the chaotic lifestyle of Tokyo, its unique music and Marty's futuristic interpretation of it. According to a posting on Marty's web site, "Sonically, it goes from his 'Loudspeaker' lineup all the way to a 70-piece symphony orchestra. Marty covers the most unlikely artists to get his guitar heavy treatment, including PERFUME, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, AI, NAKASHIMA MIKA, IKIMONO GAKARI and seven other staples in the world of current Japanese music."
"The songs were chosen in part by the readers of Nikkei Entertainment!, Japan's all-time number one entertainment magazine, which features a popular page on Marty each month for over three years and still going strong.
"All the songs go through Marty's extravagant, epic, and quite often brutally twisted treatment. 'Tokyo Jukebox' is the new definitive display of Marty's current state of mind as well as the deepest evolution of his guitar playing and overall musicality ever."
Friedman commemorated "Tokyo Jukebox"'s release by taking part in a "secret live event" atop Tokyo Tower on May 19. There were two shows, both filled to capacity, and all who attended were treated to Marty's first time performing these new songs in public, high above Tokyo's night skyline. Autograph sessions were held after each show.
Oklahoma industrial/metal outfit RIKETS will release its sophomore effort, "All American Death Cult", on April 20 via Burnhill Union Records. The band is comprised of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Scott Rose, guitarist and producer Provo, drummer Timmy Braun, Michael Reams on bass, and Nick Quijano (formerly of AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE) on second guitar.
Rose and company uprooted the original "All American Death Cult" recording session from where they began in Dallas, Texas and relocated them to Ben Schigel's (SWITCHED) Strongsville, Ohio studio. "Ben has been there since day ONE," says Rose. " He's a motivator, a mentor, a vocal trainer and a great creative mind.
"I've been friends with Ben for years and SWITCHED was one of my favorite bands. Working with him over the years on RIKETS has been cool for both of us because we get to jam together."
"All American Death Cult" features tracks such as "Program The Dead", "Sold Me Out" and "Cry Little Sister", a cover of a song made famous in "The Lost Boys" (a popular 1987 film). "I had called up Gerard McMann (original vocalist) who was an email buddy of mine and asked him if we could record his song for our new record," Scott recounts. "I wanted him to sing the song. I didn't want to fuck up the most perfect song ever, trying to re-interpret what this guy felt when he laid it down."
McMann came out and recorded with RIKETS, creating a powerful new version of the acclaimed track.
McMann had this to say, "It was great to redo the song with RIKETS because I was able to try new approaches to singing it and experiment with the track." He added, "What RIKETS have done with this track is massive. I've heard a lot of people cover the song and their version is just huge!"
On March 27, the band will shoot a video for the album's first single, "Program The Dead", with director David Brodsky (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, HATEBREED, FEAR FACTORY) in Oklahoma City. The video will feature leading lady Staci Flood who has worked with marquee names such as Busta Rhymes and Will Smith in addition to co-founding the BOMBSHELL BABIES and THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS burlesque cabaret revues featuring Carmen Electra.
"All American Death Cult" track listing:
01. It's Only Gonna Get Worse (intro) 02. Program The Dead 03. Designer Drug Hell 04. Vicious 05. The Murder 06. Allison 07. House Of Lies 08. End Of My Suffering 09. Cry Little Sister 10. Sold Me Out 11. Sew Your Eyes
Vocalist Mikael Stanne of Swedish melodic death metallers DARK TRANQUILLITY was interviewed on this past weekend's (March 12-14) edition of Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.
To see a full list of stations carrying the program and when it airs, go to FullMetalJackieRadio.com.
"We Are The Void", the ninth album from DARK TRANQUILLITY, sold around 2,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 15 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
A track-by-track breakdown of "We Are The Void" by Mikael Stanne can be found on the MSN Music metal blog Headbäng. Stanne reveals that there are "several" fans of U.K. goth-rock band SISTERS OF MERCY among the members of DARK TRANQUILLITY, and owns up to being a major admirer of synth-pop band DEPECHE MODE. "Since I was 10 or so, I have been listening to them," he said. "Just saw them a couple of weeks ago and I am still amazed."
"We Are The Void" was released in North America on March 9 via Century Media Records. The LP was made available in Europe as a CD, digital download and strictly limited-edition die-cut digipak featuring two bonus songs ("Stars Of Nothingness" and "To Where Fires Cannot Feed") and a bonus DVD that contains the following material:
01. Studio Report - The Making of The Void (produced by Anders Björler of THE HAUNTED) 02. Making Of "Shadow In Our Blood" video 03. ThereIn (Live In Milan) 04. Final Resistance (Live In Milan) 05. "Where Death Is Most Alive" DVD trailer
The drums for "We Are The Void" were recorded at bassist Daniel Antonsson's studio, while the remaining instruments were tracked at Martin Brändström's (electronics) newly renovated Rogue music facility. The mixing duties were once again handled by Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED) at his Antfarm studio in Århus, Denmark.
"Shadow In Our Blood", the new video from DARK TRANQUILLITY, was created by Vasara Films (TURISAS, DRAGONFORCE) who also filmed and edited DARK TRANQUILLITY's live DVD, "Where Death Is Most Alive".
DARK TRANQUILLITY will embark on a European headlining tour, dubbed "Where Death Is Most Alive Part II 2010", in September. Support on the trek will come from INSOMNIUM.
"Lemmy", the long-awaited documentary examining the life and career of MOTÖRHEAD front man and rock icon Lemmy Kilmister, made its debut during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival this past Monday, March 15 at the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin.
An exclusive screening of "Lemmy" will also be held at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, March 19 at the 1,200-seat Paramount Theatre as part of the SXSW Music Festival.
Following the screening, Kilmister himself will participate in very special question-and-answer sessions with "Lemmy" directors/producers Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski.
Olliver and Orshoski spent three years following Kilmister around the globe — from his Hollywood home to the hockey arenas of Russia.
"Lemmy" features appearances by such high-profile Kilmister friends/peers as METALLICA, Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, Billy Bob Thornton and pro wrestler Triple H.
Seats for both the March 19 screening are first-come-first-served, but SXSW Film Festival badge holders get priority seating, followed by SXSW Film Festival passholders. Individual tickets will be sold at the Paramount Theater 15 minutes prior to the screening until capacity is reached.
For more information on film festival badges, visit www.sxsw.com.
Fans without festival badges or passes are encouraged to get to the theater early to avoid being shut out.
The SXSW Film Festival runs March 12-20. The music festival runs March 16-20.
The Paramount Theatre is located at 713 Congress Avenue in Austin. Box office information: (512) 472-5470.
Hailed as a godfather of heavy metal, 64-year-old Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister has established himself as the living embodiment of rock and roll over the past four decades. After stints with popular Mersey beat band THE ROCKIN' VICKERS and influential psychedelic rockers HAWKWIND, and even a brief time spent as a member of Jimi Hendrix's road crew, Lemmy formed MOTÖRHEAD in 1975.
Going on to record such influential metal classics as "Overkill", "Ace of Spades" and "Bomber", the Grammy Award-winning MOTÖRHEAD and Kilmister's fusion of punk and metal registered a major influence on such bands as METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES and NIRVANA.
Says FOO FIGHTERS leader and ex-NIRVANA drummer Dave Grohl, "If anyone deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it's Lemmy. Give me a fuckin' break!"
2010 marks the 35th anniversary of the birth of MOTÖRHEAD, which features Kilmister, guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee.
ATLmetal.com has posted video footage of SOULFLY performing the song "Blood Fire War Hate" on March 9, 2010 at the Loft in Atlanta, Georgia. Watch the clip below.
SOULFLY will film a video for the song "Rise Of The Fallen" during tonight's (Wednesday, March 17) live performance at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, New York. Directing the clip will be Dale "Rage" Resteghini, who has helmed over 550 music videos since 2003, including clips for such metal bands as MUDVAYNE, HATEBREED, ANTHRAX, and SHADOWS FALL. Rage has also directed videos for some of the biggest names in the hip hop world, including Lil Wayne, Diddy, Snoop Dog, and Ice Cube.
"Rise Of The Fallen" will appear on SOULFLY's seventh album, "Omen", which is scheduled for release on May 25 via Roadrunner Records.
SOULFLY is currently touring North America with PRONG, INCITE and ROTTING CORPSE.
"Omen" was recorded at Edge Of The Earth studios in Hollywood, California with co-producer Logan Mader (MACHINE HEAD, DIVINE HERESY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, GOJIRA, DEVILDRIVER) and it features guest appearances by THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN frontman Greg Puciato and PRONG mainman Tommy Victor.
Of the collaborations, guitarist/vocalist Max Cavalera says, "The first one is a song with Tommy Victor from PRONG sharing vocals on a song called 'Lethal Injection'. The other is 'Rise of the Fallen', with shared vocals from Greg Puciato, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's singer. I also recorded two B-sides with both of my sons playing drums. Igor Cavalera plays on EXCEL's 'Your Life, My Life', and Zyon Cavalera plays on SEPULTURA's 'Refuse/Resist' cover."
"Omen" track listing:
01. Bloodbath & Beyond 02. Rise of the Fallen 03. Counter Sabotage 04. Jeffrey Dahmer 05. Lethal Injection 06. Great Depression 07. Mega-Doom 08. Kingdom 09. Off With Their Heads 10. Vulture Culture 11. Soulfly 7
Bonus / B-side tracks:
* Four Sticks (LED ZEPPELIN cover) * Refuse/Resist (SEPULTURA cover; feat. Max's son Zyon on drums) * Your Life, My Life (EXCEL cover; feat. Max's son Igor on drums)
FREE REIGN drummer and Dallas Cowboys backup guard Cory Procter will guest on the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show with Mike "The Big Cheese". The interview will take place during the Sunday, March 21 broadcast from 6 to 8 p.m. EST.
FREE REIGN released its debut EP, "Tragedy", on January 26 via Australia's Riot! Entertainment.
"Tragedy" track listing:
01. In Your Head 02. Tragedy 03. Rise Up 04. Last Goodbye 05. All In Vain
Colombo and Procter are the original members of FREE REIGN. In 2008, they set up inside the team's locker room for a mini-set that prompted Davis to learn the bass his wife bought him a few years ago. Chapman came in after hearing them play over the winter.
"This is an amazing opportunity for Riot! and to further establish our name internationally," said Riot! owner/CEO John Howarth. "FREE REIGN is a band with massive potential. There has been an enormous buzz surrounding them since they appeared on the scene a few months ago. FREE REIGN has already been flooded with endorsements. Their marketing potential is limitless. These guys are already huge sports stars, but they have shown they have the talent to diversify. I am positive that metal fans will embrace FREE REIGN and see them take it to the next level.
"When the opportunity arose to work with FREE REIGN, I jumped to it! This is something that has never been done before and this band is a long-term project. It's also been great working with John Gomez of TQ Management putting this deal to bed."
On February 5, Metal Injection conducted an interview with AT THE GATES/THE HAUNTED guitarist Anders Björler about the making of the new AT THE GATES DVD, "The Flames Of The End". He also shared some of his thoughts on the band's 2008 reunion and discussed the possibility of more touring from the group. Watch the chat below.
A review of the DVD's New York screening can be found at this location.
"The Flames Of The End" will be released on April 6 in the U.S. through Earache Records.
AT THE GATES released its definitive album, "Slaughter Of The Soul" — often regarded as one of the all-time greatest metal albums — on Earache in 1995, before touring the world and abruptly disbanding. Members of the band went on to play major roles in other notorious metal acts such as THE HAUNTED and CRADLE OF FILTH, before reforming for a one-off tour in 2008 to rapturous response.
Now, to celebrate AT THE GATES' massively influential career and historical reunion tour, the band will be releasing "The Flames Of The End", an extensive, in-depth and definitive three-disc DVD set.
Housed in a deluxe six-panel DVD digipak with a 40-page colour booklet, "The Flames Of The End" will include three indispensable DVDs:
Disc 1: "Under A Serpent Sun - The Story of At The Gates"
A brand new documentary with a running time of over two hours, detailing the band's entire career with exclusive interviews and footage, filmed and directed by guitarist Anders Björler.
01. Introduction & Opening Titles 02. Reunion: From Vision to Reality 03. The Early Years Part 1: From Nursery Rhymes to Death Metal 04. The Early Years Part 2: The Schillerska / Billdal Connection 05. The Early Years Part 3: The Grotesque / At the Gates Transition 06. The Early Years Part 4: Creativity Unbound 07. Gardens of Grief 08. The Red in the Sky is Ours 09. Reunion: Sweden Rock 2008 10. With Fear I Kiss the Burning Darkness 11. Exit Alf - Enter Martin 12. Reunion: Graspop 2008 13. Terminal Spirit Disease 14. Reunion: Ruis Rock 2008 15. Slaughter of the Soul 16. Reunion: America re-visited 17. Reunion: San Antonio, TX 2008 18. Exit Anders 19. Reunion: Bloodstock 2008 20. Reunion: The Past is Alive 21. Beyond the Gates 22. Credits 23. Interview with Tomas in Chicago 1996 (Deleted Scenes) 24. Adrian, The Prankster (Deleted Scenes) 25. The Tokyo Experience (Deleted Scenes) 26. Elvis Has Left the Building (Deleted Scenes) 27. European Mini-Tour with Therion 1992 (Deleted Scenes) 28. Gods of Metal, Italy 2008 (Deleted Scenes) 29. Tompa cleaning out the trailer (Deleted Scenes) 30. Kingdom Gone (Music Video) 31. The Burning Darkness (Music Video) 32. Terminal Spirit Disease (Music Video) 33. Blinded By Fear (Music Video)
Disc 2: "Purgatory Unleashed - Live at Wacken"
A 75-minute live set from the band's reunion set at the Wacken Open air festival in 2008 in front of 100,000 people — professionally shot with multiple cameras with sound mixed by Tue Madsen)
01. Intro (backstage) 02. Slaughter of the Soul 03. Cold 04. Terminal Spirit Disease 05. Raped By the Light of Christ 06. Under A Serpent Sun 07. Windows 08. World Of Lies 09. The Burning Darkness 10. The Swarm 11. Forever Blind 12. Nausea 13. The Beautiful Wound 14. Unto Others 15. All Life Ends 16. Need 17. Blinded By Fear 18. Suicide Nation 19. Kingdom Gone
Disc 3: "Only the Dead Are Smiling"
26 rare and archive live performances of the band playing in locations around the globe from 1991 to 2008.
01. Slaughter of the Soul (Wetlands, New York, USA March 7, 1996) 02. Cold (Wetlands, New York, USA March 7, 1996) 03. The Swarm (Wetlands, New York, USA March 7, 1996) 04. Blinded by Fear (Thirsty Whale, Rivergrove, IL, USA, March 10, 1996) 05. Suicide Nation (Thirsty Whale, Rivergrove, IL, USA, March 10, 1996) 06. Under a Serpent Sun (Thirsty Whale, Rivergrove, IL, USA, March 10, 1996) 07. Suicide Nation (Ruisrock, Turku, Finland, July 4, 2008) 08. Raped by the Light of Christ (Ruisrock, Turku, Finland, July 4, 2008) 09. Windows (Ruisrock, Turku, Finland, July 4, 2008) 10. World of Lies (Ruisrock, Turku, Finland, July 4, 2008) 11. Nausea (Ruisrock, Turku, Finland, July 4, 2008) 12. Slaughter of the Soul (Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium, June 29, 2008) 13. Cold (Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium, June 29, 2008) 14. Terminal Spirit Disease (Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium, June 29, 2008) 15. The Beautiful Wound (Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium, June 29, 2008) 16. The Burning Darkness (Witchwood, Manchester UK, February 5, 1996) 17. Through Gardens of Grief (Factory, Eskilstuna, Sweden, April 20, 1991) 18. All Life Ends (Factory, Eskilstuna, Sweden, April 20, 1991) 19. City of Screaming Statues (Factory, Eskilstuna, Sweden, April 20, 1991) 20. Slaughter of the Soul (Studio Coast, Tokyo, Japan, May 11, 2008) 21. Cold (Studio Coast, Tokyo, Japan, May 11, 2008) 22. Under a Serpent Sun (Studio Coast, Tokyo, Japan, May 11, 2008) 23. Slaughter of the Soul (Irving Plaza, New York, USA, July 9, 2008) 24. Need (The Abyss, Houston, TX, USA, March 17, 1996) 25. Neverwhere (Gagarin 205, Athens, Greece, September 21, 2008) 26. Kingdom Gone (Gagarin 205, Athens, Greece, September 21, 2008)
Watch "Slaughter Of The Soul" performance from the Wacken Open Air festival performance in 2008 below.
Anders Björler comments: "It's now almost two-and-a-half years after the first telephone call to the guys regarding the reunion plans for 2008. Looking back at it today, I am very pleased and happy we pulled it off in the short amount of time and clearing all the planning hurdles with our other bands; THE HAUNTED, DISFEAR, BRUJERIA, NEMHAIN, SLAKATTACK etc.
"I started preparing for the documentary 'Under A Serpent Sun' already in 2007. I got myself a new camera, 'cause the old one gave up on me.
"The downside to my filming plans was actually reliving all the feelings associated with AT THE GATES. I didn't want to miss anything. I talked to fans, journalists, and everybody was just overwhelmed by the whole thing. All of us basically took the time to experience this tour to the fullest extent. We appreciated every second of it, because we knew that in a few months it would all be over. All the troubles of the past were washed away. We were basically enjoying touring again.
"After the reunion tour, I sat down and had a look at all the material we had collected. We had a bunch of stuff filmed from pretty much everywhere we played. The quality was very diverse, but at the same time intriguing, and it gave me the inspiration to continue on the documentary.
"I had made some interviews beforehand with Tomas [Lindberg, vocals], and continued tracking down people with knowledge of the past — Alf, Jesper Jarold from AT THE GATES, and a bunch of people from other bands at the time. We hunted down a few hundred old pictures, old crappy VHS and HI-8 recordings from the rehearsal room, live shows, on the road footage etc... ending up with a 130-minute documentary.
"I want to express gratitude to the people helping us out with old material: photos, videos, stories etc... It wouldn't have been possible without your help!
"The Wacken show was planned ahead as being the #1 show on the upcoming DVD. It captured us at our finest moment, just after the U.S. tour, and it's definitely one of our finest moments. We were blown away of the fact that we actually played for 60,000 people.
"So, enjoy 'The Flames of the End' DVD box set. We have really put our hearts into this release, and it's a fine last document of the band."
PAIN, the Swedish band featuring HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren, will make its latest album, "Cynic Paradise", available in North America on June 8 via Nuclear Blast Records. The North American version of the LP will feature an alternate cover (see below) and a bonus live CD recorded on March 23-24, 2009 at the Zenith in Paris, France during the band's European tour with NIGHTWISH.
"Cynic Paradise" North American track listing:
Disc 1:
01. I'm Going In 02. Monkey Business 03. Follow Me 04. Have A Drink On Me 05. Don't Care 06. Reach Out (And Regret) 07. Generation X 08. No One Knows 09. Live Fast / Die Young 10. Not Your Kind 11. Feed Us
Disc 2 (Live In Paris):
01. Intro / I'm Going In 02. End Of The Line 03. Zombie Slam 04. Just Hate Me 05. Same Old Song 06. Monkey Business 07. On And On 08. Shut Your Mouth
"Monkey Business", the latest video from PAIN, can be viewed below. The clip was shot at the band's aforementioned March 2009 shows in Paris.
"Cynic Paradise" was released in Germany in October 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to "Psalms of Extinction" (which was released in 2007 via Roadrunner) features "eleven gems offering a vast variety of styles and influences which are even new for PAIN," according to a press release. NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon makes a guest appearance on two tracks — "Follow Me" and "Feed Us". The artwork was created by renowned artist Travis Smith (AMORPHIS, OPETH, NEVERMORE).
"Majesty And Decay", the eighth album from New York death metal veterans IMMOLATION, sold around 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 29 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Released on March 9 in North America (one day earlier internationally) via Nuclear Blast Records, "Majesty And Decay" was recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios in New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino. Mixing duties were handled by Zack Ohren, who has previously worked with DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION and ALL SHALL PERISH, among others.
IMMOLATION's new album contains "10 songs [plus two intros] of the strongest material we have ever written," the band said in a statement. "The new material is more violent and aggressive, with fast sections that take us to a new level of speed and intensity, while complementing the dark and sullen heavier moments. There are plenty of miserable and militant movements to please the diehard and new IMMOLATION fans alike."
"Majesty And Decay" track listing:
01. Intro 02. The Purge 03. A Token Of Malice 04. Majesty And Decay 05. Divine Code 06. In Human Form 07. A Glorious Epoch 08. Intro 09. A Thunderous Consequence 10. The Rapture of Ghosts 11. Power And Shame 12. The Comfort of Cowards
The upcoming album is the third consecutive release featuring IMMOLATION's current lineup:
Ross Dolan - Bass, Vocals Robert Vigna - Guitars Bill Taylor - Guitars Steve Shalaty - Drums
MEGADETH will play a free show tonight (Wednesday, March 17) at the Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland as a makeup gig for all the folks who had tickets to last night's ill-fated concert.
Commented MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine: "Last night was a difficult night for me, MEGS, and for our sold-out audience of MEGADETH fans in the great city of Baltimore.
"You see, we were plagued with equipment failures, the ensuing delays getting on-stage (Axl Rose, I am NOT), and the lack of intelligence of the fan who was convinced that throwing his beverage on the console, thus ending our second attempt at taking the stage last night, was an intelligent thing to do.
"In other words, it was the end of the evening for me and for Baltimore.
"Alas, Megaman to the rescue!
"Late last night I was informed of the availability of the venue the following evening, meaning tonight, and I agreed to stay another night here in Baltimore and to try to play this venue one more time.
"If you have a ticket from last night, please check here to see how to proceed tonight.
"Thank you for your understanding, and I want to also thank the building, its staff, the security, the promoter and his staff, and most importantly . . . YOU. I will see you tonight!"
As previously reported, MEGADETH was forced to leave the stage three songs into its headlining set last night (Tuesday, March 16) at Rams Head Live in after the venue P.A. (the "Public Address" system that amplifies sound so more people can hear it) prevented the band from continuing its performance.
What follows below is a BLABBERMOUTH.NET transcript of the TheLiveLine "audioblog" Dave Mustaine left late last night decribing the circumstances that led the band to cut its set short.
"I'm calling right now from Baltimore. It's approximately 10 minutes to midnight, and unfortunately, our show turned into an absolute disaster tonight," Mustaine can be heard saying.
"We had problems with the P.A. from the beginning of the night.
"I went out on stage and I had said that the P.A. was a bit inferior to what we were used to using [see video below — Ed.], and after the P.A. completely took a shit, we went into the dressing room, waited another half hour to 45 minutes, used the house P.A. and went back out and started playing again. And some delirious asshole decided that it was a good idea to throw their beverage over the [mixing] console, thus ending the concert.
"So, to the good people of Baltimore, I'm sorry for us having to end your night early tonight, but I can tell you honestly right now that we will be back. It's not like we have better things to do tonight than perform for you. We love you, and we're very sorry about this situation. And hopefully next time we'll be able to play in like a gas station with a couple of generators and a P.A. that'll work. ['Cause] that piece of shit we played in tonight didnt."
You can hear Mustaine's entire one-minute message using the audio player below.
MEGADETH's setlist was as follows:
01. Set The World On Fire 02. Wake Up Dead 03. In My Darkest Hour
Santa Cruz, California technical death metalers BRAIN DRILL will release their sophomore album, "Quantum Catastrophe", on May 11 via Metal Blade Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Obliteration Untold 02. Beyond Bludgeoned 03. Awaiting Imminent Destruction 04. Nemesis of Neglect 05. Entity of Extinction 06. Mercy to None 07. Monumental Failure 08. Quantum Catastrophe
The track "Beyond Bludgeoned" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. A video for the song was filmed in the middle of nowhere near Birds Landing close to the San Joaquin Delta/Rio Vista, California and was directed by Nikko DeLuna and shot by Justin Potter.
"Quantum Catastrophe" was recorded at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, California with Zack Ohren, who handled engineering mastering and produced the album along with the band. Bassist Ivan Munguia got to show off his guitar skills on the tracks "Mercy to None" and "Awaiting Imminent Destruction", which he wrote and recorded.
Vocalist Steve Rathjen explains the concept behind "Quantum Catastrophe": "Universal decimation (black holes, galactic cosmic radiation), pandemic disease and zombie re-awakenings - mankind is entering an age of mass speculation as foreseen by numerous ancient cultures. Space to all humanity still primarily remains a mystery even in our days of immense technological advancements. We know this void is filled with infinite extremities which could occur at any instant; easily decimating all habitations. We also know our planet has fulfilled these mass extinctions time and again centuries in the past. The question which remains, are we due for another apocalyptic transition?"
Guitarist Dylan Ruskin adds some insight into the musical process: "The album was definitely a huge accomplishment in the chronicling of the drill. The musical dynamics and skill level of everyone in the band have improved much more than the previous album. The songs are more technical and musically diverse but are also well balanced and catchy."
"Quantum Catastrophe" again features cover art by Pär Olofsson. The over the top cover art perfectly complements the nearly unbelievable musicianship present on the record.
BRAIN DRILL is:
Dylan Ruskin - guitar Steve Rathjen - vocals Ivan Munguia - bass Ron Casey - drums
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)", the new album from Swiss folk metallers ELUVEITIE, sold around 1,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 23 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)" registered the following first-week European chart positions:
Switzerland: #8 Germany: #19 Austria: #22
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)" was released on February 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed at Nott-In Pill studios in Wales with Colin Richardson (SLIPKNOT, MACHINE HEAD, KREATOR, BEHEMOTH, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and Martyn "Ginge" Ford.
"Everything Remains (As It Never Was)" track listing:
01. Otherworld 02. Everything Remains As It Never Was 03. Thousandfold 04. Nil 05. The Essence Of Ashes 06. Isara 07. Kingdom Come Undone 08. Quoth The Raven 09. (Do)minion 10. Setlon 11. Sempiternal Embers 12. Lugdunon 13. The Liminal Passage
Vocalist Christian "Chrigel" Glanzmann previously stated about the new CD, "Lyrically, the album consists of diverse stories and narrations from ancient Gallia: Historical occurrences and fates of individuals as well as myths and legends bequeathed throughout the centuries. Yet the lyrics pretty much focus on the 'human' aspects of those historical happenings and also behold them with some questioning and probably also with a slightly bittersweet smile, being well aware of the fact that today we simply cannot tell how things exactly have been back then."
ELUVEITIE's "Thousandfold" video can be viewed below. The clip was directed by the highly acclaimed production company Grupa 13, which previously worked on the controversial BEHEMOTH video "Ov Fire And The Void".
ELUVEITIE in 2008 announced the addition of Paede Kistler (bagpipes, whistles, acoustic guitars) and Kay Brem (bass) to the group's ranks.
Legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker will perform at the Musikmesse Frankfurt 2010 fair, which will be held March 27-28 in Frankfurt, Germany.
"Michael Schenker and Friends" lineup:
* Michael Schenker (MSG) * Herman Rarebell (SCORPIONS) * Lenny Wolf (KINGDOM COME) * Elliott Dean (Dean Guitars) * Wayne Findlay (MSG)
The performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the Agora Stage.
Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth will be signing at the M&T Booth, HALL 3.0 B75, on Friday, March 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, March 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
PARADISE LOST's previously announced Australian tour with SIRENIA has been cancelled "due to promotional problems," according to a statement released by PARADISE LOST. The band adds, "We are all very upset and were looking forward to the shows." Affected dates:
April 24 - Hi Fi - Brisbane, Australia April 26 - Metro Theatre - Sydney, Australia April 27 - Billboard - Melbourne, Australia
PARADISE LOST was forced to postone six shows on its fall 2009 European tour due to a serious illness within guitarist Greg Mackintosh's family. Milly Evans, PARADISE LOST's long-standing guitar technician and keyboardist from TERRORVISION, filled in for Greg for the other dates.
The limited formats of PARADISE LOST's new album, "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us", include two orchestral versions of the album tracks "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" and "Last Regret", which were recorded by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in July 2008.
The limited-edition deluxe two-CD includes special packaging (DVD-sized Mediabook with O-Card in a special leather look) and a bonus track, "Cardinal Zero", on Disc 1 plus a separate bonus CD featuring the "Lost In Prague" tracks. All vinyl lovers will be delighted to hear that the album is available as a limited-edition gatefold LP, including the bonus track "Cardinal Zero", the orchestra mixes on a separate bonus 7" EP, the entire album on CD (in a blank sleeve), and an exclusive poster.
The follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem", "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren.
The album's artwork, which is based upon a "Danse Macabre" woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger (first published in 1538), was created by Stefan Wibbeke at Medialogistics (LACUNA COIL, POISONBLACK).
KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE frontman King Diamond has posted the following message on his official web site, CovenWorldwide.org:
"Lately, there have been too many unfounded rumours and speculations regarding me and the band. There has even been various accusations of all kinds of things, most of which totally unfounded.
"When these attacks come about, it is simply not enough to write another long blog to explain everything.The latest attacks are way too big to cover in a blog and some people might think they got the answers they needed, others might sit with questions they felt were not answered.
"In order to try and prevent these unfortunate episodes, I suggest the following:
"I will set up a Skype account. Any of you can then add me as a contact and from time to time I will out of the blue call some of you up, so we can have a good talk (three or four of us at a time) in which you can ask me anything and I can try to answer, and you can immediately follow up with further questions.
"To put it simply, we will have some cool respectful conversations with each other.
"Whenever some of you and I have talked, you will have good inside info which you can relay to the others in the Coven [official forum] or to whoever.
It might be a good thing to be updated on the various subjects on the Coven, so that if I suddenly call any of you, you will know what kind of questions the others might have at the moment.
"This will not be on any kind of firm schedule, but will more likely be a thing that happens out of the blue, whenever time, mood, etc. is right. So don't hang around wasting your time for me to call, but rather, always make sure you are set to online status. I will always appear as offline, because this account will only be used for this.
"I think this might have a great effect on both you and I. We can get closer, and we can learn from each other and address all kinds of issues."
King Diamond's Skype contact information:
Name: King Diamond - Kim B. Petersen Skype name: kingdiamond-kimbpetersen Location: USA
As previously reported, Massacre Records will release new vinyl versions of six KING DIAMOND albums on March 26:
* The Spider's Lullabye (1995) * The Graveyard (1996) * Voodoo (1998) * House Of God (2000) * The Puppet Master (2003) * Give Me Your Soul ... Please (2007)
These gatefold LPs are strictly limited and handnumbered. The six vinyls will be in different vinyl colors.
Massacre Records is planning to release "At The Graves", the long-awaited three-disc DVD set from KING DIAMOND. "This has taken so much longer than expected because of so many technical issues that I won't bore you to death, but we recently acquired a brand new noise-reduction program that we're using to enhance all the footage, and it's amazing how much better everything is beginning to look compared to the original tapes," the band's singer and namesake wrote in an October 2009 online posting.
The exact release date for "At The Graves" has not yet been officially announced.
On October 13, 2009, Metal Blade Records re-released KING DIAMOND's "The Spider's Lullabye" and "The Graveyard" albums. Both LPs were remastered by KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque and each title includes bonus material that purchasers are able to obtain digitally. Both "The Spider's Lullabye" and "The Graveyard" include live "bootleg" versions (with video footage) of the following songs: "The Spider's Lullabye" from the album of the same name, and "Trick Or Treat" and "Up From The Grave" from "The Graveyard".
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