METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich was interviewed by Spin magazine prior to the band's May 14, 2008 benefit concert at the 2,200-seat Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Watch the four-minute chat below. All proceeds from the show will go to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school for low-income students that was co-founded by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea. The opening act was SCARS ON BROADWAY, the new group featuring SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan. Money raised from the show will go towards programs, operations and scholarships at the school, as well as a summer camp program and funds for a new building.
"The day has come for the announcement of the annual D-Low Memorial show — the Cavalera familiy's yearly Arizona-based festival held in memory of Max's slain stepson, Dana Wells (article). On August 7, 2008, the 12th annual D-Low Memorial Festival will be held at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona. So far, the bands scheduled to perform include SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SACRED REICH, THROWDOWN, BURY YOUR DEAD, and INCITE.
"D-Low will be SOULFLY's first performance following the release of their new album 'Conquer', which will be in stores on July 29th.
"Every year this celebration of the SOULFLY tribe has proven to be the host to some of the most memorable events for SOULFLY. Plan your trip now and come to pay respect to the ones who have already passed on, party with the tribe, and be the first to jam out to 'Conquer'!"
As previously reported, SOULFLY has hired Robert Sexton (MONDO GENERATOR, AMEN, ICED EARTH) to direct the video for the song "Unleash" — the first single off the group's forthcoming album, "Conquer". The CD's cover artwork can be viewed at this location (artwork by Android).
SOULFLY members Max Cavalera (guitar/vocals), Joe Nunez (drums), Marc Rizzo (guitar), and Bobby Burns (bass) entered Porch Studio in Florida on September 12, 2007 to begin recording the band's sixth studio LP.
SOULFLY's upcoming CD will feature guest appearances by MORBID ANGEL frontman David Vincent and THROWDOWN singer Dave Peters.
"Conquer" track listing:
01. Blood Fire War Hate 02. Unleash 03. Paranoia 04. Warmageddon 05. War Ghost 06. Rough 07. Fall Of Sycophants 08. Doom 09. Rot 10. Touching The Void 11. Soulfly VI
Soundboard audio recordings of several songs from METALLICA's May 14, 2008 benefit concert at the 2,200-seat Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles can be heard below. All proceeds from the show will go to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school for low-income students that was co-founded by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea. The opening act was SCARS ON BROADWAY, the new group featuring SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan. Money raised from the show will go towards programs, operations and scholarships at the school, as well as a summer camp program and funds for a new building.
METALLICA's setlist was as follows:
01. Creeping Death 02. Fuel 03. For Whom The Bell Tolls 04. Welcome Home (Sanitarium) 05. ...And Justice For All 06. Sad But True 07. Disposable Heroes 08. One 09. Master Of Puppets 10. Battery - - - - - 11. Last Caress 12. No Remorse 13. Enter Sandman - - - - - 14. Fight Fire With Fire (with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Flea) 15. Seek and Destroy
Tickets for the show went on sale last weekend at $200 each, with limited VIP seats available for $500.
METALLICA will also play this week in Tucson, Arizona on Friday (May 16) and Irvine, California on Saturday (May 17), both radio festivals. The band is also one of the headliners at Tennessee's Bonnaroo festival in mid-June.
As previously reported, MissionMetallica.com launched on Monday (May 12). A montage of clips from the band's history, as well as a shorter collection of footage from its recent studio sessions, were posted at the site, along with short excerpts of at least two new songs. Other bonus content and exclusive offers will be made available at the site, although it's not clear if and what fans will have to pay.
The new METALLICA album is due out this September. Its classic 1986 album, "Master of Puppets", is being reissued on heavy-duty vinyl on June 17, the third in the band's series of vinyl reissues.
American power metal band VAINGLORY, fronted by vocalist Kate French (CHASTAIN) and featuring lead guitar virtuoso Corbin King, has parted ways with recently acquired drummer Mike Oliviero. According to the band, "All along we were looking for (and still are) a person that can be devoted to the band and not want to be in a million side-projects and other bands at the same time. There's just nothing special about someone that is in more than one band at a time who all seem to be competing with each other in the same genre of music. We have nothing against anyone that wants to be in multiple projects, that's just not what we are looking for."
Interested parties can contact VAINGLORY via the band's MySpace page for information on how to submit a resume and demo package.
VAINGLORY recently inked a deal with Locomotive Records. The group is hard at work recording the follow-up to 2007's self-titled "Vainglory" CD for a fall 2008 release. The new album is tetatively titled "Manifesting Destiny" and will contain 11 "bone-crushing, devastatingly heavy tracks," according to a press release. "The sound of this CD will be a bit different than the previous in that the songs are heavier, tougher, the choruses bigger, and feature the best performances from all the bandmembers."
Joining King and French in the band's current lineup is bassist Chris Banja.
VAINGLORY's self-titled CD was released in Europe in April 2007 via MTM Music.
According to a press release, VAINGLORY "has all the ingredients in place to be a major force on the metal market for years to come. Kate's ability to mix power, conviction, emotion, and true heavy metal singing is very uncommon in today's 'metal' vocalists. Kate is a veteran to heavy metal and has not only pushed beyond the normal bounds of female vocalists, but has delivered her best recorded performance to date on this CD."
Watch VAINGLORY's video for the song "Burdened" below.
DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has issued the following update from the Progressive Nation 2008 Tour, which also features OPETH, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and 3:
"We were asked by Roadrunner [Records, DREAM THEATER and OPETH's record label] to do a special unique one-off performance for a few limited fans on one of our days off (in between Albany [May 18] and Boston [May 20], to be precise) with a few DREAM THEATER members and a few OPETH members combined to do like a little intimate, unplugged-type performance.
"Myself and Mikael [OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt] had already decided the six-piece band lineup (three guys from each band) and picked the songs to play, but in the end it was just too difficult to pull off (logistically, not musically of course).
"Now, of course, you all want to know the lineup and songs picked....but man, I have to leave SOMETHING to the imagination, don't I?????
"Yes, indeed, it would've been VERY cool...but in the end was just too hard to put together because of gear, rehearsals, crew guys, re-routing the tour buses and hotels, etc, etc.
"The good news is Mikael and myself are STILL planning on someday collaborating (along with [PORCUPINE TREE's] Steven Wilson)....so it's not like my [previous post on the subject] implied that THAT was no longer happening...."
As previously reported, DREAM THEATER recently recorded a cover version of the IRON MAIDEN classic "To Tame a Land" for a forthcoming MAIDEN tribute album that is being released via Britain's Kerrang! magazine. No further details are currently available.
DREAM THEATER's first-ever best-of collection, "Greatest Hit (…& 21 Other Pretty Songs)", was released through Rhino on April 1 at all physical retail outlets and www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $19.98 and at all digital retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $12.99. The collection contains three newly remixed versions of tracks from DREAM THEATER's breakout 1992 album, "Images And Words": "Pull Me Under" as well as "Take The Time" and "Another Day". The collection's 22 songs are split evenly between two discs, which are divided into "The Dark Side" (the metallic) and "The Light Side" (the melodic).
OPETH will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on Friday, May 30 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio show, aptly named "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the program live via the Internet between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.
OPETH's new album, "Watershed", is scheduled for release on June 3 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The CD, recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored OPETH tradition; its modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock.
FIREHOUSE guitarist Bill Leverty will perform at a show to raise money for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Kevin Wilson's annual Metal Health benefit concert will take place on Friday, May 23 at the Hard Rock Café Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut and will also feature live music from guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey, SLAMM (featuring Camine Appice from ROD STEWART and VANILLA FUDGE) and LIVIN' TRUST. Leverty will play songs from his latest instrumental solo album, "Southern Exposure". Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. According to Leverty, "I'll be hanging out after my set to sign copies of both of my solo albums, and all of the proceeds will go to this charity. This is a great cause, and I hope to see you there."
Video footage of an April 2008 Bill Leverty guitar clinic can be viewed below.
Tune in to the "Electric Ballroom" radio show with hosts Aimee Kristi and Keith Roth on WRAT this Sunday, May 18 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern for an exclusive interview with bassist/vocalist Steve Priest from reactivated rockers SWEET.
You can listen to the program live on 95.9 WRAT FM in the New York/New Jersey area or via the Internet at www.wrat.com (hit "Listen Live").
SWEET will embark on the "Are You Ready Steve?" 2008 tour this summer.
The original SWEET was formed by Priest along with vocalist Brian Connolly, drummer Mick Tucker and guitarist Frank Torpey (later replaced by Andy Scott) in the UK and rose to fame with such hits as "Ballroom Blitz", "Fox on the Run", "Love is Like Oxygen", "Little Willy", "Hellraiser", "Teenage Rampage", "Blockbuster", "Action" and many others.
The 2008 SWEET tour will be a tribute to Connolly and Tucker whose tragic deaths were terribly premature. The trek kicks off June 12 at The Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, with guitarist Stuart Smith, singer Joe Retta, drummer Richie Onori and keyboardist Stevie Stewart.
Fans of the group can look forward to hearing all the hits, and more, played as they were meant to be heard, with an energetic stage show that will be second to none.
The band will also perform on the "Mark & Brian" radio show on Thursday, June 5 at 9 a.m. The program is heard on KLOS in Los Angeles and ten other western markets.
Southern California-based female-fronted band IN THIS MOMENT has issued the following update:
"We have received a ton of messages in response to our Ozzfest 2008 announcement. [IN THIS MOMENT is one of the bands taking part in this year's one-day Ozzfest event.]
"There have been lots of questions and some confusion regarding Ozzfest 2008 and we feel that they need to be addressed.
"First off, everyone is asking if Ozzfest 2008 is a one-day show or if it's a full tour. The press release states that it is a ONE-DAY destination event, so yes, everyone, Ozzfest this year is ONE DAY — August 9th in Dallas, Texas. The fact that it will only be one day this year seems to have really pissed off a lot of people who don't live in Texas. We understand being disappointed about something like this, because Ozzfest has become something a lot of people have come to count on every year. It's OK to be disappointed — we get it, we would love to tour the whole country with this amazing package too — but guess what... It's only one show this year, so we have to deal with it.
"The people who are bashing Ozzy [Osbourne] and Sharon [Ozzy's wife/manager and Ozzfest founder] with words like 'betrayed' or 'fucked over' are way out of line. Ozzy and Sharon created this innovative festival that gave metal and rock lovers across the U.S. a chance to see a bunch of awesome bands each year. They also gave numerous underground bands a chance to play in front of thousands of people who otherwise would have never known about them. They blazed the trail for every other hard rock/metal festival out there today and they even made it free last year. People should show a little respect.
"Ozzy has been on tour for 11 months. If he decides not to do a full Ozzfest tour this year, that's his business.
"Ozzy and Sharon have given IN THIS MOMENT some amazing opportunities over the last two years and we have nothing but the utmost respect for them and what they do.
"That being said, please stop sending messages bashing Ozzfest or the Osbournes; we won't post them, so it's a waste of your time.
"We love our fans and we know some of you are disappointed so let me assure you, we will be touring our asses off starting in September and we will be coming to your town.
"Hang tight, we love you all, see you soon."
IN THIS MOMENT will enter a Las Vegas studio on June 1 with producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE's "Black Rain") to begin recording its sophomore album, tentatively due late 2008 via Century Media Records. Among the tracks set to appear on the CD is "Forever", which the band recently recorded with Churko at the helm. The recordings sessions for the new album are expected to be completed by July 1.
IN THIS MOMENT is represented by Mercenary Management, which is headed up by OZZY OSBOURNE/ex-ROB ZOMBIE bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson.
In other news, IN THIS MOMENT will perform at 104.9 The Edge's Edgefest on Sunday, July 27 on the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, New York. Also scheduled to appear are P.O.D., EVERCLEAR, FILTER, DAYS OF THE NEW, CINDER ROAD, CHIODOS, ANOTHER BLACK DAY and EGYPT CENTRAL, among others.
IN THIS MOMENT was featured on the March 7 episode of "Talking Metal on Fuse", performing a cover version of PANTERA's "I'm Broken" with hosts Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy.
The band played a free, Monster Energy-sponsored concert on March 15 at Red 7 (Patio Stage) in Austin, Texas (during the South by Southwest music and media conference). Photos of the show are available on the group's MySpace page (free registration required to view pictures).
Watch fan-filmed video footage of IN THIS MOMENT performing at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California on November 26, 2007 (opening for OZZY OSBOURNE and ROB ZOMBIE) (video footage courtesy of "maddogdawson"):
UK death/thrash band DESCENT has uploaded a demo version of the new song "The Cleansing" on its MySpace page.
Following the release of its debut album, "This Violent Reality", on Corellian Records back in October of last year, DESCENT is well on its way towards completing the writing process for its next CD.
Curently unsigned, the band welcomes all correspondence from interested record labels.
Over the years DESCENT has played with bands such as SUFFOCATION, SHADOWS FALL, DEATH ANGEL, THE CROWN, STAMPIN' GROUND, VADER and DARKANE, to name just a few.
DESCENT is:
Ross White - Vocals & Guitar Tim Spurr - Guitar & Vocals Duncan Mitchell - Bass & Vocals Marc Dyos - Drums & Percussion
Radioactivemetal podcast recently conducted an interview with Robert Bolger Jr., creator and director of the upcoming heavy metal documentary "Behind The Suit And Tie".
Download the interview as an MP3 audio file at this location.
Through a series of interviews with players from both indie and major labels, "Behind the Suit and Tie" "will showcase the truth of how the music industry is being affected by the downward spiral of CD sales and how new and up and coming artists must learn to adjust to changing times," according to a press release. The film will also contain insight from Doug Keogh (Roadrunner Records), Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records), Al Dawson (Earache Records), Pat Egan (Relapse Records), Ray Harkins (Century Media), Paul Conroy (Ferret Records), Missi Callazzo (Megaforce Records), Rayny Forster (Moshpit Tragedy Records), OZZY OSBOURNE bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson, ex-MEGADETH and current F5 bassist David Ellefson, radio DJ Eddie Trunk, Adam Watson (Plastic Head Distribution), Ged Cook (Demolition Records), Ralph Graupner (Indevent Music), Gary Susalis (Music Choice), and Heavy Artillery Records.
"Behind the Suit and Tie" "pulls no punches and features some of the prime movers in the heavy metal industry drawing back the veil of mystique surrounding the music business and addressing tough questions about the industry itself, how it's run and where labels see their role in a digital future," according to a press release.
The "Behind The Suit And Tie" DVD will include a free bonus CD entitled "The Soundtrack From Hell". The CD will feature contributions from many established artists such as Morgan Rose (SEVENDUST), David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Rachel Bolan (SKID ROW), Nadja Peulen (COAL CHAMBER), Jim LaMarca (CHIMAIRA), as well as LOVE SAID NO (featuring former members of STEREOMUD and STUCK MOJO), DIRGE (featuring former members of SOIL), THE MISERABLES (featuring former members of SKINLAB and 40 GRIT) and BLACK MARKET HERO (featuring members of 40 BELOW SUMMER and FLAW).
THE ORDHER — the Brazilian band featuring former members of NEPHASTH and REBAELLION — has issued the following update:
"THE ORDHER have lineup changes: drummer Cássio Canto joins the band to replace Maurício Weimar. Cássio Canto has been rehearsing with the band for the last three months and is ready to play all the coming shows THE ORDHER plays in Brazil in June and July promoting [THE ORDHER's debut album] 'Weaponize'.
"THE ORDHER [has been] confirmed [for] the 10th edition of ForCaos festival, one of the most important metal festivals in Brazil that takes place in Fortaleza, north of the country."
"Rise", the new video from THE ORDHER, can be viewed below.
"Weaponize" was released last October via Unique Leader Records. 10 songs were recorded for the effort, including the three tracks that were previously made available in demo form the group's web site ("Rise", "The Poison" and "Father"). The entire process of recording, mixing and mastering took place in THE ORDHER's hometown of Porto Alegre, in Brazil.
A full-length MP3 of the song "Rise" is available for download at this location.
Wisconsin-based death metallers JUNGLE ROT have scheduled the following dates:
May 17 - Skip'er Inn - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Jul. 12 - Double Door - Chicago, Illinois
JUNGLE ROT's video for the track "Victims of Violence" can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in June 2006 at a military vehicle graveyard in Wisconsin with director Dave Paul (DISTURBED, FIREBALL MINISTRY, SKANK) of DP Filmworks. "Victims of Violence" comes off the band's latest album, "War Zone", which was released on June 27, 2006 via Crash Music.
Late 1990s Rochester, New York-based metal band HATE MACHINE will reunite for one show this summer. The concert will take place on Friday, August 8 at the Water Street Music Hall in the group's hometown. Tickets will be released via Ticketmaster soon.
HATE MACHINE received airplay on national college radio in 1998 with the single "Hasben".
"Prevail", the new album from Canadian death metallers KATAKLYSM, is available for streaming in its entirety on the group's MySpace page.
"Prevail" was mixed at AudioHammer Studios in Orlando, Florida with producer Jason Suecof. The CD, which is scheduled for release via Nuclear Blast Records on May 23 (Europe) and May 27 (North America), features guest solo appearances by Pat O'Brien (CANNIBAL CORPSE), Dave Linsk (OVERKILL) and producer and guitar shredder Jason Suecof himself. "Prevail" will also include a bonus DVD with a full performance recorded from a live Internet concert stream at DeepRockDrive studios in Las Vegas, NV on December 3, 2007.
Bonus DVD track listing:
01. Like Angels Weeping The Dark 02. As I Slither 03. In Shadows & Dust 04. Crippled and Broken 05. The Ambassador of Pain 06. Let Them Burn 07. Manipulator of Souls 08. The Resurrected 09. Face The Face of War 10. Where The Enemy Sleeps 11. The Road To Devastation
KATAKLYSM's video for the track "Taking The World By Storm" can be viewed below. The clip was shot and directed by David Brodsky.
KATAKLYSM vocalist Maurizio Iacono states: "It was a true pleasure to work with David on this video, his level of professionalism is outstanding and his vision is great. We had fun filming this video although we froze our fucking balls off for 12 hours! David really captured the energy and apocalyptic feel of the track and the song is definitely one of my favorites on the album. Enjoy!"
Director David Brodsky had this to say: "Working with KATAKLYSM was an awesome experience… really, what am I going to say besides that? I mean… they're fucking KATAKLYSM! But truly, in the middle of the biggest blizzard of 2008 in NY/NJ, KATAKLYSM showed up eager to the location in the ass-end of seedy Newark, NJ and truly nailed it. Twelve grueling hours in a cold, nasty, wreck of a building and not one complaint, only true professionalism. Some of the shit they did had me cheering. KATAKLYSM is an awesome force to behold — they are the performer's band. They perform with an indefinable swagger and verve. They are all natural showmen… and to be able to spend some time capturing them was a great honor and a great pleasure...besides all that, I can't get that fucking chorus out of my head!"
German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS have scheduled the following dates:
May 17 - Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland - Stadion Miejski May 22 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Dubai Festival City May 30 - Greifswald, Germany - Volksstadion Jun. 07 - Tampere, Finland - Sauna Open Air Jul. 25 - Kotka, Finland - Maritime Festival Aug. 01 - Kelseyville, CA - Joe Mazzola Showroom - Konocti (with SAMMY HAGAR) Aug. 02 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater (with SAMMY HAGAR) Aug. 03 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre @ Orange Co. Fair (with SAMMY HAGAR) Aug. 05 - Tucson, AZ - AVA Amphitheatre (with SAMMY HAGAR) Aug. 08 - Minneapolis, MN - Myth Aug. 09 - Sparta, WI - Fort McCoy Army Base Aug. 24 - Wolpertshausen, Germany - Air Field Hohenlohe Aug. 30 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Apoteose Aug. 31 - Goiânia, Brazil Ginasio - Goiania Arena Sep. 03 - Belém, Brazil - Cidade Folia Sep. 04 - Manaus, Brazil - Arena Amadeu Teixeira Sep. 06 - São Paulo, Brazil - Credicard Hall Sep. 07 - Recife, Brazil - Chevrolet Hall Sep. 10 - Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Mineirinho Sep. 12 - Ponta Grossa - Brazil - Centro de Eventos Sep. 17 - Guadalajara, México - Auditório Telmex Sep. 20 - México DF, México - Foro Sol Sep. 23 - Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago – [to be announced]
Oct. 25 - Strasbourg, France - Zenith Europe
A documentary of the SCORPIONS' recent tour of Russia — which aired in April as part of Deutsche Welle's (DW-TV) English-language programming — has been posted on YouTube. Watch the four-minute clip below.
The SCORPIONS were recently named the seventh most successful German band of all time in their country based on German CD sales. They are also the most successful German band in terms of international album sales.
"Live At Wacken Open Air 2006: A Night To Remember - A Journey Through Time" DVD — which contains footage of SCORPIONS' concert at Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany on August 3, 2006 — was made avalable in North America on January 8 as an Internet-only release. The set includes the German hard rock band's historic performance at the festival during which they were joined by former bandmates Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker and Herman Rarebell.
Guitarist Daniel Gingras from Québec City, Québec-based metallers BLINDED BY FAITH has issued the following update:
"The BLINDED BY FAITH show this Friday, on May 16th, at the Stage café in Trois-Rivières will be the last one ever for me with the band which I helped to form 13 years ago. Although this was a hard decision, this is for the very best of everyone concerned. This update is simply to thank everyone who supported me along all these unforgettable years. Thousand thanks to Eric Galy and Jeff 'Godasse' Houle who never stopped to believe in BLINDED BY FAITH. Thanks to my family and friends for their constant support while I was working hard to help the band growing more and more. Of course, thanks to every metalheads who never stop to believe in BLINDED and, last but not least, my dear partners of BLINDED BY FAITH. You're about to discover two new members in the BLINDED family, and I'm pretty confident about this new formation. Finally, I'll support BLINDED BY FAITH until the end and you'll see me somewhere along with the band. Thanks again, and cheers to everyone!!"
BLINDED BY FAITH last fall posted its video for the song "The World Has Something To Offer" from the band's "Imperial Collapse" DVD. Watch the clip below.
BLINDED BY FAITH's latest record, entitled "Weapons of Mass Distraction", was released in May 2007 via Galy Records. The CD was recorded at New Rock studios in Québec City with producer Yannick St-Amand (DESPISED ICON, BENEATH THE MASSACRE) to. Mastering duties were handled by Alan Douches (SHADOWS FALL, UNEARTH, NILE, HATEBREED, GOD FORBID).
VIP tickets for NIGHTWISH's fall 2008 concerts in Philadelphia, PA (Aug. 29); Worcester, MA (Aug. 30); Cleveland, OH (Sep. 4); San Francisco, CA (Sep. 12); and Austin, TX (Sep. 17) are sold out and only regular tickets are available for these shows.
VIP tickets are still available in small quantity for these dates:
Sep. 01 - Montreal, QUE @ Metropolis Sep. 13 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern Sep. 27 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theater
In other news, NIGHTWISH is finalizing the time period to return to North America in 2009 for what looks to be a springtime tour.
"The Islander", the new single from NIGHTWISH, will be released on May 21 and will include the following tracks:
01. The Islander 02. Escapist (instrumental version) 03. Meadows Of Heaven (orchestral version)
Additionally, it will include the videos for "The Islander" and "Bye Bye Beautiful".
Check out the "The Islander" single artwork at this location.
The video for "The Islander" was shot last autumn in Rovaniemi, Finland and was directed by Stobe Harju.
Professionally filmed video footage of NIGHTWISH performing the song "Bye Bye Beautiful" in Sydney, Australia on February 1, 2008 can be viewed below.
Croatia-based power/thrash metallers RISING DREAM have tapped former VISIONS OF ATLANTIS singer Melissa Ferlaak to lay down guest vocals on the song "Dreams Come True", to be included on their forthcoming album, "Failed Apocalypse", due on July 1 via Dallas Records.
Commented RISING DREAM in a statement: "It is a well known fact that backstage areas 'round metal open air festivals are the unique place for having parties and making new friends. Masters Of Rock 2007 in Czech Republic was certainly a place like that, as Melissa and her band at the time, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, were people one could not forget. From there everything went in its natural course… we asked Melissa if she would participate on our material, and the cooperation was born. Metal icon on one side and professional classical singer on the other, Melissa gave herself into the song 'Dreams Come True' inside which you'll experience true power of her voice."
Added Melissa: "I was really excited to be asked by RISING DREAM to sing on their upcoming album. Their music is fresh, innovative and rockin' and were such cool guys when we met at the Masters of Rock Festival. Plus the song is killer fun to sing!"
RISING DREAM has been confirmed as the support act for IRON MAIDEN for the band's Somewhere Back In Time show in Split, Croatia on August 10, 2008. The concert will take place at the 35,000-capacity stadium Poljud.
RISING DREAM has previously opened for such bands as HELLOWEEN, AMON AMARTH and DEEP PURPLE, and has played at major European open air festivals.
RISING DREAM's performance this year at the Castle Festival on July 3 alongside such acts as CRADLE OF FILTH, AT THE GATES, THE 69 EYES, SOILWORK, ADAGIO and SECRET SPHERE will be just the beginning of a series of shows on their "Failed 2008" tour.
Watch video footage of a RISING DREAM performance in 2007:
Melissa Ferlaak performing with Coro!, a group of opera singers in the Twin Cities, as part of "Saints and Sinners of the Opera" on April 27, 2008:
No rocker embodies the "Spirit of the Wild" more than Ted Nugent, and he's ramping up in 2008 like never before.
His multi-cultural ammo: a new CD and DVD ("Sweden Rocks"), book ("Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto"), film ("Beer For My Horses") and concert tour ("Rolling Thunder 2008 Tour").
There's also Ted's new song "I Am The NRA", which he'll premiere at the 2008 NRA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky May 17-18 where's he's a presenter. Ted was recently re-elected for his fifth term on the Board of Directors of the NRA.
Rock's ultimate guitar frontman has just released an incendiary new live album "Sweden Rocks" — recorded during his EuroBlitz 06 Tour at the Sweden Rock Festival — with the companion DVD out June 10, both via Eagle Rock Entertainment.
His latest book — comprising 10 chapters on how to fix America — is titled "Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto" and is due in August via Regnery Publishing. Texas Governor Rick Perry salutes Ted in the book as a "human tornado" and goes on to say: "He lives life at mach speeds, boldly pouring himself into matters deeply personal to him. His efforts to support U.S. troops wounded in the defense of freedom and his selfless devotion to children with life-threatening illnesses are just two indications of the gentle heart that beats beneath the surface of this wild-eyed warrior."
Ted will make his feature film debut this summer in the film "Beer For My Horses", which stars Toby Keith and also features Rodney Carrington, Claire Forlani, Tom Skerritt and Willie Nelson. The film will be released August 8, 2008 in movie theatres in selected cities. Filmed on location in New Mexico, it follows the exploits of small town deputies and best friends who defy the local sheriff to embark on an outrageous road trip to save one of their girlfriends from kidnappers.
As he approaches his amazing 6000th gig this summer, Ted — whose career spans five decades and multi-platinum sales exceeding 35 million albums — has announced a new concert trek that marks his 50th tour. The "Rolling Thunder 2008 Tour" kicks off June 7 and runs through Sept. 27, including a massive July 4 blowout in his Detroit hometown at the DTE Energy Center. The itinerary includes an array of concerts in Europe July 5-16. Backed by his rock-solid bandmates Greg Smith (bass) and Mick Brown (drums), Ted will roar through his classics (including his immortal "Stranglehold", named the #1 guitar lick by listeners of 103.5 The Fox, Denver) and songs from "Love Grenade", his 35th album that was released last fall (Eagle Rock Entertainment).
Meanwhile, it's been another hit season for "Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild" (airing on the Outdoor Channel), big winners in not just one, but two categories at the 8th annual Golden Moose Awards. For the fourth time, Ted and (his wife) Shemane Nugent were voted "Fan Favorite Hunting Series," as well as "Fan Favorite Hosts" in a celebration held by Outdoor Channel during the 2008 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.
SOULFLY has hired Robert Sexton (MONDO GENERATOR, AMEN, ICED EARTH) to direct the video for the song "Unleash" — the first single off the group's forthcoming album, "Conquer".
"Conquer" is scheduled for release on July 29 via Roadrunner Records. The CD's cover artwork can be viewed at this location (artwork by Android).
SOULFLY members Max Cavalera (guitar/vocals), Joe Nunez (drums), Marc Rizzo (guitar), and Bobby Burns (bass) entered Porch Studio in Florida on September 12, 2007 to begin recording the band's sixth studio LP.
SOULFLY's upcoming CD will feature guest appearances by MORBID ANGEL frontman David Vincent and THROWDOWN singer Dave Peters.
"Conquer" track listing:
01. Blood Fire War Hate 02. Unleash 03. Paranoia 04. Warmageddon 05. War Ghost 06. Rough 07. Fall Of Sycophants 08. Doom 09. Rot 10. Touching The Void 11. Soulfly VI
In a recent interview with PyroMusic.net, Max Cavalera stated about the new SOULFLY CD, "Well, the next SOULFLY album is being mixed in England with Andy Sneap, and it's very heavy in its own way. In a SOULFLY way. It's still got craziness... I recorded a lot in Egypt this time. I spent some time in Cairo working with some Egyptian musicians and we came up with some really wicked interludes and passages. It sounds nothing like anything I ever done. Very very amazing Egyptian instruments. There is a song that is a colloboration with MORBID ANGEL's singer David Vincent which is one of my favourite songs forever in my whole life that I wrote. It's called 'Blood Fire War Hate' and that should be the opening of the album. It's very energizing, verrrry powerful, man. I can't wait for fans to hear it. It's the shit. That one is gonna definitely create some chaos in the moshpit."
Watch professionally filmed video footage of SOULFLY's August 16, 2007 performance at the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium:
New Jersey metal titans GOD FORBID will celebrate the release of the group's first-ever DVD, "Beneath the Scars of Glory and Progression" (cover artwork), with three headlining shows with ARSIS and LIGHT THIS CITY. The dates are as follows:
June 13 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ June 14 - Penny Arcade - Rochester, NY June 15 - The Station - Portland, ME
Metal Mark from Local Productions conducted an interview with guitarist Dallas Coyle of GOD FORBID on May 13, 2008 at the Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia. The six-and-a-half-minute clip, which contains footage of the band's concert at the venue, can be viewed below.
GOD FORBID kicked off its 2008 worldwide touring schedule earlier this month with a massive co-headlining North American tour alongside DEATH ANGEL. The trek also features SOILENT GREEN and LIGHT THIS CITY in the support slots.
GOD FORBID is ready to deliver its career-defining statement with its much-anticipated new full-length album, which is set for a late summer release. However, preceding this release will be "Beneath the Scars of Glory and Progression", which is due on June 10. This package features multi-camera footage shot at a sold-out performance at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, all of the group's promotional videos and an hour-long documentary composed of historical insight, look into each member's personalities, and some hysterical social commentary.
Members of BUCKCHERRY and PAPA ROACH are featured in the new JVC Mobile Entertainment "Turn Me On" commercial. Watch it below.
BUCKCHERRY entered the studio on May 8 to begin recording its fourth album and the follow-up to its million-selling 2006 comeback effort, "15".
The band has yet to announce a title or release date for the new album.
BUCKCHERRY released "15" just over two years ago, beginning a comeback that saw the band play 300 shows, sell over one million copies of the record, and earn five hit singles after being all but defunct five years ago.
PAPA ROACH is scheduled to enter the studio this month to begin recording its next album, titled "Days of War, Nights of Love". The group also officially welcomed ex-UNWRITTEN LAW drummer Tony Palermo into the lineup. Palermo replaced founding drummer Dave Buckner last year after Buckner went down with substance abuse issues.
PAPA ROACH has recruited producer Jay Baumgardner to work on the band's new record. Baumgardner produced PAPA ROACH's triple-platinum 2000 major label debut, "Infest".
RollingStone.com conducted an interview with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield on Wedneday (May 14), a few hours before the band's performance at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.
RollingStone.com: Does the new METALLICA album have a title yet?
Hetfield: It's got a title and we're still playing with it to see if we like it. But I guess the album's done. It's still got to be mixed. All the singing, all the recording is pretty much done. And we're pleased with it.
RollingStone.com: What brought you to Rick Rubin?
Hetfield: It was time to get a fresh set of ears. Bob Rock has done amazing stuff with us. It got a little comfortable. Maybe the fire wasn't there as much, in our viewpoint. Bob is a great person, a great friend. I feel extremely safe and comfortable with him, and maybe that wasn't what we needed to feel on this. We needed to argue a bit. We needed to get shaken up a little bit. That's what the mission was.
RollingStone.com: Did you always agree with what Rubin had to say?
Hetfield: Definitely not. But I was very willing to look at it and try it. If he's suggesting it, there's a reason behind it. And most times it was better, sometimes it was not. We like to be open, but there are times when we just know we're right and it's as simple as that. It wasn't head-butting like in the past, but there was some negotiating going on.
RollingStone.com: What was the idea behind making this album?
Hetfield: The direction is embracing our past in the now. We know what we know. It's hard to erase that. But to strip it down again, and get back to why we're doing this? Why did we write songs that way? The template was "Master of Puppets" and the strength of that record. How can we do that now?
RollingStone.com: You still see that album as a high mark for the band?
Hetfield: Oh definitely, no doubt about that. Hopefully this will be another one. We feel this record is really good, especially after "St. Anger". It was very one-dimensional and abusive to the listener. That was the anger coming out. And if you weren't feeling that, it didn't feel so good. But this one is a lot more moody. We a lot of things I think make a diverse and interesting record.
W.A.S.P. mainman Blackie Lawless was interviewed a few weeks ago by Andrew Haug of Triple J's "Full Metal Racket" (based in Australia). Download the 23-minute audio file in MP3 format at this location (9 MB).
W.A.S.P. recently completed the European and North American legs of "The Crimson Idol Tour", which kicked off on October 26, 2007 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The band performed the 1992 album in its entirety while never-before-seen video footage was being shown throughout the show. After a short break the group returned for another a 30-minute set of W.A.S.P. classics.
W.A.S.P.'s latest album, "Dominator", was released in digipack and LP format on October 1, 2007 via Demolition Records. The digipack features a special 3D cover.
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