Hugely influential British melodic hard rock group MAGNUM has issued the following update:
"This week we are back at M2 studios [in the West Midlands] and all set to record the new album due out later this year. We do have a title and will let you know what it is very soon. We have just spent a week putting down guide vocals and some guitar parts and it's sounding really powerful once again. If the early songtitles have anything to go by, the album will tick all the boxes for all the fans."
MAGNUM's last album, "Evolution", came out in November via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD contained partially re-recorded and fully remixed versions of eight songs from MAGNUM's previous albums, including two tracks from MAGNUM's acclaimed "The Visitation" album (which cracked the Top 20 in Germany and made it to No. 3 on the U.K. Rock chart) and two newly recorded songs.
MAGNUM's lineup consists of guitarist/songwriter/producer Tony Clarkin, vocalist Bob Catley, keyboard player Mark Stanway, bassist Al Barrow and drummer Harry James.
LAMB OF GOD, in conjunction with Epic Records and Appetizer Mobile, bring you the "Vox Of God" iPhone app. "Vox Of God" is a voice-modulating iOS app developed specifically for LAMB OF GOD in support of the band's "Resolution" album and 2012 tour. The app creates a vocal simulation of LAMB OF GOD lead singer Randy Blythe's vocal style by applying advanced audio processing techniques and audio modulation to a voice that is recorded with the app. The results will generate a simulation of Randy's signature scream/growl vocal effect when the user records their voice using the app with their iPhone. The application features a growl level indicator and several different sharing options. Users will be able to record with or without an instrumental version of the "Ghost Walking" single, along with playback recording features, and social network integration where the user can share their resulted recording though email, Facebook and Twitter.
LAMB OF GOD's new album, "Resolution", sold around 52,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Wrath", opened with around 68,000 units back in March 2009 to enter the chart at No. 2. This figure was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by 2006's "Sacrament", which shifted around 63,000 units to debut at No. 8. It also represented almost double the amount of records sold by its predecessor, "Ashes Of The Wake", which premiered with 35,000 copies in September 2004.
"Resolution" was released in the U.S. via Epic and internationally through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".
"Resolution" features 14 songs and comes in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.
Marseille, France-based female-fronted metalcore band ETHS has finished filming a video for the track "Adonai". The clip was shot in the Frioul Islands and the band's hometown with director Louis Vignat of Scandale Productions.
"Adonai" comes off ETHS' third album, "III", which will be released on April 6 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others.
On February 24, ETHS fans living in the south of France will have the opportunity to meet the band and purchase "III" before everybody else during a special evening at the Maison Hantée in Marseilles, France.
ETHS has announced the first leg of its upcoming tour in support of "III". Joining the band on most of the dates inMarch, April and May 2012 will be fellow French metallers KELLS, who released their new album, "Anachromie", on January 20.
As previously reported, ETHS was recently rejoined by the band's original drummer, Guillaume Dupré.
ETHS' sophomore album, "Tératologie", was released in France in October 2007 and was made available in other parts of Europe in April 2008 via Season of Mist. The band's sound is described in a press release as "dark and powerful metal with tortured atmospheres, led by charismatic female singer Candice Clot, who with her amazing voice sings, talks, whispers and growls."
Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz of Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE spoke to AOL's Noisecreep about the band's decision to reunite with its original vocalist Jesse Leach following the departure of longtime singer Howard Jones.
Leach sang on the band's first self-titled album, which came out in 2000, and on their landmark 2002 Roadrunner debut "Alive Or Just Breathing". Leach left the band in 2002 and was replaced by Jones, but his work on "Alive Or Just Breathing" has always been revered by diehard, longtime KILLSWITCH ENGAGE fans.
"Honestly, we didn't want to jump into anything too quickly," Adam said. "We were in a position where we could take our time and try out as many singers as we wanted. There are a lot of talented singers out there, and we didn't want to rush everything. We ended up mulling it over a bit, and we tried out a few different people.
"When we got back in the rehearsal room with Jesse, it just felt right. He's one of my good friends, and the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time, and all of that stuff, was gone when he jammed with us again. We also knew what Jesse is capable of, so it just took all of us getting in a room together again to remember how cool it once was. He blew us away."
Regarding the reasons for Leach's original departure from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ten years ago and whether those same issues will come into play now, Adam said, "He was feeling a lot of frustration [back in 2002]. He didn't know how to take care of his voice, and he would blow it out every couple of shows. We had to cancel a lot of shows because of that. He was also a newlywed, and they didn't know how tough it would be to be in a relationship when the other person is a road dog. It was a lot of pressure on him. All of those things piled up, and it put him in that bad place. But these days he's really learned how to take care of himself on the road. His marriage is also going great, and they've figured out how to make it work, even though one of them is a touring musician. Jesse's in a much better place now, that's for sure."
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is hard at work on material for the follow-up to 2009's second self-titled album.
The band will perform at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival on April 22.
Leach last performed with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in March 2010 in New York City, Clifford Park, New York and Wallingford, Connecticut (see video below).
VAN HALEN's new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", is likely to sell between 180,000 and 200,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on February 7 via Interscope.
The first review of "A Different Kind Of Truth" was posted online last week at Antiquiet — and it was overwhelmingly positive. Critic Johnny Firecloud said that the band's first album with original singer David Lee Roth in 28 years is a "true return" and "screaming triumph," adding, "That old familiar feeling has returned, the unique flare of excitement that comes from a muscle car rhythm section led by a six-string wizard and a singing sexual megalodon with an ego that made Kanye look like a kid flaunting his new Spider-Man underoos — and the pipes to back up the strut."
The review acknowledged that much of the album is made up of material pulled from the band's archives, writing, "Thankfully, these songs do not sound like old men putting on the smelly old spandex and combing over the strays. Fresh is the operative word here, a supremely confident swing for the fences in an understandable progression from the obsessively romanticized pre-Hagar era."
First single and album opener "Tattoo" is described as the "low point for an otherwise fantastic album," which may offer hope to fans who have voiced displeasure with that track. Other songs cited as standout tracks include "She's The Woman", "You And Your Blues", "China Town" and "Stay Frosty".
The review concluded, "'A Different Kind Of Truth' will be remembered as evidence that a band can endure every cliche in the book and return, with the right focus, obsessed dedication and mojo, to a sweet spot of rejuvenation — one that holds the hand of nostalgia but doesn't go for the full embrace, leaning instead, wisely, toward evolution."
"A Different Kind Of Truth" track listing:
01. Tattoo 02. She's The Woman 03. You And Your Blues 04. China Town 05. Blood And Fire 06. Bullethead 07. As Is 08. Honeybabysweetiedoll 09. The Trouble With Never 10. Outta Space 11. Stay Frosty 12. Big River 13. Beats Workin'
VAN HALEN will kick off a North American tour on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky.
BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne has commented on last month's announcement that his SABBATH bandmate, guitarist Tony Iommi, was diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. According to a statement issued by his publicist, the 63-year-old metal legend is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.
"He's gonna beat it," Ozzy said in an interview that will be broadcast later today on Ozzy's Boneyard, the new classic hard rock and metal music channel on SiriusXM Radio. "What it's down to is determination, and believe me, this guy's got more determination than anybody I've ever met. It's gonna be fine. It's just one of those trials in life that happen, you know. . . He's got so much support, not only from each one of us in the band, but the fan base; it's unbelievable. And it's one of them problems you have in life. . . He ain't gonna die, I'm telling you. I told him if he dies, I'm gonna kill him."
A short audio clip of Ozzy talking about Iommi's cancer battle can be streamed below (courtesy of Metal Injection).
Ozzy's one-on-one conversation with SiriusXM host Jose Mangin will air today (Wednesday, February 8) at 7:00 p.m. ET on Ozzy's Boneyard, channel 38.
SABBATH's new album, which is being produced by Rick Rubin, is set for release this fall. SABBATH is scheduled to embark on a world tour this summer, although Iommi's illness could affect those plans.
Iommi's bandmate in SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, died of stomach cancer in May 2010 at the age of 67.
SABBATH drummer Bill Ward announced last week that he will not participate in the reunited band's new album and tour unless he is given a fair contract. The other three members of the group responded by saying that they "have no choice but to continue recording without [Bill]."
Laithwaites Wine, the independent wine store, today announces its launch of AC/DC The Wine. AC/DC has teamed up with Laithwaites and one of Australia's favorite wineries, Warburn Estate, to make the critically acclaimed wine and rock the entire wine world.
Following the huge success of the AC/DC The Wine in Australia, Laithwaites today celebrates being able to exclusively bring this top-billing "rocker" wine to U.K. consumers.
Celebrating two classic wine styles — Shiraz and Sauvignon — classic rockers AC/DC and celebrated Australian winery Warburn Estate, have created two high-voltage wines, available to buy today at www.laithwaites.co.uk:
* Back in Black Shiraz 2011 - Barossa (from £9.99 a bottle) and; * Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – Marlborough (from £9.99 a bottle)
Sourced from some of the Southern Hemisphere's most popular and established wine regions, and styled in 100% AC/DC packaging, the wine will delight die-hard classic rock fans — including AC/DC's 13 million Facebook fans — and wine lovers familiar with Laithwaites' top-quality, exclusive wine lines.
Within two weeks of its launch in Australia, sales of the exclusive wine went platinum. Critical acclaim flowed for the wines — including a Winestate Recommended medal for the Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc — produced at world-renowned and medal-winning winery, Warburn Estate.
Laithwaites' on-the-ground Australian wine buyer, Dan Parrott — who travels Australia's vast country seeking out wonderful wines for their customers — comments: "The AC/DC project was music to our ears at Laithwaites. For us, wine is about pleasure, passion and fun and AC/DC The Wine enables our customers to indulge two great passions: great wine and great rock. Our relationships with dynamic wineries, like Warburn Estate, means we can make these fantastic, fun and quality wines available to our customers. And be sure, these wines are no novelty act; we have two signature styles with the Barossa Shiraz and the Marlborough Sauvignon, with the volume turned up!'
Metal Injection boarded the second edition of the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise this past January and has posted a recap of all the madness that happened on the high seas in a five-minute video clip, featuring footage of fans and bands and all the craziness that happened aboard the Majesty Of The Seas cruise ship. Additionally, over 500 photos from the cruise have been uploaded to the Metal Injectionphoto gallery, including copious amounts of photos of all the fans in attendance. Finally, a video clip featuring artists who played the cruise is available. Members of CANNIBAL CORPSE, CHILDREN OF BODOM, NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS, CROWBAR, ELUVEITIE, ATHEIST, STRATOVARIUS, PESTILENCE and KATAKLYSM discuss what their favorite part of playing the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise is.
The 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise set sail January 23 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami, Florida to George Town, Cayman Islands and returned four days later.
The following bands performed on this year's cruise:
ALESTORM AMORPHIS ANNIHILATOR ATHEIST CANDLEMASS CANNIBAL CORPSE CHANNEL ZERO CHILDREN OF BODOM CORONER DARK FUNERAL DIAMOND PLATE EDGUY ELUVEITIE EXCITER GOD DETHRONED GRAVE DIGGER HAMMERFALL IN EXTREMO KAMELOT KATAKLYSM MASSACRE MEGORA MOONSORROW MY DYING BRIDE NIGHTWISH OVERKILL PENTAGRAM PESTILENCE PRETTY MAIDS RIOT SAMAEL SAPIENCY STRATOVARIUS SUFFOCATION TANKARD THERION TRISTANIA VENOM VICIOUS RUMORS VIRGIN STEELE WHIPLASH
DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash band featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner, is giving fans a taste of what they'll be bringing this year by offering a free MP3 of the song "Halfway To Godz". Starting today, fans can visit the DARK DAY SUNDAY's official Facebook page and unlock the free MP3 by clicking to "Like" the band.
Inspired by Bay Area thrash bands like METALLICA, EXODUS, and MEGADETH, DARK DAY SUNDAY brings together old and new elements to create a brand new sound. The result: pure, raw energy.
DARK DAY SUNDAY is composed of four guys with a common love for headbanging fury, wailing guitar solos, melodic vocals that simply won't quit, and a rhythm section so in tune with one another you'd swear they were born of the same insanity.
Frank Aresti started his career with seminal prog-metal band FATES WARNING. As inspiration to many later bands, from DREAM THEATER to SLIPKNOT, Frank's guitar playing helped propel the band to commercial success and critical acclaim.
"I love playing with FATES," comments Frank, "but DARK DAY SUNDAY has a special place in my heart. I grew up listening to late '70s British punk and hardcore, then to early American thrash. I absolutely love this music."
In the drummer's seat is one of the most highly regarded metal drummers today, Jason Bittner of SHADOWS FALL. A Berklee College Of Music alum, "Jason brings a great energy to this band," says Aresti. "He lends an aggressive approach, pushing the beat while completely locking up with the rhythm section. It's a powerful feeling when you hear us live."
Rounding out the rhythm section on bass is Ed Lanouette. Ed earned his bachelor's degree at Berklee College Of Music and graduated with a master's degree in jazz performance from the Boston Conservatory. He cites his main influences as Jaco Pastorius and BLACK SABBATH's Geezer Butler.
Soaring above the ferocious riffs and pounding rhythm section is vocalist Marc Lopes. Marc cites his main influence as Bruce Dickinson of IRON MAIDEN. "Bruce has the ability to be melodic and aggressive at the same time," says Marc. "I love that, and that's what I go for in my singing."
When asked about the future of DARK DAY SUNDAY, Frank replies, "I want to take this band on the road, across the world. I want to continue making and recording music as long as we can. And judging how all four of us love doing this, that's going to be a long time."
DARK DAY SUNDAY expects to release its debut album later this year.
DARK DAY SUNDAY is:
Marc Lopes - Vocals Frank Aresti (FATES WARNING) - Guitar Ed Lanouette - Bass Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL) - Drums
Aron, the son of original BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward, has posted the following message on Facebook regarding his father's recent announcement that he could not participate in the group's reunion due to his unhappiness with the contract he was offered:
"The press is spinning this shitstorm to read as if my dad has quit. This is not true. The guys know that. That's why they said the door is ALWAYS open.
"My dad hasn't 'declined' playing with BLACK SABBATH or 'threatened' to pull out of this reunion. As he stated, his bags are packed and he's ready to go. He says it loud and clear, he definitely wants to play on the album and he definitely wants to tour. I know he's been committed to this project from the beginning all the way to the point everyone else flew off to the U.K. When I saw him over the summer, he had this little CD case with him that had all the rehearsals and song ideas. Each CD was Sharpie scrawled with rough titles and ideas they had been working on.
"About a month ago, my dad called me to let me know that Tony [Iommi, guitar] had been diagnosed with cancer. He said they were all flying over in the next couple of weeks to continue recording the album in the U.K. and begin rehearsals for the summer tours. He'd been rehearsing more than I've ever known him to.
"Up 'till about three weeks ago, he was working extremely hard and close with the other three on this album/reunion tour. He was in very good spirits and sounded excited to be writing with Tony, Geezer [Butler, bass] and Ozzy [Osbourne, vocals] again.
"I know if they sort this shit out, you guys won't be disappointed.
"I've always stayed out of my dad's business and would like nothing more than for everything to be worked out swiftly between the guys. Unfortunately, it's become personal with all these idiots slagging off my dad, so this is for the fucking morons saying, 'Get over it, Bill': My dad has 'gotten over it' again and again. He's risen above this bullshit thing called showbiz for the last 30 years. He's respected because he's real and honest, not just because he's a complete bad-ass on the drums. He's been there for other musicians. In all kinds of circles — punk rock, hardcore, metal whatever. He was one of the first to get his head screwed back on after the '70s and get cleaned up. He's given so much support to so many people trying to pull themselves out of the hell called addiction. He tries so hard to stay in touch with the fans. He'll talk your ear off if you get a chance. He is humbled by your support and loves you.
"'Can't believe he needs to make this public' or 'it's not the first time': you're an idiot and have no idea what the hell's really going on. Just shut the fuck up and keep the speculation and lies to yourself. What my dad posted was from his heart, on the level and as usual completely honest. He wants you to know what's really going on. That he has been given a contract that he can't sign. Nothing more to it. No hidden agenda. Disappointingly, someone else is trying to shroud everything in some kind of X factor 'yeah, it's full steam ahead — we have no choice' bullshit. Of course they have a choice.
"'Don't be so greedy': he is by no means greedy, man. If he was, he would have settled with whatever contract given him. It's kind of obvious someone else is greedy. Wake up. He lives in a modest home in Southern California. Pays rent like the rest of us. In case you're still blind, look at it this way — sadly, the current 'SABBATH' statement reads as if someone would rather see the remaining members play in front of thousands of disappointed, confused and resentful fans then give my dad a dignified agreement. Additionally, the record sales will be severely affected because it isn't the promised original lineup. All this because of someone's inability to respect him as the committed founding member he is. This has derailed the fans' hopes of seeing the original lineup and strongly divided the fans. What a way to fuck up such a powerful, influential and inspirational legacy for the rest of time.
"'Who cares? It's just a bunch pensioners': I'm just as cynical about old rock legends getting back on the road 'one more time' as anyone, but this is BLACK SABBATH. They've never been a conventional band. Thing is, I know these guys have been rehearsing loads. Over the last couple months. When I've caught up with my dad, he's been talking about how heavy the jams have been and how hard he's been playing. Do you think people were looking at Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman or Max Roach going, 'Man, these guys are boring and old?' No! It's the music that's important, played by the masters themselves. That's what we want. They're here to teach us, inspire us and make us flip out.
"I saw the (CAPTAIN BEEFHEART) MAGIC BAND recently on tour and they were clearly the definite article. Legends. Completely schooled any new, hip shiny, processed, hyped out mush you've been exposed to in the last couple years. There's no doubt that there are loads of new heavy as fuck bands out there, but to me, BLACK SABBATH are still totally relevant. It's pointless to bitch about their age. They will kick serious fucking ass. Trust.
"To Terry ([a.k.a. Geezer] my godfather), Ozzy (my friend when I was little) and Tony (towering hero), I hope that you will listen to your fans. They want all of you together. As YOU are BLACK SABBATH, so is my Dad. I hope you guys can work it out."
According to The Pulse Of Radio, a source has told MetalTalk.net that the three remaining original members of BLACK SABBATH have recruited Tommy Clufetos, who plays drums in singer Ozzy Osbourne's solo band, to sit behind the SABBATH kit for the foreseeable future. The source added that manager Sharon Osbourne has effectively "fired" Ward, although this has not yet been corroborated by an official source.
Ozzy, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler responded to Ward's February 2 statement by saying, "We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open."
The absence of Ward effectively prevents this from being the full-blown regrouping of the original SABBATH lineup that was first envisioned last year.
SABBATH is scheduled to release its new album later this year and is confirmed to play the U.K.'s Download festival in June. All other tour plans, however, are up in the air pending Iommi's ability to overcome his illness.
Don de Leaumont of The Great Southern Brainfart recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
The Great Southern Brainfart: You've expressed in the past that there needs to be a serious change in how the industry is doing things. In your opinion, what needs to change to make things better again?
Rob: Well, it's hard to say. This new generation of kids just doesn't seem to respect music. They don't respect it as an artform like they did years ago. To these young kids, they don't understand the concept that this is our lives. This is our career and it costs a lot of money to make a good record. When you go on the computer and hit a fucking button and download something for free, you're stealing, but the kids don't realize that. Somehow that needs to change and I think it will. I think musicians need to take the power back at some point soon because it's just getting worse and worse. This is how we make our living and pretty soon bands won't be able to survive and then what? [laughs]
The Great Southern Brainfart: Do you think that bands have started to take that power back by not going with major labels and starting their own record labels and handling distribution and what not?
Rob: Yeah. I just think that everything is going to be different at some point soon. I don't even know what "major labels" are anymore. [laughs]
The Great Southern Brainfart: Oh yeah. That's because so many major labels are gone and independent labels are now the new major labels with different names and so on. It's confusing.
Rob: [laughs] Major labels these days have like 10 people working for them [laughs]. It's just a huge mess. There just needs to be a way for them to figure out how to make sure the musicians are getting paid properly and this whole Internet piracy thing needs to be controlled.
The Great Southern Brainfart: We've talked about how you feel about the piracy aspect, but how about buying music online? How do you feel about that? It's like the magic of going to a record store is long gone so this is the only alternative it seems.
Rob: There are barely even any record stores left anymore. In New York City, there's Bleecker Bob's and Generation Records. Those are the only two record stores I know of and they're around the corner from each other, so that's convenient. [laughs] Other than that, I don't even know where to go. I mean, Walmart carries music, but they don't carry the music I want. Best Buy. Same shit. It's all online. These days I buy most of my shit on iTunes.
The Great Southern Brainfart: How do you feel that this seems to be the best way to get music these days?
Rob: My only problem with downloading music from iTunes is that the music doesn't sound good. The files are not full bandwidth. That, to me, is just weird. It's like we go through all of this trouble to make an album sound really awesome, and then it goes on iTunes and it gets compressed and then it's playing on someone's broken iPod and shit, so what's the point. [laughs] Honestly, I have no problem with iTunes, but I do miss going to record stores and picking up the CDs, feeling it in my hands, and seeing the artwork.
EspyRock recently conducted an interview with STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
EspyRock: We all talk about how downloading affects sales and how it then affects your career, but it is rarely addressed at a more personal level. Have you or do you still need to make sacrifices today because of what is happening or does the fact that you are still able to sell a good amount records allow you some breathing room compared to other artists?
Aaron: Well, record sales make the machine go around and within the machine, nothing is free. It costs us a lot of money to go make the record, but that's when we also make our money. We get a little piece of money upfront to go and make the record and what's left over is what we get as an advance; that's really the only money we will ever see from the record and sales. The machine will not be able to work without record sales funding the labels, who then help us by contributing to the costs of recording. Nothing is free; we have to spend our money effectively to make this album, but people are not prepared to purchase the album and attain it. They don't care about the money, blood, sweat and tears that were invested into the process. The kids these days just don't understand the market and how it works. The biggest sacrifice I've had to make over the years is how much time I can spend with my family. I need to work constantly now, and if I don't, then how can I support them. It annoys me that I have to leave my family so much now and with everything that happened during this album, I think the fact we went back to a heavy and aggressive sound really helped me just get rid of a lot of that anger.
EspyRock: Have you thought about your future outside of a record deal now that your contract is over?
Aaron: I don't think there's enough money in a record label's budget these days to be able to sign me a check big enough for me to return to a record deal. This interview started on the downloading fact and how it relates to personal well being, and I don't think there will ever be enough money for any label to keep putting out records they way they used to. The business of the record labels is built around a shiny piece of plastic and when they had the opportunity to embrace the fact that people were backing Napster, when there were 41 million people on there with around 85% willing to pay a monthly fee to use the site, the record labels turned round and said, "No, shut it down." Instead of seeing the way the average consumer was willing to spend their money, they ignored them. Back in the day when the record business was good, people on average were buying two and a half CDs per year, and with the monthly charge that the majority of the people on Napster were prepared to pay, it was two months and they had already covered those two and a half records. Then there was the rest of the year were people would continue paying towards the service and this just accumulated as more CD sales on average than they were before. The record companies missed it. They are still built on a failing and almost dead structure and there are just different ways for us all to do things now. The way that labels now make up for it is by putting bands on the 360 deal, you know what that is?
EspyRock: Yeah, basically labels have the ability to take a large chunk of everything that you earn, not just the money from record sales.
Aaron: Yeah, they rip apart the money you earn from merchandise and touring. It is a bad way to be.
EspyRock: Have you ever been in a deal like that or anything similar when you were starting out?
Aaron: I think we are literally one of the last bands out there who are not on a 360 deal. We refused every time they tried to renegotiate with us and the deal kept heading in that direction. Every time they renegotiated with us it was progressing to a 360 deal or they just laid one out in front of us and I told them, there is no way in hell we will sign a deal like that or even remotely close to that.
EspyRock: It is very dangerous for up and coming bands these days, especially ones who may be able to make something of themselves but for these deals.
Aaron: Sadly, it is their only option. There are, no doubt, many bands out there who could have been huge, but the fact that their record label takes so much money from them, then they had to quit and go work normal jobs because they can't afford to survive.
EspyRock: Do you see a way forward right now?
Aaron: Right now, nothing will happen with this industry until record labels begin to embrace the changes. A lot of these new services and such will work more in favour of us to get out of the record deal we've been in for six records but we are now an established band, people know who we are so we can take advantage of something like that and use it but new bands can't. The last time we worked with Johnny K, he brought all of his equipment in a trailer to my studio and we set it all up and it sounded amazing. The last record ["The Illusion Of Progress"] and this record were recorded in my barn. We didn't waste any money converting it into a studio, we just moved everything in. This time, instead of him bringing his stuff, we just gave him a credit card and he bought everything that he had brought last time like all of the vintage compressors, plug-ins and all of that stuff, amps, everything, he just went out and bought it all again. This time when we had all of it, he built a studio and now it is there, it is ours. We have all of the studio equipment we could possibly need, we have everything that we need for recording and we've done two records there, in that exact same spot using that exact equipment which sounds as good if not better than any record we have done in a high-end studio. You could go to NRG in Los Angeles, which is $3,000 a day, or you could invest some money and have something that you can use over and over again.
EspyRock: So is the plan now, for STAIND and maybe your solo albums, now that the record deal is over, invest some time looking into all of the services that are out there and now starting your own DIY label and just handling all of the business yourself?
Aaron: That is the plan moving forward; I don't really see any other way. When all of the record labels dissolved and merged and that whole thing that happened a couple of years back, a lot of good people, people who were incredible at their jobs, lost their positions due to consolidation but what those people did was take their speciality and created the independent labels who do everything exactly the same as a major label without taking all of your money and screwing everything up. These people who lost their jobs saw the cracks in a failing industry and started labels which looked to take advantage of areas that major labels refused to because they were just stuck with this shiny piece of plastic. The whole structure of a record deal is insane. Where we're at, with the renegotiations that we've been able to do and the success we've had over the years, we probably see 25 cents on the dollar after the record label is done taking all of their stuff and then management takes their piece and business management takes their piece, lawyer takes their piece and then what is left over we have to give to the record label to pay them back for the advance they gave us in the first place which is the only way we get paid in the whole grand scheme of things. So really you need to hope that you sell a lot of records so that you can get a big advance for the next record because that is the only money that you see.
Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL took part in a signing session and short acoustic performance this past Monday, February 6 at Sunrise Records in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Video footage of their set can be seen below.
LACUNA COIL's new album, "Dark Adrenaline", sold around 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 15 on The Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous CD, "Shallow Life", opened with 21,000 units back April 2009 to land at No. 16.
LACUNA COIL's 2006 album, "Karmacode", premiered with 34,000 copies back in April 2006 to enter the chart at No. 28. It has since sold more than 200,000 units in the U.S.
The band's 2002 album, "Comalies", has shifted more than 300,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"Dark Adrenaline" was released in North America on January 24 via Century Media Records. The CD was helmed by acclaimed producer Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and "deliver[s] the melodic, sensual, metallic rush for which the band has come to be known," according to a press release.
Fans both old and new have a variety of options to choose from, as "Dark Adrenaline" was released in numerous formats, including standard-edition CD and vinyl, deluxe edition digipak with a bonus DVD, sticker, poster and guitar pick and as an iTunes LP with expanded packaging, five bonus audio tracks and video. The Metal Club edition features exclusive artwork designed by the band and will be limited to 3,000 units. The Hastings edition features a bonus 10-track LACUNA COIL sampler, and the Amazon digital edition comes with a free five-track sampler. Finally, for true fans of the band, is the "Darkest Adrenaline" box set, which includes both the digipak and vinyl versions of the album along with a hardcover photo book, a LACUNA COIL custom syringe pen and ink, a lyric pad, signed lithographs created by the band and more, all housed in a LACUNA COIL medical box. This box set is limited to 500 pieces and is available exclusively through CM Distro.
Fan-filmed video footage of former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno's November 5, 2011 concert in Valencia, Spain can be seen below.
On August 27, 2011, Di'Anno played his first show since serving time in a U.K. prison after he falsely collected U.K. government benefits by claiming he suffered nerve damage to his back that prevented him from working.
After serving his jail term last spring, Di'Anno issued a short statement in which he thanked his fans for their support and claimed that he "managed not to drop the soap" during his stint behind bars.
Di'Anno, 53, was sentenced to nine months for swindling £45,000 (approximately $72,000) in benefits. He was told he would serve at least four and a half months of the sentence behind bars before being released on conditional bail.
D'Anno was reportedly busted when investigators at Department Of Work And Pensions (DWP) received an anonymous tip that he was still singing. They then found videos and pictures on YouTube and the rocker's own web site of Di'Anno "energetically leaping around on stage, singing to fans around the world."
Di'Anno completed his first North American tour in early 2010, 17 years after he was deported following a prison term for guns and drug offenses.
"In 1991 I did a couple of stints in jail for guns and drugs," Di'Anno explained in a 2010 interview. "I was stupid. But after I'd done my stretch they still treated me like a criminal. And I was — but I wasn't that bad. So I didn't feel good about America. The government, not the people.
"Prison was tough, but I'm tougher. I was nobody's bitch, put it that way. You've got to do it; otherwise people will walk all over you."
O2 Backstage Chat conducted an interview with Jerry Only of the MISFITS ahead of the band's February 1 concert at London, England's O2 Islington Academy. You can now watch the chat below.
MISFITS' new album, "The Devil's Rain", sold 6,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 70 on The Billboard 200 chart.
In 1977, at the dawn of the punk movement the MISFITS set out to make an impression, and created a legacy that has truly withstood the test of time. Immortalizing black and white B horror films in their music, the MISFITS developed a ghoulish and totally unique persona of their own that s consistently evolved over the years, while remaining true to its roots. The band s iconic "Fiend Skull" logo has become a staple in pop culture and an instantly recognizable symbol worldwide. Bands across the spectrum of rock have covered their material, including METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE and countless others.
Boasting a massive catalog of music old and new, a new lineup (consistently helmed by founding member Jerry Only), and an influence felt around the world, the MISFITS return with their long-awaited, first full-length release of all-new, original material in nearly a decade!
Rooted in the horror and sci-fi themes their audience craves, "The Devil's Rain" showcases 16 fiendish, soon-to-be MISFITS classics including "Twilight Of The Dead", "Dark Shadows", "Curse of the Mummy's Hand" and the title track itself. Produced by Ed Stasium (whose credits include the RAMONES' "Road To Ruin" and "Too Tough to Die", as well as the MISFITS 1999 release "Famous Monsters"), the album showcases a jaw-dropping, two-panel front/back cover painting featuring the rebirth of the band's iconic Fiend mascot in an epic setting rendered by Arthur Suydam (known for his immensely popular work on the Marvel Zombies series, among others). The packaging, designed to emulate a CD sized gatefold LP, also features some incredible new MISFITS portraits shot by the legendary Mick Rock. Rock's imagery (which includes David Bowie, Iggy Pop, QUEEN, Debbie Harry, and the RAMONES, to name a few), has become part of the very fabric of rock and roll. Having also served as an on-set photographer for cult-movie classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", Rock lends a perfectly suited eye to view the band s surrealistic and highly theatrical persona.
"The Devil's Rain" is not just a continuation of a historic legacy, it's a total reboot ushering in a new era of terror. In a sense, it's the debut album from the legendary MISFITS of this decade.
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