Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page have joined them in recording with engineer Kevin Shirley, the man behind the sound of Led Zeppelin's 21st century releases, How the West Was Won, DVD and the reissue of the soundtrack to The Song Remains the Same.
(See previous coverage of The Song Remains the Same including Shirley's interview for Modern Guitars magazine. In 1999, he also engineered the concert dates of Page and the Black Crowes that ended up being released on the live album Live at the Greek.)
Shirley says he has been recording these guitarists and "many others." He hints toward some "high profile projects" about which he's been sworn to secrecy.
"Suffice it to say," offers the father of two infants, "that life is very busy."
Writing from Malibu on his online diary today, he spoke of a "supergroup" project -- his term, not mine (I don't need the derision). He said that come January he would be "producing what has the promise to be one of the most exciting 'supergroups' to come around in a long time.
"But theory is just that until we see how the dynamics play out in the studio between these superb musicians. And of course the songs will make the real difference."
Shirley also said he would be "remixing one of Classic Rock's seriously classic albums." This could be just about anything, but next year marks the 40th anniversary of such perennial favorites as Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, Band of Gypsys, Abraxas, Led Zeppelin III and Live at Leeds.
Perhaps Shirley's biggest news pertains to the litany of axemen he's recorded of late. The others he mentioned by name are John Petrucci of Dream Theater, Neal Schon of Santana and Journey, and Joe Bonamassa.
He also referred to "Maiden's Three Amigos," presumably Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, all of Iron Maiden. Shirley added that he is "to record one of guitar's great legends" in December. Evidently another one of the secret projects.
Page's name was also invoked last week by photographer Ross Halfin, who posted some photos of Page relaxing in front of a jukebox. Hanging on a wall behind the jukebox was a framed picture found to be of Elvis Presley. On the Internet discussion group For Badgeholders Only, user Dawn Atherton discovered the Elvis photograph to have been taken in 1960, upon the King's meeting with the king of Thailand.
Halfin, a traveling companion of Page's and currently the guitarist's No. 1 photographer, writes that Nov. 17was a sunny day, good winter light. I was taking pictures for something new - out this January... The King with his jukebox and his photo of the kings - look closely and work it out."
In other Page-related news, "It Might Get Loud" is now set for a theatrical release in England.
Led Zeppelin news source Tight But Loose reports today "It Might Get Loud" will receive a theatrical release in the United Kingdom beginning Jan. 8. The film, which profiles Page, The Edge and Jack White, has already come and gone from U.S. movie theaters. It is also scheduled to have been released for an online download and on DVD and Blu-Ray in the United States this December.
In addition to his on-screen role, Page is credited an associate producer of the film.
According to The Boston Globe, AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler was in New York over the weekend to perform as part of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To Cure Parkinson's", a benefit thrown by Michael J. Fox at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Also appearing at the event were Roger Daltrey, Gregg Allman, and Elvis Costello.
Tyler followers, who saw pictures of the Parkinson's event online, were on fan web site AeroForceOne to evaluate the look of the embattled frontman. One fan said, "wow Steven looks . . . cleaner? . . . uhmm . . . brighter? I don't know the word for it but he sure looks less worn down in these photos." Another commented, "For a guy that's reportedly putting the final nail in his coffin, I've gotta say, he's never looked better!"
According to Citizen-Times.com, AEROSMITH guitarist Brad Whitford will join the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam on Saturday, December 12 at the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Jam tickets are on sale at the Civic Center box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 251-5505. The cost is $55 plus various service charges.
More acts are still being added to the Jam, according to the show's web site.
METALLICA's official web site has been updated with the following message:
"In June of this year we were fortunate enough to return to Mexico City for three sold-out shows at Foro Sol Stadium and with 155,000 of you there over the three nights, we knew it would be extra special. So we asked our friend Wayne Isham to join us with a film crew and the results of that crazy, magical, most memorable long weekend will be available on DVD and CD starting November 30 as 'Orgullo, Pasion y Gloria: Tres Noches En La Ciudad de Mexico' ('Pride, Passion, and Glory: Three Nights in Mexico City').
"The DVDs and CDs include songs from all three shows recorded on June 4, 6, and 7. Each show had a unique set list, totaling 34 different songs . . . They're all there on the two DVD set along with interviews with us. Other versions that will be available include one DVD (18 tracks), Blu-ray version of that DVD, a digipack with the DVD and two CDs, and finally the aforementioned deluxe version in a slip case with two DVDs and two CDs. Track listings for each configuration can be seen [below]. In keeping with the local theme, all the credits will be in Spanish (Portuguese for our Brazilian buddies) and will only be available at stores in Latin America. Of course we will also have it in the official Metallica.com store, starting sometime the week of December 7.
"Most areas of Latin America will have the DVD available on November 30. However, if you live in Brazil, check your local music store on December 8 and for fans in Argentina and Chile, 'Orgullo, Pasion y Gloria: Tres Noches En La Ciudad de Mexico' hits the stores on December 10.
"And of course since we had such an amazing time in Mexico, we can't wait to go back . . . we'll see you in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March. More details on those shows coming very soon!"
"Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Heavy Metal Songs Of The '80s And The True Stories Behind Their Lyrics" provides exclusive insight into the creative process behind the top metal songs of the 1980s. Available for pre-order now and in stores early January 2010 via Course Technology PTR, the book features interviews with iconic rock artists offering insight into the inspiration behind such hits as JUDAS PRIEST's "Breaking the Law", AC/DC's "Back In Black", MOTÖRHEAD's "Ace Of Spades", MEGADETH's "Peace Sells", PANTERA's "Cemetery Gates" and even JANE'S ADDICTION's "Jane Says".
Written by Jackie Kajzer — host and developer of nationally syndicated metal radio show "Full Metal Jackie" — with Roger Lotring, the book features classic photos by renowned rock photographer Mark Weiss and a foreword written by Dave Mustaine of MEGADETH .
Over the course of five months, lyricists of songs featured in the book were interviewed and asked to remember the creative and social circumstances surrounding their songs. Some songwriters were very certain in their recollection; others were somewhat less specific in their memories. But each person had fascinating anecdotes and opinions to share. The book delves into the cultural and social impact the songs had when they were released, as well as the continued validity and influence these songs hold in the 21st century.
"The idea to focus on lyrics for this book came from preparing my radio show each week," says Kajzer. "Many of the songs I played were never edited for radio and had profanities. I make edits for my show so metal fans finally get a chance to hear the songs on commercial radio. When I read the lyrics to many of these songs, I got an even greater sense of how powerful these songs really are, and I wanted to share that insight with other metal fans."
MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine , who provides the foreword for the book, contemplates: "Who would have known that this relatively short time span of 3,653 days [the '80s] would result in the creation of some of the most influential heavy metal bands on earth?"
"Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Heavy Metal Songs Of The '80s…" features songs that were not always the commercial favorites. The book analyzes lyrics that made social and personal statements that influenced the heavy metal audience, rather than mainstream pop culture. Included are songs that address nuclear armament, drug addiction, religion, suicide and governmental control. These songs are "Full Metal Jackie-certified" as important contributions to the metal genre that continue to have a lyrical impact on successive generations of fans.
Here's an excerpt from the introduction to "Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Heavy Metal Songs Of The '80s And The True Stories Behind Their Lyrics":
"Listening to a metal album used to be an event. Without the digital availability of information on the Internet, hearing an album for the first time was the single source of make-believe, a direct connection to the imagination. Fans would slit the shrink wrap and carefully slide the vinyl LP from the cardboard cover. The paper sleeve would rest in cross-legged laps while the listener absorbed the lyrics, word for word, studying them and staring at the photographs and artwork to make the songs come alive in their mind's eye.
"Our favorite bands spoke to us — and for us — through their music. The lyrics expressed our joy and frustration, and empowered us to be strong in an intolerant culture that laughed at heavy metal to mask their fear of it. In bedroom sanctuaries those songs were conversations between trusted friends--the bands and their fans--about politics, religion, relationships, and other topics that the mainstream considered too profound for us to really understand.
"Metal fans have always been on the periphery of society. We are the outcasts, the kids forbidden from the popular cliques. Our music has always provided camaraderie and a sense of community otherwise prohibited because we are different. The lyrics have always been our voice. This book is about what that voice had to say."
Pre-order "Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Heavy Metal Songs Of The '80s And The True Stories Behind Their Lyrics" at Amazon.com.
MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover has posted the first of four tour blogs on the Sick Drummer Magazine web site from the band's current "Endgame" U.S. tour.
The blogs will talk about life on the road for Shawn and the kinds of things he deals with.
The first post covers week one of the tour with MACHINE HEAD, SUICIDE SILENCE and ARCANIUM and includes details of shows from Grand Rapids, Peoria, Milwaukee, Columbus and Covington.
Drover recently falsely denied that MEGADETH will join forces with SLAYER and TESTAMENT for a U.S. tour in January/February 2010. Dubbed "American Carnage", the trek will kick off on January 18 in Seattle, Washington for a 26-date jaunt across North America that will include the six Canadian dates postponed earlier this month.
With the "Megadeth Ultimate Fan" package you can enjoy an up-close ticket, a meet-and-greet and photo op with MEGADETH, early access to the venue, pre-show party, exclusive MEGADETH gifts and more!
"Megadeth Ultimate Fan" packages are now available via www.iloveallaccess.com. Tour password is: carnage.
"American Carnage" is the first time that SLAYER and MEGADETH will have toured the U.S. together since 1991's epic "Clash of the Titans" tour. To celebrate that and in recognition of the tough economic times that many of their fans are having, MEGADETH and SLAYER have decided to roll back the price of a chunk of tickets at every U.S. show to the "1991 price" of $10.00. These specially-priced tickets will be limited and when they're gone, they're gone.
In addition, TESTAMENT — who was also on the "Clash of the Titans" bill — will be special guests on the entire tour, marking the first time that all three bands have shared a stage together in more than 18 years, and making this a "must see" metal event.
SLAYER and MEGADETH have already massacred territories together outside of the U.S. — first with four explosive dates in June, 2009 across Western Canada - "Canadian Carnage" — marking the first time the bands had shared a stage anywhere in 18 years; and then six co-headlining "Carnage" dates in Australia followed in October.
The following dates have been released for the forthcoming U.S. tour by veteran New Jersey thrashers OVERKILL in support of their upcoming album , "Ironbound":
April 09 - Chicago, IL @ The Metro
April 13 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
April 18 - San Francisco, CA @ The Ballroom at the Regency Center
April 19 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
May 01 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theater
QUEENSRŸCHE and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY are among the confirmed bands for the Norway Rock festival, set to take place July 7-11, 2010 in Kvinesdal, Norway.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
BACKSTREET GIRLS
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
CHROME DIVISION
ENSLAVED
GAMMA RAY
QUEENSRŸCHE
SABATON
SYBREED
THE CUMSHOTS
TONY HARNELL
U.D.O.
For more information, visit visit www.norwayrock.no.
Bassist Joey Vera of Los Angeles metal veterans ARMORED SAINT has issued the following update:
"After six weeks, the new ARMORED SAINT record is done. Well, not entirely….we still have to have it mastered which should be done in the next two weeks. So technically, there's plenty of time for more arbitrary bouts of stress. But all of the tunes have been recorded and mixed. And I have the dark circles under my eyes to prove it!
"As the producer of the record, I did in fact work very long and hard on this. But I didn't work alone. Everyone involved worked their asses off. Gonzo [Sandoval, drums], John [Bush, vocals], Phil [Sandoval, guitar] and Jeff [Duncan, guitar] all came in and gave it everything. Engineer Bryan Carlstrom and his assistant John Nuss were the workhorses who kept up the pace in this session which for the most part meant putting in 12-14-hour days.
"I can't say enough about Bryan, Nuss and Annette Cisneros from Tranzformer Studios in Burbank. This is a first-class operation and to boot, they all gave heart and soul into the project which these days you just cannot even pay for. We are in much debt with them. Truly wonderful people.
"The result is just amazing, and I may be hasty when I say that this may be our best record ever. But all dopes in bands say that right? Well, this time I think it's true and although my reasons may be purely personal, I still deem it truth. The songs are great and it sounds great.
"The title of our new record is 'La Raza' which means 'The Race'.
"For all of you tech nerds out there, a few quick bits on how we made this one: We used nothing but analog gear, most of which was custom-built by Rupert Neve for Bryan Carlstrom. We hit every signal (drum mics, guitars, vocals) with custom or vintage analog gear before recording into Pro Tools. We even used rare vintage amps for most of the guitar overdubs. At mix time, we mixed on an SSL 4000E console and went to a one-inch tape reel (one of only two on the West Coast) for our final masters. Uh…. you DO know what tape is, don't you?
"What does this all mean? It means we spit in the ear of the age of the MP3, teenie, tiny ear bud listening culture that has turned it's back on what it means to experience music. This record is FAT. We means, obese! Full-on cardiovascular failure stuff! Old school, baby!
"We are finishing up the other crap that goes with making records. Photo shoots, CD artwork (you DO know what a CD is still, right?), mastering, the running order of the tunes. After that, we wait until it is released. I'm told it's coming out in March 2010 on Metal Blade Records."
"La Raza" will feature the following songs, among others:
* Black Feet
* Chilled
* Loose Cannon
* Blues
* La Raza
* Head On
* Get Off The Fence
* Left Hook From Right Field
Tranzformer Studios is owned by Dave Jerdan (ALICE IN CHAINS, JANE'S ADDICTION), who produced ARMORED SAINT's 1991 classic "Symbol of Salvation" and Carlstrom, who engineered the same album.
To get a taste of what the new ARMORED SAINT album will sound like, check out a demo version of "Loose Cannon" (performed with a drum program) in the YouTube clip below (also available for download as a ZIP file at this location). "Loose Cannon" gives fans a glimpse into ARMORED SAINT's writing process and is also a nice taste of what's to come on the band's forthcoming full-length studio release.
The band's current lineup is the same as the one on 2000's "Revelation" and 1992's "Symbol of Salvation" LPs:
John Bush (vocals)
Jeff Duncan (guitar)
Phil Sandoval (guitar)
Joey Vera (bass)
Gonzo Sandoval (drums)
Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS have announced the support acts for their forthcoming European headlining tour, which is scheduled to kick off on January 7 in Bochum, Germany. They are as follows:
With TRACEDAWN, MYSTIC PROPHECY:
Jan. 07 - Zeche - Bochum [DE]
Jan. 08 - Hof ter Lo - Antwerp [BE]
Jan. 09 - Melkweg - Amsterdam [NL]
Jan. 10 - Garage - London [UK]
Jan. 12 - Elysee - Paris [FR]
Jan. 13 - Le Bikini - Toulouse [FR]
Jan. 15 - La Riviera - Madrid [ES]
Jan. 16 - Rockstar Live - Bilbao [ES]
Jan. 17 - Razzmatazz 1 - Barcelona [ES]
Jan. 19 - Transbordeur - Lyon [F]
Jan. 20 - Z7 - Pratteln [CH]
Jan. 21 - Alcatraz - Milan [IT]
With TRACEDAWN, WINTER'S VERGE:
Jan. 23 - SKC - Belgrad [RS]
Jan. 24 - Hristo Botev Hall - Sofia [BG]
Jan. 26 - Petöfi Hall - Budapest [HU]
Jan. 27 - Szene - Vienna [AT]
Jan. 28 - PKO - Bratislava [SK]
Jan. 29 - Masters of Rock - Zlin [CZ]
With TRACEDAWN, DREAM EVIL:
Jan. 30 - Backstage - München [DE]
Feb. 01 - Longhorn - Stuttgart [DE]
Feb. 02 - Garage - Saarbrücken [DE]
Feb. 03 - Markthalle - Hamburg [DE]
Feb. 04 - The Rock - Copenhagen [DK]
Feb. 06 - Mejeriet - Lund [SE]
Feb. 07 - Trädgarn - Gothenburg [SE]
Feb. 08 - Rockefeller - Oslo [NO]
Feb. 09 - Tyrol - Stockholm [SE]
"Polaris", the new album from STRATOVARIUS, landed at position No. 57 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.
"Polaris" entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 2. The album also debuted on the German Media Control chart at No. 55.
"Polaris" was released in the U.S. on May 26 via Armoury Records (a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment).
The cover artwork for "Polaris" was created by Gyula Havancsák.
"Polaris" was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios in Helsinki, Finland. It was mixed by the longtime confidant of the band, Mikko Karmila.
STRATOVARIUS 2009 is:
Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
Matias Kupiainen - Guitars
Lauri Porra - Bass
Jörg Michael - Drums
Jens Johansson - Keyboards
OVERKILL's U.S. tour in support of "Ironbound" will likely feature a total of six band and end with a big 25th-anniversary show in New York City at the Nokia Theater. The band says, "We have lots of plans to make that a special celebration show for everyone." Fans will also be able to purchase a VIP ticket that includes a special pre-show meet-and-greet with the last few bands of the night, along with priority entry for those ticket holders.
The full tour lineup and schedule will be revealed on Monday, November 30.
Tickets for the New York City show are now available for purchase via EnterTheVault.com.
OVERKILL has inked a U.S. deal with E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records) for the February 9, 2010 release of "Ironbound". The CD, which will be issued in Europe on January 29, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records, was mixed by PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren and is described in a press release as "a true thrasher-piece."
"Ironbound" track listing:
01. The Green And Black
02. Ironbound
03. Bring Me The Night
04. The Goal Is Your Soul
05. Give A Little
06. Endless War
07. The Head And Heart
08. In Vain
09. Killing For A Living
10. The SRC
* Limited digipak
* CD Jewelcase
* LP (180g vinyl) in gatefold
* LP (180g green vinyl) in gatefold (Nuclear Blast Mailorder exclusive)
* Strictly limited mailorder edition
On May 12, Megaforce Records reissued two classic OVERKILL albums on colored vinyl.
* "Feel The Fire" on red/orange marbled vinyl
* "Fuck You And Then Some" (first time on vinyl!!) which is a double LP set — one LP on regular black vinyl and the other on black/yellow marbled vinyl with a big fat middle finger etched into side D.
Both albums are limited to 500 hand-numbered copies
MACHINE HEAD's "The Black Procession" tour, also featuring HATEBREED, BLEEDING THROUGH and ALL SHALL PERISH:
Feb. 17 - U.K., Newport - Newport Centre
Feb. 22 - U.K., Leeds - Leeds Academy
Feb. 25 - U.K., Newcastle - Newcastle Academy
Feb. 28 - Ireland, Dublin - Olympia
Mar. 01 - Ireland, Belfast - George's Market
Fan pre-sale links for tickets will be made available on Wednesday, November 25. General public ticket sales begin on Friday, November 27.
New England metallers SHADOWS FALL have cancelled their previously annual December 26, 2009 concert at Pearl Street in Northampton, Massachusetts due to "unforeseen family commitments." Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.
SHADOWS FALL is the "HD Artist Of The Month" for November on Fuse On Demand. Check out the video below where the guys talk about their new album "Retribution", success in the metal world and starting their own label.
"Retribution" sold around 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Retribution" was released on September 15 via Everblack Industries, the label SHADOWS FALL created in conjunction with Warner Music Group's ILG, Ferret Music and ChannelZERO Entertainment. The CD was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, MUNICIPAL WASTE), with vocal production by Elvis Baskette (INCUBUS, ALTER BRIDGE). The cover artwork was created by Sons of Nero (UNEARTH, EVERY TIME I DIE, BRING ME THE HORIZON).
Relapse Records has announce the signing of Savannah, Georgia's BLACK TUSK.
Formed in 2005, BLACK TUSK released its full-length debut, "Passage Through Purgatory", last year via Hyperrealist. The band more recently issued a series of split seven-inch singles, including those with ASG, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN and FIGHT AMP.
BLACK TUSK is currently rounding out a run of dates in the eastern U.S. with BLACK COBRA. Upon returning home, BLACK TUSK will begin writing material for its Relapse debut for a spring 2010 release.
BLACK TUSK commented on the signing: "It's awesome to be on a label with so many bands that have helped shaped our tastes and with a staff that treats like family. We're stoked to get this next record out and we have a bunch of tours in the works so keep an eye out."
BLACK TUSK is featured in the December 2009 issue of Spin magazine (on newsstands now) along with labelmates BARONESS as part of a story on Savannah's burgeoning metal scene.
BLACK TUSK tour dates:
Nov. 24 - Newport, KY - Southgate House (w/ BLACK COBRA)
Nov. 25 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge (w/ DARK CASTLE)
Nov. 27 - Huntington, WV - V Club (w/ BLACK COBRA)
Nov. 28 - Chattanooga, TN - JJ Bohemia
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/blacktusk.
Australian progressive metal band VANISHING POINT is writing material for its as-yet-untitled fifth studio album, to be released in 2010.
Upcoming VANISHING POINT shows:
Dec. 31 - Screamfest @ Enmore Theatre - Sydney, AUS
Jan. 03 - Hi-Fi - Brisbane, AUS (w/ SONATA ARCTICA)
Jan. 05 - Billboard's - Melbourne, AUS (w/ SONATA ARCTICA)
VANISHING POINT's latest CD, "The Fourth Season", was released in August 2007 via Dockyard 1. The follow-up to 2005's "Embrace the Silence" was once again recorded with Endel Rivers at Palm studios in the band's hometown of Melbourne. Mastering duties were handled by legendary Mika Jussila (STRATOVARIUS, NIGHTWISH, SONATA ARCTICA) at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland.
French neo-classical metallers ADAGIO will support KAMELOT on the following dates:
Mar. 25 - Charleroi, Belgium - Le Coliseums
Mar. 26 - Tilburg, Netherlands - O13
Mar. 27 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
Mar. 28 - London, UK - Koko
Mar. 31 - Paris, France - Elysée Montmartre
Apr. 01 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7 Kulturfabrik
Apr. 02 - Montpellier, France - Rockstore
Apr. 03 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 1
Apr. 04 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
Apr. 07 - Dortmund, Germany - FZW
Apr. 08 - Köln, Germany - Live Music Hall
Apr. 09 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
Commented KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood: "We are very pleased to have ADAGIO with us on this tour coming up in spring 2010. We did a few shows with them in the past and they are first-class musicians and very cool people. Their new CD is really smoking, too!"
"Archangels In Black", the new album from ADAGIO, was released in February via Listenable Records. The cover artwork was created by Guilherme Sevens and the CD was mastered at the Cutting Room in Sweden with Björn Engelmann (RAMMSTEIN, MESHUGGAH).
According to a press release, "without being a concept album, 'Archangels In Black' evokes the band's convictions about a certain Nightside philosophy and a very personal approach of life and death." Guitarist Stéphan Forté says, "Darkness is a concept with many branches, often misunderstood from outside, but elemental for some kind."
"Archangels In Black" is the first CD to feature ADAGIO's latest addition, Finnish singer Christian Palin.
Palin is a member of the Swedish/Finnish combo ESSENCE OF SORROW and RANDOM EYES.
Brazilian thrashers SEPULTURA have scheduled the following European shows in 2010:
Apr. 02 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA
Apr. 04 - Marmande, France - Garorock Fest
Apr. 05 - Mulhouse, France - Noumatrouf
Apr. 16 - Aarhus, Denmark - Royal Metal Fest
Apr. 23 - St. Malo, France - Omnibus
Apr. 24 - Magny Le Hongre, France - File
Jun. 16 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
Jun. 18 - Clisson, France - Hellfest
Jun. 25 - Desselt, Belgium - Grasspop Metal Meeting
Jul. 01 - Sete, France - Theatre de la Mer
Jul. 02 - La Bathie, France - Savoie Rock Fest
More dates will be announced soon.
"A-Lex" — SEPULTURA's first LP to be recorded without either of the founding Cavalera brothers (Max and Igor; on guitar/vocals and drums, respectively) — is available in three versions: in a deluxe digipak with an embossed cover, in a regular jewel case and on a vinyl gatefold LP.
On "A-Lex", SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser and his three colleagues, Derrick Green (vocals), Paulo Jr. (bass) and new addition Jean Dollabella (drums), have dedicated themselves to Anthony Burgess 's book "A Clockwork Orange", creating an awesome thrash metal opus around this timeless and exciting subject.
Kisser's solo debut, "Hubris I & II", was released on June 15 via Holland's Mascot Records. A two-disc set, the self-produced effort was recorded in part at A Voz do Brasil studio in São Paulo, Brazil.
A Gandhi-following, peace-loving, free-spirited vegetarian who was adopted at birth has discovered the worst possible thing a son could find out about his father – his dad is Charles Manson.
"It's like finding out that Adolf Hitler is your father," said Matthew Roberts, a Los Angeles disc jockey.
A curious Roberts, 41, began investigating his poisoned family tree about 12 years ago, when he contacted a social services agency, which located his mother, Terry, in Wisconsin, according to the London Sun.
His reluctant natural mom fed him bits and pieces, like his first and middle name — Lawrence Alexander — withholding his infamous surname until she could summon the courage to tell him the truth.
But Roberts pressed her for more details until she finally revealed the shocking secret, that his dad was one of the most infamous serial killers the world has ever known.
"I didn't want to believe it," Roberts said. "I was frightened and angry. I'm a peaceful person -- trapped in the face of a monster."
Terry told Roberts he was born after Manson raped her in a drug-fueled orgy in 1967. She gave the baby up for adoption.
Even she admits her long-lost son bears a striking resemblance to the mastermind whose family of commune followers committed nine gruesome murders in Los Angeles in 1969. Their victims included pregnant actress Sharon Tate, film director Roman Polanski's wife.
Manson, 75, is an inmate at Corcoran State Prison in California.
After five years, Roberts' eventually wrote to Manson, who replied with letters and postcards -- eerily signed with an ugly swastika -- the wartime Nazi symbol Manson has tattooed onto his menacing forehead.
Roberts said he has his own bouts with schizophrenia, but other than that, the apple fell far from the tree.
"My hero is Gandhi," Roberts said. "I'm an extremely non-violent, peaceful person and a vegetarian. I don't even kill bugs. I've had long hair all my life. I could make it go away, but I can't let the world and their fears change me."
Two years ago, Roberts said he received a swastika-stamped post card from Manson with a prison phone number, but Roberts never made the call.
"He's my biological father. I can't help but have some kind of emotional connection," Roberts said. "I don't want to love him, but I don't want to hate him either."
Finnish atmospheric rock/metal band EMBASSY OF SILENCE has completed work on its debut album, "Euphorialight", for a tentative early 2010 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label. The CD was recorded over the summer and fall at the D-studio in Klaukkala, Finland under the supervision of Jarno Hänninen, and was mastered at Sweden's Cutting Room by Björn Engelmann (RAMMSTEIN, DIMMU BORGIR). Guest musicians on the album include Aapo Romu (VANGUARD) on cello, and Andy Koski Semmens (EREPIA, ESOTERIC, PANTHEIST), Juhani Palomäki (COLOSSEUM) and Teppo Tirkkonen (THE PURIFICATION) on vocals.
According to a press release, EMBASSY OF SILENCE is "an ambitious orchestra, assembled together by Tero Kalliomäki (SAATTUE), with the superb vocals of Ines Lukkanen. The themes on the album vary from grim to uplifting, from mournful to enraged and from devious to passionate. Grandeur, ravishing beauty and the ability to surprise are definitely the strengths of EMBASSY OF SILENCE, setting them apart from their competition. When EMBASSY OF SILENCE performs live, they are full of energy, even flashy, not to forget humorous and epics."
"Euphorialight" track listing:
01. Soul-Broken
02. I Ride Alone
03. Passion and Savagery
04. Baron Samedi
05. Absinthe Eyes, Opium Words
06. Deadline Playtime
07. Catherine and Heathcliff
08. Maneater
09. Void
10. The Mercury Lamp
11. Euphorialight
Norway-based black metallers GORGOROTH have scheduled the following dates:
April 09 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
April 10 - Rotterdam, Holland - Baroeg
April 11 - Paris, France - Trabendo
April 12 - Hamburg, Germany - Marx
April 13 - Cologne, Germany - Underground
April 14 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
April 15 - Milan, Italy - Magazzini Generali
April 16 - Osnabrück, Germany - N8
April 17 - Glauchau, Germany - Alte Spinnerei
GORGOROTH's ninth album, "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt", was released on October 21 in Europe and November 11 in the U.S. via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Tomas Asklund's Monolith Studio and features Infernus on guitar, Frank Watkins (OBITUARY) on bass, Pest on vocals and Tomas Asklund on drums.
"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" was produced by Infernus and co-produced/engineered by Tomas Asklund. It was mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm.
"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" track listing:
01. Aneuthanasia
02. Prayer
03. Rebirth
04. Building a Man
05. New Breed
06. Cleansing Fire
07. Human Sacrifice
08. Satan-Prometheus
09. Introibo ad Alatare Satanas
Since Infernus wrote all the music for the album and extensive rehearsals and a pre-production recording had also been completed before second guitarist Tormentor rejoined the band last year, it was decided that it would be more convenient for Infernus to record all the guitars on the LP.
Twilightheart of Sheol-Magazine.com and Zero Tolerance visited GORGOROTH in Stockholm, Sweden in June while they were recording "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt".
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES will release "The
Flames Of The End", a brand new three-disc DVD set, in February 2010 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 on February 22, 2010.
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.
** Disc 2: "Purgatory Unleashed - Live at Wacken"
A 75-minute live set from the band's reunion set at the Wacken festival in 2008 in front of 100,000 people.
** 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.
Watch a video trailer for "The Flames Of The End" below.
AT THE GATES guitarist 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."
"Death Domination", the new album from Swedish death/thrashers IMPIOUS, will be released in Asia on December 23.
The Asian version of the CD will include the bonus track "The Reaper's End", which was previously unreleased.
"Death Domination" is being released in North America today (November 24) via Metal Blade Records. The CD's cover artwork, which the band describes as "one of the most sinister and malignant-looking album covers ever," was created by Marcello Vasco and can be viewed below.
Commented the band, "'Dead Awakening' is definitely one of the strongest and most varied songs on the album. It also features some guest vocals by Andreas Khörven Nilsson from the Gothenburg band HOPE OVER FEAR."
"Death Domination" track listing:
01. Abomination Glorified
02. The Demand
03. I Am The King
04. And The Empire Shall Fall
05. Dead Awakening
06. Hate Killing Project
07. Rostov Ripper
08. Legions
09. As Death Lives In Me
10. Irreligious State Of War
11. The Reaper's End (Asian bonus track)
"Death Domination" features a guest appearance by former THE CROWN and current ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET frontman Johan Lindstrand on the song "The Demand".
Commented IMPIOUS: "It's great to finally have Johan adding to our sound again for the first time in years! Johan is an amazing vocalist and he totally rip shit up on this track!"
Added Lindstrand: "I've known IMPIOUS since they first started back in '94. Both on a personal, friendly level as well as on a professional level. I played the drums on their first demo and now I do some guest vocals on their new album. Always a pleasure to do stuff with them and especially on this new one that I feel is their strongest one yet. It's one hell of a speed ride with a lot of passion to it and I feel very honored that they asked me to join them on a song. They will do great with 'Death Domination'."
According to the band, the album title "symbolizes how death rules over all, and how man seeks to religion as a feeble comfort against what will happen when death takes us. Without death, religion is powerless. And only in death will religion fill its purpose."
The group adds, "It was extremely important to us that the title would fit our new songs and artwork perfectly. We needed a short yet powerful title that would show just how confident we are about our new material.
"This album will by far be the most crushingly brutal album we've ever made and we believe this title says it all!"
IMPIOUS's new CD was recorded at guitarist Valle Adzic's Studio Deadline. The band previously stated, "This is the first album ever we'll produce and engineer by ourselves and we're pretty stoked about delivering this baby without any other people involved. This album will truly represent what the fuck IMPIOUS is all about!"
The band's previous CD, entitled "Holy Murder Masquerade", was released in January 2007 via Metal Blade Records.
Pulverised Records has announced the signing of Norwegian black metallers DEN SAAKALDTE.
Consisting of some of black metal's most notorious and prolific musicians — including main songwriter/guitarist Mikael Sykelig (ex-GORGOROTH session guitar player) — DEN SAAKALDTE previously released the monumental debut "Øl, Mørke og Depresjon" (which translates to "Beer, Darkness And Depression") and the remarkably depressive full-length effort "All Hail Pessimism" (2009), both of which received rave reviews worldwide.
Commented Sykelig: "We are proud to announce that DEN SAAKALDTE's new record label is to be Pulverised Records. In our opinion, Pulverised is currently one of the most upcoming labels you can find. They work hard for their bands, and just seeing the names that they have on their roster is enough to know that their goals, and standards, are set very high indeed. We are delighted that our new album will be released on Pulverised, especially at a time when the label is going from strength to strength, and very much look forward to working closely with them."
Stated Pulverised Records A&R manager Calvin: "It was quite a pleasant surprise when the email came in from Mikael, and he was wondering if there would be a possibility of us working together for their new album.
"DEN SAAKALDTE very quickly established their reputation in the scene in just a period of a few years since their formation, and it was obvious that the band had already became a force to be reckoned with. There was not a single doubt about signing DEN SAAKALDTE and an agreement was worked out almost immediately. We have absolute confidence that the band will outdo themselves and create yet another phenomenal follow-up full-length effort, filled with utter anguish and despondency."
DEN SAAKALDTE's new studio album, "Kapittel II: Faen i Helvete", is scheduled for release in the fall of 2010.
DEN SAAKALDTE recently parted ways with drummer Jarle "Uruz" Byberg (ex-SHINING, URGEHAL). A replacement skinsman has not yet been announced.
In other news, DEN SAAKALDTE will take part in the "Skandinavisk Pessimisme Omringer Europa Tour", alongside TROLL and SARGEIST, starting in March 2010. DEN SAAKALDTE will also make an appearance at next year's edition of the Kings Of Black Metal Festival, set to take place April 10, 2010 and Barther Metal Open Air, which will be held on August 20 of.
Also on the DEN SAAKALDTE front, there are plans to re-release "Øl, Mørke og Depresjon" on digipak CD and gatefold LP and "All Hail Pessimism" on limited gatefold double LP.
DEN SAAKALDTE is:
Mikael Sykelig (ex-GORGOROTH) - Guitars
Niklas "Kvarforth" Olsson (SHINING, SKITLIV) - Vocals
Tor Risdal "Seidemann" Stavenes (1349, PANTHEON I) - Bass
Jormungand (DØDHEIMSGARD) - Synth, Effects
[to be announced] - Drums
For more information, visit www.densaakaldte.com.
"Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus", the new album from Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL, will be released in North America on January 26 via Regain Records. The CD, which is being made available in most European countries between November 18 and November 27, was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as "the band's most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. 'Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus' is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don't want to miss!"
The "Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" cover artwork was created by Morbid (Daniel Valeriani).
"Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" is being released in a couple of different formats, including a two-disc limited edition containing one CD and one live DVD. The bonus live DVD features approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased material professionally filmed with six cameras during the band's 15th anniversary show at the Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden. The album will also include two versions (soft and hardcore) of the band's brand new video, "My Funeral".
"Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" CD track listing:
01. The End Of Human Race [4:43]
02. The Birth Of The Vampiir [4:50]
03. Stigmata [5:06]
04. My Funeral [5:30]
05. Angelus Exuro pro Eternus [5:04]
06. Demons of Five [4:48]
07. Declaration of Hate [5:24]
08. In My Dreams [6:30]
09. My Latex Queen [5:21]
* Video clip: "My Funeral" [2 versions]
Bonus DVD (limited edition only)
Live at Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden:
01. Intro
02. King Antichrist
03. Diabolis Interium
04. The Secrets of The Black Arts
05. The Arrival of Satan's Empire
06. Goddess of Sodomy
07. 666 Voices Inside
08. Vobiscum Satanas
09. Hail Murder
10. Atrum Regina
11. An Apprentice of Satan
DVD credits:
* Film production by Year Zero
* Professionally filmed with six cameras
* Sound engineering by Henrik Wenngren
* Sound recording by Erik Sjölander
* Mixed by Erik Sjölander at Studio Wasteland [Uppsala, Sweden]
* Pyro by Unique Pyrotechnic AB
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