The concert will take place in the Stade de Suisse on June 8.
Last time the group performed in Switzerland was at Zurich's Hallenstadion last April. The 13,000 tickets for that gig were gone in under half an hour.
As previously reported, an AC/DC concert scheduled for May 22 at Wels Airport in Austria has been protested by animal rights activists. According to the Austrian Times, the activists said they will take legal action if the concert goes forward as planned because it will threaten colonies of nesting rare birds in the area. NGO BirdLife spokesperson Hans Uhl said, "The second-biggest colony of curlews in Upper Austria and various other ground-nesting birds must not become endangered by organizers' plans."
Uhl added that the show, which is expected to draw 80,000 attendees, will be a "disaster" for the birds, which flock to the area each spring to breed.
The organization is asking promoters to reschedule the show for sometime after mid-June, when it will no longer be a threat to the colonies.
AC/DC is touring the world behind its 2008 album, "Black Ice".
The much-anticipated American Carnage tour, featuring thrash metal behemoths MEGADETH , SLAYER and TESTAMENT, has been put on hold due to health issues. SLAYER's bassist/vocalist Tom Araya is in need of back surgery which cannot be postponed.
While disappointed by the tour's delay, MEGADETH "is concerned for Araya and wish[es] him a speedy recovery," according to a statement released by the band's record label, Roadrunner Records.
MEGADETH is currently scheduling a U.S. headline run for March and April, and hopes to reschedule the American Carnage tour for this summer.
Anyone who has purchased an American Carnage ticket should hold on to it until further notice.
MEGADETH's new album, "Endgame", sold 45,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart.
MEGADETH's previous CD, "United Abominations", opened with around 54,000 copies in the U.S. to debut at No. 8. This was more than the 46,000 first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "The System Has Failed" (which landed at No. 18 on The Billboard 200 chart), and was a bit less than the 61,000 opening number of 2001's "The World Needs A Hero" (No. 16).
"Endgame" was recorded at MEGADETH's brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California — Vic's Garage — which was named after the legendary and iconic Vic Rattlehead character. The CD was helmed by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine and British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD).
California thrash metal legends SLAYER have been forced to cancel all of their immediate tour plans — including the American and Canadian Carnage tour dates with MEGADETH and TESTAMENT that were set to kick off on January 18, as well as the band's European headline tour scheduled for March and April.
SLAYER bassist/vocalist Araya, known for aggressively swinging his long mane of hair while performing, began experiencing back problems while on the band's Australian/New Zealand/Japanese tour last October. In spite of his rapidly increasing pain and discomfort, he carried on with the tour, but immediately upon returning home saw an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed a cervical radiculopathy. The rocker initially did not want to take the major surgery route, so the specialist recommended a series of minimally-invasive procedures. While those procedures have resulted in some improvement, Araya continues to deal with intermittent bouts of severe pain, numbness and muscle spasms.
"Tom gave various medical treatments more than a fair shot," said SLAYER's manager Rick Sales, "but they just haven't handled the problem, so he's biting the bullet and is scheduled for back surgery at the end of this month."
The surgical procedure that Araya will undergo, called an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion, is a relatively routine practice and the recovery rate is excellent.
Booking agents for both SLAYER and MEGADETH are already hard at work rescheduling tour dates; tickets already purchased for all shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates.
Sales added, "As unfortunate as this is for so many people — the MEGADETH and TESTAMENT camps, the concerts' promoters, and, of course, the fans — Tom's health is the number one priority, and this has to happen."
Robert Gray of Ultimate-Guitar.com recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Briefly, what is your view of the Dan Nelson [ANTHRAX singer 2007-2009] situation? To summarize?
Caggiano: It just didn't work out. The band stands behind its statement that it put out [in July 2009], and that's really all there is to say about it.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: At the moment, are there ongoing legal issues which prevent you from discussing the topic?
Caggiano: Yeah, there is.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: But do you feel that once those legal issues are resolved, the truth will emerge?
Caggiano: Yeah, I think the truth will emerge. I think people already know the truth. (laughs) Even though some people might be misled here and there, everyone that's close to the situation knows the truth about what really happened. We're not worried about any of that. We're just trying to move forward into the future, because none of that shit actually matters at all at this point in the game. (laughs)
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Obviously, whatever happened happened with Dan Nelson. Following that, how did [former ANTHRAX vocalist] John Bush enter the picture?
Caggiano: Basically, we approached him about doing some shows. We had a bunch of shows booked when the whole thing happened with Dan, so we had to cancel a whole bunch of shows, which was a drag. None of us were happy about that at all. We were all very upset. We were very excited to go out there and play, and just tear it up. One of the biggest shows we had was the Sonisphere show in Knebworth; it was huge, and we really wanted to play it. We approached John about doing the show with us, with no strings attached, us just getting out there, having fun, and tearing it up. He thought about it, agreed, and we did just that. We went out there, and the show was awesome. It's definitely magical, and the vibe is magical. Just to play with John again felt really, really good, and sounded amazing. Yeah, that was pretty much it. That's how it started with John again — he agreed to do a few more shows, and a few more shows after that. That's where we're at right
now. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he's gonna sing on the record. Nothing's confirmed yet or anything like that, but we're all hoping it's gonna go that way.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How were relations between John Bush and ANTHRAX prior to discussing these reunion shows?
Caggiano: I think everything was fine. Obviously, there was a little turbulence a few years ago, but that's all water under the bridge at this point. I think John is just in a different place now. I don't think there's any bad blood, or anything like that. Like I said, when we got together for that first show in Knebworth, England, it was amazing. When we rehearsed the day before, it felt like we had been doing this the whole time — it didn't feel like he was gone. It was just perfect.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: At present, what are ANTHRAX's plans concerning "Worship Music" [the album that was completed last year featuring Dan Nelson on vocals]?
Caggiano: "Worship Music", I guess, falls under the whole thing of taking it day by day. (laughs) We don't really know. Like I said, we're hoping that John sings on the record, but it hasn't been confirmed yet. We don't know when that would even happen. "Worship Music" is done, and it's ready to go — it's actually mixed and everything. We just got to replace the vocals, and there you have it. Like I said though, we're taking it day by day. I know John heard the music — he liked the music. We'll see what happens.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Whether John returns or not though, is the plan to re-record "Worship Music"'s vocals?
Caggiano: Yes, absolutely, but the lyrics might change, and some of the melodies might change. I don't really know how true to the original form they're gonna be when John sings them, if he sings them (laughs). There's also the possibility of coming up with a few brand new tracks with John as well. Like I said, we're just taking it day by day, and we're hoping it goes that way.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: It's been reported that you're part of a side project called THE DAMNED THINGS. Is that true?
Caggiano: Yes, it is.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How did THE DAMNED THINGS come to form?
Caggiano: Basically, it's a band that Scott [Ian, ANTHRAX guitarist] and Joe Trohman from FALL OUT BOY were... They'd been doing this thing together for awhile. They wrote some tunes here and there, and just tried to get it going. Everyone's schedule was just impossible — it was just hard to get everyone on the same page schedule-wise and so on. They asked me to be a part of it, and since then, we've actually been focusing on getting music together. It's been killer. I'm actually very excited about this project.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: And THE DAMNED THINGS' lineup also features FALL OUT BOY drummer Andy Hurley, and EVERY TIME I DIE vocalist Keith Buckley?
Caggiano: Yes, it does.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: What is THE DAMNED THINGS' musical style?
Caggiano: Hard to say. There's a lot of different elements, and music. It's almost like.. Shit, I don't know. There's element of THIN LIZZY, which I love — there's a lot of screaming harmony guitar parts, and things like that. I don't know. People have been asking — they've been asking me all the time what it sounds like. I don't think any of us really know how to answer that question. It's definitely unique, and has its own thing, which is really cool.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Would you say that THE DAMNED THINGS is still developing its musical style perhaps?
Caggiano: No, no. I mean, obviously things are gonna develop. We're just in the demo stages right now, but the sound is pretty much there. I just can't put my finger on what it is exactly, and I think that's a really good thing, a really positive thing. There's a very classic feel to the music, which I love.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: What are your thoughts on some of the responses to THE DAMNED THINGS? News about the project leaked, and peoples' responses were "ANTHRAX members and FALL OUT BOY members working on a project?"
Caggiano: (Laughs) I guess to a lot of people out there it wouldn't make sense that those two bands would collaborate, and do something together. It totally makes sense though, and I think once people hear the music, it'll really click.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: So you're saying that there's a different side to Joe then, and that he can write material different to what he's associated with in FALL OUT BOY?
Caggiano: Oh yeah. Joe is a very well-rounded musician, and has a lot of different influences. He's actually a total metalhead (laughs), and so is Andy, the drummer. I just think he's getting to do a lot more of the stuff that he can't do in FALL OUT BOY, so it's really good that he has that creative outlet.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How did Keith Buckley become a part of THE DAMNED THINGS?
Caggiano: He was asked to do it (laughs). He's a phenomenal, phenomenal vocalist. He's great. Actually, I worked a little bit with EVERY TIME I DIE a few years ago as a producer; I cut a track for them for this compilation that came out on Ferret, and that's when I first met Keith and the rest of the band. I was always very impressed with those guys. EVERY TIME I DIE are a phenomenal band, and they totally rule.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How would you describe Keith's vocal contributions to THE DAMNED THINGS?
Caggiano: With this new band, there's definitely a lot less screaming — it's almost a hundred percent singing now, which is great. He's got a phenomenal singing voice, which is really, really great, really strong. We took that side of him, and really pushed it. We're all really psyched about the results. It sounds awesome.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: You said that several tracks have been demoed, so how many tracks have been demoed thus far?
Caggiano: We've pretty much demoed a whole record. As far as the vocals, we only have two songs tracked right now. Everything's written; the whole record's written at this point. A couple of arrangements might change here and there, but the whole album's written.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Is there a specific producer THE DAMNED THINGS might work with?
Caggiano: I'm actually gonna produce the record. We're not sure who's mixing it yet, but we're throwing some names around. That's pretty much how things are going down, as of right now.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: How many tracks will THE DAMNED THINGS' debut likely have, in your opinion?
Caggiano: It'll probably end up being a ten song album, and we'll have quite a few extra B-sides. There'll probably be ten tunes on the record though. We don't want to make the record too long.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Have any record contracts been signed?
Caggiano: No, not yet.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Are contract negotiations underway?
Caggiano: No, not yet. That's too premature.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: But there is an interest from record labels to sign THE DAMNED THINGS?
Caggiano: Yeah, yeah. There's tons of interest. Yep.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Although tracks have been demoed, has studio time been booked where these tracks can be properly recorded by the group?
Caggiano: Yeah. We're trying to figure out everybody's schedules right now. EVERY TIME I DIE is out on tour, and I know ANTHRAX has these shows coming up, so we're just trying to figure out when it's gonna happen. It's gonna be sometime in 2010, for sure, though.
Barbaranne Wylde, wife and co-manager of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman Zakk Wylde, has confirmed that the band has inked U.S. deal with E1 Music , the label formerly known as KOCH Records (as BLABBERMOUTH.NET first reported on January 6). Tentatively due in June, the group's next album will be recorded during January/February at Zakk's new studio, which was built by Zack Fagan of Under The Wire, a Studio City, California-based company which specializes in the installation of commercial and private recording studios and post-production complexes.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "Skullage" DVD package sold 5,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 1 on the Top Music Videos chart. Released April 21 in three different configurations — CD, DVD and CD/DVD — this collection features the best of Zakk Wylde & Co. This massive greatest hits package is chock-full of live material, music videos, interviews, and a vivid cross-section of brutal and introspective tracks, from amped-up blazers like "Fire It Up" and "Suicide Messiah" to raw power ballads like "In This River" and "Spoke In The Wheel".
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY announced in June 2007 that it had parted ways with Roadrunner Records.
The group's sole release through Roadrunner was 2006's "Shot to Hell" album.
"Shot to Hell" sold just under 32,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release — less than the 45,000 copies shifted by BLS's "Mafia" (Artemis) back in March 2005 — to land at position No. 21 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Barbaranne Wylde revealed in a recent online posting that Zakk is suffering from "a rare genetic clotting disorder" for which he is continuing to receive treatment.
As BLABBERMOUTH.NET first reported on January 6, E1 Music has now officially announced the addition of guitar icon Zakk Wylde's band BLACK LABEL SOCIETY to its rock and metal roster. The two-album deal covers North America exclusively.
E1 Music VP of Metal Scott Givens comments on the deal: "Rarely does the opportunity come along to sign an artist as talented, influential and important as Zakk Wylde. I am thrilled to welcome him to the E1 Music group. He is the future of our company and all of us are battle ready to go to the wall for him."
Zakk Wylde said about the pairing: "I've known Scott Givens since I first joined Ozzy [Osbourne], and we've always looked for an opportunity to work together... everything came together at E1. I cannot wait to bring new BLS nationwide on E1!"
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY will release a new studio album in late summer 2010. The CD will be recorded during January/February at Zakk's new studio, which was built by Zack Fagan of Under The Wire, a Studio City, California-based company which specializes in the installation of commercial and private recording studios and post-production complexes. The band will also embark on its annual "Black Label Bash" tour in the fall.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "Skullage" DVD package sold 5,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 1 on the Top Music Videos chart. Released April 21, 2009 in three different configurations — CD, DVD and CD/DVD — this collection features the best of Zakk Wylde & Co. This massive greatest hits package is chock-full of live material, music videos, interviews, and a vivid cross-section of brutal and introspective tracks, from amped-up blazers like "Fire It Up" and "Suicide Messiah" to raw power ballads like "In This River" and "Spoke In The Wheel".
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY announced in June 2007 that it had parted ways with Roadrunner Records.
The group's sole release through Roadrunner was 2006's "Shot to Hell" album.
"Shot to Hell" sold just under 32,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release — less than the 45,000 copies shifted by BLS's "Mafia" (Artemis) back in March 2005 — to land at position No. 21 on The Billboard 200 chart.
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY is managed by Bob Ringe at Survival Management.
Former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist Mike Starr is featured as a cast member for the new season of the VH1 reality series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew". Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, the season consists of eight episodes that follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center. Joining Starr are country singer Mindy McCready, actress Mackenzie Phillips ("One Day at a Time"), former Hollywood Madame Heidi Fleiss, NBA great Dennis Rodman, Lisa D'Amato ("America's Next Top Model"), former Miss United States Teen Kari Ann Peniche and Joey Kovar ("Real World Hollywood").
A five-minute video clip featuring highlights from the season's first episode can be viewed below. In the clip Starr can be heard saying, "In the heyday of ALICE IN CHAINS, I was the best bass player/entertainer there was. When they asked me to leave the band — it broke my heart." (Note: The Starr portion of hte clip begins around the 2:20 mark.)
"Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" Season 3 chronicles the patients' intensive 21-day program with both group and one-on-one therapy and non-traditional therapies like art and music. Returning to the show to help Dr. Drew are drug counselor Bob Forrest and resident technician Shelly Sprague who have each spent years on both sides of the rehab fence. Dr. Drew is also bringing in some additional prominent physicians to help him give the patients supplementary one-on-one care.
RadarOnline.com reported in early October that Starr was arrested on September 28 in Los Angeles on a drug charge.
Starr joined the New York City-based ALICE IN CHAINS tribute band FACELIFT on stage on May 9, 2009 at Sullivan Hall in New York City to perform three songs — "Man In The Box", "Would?" and "Them Bones". According to the members of FACELIFT, Starr "was in great shape and form. [His] performance was flawless and this just about squashes all rumors of his prior poor health condition. The crowd response was amazing as crowd-surfing and high-decibel applause was present."
Back in April 2005, Seattle's KIROTV.com reported that Mike Starr was arrested in Seattle for vandalizing a car.
A man named Phillip told KIROTV.com that he spotted a man pulling the hood ornament off his vehicle.
He said he recognized the man as Michael Christopher Starr and called police. Starr was arrested for "investigation of property destruction and theft."
Starr, 43, a founding member of ALICE IN CHAINS, had been in legal trouble before in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. His past charges include DUI, reckless driving, and various drug charges.
Back in April 1994, Starr was sentenced to 30 days in the Houston jail for
misdemeanor drug possession. Starr was arrested at Houston's Intercontinental Airport while trying to check in for a flight to Los Angeles with a suitcase he had stolen from the baggage claim area. Authorities searched him and found he was carrying marijuana.
German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR have issued the following update:
"We are very close to sign a great deal for the forthcoming DVD , '16.6 - All Over The World', and our first official live CD, 'Live In The USA', soon. Everything looks very promising that we can present you a great-quality product around summer 2010 and the long-awaited first live album."
PRIMAL FEAR will return to the U.S. in May/June 2010 for a short tour, following up their highly successful select dates that took place late summer 2009. Support on the trek will come from LUNA MORTIS, with special guest REDEMPTION on the West Hollywood and Santa Ana shows.
The dates will include a special VIP meet-and-greet ticket which not only gains the ticket holder 60-minute early entry but also includes a very special pre show meet-and-greet and an autographed customized poster.
Fan-filmed video footage of PRIMAL FEAR performing the song "Six Times Dead" at the Minnesota Metalfest on September 7 at the Station 4 nightclub in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota can be viewed below (courtesy of "pennypen").
"16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)", the new album from PRIMAL FEAR, was released in Europe on May 22, 2009 and was made available in the U.S. in early June 2009 via Frontiers Records. The CD was recorded at House Of Music studios in Winterbach, Germany with Dennis Ward and Achim Köhler.
"16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)" marked the group's first release with Magnus Karlsson (ALLEN/LANDE, STARBREAKER), who replaced Stefan Leibing in 2008. Returning guitarist Henny Wolter and Karlsson participated in the songwriting and pre-production, which took place at Karlsson's Stuntguitar Studio in Sweden. The band spent four weeks at House Of Music recording the effort, which was mastered by Ted Jensen at the Sterling Sound in New York City.
Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS have been confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ALDO NOVA (CAN)
ALESTORM (UK)
ANVIL (CAN)
BACHMAN & TURNER (CAN)
BIGELF (US)
D-A-D (DK)
DANZIG (US)
JORN (N)
MAGNUM (UK)
MOTHER'S FINEST (US)
NAZARETH (UK)
RICK SPRINGFIELD (AUS/US)
RATT (US)
RAVEN (UK/US)
SABATON (S)
SAGA (CAN)
STEEL PANTHER (US)
STRATOVARIUS (FIN)
UNISONIC (D)
W.A.S.P. (US)
WATAIN (S)
Y&T (US)
Last year's festival was attended by 35,200 people, but in 2010 the maximum number of visitors will be limited to 33,000.
For more information, visit www.swedenrock.com.
Former DANZIG guitarist John Christ has posted the following update on his official MySpace blog:
"I began this week like many of you, wanting to make a fresh start in a new decade. Many were happy to see 2009 go. I know I was.
"This year I am determined to get organized and finish a few of my projects, some simmering on the back burner for years.
"I began a guitar book almost ten years ago. I was nearing completion in 2004 when I was involved in a horrific crash. Somehow I survived and began the long process of rehab.
"To me, the worst of my injuries were the crushed fingers on my left guitar-fretting hand."
John Christ returned to the live stage for the first time in 10 years on November 27, 2009 with a solo performance in Essex, Maryland. According to Bob Suehs of Rock N Roll Experience, the concert "was a mix of guitar shred, melodic interludes, random DANZIG songs and it proved what a well-rounded musician he truly is. The fact that 'The Wizard of Oz' theme song was performed in the same set as STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and DANZIG numbers and that transition was effortless on John's part, it proves why John is one of the best guitarist in the hard rock genre!"
A review of the show and a bunch of photos can be found at Rock N Roll Experience.
A short fan-filmed video clip is available below.
John Christ (born John Knoll) left DANZIG in July 1995 after four albums and one EP, citing a breakdown in communication within the band as the reason for his departure.
In 1997, Christ was part of the short lived band JUICE 13, which also included Randy Castillo, former drummer for OZZY OSBOURNE .
Christ released his debut solo album, "Flesh Caffeine", in 1999.
Patrick Slevin of The Aquarian Weekly recently interviewed ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott. When asked about new AE material, Amott replied:
"I've written four song ideas that we've been jamming on, and I know that the other guys have ideas as well and I look forward to hearing them. We don't typically write a lot on the road so the songwriting process will pick up once we get off the road, I hope. The idea is that we'll be continuing to write and arrange new material throughout 2010 and we plan go back in the studio again at the end of the year and see what we come up with. Ideally, we'd like to release a new Arch Enemy album in 2011. Our last album of new material, Rise Of The Tyrant, came out back in Sept. 2007, so that'd be a good time in-between records. I'm very much looking forward to getting into the creative phase of writing and recording again!"
JACKYL will once again hit the road this year. Confirmed dates are as follows:
April
24 - Cherokee Motorcycle Rally - Cherokee, North Carolina
29 - Thunder On The Rocks Bike Rally - Monteagle, Tennessee
June
18 - Awesome Biker Nights - Sioux City, Iowa
July
17 - Bull Pen / Beartooth Rally - Roberts, Montana
US rockers RHINO BUCKET start 43 shows in 45 days on their first-ever European tour today (January 7th) until February 20th.
The touring line up is as follows: Georg Dolivo (guitar/vocals), Reeve Downes (bass), Brian Forsythe (guitar), Dusty Watson (drums). The band are supporting their new album, The Hardest Way. Check out dates at
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/l_3ecff59abf9b48e5a32a1639bf423b9e.jpg
Joined by former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright (not on the road), Rhino Bucket once again delivers their distinct brand of three chord boogie rock n' roll unlike any other on their latest release, The Hardest Town. 2006 marked return of Rhino Bucket after a 10 year lapse, with the release of And Then It Got Ugly. Picking up where the band left off, they introduced their newest member, guitarist Brian "Damage" Forsythe of KIX fame.
Quebec, Canada-based metallers HANKER have been rejoined by drummer Luc Guay.
Luc originally became a member of HANKER in 1990 but was forced to leave in 2005 for family reasons.
A photo of HANKER's current lineup can be found below.
Sylvain Trembley played drums on HANKER's recently completed fifth album, "Conspiracy Of Mass Extinction", for which the band is currently seeking a suitable label home.
The artwork for "Conspiracy Of Mass Extinction" was once again created by David Faucher, who was also responsible for the artwork on the band's previous album, "Web Of Faith".
"Web of Faith" was released in August 2004 via Skycraper Music . The CD was recorded at Victor and JFD studios.
Bay Area Metal Scene recently conducted an interview with guitarist Steve Smyth (FORBIDDEN, THE ESSENESS PROJECT, ex-NEVERMORE, TESTAMENT). An excerpt from the question-and-answer session follows below.
Bay Area Metal Scene: Many people remember the news that broke when you had to leave NEVERMORE a few years back due to some health issues. It's great to see that you've apparently been quite busy since then. Fill us in a bit on all the projects you've been working on lately.
Steve: "Thanks, man! I feel much better now. It's been just over 3 years now since the illness hit, and I am now on my way to being three years post-kidney transplant.
"This was a heavy thing to go through. I was born with only one, didn't know it, and lived a very busy life, and the diet and lifestyle that can sometimes go with the lifestyle we live out there as metal musicians didn't exactly make it any easier on my body. I was in three bands effectively at the same time (NEVERMORE, DRAGONLORD, and my instrumental project, THE ESSENESS PROJECT), and was trying to accomplish recording three bands at the same time. This was 2005. It took a lot out of me, but we got a lot done that year. Little did I know the failure had started a year of so before then. There were signs and all, but I didn't realize that's what was going on. It took a badly sprained knee, and blood test while in the hospital, to finally realize that I was going into failure. More on that later.
"I am currently with FORBIDDEN, and we're writing a new album with them — really good heavy, progressive, thrashy metal, FORBIDDEN style !
"It feels really good to be playing thrash metal again, something I have missed, and I am looking forward to working further with the guys very soon on finishing the writing process for this album, and recording in early 2010. We released two songs already — 'Adapt Or Die' and 'Hopenosis' — and got a great reception for each upon their release, which I am really happy about! And those out there who liked what they heard, haven't heard the rest of the songs we have yet, but trust me, it's going to be heavy, and it's going to be FORBIDDEN!
"I am currently living in the U.K., and have put together a new band over here, with a great lineup. which I will be announcing soon enough. I basically was writing songs from the time I fell ill to now, and have about 10 songs in various stages right now, and with my friend and guitar player , Jamie Hunt (guitar, ex-BIOMECHANICAL), we have put together a lineup that I feel will surely devastate, once we get all of these songs in place! I am working on this in addition to FORBIDDEN, and the closest I can peg the style is that it's in more of a progressive thrash metal vein, seven-string oriented, but with some different influences in there as well!
"I am really looking forward to getting this moving along in 2010, in between my commitments to FORBIDDEN.
"I also am writing another album for THE ESSENESS PROJECT with my bandmate in this, bassist Steve Hoffman. We released our debut album, on my own label, Two Louder Music, in late 2007, and got a pretty good reception, then toured briefly on it, and got a good reception, and figured, what the hell, let's do another! This was a project Steve H. and I were doing back in the early '90s in the Bay Area, with Atma Anur on drums, and we did a four-song EP that saw limited release back then. So, we chose a song or two from those sessions, and a later lineup, and decided to complete the album, starting in 2004, and finishing in early 2007. The odd thing was, I was able to complete the album as a result of my illness! So, a lot of the song titles are reflections on what I was going through, and the music reflects this as well, I feel perfectly.
"The music for this next album is going to be a reflection of where Steve H. and I are now musically, and we have a lot of ideas, but the biggest thing we're focusing on is the song, as we did on the debut. The difference being, there's been a lot of time past between the writing sessions for that album, the recording of it, the release, to now. We've got a lot to say this time, and I have talked to a number of people about doing special guest sessions for this as well, as there are a lot of musicians I would really like to jam with, and this allows us to meet on a common ground, and get some jamming happening! We've already started writing, but it's early days, so I would figure we're going to write through the early part of 2010, then shoot to record starting in summer. That's the plan for now."
German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA have scheduled the following North American tour dates in March:
Mar. 08 - New York, NY - B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Mar. 10 - Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes Electriques
Mar. 13 - Toronto, ON - Wreck Room
Mar. 14 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
More shows will be added soon.
SUIDAKRA's ninth album, "Crógacht", was released in the U.S. in March 2009 through Wacken Records/SPV.
Over its fourteen-year history, SUIDAKRA has stayed true to its roots and the sound that it has become known for. Combining fast melodic death metal, Irish folk music , and a torrent of harmonies, SUIDAKRA proves yet again that it possesses the ability to blend several different influences into its unique sound. To put a spin on things, new elements have been introduced, like traditional instruments (bagpipes, banjo, tin whistles), a sixteen member choir and epic orchestral arrangements.
Recorded at Gernart Studios with producer Martin Muchwalter, "Crógacht" delivers an aural assault. In addition to that, the eyes and mind of the listener will also be pleased, as famous Belgian graphic artists Kris Verwimp is responsible not only for the magnificent artwork in the digipack and 16-page booklet, but also for the lyrics of this fascinating concept album. "Crógacht", meaning bravery, is based on one of the most dramatic tales in Irish mythology. It tells the story of the hero Cuchulainn's epic journey to the Isle of Skye, where he seeks to learn the arts of war from the Scythian warrior woman Scathach. The decisions he then has to make set the events in motion that will lead up to his son Conlaoch's tragic fate…
With overwhelming reactions to their 2006 release, "Caledonia", and their November 2008 DVD /Best of CD, "13 Years of Celtic Wartunes", SUIDAKRA has performed over 200 live shows (including the Wacken Open Air festival five times), and successfully completed several tours in Europe, Russia, and a first-ever American tour.
FIVE YEAR STARE/ex-CODED guitarist Joe Festa has teamed up with drummer Josh Adkisson and bassist Desmond Hollister to create PILLBUSTER.
The members of PILLBUSTER merged together in the fall of 2009, ranging from the muddy back roads of Tennessee to the concrete jungle of New York, all converging on the ruins of a civil war battleground now turned present day breeding ground for the criminals and poverty stricken trash of Virginia.
The band produces the sounds remnicent of a time when metal dominated while hardcore was shaking the underground with enough force to disrupt the mainstream music scene. Influences obviously range from classic New York hardcore all the way down to the syrup-laden sounds of southern metal and sludge bands who have set the standard for what soul truly is.
Unrestricted by current cliche's or genres, PILLBUSTER possesses a mutual drive for heaviness among its members which is molding the bands unique sonic fabric.
PILLBUSTER is currently looking for a vocalist with melody and grit. Anyone who is interested can contact the band at pillbuster@live.com.
Massachusetts metallers UNEARTH will headline for the second installment of the highly successful Atticus Metal Tour. Joining UNEARTH on the trek are STICK TO YOUR GUNS, VEIL OF MAYA, THE GHOST INSIDE and CARNIFEX. DARKEST HOUR, STRAY FROM THE PATH and YOUR DEMISE will also appear on select dates.
OTEP, BURY YOUR DEAD, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD and DESTROPHY will team up for the "Rise Rebel Resist Tour" in February. The dates are as follows:
Feb. 15 - Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse Music Venue
Feb. 16 - Farmington, NM - Totah Theater
Feb. 17 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
Feb. 18 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
Feb. 19 - Salina, KS - The Blue Goat
Feb. 21 - Cincinnati, OH - Inner Circle
Feb. 23 - St Louis, MO - Fubar
Feb. 25 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Feb. 26 - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
Feb. 27 - Columbus, OH - Alrosa Villa
Feb. 28 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom
Mar. 02 - Orono, ME - 103 Ultra Lounge
Mar. 03 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Mar. 04 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
Mar. 05 - Reading, PA - The Silo Nightclub
Mar. 06 - Farmingdale, NY - Crazy Donkey
Mar. 07 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Mar. 09 - Raleigh, NC - Volume 11
Mar. 10 - Spartanburg, SC - Gground Zero
Mar. 11 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
Mar. 12 - Orlando, FL - Lyrica
Mar. 16 - Little Rock, AR - The Village
Mar. 17 - Houston, TX - Rocbar
Mar. 18 - Mission, TX - Smokin Aces
Mar. 19 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
Mar. 20 - Ft Worth, TX - Ridglea Theater
Mar. 21 - Gallup, NM - El Morro Theater
Mar. 24 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory Concert House
Mar. 25 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
Mar. 26 - Portland, OR - Satyricon
Mar. 27 - Sparks, NV - New Oasis
Mar. 28 - Santa Ana, CA - Galaxy Theater
Mar. 31 - West Hollywood , CA - The Whisky
Apr. 01 - Las Vegas, NV - Cheyenne Saloon
Apr. 02 - Ramona, CA - Ramona Mainstage
OTEP's new album, "Smash The Control Machine", sold around 10,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 47 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on August 18, 2009 via Victory Records.
The "Smash The Control Machine" deluxe CD/DVD package includes:
* DVD includes interviews, poetry readings and more
*CD/DVD deluxe edition includes: holographic cover, digipack, 52-page booklet with lyrics, poems and illustrations from Otep Shamaya
OTEP frontoman Otep Shamaya previously said of the album, "The economic crisis is hitting every working family in this country. The album and its title track, 'Smash The Control Machine', will lay bare the greed and corruption that fostered this calamity, but will also focus on the undying spirit of the working class that always fights the good fight. The title is a line from a William S. Burroughs poem. It is my intention to create an album that serves every head of the hydra that is OTEP. From poetry, to politics, to shock and awe, to sex and righteousness, to standing up and fighting back. Like the mystical symbol of the Ouroboros (the sacred serpent swallowing its tail) all things will be brought back to circle."
Norwegian extreme metal veterans KEEP OF KALESSIN are competing in the national Eurovision Song Contest called "Melodi Grand Prix". The band took first place in the first semifinal that aired earlier tonight (Friday, January 8) on NRK1 in Norway. The top two artists chosen by viewers via SMS — including KEEP OF KALESSIN — will take part in the grand final held at the Spektrum, Oslo on February 6. The third- and fourth-place artists will get another new chance to compete in a new TV show called "The Last Chance" where the top 2 artists will also go the final.
KEEP OF KALESSIN performed a song called "The Dragontower", which was originally written for the group's next album but had to be shortened from 5:20 minutes to 3:00 minutes for the performance. The full, unedited track will, of course, appear on the upcoming KEEP OF KALESSIN CD.
Watch video footage of KEEP OF KALESSIN's performance below.
Commented mainman Obsidian C. (real name: Arnt Grønbech): "We're excited to have been picked out from about 1,000 Norwegian contributors to Melodi Grand Prix 2010. The feedback on the song is amazing so far and we hope that we can have a chance to be the first-ever extreme metal band in the norwegian Melodi Grand Prix final."
There are 21 participating artists and eight finalists. The winner of the final in February will be the one to represent Norway at the international Eurovision Song Contest 2010.
Unfortunately, the voting in Norway can only be done by Norwegian cell phones. Foreign fans can watch the show live via the www.nrk.no webcast.
KEEP OF KALESSIN has set "Reptilian" as the title of its new album, due in early 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band's last CD , "Kolossus", was released in June 2008. The album was made available via Indie Recordings and was licensed to Nuclear Blast for the following territories: Germany, Austria, Switzerland and rest of the world outside Europe (except Australia and Russia).
Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of the Los Angeles horror-inspired black/death metal band DAWN OF ASHES.
DAWN OF ASHES is a band whose passion for intense and macabre imagery, music , and live performances will soon be seen by the metal masses when "Genocide Chapters" is unleashed in late spring/summer 2010. The band is currently gearing up to enter the studio to record its Metal Blade debut with producer Fred Archambault, known for his work with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DEATH BY STEREO, EIGHTEEN VISIONS, and many more. Handling the cover art for "Genocide Chapters" is Machine-Room (MY DYING BRIDE).
DAWN OF ASHES has enlisted the help of acclaimed special FX group ADI (Amalgamated Dynamics Inc.) to discuss plans for the new DOA outfits and mask designs. ADI is the special effects company that created the creatures and special effects for movies like "Alien 3", "Alien Resurrection", "Alien vs. Predator 1" and "Requiem", "Starship Troopers", "Tremors" and other films. This was amazing news for the band and should make DOA's theatrical look even more interesting and grotesque.
"We are very honored to become a part of such a legendary metal label. We cannot wait to see what this will do for the progression of the band's career. This is a new level for DAWN OF ASHES and we are very excited to become part of the Metal Blade family," comments DAWN OF ASHES.
"DAWN OF ASHES = DOA, BRUTAL, HORRIFIC, HYPNOTIC, VICIOUS heavy metal that is the soundtrack for the apocalypse. With Tim Smith of Blood Company managing and Fred Archambault handling the recording duties, Metal Blade is ecstatic to be part of this team," comments Metal Blade's Michael Faley.
DAWN OF ASHES is:
Kristof Bathory (Horrid screams / Keyboards)
Volkar Kael (Guitar)
Othuum (Bass guitar)
Bahemoth (Keyboards)
Orias (Drums)
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/dawnofashes.
Commented UNEARTH frontman Trevor Phipps: "This is going to be our first North American headlining tour in over a year and we are amped to get back out there. We'll be playing tunes from all of our albums, some extra deep cuts we haven't played in a while and some stuff we haven't played live yet from [the latest UNEARTH album] 'The March'. We've been messing around with some different lights and stage set ups and will mix up the set each night, so it will be different from past tours. It's a solid package of bands and we can't wait to get on stage, play a headlining set and rage with our fans."
Atticus Metal Tour 2 dates:
Mar. 05 - San Diego, CA - Soma
Mar. 06 - Pomona, CA - The - Glasshouse
Mar. 08 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
Mar. 09 - Denver, CO - Cervantes Ballroom
Mar. 11 - Ft. Worth, TX - Ridglea Theatre
Mar. 12 - San Antonio, TX - White - Rabbit
Mar. 13 - Houston, TX - Meridian
Mar. 16 - Birmingham, AL - 5 - Points Music Hall
Mar. 17 - Orlando, FL - Club - Firestone
Mar. 18 - Atlanta, GA - The - Masquerade
Mar. 19 - Raleigh, NC - Volume - 11
Mar. 20 - Richmond, VA - The - Hat Factory
Mar. 21 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
Mar. 23 - Dayton, OH - The Attic
Mar. 24 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Mar. 25 - St. Paul, MN - Station 4
Mar. 26 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Mar. 27 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
Mar. 28 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Mar. 29 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theatre
Mar. 30 - Albany, NY - Northern Lights
Mar. 31 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Apr. 01 - Montreal, QC - Tulipe
Apr. 02 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial
Apr. 03 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
Apr. 04 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Scott Danough, co-founder and longtime guitarist for Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH, is involved with a new project, FALLING TO PIECES.
FALLING TO PIECES is a female-fronted thrash/metalcore act out of the San Francisco Bay Area . The quintet independently released an EP in 2009 entitled "Awaken the Weak".
According to the band's official bio, "Awaken the Weak" "combines Nicci's wicked screams and beautiful clean singing (both of which can compete with any of today's leading ladies of metal) with the band's unique blend of thrash-oriented, melodic, and brutally groove-driven songwriting. With tracks like 'Population One' and 'A Beautiful Demise', the music of FALLING TO PIECES appeals to metal fans of any genre, as well as maintaining the ability to capture non-metal fans alike."
FALLING TO PIECES is:
Nicci D. - Vocals
Scott Danough - Guitar
Kimo Sanborn - Bass/Backup Vocals
Eric Stewart - Guitar
Nick Benigno - Drums
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/fallingtopieces.
INMORIA — the new Swedish project featuring Charles Rytkonen (MORGANA LEFAY) on vocals, Christer Andersson (TAD MOROSE) on guitar, Danne Eriksson (ex-TAD MOROSE) on keyboards , Henke Westin (BLAZING SKIES) on bass, and Peter Moren (TAD MOROSE, STEEL ATTACK) on drums — will enter Studio Soundcreation in Bollnäs, Sweden in the middle of March to start recording its sophomore album. The follow-up to last year's "Invisible Wounds" will contain 12 tracks.
INMORIA recently finished filming a video for a new song called "In My Dreams". More information on the clip will be made available soon.
"Invisible Wounds" was released in June 2009 via Germany's Massacre Records.
Danne formed INMORIA in April 2008 and recruited each member of the band as he knew his hopes and ideas would be better realized with a full lineup and would be "recorded in their greatest potential," according to a press release.
INMORIA's sound is described as "a mix of dark, brooding music and haunting melodies" which "take you on an emotionally charged journey that will wrap its spindly fingers around your mind, subconsciously pulling you in a direction you may not want to go in, yet you cannot turn away from."
INMORIA's video for the song "Come Insanity" can be viewed below.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/inmoriamusic.
GRAVES ABLAZE, the new band featuring former THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER members John Kempainen (lead guitar) and Cory Grady (drums), has announced the addition of vocalist Barry Cronk to the group's ranks. The band says, "He's a good & talented dude and we're really glad to have him."
Two GRAVES ABLAZE songs featuring Cronk's vocals — "Enraptured" and "Father Enmity" — are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
California tech-death metallers DECREPIT BIRTH have issued the following update:
"We are about to commence recording for [DECREPIT BIRTH's third album] 'Polarity' by entering Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California to start tracking drums with producer/engineer Zack Ohren.
"We are very excited to get the album recorded and released!
"We have been performing a couple of the new songs live and the response has been awesome! So we hope you, our fans, enjoy the direction of the new material. Which can only be described as 'death metal from the soul.' This will certainly be our most catchy material yet, although still brought to you in a brutal and progressive way that people have come to know DECREPIT BIRTH for. This will also be the band's first release on Nuclear Blast Records. Which we are very proud of, due to their amazing reputation and professionalism.
"We will be bringing you video clips and updates from the band during the recording process.. so stay tuned!"
According to a press release, "Polarity" will contain "nine songs of epic death metal," including "Life Cycles", "Sea of Memories", "Symbiosis", "Beyond Eternity" and "Mirroring Dimensions".
DECREPIT BIRTH, founded in 2001, has so far released two highly acclaimed albums, "…And Time Begins" (2003) and "Diminishing Between Worlds" (2008).
"Diminishing Between Worlds" was released in January 2008 via Unique Leader Records. The CD was recorded at Castle Ultimate studios with engineer/producer Zack Ohren.
Ventura, California death metallers FATALIST have issued the following update:
"[Guitarist/vocalist] Wes [Caley; ex-EXHUMED, UPHILL BATTLE] and Tyler [Castro, drums] have been asked to leave FATALIST because of their lack of interest and participation in the band over the last year. We appreciate the time and effort that they put into the band over the last few years and wish them luck in the future.
"New members have been found and they will be announced soon.
"FATALIST will be back to performing live shows again with more news to follow."
FATALIST's full-length debut, "The Depths of Inhumanity", was released in the U.S. on November 23, 2009 via Ibex Moon Records.
Although the influences are obvious, the band injects its own personality into these 11 songs while staying true to the bruising-and-buzzing sounds of early-'90s Stockholm. Hear for yourself why James Hoare of Terrorizer praised FATALIST for playing "Swedish death metal like the masters" and shredding "the old way."
California tech-death masters DECREPIT BIRTH have entered Sharkbite Studios (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS) in Oakland with producer Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, SUFFOCATION, IMMOLATION) to begin recording their third album, "Polarity".
Commented guitarist Matt Sotelo: "We began recording the new album on Thursday.
"We are happy to say that everything is going very smoothly!
"This is an awesome recording facility and by far the best place we have worked in yet.
"We started by setting up and tracking KC's [Howard] drums.
"With the help of engineer Zack Ohren, we are confident that this album will have our best production to date!"
"Concepts for new material are very special to us on a personal level. The lyrics reflect on the world around us, visions of the future, the coming together of energy, and the balance of life both positive and negative. We also feel that the music and concepts are very tied together, so that the music actually embodies the emotions of the lyrical concepts. It's something we've always tried to do but this time it really feels right. We describe it as 'death metal from the soul.'"
Check out video footage from the studio below. Photos can be found at this location.
According to a press release, "Polarity" will contain "nine songs of epic death metal," including "Life Cycles", "Sea of Memories", "Symbiosis", "Beyond Eternity" and "Mirroring Dimensions".
DECREPIT BIRTH, founded in 2001, has so far released two highly acclaimed albums, "…And Time Begins" (2003) and "Diminishing Between Worlds" (2008).
"Diminishing Between Worlds" was released in January 2008 via Unique Leader Records. The CD was recorded at Castle Ultimate studios with engineer/producer Zack Ohren.
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