Q: Of anyone that you have played with, which band or singer has been the most challenging and why?
Blasko: "I think everything has its own challenges - especially whenever you are going from big established bands - either you are stepping into a situation where the foundation has already been laid and you're having to emulate what's already in front of you and do the songs their respect. I suspect the Ozzy situation was the most challenging because there was the most to emulate there. In the course of an Ozzy Osbourne set you're going back as far as BLACK SABBATH to current stuff, over the course of that we're talking about 4 or 5 different bass players, different eras and stuff to emulate, so that was more challenging as one person stepping in trying to emulate all of these things."
Q: Your work with Ozzy has probably taken a new turn with the introduction of Gus G as the new guitarist - tell us about that...
Blasko: "It's sorta of as an 'as needed' basis - this year (2009) it's been two one-off shows and we've been working on a record - and I'll go in and record or rehearse as needed and that's my responsibility in this situation and I am honoured to be involved in the Ozzy situation and to be in his band. I am blessed and honored to have the luck of the draw to be that guy so I'm very appreciative! The two shows that we did were with Gus G, we also had a different drummer for one of the shows, we had Tommy (Clufetos), Rob Zombie's drummer - we had to use him because Mike Bordin was out doing reunion shows with his band FAITH NO MORE. Ozzy has always had a revolving door of musicians, he'll do one off gigs with CAMP FREDDY and SLASH AND FRIENDS, so when you talk about songs like 'Iron Man', 'Crazy Train' and 'Paranoid' these are rock and roll standards, you know? He's like the Frank Sinatra of metal so whether its Gus G, Zakk Wylde, Slash or Dave Navarro -
whomever it is interpreting these songs, it's interesting and cool and it's who he is at this stage of his career and life."
Drummer Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, DIO, BLACK SABBATH ) underwent surgery on his right shoulder on November 30, 2009 for an injury sustained during the last HEAVEN & HELL tour.
Commented Vinny: "I would like to thank all the fans, friends, family for the kind wishes for my shoulder surgery recovery. It's been five weeks and I am feeling stronger each day. I should be hitting those drums soon!!"
The surgeon expects Vinny to be back behind the kit in about four months.
HEAVEN & HELL singer Ronnie James Dio was diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer in November, while the band's guitarist, Tony Iommi, recently underwent stem-cell treatment on an injured hand.
Added Vinny: "I want to wish my best friend in the world Ronnie a speedy and healthy recovery and hear his voice screaming through my monitors again soon!"
HEAVEN & HELL's debut album, "The Devil You Know", entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8 with first-week sales of 30,000 units.
The band's June 16, 2009 concert at Museumsmeile in Bonn, Germany was professionally filmed by WDR's (German public TV ) series "Rockpalast" and was premiered on July 13. Watch the "Follow The Tears" performance below.
HEAVEN & HELL was forced to cancel its June 21, 2009 appearance at the Metalway Festival in Zaragoza, Spain due to back pain suffered by Iommi.
Legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH ) is currently involved in a brand new band which he calls "a mindblower." The group is currently in a California studio writing and recording material for its debut album.
Writing on his Twitter page, Hughes states, "It is gonna rock… and you're gonna get it! The new band is now runnin'… it is a spectacle… with the most amazin' players… an orgasm for the mind!"
In related news, Hughes is working with producer Kevin Shirley (IRON MAIDEN , DREAM THEATER) on the remixes for a reissue of DEEP PURPLE's 1975 album "Come Taste The Band".
Dr Pepper, the oldest major soft drink in the US, is teaming up with legendary rockers KISS as a first-time advertiser during Super Bowl XLIV. The ad will air in the second quarter of the big game and feature Gene Simmons returning as "Dr. Love" in the next evolution of the brand's 'Trust Me, I'm a Dr' campaign. Paul Stanley and the entire KISS lineup will join Simmons to describe Dr Pepper Cherry's uniquely smooth taste - achieved with a 'kiss' of cherry flavor.
Throughout its 125-year history, Dr Pepper has created some of the most iconic ad campaigns in America, including 'I'm A Pepper', 'Be You' and 'Just What the Doctor Ordered'. AOL.com ranked the 1970s' 'I'm a Pepper' ad among the 10 Commercial Jingles We Can't Forget. The new ad is just one element of Dr Pepper's year-long celebration of its 125th Anniversary which kicks off Jan. 25, 2010.
"Being a part of the big game gives us access to nearly 100 million viewers. We're taking this opportunity to reach as many fans as possible to promote our innovative Dr Pepper Cherry flavor and celebrate our 125th Anniversary. This is just the right ad at just the right time," said Tony Jacobs, vice president of marketing for Dr Pepper.
Created by Deutsch LA, the new spot is an extension of the 'Trust Me, I'm a Dr' campaign that features notable pop culture "doctors" including Kelsey Grammer (a.k.a. Dr. Frasier Crane), Dr. Dre and Julius Erving (a.k.a. Dr. J). Simmons is the first doctor to be featured a second time.
"When Gene Simmons recruited his band mates to join him in the campaign, we knew it was a perfect combination for a Super Bowl ad - a flavorful new product and flavorful characters," said Jacobs.
For more information on Dr Pepper, visit www.DrPepper.com.
German hard rock legends the SCORPIONS have confirmed new dates in France, Belgium and the Czech Republic on their Get Your Sting And Blackout Scorpions World Tour 2010. The band's schedule is now as follows, with more dates to be announced:
March
15 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 arena
18 - Moscow, Russia - Ice Palace
April
10 - Mons, Belgium - Lotto Mons Expo
May
7 - Leipzig, Germany - Arena
8 - Munich, Germany - Olympiahalle
12 - Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle
14 - Stuttgart, Germany - Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
15 - Prague, Czech Republic - tba
19 - Paris, France - L' Olympia
21 - Liévin, France - Stade Couvert Régional
22 - Straßburg, France - Zénith
29 - Berlin, Germany - O2 World
30 - Zwickau, Germany - Stadthalle
June
1 - Hannover, Germany - TUI Arena
Get Your Sting And Blackout Scorpions World Tour 2010 will hit dates in North America, South America, Asia, Russia and various countries in Europe.
"It was important for us to give our fans a chance to celebrate a never-to-forget party with us", said band founder Rudolf Schenker.
Klaus Meine stated, "2010 is going to be a very special year for the Scorpions, so it is an especially good feeling to be able to start this tour at home".
Matthias Jabs remarked about the tour, "we are very excited to be touring the globe for the next two years. The Scorpions want to rock the world once again!"
Momentarily, the band is in the recording studio working on their upcoming album , Sting In The Tail, that will also be released in 2010.
Greece's Rockpages has issued an exclusive interview with CHEAP TRICK guitarist Rick Nielsen regarding their band's new album, appropriately called The Latest. The following is an excerpt:
Q: You released the album yourselves, which I think is a statement.
A: "Yeah, we've been around longer than any of the record companies we've ever been with. We've been told through the years, 'you should do this', and 'you should do that', but we are Cheap Trick! We make our own mistakes!"
Q: Do you think that this is the way for the future for every band? Since, piracy is up, and record sales are down?
A: "I think for such a band like us, the record sales are down overall, but at the same time we are involved in more things than we ever were. We are involved in TV shows, movies, ring tones, video games… things that weren't around when we started. And the fact that we are still playing a lot, and we are putting out records with the original guys, this is a thing that nobody can buy, or put together. For example, nobody ever bought an Epic record, or a "Michael Jackson " label; they bought their artist, they don't care about the label. I think that something that the artists have found out is that the labels really have not been there for them. People come to see Cheap Trick, they don't come to see the record company. It's nice to have someone to help you promote, but then you have to pay that money back anyhow. They are doing a little favor, but not much!"
Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has a lot of notable snubs, from KISS to Todd Rundgren, from Rush to Cheap Trick, and countless others. Somehow Jann Wenner, the co-founder and publisher of Rolling Stone and the Hall of Fame's head honcho, believes that he can't find enough quality groups to make the Hall of Fame candidates over the next few years interesting.
Instead of rectifying the various snubs, Wenner and the Hall's latest idea is to change the rules for induction into the Hall. Currently the rules state that a band's first album has to have been released a minimum of 25 years ago to be eligible, but the Hall is considering reducing that number to 20, which would allow in groups like Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Guns N Roses and Nirvana, among others.
It seems a bit ridiculous to be considering changing the rules when they are so many influential rock and roll artists still left out of the Hall, but it seems Wenner and the Hall are more concerned with grabbing viewers for the induction ceremony, younger viewers who are emotional invested in the aforementioned bands, than actually rectify the problem of Chubby Checker not being in the Hall.
MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine has checked in with the following update:
"Droogies!
Now that we are well into 2010, I wanted to thank BraveWords.com for making Endgame their 2009 Album of the Year pick, and to thank 411mania.com for making 'Dialectic Chaos/This Day We Fight!' number 12 on The Mosh Pit's Top Metal Songs Of The Decade list.
We are off to a good start and I hope to be able to thank you all in person at American Carnage (or the Canadian Carnage dates we are making up) on stage or at the meet and greets.
I hope you all had a great NYE and I wish you a prosperous 2010.
God Bless Metal!"
As previously reported, Megadeth Ultimate Fan Packages for the upcoming American Carnage tour are now available to the general public at ILoveAllAccess.com. Packages include concert ticket in first 10 rows or priority access with general admission ticket, meet 'n greet and photo op with Megadeth, pre-show party, exclusive Megadeth gift bag, early entrance to venue, and more. Packages are limited. Click here for details.
Megadeth's complete American Carnage schedule, also featuring SLAYER and TESTAMENT, is as follows:
January
18 - WaMu Theatre - Seattle, WA
19 - Memorial Coliseum - Portland, OR
21 - Cow Palace - San Francisco, CA
22 - Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA
23 - Dodge Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
25 - Magness Arena - Denver, CO
26 - Tingley Coliseum - Albuquerque, NM
27 - El Paso Coliseum - El Paso, TX
29 - Verizon Wireless - Houston, TX
31 - Municipal Auditorium - Nashville, TN
February
1 - Gwinnett Arena - Duluth, GA
2 - Broadbent Arena - Louisville, KY
4 - Roy Wilkins Auditorium - Minneapolis, MN
5 - UIC Pavilion - Chicago, IL
6 - Cobo Arena - Detroit, MI
9 - Chevrolet Theatre - Wallingford, CT
11 - Izod Center - East Rutherford, NJ
12 - Civic Center - Glens Falls, NY
14 - Tsongas Arena - Lowell, MA
16 - Pavillon de la Jeunesse - Quebec City, QC
18 - John Labatt Centre - London, ON
19 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto, ON
20 - Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
22 - Moncton Coliseum - Moncton, NB
23 - Metro Centre - Halifax, NS
OVERKILL have confirmed six European festival dates for summer 2010. They are as follows:
June
18 - Nantes, France - Hellfest
19 - Dettelbach, Germany - Queens Of Metal Festival
July
2 - Istanbul, Turkey - Unirock
3 - Helsinki, Finland - Tuska Festival
4 - Duisburg, Germany - Devilside Festival
9 - Gävle, Sweden - Getaway Festival
As previously reported, two venue changes have been announced for the band's upcoming 2010 Killfest Tour. Note the following updates:
-- February 20th show in Bilbao, Spain has been moved from Santana 27 to Plateruena.
-- April 24th show has been moved from Gator's in Farmington, NM to Dos Amigos in Odessa, TX.
Ticket holders for both of these shows should contact the venues directly for further information.
The band's schedule is now as follows:
February
6 - Uden, Netherlands - De Pul
7 - Osnabrück, Germany - N8
9 - Kolding, Denmark - Godset
10 - Braunschweig, Germany - Meier Music Hall
11 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
12 - Berlin, Germany - SO 36
13 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Randal Club
14 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
15 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos Saal
17 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
18 - Lyon, France - CCO Villeurbanne
19 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 1
20 - Bilbao, Spain - Plateruena
21 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Heineken
23 - Paris, France - Nouveau Casino
24 - Wolverhampton, England - Wulfrun
25 - London, England - O2 Academy Islington
26 - Lessines, Belgium - Centre Culturel
27 - Andernach, Germany - JUZ
March
16 - Santiago De Chile, Chile - Teatro Teleton
18 - Buenos Aires, Agrentina - Teatro Flores
19 - Recife, Brazil - Clube Portugues do Recife
20 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Via Marques
April
1 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero
2 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
3 - Hartford, CT - Webster Hall
4 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial de Quebec
5 - Montreal, QC - FouFounes
6 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theater
7 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
8 - Detroit, MI - Blondies
9 - Chicago, IL - The Metro
10 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
11 - Minneapolis, MN - Station 4
13 - Denver, CO - Gothic Theatre
15 - Vancouver, BC - Red Room
16 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
17 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
18 - San Francisco, CA - The Grand Ballroom
19 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
20 - Los Angeles CA - House of Blues
21 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
22 - Phoenix, AZ - O.K.'s
23 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
24 - Odessa, TX - Dos Amigos
25 - Tulsa, OK - Marquee
26 - Austin, TX - Emu's
27 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
28 - Dallas, TX - Trees
29 - Louisville, KY - Headliners Music Hall
30 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
May
1 - New York City, NY - Nokia Theater
Tickets for the North American shows are on sale now exclusively through EnterTheVault.com up to December 19th, when they will be available via regular outlets.
As previously reported, Overkill has announced they have signed a new deal with E1/Koch Records for North America and Nuclear Blast Records for the rest of the world.
The band just finished mixing with Peter Tägtgren (of HYPOCRISY and PAIN) at the helm. The title will be Ironbound. Release is set for late January/early February 2010.
Touring is being set up starting in February in Europe and will continue the entire year with shows in South America in March. A US tour starts April 1st in Philadelphia and ends May 1st with a big 25th anniversary show in New York City at the Nokia Theater.
"We have lots of plans to make that a special celebration show for everyone," states the band.
Ironbound will feature the following tracklisting:
'The Green And Black'
'Ironbound'
'Bring Me The Night'
'The Goal Is Your Soul'
'Give A Little'
'Endless War'
'The Head And Heart'
'In Vain'
'Killing For A Living'
'The SRC'
There's something about the kind of potent rock and roll fury that AIRBOURNE cranks out, all cylinders firing, that makes you want to chug a beer straight down your throat and punch the air as though it'd touched your wife inappropriately. It sounds crude, we admit. But that's the thing about these Aussie pub rock rebels. Their music, like new album "No Guts. No Glory.", is a perfect soundtrack for drunken debauchery, and "that's what we're here for, mate," says rowdy lead guitarist and vocalist Joel O'Keeffe.
Inspired by the likes of JUDAS PRIEST , THIN LIZZY, ANGEL CITY, ROSE TATTOO, AC/DC, and MOTÖRHEAD, AIRBOURNE have been waving the rock and roll flag for Australia since 2003, and in the process, winning fans and awards (including Metal Hammer's "Best Debut Album" and Classic Rock's "Best Newcomer"). They hail from Warrnambool, a small drinking town on the southwestern coast of Victoria, and they've steadily gained an immense following among fans of infectious, high-energy, whiskey-soaked, whiplash-inducing working man's rock. Out March 8, the band's new album, including first single "Get Busy Livin'", is a mandatory addition to any self-respecting jukebox's library.
"Basically, we've never been about having a specific message; we don't talk about politics or social injustices in our songs. There are other bands out there to take care of that," says Joel O'Keeffe, who, like brother and AIRBOURNE drummer Ryan O'Keeffe, has been playing guitar since he could walk. "With us, it's not like that. It's just rock and roll. We want people to have a good time, no matter what. Have a drink, play it really loud, and kick back."
AIRBOURNE traveled to the Windy City to record "No Guts. No Glory." with producer Johnny K, live and straight to analog tape. Like debut album "Runnin' Wild", "No Guts. No Glory." continues that good time vibe, but ultimately, according to Ryan, the record is about "standing up and going for it, and being a man. There's a tougher element to the album, so to speak." Instead of sleeping every night in a comfortable hotel room bed on the label's dime, the band actually slept in the studio, taking inspiration from Bruce Springsteen and his E STREET BAND, who were known to live in the studio until an album was completed.
"We found out that they used to do that for the first bunch of records they did," Joel explains, "so, the drums were set up in a big room with the guitars and [rhythm guitarist David Roads], he slept behind the amps; I slept behind a bunch of amps; Ryan slept behind his drum kit and [bassist Justin Street] slept behind this pool table, and we were all in the studio. It was really fun, because you'd just get up and go, 'Fuck,' and start recording. That's how your day was. You just sort of woke up, had some food, and started recording. Maybe you'd have a shower; maybe not. Just sort of walk around in your shorts all day, just rocking away."
The album's a virtual rock and roll buffet, boasting tracks like "No Way But The Hard Way" and "Blonde, Bad, and Beautiful". When the band lived together for three years on welfare in a Melbourne suburb, surviving on a steady diet of booze and barbecue, things were tough, and the band nearly burned their home to the ground — literally. "Nothing came easy, and we'd say to each other, 'Ain't no way but the hard way,'" recalls Ryan.
"No Guts. No Glory." also features a song called "Steel Town", which was inspired by the band's time on the road — including the U.K.'s Sheffield — and some of the people they had encountered. "Every time we went through a town that was a steel town, there was something about the crowd themselves," recalls Joel O'Keeffe. "They seemed to be a little bit wilder, and they'd always drink the pub dry, and we'd have to get more beer from other pubs. There was always a massive fight, always a crazy crowd. So we wanted to give them a song that gives them a chance to raise their flag and pump their fists in the air, and drink a beer to it. I guess it's like throwing gasoline on the fire."
WARBEAST has issued the following update:
"There is a lot about to happen for Warbeast. We are in the final stages and very close to finishing our debut album that's going to be released on Housecore Records. So we will have a release date on that very soon. So it won't be long until we can start letting everyone hear some samples of the album on the internet . We are also about to unveil our official website.
Anyway, check out what PHILIP ANSELMO (DOWN, PANTERA ) wrote about his relationship/partnership with Warbeast:
For myself, Warbeast epitomizes 'The DFW Thrash Metal' sound to it's maximum. Having grown up seeing RIGOR MORTIS and GAMMACIDE live, collecting their demos and knowing the guys in these bands during my younger, more impressionable years left a resounding imprint on me. People know that I was born in New Orleans, but I moved to the DFW area to join Pantera when I was 17, so I had the privilege of being a part of, and living somewhat vicariously through both local scenes. And the magic of that was how different sounding both scenes were, and how absolutely awesome it was to watch the emergence of the two of them. Having the best of those two extreme worlds not only influenced me as a musician, but it made me fan of both scenes, for life!
Rigor vocalist and great friend of mine, Bruce W. Corbitt kept in touch with my crazy ass (and he put up with my barrage of phone calls as well!) since Rigor did a 3-date headlining tour with my hardcore band ARSON ANTHEM a couple years back. He told me then he'd been jamming with Scott Shelby and Rick Perry (former Gammacide guitarists). I knew those cats were badasses. I could practically already hear the music in my head! I begged him to send me some of their music, it fucking blew my expectations away and the rest is modern history…
Look, I know Thrash Metal, period. And I damn-well know the old 'DFW Thrash' sound.
More importantly, I know Warbeast. I've had the privilege of working with them closely. When you listen, Bruce is Bruce, but his performance on the latest Warbeast LP Krush The Enemy is the best he's ever been. His powerful voice is a commanding fucking presence. His enthusiasm is warranted, because the band is beyond great—and his rejuvenated attitude and spit, fit perfectly with their multi-influenced brand of pure Texas Thrash.
The guitarists (Rick and Scott) are absolutely motherfucking relentless. Their use of chugging power riffs, mixed with classic progressions and twisting harmonies are executed flawlessly. In my opinion, every song is a detailed riffing masterpiece that puts me directly back to the mid-'80's. Except better!!! Jose Manuel Gonzales (better known as Blue) plays the ever-loving shit out of the drums. He's a young-gun with metronome timing, relentless double kicks and he doesn't play 'speed' for the sake of speed, but he easily can when it's called for. Bass players ALWAYS get credited LAST. It could be easy to overlook "How Awful About" (HAA!) Alan, bassist in Warbeast, but that would be undermining the impossible. HAA plays traditional Thrash bass. His playing is as solid as a vice grip. But what sets him apart is his intensity. To see him live is to see a man with freakishly insane eyes, pounding down-picking style on his instrument with
controlled, vicious, pure-strength. And that's another subject entirely…
These cats pull it off live big time… every note, every word, every rhythmic entrapment is part-for-part perfection with stage presence to boot. Truly, badass…
When I listen to modern day thrash, after two or three songs, I pretty much know what I'm getting thereafter. There's no way in hell ANYONE can say that about Warbeast. No fucking way. Without bowing down to the doldrums of an obvious 'Technical Metal' band nor to today's EXODUS worship, every song is it's own SONG; riff-delirium, thunderous cadences and classic thrash vocals delivered in TRUE, classic thrash style. Warbeast are a great band… and will prove to be major players in the very near future…you can bet your ass on that."
Due to logistical and technical problems that could not be resolved in time, the spring 2010 JON OLIVA'S PAIN "Festival" live DVD tour will be postponed until October 2010. Although the date of the actual filming will change, the DVD concert will still be captured at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.
JON OLIVA'S PAIN's summer European festival tour continues to move forward with Bang Your Head!!! and Graspop Metal Meeting appearances already confirmed.
Commented JON OLIVA'S PAIN drummer Christopher Kinder: "Having just finished the recording of our new CD, 'Festival', we simply do not have enough time to finalize the seemingly endless amount of details needed to make the DVD concert happen in such a short time. Trying to plan for such a big production here in the U.S. for a show in Europe makes it even harder. AFM, The 013 and Roax Films had everything ready to go, but with stage, video production, lighting and pyro designs still unresolved, we have no choice but to move this show and the tour until October when we can be sure that everything is just right.
"Our sincere apologies to the fans the promoters and everyone involved. You and your hard-earned money deserve the best JOP can possibly offer and it's better to wait a few more months to insure that this show is just that. A live DVD is very expensive to produce, and we only get one shot at it!"
JON OLIVA'S PAIN's U.S. CD-release concert has been moved to Saturday, April 24 at Bourbon Street in New Port Richey, Florida prior to the band's appearance on the Triton Power Cruise (April 20-May 3). JON OLIVA'S PAIN is also finalizing May tour dates for Brazil/South America.
"Festival" will be released on February 19, 2010 via AFM Records.
Kinder previously stated about the forthcoming JON OLIVA'S PAIN CD, "Part of the staple JON OLIVA'S PAIN sound has become [Jon's] ability to change characters and voices at will and to create incredibly interesting, thought-provoking, passionate and downright insane vocal melodies. [Producer] Tom Morris and I have been pushing him to the edge (as Jon Oliva requested), and we have met that challenge with great enthusiasm and also a bit of joy watching him suffer.... .
"Oliva's tenancious attitude, drive and full desire to do the best he can is only partially over-shadowed by the seemingly impossible task of singing songs that would require most of us to swallow mass consumptions of razor-blades in order to deliver what would be considered as torture to any metal music lover."
JON OLIVA'S PAIN's last album, "Global Warning", was released in the U.S. in May 2008 via Locomotive Records. The CD features a guest appearance by guitarist Ralph Santolla (OBITUARY, ex-DEICIDE, DEATH, ICED EARTH) on two songs: "Adding the Cost" and "You'll Never Know".
WEDNESDAY 13's latest project, GUNFIRE 76, will kick off the "This Is Rock N Roll" tour on January 8 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The band's lineup for the trek will consist of the following musicians:
Wednesday 13 - Vocals
Roman Surman - Guitar
Jack Tankersley (BULLETS AND OCTANE) - Guitar
Nate Manor (WEDNESDAY 13) - Bass
Rob Hammersmith - Drums
"Casualties & Tragedies", the debut album from GUNFIRE 76, was recorded at a studio in Charlotte, North Carolina and was released in October via Wednesday 13 LLC. The CD was mixed by Brent Clawson, who is best known as the bassist for BULLETS AND OCTANE. Brent has produced, mixed and engineered "Dirty Angel" from Nick Oliveri's band THE KNIVES; engineered and mixed GUTTERMOUTH's "Eat Your Face"; and produced, engineered and mixed the last two CDs from BULLETS AND OCTANE — "Song For The Underdog" and "Bullets and Octane".
According to a press release, the album — which features material written by Wednesday and Todd Youth (DANZIG, D-GENERATION, THE CHELSEA SMILES) — has "more of a rock sound."
"GUNFIRE 76 [is] my extension into the rock world," said Wednesday. "After touring with THE CHELSEA SMILES, Todd Youth and I would find ourselves discussing the bands we grew up on and decided to put a band together that fits more of the rock and roll sound of KISS, DEAD BOYS, NEW YORK DOLLS, THE STOOGES and the in-your-face rock n roll sound. Not being signed to a record label allows me to create new projects and continue growing as an artist."
GUNFIRE 76 spent December touring the U.K., with BULLETS AND OCTANE acting as main support. Fan-filmed video footage of the December 7 concert in Glasgow can be viewed below.
DOPE STARS INC. and GEMINI FIVE are among the confirmed bands for Trash Fest III, set to take place March 5-6, 2010 at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.
The weekend festivities will begin with a K-18 event, "The Trash Fest Kick-Off Party", on Thursday, March 4 at Gloria located at Pieni Roobertinkatu 12 in Helsinki, featuring SPIRITRAISER (FIN), BABY JANE (SWE) and SEXYDEATH (SWE). Promoters Mama Trash, Trash Fest performers and other Mama Trash family artists will be in attendance to kick off the weekend.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
Friday, March 5:
NIGHT BY NIGHT (UK)
STEREO JUNKS! (FIN)
LORD OF THE LOST (GER)
LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE (GER)
PRIVATE LINE (FIN)
Saturday, March 6:
COLD COLD GROUND (FIN)
NEW GENERATION SUPERSTARS (UK)
NEON SYNTHESIS (ITA)
GEMINI FIVE (SWE)
DOPE STARS INC. (ITA)
Also scheduled to appear on Saturday is the 2010 "Mama Trash All-Star Band" featuring members of ICONCRASH, PRIVATE LINE, NIGHT BY NIGHT, STEREO JUNKS!, SPIRITRAISER, LORD OF THE LOST, THE RAVEN, VIOLENT DIVINE, and NEW GENERATION SUPERSTARS.
Trash Fest III advance tickets will be available via Tiketti.fi and Lippupalvelu.fi on January 8. Advance festival tickets will be 14 € / day or 24 € / 2-day pass. Tickets will be 14 € per day at the door.
Former VICIOUS RUMORS vocalist Ronnie Stixx has announced the new lineup of his Texas-based melodic metal band BLOOD REDSKIES. Stixx says, "After a few months of looking and speaking to great musicians, I finally feel I have found and put together the right group of guys with the same of style and ideas for the bases that I think BLOOD REDSKIES needs."
BLOOD REDSKIES is:
Ronnie Stixx (ex-VICIOUS RUMORS)- Vocals
Dave Harvey (ex-PHANTOM-X) - Guitar
Jamie Summersell (ex-OBLIVION, WICKED WALTZ) - Guitar
Toine Vanderlinden (MARTYR) - Bass
Craig Farmer (ex-DIVINE RUINS) - Drums
BLOOD REDSKIES is currently writing material for its debut CD, "The Ancient Prophecies". According to the band, "there are eight songs written at the moment and three in pre-production. We plan to have the album done by late May and out sometime in July."
BLOOD REDSKIES is confirmed for the Gates Of Metal festival, set to take place May 22-23 in Dripping Springs, Texas. The bvand will also perform at the Monsters Of Metal Open Air Festival 2 on August 14 in San Antonio, Texas. An appearance at the Mario's Metal Meeting in Holland in October is also planned.
The previously announced "One Last Night With Talisman" concert — featuring the remaining members of TALISMAN performing one last time in memory of their dear friend (and TALISMAN bassist) Marcel Jacob who tragically passed away in July last year — has been postponed. Singer Jeff Scott Soto says that "the guys were just re-thinking the best way to pay tribute to Marcel" and would advise of new plans as soon as possible.
The "One Last Night With Talisman" concert was previously scheduled to take place at the Pub Anchor in Stockholm, Sweden on January 30.
Marcel Jacob was a Swedish musician, best known as the bassist in the hard rock bands TALISMAN and LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM.
In 1978, he formed the band RISING FORCE together with guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen. Four years later, Jacob joined the band FORCE, which later changed its name to EUROPE, replacing John Levén, who took Jacob's place in RISING FORCE. During his time in FORCE, Jacob wrote the song "Black Journey for My Soul" together with vocalist Joey Tempest. The song was eventually included on EUROPE's second album, "Wings of Tomorrow", re-titled "Scream of Anger". After spending three months in FORCE, Jacob traded places with John Levén again, who apparently had issues with Malmsteen.
In 1987, Jacob played on the album "Total Control", the first solo LP released by EUROPE guitarist John Norum. Jacob also co-wrote several of the songs included on that album.
Two years later he formed the band TALISMAN together with vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. Throughout the years TALISMAN was Jacob's major project and the band released several studio and live albums until 2007.
Jacob died on July 21, 2009. He was 45 years old. TALISMAN vocalist Jeff Scott Soto stated about Marcel's passing: "It is with deep regret and remorse I, along with fellow members of TALISMAN, am announcing our brother, longtime colleague and overall greatest musician we've ever played with, Marcel Jacob, is no longer with us as of today, Tuesday July 21, 2009. Marcel took his own life after many years of personal and health issues he was battling."
THE 69 EYES, HACRIDE and FEJD are the latest acts confirmed for next year's Summer Breeze Festival, set to take place August 19-21, 2010 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.
Confirmed acts for the festival now include: AHAB, ANATHEMA, ASPHYX, BARREN EARTH, BEHEMOTH, CALLISTO, CANNIBAL CORPSE, CHILDREN OF BODOM, THE CROWN, CUMULO NIMBUS, DARK FUNERAL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DESPISED ICON, THE DEVIL'S BLOOD, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DYING FETUS, EISBRECHER, EISREGEN, ENSIFERUM, FEJD, FEUERSCHWANZ, FIDDLER'S GREEN, FREI.WILD, GORGOROTH, GWAR, HACRIDE, HAIL OF BULLETS, HYPOCRISY, ILL NINO, INSOMNIUM, KORPIKLAANI, KYLESA, LEAVES' EYES, LETZTE INSTANZ, LONG DISTANCE CALLING, MAROON, MONO INC., MY DYING BRIDE, NECROPHAGIST, OBITUARY, ORIGIN, ORPHANED LAND, PANTHEON I, POISONBLACK, REBELLION, SEPULTURA , THE 69 EYES, SOLSTAFIR, SUBWAY TO SALLY, SWALLOW THE SUN, 1349, TRACEDAWN, WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH and WE BUTTER THE BREAD WITH BUTTER.
For more festival information, head to www.summer-breeze.de.
TIM RIPPER OWENS (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ex-ICED EARTH) is doing a FREE all ages unplugged show at the Tap House in Akron, Ohio on Saturday, January 9th. For further details, call the bar at 330-785-3500.
Scottsdale, Arizona-based metallers AGE OF EVIL will support the all-star band HAIL! — comprised of bassist David Ellefson (F5, ex-MEGADETH ), guitarist Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) and newly appointed drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) — on the following dates:
Jan. 26 - B.B. King Blues Club & Grill - New York, NY
Jan. 27 - Showcase Live - Foxborough, MA
"We will tear your faces off," declares AGE OF EVIL's 18-year-old guitarist Jordan Ziff about the group's live show. "And if not, it's a money-back guarantee. Just kidding. But we give 150% every night we play. We are trying to rejuvenate good music into the metal scene and a certain rawness that everyone has seemed to have lost. You need to put your soul into your music."
AGE OF EVIL, which, in addition to Ziff, is comprised of singer/rhythm guitarist Jeremy Goldberg (age: 19), bassist Jacob Goldberg (18), and drummer Garrett Ziff (20), is riding high on widespread acclaim for its recent release, the six-track EP, "Get Dead".
Quickly building up a solid following thanks to shows throughout the world — including European dates this past summer with the likes of JON OLIVA'S PAIN, SOULFLY , ARCH ENEMY and MANOWAR — the upcoming dates with HAIL! will truly be a headbanger's delight.
For more information, visit www.ageofevil.com.
The family of AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan — who passed away last month at the age of 28 — has released the following statement:
"We would like to thank all of Jimmy's fans for the heartfelt comments that have been posted — it is comforting to know that his genius and antics were appreciated and that he was loved so much.
"Our hearts are broken — he was much too young to fall.
"February 9, 1981 – December 28, 2009
Óg agus saor go deo (forever young and free)
"Barbara & Joe, Kelly & Katie & the extended Sullivan family"
Sullivan was found dead at his Huntington Beach home on December 28.
"It appeared to be natural causes," said Lt. John Domingo of the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The Orange County coroner's office ordered "toxicology, microscopic and laboratory tests" to help determine why Sullivan died.
According to MyFoxLA.com, AVENGED SEVENFOLD manager Larry Jacobson remembered Sullivan as "somebody who just had a warmth and an easy smile and a laugh, and he was as smart as they come. You could sit and talk to him about anything."
When Sullivan's loved ones gathered last month to share memories of the drummer, the "mood ranged from deep and somber to smiles and laughs as they began to reminisce about the experiences everybody had with him," Jacobson said. "He was a loving son and a loving brother — like no one you'd ever seen, and talented beyond people's perception."
Jacobson added, "He was expressive. He'd tell you how he felt about you — you didn't wonder because he'd put his arm around you. He knew how to tell his friends he loved them."
Bassist Rob Young will be unable to perform live with Huntington Beach, California-based progressive metallers PRYMARY "due to scheduling conflicts." The band states, "Rob's contributions to the live sound of the band will be greatly missed but the show must go on, as they say. Therefore former PRYMARY bassist James Sherwood will be coming in to fill the position. We look forward to playing with James again."
PRYMARY will play the first show since the release of its third album, "The Enemy Inside", on January 9 at the Glass House in Pomona, California. The band states, "We will be playing songs from our new album and maybe somes tricks and turns along the way. You'll have to be there to see... Tickets are $10 in advance through us and $15 at the door."
According to a press release, "The Enemy Inside" "shows PRYMARY transcending their past achievements and creating a collage of stories that are independent and yet united in the themes of self-destruction and dreams unfulfilled. Musically the band shows a further refinement of songwriting and musicianship with songs that are more concise in musical statement, while still having the grand arrangements that PRYMARY is known for. As is becoming a PRYMARY trademark, the band has once again given special attention to combining music and lyrics together to convey the mood or feel of the song. This is simultaneously the heaviest, technical, most prog, and emotional PRYMARY album to date."
RAM, the traditional Gothenburg, Sweden-based heavy metal band featuring Morgan Pettersson (ex-B-THONG), will support U.D.O. on the following dates:
Jan. 29 - Gävle, SWE @ Maxim
Jan. 30 - Gothenburg, SWE @ Trädgår'n
Also appearing on the bill is TORCH.
RAM last year announced the addition of bassist Christian Strömblad (NOMINON, ex-IMMERSED IN BLOOD) to the group's ranks.
The band's second album, "Lightbringer", came out on June 19, 2009 via Germany's AFM Records. The CD was produced by Johan Reivén and was mixed at Studio Bongo in the group's hometown. The follow-up to 2005's "Forced Entry" was mastered at Studio Bohus Mastering by Dragan Tanaskovic.
Commented the band: "Compared to 'Forced Entry', the 'Lightbringer' album is a step in many directions for us. 'Forced Entry' was a very straightforward (in RAM terms) heavy metal album. 'Lightbringer' is more concept-orientated and it displays an array of different themes that are noticeable in song writing, lyrics and throughout the production. Including a horror mantra that features Mexican poet Adelaida Caballero performing one of her profound, surrealistic and magick poems, this album offers hard and heavy but quite unorthodox heavy metal songs that features many twists and different parts, along with melancholic and very melodic pieces. E from the infamous black metal band WATAIN is featured on one track which is a modern heavy black metal track and he lays down some sinister vocals indeed. Something as unusual as a metal horror opera, 'The Elixir' features a macabre tale in vein of Edgar Allan Poe's work. Our most epic track to date and also the
longest RAM song ever recorded is a song about the battle at Suomussalmi in 1939 during the Finnish winter war."
RAM's full-length debut, "Forced Entry", was recorded at Black Path studios and was mixed at Gothenburg's Brewhouse facility. Mastering duties were handled by Göran Finnberg.
Danish modern metallers MERCENARY have announced the addition of drummer Morten Løwe Sørensen (THE ARCANE ORDER, SUBMISSION, SLUGS) to the group's ranks. The band has also revealed that all lead vocals going forward will be handled by MERCENARY bassist/vocalist René Pedersen following the recent departure of singer Mikkel Sandager. The group says, "As everybody who has seen us live in the last couple of years is fully aware of, René is a real powerhouse, and he has so much more under his belt than he got to display on the previous album."
Sørensen stated about his addition to MERCENARY: "After having shared the stage with MERCENARY alongside my band SUBMISSION, I became really impressed by their shows and musicianship, so I'm really looking forward to deliver some kick-ass shows as their drummer. I'm also very excited about being involved in the writing for the next album. It will show a new MERCENARY, and I mean that in a very positive way. In my opinion, the new material will definitely be the strongest to this date!"
Added guitarist Jakob Mølbjerg: "We're very happy to have Morten join the ranks. Not only is he a true master behind the drums, he's also a very easy-going person with a great musical drive and understanding. With Morten in the band, there's a whole new sense of renewed and shared energy, creativity and ambition.
"We've had several rehearsal sessions in the last couple of weeks, and the metal just flows. The old songs already sound like Morten have played them for years, and the new material is crushing and intense."
MERCENARY 2010 is:
Jakob Mølbjerg - Guitar
René Pedersen - Bass, Vocals
Martin Buus - Lead Guitar
Morten Løwe Sørensen - Drums
The new MERCENARY lineup will make its live debut on February 12 at the Rock Shock festival in Aars, Denmark.
MERCENARY's latest album, "Architect of Lies", was released in 2008 through Century Media Records. Featuring artwork by Niklas Sundin (ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY), "Architect of Lies" was made available as a regular CD and a special limited-edition version featuring the bonus track "Death Connection" and a bonus DVD containing live footage filmed at Bang Your Head!!! festival 2007 and Summer Nights festival 2007, a detailed studio report and the promo video for "My World Is Ending".
Norwegian heavy metal band GRIMSKULL released its self-titled debut album on December 10, 2009 via Solheim Music. The group features Trygve Johan Solheim (vocals/guitar), who has previously worked with members of the black metal bands TAAKE, SIGFADER, GAAHLSKAGG and GORGOROTH. The project was originally launched in 1989, but reformed as GRIMSKULL in the summer of 2009.
Commented bassist Marita Sundet: "We are very proud to release our first album, an album where we've tried to capture the essense of gritty, early-'80s heavy metal.
"We are heavily influenced by all the classic forms of dark metal, doom, thrash and also melodic hard rock, and have squeezed it all into one heavy package. A few of the songs were written the same year as I was born, so it's amazing for me to be a part of this and play these songs.
"It's really a great honour for me to be a member of this cool band."
"Grimskull" track listing:
01. I'm Watching You Watching Me
02. Iron Eyes
03. Live For Today, Die For Tomorrow
04. Dream Master
05. Black Death
06. Fallgate To Hell
07. Grimskull
08. The Evil Force Of Darkness
For more information, visit www.grimskull.no.
According to Musicradar.com, Josh Klinghoffer is the new guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers . He replaces John Frusciante, who quietly quit the band over a year ago.
Confirmation of Klinghoffer joining the group comes from the guitarist himself, who emailed the previous owner of his website to state that yes, he is now indeed a Pepper.
On December 13, 2009, MusicRadar broke the news that the Klinghoffer was working with the Chili Peppers, and three days later John Frusciante made his exit from the band official in a statement on his website.
Somewhat surprisingly, the band themselves have yet to issue any kind of formal statement about either Frusciante or Klinghoffer. But with their scheduled appearance at the 2010 MusicCares Person Of The Year tribute to Neil Young just weeks away, expect an announcement soon.
Long-running German metal band PARADOX has announced the addition of BIOMECHANICAL guitarist Gus Drax to the group's ranks.
Drax (pictured below) was born in Larissa, Greece on September 21, 1987. He decided to play guitar at the age of 14 when he saw "Live in Tokyo" by DREAM THEATER and was amazed by John Petrucci. He started practicing for 6-12 hours a day. At the age of 19, his talent was noticed by John K, the vocalist/band leader of the U.K. progressive metal band BIOMECHANICAL. John suggested him to join the band and in August 2007 Gus became the new guitarist of BIOMECHANICAL.
Gus will release his first instrumental solo album in 2010 called "In Search Of Perfection", featuring guest appearances by Bob Katsionis (FIREWIND, OUTLOUD) and Steve Smyth (FORBIDDEN, ex-NEVERMORE, TESTAMENT). Heis also writing material for a new band he recently formed.
PARADOX recently parted ways with guitarist Kai Pasemann and drummer Roland Jahoda because they "found out we have a different view on how to reach our goals," according to a statement released by the band.
PARADOX is planning to release its next studio album in February 2011 to coincide with the group's 25th aniversary.
PARADOX's fifth LP, "Riot Squad", was released on October 16, 2009 via AFM Records. The cover artwork was once again created by Claudio Bergamin.
"Riot Squad" was produced by Charly Steinhauer and was mixed and mastered by Achim Köhler. It contains "10 crystal-clear and powerful sounding thrashers full of energy, speed, melody and originality," according to a press release.
British extreme metal pioneers BOLT THROWER have issued the following update:
"BOLT THROWER has always had a special bond with the Atak Club in Enschede, Holland. The small, 300-capacity club was one of the first to start booking extreme bands in the late '80s. It was famous for its out-of-control moshpits, stagedivers jumping off the balcony and crowd-surfing wheelchairs! It's the only club BOLT THROWER have played on every tour in the last 20 years, 11 times in total, a true cult club and a real home from home for us.
"Sadly, in 2008, after being battered beyond repair over the years, the old lady had to close. Atak gave BOLT THROWER the honour to play the last show ever there, which we celebrated with 300 guests as a special free show.
"In 2009, Atak moved to a new building and now we would like to celebrate our first show in the new Atak with another special free show. After talking to the guys from Atak and our favourite beer brewery Grolsch, who are also from Enschede, we came up with the following:
"The show will be on April 29, and ASPHYX, ROTTING CHRIST and DEW-SCENTED will be joining us on stage. But to stop people just ordering tickets and then not turning up, we will be asking for a 5-euro 'deposit.' Then at the show you will get a special 'No Grolsch, No Glory' BOLT THROWER t-shirt and a flip top bottle of Grolsch beer!
Guitarist Mathias Röderer has left ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES (featuring ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY) for "family reasons." ATROCITY says in a statement, "Matze has been a part of ATROCITY from the beginning and did music with the band for more than 20 years. Both bands wish him the best for his future!"
Röderer's replacement in ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES is Sander van der Meer (pictured below) from Dutch death metallers CYPHER.
LEAVES' EYES will support KAMELOT on their upcoming European tour in March/April 2010.
"My Destiny", the latest video from LEAVES' EYES, was directed by Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL) of Revolver Film Company in Gothenburg, Sweden.
LEAVES' EYES' new album, "Njord", was released in the U.S. on September 29 via Napalm Records.
ATROCITY will play a special 25th-anniversary show at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany.
WINGER have updated their European tour schedule with shows in Norway and Germany, and a gig in Nottingham added to their UK run (**). Their schedule is now as follows:
March
19 - Leknes, Norway - Lekneshallen (Lofothallen) **
20 - Oslo, Norway - Rock The Boat **
22 - Bristol, England - O2 Academy 2
23 - Portsmouth, England - Wedgewood Rooms
24 - Manchester, England - Academy 3
26 - Dudley, England - JB's
27 - Belfast, Ireland - Spring & Airbrake
28 - Glasgow, Scotland - Cathouse
30 - Newcastle, England - O2 Academy2
31 - Leeds, England - Rio's
April
2 - Sheffield, England - Corporation
3 - Nottingham, UK - Nottingham Rock City **
4 - London, England - Islington O2 Academy
6 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix **
7 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club **
8 - Munich, Germany - Backstage **
10 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - ColosSaal **
Go to this location for additional details and ticket information.
THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX — the Swedish band featuring Jörgen Sandström (vocals; VICIOUS ART, KRUX, ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE), Lord K. Philipson (guitar; TORTURE DIVISION, ex-GOD AMONG INSECTS, HOUSE OF USHER, LEUKEMIA) and Anders Bertilsson (guitar; COLDWORKER), has parted ways with bassist Michael Håkansson (ex-ENGEL, EVERGREY), singer Jo Enckell (SIREN ON), and drummer Thomas Ohlsson (ex-KAMTJATKA, AXENSTAR, SEVEN WISHES, CELLOUT).
Commented Philipson: "Many [fans] will wonder why Jo is relieved of duty after all these years. It's simple — we have done fantastic albums with her since 'Hate, Dominate Congregate, Eliminate' some seven years ago, but now we feel it's time to go for another type of vocals when it comes to the female parts. We are looking for something else to further enhance our sound. And we have found it. In fucken Portugal, of all places.
"Let us introduce Ms. Roque [a.k.a. Ruby Roque of WITCHBREED] to the fold. A killer chick with an absolutely fantastic voice, including range, dynamics and power. Ms. Roque [pictured below] is destined to make her mark in THE PROJECT HATE history with the strongest vocals we have ever had."
Regarding Ohlsson's exit and the decision to enlist Tobben Gustafsson of TORTURE DIVISION and VOMITORY fame as his replacement, Philipson stated, "It dawned on us some time ago; why the hell isn't [Gustafsson, who happens to be] one of our fave drummers and best friends playing drums for THE PROJECT HATE? We know what this guy is capable of and it's safe to say we'll get the finest drumming of our career with the next album by having Golden T on it. As said before, his nickname isn't fucken Golden for nothing, you know."
On the topic of Håkansson's departure, Philipson said, "We haven't heard from Michael Håkansson in quite some time. We actually don't even know what he thinks about the latest album. Whatever he's doing (probably repairing motorcycles and whatnot), we wish him the best, 'coz Michael is one terrific guy. He didn't play on [the latest THE PROJECT HATE album, 'The Lustrate Process'] and [I don't] mind doing bass so [I'll] do that on the coming albums as [I] used to before Michael entered the HATE fold on 'Armageddon' and 'Hora'."
THE PROJECT HATE is currently working on the material for its seventh album. According to Philipson, "Things are going really well with the songwriting and we are not walking away from the formula that's made us achieve recognition." He added, "We won't guess when all the material for this album will be completed but let us state that we are far into the process. We will work harder than ever before on this coming, guaranteed-to-be masterpiece. And trust us — it will be downright fucken phenomenal."
"The Lustrate Process" was released last July via Vic Records. The CD was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound in Örebro, Sweden. The artwork and booklet design was handled by Statik Majik.
New THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX female singer Ruby Roque
Spanish gothic metal band OLVIDO will release its full-length debut, "Neurosis de Destino", on January 26 via DFX Records. The CD was recorded at Musiclan studios in Figueres between September and November 2009 and was mastered by Henke Udd and Fredrik Nördstrom at Studio Fredman in Sweden.
According to a press release, OLVIDO was formed by "a fair crew of musicians with plenty of experience on both the spanish national and international scenes — Nèstor Morales (formerly of DOGMA) on vocals , Terry Ryan (formerly of GOTHIC SEX) on guitar , Dani Ruiz on keyboards and synths, Ernest Parro on bass and the incredible Alfred Berengena (BAALPHEGOR, PROFUNDIS TENEBRARUM, NEBULAH) on drums."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/0lvid0.
INCANTATION, ORIGIN, ACHERON, REGURGITATION, INFERNAL REVULSION and SEPTYCAL GORGE have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Central Illinois Metalfest, set to take place July 23-24, 2010 at the Canopy Club in Urbana, Illinois.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
* ACHERON (OH) (exclusive "Rites Of The Black Mass" set with full stageshow ritual)
* AMAGORTIS (Switzerland )
* ATROCIOUS ABNORMALITY (NC)
* CARNOPHAGE (Turkey)
* COATHANGER ABORTION (TN)
* DECEASED (VA)
* DESPONDENCY (Germany)
* EMBRACE DAMNATION (IL)
* EMBRYONIC DEVOURMENT (CA)
* EVIL INCARNATE (IL)
* FLESHROT (United Kingdom)
* INCANTATION (PA) (exclusive "Diabolical Conquest" set)
* INCINERATE (MN)
* INFERNAL REVULSION (Japan)
* INHERIT DISEASE (CA)
* INHUMAN DISSILIENCY (PA)
* LECHEROUS NOCTURNE (SC)
* MALEVOLENT CREATION (FL)
* ORIGIN (KS)
* REGURGITATION (OH) (exclusive "reunion show")
* ROTTENNESS (Mexico)
* SEPTYCAL GORGE (Italy)
* THE HORDE (IL)
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/centralillinoismetalfest.
FINAL PRAYER, LAST MILE, MEMORIAL and ESSENCE have been confirmed for the Day of Decay, a new one-day festival set to take place August 14 in Aalborg, Denmark. A total of 10-12 bands will perform at the event
Commented the festival organizers, "As a warm-up to the big event of August 14, we will hold 11 warm-up/support concerts at the three venues Baghuset, Rock Nielsen and Rock Caféen, all placed in Aalborg. Here we will focus on the local bands, as well as on a few from other Danish cities. All in all, there are 25 bands from northern Jutland, mainly Aalborg, as well as four bands from Copenhagen, Odense and Århus."
For more information, visit DayOfDecay.dk.
NOMAD, the Polish death metal band featuring Seth of BEHEMOTH on guitar , has entered the studio with engineer Arek "Malta" Malczewski (BEHEMOTH, DEVILYN, AZARATH) to begin recording its new full-length album, tentatively titled "Transmigration Of Consciousness". The drum, bass and guitar tracks have already been completed and Bleyzabel Balberith has just returned from the studio where he laid down the vocal tracks on three songs. According to the group, "The final effort is very dark and evil; simply killer!"
NOMAD's last album, "The Independence Of Observation Choice (Luce Clarius)", was released in 2007 through Empire Records. You can get this beautiful slipcase CD, including a bonus track, directly from the band for only 6 EUR/9 USD plus postage.
NOMAD is:
Bleyzabel Balberith - Vocals
Patrick Seth Bilmorgh - Guitar
Nameless Immenus - Guitar
Hydrant Hydrousus - Bass
Domin Dominus - Drums
For more information, visit www.nomad-band.com.
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