The album is set for release late summer/early fall on Rounder.
Kicking off in Memphis on July 13 (see full tour schedule below) the tour will feature Plant and the BAND OF JOY — the same musicians who also appear and play on the album.
Says Plant: "It's been a blast working on these new songs…and I'm enjoying such creativity and vitality. It's been a remarkable change of direction for all of us and as a group we all seem to have developed a new groove."
In recent weeks Plant has been in the studio working on the planned release, which will be his first since "Raising Sand", the multi-platinum, six-time-Grammy-winning collaboration with fellow Rounder artist Alison Krauss. Krauss has most recently been recording with her longtime band UNION STATION, and will be touring with them this summer. The pair do not expect to announce a new album or tour in the coming year, though when asked about the collaboration, Plant says, "Oh yes, Alison and I get together quite often…and sometimes we dance."
Robert Plant and the BAND OF JOY tour dates:
July 13 - Memphis, TN - The Orpheum Theater
July 15 - Little Rock, AR - Robinson Center Music Hall
July 16 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theater
July 18 - Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino Amphitheater
July 20 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theater
July 21 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater
July 23 - Dallas, TX - Meyerson Symphony Hall
July 24 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
July 26 - Austin, TX - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater
July 28 - Mobile, AL - The Saenger Theatre
July 30 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
July 31 - Miami, FL - Bayfront Park Amphitheater
"Let There Be Rock", the AC/DC concert documentary that was filmed December 1979 at the Pavillion De Paris, will receive its long-awaited DVD release in January 2011. Eddie Trunk, the co-host of the VH1 Classic television program "That Metal Show", was interviewed about the band's impact for one of the DVD's bonus features. He writes on his blog, "[The company which is releasing the DVD is] doing some cleanups to the audio and video and making it as high-def as the source will allow." He adds, "I can tell you I have an advance and it looks and sounds great, but they are making it even better!"
According to the All Music Guide, "Let There Be Rock" was released in France a year after it was filmed, though American release was delayed until well after the band had established themselves in the States with new vocalist Brian Johnson and the multi-platinum success of the "Back In Black" album.
In his review of the original "Let There Be Rock" film, Fred Beldin of the All Music Guide writes, "Director Eric Dionysis captures the excitement of the live show with an energetic style and effective close-up shots, though the staged interviews and sub-'The Song Remains The Same' fantasy sequences show the band to be bemused but not convinced by these attempts to add some arty depth to the proceedings. The highlight of the extracurricular segments is Bon Scott, radiating warmth and humility in these last interviews before his untimely death at age 33 from alcohol poisoning."
Phil Collins is putting the finishing touches on a new Motown covers collection despite suffering severe nerve damage to his hands that has made drumming nearly impossible. "The first time I picked up the drum sticks after my neck surgery, they flew across the room because I couldn't grip them," he says. "When I play, I've had to tape the sticks to my hand. It's like wearing a condom. It's very strange. It really cramps your style."
The nerve damage has made more than just drumming difficult for the 59-year-old musician. "I can't let go of the spoon or the knife when I eat," he tells RS. "I can't open a car door. I won't get gruesome with you, but there's a lot of things I can't do. I'm left handed. I'm having an operation soon and there's a good chance of it improving over time."
Chapter & Verse: photos from Genesis' oral history.
Collins' medical problem makes another Genesis reunion unlikely. "He has to play the drums and play some quite complicated things," says Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks. "It's one of the many reasons it won't happen." But Collins says he still hopes to one day perform again with the Peter Gabriel-lead lineup of Genesis. "My hands are way down to picking the order of that possibility," he says. "Three years ago I didn't know I'd be in this position and three years from now it may not be like this. I think the main thing is Peter's schedule and the speed he works anyways." Banks agrees, noting, "I think if it we were to do The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway there's always multimedia stuff that makes it possible now. It would be opening a huge can of worms, not just musical but getting out and playing it."
In the meantime, the band is overjoyed to be one of the few progressive rock bands inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Read our full report from this year's induction ceremony.) "Whoever is deciding these things, obviously they change," Collins says. "Now there's obviously a couple of people there saying 'Guys we've ignored all this other stuff' which is why you've got Abba and the Hollies and us. Very diverse. Jimmy Cliff is somewhere in there. Much more diverse than just rock & roll I think this year. "
Nick Patch of the Canadian Press conducted an interview with RUSH drummer Neil
Peart about the band's upcoming induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of
Fame and other topics. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
On the fact that RUSH has yet to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
and Museum in Cleveland:
Peart: "No ... you know who it matters to, is the fans. It would matter a lot to
our fans for us to have that validation. It doesn't matter to me. I've got the
success and respect that we've had, and the opportunity to do exactly what we
wanted for 35 years, do we need them to make us feel better? No, not at all.
Being in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of
Fame, that's 10 times â€" 100 times â€" more (important) than being in some
critics' list."
On RUSH's plans to do pre-production on two new songs in the coming weeks, with
a tour possibly following:
Peart: "We're going to put those (songs) together and if they turn out well,
we'll maybe even release them (on their own). We're saying, what if we do a
little songwriting and then a little touring to play those songs, and then get
back to the songwriting again? It would be an interesting way to shake up our
usual way.
"There's nothing I can confirm yet ... these things are immensely complicated
and so much involved, all I can say is that we're considering that."
Steve Appleford of RollingStone.com reports: Before he became the legendary singer/bassist of MOTÖRHEAD, Lemmy Kilmister logged time as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix in the late Sixties, prepping his guitars for his explosive performances — and picking up the bits of his destroyed stomp-boxes post-show. In honor of our latest issue chronicling Hendrix's last days and lost recordings, we caught up with Kilmister at SXSW, where he was promoting the documentary "Lemmy", for a look back at his time with the guitar legend. Plus, watch his interview — smokes and drinks included — above.
"I was sleeping on [Jimi Hendrix's roadie] Neville Chester's floor — he was sharing a flat with Noel Redding, so whenever they needed an extra pair of hands I was right there. I didn't get the job for any talent or anything. But I did see Jimi play a lot. Twice a night for about three months. I'd seen him play backstage too. He had this old Epiphone guitar — it was a 12-string, strung as a six string — and he used to stand up on a chair backstage and play it. Why he stood up on the chair, I don't know."
Singer Axl Rose recently revealed via Twitter (see below) that GUNS N' ROSES is now managed by Doc McGhee, who has handled the careers of BON JOVI, MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS throughout the years. There is one problem, however — McGhee was apparently never told of the arrangement.
In the brand new issue of Classic Rock magazine, which goes on sale next Wednesday (March 31), KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley was asked if McGhee was still KISS' manager in light of the reports that Doc was now representing GUNS N' ROSES. "That's been very funny," Paul replied. "A few weeks ago I said to Doc: 'It would've been nice if you'd told us.' Doc replied: 'I had nothing to to do with it.'"
Stanley added, "Axl has decided, from what I understand, that Doc is his manager. That's a one-way agreement. because Doc is not managing GUNS N' ROSES. One day he certainly might but he's not right now. And he definitely is still our manager."
Neither GUNS N' ROSES nor Axl Rose is listed as a client on McGhee Entertainment's official web site.
As previously reported, Rose is being sued by Front Line Management, which claims the singer owes the company nearly $2 million in unpaid commissions.
Front Line Management, founded by Irving Azoff, sued Rose in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 25) for nearly $1.9 million in unpaid fees. The company claims it had an oral agreement with Rose to receive 15% of the GUNS N' ROSES' frontman's commissions.
According to TMZ.com, Los Angeles-based Front Line Management Group has filed a lawsuit against GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose claiming it is owed at least $1,870,500 from the money the band made during recent tours of Asia, Canada and South America.
Front Line, whose chairman/CEO is longtime manager Irving Azoff, signed an agreement in 2008 to represent GUNS N' ROSES and Rose. Front Line says it was promised a 15% cut of all the cash GN'R raked in... but never got a penny.
In the lawsuit, filed in L.A County Superior Court, Front Line claims the band made in excess of $12,470,000 while performing throughout Asia, Canada and South America.
Axl Rose recently revealed via Twitter that GUNS N' ROSES is now managed by Doc McGhee, who has handled the careers of BON JOVI, MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS throughout the years.
Azoff is widely credited for having helped to get GUNS N' ROSES' 2008 album, "Chinese Democracy", finally released after a 15-year wait. He personally represents such artists as THE EAGLES, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, NEIL DIAMOND, VAN HALEN and STEELY DAN.
Azoff Music previously managed VELVET REVOLVER, the band featuring Axl's former GN'R bandmates Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.
VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan has inked a deal with Touchstone Fireside, a division of Simon & Schuster, to publish his autobiography in the fall of 2011.
In the latest installment of his weekly column, which appears on Reverb at SeattleWeekly.com, McKagan states about the book, "I want to make clear that this book is not a GN'R 'tell-all' or some other such 'rock' book. There are a lot of those at this point. Sure, I will touch on all of that, as it is part of my story, but only just a part of it. Rather, it will be a story of an ordinary guy who met with extraordinary circumstances, and the circumnavigation through these situations. If you have been a reader of my column, then you get the general idea of my headspace. I WILL be writing this myself, thick or thin.
Stacy Creamer, Touchstone Fireside Vice President and Publisher, will be Duff's editor. He adds, "I am excited that Tim Mohr, my old editor at Playboy, will be joining me too on this challenging venture and chapter of my life. Tim has edited the likes of Hunter S. Thompson. I look forward to him throwing out thousands of my words and telling me that I am full of shit on a daily basis!"
Based on the 40-page proposal that made the rounds of publishing houses in February, McKagan's book would begin on the day in 1994 when his pancreas burst from alcohol abuse. It would recount his rise through the music scene, his fall into drug abuse and his recovery, which included two years of celibacy and a degree in finance from Seattle University.
Bidding last month topped $250,000, according to an industry source cited by Crain's New York Business.
METALLICA's "The Day That Never Comes" was voted the No. 1 metal video of the
last decade in an online poll conducted by MTV Greece's "Headbangers Ball". The
results of he poll, which ended on March 16, were announced on last Tuesday's
show as well as on MTV Greece's official web site.
"Headbangers Ball Top 10" videos of the last decade:
01. METALLICA - "The Day That Never Comes"
02. LAMB OF GOD - "Walk With Me In Hell"
03. MACHINE HEAD - "Now I Lay Thee Down"
04. SYSTEM OF A DOWN - "Chop Suey"
05. SLIPKNOT - "Duality"
06. TOOL - "Schism"
07. NIGHTWISH - "Nemo"
08. RAMMSTEIN - "Mein Teil"
09. IRON MAIDEN - "The Wicker Man"
10. THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND - "Vampira"
"The Day That Never Comes" video was shot in July 2008 in Acton, California
(about an hour's drive north of Los Angeles).
METALLICA guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield told MTV.com that the clip isn't
making any lofty political statements about the war in Iraq. Instead, it's a
statement on humanity, helmed by acclaimed Danish director Thomas Vinterberg,
who, along with Lars von Trier, co-founded the Dogme 95 movement in filmmaking.
Hetfield said that when he was writing the song's lyrics, he never envisioned
the video would look anything like this.
"That's the beauty, I think, of writing vague but powerful lyrics â€" that
someone like a movie director can interpret it in his own way and obviously,
someone creative is able to take the metaphors and apply them to whatever he
needs in his own life," the frontman explained to MTV.com. "The main [theme of
the video] is the human element of forgiveness and someone doing you wrong, you
feeling resentment and you being able to see through that in the next situation
that might be similar and not take your rage or resentment out on the next
person and basically keep spreading the disease of that through life."
He added, "The one thing that I wasn't keen on here was METALLICA plugging into
a modern war or a current event [that] might be construed as some sort of
political statement on our part. There are so many celebrities that soapbox
their opinions, and people believe it's more valid because they're popular. For
us, people are people â€" you should all have your own opinion. We are hopefully
putting the human element in what is an unfortunate part of life. There are
people over there dealing with situations like this, and we're showing the human
part of being there.
"It's the forgiveness part â€" that is key," he continued. "METALLICA has never
plugged into any current event visually, but this one is kind of a hotbed.
People have very high opinions about this war, and we're trying to cut through
all of that. The politics and the religion tend to separate people, and what
we're trying to do is bring it together with the common thread of resentment and
forgiveness."
The Greek version of MTV's "Headbangers Ball" is hosted by Orpheus
Spiliotopoulos and Vanessa Christodoulou and airs every Tuesday at midnight. The
show can also be viewed via MTV Greece's web site in the "Video Galleries"
section.
Shane Weller of El Paso, Texas' What's Up recently conducted an interview with
MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. An excerpt from the chat follows below.
What's Up: When you decided to rejoin the band after eight years, there must
have been a talk between you and Dave [Mustaine]. What was that like?
Ellefson: You know, it's interesting. We've chatted and gone to dinner and hung
out in recent years. We've met up four times over that time â€" one was a random
meeting at Starbucks. We met for dinner once in Phoenix. We've had some face
time together to get caught up on things. We both wanted a time where we could
get together and play. There's obviously chemistry, a spark when Dave and I play
together. As a fan even said last week, it looks and sounds like MEGADETH again.
So, Dave has been cool about reaching out to me. And for several reasons I
wasn't in the position to come back to the band either. It was a good time for
both of us, too. It was a healthy growing period for us. Now we can come back
together in a position of strength and be even stronger.
What's Up: I hear you had a visit from the police during your video shoot for
"The Right To Go Insane"? What happened? And will that video ever be released?
Ellefson: They'll (the fans) definitely get to see it. It's the next single.
It's being edited right now. It has a very twisted and demented storyline. It
was much different than what I thought it would be. It has no band footage at
all. It's a very twisted and intriguing story. I don't know why the police came.
Kind of funny, though; it's like when you have a party and the police show up
'cause you're disrupting the peace.
What's Up: I've seen your YouTube videos of "Rock Shop". Have you thought about
pitching that to a network?
Ellefson: I have, actually, which wouldn't be a bad idea. Initially people asked
me to do a follow-up to a book. I think it could be something that would be
really cool on TV. It obviously wouldn't be on the Food Network, but it would be
cool to have something that would be televised. Right now it's something more
for the Internet.
Michelle J. Mills of the San Bernardino County Sun recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
San Bernardino County Sun: To what do you attribute MEGADETH's continued success?
Mustaine: I think it's just determination to share my life . . . and to be able to talk about what it's like to see things through my eyes. There's a lot of really cool things that happen in my world, and I like to share that.
San Bernardino County Sun: What can fans expect at your concert?
Mustaine: We do three songs in the beginning to get everything ready, and then we go through the "Rust in Peace" record, and then we do four songs after that and say good night. We're contracted to only play 75 minutes and we play a lot longer than that. But because this is in small buildings and there's curfews everywhere and there's three bands, we have to adjust.
We're struggling with trying to give the fans as much we're trying to give them and to also keep within the limitations of how many shows we have to do. When you do 90-minute shows, you can do about four or five a week. When you do 75 (minutes), you can do five or six in a week. There's wear and tear on your vocal cords, but (the fans) don't see all that stuff; they see it's like, "Oh they didn't play very long." Well, we wanted to play longer, but we're doing tons of concerts and cutting it a little bit shorter.
San Bernardino County Sun: What's next for MEGADETH?
Mustaine: All we're concerned about right now is getting through this tour and giving our absolute best every night at these shows. It's been really cool to bring Dave Ellefson back into the fold. It's been a unique experience for a lot of the fans that discovered the band when he wasn't in it.
San Bernardino County Sun: Do you still write when you're on tour?
Mustaine: Yes, of course. You live life everywhere don't you? I enjoy who I am and what I'm doing. My career's going great; I've never been this happy before.
The whole goal for me is just to play MEGADETH music and to be happy doing it, and bringing as much happiness to people that I can during the course of the day.
I enjoy the fact that I can travel from city to city around the world and have friends wherever I go. I enjoy the fact that I can pick up an inanimate object called the guitar and play it and make people happy, that's the coolest thing in the world for me.
MetalSucks' Axl Rosenberg recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX/ARMORED SAINT singer John Bush. An excerpt from the chat follow below.
MetalSucks: I have to ask you… Everybody is kind of wondering what's going on with you and ANTHRAX, because it seems like every time somebody asks [ANTHRAX guitarist] Scott [Ian] or somebody else in the band gets asked, they kind of go, "We still don't really know."
Bush: Well, we just did these shows in Australia that were really fun. They were for the Soundwave Festival, and they were great. I had committed to doing these shows to these four shows in June as well as more festivals in August. As of now we're trying to figure out a way to see if we can re-record some of the songs that the band had already recorded [for the album that was supposed to be released last October called "Worship Music"]. We're just trying to iron out some of the legalities on it. That's where we are at today.
MetalSucks: So you think you would be re-recording some of [former ANTHRAX singer] Dan Nelson's vocals?
Bush: That is what they want to do, and it's been a conflict for me, to be quite frank, simply because I kind of felt like I wasn't part of the creation of it. On all the other ANTHRAX records, I was part of it when it happened. I just wasn't involved in this, and it's something that they've already actually completed. I haven't disregarded it completely, and I know it's important to them. I realize they made this record and they're kind of sitting on it. They want to put some of it out, if not everything… at least a single, and we've talked about [releasing] an EP. We're still trying to figure out if we can do that, especially in conjunction with these shows in June. We've just got to kind of iron out some specifics. That's where we're at today, March 15, 2010.
Guitarist Todd Youth (DANZIG, MOTÖRHEAD, GLEN CAMPBELL, SAMHAIN, D GENERATION, CHELSEA SMILES) and drummer Jimmy Clark (Deborah Harry, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, GLEN BURTNICK, RICK DERRINGER, WYNONNA, BLACKHAWK, THE VAN ZANT BROTHERS, DEMOLITION 23) have left former HANOI ROCKS singer Michael Monroe's new solo band and have been replaced by Steve Conte (NEW YORK DOLLS) and Karl Rockfist (CHELSEA SMILES, DANZIG), respectively.
Commented Monroe: "Um... er... y'see, you've misunderstood — it wasn't the guitar player from CHELSEA SMILES and DANZIG that joined us, but the drummer and... nah, just kidding!
"As it turned out, Todd Youth decided to join Ace Frehley's band instead of sticking with us, so we replaced him with the great Steve Conte. Also, Jimmy Clark had commitments he could not get out of in order to commit to this 100%, so we got the rock-solid Karl Rockfist on drums instead.
"These changes are definitely not a bad thing at all. We have a great spirit within the band and the sound is just getting tighter and better at every show."
A lengthy recap of Monroe's recent mini-tour of the U.S. can be found on his MySpace blog.
Michael Monroe's band is completed by bassist Sami Yaffa who has played with a remarkable variety of bands including HANOI ROCKS, NEW YORK DOLLS and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, and guitarist Ginger who has dazzled audiences over the world with his band THE WILDHEARTS.
Fan-filmed video footage of Michael Monroe's March 17, 2010 performance at the Austin Music Hall in Austin, Texas as part of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival can be viewed below (courtesy of "JohnEbrownTX").
Michael Monroe and his band are set to enter the studio in the spring to record a new album for a fall release.
This week, VH1 Classic's "Behind the Music Remastered" is going all out with an updated special on the legendary Los Angeles party animals, MÖTLEY CRÜE.
They were the ringleaders of a rock and roll circus featuring furious riffs and scandalous behavior. Rowdy and raunchy, MÖTLEY CRÜE took "sex, drugs and rock & roll" to unprecedented heights and depths. This week on VH1 Classic's "Behind the Music Remastered", fans can see the ups, downs and some never-before-seen footage and interviews, chronicling the hard rock life of MÖTLEY CRÜE.
Tune in to VH1 Classic this Saturday, March 27 at 10 p.m. ET for "Behind the Music Remastered: Mötley Crüe".
Justin M. Norton of About.com recently conducted an interview with Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA, Housecore Records). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
About.com: Housecore Records was started two years ago. What do you have planned for the label in the coming year?
Anselmo: It's going to be brought to the next level, mainly because the projects we are working with have their stuff together. A lot of bands find themselves trying to meet deadlines and regretting a record later. I've been in that position a bunch of times. There's always stuff on a record you think you could have done better. I like my bands to be relaxed and happy with their product, so I don't put any time limits on them. Like Orson Welles said in the commercial, "We shall sell no wine before its time."
About.com: One of the best known bands on the roster is EYEHATEGOD. Do you see their next album being released on your label?
Anselmo: That's always been the plan. I won't hold anyone to anything. I can say yes, but if it didn't happen there would be no skin. But going with the more positive "yes, it is" direction — they've had these five songs floating out there. I have the demos at home so I know they have the stuff. I think they'll have an opportunity to do a few different runs even though they'll be touring Europe. They are busy. But I'm looking forward to it. If there is anybody out there that screams at (guitarist) Jimmy Bower to get in there and do the record, it's me. He always has an answer, even if it isn't what I want to hear.
About.com: Would that be your breakthrough release?
Anselmo: I would say them, or CROWBAR. We have so many contrasting styles on the label now. That will be more evident in the upcoming year. Anything is possible. As far as a breakthrough records, the fact that EYEHATEGOD is well known certainly doesn't hurt. They are an established act, but we have new bands that will appeal to certain audiences as well and are great at what they do. There is always potential. Not to mention… if I do something, and I'm going to create something, I'll do it on my label.
About.com: Do you see yourself moving away from music and more into a supportive role by managing the label and producing artists or will music continue to be a significant part of your life?
Anselmo: I can't let go of music, nor should I. I'm playing guitar with ARSON ANTHEM and our second album will be out this year, sometime in early June. The record is called "Insecurity Notoriety". Mike (Williams) from EYEHATEGOD sings and Hank III plays drums. ARSON ANTHEM is something I love to do. I love playing guitar and writing guitar parts and I need to keep jamming. I've got a fire in my belly. By the end of the year, DOWN might be writing new stuff. I see many things in the future and it's good to have things to look forward to.
About.com: A lot had been written this year about the fifth anniversary of Dime's [PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott] passing. Is it difficult to revisit what's one of the most difficult experiences of your life?
Anselmo: Each year gets harder. This was a very tough year and a very tough December. When an artist dies that means so much to people he doesn't go away. You still hear about Elvis. We hear about Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Layne Staley. The list is long and it's a sad one. It is hard for me? I respect the love. I know I will never have another person like this in my life… Dimebag Darrell. To know that there is no tomorrow with him in it is crushing. He was a man of the world and a man of the people. He was very real, very vibrant. So it get tougher every year. I keep my PANTERA and Dimebag to me. That's Phil's stuff. I have so many recordings that the world will never hear…well, I can't say ever. I have recordings of us doing the most ridiculous things. Traditional thinking would be to shrink wrap it and sell it, but Housecore is a new chapter, a new page.
The following announcement was posted on QUEENSRŸCHE's official web site:
"Ladies and gentleman and 'kids' of only adult ages, welcome to what promises to be the spectacle of all spectacles better known as the Queensrÿche Cabaret.
The Queensrÿche Cabaret — heralded as 'the first adults only rock show' (21 and over) — will be Teatro ZinZanni meets Cirque du Soleil with the band performing their hits and never-heard-before selections accompanied by go-go dancers, burlesque dancers, drag queens, a juggler, ballet dancer, trapeze artist, a contortionist and others. Definitely a fun-filled evening like no other full of freaks and shrieks!
"What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play!
"Those who attend the Queensrÿche Cabaret will have the option of just sitting back and enjoying the music and theatrics or actually being a part of the elaborate stage show! Prior written consent will be required as it won't be for the faint of heart... It'll be sights and sounds coming at you from all angles like never before!
"See some evil, hear some evil, speak some evil and have some fun.
"Life is a Queensrÿche Cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret!
"Request passes now! We're offering three types: Meet-and-Greets, Victim and 'On Stage'."
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 27 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino
Apr. 28 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino
May 20 - Phoenix, AZ - Sage Amphitheater
May 21 - San Diego, CA - 4th and B
May 22 - Palm Springs, CA - Agua Caliente
QUEENSRŸCHE played two "cabaret shows" on February 4-5, 2010 at the Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, Washington. The concerts featured Geoff Tate, Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and Parker Lundgren performing with a bunch of their friends. The Queensrÿche Cabaret was art, lust, dancing and naughty fun with the band performing their hits and never-heard-before selections accompanied by go-go dancers, burlesque dancers, drag queens, a juggler, ballet dancer, aerial artist, contortionist and much more.
SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison and vocalist Wednesday 13 have entered a studio in Hollywood Hills, California with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD) to begin recording the long-awaited sophomore album from their horror-punk side-project MURDERDOLLS entitled "Women And Children Last". "We've just completed all the drum tracks but one, and then it's off to guitar and bass," the band writes on its MySpace blog.
The group adds, "This album is gonna make your faces cave in, we promise. You will die, like actually stop living after you hear this... hahahaha.
"We are starting to get cabin fever up here because we have been tracking day and night and never leaving.
"We can't wait 'till you sick fuckers out there can hear it.
"We're coming for your daughter, Chuck!!!"
Check out pictures from the studio at this
A couple of the photos can be viewed at
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/murderdollsstudio1.jpg
Although MURDERDOLLS went on hiatus in January 2004, Joey told Kerrang! magazine that he and Wednesday have been talking about reuniting since 2006. "We were bored with everything out there, and thought we had something to piss people off and shake things up," he said. "Everything is such a product or a fucking formula these days... Fuck formula! Fuck the norm!"
When asked who else is in the band apart from himself and Wednesday 13, Jordison replied, "Much like the way [Norwegian black metal bands] DARKTHRONE or SATYRICON make records, Wednesday and I are doing the record ourselves with a couple of very special guests."
Formed in 2002, MURDERDOLLS released one album in the form of "Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls", which came out via Roadrunner Records. The band had limited initial success in the United States, though its album and singles charted well in the United Kingdom and around the same time the group picked up a strong following in Japan.
MURDERDOLLS' sound is made up of their shared influences, which include punk rock and 1970s hard rock acts such as KISS and ALICE COOPER. The band also shares an interest in horror movies, from which they take images and references.
Bryan Reesman of the Attention Deficit Delirium recently conducted an interview
with legendary rocker Sammy Hagar (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT). An excerpt from the
chat follows below.
Attention Deficit Delirium: After all of these years you and Mike Anthony (VAN
HALEN, CHICKENFOOT) still have a really strong friendship. There's a lot of
loyalty there. Now you two are in CHICKENFOOT together. Why do those ties remain
so strong?
Hagar: We're just kind of the same kind of guys. It's so weird… you can relate
to this. You can meet someone and say, "I really like that person." Or someone
will make you say, "The fucking guy drives me nuts." In VAN HALEN, Eddie always
used to go, "Man, I'm so jealous of you and Mike. You guys always seem to get
along and are laughing about everything and having so much fun." I'm going,
"It's just the way it is." From the day I met him, we had on shorts and
flip-flops and T-shirts and were talking about going out and having a couple
shots of tequila, eating some Mexican food with hot peppers and then hitting the
beach. We both have the same kind of vibe. We [like to be on the] beach all day
and play music at night. Anytime I would call Mike and say, "I'm going down to
Cabo, you want to go and jam?" He was there. We just have the same kind of
lifestyle. It's pretty cool.
Attention Deficit Delirium: So what's coming up for CHICKENFOOT then?
Hagar: I'm pretty much going to wait for CHICKENFOOT now. I was asked if I
wanted to go out and do some [solo] shows this summer and was offered a great
package with somebody that I thought would be really great. I thought I'd put
Mike in the band and we'd go out and do it for fun, then just this morning I
woke up and said, "I'm not going to do that. I'm going to wait for CHICKENFOOT."
It's something special. I might go out and play 25 or 30 concerts this summer,
and if something were to happen with CHICKENFOOT in the fall, I might not feel
like touring because I just toured. I want to save it for my passion right now,
just like I said when we first started talking. I've got a passion for
CHICKENFOOT. I woke up one morning and said, "I want to play with Joe Satriani,
Chad Smith" â€" who I had been jamming with a lot at the Cabo â€" "and Mikey." I
wanted to put together this band, and I was so overwhelmed with it. It's all I
wanted to do. I did it, it
worked and I want to do it some more now. I want to keep that passion and not
burn myself out on something else. Right now that's my band.
Attention Deficit Delirium: Do you think you guys are going to record any more
stuff?
Hagar: Oh yeah. In April we're supposed to go in the studio. Chad has a little
window from the [RED HOT] CHILI PEPPERS, and we're going to go in and start
recording a second album. We're not going to rush it, we're going to start. Joe
and I are always writing. We're definitely going to try to do it again.
San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS have been confirmed for this year's Gods
Of Metal festival, set to take place June 25-27 at Parco della Certosa Reale in
Collegno (Turin), Italy.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
Friday, June 25:
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
DEVILDRIVER
FEAR FACTORY
AS I LAY DYING
ATREYU
JOB FOR A COWBOY
UNEARTH
36 CRAZYFISTS
Saturday, June 26:
LORDI
AMON AMARTH
SOULFLY
EXODUS
BEHEMOTH
ORPHANED LAND
SADIST
EX DEO
Sunday, June 27:
MOTÖRHEAD
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
CANNIBAL CORPSE
STEEL PANTHER
U.D.O.
THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT
LABYRINTH
SABATON
More acts will be announced soon.
Tickets are priced 80 euros (plus booking fees) for three days or 40 euros (plus
booking fees) for one day.
For more information, go to this location.
EDITORS NOTE: We recently brought you a list of Phil Anselmo's favorite horror
movies which you can read here. Turns out Mr. Anselmo is quite the horror
aficianado and we're very excited to bring you a new regular series of reports
written by the man himself. Read on to check out the first monthly entry where
he'll be discussing some of his favorite and recently watched horror films.
Dr. Tarr's Torture Dungeon
This curiously titled film is a bizarre offering to say the very least. Tinges
of Italian color schemes entwined with lunatic English-American wit dazzle the
senses in this Spanish production. I'm not even sure it's a cult favorite... I
mean, when's the last time you heard a "true" horror buff bring this one up? I
know it's been quietly tucked away in a "Chilling Classics" 50-movie pack, but
that particular DVD version is shorter than my original VHS copy. No matter.
It still gets its quirky, absurd and nerve-wracking point across. Or maybe it
doesn't…I'm not too sure, but whatever transpires in this rare gem is a
visual/mental mind fuck that'll leave a lasting stamp.
Set in France sometime in the late 1880's (?), a newspaper reporter (Claudio
Brooke) visits a county asylum for the criminally insane in hopes of getting an
interview with the head honcho. His reason? Apparently the main man in charge
of the place, one "Dr. Mayard" (Arthur Hansel), has revolutionized "novel
methods of dealing with the mad". What an understatement! The doctor doesn't
normally receive visitors, and his asylum in the woods holds some frightening
surprises in store for anyone who dares trespass.
The reporter, accompanied by a former classmate (Martin LaSalle) and his female
cousin, trudge on via horse and carriage, only to discover the gateway leading
to Dr. Mayard's institution is guarded by a crazed gaggle of characters that
make the cast from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest look relatively sane.
After having his request for his interview granted, the reporter is taken on a
grand tour of the facility, meeting along the way a sexy seductress with
multi-faceted personalities, including one of an ancient Syrian-like Goddess
(Ellen Sherman); crews of ragged men sitting atop high scaffolding, apparently
building a pointless, useless but important structure; an old man shackled in
chains aptly named "Dante"; depraved lunatics living out complex individual
roles of twisted endearment, and a character known affectionately as "Mr.
Chicken". As the tour continues, the more the reporter sees, the more things
look, well, wrong!
Ok, Ok. This film is the classic "The crazies have taken over the asylum!"
story...
BUT! Don’t let the overdone theme turn you off! NO WAY!!! It's very
probable there hasn't been a film made with this enthusiastic, twisted a take on
the whole thing. Blatantly awkward landscapes, beautifully painful
quasi-religious imagery, and just plain aloof and goofy performances, especially
by Dr. Mayard himself make this film worth it.
Directed by Juan Lopez Moctezuma and supposedly based on a story by Edgar Allen
Poe, "Dr. Tarr's Torture Dungeon" isn't much on gore, but its sheer weirdness
makes up for whatever the hell's lacking in this one. Anyone looking for crisp,
sleek production and squeaky-clean CGI need not apply, for you will hate this.
But if you like your films '70s-grainy, with '70s nudity and an unpredictable
madcap scene-to-scene euphoria ending in mayhem for the 'ol eyeballs, than join
up!
By the by, the only reference to a "Dr. Tarr" in this movie comes in the form of
one of Dr. Mayard's many jesting, brilliant tirades whilst confusing the
disgruntled reporter: “Why surely you’ve heard of the famous Dr. Tar and Dr.
Feather?†Genius!
On April 10, drummer Bobby Blotzer of RATT will join the SIN CITY SINNERS in Las Vegas for a FREE show at Ovation (inside Green Valley Ranch).
Blotzer will jam a few covers, as well as a couple of RATT tunes. Doors will open at 10 p.m.
SIN CITY SINNERS have been taking Vegas by storm and recently wrapped production for their new video, "Goin' To Vegas", which features cameos from adult film stars Ron Jeremy and Sunny Leone as well as Vegas entertainer Carrot Top.
The band's debut CD, "Exile on Fremont Street", is already into its second pressing, having sold over 1,000 copies.
SIN CITY SINNERS consists of Brent Muscat (formerly of FASTER PUSSYCAT), Todd Kerns (AGE OF ELECTRIC), Mike Eliis, and Rob Cournoyer (RAGING SLAB).
SIN CITY SINNERS is best known for having a special celebrity guest jam with the band each week. They were voted "Best Local Band," second only to THE KILLERS in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best Of Vegas" readers' poll.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/scsinners.
Pete Freedman of the Dallas Observer recently conducted an interview with SEVENDUST rhythm guitarist John Connelly. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Dallas Observer: SEVENDUST's new effort, "Cold Day Memory", comes out soon. Should fans expect a different kind of SEVENDUST record?
John Connelly: Well, it's a lot different, seeing that it is the first record we have recorded with Clint [Lowery, guitar] in over five years. We got the original chemistry back. The past three or four records that we have done have turned out different without Clint. It's one of those chemistry things. You take one piece out of the equation and the chemistry changes. Not necessarily for better or for worse, it's just different. Fans will hear that original fire we had on our first couple of records.
Dallas Observer: After Clint left the band, that seemed to cause several financial problems to arise and then things started to spiral.
John Connelly: Some of that stuff was going to happen whether Clint stayed or not. Clint's leaving was just kind of compounded on top of everything. We were out of our record deal, we were dealing with the IRS, and we were transitioning managers. Basically, everything we knew was up in the air. We didn't know who was going to play guitar. We didn't have a label. It was turmoil, but we just put our nose to the grindstone and got focused and got busy. It was cool, but I can tell you that it is a lot cooler with Clint back. It's a lot easier with him than without him.
Dallas Observer: Did the band every come to the point of breaking up?
John Connelly: We talked about it. The day after Clint left, we were sitting there and we talked about going our separate ways. You can't force a band to stay together. Honestly, the conversation didn't last ten minutes. After Clint left, we went right back in the studio. It was do or die. We had no record deal and no guitar player and we barely had a manager.
Dallas Observer: Are all the financial problems over?
John Connelly: We're just about coming out of the smoke. We have a couple more stupid-ass payments to a couple of our ex-managers. It's nice to not be getting sued by someone for the first time in six years. We can actually focus on making music.
Dallas Observer: Was there ever a point in the band's tenure that you said to yourself, "We've made it?"
John Connelly: You know what, we've still not happy with where we are at. In our eyes, even though we do this successfully, we're still out here trying to prove ourselves. We're still out here trying to make better music, have better live shows. As much shit as we have gone through, to have been able to get the original five guys back together again, is amazing. For us, we are still trying to make it.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ALEXISONFIRE, MELISSA AUF DER MAUR, HIGH ON FIRE and SHADOWS
FALL have been confirmed for the Heavy MTL 2010 festival, set to take place on
July 24-25, 2010 at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
Saturday, July 24:
ALICE COOPER
MEGADETH
SLAYER
TESTAMENT
MASTODON
ANVIL
FEAR FACTORY
KATAKLYSM
MELISSA AUF DER MAUR
HIGH ON FIRE
Sunday, July 25:
KORN
ROB ZOMBIE
AVENGED SEVENFOLD
LAMB OF GOD
ALEXISONFIRE
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
HATEBREED
SHADOWS FALL
CHIMAIRA
3 INCHES OF BLOOD
WINDS OF PLAGUE
ATREYU
IN THIS MOMENT
NORMA JEAN
More acts will be announced soon.
For more information, go to this location.
Mark Uricheck of The Musician's Voice recently conducted an interview with
BROKEN TEETH/DANGEROUS TOYS vocalist Jason McMaster. During the 22-minute chat,
Jason talks in depth about the new BROKEN TEETH record, "Viva La Rock
Fantastico", the history of BROKEN TEETH and some of his other musical projects,
including the Texas power metal band IGNITOR. Other topics of discussion include
keeping DANGEROUS TOYS alive out on the road, Jason's involvement in the Austin,
Texas music scene, and Danko Jones' guest appearance on the new BROKEN TEETH
record. You can now listen to the interview using the audio player below.
"Viva La Rock, Fantastico!" was released on January 26 via Perris Records.
Featuring 13 all-new tracks and cameo vocals by Canadian compadre Danko Jones,
the CD was written on the road during BROKEN TEETH's 2008-2009 "Blood on the
Road Tour". As expected, the fifth release from the hard-bitten Texas
head-knockers is torn from the same hellraiser's hymnal that gave us the likes
of MOTÖRHEAD, AC/DC, RHINO BUCKET and other wheels-of-steel rockers.
BROKEN TEETH formed in Austin, Texas, in 1999 when McMaster recruited former
members of DANGEROUS TOYS, DIRTY LOOKS and PARIAH for a side project that
allowed band members to have some fun indulging their dirty rock influences,
including AC/DC, ROSE TATTOO, CIRCUS OF POWER and THE FOUR HORSEMEN. More than a
decade later, BROKEN TEETH has firmly established its own tattered and frayed
identity with a discography that includes the self-titled debut, "Guilty
Pleasure", "Blood On The Radio" and "Electric".
Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of San Francisco's progressive metal outfit HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE. Metal Blade will reissue four of the band's previous releases in late summer 2010, with a new studio album expected in 2011.
Commented guitarist and founding member John Cobbett: "Metal Blade contacted us in April of 2009. After some back-and-forth we came to an agreement that will allow HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE to continue making albums the way we always have: unsupervised and self-produced. Also, we grew up on Metal Blade releases — from DESTRUCTION and SLAYER to TROUBLE and FATES WARNING — so we feel pretty good about that."
Added Metal Blade founder and CEO Brian Slagel: "We are really happy and honored to have signed HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE. I have been a huge fan for awhile now and I personally am really excited to work with them."
Formed by the eclectic and versatile guitarist John Cobbett (GWAR, LUDICRA, SLOUGH FEG, AMBER ASYLUM, JARBOE) in the late '90s, HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE started as an exercise in songwriting and making coherent full-length albums. The band is made up of some of the most talented musicians John Cobbett and co. can find. Cobbett explains, "I set out to do it this way from the beginning. Having been in a dozen or so bands that broke up before realizing their potential, I decided that the songs and albums were the most important thing. So I formed a 'break-up-proof' project that depends more on good material and strong albums than a consistent lineup."
One thing that is consistent, though, is that HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE has always consisted of John Cobbett (guitars) and Chewy Marzolo (drums), with Sigrid Sheie (keys, voice, flute) being another a longterm member of the group. Bassist Max Barnett (ex-OLD GRANDAD) has been with the group for over a year now and HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE recently added Leila Abdul-Rauf (ex-SAROS) on guitar and vocals.
For more information, visit www.hammersofmisfortune.com.
LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — kicked off its European tour with KAMELOT and ADAGIO yesterday (Thursday, March 25) in Charleroi, Belgium. This show marked the live debut of the new LEAVES' EYES drummer Roland Navratil, who previously played with EDENBRIDGE, SIRENIA and DIGNITY. Roland was enlisted by LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY after the two bands made the decision to part ways with Chris "Seven" Antonopoulos (formerly of OPIATE FOR THE MASSES).
Commented Roland: "First of all, I like the diversity of both bands, ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES.
"I listen to a lot of different music and was blown away by the 'Werk 80' CD of ATROCITY. So-called 'female-fronted' metal bands were always a favorite kind of music of myself, too. That's why I know a lot about Liv and her music and the band LEAVES' EYES.
"I love to play songs like 'Elegy', 'Emerald Island' or the new smasher 'At Heaven's End'!
"The first time I met Alex was years ago when ATROCITY played in Vienna. I met them and Liv again back in 2005 when I was playing in Germany. As I was on the 'Beauty and the Beast Tour' as a session drummer for SIRENIA, it was very cool to tour with both bands, ATROCITY and LEAVES' EYES.
"I was excited as they asked me, if I would like to play with them because we had a lot of fun on tour last fall.
"The rehearsals went great and now I am looking forward to share the stages together!"
LEAVES' EYES has issued a "special fan edition" of its latest album, "Njord", containing three previously unreleased tracks — "At Heaven's End", "Angus and the Swan" and an acoustic version of "Irish Rain". The set also features an appearance by Liv's sister, Carmen Elise Espenaes from MIDNATTSOL, as a guest vocalist on "Irish Rain". The special fan edition comes with a noble matt and glossy foil printed slipcase, which is strictly limited.
The "special fan edition" of "Njord" consists of the "Njord" digipack, including two bonus tracks, as well as the brand new bonus CD "At Heaven's End", which contains seven non-album tracks, and the "My Destiny" video.
EMPIRES OF EDEN, the brainchild of PAINDIVISION/ex-DUNGEON guitarist Stu Marshall, has inked a deal with 7Hard Records for the U.S. and European territories. The band's sophomore album, "Reborn In Fire", will feature "an all-star cast of metal's finest voices," according to a press release. Due in June, the CD boasts "enormous production backed by a 30-piece orchestral score."
"Reborn In Fire" "delivers an epic and aggressive power metal assault in the style of AVANTASIA and the collaborative genius of AYREON." It is capped off with the "incredible" artwork by celebrated U.S. artist Alex Ruiz.
Commented Marshall: "It's an understatement to say we are excited about the new signing and we have been looking for the right label to partner with. The word was out that 7Hard are one of the best emerging labels out there and Axel's commitment to the bands is excellent.
"This new CD features some of metal's most recognizable voices and in a unique twist; they have all composed their own lyrical and melodic concepts."
Added 7Hard label manager Axel: "We are very proud and happy to have EMPIRES OF EDEN with this monster power metal release at 7Hard. Mastermind Stu is one of the best guys in the biz and it's a pleasure to work with him.
"Some of the biggest heavy metal superstars, great songs, with unique guitar work and powerful sound — a must-have!"
Australia's EMPIRES OF EDEN is a collection of melodic power metal that has garnered unanimous praise worldwide. Incorporating huge melodic hooks, blistering guitar performances and a fresh approach to song writing, the debut was a massive success in Japan, released by Rubicon Records in July 2009.
Melodic Revolution Records has announced the signing of DDRIVE for the release of the band's new CD, "3D".
Hailing from North America, this hard rock band released its self-titled album in early 2005 which received critical acclaim as well as airplay in the U.S., Australia, and Europe for having strong classic rock roots with a modern edge sound all its own.
The group's main writers Phil Naro (TALAS, PETER CRISS, 24K) and Don Mancuso (LOU GRAMM, BLACK SHEEP, CHEATER, CELTIC FIRE) and Andy Knoll (LOU GRAMM) decided to join forces and recruited the production expertise of Canadian monster Steve Major.
The first DDRIVE CD did so well that Naro and Mancuso decided to put together a follow-up effort, "Straight Up The Middle". Built on the strengths of its predecessor, "Straight Up The Middle" was more focused and mature effort and was right in line with infectious grooves, emotion and the good and bad realities of the world today.
"3D" promises to be a worthy follow-up to "Straight Up The Middle" as the band has become even tighter over the years. The new CD has great significance as well, not only as the band's release but because it will be housed in a special 3D cover with 11 new rocking tracks.
"3D" track listing:
01. Next Train
02. Dig Down
03. Kiss the Ground
04. Chains On You
05. Never Had A Chance
06. Last To Fall
07. Down Deep
08. Always Done
09. 1 To 7
10. Tumblin
11. Welcome To My World
DDRIVE 2010 is:
Phil Naro (Vocals, Guitar)
Don Mancuso (Guitar, Vocals)
John Naro (Guitar/Vocals)
Bobby Bond (Drums)
John Taylor (Bass, Vocals)
Legendary bassist Billy Sheehan makes a guest appearance on "3D".
SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA, THE AGONIST and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have been confirmed for
the Metal Female Voices Fest VIII, set to take place October 23-24, 2010 at
Oktoberhallen in Wieze, Belgium.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
69 CHAMBERS
ARCH ENEMY
BARE INFINITY
DEJAFUSE
DIABULUS IN MUSICA
DYLATH-LEEN
KRYPTERIA
LEAVES' EYES
OMEGA LITHIUM
PYTHIA
REVAMP
SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA
SKEPTICAL MINDS
THE AGONIST
TRISTANIA
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
For more information, visit www.metalfemalevoicesfest.be.
Dutch progressive metallers TEXTURES have announced the addition of vocalist
Daniel de Jongh (ex-CILICE; pictured below) to the group's ranks.
Commented the band in a statement: "It was really hard for us to part ways with
Eric [Kalsbeek]. Emotionally and musically. But Daniel gives us more than enough
reasons to prolong our career, more hyped up than ever before. His experience,
personality, musical taste and of course his awesome vocal skills make us see
the future like a first spring morning after a severe winter darkness."
Added Daniel: "I am truly honored to have been asked to replace Eric as vocalist
for TEXTURES.
"TEXTURES is a standout band and is a band which I've listened to the last
couple of years, like so many other metal fans out there.
"Although it was a pretty tough decision to leave my former band CILICE, this
was an offer I just couldn't refuse.
"The guys in TEXTURES are just a great bunch of people and it is clear that
there is and will be loads of inspiration for the next years to come. I also
know how much Eric was respected by the fans and I hope that I can assure you
guys out there that I will replace him with as much dignity as he did for
TEXTURES the last six years.
"All I can say is that we as TEXTURES are ready to rock everyone out there and
that the anticipation for the next album can be withhold. We are in writing
process at the time and I can reveal that it is going to be kick-ass as
always!!"
Daniel will make his live debut with TEXTURES on a select number of shows this
summer which will be announced soon.
TEXTURES' follow-up to 2008's "Silhouettes" will not surface before early 2011
via Nuclear Blast Records.
The vinyl version of "Silhouettes" was released in November 2008 through Garden
of Exile Records. The LP was limited to 500 copies and pressed on 180-gram
vinyl. The artwork was printed on extra-thick cardboard gatefold jacket with
golden foil print.
"Silhouettes" was released in North America on September 30, 2008 via
Listenable/Koch.
The album entered the Dutch chart at position No. 100. This was the band's first
chart showing ever.
"Silhouettes" was recorded at Split Second Sound with Jochem Jacobs in the
producer's chair. Jacobs previously oversaw the recording process for TEXTURES'
last CD, "Drawing Circles".
Hendersonville, Tennessee's AS HELL RETREATS has inked a deal with Strike First Records. The band's full-length debut, "Revival", will be released on May 25.
According to a press release, "AS HELL RETREATS have been propelling themselves forward since forming in 2005 by setting motivational goals, and step by step they are realizing the benefits of their hard work. They have self released five-song demos each year for the past four years, and 2010 will be the year they see the release of their first full length album. The new project promises to be a polished culmination of their past work, showcasing their death metal roots laced with thrash and hardcore."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/ashellretreats.
Modesto, California's BETTER LEFT UNSAID has inked a deal with the newly formed Static Age Records. The band's new album, "Only The Dead To Witness", will be released digitally and in stores everywhere June 8.
"Static Age's dedication, belief, and commitment to BETTER LEFT UNSAID and the music we create made it a very easy decision to make," drummer Brent Terry explained in a statement. "From the very beginning, Jon King and Shane Stiles focused on building a relationship with the band, and this was very important to all of us. That type of commitment is rare these days and was definitely a pleasant surprise."
He added, "We wanted an album that best represented who and what we are as musicians, our influences, and most importantly the type of music we create together. None of us settled, each of us sacrificed, and in the end we have an album we are all very proud of."
A song from the upcoming CD, "Reaper of Malice", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
BETTER LEFT UNSAID's "The Fight Within" album was released in 2008 via Stillborn Records.
Norwegian gothic metallers TRISTANIA have signed a new deal with Austria's Napalm Records. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album for a summer release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Vulture", "Patriot Games", "Year of the Rat", "The Emerald Piper" and "Sirens".
Commented the group in a statement: "We're happy to say that TRISTANIA has reunited forces with Napalm Records. TRISTANIA is back where it all started 13 years ago, and we are looking forward to work together with Napalm again.
"Our new album is completely recorded, and at the moment only mixing and mastering remains. We are totally enthusiastic about it, and feel that this album will appeal to those of you who have followed us through the years. True to tradition, the new album will also bring along several surprises and elements that are new in our musical universe. Five different singers will appear on the album, and we have already announced that Pete Johansen contributes with his brilliant violin playing — for the first time since 'World of Glass' in 2001.
"We are really looking forward to share this album with you guys."
TERROR, EVERY TIME I DIE, ALL SHALL PERISH, DOWN TO NOTHING and THICK AS BLOOD will take part in this year's Hell On Earth European tour, which is scheduled to kick off late September.
Confirmed dates so far are as follows:
Sep. 17 - Jena - F-Haus - Germany
Sep. 18 - Köln - Essigfabrik - Germany
Sep. 20 - Norwich - Waterfront - UK
Sep. 21 - Colchester - Arts Centre - UK
Sep. 22 - Plymouth - White Rabbit - UK
Sep. 23 - Manchester - Moho Live - UK
Sep. 24 - Sheffield - Corporation - UK
Sep. 25 - London - Islington O2 Acadamy - UK
Sep. 26 - Antwerpen - Hof Ter Lo - Belgium
Oct. 13 - Vienna - Arena - Austria
Oct. 14 - Prague - Abaton - Czech Republic
Oct. 15 - Leipzig - Werk - Germany
Oct. 16 - Berlin - SO 36 - Germany
More dates will be announced soon.
TRISTANIA last year announced the addition of guitarist Gyri Losnegård to the group's ranks.
The band played a couple of shows last summer with guest vocalist Kjetil Nordhus (ex-GREEN CARNATION, TRAIL OF TEARS) filling in for Østen Bergøy, including last year's Wacken Open Air festival, which was held July 30 - August 1, 2009 in Wacken, Germany
TRISTANIA in 2007 announced the addition of Italian singer Mariangela "Mary" Demurtas to the group's ranks.
The band's last album, "Illumination", was released in January 2007 via SPV. The CD was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.).
DEVILDRIVER and KILLING MACHINE have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Graspop Metal Meeting, set to take place June 25-27, 2010 in Dessel, Belgium.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
3 INCHES OF BLOOD
36 CRAZYFISTS
A DAY TO REMEMBER
AEROSMITH
AIRBOURNE
ALESTORM
ALL SHALL PERISH
AMON AMARTH
ANATHEMA
ANVIL
AS I LAY DYING
ATREYU
BEHEMOTH
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
BLEEDING THROUGH
BLOODBATH
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CHANNEL ZERO
DARK FUNERAL
DEADLOCK
DEICIDE
DEVILDRIVER
DORO
ELUVEITIE
EVERGREY
FEAR FACTORY
FINNTROLL
GHOST BRIGADE
HAIL OF BULLETS
HELLYEAH
IGNITE
IMMORTAL
JOB FOR A COWBOY
JON OLIVA'S PAIN
KATATONIA
KILLING MACHINE
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
KISS
KORPIKLAANI
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
MUCKY PUP
MY DYING BRIDE
NECROPHOBIC
NILE
OBITUARY
PARADISE LOST
RATT
RAVEN
RISE TO REMAIN
SABATON
SAXON
SEPULTURA
SLAYER
STEEL PANTHER
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
SYLOSIS
TANKARD
TARJA
THE DEVIL'S BLOOD
THE FACELESS
THERION
U.D.O.
UNEARTH
WALLS OF JERICHO
Norwegian black metallers MAYHEM have been confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival festival, set to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AEROSMITH (US)
ALDO NOVA (CAN)
ALESTORM (UK)
ANVIL (CAN)
BACHMAN & TURNER (CAN)
BEHEMOTH (PL)
BIGELF (US)
BILLY IDOL (UK)
BLACKBERRY SMOKE (US)
CINDERELLA (US)
D-A-D (DK)
DAMN DELICIOUS (S)
DANZIG (US)
DEATH ANGEL (US)
DREAM EVIL (S)
DUNDERTÅGET
EPICA (NL)
F.K.Ü. (S)
FATES WARNING (US)
GARY MOORE (UK)
GRAVE DIGGER (D)
GUNS N' ROSES (US)
JORN (N)
MAGNUM (UK)
MASTODON (US)
MAYHEM (N)
MICHAEL MONROE (FIN)
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (D)
MOTHER'S FINEST (US)
NAZARETH (UK)
OPETH (S)
PENDRAGON (UK)
POINT BLANK (US)
RATT (US)
RAVEN (UK/US)
RICK SPRINGFIELD (AUS/US)
SABATON (S)
SAGA (CAN)
SATOR (S)
SKYCLAD (UK)
SLAYER (US)
STEEL PANTHER (US)
STEELWING (S)
STONE SOUR (US)
STRATOVARIUS (FIN)
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES (US)
THE ITCH (S)
THE QUIREBOYS (UK)
U.D.O. (D)
UNISONIC (D)
W.A.S.P. (US)
WATAIN (S)
WINGER (US)
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.
Maryland-based extreme metallers DYING FETUS will head out on a month-long U.S. headlining tour, dubbed "Facemelter 2010", beginning in early May. Support on the trek will come from ARSIS, MISERY INDEX, CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE and ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY. This run immediately follows DYING FETUS' appearance on the European Thrash And Burn Tour and will also include performances at the California Metalfest and Midwest Fuckfest.
Prior to the Thrash And Burn European tour, DYING FETUS will visit Russia and the Ukraine for the first time.
"Facemelter 2010" tour dates:
May 06 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
May 07 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
May 08 - Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
May 09 - New Orleans, LA - The High Ground
May 10 - Houston, TX - Wired Live
May 11 - Austin, TX - Emo's (w/ CANNIBAL CORPSE)
May 12 - Ft. Worth, TX - Ridglea Theatre
May 13 - Albuquerque, NM - The Compound
May 14 - Mesa, AZ - UB's
May 15 - Pomona, CA - Fox Theatre (California Metalfest)
May 16 - San Francisco, CA - TBA
May 18 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
May 19 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
May 21 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
May 23 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave (Midwest Fuckfest)
May 24 - Minneapolis, MN - The Rock
May 26 - West Dundee, IL - Clearwater Theatre
May 27 - Louisville, KY - Uncle Pleasant's
May 28 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theatre
May 29 - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
May 30 - Windsor, ON - Chubby Pickle
May 31 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
Jun. 01 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial
Jun. 02 - Montreal, QC - Foufounes
Jun. 04 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Jun. 05 - Pittsburgh, PA - Smiling Moose
Jun. 06 - Long Island, NY - Crazy Donkey
Roxwel conducted an interview with Maryland-based extreme metallers DYING FETUS when the band played Emo's in Austin, Texas last summer. The chat can now be viewed below. Also available is professionally filmed video footage of the group's performance.
DYING FETUS' latest album, "Descend Into Depravity", which sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 166 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 4 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Released on September 15, 2009 via Relapse Records, the follow-up to 2007's "War Of Attrition" was recorded at Wright Way Studios in the group's hometown with producer Steve Wright.
Ventura, California death metallers FATALIST have recruited Sean Jessel (MENTACIDE) on drums, Matt Drexler on lead guitars, and Mike Deity (CARNAL DEITY) on main vocals. The group's new lineup (pictured below) recently recorded a cover version of DEATH's "Beyond The Unholy Grave" for the soundtrack to "After Party Massacre".
You can now stream the song online at www.myspace.com/fatalist666.
Commented the band: "We are planning a few different small tours for 2010 and we will post more news when we get anything confirmed. We are [also] working on new material at the moment for the next release that will hopefully come out in early 2011."
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."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/fatalist666.
Swiss death metallers REQUIEMwill enter Stage One studio in Borgentreich, Germany in December 2010 with producer Andy Classen (LEGION OF THE DAMNED, DEW-SCENTED, TANKARD, HOLY MOSES, DISBELIEF, KRISIUN, CALLENISH CIRCLE) to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "Infiltrate... Obliterate... Dominate", tentatively titled "Within Darkened Disorder". The band states, "The songwriting process is still going on finishing the instrumental arrangements. Lyrics and vocal arrangements will be done prior to the next European tour in November 2010." An early 2011 via Twilight Vertrieb is expected.
Vocalist Michi Kuster recently left REQUIEM "due to family reasons." The band has since decided to carry on as a three-piece
A photo of REQUIEM's new lineup can be viewed below (from left to right): Phil Klauser (guitar), Ralf Winzer Garcia (vocals/bass) and Reto Crola (drums).
REQUIEM's "Marked By The Signs Of Chaos" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot on March 14, 2008 at a sold-out show in Berne, Switzerland.
"Marked By The Signs Of Chaos" comes off REQUIEM's latest album, "Infiltrate... Obliterate... Dominate", which was released in July 2009 via Twilight Vertrieb.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/requiemdeathmetal.
Denver, Colorado's VALE OF PNATH has inked a deal with Willowtip Records. The band will enter Flatline Audio Studios later this year to record its debut full-length. According to a press release, "The CD will introduce a new blend of melodic song structure, blast beats, and high BPM technicality."
Commented the group: "VALE OF PNATH is extremely excited and proud to be given the opportunity to work with Willowtip and share the name with so many influential and talented acts.
"With the arrival of a new year and the potential brought by Willowtip, VALE OF PNATH is ready to take things further than they ever have before."
VALE OF PNATH is:
Ken Sarafin - Vocals
Vance Valenzuela - Guitar
Mike Reeves - Guitar
Alan Paredes - Bass
MDK - Drums
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/valeofpnath.
Dutch melodic death metallers GOD DETHRONED have extended their deal with Metal Blade Records.
Commented GOD DETHRONED guitarist/vocalist Henri Sattler: "Once you're in it, you're in it for life, the head of Metal Blade in Europe once said to me. It was already a dream come true to sign our first deal with the label back in '97, and now 13 years later we just put our signature on our third contract with them. It's just as exciting as it was back then and we're very proud of earning their trust and support after all these years.
"We are halfway through the writing process for a new album, which we will record starting end of May. First, we'll play on the Killfest tour in the U.S. supporting OVERKILL together with label mates WOE OF TYRANTS and many other great bands.
"ABIGAIL WILLIAMS' axeman Ian Jekelis will take over touring duties for Susan [Gerl], with whom we parted ways last January. We will announce the name of our new shredder right before we play our first European festival in May."
Added Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel: "We are very happy to continue our long and great relationship with GOD DETHRONED. We've been working with the band and Henri for over a decade and we look forward to more great music from them in the future!"
GOD DETHRONED's video for the track "Poison Fog" can be viewed below. The song is described as "one of the most lyrically intense songs" from the group's latest CD, "Passiondale". The clip was directed by Maurice Swinkels.
"Passiondale" was released in April 2009 as a limited double digipack edition including a bonus CD. The double-digipack features stunning artwork and two discs: the regular album plus a live recording from 2005 featuring nine songs! The CD was recorded at Soundlodge studios in Germany with producer Jörg Uken.
Quebec's black/death metal trio NECRONOMICON has inked a deal with Austria's Napalm Records. The band's new album, "The Return Of The Witch", is scheduled for a release in early June.
Commented vocalist/guitarist Rob "The Witch": "The band is very happy to finally join forces with the people at Napalm Records. I feel a good vibe in working with the label and am anxious to bring our music to the metal fans around the world.
"Working on this band for so many years makes me appreciate even more when people believe in our talent, and it's encouraging to know that we'll have a solid team behind us. We look forward to new ventures and meeting die hard and new fans alike on the road."
"The Time is Now", the new video from NECRONOMICON, can be viewed below. The clip was shot in 2008 with Benoit Nantel (GHOULUNATICS, URBAN ALIEN, LES ECORCHES) who "did his best to capture the band's atmosphere and power." NECRONOMICON is said to be "really satisfied" with the end result and plans to work with Nantel again in the near future.
"The Time is Now" comes off "The Return Of The Witch", which was mastered with reputed engineer Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, etc).
"The Return Of The Witch" features guest appearances by Arianne Fleury (ex-AUGURY) and Roxanne Constantin (NEGATIVA, QUO VADIS), among others.
The band previously stated that the follow-up to 2003's "The Sacred Medicines" would "probably be the fastest and most brutal" CD the group has released thus far.
Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Into The Fire", "Alpha Omega", "The Awakening", and "The Return Of The Witch".
Dutch death metallers BRUTUS have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
1349
ALICE COOPER
ARCH ENEMY
AMORPHIS
ASTRAL DOORS
ATROCITY
BROILERS
BRUTUS
CALIBAN
CANDLEMASS
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CORVUS CORAX
CRUCIFIED BARBARA
DEAD MEANS NOTHING
DEBAUCHERY
DEGRADEAD
DELAIN
DESPISED ICON
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
DIE KASSIERER
EDGUY
EQUILIBRIUM
END OF GREEN
ENDSTILLE
ETERNAL LEGACY
EVILE
FEAR FACTORY
FIDDLER'S GREEN
GHOST BRIGADE
GOJIRA
GRAVE DIGGER
HACKNEYED
HANGGAI
HELLS BELLES
HOLY GRAIL
IHSAHN
ILL NINO
IMMORTAL
IMPERIUM DEKADENZ
IRON MAIDEN
JOB FOR A COWBOY
KAMPFAR
KATAKLYSM
KILLING MACHINE
LAKE OF TEARS
LETZTE INSTANZ
LIZZY BORDEN
MAD MAX
MAMBO KURT
MAROON
METSATÖLL
MÖTLEY CRÜE
NIGHTMARE
ORDEN OGAN
ORPHANED LAND
OVERKILL
PRIMAL FEAR
RAVEN
ROTTING CHRIST
SCHELMISH
SECRETS OF THE MOON
SKANNERS
SLAYER
SMOKE BLOW
SÓLSTAFIR
STRATOVARIUS
SUICIDAL ANGELS
SVARTSOT
TARJA
THE DEVIL'S BLOOD
THE NEW BLACK
THE OTHER
TIAMAT
TYR
U.D.O.
UNLEASHED
VARG
VOIVOD
W.A.S.P.
Swedish death metallers PUTERAEON have inked a deal with Cyclone Empire Records. The band is currently preparing to enter the studio to begin recordings its debut album, tentatively titled "The Esoteric Order".
Songtitles set to appear on the CD include:
* The Plague
* Castle Of Despair
* Whispers Of The Dead
* Into The Deep
* Re-Animation
* Graverobber
* The Extraordinary Work Of Herbert West
* Experience Zombiefication
* Dead Once More
* The Innsmouth Insanity
* The End Of All
Coming from the Gothenburg area, PUTERAEON caused quite a bit of a stir with its three demo CDs, "Fascination For Mutilation", "The Requiem" and "The Extraordinary Work Of Herbert West".
PUTERAEON was spawned in 2008 by mainman Jonas Lindblood (TAETRE, THORIUM), who states the following: "I started doing some riffs that took me back to my roots in death metal, the glorious early '90s!"
In addition to Jonas (vocals, guitars), PUTERAEON features Anders Malmström (NOMINON, PROPHANITY, IMMEMORIAL, INVERTED) on drums, Daniel Vandija (13ITCH) on bass and Hasse Gustafsson (13ITCH) on guitar.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/puteraeon666.
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