Relapse Records is offering listeners the chance to ring in the New Year with a few free tracks. The metal label is now offering a 26-track sampler that features an array of bands from the labels own roster. Artists featured on the freebie include: Death, Dying Fetus, Revocation, Kingdom of Sorrow, Misery Index, and Cephalic Carnage (as well as newer acts like Cough, Titan, and Mose Giganticus).
To get the free sample, all one has to do is click "like" on the Relapse Records Facebook page. 26 free tracks for the simple click of a mouse makes for a pretty decent New Year's offering!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tomorrow's Outlook Releases Update on Forthcoming Album
Norwegian metallers Tomorrow's Outlook have issued an update regarding their forthcoming album, 34613:
"We have now been listening through the Master a couple of times and there is nothing we would like to change. It all sounds killer! We would like to thank our engineer for being patient with us and for doing such a great job. We didn't expect the recordings to turn out as great as they did. Colin Davis is a true magician, and I have been wondering lately why he ain't up there with the best metal/hard rock producers of today!
"Well, a few days ago I started to shop for labels. I shipped out 13 promo packs. 7 of them to Germany: Century Media Records, Limb Music, Nuclear Blast, Massacre Records, Pure Steel Records, Avenue Of Allies and Rock N Growl. The rest to: Lion Music (Finland), Spinefarm Records (Finland), Mascot Records (Holland), Inferno Records (France) and last but not least Rockadrome Records (USA).
"The more interest the better! And if we still can't secure a good deal we will release the album ourselves. This way we'll get more money and there's a bigger chance for a follow-up sometime soon. Wish us luck, friends... and have a great remaining Christmas and forthcoming new year. All the best from Sörvik 'Rock' City and Northern Norway." (Read More)
"We have now been listening through the Master a couple of times and there is nothing we would like to change. It all sounds killer! We would like to thank our engineer for being patient with us and for doing such a great job. We didn't expect the recordings to turn out as great as they did. Colin Davis is a true magician, and I have been wondering lately why he ain't up there with the best metal/hard rock producers of today!
"Well, a few days ago I started to shop for labels. I shipped out 13 promo packs. 7 of them to Germany: Century Media Records, Limb Music, Nuclear Blast, Massacre Records, Pure Steel Records, Avenue Of Allies and Rock N Growl. The rest to: Lion Music (Finland), Spinefarm Records (Finland), Mascot Records (Holland), Inferno Records (France) and last but not least Rockadrome Records (USA).
"The more interest the better! And if we still can't secure a good deal we will release the album ourselves. This way we'll get more money and there's a bigger chance for a follow-up sometime soon. Wish us luck, friends... and have a great remaining Christmas and forthcoming new year. All the best from Sörvik 'Rock' City and Northern Norway." (Read More)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Will of the Ancients Issues Album Update
Melodic death metallers Will of the Ancients recently checked in with an announcement concerning the band's upcoming album:
"Hi All. Its been a while since we last had an update, so I figure, this is a pretty good time to take a look at what we've been doing in the WotA camp for the past little while. This past August we started re-recording the new album, To Our Glorious Dead. I know a lot of you have been bugging us to get it out soon, but we wanted to (and still do!) want to release a real ass-kicker of an album, and the stuff we had done previously was not up to that standard.
"Dave [Black] finished tracking the drums in October, and then we went on an Ontario mini-tour with our good friends in Battlesoul, Bolero and Strings of Ares. It was sorta like the sequel to Get Folked (if you remember that from last year). When we got back we started working on the guitar parts. Right now we're about a third of the way done those, and we are hoping to be done early in 2011." (Read More)
"Hi All. Its been a while since we last had an update, so I figure, this is a pretty good time to take a look at what we've been doing in the WotA camp for the past little while. This past August we started re-recording the new album, To Our Glorious Dead. I know a lot of you have been bugging us to get it out soon, but we wanted to (and still do!) want to release a real ass-kicker of an album, and the stuff we had done previously was not up to that standard.
"Dave [Black] finished tracking the drums in October, and then we went on an Ontario mini-tour with our good friends in Battlesoul, Bolero and Strings of Ares. It was sorta like the sequel to Get Folked (if you remember that from last year). When we got back we started working on the guitar parts. Right now we're about a third of the way done those, and we are hoping to be done early in 2011." (Read More)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Fear Factory Postpone Fear Campaign Tour
Fear Factory's latest tour - the Fear Campaign Tour - was originally slated to kick off today, December 29, and run until January 8, 2011. However, for the time being, the industrialized cyber metal act has pulled the plug on the tour.
The band didn't go unnoticed in 2010, a fact mostly due to the release of their seventh studio album, Mechanize. The success of the album has been attributed to the reconciliation between original guitarist (and founding member) Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell. (Read More)
The band didn't go unnoticed in 2010, a fact mostly due to the release of their seventh studio album, Mechanize. The success of the album has been attributed to the reconciliation between original guitarist (and founding member) Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell. (Read More)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Breakups of 2010: A Retrospect
2010 proved to be a rough year for metal bands. The number of incidents involving illnesses, crimes, accidents, and even deaths could easily be detailed in an article all to itself. However, Metal Insider has decided to focus on what it deems "some of the most tangible and immediate consequences in the metal world - the breakup and hiatus announcements and completions of the past year." (Read More)
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Top Albums of 2010 (As Decided By Metal Injection Readers)
Metal Injection has posted a list of the top metal albums of 2010. The list was compiled after the website asked its readers to submit their own top ten lists. Those lists were then combined to create a single definitive list.
1. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis : 133 votes
2. Cephalic Carnage - Misled by Certainty : 114 votes
3. Ihsahn - After : 94 votes
4. Decrepit Birth - Polarity : 86 votes
5. Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier : 85 votes (Read More)
1. Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis : 133 votes
2. Cephalic Carnage - Misled by Certainty : 114 votes
3. Ihsahn - After : 94 votes
4. Decrepit Birth - Polarity : 86 votes
5. Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier : 85 votes (Read More)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Suidakra Posts Studio Footage
German melodic death metal act Suidakra has posted an in-studio video clip online. The clip was filmed during the band's recording of the new album, Book of Dowth, and can be streamed via MetalUnderground.com. In addition, the band has issued a comment on the footage:
"It’s time for the last update of 2010! We’re back home from the Gernhart Studio where the recordings for Book Of Dowth went even better than expected. We shit you not! Never before have recordings gone as smooth as this time, because all people involved were well prepared and very focused. Check out a clip from the studio with some background information below. Do not forget to leave a comment." (Read More)
"It’s time for the last update of 2010! We’re back home from the Gernhart Studio where the recordings for Book Of Dowth went even better than expected. We shit you not! Never before have recordings gone as smooth as this time, because all people involved were well prepared and very focused. Check out a clip from the studio with some background information below. Do not forget to leave a comment." (Read More)
Hatebreed Set to Play Summer Breeze Open Air 2011
American hardcore/metalcore act Hatebreed has now been confirmed as one of the participating acts at the 2011 edition of Summer Breeze Open Air in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The festival is scheduled to take place from August 18th - 20th and more details can be found on the festival's official website. Festival organizers issued the following comment:
"Summer Breeze has already survived a few tremors over the last few years, but the most severe eruption of them all is yet to come. Hatebreed are gearing up to utterly destroy Dinkelsbühl in 2011 with their killer songs. No other band out there combines the attitude and aggression of hardcore and the uncompromising heaviness of metal in such a perfect way. Scene icon Jamey Jasta and his wrecking crew are the epitome of unleashed energy, the embodiment of credibility, the essence of groove, the purest form of brutality, the rulers of all pits and the blueprint for a whole generation, all rolled into one. Please welcome one of the most important and influential bands of the last decade for the first time at Summer Breeze! Hard, harder, Hatebreed!"
Currently, the Summer Breeze lineup consists of the following confirmed acts:
Arch Enemy
Tyr
Kvelertak
Suicidal Tendencies
Bolt Thrower
J.B.O.
Witchery
Farmer Boys
Kalmah
Hail of Bullets
Corvus Corax
Hammerfall
Skeletonwitch
Excrementory Grindfuckers
Kampfar
Hayseed Dixie
Turisas
Marduk
Sonic Syndicate
Decapitated
Moonsorrow
Sodom
Hatebreed
"Summer Breeze has already survived a few tremors over the last few years, but the most severe eruption of them all is yet to come. Hatebreed are gearing up to utterly destroy Dinkelsbühl in 2011 with their killer songs. No other band out there combines the attitude and aggression of hardcore and the uncompromising heaviness of metal in such a perfect way. Scene icon Jamey Jasta and his wrecking crew are the epitome of unleashed energy, the embodiment of credibility, the essence of groove, the purest form of brutality, the rulers of all pits and the blueprint for a whole generation, all rolled into one. Please welcome one of the most important and influential bands of the last decade for the first time at Summer Breeze! Hard, harder, Hatebreed!"
Currently, the Summer Breeze lineup consists of the following confirmed acts:
Arch Enemy
Tyr
Kvelertak
Suicidal Tendencies
Bolt Thrower
J.B.O.
Witchery
Farmer Boys
Kalmah
Hail of Bullets
Corvus Corax
Hammerfall
Skeletonwitch
Excrementory Grindfuckers
Kampfar
Hayseed Dixie
Turisas
Marduk
Sonic Syndicate
Decapitated
Moonsorrow
Sodom
Hatebreed
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Eufobia Recording New Album
Bulgarian metallers Eufobia have issued the following announcement regarding the recording of a second album:
"We're almost ready with the recording of our second official album, which is expected to be released in the first half of 2011. This release would be a successor of our 2010 official debut album Insemination, released by the Romanian label Axa Valaha. The layout artwork would be done once again by the same artist who did the shocking and provocative artwork for Insemination, Mr. Costin Chioreanu from Twilight 13 Media, known for his work for such artists as Ulver, Mayhem, Absu, Grave, Destroyer666 and more." (Read More)
"We're almost ready with the recording of our second official album, which is expected to be released in the first half of 2011. This release would be a successor of our 2010 official debut album Insemination, released by the Romanian label Axa Valaha. The layout artwork would be done once again by the same artist who did the shocking and provocative artwork for Insemination, Mr. Costin Chioreanu from Twilight 13 Media, known for his work for such artists as Ulver, Mayhem, Absu, Grave, Destroyer666 and more." (Read More)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Blood Mortilized Issues Band Update
Swedish death metal act Blood Mortilized has checked in with the following update about releasing a new EP and working on a new album:
"So the new MySpace design is driving us all maaaaad. Probably it will take some while until it improves. Meanwhile you should join us on our new Facebook profile. Some info about what is going on in the Blood Mortized camp?
"Well we have signed a contract for a cassette release of the all new Bestial EP. It will feature an arse kicking cover created for us by Daniel Devilish. The tape will be released in a strict 100 copies only, so be fast or cry like a baby later! We are talking to some labels and especially one, can't say which one. But hopefully this will lead to a CD release of the new EP AND a bit later it might get released on vinyl also. The cover for the CD version was created by our favorite Dutch artist Thomas Kynst." (Read More)
"So the new MySpace design is driving us all maaaaad. Probably it will take some while until it improves. Meanwhile you should join us on our new Facebook profile. Some info about what is going on in the Blood Mortized camp?
"Well we have signed a contract for a cassette release of the all new Bestial EP. It will feature an arse kicking cover created for us by Daniel Devilish. The tape will be released in a strict 100 copies only, so be fast or cry like a baby later! We are talking to some labels and especially one, can't say which one. But hopefully this will lead to a CD release of the new EP AND a bit later it might get released on vinyl also. The cover for the CD version was created by our favorite Dutch artist Thomas Kynst." (Read More)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Paul Gilbert Interviewed by Switzerland's Stringworks
Michael Herb of Switzerland's Stringworks.ch web site recently conducted an interview with Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert. The chat can now be streamed at this location. (Click on player to launch audio.)
What If..., the latest studio effort from the now-reunited Mr. Big, is set to be released in Europe on January 21, 2011 via Frontiers Records. The North American release, also on Frontiers Records, will follow on February 8.
What If... marks the band's first "all-original" album since the 2009 reunion of the band's four original members: Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey. Sixteen years after the release of Hey Man, the latest album will likely bring Mr. Big back into the spotlight. (Read More)
What If..., the latest studio effort from the now-reunited Mr. Big, is set to be released in Europe on January 21, 2011 via Frontiers Records. The North American release, also on Frontiers Records, will follow on February 8.
What If... marks the band's first "all-original" album since the 2009 reunion of the band's four original members: Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey. Sixteen years after the release of Hey Man, the latest album will likely bring Mr. Big back into the spotlight. (Read More)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Gwar Checks in from the Road
Gwar are back from the No Sleep Til... festival in Austrailia and New Zealand after having rocked the outback with acts such as Megadeth and NOFX. Now the band is set to finish 2010 with a string of east coast U.S. shows.
Speaking from a garbage dumpster behind a popular Battle Creek nightspot, Oderus Urungus commented, "We did a Christmas special for Break.com, we tested the new Microsoft Kinnect for Game Informer, and my human slave even wrote a book about some good friends of ours. The only thing I regret is that I apparently can't tell a Bantha from a Wampa!" (Read More)
Speaking from a garbage dumpster behind a popular Battle Creek nightspot, Oderus Urungus commented, "We did a Christmas special for Break.com, we tested the new Microsoft Kinnect for Game Informer, and my human slave even wrote a book about some good friends of ours. The only thing I regret is that I apparently can't tell a Bantha from a Wampa!" (Read More)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Shadowside to Enter the Studio
Brazilian power metal act Shadowside has issued a recap of recent tour dates as well as an announcement regarding entering the recording studio:
"After touring all over Europe, Shadowside are back home! The band currently consisting of Dani Nolden (vocals), Raphael Mattos (guitarist), Ricardo Piccoli (bass) and Fabio Buitvidas (drums) performed a series of concerts as W.A.S.P.'s special guests in the Old Continent. The tour, that lasted nearly two months, went through several countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, North Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, ending in Finland.
"During the whole time on the road, the band had a great time on stage and that was made obvious by their aggressive, fun, energetic and spontaneous performances, that secured both crowd's and media's attention." (Read More)
"After touring all over Europe, Shadowside are back home! The band currently consisting of Dani Nolden (vocals), Raphael Mattos (guitarist), Ricardo Piccoli (bass) and Fabio Buitvidas (drums) performed a series of concerts as W.A.S.P.'s special guests in the Old Continent. The tour, that lasted nearly two months, went through several countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, North Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, ending in Finland.
"During the whole time on the road, the band had a great time on stage and that was made obvious by their aggressive, fun, energetic and spontaneous performances, that secured both crowd's and media's attention." (Read More)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Shining Comments on Album Delay
After previously discussing the delay of the band's new album, Shining's Niklas Kvarforth has issued an official statement clarifying the situation:
"We have spoken to our producer regarding Shining VII and have come to realize that he is also not to blame for the delay in finishing the album, but rather that it has been caused by a lack of communication between all the parties concerned – these being the label, the producer and ourselves.
"We are happy with the outcome of our discussions, and expect that the album will be fully mixed and mastered by the second week in January, after which time we will hopefully be able to get more information regarding a release date. In the meantime, we would like to thank all the fans for their patience and for all the messages we have been receiving over the past months." (Read More)
"We have spoken to our producer regarding Shining VII and have come to realize that he is also not to blame for the delay in finishing the album, but rather that it has been caused by a lack of communication between all the parties concerned – these being the label, the producer and ourselves.
"We are happy with the outcome of our discussions, and expect that the album will be fully mixed and mastered by the second week in January, after which time we will hopefully be able to get more information regarding a release date. In the meantime, we would like to thank all the fans for their patience and for all the messages we have been receiving over the past months." (Read More)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Anger as Art Issues End-of-Year Update
Anger as Art has checked in with an end-of-year band update:
"Hey everyone - I want to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Or Happy Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, or whatever your reason for celebrating the season. To anyone who doesn't appreciate why we celebrate it - oh well. Denny's will be open. Go celebrate alone with the other bittermen. You know who you are.
"Speaking of bitter - I wanted to let you all know that beginning in 2011, Anger as Art will begin de-emphasizing our MySpace page - and begin to build our Facebook page. It is online over there right now - go look for Anger As Art on Facebook. Simple reason? Not necessarily that FB has taken over the market share so strongly. The best example I can give is that it took me 44 minutes from the time I logged in to be able to get to the blog to type a new one. MySpace's servers are too slow. That, and the fact that they allow so many people who do not understand html (myself included) to make their pages so individual that the average 5 to 7 year old computer cannot handle the upgrades." (Read More)
"Hey everyone - I want to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Or Happy Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, or whatever your reason for celebrating the season. To anyone who doesn't appreciate why we celebrate it - oh well. Denny's will be open. Go celebrate alone with the other bittermen. You know who you are.
"Speaking of bitter - I wanted to let you all know that beginning in 2011, Anger as Art will begin de-emphasizing our MySpace page - and begin to build our Facebook page. It is online over there right now - go look for Anger As Art on Facebook. Simple reason? Not necessarily that FB has taken over the market share so strongly. The best example I can give is that it took me 44 minutes from the time I logged in to be able to get to the blog to type a new one. MySpace's servers are too slow. That, and the fact that they allow so many people who do not understand html (myself included) to make their pages so individual that the average 5 to 7 year old computer cannot handle the upgrades." (Read More)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Nocra Finishes New Album
Russian female-fronted black metal act Nocra has issued an announcement about finishing their latest album:
"Hails! Well, after 1.5 months since we entered [the] studio I'm proud to say that the album is ready! Here is a very different sound than Enlightened by Death. More aggressive, raw, cruel and, cold. Sure there is no reason to SPEAK about music, just listen!
"The album titled The Haunting will be released on new Czech label Agni Productions. The label is owned by Nebulah from [the] band Detonator666. The planned release date is 01.02.2011. Now I am working with [the] album artwork, so every time when I will have a chance I will post news. That's all for now." (Read More)
"Hails! Well, after 1.5 months since we entered [the] studio I'm proud to say that the album is ready! Here is a very different sound than Enlightened by Death. More aggressive, raw, cruel and, cold. Sure there is no reason to SPEAK about music, just listen!
"The album titled The Haunting will be released on new Czech label Agni Productions. The label is owned by Nebulah from [the] band Detonator666. The planned release date is 01.02.2011. Now I am working with [the] album artwork, so every time when I will have a chance I will post news. That's all for now." (Read More)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Megadeth Bassist Thinks Fans Won't be Disappointed with New Material
Recently, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson spoke to Ultimate-Guitar.com's Robert Gray about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next studio album which is tentatively due out in late 2011 via Roadrunner Records. A few excerpts from the chat can be found below.
Concerning the amount of new material that has been accumulated at this point in the writing process:
Ellefson: There's some ideas that we're now starting to individually compose. We're starting to put some things together, but the actual getting together in the studio to really get things started for the next record as far as all of us being in a room with a producer and all that, that is something we're gonna start [in January].
Regarding the new songs and how they're sounding:
Ellefson: We're at a stage where we're just compiling ideas - riffs, lyrics, things like that. Those early ideas often turn many corners and take many new twists before they're finalized on the final album. The seeds of the ideas I think are great, and I think they're really heavy and they're powerful. I don't think Megadeth fans will be disappointed at all. If the final outcome of what I'm hearing at this point with these seeds of ideas, if these come to fruition like they should, I think we're gonna have ourselves a smoking record ... I think, more than the actual material, though... because again, at this point everybody has some individual ideas or some collective ideas that are at least established... More than anything though, I think we're excited about it because we've had such a great year of reconnecting. There've been some huge successes with the 'Rust In Peace' tour and the |Big Four DVD, and just coming off of that, it's an exciting time for us to start and carve out the next chapter of Megadeth. (Read More)
Concerning the amount of new material that has been accumulated at this point in the writing process:
Ellefson: There's some ideas that we're now starting to individually compose. We're starting to put some things together, but the actual getting together in the studio to really get things started for the next record as far as all of us being in a room with a producer and all that, that is something we're gonna start [in January].
Regarding the new songs and how they're sounding:
Ellefson: We're at a stage where we're just compiling ideas - riffs, lyrics, things like that. Those early ideas often turn many corners and take many new twists before they're finalized on the final album. The seeds of the ideas I think are great, and I think they're really heavy and they're powerful. I don't think Megadeth fans will be disappointed at all. If the final outcome of what I'm hearing at this point with these seeds of ideas, if these come to fruition like they should, I think we're gonna have ourselves a smoking record ... I think, more than the actual material, though... because again, at this point everybody has some individual ideas or some collective ideas that are at least established... More than anything though, I think we're excited about it because we've had such a great year of reconnecting. There've been some huge successes with the 'Rust In Peace' tour and the |Big Four DVD, and just coming off of that, it's an exciting time for us to start and carve out the next chapter of Megadeth. (Read More)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Warbringer Announces Show with Halford
American thrash metal act Warbringer is set to kick off a 3-date trek supporting Halford, which serves as Halford's follow-up to a recent tour with Ozzy Osbourne. Warbringer guitarist John Laux said the following:
"Seasons Slayings and Greetings everyone! It's been quite a turbulent sleigh ride since we released Waking into Nightmares last year. We are very excited to wrap up the year with 3 killer Halford gigs in Southern California! Judas Priest has long been a staple of our late night tour van mp3 selection, so we are very excited and honored to share the stage with the the Metal God and Painkiller himself!
"These shows will also mark the end of 2 years of touring in support of the album. We had a great time visiting many countries and meeting a lot of great fans and bands." (Read More)
"Seasons Slayings and Greetings everyone! It's been quite a turbulent sleigh ride since we released Waking into Nightmares last year. We are very excited to wrap up the year with 3 killer Halford gigs in Southern California! Judas Priest has long been a staple of our late night tour van mp3 selection, so we are very excited and honored to share the stage with the the Metal God and Painkiller himself!
"These shows will also mark the end of 2 years of touring in support of the album. We had a great time visiting many countries and meeting a lot of great fans and bands." (Read More)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Joe Satriani Interviewed by WDHA-FM 105.5 FM
Guitar legend Joe Satriani took part in an interview and live performance on December 14 whilst in the studios of WDHA-FM 105.5 FM (Dover and Morristown, New Jersey). The chat is available for streaming via Blabbermouth.net and the performance footage can be viewed here.
Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, Satriani's 14th studio album, sold 10,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week of release. The album debuted at the No. 45 position on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the highest opening chart position ever for the Grammy-nominated guitarist.
Satriani kicked off his North American tour dates on December 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. Other scheduled tour stops included Chicago, New York, and Boston. The second leg of the Black Swans tour begins on January 4, 2011, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with confirmed dates to follow in Seattle, Portland, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Reno, Las vegas, and Texas. (Read More)
Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, Satriani's 14th studio album, sold 10,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week of release. The album debuted at the No. 45 position on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the highest opening chart position ever for the Grammy-nominated guitarist.
Satriani kicked off his North American tour dates on December 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. Other scheduled tour stops included Chicago, New York, and Boston. The second leg of the Black Swans tour begins on January 4, 2011, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with confirmed dates to follow in Seattle, Portland, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Reno, Las vegas, and Texas. (Read More)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sonata Arctica Comments on Upcoming Live DVD
Finnish melodic metal act Sonata Arctica has released an official statement concerning the filming of its forthcoming live DVD:
"We're writing this in order to clear up some confusions about where, when and how we're going to film our next DVD.
"When the original DVD show in Milan was postponed when Elias [Sonata guitarist] broke his hand, we put off the preparations for the time being. Some days ago as we were starting to finish the preparation for the show, we realized that we've been misled about some of the costs for doing the DVD shoot. Mainly we're talking about the pyrotechnics permits, which would have cost roughly 10 times more than anywhere else. This, along with some other unexpected expenses, came as a total surprise to the band. In order to make things work we had to pull the plug on the shoot in Milan and move it to Finland where we can afford to do a proper DVD shoot. Our management jumped the gun here and told our webmaster to change the info on the website, without us knowing about it and without an explanation." (Read More)
"We're writing this in order to clear up some confusions about where, when and how we're going to film our next DVD.
"When the original DVD show in Milan was postponed when Elias [Sonata guitarist] broke his hand, we put off the preparations for the time being. Some days ago as we were starting to finish the preparation for the show, we realized that we've been misled about some of the costs for doing the DVD shoot. Mainly we're talking about the pyrotechnics permits, which would have cost roughly 10 times more than anywhere else. This, along with some other unexpected expenses, came as a total surprise to the band. In order to make things work we had to pull the plug on the shoot in Milan and move it to Finland where we can afford to do a proper DVD shoot. Our management jumped the gun here and told our webmaster to change the info on the website, without us knowing about it and without an explanation." (Read More)
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Soulless Begins Recording New Album
British melodic death metallers The Soulless (who recently changed their name from Ignominious Incarceration) are set to enter the studio on Wednesday, December 15, in order to begin recording a new album. The band will be heading into Outhouse Studios in Reading, England, accompanied by producer John Mitchell. They are set to record until the middle of January 2011. The currently untitled new album is set for an April 2011 release via Earache Records. (Read More)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
King Diamond Undergoes Triple Bypass Surgery
Danish heavy metal legend King Diamond recently underwent an open heart triple bypass surgery. Reports have confirmed that he is recovering and doing well. A message issued by his wife reads as follows:
"Let me catch you all up on the past couple of weeks' happenings, because it affects many things. On Monday, November 29th, King had to be transported to the nearby hospital by ambulance. After several different tests were done and the EKG machine showing abnormalities, the doctors recommended that he get a cardiac catheterization.
"Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where the doctors lead a very thin tube up from the leg and into the heart, where it injects dye into the bloodstream. Then a camera at the end of the tube takes many pictures of the heart's arteries, looking for blockages. After this was done, they determined that King had several heart attacks, and three of his heart's arteries were the cause: one was completely blocked, the second was 90% blocked, and the third was 65% blocked.
"The only solution to this was an open heart triple bypass surgery." (Read More)
"Let me catch you all up on the past couple of weeks' happenings, because it affects many things. On Monday, November 29th, King had to be transported to the nearby hospital by ambulance. After several different tests were done and the EKG machine showing abnormalities, the doctors recommended that he get a cardiac catheterization.
"Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where the doctors lead a very thin tube up from the leg and into the heart, where it injects dye into the bloodstream. Then a camera at the end of the tube takes many pictures of the heart's arteries, looking for blockages. After this was done, they determined that King had several heart attacks, and three of his heart's arteries were the cause: one was completely blocked, the second was 90% blocked, and the third was 65% blocked.
"The only solution to this was an open heart triple bypass surgery." (Read More)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Disbelief Comments on Tour Cancellation
Recently, it was announced that Christmas Metal Meeting 2010 with Disbelief and Six Feet Under has been cancelled. Now, Disbelief has issued an official statement concerning the cancellation:
"Concerning the Christmas Metal tour with Six Feet Under, Disbelief would like to let you know that we are very sorry about the fact that this tour was canceled in the last minute. From the booking agency of the tour we got the message that the tour was canceled two days before tour start! Disbelief contacted Six Feet Under and they sent us their point of view. We cannot tell any details, but we have now two oppositional statements which we have to live with. Those who suffered the most are the fans, who already bought their tickets and the bands as well as the venues, who had efforts and costs! This fact is unacceptable and leaves a foul taste of disappointment for all participators!
"However, the fact of this cancellation (after overcoming the shock) cannot stop the path of Disbelief. With this statement we want to show our fans why we can't come to your city to play for you. And by the way, we also want to let you know what ugly things are sometimes going on in this business."(Read More)
"Concerning the Christmas Metal tour with Six Feet Under, Disbelief would like to let you know that we are very sorry about the fact that this tour was canceled in the last minute. From the booking agency of the tour we got the message that the tour was canceled two days before tour start! Disbelief contacted Six Feet Under and they sent us their point of view. We cannot tell any details, but we have now two oppositional statements which we have to live with. Those who suffered the most are the fans, who already bought their tickets and the bands as well as the venues, who had efforts and costs! This fact is unacceptable and leaves a foul taste of disappointment for all participators!
"However, the fact of this cancellation (after overcoming the shock) cannot stop the path of Disbelief. With this statement we want to show our fans why we can't come to your city to play for you. And by the way, we also want to let you know what ugly things are sometimes going on in this business."(Read More)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Samael to Reveal New Album Title Later This Month
Swiss industrial black metallers Samael are set to reveal the title of their up-coming album on December 21.
The band entered the studio on August 10, 2010, to being recording their new album which would be released via Nuclear Blast Records in April 2011. The recording sessions began only three weeks after the band returned from Germany (where they had been reviewing their new material with long-time collaborator Waldemar Sorychta).
Samael's latest EP, Antigod, was released on November 19 in Europe, North America, and Switzerland. (Read More)
The band entered the studio on August 10, 2010, to being recording their new album which would be released via Nuclear Blast Records in April 2011. The recording sessions began only three weeks after the band returned from Germany (where they had been reviewing their new material with long-time collaborator Waldemar Sorychta).
Samael's latest EP, Antigod, was released on November 19 in Europe, North America, and Switzerland. (Read More)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Decadence Splits with Guitarist
Swedish melodic thrash metal act Decadence has issued an official update concerning their parting ways with guitarist Niklas Skogqvist. The band also gave an update about their plans to enter the studio:
"It's been a while since you last heard from us. We have an announcement to make before we can move on with more news. Niklas Skogqvist on 2nd guitar decided to leave the band last month. We have not yet decided if we will continue as a quartet. In fact, our music is more technically suited for two guitarists and we might therefore need a second guitarist again. Decadence is down to its solid quartet and we'll see which turn we take after that. Nicke felt that he had too many things going on in his life. He said Decadence needs a guitarist that gives 100% which he says he was not able to do.
"Some of his own words: 'I want you all to know that I've had an awesome experience with you. I have had so much fun during these two years and I really wish I could go on with it. I've always enjoyed being with you, both as musicians by my side and as four best buddies. Missing you already, and of course, this decision consists of many emotions. But as I said, it's been a blast being with you and you're awesome at what you do. So a big tribute to you, I know you will go far with this, and knowing you, you will never give up. I wish the best for you because you are the best.' - Nicke" (Read More)
"It's been a while since you last heard from us. We have an announcement to make before we can move on with more news. Niklas Skogqvist on 2nd guitar decided to leave the band last month. We have not yet decided if we will continue as a quartet. In fact, our music is more technically suited for two guitarists and we might therefore need a second guitarist again. Decadence is down to its solid quartet and we'll see which turn we take after that. Nicke felt that he had too many things going on in his life. He said Decadence needs a guitarist that gives 100% which he says he was not able to do.
"Some of his own words: 'I want you all to know that I've had an awesome experience with you. I have had so much fun during these two years and I really wish I could go on with it. I've always enjoyed being with you, both as musicians by my side and as four best buddies. Missing you already, and of course, this decision consists of many emotions. But as I said, it's been a blast being with you and you're awesome at what you do. So a big tribute to you, I know you will go far with this, and knowing you, you will never give up. I wish the best for you because you are the best.' - Nicke" (Read More)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Judas Priest Announces Retirement
Judas Priest, perhaps one of the most influential and most popular heavy metal bands of all time, has announced that they will perform one more world tour before retiring as a band. The British metal legends will perform at several festivals in Europe next year - including Wacken, Graspop, and High Voltage - and will hit major cities all over the globe with their Epitaph tour. Further tour dates and statements from the band will be released shortly.
A list of tour dates (so far) has been made available. (Read More)
A list of tour dates (so far) has been made available. (Read More)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Kampfar Guitarist Leaves Band
Norweign folk/death metallers Kampfar have lost their guitarist, Thomas. The single-named axeman posted an online statement detailing his departure from the band:
"After playing guitar in Kampfar for quite a few years, I have now decided to leave the band.
"I cannot even begin to sum up all the good times I've had together with my bandmates, and our close friendship will surely continue outside of the context of the band.
"I sincerely hope the guys will find another guitarist to play in the band (the riffs are not that hard to play and there are no solos, which could be seen as a plus or a minus depending on perspective.)" (Read More)
"After playing guitar in Kampfar for quite a few years, I have now decided to leave the band.
"I cannot even begin to sum up all the good times I've had together with my bandmates, and our close friendship will surely continue outside of the context of the band.
"I sincerely hope the guys will find another guitarist to play in the band (the riffs are not that hard to play and there are no solos, which could be seen as a plus or a minus depending on perspective.)" (Read More)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sorrows Path Announces New Guitarist
After a number of live performances, Greek doom metallers Sorrows Path have announced that Giannis Tziligkakis has been officially recruited as the band's new second guitarist.
On October 29, Sorrows Path released its debut album, The Rough Path of Nihilism, via Rock It Up Records. The album was recorded at Fragile Studios in Athens with producer Vangelis Yalamas (who also played synthesizer). Album artwork and photography was handled by Seth Siro Anton, who has worked with the likes of Kamelot, Exodus, Paradise Lost, and Moonspell.
The track listing for The Rough Path of Nihilism is as follows:
01. All Love is Lost
i) Lost Innocence
ii) Lost Youth
02. The Beast (S.P.R.)
03. Honestly...
04. Fetish
05. Dirty Game
06. Mr. Holy
07. Getting Closer
08. Queen of Doom
09. Prostitute
10. Hymn of Differentiation
11. Empty Eyes and Blackened Hearts
12. Nihilism
The album also features a guest appearance by vocal teacher Eleni Danielson. (Read More)
On October 29, Sorrows Path released its debut album, The Rough Path of Nihilism, via Rock It Up Records. The album was recorded at Fragile Studios in Athens with producer Vangelis Yalamas (who also played synthesizer). Album artwork and photography was handled by Seth Siro Anton, who has worked with the likes of Kamelot, Exodus, Paradise Lost, and Moonspell.
The track listing for The Rough Path of Nihilism is as follows:
01. All Love is Lost
i) Lost Innocence
ii) Lost Youth
02. The Beast (S.P.R.)
03. Honestly...
04. Fetish
05. Dirty Game
06. Mr. Holy
07. Getting Closer
08. Queen of Doom
09. Prostitute
10. Hymn of Differentiation
11. Empty Eyes and Blackened Hearts
12. Nihilism
The album also features a guest appearance by vocal teacher Eleni Danielson. (Read More)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Arch Enemy Issues U.K. Tour Recap
Arch Enemy has issued a recap of their recent U.K. tour dates. The band also offered an update concerning work on a new album:
"We want to thank everybody who came out to the shows on our recent U.K. tour, despite the freezing temperatures! You made this tour a fantastic ending to our 2010 touring cycle and we will cherish these memories whilst being locked up in the studio now for a couple of months, creating the new Arch Enemy album..." (Read More)
"We want to thank everybody who came out to the shows on our recent U.K. tour, despite the freezing temperatures! You made this tour a fantastic ending to our 2010 touring cycle and we will cherish these memories whilst being locked up in the studio now for a couple of months, creating the new Arch Enemy album..." (Read More)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Max Cavalera Interviewed by Revolver Magazine
Revolver Magazine's Cody Thomas recently conducted an interview with guitarist Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy). Some excerpts from the interview can be viewed below:
Revolver: A few years ago, you reunited with [your brother and former Sepultura bandmate] Igor to form the Cavalera Conspiracy. You two have a new album, Blunt Force Trauma, coming out in March. Is it as straightforward as the last album?
Cavalera: Yeah, it's even more. Marc [Rizzo, guitar] was saying, "Some of this shit sounds like Cannibal Corpse." Igor's playing really good. His playing reminds me of when he was in Sepultura, top form. Like in Arise or Beneath the Remains, and he was going super-fast and just killer energy from the drums. We wanted to make shorter songs, so a lot of the songs are a-minute-and-a-half or two-minutes long and kind of feel like "Raining Blood" a little bit when you listen to them, which is also different for us. We had one guest song with Roger [Miret] from Agnostic Front. He sings in a song called "Lynch Mob." I think he's probably my favorite vocalist out of the whole New York hardcore era.
Revolver: Since we're talking about Sepultura, what influenced the beginning of that band?
Cavalera: There was a band in Brazil that made us really want to get serious about starting a band. They were called Dorsal Atlântica and they were like the Brazilian Venom. Really heavy, super-Satanic, painted faces, inverted crosses in their forehead and shit. Just crazy shit live. And we were like, "Dude, we've got to get like those guys. Those guys are brutal." That was one of the inspirations that made me go, "If they are Brazilian and they are doing it, then we can do it." (Read More)
Revolver: A few years ago, you reunited with [your brother and former Sepultura bandmate] Igor to form the Cavalera Conspiracy. You two have a new album, Blunt Force Trauma, coming out in March. Is it as straightforward as the last album?
Cavalera: Yeah, it's even more. Marc [Rizzo, guitar] was saying, "Some of this shit sounds like Cannibal Corpse." Igor's playing really good. His playing reminds me of when he was in Sepultura, top form. Like in Arise or Beneath the Remains, and he was going super-fast and just killer energy from the drums. We wanted to make shorter songs, so a lot of the songs are a-minute-and-a-half or two-minutes long and kind of feel like "Raining Blood" a little bit when you listen to them, which is also different for us. We had one guest song with Roger [Miret] from Agnostic Front. He sings in a song called "Lynch Mob." I think he's probably my favorite vocalist out of the whole New York hardcore era.
Revolver: Since we're talking about Sepultura, what influenced the beginning of that band?
Cavalera: There was a band in Brazil that made us really want to get serious about starting a band. They were called Dorsal Atlântica and they were like the Brazilian Venom. Really heavy, super-Satanic, painted faces, inverted crosses in their forehead and shit. Just crazy shit live. And we were like, "Dude, we've got to get like those guys. Those guys are brutal." That was one of the inspirations that made me go, "If they are Brazilian and they are doing it, then we can do it." (Read More)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Rainbow to Reissue Down to Earth
Legendary heavy metal act Rainbow, featuring Ritchie Blackmore, is set to release an expanded, two-disc deluxe edition of the classic album, Down to Earth (1979).
The reissue is slated to for release on January 24, 2011 via Universal Music. It will include two non-album single B-sides ("Bad Girl" and "Weiss Heim") as well as a second disc which will consist of unreleased studio out-takes and alternate versions. (Read More)
The reissue is slated to for release on January 24, 2011 via Universal Music. It will include two non-album single B-sides ("Bad Girl" and "Weiss Heim") as well as a second disc which will consist of unreleased studio out-takes and alternate versions. (Read More)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Amorphis to Stream New DVD Online
Finland's Amorphis has issued an update regarding the streaming of their new DVD, Forging the Land of the Thousand Lakes, via Nuclear Blast Records on Friday, December 3:
"Nuclear Blast Records invites you all to the brand new online streaming room! The first concert stream on the new service will be Amorphis' Forging the Land of Thousand Lakes, to be this Friday, December 3, and the location is here.
"1st Streaming Time: 5:00pm (Central European Time) for Europe, 2nd Streaming Time: 3:30pm (Pacific) / 6:30pm (Eastern) for North America." (Read More)
"Nuclear Blast Records invites you all to the brand new online streaming room! The first concert stream on the new service will be Amorphis' Forging the Land of Thousand Lakes, to be this Friday, December 3, and the location is here.
"1st Streaming Time: 5:00pm (Central European Time) for Europe, 2nd Streaming Time: 3:30pm (Pacific) / 6:30pm (Eastern) for North America." (Read More)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Amalgama Posts Band Update
Amalgama recently issued an update concerning the band's current activity:
"Just a quick update from what's happening here in Amalgama as we look towards 2011 and prepare to bury 2010. A couple big shows coming up for us, starting with December 12th here in Albany at Bogies as we open up for Taproot. The show kicks off at 7:00pm and you can get tickets by responding directly to this email or picking them up day of show at the door. Don' forget to RSVP if you're in the area and plan on coming! This promises to be a badass show.
"Additionally, we'll be on another show here at the Washington Avenue Armory in downtown Albany on January 15th. Ourselves along with 9 other great regional groups will be performing on the FYE Theater stage. This particular show is just the second in a series of concerts being organized by Ralph Renna, local hero and someone who is thoroughly intertwined in Amalgama-lore (he gave us our first shot onstage back in 2006). Tickets are available at all FYE locations as well as the Armory box office. The opportunities keep coming as we build steam heading into 2011 as a real live force once again." (Read More)
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