Headlines:
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AS I LAY DYING Nearly Done Tracking New Album 7/Mar/2010 |
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CHIMAIRA: New Video Interview With MARK HUNTER Available 7/Mar/2010 |
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JOB FOR A COWBOY: North American Headlining Tour Announced 6/Mar/2010 |
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FEAR FACTORY Frontman Interviewed In Gothenburg 6/Mar/2010 |
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EYES SET TO KILL: ‘Deadly Weapons’ Video Released 1/Mar/2010 |
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WORLD UNDER BLOOD: ‘Tactical’ Tentative Track Listing Revealed 1/Mar/2010 |
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LAMB OF GOD Bassist Interviewed In Vienna 1/Mar/2010 |
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OBSCURA’s HANNES GROSSMANN Offering Online Drum Lessons 1/Mar/2010 |
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MACHINE HEAD Vs. San Diego; Audio Available 1/Mar/2010 |
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Kittie will be support on “Big Tour” 1/Mar/2010 |
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KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Song ‘My Obsession’ Available For Streaming 1/Mar/2010 |
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EVILE ‘CEMETERY GATES’ DIGITAL-ONLY SINGLE AVAILABLE NOW, PLUS TOUR INFO 1/Mar/2010 |
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MEGADETH Filming ‘The Right To Go Insane’ Video 28/Feb/2010 |
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Machine Head’s Robb Flynn says his band has “fired” city of San Diego 28/Feb/2010 |
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DYING FETUS In Austin: Video Interview, Pro-Shot Performance Footage Available 28/Feb/2010 |
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LAMB OF GOD Drummer producing THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE’s new album 28/Feb/2010 |
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EXODUS: New Album Artwork Unveiled 28/Feb/2010 |
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THE ACACIA STRAIN’s ‘The Most Known Unknown’ DVD Lands On BILLBOARD Chart 26/Feb/2010 |
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CAULDRON TO APPEAR ON HELLBOUND RADIO THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 26/Feb/2010 |
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BLEEDING THROUGH and ANAAL NATHRAKH members give you… SORROWS 26/Feb/2010 |
AS I LAY DYING Nearly Done Tracking New Album
As I Lay Dying
San Diego, California metallers AS I LAY DYING recently entered the studio to begin recording their fifth full-length album, “The Powerless Rise”, for a spring release via Metal Blade Records. Guitarist Phil Sgrosso states, “We’re about several last-minute pickscrapes/thunderchugs away from finishing ALL tracking for ‘The Powerless Rise’.
“We’ve had [producer] Colin Richardson and his assistant Martyn ‘Ginge’ Ford out in San Diego working on mixes every day for about a month so far. It took a bit of time for us to get the guitar tone in the right place, but we’ve finally settled on something we all love and complements the drums and bass quite nicely. Josh [Gilbert] and Tim’s [Lambesis] vocals are sounding great as well.
“Colin and Ginge are doing a killer job!
He adds, “Besides stopping by the studio a couple days a week, we’ve all been preparing to start up the next tour cycle. We’ve got an Australian/New Zealand run in late March, the Revolver [Gods] AwardsApril 8th in L.A., followed by a U.S. headliner that’ll be going on right around the time our new record comes out.
“It’s been nice being home most of the past year but it’s time to get back out there with some new songs and an entirely new stage setup to intensify the live show. I’ve been missing that adrenaline rush from playing to our fans and I assure you the new songs will bring our live energy to a new level.”
AS I LAY DYING’s critically and commercially acclaimed release “An Ocean Between Us” landed the No. 8 position on the Billboard Top 200 chart its first week out, making it the highest rock debut on the chart that week. The band’s first-ever DVD, “This is Who We Are”, entered the Billboard Top Music Videos chart at the No. 2 position in the U.S. and the No. 3 position in Canada. The DVD is also certified platinum in the United States and Canada by the Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA). In addition, 2008 saw AS I LAY DYING earn a Grammynomination for “Best Metal Performance” for the single “Nothing Left”.
Popularity: 3% [?]
CHIMAIRA: New Video Interview With MARK HUNTER Available
Mark Hunter
Angel Rocco recently conducted an interview with vocalist Mark Hunterof Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA. The chat is now available for viewing below.
As previously reported, CHIMAIRA guitarist Matt DeVries of Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA will miss the first four shows of the band’s current U.K. tour. He says, “I’m actually still in the States waiting to fly over to the U.K. Let’s just say my passport made it over there, but I did not.”
He adds, “To make a very long story, very short… shit does happen. The good news is I will be rejoining the tour on Wednesday [March 10] in Newcastle. Can’t fucking
wait! Obviously CHIMAIRA will not be canceling any shows. The show
must go on!
“Thanks to all of our fans for understanding and see you soon!”
Affected dates:
March 05 – University Cardiff, UK
March 06 – Rock City Nottingham, UK
March 07 – Keele University Stoke, UK
March 08 – Metropolitan University Leeds, UK
CHIMAIRA has been confirmed for this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour, which is scheduled to kick off on July 10 in San Bernardino, California.
CHIMAIRA recently completed a tour of Australia and New Zealand. This was the band’s first headlining Australian tour, having previously played the country as a support act for IN FLAMES, BIOHAZARD and KORN.
CHIMAIRA’s latest album, “The Infection”, sold 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Popularity: 2% [?]
JOB FOR A COWBOY: North American Headlining Tour Announced
Job For A Cowboy - Tour
Glendale, Arizona extreme metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY will embark on a spring North American headlining tour in support of their sophomore album, “Ruination”. The group will launch a massive 27-city trek on April 21 in Newport, Kentucky. Support on the five-week tour is will come from Tennessee’s WHITECHAPEL and California’s CATTLE DECAPITATION, with Salt Lake City’s GAZA (April 21 – May 5) and Boston’s REVOCATION (May 15-27) as openers.
Ticket pre-sales will be available for purchase via Artist Arena beginning Wednesday, March 3 (at 3 p.m. local time) at this location.
In other news, “Ruination” was named “Best Extreme Metal Album” by the readers of Guitar World magazine, beating out the latest releases from BEHEMOTH, IMMORTAL and CANNIBAL CORPSE.
The full results of Guitar World’s 16th annual Readers’ Poll can be found in the magazine’s March 2010 issue, which is on newsstands now.
JOB FOR A COWBOY tour dates:
Apr. 21 – Newport, KY – The Historic Southgate House
Apr. 23 – Hackensack, NJ – The School of Rock
Apr. 24 – Worcester, PA – Palladium (New England Metal And Hardcore Festival)
Apr. 25 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
Apr. 26 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s
Apr. 27 – Baltimore, MD – Otto Bar
Apr. 28 – Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
Apr. 29 – Millvale, PA – Mr. Small’s Theatre
Apr. 30 – Montreal, QC – La Tulipe
May 01 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
May 02 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
May 03 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Stage Door
May 04 – Elgin, IL – Mad Maggie’s
May 05 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s
May 15 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theater (As part of the California Metal Festival)
May 16 – Sacramento, CA – The Boardwalk
May 17 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
May 18 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
May 19 – Pocatello, ID – Icon
May 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
May 21 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
May 22 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
May 23 – Wichita Falls, TX – The Hanger
May 24 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Inside
May 25 – Odessa, TX – Dos Amigos
May 26 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
May 27 – Tempe, AZ – The Clubhouse
Popularity: 3% [?]
FEAR FACTORY Frontman Interviewed In Gothenburg
CrankItUp.se conducted an interview with vocalist Burton C. Bell of FEAR FACTORY on Sunday, February 28 at the Brewhouse in Gothenburg, Sweden. Watch the chat below. Also available is fan-filmed video footage of FEAR FACTORY’s February 21 concert at VK in Brussels, Belgium.
FEAR FACTORY’s new album, “Mechanize”, sold 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 72 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band’s previous CD, “Transgression”, opened with 19,000 units back in August 2005 to land at No. 45. This was substantially less than the first-week number registered by its predecessor, “Archetype”, which sold 32,000 copies back in April 2004 to enter the Billboard chart at No. 30.
“Mechanize” registered the following first-week chart positions:
UK: #7 (Rock Albums)
Germany: #31
Sweden: #51
Canada: #67
USA: #72
Netherlands: #83
“Mechanize” was released in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 viaCandlelight Records. The CD, which was co-produced by the band withRhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, PARADISE LOST), was mixed byGreg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY).
FEAR FACTORY’s current lineup — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who was credited on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD andZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK,STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — made its live debut on December 4, 2009 at Espaço Lux in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
FEAR FACTORY will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson’s guests on Friday, March 5 during Bruce’s weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed “The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show”. Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.
Interview in Gothenburg, Sweden (February 28, 2010):
Live in Brussels, Belgium (February 21, 2010):
Popularity: 3% [?]
EYES SET TO KILL: ‘Deadly Weapons’ Video Released
“Deadly Weapons”, the new video from Arizona’s EYES SET TO KILL, can be viewed below. The track comes off the band’s sophomore album,“The World Outside”, which sold 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 9 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.
Written and recorded by the band in Los Angeles with producer Dave Aguilera (ex-OTEP, BLEED THE DREAM) and mixed by Thom Flowers(THE ATARIS), “The World Outside” showcases the band’s evolution from their screamo beginnings into powerful songwriters that resonate raw emotion.
“There were things that I put into this record that I’ve never told anyone before, not even my sister or some of my best friends,” said singerAlexia Rodriguez. “Writing was like therapy to me, because there are times when I feel so alone that I don’t know how to express myself other than through music. This is who I am and what I do.”
ATLmetal.com Interview of Eyes Set To Kill:
Popularity: 3% [?]
WORLD UNDER BLOOD: ‘Tactical’ Tentative Track Listing Revealed
World Under Blood
WORLD UNDER BLOOD, the melodic death metal side project featuringCKY guitarist/vocalist Deron Miller alongside Tim Yeung (DIVINE HERESY, VITAL REMAINS, HATE ETERNAL) on drums, Risha Eryavec(DECREPIT BIRTH) on bass, and Luke Jaeger on guitar, has set the tentative track listing for its debut album, “Tactical”, due this summer via Nuclear Blast Records. It is as follows (not final sequence):
* Dead And Still In Pain
* Under The Autumn Low
* A God Among The Waste
* Pyro-Compulsive
* I Can’t Stand His Name
* Into The Arms Of Cruelty
* Revere’s Tears
* Purgatory Dormitory
* Wake Up Dead (MEGADETH cover)
* Alliance Or War (MALEVOLENT CREATION cover; bonus track)
Commented Miller: “These days, a lot of bands are judged by their technicality, and often that is seen as ‘heavier.’ I agree to an extent, but the only problem is that the more technical a band is lately, the more that specific ’song’ loses.
“We could have done a record that was 20 notes per second, because every member of WORLD UNDER BLOOD is capable of that, but on this record, we pretty much said, ‘Let’s make sure the songs are amazing.’ I know they are. I have made sure and WILL make sure that they all turn out the way they were meant to be and certainly nothing less.”
Guitarist-turned-producer James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT,OBITUARY), who mixed some of WORLD UNDER BLOOD’s early demo recordings and is also involved with “Tactical”, stated about the project, “WORLD UNDER BLOOD bridge a gap between genres that has never been bridged…. a few have tried with mixed results, but this is the first real resounding success of fusing brutal, blasting death metal with a melodic American rock vibe and it opens a door that will turn into a floodgate… I’m very happy to have been picked by Deron to mix this project … he really pulls it together on this one musically and Tim’s performance is stellar as well.”
Deron Miller is widely credited for conceiving the long-delayed DEATHtribute project, “Within The Mind – In Homage To The Musical Legacy Of Chuck Schuldiner”, as a means to help James Murphy raise money for his medical bills (Murphy is currently receiving treatment for a massive brain tumor with which he was diagnosed in August 2001).
The project, which has the blessing of the family of late DEATHmastermind Chuck Schuldiner (who passed away in December 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor), has been in the works for the last few years and is expected to feature a number of special guest appearances, including those by members of SLIPKNOT,NEVERMORE, FEAR FACTORY, STATIC-X, and MALEVOLENT CREATION.
WORLD UNDER BLOOD is:
* Deron Miller (CKY) – Guitar/Vocals
* Tim Yeung (DIVINE HERESY, VITAL REMAINS, HATE ETERNAL) – Drums
* Risha Eryavec (DECREPIT BIRTH) – Bass
* Luke Jaeger – Guitar
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/worldunderblood.
Popularity: 5% [?]
LAMB OF GOD Bassist Interviewed In Vienna
Austria’s Stormbringer.at webzine conducted an interview with bassistJohn Campbell of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD on February 25, 2010 when the band played a sold-out show in Vienna, Austria. Watch the chat in two parts below.
LAMB OF GOD was nominated in two categories — “Best Live Band” and “Best Drummer” — at the second annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which will take place on Thursday, April 8 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. The show will be televised on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 22 (air time to be announced).
“Best Live Band” nominees:
* THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
* LAMB OF GOD
* METALLICA
* MOTÖRHEAD
* ROB ZOMBIE
* SLAYER
“Best Drummer” nominees:
* Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD)
* Brann Dailor (MASTODON)
* Dave Grohl (THEM CROOKED VULTURES)
* Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, FEAR FACTORY)
* Dave Lombardo (SLAYER)
* Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan (AVENGED SEVENFOLD)
Commented LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler: “I’m incredibly flattered to have my contributions within the band nominated.
“I’ve tried very hard to create a unique voice within the band with my drums and to share this with several of the world’s best drummers is an incredible honor. I think all the nominees are deserving and I’m lucky to be included.
“Two years ago the band won a Golden Gods award in the U.K. for ‘Best Live Band’ and to have the same nomination at home feels very good. We’ve worked very hard to make sure our shows never disappoint, and to have our work recognized is very satisfying. Win or lose, we’re in great company.”
LAMB OF GOD is creating an exclusive song for the upcoming blockbuster title Iron Man 2: The Videogame. The all-new song, “Hit the Wall”, serves as the perfect complement to the nonstop super-powered action of the game, which heads to consoles and handheld systems everywhere in April 2010. The game is based on the cinematic universe featured inMarvel Studios‘ “Iron Man 2″, in theaters end of April 2010.
LAMB OF GOD received a second Grammy Award nomination in the “Best Metal Performance” category — for the track “Set to Fail” from its latest album, “Wrath”, which came out last year on Epic Records.
The band was previously nominated in the “Best Metal Performance” category for the song “Redneck” from LAMB OF GOD’s 2006 album“Sacrament”.
“Wrath” landed at position No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart back in February 2009 with first-week sales of over 67,000 copies.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Popularity: 3% [?]
OBSCURA’s HANNES GROSSMANN Offering Online Drum Lessons
Hannes Grossmann - Drum Lessons
Hannes Grossmann, drummer of the extreme technical death metal band OBSCURA, is offering customized video online lessons via his newly launched official web site.
Hannes, who also played the drums on the critically acclaimedNECROPHAGIST album “Epitaph”, states, “I want to give some insights in my playing and show young metal and also non-metal drummers new ways to increase their drumming skills and be able to practice efficiently.”
“Retribution”, the debut album from OBSCURA, was reissued on February 16 via Relapse Records. The 2006 CD has been remastered and repackaged with three bonus tracks.
OBSCURA has just kicked off a four-week U.S. tour with THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, AUGURY and HATESPHERE.
For a complete list of tour dates, go to this location.
OBSCURA’s official guitar tablature book for the band’s latest album,“Cosmogenesis”, was released on January 5. The 145-page book contains the full tablature for all rhythm and lead guitar tracks on the LP, expanded album artwork, track-by-track commentary and an introduction from the band, as well as a digital download of “Cosmogenesis” which includes isolated rhythm guitar and solo tracks, and more.
The “Cosmogenesis” tab book is available for order here.
“Cosmogenesis”, the second full-length album from OBSCURA, debuted at No. 71 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.
“Cosmogenesis” was released in the U.S. on February 17, 2009 viaRelapse Records (March 2 internationally). The CD features guest appearances from Ron Jarzombek (WATCHTOWER, SPASTIC INK,BLOTTED SCIENCE) and Tymon Kruidenier (CYNIC, EXIVIOUS).
Popularity: 3% [?]
MACHINE HEAD Vs. San Diego; Audio Available
Machine Head
U.K.’s Rock Radio has uploaded a short audio file containing MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn’s claim that his band has “fired” the city of San Diego and that it has no intention of playing there again. In the clip, which is available for streaming using the audio player below, Flynn can be heard telling Rock Radio DJ David “The Captain” Grant, “If we’re playing in San Diego, we’re not gonna go on a radio station and [say], ‘Oh, yeah! San Diego crowds are awesome’ — because they’re not. They’re beat. That’s MACHINE HEAD slang for ‘We don’t like them.’ . . . They don’t come to a show and, like, rage and go crazy. They come to a show and they’re like, ‘Oh, okay, this is cool. Oh, I like this song.’ That kind of vibe. So we’re not into that. . . I don’t know why they come to a rock gig with that kind of attitude.” MACHINE HEAD drummer Dave McClain interjected, “Well, we don’t go to San Diego anymore; let’s put it that way.” Flynn added, “Exactly. They’re fired.”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
MACHINE HEAD’s latest album, “The Blackening” — which has garnered numerous awards and enjoyed praise from both critics and fans alike since its release in 2007 — received yet another incredible honor in the most recent issue of U.K.’s Metal Hammer magazine, having been recognized by fans and magazine staff as the “Album of the Decade”! The CD, which was re-released as a “special edition” in October 2008 viaRoadrunner Records, was also certified silver by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) for U.K. sales in excess of 60,000 copies.
After storming across Europe, MACHINE HEAD’s “The Black Procession” tour will hit Japan and Australia, putting an end to three incredible years of roadwork in support of “The Blackening”. Continuing the assault with MACHINE HEAD are HATEBREED and BLEEDING THROUGH, with CROSSFAITH opening in Japan and EMMURE providing support in Australia.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Kittie will be support on “Big Tour”
Kittie
According to a posting on KITTIE’s official Twitter profile, the Canadian all-girl metal band just got confirmed for its first support tour in 10 years.” The group states, “Finally a band with enough balls to take us on tour! Stay tuned for big tour news!”
In a recent interview with RockMusicStar.com, KITTIE guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander stated about the band’s touring plans, “We have some stuff that’s coming down the pipe right now. But nothing is 100% confirmed, so I really can’t give you any guarantee. But expect to see us out on a touring, festival kind of tour in July and August. And there’s some other things as well, that hopefully will be happening in September. But with this industry, you don’t really know if it’s actually going to happen or not, until you are standing on the stage. It’s crazy.”
KITTIE’s latest album, “In The Black”, sold around 3,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 132 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KITTIE’s previous CD, “Funeral for Yesterday”, opened with 9,000 units back in February 2007 to land at No. 101.
“In The Black” was made available in Europe on October 23, 2009 via Germany’s Massacre Records.
Regarding KITTIE’s new video, “Sorrow I Know”, Morgan Landerrecently told AOL’s Noisecreep, “We are a metal band, but as women, we wanted to do a role-playing, dress-up video. All of our videos have always been us in the live setting, with some storyline. We wanted more costume-y video, with a little more movie feel. . . We had the idea for the 1920s, with a speakeasy concept. We thought about it for quite some time and brought it to Dave Brodsky, who directed it, so the search began for some authentic-looking speakeasy. We found a place in New York called The Back Room, which is a ‘members-only’ place, and we got to rent it out for the day. They still serve all of their drinks in tea cups, prohibition style, and we did a casting call for the extras and our fans and kids from message board came out. People flew from Florida and all kinds of places to be in it. The makeup and hair took a long time, since the styles of the day were complicated.”
Berlin, Germany’s PitCam Production conducted an interview withKITTIE when the group played in Berlin on January 6, 2010. Watch the chat below.
Popularity: 4% [?]
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: New Song ‘My Obsession’ Available For Streaming
God of War iii
“My Obsession”, a previously unreleased KILLSWITCH ENGAGE song which will be included on the exclusive digital extended play (EP) soundtrack for the highly anticipated PlayStation3 (PS3) exclusive videogame “God of War III”, is available for streaming at AOL’s Noisecreep. It can also be previewed below.
“I have played the previous ‘God of War’ releases,” said KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vocalist Howard Jones. “To be a part of this game in any fashion is amazing! Let the rivers flow red with blood; there is vengeance to bestow! Bring me more new finishing blows to my enemies!”
Due on March 2 via Roadrunner Records, the EP, titled “God of War: Blood & Metal”, will be made available as a part of the “God of War III Ultimate Edition”, and will feature five exclusive unreleased songs fromRoadrunner artists, including KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, DREAM THEATER, TRIVIUM, OPETH and TAKING DAWN.
“God of War: Blood & Metal” track listing:
01. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – “My Obsession”
02. TRIVIUM – “Shattering The Skies Above”
03. DREAM THEATER – “Raw Dog”
04. TAKING DAWN – “This Is Madness”
05. OPETH – “The Throat Of Winter”
06. MUTINY WITHIN – “The End”
Consumers who purchase the “God of War III Ultimate Edition” will receive a voucher code to download the tracks, as well as downloadable music in the form of the “God of War Trilogy” soundtrack. Fans will also receive a special code to download a director’s cut of “God of War: Unearthing the Legend”, a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the “God of War” franchise, access to an exclusive “God of War Challenge Arena” environment with up to seven unique challenges, an exclusive Kratos skin, and a limited-edition art book.
The “God of War III Ultimate Edition” will retail for $99.99 (MSRP).
“Music has always been an important part of videogames and can help bring titles to life,” said Stig Asmussen, “God of War III” game director. “Our goal is to make ‘God of War III’ a special release in all areas and this just another way to offer fans and newcomers a worthwhile experience.”
“This is the first time in 24 years that we’ve written and recorded a song for anything other than one of our own albums, so we’re up for the challenge and excited to have been asked,” said DREAM THEATERdrummer Mike Portnoy about recording an exclusive instrumental track for the soundtrack.
“When we were initially asked to write an original song for the game, we were slightly perplexed since we’ve never actually written a track for something other than a TRIVIUM record,” said TRIVIUMguitarist/vocalist Matt Heafy. “But we answered the call as we are fans of the game. Writing the song was a fun experience. We started piecing riffs together on tour and then we really put time into the song when we got home and had the chance to go into the practice space to work on our ideas as a group. This new song captures a certain energy we’ve been trying to harness on record as well, as it will show all our fans worldwide where TRIVIUM is heading musically in the future.”
For more information about “God of War”, visit www.GodofWar.com.
Popularity: 5% [?]
EVILE ‘CEMETERY GATES’ DIGITAL-ONLY SINGLE AVAILABLE NOW, PLUS TOUR INFO
Evile - Cemetery Gates
British thrashers EVILE have released a digital-only single of the band’s cover of PANTERA’s “Cemetery Gates”.
EVILE recorded “Cemetery Gates” in 2009 for a special Metal Hammer Dimebag tribute album. Tragically, it was also the last song the band recorded with their late bassist, MIKE ALEXANDER.
“Cemetery Gates” is available now exclusively on iTunes, and also features a special version of EVILE’s track “Time No More”, with Japanese vocals/lyrics.
Get “Cemetery Gates” on iTunes UK now at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cemetery-gates-single/id356887797 and on iTunes US at: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cemetery-gates-single/id356887797
EVILE lead guitarist OL DRAKE comments:
“Finally, people who don’t have the amazing Dimebag tribute issue, put out by Metal Hammer, can now download our cover of ‘Cemetery Gates’ on iTunes. Not only that, but you can also get the Japanese version of ‘Time No More’, only recently available on the Japanese release of Infected Nations. It was such an honour to be a part of the Dimebag tribute, and doing this track really meant a lot to Mike. I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Rex [Brown, PANTERA bassist] about a few things, from the Gates cover which he enjoyed, to coping with a loss. I love the metal community!”
EVILE are about to start two huge North American tours, first with German thrash legends KREATOR, followed immediately by the Killfest tour with New Jersey thrash icons OVERKILL. Catch them live at the following shows:
Hordes Of Chaos II Tour w/ KREATOR, VOIVOD, NACHTMYSTIUM and LAZARUS A.D.
Mar 3 Jaxx West Springfield, Virginia
Mar 4 The Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 5 The Palladium (MA) Worcester, Massachusetts
Mar 6 Nokia Theatre New York, New York
Mar 7 Club Soda Montreal, Quebec
Mar 8 Imperial De Quebec Quebec City, Quebec
Mar 9 Opera House Toronto, Ontario
Mar 10 Peabody’s Cleveland, Ohio
Mar 11 Blondie’s Detroit, Michigan
Mar 12 The Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
Mar 13 Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin (No VOIVOD)
Mar 14 Rock Station St Paul, Minnesota
Mar 16 Bluebird Theater Denver, Colorado (NO VOIVOD)
w/ KREATOR, KATAKLYSM, LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH and LAZARUS A.D.
Mar 18 Corazon Seattle, Washington
Mar 19 Rickshaw Theater Vancouver, British Columbia
Mar 20 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, Oregon
Mar 21 Slim’s San Francisco, California
Mar 22 Cheyenne Saloon, Las Vegas, Nevada
Mar 23 House Of Blues West Hollywood, California
Mar 24 House Of Blues San Diego, California
Mar 25 The Rock Tucson, Arizona
Mar 27 Emo’s Alternative Lounging Austin, Texas
Mar 28 Meridian Houston, Texas
Mar 30 The Club at Firestone Orlando, Florida
Mar 31 The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Evile - Kreator 2010
Killfest USA Tour w/ OVERKILL, VADER, GOD DETHRONED, WARBRINGER and WOE OF
TYRANTS
Apr 1 The Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apr 2 The Palladium Worcester, Massachusetts
Apr 3 Webster Theater Hartford, Connecticut
Apr 4 Imperial de Quebec Quebec City, Quebec
Apr 5 FouFounes Montreal, Quebec
Apr 6 Phoenix Concert Theater Toronto, Ontario
Apr 7 Bogarts Cincinnati, Ohio
Apr 8 Blondies Detroit, Michigan
Apr 9 The Metro Chicago, Illinois
Apr 10 The Rave Milwuakee, Wisconsin
Apr 11 Station 4 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 12 Anne Zabel Theater Sioux Falls, SD
Apr 13 Gothic Theatre Denver, Colorado
Apr 15 Red Room Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 16 El Corazon Seattle, Washington
Apr 17 Roseland Theater Portland, Oregon
Apr 18 The Grand Ballroom San Francisco, California
Apr 19 House of Blues Las Vegas, Nevada
Apr 20 House of Blues Los Angeles, California
Apr 21 House of Blues San Diego, California
Apr 22 U.B.’s Bar Mesa, Arizona
Apr 23 The Rock Tuscon, Arizona
Apr 24 Dos Amigos Odessa, Texas
Apr 25 Marquee Tulsa, Oklahoma
Apr 26 Emo’s Austin, Texas
Apr 27 Scout Bar Houston, Texas
Apr 28 Trees Dallas, Texas
Apr 29 Headliner’s Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
Apr 30 Jaxx Springfield, Virginia
May 1 Nokia Theater New York City, New York
May 2 Club Hell Providence, Rhode Island
Evile - Killfest 2010
EVILE’s new album, INFECTED NATIONS, is available now worldwide. Get your copy in Europe at http://earache.com/webstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41 or in North America athttp://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_669_41
For more EVILE news and info, head to http://www.myspace.com/evileuk
Popularity: 3% [?]
MEGADETH Filming ‘The Right To Go Insane’ Video
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has revealed in his latest TheLiveLine “audioblog” that the band has commenced filming a video for the song “The Right To Go Insane”. He says, “I’m here at the video shoot [on Thursday, February 25] in South El Monte. We just got done filming some footage of an M60 Abrams tank, which was fantastic, and the cops are here, so it could get pretty hairy with this video shoot. I don’t know what’s going to happen from this point forward, but, man, we’re excited. David Ellefson is here; it’s the first video as a band again and we’re doing ‘The Right To Go Insane’.”
You can hear the entire 40-second message using the audio player below.
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TheLiveLine is a service Mustaine launched that enables musicians to connect to their audience over the phone.
Get updates on Mustaine and leave messages for him by calling (866) 597-6342.
For more information, visit www.theliveline.com.
About TheLiveLine: In the spring of 2008, Dave Mustaine and friendScott Holmen approached the founders and president of SmartReply, Inc. with Dave’s concept of using their technology to engage fans and artists. This innovative platform would serve as a way for fans to let the artists know what they are up to and for artists to keep fans informed of what is going on in their world.
In the summer of 2008 a Beta version of TheLiveLine.com was released and it was a smashing success. Fans and artists engaged in communication via mobile phone (voice and text messaging) and theTheLiveLine web site, which gave them exactly what they were looking for — up-to-the-minute information from each other.
“The Right To Go Insane” comes off MEGADETH’s latest album,“Endgame”, which was recorded at Vic’s Garage, the band’s brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California. The CD was helmed byMustaine and British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE,ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD).
MEGADETH will join forces with TESTAMENT and EXODUS for a month-long jaunt that will find these thrash titans crisscrossing the nation on the“Rust in Peace” twentieth anniversary tour. These will be incredibly special shows that will delight MEGADETH fans, as the band will be playing its landmark, genre-defining album, 1990’s “Rust in Peace”, in its entirety, in addition to other MEGADETH setlist favorites.
The tour will kick off on March 1 in Spokane, Washington and will run through the end of the month.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Machine Head’s Robb Flynn says his band has “fired” city of San Diego
Machine Head
MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn has revealed that his band has “fired” the city of San Diego, and will never play there again. He tells Rock Radio DJ David “The Captain” Grant, “If we’re playing in San Diego, we’re not gonna go on a radio station and [say], ‘Oh, yeah! San Diego crowds are awesome’ — because they’re not. They’re beat. That’s MACHINE HEAD slang for ‘We don’t like them.’ . . . They don’t come to a show and, like, rage and go crazy. They come to a show and they’re like, ‘Oh, okay, this is cool. Oh, I like this song.’ That kind of vibe. So we’re not into that. . . I don’t know why they come to a rock gig with that kind of attitude.” MACHINE HEAD drummer Dave McClain interjects, “Well, we don’t go to San Diego anymore; let’s put it that way.” Flynn adds, “Exactly. They’re fired.”
Meanwhile, McClain says MACHINE HEAD will spend as much time as it needs working on the follow-up to 2007’s critically acclaimed “The Blackening” album. He says: “This stuff that’s happened with ‘The Blackening’ has been amazing. When you’re in the practice room writing music you never know how people are going to react to it. We knew in our hearts we’d made a killer record, but you never know how people are going to react to it.
“We’re stopping touring because we’re excited to get the new record written. but we’ve learned you have to let the songs come into their own. If it takes six months, that’s amazing — but if it takes a year, then that’s how long it takes.
“We want to do it right. We owe that to ourselves and our fans.”
“The Blackening” — which has garnered numerous awards and enjoyed praise from both critics and fans alike since its release in 2007 — received yet another incredible honor in the most recent issue of U.K.’sMetal Hammer magazine, having been recognized by fans and magazine staff as the “Album of the Decade”! The CD, which was re-released as a “special edition” in October 2008 via Roadrunner Records, was also certified silver by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) for U.K. sales in excess of 60,000 copies.
After storming across Europe, MACHINE HEAD’s “The Black Procession” tour will hit Japan and Australia, putting an end to three incredible years of roadwork in support of “The Blackening”. Continuing the assault with MACHINE HEAD are HATEBREED and BLEEDING THROUGH, with CROSSFAITH opening in Japan and EMMURE providing support in Australia.
Popularity: 5% [?]
LAMB OF GOD Drummer producing THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE’s new album
Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE recently enteredSpin Studios in New York with Josh Wilbur (ATREYU, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) and Chris Adler (of LAMB OF GOD) to begin recording the follow-up to the band’s 2008 album, “Monuments”. A spring release viaGood Fight Music is expected.
Commented Adler: “I’ve been wanting to produce a band other than my own for a while now, but never found one that inspired me quite enough to jump in. It’s an exhaustive process to commit your creativity and focus to someone else.
“Most bands that are noticed today do one thing really well, or are known for a particular direction. Few combine as many elements as seamlessly as THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE.
“This record is intense, to say the least. It feels like a landmark music moment. Time will tell, but I’m obviously pretty f’n psyched.”
Added THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE vocalist Ricky Armellino: “Normally when you meet people in Adler’s position, the last thing on their mind is finding new music or even listening to it. Chris still finds the time. He’s full of music and got a ton of energy.
“I feel like getting him into the writing/recording process for the new album was an incredible circumstance for us. From day one we’ve been shooting back and forth demos, lyric sheets, home recordings of WHITE LION songs and developing a lot of ideas together.
“Josh Wilbur’s an incredible vocal producer and his recordings are organic, huge, and a cut above anything you hear in the genre, so getting him in the mix was a huge blessing for the project. These guys are family to us now and we can’t wait to get this monster on the shelves.”
Consisting of Armellino, Jack Esbenshade (guitar), Rodney Phillips(guitars), Grant McFarland (drums) and Sean Hennessey (bass), THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE encompasses a sound that melds the fine Pennsylvania traditions that have brought us the likes of AUGUST BURNS RED, A LIFE ONCE LOST and THIS DAY FORWARD while taking their musical direction to a new and uncharted height. Exhibiting a veteran-like display of confidence and focus, THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE’s accelerated evolution redefines how bands come into their own. THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE tightrope walks between masterfully crafted time signatures, dense rock grooves and melodic atmosphere. Their music combines the precision and technical prowess of MESHUGGAH with the raw, emotive urgency of SHAI HULUD and MISERY SIGNALS: A sound that is loud, compelling, and unique.
For more information, click here.
Popularity: 4% [?]
EXODUS: New Album Artwork Unveiled
Exodus - Human Condition
“Exhibit B: The Human Condition”, the ninth studio album from San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS, will be released this spring via Nuclear Blast Records The cover artwork for the effort can now be viewed below.
Commented guitarist/songwriter Gary Holt: “We wanted to portray the violence of man at its finest, so we started with our own version of the Leonardo da Vinci sketch [of 'Vitruvian Man'], but done the ‘EXODUS‘ way! I was pointed in the direction of Colin Larks of Rainsong Design for the cover and he killed it! To me, the artwork represents man and his affinity for bloodshed, ignorance, and all-around ability to be led like sheep to the slaughter. The image fits the songs on this record perfectly. The whole layout is going to as sick as the record itself!”
“Exhibit B: The Human Condition” was helmed by acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ARCH ENEMY, KREATOR).
A brand new song, entitled “Good Riddance”, which will appear on the forthcoming CD, was premiered during an EXODUS live web stream on December 19, 2009.
In a recent interview with Way Too Loud!, EXODUS bassist Jack Gibson stated about the upcoming CD, “There’s a couple [of songs] that are long, and a couple that are shorter, too. Song kind of write themselves. Anyone who creates music or art, and even people who write stories — it takes on its own life. If it’s an epic tune, it’s a crime to cut it short thinking it could be on the radio or whatever. Especially in today’s day and age, radio and video don’t mean shit. Radio has never meant anything to a band like us. Maybe now that there’s XM satellite radio with real metal stations. We really wouldn’t unwrite a song so it could be on the radio. The songs are just the way they come out. The new album has a couple short sweet ones, and I think one of ‘em is 10 fucking minutes long! . . . Lyrically, it has to do with the depravity of man, how fucked up things have gotten, and how perverted in the dark corners of everything from religion to politics.”
“Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live At Wacken & Other Assorted Atrocities”, EXODUS‘ new DVD (2 DVDs + bonus audio CD) was released in North America on January 12.
EXODUS recently completed the Tyrants Of Evil tour with ARCH ENEMY, ARSIS, and MUTINY WITHIN.
Gary Holt was interviewed on this past weekend’s (February 19-21) edition of Full Metal Jackie’s nationally syndicated radio show. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.
To see a full list of stations carrying the program and when it airs, go to FullMetalJackieRadio.com.
Gary Holt interviewed by Full Metal Jackie (click on player below to launch audio):
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Popularity: 5% [?]
THE ACACIA STRAIN’s ‘The Most Known Unknown’ DVD Lands On BILLBOARD Chart
“The Most Known Unknown”, the debut DVD from Massachusetts-based metallic juggernauts THE ACACIA STRAIN, has entered Billboard’s Top Music Videos chart at position No. 10. Frontman Vincent Benettcommented; “This is awesome news.
“Thank you to everyone who went out and bought the DVD last week. We are really proud of it, and hope you enjoy it.
“We look forward to seeing you out on tour once we are done writing and recording our new record.”
Disc one of the “The Most Known Unknown” DVD documents a sold-out show at the Worcester Palladium shot in December 2008, while disc two contains footage of a show at the much smaller and more intimate Waterfront on the band’s home turf of Holyoke, Massachusetts, as well as three music videos, a documentary covering the formative years of the band and a “10 Seconds of Fame” bonus segment, in which select fans were given 10 seconds on camera to do whatever they wanted.
“The Most Known Unknown” features cover art by Paul Romano, who was also responsible for the cover of THE ACACIA STRAIN’s latest album, “Continent”, as well as covers for MASTODON, TRIVIUM and many more.
THE ACACIA STRAIN sold almost 5,600 copies of its new album,“Continent”, in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 107 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD debuted at No. 2 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.
The Acacia Strain - DVD
Popularity: 6% [?]
CAULDRON TO APPEAR ON HELLBOUND RADIO THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Canadian traditional metallers, CAULDRON will guest on Hellbound Radio this Sunday February 28th at 9pm. Hosted by noted metal minds Albert Mansour, Kevin Stewart-Panko and Sean Palmerston, Hellbound Radio airs Sunday nights from 9 PM till Midnight Eastern on INDI 101 FM in Hamilton – 101.5 FM in the Hamilton area or online at http://www.indifm.ca
Their sister website Hellbound.ca was started as a companion to the radio show in June 2009 and features many writers that used to write for warmly remembered magazinesMetal Maniacs and Unrestrained! CAULDRON’s 2009 debut, CHAINED TO THE NITE was named the #5 Best Canadian album of 2009 by the Hellbound.ca staff:http://www.hellbound.ca/2009/12/hellbounds-top-10-canadian-albums-of-2009/
CAULDRON will be embarking on a headlining tour of Eastern Canada that starts up in early March. Here are the the dates for their “Chained To The Road” tour:
March 10 – Ottawa, ON – Maverick’s
March 11 – Quebec City, QC – Scanner Bistro
March 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
March 13 – Saint John, NB – Sun Star Lounge
March 14 – Fredericton, NB – Nicky Zee’s
March 15 – Montreal, QC – Cafe Chaos
March 19 – Toronto, ON – The Poor Alex
View the official tour flyer at
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/152/l_3ba6e9e711ec4b128309bc63b69c3280.jpg
Check out CAULDRON’s brand new video for the track “Chained Up In Chains”,
at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeJAZGLayBA
CAULDRON’s debut album, CHAINED TO THE NITE, is available now worldwide.
Get your copy in the USA at http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_668_700
For more CAULDRON news and info, head to http://www.myspace.com/cauldronmetal
Cauldron - Chained To The Road
Popularity: 4% [?]
BLEEDING THROUGH and ANAAL NATHRAKH members give you… SORROWS
BLEEDING THROUGH’s Brandan Schieppatti has joined forces with musical polymath Mick Kenney (ANAAL NATHRAKH) to create SORROWS.
The two musically minded neighbors met up in Huntington Beach, California in October 2009 to collaborate on this new musical project. The resulting album is, in Mick’s own words, “a mixture of hardcore crustpunk, black metal, electronic beats and super heavy riffage.”
The album has been written and produced by Mick, with Brandan taking on the vocalist mantle once again. Although still recruiting members for the live lineup, they have already drafted in Trevor Friedrich (formerly of EIGHTEEN VISIONS, and now of industrialists COMBICHRIST), on drums, while Mick will play guitar.
SORROWS is seeking a suitable label to release the band’s already completed debut CD.
Audio samples from SORROWS are available for streaming on the band’sMySpace page.
Sorrows - Artwork
Popularity: 4% [?]
