Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Joey Jordinson Says 'SLIPKNOT Will Return'


SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison tells Kyle Munson of DesMoinesRegister.com that he still mourns the passing of SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray, who was found dead May 24 in an Urbandale, Iowa hotel room. "He was my best friend and still is," Jordison said. "And he was my musical soul mate."

Jordison also reveals that there were times when he could have been the casualty of rock-star excess and substance abuse in place of his late bandmate.

"I've been done with that stuff for three years," he says. "I thought it was all fun and games, but it's not. ... After I got done with my (2007) tour with KORN, I really went for it after that. ... It caught up with me, and that's it — I just stopped."

"Life is definitely a lot more precious now," he adds. "Music right now, really, when I play it, it's like I'm playing it for all the people that I've lost. I think about them all the time."

On the topic of whether SLIPKNOT will continue, Jordison says, "There will be another SLIPKNOT record, of course.

"But, you know — there aren't any replacements. Everyone in the band plays bass and can play guitar. We'll get to that point when we get there. But I want everyone to know — and all my SLIPKNOT fans and all my Iowa fans to know — that no matter what I'm doing right now with [ROB] ZOMBIE and MURDERDOLLS, that SLIPKNOT will return.

"But we're still dealing with the passing of Paul, God rest his soul. ... Paul would never want us to not make another SLIPKNOT record."

Sabaton: Back Catalog To Be Reissued With New Artwork, Bonus Tracks


Most of the back catalog from the Swedish metal band SABATON will be re-released on September 24 in new "Re-Armed Editions" featuring a number of bonus tracks — including old demos, cover songs, live recordings, previously unheard material and completely new songs recorded at Studio Abyss in Sweden.

The albums being re-released are as follows:

* "Primo Victoria" (2005)
* "Attero Dominatus" (2006)
* "Metalizer" (2007)
* "The Art of War" (2008)

Commented the band: "Do you wonder what SABATON did in the studio about one month ago?

"Do you wonder why (the albums) 'Primo Victoria', 'Attero Dominatus', 'Metalizer' and 'Art Of War' are so hard to get these days?

"This is why... To be able to continue to do what we all love, meaning to continue to play music and to tour the world, we have now purchased the rights to the SABATON music. And to celebrate this we want to make them available again to all of you in a unique cooperation between SABATON, Nuclear Blast and Black Lodge.

"Now what does this mean?? Well, first it means that when you buy a SABATON album, more of the money spent on the albums will actually go to SABATON and second it means that we want to celebrate this by making the first four albums available again, but in really cool new versions!

"We give you... The SABATON Re-Armed Editions and here is a sample of one bonus track (below).

"The four first original albums of SABATON, complete with new artwork, new booklets, posters and of course: New music! We have dug deep into the treasury of SABATON to find unique, strange, funny and unexpected songs.

"Every album on the Re-Armed editions will feature new tracks and they will include some old demos, some cover songs, some live versions of songs, some really old and unheard songs and some completely new songs recorded in Studio Abyss.

"They will all be re-released on September 24th and can from today be pre-ordered right here!"


Friday, August 20, 2010

Voivod Announces Free Montreal Show


Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD have scheduled a special free performance on Saturday, September 4 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The band will headline the M On The Quays festival on Quays of the Old Port Of Montreal. Other acts slated to appear include Montreal hard rockers PRIESTESS, Toronto's DD/MM/YYYY, WINTER GLOVES and new Secretly Canadian signings SUUNS, who will release their debut album via Sonic Unyon Distribution on October 12. The event is being put on by M For Montreal and presented by Sirius Satellite Radio.

This will be VOIVOD's only Canadian show during the month of September and it will serve as a warm-up gig for a series of South American concerts happening later that month.

VOIVOD's new DVD, "Tatsumaki: Voivod in Japan 2008", was released on November 17, 2009 via MVD Entertainment Group. The disc contains professionally filmed footage (three-camera shoot) of VOIVOD's September 20, 2008 concert at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan. The band was in Japan taking part in the two-night Thrash Domination 2008 event alongside TESTAMENT and FORBIDDEN.

"Infini", the latest album from VOIVOD, landed at position No. 67 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.

VOIVOD's final album featuring the group's late guitarist, Denis "Piggy" D'Amour, "Infini" was released in the U.S. on June 23, 2009 via Relapse Records. The CD, which was issued in Europe via Nuclear Blast, contains the last thirteen songs written by Piggy and again features bassist Jason "Jasonic" Newsted (ex-METALLICA). Jason played bass on all the songs and mixed the album, which was released as a deluxe, digipack CD and was also issued on vinyl as a double LP.

"Infini" was built from the final songs created by the band with D'Amour. All his original demo guitar tracks appear as they were recorded — with no re-amping and no overdubs; just Piggy as he played the tracks he envisioned in his small bachelor apartment, the amp in the bathroom, capturing his performance with the laptop given to him by Jason.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Children Of Bodom On New Album: 'Expect Nothing Less Than The Perfect Storm'


Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM have entered Finland's Petrax Studios to begin work on their as-yet-untitled seventh studio album. The band has enlisted famed rock producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET) to oversee the new recording and will remain in the studio through late September. The new record will see release in early 2011.

"We're very excited to let everyone hear what we're creating with this new record," said the band in a statement. "Everything you love about CHILDREN OF BODOM has been magnified tenfold and we're pushing ourselves harder than ever before. Expect nothing less than 'the perfect storm!'"

Immediately upon the completion of the new album, CHILDREN OF BODOM will join Zakk Wylde's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY for a two-month North American tour. Dubbed the "Black Label Berzerkus" and described as "rock n' roll nights of excess and unique madness," the massive trek will kick off on September 21 at Roseland in Portland, Oregon and make stops across the U.S. and Canada.

In other news, BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho and Zakk will appear side-by-side on the cover of Guitar World's November 2010 issue — on newsstands September 21 (see cover sneak peek below).

Also on the CHILDREN OF BODOM-related front, the band has contributed the song "If You Want Peace...Prepare for War" to the upcoming music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. To "maximize players' shredability," Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock "delivers the next evolution in finger-fretting with an all-new, show-stopping guitar controller that was inspired and born from the game's unique art style and specifically made for shredding." CHILDREN OF BODOM will appear on the game alongside fellow heavyweights KISS, METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, DEF LEPPARD, FOO FIGHTERS and more.

Symphorce: New Album Title, Artwork Unveiled


German melodic metallers SYMPHORCE, who feature in their ranks guitarist Cédric "Cede" Dupont and singer Andy B. Franck (BRAINSTORM), will release their new album, "Unrestricted", on Septemebr 24 via AFM Records.

Check out the cover artwork below.

Commented the band: "The [new SYMPHORCE] album recordings have been finished, the whole thing is mixed and mastered and what can we say? It sounds FUCKING AWESOME!

"There's no doubt that the small break we had turned out to be good for us, and we'll be back with the best SYMPHORCE record for sure. It's what we believe at least.

"We're absolutely excited, and so will you be when the album's out, we're pretty damn sure about that!"

SYMPHORCE's last CD, "Become Death", came out in February 2007 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at the House Of Music Studios in Winterbach (near Stuttgart), Germany with producer Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69). Mastering duties were handled by Achim Köhler (BRAINSTORM).

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Blind Illusion Interviewed At San Francisco's Tidal Wave Festival


Bassy Stacy of BayAreaRocks.com conducted an interview with BLIND ILLUSION when the group played the 2010 edition of the Tidal Wave free outdoor metal festival at John McLaren Park's Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in San Francisco California on July 25. You can now watch the chat below.

BLIND ILLUSION is an American band that was part of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Formed in 1979 by lead guitarist and chief songwriter Marc Biedermann, the group had an extremely unstable lineup (Biedermann being the only constant member) and went through a few stylistic changes in its early years.

BLIND ILLUSION's debut studio album, "The Sane Asylum", was released in 1988.

After leaving BLIND ILLUSION, bassist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde went on to form the alternative psychedelic funk metal band PRIMUS.

Biedermann reformed BLIND ILLUSION in 2009 and on July 7, 2010 the band released its sophomore album, "Demon Master".

BLIND ILLUSION 2010 is:

Marc Biedermann - Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
Danny Harcourt - Bass
Robert Nystrom - Drums

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Agathodaimon Parts Ways With Guitarist, Announces Replacement


German black/death/gothic metallers AGATHODAIMON have parted ways with guitarist Jan Jansohn "due to musical and personal differences" and have replaced him with Thilo Feucht. The band states, "[Thilo's] no unknown musician to our fans; you will know him from various contributions and guest appearances he had on 'Chapter III' [2001] and 'Serpent's Embrace' [2004], back then under the nick name of Azrael. He has also joined us on stage several times in the past since 'Chapter III', and already for our recent gigs we had in Austria and Germany.

"We're proud that he joined our ranks as full member now, and look forward to working on our sixth album together.

"Speaking of album No. six, for which we can announce the working title 'In Darkness...' It will be a step back to our roots, girls and boys!

"A studio date is scheduled for early 2011. More news to come soon."

AGATHODAIMON's latest album, "Phoenix", was released in March 2009 via Massacre Records. The follow-up to "Serpent's Embrace" marked the debut of the band's new vocalist, Chris "Ashtrael" Bonner, who joined the group in 2008.

Professionally filmed video footage of AGATHODAIMON performing the song "Tongue Of Thorns" at the Winternachtstraum Festival on February 28, 2009 in Arnsberg-Oeventrop, Germany can be viewed below.

Heart Releases New Album ‘Red Velvet Car’


Legacy Recordings proudly announces the release of Red Velvet Car, the first new studio album in six years from the groundbreaking Seattle-based band Heart, available everywhere on Tuesday, August 31.

The release of Red Velvet Car heralds Legacy’s forthcoming reissues of the classic Heart catalog in new physical and digital editions.

For their first new album since 2004’s Jupiter’s Darling, the first ladies of arena rock took an acoustic approach to a collection of songs inspired by the world around them, arranged for an assortment of strings including guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle, viola, cello and autoharp, all played by Nancy Wilson and the album’s producer, Grammy winner Ben Mink.

Nine of the album’s songs were written for, and appear for the first time on Red Velvet Car. The album’s closer, “Sand,” is a newly recorded version of a song originally written and recorded by the Lovemongers, Ann and Nancy’s 1990’s acoustic side project.

Tracks on Red Velvet Car include “Death Valley,” “Safronia’s Mark,” “Red Velvet Car,” “Queen City,” “Sunflower,” “Wheels,” “There You Go,” “WTF,” “Hey You” and “Sand.”

Red Velvet Car marks the return of Heart to the Sony Music Entertainment family. Heart’s last Sony-related release was 1983’s Passionworks on Epic Records.

“It feels good to have Sony Music holding our new baby. It’s sort of like coming home, since we worked with them on Little Queen, Dog and Butterfly, Bebe le Strange, Private Audition and Passionworks, among others,” said Ann Wilson. “We’re excited about taking it on the road. A fresh sound with all the original Heart magic.”

“This album feels so right for the times,” said Nancy Wilson. “We can’t wait to share this one with the world!”

Heart has been performing songs from Red Velvet Car, as well as classics from the band’s repertoire, during shows at selected Lilith Fair dates and in headline concerts across the U.S. and Canada from July through September. Tour details available on the Heart website.

Red Velvet Car is slated for an August 31, 2010 release.

Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy Wilson, first showed the world that women can rock when their band Heart stormed the charts in the ’70s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” ‘Straight On,” “Even It Up,” “Kick It Out” and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs, and played the instruments too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80s and into the ‘90s with huge hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “Never,” and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as both musicians and singers. Along the way, Heart sold more than 30 million records, had 21 top 40 hits, sold out arenas worldwide, and had a profound influence on rock music.

Iron Maiden: Ed Force One Tour 2011


Astraeus Airlines was the principle supplier of cargo and passenger carriage on the 2008 "Somewhere Back in Time" tour. The tour covered 20 cities in 13 countries over a period of three months. Astraeus Airlines converted a Boeing 757-200 into a combi aircraft with 20 business class seats with a seat pitch of 59 inches and 54 premium economy seats with 39 inches. The rear passenger cabin was converted to carry additional band equipment weighing up to 6.5 tonnes. Following extensive planning and preparation a dedicated crew accompanied the tour to deliver a bespoke service to meet the individual needs of the passengers whilst onboard.

Following extensive planning and preparation a dedicated crew accompanied the tour to deliver a bespoke service to meet the individual needs of the passengers whilst onboard.

"As a professional pilot and a professional singer with Iron Maiden, there was no doubt that Astraeus Airlines were the people for the job. The reliability was superb, and the outcome exceeded the band's wildest expectations. A unique airline, for a unique experience. Astraeus Airlines made it happen!"

Capt. Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden
(Captain with Astraeus and lead singer with Iron Maiden)

Following on from the success of the 2008 tour Iron Maiden chartered the combi aircraft again for the final
leg of their "Somewhere Back in Time“ 2009 world tour which started in February of this year. This tour saw
the aircraft take in 30 countries over a period of 54 days.

Along with last year’s previous destinations new destinations included Serbia, United Arab Emirates, Bali, New
Zealand, Fiji, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Barbados and Bermuda.

We are delighted to advise that Astraeus Airlines will be operating the Iron Maiden 2011 world tour. More
details will of course follow once known.

17 August 2010

Kiske: Interview To Sweden Radio Station


The former frontman of the band Helloween Michael Kiske gave a brief telephone interview last Monday to radio station 106.7 Rockklassiker Sweden where he said the shows that made the country and his new band.
Interview follows below:

Rokklassiker: Good night Michael, is a pleasure to have you as a guest in this segment of the show.

Michael Kiske: Good night Steve and listeners, it is my pleasure to be able to talk to my fans in Sweden after the Sweden Rock Festival.

RK: Michael, the first question is obvious, as it was entering a stage after all these years?

MK: It was good despite the nervousness, this was something that was maturing in my head and I needed a good proposal to make and it came with Unisonic. It's tricky at first, it seems that something unexpected can happen, unlike when I was young and everything seemed easier, you know how when you're young you just go in waves, so the youth commits so many errors, I learned very well at that time and today I am more mature, the more complicated is going on stage, then everything flows, and with shows everything gets easier, it is the law of life, repetition.

RK: Do you think that is already fully adapted to the stage?

MK: Not yet, I could not give me 100% I am evolving, may only be able when I'm in a great tour, with shows more frequent, while I try to deliver the most and have the whole process, essays, compositions, projects, some issues that always appear, certain things that happen that make the process slow down, just when I'm on tour and it is just that I can say I am 100% on stage.

RK: How was it playing in Sweden Rock Festival, the reception of the audience was what you expected?

MK: Yes, we did some shows before as a preparation, the SRF structure was larger, a larger audience, I was stunned as though these years away fans still accompanied me, I signed several cds and were not the only Helloween, had quite a lot of my solo career, people came from other cities, even countries just to see Unisonic, it was rewarding, they managed to understand this new phase of my career, they understood that I do not deny what I did, just went into another level where I try to be true to myself, I'm real and I want people to see me, so when I climb the stage or enter the studio try to give my best, and when I try to do something is always my goal to help. The selfishness is killing mankind, we should donate more, there is more than that we want.

RK: You've talked about selfishness, some relationship with the years you've been in Helloween? once you commented that you did not like the music Mr. Ego, it still bothers you, those things of the past still bring you bad feelings?

MK: It was a difficult period my leaving of Helloween, I always thought I could continue and that everything would improve, and yes, there is some sad feelings, when I look back and I see that I was blind to believe in people who called themselves my friends and betrayed me, I just try to do better now and not make the same mistakes, I see that there are people who are going through it, somehow it is a kind of deja vu, I wanted the world to change and people gave value for those who really try to help you, if I had listened to those who really were on my side I would not have bothered me so much, and has certain things that I missed that era that can no longer recover, this is the hurt of these years. The music itself, never mind, I know who I am and I'm not like that, I try to leave it in the past.

RK: Would you be bothered to attend a festival in which the Helloween played on the same day, sure you stumbled through the halls, you'll refuse if this happen?

MK: I do not think about it, and this kind of situation that I leave for the day if it happens, for now I'm focused on other goals such as completing the design of the band, I try to put the best of me there, like that.

RK: Returning to the festival, you played almost Place Vendome, many people thought to listen to more music than Unisonic, what do you think about the set list?

MK: When we scheduled the show we thought we'd play more songs from Unisonic, there was the plan until the album was released before the show, only it ran into problems and was delayed, so I entered only one, more in general I think it was a good set list, we show a new song, we choose the Place Vendome music that we think would please and had those of my stage in Helloween, we knew we would have many fans who would like to listen to these songs, I think we did a good show over time that we had .

RK: The Souls Alive music is the music of the band's work?

MK: Actually I do not know, we have to see the final result, only after all the songs finalized that we can assess, we have to see the label for which the album came out, only then we'll decide, we just put it up on Myspace for being the music already we've been playing and because it is a song that described the moment, the lyric had to do with that specific time, the public apparently liked her when she is finished will be even better.

RK: The interplay between the band on stage, there is a chemical or did you find tricky in some moment?

MK: It was easy, they are great musicians and great people, of course there were problems, always exists, even in the beginning, problems that appear for all, nothing with them, with they all flowed normally, we help each other and we will evolve close together, in time everything will be easier.

RK: The album, which is already a release date, fans must be eagerly waiting for a date, can you comment something?

MK: We're still hitting some details, we will soon have something tangible to pass on to our fans.

RK: Judging by the music “Souls Alive” can expect something to that effect, or we'll have any surprise?.

MK: We are a group and everyone is working, it is obvious to expect that each song has your universe, it will be a rock record, we know that there will be comparisons, especially with the Place Vendome, we just want it seems Unisonic, we are a new band and gradually try to reach the people, there will always be comparisons, normal, we put our personality there, is like a signature, it is important to be honest with yourself and do better.

RK: You talk about comparisons, you stay pressed with the people expecting something that sounds Helloween or you overcame it?

MK: I'm over, people are realizing that the music has more value, I'm not denying the past, just do not want to be labeled and have to do the same thing, I'm not against the metal, if it appears to do good inspiration metal music, ok, positive music, because music is more than just sing, you pass a message, you become a messenger, so I am against the whole scene that exists in satanic metal, you can use good songs without having to use this and there is good metal bands who bother to do a song of quality, both technically and in terms of composition, the world is becoming too cold, the other side has much influence, I see people getting lost and it is in Everywhere, I have a friend named Narya and I see how these things can affect people, not the style but what is behind some movements, the music like everything in life has to make the person grow , have to show principles, I like metal and I like metal bands but I'm free to do what I like, and Unisonic is what I want for the moment, I want to pass something good for people, I can not please all most everything has a price, I hope people can see through the darkness and see that there is a world that can still be saved, We just can not quit.

RK: And you want to go on tour soon?

MK: We are planning it, with the album the most feasible way would be to divulgalos this, we are anxious for a great tour and reach the greatest number of fans, we are a band and a band has to be on the road.

RK: Well Michael, our time is short, thanks for providing a time for our listeners, we wish you luck and success with his band and his album.

MK: Thank you Steve thanks for the opportunity and support.

RK: I hope to have you with us into another opportunity to talk about the record.

MK: It would be a pleasure for me.

RK: So the next Michael, bye.

MK: bye, we see each other soon.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Disturbed: 'Asylum' Video Released


"Asylum", the new video from Chicago heavy rockers DISTURBED, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Roboshobo (a.k.a. Robert Schober), who has previously worked with METALLICA, MASTODON and DEFTONES, among others. Roboshobo also helmed the video for "Another Way To Die", the first single from DISTURBED's new album, also titled "Asylum", which will arrive on August 31 via Reprise Records.

DISTURBED is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special gift to fans: a documentary entitled "Decade of Disturbed". Starting August 26, five days before the release of DISTURBED's new album, "Asylum", "Decade of Disturbed" will play on the big screen in movie theaters in 13 cities across the country. "Decade of Disturbed" will be also included with every purchase of "Asylum".

The 75-plus-minute film, directed by Rafa Alcantara of Twentyfourcore Productions, candidly captures the band's ten-year history, with extensive behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen footage. "It basically tells the story of the band, from its inception to present day," says DISTURBED frontman David Draiman.

"The band has had its share of ups and downs along the way and I think we tried to be as open and honest about all of it as we could. It's very insightful and we hope it's something the fans will appreciate."

Full preview screening information can be found at this location.

"Decade of Disturbed" theatre screenings:

Aug. 26 - Toronto Underground Cinema - Toronto, ON
Aug. 26 - Crowfoot - Pontiac, MI
Aug. 27 - Peoria Theater - Peoria, IL
Aug. 27 - Madcap Theaters - Tempe, AZ
*Director Rafa Alcantara will be present
Aug. 27 - Georgetown 14 - Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 27 - Plaza Theatre - Atlanta, GA
Aug. 27 - Saint Anthony Main - Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 27 - Northwest Film Forum - Seattle, WA
Aug. 27 - Alamo Drafthouse Winchester - Winchester, VA
Aug. 27 - Music Box - Chicago, IL
Aug. 28 - Screenland Crossroads - Kansas City, MO
Aug. 28 - Tampa Pitcher Show - Tampa, FL
Aug. 30 - The Piazza - Philadelphia, PA

The "Asylum" limited-edition CD/DVD pre-order comes with the full album, including two bonus tracks (live recordings of "Down With The Sickness" and "Stricken"), expanded artwork, a DVD with the "Decade Of Disturbed" documentary plus nine "Disturbed Dissected" exclusive instrument video instuctionals, and an exclusive double-sided poster with guitar tabs. It is available only through Disturbed1.com.

The iTunes LP version of "Asylum" is also available to pre-order now. This version also includes a download featuring the "Decade of Disturbed" documentary, two bonus tracks (live recordings of "Down With The Sickness" and "Stricken"), an additional exclusive bonus track ("Leave It Alone"), and two "Disturbed Dissected" exclusive instrument video instructionals.

Ozzy Osbourne: 'Life Won't Wait' Video Sneak Peek


Ozzy Osbourne filmed a video for his new single, "Life Won't Wait", earlier this month at various locations in Los Angeles with Osbourne's son Jack in the director's chair.

A 19-second sneak peek at the clip is available below.

"Life Won't Wait" is the second single from Ozzy's latest album "Scream", which entered the charts in June in the Top Ten in more than 10 countries.

As previously reported, Ozzy's first-ever official free iTunes app — simply called Ozzy — is available now and allows fans to enter the world of The Prince of Darkness. Users can experience music from Ozzy's 30-year solo career with access to a full discography featuring direct links to his iTunes page for a one-stop link to purchase of any song or album from his catalog. In addition, once downloaded, users can view music videos and photo galleries, access Ozzy's current concert dates and buy tickets for upcoming shows, or can instantly post comments and photos from shows they've just attended. A built-in fan wall also allows users to communicate with each other and search (by location) to find fellow Ozzy fans in their town. The Ozzy app is fully integrated with his official Twitter feed and has direct links to all of his other social networking sites as well as Ozzy's official online store.

Ozzy recorded most of "Scream" at his Los Angeles home studio, The Bunker, and co-wrote all the songs, primarily with producer Kevin Churko. Notably, the album marks the first appearance of Ozzy's new guitar player, Gus G. (FIREWIND, ex-DREAM EVIL, ARCH ENEMY). Ozzy's band also features bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson, drummer Tommy Clufetos (ex-ROB ZOMBIE, ALICE COOPER) and keyboardist Adam Wakeman.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine says he and Metallica have hugged out


Dave Mustaine has a reputation for many things besides his extraordinary guitar playing. He’s a founding member of Metallica and one of the godfathers of what became known as thrash metal, yet he was fired from that band just before it broke big because of his rampant drugging and drinking. His volatile 25-year tenure as the leader of Megadeth has been marked by several classic metal albums and a revolving-door lineup. His long-running battle with drugs and drink led to rehab and eventually his conversion to Christianity. His outspokenness has embroiled him in public spats with his band and others, including Metallica and Pantera.

Now he lays out the whole story in his autobiography, “Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir” (HarperCollins, $25.99), released as he tours with Megadeth and fellow thrash-metal icons Slayer and Testament. Mustaine had more to say when I caught up with him between tour dates:

Q: You’ve said that after writing your autobiography, you felt like finally you’d been understood. What were the biggest misunderstandings about you that you wanted to clear up?

A: The biggest misunderstanding is all of the stuff in the past, the disagreements with other bands, stuff that is so old. None of us care about it anymore. You can see what happened with the “Big 4” reunion (the Megadeth stadium shows in Europe this summer with ‘80s thrash-metal bands Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax) and all of us playing together. It was like there was some kind of enjoyment having disagreements, this feud among all of us. A lot of people have disagreements. But there we were on stage playing together and hugging at the end. How can this be a feud when you have proof right there on film? It will be released on DVD -- the shot heard round the world. It shows you this whole terrible thing has been perpetuated by the press.

Q: Oh, c’mon Dave. You can’t deny that your relationship with those other bands has had its share of tension and competitiveness over the years.

A: Like Lars (Ulrich of Metallica) says, there is the relationship we have and the relationship the press thinks we all have. And the proof is when we were all doing the jam on (Diamond Head's) “Am I Evil,” I was listening to how loud the crowd was, and it was as loud when we hugged each other as when we played the song. It gave me chills. James (Hetfield of Metallica) and I being able to embrace on that world platform shows people that metal is a close-knit community. We don’t leave our wounded behind. Kerry (King of Slayer) says to me, “I don’t even know what I was mad about anymore.” What’s important is that the four pillars of the metal community are all in a great relationship right now. It’s a shame our politicians can’t get along as well. In America there is always that good-luck story and everyone wants to see the person win in the end. I’ve had a little redemption watching this whole thing come around full circle.

Q: Yet in the Metallica documentary (“Some Kind of Monster” in 2004) there is the scene where you and Lars talk and you come across like a guy who has never quite completely gotten over being fired from Metallica in 1983.

A: I think that’s pretty accurate. I care about those things. I still do. I was drinking and drugging, but I never got any warning from Lars and James when they fired me. They just put me on a bus and sent me home. The movie was something they were doing, and I didn’t know what it was about. I’d been through enough therapy myself, so I didn’t mind being put in that situation. All I wanted was some closure and to have a new relationship with those guys. We did so much damage to the relationship through drugs and alcohol. I still wanted to be friends with him. I knew sitting down and talking with that guy was going to address part of it. I just wanted closure with these guys so we could put the past behind us. We were kids when it all went down. But James wasn’t there when Lars and I had our talk (in the movie). James said to me at the Big 4 concert that he wished he had been there, and I was moved by that. I thought he was a gentleman, I was very proud of him. This is all so fantastic now. I am so exited about this new relationship I have with these guys.

Q: Is part of the reason for writing the book to give your take on Megadeth’s legacy, its place in rock history?

A: I am not so concerned about my legacy. I know I see a lot of stuff written about me in the past and it was painful. I’m just trying to live life as best I can, and be helpful to people in the music industry. I saw this tennis player with a really bad reputation when I was young, and I see him now and he still has that bad reputation. Is he tired of being that guy with the bad temper? I’m talking about John McEnroe. I don’t want to be this guy known forever for something that happened when I was 20.

Q: There’s a sense that the finest eras in rock grew out of a sense of competition, with people like the Stones, Beatles, Dylan, the Beach Boys all trying to outdo each other in the ‘60s, or the CBGB’s scene in the ‘70s. You say in the book after you left Metallica and formed Megadeth that you were “out for blood. I wanted to kick Metallica’s (behind).” Was there a sense of competition between you and the other metal bands in the ‘80s that made the music better?

A: Anybody whose heart’s beating is going to have a competitive edge if they are proud at all of what they’re doing. I don’t think anyone would outright say we compete because our musical styles are so different. If we all played the same exact stuff, it’d be different matter. But yeah, we were definitely looking over our shoulders at what the other bands were doing. I’d be a liar if I said otherwise.

Q: Was (2009 Megadeth album) “Endgame” an attempt to get back to the so-called classic Megadeth sound?

A: We certainly returned back to form, which to me means we’re more about the riff and not so much about the radio intent. When trying to work with a record label within the record industry, you have to make compromises. You have to be big enough to withstand that, or be creative enough to not have to do that. And if you don’t do it, you have to be prepared to suffer consequences. We were creative enough to withstand, but also compliant enough to make our way through. Our music has never been categorized by genre, but I thought it was pretty diverse. We got lumped into metal, but we also had our most successful record in 1992 (“Countdown to Extinction”) when it was all about grunge and alternative.

Q: Do you have a sense why “Countdown to Extinction” was so successful?

A: When a guy starts a band, you usually get together with guys who happen to play music, rather than musicians. Rarely does a musician find three other musicians to start out. I was a musician who gathered people who played music at first, which enabled me to later find musicians, who enabled me to become a star. We had all our lives to make our first album (“Killing is my Business … and Business is Good” in 1985) and 18 months to make (second album) “Peace Sells … but Who’s Buying?” (in 1986). That sophomore offering is the be-all or end-all of any band. You either go to the next level, or it’s the beginning of the nadir. If you’re second record doesn’t live up, you’re done. You take your best songs to put together your first record, then how do you come up with something just as good in 18 months? You force it, and that impulse was killing heavy metal, the glut of music that had to come out. When my first record came out, you were writing four songs per side. Then CDs came along, and you had to have 12 songs. That’s record-and-a-half every time. It ate up catalogues, cheapened music, made it really hard to consistently put out quality music. But I was pretty far along for a new band, because I’d already done a lot of writing in Metallica. I’ve always been blessed to have great players around me, even the ones I don’t have a lot of respect for. We had disagreements and don’t get along, but they contributed a lot to Megadeth. The “Countdown to Extinction” era, Megadeth reached a point where the musicianship in the band reached a really high level and it didn’t matter what was going on around us. We were trend-proof by that point.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Accept Guitarist: 'We Have Not Seen Fans So Happy In A Long, Long Time'



After debuting their new lineup to a sold-out audience in New York this past May and then traveling to Europe to devastate the masses with shows in 16 different countries in 80 days (including two shows opening for AC/DC), reformed heavy metal legends ACCEPT will return to tour the U.S. for the first time in 14 years on a co-headlining tour with KING'S X. ACCEPT's first show will kick off the eleventh annual ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta.

Commented ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffman: "Believe me, this was boot camp, but we loved every minute of it!

"Twelve months ago, there was nothing on the horizon that would have made us believe we would be on the stages of the world again as ACCEPT… and here we are! [New lead vocalist] Mark Tornillo inspires us to get it all out in a way we have not been challenged before. We can't wait to be on stage with him!!!! He is the new kid on the block and he is the reason we are back again. It is such a relief, such vitamin shot!!! And if we could, we would never stop!!!"

When asked what has surprised the band the most about their fans, Hoffman responded enthusiastically, "NO doubt about it, the biggest surprise is the way they make us feel welcomed. Of course we hoped the fans would be happy to have us back — who would not believe that about their fans? — but what is happening here, everywhere we go, is a total knock-out for us. We have not seen fans so happy in a long, long time."

ACCEPT U.S. tour dates:

Sep. 09 - Atlanta, GA - ProgPower USA (no KING'S X)
Sep. 23 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
Sep. 24 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live
Sep. 25 - Sayreville, NJ - The Starland Ballroom
Sep. 27 - New York, NY - B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Sep. 29 - Foxborough, MA - Showcase Live
Oct. 01 - Reading, PA - The Silo
Oct. 02 - Mount Clemens, MI - The Emerald Theatre
Oct. 09 - Chicago, IL - The Arcada
Oct. 12 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
Oct. 13 - Houston, TX - House of Blues

More October shows will be announced soon.

ACCEPT's new album, "Blood Of The Nations", will be released on the following dates:

August 20: Europe (via Nuclear Blast)
September 4: Japan (via Universal)
September 14: North America (via Nuclear Blast)

"Blood Of The Nations" was recorded at Backstage Studio in Derbyshire, England with acclaimed British producer and SABBAT guitarist Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, MASTERPLAN). The CD — which marks the recording debut of the band's latest addition, vocalist Mark Tornillo (ex-TT QUICK) — contains the following 12 tracks:

01. Beat The Bastards
02. Teutonic Terror
03. The Abyss
04. Blood Of The Nations
05. Shades Of Death
06. Locked And Loaded
07. Kill The Pain
08. Rollin Thunder
09. Pandemic
10. New World Comin'
11. No Shelter
12. Bucketful Of Hate

ACCEPT 2010 is:

Wolf Hoffmann: Guitar
Peter Baltes: Bass
Herman Frank: Guitar
Mark Tornillo: Vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann: Drums

Professionally filmed video footage of ACCEPT performing two new songs — "The Abyss" and "Teutonic Terror" — at this year's installment of the Rock Hard festival, which was held May 21-23, 2010 at the Amphitheater in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, can be viewed below. Also available is a German-language interview with the band's guitarist, Wolf Hoffmann. (Note: The footage originally aired on WDR's [German public TV] series "Rockpalast".)

Motley Crue At U.K.'s Sonispherer: Walking To The Stage


NME TV has uploaded video footage of MÖTLEY CRÜE preparing to hit the stage at the U.K. edition of the Sonisphere festival, which was held July 30 - August 1, 2010 at Knebworth Park. Watch the clip below.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's latest "greatest-hits" collection, suitably titled "Greatest Hits", was released on November 17, 2009 via Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records.

Best Buy features an exclusive CD/DVD package of the new collection with a 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary filmed at "Crüe Fest 2", the sophomore outing of the band's summer festival tour.

CRÜE performed its classic 1989 album, "Dr. Feelgood", in its entirety on Crüe Fest 2 to celebrate the record's 20th anniversary.

Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records re-released "Dr. Feelgood" on September 21, 2009.

Originally issued on September 1, 1989, "Dr. Feelgood" reached #1 on the Billboard chart and went on to sell more than seven million copies worldwide. The title track reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 and earned the band their first two Grammy nominations (Best Hard Rock Performance: "Dr Feelgood" in 1989 and "Kickstart My Heart" in 1990). Twenty years later, the band was nominated for another Grammy Award and is celebrating its hit album "Saints of Los Angeles" on an arena tour of the U.S.

"Dr. Feelgood" was released as a deluxe version incorporating two CDs. The original version of "Dr. Feelgood" on one CD, and on the other a smorgasbord of delights! — four original demos from the "Dr. Feelgood" sessions, four tracks recorded live when the band played in Russia, plus a remix of "Get It For Free".

Friday, August 13, 2010

Behemouth: Video Online


Fans can now head over to BEHEMOTH’s official YouTube Channel and MetalBlade.tv to check out the brand new production video for the track Alas, Lord Is Upon Me off the group’s latest release Evangelion.


The video for Alas, Lord Is Upon Me was produced and directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz and Grupa 13 who also shot BEHEMOTH’s videos for Ov Fire and the Void and At the left hand ov God. Fans can also check out a behind the scenes clip from the video shoot in website band.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Testament's AlexSkolnick: A Change In Winter Plans


TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has posted the following message on his official web site:

"It's been nearly ten years since my first TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA winter tour. Each year it's been an incredible experience, traveling from arena to arena being an important part of the largest symphonic rock production in history. This year, however, I've decided to make the difficult decision of stepping out of the spotlight (and lasers, fog, fire and snow) and embarking upon new adventures.

"The reasons for this are twofold.

"As one might imagine, the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA winter tour is a demanding one — with long days and an action-packed show that calls for no less than 200% of yourself, often twice a day from the mid-October rehearsals to the final show in January.

"While the awesome response from fans and the collaboration with fellow performers make it beyond worth it, there comes a point, after so many years of annual grueling intensity, for some of us to draw upon that quarter of a year's worth of time and energy in order to launch a renewed focus on our own visions.

"In my case, this process begins with the release of a brand new album (ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO's 'Veritas', due October 15) to be followed by heavy touring, including winter dates in support of RODRIGO Y GABRIELA.

"There are many other endeavors in the works, the information of which will be continually updated online at AlexSkolnick.com. Furthermore, as someone who has been on tour with multiple projects and running on all cylinders during the entire calendar year since 2006, reclaiming this three-month period will open up the option to take breaks once in a while, remember what home looks like, lessen the constant separation from friends and loved ones and recharge my own batteries as needed.

"Of course, I'll miss doing the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA tour. The stage time, friendships and overall experience has been invaluable.

"I'm grateful to Paul O'Neil and Nightcastle Management for the opportunity, to all the musicians and singers for the good times and to all the fans for the unyielding support; you guys are the best! I look forward to seeing many of you out there in different configurations."

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Agent Steel Featuring Returning Vocalist John Cyriis: First Photo Released


The first photo of the new lineup of the Californian metal band AGENT STEEL — featuring the group's returning vocalist, John Cyriis — can be viewed below. The picture was taken by Alex Solca on July 23, 2010.

AGENT STEEL is currently rehearsing its classic material as well as working on new songs for future release. One of the tracks that Cyriis has been writing lyrics to has a working title of "Behold...The Great Race".

Cyriis appeared on AGENT STEEL's first three releases — "Skeptics Apocalypse" (1985), "Mad Locust Rising" (1985) and "Unstoppable Force" (1987).

AGENT STEEL's fifth album, "Alienigma", was issued by Mascot Records on August 31, 2007.

AGENT STEEL 2010 is:

John Cyriis - Vocals
Juan Garcia - Guitar
Bernie Versailles - Guitar
Robert Cardenas - Bass
Rigo Amezcua - Drums

Friday, July 23, 2010

Avenged Sevenfold Frontman Interviewed On Kerrang! Radio


On July 22, Kerrang! Radio's Loz Guest conducted an interview with vocalist M. Shadows of Orange County, California's AVENGED SEVENFOLD. You can now listen to the chat below.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD has just premiered its new song "Welcome To The Family" with video footage from the upcoming video game Call Of Duty : Black Ops. Check out the clip below. The track comes off the band's fifth studio album, produced by Mike Elizondo, which is due from Warner Bros. Records on July 27.

An exclusive digital edition of "Nightmare" is available for pre-order on the iTunes Store. In addition to the full "Nightmare" digital album, this very special iTunes edition is jam-packed with features, including a non-album exclusive bonus track ("Lost It All"), 20 exclusive photos, the "Nightmare" music video plus its written treatment, behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot, the "Nightmare" lyric video, an audio interview with album producer Mike Elizondo, type-set lyrics with hand-written notes for "Lost It All", and sketches of the album art concept.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD is riding high on the success of "Nightmare"'s first single and title track, which has enjoyed airplay at Active Rock, Mainstream, and Modern Rock radio stations across the country and was the No. 1 Rock Song on iTunes in the U.S. and the U.K. in its debut week. A lyric video of "Nightmare" that premiered via YouTube on the band's web site received more than 275,000 plays in 24 hours and has since racked up more than two million views.

In August, AVENGED SEVENFOLD will co-headline the first annual Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival with DISTURBED. Also on the bill are STONE SOUR, HALESTORM, and HELLYEAH. The Uproar tour, which will hit amphitheatres and arenas, marks the band's first tour since the passing of beloved friend and drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Mike Portnoy from DREAM THEATER plays drums on "Nightmare" and will also tour with the band for Uproar.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Accept And King's X To Team Up For U.S. Tour?


Reformed heavy metal legends ACCEPT will be joined by openers KING'S X for the following two shows:

Sep. 25 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
Sep. 27 - B.B. King Blues Club & Grill - New York, NY

Tickets for the Sayreville show go on sale on Friday, July 30 at noon. The New York City tickets will become available on Wednesday, July 28 at noon.

"Blood Of The Nations", the new studio album from ACCEPT, will be released via Nuclear Blast Records on the following dates:

August 20: Europe
September 14: North America

"Blood Of The Nations" was recorded at Backstage Studio in Derbyshire, England with acclaimed British producer and SABBAT guitarist Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, MASTERPLAN). The CD — which marks the recording debut of the band's latest addition, vocalist Mark Tornillo (ex-TT QUICK) — contains the following 12 tracks:

01. Beat The Bastards
02. Teutonic Terror
03. The Abyss
04. Blood Of The Nations
05. Shades Of Death
06. Locked And Loaded
07. Kill The Pain
08. Rollin Thunder
09. Pandemic
10. New World Comin'
11. No Shelter
12. Bucketful Of Hate

The "Blood Of The Nations" cover artwork can be viewed below.

ACCEPT 2010 is:

Wolf Hoffmann: Guitar
Peter Baltes: Bass
Herman Frank: Guitar
Mark Tornillo: Vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann: Drums

Regarding Tornillo's addition to ACCEPT, Hoffmann previously said, "It all happened in minutes. Peter and I were working on some tunes in a studio in New Jersey. Somebody suggested we give this guy Mark a call to see if he would join us on vocals. So when he arrived we started jamming on some old ACCEPT tunes — just for fun. As soon as Mark started singing we looked at each other and realized the impossible just happened: we found a new voice for ACCEPT! The timing could not have been better! Now or never... We are re-energized and excited..."

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Volbeat Frontman To Guest On New The Storm Album


Guitarist/vocalist Michael Poulsen of Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT makes a guest appearance on "Black Luck", the forthcoming second album from fellow Danes THE STORM. Due on October 27 via Spinefarm Records, the CD features Poulsen's vocals on the single "Black Shot Eyes".

THE STORM frontwoman Pernille Rosendahl (ex-SWAN LEE) previously contributed her vocals to VOLBEAT's "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood" album.

According to a press release, "Black Luck" features an "even heavier and more uncompromising" sound than THE STORM's platinum-selling (in Denmark) debut, "Where The Storm Meets The Ground", which came out in 2007 and was produced by Roy Thomas Baker (QUEEN, OZZY OSBOURNE, MÖTLEY CRÜE, GUNS N' ROSES). The new CD was helmed by Jacob Hansen, who has previously worked with VOLBEAT, RAUNCHY and HATESPHERE, among many others.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thestormdk

Monday, July 5, 2010

Vince Neil Talked About Sobriety Just Days Before His Arrest


When Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was arrested Sunday night on drunken driving charges in Las Vegas, he was promoting a memoir in which he claimed to have stopped abusing drugs and alcohol.


The 49-year-old rocker spent the night in the Clark County jail and was released Monday after posting $2,000 bail.

In an interview last week with The Associated Press about a tell-all book due out in September, Neil said he hadn't used drugs in 20 years, and had stopped abusing alcohol.

"There's just a point in your life where you kind of stop, that's what happened with me," he said. "There's other things in life than just drugs and alcohol."

Neil said he admired the sobriety of some of the top performers today.

"Those are the guys that are doing it right," he said. "It's the ones that self-destruct with the drugs and alcohol that have gone by the wayside many years ago."

On June 22, Neil told the Associate Press, "Well, there's just a point in your life where you kind of stop, that's what happened with me. That was like three years ago. There's other things in life than just drugs and alcohol. I haven't touched drugs in 20 years. You grow out of that. Or hopefully, you grow out of it."

Neil was in his Lamborghini near the Las Vegas Stri when he was pulled over Sunday by police. . A police spokesman said additional details of the arrest would not be immediately released, and a police report would not be made available while the investigation continued. A court date is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Also from the AP interview on June 22, Neil says, "It's funny because somebody asked me, 'Is it weird being sober in a band?' and I go, 'Well, the thing is, you look at all the top bands that are still out there, most of those guys are sober."

Neil is currently working on his autobiography, due out this September. He said it will deal with the turmoil in his life.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Bret Michaels Still Not 100 Percent


According to People.com, POISON singer Bret Michaels is still suffering side effects from his April 21 brain hemorrhage and warning stroke.

"While Bret may be out on the road and performing, he is still not 100 percent," Janna Elias, V.P. of Michaels Entertainment said Tuesday. "He still has pain from the chemical meningitis, short term memory loss and gets fatigued quicker than normal."

Michaels, 47, however, hasn't put his health in jeopardy by hitting the road. Instead, he "simply feels that music is a powerful healer," adds Elias.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Rush Kicks Off North American Tour; Setlist Revealed


Canadian rock legends RUSH kicked off a 40-date North American tour earlier tonight (Tuesday, June 29) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The trek features the band's first-ever performance of its classic 1981 album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety.

The band's setlist was as follows:

Set 1:

01. Video Intro
02. The Spirit of Radio
03. Time Stand Still
04. Presto
05. Stick It Out
06. Workin' Them Angels
07. Leave That Thing Alone!
08. Faithless
09. BU2B
10. Freewill
11. Marathon
12. Subdivisions

Intermission

Set 2:

13. Tom Sawyer
14. Red Barchetta
15. YYZ
16. Limelight
17. The Camera Eye
18. Witch Hunt
19. Vital Signs
20. Caravan
21. Drum Solo
22. Closer to the Heart
22. 2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx
23. Far Cry

Encore

24. La Villa Strangiato
25. Working Man
26. Video Outro

Fan-filmed footage of the concert can be viewed below.

Guitarist Alex Lifeson told The Pulse of Radio how the idea came about to play "Moving Pictures" live from front to back. "Actually Neil [Peart, drums] was the one that brought it up," he said. "He thought the idea was great, and one of our songs, 'Camera Eye', has been probably the top song on our request list from fans for years. So it really gives us an opportunity to include that in the set and to present it with the whole album. Much of that material we've been playing for a long time anyways, so it wasn't that difficult to really fit it all in, and I love the idea of it and it's really working well during rehearsals."

The award-winning and acclaimed documentary about RUSH, called "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage", arrived today on DVD and Blu-ray after premiering and winning the Audience Choice Award at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival this past April.

The film, which traces the band's entire career from the late Sixties until now, made its TV premiere on Saturday night (June 26) on VH1 Classic.

The band has just released two new tracks, "Caravan" and "BU2B", online and will return to the studio after the tour to complete its next album, titled "Clockwork Angels".

RUSH received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Friday (June 25) in Los Angeles, with the band inducted by SMASHING PUMPKINS frontman and longtime fan Billy Corgan.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Bassist On RONNIE JAMES DIO, Diminishing Record Sales

Cosmos Gaming conducted an interview with bassist Mike D'Antonio of Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE at last month's Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

Cosmos Gaming: In reference to where you came from musically, do you feel like your music has changed at all?

Mike D'Antonio: I guess we went about it in a roundabout way. We were all in separate bands that played 10-minute songs that played 30-40 riffs per song and we didn't have any fans. So we took a step back and said "What would promote a person walking into a venue and seeing us for the first time — loving or hating us — but just knowing right away rather than having to listen to a song 30-40 times to understand what was going on?" So the original idea of the band was to strip things down but I guess that was also the rock way of doing things because it helped us get onto the radio. But it was never anything that we were strived to do.

Cosmos Gaming: We assume you'll be doing your traditional DIO cover tonight, are you planning on doing anything special considering his recent passing?

Mike D'Antonio: Umm, we will dedicate the set to Dio. It was a really sad thing. He was one of the few older guys who could still put it on every day despite his age. It's sad to see such great talent lost but we're not going to do anything special besides just sending it out to him.

Cosmos Gaming: Is there any reason why you initially chose "Holy Diver" vs. any other song?

Mike D'Antonio: The original idea for the cover was Kerrang! magazine was doing a 25th or 30th anniversary edition of the magazine and were putting out a CD of current metal bands covering old school metal bands and there was a long list of bands from like BON JOVI to POISON to DIO and even WEEZER who were thrown in there which was kind of weird but they had the artists and then the songs that were possibilities that the bands could choose from and we had chosen DIO just based on our love for the guy and his band who put out some pretty great metal songs and albums over the years. Not necessarily something that'll be on the radio, but great metal songs nonetheless. And the song they originally wanted us to do "We Rock" but we'd always been big fans of "Holy Diver" so we went to them and there was a bit of back and forth and we just asked if we could do "Holy Diver" and they eventually said "Sure, why not?!" That's why we initially recorded the cover, because we normally don't do or record covers. We're not the kind of band who wants to get known but just recording a bunch of covers. We were just happy to do it and it ended up turning out really well. It was also the first time we'd seen our singer sing-sing a song throughout the entire thing and we weren't entirely sure if he could pull it off because there's a lot of falsetto in Dio's songs so it was cool to see him actually do it.

Cosmos Gaming: Do you feel that by covering "Holy Diver" that it brought a whole new generation to love Dio's music?

Mike D'Antonio: I'd like to hope so. It'd be great to know that. Some of those older guys were suffering a bit to the end of their careers so it would be great for them to gain a bit more respect. Some 14-year-old who doesn't know anything about music can kind of grow into it and learn to love his music. Kids need to find their way somewhere along the lines whether it's by us showing them what good music is or other bands playing songs like that, you know.

Cosmos Gaming: Whom do you blame for the downfall of record sales?

Mike D'Antonio: A lot of it unfortunately has to do with the Internet and songs being available for free but I guess it's just because it's such a new thing that's going on so people haven't figured out how to corral it back into the way it should be. Songwriters need to make money, too. I guess the next step would probably be music services sort of like in the old days where you'd put a penny in an envelope along with one of those old RCA lists where you check off 10 CDs and stuff and I guess that'll come into play and Rhapsody where you pay a certain fee and then get whatever you want. The unfortunate part is that no one owns anything anymore. You're paying the same amount of money but you do not physically own anything.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dream Thearter Vocalist Talks About Upcoming Solo Album


BlissfulViolet of Beyond The Dark Horizon recently conducted an interview with DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: Is there been a certain process or routine that DREAM THEATER follows to prepare before a tour? How do you prepare vocally to keep your voice in tact?

James LaBrie: Everyone has their own way of preparing for tours and shows aside from rehearsal. I jog every day, take a lot of vitamins get plenty of sleep. I warm up before the show and cool down after. I drink a lot of liquids, don't drink or smoke. All these things help me keep my voice in top shape.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: And what's amazing is the fact that you have been singing since childhood.

James LaBrie: My family always found a way to get me involved with music. I was listening to music since the age of three and singing since the age of five-that's for sure. According to my parents, I would always sit next to a radio and one day just started singing the lyrics to the songs that I knew. I remember putting on albums and I mean "albums," LPs [laughs] and singing songs because I loved it. I fell in love with it from the very beginning.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: What was it like growing up in Canada and coming from a family with a great musical background?

James LaBrie: My father used to sing and dance at a small local theater, my mother played piano, she still does, a little guitar as well. Her whole family and sisters would all sing. But my dad also sang in barbershop quartet, was in the church choir, so he'd even bring me there to sing with him. He also brought me along to the barbershop quartets, which were pretty cool because you were really able to focus on the sound of your voice compared to others, and really get a good feel from where you're coming from as a vocalist.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: Are your children musically inclined as well?

James LaBrie: Absolutely. My son plays guitar and my daughter sings and studies; she's doing fantastic and has a lovely voice. They're both extremely involved with music and listen to it all the time — whether they're in their bedrooms or walking around with an iPod, music is a huge part of their lives.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: DREAM THEATER has always been a band that never repeats itself. Where does your latest release, "Black Clouds and Silver Linings", take you?

Jame LaBrie: With that being said, we always want to challenge ourselves and strive to take us in a direction that's expressing ourselves musically but differently. I think with this album, it was really cool because it was kind of like a toss back with some of our musical roots. There are songs on there that sound like they might be from the "A Change of Seasons" and the "Awake" era. Even off the "Scenes of a Memory" with the song, "The Count of Tuscany". I think it was a really cool, very contemporary sounding album but still remaining true and maintaining our identity.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: Aside from DREAM THEATER, you recently announced the release of your new solo album, any details on that?

James LaBrie: It's going to be called "Static Pulse" and there will be 12 songs, on the album. It's very heavy and I'm really excited. I don't want to say too much about it at this point but were in the mixing stages and all the artwork is being done. It's a great band and we have fantastic players. It should be out by mid/late September.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Do you plan to tour in support?

James LaBrie: I'm planning on touring in support but not too much since I'm always touring with DREAM THEATER. I would like everyone to know that this is a band, a unit and everyone involved is very passionate and serious about this and I think it would be exceptionally cool to get out on the road and do stuff on our own, but at the same time it would be a great idea to open up for a bigger band. We would basically do an in-your-face balls-to-the-wall-and-see-you-later deal.

Beyond The Dark Horizon: Being DREAM THEATER's frontman for 20 years, at the end of the day, what does the band and your work as a vocalist mean to you?

James LaBrie: It's kind of weird. You wake up, speak to people like I'm speaking to you and realize that it's the very thing that has given me the life that I have and it's who I am. It's bizarre in a way. You do fall into a groove and it's like anything that you've done for awhile — it just becomes the norm. But every now and then, I am jarred by the whole situation; I'm like, "Hey, I sing for a living. I'm doing want many people dream of doing, I'm living it." I think it really hits you when you go out on tour and perform before thousands of people. The energy and receptiveness of the crowd makes you realize what you do for people, it's just incredible and I'm much honored to be part of something that I always aspired to be.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

In This Moment Frontwoman Talks New Album


101 Distribution recently conducted an interview with vocalist Maria Brink of Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

101 Distribution: Cool. So Jesse Landry left the bass position recently.

Maria Brink: Yea. Kyle [Konkiel] is our new bassist and Jesse is no longer in the band, but it was a good thing. It was a mutual thing. He wanted to fly airplanes and it's so funny because he's been sitting in the bunk for the past year — while we're on tour — doing these flight simulating video games and it's so funny because we'd make fun of him. But he actually made the choice that he wanted to fly airplanes and he is flying airplanes now by himself, and getting more licenses so he can actually be a pilot.

101 Distribution: So you guys recently recorded the new album entitled "A Star-Crossed Wasteland". How do you feel about it?

Maria Brink: I love our new album so much. I think it's a defining album, as far as our sound is concerned. I think in the beginning, we were trying to figure it out and exploring different things, and I think on this album, we kinda found what our sound is. I guess the last album ("The Dream") was a lot more bright and [had] a storybook album feel, and this album went to a darker fairytale ... definitely a darker realm.

101 Distribution: What was your inspiration this time around?

Maria Brink: A few different things. For me, the way I like to do things ... I love storytelling, but I like to write about things that are super-passionate to me because I feel like if I'm not writing about things that I believe in — my personal feelings, [then] you won't really hear the emotion in my voice and to me, that's one of the most important things I can have. So what I did was I wrote about my experiences and kinda this metaphorical story type thing. There is definitely an underlying theme for this whole entire album of this post-apocalyptic wasteland world and "star-crossed lovers" is obviously where these two people are meant to basically fail and it's not gonna work out, so it's this star-crossed wasteland world. It's a cool theme ... kinda like a western desert feel to the songs about this cowboy on the search in this world. It's super cool, super fun and big metaphors of things I'm going through in my life. I went through a break-up and a broken heart, and a bunch of other stuff, so it's storytelling throughout my entire experiences.

101 Distribution: You said you broke up with your boyfriend. Is this the one you've been dating for like two or three years?

Maria Brink: Yeah. Jonathan Miller from DEVILDRIVER.

101 Distribution: So you're on the market now?

Maria Brink: (Laughs) I'm single, yes.

101 Distribution: Goodness gracious! A lot of guys are gonna hit on you at the Rockstar Mayhem Festival!

Maria Brink: You know, you say that, but men do not hit on me. It's so rare and few that men actually hit on me, whether or not they're intimidated because I'm in a heavy band or my tattoos - whatever it is. I actually rarely ever get hit on. Isn't that funny? People think I do, but I actually don't. I guess the men who are meant to be a part of my life won't be intimidated by me and will be stronger. There's a specific breed that won't be afraid. The man who is meant to be with me won't b afraid of me, so it's gonna take a strong man to step up the plate.

101 Distribution: "The Gun Show" is the first single. Tell me about the video and what was the idea behind releasing that song first?

Maria Brink: It's kind of a western ranch feel video for sure. I dressed up as a cowgirl and have these cowgirls in the video with me. We had so much fun doing it. It's just, I think it's one of the heaviest songs and we really love it, and it's just a fun, awesome, summertime kick ass song. It's pretty brutal because we wanted to come out with a serious bang and our next single would be our radio type single. This one isn't for radio. It's too heavy, but we decided to make an impact, kicking down the door and lighting up the place!