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26 апр 2011
NOCICEPTOR Signs With PIVOTAL ROCKORDINGS
 Dallas, Texas-based progressive metallers NOCICEPTOR, who feature in their ranks THREAT SIGNAL guitarist Travis Montgomery, have inked a deal with Pivotal Rockordings. The band will release its debut EP, "Among Insects", in May via all major digital retailers.
"Among Insects" was produced by Montogomery at his home studio in Dallas and features the following track listing:
01. Intro
02. The Fell
03. Emergence
04. Botfly
05. Mollusk
06. Pornoholocaust
07. Cuntagion
08. Angus McGillicuddy
According to a press release, "Among Insects" is "a hard-hitting riff-fiesta featuring massive grooves, scorching solos, and insane jam-offs for fans of MESHUGGAH, NEVERMORE, and TESSERACT."
NOCICEPTOR is:
JD Schmidt - Vocals
Travis Montgomery - Guitars
Joey Bartoli - Guitars
Scott Allen - Bass
Michael Eskandari - Drums  | 0 |  |
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26 апр 2011
BLINDSIDE: Another New Song Available For Streaming
 "It's All I Have", a brand new song from Stockholm, Sweden's BLINDSIDE, can be streamed at this location. The track comes off the band's long-awaited new album, "With Shivering Hearts We Wait", which will receive an "underground release" on May 6, with a "worldwide release" to follow on June 7. The CD was produced by Howard Benson, Mike Plotnikoff and BLINDSIDE and was recorded at Bay 7 studios in Valley Village, California and Stockholm, Sweden. | 0 | |
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26 апр 2011
DERANGED: New Song Available For Streaming
 "Depraved And Zombified", a brand new song from Swedish death metal masters DERANGED, is available for streaming in the YouTube clip below. The song comes off the band's eighth full-length album, "Cut, Carve, Rip, Serve", which is scheduled for release in May via Sevared Records. The CD was recorded at Berno Studio in Malmö, Sweden.
Other songtitles set to appear on the CD (among others):
* Workshed Slaughter
* Slay And Grind
* Limbless Slave
* Savage Hacksaw Castration
* Blood On Pale Hands
* Razorsharp Decapitation
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26 апр 2011
STORMWARRIOR - \'Heathen Warrior\' Trackliste und Release Datum
 Massacre Records werden das neue Album der Speerspitze des deutschen True/Speed Metals STORMWARRIOR aus Hamburg nun endgültig am 27. Mai 2011 veröffentlichen. Wir haben neben dem bereits seit langem im Netz kursierenden Artwork auch die Trackliste ausfindig gemacht! "Heathen Warrior" wurde von Tommy Hansen in den Jailhouse Studios, in Dänmark (Pretty Maids, Helloween, Jorn, D.A.D. , Hatesphere a.o.) gemixt und gemastered.
"Heathen Warrior" Trackliste:
1. …Og Hammeren Hæves Til Slag…
2. Heathen Warrior
3. The Ride Of Asgård
4. Heirs To The Fighte
5. Bloode To Bloode
6. Fyre & Ice
7. The Returne
8. Wolven Nights
9. Ravenhearte
10. The Valkyries Call
11. And Northern Steele Remaineth
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26 апр 2011
SKINLESS Laid To Rest
 Guitarist Noah Carpenter of the New York-based death metallers SKINLESS has issued the following update:
"We know that many of our fans are restless and wondering what is happening with SKINLESS, and for the last few years we haven't even known either.
"I'm not going to go into a deep, detailed description of what has transpired since the 'Trample' album, but we were plagued with lineup issues once again. The frustration of one step forward and two steps back forced me to just put the band on hiatus and try to recharge the batteries for a while.
"In June 2010 we reunited the old lineup (from the first two CDs) for a show in New York, and I had anticipated that we'd end up writing a new album in that formation. When the time came for serious discussions about moving forward with the album, a couple of the guys told me they didn't have the 'fire' and/or time to dedicate to the project. For several months afterwards I continued to work on new material and jammed with potential new band members. But, much like the other guys, I concluded that I didn't have the 'fire' either, and my inspiration was more directed towards my other band ARMOR COLUMN.
"This certainly isn't an easy thing for me to do, as I have dedicated my entire adult life thus far to SKINLESS.
"We all have shifting priorities throughout life, and we feel that SKINLESS has run its course. To continue at this point would be forced and uninspired.
"SKINLESS has always been about energy and intensity, and doing anything half-heartedly wouldn't be true to what the band stands for.
"Members of SKINLESS will continue on in the music world. Joe plays in the killer band STREETSWEEPER and Sherwood works as a production manager in Colorado. Bob Beaulac has a new band ready to destroy Albany, New York very soon. I hope that many of you will check out my other band ARMOR COLUMN. It's not brutal death but those into thrash and heavy power metal can rock out. Some say it's a mixture of HELSTAR and EXODUS. Brand new album, 'Maximum Collateral Damage', has just been released.
"SKINLESS would like to thank everyone who has ever helped us in any way, from the initial fans in New York that helped springboard us to international recognition, to all the fans around the world, and of course the labels, promoters, booking agents, zines, bands etc. We've had the great honor to share the stage with many metal greats, to see much of the world, and have made tons of friends along the way.
"THANK YOU ALL!!!"
SKINLESS' latest album, "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead", was released in June 2006 via Relapse Records. The CD was the band's first to feature new vocalist Jason Keyser. The follow-up to 2002's "From Sacrifice to Survival" was recorded with longtime engineer Brett Portzer at his Max Trax Studios and was mastered by Scott Hull at Visceral Sound.
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26 апр 2011
CRIMINAL Begins Recording New Album
 Anglo-Chilean thrash masters CRIMINAL entered HVR Recording Studios in Suffolk, U.K. yesterday (Friday, April 22) to begin recording their seventh studio album, the first since the departure of guitarist/founding member Rodrigo Contreras and the subsequent addition of Basque guitar wizard Olmo Cascallar.
"The way we're approaching the drums this time around is to focus a lot on the set-up of the sounds before we record," explains drummer Zac O'Neil. "I think in the past we've been too quick to start tracking without thinking too much about the raw audio. I'm very keen to move in a different direction from the way that metal is going with sampled and edited drums, and go back to the way that metal used to be before all this electronic trickery. Hopefully we'll retain the dynamics and raw energy that just isn't present in many productions nowadays. I've also been concentrating on pre-production arrangements for the drum tracks. I want to make sure that what I play complements the songs and is not too busy or complicated for the sake of it.
"I'm really looking forward to how this next CRIMINAL album will turn out. Hopefully we'll also get some nice tracking footage as well for the fans to see just how we did it."
The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2009's "White Hell" will be released in August via Massacre Records. | 0 | |
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25 апр 2011
METALLICA To Re-Team With Producer RICK RUBIN For Next Album, Says Bassist
 Kevin Conklin and Patrick Tish of the 93.7 KCLB Rocks! radio station (web site) in Palm Springs, California conducted an interview with METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo yesterday (Saturday, April 23) at the "Big Four" concert at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The chat can now be viewed below.
When asked if METALLICA will once again work with producer Rick Rubin on its follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic", Trujillo said, "Yeah. I love working with Rick. Rick, to me, he's sort of a Zen guru spirit that METALLICA needs right now. Not to say that we need it right now, 'cause we're getting along incredibly well, we're really excited to write some new music. There's no shortage of riffage in METALLICA world right now. And I think it's only gonna get better."
He continued, "The first album with Rick was also the first album for me, so in a lot of ways, you're kind of testing the water. Now that we're comfortable with Rick and his incredible engineer, Greg Fidelman, who worked with SLAYER, actually, on this last record — it's my hero — it's a great team. And it's only gonna better; I really believe that. So I'm super-excited."
He added, "I know that we've got another couple [of records] in us. And I think there's a demand. It seems like we've got some new fans, and they're waiting [for new music from METALLICA]."
"Death Magnetic" was officially certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 28, 2010 for shipments in the United States in excess of two million copies.
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25 апр 2011
CIRCLE II CIRCLE\'s MITCH STEWART Pays Tribute To Former Guitarist MATT LAPORTE
 CIRCLE II CIRCLE bassist/keyboardist Mitch Stewart has released the following statement regarding the passing of the band's former guitarist, Matt LaPorte (also of JON OLIVA'S PAIN):
"I'm finding myself waking up to the same harsh reality I was hoping was only a bad nightmare. My friend Matt is gone.
"I met Matty the first time durring the making of CIRCLE II CIRCLE's 'Middle Of Nowhere' recordings. I greeted him with a hug and he never let me forget that day! He ALWAYS remembered that hug. I'll never forget it....
"Matt, my brother... You will live forever in my heart! In the hearts of ALL who loved you.
"Some people would wish for a chance to say goodbye. I can't handle this goodbye. So I'll just say, 'See ya next time, bro!' I love you, man.
"R.I.P.
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25 апр 2011
Loss Of JON OLIVA\'S PAIN Guitarist MATT LAPORTE Mourned By His Bandmates
 JON OLIVA'S PAIN, the band led by SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva, has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
"It is with great heartache and sorrow that we relay the passing of our dear friend, bandmate, guitarist and brother Matthew LaPorte.
"Matt passed away in his home shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday. No information regarding his cause of death is currently available.
"Matt was a brilliant guitar player on all levels. He understood that instrument better than almost anyone. His knowledge of music in general was just amazing. His contributions to JON OLIVA'S PAIN and every band he ever played with was also without measure. He was truly a one-guitar army when he needed to be and his solo performances on all the JON OLIVA'S PAIN CDs will forever send chills down our spines. A near-20-year history and friendship with one of the true greats has now ended and we are deeply saddened.
"Matt was a fan of all kinds of music and instruments, having even embarked on a mission to conquer the hammered dulcimer...one of the hardest instruments to play. He was always trying to expand his musical horizons and influences. He marveled at the musical greats, both old and new. He was never one to rate his talents above others and often commented about the great new music and artists he had just discovered.
"Criss Oliva was without a doubt his most profound influence, and anyone who saw him play SAVATAGE songs knew that Criss was channeling his talents via Matt. Matt's attention to detail and always striving to play everything perfect is without comparison. We would sit for hours during rehearsals with him muddling over whether a guitar chord was played exactly as recorded. Sometimes frustrating, but always appreciated in the end. He was the professionals' professional when it came to his guitar skills, and the loss of such a talent will be forever felt.
"Matt was a gentle soul, and would avoid conflict at all costs. He got along with everyone and greeted all with a smile on his face. There was a shyness and almost embarrassment felt by him from the adoration of his fans around the world...and he had many. He was humbled by the love and respect music fans gave to him, but in a quiet way, that made him work just a little bit harder. His had a hilarious, twisted and often sarcastic sense of humor that was unique to him. A very funny man, indeed.
"We miss you terribly, Matt, and we will celebrate your music and life each and every day. That great band in the sky just got a whole lot better, and you are in the most peaceful place you could have ever hoped for.
"Until we meet again..."
Matthew Davis LaPorte was 40 years old at the time of his death.
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25 апр 2011
DESCENDING Completes Work On New Album
 After a long period of intensive work in Greece and Sweden along with producer Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) at Fredman studios, Athens, Greece-based death/thrash metal band DESCENDING has completed work the follow-up to its debut album, "Enter Annihilation", which was released in European and Japanese markets in 2008-2009. The as-yet-untitled new CD will be made available on September 23 via Massacre Records. A brand new digital single will posted online on June 1.
Commented the group: "Those two years were crucial for the musical and artistic course of the band. This time our vision was to deliver a massive album having as a gnomon the psychoacoustic result, even from the composing stage." | 0 | |
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25 апр 2011
METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX Presented With Double-Platinum Plaques For \'Big Four\' DVD
 The "Big Four" bands of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — were presented with double-platinum plaques for the two-disc DVD release of "The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria", containing footage of the June 22, 2010 Sonisphere cinecast from the Sofia, Bulgaria leg of the touring rock festival featuring all four groups. A photo of the presentation, which took place this past Saturday (April 23) at the first-ever "Big Four" concert on American soil at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, can be seen below (courtesy of Mike Portnoy).
"The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" was certified double platinum on December 17, 2010 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of 100,000 copies. (Note: Due to the fact that the set consists of two discs, it was eligible for platinum certification after shipping 50,000 copies; platinum certification for a single-disc release is 100,000 copies.)
According to Nielsen SoundScan, "The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" has sold 110,000 copies in the United States since its early November release.
"The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard "Top Music Videos" sales chart in November with first-week sales of 22,000 copies. The set also debuted at No. 1 in Canada, the U.K. and Austria, while entering at No. 4 in Germany.
The show was part of a two-week European tour featuring the four biggest names from the Eighties thrash metal era. The idea first came up in 2009 and METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told The Pulse of Radio he was glad to finally see it happen. "It's pretty amazing if you think about it, that it's the first time basically in 25 years or 30 or whatever that the four of us have actually played shows together," he said. "So it was a lot of fun, a lot of memories, a lot of fun times — new fun times, and fun times talking about the old fun times. So it sort of was a, it was a winner on every front."
"The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" set features full shows from all four bands along with behind-the-scenes and interview footage.
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25 апр 2011
PROJECT STRATO STRATOVARIUS\' \'Dreamspace\'-Era Lineup To Release New Album In January
 Former STRATOVARIUS leader and current SYMFONIA guitarist Timo Tolkki has teamed up with fellow ex-STRATOVARIUS members Tuomo Lassila (drums), Anti Ikonen (keyboards) and Jari Kainulainen (former member of EVERGREY) to record a new studio album. The CD, which will be released in January 2012, will celebrate STRATOVARIUS' 30-year anniversary and will feature the same lineup as the one that recorded STRATOVARIUS' "Dreamspace" LP, originally released in 1994.
For legal reasons, the band's original name — PROJECT STRATO — had to be scrapped. More than 20 songs have been written for the project, including "Return To Dreamspace", "Digital Jesus", "Santiago", "Chevaliers De Sangreal", "Full Circle" and "Farewell No. 2".
"Return To Dreamspace" will see Timo Tolkki handling the vocals again and the fans of the "Twilight Time"/"Dreamspace" era will surely not be disappointed.
Regarding the musical direction of the CD, Tolkki previously said, "It has been [17] years from [STRATOVARIUS' 'Dreamspace'] album, so it will be interesting, for sure... It's not a 'remake,' but a brand new album. A closure for [what] I consider to be the end of STRATOVARIUS. It completes the cycle and returns to the beginning."
In 1982, Tuomo Lassila (drums) formed STRATOVARIUS and came up with the band's name. Timo Tolkki (guitar) and Antti Ikonen (keyboards) joined the band in 1984 — that is some 25 years ago, and as a result the group recorded such classic albums as "Twilight Time", "Dreamspace" and "Fourth Dimension". After the departure of Lassila and Ikonen in 1995, STRATOVARIUS went to more neo-classical sound and style exploring Timo Tolkki's songwriting and producing skills earning the band a Finnish Grammy and sales exceeding over two million records.
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25 апр 2011
TIM \'RIPPER\' OWENS To Be Honored At Colombia\'s ROCKSTONE MUSIC AWARDS
 Powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, BEYOND FEAR) will be honored at the Rockstone Music Awards, set to take place on Wednesday, May 11 at the Royal Center Theater in Bogota, Colombia. The event, which will be hosted by Eddie Trunk of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" and top Venezuelan model Jennifer Hernández, will celebrate the arrival of the inaugural deluxe edition of Rockstone magazine, the third season of Rockstone TV, and the launch of the Rock Up Records label.
Rockstone Music Awards will feature appearances by the following artists, among others:
* Tim "Ripper" Owens
* Miljenko Matijevic (STEELHEART)
* TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION
* SUFFOCATION
* Leo "La Bestia" Jiménez
* Rev Monster Jones
* Paul Gillman
* SEXTO SONAR
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25 апр 2011
Reunited CORONER Plays First Comeback Show In Switzerland; Video Footage Available
 Reunited Swiss thrash trio CORONER — made up of bassist Ron Royce, drummer Marquis Marky (a.k.a. Marky Edelmann) and guitarist Tommy T. Baron — played its first comeback concert during the Impetus festival last night (Saturday, April 23) at les Docks in Lausanne, Switzerland. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.
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25 апр 2011
TRIVIUM: Trailer For New Album Posted Online
 A trailer for the new album from Florida metallers TRIVIUM can be viewed below. The CD was recorded at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with the production/mixing team of Colin Richardson (MACHINE HEAD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, SLIPKNOT, FEAR FACTORY) and Martin "Ginge" Ford. The follow-up to 2008's "Shogun" is currently being mixed for a summer release via Roadrunner Records.
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25 апр 2011
DEVILDRIVER Salutes BLACK FLAG At REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS
 Video footage of DEVILDRIVER paying tribute to BLACK FLAG during the band's short performance at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which took place this past Wednesday night (April 20) at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles, California, can be viewed below. Joining DEVILDRIVER on stage for the BLACK FLAG salute were special guests Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SEPULTURA), Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED, KINGDOM OF SORROW) and skateboarder Mike Vallely. | 0 | |
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25 апр 2011
PRETTY MAIDS: First Live Footage With New Bassist
 Danish hard rockers PRETTY MAIDS made their live debut with new temporary bass player Rene Shades last night (Friday, April 22) at Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.
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25 апр 2011
KAMELOT: Behind-The-Scenes Footage From \'Pandemonium Over Europe 2011\' Tour
 The first in a series of video updates from KAMELOT's "Pandemonium Over Europe 2011" headlining tour with support from EVERGREY, AMARANTHE and SONS OF SEASONS can be viewed below.
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25 апр 2011
SEPULTURA With ORQUESTRA EXPERIMENTAL DE REPERTÓRIO: Another Performance Clip
 Brazilian/American thrashers SEPULTURA were joined by the Orquestra Experimental de Repertório (conducted by Jamil Maluf) during their appearance on April 16 at the Virada Cultural festival in São Paulo, Brazil. Special arrangements were made and songs that were never played before by SEPULTURA were performed at this concert. The band appeared at 11 p.m. on a stage located right in front of 110-year-old Luz train station in downtown São Paulo.
Video footage of the "Ludwig Van" performance from the Virada Cultural concert can be viewed below.
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25 апр 2011
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24 апр 2011
\'Big Four\' Bands Perform \'Am I Evil?\", SLAYER\'s HANNEMAN Returns For Two Songs At Indio Concert
 The "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — performed on the same stage for the first time ever in the United States yesterday (Saturday, April 23) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California in front of a capacity crowd of more than 50,000 metalheads.
SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was forced miss all of the band's shows this year after undergoing emergency surgery on his right arm in January, made a surprise appearance during the group's set last night, joining his bandmates on stage for the two-song encore of "South Of Heaven" and "Angel Of Death" (EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt filled in for Hanneman during SLAYER's main set).
The highly anticipated performance of all four bands at the same time happened near the end of METALLICA's set, between "Enter Sandman" and "Hit The Lights". Members of ANTHRAX, SLAYER and MEGADETH joined METALLICA on stage for a cover of DIAMOND HEAD's "Am I Evil?" before METALLICA ended the night with its perennial set-closer, "Seek And Destroy" from the band's 1983 debut, "Kill 'Em All".
In introducing the members of the other three bands immediately prior to the "Am I Evil?" performance, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield said, "Can you believe it? Thirty years, man [referring to how long each of the 'Big Four' bands has been together. — Ed.]. I don't know how many of you have been around that long, you know?! It doesn't matter; you're here right now to see the 'Big Four,' and we're getting this prepared for a big jam, alright? It's pretty important.
"We just wanna take the time to say 'thank you' to all of you metal fans out there who have supported all the bands — not only the 'Big Four,' but the big however many out there. There's many, many other bands that have been around as long as us, and, unfortunately, broke up because of business or some other crap. There's a lot of great bands out there and we'd like to celebrate all of them, and especially the 'Big Four', getting out here and jamming, and just saying 'thank you' to the world of metal fans for just giving us your support, giving us your heart and giving us your passion, man, 'cause that's what it is for us."
Check out photos:
* PE.com
* Examiner.com
ANTHRAX's setlist was as follows:
01. Caught In A Mosh
02. Got the Time
03. Madhouse
04. Among the Living
05. Antisocial
06. Indians
07. Fight 'Em Till You Can't
08. A.I.R.
09. I Am The Law
MEGADETH's setlist was as follows:
01. Trust
02. In My Darkest Hour
03. Hangar 18
04. Wake Up Dead
05. Poison Was the Cure
06. She-Wolf
07. Sweating Bullets
08. Head Crusher
09. A Tout Le Monde
10. Symphony of Destruction
11. Peace Sells
12. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due/Mechanix
METALLICA's setlist was as follows:
01. Creeping Death
02. For Whom the Bell Tolls
03. Fuel
04. Ride the Lightning
05. Fade to Black
06. Cyanide
07. All Nightmare Long
08. Sad But True
09. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
10. Orion
11. One
12. Master of Puppets
13. Blackened
14. Nothing Else Matters
15. Enter Sandman
Encore:
16. Am I Evil? (DIAMOND HEAD cover) (with MEGADETH, ANTHRAX and SLAYER)
17. Hit The Lights
18. Seek And Destroy
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24 апр 2011
BEHEMOTH To Return To Live Stage In October
 Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH will return to the live stage in October — marking the band's first public appearances since guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski was diagnosed with leukemia last August.
Commented Nergal: "I'm proud to announce that we've just nailed these Polish leg of the tour! Fans from abroad, please be patient, Asia, Australia, Europe and U.S. are under working. I'm beyond excited! I wanna see you all out there!"
The dates are as follows:
Oct. 08 - Poznan - Eskulap
Oct. 09 - Gdansk – Parlament
Oct. 14 - Krakow - Studio
Oct. 15 - Katowice – Mega Club
Oct. 16 - Wroclaw - Eter
Oct. 21 - Warszawa –Stodola
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24 апр 2011
BRET MICHAELS Suffering From Corneal Ulcer
 POISON singer Bret Michaels told Mary Colurso of The Birmingham News that he is suffering from a corneal ulcer due to infection in his eye.
The problem began after fans accidentally hit him with a glass during an impromptu nightclub appearance in Panama City, Florida during spring break. When Michaels began to walk out of the venue, "Someone said, 'Bret, you rock!,' and this glass filled with vodka and Red Bull fell on my head, and something in the glass scratched my eye," Michaels said. "It was this comedy of errors that I survived through."
Instead of seeking medical attention, Michaels said he decided to try eye drops and be a "self-remedy guy." A short time later, however, he realized something was seriously wrong. Three doctor visits followed, including a trip to a specialist in Annapolis, Maryland.
"I got a shot in my eye yesterday," Michaels said. “They numb your eye completely. They don't even have a remedy for what's wrong with my eye. They're using this crazy stuff in my eye that they invented.”
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24 апр 2011
MEGADETH\'s DAVE MUSTAINE Says He Has Been Praying For SLAYER\'s JEFF HANNEMAN
 Steve Appleford of LA Weekly recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
LA Weekly: Leaving METALLICA and then becoming a platinum-selling artist on your own was a huge accomplishment, but your acrimony with that band seemed to go on for years.
Mustaine: It was a pretty big mountain to climb. The thing was, I wasn't really looking at what was right in front of me. I was looking down the road at my pals that had left me behind because the different chemical reaction that alcohol had on us. When we drank, those guys would get happy and I would get angry. I grew up fighting. My whole life I was living on the streets, scratching and clawing. I'm almost 50, and when I think back . . . David Ellefson and I had an asinine agreement: We were panhandling in Hollywood, and if we didn't make it, we were going to handcuff ourselves to a light pole and pull a hand-grenade pin and go out in a bang. Obviously we were stupid and probably stoned at the time.
LA Weekly: Tom Araya of SLAYER told me he would actually be interested in doing "The Four Horsemen" [an early song originally written by Mustaine, as a jam with the other "Big Four" bands at the upcoming show in Indio, California]. He said it was more representative of what you guys were all about [than DIAMOND HEAD's "Am I Evil?", which was performed by the four bands in Sofia, Bulgaria in July 2010].
Mustaine: Wow. On tour I've gotten to know Tom and I really like that guy. He's a really interesting and cool guy. Today I just walked in [to SLAYER's dressing room] and said I heard from [ailing guitarist] Jeff Hanneman — because I texted Jeff and told him I've been praying for him about his arm and asking if he wants to talk to me. I said to Jeff, "Look, I want you to remember I had an arm injury that almost ended my career. And I know what it feels like to not be able to play."
LA Weekly: There were a couple of Christian protesters outside your show in Long Beach some months ago. Do you find some irony in that?
Mustaine: You mean the fact that they're out there picketing and I'm a born-again Christian? Well, it just shows that they don't know me. If you really want to preach the Gospel to people, you have to do it with your deeds and not your words. There's been ups and downs in my life. Everybody knows I've had a really checkered past. What better way to get me prepared to be of service to other people at the end of my career. I had a really rough beginning, but I'm having a great ending. This is all getting me prepared for what I'm going to do next.
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24 апр 2011
SEBASTIAN BACH Performs SKID ROW Classic With ASKING ALEXANDRIA
 Video footage of Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW) performing the SKID ROW classic "Youth Gone Wild" with ASKING ALEXANDRIA at the third annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which was held this past Wednesday night (April 20) at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles, California, can be viewed below. | 0 | |
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24 апр 2011
MORS PRINCIPIUM EST May Have Found New Guitarist
 Finnish melodic death metallers MORS PRINCIPIUM EST spent the last few weeks contemplating their future following the departures of guitarists Tomy Laisto and Kalle Aaltonen. Singer Ville Viljanen states, "I think we got about 100 contacts from guitarists all around the world and new contacts comes every day. And now to the really cool part of this update. I think we already found one new player! We do not publish any names yet, but so far it looks pretty darn good! So, it really starts to look that this is not the end of MORS PRINCIPIUM EST."
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23 апр 2011
NIGHTWISH Singer\'s Studio Report
 NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon recently completed tracking all the vocal parts for the band's new album, "Imaginarium", and the mixing sessions for the CD began on April 13.
Olzon was forced to delay the start of her recording sessions for "Imaginarium" because she needed a longer recovery period after she suffered broken ribs in a fall. The band's keyboardist and main composer Tuomas Holopainen wrote on NIGHTWISH's official web site, "[Anette] hasn't quite cured from her broken ribs yet, but fortunately it doesn't affect her singing at all. She's never sounded better."
Olzon has issued the following report from the recording studio:
"Last time I wrote a studio diary was back in 2007 after three weeks of recording my vocals, hiding out in the deep forests of Finland. No one knew my name as the new singer of NIGHTWISH. Today I read through it for the first time since then, and well, I must say that I recognize a lot and laughed even more while reading it.
"Things were naturally a bit different in 2007 compared to today. I went into the studio with a radically different starting position. I am not a secret anymore, I know the songs really well and have already recorded them in a demo session in Röskö. The songs were made for my voice and this time I could sing them with much more confidence. This also made my time in the studio much shorter than last time and we all worked really fast and efficient, like a racing team — we all knew our positions.
"We started out on Monday and I took a cab from the hotel, knowing that I had visited Finnvox Studios only once before. Then it was for a listening session for 'Dark Passion Play'. What I didn't remember was that it was far out in a factory area hidden between lots of other grey buildings. This famous studio looks kinda greyish and not so special when you first get closer, but when you get inside and see all the gold records hanging in the hallway, all the photos of famous musicians in the stairs you know this is the place for big things and big recordings. Of course 'Imaginarium' needs to pass through this pit stop, too!
"After hugging and having a short brief with Tuomas about practical things with 'Imaginarium' tour and future plans, he took me to 'my room' and when I entered I was so surprised! The room looked like my own little Shangri-la. Lots of candles burning, pink and red carpets and fabrics that were hung to make it comfortable. Candy, teas, coffees, nuts, fashion magazines, a cozy lounging chair, a big framed poster with us all, and lots of other little things to make me feel at home. Teemu, our dear pyro tech had been there to make me feel welcome and get into a nice singing mood. So thanks to Teemu and the guys, my days at Finnvox got even nicer!
"We took a great song to start with and even if my rib still gave me some pain my singing worked well. A little bit of tiredness from flying two days in a row, but still the whole day floated well and it was simply a great start for me.
"Our goal was to do one song per day but we actually made something like 1.5 per day and were done in eight days. We started at ten and ended around 15 or 16 every day. Took shorter breaks but mainly we just worked and worked.
"I like to be efficient and when I start to sing I get into the mood and then stopping and taking a long break can just make me lose the feeling and cadence. And 'Imaginarium' has a lot of different feelings in it, different ways for me to interpret the songs. Tuomas, [as well as studio engineers] Tero [Kinnunen] and Mikko [Karmila] were there to guide me to sing even better and to create those little things in every song that make it 'historical,' as Tero always says, haha!
"Every time we were about to start recording a song, I first just sat down and listened to the songs with the orchestra, choir, solos and everything else I hadn't heard yet, and I must say that I got the shivers every time. From recording the demo to getting the whole package with everything added is just a thrill! And I can hear that Pip [Williams, NIGHTWISH's orchestral arranger] and Tuomas just get better and better in using the orchestras, different instruments and voices.
"After having listened to a song and heard the new things, I went to 'my studio,' did some warm-ups and then we started with the recordings. We took it in parts and mainly did the verses first. I sang the part over and over for a couple of times until we felt we had it. Then I doubled and tripled the whole thing if we wanted a fuller sound, as we did mainly in the faster songs. Then it varied if we did the harmonies for that specific part directly or if we continued and recorded the lead parts for the whole song before doing the harmonies. It also depended on my mood and how good my voice felt. I got food poisoning one day and threw up for nine hours straight, affecting some parts of my voice. I was tired and weak so the day after I didn't feel my high soft voice was perfect and therefore we didn't take those high harmonies until the next day.
"After eight days of recording all the songs were recorded and all we had left were some harmonies here and there to fix, and then we just jumped from song to song and added what Tuomas felt was missing.
"Tuomas is great to work with and he is really clear with what he wants in every song. He is so devoted to the album, to getting every little piece perfect and I know he won't sleep or rest well until the whole album is mixed and mastered and put into a safe somewhere.
"When I was done, I felt that little 'empty' feeling I get when I have completed something. A little bit sad 'cause I had so much fun and I just love to sing in the studio, this album being such a thrill for me. So many songs, all of them very different and I just gotta love the challenge. To get more out of my voice than before and to be part of this massive music where all of us, every musician that plays on it, is the key to make it work. To make 'Imaginarium' come alive! And believe me — it will be one hell of a ride for us all.
"On we go! Next step for me is to do some acting in the movie, but let's take it one step at a time. Now I'll enjoy the summer before all that happens!"
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23 апр 2011
SLAYER\'s KERRY KING Says JEFF HANNEMAN Is \'Trying His Ass Off\' To Return To The Road
 Steve Appleford of LA Weekly recently conducted an interview with SLAYER guitarist Kerry King. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
LA Weekly: What do you think of the changes the bands have gone through over the last 30 years?
King: We were lucky because we didn't have to change at all. In the other bands, they just became different entities. We all started out as this crazy metal beast, and from that birth we all grew four heads that are very different.
LA Weekly: What is the latest news with [guitarist] Jeff Hanneman [who is recovering from an infection thought to have been caused by a spider bite]?
King: He's trying his ass off. He's been talking about playing [the "Big Four"] show [on April 23 in Indio, California], but I just don't see how physically he'd be able to do that. I'm just being realistic. He came to the last rehearsal and surprised everybody. I was blown away that he was even out of the house. That was after his first or second skin graft to fix the huge opening he had. He was totally out of gas because he hadn't left the house much. He was cold because his immune system was all fucked up. We haven't talked since then. I get updates through management. He's doing whatever the doctors tell him to do.
LA Weekly: Outside the Long Beach last time, there were a couple Christian protesters. Do you still get a lot of that?
King: I think it was bigger before. Now I think people are more tolerant of different people's views and opinions. The funny thing about protesters is, you never see atheists or Satanists protest anything. They're comfortable in their beliefs. It's only Christians that are so uncomfortable with how they feel, they're not happy unless everyone believes what they believe.
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23 апр 2011
KORN Experimenting On New EP, Not Changing Direction
 Despite widespread speculation to the contrary, KORN is not quite looking for a new musical direction on its next release. While the band is collaborating with famed dubstep DJ Skrillex and others for an upcoming EP, singer Jonathan Davis told The Pulse Of Radio that a full-blown change in the band's musical style isn't in the cards. "I don't think it was us looking for a new direction," he said. "It was just something that I stumbled upon when I stumbled upon dubstep and first heard Skrillex and a lot of different dubstep DJs. I loved the heaviness of it, and so we decided to make this EP and to go in that direction for a couple of songs, and then I'm sure we'll go back and do a regular record."
The EP is due in May and follows up last year's album "Korn III - Remember Who You Are", which marked a return to the band's early sound.
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23 апр 2011
LEGION OF THE DAMNED Guitarist Quits
 Guitarist Richard Ebisch has left Dutch thrashers LEGION OF THE DAMNED. He says in a statement, "I am very grateful for having achieved so much with LEGION OF THE DAMNED, but after having played in bands for so many years and having toured numerous times, I decided to leave the band after careful deliberation. Because of health issues, it was no longer possible for me to continue at this pace.
"I would like to say thank you to the fans and the LEGION OF THE DAMNED guys and wish them, and their new guitarist, all the best for the future."
Vocalist Maurice Swinkels, who has played in LEGION OF THE DAMNED with Richard for more than 16 years, comments: "We recently successfully ended Sweden Rock Cruise and have a lot of other great festivals planned ahead such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Nummirock in Finland, Metalcamp, Bang Your Head!!! and With Full Force. We didn't really notice anything or felt like this is going to end somewhere for Richard. During Kettersach Festival last weekend Richard announced that he would still do Paaspop this upcoming weekend, but call it an end after that. It will be a great lost for us, but we accept his decision, of course."
He continues, "Even though this came out of blue for us, we have no intention on cancel any of the planned festivals. Who is going to replace Richard Ebisch is still a question unanswered, but hopefully we will have this answered as soon as possible as well. One thing is for sure: after Paaspop, Finnish metal fest Nummirock is next in line and we will be there stronger than ever!"
Bassist Harold Gielen states: "It's really sad that Richard decided to leave the band, but it's his decision to end his carrier as a musician and we have to accept it as it is. I am really happy to be part of the LEGION family, and shared the stage with Richard for five years. I have to thank him as well for all the fun and musical influences we shared. Richard is a great guitar player with an own style, and I wish him all the best with his future plans."
Drummer Erik Fleuren, who has also played in LEGION OF THE DAMNED with Richard for more than 16 years, comments: "Bandmembers leaving the band was always something that happened in other bands, not with LEGION OF THE DAMNED. We are like brothers, shared joy and happiness as well as disappointment and sadness together. It was always the four of us, but that's also part of being in a band that it might end somewhere or that someone leaves at a certain point, we have to accept it. We will miss Richard and I wish him all the best in the future."
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Nociceptor
