Tag: heavy metal
0 New Video – Vicious Rumors – I Am The Gun
When Vicious Rumors returned from a long, strenuous and immensely successful world tour in autumn 2011, the musicians – least of all band mastermind and main songwriter Geoff Thorpe – couldn’t really see themselves mustering the energy to release a new studio album in the foreseeable future. “2011 was a monster year for Vicious Rumors in the most positive sense of the word,” he says, looking back at that time with surprise and some satisfaction. “We were on the road non-stop for more or less eight months, played countless club shows and performed at some of the most important festivals worldwide. The last show of the tour took place as part of the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise – what a finale! Then everything was over very suddenly and we started to work on our new album without so much as a break. Perhaps you can imagine how difficult that was and how much concentration we needed to do that kind of work without any loss of friction.” Now the doubtlessly successful result of that big challenge is scheduled for release: Vicious Rumors are set to unleash Electric Punishment sounding more multi-faceted and creative than they have done in a long time.
Vicious Rumors has released a new video today “I Am The Gun” in support of Electric Punishment. Check it out below!
There definitely is no discernible loss of friction on Electric Punishment, which is again ruled by what Thorpe refers to as an “impressive double bass thunder, double guitar attacks and haunting vocals the way you only get them with this band”. At the same time, the ten new songs are clearly more multi-layered and diverse than the material on its 2011 predecessor Razorback Killers. “While Razorback Killers was heavy all the way through from start to finish, the new material is more in the vein of Word Of Mouth,” Thorpe explains. At the same time, the uncompromising toughness that their fans have come to expect of Vicious Rumors is present on Electric Punishment as well: the two openers ‘I Am The Gun’ and ‘Black X List’ are typical as can be of Vicious Rumors. Thorpe refers to those numbers as “classic power metal tracks which would have fitted on every one of our albums. But there’s also an unusually atmospheric song called ‘Eternally’, an anthem to our audience entitled ‘Together We Unite’ and a deeply black ballad named ‘Escape (From Hell)’. I’m sure that our fans will be just as surprised of the whole album as they will be of the final Kiss cover ‘Strange Ways’.”
Surprised and most likely thrilled, because once again the band has brought all its skills to bear and come up with a real highlight. Thorpe, vocalist Brian Allen, bassist Stephen Goodwin and drummer Larry Howe were supported by guitarist Thean Rasmussen, who returned to the Vicious Rumors fold after Razorback Killers. In addition, Thorpe & Co. invited a number of former allies to the studio as guest musicians: Brad Gillis features on ‘D-Block’, ‘Together We Unite’ and ‘Eternally’, Marc McGhee on ‘Escape (From Hell)’, and last but not least tour guitarist Bob Capka helped out at the studio with a number of rhythm guitars and a haunting solo on ‘D-Block’. Thorpe: “I had a few problems with my fingers, that’s why I was glad that Bob was there to help. Otherwise it probably wouldn’t have been possible to stick to our tight production schedule.”
So it’s done: Electric Punishment is Vicious Rumors’ eleventh studio album and proves just how much of a force to be reckoned with this band continues to be. “We have permanently grown, there have been no two identical albums in our career because each album has a new, fresh approach,” comments Thorpe, not without pride. “Still we’ve never strayed from our course – perhaps precisely for this reason. We’ve remained faithful to our ideals and have always been honest with our fans. I think our loyal followers value that Vicious Rumors have never jumped on any kind of bandwagon. Everything we do comes from the heart, and Electric Punishment documents that no other band on this planet sounds like Vicious Rumors. To us, that’s an incentive, a challenge and a quality feature all in one. And it’s something our fans can rely on when we set off on our next monster tour in spring 2013.” Vicious Rumors have been scheduled to headline countless clubs and play important festivals (the Headbangers Open Air in Germany and the Alcatraz festival in Belgium having been confirmed already) before going on to Japan and the USA. Thorpe: “We’re facing big challenges again – but that sort of thing has always helped Vicious Rumors to grow!”
Tracklisting:
CD:
1. I Am The Gun
2. Black X List
3. Electric Punishment
4. D – Block
5. Escape ( From Hell)
6. Dime Store Prophet
7. Together We Unite
8. Eternally
9. Thirst For A Kill
10. Strange Ways (KISS cover version)
2LP:
Side 1
01 I Am The Gun
02 Black X List
03 Electric Punishment
Side 2
01 D-Block
02 Escape (From Hell)
03 Dime Store Prophet
Side 3
01 Together We Unite
02 Eternally
03 Thirst For A Kill
Side 4
01 Strange Ways
02 Murderball (live) (bonus track)
03 Abandoned (live) (bonus track)
“Electric Punishment” will be released through SPV / Steamhammer on April 26th in Germany, April 29th in Europe and May 7th in the US/Canada. It will be available as a jewel case version, double gatefold colored vinyl and download.
VICIOUS RUMORS live 2013
21.09. US-Indianapolis,IN – Metal Fest
28.09. US-Rochester, NY – The Montage
02.10. US-Brooklyn,NY – Saint Vitus
04.10. US-Frederick,MD – Bentz Street
05.10. US-Spartanburg,SC – Ground Zero
3 Primal Fear – Unbreakable (2012)
Later this month (January 20th in Europe, January 24th in the U.S.), Heavy Metal band Primal Fear will be releasing their 9th studio album, Unbreakable. If you are a metal head, you need to mark this date on your calendar, as Primal Fear has crafted a metal album that no fan should be without.
Unbreakable is packed with great vocals, blazing guitar solos, thundering drums and crank-worthy metal anthems that will blow your mind.
The album starts off with a majestic intro Unbreakable (part 1) that doesn’t come close to preparing you for the next eleven tunes that will fill your head with metal happiness.
“Strike” is a fist-pumping, heavy metal anthem that ought to be a staple in Primal Fear’s live set. What a great tune!
Chances are you may have heard the first single “Bad Guys Wear Black” (see video below). While this is a great tune, it isn’t the best song on Unbreakable. To my ears, the best song is the powerful number “Where Angels Die”. This is an eight minute tune that is arranged with amazing guitar work, excellent keyboards, and the powerful vocals that Ralf Scheepers is known for. This is an amazing tune that needs to be played multiple times to be fully appreciated.
I thought “Metal Nation” would be another blazing rocker in the vein of Primal Fear’s song “Metal is Forever”. Much to my surprise, this is a mid tempo rocker, but another great tune, and a radio worthy rocker at that.
When many people thought heavy metal was deal, Primal Fear continued to fly the Metal flag, and have been doing so for over a decade. The band seems to get better with each album it releases, and Unbreakable is no exception. If Primal Fear’s Unbreakable is a reflection for all of the music that will be released in 2012, this will be a great year for hard rock & metal. It may be too early in 2012 to tell, but I would be surprised if Unbreakable didn’t make a lot of Top 10 lists at the end of the year. Don’t miss this!
For more information on Primal Fear, please visit the band’s website.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Unbreakable (Part 1)
02. Strike
03. Give Em Hell
04. Bad Guys Wear Black
05. And There Was Silence
06. Metal Nation
07. Where Angels Die
08. Unbreakable (Part 2)
09. Marching Again
10. Born Again
11. Blaze of Glory
12. Conviction
Primal Fear is:
Ralf Scheepers – Vocals
Alex Beyrodt – Guitars
Magnus Karlsson – Guitar, Keyboards
Randy Black – Guitars
Mat Sinner – Bass & Vocals
0 Stone’s Top Ten Metal Albums of 2011
Top Ten Metal Albums Of 2011 – Oh the Metal albums I listened to during 2011! Metal be thy name, there were a Metal many. Metal many again. Regardless of how many Metal albums that did rip my eardrums apart and psyched me out during the process, I couldn’t possibly listen to every Metal album released this past year. It’s not humanly possible. I’ve compiled below, a list of ten Metal albums that for all Metal intents and purposes… kicked my Metal lovin’ ass during 2011.
Yes, you will see a couple of albums tied in this top ten list and it was an unavoidable and welcomed outcome. Choosing my top ten Metal albums for any given year is not easy! However, choosing my number one Metal album for 2011 was easy and Hemoptysis is without a doubt in my Metal mind, one of the best Metal bands to come forth in the past ten and possibly twenty years. You can call Hemoptysis Thrash, Death Thrash, Extreme and Metal. I call this band exceptional and their Misanthropic Slaughter album is number F’n ONE!
Hopefully you may agree with a few of these albums I’ve chosen for my top ten. A personal list of Metal taste it is. Each Metal album here for me bestows quality musicianship and songs, from beginning to end. The common thread each band below shares with one another, that can never be denied: They are all Defenders Of The Metal Faith and I salute each and every one!
Stone’s Top Ten Metal Albums Of 2011:
#10
HUNTED – WELCOME THE DEAD
(MASSACRE RECORDS)
#9
ANA KEFR – THE BURIAL TREE (II)
(Muse Sick)
#8
SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA – The Corruption Of Mercy
(Listenable Records)
#7
MORBID ANGEL – Illud Divinum Insanus
(Season of Mist)
#6 (Tie)
SPEED\KILL/HATE – OUT FOR BLOOD
(HAMMERFIST RECORDS)
#6 (Tie)
EASTERN FRONT – BLOOD ON SNOW
* (Was released in North America on January 25th, 2011)
(Candlelight Records)
#5 (Tie)
ANTHRAX – WORSHIP MUSIC
(MEGAFORCE RECORDS)
#5 (Tie)
MASTODON – THE HUNTER
(Reprise)
#4
ARCH / MATHEOS – SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE
(Metal Blade Records)
#3
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
THE PARALLAX: HYPERSLEEP DIALOGUES
(Metal Blade Records)
#2
AMON AMARTH – SURTUR RISING
(Metal Blade Records)
#1
HEMOPTYSIS – Misanthropic Slaughter
(Rock It Up Records)
* To read the complete album review I wrote for Misanthropic Slaughter posted on January 22nd, 2011, click on the large header link below!
HEMOPTYSIS “Misanthropic Slaughter” – Debut Album Is CAN’T MISS Thrash Metal For 2011 and Beyond!
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all the METAL bands above!
LONG LIVE METAL.
Stone.
0 Free (And Awesome) Metal Sampler From Nuclear Blast!!
Nuclear Blast says thank you, for an awesome year to their fans and friends, by offering a free download compilation, exclusively on their Facebook page. Surf to www.facebook.com/nuclearblasteurope and like the page and get the free sampler! Have a merry and rocking Christmas and an ass-kicking 2012!
Track Listing of the Free Sampler:
0 KILL DEVIL HILL STREAMING NEW SONG
KILL DEVIL HILL is the new project featuring acclaimed drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio) and bassist Rex Brown, (Pantera, Down) guitar slinger Mark Zavon and lead vocalist Dewey Bragg.
Vinny Appice and Rex Brown were featured guests on this past weekend’s edition of “That Metal Show”. Rex and Vinny spoke to hosts Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine about their debut album, playing live, and signing with SPV. More information on That Metal Show and future airings of the episode with Vinny and Rex can be found HERE.
KILL DEVIL HILL‘s self-titled debut is slated for a late March 2012 release.
For more info please visit:
0 New Video – RAM – Flame of the Tyrants
RAM release video for ‘Flame Of The Tyrants’ and reveal details on bonus-DVD for upcoming new album ‘Death’!
“Death” to be released January 27/30 on CD and LP!
Swedish Heavy Metal tyrants RAM make a return with their third album Death, to be released January, 27th/30th, 2012 via Metal Blade Records in Europe!
Comments RAM: “Filming the video for Flame of the tyrants was a very cool and almost surreal experience, we filmed it in an abandoned sandquarell outside of Gothenburg. We wanted that Mad Max II feeling to it and I think we accomplished that. We had a great time on set and on behalf of RAM I would like to thank the Mad Ram gangers and everybody involved for making our vision come to life in such a brilliant manner!”
In other news Metal Blade Records announces that there will be a limited first edition of the European CD that will include a bonus-DVD. The limited first edition will be sold as a regular CD, so make sure to pre-order while copies last!
The bonus-DVD includes the full show RAM played at the Keep It True festival April, 24th 2010 plus the video clip for Flame Of The Tyrants! The show was filmed by Visions In Fear ( www.visions-in-fear.de).
Track listing bonus-DVD “Live At Keep It True 2010”:
1. Crushing the Dwarf of Ignorance
2. Sudden Impact
3. Forced Entry
4. Awakening the Cimaera
5. Suomussalmi (The Few of Iron)
6. Machine Invaders
7. Ghost Pilot (MI II)
8. Infuriator
+ Flame Of The Tyrants (videoclip)
Make also sure to surf over to the landing page at http://www.metalblade.com/ram where you will find the pre-order options and the new song Defiant! Death will be available on CD and on vinyl! A shirt bundle is also available there!
Track listing Death:
1. Death
2. Comes From The Mouth Beyond
3. I Am The End
4. Release Me
5. Defiant
6. Frozen
7. Under The Scythe
8. Hypnos
9. Flame Of The Tyrants
10. 1 7 7 1
RAM was created back in ’99 and released their first E.P Sudden Impact in 2003. After playing numerous festivals and a support tour for Sebastian Bach they released their first long player Forced Entry in late 2005 which brought the entire old school Heavy Metal community to its knees. RAM hit the road with Dark Tranquillity, did some Scandinavian shows with Gamma Ray and played gigs and festivals all over Europe.
In 2008 the band returned to the studio with producer Johan Reivén to record the album Lightbringer which was released in 2009 via AFM Records. This time they really took the time to explore the true heavy metal sound. The recording of the album took 10 months of nothing but strife for pure Heavy Metal perfection. RAM also headed out on a headline European tour to promote the album.
In 2011 RAM went back into the studio to record their third album Death. This time they worked with producers Per Stålberg and Olle Björk to create their best album to date by far. Live shows as support for Swedish extreme black metal band Watain followed as well as destroying some festivals.
The world trembles in fear before the release of the metal behemoth that is Death. RAM are back! Necks will be broken!
RAM is:
Oscar Carlquist – Vocals
Morgan Pettersson – Drums
Harry Granroth – Guitar
Daniel Johansson – Guitar
Tobias Peterson – Bass
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RAM/128575340510564
http://www.myspace.com/rammetal
http://www.metalblade.com/ram
0 Sinner – One Bullet Left (2011)
Any time that a band covers a much beloved, obscure 80s metal song like “Atomic Playboys,” they are bound to get my attention. Such is the case with Sinner who’s latest release, One Bullet Left, is some solid rock and roll in the vein of glamorous heavy metal. Rocking the world since 1982, Sinner is a veteran hard rock act that hasn’t received a ton of attention outside their home country of Germany. While they’ve always been a big hit in Europe, their success never translated over to the states, which is a shame. Sinner is a solid hard rock band and their latest effort, One Bullet Left, is an enjoyable record, especially if you are tired of all the same whiny modern rock that currently rules the US airways.
The title track on One Bullet Left is a foot stomping, hard rocking, heavy beating, good time song. With a sing-along, chanting chorus and some wicked leads by guitarist Christof Leim, “One Bullet Left” is pure fun. Isn’t that what music is supposed to be anyway—a muse that puts a smile on your face? Once you are singing along with Sinner on “One Bullet Left,” you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Sinner’s cover of “Atomic Playboys,” originally done by Steve Stevens in 1989, is magnificent. Sinner’s version of the song is a perfect replica of the original, an homage to the art of an amazing tune that never got it’s recognized due. Sinner performs this deep classic to perfection and it was a real treat hearing this song covered properly. Sinner gets their due for replicating such an obscure, yet enjoyable, metal treat.
Although he’s been leading the microphone since the early 80s, lead vocalist Mat Sinner still sounds like a young, hungry rocker at heart. His voice has not deteriorated over the decades, and while he won’t wow you with overpowering metal scream high notes, his dark, gritty voice is a perfect complement to the hard rock music that the band lays out. Doubling as the bassist (and lead songwriter) for the band keeps Mat Sinner very busy. One Bullet Left is mostly his creation, and it’s a good one. It’s been three years since the band’s last release, but the wait for a new album was worth it. Sinner has delivered a rocking record.
Overall, One Bullet Left is a solid album for fans of hard rock. If you are seeking out a banging album that isn’t overplayed and mainstream, then veteran act Sinner’s One Bullet Left is a disc you will enjoy. Their latest album is a hard rocking good time for the ears. It’s definitely worth a few listens.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- The One You Left Behind
- Back On Trail
- Give & Take
- One Bullet Left
- 10 2 Death
- Haunted
- Atomic Playboys
- Suicide Mission
- Wake Me When I’m Sober
- Mind Over Matter
- Mend To Be Broken
- Rolling Away
Sinner Is:
Mat Sinner – Vocals, Bass
Alex Beyrodt – Guitars
Christof Leim – Guitars
Alex Scholpp – Guitars
Andre Hilgers– Drums
0 UNDERCODE 2011 Comeback and Collaboration with Croteam on Serious Sam 3: BFE Thrills Headbangers and Gamers Worldwide
After six years of silence, Croatian heavy metal outfit UNDERCODE is back! Widely considered one of the most promising propositions on the Croatian Heavy Metal scene in the late 90’s and early 2000’s is reunited and back in action.
Few months after the release of their debut album “Enlightening the World” in 2002., UNDERCODE’s music was included in the soundtrack of mega successful FPS game “Serious Sam — The Second Encounter”.
Considered a classic game amongst PC gaming enthusiasts, Serious Sam provided a platform for the bands introduction to a global audience. Interestingly, whilst Serious Sam was a worldwide gaming sensation, the albums limited distribution in Australia, only added to the bands cult status abroad.
In 2005. the band made a decision to make a long break which lasted 6 years.
This year, members of UNDERCODE’s Russian fan-site asked the band to re-unite, which was a spark that led to the reunion.
Damir comments: “You can imagine our shock after 6 years to find that people were not only listening to our music, but calling for a second album. It’s very humbling to know that your music lives on years after you had all but labelled it as a pleasant memory. This was the main reason we decided to reunite the band”.
Coincidentally, Serious Sam III BFE was in production at the same time that the band was considering a comeback. Upon receiving information that UNDERCODE would not be included in the upcoming game, Vladimir Remezov and other fans from the Russian fan-site (www.undercode.ru) organised an online petition to CroTeam and Devolver. This subsequently led to the inclusion of UNDERCODE in the new game soundtrack, featuring two new tracks “The Gladiator” and “Final Fight”.
Much to the delight of the loyal fans, bass player Marko Karacic Karo, lead guitarist Ivan Speljak Jitz, drummer Marijo Jakopovic Brko and lead singer Damir Ljubicic (aka Damien) made a surprise appearance at InBar club ( Zagreb) in July 2011. In following weeks, UNDERCODE spent most of their time laying tracks to their long awaited follow-up album “Postapocalyptic”. The album is currently in final production, with an expected release mid 2012.
The official launch of the Final Fight film clip was scheduled for 22nd November 2011, the same day when SERIOUS SAM 3 — BFE stormed the stores.
Visit www.undercode.org and suscribe yourself for a free mp3 of “Final Fight”.
UNDERCODE – Final Fight (Serious Sam 3: BFE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqsIyJfwDp4
LINKS:
www.undercode.org
http://www.facebook.com/Undercode.hr
www.undercode.ru
www.serioussam.com
0 New Video – Havok – DOA
Colorado thrashers Havok, have released a new video clip, “DOA” in support of their latest album, Time is Up. Check it out below!!
Vodpod videos no longer available.0 Halcyon Way – Indoctrination (2011)
Halcyon (hal-see-uh’n) – adj. – calm, peaceful, tranquil
Imagine that Cookie Monster meets hair metal and they fall in love. The offspring of their nuptials would be Halcyon Way, an exceptional progressive/doom/glam metal band that is offering their latest round of intense music for the masses in the form of Indoctrination. Halcyon Way blends doom metal, progressive metal, and 80s metal in perfect harmony for the greater good of music. The vocals of lead singer, Steve Braun are the perfect contrast to the gravelly rock voice of death vocalist, Kris Maltenieks, and it is noticed immediately on the opening track, “On Black Wings.” The end result of that serene mix is some exceptional music.
Part doom metal, part progressive metal, all heavy metal – Halcyon Way has released a strong album in Indoctrination. Even though several songs contain cookie monster vocals, Braun’s high notes make the songs fresh and enjoyable. Fortunately, Braun is the dominate voice on this album. However, the direction that Halcyon Way took to sprinkle in the death vocals makes the two contrasting voices work well together. It’s like enjoying a good plate of sweet and spicy wings. Most of the journey is an enjoyable savory taste, and every now and then the bitters are thrown in to snap the senses to life and make the listener aware.
The songs on Indoctrination are layered with multiple levels of musical genius. Each song was painstakingly crafted with numerous changes and arrangements to provide the most ear enjoyment possible for the fan. It is truly an honor to hear such art in the finished format. Phenomenal guitar work overlaying both angelic and devilishly gruff vocals mixed in with one of the best drummers in rock and roll (Ernie Topran) make Indoctrination an album worth owning. Although ripe with double bass throughout most of the record, Topran makes enough changes and spectacular rhythms to prove that he is in the elite of the drumming world.
Indoctrination is metal at its finest. If you prefer your rock dark and heavy with a touch of glam, you will love Indoctrination by Halcyon Way. To learn more about the band or to order a copy of Indoctrination, visit www.halcyonway.com.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing
- On Black Wings
- Our Finest Hour
- Indoctrination
- Revolution Is Now
- The Wages Of War
- Stand Up
- The Age Of Betrayal
- The System
Halcyon Way Is:
Steve Braun – Lead Vocals
Jon Bodan – Lead Guitar
Ernie Topran – Drums
Kris Maltenieks – Bass Guitar, Death Vocals
Zane – Rhythm Guitar
0 Flotsam & Jetsam’s “Doomsday For the Deceiver” Gets Vinyl Reissue!
Metal Blade to re-issue FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s classic album “Doomsday For The Deceiver” as 25th Anniversary vinyl edition in January!
All Flotzillas and Hammerheads out there will be happy to hear that Metal Blade will re-issue the FLOTSAM AND JETSAM classic “Doomsday For The Deceiver” on vinyl as a 2-Gatefold-LP!
The 25th anniversary vinyl edition of this classic album – to be released January 13th/16h, 2012 – will feature a bunch of bonus tracks! Here is the track listing:
Side A:
(remixed and remastered versions 2006)
1. Hammerhead 06:13
2. Iron Tears 03:50
3. Desecrator 03:48
4. Fade to Black 02:04
5. Doomsday for the Deceiver 09:08
total 25:03 min
Side B:
(remixed and remastered versions 2006)
6. Metalshock 08:16
7. She Took an Axe 05:16
8. Der Fuhrer 05:44
9. Flotzilla (instrumental) 06:09
total 25:25 min
Side C:
10. U.L.S.W. (rem. version 2006) 04:19
11. Iron Tears (Iron Tears demo) 04:06
12. I Live You Die (Iron Tears demo) 06:07
13. Hammerhead (Metal Shock 1985) 06:34
14. The Evil Sheik (Metal Shock 1985) 05:27
total 26:33 min
Side D:
15. I Live You Die (Metal Shock 1985) 06:26
16. The Beast Within (Metal Shock 1985) 04:09
17. Children of the Night (live 85 – unreleased) 04:15
18. The Executioner (live 85 – unreleased) 05:42
19. Those Who Defy (live 85 – unreleased) 03:43
20. On the Attack (live 85 – unreleased) 03:38
total 27:53 min
http://www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com
http://www.facebook.com/flotsamandjetsam.official
http://myspace.com/fandj
0 PRONG SIGNS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH LONG BRANCH RECORDS/SPV
Heavy music innovators PRONG have signed a worldwide recording contact with LONG BRANCH RECORDS/SPV. Founded in 1986 PRONG are considered to be pioneers of the American post-hardcore and post-metal scenes whose influence is still being felt today. The as yet untitled album will be released in Spring 2012.
PRONG frontman Tommy Victor commented on signing with SPV
“I feel like PRONG has come full circle. We have the same energy and excitement about our music that we did at the beginning of our career. With Long Branch SPV we’ve found people to work with who are very supportive of us and what PRONG has accomplished so far in our career.”
SPV A&R representative Maria Ouellette spoke about signing PRONG
“We’re extremely excited to welcome PRONG into the SPV/Long Branch Records fold! Tommy Victor’s musical innovation and influence is far-reaching and inspirational, and exactly what we’re about. We’re proud that we can be part of their next musical milestone!”
Look for more news on PRONG in the coming weeks.
For more information visit:
LONG BRANCH RECORDS is a new SPV label imprint created by industry veteran Maria Ouellette. PRONG join artists like CHIMAIRA and MADINA LAKE in the label’s quest to build a home for today’s best in new and established rock and metal groundbreakers.
For more information write:
http://twitter.com/longbranchrec
3 Megadeth – Th1rt3en (2011)
Any time a new album is released that causes fists to fly in the crisp night air, legs to pump at Olympic athletic speed, and rock screams to unleash in howling yowls, it has to be grand. Megadeth’s latest album Th1rt3en is exactly that. Once again, Dave Mustaine and company came to the party and showed all the other so-called metal bands how heavy metal is meant to played. It’s just one of the many reasons why Megadeth is as high in the hard rocking ranks as bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and WASP.
Th1rt3en is an amazing collection of blistering metal songs for those who love to bang their heads, or just feel the energy that heavy metal music brings. With bassist Dave Ellefson providing a signature classic sound to the bass lines, Megadeth has taken their music creation to the next level. Galloping bass lines dominate Thirt3en and provide a steady backdrop along with Shawn Drover’s incredible drums, keeping the rhythm section sturdy.
Overlaying the phenomenal combination of bass and drums is some stellar guitar work by both Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick. Broderick and Mustaine not only remind us what guitar solos are, they also remind us why we love them so much. Songs like “New World Order” and “Fast Lane” feature blazing solos that scream magnificence. It would be pure pleasure to see these amazing solos performed in concert. The wizardry that Mustaine and Broderick highlight in their effective finger picking mastery is nothing short of astonishing. If every guitarist focused this much time and effort into their song crafting, the metal world would be a much better place.
What’s most interesting about Megadeth’s Th1rt3en is how the second half of the album is so much greater than the first. Upon spinning the first five songs of the record, I was worried that we had a dud on our hands. It’s not that the opening five tracks are horrible (except maybe “Guns, Drugs, & Money” – which is a bad song), but they aren’t up to the excellence that comes later. The beginning of the album had me concerned. Fortunately, Megadeth showed that they still know how to rock like no one else’s business beginning with the sixth cut of the record, “Never Dead.”
Themes of fast, muscle cars tearing down the highway, women destroying the well made niche of man, and the over-involvement of government in the daily life of citizens all run rampant throughout the record. Constructed as only the genius of Megadeth could, the band has compiled lyrics on topics that make the listener think and perhaps want to learn a little bit more about their country and their place in politics. If that wasn’t enough for the average fan, the band threw in some songs about hot babes and slick driving machines. All walks of life are covered and all parties get to go home happy.
Thirt3en is one of Megadeth’s strongest albums to date. At this stage of their career, the band could have phoned it in, released a record of re-recorded material, or decided to try some experimental path, but they didn’t. They instead decided to focus and produce an album worthy of the fans and the band’s moniker. Make no mistake about it— Th1rt3en is a lucky number if you are a Megadeth fan.
Rating: Out of 10
Notable Tracks: New World Order, Fast Lane, 13
Track Listing:
- Sudden Death
- Public Enemy No. 1
- Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
- We The People
- Guns, Drugs, & Money
- Never Dead
- New World Order
- Fast Lane
- Black Swan
- Wrecker
- Millennium Of The Blind
- Deadly Nightshade
- 13
Megadeth Is:
Dave Mustaine – Lead Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Chris Broderick – Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Dave Ellefson – Bass Guitar
Shawn Drover – Drums
0 New Video – Martyr – Circle of 8
MARTYR is a pure Heavy Metal force from the Netherlands. During the five years that MARTYR was alive and kicking (1982-1987), the band released two albums that are considered cult in the Metal scene of today! ‘For The Universe’ (1985) and ‘Darkness At Time’s Edge’ (1986) are classic Metal, a delight for those who love strong melodies, speedy riffs and a high level of technicality.
In those years, MARTYR appeared on compilation albums from Roadrunner and Metal Blade, was voted Holland’s best new metal band in Aardschok magazine, has toured with several international acts and appeared on Sky Channel’s Monsters Of Rock.
MARTYR disbanded in 1987, but reunited in 2001 to play the Heavy Metal Maniacs festival. Four years later, the band revived almost the complete 1982 line up to play the Headbangers Open Air and Keep It True festival. The flame has been burning again and the band continued to play live ever since. December 2008 MARTYR supported US Shock Rockers Lizzy Borden on their European tour. But also in 2009 and 2010 MARTYR hit the European stages supporting great acts like Flotsam and Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Jaguar, Evergrey a.o.
In 2009 the first new MARTYR record in almost 25 years has been released. That’s when the new EP ‘Fear’ was coupled with a re-release of the classic ‘For The Universe’ album as a double digipack entitled ‘Fear The Universe’ on Rusty Cage Records (RCR0017).
In 2010 and 2011 MARTYR re-entered the studio between the live shows, by working on the successor for ‘Fear’. A complete new album called ‘Circle Of 8’, which will be released by Metal Blade Records in November 2011 worldwide, will be a significant impulse in MARTYR‘s revival. And by signing with Metal Blade again, the clan is back home!
‘Circle Of 8’ contains 11 new tracks and one oldie and fans favourite, ‘Speed Of Samurai’, which has been re recorded.
Check out Martyr’s new video “Circle of 8” below.
Track listing Circle Of 8:
1. D.I.
2. Afterlife
3. Art Of Deception
4. Circle Of 8
5. All Warriors Bleed
6. The Uninvited
7. Insensible Scream
8. Scene Of Hell
9. Fake
10. Justified Killing
11. Locked
12. Speed Of Samurai
‘Circle Of 8’ is out now Worldwide!
MARTYR is:
Rick Bouwman – Guitars
Wilfried Broekman – Drums
Rop van Haren – Vocals
Marcel Heesakkers- Guitars
Toine van der Linden- Bass
http://www.metalblade.com/martyr
http://www.martyronline.nl
http://www.facebook.com/MARTYRONLINE
0 Five Finger Death Punch – American Capitalist (2011)
Five Finger Death Punch shows no signs of slowing down in 2011. The band has cranked out another tasty slab of metal with their new release, American Capitalist. Typically, I am not a fan of bands with vocalists who scream more than sing. In the case of Fiver Finger Death Punch’s singer, Ivan Moody, he does quite a bit of both. For that reason, I have found Five Finger Death Punch’s music much more to my liking. I have seen them live a few times, and they always put on a great show.
Their latest CD American Capitalist does see the band breaking any new ground, but if you have a been a fan of the band’s screaming groove metal in the past, you are going to find plenty to like on the band’s latest CD. American Capitalist is packed full of songs with screaming vocals, excellent guitar solos and plenty of blast beats to get your blood pumping.
The first two songs “American Capitalist” and “Under and Over it” starts this CD off on a high note with two massive metal anthems that will likely be a fixture in future 5FDP live set lists.
What amazes me about Five Finger Death Punch, is Ivan Moody’s ability to transition from the heavy screams and growls, in pitch perfect clean vocals. The band can craft super heavy songs like the ones I mentioned above, and then have a song like “Coming Down” or “Remember Everything” which could easily be played on the radio. Zoltan Bathory’s blazing guitar solos are second to none on this album. Between Moody’s vocals, the outstanding guitar work of Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook, and the über tight rhythm section of Jeremy Spencer and 5FDP newcomer Chris Kael, I have been greatly enjoying American Capitalist.
Is the best Five Finger Death Punch CD yet? My response to that would definitely be yes. I thought the first two CD’s were good, but I have already listened to American Capitalist more than the first two CD’s combined. If you are a fan of metal, or Five Finger Death Punch, you should definitely seek out American Capitalist. I recommend it!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. American Capitalist
2. Under and Over It
3. The Pride
4. Coming Down
5. Menace
6. Generation Dead
7. Back For More
8. Remember Everything
9. Wicked Ways
10. If I Fall
Five Finger Death Punch is:
Zoltan Bathory – guitars
Jason Hook – guitars
Ivan Moody – vocals
Jeremy Spencer – drums
Chris Kael – Bass
2 TRILLIUM “Alloy” – the new Metallic statement from Amanda Somerville; New CD Features Jorn Lande; Audio Samples Available!
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of “Alloy”, the anticipated debut album from TRILLIUM the new Metal Project masterminded by American Singer Songwriter Amanda Somerville on November 4th in Europe and November 1st in North America.
“Alloy” is an album that’s charged with emotion and exploration and a very personal statement from Amanda and certainly the listener can enjoy very different musical atmospheres on the album “Since I’m an eclectic and diverse person and musician, that certainly comes out in this album” says Amanda. “I think that the diversity is what is going to set this album apart from other stuff that’s out there right now. It’s got big choruses and epic symphonic hits, guitar solos you could imagine being played on a mountain top with an aerial camera view, but it’s also got a lot of soul added to the raise-your-fists-in-the-air-and-make-a-mean-face vibe”.
Musically TRILLIUM melts Rock and Metal in a new, interesting and different way from anything Amanda has worked on so far. “Alloy” is also graced with the talents of several musicians with whom Amanda had the honor of working in the past. Sander Gommans (ex AFTER FOREVER, HDK) and Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, AVANTASIA, EPICA, AFTER FOREVER etc) were the main songwriters together with the American singer on this album. They have brought a lot to the project and have certainly allowed the sound to be a lot richer and stronger.
“Sander is all around an awesome songwriter and guitar player, and he’s especially good at coming up with riffs and movements of a song, while Sascha is a fantastic producer who can play any instrument there is – and play the hell out of it – and his sense of songwriting is really strong!” tells Amanda.
Other contributing musicians include Miro Rodenberg who did all of the orchestral and keyboard arrangements, Robert Hunecke on drums, Olaf Reitmeier on acoustic guitar, Simon Oberender on keyboards (and mastering). But more surprises are on this record: “Working with Mat Sinner on KISKE-SOMERVILLE established a solid professional relationship and I also found a good friend in him” says Amanda. “We co-wrote “Love Is An Illusion” together for this album and it was a pleasure working with him once again!”
And last, but in no way least, Jorn Lande has lent his epic voice to the song “Scream It.” Ms. Somerville tells the story: “I actually wrote that song with Jorn in mind not for his status in the scene, but because I absolutely love his voice, he’s a wonderful friend of mine through working together on Avantasia and he was the perfect “actor” to play the character in the song. And he nailed it!”
With touring plans in Europe in the first quarter of 2012 and a rousing excitement surrounding Trillium, you can bet the world is finally ready to enjoy the talents of one of the most interesting, creative and gifted singers and songwriters of today’s entire Rock scene.
“Alloy” will be exclusively released in a lavish digipak cd edition and will include the following songs:
Machine Gun; Coward; Purge; Utter Descension; Bow To the Ego; Mistaken; Scream It; Justifiable Casualty; Path of Least Resistance; Into The Dissonance; Slow It Down; Love Is An Illusion*.
*bonus track
While a videoclip for the song “Coward” is in the works, you can now enjoy a video presentation of the album following this link:www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7KQITdzezc
Stay tuned for more exciting news regarding TRILLIUM !
TRILLIUM
Amanda Somerville – Lead & backing Vocals, Keyboards
Sascha Paeth – Guitars, Bass, Keys, Drums
Sander Gommans – Guitars
Miro – Arrangements & Keys
Olaf Reitmeier – Acoustic Guitar
Robert Hunecke – Drums
Simon Oberender – Keys
Jorn Lande – Guest Lead Vocals on “Scream It”
Weblinks: www.amandasomerville.com / www.youtube.com/amandasomerville www.twitter.com/amsomerville / www.myspace.com/amandasomervillemusic www.facebook.com/amandasomervillemusic / www.reverbnation.com/amandasomerville
0 Anthrax get their own day in the Bronx and perform on Jimmy Fallon live!
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is rolling out the welcome mat for fans coming to town to see iconic heavy metal bands Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer, “The Big 4,” all performing live right here in the Bronx on Wednesday, September 14 at Yankee Stadium.
The “Big 4” concert also represents a homecoming for Anthrax, which features three native Bronxites among their members–Charlie Benante, Frank Bello and Rob Caggiano. Both Benante and Bello grew up in Throggs Neck, while Caggiano is a native of Pelham Parkway. In honor of the band’s return home, Borough President Diaz will officially declare September 14 as “Anthrax Day in the Bronx.”
“The Bronx may be known as the home of hip-hop and salsa, but make no mistake, our musical contributions are much more expansive. These heavy metal legends grew up right here in our borough, and I am proud to welcome Anthrax back to their Bronx home,” said Borough President Diaz.
Check out Anthrax performing their new single “The Devil You Know” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night, September 7.
Anthrax will be kicking off “The Trashfest Extravaganza” tour with Testament and Death Angel in October. See below for date:
OCTOBER
14 Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, MI
15 Congress Theatre, Chicago, IL
16 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
18 The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
19 Summit Music Hall, Denver, CO
22 Nokia LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
23 Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA
24 House of Blues, San Diego, CA
26 Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
28 South Side Music Hall, Dallas, TX
29 Emo’s East, Austin, TX
30 Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
NOVEMBER
1 House of Blues, Orlando, FL
2 Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
4 House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
5 Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
6 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
8 Northern Lights, Clifton Park, NY
10 Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
11 Palladium, Worcester, MA
15 Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
17 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
19 Rave, Milwaukee, WI
Anthrax – “Worship Music” out 9.13.2011 CD/LP [pre-order on iTunes]
0 Shiprocked Adds Another Animal
ShipRocked is very pleased to announce that the amazing rock supergroup Another Animal will be joining us onboard the cruise this November!
Incorporating elements of hard rock, metal, punk and grunge, Another Animal features three members of Godsmack – guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummerShannon Larkin, along with original Godsmack guitarist Lee Richards (ex-Dropbox) and ex-Ugly Kid Joe singer Whitfield Crane.
The seeds of Another Animal were planted in 2004 when Godsmack was on their tour with Metallica and flourished in 2006 during the Godsmack sessions for the IV album. The band released its self-titled debut album in 2007 and first single “Broken Again” reached #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. 2011 marks the return of Another Animal with the release of a new single “Fall of Rome” due to impact radio this Fall. The band will follow up the single release with a full-length record slated for 2012.
Another Animal joins a stout lineup that includes Buckcherry, Broken Teeth, Queensryche, Sevendust, Hinder, Hell Yeah, Sick Puppies, Candlebox, Filter, Living Colour, In This Moment and Lynam.
To reserve your spot onboard the ultimate rock and roll cruise vacation with a backstage pass, just click “book now” or call us at 1-888-438-9509 to book over the phone!
0 Free Download From Trivium
Want a free download of the new Trivium song, “Forsake Not The Dream”? iTunes is offering this track as a free download at this link. Go here to get it!!
0 New Video – Kittie – Empires (Part 2)
KITTIE have debuted a brand new music video for the track “Empires (Part 2)”. This video is one of two that the band shot with director David Brodsky.
Check it out here!
Front woman Morgan Lander offers her own words, “‘Empires (Part 2)’ is the second half, and more frantic portion of a two part idea. Part 1 is the acoustic calm before the storm while Part 2 is a full on hurricane. The subject matter likens a union or relationship to the idea of a great empire and as history has taught us; even the most mighty and powerful of empires crumble and fall eventually. Nothing is forever.”
KITTIE will release a brand new record entitled “I’ve Failed You” on August 30th, 2011 via eOne Music. For this effort, the band enlisted the talents of Siegfried “Siggy” Meier at Beach Road Studios in Goderich Ontario who took on producing rolls.
The band recently debuted the first single entitled “We Are The Lamb” which can be heard HERE. “‘We Are The Lamb is the first single and is about as musically devastating as we get. It is a tale of self sacrifice, to give those you love a chance to grow and learn to live for themselves. I cannot express to you how proud of this album we are. ‘I’ve Failed You’ is real, honest, angry and ugly” concludes Lander.
Track List:
1. I’ve Failed You
2. We Are The Lamb
3. Whisper of Death
4. What Have I Done
5. Empires (Part 1)
6. Empires (Part 2)
7. Come Undone
8. Already Dead
9. Never Come Home
10. Ugly
11. Time Never Heals
The band recently hit the road on a headlining run spanning the entire US including the notorious “Gathering Of Juggalos” festival. DIRGE WITHIN and DIAMOND PLATE will offer support.
KITTIE is: Morgan Lander (guitar), Mercedes Lander (drums), Tara McLeod (guitar) and Ivy Vujic (bass).
0 New Video – Circle of Silence – Synthetic Sleep
Circle of Silence has released a new video for their song “Synthetic Sleep”. Check it out below! Like what you hear? “Synthetic Sleep” can be found on the new Circle of Silence album, The Blackened Halo, which is available for download at this link.
0 New Video – Rising Dark – This is War
Italian thrash metal band have a released a new video “This is War”. This song is on the band’s new album, Apocalyptic due out July 15th!
0 New Video – Seven Witches – Fields of Fire
Check out the new video clip, “Fields of Fire” from Seven Witches. “Field of Fire” is from the up and coming CD, Call Upon the Wicked due out June 28th!
The Track Listing for Call Upon the Wicked is:
1. Fields of Fire
2. Lilith
3. Call Upon the Wicked
4. Ragnarock
5. End of Days
6. Mind Games
7. Harlot of Troy
8. Eyes of Flame
9. White Room
10. Metal Tyant
11. Metal Asylum
12. Jacom
Vodpod videos no longer available.
1 SINK or SWIM Video – Chrome Division – Bulldogs Unleashed
Chrome Division, led by DIMMU BORGIR singer Shagrath, have unveiled a new video for the song “Bulldogs Unleashed”
“Bulldogs Unleashed” is on the new Chrome Division’s album, 3rd Round Knockout, which was released May 6th in Europe, and the 17th in North America via Nuclear Blast.
Should Bulldogs Unleashed SINK or SWIM? Decide with your vote below!
0 2011 METALLIANCE TOUR OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED – HELMET, ST. VITUS, CROWBAR TO PERFORM
HELMET TO PERFORM THEIR 1992 “MEANTIME” RECORD IN ITS ENTIRETY
The 2011 Metalliance Tour has officially been announced. The tour sponsored by Revolver Magazine, Loudtrax.com, Brooklyn Vegan, Mosh Potatoes Cookbook and Giddy Up! Sauces is proud to announce HELMET, SAINT VITUS and CROWBAR for its inaugural line up. The festival tour will run through the U.S. from March 17th through April 5th.
Legendary alternative metal band HELMET will perform their 1992 platinum-selling release of Meantime in its entirety. The Interscope Records release gave the band mainstream attention with songs like “Unsung” and “In The Meantime”. With the band’s renewed success after getting back together in 2004, this tour will be one of the most anticipated of 2011.
One of the most highly influential Doom Metal bands in America, SAINT VITUS are regarded as one of the first bands of the genre starting out as early as the 1970’s. The band featuring Scott “Wino” Weinrich, bassist Mark Adams, guitarist Dave Chandler and drummer Henry Vasquez have influenced so many bands in Doom and Metal . “Saint Vitus is more than ready to infect The Metalliance Tour! We’ve been wanting to do something like this for some time now…so prepare for destruction!!” says lead guitarist Dave Chandler.The band has done a handful of shows and some European Festivals but this will be their first full US tour in over a decade.
CROWBAR front man Kirk Windstein concludes, “Wow! This tour is gonna rule! I’ve loved Helmet since the beginning and loved St. Vitus even longer. With the new Crowbar record having hit the streets by then, look out! This bill will bring just what we need to crush each city with an avalanche of stylistic thunder!”
0 JAG PANZER UNVEILS ARTWORK FOR “THE SCOURGE OF THE LIGHT”
ALBUM TO BE RELEASED MARCH 8, 2010 IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
For the original band members Harry Conklin (vocals), Mark Briody (guitar) and John Tetley (bass), JAG PANZER has always been something they held close to their hearts. “We’ve known each other from our earliest childhood and have never lost sight of the idea that this band is based on,” Tetley explains. “I don’t exactly want to use the term ‘spiritual’, but the three of us are connected with this band by a very special relationship. You could say that our lives are inseparably linked with the history of JAG PANZER.”
This heartfelt passion has always been apparent in their songs, however: the American band has never sounded as impressive, mature and accomplished as on their latest album “The Scourge Of The Light” (out on 28 February 2011 in Europe, 25 February 2011 in Germany, and on 8 March 2011 in the US).
The reasons? Well, there are probably a number of them. Without a doubt, the band’s two main songwriters, guitarists Mark Briody and Christian Lasegue, have never been in better form. Every one of their extremely dynamic riffs sounds haunting, every melody cuts their listeners to the core. It may sound like a contradiction, but since guitarist Chris Broderick, who was a band member between 1997 and 2007, left to join Megadeth, JAG PANZER have returned to their old roots. “There can be no question that Chris Broderick is an amazing guitarist, and we were really happy for him that he got this chance with Megadeth. But we feel that thanks to Christian Lasegue, JAG PANZER‘s classic, clearly more melodic power metal style has returned and that the fans will definitely be happy about this.” Tetley may well be right since JAG PANZER‘s most recent studio recording Casting The Stones (2004) was criticised, especially in Europe, for its noticeably harsher direction. “We knew that Christian was the best man for the job, after all he was a band member for three years in the mid-1980s.”
But there are other reasons, too, why “The Scourge Of The Light” sounds so impressive. Despite their limited production budget, JAG PANZER spared no expense or effort to give their ten fantastic new songs a driving their trademark sound. For this reason, they asked Jim Morris to mix the recordings at his legendary Morrisound Studios in Florida and sent the result to New York’s renowned Sterling Sound for mastering. The result is a real ear catcher, without any ifs and buts: “I feel The Scourge Of The Light is the best-sounding album in the history of JAG PANZER,” Tetley rightly expresses his pride in the product of his group’s labors.
LINE-UP:
Harry Conklin – vocals
Mark Briody – guitars
Chris Lasegue – guitars
John Tetley – bass
Rikard Stjernquist – drums
For More Info Visit:
0 DECIBEL MAGAZINE’S “DECIBLOG” DEBUTS NEW TRACKS FROM FORTHCOMING SODOM ALBUM “IN WAR AND PIECES”
ALBUM IN STORES JANUARY 11, 2011 IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
Today kicks off the second week of DECIBEL Magazine’s exclusive premiere of new tracks from SODOM‘s forthcoming release “In War and Pieces” on their “Deciblog”. In addition to premiering the new tracks, the “Deciblog” will be a weekly giveaway of the Double LP “Blood Red vinyl version of “In War and Pieces” Check out the next two tracks “Through Toxic Veins” and “Nothing Counts More Than Blood” and enter for a chance to win a copy of “In War and Pieces” at http://fpro.us/O
January 11, 2011 is the North American street date for SODOM‘s new album, In War And Pieces. The album is will be available in the following formats: regular CD, two-CD digipack, double vinyl, two-CD digipack with lanyard.
“In War And Pieces” was produced by Waldemar Sorychta, who has previously worked with Tiamat, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil and Sentenced, among many others. The cover artwork (see below) was created by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with Testament, Sigh, Anacrusis and GWAR.
In a recent interview with Mattowarrior’s Metal Madness, SODOM bassist/vocalist Thomas “Angelripper” Such stated about the upcoming album, “We have a new producer, Waldemar Sorychta of GRIP INC. He’s like a fourth bandmember. I told him I wanted SODOM to go back to our roots, and it’s important to create an album with an old sound. I don’t like productions where the bands sound like all the others. He ha[d] many ideas on how to arrange the album, and vocal lines, etc.”
Such previously stated about the group’s new material, “There has never been a SODOM album which is so wide-ranged, as powerful and as typically SODOM as this one.”
VISIT SODOM AND SPV ON THE WEB
0 New Video – Death Angel – Truce
Death Angel has released a new video “Truce” in support of their recently released album Relentless Retribution. I like this song, but the video is pretty grotesque. When I see a video like this, I have to wonder who gave the idea for this video, the go ahead.
Check out the video below.
0 Two For Tuesday – Ravage – Grapes of Wrath & Nightcrawler
Check out the new video clip “Grapes of Wrath”, and the band’s cover of the classic Judas Priest song “Nightcrawler” from the Massachusetts metal band Ravage!
2 Ralf Scheepers Solo Album Coming in February!
The forthcoming solo album from PRIMAL FEAR singer Ralf Scheepers is in the very final stages of production. Some very special guests agreed to appear – the list includes guitarists “Metal” Mike Chlasciak (HALFORD), Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), Sander Gommans (AFTER FOREVER) and Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR, ALLEN/LANDE). Powerhouse American vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) is dueting with Scheepers in the track “Remission Of Sin“, Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, DIMMU BORGIR) appears on drums and PRIMAL FEAR’s Mat Sinner is playing bass on the entire LP and produced the album. Achim Koehler is currently in the final stages of the mixing session and will shortly be mastering the production.
Scheepers revealed that his upcoming solo album will include a remake of his song “Saints Of Rock” Scheepers originally recorded with his band TYRAN PACE and a cover version of the JUDAS PRIEST classic “Before The Dawn’. “‘Saints Of Rock’ is gonna be, of course, a little bit more modern and updated than it was [when the original version was recorded] in 1986,” he explained. “I mean, right now we have much more possibilities to make songs sound a little bit more modern, starting with the drum sound and the bass sounds.” He added, “I think ‘Before The Dawn’ pretty much is a straight cover, but the first song I’m playing (nearly) all instruments just a little more orchestral things going on. Vocal-wise, I just added a harmony vocals, plus the two outstanding guitar solos by maestro VICTOR SMOLSKI (RAGE). The album is like a trip through my entire career from hard driven crushing metal, groovy heavy beats, orchestral epic to stripped down basic songs and of course some nice surprises!”
The musical direction of his forthcoming solo CD is more diverse than PRIMAL FEAR, from the hardest to the softest tones. The album was recently presented to the German press and some of the reactions included
“A varied, magic masterpiece! Intensive, passionate and faithful – a terrific singer!” – Markus Wosgien (Rock It!, EMP, Blast!)
“A surprisingly varied and still compact metal-masterpiece, that leaves nothing to be desired!” – Andreas Schöwe (Metal Hammer)
“The vocals and the songwriting are just terrific and you’ve never experienced Ralf Scheepers so relaxed. The album is a hit! Does the world needs a solo album of the Primal Fear singer? Yes, of course!” – Birgit Braeckle (Breakout)
Frontiers plans to release the album in February 2011.
Hard Rock Hideout 