Tag: Havok
0 HAVOK: New Single Available For Free Download
Fans of Denver thrashers HAVOK are beginning to feel the growing excitement for the approaching North American release date of the band’s third full-length, Unnatural Selection. The album’s lead single, “Give Me Liberty… Or Give Me Death,” impacted metal radio earlier this week; the only single to land on CMJ’s Loud Rock “Most Added” report. Sirius/XM Radio plus Syracuse’s WAQX, Baltimore’s WIYY, and Northern New Jersey metal powerhouse WSOU, among others, are a few of the key early supporters of the single.
To celebrate, Candlelight Records today makes “Give Me Liberty…Or Give Me Death” available as a free download at the label’s official Bandcamp page. The topical thrash anthem delivers the young band’s classic thrash and old-school metal sound.
To download click HERE. All available titles at Candlelight’s Bandcamp are available at a 15% discount through midnight June 3. The code to enter on check out is GiveMeCandlelight.
Currently touring Europe with Suffocation and Cephalic Carnage, HAVOK will kick off North American touring just after the June 25 release of Unnatural Selection. Set to begin July 22, the headlining tour will see the four-piece journey through the southern states, travelling up the eastern seaboard before making their debut performance at Montreal’s annual Heavy MTL festival on August 11.
Special preorder bundles of Unnatural Selection are now available via the band’s official webstore. All bundle customers will be automatically entered into a golden ticket contest; one winner will be picked at random to receive an autographed Charvel Guitar and one of everything in the current HAVOK merch store. Candlelight Records will launch a vinyl preorder in the coming weeks. Visit the label’s official Facebook page or follow the label via Twitter (@candlelightusa) for official details.
Produced by Terry Date (Pantera, Overkill, Deftones) and mastered by James Murphy (Testament, Death, Disincarnate), Unnatural Selection bears a far more mature collection of songs when compared to Burn (2009), and Time Is Up (2011). HAVOK has truly hit their mark with a sound that will please fans new and old. The album features ten new songs, including the band’s rendition of Black Sabbath classic “Children of the Grave.”
Confirmed dates on the band’s headline tour plus three special Denver-area performances (a copy of Unnatural Selection included with ticket purchase) are below.
HAVOK:
6/21/2013 Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO (release show)
6/22/2013 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO (release show)
6/23/2013 Aggie Theater – Ft. Collins, CO (release show)
6/29/2013 Rock Al Parque – Bogota, Colombia w/ Cannibal Corpse (NEW SHOW)
7/22/2013 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
7/24/2013 Chameleon Room – Oklahoma City, OK
7/25/2013 Three Links – Dallas, TX
7/26/2013 Dirty Dog – Austin, TX
7/27/2013 Zero’s – Corpus Christi, TX
7/28/2013 Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX
7/29/2013 Siberia – New Orleans, LA
8/01/2013 Orpheum Theater – Tampa, FL
8/02/2013 Back Booth – Orlando, FL
8/03/2013 Ground Zero – Spartanburg, SC
8/04/2013 Blue Fox – Winchester, VA
8/05/2013 Empire – Springfield, VA
8/06/2013 Mojo 13 – Wilmington, DE
8/07/2013 Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
8/08/2013 Church of Boston – Boston, MA
8/09/2013 Backstage at Champs – Trenton, NJ
8/11/2013 Heavy Mtl – Montreal, QC
8/12/2013 Opera House – Toronto, ON (w/Finntroll – NEW SHOW)
8/14/2013 Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH (NEW SHOW)
8/16/2013 Vaudeville Mews – Des Moines, IA
8/17/2013 Riot Room – Kansas City, MO
HAVOK is guitarist/vocalist David Sanchez, bassist Mike Leon, guitarist Reece Scruggs, and drummer Pete Webber. The band uses/endorses ESP Guitars, Charvel Guitars, EMG Pickups, Ernie Ball, Peavy Amplification, Pearl Drums, Trick Drums, and Sabian Cymbals.
0 New Video – Havok – From The Cradle To The Grave
Denver thrashers HAVOK have premiered their latest video for the song “From The Cradle To The Grave” from their 2012 EP, The Point Of No Return, via the band’s official Facebook page. The video, directed by Roy Warner, was filmed on location in Detroit during the band’s final tour of 2012 alongside Skeletonwitch. The premiere coincides with the band’s continued work on their anticipated Terry Date produced third full-length album. Check out the video below!
Discussing the song’s lyrical inspiration, vocalist/guitarist Dave Sanchez says, “‘From The Cradle To The Grave’ is about America’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes. In the late 1800s, in Chicago, Holmes built a hotel specifically with murder in mind. It included doors that opened up to brick walls, staircases that lead to nowhere, and one-way rooms that once you entered, you never came out. He was a religious man and firmly believed that since he was born, the Devil was at his side. That being said, bang your head.”
HAVOK will hit the road next week, teaming with Goatwhore and The Casualties. The dates will feature new bassist Michael Joseph Leon. Sanchez notes, “as many people have already heard, we recently parted ways with bassist Jesse De Los Santos. It was a mutual split and we wish Jesse all the best. I’d like to thank Jesse for the four years of killing it in studio and on stage. With that being said, we’d like to introduce our new four-string monster, Mike Leon. Mike is a fantastic bassist and a veteran of the road from his years of touring with The Absence. We are very happy to have him on board.”
Leon comments, “I’m completely honored to be a part of such a well-oiled machine and to have the opportunity to play with these dudes is a dream come true! Not only is HAVOK one of my favorite new heavy metal bands out in the scene, but the guys in the band are a few of the best dudes I know! You can definitely look forward to us kickin’ lots of ass together this year, and for many years to come.”
HAVOK expect to complete all work on their new record in the coming weeks. Album information and special pre-order details will be announced shortly.
HAVOK
w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore:
4/01/2013 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
4/02/2013 Rocky Point – Tempe, AZ
4/03/2013 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
4/04/2013 The Vex – Los Angeles, CA
4/05/2013 Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV w/ Goatwhore only
4/06/2013 The Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA
4/07/2013 The Alley – Reno, NV
4/08/2013 The Branx – Portland, OR
4/09/2013 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
4/11/2013 The Venue – Boise, ID w/ Suffocation, Exhumed, Jungle Rot, Rings of Saturn
4/13/2013 In the Venue – Salt Lake City, UT w/ Suicidal Tendencies
HAVOK is guitarist/vocalist Dave Sanchez, bassist Michael Joseph Leon, guitarist Reece Scruggs, and drummer Pete Webb.
https://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial
https://candlelightrecordsusa.com
0 HAVOK: New Sepultura Cover Song Streaming
HAVOK: Sepultura Cover Song Streaming At MetalSucks
Today the metal-loving web moguls at MetalSucks premiere HAVOK’s rendition of “Arise” by Sepultura. The tune comes off the band’s forthcoming new EP titled Point Of No Return. Set for release on May 22 in North America, the EP was recorded by the band with final touches by James Murphy (Death, Testament) and contains two new thrash hymns and two cover tracks: the aforementioned Sep cover and a HAVOKed version of Slayer’s “Postmortem/Raining Blood.”
Check out “Arise” at THIS LOCATION.
Point Of No Return will precede the band’s first European adventure beginning early May with Goatwhore, Angelus Apatrida and headliners 3 Inches of Blood. The Denver thrash legion are currently on tour with Sepultura, Death Angel, and Krisiun. The North American Kairos Tour 2012 kicked off April 10 and will make its way through nearly three weeks worth of shows before coming to a close in New York City on April 30.
HAVOK w/ Sepultura, Death Angel, Krisiun [remaining dates]
4/25/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
4/26/2012 Bogie’s – Albany, NY
4/27/2012 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
4/29/2012 Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
4/30/2012 Irving Plaza – New York, NY
https://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial
https://candlelightrecordsusa.com
0 HAVOK: Denver Thrashers Kick Off North American Tour With Sepultura Tonight
Denver thrash assault HAVOK will kick off their latest run of dates with Sepultura, Death Angel, and Krisiun in Santa Ana, California tonight. The North American Kairos Tour 2012 will make its way through nearly three weeks worth of shows, coming to a close in New York City on April 30.
Comments vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez: “We’re hitting the road with Sepultura – Holy shit!! It’s a dream come true. This tour is going to be absolutely insane. All the bands totally rule and we’re expecting to see some rowdy crowds. Prepare to have a sore neck and remember, no karate in the pit!”
Adds drummer Pete Webber: “I can’t wait to start the upcoming tour with Sepultura, Death Angel and Krisiun! Sepultura was one of my very first influences in metal and in drumming! Catch HAVOK destroying a club near you!”
In the meantime, check out footage of the road dogs’ fiery performance in Puerto Rico late last month at THIS LOCATION.
Upon their return, HAVOK will unleash their new EP titled Point Of No Return. Set for release on May 22 in North America, the EP was recorded by the band with final touches by James Murphy (Death, Testament) and contains two new songs plus two HAVOK-ized cover tunes. The Point Of No Return precedes the band’s first European adventure beginning early May with Goatwhore, Angelus Apatrida and headliners 3 Inches of Blood.
Point Of No Return Track Listing
1. Point Of No Return
2. From The Cradle To The Grave
3. Arise (Sepultura cover)
4. Post Mortem/Raining Blood (Slayer cover)
5. Covering Fire (video)
6. D.O.A. (video)
HAVOK w/ Sepultura, Death Angel, Krisiun:
4/10/2012 Yost Theater – Santa Ana, CA
4/11/2012 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012 Branx – Portland, OR
4/13/2012 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
4/14/2012 In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
4/15/2012 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
4/16/2012 Manny’s – Billings, MT
4/17/2012 The Exchange – Regina, SK
4/18/2012 Pryamid Cabaret – Winnipeg, MB
4/20/2012 Majestic Theater – Madison, WI
4/21/2012 Mojo’s – Joliet, IL
4/22/2012 Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
4/23/2012 Opera House – Toronto, ON
4/24/2012 Imperial Theater – Quebec City, QC
4/25/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
4/26/2012 Bogie’s – Albany, NY
4/27/2012 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
4/29/2012 Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
4/30/2012 Irving Plaza – New York, NY
“HAVOK kicks your ass from the moment you hit play, and doesn’t ever let up” — Metal Underground
“…assaulting on all fronts with every gun blazing and superb songwriting.” — Blabbermouth
“In a time when so much new thrash borrows from that current Exodus/Testament sound, HAVOK comes out with something that sounds so fresh and unique.” — Popdose
https://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial
https://candlelightrecordsusa.com
0 HAVOK To Release EP Late May; Additional Live Performances Announced
Denver thrashers HAVOK continue their metal assault today confirming May 22 as the North American release date of their new EP titled The Point Of No Return. Recorded by the band with final touches coming via James Murphy (Death, Testament), the EP will contain two brand new songs plus a few HAVOK reworked cover tunes. The Point Of No Return precedes the band’s first European adventure beginning early May.
“We’ve been writing some new music in between tours and we’re excited to unveil it,” comments vocalist/guitarist Dave Sanchez. “These are the first new songs since Time Is Up came out last year. We recorded a cover of Sepultura’s classic ‘Arise’ for your listening enjoyment and the EP features our Slayer medley that was only available on the digital version of Time Is Up. The EP is a good precursor to where the next album will be taking us. I can’t wait to play this new stuff live… See you all on the road!”
Currently on tour with English Dogs, HAVOK’s stage show continues to gather critical fan and media applause. On announcement of the tour, Los Angeles’ Big Wheel Magazine noted, “opening the show will be Colorado’s fiercest… HAVOK are definitely a band to keep a watch for as their break-neck speed metal is taking the states by storm.” The band has confirmed a string of headline dates beginning March 2 which includes a performance in Puerto Rico. HAVOK then will align with Sepultura, Death Angel, and Krisiun for a tour beginning in Santa Ana, California on April 10 and wraps in New York on April 30.
HAVOK released their full-length debut, Burn, mid 2009. The record instantly found a nice pocket of fans while initiating the early curiosity of media around the globe. Commenting after signing with Candlelight Records, Sanchez said, “this is the break we’ve been working towards. It is the beginning of great things to come. We know that the work is really just beginning and that the pressure is on. But pressure, as you know, makes diamonds.”
It was with the release of Time Is Up early 2011 that things really started to fall into place for the young four-piece. “HAVOK have hit their stride,” said Decibel Magazine. “HAVOK is everything that is great about thrash,” notes Terrorizer. “Everyone should be worshipping at these Denver native’s altar as they have the flashy skill, ridiculous song-writing chops, and prodigious lead guitar work that’ll have even the most jaded ears saying, ‘okay just this last one,’” adds Rock Sound. Two videos, “Covering Fire” and “D.O.A.” have added to the ongoing success of Time Is Up, which has seen double the sales compared to Burn, all while the band has maintained an insane touring schedule. Sanchez says, “we’ve been touring a lot in support of Time Is Up and this year is no exception. We’re hitting the road harder than ever in 2012. There is a lot to look forward to, including some things outside of North America. I can’t wait!”
To view both videos, visit the band’s YouTube channel HERE.
Upcoming HAVOK tour dates include:
HAVOK
w/ English Dogs, The Casualties, Toxic Holocaust
2/17/2012 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
2/19/2012 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/21/2012 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
2/22/2012 Branx – Portland, OR
2/23/2012 The Pound – San Francisco, CA
2/24/2012 Key Club – Hollywood, CA
2/25/2012 Galaxy Theatre – Santa Ana, CA
2/26/2012 Epicentre – San Diego, CA
HAVOK Headlining Shows
3/02/2012 Another Hole In The Wall – Steger, IL
3/09/2012 Outta Bounds Saloon – Loveland, CO
3/13/2012 Riot Room – Kansas City, MO
3/14/2012 The Conservatory – Oklahoma City, OK
3/15/2012 Click’s Billiards – Tyler, TX
3/16/2012 Betsey’s – Austin, TX
3/17/2012 Bonds 007 – San Antonio, TX
3/31/2012 La Respuesta – Santurce, PR
HAVOK
w/ Sepultura, Death Angel, Krisiun
4/10/2012 Yost Theater – Santa Ana, CA
4/11/2012 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012 Branx – Portland, OR
4/13/2012 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
4/14/2012 In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
4/15/2012 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
4/16/2012 Manny’s – Billings, MT
4/17/2012 The Exchange – Regina, SK
4/18/2012 Pryamid Cabaret – Winnipeg, MB
4/20/2012 Majestic Theater – Madison, WI
4/21/2012 Mojo’s – Joliet, IL
4/22/2012 Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
4/23/2012 Opera House – Toronto, ON
4/24/2012 Imperial Theater – Quebec City, QC
4/25/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
4/26/2012 Bogie’s – Albany, NY
4/27/2012 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
4/29/2012 Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
4/30/2012 Irving Plaza – New York, NY
9 Rob Rockitt’s Top 20 Best Hard Rock & Metal CD’s of 2011
Every year putting together a top 10 list becomes harder and harder. There were so many outstanding releases in 2011, there were far too many to do a top 10 list. Below are my top 20 Hard Rock & Metal Releases of 2011. Agree or disagree? Let us know what you think!
20. The Poodles – Performocracy
Can anyone take a band seriously with the name, The Poodles? Maybe, not, but the band’s latest album Performocracy
is cram packed with excellent hard & melodic rock tunes that you should take notice of.
19. Five Finger Death Punch – American Capitalist
Five Finger Death Punch may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this heavy metal band has been putting out some of the best
new music from a newer metal band. Their third effort American Capitalist does not disappoint in the least.
18. Anvil – Juggernaut of Justice
Anvil’s Juggernaut of Justice came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I never expect to enjoy an Anvil CD so much, and JOJ is easily
one of Anvil’s best releases yet.
17. Chickenfoot – III
Sammy Hagar & company turned in another outstanding CD with their sophomore effort III. This CD is much better than the band’s debut.
16. Alex Beyrodt’s Voodoo Circle – Broken Heart Syndrome
Sinner/Primal Fear/Voodoo Circle guitarist Alex Beyrodt has released a killer CD with classic influences that include
Whitesnake & Rainbow. Every hard rock fan needs to give Broken Heart Syndrome a listen.
15. King Kobra – S/T
For King Kobra to come in at position 15 tells you just how good the music is in front of it. King Kobra’s reunion
effort, with Paul Shortino on vocals, is easily one of the best in King Kobra’s catalog.
14. Emphatic – Damage
I am not a huge modern rock fan, but every year there are some outstanding releases that deserve attention. Emphatic
simply outdid their Peers (Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil) with their debut effort Damage.
13. Tora Tora – Revolution Day
It seems like every year a long-lost CD that was buried due to record company politics, finally gets a proper release.
Tora Tora’s third CD Revolution Day was released by FNA Records, and carries on the excellent bluesy hard rock
that Tora Tora is known for.
12. Coldspell – Out From the Cold
Coldspell has already released two outstanding CD’s with Infinite Stargaze & Out From The Cold. I can’t wait to hear
the next set of tunes from Coldspell. Out From The Cold should not be missed.
11. Havok – Time is Up
Havok is one of the new bands leading the Retro-Thrash Metal movement. Time is Up is their second effort and easily their
best. If you are a thrash metal fan, you need to seek out Time is Up now!
10. Michael Monroe – Sensory Overdrive
I have been a Michael Monroe fan forever but I never expected one of his solo CD’s to be THIS good. Sensory Overdrive is easily
the best Michael Monroe CD since 1989’s Not Fakin It.
09. Warrant – Rockaholic
Warrant’s Rockaholic is easily my favorite Warrant CD since the band’s 1992 effort, Dog Eat Dog. The late Jani Lane will always
be missed, but Robert Mason is an outstanding singer, and he may be the best vocalist Warrant has ever had. Rockaholic will
make people take notice of Warrant again.
08. Sixx A.M. – This is Gonna Hurt
With the recent news from the Motley Crue camp as of late, it sounds like a farewell tour may be coming from the band soon. If this
is truly the case, Nikki Sixx can carry on his band Sixx A.M. This is Gonna Hurt took a while to grow on me, but it has become a favorite of mine
over the last few months.
07. Black Country Communion – 2
Out of all of the supergroups, Black Country Communion outdid them all with their second effort 2. 60-year-old Glenn Hughes could (and probably
should) give a clinic to young rockers, on how to rock. He is still getting it done.
06. Anthrax – Worship Music
You would think that Joey Belladonna returning to Antrax would be create a major amount of excitement, and it has. Belladonna’s vocals are
not the high point of Worship Music. This is easily Anthrax’s best CD from a musical standpoint, and the best thrash metal CD of 2011.
05. Whitesnake – Forevermore
If Doug Aldrich & Reb Beach keep helping David Coverdale put out CD’s like Good To Be Band and Forevermore, folks may forget about the
band’s monster hits from the 80’s. Forevermore is another outstanding effort from the Whitesnake camp.
04. Mr. Big – What If…
Mr. Big’s reunion CD What If is the band’s best CD since 1993’s Bump Ahead. You SHOULD NOT miss What If…!
03. Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare
Alice Cooper’s reunion with producer Bob Ezrin was a very good one. Welcome 2 My Nightmare is an outstanding sequel that should not be missed.
02. Vain – Enough Rope
I can not say enough good things about Vain’s latest CD, Enough Rope.If you liked Vain’s debut, No Regrets, you need to seek out the band’s latest
effort Enough Rope. It is quality all the way through, and easily to my ears one of 2011’s best.
01. Electric Boys – And Them Boys Done Swang
I never would have thought The Electric Boys could have outdone their debut, but with And Them Boys Done Swang, they have done just that.
Sure, some of the lyrics are somewhat cheesy, but the band has every bit of the Funk that was found in their debut.
The Japanese edition has some excellent bonus tracks which pushes this one over the top.
Honorable Mentions:
Rival Sons – Pressure & Time
Black Stone Cherry – Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
Megadeth – Th1rt3en
Badmouth – Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Motorhead – The World is Yours
Riot – Immortal Soul
House of Lords – Big Money
The Answer – Revival
Pop Evil – War of Angels
Beggars & Thieves – We Are The Broken Hearted
George Lynch – Kill All Control
Michael Schenker – Temple of Rock
Want more Top 10 lists? You can find them at the following websites:
All Metal Resource — https://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — https://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – https://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — https://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Nights — https://hardrocknights.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — https://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — https://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — https://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — https://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — https://metalexcess.com/
Metal Odyssey — https://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — https://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.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 HAVOK: New Drum Cam Video Posted Courtesy Of Sick Drummer Magazine
Today Sick Drummer Magazine hosts an exclusive drum cam video of HAVOK basher Pete Webber destroying his kit to “Time Is Up,” the title track off their current full-length out now on Candlelight Records. The video is part one of a series of drum cam videos that will lead up to the band’s upcoming North American tour later this fall.
Commented Webber: “We filmed these videos so you can get up close view of the drums that you don’t always get to see! Hope everyone enjoys!”
To view the video, point your browser HERE.
The Denver thrashers will embark on another punishing support trek in October alongside headliners Exhumed, Goatwhore and Cephalic Carnage. Set to commence on October 26 in New Mexico, the tour will lay waste to nearly two dozen cities and come to a close in Flagstaff, Arizona on November 20. Confirmed dates below.
HAVOK
w/ Exhumed, Goatwhore, Cephalic Carnage
* = no Goatwhore
10/26/2011 The Juggernaut – Gallup, NM *
10/27/2011 Sorority House – Amarillo, TX *
10/28/2011 The Conservatory – 1H – Oklahoma City, OK
10/29/2011 FuBbar – St Louis, MO
10/30/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
10/31/2011 I-Rock Nightclub – Detroit
11/01/2011 Alrosa Villa – Columbus, OH
11/02/2011 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
11/03/2011 Wreck Room – Toronto, ON
11/04/2011 Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
11/05/2011 Rock Cafe Le Stage – Trois-Rivieres, QC
11/06/2011 L’Agitee – Quebec City, QC
11/08/2011 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
11/09/2011 Europa – Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2011 Championships – Trenton, NJ
11/11/2011 Mojo 13 – Wilmington, DE
11/12/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
11/13/2011 The Casbah at Tremont Music Hall – Charlotte, NC
11/14/2011 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
11/15/2011 The Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
11/17/2011 Siberia – New Orleans, LA
11/18/2011 Korova/Goregrowler’s Ball – San Antonio, TX w/ Suffocation
11/19/2011 TBA *
11/20/2011 Orpheum Theatre – Flagstaff, AZ *
As previously announced, a limited edition, hand-numbered, color vinyl pressing of Time Is Up will be released via Restricted Release to coincide with the upcoming tour. Stay tuned for details!
HAVOK on Facebook
Sick Drummer Magazine
Sick Drummer Drum Camp
Candlelight Records USA
0 Havok – Time Is Up (2011)
Call it thrash. Call it hard. Call it heavy. Whatever you call it, Havok’s Time Is Up can best be described as a powerful heavy metal trip of fun. Upon hearing the opening drumbeats of “Prepare For Attack,” it’s obvious that something special, heavy, and hard is going to be displayed for the next 30 plus minutes. Blending bits of Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, and hard core punk, Havok is a delightful kick to the midsection of heavy metal mayhem. Their sophomore album, Time Is Up proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The guitar work of Reece Scruggs is some of the most brilliant finger picking that I’ve heard on a metal record. The clarity of the notes at the speed he performs is mesmerizing. Undoubtedly the most stand out member (musically) of the group, Scruggs really takes guitar playing to the upper echelon of fantastic. I could sit and listen to him play all day long.
“No Amnesty” starts off with a strange sound effect before the drums and guitars kick in like the cops busting up a wild party. The pacing is unbelievable and it’s a true wonder how drummer Pete Webber’s arms don’t fall off while pounding the skins for this song. If you’ve been searching for something to bang your head hard to while thrusting your horns in the air and jumping around like a madman without a mosh pit, “No Amnesty” is the song for you.
“Scumbag In Disguise” is a great ode to those who hide their criticisms behind modern technology like Twitter and Facebook. While it could also be an ode to critics who have nothing positive to say, the message in “Scumbag In Disguise” is clear—if you’re a troll, no one cares what you have to say. With sharp, biting lyrics surrounded by an outstanding Reece Scruggs guitar solo, this is one of the best tracks on Time Is Up.
The dark, ominous intro of “The Cleric” sets the stage for the greatness that follows. If Iron Maiden were to release a thrash song, it would sound like “The Cleric.” This is the darkest (and perhaps the strongest) song on Time Is Up. The deeper meaning of the lyrics is clear once you are able to get past the fantastic music. It’s obvious that Sanchez is writing about certain world leaders and corporate CEOs. The message that their greed will do them in at the end is plain. Sung with a bit of anger, “The Cleric” is a superb song that plays to all the strengths of this band.
If you like your metal hard, heavy, and fast, then Havok’s Time Is Up is the record for you. Filled with raw power, thundering drums, and blistering guitar work, Time Is Up is one of the coolest records to come out this year. It’s fist pumping, metal screaming rock at its finest and it’s now available for your ears to enjoy exclusively.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Prepare For Attack
- Fatal Intervention
- No Amnesty
- D.O.A.
- Covering Fire
- Killing Tendencies
- Scumbag In Disguise
- The Cleric
- Out Of My Way
- Time Is Up
Havok Is:
David Sanchez – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Reece Scruggs – Lead Guitar
Jesse De Los Santos – Bass Guitar
Pete Webber – Drums
0 Havok, White Wizzard, Revocation & Forbidden Invade the Alrosa Villa in Columbus
Last Saturday night, the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio was packed full of metalheads ready to enjoy the music from not one, not two, but seven heavy metal & metal core bands to delivery their music to the masses. Three local bands opened for the national touring bands Havok, White Wizzard, Revocation & Forbidden. The show was opened up by Domestic Terror, followed by Dismemberment, and Black Rue. Black Rue was my favorite out of the local trio of bands. Black Rue’s singer had a similar to look to Dimebag Darrell, with his long hair and beard. Considering the location of this concert, his look was a little unnerving to this hard rock fan. I enjoyed their tunes though, and thought they might merit a second look. Check them out on Reverbnation.
Denver, Colorado natives Havok was the first band out of the national acts, and easily one of the best. David Sanchez and company delivered a tight set of metal that included songs from the band’s two CD’s Time is Up and Burn. The last time I saw these guys in May of 2010, they a three piece band. Since the last time I saw them play, the band has filled their vacant guitar slot with guitarist Reese Scruggs. Scruggs playing combined with the great vocals and fretwork of David Sanchez has helped to take Havok’s sound to the next level. This up and coming metal band is great live, and no thrash metal fan afford to miss them. Check them out on Facebook at this link.
White Wizzard was next on the bill, and compared to the other heavy bands on this bill, they seemed like an odd fit for this show. Don’t get me wrong, I dig these guys. Their Iron Maiden-esque sound works for me, and the band does it well. I thought it was strange to have a more NWOBHM sounding band sandwhiched between two thrash metal acts, and an extreme metal band, but at least they are out there getting their music heard.
White Wizzard has had a revolving door of musicians over the years, but the lineup has appeared to have stabilized as of late. The band’s current singer, Mike Gremio (formerly of Cellador) does a great job on vocals. If you haven’t heard him sing before, you ought to check him out. Gremio’s vocals could be the key to White Wizzard making it to the next level of their career. Their set was far too short in my opinion.
Revocation was up next, and I knew absolutely nothing about this band, with the exception that they had one of those completely unreadable band logos. I did not know any of the band’s songs. While I thought the music was really good, the vocals didn’t really do anything for me. I have to admit, I am not a big fan of extreme metal so I didn’t enjoy this band as much as the others on the bill. I prefer vocals that I can understand, and don’t care for that cookie monster stuff too much. Revocation was easily the most intense band on the bill, and I can’t fault them for that. When singer/guitarist David Davidson would gaze into the crowd, I didn’t know if I should be frightened or excited. That is s0 Metal!
After a rather lengthy soundcheck, Forbidden stormed the stage, and simply blew me away. Forbidden is one of those thrash metal bands that I never thought I would get a chance to see, so I was looking very forward to seeing them play live. They far exceeded my expectations, and were easily the best band of the night. Singer Russ Anderson probably hasn’t missed too many meals, but this guy can still sing with the best of them. He was flat out getting it done at the Alrosa Villa. The guitar triage of Steve Smyth, Craig Locicero and Matt Camacho might just be the most under rated in thrash metal. They put on one energetic set which included the songs: “Forsaken Gates”, “Overthrow”, “Off the Edge”, “Forbidden Evil”, “Step By Step”, “Adapt or Die”, “Draggin”, “R.I.P.”, “Twisted”, “March”, “Omega Wave”, “Infinite”, a killer cover of Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Sea” which Russ Anderson dedicated to the late Ronnie James Dio, “Through Eyes of Glass” and “Chalice of Blood”. If you are a thrash metal fan, you gotta get out to see these guys play, you won’t be disappointed!
Check out our Photo Galleries below!
Havok
White Wizzard
Revocation
Forbidden
0 New Video – Havok – Covering Fire
In case you old school thrash metal fans missed the news about Havok’s new video, “Covering Fire” Premiere last week, here is the clip for you to enjoy.
0 HAVOK: “Covering Fire” Video Premiere Via Metal Injection
Today, Metal Injection hosts the premiere of HAVOK‘s latest video for “Covering Fire.” Shot in Tyler, Texas, produced by Mike Gillespie and directed by Brian Jaynes, “Covering Fire” is the fifth track off the band’s critically-lauded Time Is Up full-length, released earlier this year via Candlelight Records.
Comments guitarist Reece Scruggs: “We’re extra pumped to release our first video off our new album. ‘Covering Fire’ is an awesome song about the hell of war and what may go through a man’s mind in the grips of combat. This video has it all: hair, guitars, fire, smoke, planes… everything a metalhead would need in a music video! So check out the video, buy our album and then catch us on tour with Forbidden, Revocation and White Wizzard in a city near you!”
“Covering Fire” is viewable at THIS LOCATION.
HAVOK is gearing up to join Bay Area thrash legends, Forbidden, for a near month-long journey that will kick off in West Hollywood, California and level 20 more North American cities before drawing to a close in Escondido, California. Confirmed dates below:
HAVOK
w/ Forbidden, Revocation, White Wizzard:
6/09/2011 Whiskey A Go-Go – W. Hollywood, CA
6/11/2011 The Alley – Sparks, NV
6/12/2011 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
6/13/2011 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
6/14/2011 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC
6/15/2011 Sapphire Nightclub – Kelowna, BC
6/16/2011 Pawn Shop – Edmonton, AB
6/17/2011 Riddell Centre – Regina, SK
6/18/2011 Royal Albert Arms – Winnipeg, MB
6/19/2011 Station – St. Paul, MN
6/20/2011 Mad Planet – Milwaukee, WI
6/21/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
6/22/2011 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
6/23/2011 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
6/24/2011 Championship Bar – Trenton, NJ
6/25/2011 Alrosa Villa – Columbus, OH
6/26/2011 Fubar – St. Louis, MO
6/27/2011 Beaumont Club – Kansas City, MO
6/29/2011 Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO
6/30/2011 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
7/01/2011 Clubhouse – Tempe, AZ
7/02/2011 JT’s Limelight – Escondido, CA
…………………………………..“Everything great about thrash — infectious, galloping riffs, hummable choruses, a vast array of gang vocals in ‘DOA’ — is employed, with their ace in the hole being Reece Scruggs, whose sumptuously-phrased solos, balancing shred, fiery modal moves and soulful, blues bends will suck in everyone from guitar nerds to song-structure curmudgeons.” — Terrorizer“HAVOK have the chops and the ability to prove that they have the staying power to last in this genre.” — About.com
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Old-school thrash fans are going to be wreaking Havok’s Time Is Up on their neighbors with the windows rolled down and the volume cranked up to 11. It’s an excellent disc full of monster riffs, solos and grooves.” — Metal Underground
“…they have the flashy skill, ridiculous song writing chops and prodigious lead guitar world that’ll have even the most jaded ears saying, ‘Okay, just this last once…'” — Rock Sound
“HAVOK keep the guitars to 11 and scream some sweet licks… I do not know why they are not opening the Big Four tour.” — Stereokiller
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https://www.myspace.com/havok
0 HAVOK: In-Studio (Part II) Video Premiere Via Metal Injection
In anticipation of the release of their upcoming new full-length, Time Is Up, Denver thrashers HAVOK have unveiled part II of their in-studio video footage. Brought to you by Metal Injection, the video takes you behind the scenes of the recording process with commentary from the members. Check it out HERE.
The follow-up to HAVOK’s fiery Burn debut, Time Is Up has been reaping praise from critics nationwide. Featuring ten tracks of meticulously crafted thrash metal anthems that transcend far beyond any run-of-the-mill rethash projects, the record will be released in North America on March 29 via Candlelight Records. For pre-order details visit Candlelight USA.
HAVOK, who recently wrapped up a tour supporting Florida death metallers Malevolent Creation, will be making an appearance at SXSW this weekend with additional dates to follow.
HAVOK Tour Dates:
3/18/2011 Headhunters – Austin, TX
3/20/2011 Dirty Dog Bar – Austin, TX
3/26/2011 Mo’s – Englewood, CO [Record Release Show]
4/02/2011 Aggie Theater – Fort Collins, CO
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“This is easily the best thrash record of any type released since Toxic Holocaust dropped An Overdose of Death on us in 2008.” — Popdose
“…Time Is Up will turn out to be one of the thrash releases of the year. A furiously energetic effort, presenting thrash metal exactly the way it should be. Get this album when it comes out and mosh to some Havok!” — Metal Assault
“… a killer sophomore effort by four dudes who do justice to their musical forefathers. Cliff Burton would smile on this release…” — Rock Hospital
“Havok’s purest intention is to thrash your face into a circle-pitted-pulp, and more often than not they’re wildly successful.” — Metal Review
“Thrash metal fans should definitely appreciate the fact that the songs are tight as hell, and that these punishing riffs and pile driving rhythms are about as subtle as a punch to the face.” — Sea Of Tranquility
“…a solid example of modern thrash.” — About.com
“The album cranks open with a vicious fusillade of riffs blazing away under the fitting title ‘Prepare for Attack.’ Leaving no room for subtlety, the album starts to boil around ‘No Amnesty’ and reaches its plateau once the slow paced ‘Killing Tendencies’ launches. A pile driving thrash barrage of a title track finishes the whole ride on a Slayer note as the album waves farewell in characteristic thrash fashion, abrupt and unapologetic. Consider this recommended.” — Danger Dog
0 HAVOK – The Hard Rock Hideout Interview With David Sanchez!
HAVOK – David Sanchez is a young, confident and yes, cocky vocalist/guitarist for HAVOK. These characteristics of David make me admire him all the more. Oh, to be young and fronting a rapidly rising Thrash Metal band like HAVOK, while bestowing a take charge attitude of failure is not an option, is all stuff of Metal fantasy for this elder Metalhead! I’m jealous. David Sanchez is the kind of interview that allows me to walk away and root for him and his band HAVOK as they take no prisoners while reaching for the sky.
After such an engaging interview with David, I found myself asking the question: what is there not to like about him? After listening to HAVOK’S 2009 debut album “Burn” along with their new Thrash offering “Time Is Up”, I ponder: what is there not to like about this band? At the time of this interview, HAVOK was getting ready to unleash their Thrash Metal attack on the “United Hate Across America Tour” in support of their upcoming sophomore album – “Time Is Up”, releasing on March 29th, 2011 on Candlelight Records. Here is what David Sanchez had to say:
HRH: “Time Is Up” is like opening a can of Thrash Metal whoop ass. How difficult is it to write ten songs that are all equally intense? Or is it not difficult for you?
DAVID: It’s a walk in the park! (laughs) Thanks for the kind words. It’s not easy to write all the songs like this. It does take a long time to hammer out all the details. Honestly, I feel there isn’t one song on “Time Is Up” where you can hit the skip button.
HRH: I won’t disagree there.
HRH: Who is behind the incredible album cover artwork for “Time Is Up”?
DAVID: Halsey Caust. She did our “Burn” album cover and we hired her again. This album cover is pretty awesome! We were super psyched about the way it looks! This is real artwork, it’s not photographs that are all slapped together in photoshop. Halsey put a brush to the canvas and made this album cover the old fashioned way.
HRH: She created this album cover the old school way.
DAVID: Yeah, she did!
HRH: “Scumbag In Disguise” rips and tears! Is this song about anyone you personally had to deal with or is it an all-encompassing tribute to scumbags?
DAVID: This song was inspired particularly by one person, yet it relates to a lot of people. It’s a song about people that talk shit on the internet about you, then, when you see them in person they’re nice to your face. They’re scumbags in disguise!
HRH: Are you guys pumped up for the “United Hate Across America Tour”? Your touring with some intense bands.
DAVID: Hell yeah! That”s gonna be awesome.
HRH: Describe the feeling that you and the band had, when Candlelight Records came knocking on your Thrash Metal door?
DAVID: It was incredibly exciting! We’re a band from Colorado, where bands don’t get signed from too often. This solidified the validation for the band. When a label like Candlelight wants to sign your band, you’re obviously doing something right! We always kept true to our sound and stood out from the crowd.
HRH: Colorado Thrash Metal. Is it the high altitude and air quality that makes Havok play such kick ass and refreshing Thrash?
DAVID: (laughs) No, I don’t think it’s that. We’re young and have something to prove, this drives me to do my very best. Eventually Megadeth, Slayer and the older bands have to all retire. These guys are all in their fifties now. Eventually, these bands that people look up to won’t exist anymore. I want Havok to be the next Slayer or Megadeth. I want to wipe the floor with everyone else and say we are the band!
HRH: I guess that’s the way you have to think.
DAVID: It’s a competitive business and I have to have this attitude to succeed and make Havok rise to the top.
HRH: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be number one.
DAVID: I like to mention with Colorado not having many bands from here, usually the bands are from L.A., San Francisco, New York or Austin, all the music cities. Denver is not a music city and we’re trying to change that!
HRH: How did Havok arrive at their old school or traditional, if you will, Thrash Metal sound?
DAVID: We wanted to make Heavy Metal that’s really tight, riff heavy and fast. When we first started out, nobody else was doing Metal with cool riffs, double bass and fast drums. Now, it’s the cool thing to do. We get lumped in with other bands being labeled trendy, that it’s the thing to do. We were playing this type of Metal well before a lot of these other bands were. That Thrash revival label doesn’t make much sense to me. There are a handful of bands today where fifteen years from now, will still be around and we’re one of them.
HRH: Havok will definitely have a strong fan base fifteen years from now.
DAVID: Yeah! I just don’t understand though, why people won’t listen to Thrash because they were born in 1988 instead of 1965.
HRH: Hey, I was born in 1966 and I love Thrash Metal!
DAVID: See that! That’s what I mean!
HRH: Besides Havok, what Thrash band is the greatest ever and why?
DAVID: Aw, man, the greatest ever and why? There will always be a place in my heart for Metallica. Their first four albums are untouchable! Those albums can’t be beat! James Hetfield and his rhythm guitar is extremely tight on those albums. That intro on “Master Of Puppets” is so locked in, it sounds like one guitar take and it’s really four. Metallica is a legendary Thrash Metal band. This is the band that got me into music in the first place.
HRH: You obviously have Thrash Metal influences. What music influence be it a band, musician or genre do you have that would probably shock your fans?
DAVID: There are some parts on “Time Is Up” that are directly inspired by Boston, Rush and Kansas. If you sit and listen intently to this record, you might pick out their influences. It’s amazing, the song structures and ideas that Classic Rock had back in the day! You just can’t beat what Classic Rock accomplished back in the seventies and early eighties. There would be a weird bridge or odd time signatures in songs back then and bands would play the exact same thing on every instrument!
HRH: What moment in your life triggered you to take music seriously?
DAVID: It’s when I started playing guitar and taking lessons. Two to three months of being okay at guitar, I said alright, I can actually do this! One and a half years later I started a band called Havok and writing songs. I punched the accelerator and took off from there!
HRH: Wow David, it all came together fast!
DAVID: Yeah! I have too many ideas, way too much going on in my head for anyone to tell me what to write! I’m glad everything is happening on our terms and
nobody has us answering to them. We’re not making any crappy butt Rock songs! I wouldn’t be happy if anyone told me to make it more commercial. I think I would give them the middle finger and I would walk out. If you’re not making music that’s making you happy, you shouldn’t be making music.
HRH: Who will be the “Big Four” from your generation?
DAVID: I get asked that question all the time! I don’t think there will be a big four, that’s too small a number. A big handful, we’ll see. You just can’t narrow it down to four. I have a bunch of bands I listen to, the one’s that really stand out for me are Skeletonwitch, Municipal Waste, Warbringer, Evile and Revocation.
HRH: Those are some heavy duty Thrash bands, David.
DAVID: Those bands have a pretty strong backing now, I don’t see them stopping anytime soon. These are the bands I see still around in fifteen years or more. Now, that isn’t in no way my trying to undercut other bands I listen to though.
HRH: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
DAVID: I’d like to tell everyone to go pick up our album “Time Is Up” on March 29th! Anybody who plays will love the heavy bass, the riffs and double bass drums! For every album you guys buy, I’ll be able to go to my local Taco Bell and buy half of a burrito! (laughs)
HRH: (laughs) That’s why touring is so key.
DAVID: Yeah, even with touring, we’re still not rich! (laughs)
0 HAVOK: New Track Stream Available Today Via Metalunderground.com
Today the rad folks at Metalunderground.com premiere brand new track, “Scumbag In Disguise,” from Denver thrash collective HAVOK. The tune comes off the band’s upcoming new full-length entitled Time Is Up, which is slated for a March 29th release via Candlelight Records. The follow-up to the ravaging Burn long-player was mastered by James Murphy and features ten tracks of flawlessly executed thrash anthems.
Check it ” Scumbag In Disguise,” the seventh track off this mammoth offering, HERE.
HAVOK formed in 2004. After two self-released albums, the band caught the attention of England’s Candlelight Records and by the Spring of 2009, the band unleashed Burn to the metal masses. The album peaked on CMJ’s Loud Rock chart at 15 and broke MediaGuide’s Top 10. Continued radio play came from KBPI/Denver, KUPD/Phoenix, WKLL/Waterville NY and WSOU/South Orange NJ. Music Choice and the syndicated metal program Full Metal Jackie also gave HAVOK repeated airtime.
HAVOK will kick off the first tour in support of Time Is Up next month as support for Florida death metallers Malevolent Creation. Stay tuned for further info.
0 HAVOK: Denver Thrashers Return With Their Second Studio Offering Cover Art + Track Listing Revealed
On their 2009 Candlelight debut, Burn, Denver-based HAVOK quickly proved to metallers of all walks that they were far more than your average fly-by-night thrash act. Even Fear Factory’s Gene Hoglan took note of the young band saying, “HAVOK lays it down old-school heavy like a sharp stick in the eye.”
Time Is Up, the band’s follow-up to Burn, will be released via Candlelight Records on March 29, 2011. Featuring ten tracks mixed by the legendary James Murphy, the record immediately showcases the band’s collective penchant for writing mammoth thrash anthems and the flawless musicianship that’s come from the last year’s worth of tireless live performances including national tours with Primal Fear, Hatchet, Hammerfall and Wretched, as well as regional dates with Destruction, Cephalic Carnage, Exodus, Anthrax and others. Blistering guitar and drum work once again highlight the record, particularly on standout tunes like “Prepare for Attack,” “Fatal Intervention,” “Covering Fire,” and “Scumbag In Disguise.” Bringing it all together is striking cover art by illustrator Halsey Swain.
Time Is Up Track Listing:
1. “Prepare for Attack”
2. “Fatal Intervention”
3. “No Amnesty”
4. “D.O.A.”
4. “D.O.A.”
5. “Covering Fire”
6. “Killing Tendencies”
7. “Scumbag in Disguise”
8. “The Cleric”
8. “The Cleric”
9. “Out of My Way”
10. “Time Is Up”
HAVOK formed in 2004. After two self-released albums, the band caught the attention of England’s Candlelight Records and by the Spring of 2009, the band unleashed Burn to the metal masses. The album peaked on CMJ’s Loud Rock chart at 15 and broke MediaGuide’s Top 10. Continued radio play came from KBPI/Denver, KUPD/Phoenix, WKLL/Waterville NY and WSOU/South Orange NJ. Music Choice and the syndicated metal program Full Metal Jackie also gave HAVOK repeated airtime.
HAVOK will kick off their first tour in support of Time Is Up next month as support for Florida death metallers Malevolent Creation. Stay tuned for tour dates and further info.
Hard Rock Hideout 