Metal News for November 18, 2007
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.
Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
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- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
44 news articles posted on this day.
Illnath Seek New Drummer
Vocalist Bjørn "Narrenschiff" Holter of the Danish symphonic black metallers ILLNATH has issued the following update:
"As most of you know by now, we're in a small trench of waiting at the moment. The new album ['Three Nights in the Sewers of Sodom'] is recorded and being mixed. The cover art is pretty much ready (and looks amazing!!) as usual it is Wilhelm Steiner doing how wonderful work.
"We're looking for a new drummer at present and will start trying people out soon. If anyone out there are up for the task, let us know and we'll arrange an audition."
ILLNATH recently posted more audio samples from its forthcoming third album, "Three Nights in the Sewers of Sodom". Check them out on the band's MySpace page. More...
Pica Fierce Post New Song Online
Norwegian thrash/death metal band PICA FIERCE has posted a new song, "Swan Song", on its MySpace page. The track comes off the quartet's self-titled debut album, which was mixed at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, KATATONIA, PAIN OF SALVATION etc.) in Sweden. The LP will be released in Norway later in the month.
PICA FIERCE has scheduled a CD-release party on December 8 at Fru Lundgren in Trondheim, Norway.
Half Makeshift Signs To Profound Lore
Profound Lore have agreed to work with HALF MAKESHIFT. Hailing from Maryland and masterminded by its sole proprietor Nathan Michael (who released the great “L’Anse Amort” release on 20 Buck Spin earlier this year), Profound Lore is preparing itself to release an observation under the moniker of “Omen”. Split into four movements in what works as one 50-minute track, “Omen” is a powerful and moving sonic jaunt through vast cinematic musical terrain. Where the traditional elements that help shape Half Makeshift’s aura are methodically spliced within the grand picture, “Omen” captures delicate intimate tones to create an expansive dense layered vision, one that conjures up powerful landscape and spatial imagery. Through moments of lush string movements, bass rumblings and pulsations, ivory key dabbling, spurts of static, and wholly layered with impeccable guitar ambience, “Omen” is a massive, oppressive, and overwhelmingly devastating vision.
Overall “Omen” is a fine example where such genres as post-rock, ambient, and drone are melded together seamlessly capturing the emotional pedigree of the likes of such artists as Godspeed You Black Emperor, A Silver Mount Zion, Set Fire To Flames, Nadja, and the quieter more personal introspective moments of Ulver.
You can check out samples from "Omen" on Half Makeshift’s Myspace page.
Expect “Omen” to be released early Spring of 2008.
Wrathage Post "Crawlspace Antipathy" Samples
Finnish black metallers WRATHAGE have posted unmastered sample audio clips from their forthcoming promotional CD, "Crawlspace Antipathy", at www.mikseri.net. The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. As Night Falls
02. Black movement Conspiracy
03. The Abscess
04. Hic Sunt Diabolos
05. The Mercury Insolence
WRATHAGE is one of the artists that participated in the IMMORTAL tribute album, "Epimythion - Tribute to Immortal", which is expected to be issued via Greece's Townsend Avalanche Music. WRATHAGE recorded the song "Through the Halls of Eternity" from IMMORTAL's legendary "Battles in the North" album.
Pelican Updates On DVD, Touring, and More
Roadburn.com just posted a studio report on the making of Pelican's "City of Echoes." The website is sponsoring their upcoming European tour with High on Fire. The tour starts next week and tour dates can be found below.
Pelican will be a part of Langerado Music Festival in March 2008 near Ft Lauderdale, Florida. They will be touring around that time, hitting cities that they didn't hit last time around.
The long awaited, often-delayed, but now back on track "After the Ceiling Cracked" DVD + 3" CD will be out on December 4th. For those who do not know, the DVD's centerpiece is a full concert in London from December of 2005 documented by four camerapeople with Jesu mastermind Justin Broadrick manning the console for both the live and recorded sound mix. The DVD is chock full of photos and songs from several other shows spanning their career. The 3" CD is the digital version of the tunes from the recently released "Pink Mammoth" 10" EP with an additional collaborative version of the title track featuring contributions from the boys in These Arms Are Snakes.
Here are the latest Pelican tour dates with High On Fire: More...
Vortex's "VERSion" EP Available
Hungarian post-black metal band VORTEX has released a new four-song EP, "VERSion", which was mastered by the notorious villain from DHG, Tom Kvalsvoll (EMPEROR, ARCTURUS, CODE). The CD was recorded at the Noiselab Studio by Fehér Dávid (LONG PIG) and is limited to 100 hand-numbered copies.
According to the band's official bio, VORTEX was "formed in 2000 by Major and Blazsek in order to play some simple black metal songs in the vein of old-school bands. As the years passed, so became the music much more unique and complex with heavy electronic influences and experimental parts, plus strong visual effects in live shows. Until April of 2006 VORTEX functioned as a six-member group but at that time the two founder decided to continue as a duo due to several reasons. M joined the band as a live guitarist, so the line-up was complete and ready for making some entirely new music."
For audio samples, visit their Myspace page.
Beseech Post 'The Drama Ends' DVD Trailer Online
Defunct Swedish gothic metallers BESEECH will release a posthumous double-DVD, "The Drama Ends", in December. This release is very limited and the first 100 orders will be signed by the band. A trailer for the DVD — which features live performance footage, backstage material, studio recordings, clips from tours, festivals and other "crazy things that happened through the years" — can be viewed here.
For more information, visit www.beseech.net.
BESEECH announced its decision to split up in October 2006 after over 15 years in the business. The band played its final gig on December 15, 2006 at Trägårn in its hometown of Borås, Sweden.
BESEECH's final release was their fifth album, "Sunless Days", which came out in September 2005 through Napalm Records. More...
Kayo Dot Reveals More Album Details
Kayo Dot have announced the titles, tracks, and personnel info for their upcoming album to be released in the coming new year on Hydra Head Records. The album is called "Blue Lambency Downward" and it will include seven songs. a bonus outtake track was recorded and will be reserved for a bonus track later. The album tracklisting is as follows:
1. Blue Lambency Downward
2. Clelia Walking
3. Right Hand is the One I Want
4. The Sow Submits
5. The Awkward Windwheel
6. The Useless Ladder
7. Symmetrical Arizona
The album personnel is as follows:
Toby Driver - acoustic, electric, 12-string, baritone, and bass guitars, soprano clarinet, voice, piano, organ, gamelan instruments, analog synth, laptop mellotron
Mia Matsumiya - violin, voice
with guest musicians:
Charlie Zeleny (Behold... the Arctopus) - drumset
Skerik - tenor and baritone sax, vibraphone
Hans Teuber - soprano and bass clarinets, alto sax, flute
Dave Abramson (Diminished Men) - gamelan instruments & additional percussion
B.R.A.D. (ASVA, Master Musicians of Bukkake)- additional vocals
Randall Dunn - sound effects and synth design
The album was produced by Randall Dunn (Sunn0))), Boris, Earth, ASVA) and its release date and coinciding tour dates are set for mid-March 2008. The band will be posting audio samples sometime within the next few weeks.
Phobia Post New Song Online
You can check out a new song from PHOBIA entitled “Give Me Genocide” online over at their official MySpace page. The track comes off the band’s forthcoming split with EXTINCTION OF MANKIND which will be released in January by Profane Existence.
Wraith Sign to Reflections Records
Reflections Records welcome Wraith to their label with the following press release:
"To many people most likely an unknown band… We’ll promise you that will change soon! WRAITH origins from Cardiff, United Kingdom with a collective mindset of dishing out the most devastatingly crushing music they could envoke on mankind, with the gear to back it up they plan to level the playing field and bring forth HELL to whomever will have them playing their abode. All band members served their time in bands that have seen some form of recognition in their own restricted genres but see it as no bearing on what WRAITH are doing. These guys backed themselves with enough equipment to lay waste to any non-believers and leave them with a serious ear ringing..if the likes of Neurosis,Tragedy and Fad Gadget are in your record collection then WRAITH might floor you!"
"The band is currently preparing themselves for a limited 7”/ digital download EP to be released early 2008 with a debut full-length coming later next year."
"Visit the band's MySpace site here."
Slash Planning Solo Album
Current Velvet Revolver and ex-Guns N Roses guitarist Slash recently published his autobiography and now has a solo album in his sights. Although he doesn't have a timetable for the project, Slash told The Pulse of Radio he already has a lot of ideas for what direction he wants it to take. "I really want to do a solo record and play with a lot of different people that I've worked with before, maybe some people I haven't worked with, and just do something really, really sort of interesting," he said. "'Cause I've played on so many other people's records, you know, and I want to write material for, like, different individuals to sing on and whatnot. So that's sort of like the main sort of backburner kind of thing going on at the moment."
Meanwhile, VELVET REVOLVER was forced to cancel a four-city Japanese tour after the band members were denied visas. A spokesperson for concert promoter Creativeman Productions noted in a statement that the group had previously toured Japan in 2005, but now explained, "The increasingly tough Japanese immigration officials are taking exception with the backgrounds of various band members, which have included arrests." VELVET REVOLVER is appealing the decision, but the process could take months to resolve. "We want to apologize to our fans in Japan that we won't be able to perform our scheduled concerts," the band said in a statement. "We don't understand why the authorities won't give us visas when they granted them for us in 2005 for what was a successful tour and a great experience. We love Japan and look forward to our return there."
VELVET REVOLVER is still scheduled to tour Australia in early December.
The group wrapped up a North American tour with ALICE IN CHAINS last month as it continues promoting its second album, "Libertad". The record has sold 250,000 copies in the United Staes since its release last July, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Slash will appear as a presenter at the 35th annual American Music Awards, which will broadcast live on ABC this Sunday (November 18) from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Van Halen Plays Private Show
Billionaire Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, booked Van Halen to put on a surprise show on November 15 at Toronto's Air Canada Centre for about 14,000 RIM employees and guests, The Canadian Press reports.
Also on the bill were Canadian natives The Tragically Hip, who opened the show; the pairing was similar to one Balsillie arranged several years ago when he booked Aerosmith and Canadian pop-rock outfit Barenaked Ladies.
Van Halen is in the midst of its first tour with original frontman David Lee Roth in 22 years, and recently added its first batch of 2008 dates to its schedule.
Interview
Otep Shamaya From Otep Interviewed
Guitar riffs, killer bass, brutal drumming, grueling screams, and poetry that sticks in your mind for days; this is a band known as OTEP. I had my first experience with them on 2004's Ozzfest and have been hooked ever since. Here is my first interview with OTEP's vocalist, Otep Shamaya, as she talks about the backgrounds of where she grew up, a little bit about the band, and their new album that just got released on October 30, 2007 The Ascension. More...
Nightwish Live Photos Available, Talks Of Ozzfest
BW&BK scribe/photographer Mark Gromen was recently on the road with the Finnish metallers NIGHTWISH, landing in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. To view a BW&BK Photo Gallery of the trek visit this location.
Watch for Part One of BW&BK's tour diary online within the next day or so. The remainder of the report will appear in a future issue of the magazine, along with exclusive photos.
As reported earlier today, BW&BK has learned that Nightwish are in the planning stages for her first concert length video. "The Finnish record company wanted the January 2008 show at the Ice Hall, in Helsinki, but that's too early," confirmed management. "There's a string of three dates at The Royal Albert Hall, in London, booked for April, but if they come to you, saying, 'We've got something else. We need the room for a month.' You're out." There's been some discussion about Iceland, in October too. We'll see."
In addition to two addition North American jaunts in 2008 (May and then again in September), talks have already been held about securing a slot on the traveling Ozzfest cavalcade for the summer of 2009!
Operator Talk About Avenged Sevenfold Tour
The Pulse of Radio reports: Up-and-coming Los Angeles-based rockers OPERATOR are about a quarter of the way through their highest-profile tour yet, as opening act for AVENGED SEVENFOLD. Singer Johnny Strong told The Pulse of Radio that he thinks the match-up is the perfect night out for fans of real rock 'n'roll. "We're melodic hard rock and they're melodic metal, so, you know, at the end of the day it's like you're getting the best of both worlds right there, you know," he said. "And we're the young bands in the world right now for that type of music, so it's just amazing, it's the best tour. When all the management and everyone around us were like, 'Who do you guys wanna tour with?' my first response was 'What's AVENGED SEVENFOLD doing?'"
The bill also features BLACK TIDE and THE CONFESSION. The tour wraps up in mid-December.
OPERATOR is touring behind its debut album, "Soulcrusher", which came out in August. It features the title track and "Nothing To Lose".
Johnny Strong is a martial arts expert and actor who has had roles in films like "Black Hawk Down" and "The Fast and the Furious". He says the name of the band was inspired by his role in "Black Hawk Down" as a Delta Operator.
Megadeth Frontman Posts Update
MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has issued the following update:
"Far and wide, thank you all for you fabulous support at the concerts and other various get-togethers. We wrapped up 2007 in one of the warmest and kindest countries to host heavy metal concerts.
"I look forward to a long relationship with the Aussies, if not with just Gigantour, but definitely MEGADETH too.
"I enjoyed seeing some of the last runs airport friends, except hair-toucher.
"I am going to reflect on a very up-and-down year over the holidays and get myself prepare to come back even stronger next year.
"There will be updates and a new number to call me on soon, so stay tuned.
"Until we speak again, thanks to BRING ME THE HORIZON, LACUNA COIL, DEVILDRIVER and STATIC-X.
"It is time to try to sleep for three hours and then shower and head for home. Wish us all safe travels."
Led Zeppelin Enter U.K. Charts
According to NME.com, LED ZEPPELIN entered the UK Top Forty singles chart today (November 18) at No. 37 with their legendary song "Stairway To Heaven". The band had made their back catalogue available to download earlier this week, hence the new chart entry. LED ZEPPELIN's "Mothership", a 24-track, two-CD comprehensive collection that spans the band's illustrious career, entered the UK Top Albums chart at No. 4.
As previously reported, "Mothership" is on track to sell around 100,000-105,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut in the Top 10 of The Billboard 200 chart, according to Hits Daily Double.
"Mothership" contains material from all eight of the band's classic studio albums, with the tracks being personally selected by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. "Mothership" includes landmark songs such as "Whole Lotta Love", "Immigrant Song", "Kashmir", "Rock And Roll", "Dazed And Confused", "Stairway to Heaven". The set also includes new liner notes.
P.O.D. Singer Checks In
The follwoing message has been posted by P.O.D. frontman Sonny on the bands Myspace account:
"What up Warriors?
Just wanted to wish you all a Wonderful Thanksgiving and encourage you
to take some time with your loved ones. We have had a crazy year and things
are finally coming together for the new album. Just as things were getting
organized San Diego was on fire. Thanks for all your prayers and concerns.
Thank you guys for helping spread the word on donations to the Red Cross.
That makes us proud.
Columbia/INO Records is excited about the release and has big
ideas for us. It's all in God's hands now... We just got thru the
album cover process and in the next few weeks new developments will drop.
In the mean time I've been working on some things and I am looking
for some unsigned bands for a new record Label I am working on. Any
genre is acceptable, as long as you're serious and dedicated musicians that
Love what you do. My crew and I will go over all the submissions
personally.
I will keep you all posted as thing progress.
Much Love to you all.................
HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!"
Sonny
*Click the link below to submit your information*
Mutiny Post New Song, "Overburdened," Online
New Jersey's melodic death metallers Mutiny have posted a new song, "Overburdened," on their myspace page. Overburdened features the new vocalist, who hails from England. The band posted a short message on their myspace blog:
"One new song has been posted! Our new singer will be officially announced next weekend along with pictures, videos, and 3 more new songs. Keep checking in... -Mutiny"
Opeth Confirmed For Bloodstock Open Air 2008
Swedish progressive death metal maestros OPETH have been added to the bill for Bloodstock Open Air 2008, which takes place at the Catton Hall Derby on August 15, 16 and 17, 2008 in the UK.
The band have just issued a live album entitled "The Roundhouse Tapes" and have been announced as support for Dream Theater on their 2008 North American tour.
Sandalinas Set Release Date For "Fly To The Sun"
Spanish/Swedish melodic metal band SANDALINAS has found a new home on Metal Heaven. Their new CD is called "Fly To The Sun" and is due on January 18, 2007. Next to mainman Jordi Sandalinas, "Fly To The Sun" also features the great vocal talents of singer Rick Altzi (AT VANCE), Patrik Johansson (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on drums, Mick Cervino (BLACKMORE’s NIGHT) on bass guitar and Elias Holmild (DRAGONLAND) on keyboards. The album furthermore includes various guests such as Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER) on keyboards on the track “Seasons In The Sand” as well as Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE) and Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND) at various guitar solos.
You can listen to some advance music here:
- SANDALINAS - Bad Dreams (edit)
- SANDALINAS - Fly To The Angels (edit)
- SANDALINAS - Never Seen Before (edit)
The tracklist of "Fly To The Sun" is as follows:
FLY TO THE SUN
NEVER SEEN BEFORE
BAD DREAMS
BACK FROM THE LIGHT
NO MATTER WHAT
AS THE RAIN FALLS
DOUBLE CROSS
RING OF FIRE
THE WRONG SIDE OF ME
SHADOWS IN THE RAIN
THE HEALER TALKS
SEASONS IN THE SAND
Stoner Kings Post New Music Online
New STONER KINGS material can be heard on their MySpace page in the form of "Damnation's Own", featuring the all-new band line-up consisting of StarBuck (vox), Petteri Hirvanen (guitar), Rude Rothstén (bass) and Grandy (drums).
It should be noted that the band produced this new material the old-fashioned way, meaning the recording process was live, with all raw edges intact to maintain the organic quality of true musicianship and professionalism.
"If you are tired of over-produced, cutting room clean, sterile and doctored output from all too many bands these days, you will definitely find a breath of fresh air in the new Stoner Kings material!" states a confident StarBuck.
The band is currently gearing up for some new gigs in early 2008. Stay tuned for developments.
Reunited Jaded Recording New Album
Reunited all-female hard rock band JADED has just returned from a trip to Bloomington, Indiana where it recorded new tracks for its upcoming sophomore release with legendary producer Gary Katz, best known for his works with multi-platinum recording artist and classic rock icons STEELY DAN. Katz has also worked with multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated recording artist JOE COCKER.
JADED will make its live debut with new singer Marina Storm on December 7 at Bill's Bar in Boston, Massachusetts. This show — which is the highly anticipated showcase for a major manager in the music industry — will also be filmed for a live DVD. The first 20 pre-sold ticket holders will receive the new three-song EP which will only be available at this show and to those 20 people.
Reminiscent of '80s-style rock energy and decadence, JADED has played in support of ALICE IN CHAINS, BUCKCHERRY, DISTURBED, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TWISTED SISTER, SKID ROW, DAMAGEPLAN, LACUNA COIL, SHADOWS FALL, POWERMAN 5000, STRYPER, TESLA, GEORGE LYNCH, KITTIE, DORO, VIXEN, GIRLSCHOOL, MUSHROOMHEAD, WINGER and more. The band has played festivals to crowds of 30,000 people, and went on a European tour in support of W.A.S.P. this past winter.
Dark New Day Mixing New Album
DARK NEW DAY/ex-SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery, who has spent most of this year fulfilling his touring duties with KORN, has issued the following update:
"The new [DARK NEW DAY] record is getting mixed right now and it's sounding great. Dave Bendeth, who produced it, is also mixing it. I think it's gonna be well worth the wait.
"Thanks to all that have stuck by us and hope to see you all on tour next year.
"The new DARK NEW DAY will be out early next year and as soon as we have a hard date on it you'll be the first to know."
In addition to Clint, DARK NEW DAY features Troy McLawhorn (guitar; EVANESCENCE, ex-DOUBLE DRIVE), Clint's brother Corey Lowery (bass; ex-STEREOMUD, STUCK MOJO) Brett Hestla (vocals; ex-CREED, VIRGOS MERLOT) and Will Hunt (drums; EVANESCENCE, ex-SKRAPE, TOMMY LEE).
Songtitles set to appear on the new DARK NEW DAY CD include "Simple", "Hail Mary", "Fiend", "Outside" and "Vicious Thinking".
DARK NEW DAY released its debut album, "Twelve Year Silence", in June of 2005. The disc featured the single "Brother".
Clint Lowery was arrested on July 5 at the Hodokvas Festival in Piestany, Slovakia after a "wild, drunken night" at the event, which ended with the guitarist trashing his room. Lowery was released the following afternoon from police custody after apologizing and paying for the damages.
Philly Benefit Announced For Decapitated Drummer
On December 7th, Philadelphia-area bands will come together for the benefit of deceased DECAPITATED drummer Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka. All proceeds will go to the band, as the people at Pure Death Productions were friends of the late musician. Slated to play the Millcreek Tavern are DIVINATION VELOZ ATTACK, RELIK and long running local favorites MORTAL DECAY.
Vitek passed away on November 2nd in a Russian hospital from injuries sustained in a recent road collision.
At The Gates Guitarist Hopes For Reunion DVD
Metalzone.gr recently conducted an interview with AT THE GATES/THE HAUNTED guitarist Anders Björler. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:
Metalzone.gr: Let's start with the reunion shows. Will you be the headliners at Wacken Open Air? I have already booked tickets… hehe! Is there a plan for a European tour or something?
Anders: No, we won't headline, and the festival running order is not yet put together until late next year. You have to wait and see. In Europe we will mainly
play festival shows, but there might be some club shows in some countries. We haven't decided yet. More info will come soon...
Metalzone.gr: Is there any intention of releasing a DVD including those shows?
Anders: We want to release a DVD, but no plans are made yet. It would be a good ending to the reunion and also a good chance for people who can't see us next summer to at least watch something interesting on DVD.
Metalzone.gr: Many people could believe that because of the reunion, you will release a new album as well. What about it? Are there any intentions of releasing the "Slaughter Of The Soul" No. 2?
Anders: No, we will not record another album.
Metalzone.gr: As it is known, your relationships with Tomas Lindberg [vocals] were not so good. Some years ago I had a conversation with that guy and when I told him about an AT THE GATES reunion he didn't say a word. It seems to me that he became angry with my question. Now we are in front of a reunion, so as it is logical, your relationships might be very good. I will ask you straight the question that haunts the mind of every fan of the extreme sound. Are you good friends or you think that an AT THE GATES reunion could be a good opportunity to earn more money?
Anders: We are good friends today, and the reunion is just about that. Doing something final. Where we left off. Like a closing couple of shows. If I would have played music for the sake of money, I would start a pop band or write songs for BRITNEY SPEARS. This is about "death metal." We still love what we do (we have played and toured with our other bands since 1996 constantly) and that's what cares. We are poor musicians, and a couple of festivals won't change it. The real sell out would have been to do a new world tour and a new album. We don't want to, so we don't do it.
Metalzone.gr: It is a kind of "trend" nowdays to have many reunions from dissolved bands. Take a look at CARCASS, IMMORTAL, CYNIC, CELTIC FROST, CANDLEMASS, ATHEIST etc etc etc. The time for an AT THE GATES reunion is here. Don't you think that this is something usual for this era? I mean I am very happy for this reunion because I am a great fan of the band as I told you but someone else may say "OK, this is another reunion, so what?" What is your opinion?
Anders: Yes, but for most of the bands it's for the same reason. Getting back on a personal level as friends. And also a sense of nostalgia. I respect what people have to say. A reunion doesn't have to be good in itself, but I am confident that we will give people a good show. We have a lot of good songs to pull it off. I like all of the above mentioned bands and I think it's cool that reunited. If you don't approve as a fan, you will always have the old albums.
Phil Anselmo Forces Beer-Throwing Fan On His Knees
After reportedly getting "nailed" twice with beers thrown from the crowd, DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo stopped the band's show Thursday night (November 15) in Corpus Christi, Texas to tell the crowd to send him the next "coward" that decided to throw something at him. The audience then ponied up one of the kids that allegedly had thrown one. Watch what happens next in the clip below.
DOWN's video for the song "On March The Saints" made its "Headbanger's Ball" debut last night (Saturday, November 17) on MTV2. This episode also featured a piece with Phil Anselmo in which he compared the world of boxing to playing music.
DOWN's new album, "Over the Under", was released on September 25 through ILG/Warner Music Group (one day earlier internationally via Roadrunner Records). The LP was issued in Europe as a limited-edition digipack CD featuring the bonus track "Invest in Fear". More...
Gojira Frontman Talks New Album
Scott McLennan of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports: GOJIRA's singer and guitarist Joseph Duplantier said that after making its first two records — "Terra Incognita" and "The Link" — the band approached its third album, "From Mars To Sirius", with more confidence and with more ideas.
"When we made our first album, we all had jobs or were in school. Whenever we could meet and compose, the only thing we composed were fast songs because we were so excited. We put all our aggression into the music," Duplantier said. "Now we are a full-time band. We are not just coming to the music with aggression. We play music all day, so we are playing music we want to hear. When you spend every day in a rehearsal space, you want to hear changes, so we go to some mid-tempo compositions and look for ways to keep the verses interesting. I think we are playing better because we are trying different things."
Duplantier said that growing up in Bayonne in Southern France engendered the band's eco-friendly attitudes.
"We feel sensitive about the Earth and caring for the planet. We live near the Atlantic Ocean and mountains are nearby. We have always been close to nature and its effects. It is only sensible to be concerned about the ecology," he said.
Duplantier said he realizes that people going to see GOJIRA are coming out for a show and not for a political discussion. Thus, much of its work is not explicit politicizing, but in many in cases a matter of weaving band members' beliefs into the songs.
And Duplantier said that hopefully GOJIRA will be able to record new songs soon. The band has been touring in support of "From Mars to Sirius" for more than two years. Listenable Records in France put out the album in the fall of 2005, and Prosthetic Records in the U.S. released the disc last year.
"We are working on a new album," Duplantier said. "But it is hard trying to compose on the bus."
And part of the difficulty comes from the fact that GOJIRA is not likely to repeat itself on its forthcoming record.
"We do what we feel we are meant to do," he said. "When the music is right, you feel it and it is intense. That is the exciting part of the job. We like that freedom. Sometimes a record label wants to make changes, and will do things like ask for more singing parts. Or if someone asks us to pull back, we tell them we are not interested. What we like is what we do."
3IOB Guitarist Gives Update On Vocalist
Lord of the Wasteland of Metal-Rules.com recently conducted an interview with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD guitarist Shane Clark. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:
Metal-Rules.com: Jamie [Hooper] had throat problems and was forced to sit out Ozzfest, which must've killed him, and the rest of the band, too.
Shane: Oh yeah, man! It was weird.
Metal-Rules.com: I saw you play on Vancouver — one of the off-dates — and he was there right beside the stage watching. Did he go out on the road with you or did he stay at home?
Shane: He had to stay at home to give his vocal chords a rest and had a weekly and bi-weekly checkup thing going on. Don't quote me on this, but most likely he's going to sit the rest of the year out because, for lack of a better word, he really fucked up his vocal chords.
Metal-Rules.com: Is it just a day-to-day thing caused by the rigors of the road or is it something more serious?
Shane: That's still being assessed. I'll just give you an idea of what's going on. Jamie started the band, I think it was in 1999 or 2000, or something like that. His vocal style is that he's singing from his throat. Most singers sing at sixty decibels, that's pretty loud. Jamie sings at a hundred and twenty decibels. He's literally screaming his head off. After seven years of doing that, something just pops. I'm not making light of the situation, he's really got to figure something out with his team of specialists. If him sitting the rest of the year out means he'll get better, then we're one hundred percent behind him. He's our friend and his health is more important that doing a bunch of shows and not being able to talk when you're forty-five years old. On the flip side of it, Justin has been taking over a lot of Jamie's vocal parts, filling in for him. He's not trying to imitate Jamie, he's got his own thing going on and he's a great fill-in. He's got this Tomas Lindberg thing going on. Jamie's happy with that. We definitely didn't want to get some guy to fill in for Jamie, some guy we didn't know. That would've just sucked, we're a tight-unit band, we've been through a lot together since the lineup changes and we're not taking this whole situation lightly and we're not going to replace Jamie. So Justin stepping up was great. I don't think we could've done Ozzfest or anything without Justin doing that. Until Jamie gets better, he's going to handle it and it sounds good. We'll just take it as it goes and won't make any predictions. The power of positive thinking, it helps you.
Metal-Rules.com: If either Cam or Jamie left the band, would you continue with just one vocalist or does 3 INCHES OF BLOOD need two singers?
Shane: If Cam or Jamie left? You know what, I don't think we would replace either of those guys. If Cam or Jamie lost interest in the band, it would probably be the end of the band. Knowing that they wouldn't is really good. That's one of those things I don't think would happen, but that would probably be time for the band to move on. Cam is irreplaceable alongside with Jamie. I mean, Jamie started the band. If you look at a band like NAPALM DEATH, there are no original members left so I'll never say never, but today I just say no.
Metal-Rules.com: How were the Ozzfest shows?
Shane: Killer! It was a big stepping stone in the band's history. Besides getting so much exposure with tens of thousands of people in just a few months, we made great friends, made contacts and had a great time. It was heavy metal summer camp! I felt like I should have paid them to do that. To be guaranteed to play a show with other great bands and have a tailgate party, it was great, man! Ozzy was only there every other day, but us, BEHEMOTH, HATEBREED and LAMB OF GOD kind of got this camaraderie going on because those were the bands playing shows every day. I almost looked at those "off dates" as a summer tour and the Ozzfest dates as the off-dates in a way. Those were theater shows. We were playing House of Blues and those kind of places, a bit bigger here and there. We got an equal amount of exposure on those dates. To sum that whole thing up: best tour ever! Best tour for the band, best tour of my life, the best summer of my life probably. I got to crank my amp every day and it was killer.
Metal-Rules.com: Did you have any reservations about playing Ozzfest beforehand?
Shane: No. Before we knew what was going on about it, a few of us were a bit iffy on the corporate bend on it. But we'll let those corporate people worry about that shit, we'll just show up. It was such a stepping stone for the band, playing in front of so many people, it didn't really matter whose political and corporate agendas were going on because the bottom line is that this was a festival for people to come and enjoy. It was actually free for people so no one cared about that. The history of Ozzfest is kind of a legacy now. It's the only metal festival in North America. We were honored to be on that. It's a legendary festival.
Metal-Rules.com: You almost already answered this, but would you do it again?
Shane: Oh yeah, totally!
Metal-Rules.com: You mentioned your influences and you very clearly wear them on your sleeve. Does it bother you when the press or people think of you as a "retro" band rather than being groundbreaking or original?
Shane: No one really cares about that. Usually, that's just critics. People at supermarkets are also critics. That doesn't bother us. If we were concerned about that stuff, I don't think the band would be around. We just do what we do and we never deny our influences. When metal fans tell us, “you guys sound like Maiden or Priest”, hell yeah we do, man! If we deny that kind of shit we would look like douchebags who are self-defensive. We're a metal band and to imitate is to create when you're starting out. I can throw you a million things that the new record sounds like. There are "Haunting The Chapel" riffs on there — influenced riffs, I should say. The spectrum of influences is a little bit broader on this record but they're everywhere. The NWOBHM thing is still alive and well in our sound but there's also a lot more Bay Area thrash, a little bit of black metal and some seventies metal. I kind of went off on a tangent there, but to answer your question, that kind of shit doesn't bother us one bit.
More W.A.S.P. US Tour Dates Surface
W.A.S.P. are confirmed for two shows at Jaxx in Springfield, VA on February 15th and 16th. More US dates have surfaced but have not been confirmed by the band yet, and are therefore subject to change. The US schedule is currently as follows, with more shows expected to be announced soon.
February
15 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
16 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
22 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
24 - The Fillmore (Irving Plaza) - New York City, NY
23 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
Remaining dates on W.A.S.P.'s ongoing European tour are as follows:
November
18 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Trädgarn
21 - Bergen, Norway - USF
24 - Riga, Latvia - Sapnu Fabrika
25 - Tallin, Estonia - Rock Café
30 - Chemnitz, Germany - Hellraiser E.V.
December
1 - Zlin, Czech Rep. - Hala Novesta
2 - Budapest, Hungary - Wigwam
5 - Santiago, Spain - Capitol
6 - Bergara, Spain - Sala Jam
7 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
8 - Murcia, Spain - Sala Gamma
9 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
12 - Treviso, Italy - New Age
13 - Milan, Italy - Rainbow
14 - Charleroi, Belgium - Le Coliseum
15 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Philipshalle
16 - Augsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
17 - Trier, Germany - Europahalle
18 - Berlin, Germany - TBA
19 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
20 - Bremen, Germany - Aladin
21 - Speyer, Germany - Halle 101
22 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Stream Live Version Of Kropiklaani's "Tuli Kokko"
Finland's KORPIKLAANI have updated their official Myspace page with a live version of 'Tuli Kokko' on their music player. The song was recorded at the Rock Hard 2007 Festival and is currently featured on the CD sampler that comes with the latest issue of Germany's Rock Hard Magazine (#247), out now. Go to this location to check it out.
The songs 'Viima', 'Beer Beer' and 'Veriset Aparat' have also been added to the profile.
As previously reported, Korpiklaani finished their new studio album, Korven Kuningas, in October. It will be released via Nuclear Blast in early 2008.
Orphaned Land Frontman Working On New Book
Kobi Farhi, vocalist for Israeli metallers ORPHANED LAND is working on his debut book - A Tango Between God & Satan. The book contains personal stories and adventures of Kobi from his childhood, traveling the world and of course some stories of Orphaned Land.
"I choose not to write about sex, drugs and rock n' roll as I find it boring and I don't see a reason why this stories should be in a book," says Kobi. "My stories and adventures are very spiritual and unique along with very bad adventures and dark stories, and that is that 'Tango' I use to tell this stories that happened to me to friends and they were always amazed and said I should publish a book about it" More...
Judas Priest Begin Mixing "Nostradamus"
JUDAS PRIEST has begun mixing its new concept album about the legendary 16th century prophet Nostradamus, singer Rob Halford revealed during an appearance this past Friday (November 16) on Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show. In addition, JUDAS PRIEST will make an announcement in the next couple of weeks about tour dates for 2008. According to Halford, the upcoming tour will include shows where the entire "Nostradamus" album will be performed as well as concerts featuring the band's classic songs.
Regarding the direction of the material and how whole concept for the record came about, Halford recently told PureGrainAudio.com, "It sounds absolutely fucking amazing and that's not me inflating it, it is genuinely spectacular. So we're still carrying on with that and it should be out sometime in 2008. The idea (for the record) came from our manager Bill Curbishley, because we were ready to go in and do another studio record, but Bill came to see us towards the end of the 'Angel of Retribution' tour, he came to Russia, we were playing Russia and we had lunch with him and he said, 'Look, I have this idea.' Bill manages THE WHO, you know, Pete and Roger, and Bill was behind the enormous success of 'Tommy' and he said, 'I just think that you know, maybe you should think about this possibility of doing a concept album and I've been thinking about this guy Nostradamus.' And as soon as he brought the name up, I'm like, I'm there, let's go, you don't have to say anything else. I knew something of him already like everybody does about the books that you read about him, or on the Internet or on TV, documentaries and I thought wow, this is absolutely brilliant so that's where it all came about from." More...
New Official Bloodbound Fan Forum Up And Running
Sweden's BLOODBOUND have launched a new official fan forum. Go to this location to check it out. Vocalist Urban Breed, who left the band in August 2006 due to musical differences but has since returned to the fold, is one of the administrators.
As previously reported, Breed has been doing all the live shows with the band for the last six months and "is officially back and the band is stronger than ever." They are currently working on their third album.
Breed has stepped in to replace his replacement, ex-JADED HEART singer Michael Bormann.
Akercocke To Play Show for Decapitated Drummer
Controversial U.K. dark art practitioners AKERCOCKE will team up with TED MAUL for a tribute/benefit show dedicated to late DECAPITATED drummer Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka on December 10 at the Camden Underworld, England.
AKERCOCKE frontman Jason Mendonca was recently interviewed by Andrew Haug of Triple J's "Full Metal Racket" (based in Australia). Download the eight-minute interview in MP3 format at this location (3 MB).
Burning Point Post "Heart Of Gold" Video Online
Finnish heavy metal band BURNING POINT has released the video for its song "Heart of Gold". The clip, which was filmed, directed and produced by Jukka Häkkilä of NorthCrest Media, can be viewed here.
"Heart of Gold" comes off BURNING POINT's third album, "Burned Down the Enemy", which was released earlier in the year via Metal Heaven Records. The mixing sessions for "Burned Down the Enemy" took place at the Tonebox studio in the band's hometown of Oulu. Kari "Kakke" Vähäkuopus, who handled the mixing process for the previous albums, "Salvation by Fire" and "Feeding the Flames", once again helmed the sessions. The CD was mastered at Finnvox studios in Helsinki. More...
Ace Frehley Announce Solo Tour Dates
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has scheduled the following dates:
Dec. 27 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Dec. 28 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Dec. 29 - The Norva - Norfolk, VA
Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.com.
Frehley is aiming for an early 2008 release date for his new solo album. The guitarist — who recently celebrated one year of sobriety after relapsing during the summer of 2006 — has finished recording around 10 new songs for the effort but is looking to lay down two or three more in the next couple of months in order to make the CD "really special," he revealed during an appearance on the "Friday Night Rocks" radio show.
Ace's new album was reportedly recorded with a trio of Ace, Anton Fig on drums and new bassist Anthony Esposito (LYNCH MOB).
Mrak To Release Debut In February
Long-running German black metallers MRAK will release their full-length debut in February via Sun & Moon Records. The band — which consists of Morok (guitars/vocals/drums) and Berstuk (bass/acoustic guitars) — "plays melancholic and depressive black metal, which can drag the listener in a mesmerizing and hypnotic state of mind," according to a press release. "Their music is well-structured, middle-paced with long instrumental passages."
For more information, visit www.morok.de.
Winter Haze Reveal Debut Album Track Listing
Italian gothic power metallers WINTER HAZE have finished mastering their debut album, entitled "The Storm Within", at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland with Mika Jussila (NIGHTWISH, STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, HIM, CHILDREN OF BODOM). The CD was recorded by Giulio Capone at Old Ones Studio and was mixed by Daniele Mandelli at Elfo Studio. The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Trail of the Wolf
02. Eyes to the Dawn
03. White Witch
04. Deconstruction of Mind
05. From Here to Eternity
06. Event Horizon
07. Unme
08. Darker World
09. Innocent Dream
10. Neverland More...
Nemhain New Song Posted Online
NEMHAIN, the British band featuring ex-CRADLE OF FILTH/AT THE GATES drummer Adrian Erlandsson and his wife, fetish model Morrigan Hel (a.k.a. Amber England), has posted a new song called "From the Ashes" on the group's MySpace page. The track was laid down during the band's last recording session in Belgium.
NEMHAIN recently parted ways with guitarist Stevie Lee and is currently seeking a replacement.
The band is planning U.S. showcase gigs in January as well as a recording session for the group's debut album in March at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg Sweden.
Nile To Film "Papyrus" Video Tomorrow
South Carolina's NILE will shoot a video for the song "Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor From Attacks From He Who Is In The Water" tomorrow (Sunday, November 18). The clip, which is rumored to feature live Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), will be directed by Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez (producer for such acts as MORBID ANGEL and TERRORIZER).
On August 21, 2007, when NILE played an Ozzfest one-off show at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City, guitarists/vocalists Karl Sanders and Dallas Toler-Wade were invited to stop by Metal Kult's Manhattan headquarters for an in-depth question-and-answer session about their new album, "Ithyphallic". The two technical death metal shredders accepted, and, axes in hand, showed up ready and willing to talk about their exotic gear, Egyptian themes, the benefits of scalloped frets and a fretless guitar, and why they believe NILE's music is more important than their image. View the video here. Karl Sanders also gives an in-depth description of his guitar technique in the new, January issue of Guitar World and is included on the Guitar World DVD with a "Betcha Can’t Play This" feature.
NILE will launch its European tour in Scandinavia on November 21.
Grave To Play 20th Anniversary Show In Spain
According to Staymetal.net, Swedish death metal legends GRAVE will play a special 20th anniversary set consisting of material from the band's early albums on December 21st at Sala Zero in Tarragona, Spain. BETWEEN THE FROST is also on the bill.
Grave recently issued the following 20th anniversary update: "Next year its already 20 years since Grave was formed. In 1988 after replacing some members we changed our name from CORPSE. That year we also recorded our classic first demo Sick Disgust Eternal and continued musically what we started with our previous bands DESTROYER, ANGUISH, Corpse and PUTREFACTION. We will mark the anniversary with a new album and also massive touring and festival appearances where we will mainly play old stuff from the early days. More...
Claustrofobia To Support Brujeria In South America
Brazilian death-thrashers CLAUSTROFOBIA will share the stage with BRUJERIA for two South American gigs in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 7 and São Paulo, Brazil on December 8. Brazilian death metal icons KRISIUN will join them in Buenos Aires.
CLAUSTROFOBIA is closing a very active year marked by the release of its latest CD, "Fulminant", in North America on Caustic Rhythms/Prodisk. The group also completed its first European tour, playing 25 gigs in 5 countries, sharing the stage with VADER, CALIBAN and LEGION OF THE DAMNED, among others. They are currently working on the follow-up to "Fulminant" as well as preparing for a possible visit to North America sometime in late 2008.
W.A.S.P. Reveal U.S. Tour Dates
Several dates have been leaked as part of the U.S. leg of W.A.S.P.'s "The Crimson Idol Tour". They are as follows:
Feb. 15 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Feb. 16 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Feb. 22 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
Feb. 24 - The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza @ New York, NY
Feb. 23 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
More shows will be announced soon. More...
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