Testament Frontman Joins Soilwork On Stage

Testament frontman Chuck Billy joined Soilwork on stage at the at the August 13 Ozzfest stop in Mountain View, CA for a "memorable" rendition of the track "Follow the Hollow" from Soilwork's fourth album, "Natural Born Chaos." Pictures are found on the Nuclear Blast MySpace page under the blog entry titled "Behind/On the scenes on OZZfest with SOILWORK!!!!!!!!!".

3 Comments - Discuss

Montreal Gigantour Show To Be Filmed For DVD & CD

Dream Theater has announced on their website that the Montreal, Canada Gigantour concert at the Bell Centre on September 2nd will be filmed and recorded for an upcoming Gigantour DVD and Gigantour CD.

12 Comments - Discuss

Primal Fear To Tour With Helloween

Primal Fear will join forces with German metal legends Helloween for their upcoming "Keeper of the Seven Keys" tour. Primal Fear will appear as "Very Special Guests" and will play an full hour show in support of the forthcoming "Seven Seals" album. There will be an opening act on several locations.

Tour dates are as follows: More...

Read more...  |  4 Comments - Discuss

Porcupine Tree Song In "Four Brothers" Movie

Although not on the soundtrack album, Porcupine Tree's "Shallow" can be heard in the new John Singleton movie "Four Brothers", currently number one at the US box office.

0 Comments - Discuss

Into Eternity Updates From Hammerfall Tour

Into Eternity guitarist Tim Roth has posted this update on the band's official website:

Hello everyone!!

The Hammerfall/Edguy/Into Eternity tour is rolling along full steam now. We have been astonished by the fans response to our show. They are giving us so much energy to play as hard as we can. It's a great feeling to look out and see 1000 people raising their metal horns!! The Eastern Canadian leg of the tour was sick. I think we made a lot of new fans and we can't wait to get back. The promoters were class acts and treated us well, so we have to thank them.

After our show in Montréal, Rob and I got picked up by J.F. (Kataklysm) and drove to his studio. It was an honor for us to guest on the new Kataklysm record. The band is really good friends with them now, but we have been fans of the band long before the tours together. Rob and I did guest work on a track called "Road to Devastation". I played a guitar solo at the end of the track and Rob did trade off vocals in the chorus of the song. I have to say that their new album will turn a lot of heads. The songs sound really amazing. It was a big deal for us to do our best for the Kataklysm guys. We consider them brothers.

Today (8/18) we play in New York. It is an amazing city and the people are always kind to us here. We hope to see all of our fans supporting us like they always do. The band feels really lucky to be a part of such a great tour. It feels really good to be back playing in the U.S.A. Thanks to Hammerfall and Edguy for having us out with them. They are both great bands and I think this is a good package for the masses to see. Hopefully we can meet everyone on the road!!!

Keep it metal
TIM

0 Comments - Discuss

Zakk Wylde Contributes To Van Halen Book

Zakk Wylde has personally participated in a new book called "Van Halen 101," which is a comprehensive guide to the amazing history, music, impact & influence of Van Halen. No hype, no bs, just the facts. The book includes a Foreword by Brian May and a tribute to Edward Van Halen by over 100 of the world''s greatest musicians, from Allan Holdsworth and Steve Vai to James Hetfield and Zakk Wylde, all the greats came forward to personally share their thoughts, memories and stories about the man simply known as "King Edward."

For more on the book, check out www.authorhouse.com.

12 Comments - Discuss

Unearth, Chimaira, God Forbid Play "Mini Hellfest"

Because Hellfest was cancelled this year in New Jersey, Unearth has announced on their website that they played last night (Aug 18) at the Starland Ballroom with Chimaira, God Forbid, Madball, Nora, Six Feet Under, the Banner and If Hope Dies.

6 Comments - Discuss

Devin Townsend Band Finish Drum Tracks

Devin Townsend Band drummer, Ryan van Poederooyen, has posted the following recording update on his official website:

The Devin Townsend Band drumtracks for "Synchestra" are done ! It was easily the best experience for recording an album I've EVER had ! We recorded it from August 10th-11th at The Armoury Studios which has a very cozy atmosphere and is simply first class. We got all the drumtracks done in two days ! The album is roughly around 72 minutes long and we took full advantage of our two days in the studio. The first day we spent more than half the day getting an awesome drum sound then I tracked half the album in 5.5 hours. The second day was all recording madness. Devin wanted to try tons of ideas and we ended up re-tracking one of the songs from day one, so needless to say, I was drumming like a madman on day two. The end result is absolutely incredible, the drums sound unbelievable thanks to Shaun Thingvold's (SYL, Fear Factory) awesome engineering and I could'nt be happier with the drumtracks. This album, in my opinion, is one of the best records that Devin has ever written ! I'm very excited for its realease in 2006. It will be worth the wait for all you DTB fans.

The session with Russ Bergquist (ex-Annihilator Bassist) went great ! Scott Cooke (Bass Player from Evenlight) engineered this project and did an amazing job. We got an incredible drum sound and the drum takes turned out very well. Russ and I were very happy with the end result. We were in and out of Greenhouse Studio's in one day and it was another great recording experience. Expect to hear Russ' solo album sometime early next year when it gets released.

So what now you ask ? I'm going to take my time writing the rest of my solo album that I'm working on. I've been so busy this year that it has totally messed up my plan of getting my album recorded by October this year. I plan on finally getting my album recorded in early 2006 at the very latest ! I have already agreed to do the second Lalu album (slated for recording early next year sometime), otherwise I'm going to focus on my own music and get it ready for recording early next year.

What a crazy year this has been so far. I recorded 4 albums that have been or are getting released worldwide. The Lalu record "Oniric Metal" (which was released in March 2005), Non-Human Level (being released on October 24th), the brand new Devin Townsend Band record "Synchestra" (being released in early 2006 with a DVD !) and I just finished recording Russell Bergquist's 5 song EP at Greenhouse Studios yesterday ! Phew ! Time for a little rest, then back at 'er ! Talk to you all very soon....

All the best,

RVP.

0 Comments - Discuss

Brand New Sin Added To Black Label Society Tour

Syracuse-based hard rock quintet Brand New Sin have just secured the direct support slot on the upcoming Black Label Society tour, which kicks off in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct. 14. This five-week, major market trek will coincide with the release of their new video for upcoming single “Days Are Numbered,” shot by acclaimed director Dale Resteghini (Shadows Fall, Hatebreed).

Brand New Sin, who recently headlined the Syracruise bike rally (“Central New York’s largest annual motorcycle event”) in their hometown, are no strangers to Black Label Society, who are currently playing to thousands of fans each night on the main stage of Ozzfest. The group played nine shows with Zakk Wylde’s band of SDMF’s three years ago in support of their self-titled debut, including an infamous Detroit gig at which Black Label Society filmed its first live DVD - a show at which the crowd depleted the venue’s entire beer supply.

“We’re happy to be going back out with Black Label,” says Brand New Sin front man Joe Altier. “The last time around, we were out for only two weeks. Our bands fit perfectly together, and this is a great chance for us to take it around the entire country.”

Brand New Sin is currently headlining the Revolver magazine-sponsored Summer of Rock tour alongside Dog Faced Gods and Supagroup in support of Recipe For Disaster, their critically acclaimed new album. The tour will be followed by a short trek with Life of Agony, who are currently headlining the Gigantour second stage. Meanwhile, their video for lead Recipe single “Black And Blue,” also shot by Resteghini, is currently in heavy rotation on Metal Asylum and Headbangers Ball; it has also been posted online at this location.

Upcoming Brand New Sin tour dates: More...

Read more...  |  2 Comments - Discuss

Rammstein Announce New Album Title

The new Rammstein album will not be called "Reise, Reise Vol.2" but "Rosenrot." "Benzin", the so far only song from the new album which was introduced to the public due to the Wuhlheide concerts in June '05, will be the first single of the album. Preparations for the release are getting into top gear. The video for "Benzin" has just been shot and is in its post-production now; there is work done for several remixes, as well as artwork for the cover of the single and the album.

2 Comments - Discuss

New Arch Enemy Album SoundScans 19,000 Copies

Arch Enemy's critically acclaimed new album, "Doomsday Machine," landed on the Billboard Top 200 chart two weeks in a row (#87 and #162) SoundScanning 19,000 copies. The group’s highly-anticipated new video for “Nemesis” will also make its Headbangers Ball debut this Saturday at 10PM EST/7PM PST.

Mike Amott (guitars) checks in with the following report from the road:

Well, here we are half way through the Ozzfest and everything is going extremely well. We are more than satisfied with the crowd response and the overall vibe of the tour and are having a blast. Second week's sales in the U.S. for Doomsday Machine are very strong, and it’s amazing to us that so many people seem to have discovered Arch Enemy lately.

Our new video, "Nemesis," will premiere on Headbangers Ball this weekend - be sure to check it out if you haven’t yet seen it. We did this video with Jorge Bravo, the same director as the "We Will Rise" clip a couple of years ago, and he’s a very creative and cool guy. He was throwing snakes, fire and black feathers at us during the shoot. Enjoy the video. I’d also like to mention that meeting all of the nice fans at Ozzfest during the FYE and Jägermeister signings is very cool. Thanks to everyone for buying the album - without you this doesn’t happen! We know that and appreciate your support of Arch Enemy 100%! We are looking forward to the rest of the Ozzfest and our summer here in the U.S. See you out there somewhere.

0 Comments - Discuss

Devin Townsend Checks In With SYL Update

Canadian extremists Strapping Young Lad recently completed a highly successful run on the inaugural Sounds of The Underground tour in support of their genre-defying breakthrough new album, "Alien," which critics are already hailing as their best offering yet. The group’s overly intense live performances captivated the uninitiated crowds who were immediately drawn to the band’s perfect blend of melodic industrial thrash insanity. Expect a major U.S. fall tour announcement to be made real soon.

Devin Townsend (vocals, guitars) checks in with the following report:

So the Sounds of The Underground tour was great fun and a heck of a way to spend the summer. Gene Hoglan (drums) filled in for Opeth on the SOTU tour while Jon from Devildriver filled in for Byron Stroud, who was out with Fear Factory...Polygamy! Good music, lots of friends and some great crowds. Also, during the SOTU, Gwar and I had a real meeting of the minds and decided to work together. I had a revelation while watching them and hopefully it's going to be the best record ever made, so watch out!

We are looking to do a U.S. tour starting late October and then head to Europe with Meshuggah. Japan and Australia will follow shortly after, hopefully along with a new video for "Zen." I'm currently recording the new Devin Townsend Band record, which is great and soothing. Strapping thanks you for your patronage! Rock out with your clock out.

2 Comments - Discuss

Avenged Sevenfold Announce City Of Evil Tour

Now that the Vans Warped Tour 2005 is over, Avenged Sevenfold are embarking on a headlining tour, entitled "City of Evil 2005" tour, with Saosin, Death By Stereo, Opiate for the Masses (first half) and Bullets and Octane (second half).

The band comments: "Because nothing we do is ever small, WE'RE BRINGING OUT THE BIGGEST STAGE PRODUCTION WE'VE EVER HAD. We're making all our other stage shows look like rehearsals! It's gonna be absolutely off the hook and we can't wait to finally play a long set filled with old and new shit for you guys."

Tour dates are as follows:

Oct 07 San Diego, CA - Soma
Oct 08 Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
Oct 10 Lubbock, TX - South Beach
Oct 13 San Antonio, TX - Graham Central Station
Oct 14 Houston, TX - Meridian
Oct 16 Tampa, FL - Jannus Landing
Oct 17 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
Oct 19 Norfolk, VA - Norva
Oct 22 Orlando, FL - House Of Blues
Oct 27 New York, NY - Webster Hall
Oct 31 Baltimore, MD - Sonar
Nov 06 Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre
Nov 07 St. Louis, MO - Pop's
Nov 09 Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
Nov 10 Milwaukee, WI - Rave
Nov 13 Kansas City, MO - Beaumont

More tour dates will be announced soon.

Avenged Sevenfold will be featured on the Headbangers Ball this Saturday at 10:00 pm EST on MTV2.

3 Comments - Discuss

Dark Funeral Announce New Album Tracklisting

Dark Funeral has announced the tracklisting for their upcoming album, "Attero Totus Sanctus":

1. King Antichrist (04:39)
2. 666 Voices Inside (04:38)
3. Attero Totus Sanctus (05:37)
4. Godhate (05:06)
5. Atrium Regina (05:33)
6. Angel Flesh Impaled (05:53)
7. Feed On The Mortals (05:41)
8. Final Ritual (05:44)
Total Playing Time: 42:58

The album was recorded & mixed at Dug Out Studios in Uppsala, Sweden by Anno Satanas from May 23rd to July 15th and from Aug 8th to Aug 19th. It was produced by Daniel Bergstrand and Örjan Örnkloo, mixed & engineered by Daniel Bergstrand and Örjan Örnkloo and mastered by Tomas Eberger at Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden.

"Attero Totus Sanctus" will be in stores in Europe on October 24th through Regain Records and in the US on November 29th via Candlelight US.

1 Comment - Discuss

Burger King Files Lawsuit Against Slipknot

According to MTV.com, Burger King has filed a lawsuit on Friday against Slipknot in Miami federal court, seeking a judgment that their use of the mock metal band, Coq Roq, "does not violate any rights, including rights of publicity or trademark rights" of Slipknot. A spokesperson for the band had no comment, and a rep for Burger King could not be reached by press time.

111 Comments - Discuss

Watch Chimaira's "Nothing Remains" Video Online

The full new video for Chimaira's "Nothing Remains" off their self-titled release is now available to watch at the following link: http://www.roadrun.com/video/

5 Comments - Discuss

Cold In-Store Signing

Cold will be doing an in-store signing in Jacksonville, Florida on August 30 at the following time and address:
Best Buy
8151 Blanding Blvd
6pm

The 31st they will do an outside electric perfomance at the following:
Virgin Mega-store
1494 Buena Vista Drive
Downtown Disney-West Side
Lake Buena Vista
5pm

1 Comment - Discuss

10 Years Post New Video, Media Player Online

10 Years have a new video for “Wasteland”, the first single from their new record The Autumn Effect. You can check it out here. They've also released a new media player to preview songs from the new album and to watch some exclusive video content including live versions of “Through The Iris” and “Wasteland”.

The Autumn Effect hit stores earlier this week and is available with various acoustic bonus tracks at certain online digital retailers. Links to these can be found at 10Yearsmusic.com. 10 Years is currently out on the road with Disturbed.

0 Comments - Discuss