Old Rake
From:
United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Old Rake News
Below is our complete Old Rake news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
"Old Rake" Audio Samples Posted Online
Former Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake has released samples from his entire debut solo album, "Old Rake," which can be heard below.
Due to be released on June 22nd in Europe and the day after in the USA, "Old Rake" features nine tracks of instrumental guitar encompassing a myriad of styles, including flat-out shredding, classical, progressive, melodic, and acoustic.
The first single, "Guitarists Playing Guitars," features guest appearances from the likes of Gary Holt (Exodus), James Murphy (Death, Testament) and Josh Middleton (Sylosis ). Fear Factory sticksman Mike Heller performs drums on the entire album.
Don't miss Ol Drake live at his only scheduled solo shows:
Aug. 01 - Huddersfield, UK - The Parish
Aug. 09 - Catton Park, UK - Bloodstock Open Air Festival More...
Bloodstock Adds A New Slew Of Bands
The Sun is shining and Bloodstock is excited to announce seven more of metal’s finest for the UK’s heaviest weekender, including a clutch of bands from the farthest flung corners of the globe.
Friday’s line up will now include extreme prog metal Aussies, Ne Obliviscaris. The band proclaims, “UK, here we come! 2015 is the year we are finally going to reach your shores and we couldn’t be more excited to announce that it will be as part of the enormous Bloodstodck festival. We’re looking forward to playing alongside many of the best and biggest heavy acts from across the world!”
Saturday’s bill sees two bands who’ve jetted in from Indonesia, a hotbed of metal and one of the planet’s most burgeoning heavy music scenes. Burgerkill and Jasad are two of the country’s biggest metal acts, even counting the country’s metal-loving prime minister, Joko Widodo among their fans.
Sunday’s line-up sees a very special solo set from ex-Evile shredsman, Ol Drake to accompany his upcoming solo album, "Old Rake" which is out in June via Earache. Ol comments "I'm very excited to be returning to Bloodstock in a musical capacity. The weekend is fully booked off work (I was going anyway) and we're rehearsing right now. It’ll be a very special show, so don’t miss it. I’ll no doubt be having my fair share of drinks and Jagermeister afterwards and no doubt be returning to work feeling buzzed yet terrible. This is probably the only show I'll be doing to promote the album. Hope to see you there!" More...
Listen To Guitarists Playing Guitars
Former Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake has released the first single from his upcoming debut solo album, "Old Rake," which features instrumental guitar encompassing a myriad of styles, including flat-out shredding, classical, progressive, melodic and acoustic.
The album is due to be released on June 22nd in Europe and June 23rd in the USA. The first track, "Guitarists Playing Guitars," which made its debut last night on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter, showcases the six-string shredder's fretwork and features special guest appearances from the likes of Gary Holt, James Murphy, and Josh Middleton. Also featured is sticksman Mike Heller, who performs drums on the entire album.
Listen to "Guitarists Playing Guitars" now at Spotify here. Ol Drake also comments: "Behold the first single from the already-rusty 'Old Rake'. This song was written by trying to write the cheesiest riff possible and going from there.
"I was speaking to Gary Holt and he said he'd like to solo on the album, and it just happened that when he'd said that I'd reached the main 'solo section' in its writing process. Then I Thought 'I might as well go all out'. James got involved and I couldn't believe it; to have two of my idols from growing up on one of MY songs was mind-blowing. I then asked my friend, Josh, from Sylosis, who is a ridiculous shredder, and my other friend, Amit. I met Amit through his working at a metal magazine publication, but mainly from at festivals involving alcohol; ridiculous shredder, too!
"Do not take a full impression of the whole album from this song; every track is different. Hope you enjoy my cheese-fest of 'Guitarists Playing Guitars'!"
Ol Drake Signs With Earache / Century Media
Earache/Century Media Records is proud to announce the signing of British guitar virtuoso Ol Drake.
Ol Drake is currently working on his debut solo album, which is due to be released in 2014 under the project name of Old Rake and is set to include a number of guest musicians. Ol Drake comments:
"Very excited to announce signing a solo deal with Earache Records. I established a great friendship with the guys at Earache over the years while I was with Evile and I was happy to hear they wanted to work with me in a solo capacity. This will be a studio project entitled 'Old Rake'. I won't be touring, and I'm thankful to Earache for being understanding of this and for giving me this opportunity; I wouldn't rule out doing a few clinics here and there though.
"I've always been inspired by Steve Vai, and I've always wanted to do something in a similar approach orientated around metal with injections of other styles and ideas which interest me. After recently seeing the film 'Not Dead Yet' about the amazing and inspiring genius, Jason Becker, it really kicked me into gear to do something with my playing; music is all I can really do, so I'm thankful for the opportunity and ability to still create music for people to hear. Looking forward to getting the music out there!"
Ol Drake made his name as lead guitarist for Huddersfield thrashers Evile, during which time the band released four albums, scored a top 10 album in the UK Rock charts, toured around the world and won numerous accolades including a prestigious Metal Hammer Golden God award.
In 2010, Ol Drake was asked to join comedian/musician Tim Minchin on stage at the UK's Sonisphere Festival to help perform his track, "Rock N Roll Nerd," and in 2012 was nominated in the "Dimebag Darrell Shredder" Award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods.