Society 1
From:
Los Angeles,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Society 1 News
Below is our complete Society 1 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.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 31 1 2 Last
Society 1 Posts Studio Update
Watch in the video below as Society 1 records the new EP "Screams Of Sadist" at AM Recording Studios with Raymond Herrera (Fear Factory, Arkaea, 3volution) in the producer chair and Jeremy Blair engineering. In this episode Brian Jackson rips it up with a little help from a custom guitar.
Society 1 Announces Return Of Bassist
Society 1 has issued the following announcement about welcoming back bassist Dirt Von Karloff:
"Dirt Von Karloff has returned to Society 1 after a year and half hiatus. After seven years in the band Dirt decided to leave on amicable terms to explore other musical opportunities but after some time had passed his desire to return to the band resurfaced. Following some contemplation he decided to make the call to rejoin after hearing some of the rehearsal footage posted on the Society 1 Youtube page and was excited about the new members and direction of the material."
Vocalist Lord Zane further comments: "I've toured the world with Dirt. We've shared the stage hundreds of times. He was at my right hand side when we played the Download Festival suspended in front of 80,000 people. Sharing those experiences with someone creates a strong bond and friendship. It's good to have him back and am looking forward to sharing the stage one again."
"In the first rehearsal it felt like coming home except now playing with new drummer Pete Pace (London After Midnight) is like jamming with Neil Peart on crack," said Karloff.
Society 1 is currently tracking at AM Recording Studios with Raymond Herrera (Fear Factory, Arkaea, 3volution) in the producer chair and Jeremy Blair engineering. The band is compiling songs for a new EP entitled "Screams Of Sadist" and preparing to tour in 2013. More...
Society 1 Singer Directing Maxxxwell Carlisle Vid
Maxxxwell Carlisle, the Los Angeles based shredder and solo artist, has announced that Lord Zane, frontman of Society 1, will be directing the video for the title track of his upcoming EP, "Power Angel."
The video's release will coincide with the EP's digital release, set for November 28th, 2012 through Power Dungeon Music. Maxxxwell Carlisle comments:
"I saw Society 1's last video 'Kill Me' on youtube and when I found out that he had directed it, that was it. I knew he was the guy for the job. I want someone who can put that level of intensity into their work and that's the kind of power and energy that I want to come across in this video. I've got some great people playing on these songs and I want something that will do the EP and that opening track justice. Zane and I have been working on the details over the past couple of months and I'm confident he can deliver what I'm looking for."
You can also check out Society 1's music video for "Kill Me" in the player below. More...
Society 1 Releases "Kill Me" Music Video
The new video and single "Kill Me" (Directed by Amy Sampson and Lord Zane) from Society 1 has officially been released and is the first song from the upcoming EP "Screams Of A Sadist." Check out the clip below. The sound and direction of the music is a return to the earlier industrial roots of Society 1, yet the video breaks new ground conceptually compared to previous efforts of the band. Lord Zane commented:
“This video ties in directly to the lyrical content where every other video Society 1 created had a very vague connection to the song if any at all. I really wanted the images to reflect what I am singing about so I made the scenes very literal yet interesting. The song is called Kill Me and that’s what is happening in the majority of the video. I’m being killed through erotic asphyxiation, I’m bleeding out during an orgy after getting my wrists slashed, I'm dying through crucifixion which is the most famous way of being murdered thanks to Jesus Christ so on and so forth.“
These scenes when understood within that context make perfect sense but there is the one role Zane plays in the video that is bound to raise some questions of his intentions. “I actually play Adolf Hitler in the video. It is the first time I acted out a role as someone else. It was an interesting transformation I had to go through in order to be able and do it. You have to drop all social stigma associated with the symbols and history and approach it from the other direction. As if it’s something you believe in or the character wouldn’t really come across well. “ More...
Society 1 Posts "Kill Me" Teaser
Society 1 has released a promotional teaser clip for the new video “Kill Me” (directed by Amy Sampson and Lord Zane), which can be viewed below. The thirty second clip gives the viewer a brief yet bombastic preview of the full length video being released this coming February 28th. The images range from Zane being crucified to suicidal blood orgies. Zane comments:
“This is just a little taste of what to expect. Hopefully Youtube will allow the full length to stay posted after its release. Although there is absolutely no nudity or excessive violence the images are somewhat controversial and intense.”
Society 1 Issues Band Activity Update
Society 1 vocalist Lord Zane has checked in with the following announcement about the band's upcoming activity:
"Lord Zane here. For the twelve people who were wondering what I was going to do regarding music and performing I can say after four months of reflection and rehabilitation that I am not prepared at this time to sit on the couch and watch television for the rest of my life. I’ve missed being involved with creating and performing music and while I truly enjoy directing and will continue to do so I feel it’s time to begin getting back out there with my own material…slowly.
"Is my neck healed? A simple answer is no but I’ve learned and implemented a plethora of new practices which are yielding amazing results thus far. Perhaps the key to performing and creating once again is a modified outlook that doesn’t require or expect me to immediately excel to the level of previous accomplishments.
"Here is the plan. One song, one video and one show at a time. No major tours. No big press releases. No interviews. No lofty claims of taking over the world. I’m not committing to anything except my desire to create and perform for myself at whatever pace I feel acceptable. I will have an attitude of whatever happens…happens. As long as I am being true to my sinister and controversial aspects of creation then I am fulfilling what my soul requires to thrive.
"I’m returning to my industrial metal roots. I know that last album made more than a few people scratch their heads with confusion but I can tell you this new material will be reminiscent of what most associate with my sound.
"So any bass players and drummers out there who live in Los Angeles that want to get involved in this next portion of the never ending saga of Society 1 let me know. Creative times ahead."
Society 1 Streaming Entire Album Online
The new Society 1 album "A Journey From Exile" has been made available as a free digital download at this location. The band has decided to release the album for free after vocalist Lord Zane announced he would be unable to fulfill touring obligations due to a lingering neck injury.
During rehearsals it became apparent that touring for an extended period of time would cause to much damage to Zane's already aggravated physical condition. According to the band, Zane sustained the injury in 2008 when setting a world record for body suspension where he hung for six hours with four metal hooks pierced through his upper back.
"I remember feeling as if something was burning from the base of my skull to the middle of my back on the left side after the suspension. I figured I just needed time to heal but about a month later I didn't feel that much better. I went to a few doctors and they told me I would barely be able to walk in three years. Since then I have undergone a multitude of therapies and I believed I was ready to get back out there and perform but unfortunately it's still to painful," explains Zane.
The band agreed to go on hiatus and pursue other projects while Zane focused on his recovery. "I didn't want to prevent my band members (Dirt Von Karloff -Bass, Presotn Nash -Drums, Billie Stevens -Guitar) from getting out there and doing what they love. All of us are still going to be involved in music but working separately makes more sense at the moment. I am going to continue to write, record music and shoot video's but performing live is something that is going to have to wait. I have began a new more aggressive therapy regimen and I'll see where it can get me in a few months. I love performing and fully plan to get back out there even if it means limited shows in the future." More...
Society 1 Adds On Second Guitar Player
California based metallers Society 1 have issued the following update about adding on a second guitar player:
"Mike Greenfield (Hemlock, Deteriorot) has joined Society 1 as a second guitar player completing the current line up consisting of Matt The Lord Zane (Vocals), Dirt Von Karloff ( Bass), Eric Franklin (Guitars) and Alpheus Underhill IV (Drums). During the recording of the bands yet to be officially named new release it became apparent that two guitar players were going to be required to recreate the songs live. Greenfield auditioned and was asked to join after only one rehearsal."
Society 1 Posts Studio Footage Online
American metallers Society 1 has posted a video of the band in the studio working on their forthcoming new album, "Sadist Messiah." You can check it out below. More...
Society 1 Announces New Guitarist
After trying out guitarists for several months, Society 1 has just announced they have found a new guitarist. Los Angeles native Eric Franklin will be joining Matt "The Lord" Zane, Dirt, and Sic Rik on guitars. You can view video of Eric Franklin in action at Ultimate-Guitar.com.
Raised by his parents on Beethoven, Bach and the Star Wars Soundtrack, guitarist Eric Franklin started his musical journey on the piano at age six. Taught by Juilliard graduate Emilia Guastella, Eric studied classical music for 6 years. By the age of 12 however, hearing the sounds of Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses and Led Zeppelin blast from his sister’s stereo, Eric eventually craved to learn music of a louder persuasion and his longing to play the guitar could not be stopped.
Eric’s first public show will be on Dave Navarro’s Spread Entertainment which will air Aug 8 on maniatv.com. Society 1 recently released “Live and Raw” exclusively through iTunes.
As previously reported, Society 1 has been in the studio this summer recording its fifth studio album due out in 2009 at NRG Studio's with producer Wade Norton.
Society 1 Seeks Second Guitar Player
Industrial metal band Society 1 is seeking a second guitar player to complete its current line up which consists of Matt "The Lord" Zane (Vocals), Dirt (Bass), Atron (Guitar) and Sik Rick (Drums). Society 1 is currently in the studio recording its 5th studio album due out in 2009 at NRG Studio's with producer Wade Norton.
"As things have progressed in the studio, it has become apparent that we are going to need a second guitar player. This album focuses more on the guitar and less on electronics. We wanted to be able to reproduce that sound live and even though we were going to wait until the album is complete, a couple of appearances have been booked to promote our new iTunes release 'Live And Raw.' So we need someone sooner than later." says Zane. More...
Society 1 Employs Adult Star Regan Reese
Society 1 was paid a visit last week by the popular adult actress Regan Reese. Regan stopped by NRG Recording Studios while drummer Sik Ric was recording drum tracks for the upcoming "Sadist Messiah." Regan is no stranger to the studio environment, as she graduated from Musicians Institute Of Technology in Los Angeles to become a recording engineer. While in the studio, Regan assisted producer Wade Norton by running Pro Tools topless. She did such a great job Wade actually asked her back to assist throughout the tracking of the drums.
"Regan actually assists Wade and runs the Pro-Tools when we track. She doesn't just sit around with her boobs out. She is actually put to work while her boobs hang out. I am so into it. We are so metal that we have topless engineers. I love this band. If anyone ever wonders why I keep going it's because I can do things like this. If given the chance wouldn't you?"
Producer, Wade Norton, had the following to say in regards to working with Matt Zane. "To quote Otter in Animal House. 'Boon, I anticipate a deeply religious experience.'"
Regan and Matt first began working together about a year ago on the set of Matt’s highly popular series "Tatooed and Tight" released through Evolution Distribution. It was there that Matt talked to Regan about her going to school for recording and invited her to come down to the studio when Society 1 started recording.
You can check out exclusive footage of Regan Reese tracking "Saddist Messiah" at The Gauntlet. More...
Society 1 Enters Studio To Record "Sadist Messiah"
After three years of talking about it, Matt Zane and Society 1 have finally entered NRG Studios to begin recording "Sadist Messiah." Wade Norton is behind the soundboard again for the band's fourth studio album. "It feels great to be back in NRG Studios and working with Wade Norton” stated Zane. "I figured it was about time to get Sadist Messiah started. There has been a lot of road blocks and drama these past few years with ex members, agents and labels but everything seems to be worked out at the moment. The material is very strong and I am excited to finally get things moving once again."
Society 1 is:
Sick Rick – drums
Dirt – bass
Matt "The Lord" Zane – vocals, guitars, programming
"Saddist Messiah" is expected to be released in 2009. "I just wanted to get back into the studio. The live album is cool but I am just committed to the new material. We might do a few one off shows but that's it." Last week, Society 1 announced the release of its first live album, "Live and Raw." The live album will be sold exclusively through iTunes.
You can view footage of Society 1 in the studio on YouTube or below. More...
Documentary To Be On Society 1 DVD
The following SOCIETY 1 press release from the MVD Entertainment Group has been released:
"Instilling mortal fear in conservatives, unbearable lust in schoolgirls, and blind loyalty in fans across the nation, Society 1 is a band of extreme people doing extreme things. This DVD contains the entire record-breaking Suspension Show, filmed live at The Key Club in LA (March 2004). It also includes a Society 1 live set filmed on tour in Tampa, and One Way To Hell - an exclusive Society 1 documentary unavailable anywhere else. In addition, all three Society 1 videos are included: 'Nothing', 'All You Want', and 'Hate', plus, behind the scenes footage at 'Sin's Ultimate Photoshoot' and on the set of the 'Nothing' video. Bonus program on the reverse side of the disc includes additional interviews and performance footage, + more! Jump on board the Society 1 hellbound caravan or fester and perish in your self-imposed cage of mediocrity!"
Bonus materials on the DVD include:
-- Interviews with Matt 'The Lord' Zane and the rest of the members of Society 1
-- Performance Footage
-- Backstage Chaos
-- Slide Show
-- Lyrics Sheet
Amen Dedicates UK Tour To Paul Raven
AMEN frontman Casey Chaos has issued the following statement:
"Paul Raven [legendary bassist for such bands as MINISTRY, PRONG, SOCIETY 1, KILLING JOKE, GODFLESH and MOB RESEARCH] was someone I looked up to as a child, for his music, his unique style, inspiration, and I was fortunate enough to call him one of my best friends over the last 10 years. If not for Paul Raven, AMEN would probably not even exist. Paul was the first person to put his money where is mouth was and produce the first AMEN album, and even take AMEN out on tour to open for KILLING JOKE in America in 2004.
"To commemorate Paul's life, AMEN will be dedicating our Halloween appearance at London's Underworld [tomorrow night] (Wednesday, October 31) and the remaining dates of our impromptu UK tour to him, in celebration of a punk legend. More...
Society 1 Frontman Comments On Paul Raven's Death
SOCIETY 1 frontman Matt Zane has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary bassist Paul Raven (MINISTRY, PRONG, SOCIETY 1, KILLING JOKE, GODFLESH, MOB RESEARCH):
"Paul Raven was the most stand-up guy I ever had the pleasure to work with. The thing about Raven is that after working together he made an effort in the following years to stay in touch even if it was just to drop you a quick message to let you know he was keeping an eye on you. That was the coolest thing about him. He respected you and made it a point to let you know that.
"With everything he has done with his career he didn't have to stay in contact or even admit his involvement with me and my band but that's what separated him in my eyes from all the other musicians I've had dealings with over the years. More...
Matt Zane To Perform Suspended At Porn Convention
Society 1 frontman, Matt Zane, will be suspended while playing guitar at the upcoming Pornstar Utopia and Ink Tattoo Convention in Houston Texas. The event will take place on November 10th. Zane will be playing guitar with Core (www.wearecore.com). He will be pierced in front of the crowd, stretched then lifted in to the air while playing guitar. He will then swing around and pick up Pleasure Productions contract girl Tera Wray. The band will be playing the whole time this is going on. "After I was on the Dave Navarro show," stated Zane, "the offers to suspend for a live audience have been a little overwhelming. As much as I like to entertain, one of my main concerns with anything I do is to keep the performance fresh. I didn't want to attempt 100 suspensions and have them all be the same. So it just so happened that I was asked to perform in Houston and that is where the other chapter of CORE is located. They also have a musical director and musicians that play during their shows. So I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring my suspensions to the next level by playing guitar simultaneously while suspending and performing with the CORE musicians. It's something that we hope to incorporate into Society 1 shows as well."
Matt Zane has always been known for his singing in Society 1, but not for his guitar playing. "I have always played guitar and written 90% of everything in my band Society 1 but I was never outspoken about my guitar playing until recently. I never wanted the former guitar player to feel like I was trying to receive all the attention and recognition. It was hard enough to get him noticed because of my adult video involvement and outlandish stage show."
Matt Zane will be playing the Cobra model Greg Bennet guitar from his sponsor Samick Guitars.
Matt Zane and Tera Wray will be promoting the upcoming Tattooed & Tight 2
Pornstar Utopia and Ink Houston Tattoo Convention
9371 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77063
Matt Zane Comments On Ex-Society 1 Bandmates
With the recent release of the final MINISTRY album, Matt Zane would like people to take notice that 1/3 of the current lineup was once an integral part of the industrial metal band Society 1. Both Sin and Paul Raven played on SOCIETY 1’s “Exit Through Fear” released in 2003 and are both listed in the album liner notes. The pair also toured in support of that album as seen on the “In Our Own Images” DVD that was released as part of “Years of Spiritual Dissent” via Crash Music. After a few months of touring, Raven left SOCIETY 1 and joined up with GODFLESH. “Raven left Society 1 after a short stint of touring to go on the road with GODFLESH” states Matt Zane. “I understood he needed to pay the bills and this was before Society 1 was touring full time for Earache.”
Ex-SOCIETY 1 guitarist Sin Quirin left the band to join THE REVOLTING COCKS in 2006. At the time both Ministry and Society 1 shared the same touring agent, John Finberg. When the band was dropped from Earache Records, Sin contacted John Finberg, owner of First Row Talent asking for a favor. A mutual agreement was made between both Sin and John Finberg which put Sin into THE REVOLTING COCKS without an audition. "All I know is that some deal was put in place between the two of them. It must have been an amazing situation that was worked out because Sin didn't even have to audition. A few phone calls were made and he was in the band" stated Zane.
Some time later, Zane was presented with the news and to his surprise, was shocked. “I get a call from Sin” says Matt Zane. “He says he is going to do the Rev Co tour but if SOCIETY 1 gets a new deal he would cancel the tour and stay to record the new album. Well we get signed to Crash Music and the day the contract comes, Sin leaves on a plane for Texas. He didn't even sign the deal. From that point, he just became harder and harder to get a hold of until he just vanished.”
The deal that Sin and First Row Talent struck to get Sin into Rev Co broke down and was never fulfilled by Sin although John lived up to his end by getting Sin into THE REVOLTING COCKS. As Sin was still considered a member of SOCIETY 1, this caused a strain on the relationship between Finberg and SOCIETY 1 causing the band to miss out on numerous concerts and tours for close to two years. More...
Society 1 Post New Demo Tracks Online
SOCIETY 1 has posted demo versions of three new songs that will be included on the band's upcoming CD, "Sadist Messiah", on its MySpace page. Also available at the same location is a promotional video of the band, which follows them on tour and features interviews as well as footage of frontman Matt Zane's trademark suspension act.
SOCIETY 1 has yet to find a new label home following its split with Earache but will begin to shop around to interested companies in the near future. In the meantime they will continue to write new music and post weekly clips of current and archived footage that will show some of the more interesting moments within the history of SOCIETY 1.
"People always ask me questions about things that have happened to us while on the road and other various places and wonder if it's true," says Zane. "A lot of the of the action was caught on tape and released through four different DVDs over the years so luckily now I can post some of it and younger fans can see it for themselves."
Earache Records To Kick Off Premier Of Radium
Former SOCIETY 1 front man Matt Zane, in conjunction with porn juggernaut Pleasure Productions, is launching a unique porn series entitled Radium, which will feature the latest metal videos, band interviews, and "loads of hot and heavy porn."
Radium will feature Pleasure Productions starlet and Kentucky native, Tera Wray, as host of the Radium series. Tera Wray will be interviewing metal’s hottest up-and-coming acts, play a diverse mix of new metal videos, and address all things metal – culturally, musically and sexually. Creating the perfect marriage of extremity, the premier episode of Radium will feature an all Earache Records roster – including videos from MUNICIPAL WASTE, THE BERZERKER, MORTIIS, and WITH PASSION. The issue will also include a live interview with Tera and WITH PASSION at the California Metal Fest, as well as Tera getting a drum lesson from SOCIETY 1 drummer Berzerk Kirk.
Matt Zane will be producing the series, firmly standing by the budding alt-porn industry, recognizing the relevance of this union stating “people always will want to see porn, and metal has been around since the 70’s.” Keep a lookout for the premier episode of Radium and check out some of Matt Zane’s other alt-porn endeavors such as Tattooed and Tight at pleasureproductions.com.
