Archive: Headline News
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Former Iron Maiden Drummer Clive Burr Passes Away
Iron Maiden reported that former drummer, the legendary Clive Burr, has lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis. In a post on the band's Facebook Page, it was announced:
"We are deeply saddened to report that Clive Burr passed away last night. He had suffered poor health for many years after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and died peacefully in his sleep at home.
"Steve Harris said 'This is terribly sad news. Clive was a very old friend of all of us. He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days when we were starting out. This is a sad day for everyone in the band and those around him and our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Mimi and family at this time.'
"Bruce Dickinson adds 'I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden. He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full. Even during the darkest days of his M.S., Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family' More...
Randy Blythe Acquitted By Czech Republic Court
According to the website novinky.cz, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was acquitted by the Prague Municipal Court for charges of manslaughter stemming from incident of May 24, 2010, which led to a death of a fan. Blythe faced up to ten years in prison for the incident where he allegedly threw a fan from the stage, though video footage showed that he was clearly innocent and the Court agreed.
According to the article, the Court ruled that Blythe did not commit an act of crime. In the final argument before the decision, Blythe told the Court: "I would like to thank the family of Daniel Nosek for not attacking me in the press and for their kind words to me in this court. I am very sorry for their loss. Daniel was a fan of my band. I had no wish to harm him. He was just a boy and I wish he was still here. If, ultimately the Czech legal system sentences me to prison, I will do my sentence like a man. If I am to remain free, I will do my best to insure that conditions at this concert will not occur again with my band and other bands so that the fans will remain safe. I have searched for an answer to this situation. The only one I can find is that it was a tragic, horrible accident."
At one stage of the proceedings, prosecutors asked for a five year prison sentence. The family of the victim was seeking 10 million Czech Koruna in damages.
Symphony X's Jason Rullo Suffers Heart Failure
New Jersey power/progressive band Symphony X just announced that drummer Jason Rullo was admitted to the hospital for heart failure. He was released has underwent a rehab program that will see him out of action for 3-6 months.
The official announcement reads: "World Management and Symphony X must unfortunately announce that last week, Jason Rullo was admitted to the hospital for heart failure. Jason spent a week in the hospital, and was released last week; he has started a rehab program, and has been told that his recovery will take a minimum of 3-6 months under doctors’ care. We are all hopeful that J will be back soon!"
Rullo commented “I would just like to say that I am happy to be home with my family after what was quite a week. We had a few scary days in there but I made it through what was hopefully the worst of it.
"Doctors say I have a very good chance for a full recovery so I plan to be back at 100% even if it takes awhile. I will go through cardiac rehab so I can be monitored while returning to form, so that I’ll know when it’s safe for me to return to drumming the way I always have, if not better.
Thanks to my friends and family for the support, and to the fans, I love you all! - JR"
Nine Inch Nails Regrouping, Announces Tour Plans
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails has released a statement via Pitchfork.com about the band regrouping to tour during 2013.
You can read the full article right here. The official statement from Trent Reznor reads as follows:
Nine Inch Nails are touring this year. I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some discussion on performing, which led to some beard-scratching, which (many steps later) led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be, and the idea of playing a show. Calls were made to some friends, lots of new ideas were discussed, and a show was booked - which led to another, which somehow led to a lot of shows.
The band is reinventing itself from scratch and will be comprised of Eric Avery, Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis, Ilan Rubin, and me. The first shows will begin this summer, followed by a full-on arena tour of the US this fall, and lots of other dates worldwide to follow through 2014. Lots of details and dates to come. See you soon.
Details on the dates will be announced as they become available. In related news, Trent Reznor also recently took home two Grammy wins for his soundtrack to the movie "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."
Read the full article at Pitchfork.com.
Metal Bands Lose Out To Rock At The Grammy Awards
It probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise that metal isn't well represented in the annual Grammy awards, with possibly our most noticeable wins coming from Slayer in 2007 and 2008.
This year wasn't an exception, and unfortunately there isn't much wiggle room for actual metal acts to win when hard rock and heavy metal are lumped into a single category.
None of our "Best of 2012" winners here at Metalunderground.com made the nominations, and fully heavy bands only managed to get into the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category at the Grammy's this year. The nominees were:
"Love Bites (So Do I)" – Halestorm
"I'm Alive" – Anthrax
"Blood Brothers" (live) – Iron Maiden
"Ghost Walking" – Lamb of God
"No Reflection" – Marilyn Manson
"Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)" – Megadeth
In a move that will likely leave metal fans scratching their heads, but will please fans of the mainstream, Halestorm took home the win for "Love Bites (So Do I)." Footage of the event and Halestorm's acceptance of the Grammy can be viewed below, courtesy of Artisan News Service.
In other news of interest to hard rock and metal lovers, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails snagged a Grammy win for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" soundtrack in the category of "Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media," along with a related win for "Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package" for the same soundtrack. More...
Randy Blythe's Manslaughter Trial Begins
Czech sites Rozhlas.cz and Blesk.cz are reporting that the trial has officially begun for Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe, who was indicted for manslaughter.
The charges stem from a 2010 incident when a 19 year old fan was allegedly pushed off the stage and subsequently died several weeks later. Blythe was previously held in a Czech jail for over a month before being released on bail. He also commented today via Instagram:
"And so it begins. I am calm & prepared. Everyone, thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. Have a nice day, y'all!" More...
The Devil's Blood Calls It Quits
Occult rock act The Devil's Blood has posted the following brief message online about apparently calling it quits:
"As of the 22nd of January 2013 The Devil´s Blood has returned into nothingness.
"All planned Rituals will be cancelled. No interviews will be done. Consummatum est.
"- SL & F The Devil's Blood - 2007 / 2013"
No further information has been made available about the abrupt breakup. The Devil's Blood released two full-length albums, "The Time of No Time Evermore" (reviewed here) and "The Thousandfold Epicentre" (reviewed here). More...
Former Lacuna Coil Member Claudio Leo Passes Away
Lacuna Coil vocalist Cristina Scabbia announced that former bandmate Claudio Leo, who played with the band from 1995-1998 (including a performance on the band's demo under the moniker Ethereal and the 1998 self-titled EP) has passed away. The cause of death was not reported and no other information was offered as of yet.
Leo was the founding member of the gothic rock act Cayne in 1999. Cayne is scheduled to release its self-titled sophomore LP on February 14, 2013. There has been no official comments from Cayne as of yet.
The following announcement came via Scabbia's Official Facebook page:
"It's with deep sadness that I inform you all know that our dear friend and ex guitar player Claudio Leo left us. My deepest condolences to his family, close friends and the band Cayne. You will always be remembered for your strenght and positivity. We love you, Claudio." More...
Toxik Announces Reunion
American progressive thrash metal veterans Toxik have announced that they are reuniting for the second time in their career. The reformation will feature original members Josh Christian and Mike Sanders, as well as former bass player, Brian Bonini, although they are currently searching for a drummer due to the refusal of Tad Leger to take part. A statement from the band reads as follows:
"I've been writing this crazy heavy stuff for the last year. In 2007 when we got together, the absence of new material made the reunion feel more like jam sessions. This time around it’s based like it was originally on a collection of songs with a Vibe. The plan is: record and perform."
Christian added: "Tad is on the verge of something killer with his doom project/band Lucertola. It’s his baby as he writes the material and plays guitar essentially leading the band. We had planned on finishing the Lucertola disc together and then beginning work on a Toxik disc, at least that was discussed; the reality is he can't walk away from his art, and I totally respect that decision, we all do. I'm still hoping Tad shows up on at least one track but either way best of luck to my brother Tad Leger and Lucertola."
For more information about the history of the band, you can check out our Sunday Old School column here.
Power Quest Calls It Quits
UK melodic metal outfit Power Quest will be calling it quits after twelve years, leaving behind five full length albums and an EP, the latest of which was the 2011 release "Blood Alliance." The band is planning some farewell performances in 2013.
Keyboardist and founding member Steve Williams announced the news:
"I've decided that now is the time to say that the Quest is over. From a business perspective it is getting harder and harder for us to break even. None of us make any money from PQ (we all work day jobs) but I have been losing significant amounts of money when on the road for the past few years. No matter how much you love something, there comes a point where you have to look at the facts, not the dream.
"I love nothing more than touring and making records but if there isn't sufficient demand for the product then there comes a time when reality has to bite unfortunately.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me and PQ over the past 12 years....it is very much appreciated and it is what has kept me going through the years. It's been a great ride and I've had the pleasure of having some great musicians in this band who I am proud to call my friends. Steve, Alessio, Andrea, Francesco, Rich, Paul, Andy, Gav, Colin, Chitty, Adam, Andre, Bill, Oliver, Gav Ward, ZP,Sam Totman, Pete and Ben......you guys have played such a huge role in making PQ what it has become and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
"My dream as a youngster was to make one album. It was not about being a rock star or making lots of money, although that would have been nice :-) It always has and always will be about the music first and foremost, so to have released 5 albums is way beyond anything I could have dreamt of to be honest.
"Huge thanks to those who have done so much behind the scenes over the years as well, without whom it would have been immensely difficult for me. Step forward Manuela Froehlich, Anna Walker, Simon Burrell and Sprocket. More...
Metalunderground.com's Best Of 2012 Awards
Metalunderground.com wishes all our regulars and newcomers a happy new year as we look forward to a 2013 full of improvements and hopefully even more awesome metal than the preceding year. The 2011 “best of the year” piece ended up so late it actually became an April Fool’s joke (with “Lulu” of course winning the top album spot), but this time around we’re going to dive right into a retrospective of the last 365 days of metal and how they impacted the scene at large.
Recent years have been fairly uneven for metal, punctuated by stellar releases surrounded by flops and mediocre albums from the big names. We’ve seen the continuing sad decline of some of the oldest and biggest names in metal in the past few years, but 2012 shook that up and was a year where the underground earned a greater focus.
2012 was a highly productive year for several prominent sub-genres (power, prog, and djent all saw a horde of releases from acts both known and unknown), but a little more sparse for others (there were only a handful of symphonic black metal releases by established bands.) Considering the sheer number of albums, EPs, singles, demos, etc. that see the light of day per year, we’re inevitably going to end up overlooking some that were definitely good releases, so please accept our apologies in advance if a band you dig didn’t get a nod. We love all forms of metal, and there’s just no way to cover everything that happened in 2012 in a single article.
While 2012 was an off-year on the release schedule for some of the highest profile acts, there were still plenty of bands in the upper echelons that dropped new material. Metaldom saw albums hit from the likes of Between the Buried and Me, Therion, The Sword, Dethklok, Cradle of Filth, Kamelot, Enslaved, Katatonia, Korpiklaani, Borknagar, and Lacuna Coil. Obviously that alone covers a huge range of sound, and we also got to hear some highly anticipated new material from God Seed, Ministry, Wintersun, Baroness, Meshuggah, Woods of Ypres, and Ex Deo. Some of those ended up being worth the hype, while others didn’t meet the high level of expectation, and below you’ll see how our contributors voted on last year’s releases.
Before we jump into the different categories and winners, I’d like to mention how this was such a good year for bands that mash up genres. Fans of different styles colliding were in for a treat as cross-genre experimentation seems to be becoming more of the norm these days. The Wretched End blended together death and thrash, Diablo Swing Orchestra worked swing music into metal, Kontrust melds pop and metal, Stealing Axion worked through just about every sub-genre that exists, and Nachtblut blurred the lines between industrial and symphonic black metal. It seems like this trend is running strong and cross pollination is going to widen metal fan’s musical horizons and introduce mainstream music enthusiasts into the more extreme stuff. More...
Thinning The Herd Drummer Reportedly Passes Away
Update: Thinning the Herd has since posted a statement online announcing its intention to continue as a band after Rick's passing. Read the full statement right here.
Vocalist/guitarist Gavin of New York's Thinning the Herd has posted the following brief statement online via Facebook about the band's drummer passing away:
I just found out my best friend and drummer Rick was killed in a car accident this weekend. I don't think I can continue with Thinning the Herd anymore.
No further information is available at this time. Thinning the Herd's upcoming new album "Freedom From the Known" was recorded by Steve Albini and mixed by Wes Edmonds and is currently set for release via Saint Mark's Records this coming February 2nd, 2013. The previously posted video clip for "Never Wanted" is also available at this location. More...
Rigor Mortis Guitarist Passes Away On Stage
Rigor Mortis guitarist Mike Scaccia died in the very early hours of December 23, 2012 at the band's gig in Fort Worth celebrating the 50th birthday of singer Bruce Corbitt. Apparently, Scaccia passed out on stage during the performance and was found to have no pulse. No official cause of death has yet to be announced, but it appears to have been an apparent heart attack. Scaccia was 47.
In addition to co-founding Rigor Mortis, Scaccia also played with Ministry (including the latest LP "Relapse") and the Revolting Cocks.
In a post on his official Facebook page, singer Bruce Corbitt commented: "My brother is gone! The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be in a band. RIP Mike Scaccia! The greatest guitar player I ever knew!"
Ruinside Bassist Passes Away
Finnish metal band Ruinside announced today that bass player Lauri Aitonurmi was killed in a car accident on December 14, 2012. Aitonurmi had previously played bass with the thrash act Garm and joined Ruinside in 2009. The band recently released the debut full length release "The Hunt" back at the tail end of October through Mighty Music.
On the band's official Facebook Page the following post was made:
"R.I.P. Lauri Aitonurmi
"Our beloved friend and bassist Lauri Aitonurmi passed away on December 14th 2012 in a car accident. We will remember him as a very bright person who always shared good spirit around him. Ruinside wants to wish strength and hope for Lauri’s family, his wife and little boy. Lauri will live in our hearts and in our music. Rest in peace, friend."
Holy Terror Frontman Keith Deen Passes Away
Keith Deen, former vocalist of the now defunct thrash act Holy Terror, passed away from cancer over this past weekend. Deen had been fighting cancer since September of this year. He fronted the band for its only two, but legendary and highly acclaimed, thrash releases "Terror & Submission" (1987) and "Mind Wars" (1988). Deen was 56 years old.
In a post on the band's official website, friend Scott Warren Lambert, posted the following about Deen's death:
"At approximately 7:30 PM on December 15th, 2012 I was informed by my dear friend Chris Carlson from Chicago that Keith Deen of Holy Terror passed away. He had been battling cancer since September of 2012. Like any normal person, it blew through me like a heat wave. My plan was to go for a walk when I got home which was where I was heading when I got Chris' message about Keith. So, I got home and went for my walk. More...
One Man Army & The Undead Quartet Breaking Up
Massacre Records has checked in with the following announcement about One Man Army and the Undead Quartet (which features Johan Lindstrand of The Crown) officially calling it quits after going on hiatus a year ago:
"We've got bad news for you. About a year ago, Johan announced that the band will take a break and that he'll put all his energy into making the reunion with his band The Crown. Now he confirmed what most of you probably thought would happen: One Many Army and the Undead Quartet call it quits."
Johan Lindstrand added: "Hi there everyone. The time has come to say goodbye. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since the last year hasn't exactly been favored to One Man Army. I no longer feel that strong towards what the band meant in the beginning. The first 3-4 years were magic defined but sadly that magic couldn't last.
"Me and all the members, past and present, would like to thank you all a million times for your support. We had a blast most of the times.
"I will now continue my ride with The Crown. May One Man Army And The Undead Quartet rest in peace. This legacy will forever be with me and hopefully with you too! Thank you for the music guys and good luck for your new/future projects!"
One Man Army and the Undead Quartet released four full-length albums, finishing with 2011's "The Dark Epic."
Rush, Heart To Be Inducted Into RnR Hall of Fame
Rush and Heart will represent rock in this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. They will join Public Enemy, Randy Newman, Albert King, and Donna Summer. Lou Adler and Quincy Jones will both receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers. The ceremony will be held on April 18, 2013 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Rush bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone, "It's a terrific honor and we'll show up smiling...It made my mom happy, so that's worth it." He added, "It was a cause [Rush fans] championed," he says. "I'm very relieved for them and we share this honor with them, for sure."
The band also issued an official statement: "We are honored to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 3 of us are especially appreciative of our loyal fans whose support and dedication has gone a long way to making this possible. P.S. And special thanks to our moms for voting 6000 times!"
Rush's latest record, "Clockwork Angels," is 20% off from the Roadrunner store for a limited time. Metal Underground.com took an in-depth look at Rush earlier this year in our Sunday Old School column.
Randy Blythe Formally Indicted For Manslaughter
Czech prosecutors have officially decided to level a formal indictment at Randy Blythe. The embattled Lamb Of God frontman was jailed by Czech authorities last summer, charged with manslaughter in connection with a fan's death at a Prague show in 2010, and held for five weeks.
Blythe was eventually released on $400,000 bail. In a subsequent interview with Metal Hammer, he reflected on the very real possibility of long-term incarceration:
"Ten years with no time off for good behavior. For my particular charge — we're saying manslaughter, but it's assault in the fourth degree with intent, resulting in the death of this young man — the sentence for that is five to 10 years with no time off. So the worst-case scenario is that get out when I'm 51, 52 years old. It's not something I really try to dwell on too much, because it's scary. I don't want to go to prison, I don't want that to happen, but the fact of the matter is it could happen. I will deal with it as it comes, that's all I can do. If you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you're pissing on the present. And right now, all! have is the present so I prepare myself the best I can. My band is behind me and my family's behind me and we're gonna do our best to prove my innocence. But worrying about a nebulous uncertain future, or being super-bummed out that l went to prison for 37 days does me no good."
The original Czech report announcing Blythe's indictment can be viewed at Novinky.cz. The court allegedly has three months to set a trial date, unless the case is dismissed or delayed pending further investigation.
Read the full article at Blabbermouth.
Matthias Voigt Shoots Down Carcass Album Rumors
Update: Carcass has since confirmed an album is in the works and will feature Jeff Walker, Daniel Wilding, and Bill Steer. Check out the full announcement over here.
Rumors have been circulating online that Carcass is working on a new album that would feature Heaven Shall Burn's Matthias Voigt.
Heaven Shall Burn has now posted the following statement online denying these unsubstantiated claims:
"Blabbermouth.net is really cool, but sometimes rumors are just rumors. Heaven Shall Burn's Matthias is 100% NOT playing for CARCASS!
"Everybody in HSB maintains the status as devoted Carcass-fan and does not even dare to dream of being involved with this legend!"
There has been no statement of any kind from Carcass or any of the members involved with the band at this point, so it's unclear if an album was actually in the works or not. If a new album were coming, it would be the first studio full-length from the band since the 1996 release "Swansong."
Metallica Launches Record Label
Metallica announced today that the band has taken ownership of all previous master recordings including all music and long form videos, a move almost unprecedented for musicians signed to recording contracts. Under provision of a renegotiated joint venture agreement with the Warner Music Group in 1994, all masters revert back to the band as of today, November 30th, 2012.
"We would like to thank everyone at the Warner Music Group for 28 years of a fantastic relationship, particularly since 1994 where we truly felt we had partners in every aspect of our business in North America," said the band's James Hetfield.
Metallica also announced the launch of its own new record label, Blackened Recordings. Blackened Recordings will handle all marketing and promotion duties and will enter into a deal with Rhino Entertainment, who will manufacture and distribute releases in North America. Blackened Recordings will license releases to the Universal Music Group internationally.
"It's always been about control for us as a band," said Metallica's Lars Ulrich. "Forming Blackened Recordings is the ultimate in independence, giving us 100% control and putting us in the driver's seat of our own creative destiny."
The first release from Blackened will be "Quebec Magnetic" on Monday, December 10th, 2012. "Quebec Magnetic" is a live DVD capturing the two World Magnetic live shows from Quebec City in the fall of 2009. The set list for the DVD was voted on by over 35,000 fans at Metallica.com this past September. Fans can order it from the band's website here.
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