RACHEL PLATTEN SIGNS WITH ROCK RIDGE MUSIC

New Album “Be Here” Coming In April

New York City-based musician Rachel Platten has signed with Rock Ridge Music and plans to release an album, entitled “Be Here,” on April 26, 2011.  With music that the New York Post says “blends sweet delicateness with pluck,”  Platten has just embarked on an extensive tour (sponsored by Ecosystem Life) leading up to the release of her record (see artist website for tour schedule).  Says Platten of the signing:  “I really think I've found my ideal partner. I love how innovative Rock Ridge is, and how much they believe in what I have already created. It's amazing to have such mutual trust, and I can't wait to get the record out to the world.”

Says Rock Ridge Music CEO Tom Derr of the signing:  “Rachel fits the Rock Ridge world like a glove. Our combined hard work will prove successful.”

Platten, who blends catchy piano hooks with her unmistakably soulful, and uplifting voice, creates music that boasts elegantly crafted, deeply melodic, intelligent songwriting, resounding with echoes of the Beatles and Carole King, Alanis Morissette and Regina Spektor:  her music is infectious, raw, and powerful.  Selling out clubs along her rigorous tour schedule, Platten infuses a unique love and passion into each and every one of her performances.

Boston born and raised, Platten was classically trained on the piano from a young age and started performing while in college and studying abroad in Trinidad.  At the urging of co-workers at the record label where she was interning, she began writing her own songs and became a background singer in a Soca band (with her first performance being in front of 100,000+ fans at Trinidad's annual Soca Monarch Finals). She was instantly hooked, and felt that she'd found her true calling in songwriting and performing.  Naming influences such as Toots & The Maytals (who she was asked to tour with in 2006), Elton John, Carole King, Billy Joel, Lauryn Hill, and The Beach Boys, Platten attempts to do what she feels these artists do so beautifully - infuse often weighty, serious subject matter with light and melodic intelligence that lifts the listener up and is instantly catchy.

winds of plague: 'Against the world' out today; Free single on itunes

 

Today is the official release date for 'Against the World', the thunderous new album from WINDS OF PLAGUE. To celebrate the release, the band has partnered with iTunes to give away the song "Refined In The Fire" completely free to fans. Visit the following link to download the track and purchase the album for just $7.99!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/refined-in-the-fire-free-song/id432748109

The band have also released a teaser for their upcoming new video, "Drop the Match", directed by Shan Dan at the following location: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TXKbEeyCNE

WINDS OF PLAGUE is also scheduled to headline the Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Pre-Party tonight at the Key Club in Los Angeles. Also scheduled on the bill are As Blood Runs Black, The Devastated, Suffer Well and 7 Horns 7 Eyes.

Before their show, WINDS OF PLAGUE will be appearing at FYE in Montclair, CA (5047 E Montclair Plaza Lane) for an in-store signing. The first 100 fans to arrive will receive free tickets to the Golden Gods Pre-Party show tonight. 'Against the World' is also available in Best Buy at a special low price of $6.99. There are multiple versions available via different retailers, below is a breakdown.

FYE bonus information:

Exclusive Live CD (32 minutes)

Live at the Glasshouse, December 23rd, 2010 

Recorded, mixed and mastered by John Montes for Small City Studios

1. The Impaler

2. One Body Too Many

3. Chest and Horns

4. Decimate the Weak

5. Angels of Debauchery

6. Refined In the Fire

7. Brotherhood

8. Reloaded

Hot Topic bonus information:

Exclusive DVD (60+ minutes)

Live at the Glasshouse, December 23rd, 2010 plus tour footage from around the world, the making of "Against the World" and more.

Audio recorded, mixed and mastered by John Montes for Small City Studios

Produced by Jeremy Schott for Mental Suplex Productions

Live songs included on the DVD:

1. The Impaler

2. One Body Too Many

3. Chest and Horns

4. Decimate the Weak

5. Angels of Debauchery

6. Refined In the Fire

7. Reloaded

Fireworks To Rejoin The Manscout Jamboree Co-Headline Tour With The Wonder Years on April 22 in Las Vegas; Band Set To Release "Gospel" May 24 on Triple Crown Records

Detroit, MI’s FIREWORKS will be rejoining their co-headline Manscout Jamboree Tour with The Wonder Years, the trek that they regrettably had to bow out of on April 11, due to the untimely passing of front man Dave Mackinder’s father.

Guitarist Chris Mojan explains, “As you all know we have been at home all week after the passing of Dave's father. We have decided that the 22nd in Vegas will be the best time to return to the tour. Everyone's love has meant the world to our band, especially Dave. See you soon. XO”.

The Manscout Jamboree Tour also features support from Make Do and Mend and Living With Lions.

Fireworks’ forthcoming release Gospel will be out May 24 on Triple Crown Records.

Fans can get a free download of “Summer” a new track off Gospel by visiting: http://ilgrock.com/fireworks/gospel/

For tour dates, more info:

http://www.myspace.com/fireworks

http://wearefireworks.tumblr.com/

http://www.facebook.com/WeAreFireworks

http://www.triplecrownrecords.com/

Gospel Pre-order: http://merchdirect.com/fireworks

PROSTHETIC Announces Batch of New Vinyl Releases

PROSTHETIC RECORDS has announced a slew of new exclusive vinyl releases coming soon. ANIMALS AS LEADERS, TRAP THEM, HOLY GRAIL and SKELETONWITCH are all seeing material pressed, or repressed now! All titles will be available through PROSTHETIC at their official webstore. 

ANIMALS AS LEADERS' self title effort, originally released in 2009, is coming out on a 180-gram 2LP set on colored or black vinyl with gatefold Stoughton jacket featuring enhanced album artwork, 3D imagery and custom AAL 3D glasses. This will be available in stores on June 21^st and is available for pre-order, now.

Due to popular demand, after two pressings which quickly sold out, TRAP THEM's PROSTHETIC debut, "Darker Handcraft," is now in its third pressing. It will be available on two new colors ,"solid gold" and "red spray," as well as on black. As before the LP will have a high-quality gatefold jacket and come with a digital download card. It will be available on their May tour with Converge and Burning Love, and is available now for pre-order.

In celebration of their co-headlining tour with Cauldron, HOLY GRAIL's debut LP, "Crisis In Utopia," has been released on limited-edition white vinyl. Only 100 copies are available between the PROSTHETIC web shop and the band itself on tour.

Last, but not least, the final installment of SKELETONWITCH's 7" trilogy,will be available for pre-order in May! The band is currently on tour with 3 Inches of Blood and is gearing up to record their new album later this spring.

BLACK SKIES: Heavy North Carolina Trio To Kick Off U.S. Tour Next Month

Three New Songs From Upcoming Full-length Unveiled

 

Heavy North Carolina trio, BLACK SKIES, are pleased to announce a near-month long U.S. tour set to commence on May 12 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The trek will steamroll it's way through 22 cities --  including several East Coast locales they've yet to play -- before drawing to a ceremonious close in Savannah, Georgia.

Said guitarist/vocalist Kevin Clark of the upcoming bout of live dates: "We are extremely pleased to be spending some time playing across the Eastern part of the country. The last several tours required us to make our way West as quickly as possible due to time constraints, so we haven't been to some of the places we will be hitting on this tour in far too long. We are also thrilled to spend a good portion of the trek with some of our favorite bands and people: Backwoods Payback, Caltrop, Royal Thunder, and US Christmas. We hope to have a few more songs ready to go for this trip as well. Tim had just joined the band before the last tour -- we literally had four rehearsals together before leaving on tour for a month -- so we were limited to the same set pretty much every night. Since then, we've had time to rework some of those songs and write a few new ones. This will allow us to keep things fresh and interesting, while also being able to play songs we feel would be more appropriate to the audience's energy at any given show."

The band -- Clark, Tim Herzog (drums) and Michelle Temple (bass, vocals, booking) -- will be touring in support of their soon-to-be-issued new full-length, On The Wings Of Time. The follow-up to 2008's Hexagon EP, On The Wings Of Time was recorded, produced and mastered by Harvey Milk's Kyle Spence at his own RJS studios in Athens, Georgia. Three songs off the new record are currently being streamed HERE. Further details to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

BLACK SKIES Live - May/June 2011:5/12/2011 The Milestone - Charlotte, NC w/ Trade, Towering Pyre
5/13/2011 The Crayola House - Harrisonburg, VA w/ Backwoods Payback, Earthling, Trade
5/14/2011 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA w/ Backwoods Payback
5/15/2011 Mojo Main - Newark, DE w/ Backwoods Payback, Holy Dirt, Bubonic Bear
5/16/2011 AS220 - Providence, RI w/ Woozy, She Rides, Villainer
5/17/2011 O’Brien’s - Boston, MA w/ Phantom Glue, The Proselyte, Jack Burton vs David Lopan
5/18/2011 Flask Lounge - Portland, ME
5/19/2011 Elm Bar - New Haven, CT w/ Atrina
5/20/2011 Acheron - Brooklyn, NY
5/21/2011 31st Street Pub - Pittsburgh, PA w/ Rogue Vessel, Oktober
5/22/2011 Carabar - Columbus, OH w/ Prosanctus Inferi, Witchaven, Nocturnal, Locusta
5/23/2011 The Green Lantern - Lexington, KY w/ Stampede, Below
5/24/2011 Southgate House - Indianapolis, IN w/ Mala In Se, New Third Worlds
5/25/2011 The Pilot Light - Knoxville, KY w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers
5/26/2011 The Get Down - Asheville, NC w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers, Caltrop
5/27/2011 King’s - Raleigh, NC w/ US Christmas, Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/28/2011 Will’s Pub - Orlando, FL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Druid Lord, Junior Bruce
5/29/2011 C-Level - Panama City Beach w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Death Before Dying
5/30/2011 Siberia - NOLA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/31/2011 Hi-Tone - Memphis, TN w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/01/2011 The Nick - Birmingham, AL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/02/2011 529 - Atlanta, GA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Sons Of Tonatiuh
6/03/2011 Caledonia Lounge - Athens, GA w/ Caltrop
6/04/2011 The Jinx - Savannah, GA w/ Caltrop

BOOK OF BLACK EARTH Launch New Track

Blackened death metal act, BOOK OF BLACK EARTH, have launched the track, "Cross Contamination," from their forthcoming album, "The Cold Testament," exclusively at Brooklyn Vegan; check it out now. 

The album, which is out on May 24^th, 2011, was tracked by Chris Common (Pelican, The Sword) at the Red Room Studio in Seattle and mixed and mastered by Dan Swano (Bloodbath, Nasum, Opeth) at Unisound in Sweden. The cover was done by renowned artist, Derek Noble. "The Cold Testament" pre-order is now available, exclusively, through Prosthetic Records' webstore; The CD can be ordered on its own, or in a bundle with an exclusive T-shirt design. Get your copy, now!

"The Cold Testament" track listing is as follows:

Weight of the World
Cross Contamination
Antartica
Irritating Spectre
Termination
Research and Destroy
Road Dogs From Hell
I See Demons 

Look for the band, who have previously appeared with the likes of Watain, Cattle Decapitation, The Black Dahlia Murder, Amebix, and many more, to hit the road later this year in support of "The Cold Testament." 

XERATH Album Streaming In Its Entirety Via Terrorizer Magazine

Terrorizer Magazine is currently streaming XERATH's upcoming II full-length in its entirety. Set for release in North America via Candlelight Records on May 3, 2011, II is the second full-length from the UK-based experimental progressive metal outfit.

 

Check out the record HERE.

 

XERATH was originally formed in 2007 as an experiment to combine film score composition with extreme groove-based heavy metal. Now a fully functional band with an emphasis on the live stage, XERATH aim to remain on the cutting edge of extreme. 

 

In an early review of the record, Metal Assault called II, "a mind-blowing composition that presents the truly unique and high-class musicianship of XERATH. It is sure to enhance their reputation and is an album that will allow them to create a stranglehold on the experimental metal scene in the foreseeable future." The Metal Register called II, "an album you're going to want to check out, if even just for the originality factor," while Blistering added: "Once you have your head wrapped around the gravitational strength of XERATH's chug-enforced labyrinthine rhythms and beats, you can sit back and wonder at the sense they make and what compelling fantasy they create." In a review of the band's live performance, Thrash Hits gushed bluntly, "...we think they're so fucking brilliant we asked their frontman to write for us."

 

Produced by Jacob Hansen (Destruction, Heaven Shall Burn, Volbeat) and featuring artwork from Colin Marks (Strapping Young Lad), II is a piercing slice of metal. Crushing riffs, cinematic symphonic arrangements, and unrelenting drums, II is a record that will immediately capture attention. The album also features a guest performance from Emil Werstler (Daath).

 

Pre-order info available HERE.

NUCLEAR BLAST SPOTLIGHT: 10 QUESTIONS WITH GRAVEYARD

Nuclear Blast USA caught up with guitarist / vocalist Joakim Nilsson and drummer Axel Sjöberg of the classic rock band GRAVEYARD on the band’s North American release day to ask ten questions about their soon-to-be-classic new album, Hisingen Blues:

While touring North America in 2008, you played 3 songs (twice!) that weren’t on your debut album.  Did any of these make it onto Hisingen Blues?  If so, what track did the one you called “Funk Blues” turn into?

Joakim Nilsson: Yes, I think we played them more then twice though.  You can hear two of them on Hisingen Blues; the one called “Ungrateful Are The Dead” and the one ending the record called “The Siren.” “Funk Blues” or “Punk Blues” as we called it then is now on the backside of the “Hisingen Blues” single and is called “Granny And Davis.”  All the songs sound pretty different recorded than what they sounded like live.
The story line in the album opener, “Ain’t Fit To Live Here” and the closing track “The Siren” seem to be related.  Are they & was it intentional?

JN: No, they are not related at all.  The first one is a reflection of life and “The Siren” is about a nightmare of Roky Erickson.  They where composed at completely different periods.

When listening to “RSS” on headphones, it sounds as if the snare work actually MOVES.  Can this be attributed to Don Alstelberg’s in-studio mastery or is it simply tinnitus trickery?

JN: Yes, it is Don who pulled out some of Jimi Hendrix's old studio tricks.  You move the sound from speaker to speaker, I don't know what the term is called in English [panning]. ‘Panorering’ in Swedish.  Maybe it is some phaser on the drums too, I don't remember.

Hard not to think of spaghetti westerns with “Longing” and it’s tempting not to even call it an instrumental due to the whistling.  Who is GRAVEYARD’s champion whistler and how many takes did it take to get the entire song recorded?

JN: Champion Whistler aka JJ Red aka Joakim aka me.  It was a lot harder to whistle than we ever imagined.  It was really hard to hear the pitch of the tone when I whistled, so it took a lot of takes to get it right.
Yes or No: Would Mr. Holden ever eat at a Waffle House?

JN: He used to love it, but he ate too much.  He's more of a Dairy Queen guy.

The line “I’ve been leaving you since the day we met / And it feels like you have, too” from “Uncomfortably Numb” can resonate with ANYONE whose ever been in a relationship that needed to end long before it did.  Congratulations.  Who wrote this exquisite lyric and did they know they hit the lottery when they wrote it?

Axel Sjöberg:  It was me.  I'm glad you like the lyrics.  It's a hard topic to write about without sounding very cheesy.  Don't know if I hit the lottery, but I got out of that relationship and into a great one.

Joakim’s homemade cabinet has become somewhat legendary.  Is there really a cigarette lighter & a bottle opener built into it?  What new features have been added onto it since your debut album?

JN: It's a small combo amplifier that I wanted to use as a very expensive distortion box.  A friend of mine named Jonatan built it for me and we actually had to buy a customized transformer just for the cigarette lighter to work.  It doesn't have a bottle opener yet but that is a really good idea, so I have to get that.

Would you ever consider playing an H.P. Lovecraft or Neil Young song at a GRAVEYARD show?

JN & AS: Of course. We love both H.P Lovecraft and Neil Young.

What’s the story behind the Black Sabbath poster in the video for “Hisingen Blues”?  Is it an original or a reproduction?

AS: It's an original from the English pressing of Master Of Reality. There's also a poster of Alvin Lee.  The posters are a sort of tribute to some of our heroes.

True or False: You are nothing without a Pentagram shirt.

JN & AS:  What?  No?  Or yes?  Maybe.

GRAVEYARD are confirmed to play at this year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival the weekend of June 9 – 12 in Manchester, Tennessee.  View GRAVEYARD’s artist profile on the Bonnaroo website here. 

GRAVEYARD’s second studio album and Nuclear Blast debut, Hisingen Blues, is out today in North America.  It was produced, recorded, and mixed in 100% analog by Don Alsterberg (Gonzales, Junip, Soundtrack Of Our Lives, The International Noise Conspiracy) at Don Pierre Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden.  The album officially entered the Swedish album chart at No. 1 and trumped pop icon Britney Spears’ new album for the coveted spot.

View the  Hisingen Blues YouTube album teaser here.

Check out the video for “Hisingen Blues” - directed by Artur Wolgers of STLSKR and produced by STLSKR - at this location.  Keep an eye out for that original Black Sabbath poster from 1971!

Purchase Hisingen Blues on iTunes at this location.  The following package bundles are available at the Nuclear Blast Webshop: 

·         Hisingen Blues on CD + exclusive t-shirt: $20.00

·         Hisingen Blues on clear blue VINYL + exclusive t-shirt: $28.00

·         Hisingen Blues CD only: $10.00

·         Hisingen Blues on clear blue VINYL only: $18.00

Listen to new tracks “Hisingen Blues” and “Ain’t Fit To Live Here” in their entirety on the band’s Facebook Player.

GRAVEYARD are:

·         Joakim Nilsson – Guitar & Vocals

·         Jonatan Ramm – Guitar & Vocals

·         Rikard Edlund – Bass

·         Axel Sjöberg - Drums

Visit GRAVEYARD online at www.facebook.com/GRAVEYARDOFFICIAL, on Twitter, at www.myspace.com/GRAVEYARDSONGS & on YouTube.com/GRAVEYARDSONGS.

GENE HOGLAN TO PLAY TWO FESTIVAL SHOWS WITH FORBIDDEN

Gene “The Atomic Clock” Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel, ex-Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Dethklok) will be covering drum duties for FORBIDDEN drummer Mark Hernandez at the band’s upcoming headlining appearances this Thursday at Inferno Fest in Norway and this Saturday at Metropole Ruhr Fest in Germany.

States drummer Mike Hernandez:

“It is with true disappointment I inform the fans and friends of FORBIDDEN that I will be unable to play both of the headlining festivals this coming weekend. I have a personal

family obligation I must attend to. I want to put to rest any thought that I am leaving the band, and will hope to see the faces I miss now later on in the summer touring season.

I am very honored to have the mighty Gene Hoglan stepping up to help out and do these shows for me. Without a doubt, everyone in attendance will get a 110% Forbidden

show!”

Gene Hoglan adds:

“Hey folks, I'm real excited to be heading over to Europe with my bro's in FORBIDDEN this week for their appearances at the Infernofest in Oslo, Norway and the Metropole Ruhr Fest in Bochum, Germany.  We've been great friends for eons, and Craig [Locicero, guitarist] has been my absolute brother since we toured in Death together way back when.  Not to mention that I'm a seriously diehard fan of theirs. For me, each one of their records was better than the last, and that's really saying something.  From Forbidden Evil to the astonishing monument that is Green, I'd be hard-pressed to name another band who made the unexpected turns of their evolutionary process sound so damn righteous the way these guys did for me.  I'm also real proud to be attempting Mark Hernandez's killer parts off their roaringly brilliant Omega Wave. Savage drumming on their latest, indeed.  My work is definitely cut out, without a doubt.  And I know Mark is excited to return as well.  If you are headed to the Infernofest or the Metropole Ruhr Fest (that just rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it?), I'm looking forward to ripping some evil FORBIDDEN metal for you.”

Sponsored by Decibel Magazine and MetalSucks.net, FORBIDDEN’s “first proper North American tour in 16 years” launches on June 9^th in Hollywood in support of their 2010 reunion album Omega Wave.  Ticket prices will be between $10 - $15 in every tour market.  Support will come from Revocation from Boston, Massachusetts, White Wizzard from Los Angeles, and Havok from Denver, Colorado.  Tour dates can be viewed here.

Listen to the tracks “Forsaken At The Gates” and “Dragging My Casket” here.


Purchase Omega Wave (digi-pak or vinyl version) at the Nuclear Blast USA webstore.

Visit FORBIDDEN online at www.facebook.com/FORBIDDENOFFICIAL, twitter.com/ForbiddenMetal, and www.myspace.com/FORBIDDENOFFICIAL.

PAIN: "Dirty Woman" Video Clip Released!

PAIN, the Swedish industrial metallers led by iconic producer Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY), have just released the official video clip for the track “Dirty Woman”. The song comes from their upcoming album You Only Live Twice, which is set to be released on June 3 (Europe) and June 21 (North America) 2011 via Nuclear Blast. Check it out here.

Surf to the PAIN’s official Facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/OfficialPain to stream and download the track “Dirty Woman”.

The first two studio trailers can be viewed here:Part 1
Part 2

Attached artwork and promo pic were both created this time around by German artist Heile (INDICA, LEGION OF THE DAMNED).

Mainman & producer Peter Tägtgren recently commented on the artwork: “I really wanted something with a Nightmare Before Christmas meets Alice In Wonderland kind of feeling but with our mascot, the painhead in it. The artist Heile created what I wanted but did it in his own way. It really has this kind of Tim Burton feel to it. It will be really crazy on a big backdrop. We’re also gonna do some inflatable stuff with our Painhead. Its gonna be our Eddie, like IRON MAIDEN has.”

For more info visit: www.painworldwide.com | www.facebook.com/officialpain | www.nuclearblast.de/pain

DIMMU BORGIR INAUGURATES FIRST ISSUE OF METAL HAMMER NORWAY

Adorning the first front cover of Metal Hammer Norway are none other than the Norwegian kings of symphonic black metal DIMMU BORGIR.

States the magazine: “Both nationally and internationally, DIMMU have become the symbol of Norwegian metal.  We wanted to pay tribute to the band and invite them to make history with us!”

On Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Oslo Spektrum in Norway, DIMMU BORGIR will be performing one very exclusive show with a special, never-to-be-repeated set list with 53 members of KORK (the Norwegian Radio Orchestra) and 30 members of the Schola Cantorum Choir, who were musical guests on the Billboard-charting ninth studio album, ABRAHADABRA.  This is the band’s only confirmed worldwide appearance throughout the summer.

About the upcoming show, DIMMU BORGIR vocalist Shagrath has stated: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen.  DIMMU BORGIR makes it happen.  The circle will now be complete.”

Tickets are on sale for 570 Norwegian kroner at this location.  Only 150 V.I.P. tickets (1,500 Norwegian kroner each) are available, which includes a Meet & Greet with the band one hour before doors, free tapas & beer, and a view of the entire performance from a special riser.  Doors are at 6:30 p.m. (18:30).  Showtime is 8 p.m. (20:00). 

Featuring album artwork by Joachim Luetke, ABRAHADABRA debuted in North America at #42 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, #5 on the Top Hard Music Albums chart, and #6 on the Independent Current Albums chart.  It also debuted at #4 on the Top Rock albums and #30 Top Albums charts at iTunes (U.S.) the day of its release.  In Canada, it debuted at #4 on the Nielsen Soundscan Top Hard Albums chart.  ABRAHADABRA chart debuts in Scandinavia and Europe include: Norway - #2; Germany - #15; Sweden - #17; Ireland - #19; Austria - #20, Switzerland - #24; France - #43; Poland - #89; Finland - # 48; Belgium - #52; and Holland - #100.

View the music videos – shot by director Sandra Marschner (Marilyn Manson, Children Of Bodom, Mando Diao) for Katapult Films - for the tracks “Gateways” and “Dimmu Borgir” on the DIMMU BORGIR YouTube channel.

Download the DIMMU BORGIR app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad here.

Visit DIMMU BORGIR online at www.DIMMU-BORGIR.com, www.myspace.com/DIMMUBORGIR, www.facebook.com/DIMMUBORGIR, and on Twitter.

LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH Join The 7 Days Of Plague Tour 2011

California black metal legion LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH are pleased to join the upcoming 7 Days Of Plague Tour, a West Coast tour that celebrates paint-huffing and paint-peeling volume! With performances by:

 

Midnight
Saviours
LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH Archons

 

The 7 Days Of Plague is a tour that sports an abundance of  Y-chromosomes, a wealth of quality riffage and so many fucking scene points, we won't even include orthodoxies such as band descriptions, select discographies or label affiliations in this press release.

 

Commented LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH vocalist Autarch of the short but imminent journey: "Seven days of hellfire, anarchy and fucking Armageddon. If you miss this, kill yourself!"
7 Days Of Plague featuring LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH
w/ Midnight, Saviours, Archons

5/13/2011 O’Connell’s - San Diego, CA w/ the Strikers
5/14/2011 The Roxy - Hollywood, CA (No Archons)
5/15/2011 Eli's Mile High Club - Oakland, CA
5/16/2011 Elbo Room - San Francisco, CA
5/17/2011 Jambalaya - Arcata, CA
5/18/2011 Plan B - Portland, OR
5/19/2011 Highline - Seattle, WA w/ Black Queen

 

LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH will be touring in support of The Extra Dimensional Wound, their second full-length, released via Metal Blade Records last year. 

 

...................................................................................

"...brutal, icy hot, super heavy, [and] full of lurching ‘grooves...’” -- Stereogum

 

"LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH set out to make their demons visible and to inject their dark knowledge into their music. There are many pretenders to that aim in black metal, but, as The Extra Dimensional Wound proves, few are as serious as a heart attack like these guys." -- Music Emissions

 

"Autarch's words seem to come from another place, ethereal and disturbing. 'Nihilistic Stench's' double bass and blackened thrash, rips and shreds the flesh, until finally, 'Path to Chaos' gives the true sense of how much potential LSOD has with creating atmosphere, great song-writing, but most importantly, terror." -- The Gauntlet

 

"The most incongruous fact about LSOD is that they are from Los Angeles, ground zero for Baywatch, Hollywood and loathsome glam metal like Motley Crue and L.A. Guns. They have done their hometown proud; Nikki Sixx would crap his pants if he ever heard this album." -- About.com

 

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Dream Theater Offer An Exclusive Look Into the Band's Search for a New Drummer

New York, NY: A little more than a month after original drummer Mike Portnoy’s sudden departure from Dream Theater, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world’s greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer’s incredible chops with the band’s trademark prog-rock sound. 

Dream Theater have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of their fans around the world. “The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow,” says guitarist John Petrucci. “The fact that as a result of that event we’d be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening.”

Dream Theater would like to share with its fans some of the intense process, along with the musical joy, that went into choosing a new drummer. 

So who is the best fit behind the kit? 

Go to Dream Theater’s Facebook page on Thursday, April 21st at 11 AM to sign up for the mailing list and to receive more details about an exclusive and intimate look at the auditions, and to find out exactly when and how the momentous announcement about the band’s new lineup will be made.  Fans will be able to find out information about the band’s upcoming 2011 World Tour via Facebook, as well.

 

Terror announce additional 'Stick Tight 2011' tour dates

TERROR have added more dates to their current touring schedule. The monster North American trek, dubbed the 'Stick Tight 2011' tour, sees the band headlining with support coming from Stick To Your Guns, Trapped Under Ice, Close Your Eyes and Your Demise. The new additions are below:

5/27 New London, CT @ El N Gee*

5/29 Boston, MA @ Wonderland Ballroom

*Death Threat is also on the bill, playing between Trapped Under Ice & Stick To Your Guns

Check out the 'Stick Tight 2011' Tour when it rolls through a city near you!

Apr 16 Gatineau, QC @ St-Als

Apr 17 Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe

Apr 18 Quebec, QC @ Le Cercle

Apr 19 Toronto, ON @ Annex Wreck Room

Apr 20 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick

Apr 21 Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose Tap House

Apr 22 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock

Apr 23 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground

Apr 24 Rapid City, SD @ Dublin Square

Apr 26 Boise, ID @ Mardi Gras Events

Apr 27 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey

Apr 28 Portland, OR @ Branx

Apr 29 Sparks, NV @ The Alley

Apr 30 Oakland, CA @ Metro Operahouse

May 01 Canoga Park, @ CA Cobalt Café  

May 02 San Diego, CA @ Soma Sidestage  

May 03 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction  

May 04 Mesa, AZ @ The Nile  

May 05 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad  

May 06 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater  

May 07 Wichita, KS @ Eagles Lodge  

May 08 Dallas, TX @ Trees  

May 09 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit  

May 10 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live  

May 11 Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music Hall  

May 12 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade  

May 13 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum

May 14 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Rockettown  

May 15 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits  

May 16 Raleigh, NC @ The Brewery  

May 17 Corbin, KY @ Corbin Tech Center  

May 18 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar  

May 19 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge  

May 20 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave  

May 21 Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop  

May 22 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar Club Stage  

May 23 Huntington, WV @ Hybar 

May 24 Virginia Beach, VA @ Skate High  

May 25 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon  

May 26 Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz

AMORPHIS: First Album Trailer Posted Online!

Finnish melancholic dark rock/metal icons AMORPHIS have posted the first album trailer for their upcoming opus The Beginning Of Times. In it guitarist Esa Holopainen talks about the early songwriting sessions, the production, the album itself and its concept, and touring. The trailer also includes some excerpts from various songs off The Beginning Of Times. Check out the trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arfaOgTq85M

The first single “You I Need” can be streamed at www.facebook.com/amorphis  and will be available for digital purchase via iTunes on May 10.

The Beginning Of Times will be released on May 27, 2011 (Europe) and June 7, 2011 (North America).
For more info visit: www.amorphis.com | www.facebook.com/amorphis | www.nuclearblast.de/amorphis

EGYPT CENTRAL Continue Their Rise Up The Active Rock Charts With Title Track From ’White Rabbit,’ Due Out May 17

April 18, 2011 -- EGYPT CENTRAL--John Falls (vocals), Joey Chicago (bass), Blake Allison (drums), Jeff James (guitar)—is currently criss-crossing the U.S. with Cold and Kopek in support of their forthcoming sophomore album, WHITE RABBIT, which is due out May 17 on Fat Lady Music/ILG/Warner Music Group.

 

The first single and title track was released to Active Rock radio and iTunes on February 15.   It’s currently sitting at #24 on Billboard’s “Active Rock” chart and #25 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart.  A video for “White Rabbit” was recently shot in Nashville with director Mason Dixon (Framing Hanley, Tantric).   An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video can be seen on Noisecreep.com here.

 

As bassist Joey Chicago explained to Noisecreep.com:  "’White Rabbit,' as a song, is about the act of being within the struggle, the lesson that is trusting someone or something that is not what it seems.  We wanted to write a song that people could relate to because we were being honest and showing our vulnerability.  The song bridges the gap between the self-titled first record and the new album.  The metaphor dives deeper in the video as we are introduced the characters directly correlating with the record.  It's the beginning of the tale of four men determined to get their lives back from the people or things that have influenced and damaged them in such a negative way.  It is the first of a series of videos showing the war between purity and deception, determination and distraction, EGYPT CENTRAL and the White Rabbit."

 

Fans anxious to hear snippets of every song on WHITE RABBIT should head to the band’s YouTube page:  http://www.youtube.com/officialectv.

 

WHITE RABBIT is the follow up to 2008’s self-titled debut album, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard “Heatseekers” chart and included the singles “You Make Me Sick” and “Over And Under,” both achieving Top 40 status on the Active Rock chart.  WHITE RABBIT was produced by Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, 12 Stones, etc.) and features twelve songs of heavy riffs, lyrics from the soul and strong melodic hooks.  Threaded throughout this collection of songs is a story of consequences that occur when one accepts or declines the invitation from the “White Rabbit.” 

 

“We knew we had solid songs, but when the opportunity came to work with Skidd, we found the person that could not only make a great sounding record, but also bring the best out of us,” states lead singer John Falls. “We had a lot of growing to do as men and the time was right to give our fans what they deserved and what we knew we were capable of…Kick Ass Rock!”  Adds Joey Chicago, “Collectively, this is the best group of songs we have ever written.”

 

In other radio news, EGYPT CENTRAL will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, “Rockline” with host Bob Coburn on Monday, May 16 at 8:30pm PT / 11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to call to speak with the band by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).  Log onto www.RocklineRadio.com for a list of participating radio stations and further information.

 

Check out EGYPT CENTRAL at any of the following stops:

 

DATE               CITY                             VENUE

 

With Cold and Kopek:

 

Tue 4/19            Anaheim, CA                 House Of Blues

Wed 4/20          Los Angeles, CA           Whisky A Go Go

Fri 4/22             Dallas, TX                     Trees

Sat 4/23            Houston, TX                  Scout Bar

Sun 4/24           Amarillo, TX                  Brewster’s

Mon 4/25          Austin, TX                     Emo’s

Tue 4/26            San Antonio, TX            Backstage Live SA

Thu 4/28            Jackson, MS                 Fire

Wed 4/29          Memphis, TN                 Tom Lee Park (Beale Street Festival)

Wed 5/4            Orlando, FL                   The Club at Firestone

Thu 5/5             Pensacola, FL               Live Niteclub and Music Venue

Sat 5/7              St. Petersburg, FL         The State Theatre

Sat 5/14            Rockford, IL                  Rockford Speedway (WXRX show)

Sat 5/21            Columbus, OH              Columbus Crew Stadium (Rock On The Range)

 

VADER: IN-STUDIO REPORT #2 AVAILABLE ONLINE

VADER are currently at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland recording their new album Welcome To The Morbid Reich with Wojtek Wiesławski.  Video footage of guitar sessions with Pająk “Spider” is now available online here for viewing. 

As previously stated by VADER mainman Peter W., draft titles of a few tracks include: “Lords of Thorns,” “I Am Who Feast Upon Your Souls,” “Only Hell Knows,” “Return to the Morbid Reich,”and “I Had A Dream.”  Fans attending VADER concerts and summer festivals will have a chance to listen to one or two new tracks from the new album.  Additionally, the band is resurrecting the use of their old logo.

VADER's last album, Necropolis, debuted at #19 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart the week after its release.  It was also recorded at Hertz Studios in Bialystok, Poland with the Wieslawski Bros., mixed by Tue Madsen (Halford, Kataklysm, Behemoth) at Antfarm Studios in Denmark, and featured cover artwork by Jacek Wisniewski.

View the video for the Necropolis track “Never Say My Name” here.

Visit VADER online at www.VADER.pl, on Facebook, at www.myspace.com/VADER, and www.twitter.com/VADERBAND.

ORIGIN: Studio Blog Part 2 Now Online

Technical death masters, ORIGIN, have uploaded their second video blog chronicling the making of their  upcoming masterpiece entitled Entity.  Part 2 documents John Longstrength recording his drum parts for the album. Look for Entity in both physical and digital formats on June 7 (N. America) and June 10 (Europe). Artwork (attached) was handled this time around by Colin Marks.

One of the most intense and technical forces of the contemporary death metal world, ORIGIN has returned to stake its claim as the leader of metal's new wave of extremity with its fifth studio effort. As expected, the death grind trio of Mike Flores (bass, vocals), Paul Ryan (guitar, vocals) and John Longstreth (drums) continues to churn out frantic, hell-paced grids of metal torment, but now further complements the arrangements with a newfound propensity for churning grooves and the hook-laden approach that first reared its ugly, but accessible head on the band's 2007 offering, Antithesis. The band once again returned to Chapman Recording Studios in Lenexa, Kansas to work with longtime engineer and friend Robert Rebeck.

As stated multiple times in the past, ORIGIN proves once again that they stand head and shoulders above their peers.

Catch the band, with their new frontman Jason Keyser, on tour with HATE ETERNAL, VITAL REMAINS and ABYSMAL DAWN in North America starting on June 15 at Emo's in Austin, Texas. Look for ORIGIN on the road in Europe, South America, Mexico, Asia, Australia and the rest of the world in 2011 and 2012.