Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Announce One-Off Show This January

Following the previously announced run of shows with Clutch in late December, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY will be playing a one-off show at the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina on January 22. The special performance will coincide with a screening of Slow Southern Steel, the long-anticipated southern metal documentary produced by Rwake vocalist, CT. Hail! Hornet will also appear on the bill.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Tour Dates12/27/2011 House of Blues - Boston, MA w/ Clutch
12/28/2011 State Theater - Portland, ME w/ Clutch
12/29/2011 Westcott Theater - Syracuse, NY w/ Clutch
12/30/2011 Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ w/ Clutch
12/31/2011 Trocadero Theater - Philadelphia, PA w/ Clutch
1/22/2012 The Orange Peel - Ashevilla, NC w/ Hail!Hornet


CORROSION OF CONFORMITY -- featuring the esteemed Animosity line-up of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer/vocalist Reed Mullin -- have been working diligently with long-time producer John Custer and will unleash their eighth studio album via Candlelight Records on February 28, 2012. The record will be self-titled.

Formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States alone, the new album will be their first since 2005’s In The Arms Of God. On release, Billboard Magazine called the album a “riff-fueled set that ranks with (the band’s) best work.”

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

SKELETONWITCH Announce Norwegian Dates

American metal juggernauts, SKELETONWITCH, whose new album, "Forever Abomination," debuted at #153 on the Billboard Top 200 and #3 on the magazine's Heatseekers Chart, last month, have announced they'll be taking part in the second Norwegian "Fire Walk With Me Tour," in February, alongside Aura Noir and Nekromantheon. The Ohio based road warriors are currently out on the Jagermeister Music Tour and spent the fall out with Arch Enemy and Devildriver, as well as headlining a run of dates along with Kvelertak. Before heading to Norway, SKELETONWITCH will do an extensive run of the UK and France with their old friends, The Black Dahlia Murder.  


SKELETONWITCH on tour:

11/29 Austin, TX - Emo's *
11/30 Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom *
12/01 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater*
12/02 Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater & Club *
12/03 Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep*
12/04 Farmington, NM - Top Deck *
12/05 Tempe, AZ - The Marquee Theatre*
12/06 San Diego, CA- The Ruby Room
12/07 Pomona, CA - Glass House*
12/08 Reno, NV - Knitting Factory *
12/09 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory *
12/10 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory*
12/11 The Republik - Calgary, AB
12/12 Starlite - Edmonton, AB
12/14 Pyramid Cabaret - Winnipeg, MB
12/16 Iowa City, IA - Blue Moose Tap House
12/17 Madison, WI - The Barrymore Theater *
12/18 Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection *
12/19 Chicago, IL- The Empty Bottle
12/30 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
1/11 London, UK - Underworld &
1/12 London, UK - Underworld &
1/13 Colchester, UK - Arts Centre &
1/14 Norwich, UK - Waterfront &
1/15 Northampton, UK - Roadmender &
1/16 Birmingham, UK - Academy 2 &
1/17 Nottingham, UK - Rescue Rooms &
1/18 Manchester, UK - Moho Live &
1/19 Sheffield, UK - Corporation &
1/20 Newcastle, UK - Academy 2 &
1/21 Aberdeen, UK - Tunnels &
1/22 Glasgow, UK - Cathouse &
1/23 Dundee, UK - Beat Generator &
1/24 Leeds, UK - Cockpit &
1/25 Wrexham, UK - Central Station &
1/26 Stoke, UK - Sugarmill &
1/27 Plymouth, UK - White Rabbit &
1/28 Bristol, UK - Fleece &
1/29 Southampton, UK - Joiners &
1/30 Reading, UK - Sub 89 &
1/31 Margate, UK - West Coast Bar &
2/1 Lille, France - St. Sauveur &
2/2 Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie &
2/3 Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao &
2/4 Nantes, France - Ferrailleur &
2/5 Paris, France - Nouveau Casino &
2/8 Oslo, Norway - Johne Dee #
2/9 Bergen, Norway- Hulen #
2/10 Sandes, Norway- Tribute #
2/11 Byscenen, Norway- Haugesund #
6/15-16 Copenhagen, Denmark- Copenhell Festival
6/29-7/1 Helsinki, Switzerland - Suvilahti/Tuska Open Air
* w/ Chimaira, Unearth, Molotov Solution
& w/ Black Dahlia Murder
# w/ Aura Noir and Nekromantheon


Forever Abomination was recorded in Los Angeles over the summer with producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Hatebreed, Children of Bodom). The album features artwork by Andrei Bouzikov (Municipal Waste, Holy Grail, Cannabis Corpse), who also contributed the cover art for the band's 2009 release, Breathing The Fire. The track "Reduced to the Failure of Prayer" is now in rotation at Sirius/XM's Liquid Metal and can be requested at their Facebook page. The band was also recently featured on the cover of Decibel and took part in the magazines limited flexi-disc series.

Over the last four years, SKELETONWITCH has performed alongside a who's who of modern heavy metal, including Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Mastodon, High On Fire and many more, in addition to participating in high-profile festival tours (Ozzfest, Danzig's Blackest of the Black).

Primus Debuts Video for "Tragedy's a' Comin'"

ATO Records/Prawn Songs is excited to release Primus' video for "Tragedy's a' Comin'", the first clip off Green Naugahyde, out now. The video, which premiered in a three-part series on IFC.com (part 1, part 2, part 3), was directed by Mark Kohr, who helmed Primus' classic videos for "Tommy the Cat" and "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver".

The video focuses on a lobster's impending demise, soon to be boiled and fed to members of the upper crust, serving as a metaphor for global impending doom. The clip also features Les Claypool in a lobster suit, acting out the last moments of the crustacean on the beach. When discussing the making of the video with IFC, Claypool remarked "I spent so many years dodging goofball bullets from doing the 'Wynona's Big Brown Beaver' video that I don't resist it anymore. I got to put on a giant lobster suit, and that doesn't happen every day."

Green Naugahyde debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200, the highest chart placement for the band in 16 years. In support of the record, Primus recently wrapped up tour featuring two sets per evening, one of which being Green Naugahyde in its entirety. This past weekend, Primus was featured on NPR's Weekend Edition, praising Claypool as "equal parts odd and prolific."

Switchfoot Perform "Dark Horses" on The Tonight Show; Band and Living Social Present Dec 14 Event at Largo in Los Angeles

GRAMMY-winning rock band SWITCHFOOT will perform their new hit single, "Dark Horses," on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" tonight. The song, which is from the group's new album, Vice Verses (Atlantic Records), is currently No. 6 on the Modern Rock chart.

Fresh off a successful European run that included stops in the UK, Holland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and sold-out shows in London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, and Mannheim, SWITCHFOOT will resume their North American tour this Wednesday, November 30. In addition to headline dates, the band will play numerous holiday radio shows in the next month, performing alongside such artists as Blink 182 and Social Distortion. (See below for itinerary.)

Living Social and SWITCHFOOT are teaming up to present two special shows at the intimate Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles on December 14. Each show will kick off with an hour-long Q&A with SWITCHFOOT, followed by an acoustic performance featuring songs from Vice Verses.Fans can choose from a 6:30 PM or 9:00 PM show. Tickets are available today and tomorrow exclusively through www.livingsocial.com. For further details, visit http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/4/deals/186614-one-general-admission-ticket-and-hour-long-q-a.

The following evening, December 15, vocalist/guitarist Jon Foreman will perform at the first of the two-night Invisible Children Holiday Benefit at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. The first evening will be curated by Pete Wentz and Alternative Press and will also feature Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids), Aaron Gillespie (The Almost), Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYou) and Ryan O'Neal (Sleeping At Last). Additional information about the benefit shows and Invisible Children, which is working to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity, is available at www.invisiblechildren.com/music.

SWITCHFOOT'S cross-country trek with Anberlin this past fall drew sold-out crowds and rave reviews in virtually every market.Local chapters of StandUp for Kids (www.standupforkids.org), a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless and street kids, collected backpacksat the shows. The backpacks will be used to distribute food and essentials to kids served by the organization.

In celebration of their ongoing partnership with StandUp For Kids, SWITCHFOOT invites fans to submit their most creative hoodie designs - inspired by Vice Verses - for the chance to have it printed and distributed by Jedidiah Clothing, with proceeds benefiting StandUp For Kids. For further details, visit http://www.talenthouse.com/switchfoot-jedidiah-clothing-design-a-hoodie-inspired-by-vice-versus.

Each year the band hosts theSwitchfoot Bro-Am Presented By Hurley (http://www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am), an annual concert/surf contest/silent auction. The event has raised more than $500,000 to date for San Diego-based children's charities, including StandUp for Kids.

A vinyl edition of Vice Verses - limited to 1,000 copies - is available now for pre-order at http://www.switchfoot.com. Billboard praised Vice Verses' "powerful, anthemic rockers" and Relevant Magazine called it SWITCHFOOT'S "most unique" album yet. "[The] gorgeous, swelling 'Restless' sounds plucked from U2's Achtung Baby," said Alternative Press. "But the real standout is 'Souvenirs,' a stunning ballad that, if there's any justice, will go down as one of the band's biggest hits to date."

SWITCHFOOT - comprising Jon Foreman (vocals/guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keys/guitar) and Drew Shirley (guitar) - recorded most of Vice Verses in the band's San Diego, CA home studio, working with producer Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles, Weezer). Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Pink) who produced 2009's Hello Hurricane, served as executive producer.

SWITCHFOOT - UPCOMING U.S. TOUR DATES

11/30Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

12/1Richmond, VA @ The National

12/2Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater (SOLD OUT)

12/3Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm

12/4Jacksonville, FL @ Met Park

12/6St. Louis, MO@ The Pageant

12/7Nashville, TN@ Cannery Ballroom

12/11San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center

12/16Pharr, TX @ Pharr Events Center

Monday, November 28, 2011

LAMB OF GOD ANNOUNCE SOUTH AMERICA AND MEXICO SHOWS

LAMB OF GOD continues the international part of their 2012/13 Resolution tour with seven South American shows and one show in Mexico. Support on all shows will be Hatebreed with Lacuna Coil added to the bill in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Following are the dates:

Saturday, March 31st- Sao Paulo, Brazil- Espaco Lux

Sunday, April 1st- Curitiba, Brazil- Curitiba Master Hall

Monday, April 2nd Buenos Aires, Argentina- Microestadio Malvinas Argentinas

Wednesday, April 4th- Santiago, Chile- Teatro Caupolican

Friday, April 6th- Quito, Ecuador- Teatro Bolivar

Saturday, April 7th- Bogota, Colombia- Teatro Metropol

Sunday, April 8th- Caracas, Venezuela- CIEC Caracas

Tuesday, April 10th- Mexico City, Mexico- Jose Cuervo Salon

GODS AND QUEENS: Philadelphia Trio Involved In Serious Van Accident in Czech Republic

Philadelphia-based GODS AND QUEENS were involved in a serious accident while on their current self-booked European tour this weekend in the Czech Republic. Several of the members and their traveling friends received very serious injuries in the brutal accident, which destroyed their van, equipment and personal gear.

The band are now struggling to cover their bills and are reaching out for the public's help. Please go drop a meager $1.99 on their latest untitled full-length album via the band's Bandcamp page at this location to help these hard-working bros cover their hospital and travel expenses to bring them home.

The full initial statement released by GODS AND QUEENS frontman Jamie Getz is below:


----------------


I´m going to try and make this as short as I can. After all these years of touring in unsafe vans, and doing stupid things, I guess I was overdue for this... We had a serious van accident in route from our show in Graz, Austria to Dresden, Germany, somewhere along the highway in the Czech.

I was asleep in the back of the van, so I'm unsure of what exactly happened. All I know is I felt the van skidding out and we started to slide and roll over. Not sure exactly how many times the van flipped but it was more than enough. I started screaming for everyone to tell me they were OK. Gertjan check, Ben check, Sara check, and I didn't hear Jeff.

Ben pulled me out through the windshield and I took off running, screaming for help with blood pouring down my face. I honestly though Jeff was dead. A car stopped and a slew of women started screaming at me and I was screaming at them. We were in the middle of nowhere and as I was running two things came to mind, I think Jeff is dead, and I hope I don´t get shot like Artimus Pyle. A woman pulled me into her house and her husband and son ran to the van crash site. I found Gertjan, and he said everyone is OK. The family started talking to me via Google Translation telling me everyone is safe and that an ambulance is on the way.

The ambulance comes takes us to a hospital, we get taken care of... sort of. The police arrive on the scene and inform us that we aren´t leaving until the medical bills are paid in full. They were so kind enough to escort Sara and myself to an ATM machine to pay the entire lump of the bills in full on the spot. Even after we signed some strange papers saying we have 30 day with proof of citizenship, etc. What the fuck ever right? We asked where Gertjan was, and their response was...prison. 300 phone calls and around €3,000 later we are out of the damned Czech and safe in Germany.

Long short, we are all somewhat OK. Jeff broke his collar bone, Ben got his hand jacked up, I am pretty alright, Gertjan is OK, as well as Sara. The van is destroyed. Booking these tours ourselves really made me realize that we are 100% on our own. We had no one to call, no one to "rescue" us. I made 3 phone calls and the entire German punk scene came to our rescue. God damn thank you. Our new friends from Dresden, Germany came to get us at the drop of a hat, no questions asked. Thank you.

So here it is, we are 3 grown adult males in our 30´s who play in a punk band. We are all stage hands at R5 Productions in Philly. That´s what we do to enable us to be here in Europe doing this. Never in our lives have we needed help like we do now. If you want to help us, please go to
www.godsandqueens.bandcamp.com and purchase a record for $1.99. If you ever laughed at one of my awful jokes, or spend hours talking with us after a show, and you would like to help, please do. I always thought our band would have too much pride to ask for help, but I am pretty sure we all agree that this time we need it. If you would like to help in any form please do jamiegetz(at)gmail.com is the paypal address if you are inclined to do so. We will also accept first class upgrades on US Air, Delta or Virgin.

Thanks.
Jamie/Gods & Queens

NAILS & SKIN LIKE IRON To Co-Self-Release Limited Split EP In January

Bringing two energetic but diversified contemporary hardcore acts together in one pure and primal slab of wax, NAILS and SKIN LIKE IRON will collaboratively self-release a split 7” EP this January.

San Francisco’s SKIN LIKE IRON have already become a well-known entity in modern hardcore with nearly ten releases on such admirable dissident hardcore labels as Six Feet Under and React Records. The split leads off with two tracks of their melodic, yet abrasive hardcore, boasting an ambitious and emotive energy that many similar contemporary acts lack in severely.

The B-side of this crushing joint venture is owned by NAILS, hailing from Oxnard, California (the same town as the legendary Dr. Know), and undoubtedly one of the most devastating acts within the present expanses of hardcore. As on their Southern Lord debut LP Unsilent Death NAILS get in, kill, and get out, just as fans expect on these two tracks, which are in fact a preview of what is to be expected of their upcoming full-length, now being constructed for release via Southern Lord in the first half of 2012.

This one-time pressing of 1000 copies will be split between a publicly available reserve of 900 copies on black wax and 100 copies on blue, available from the bands only. The artwork was handled by SKIN LIKE IRON’s Alex Capasso who has handled the art duties for previous releases for the band.

Stay tuned for preorder info, an exclusive stream of the release and more in the weeks ahead. Check out the artwork and more at this location.


SKIN LIKE IRON & NAILS Split 7” Track Listing:

1. Skin Like Iron "Disappear"
2. Skin Like Iron "The Parade"
3. Nails "Annihilation"
4. Nails "Cry Wolf"

PARADISE LOST begins recording new album, “Tragic Idol”

After taking a trip back in time with the Draconian Times MMXI DVD/live album (the London legacy show of their classic album from 1995) and also Gregor Mackintosh's return to his crusty doom/death metal roots with VALLENFYRE (alongside his mates from MY DYING BRIDE, DOOM, and AT THE GATES), it's now time for PARADISE LOST's 13th studio album! Gregor Mackintosh (lead guitar) comments, "We are currently holed up in The Chapel studios in Lincolnshire, England recording our new album which is entitled 'Tragic Idol'. The album will again be produced by Jens Bogren and is influenced by classic doom metal and classic metal. I would say it is more melodic than the last record whilst retaining the heaviness. There are lots of guitar solos and melodies. The album will contain such track titles as 'Honesty in Death', 'Theories from Another World', 'In this We Dwell' and the title track 'Tragic Idol'."

Tragic Idol is scheduled for a worldwide release through Century Media Records on April 23rd, 2012 in Europe and April 24th, 2012 in North America. PARADISE LOST's last studio album, Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us (2009), entered the charts in over 10 European countries-- most notably #22 in Germany and Finland, #29 in Sweden, and #45 in France.

Tour dates will be announced soon, but a few summer festivals have already been confirmed:

PARADISE LOST live:
3/16/12 -- Hammerfest IV -- Prestatyn, UK
6/22/12 -- Graspop Metal Meeting -- Dessel, Belgium
8/2/12 -- Wacken Open Air -- Wacken, Germany
8/4/12 -- Metal Camp -- Tolmin, Slovenia
8/10/12 -- Brutal Assault -- Josefov, Czech Republic
8/12/12 -- Bloodstock Open Air -- Catton Hall, UK

In the meantime, you can still enjoy the band's new Draconian Times MMXI double DVD at home (available exclusively in North America at
CM Distro) until PARADISE LOST's upcoming milestone of melancholic heaviness is released this spring. More details about Tragic Idol will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

HADES guitarist releases DAN ZIG HATES X-MAS video

HADES guitarist Dan Lorenzo has posted a video for his song "Dan Zig Hates X-Mas" from his first solo album, "Cassius King", which was released in 2003.

Commented Lorenzo:
"Everybody who knows anything about marketing knows the best time to release a video is about eight years after the CD is released. Yes, I'm serious. Well...maybe not. When I first wrote the riff to this song, I knew it sounded a lot like something off the first two DANZIG CDs. Not any one song in particular, but absolutely that style. The first two DANZIG CDs are two of my favorite CDs ever. So I decided to write the song as an homage to DANZIG. It was the most dreaded time of year when I wrote it... the winter. I despise the winter. Even though I have a happy life, Christmas day has always kind of bummed me out since my father died 29 years ago. I feel super-awkward getting presents as an adult. And did I mention how much my wife and I hate cold weather?

"On the actual CD version of the song, I played all the guitars, bass and sang. Johnny Milnes from MUCKY PUP played the drums. In the video I have my 5-year-old nephew/godson on drums and (current DANZIG bassist) Steve Zing on bass. I also have my wife, my sister-in-law, my nephew's baby sitter, and the only two members of the "Dan Lorenzo fan club" Lindsey and Christina.

"This is my directorial debut. I tried to find a lighting where I looked the most attractive--turns out I look much better the darker it is. Who knew? It was filmed based around DANZIG's 'Mother' video."

The video can be viewed here.

R-Rated photos from the video shoot can be seen here.

Friday, November 25, 2011

NIJI ENTERTAINMENT GROUP ANNOUNCES COLLECTIBLE DIO RELEASES

Without question, Ronnie James Dio was one of the greatest vocalists in hard rock/heavy metal history, who built a fanatical and devoted following during his multi-decade career. And in the coming months, Dio collectors will have the opportunity to pick up some truly one-of-a-kind releases – a limited edition picture disc of Elf's self-titled debut album, a deluxe picture disc of the Dio release 'Master of the Moon,' and a limited edition and deluxe numbered super secret Picture Disc that will make HISTORY for RECORD STORE DAY 2012!

As a reminder, just released is the amazing, "And Before Elf....... There Were Elves" featuring both live in the studio and live on stage tracks from 1971 from The Elves featuring a young Ronnie James Dio on vocals! The packaging is spectacular! The CD comes housed in a digi pack with a custom Lenticular cover! When you turn the cover to the right, you see an image and when you turn it to the right, you see a completely different image! This CD is in stores now!


December 13th will see the release of the very first Elf album, as a deluxe numbered picture disc. Originally issued in 1972, the album shows off Dio's vast vocal talents, as he handles honky tonk, blues, and rock, rather than the mega decibel rock that would later become his trademark. This release will be issued in the USA only, and each LP will be individually numbered from 1-2,500.

The next release, the 'Master of the Moon' deluxe numbered picture disc, will be released on March 13, 2012. The album was originally issued in 2004, was Dio's tenth studio solo effort overall, and featured such renowned rock names as Simon Wright on drums, Craig Goldy on guitar, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Jeff Pilson on bass. Unlike the other two aforementioned releases, the 'Master of the Moon' deluxe picture disc will not be a limited edition release.


And lastly, on Record Store Day 2012 (April 16, 2012, to be exact), The Niji Entertainment Group has something very special that will sell out instantly! We don't want to give it away yet, but trust us, fans will be waiting in line at participating Record Store Day locations to scoop this release up! Dio fans will be the first to know about it, so joing the Official Ronnie James Dio Fan Page On Facebook!
Also recently launched is the Official Dio Store, where fans can buy shirts, CD's, DVD's, Blu-rays and more from Dio, Heaven & Hell and other artists signed to the label:
officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/content/

Don't wait long to pick up these three beautifully assembled Dio releases! These releases will be sold in local record stores across the US as well as online music retailers like Amazon.com and the Official Dio Web Store! The Official Dio Fan Page on Facebook gets over 25,000,000 visitors a month, and once the word is spread about this project, fans will be waiting in line overnight to get their copies. Get ready for some vintage Dio rock…with a sleek new look!


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
ronniejamesdio.com
facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/content/

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Paragon Music Magazine's Hosting a Buried Alive Tour Ticket Giveaway!

Another contest is being hosted by ParagonMag.com!  This time, it's for tickets to the "Buried Alive Tour," featuring Hollywood Undead and Avenged Sevenfold, with support from Asking Alexandria and Black Veil Brides.  The tour kicks off November 25th, and the contest will run until December 14th, the last day of the tour.  We are giving away a pair of tickets to one winner in each city along with a huge prize pack of signed merch from each of the bands on this tour!

Click here to enter, and good luck!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

3 INCHES OF BLOOD to BEGIN Working on New Album

Heavy metal veterans 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will be entering the studio to begin tracking their fifth full length album, set for release in 2012. The band will be working out of Vogville Studios and Profile Studios in Vancouver with engineer and producer Terry Sho Murray, who also worked on the band's last 7". 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's 2009 album, Here Wait Thy Doom showcased the band's distinct, traditional heavy metal sound and debuted on the Billboard Top 200 charts. 3 INCHES OF BLOOD promises fans they will not have to wait long for the impressive planned follow up.

Guitarist Shane Clark comments, "We 're in pre-production mode here in east van and we're writing our next blood soaked metal masterpiece!! We are keeping true metal alive, so fuck trends brothers and sisters!! Stay metal!!! You will hear from us very soon!!"

Chris Vrenna Leaves Marilyn Manson to Focus on Production and New Projects

Chris Vrenna, the Grammy-award winning musician and producer who was most recently the drummer/keyboardist for Marilyn Manson, has left the band to focus on his growing film and video game scoring, production career and DJ outings as well as work on the forthcoming 2012 Tweaker release.

"I'm incredibly proud of the work I did with Manson and look forward to the release of Born Villain. I wish my brothers well but with the recording largely completed I felt it was time to return to other facets of my career which involves production work, film scoring, and future musical collaborations," explained Vrenna.

Vrenna rose to prominence in the early '90s as a full-time member of Nine Inch Nails, having been a permanent member of Trent Reznor's band since Nine Inch Nails' inception and for the following eight years. His production and programming credits include the aforementioned Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Guns'n'Roses and most recently work on Evanescence's self-titled 2011 album. Vrenna is also a sought after remixer working on tracks by U2, Nelly Furtado, Rammstein, and Slipknot.

HAVOK: Metal Injection Hosts Exclusive Video Premiere

Today popular video portal, Metal Injection, is hosting an exclusive video premiere of "D.O.A.," the latest work of cinematic awesomeness from Denver thrash sensations, HAVOK. The tune comes off the band's critically-lauded Time Is Up full-length, released via Candlelight Records earlier this year. The video was directed by Josh Gold and shot in various locations around Denver.

Commented vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez: "This video is a reflection of the lyrics to 'D.O.A.,' a song about drunk driving and smashing your face through the fucking windshield! It's a pretty brutal video for a brutal song."

Check out "D.O.A." HERE.

HAVOK recently completed a near month-long tour with Exhumed and Goatwhore, which proved to be a great success despite some van troubles. Said Sanchez of the trek: "The tour with was a blast! We had lots of great shows and met some rad people. It was great to finally hit the American Southeast. Up until this trip, we had never made it there before. Due to vehicle issues, we had to miss the last couple of shows. Our transmission blew up in the middle of nowhere in Texas and we're stuck here, as I write this. We plan on rescheduling those shows to make up for the ones we missed. In times like these, I can't help but remember a sacred adage that an old wise man once told me: 'Shit happens!'"

The band will return to the road this February for a short run of dates alongside English Dogs, The Casualties and Toxic Holocaust! The tour will commence on February 10 in Baltimore at the Ottobar and ravage its way towards the West Coast, coming to a close February 25 in Santa Ana at the Galaxy Theatre.

HAVOK Winter 2012 Tour:
w/ English Dogs, The Casualties, Toxic Holocaust
2/10/2012 Ottobar - Baltimore, MD
2/11/2012 The Middle East - Boston, MA
2/12/2012 Europa - Brooklyn, NY
2/13/2012 Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, QC
2/14/2012 The Opera House - Toronto, ON
2/15/2012 Peabody’s - Cleveland, OH
2/16/2012 Reggie’s Rock Club - Chicago, IL
2/17/2012 Station 4 - St Paul, MN
2/19/2012 Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
2/21/2012 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
2/22/2012 Branx - Portland, OR
2/23/2012 The Pound - Oakland, CA
2/24/2012 Key Club - West Hollywood, CA
2/25/2012 Galaxy Theater - Santa Ana, CA

NEKROMANTHEON Reveals Cover Art and Track List

Norwegian thrash beasts, NEKROMANTHEON, have unveiled the cover art and track listing of their upcoming release "Rise, Vulcan Spectre." This marks the band's second album, and their Indie Recordings' debut, and will be released on January 13th in Europe and January 17th in North America.



Tracklist:

1. Cast Down to the Void
2. Blood Wisdom
3. Embrace the Oracle
4. Coven of the Minotaur
5. The Usurper Command
6. Rise, Vulcan Spectre
7. Twelve Depths of Hades
8. Raised by Dogs


Having previously released one album and a EP, this powerful trio has regressed far back into the glorious days of real metal, breaking the chains to all that is plastic. Their second and forthcoming full-length is even faster, filthier, and more evil than ever! With "Rise, Vulcan Spectre," Nekromantheon have truly summoned the ancient Greek gods of havoc, and will let nothing stand in the way of this unholy blood offering. Worship the beast!


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

NACHTMYSTIUM To Perform 'INSTINCT: DECAY' In Its Entirety At Voivod's Curated ROADBURN 2012 Event

On Friday, April 13th, NACHTMYSTIUM will be playing a very special show at Roadburn 2012's Voivod-curated Au-delà du Réel event. For the first and only time, NACHTMYSTIUM will play their landmark USBM album Instinct: Decay in its entirety.

When Instinct: Decay was released in 2006, branded as a psychedelic extreme metal record, it was met with deeply divided feedback -some highly laudatory and some derisive. Five years later, the record sounds as good as ever and it seems clear that the derision was merely the backlash of closed-minded black metal fans. Change turned out to be a good thing - now Instinct: Decay is hailed as an enormous milestone in USBM history.

In fact, along with Leviathan, Krieg, and Wolves In The Throne Room, NACHTMYSTIUM are considered instrumental in forging a unique musical identity for the USBM scene. This is a unique chance to hear the entire album at this one of a kind show, something definitely not to be missed!

"Nachtmystium is extremely honored to be a part of Roadburn again", says Blake Judd, "The fact that we were picked by one our idols and perhaps the most forward thinking metal bands of all time, Voivod, makes it even more that extraordinary. We decided to do something hopefully just as equally special for everyone there. We'll be playing our album, Instinct: Decay, from start to finish. We hope you enjoy it." 

STINKING LIZAVETA: Eclectic Philadelphia Trio Sign To Exile On Mainstream

Infamous Philly avant/agro rock trio STINKING LIZAVETA have proudly joined forces with Germany’s Exile On Mainstream Records for the release of their forthcoming seventh full-length album. STINKING LIZAVETA’s near legendary cult status and blend of improvisational and otherworldly post-jazz/rock/freakout style now hitching to the exceptionally diverse purveyance of all forms of rock Exile On Mainstream’s roster already bears is an ideal alliance, and both sides are extremely excited about the signing.

Stated Exile On Mainstream owner Andreas Kohl on the signing: “I am thrilled and very enthusiastic about the Stinking ship steering into our harbor! This band has always been one of my all-time favorites since I started working for and with them for the first time approximately 100 years ago as PR dude when III came out. Now they are signed to this label and I'm one step closer to personal heaven. There isn't many more on this stairway. I am happy. Just über-fucking happy. Welcome STINKING LIZAVETA!”

The new album from STINKING LIZAVETA will be released in the fall of 2012. More information on the album will be released over the coming weeks. This week the band launched a Kickstarter page to raise funds to help get this album off the ground. The page will remain active until mid-December; check it out now RIGHT HERE.

Since 1994 the name STINKING LIZAVETA has made its way well beyond the crusty punk and indie clubs in the band’s West Philadelphia stomping grounds where they first tore into the music scene. The trio’s instrumental, organic fusion of post-jazz, progressive rock, punk, world music, sludge and whatever else you might care to attach to their plainly distinctive resonance has become a cult phenomenon to fans of all forms of interesting heavy music the world over. Having released six full-lengths albums to date -- several self-released and the others released by Tolotta, At A Loss -- in addition to a plethora of EP’s, demos, compilation appearances.

While STINKING LIZAVETA’s recordings are fascinating on their own, the band is even well known for their brilliant, energetic live shows. The trio’s explosive energy is guaranteed to hit you like an electrified avalanche every time, in front of an audience of 12 or 1200, propelled through a modest setup, comprised of a drum kit, electric guitar and upright electric bass. They have toured relentlessly throughout North America, Europe and beyond over the past seventeen years alongside eclectic rock acts of all kinds along with some of the biggest and most respected names in the rock, stoner and sludge scenes including Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, The Rollins Band, Fugazi, Zeni Geva, Today Is The Day, Weedeater, The Hidden Hand, Don Vito, The Antikaroshi, End of Level Boss, Beehoover and more. Watch for them to take to the road again throughout the coming year as they create their forthcoming seventh opus.

STINKING LIZAVETA is:
Cheshire Agusta - drums
Yanni Papadopoulos - guitar
Alexi Papadopoulos - upright electric bass

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

James Murphy Has Brain Tumor Relapse; Donations Welcome

James Murphy, former guitarist of both Death and Testament, As well as founding member of the death metal band Disincarnate, has had a relapse of the brain tumor that sidelined him back in 2001. Murphy stated that the tumor had returned but that it was a non malignant and that it was being treated pharmacologically. Unfortunately, those medications have serious side effects that have left him unable to work. The option for different medications is available, but at a cost of over $1000 a month, and he needs a minimum of 6 months of medication for treatment to be effective. With his medical expenses extremely high and James not being able to work due to the side effects of the current medications, the metal community is being asked to come together and help one of their brothers and donate to help him beat this once and for all.

In August 2001, Murphy was discovered to have a massive tumor growth near the base of his brain (on the pituitary gland) and was quickly scheduled for an urgent life-saving operation. James underwent surgery on September 17, 2001, involving a Maxillary Swing procedure that made entry through the left side of the face. An incision was made underneath the left eye, along the side of the nose, and finally through the middle of the upper lip. The facial tissue was then pulled back and the cheekbone removed. They then cut through James' sinus and made entry below the orbit of the eye to remove a portion of the growth. More was removed through an incision made in the soft pallet inside the mouth. About 70% of the tumor was removed, the remainder being too close to vital structures to risk further damage. The sinus was then packed with fat tissue taken from the lower abdomen via an incision below the navel and reattached. The cheekbone was set back in place and held with two small titanium plates. The facial tissue was then sutured closed along with the soft pallet. His mouth was fitted with prosthesis to protect the pallet tissue while it healed. The remaining 30% of the tumor was treated with a medication called Parlodel (Bromocriptine) to shrink it called which James was told he would have to take for the rest of his life. This treatment was more or less successful for 9 years.

A spike in the hormone indicator for the tumor, as discovered by a blood test that was followed up by an MRI to confirm, showed that the tumor was again active, and had grown a bit. Luckily not enough to require surgery, but radiation treatment was still on the table. The decision was made to defer the radiation treatment for 6 months, during which time the tumor would be attacked pharmacologically, increasing the dose of the drug used to hinder its growth to a level which leaves James wiped out, overly fatigued, nauseous, and unable to work to earn his living at full capacity. A better drug, one that has less side-effects, and would require a much smaller dosage is available, but considerable vastly more expensive.

Click Here to Donate:

EL CACO Signs to Indie Recordings

Indie Recordings is proud to announce the signing of EL CACO for the release of their new album, "Hatred, Love and Diagrams," out January 27th 2012 in Europe and January 31st in N. America.

EL CACO has been an institution and a well kept secret in the Norwegian music scene for the past decade, but look for that to change with "Hatred, Love and Diagrams."

The band's music is a culmination of three very talented individuals, each with a very eclectic taste in music. Inspired by the best, but never stripping themselves of their own unique identity, they have the rare ability to grasp the finer elements of their influences and mould them into their own diverse sound.

On their new album, EL CACO push the envelope even further than they have done before. Having explored the melodic aspects of rock and metal for more than a decade, this album shows us yet another side of this multi layered band. With an organic and natural sound the trio displays true musicianship and great song-writing skills on this 10-track album which is their definitive peak, their Opus Magna. It sounds more like a band than most other bands. A true organic unit moving fluently with the songs, expressing the underlying emotions through their instruments in a way we know from the greater bands of history.

Stay tuned at elcaco.com and indierecordings.no.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS' "Weightless" Debuts at #92 on Billboard Top 200 Chart

ANIMALS AS LEADERS' new album, "Weightless," has debuted at #92 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart. The album also landed at #7 on Billboard's Top Hard Music Chart, #16 on their Top Independent Album Chart and #50 on the Top Current Digital Album Chart. This marks the band's first appearance on any of Billboard's charts and is one of the five best first-week showings in Prosthetic history.

"Weightless" marks the recording debuts of drummer Navene Koperweis, who spearheaded the production of the album, and guitarist Javier Reyes, who mixed the album. Samples of all the album's tracks can be heard now at Prosthetic Records'
webstore.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS is currently on an extensive N. American trek with Between The Buried And Me. The band has just confirmed their participation in 2012's "Tuska Open Air Festival" in Finland, alongside Ministry, Overkill, Saint Vitus, label mates Skeletonwitch, amongst many others. A complete list of upcoming dates can be found below.
ANIMALS AS LEADERS on tour:
11/4 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution*
11/5 Orlando, FL - The Beacham*
11/6 Birmingham, AL - Zydeco*
11/8 Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room*
11/9 Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues*
11/10 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall*
11/11 Chicago, IL - House Of Blues*
11/12 Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's*
11/13 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant*
11/15 Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music Hall*
11/16 New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues*
11/17 Houston, TX - House Of Blues*
11/18 Dallas, TX - House Of Blues*
11/19 Austin, TX - Emo's Outside*
11/20 San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live*
11/22 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre*
11/23 Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues*
11/25 Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues*
11/26 Los Angeles, CA - House Of Blues*
11/27 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore*
11/29 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory*
11/30 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory*
12/1 Calgary, AB - The Republik*
12/2 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room*
12/3 Saskatoon, SK - Louis' Pub*
12/4 Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre*
12/6 Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar *
12/7 Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre*
12/8 Montreal, QC - Club Soda*
12/9 Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights*
12/10 Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts*
12/11 New York, NY- Best Buy Theatre *
6/29-7/1 Helsinki, Switzerland - Suvilahti/Tuska Open Air

* w/ BTBAM & Tesseract

ANIMALS AS LEADERS was initially the moniker under which virtuoso guitarist Tosin Abasi chose to release his groundbreaking 2009 solo debut, but it quickly became a full-fledged band that wowed crowds on tour with the likes of Circa Survive, Underoath, The Dillinger Escape Plan and many more. Their video for "CAFO" has been viewed on YouTube well over one million times. Steve Vai has called ANIMALS AS LEADERS "the future of creative, heavy, virtuoso guitar," while MetalSucks recently ranked Abasi #2 on their list of the Top 25 Modern Metal guitarists.

IN FLAMES Digital Single Available Today

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Today, Sweden's own IN FLAMES unleashes the digital single for their track "Where The Dead Ships Dwell". The digital single includes not only the original song from the most recent album, Sounds Of A Playground Fading - which debuted at #27 on the Top 200 Billboard Charts and topped international charts - but also features three extremely diverse remixes of the song.
 
1. Where The Dead Ships Dwell
2. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Casper Remix)
3. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (The Qemists Remix)
4. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (Kristof Bathory - Dawn of Ashes Remix) (iTunes exclusive track)
 
With versions by German rapper CASPER, drum and bass act THE QEMISTS and KRISTOF BATHORY, vocalist of the black metal band DAWN OF ASHES, there should be something everyone can enjoy. "The songs have already been made and the originals are as good as they can be, but what if I give them to an artist from a whole different genre, what would be there take on it?" Says IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén. "I love collaborations like this and all the artists we worked with have done an awesome job. It's not meant to be taken dead serious and it's not how In Flames is gonna sound next, but I love it and I hope you'll enjoy a twist to the formula."

A preview including snippets from all of the remixes can be heard here.

The music video for "Where The Dead Ships Dwell" was recently released and can be seen here. IN FLAMES also just announced a North American tour with TRIVIUM, VEIL OF MAYA and KYNG.
 
North American Tour Dates
Jan-12 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Jan-13 Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Jan-14 Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
Jan-15 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Jan-17 Ybor City, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
Jan-18 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
Jan-20 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Ballroom
Jan-21 Austin, TX @ Emo's East
Jan-22 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
Jan-24 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Jan-25 Winnipeg, MB, CANADA @ Burton Cummings
Jan-27 Edmonton, AB, CANADA @ Edmonton Events Centre
Jan-28 Calgary, AB, CANADA @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Jan-31 Vancouver, BC, CANADA @ Commodore Ballroom
Feb-01 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre
Feb-02 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Feb-03 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
Feb-04 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Feb-06 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Feb-07 Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre
Feb-08 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
Feb-09 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
Feb-10 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
Feb-11 Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont Club
Feb-13 Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues - Cleveland
Feb-14 Toronto, ON, CANADA @ Sound Academy
Feb-15 Montreal, QC, CANADA @ Metropolis
Feb-17 Worcester , MA @ The Palladium
Feb-18 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
Feb-19 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Feb-21 Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues

SS-KALIERT To Embark on US Tour

German Hardcore street punks SS-KALIERT make their way overseas next month for "The Total Deconstruction" Tour. Heading out with American punkers, EMBRACE THE KILL and VERBAL ABUSE on select dates, this will be the first time in years that SS-KALIERT has graced American soil. "The Total Deconstruction" Tour will also be the first tour in support of their latest album, Subzero which was released on PEOPLE LIKE YOU RECORDS earlier this year. A full list of dates can be seen below.

"On behalf of all five of us, I can say that we can't hardly wait for the 29th of November when we finally touch American soil again - for the third SS-KALIERT US Tour in the band's history." Says guitarist Benni Whitley, "We are looking forward to rocking the shit out of 21 cities. Also, we are very honored to share stages with US Hardcore Punk veterans such as Verbal Abuse, Embrace the Kill and Poison Idea. Spread the word and light the fire!!!"


"The Total Deconstruction" Tour
12/1/11 - Bremerton, WA @ The Charleston
12/2/11 - Portland, OH @ Plan B
12/3/11 - Seattle, WA @ The Funhouse
12/4/11 - Portland, OR @ The Crypt
12/5/11 - Boise, ID @ Liquid Lounge
12/6/11 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tikki Lounge
12/7/11 - Denver, CO @ The Marquis Theater
12/8/11 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory
12/9/11 - Dallas, TX @ The Double Wide
12/10/11 - Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's
12/11/11 - Austin, TX @ Red 7
12/12/11 - San Antonio, TX @ Korvona
12/13/11 - El Paso, TX @ Lips Lounge
12/15/11 - Long Beach, CA @ Alex's Bar
12/16/11 - Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Café
12/17/11 - San Diego, CA @ The Ruby Room
12/18/11 - San Francisco, CA @ The Parkside
12/19/11 - Sacramento, CA @ Digitalis

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

STYX Announces Exclusive “Diana Warner For Styx” Jewelry Line; Pre-Orders Available For The Holidays

Legendary rockers STYX--Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Todd Sucherman—have teamed up with jewelry designer Diana Warner (www.dianawarnerstudio.com) to create the “Diana Warner for Styx” jewelry collection, which was made available exclusively on the band’s official website (www.styxworld.com) on November 11, just in time for holiday shopping.

Each piece is hand-made in Diana Warner’s New York City studio, with prices ranging from $55-$200. The first items available are eight dog tag necklaces made of 30 inch chains of gunmetal, antique gold or antique silver plate over brass. The charms are made of pewter and rose gold, gunmetal, antique gold or antique silver. They’ll also be selling guitar pick earrings available in 4 finishes: gunmetal, rose gold, antique gold and antique silver, as well as antique gold and silver charms with one of the band’s well-recognized lyrics, “Come Sail Away With Me.”

This is only the first part of the “Diana Warner for Styx” collection. Multiple styles of limited edition charms will be created in 2012, which will be sold in a small number and will be considered collector’s items. A full line of “Diana Warner for Styx” jewelry will be made available in 2012. This is the first collection Diana has designed for a band and collaborated on this project with singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw’s wife, Jeanne Shaw.

“The second we saw Diana’s pieces, we knew we wanted to work with her,” says Jeanne. “We’re so thrilled to be able to offer something very special to STYX’s fans that’s worlds different than anything we’ve done before. We hope they love the collection as much as we do.”

In touring news, STYX is continuing to criss-cross the U.S. in support of REGENERATION, VOLUME I & II, a double-disc collection of re-recorded classics that was released on October 4 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. In addition to thirteen STYX classics and a brand new song “Difference In The World REGENERATION, VOLUME I & II also includes interpretations of “High Enough,” and “Coming Of Age,” originally recorded by Damn Yankees, which featured Tommy Shaw, along with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades, Ted Nugent and drummer Michael Cartellone. The band had originally re-recorded these acclaimed anthems to sell only at their live shows, as they continued to tour the globe and introduce a new generation of fans to their chart-topping hits. Now, for the first time, this music has been made commercially available.

Check them out at any of the following stops (with more being added in the coming weeks):

DATE CITY VENUE

Fri 12/16 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre

Sat 12/17 Montgomery, AL Montgomery Performing Arts Center

1/25/12 Anaheim, CA The Grove

1/27/12 Temecula, CA Pechanga Casino

1/28/12 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Casino

2/10/12 Las Vegas, NV Green Valley Ranch/Grand Events Center

2/11/12 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall

3/9/12 Miami, FL Magic City Casino Amphitheater

3/10/12 Silver Springs, FL Twin Oaks Amphitheatre