| April 28th, 2009 |
- SONIC SYNDICATE - SEARCHING FOR NEW SINGER
Swedish modern metallers SONIC SYNDICATE have posted the following statement
about the Roland´s departure:
"Today, March 30th Sonic Syndicate regrets to announce that Roland
has decided to leave Sonic Syndicate due to personal reasons beyond
our control. All of us in Sonic Syndicate wish Roland the best of luck
in the future and we plan to continue our friendship / brotherhood outside
the band. Thank you for all the hard work, and the good / bad times
we had together.
Today we have started the search for a new singer. All of us in Sonic
Syndicate are so full of energy and we can't wait to get a new member
/ family member into the band and continue our long life dreams. The
last two years have been more then amazing for us, we've seen half the
world, met so many great fans and made even more along the way. You
guys are what keeps us alive and makes life exciting.
Yesterday, the five of us sat down and agreed that our search should
not be limited to our inner circle. This is a very big opportunity for
us and we want everyone out there to have a chance to spread the word
and be a part of the search. Maybe it will be you, a friend or a friend
of a friend who will be the next singer of Sonic Syndicate.
If you feel you would like to be a part of the search and help us or
you would like the chance to audition we ask you to check more details
on our website www.sonicsyndicate.com
You´ll find an application there! Please fill in and send back
to us!
Thanks a lot for your help, we´ll see you soon!"
- SONIC SYNDICATE
NOTE: ROLAND WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY ALL CONFIRMED SHOWS!
Sonic
Syndicate MySpace Page
Sonic
Syndicate Facebook Page
- SONATA ARCTICA – Keyboardist checks in
Keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg of the Finnish melodic metal band SONATA
ARCTICA has issued the following update:
"So far we have about half of the new SONATA ARCTICA record in
shape, so we're missing some songs, as usual. In April we start recording,
and, as before, me and Tony are working at our home studios while the
other guys record at more 'professional' studios, and by the end of
May everything should be recorded and we're ready to mix and master.
I know a lot of you are really eager to hear what the album sounds like
and probably the speculations have already started on the forums, etc.
I can only say that it's a bit darker and maybe not so complex as 'Unia'.
Nevertheless, it's definitely not a back-to-the-roots album with fast
power metal. All the trademark SONATA stuff is on there, solos, lots
of singing some slower songs. Actually, I can hardly wait to hear how
it turns out myself.
Next fall we start to tour again, it will once again be a massive effort
and going all over the world... at least once. We'll be starting the
world tour in.....shit, I can't say that yet. Anyway, there'll be a
lot of new places and even more of places we've already been to."
The record is due in September 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Sonata
Arctica MySpace Page
Sonata
Arctica Facebook Page
- DEATH ANGEL - FIRST LIVE DVD ON THE WAY!
Five years after the acclaimed comeback album The Art Of Dying, and
the following album Killing Season, the legendary and one of the most
influential bands of the Bay Area Trash Metal scene DEATH ANGEL will
release a DVD with two full length concerts filmed in Germany.
The DVD was filmed live at Rockhard Festival 2007 and in Adelsheim.in
2008. It contains some of the new Songs, two Clips and a lot of old
DEATH ANGEL stuff which is still seriously cult!
This is the first live DVD ever in the history of DEATH ANGEL and it
also contains a Live CD. So, what to say more: Grab Sonic German Beatdown
and see by yourself that DEATH ANGEL are more alive than ever before!
It's just amazing…
DVD:
Live @ Rock Hard Festival 2007
Intro
Seemingly Endless Time
Voracious Souls
Mistress Of Pain
Ex-Tc
3rd Floor
Thrown To The Wolves
5 Steps Of Freedom
Thicker Than Blood
The Devil Incarnate
Disturbing The Peace
Stagnant
The Ultra Violence
(introduction: Carnival Justice)
Bored
Kill As One
Live in Adelsheim, Live Factory, 2008:
Lord of Hate
Evil Priest
Sonic Beatdown
Dethroned
Voracious Souls
Carnival Justice
Buried Alive
Soulless
When Worlds Collide
Seemingly Endless Time
God vs. God
Steal The Crown
Devil Incarnate
3rd Floor
Kill As One
Resurrection Machine
Thrown to The Wolves
Bonus video clips:
Thicker Than Blood
Dethroned
CD:
01. Intro
02. Seemingly Endless Time
03. Voracious Souls
04. Mistress Of Pain
05. EX-TC
06. 3rd Floor
07. Thrown To The Wolves
08. 5 Steps Of Freedom
09. Thicker Than Blood
10. The Devil Incarnate
11. Disturbing The Peace
12. Stagnant
13. The Ultra Violence
14. Bored
15. Kill As One
Death Angel MySpace Page
Death
Angel Facebook Page
- TESTAMENT COMMENTS ON UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph checked in from the road to comment on
the band’s upcoming run in North America. "I'm excited as
hell for the upcoming U.S. tour with Lazarus A.D. and Unearth, said
Bostaph. "We’ll be supporting the newest TESTAMENT release
The Formation of Damnation, and we’ll be pulling out all the stops!
So, come on out; it will be a killer show!"
Currently in Europe on the Priest Feast tour with Judas Priest and Megadeth,
TESTAMENT will return to the US for their first headlining tour in support
of The Formation of Damnation, winner of the Metal Hammer Golden Gods
2008 award for “Album of the Year."
Tickets are currently on sale for the tour which kicks off May 2 in
Seattle, WA. Links to purchase can be found next to the individual tour
dates. VIP packages are also available and feature such exclusive items
as autographed posters, access to sound check, meet and greet opportunities,
collectible laminate and more!
Testament
MySpace Page
Testament
Facebook Page
- GREAT WHITE To Release New Album RISING
TOUR DATES ADDED
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Multi-Platinum rock band Great White, celebrated
the 25th anniversary of the band’s inception with the release
of BACK TO THE RHYTHM in 2006. The band’s new record RISING is
a no holds barred, all original LP that is among their strongest releases
to date. The bands new CD is their second studio recording in 10 years
and features 11 brilliant new compositions penned by the band.
GREAT WHITE TOUR DATES – more dates to be added:
Fri 04/24/09 Atlanta, GA Wild Bill's
Sat 04/25/09 Leesburg, FL Bike Rally
Sat 05/02/09 Laredo, TX Ride & Share
Fri 05/15/09 Yucaipa, CA Angels Roadhouse
Sat 05/16/09 San Diego, CA 4TH and B
Fri 05/22/09 Tempe, AZ Club Red
Sat 05/23/09 Parker, AZ Blue Water Resort
Sat 05/30/09 Waterloo, IA Waterloo Days
Sat 06/06/09 Geuda Springs, KS Mid America Drag Way
Sat 06/13/09 Kansas City, MO Crossroads
Sat 06/27/09 Des Moines, IA KGGO Summer Jam
Thu 07/02/09 La Crosse, WI Riverfest
Sun 07/12/09 Pryor, OK Rocklahoma
Fri 07/17/09 Great Falls, MT Club Big House
Sat 07/18/09 Idaho Falls, ID Sandy Downs Race Track
Sun 07/19/09 Alpine, WY Bull Moose Saloon
Fri 07/24/09 Royalton, MN Half Way Jam
Sat 08/01/09 Redwood Falls, MN Redwood County Fair
Thur 08/13/09 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
Fri 08/14/09 Agoura, CA Canyon Club
Sat 08/15/09 Lake Elsinore, CA Rockfest 2009 Storm Stadium
Thurs 08/20/09 Bristol, VA Food City Family Race Night
Fri 08/21/09 Glen Flora, WI Northwood Rock Rally
Sat 08/22/09 Algona, IA Rock Gone Wild
- MAROON entire new album “Order” at MySpace; filming new
video & more!
Driven by its steadfast dedication to honest, vigorous and timeless
metal sounds, German modern metal act MAROON is about to return with
its heaviest, most diverse and visionary opus to date - “Order”!
Right now, the band is filming its brand-new video for the song “Stay
Brutal”, vocalist Andre Moraweck comments:
“Hey everybody! We’re currently shooting our new video for
“Stay Brutal” and you can be assured that this will not
be one of those typical metal videos. We really put loads of time and
effort into this to make it something special! Of course, musically
you’ll get a literally brutal song and we hope that the new video
is going to be a nice audiovisual surprise for you, so stay tuned for
its premier!”
Furthermore, you can listen to the band’s entire new album exclusively
on MySpace from Friday April 3rd – April 10 on! So, don’t
hesitate a second and head over to http://www.myspace.com/maroonhate!
Advance press feedback on “Order” is already overwhelming:
"“Order” is a masterpiece in terms of diverse songwriting
that grows on you with each listen and sounds relentless in its heaviness.”
Rock Hard (D), soundcheck #2
“Easily one of the best albums in 2009”
Metal Hammer (D), soundcheck #5
“Unmistakably MAROON worshipping the grandeur of “Master
Of Puppets” – with an injection of plutonium!”
Visions (D)
“Order” will be released on April 20th, 2009 in Europe and
to properly celebrate this event, MAROON have announced several exclusive
record release shows including one in the band’s hometown Nordhausen
where you will be able to buy an exclusive “Order” package
only available at this date! Here are the exact dates:
“Order” release shows!
Presented by Metal Hammer (D), Fuze (D), Slam (A), rockinvasion (D),
Metal.de (D), Peta2.de (D), Allschools.de (D), In-Your-Face.de (D)
April 17, 2009 - Hamburg (D) @ Headcräsh
April 18, 2009 - Nordhausen (D) @ venue tba / Very special release show!
April 24, 2009 - Essen (D) @ Turock
April 25,2009 - Stuttgart (D) @ Landespavillon
May 9, 2009 – Berlin (D) @ Live at Dot
While the band spent most of 2008 working on the new album and thus
decided to take a time-out from the stage, in 2009 MAROON will make
sure to defend their reputation as a kick-ass live band!
MAROON online:
http://www.myspace.com/maroonhate
http://www.maroonhate.com
- LACUNA COIL launch both versions of “Spellbound” video
at YouTube!
Since several unauthorized versions of Italian sensation LACUNA COIL’s
brand-new video “Spellbound” have been circulating on the
web, Century Media Records has now officially launched the standard
and performance only version of the clip in high quality at YouTube.
“Spellbound“ (standard version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l97nezRRsns
“Spellbound“ (performance only version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_VS2B48c24
Commented LACUNA COIL vocalist Cristina Scabbia:
"We had a great time shooting the video for “Spellbound”
and it also marks our first time working with acclaimed Italian director
Saku in a location that's really peculiar. It was filmed in a very fashionable
place: the restaurant Gold located in Milan, Italy, which is owned by
the fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana, who kindly gave us the permission
to film over there! The location provides the perfect atmosphere to
express the 'Shallow Life' theme. Everything is really shiny and 'bling
bling' and the band is performing in the middle of a golden room full
of mirrors and giant chandeliers. The story is rounded out by some actors
that are interpreting different aspects of being under a spell of something:
the girl obsessed by her weight and look, the guy who wants to be a
superman, the politician etc."
“Spellbound” is now available as digital download single
in Europe, UK, and Australia!
LACUNA COIL will release its much-anticipated new album, "Shallow
Life", via Century Media Records on the following dates:
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: Friday, April 17,
2009.
UK / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, April
20, 2009.
NORTH AMERICA / SPAIN / PORTUGAL: Tuesday, April 21, 2009.
SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, April 22, 2009.
"Shallow Life" was recorded in September/October at NRG Studios
in North Hollywood, California with producer Don Gilmore, who has previously
worked with Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Good Charlotte, Pearl Jam, Duran
Duran, and many more.
The band is currently touring the US on the “Music As A Weapon
IV” tour and will return to European stages during this year’s
festival season!
12.June 2009 (I) Milano – Rock in Idro
14.June 2009 (UK) Derby - Download Festival
19.June 2009 (AT) Nickelsdorf - Nova Rock Festival
27. June 2009 (B) Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
30. July – 01. August 2009 (D) Wacken – Wacken Open Air
For further info on LACUNA COIL visit the following websites:
http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
http://www.lacunacoil.it
- DESPISED ICON recording new album; launch studio report series; new
European shows confirmed!
Montreal extreme metallers DESPISED ICON have started work on their
new album, due later this year via Century Media Records.
Commented vocalist Alex Erian:
"We're done writing and the new shit is packed with brutality.
Can't wait to play these songs live! As always, our longtime buddy Yannick
St-Amand will produce the whole thing and we got Zeuss and Alan Douches
to take care of the mixing and mastering, so the result should sound
monstrous! Our boy Felix Rancourt, the evil mastermind behind all our
imagery, promised us his sickest album artwork to date."
To keep you updated on the recording process the band launches weekly
webisodes on their MySpace
page and the second episode is now online:
STUDIO REPORT – Episode 1: Drums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8bk7jNjpVo
STUDIO REPORT - Episode 2: Guitars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVth9MY1QM
After laying down the tracks for the highly anticipated follow-up to
2007’s “The Ills Of Modern Man”, DESPISED ICON will
unleash a whirlwind of brutality on the following European shows and
festival gigs in June/July 2009, be there and be ready to be crushed!
DESPISED ICON live
18.06.2009 Germany, Leipzig @ Conne Island, w/ The Black Dahlia Murder,
Aborted, The Acacia Strain, Salt The Wound
20.06.2009 Germany, Trier @ Summer Blast Festvial
21.06.2009 France, Clisson @ Hellfest
22.06.2009 Belgium, Brügge @ Magdalenazaal, w/ The Black Dahlia
Murder, Whitechapel
23.06.2009 Switzerland, Zürich @ Dynamo, w/ Whitechapel
24.06.2009 Germany, Augsburg @ Kantine, w/ Whitechapel
25.06.2009 France, Paris @ Batofar, w/ Whitechapel
26.06.2009 Netherlands, Enschede @ Atak, w/ Parkway Drive, Whitechapel
27.06.2009 UK, Leeds @ Rios, Ghostfest
28.06.2009 UK, Plymouth @ White Rabbit, w/ Whitechapel
29.06.2009 Ireland, Dublin @ Fibbers
30.06.2009 UK, Glasgow @ Ivory Blacks
01.07.2009 UK, Newport @ TJs
03.07.2009 Germany, Wiesbaden @ Vainstream Beastfest
04.07.2009 Germany, Münster @ Vainstream Rockfest
Booking: http://www.avocado-booking.com
For more info on DESPISED ICON please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/despisedicon
http://www.despisedicon.com
- THE BONES confirmed to support Social Distortion!
Swedish Punk N’ Rollers THE BONES have been confirmed to play
several European shows supporting the legendary Social Distortion in
June. This marks another great opportunity for THE BONES to further
present their current album “Burnout Boulevard”, which has
been released on Century Media Records in 2007, live!
See below for all upcoming THE BONES shows:
Social Distortion
THE BONES
08.06. Paris – Bataclan (France)
19.06. Berlin – Zitadelle (Germany) - TBC
30.06. Oslo – Rockefeller (Norway)
06.07. Amsterdam – Melkweg (Netherlands)
08.07. London – Shepherds Bush Empire (UK)
THE BONES
28.06. Duisburg – Devil Side Festival (Germany)
25.07. Lisalmi – Sandels Rock Festival (Finland)
Furthermore, THE BONES will be releasing their first official DVD on
Century Media in August/September 2009, so stay tuned for more updates
regarding this highly anticipated release soon!
For songs, videos and more info on THE BONES visit:
http://www.myspace.com/thebonesrockandroll
http://www.bonesrocknroll.com/
- DAATH shoot new video for “Day of Endless Light” (photos
available); post new track online; confirm European festival shows!
Atlanta based quintet DAATH is about to unleash an intense slab of extreme
metal with their brand-new album “The Concealers”, which
will be released on April 20th (Europe) and April 21st (US). The band
just filmed a video for the song “Day Of Endless Light”
with director Robin Fuller (Ghost Of A Thousand, Shaped By Fate) and
you can now check out some photos from the shoot at the following link:
click
here
Eyal Levi (guitars) further states:
“I hate music videos. Always have. There’s been a few exceptions
over the years like the old Tool videos or White Stripes videos but
for the most part they suck. Especially metal videos. How many times
can we watch a group of burly dudes throwing down in a warehouse or
abandoned building? With this video that was the LAST thing I wanted
for us. I set out to find a team that would give us an actual work of
art which could be watched and enjoyed regardless of the music. We ended
up with Robin Fuller directing. We chose him because of his amazing
animation skills and overall enthusiasm for the vision. The vision was
to have a video shot in the style of a Frank Miller film (Sin City)
and have those shots interwoven with the art and design that Jorden
Haley has created for us with “The Concealers”. This will
not be your typical metal video.”
In addition to that, the band has posted the brand-new track “Silenced”
from the forthcoming album “The Concealers” at http://www.myspace.com/daath
enjoy!
Right on time with the album’s release, DAATH will be touring
the US in April/May with Dragonforce and Cynic, visit their MySpace
page to view the full list of dates! Also, the following European festivals
have been confirmed:
August 7, 2009 – Bad Berka (D) @ Party San Open Air
August 14, 2009 – Dinkelsbühl (D) @ Summer Breeze Festival
August 16, 2009 – Derby (UK) @ Bloodstock Open Air
- The magical perception of nature and life - Les Discrets sign with
Prophecy
Les Discrets, the solo project founded by Fursy Teyssier (Alcest, Amesoeurs)
in 2003, steps forth from its Myspace existence into the light of day.
"'Les Discrets' (engl.: the discreet ones) are those creatures
that live in nature and who bring nature to life, the ones who make
the leaves move, who put dew on the flowers each morning, who throw
the pollen in the air ... That's a parallel life that we are not able
to see, but that many of us can feel. The project's concept is pervaded
by this perception of nature as well as my existential questions, especially
about the feelings of love and death, as I always found a parallel between
nature and human life and love," Fursy outlines the concept of
Les Discrets.
Les Discrets have just signed a five-album contract with Prophecy Productions
and have thus laid the foundation for a fruitful long-term relationship.
The release of the project's as-yet-untitled debut album is tentatively
scheduled for autumn 2009.
http://www.myspace.com/lesdiscrets
- Armoury Records To Release
STRATOVARIUS' POLARIS
New Album Out May 26
For over twenty years, Stratovarius has played a substantial part of
crafting a new sound, mining into the core of metal and adding the elements
of a classical symphony. This has made them one of the most well-known
symphonic metal bands worldwide, and Armoury Records (a division of
Eagle Rock Entertainment) is proud to present Polaris, their new studio
album being released stateside May 26.
Their name says it all - a contraction of "Stradivarius" (a
high-quality stringed instrument found in orchestras) and one of hard
rock's favorite companions, the "Stratocaster." Pioneers of
progressive metal, Stratovarius blends rock influences with neo-classical
passion for a sound so epic and bombastic, that they helped define an
entire genre. As such, this heavy-hitting eruption of an album is a
collection of eleven songs that thrive with powerful melodies, sophisticated
arrangements, and supreme technical prowess. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto
explains, "Polaris is a positive, powerful album that Stratovarius
fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts." A
unique blend of rock anthems and heavy fist pumpers, Polaris is a take
on metal that is fresh and compelling, sophisticated yet brimming with
strength and fire. Polaris was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen
and 5by5 studios, in Helsinki, Finland. It was mixed by the legendary
Mikko Karmila, who has a long history with the band. They hid themselves
in a secluded cottage in the forests of Finland to focus on making the
perfect record, and emerged with not only Polaris, but also a positive
new outlook on the direction of their career.
The real power behind this record is that it comes from a band that
has seen its ups and down. Formed in Finland in 1984, Stratovarius treaded
a tumultuous path on their journey, facing obstacles that should have
sidelined the band. After a history of numerous line-up changes, financial
problems, and legal woes, Polaris is the opus of a band rising from
the ashes of a broken road, claiming their status as rock survivors
yet again.
With the addition of new guitarist Matias Kupiainen, Stratovarius (vocalist
Timo Kotipelto, bassist Lauri Porra, drummer Jörg Michael, and
keyboardist Jens Johansson) are ready to dominate the progressive metal
empire. They will hit the road in May, embarking on an international
tour that starts in Europe and ends in the States. This includes a stop
at the renowned Wacken Rocks festival.
Track Listing:
1.) Deep Unknown
2.) Falling Star
3.) King of Nothing
4.) Blind
5.) Winter Skies
6.) Forever Is Today
7.) Higher We Go
8.) Somehow Precious
9.) Emancipation Part I
10.) Emancipation Part II
11.) Mountains Fall
Canadian Tour Dates:
9/18/09 - Toronto, ONT - Opera House
9/19/09 - Quebec, QUE - Imperial de Quebec
9/20/09 - Montreal, QUE - Medley
9/27/09 - Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre
9/28/09 - Regina, SK - The Riddell at University
9/29/09 - Calgary, AB - Warehouse
9/30/09 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
10/2/09 - Vancouver, BC - Plaza Club
10/3/09 - Vancouver, BC - Sugar
- Duff McKagan's LOADED: New Album 'Sick' Out April 7!
The hard rock world is about to get a nice, swift kick in the ass as
the Seattle-based sonic force Duff McKagan's LOADED, led by the current
VELVET REVOLVER bassist, has returned after a lengthy hiatus with their
much-anticipated, new full-length release 'SICK', out April 7 on Century
Media Records (with whom the quartet recently signed a worldwide deal).
The new offering was recorded by Martin Feveyear (Presidents of the
USA, Kings of Leon).
McKagan, having carved out a place in rock 'n roll history selling millions
of albums with the legendary Guns N' Roses, requires no lengthy introduction.
However, with LOADED he gets a chance to further show his songwriting
prowess and versatility assuming the role of vocalist/guitarist. This
is an all out assault of pure rock and punk infused fury that pulls
no punches.
Duff McKagan's LOADED was formed in 1999 and has morphed several times,
releasing two albums: 1999's Live Episode and 2001's Dark Days. The
current line-up features drummer Geoff Reading (New American Shame,
Green Apple Quickstep), bassist Jeff Rouse and guitarist Mike Squires
(both formerly of Alien Crime Syndicate). This tight-knit group of rock
n' roll brothers brings their high-energy to every stage, from Seattle's
Sunset Tavern to Tokyo's NK Hall.
The band will be touring the US throughout April before heading to Europe
for a series of headlining gigs and festival performances throughout
June 2009.
www.duff-loaded.com
www.myspace.com/loadedlamf
|
| April 27th, 2009 |
- Southern Lord artists dominate new Jim Jarmusch movie soundtrack
Southern Lord is proud to announce that three of the label's artists
will be represented in acclaimed film director Jim Jarmusch’s
latest tour de force, The Limits Of Control. The film’s soundtrack
features music by Earth, sunn 0))) and Boris, all representatives of
Southern Lord Recordings.
Responsible for such films as Down By Law, Dead Man, Ghost Dog, Broken
Flowers and Coffee and Cigarettes, Jarmusch is notorious for tying music
to his films, previously casting musicians such Tom Waits, RZA and more
as characters. Jarmusch's films are scored to fit hand-in-glove with
the transitions/conflicts within the plot, the songs acting as an actual
“soundtrack” to help propel his unique, minimalist character-driven
productions, as seen in previous Jarmusch works include Neil Young’s
soundtrack for the movie Dead Man, or with the inclusion of doom-artists
Sleep in the movie Broken Flowers.
Southern Lord is honored to house artists worthy of Jarmusch’s
newest work, The Limits of Control. These acts are contemporary musical
heavyweights in today’s doom, drone and ambient genres, and should
act as an incredible soundtrack for this artistic drama.
Southern Lord artist songs used in Limits of Control:
Boris - " " aka Smile (from the Japanese version of Smile,
on Disk Union Records)
Boris - "Feedbacker I & IV" (from Feedbacker, on Disk
Union Records)
Boris -"Fuzzy Reactor" (from Rainbow, on Disk Union Records)
Boris -"Farewell" (From Pink, on Southern Lord)
sunn 0)))/Boris - "N.L.T." (From Altar, on Southern Lord)
sunn 0)))/Boris - "Blood Swamp" (From Altar, on Southern Lord)
Earth - Omens and Portents 1: The Driver (from The Bees Made Honey In
The Lions' Skull, on Southern Lord)
About the movie, The Limits of Control
The new movie from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Down by Law,
Dead Man) is set in the striking and varied landscapes of contemporary
Spain. The location shoot there united the writer/director with acclaimed
cinematographer Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love, Paranoid Park).
Isaach De Bankole stars in the lead role for Mr. Jarmusch; this marks
the duo's fourth collaboration over nearly two decades, following Night
on Earth, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and Coffee and Cigarettes.
The film also features several other actors with whom Mr. Jarmusch has
previously worked, including Alex Descas, John Hurt, Youki Kudoh, Bill
Murray, and Tilda Swinton; and actors new to his films, including Hiam
Abbass, Gael García Bernal, Paz De La Huerta, Jean-François
Stevenín, and Luis Tosar. The Limits of Control is the story
of a mysterious loner (played by Mr. De Bankole), a stranger, whose
activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process
of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not
initially divulged. His journey, paradoxically both intently focused
and dreamlike, takes him not only across Spain but also through his
own consciousness.
The Limits of Control is out in theaters, June 3rd, 2009.
The Limits of Control movie trailer:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/thelimitsofcontrol
The Limits of Control Soundtrack will be available on Lakeshore Records:
http://www.lakeshore-records.com
http://www.southernlord.com
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings
- ENSLAVED GRANT USE OF THEIR TWO NORWEGIAN GRAMMYS TO GARAGE IN BERGEN
COME APRIL 1st
Norway’s ENSLAVED has checked in with the following:
"The time has come to do what Bergen artists do: give their Spellemannspriser
(Norwegian Grammy Award) to their local pub Garage. And yes, this time
we'll be bringing two of them. Last time around, the men's room got
a new door knob (pardon the pun); this time we've aimed for the top
of the beer taps. The award for Ruun have been marinating on shelves
since 2007, waiting for local brew to return to the mentioned taps.
Some waiting was added after this year's price for Vertebrae due to
the challenges with mounting the bronze harps. We hope everybody with
an opportunity takes a trip down to Garage for a double celebration
with scandals. Real men and women don't mind firing it up on a Wednesday."
ENSLAVED won a Spellemann Award for Best Metal Album in 2008 with their
latest offering, Vertebrae, Best Metal Album in 2006 with Ruun, and
in 2004 with Isa.
Tour dates for ENSLAVED’s upcoming North American trek with Opeth
can be viewed online at www.myspace.com/ENSLAVED
and at www.ENSLAVED.no.
View the video for “The Watcher” – directed by Norwegian
Grammy Award winner Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Keep Of Kalessin,
In Flames) - here.
Watch the behind-the-scenes video here.
- VIKING SKULL video premiere
Powerage Records in cooperation with popular metal news site Deciblog
(www.decibelmagazine.com/blog)
today unveil the new video from England's Viking Skull. The clip for
"Hair of the Dog" was filmed just after the band’s US
shows with Clutch this past Christmas season. It was filmed at The Note
and various locations in and around the Westchester area where director
Bam Margera lives. The song comes from the band’s latest album,
Doom Gloom Heartache & Whiskey available now on Powerage Rock/Candlelight.
Released November 25, Doom Gloom Heartache & Whiskey is the band’s
first album with proper US distribution and promotion. In an interview
conducted with radio tip sheet FMQB late in 2008 drummer Jess Margera
said, "this record is the epitome of every good rock band smashed
into one." As the lone American in the band, Margera remembers
his initial introduction to the ‘Skull. "I think five years
ago was the first time I heard Viking Skull get played on the jukebox
at the Crobar in London. The whole place went insane. It was kind of
like when I was a kid hearing Back in Black for the first time. I bought
everyone there a shot of Makers mark and a beer."
With limited support and resources, Viking Skull have single-handedly
created their own early opportunities. Independently recording their
first release for a whopping $500, their 2003 mini-album titled Chapter
One remains the only album to score 11 out of 10 in England’s
Metal Hammer. The band’s full length debut, Born in Hell, was
released in 2005. While finding limited stateside exposure, in Europe
the band continued to build on a growing fanbase and profile. Tours
with Clutch and cKy would see them through the year setting up the recording
of their second album. Chapter Two would be released in early 2007 and
featured guest appearances from members of Fireball Ministry. It would
also feature the first contributions from Margera (also a member of
cKy and stoner super-group The Company Band).
Viking Skull is vocalist/founder Roddy Stone, bassist Waldie, guitarists
Dom and Brandywine Eel and drummer Jess Margera.
http://www.myspace.com/vikingskull
http://www.poweragerecords.com
http://www.eastworldrecordings.com
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa
- MESHUGGAH FORCED TO CANCEL ALL UPCOMING SCANDINAVIAN SHOWS
Sweden’s MESHUGGAH have sent in the following update:
“We’re VERY, VERY sorry to have to bring you these news,
but we have to cancel the upcoming Scandinavian dates! Tomas [Haake]
has had some back-related problems lately, problems that have been messing
with his right foot/leg when playing drums. Tomas had an MRI about a
week ago and the results came back early this week. Seems he has a herniated
disc in his lower back and this is what’s been causing problems
for him when playing.
Tomas reports that he has no pains or real discomforts from this –
just the fact that his right foot doesn’t seem to ‘act out’
what Tomas’ brain is telling it to do. It seems this is a quite
common symptom when having a herniated disc in this (lumbar) area of
the back, since the protruding part of the ‘broken’ disc
(depending on hernia location) can put pressure on the sciatic and nearby
nerves.
The band’s focus right now is for Tomas to try to get surgery
done A.S.A.P. so this condition doesn’t affect the upcoming summer
shows and festivals in Europe.”
States MESHUGGAH drummer Tomas Haake:
“To all Scandinavian MESHUGGAH fans that have bought tickets to
see the upcoming shows: The whole band is sorry about this, but we need
to sound and play our best when you guys come out to see us! With this
music, there’s really no room for half-measures and sloppy bass
drum work, but that’s what’s happening with this herniated
disc: it messes with my control of my right foot and even though it’s
possible to get through a show, it just sounds like crap as my right
foot/leg won’t really do what I mean for it to do – which
is VERY frustrating to say the least!!!
We’re sincerely sorry about this and we trust and know that you
guys can appreciate our take on this and the fact that we need to look
to the future of MESHUGGAH and try our best to make sure we don’t
run into this problem again! Thanx!!!”
Visit MESHUGGAH online at www.MESHUGGAH.net
& www.myspace.com/MESHUGGAH.
- NEW HAMMERFALL ALBUM DEBUTS AT #38 ON THE BILLBOARD HEATSEEKERS CHART
According to Nielsen SoundScan, the new album from Swedish melodic metallers
HAMMERFALL, No Sacrifice, No Victory, has sold over 1,500 copies in
the United States and has debuted at #38 on the Heatseekers (Top New
Artist Albums) chart, which tracks the best selling albums by new and
developing artists defined as those who have never appeared in the Top
100 of the Billboard 200.
No Sacrifice, No Victory recently achieved gold status in Sweden for
sales in excess of 20,000 copies. The album has registered the following
first-week chart positions in Europe:
#2 – Sweden
#7 – Germany
#20 – Switzerland
#21 – U.K. (Indie Albums chart)
#25 – Austria
#46 – Norway
#95 - France
Recorded in part at Andy La Rocque's (King Diamond) Sonic Train Studios
in Varberg, Sweden, No Sacrifice, No Victory includes an instrumental
written by the group's newest member, guitarist Pontus Norgren, as well
as a song entitled "One of a Kind," which was composed as
a collaboration between HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak and In Flames
axeman Jesper Strömblad (who was a member of HAMMERFALL in the
band's earliest incarnation). Cover artwork was created by Sam Didier.
The band just finished the first leg of their European tour and will
launch the 2nd leg on April 7th in Slovenia. Read guitarist Oscar Dronjak’s
tour blog here
Visit HAMMERFALL online at www.HAMMERFALL.net
& www.myspace.com/HAMMERFALL.
- Nergal's ESP Signature Guitar Unveiled!
Nergal has worked with ESP to develop his first ever signature guitar.
The “V” shaped HEX-7 signature model will be available in
LTD version, with pickups, hardware and design according to Nergal's
specs.
“When ESP approached me about building my signature model, I was
stoked! I've always been a fan of their instruments and I'm very grateful
for giving me an opportunity to envision my idea of what a perfect 7
string guitar for extreme metal should look like! I already can't wait
to test this beast on our upcoming summer tour with Slayer and Marilyn
Manson!” - Nergal
Nergal along with his band mates, Orion and Seth will take part in a
signing session at the ESP booth on April 4 at the Musikmesse Frankfurt
2009 fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Signing will take place at 3:15 pm.
For more information go here
METAL BLADE WEBSITE
| METAL
BLADE MYSPACE
- NIGHTWISH AND APOCALYPTICA AT HARTWALL ARENA IN HELSINKI ON SEPTEMBER
19.
The brightest stars of Finnish metal, NIGHTWISH will play a special
home coming show at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki on September 19.
which marks the end of NIGHTWISH’s colossal Dark Passion Play
–world tour. NIGHTWISH are supported by their fellow Finns, APOCALYPTICA.
NIGHTWISH’s previous show at the Hartwall Arena in October 2005
was recorded and released as the highly successful END OF AN ERA –dvd.
NIGHTWISH just released their “Made In Hong Kong” live album.
CONCERT:
Saturday 19.9.2009 at Hartwall Arena, Helsinki.
No age limit.
TICKETS:
Pre-sale at www.lippupalvelu.fi,
ticket price starting at 46,50 euros. Tickets at the box office on show
day 48 euros (if still available).
Pre-sale starts on Monday 6.4. at www.lippupalvelu.fi.
ORGANIZER:
Finnish Metal Events Oy
PRESS ACCREDITATION:
Spinefarm Recods - Tuula Salminen, tuulas(at)spinefarm.fi
PRESS CONTACTS:
NIGHTWISH – Spinefarm / Tuula Salminen, +358 9 454 27140, tuulas(at)spinefarm.fi
APOCALYPTICA – Tara Kojonen, +358 50 467 3269, tara.kojonen(at)welho.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
www.nightwish.com
www.apocalyptica.com
www.finnishmetalevents.fi
www.lippupalvelu.fi
www.hartwall-areena.com
Niklas Nuppola
Finnish Metal Events Oy
+358 40 552 7494
Tuska Festival / Helsinki Metal Meeting
- Coming Soon From Woodcut Records: VORUM
Finnish death metal troupe VORUM will release their first MCD baptized
Grim Death Awaits on April 8th in Scandinavia and April 24th worldwide
through Woodcut Records.
Prelisten to the MCD at:
http://www.vorumdeath.com
Formed in 2006, VORUM is a death metal band from Ahvenanmaa, Finland.
The three members -- J. Johansson, M. Jalava and M. Josefsson -- rehearsed
almost daily. Eventually, the band -- then under the moniker of Haudankaivaja
-- recorded a seven-song demo in the summer of 2007 though this demo
was never officially released. The band played a few gigs in Mariehamn
and in late February of 2008, VORUM went to Panu Posti to record a new
demo that would later garner positive reviews from Internet fanzines
like imperiumi.net as well print magazines such as Miasma. VORUM has
also enjoyed some radio play on the YleX Metalliliitto show and was
seen on the front cover of the Finnish metal/rock magazine Inferno this
year. The latest demo in question -- now titled Grim Death Awaits --
is going to be released as a MCD by Woodcut Records later this spring.
It is the band's first official release. VORUM is currently writing
new material for their debut full-length album.
Grim Death Awaits Tracklist:
I - "They Are The Dead"
II - "Grim Death Awaits"
III - "Carved In Dead Flesh"
IV - "Through The Throats Of Liars"
V - "Ritual Desecration"
VI - "Obscure Rites"
VII - "Cthonic"
VIII - "Eyes Burning Red"
VORUM videos available on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/woodcutrecords
http://www.last.fm./music/vorum
http://www.myspace.com/vorumdeath
http://www.woodcutrecords.com
- Sensory Records to release sophomore DELAIN album
The much anticipated second album from Delain is finally here. It is
fascinating to witness how the band has evolved! Originally conceived
by Within Temptation keyboard player Martijn Westerholt as a studio
project, the success of the debut album Lucidity tipped his hand and
Delain has since evolved into a full blown active band. With Charlotte
Wessels on vocals, Ronald Landa on guitar and grunt vocals, Sun Caged
bassist Rob Vander Loo, and Sander Zoer on drums, Delain took the Netherlands
by storm. The band has toured extensively throughout Europe, opening
for many acts including sister band Within Temptation, and appeared
at many festivals. Ultimately they became a headliner in their own right.
With that behind them they headed into the studio to create their sophomore
opus, April Rain.
Licensed to Sensory Records (with US distribution through Ryko/Canadian
distribution thorough Sonic Unyon) from Roadrunner Records who released
the album in Europe, April Rain is cut from similar cloth from Lucidity
but different enough to hear the evolution mentioned above. Instead
of the multiple guests that were featured on Lucidity, April Rain does
benefit from the return of Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala who sings
male vocals on two tracks, as well as world renowned cellist Maria Ahn.
Martijin Westholt is clearly at the helm - the big symphonic sound is
still in place. Those elements that he brought to Within Temptation
are clearly evident. There is a difference though...perhaps because
of Jacob Hansen's mix the sound is more focused and even grittier, crunchier
(thank you Mr. Landa). Songs tend to be on the shorter side but they
slam harder. Having been familiar with Rob Van Der Loo's intense basswork
with Sun Caged its great to see him bring that progressive element to
the rhythm section. Charlotte Wessels is young but has developed into
the perfect voice and face for Delain.
The comparisons to Within Temptation will continue but it's obvious
that Delain has come up with their own sound that stands on its own.
April Rain is THE symphonic gothic metal album of 2009. The album debuted
this week on the Dutch Top 100 album charts at #14, and debuted at #1
on the Dutch Alternative Charts. The band is currently on tour in Europe
as direct support for Kamelot, which takes them immediately into their
headlining tour. Through the kindness of Roadrunner NL we are able to
offer the special limited edition digipak edition, with the exclusive
bonus track "Come Closer".
Delain is a huge priority for both Sensory Records and Earsplit PR.
Please get in touch right away for info on covering the record; promos
are in production now! The official North American release date is June
30, 2009.
http://www.delain.nl
http://www.myspace.com/delainmusic
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com
http://www.lasercd.com
- DIMMU BORGIR: SILENOZ & GALDER ESP SIGNATURE GUITARS UNVEILED
Silenoz and Galder of Norway’s DIMMU BORGIR have worked with ESP
Guitars to create the latest additions to the company’s LTD Signature
Series line: the LTD Okkultist and the LTD Shadow.
Silenoz comments on his signature LTD Okkultist:
“We’ve both had our customs for almost 2 years now. We’ve
played them on the last couple of tours and they’re fucking awesome.
They can withstand the amount of rape the road give them as well, which,
of course, is a very important thing! The locations of the inlay, pick-ups,
volume knobs and toggle switches, they were to our exact specifications.
And I mean exact in every sense of the word. That’s why it was
a pleasure to finally play it once it was done… realizing it was
exactly what I had asked for and imagined it to be like. The playability,
the shape and look, not to mention the sound & response/attack it
gives with those bad ass pick-ups and it being a string-through body
guitar! My model has a mahogany body, maple neck with an ebony fingerboard,
42 mm standard nut, thin U neck contour, 22 XJ frets, black nickel hardware,
ESP locking tuners, Tonepros locking TOM, Seymour Duncan Metal AHB-2
(B) / AHB-1 (N) active pick-ups, and a metallic, deep red burgundy finish.
People will know the presence of this monster. Once they try it, it’ll
be self explanatory. It’s the arsenal from the abyss!”
Galder checks in about his LTD Shadow:
“When we decided to [work with ESP], it all went pretty fast and
it all happened within a few months. I have different ideas for guitars,
so at the end of the day, I had to decide which direction to take spec-
and finish-wise, so I got all I wanted. I have a mahogany body and a
maple neck with ebony fingerboards. At first I wanted to go crazy with
the design, but at the last moment [I] decided to calm it down a bit.
I’m very happy about the way it turned out. It’s a proper
metal guitar!”
The Okkultist and Shadow signature guitars can be viewed here.
Both guitars were played during the filming of the band’s latest
DVD, The Invaluable Darkness.
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