SLAYER is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning (May 2nd) near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.
We offer condolences to Hanneman’s family, friends and legion of fans.
“Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 – 2013)”
We’ve posted a photo album with many pictures of Jeff here.
Some of the condolences and tributes messages follow below…
It’s an oddly sunny day outside the garage as we wait for another doom laden offering from Funeral of Mankind promotions. With the most recent success of Doom over London, this company is shaping up to be the one to watch for those who like it dark and depressing. Read the rest of this entry »
The Jeff Healey Band
House On Fire: Demos & Rarities
2013, Eagle Rock North
Rating: 4.5
Jeff Healey’s music needs no introduction. He was one of, if not the greatest Canadian guitarists to have ever lived. He combined the Blues and Rock perfectly and his playing was flawless. This disc of Demos & Rarities showcases his talent even in an unfinished state. Eight of the eleven tracks on here were recorded between March and July of 1992 when they were at their peak of popularity.
As soon as this CD arrived in my mailbox I opened it up an popped it into the player. Almost immediately I was reaching for the volume knob to crank it up. I was blown away from the first note. Finally I had some new Jeff Healey tunes to listen to. While they may have been recorded over 2 decades ago they are fresh and don’t sound the least bit dated. This is your typical JHB and every track is phenomenal. Not for a second do you want to skip ahead. His playing and singing are flawless. What else can I say? Jeff was a master at the guitar and he had a distinct sound that was all his own.
A must own for all Jeff Healey fans. This is Jeff at the peak of popularity and his creativity was massive during this period. If these were left unreleased for 20 years it makes you wonder how much more is there?
Danish death metal mercenaries PANZERCHRIST are releasing their seventh album, aptly entitled The 7th Offensive on July 15th on Listenable following their previous and highly- acclaimed 2011 release, Regiment Ragnarok.
Eagerly Anticipated Horror Anthology features 100+ Icons of Horror and Metal Coffin Joe, Ruggero Deodato, Tony Todd, cEvin Key, Laurence Harvey, Bai Ling, Chris Vrenna, Killjoy of Necrophagia, Mayhem, Clint Howard, and many more
AUSTIN, Texas—It’s less than six months before horror and metal collide in Central Texas at the inaugural Housecore Horror Film Festival – the ultimate 3-day, underground fan event celebrating the twisted line where horror films and heavy metal meet. Today, festival creators – legendary metal frontman Philip Anselmo and best-selling true crime author Corey Mitchell – announce that producers David Bond and Manda Manuel have personally selected to premiere thier eagerly anticipated international horror anthology, The Profane Exhibit, in the United States at the Housecore Horror Film Festival.
Set in a club deep within the underbelly of Paris, The Profane Exhibit explores the inner workings of a secret, wicked society. At first it resembles an ordinary fetish or Goth nightclub, but hidden within the cavernous building are many rooms, one of which is known as “The Room of Souls,” a private gathering place of the world’s richest and most evil people. Their host is the elegant, yet frightening, Madame Sabatier. As the film unfolds, each member takes a turn and spins a true tale of their depravity for the amusement of the group.
Horror icons from around the world have been assembled to create this truly unique film experience. From the minds that created Cannibal Holocaust, At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, Philosophy of a Knife, Tokyo Gore Police, Hardware, Wax Mask, Cemetery Man, Theater Bizarre, The ABCs of Death, August Underground’s Mordem, Cannibal, Time Crimes, and Dread, come a collection of stories that serve as a mirror for looking deep inside our current world and inside ourselves.
Heaven & Earth
Dig
2013, Quarto Valley Records
Rating: 4/5
Heaven & Earth have been around for well over a decade but not consistently releasing music. The band is the brainchild of acclaimed guitarist Stuart Smith who received praise from Ritchie Blackmore. It was Blackmore’s encouragement that got Smith to move to L.A. from the U.K. and the rest is history as they say.
Melodic Rock is the best way to describe the music on DIG. It does have a slight Hard Rock edge in spots but overall it leans heavily toward the Rock side. As you would expect the release is guitar heavy with a lot of killer solo’s. Smith is no slouch when it comes to guitar playing. Once you listen to the album you will know exactly why he was praised by Blackmore.
It was the video for the debut single “No Money, No Love” that initially grabbed by attention. It has that Classic Deep Purple vibe to it (and I am a big Purple fan) which is very prominent, especially with the keyboards. It is one of the harder edged songs on the album and it really stands out amongst the rest. Another of the heavier tunes is “Man & Machine” which is probably the heaviest track on DIG. Yet again the Keyboard work is Jon Lord influenced in a major way. No complaints from me on that. Stuart has found himself one strong vocalist with Joe Retta. His vocal sound perfectly suits the music. Joe’s voice is fairly smooth sounding with just enough rasp to give it that little edge. There is also a Blues influence in places especially on the aptly-titled “House Of Blues”. The guitar and organ interaction here is nothing short of amazing. They way they play off one another adds a whole new dimension to the disc.
A fantastic release with some top rate musicians. Sadly many of the songs are not memorable. They are all excellent songs, they are just not memorable for the most part. It is an album that may take a spin or two to get into and appreciate but you will be glad you did.
Denver thrashers HAVOK today announce their first headlining tour of North America. Dates are set to commence July 22 and will see the band journey through the southern states, travelling up the eastern seaboard before making their debut performance at Montreal’s annual Heavy MTL festival on August 11. The tour will be in support of their forthcoming new album, Unnatural Selection, set for release June 25.
Reported last week, Unnatural Selection, the band’s third full-length album for Candlelight Records, was produced by guitarist David Sanchez and mixed by Terry Date (Pantera, Overkill, Deftones). The album features original artwork from Polish illustrator Rafal Wechterowicz (Slayer, Mastodon) and was mastered by James Murphy (Aborted, World Under Blood, Abigail Williams). Lead single, “Give Me Liberty… Or Give Me Death,” is set to impact Loud Rock/Metal Radio May 27. The topical thrash anthem delivers the young band’s classic thrash and old school metal sound.
British thrashers EVILE will release their new album, Skull, on May 27th in Europe via Earache Records and on June 11th in the USA via Century Media/Earache Records! This highly anticipated follow-up to 2011′s Five Serpent’s Teeth was once again recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in Kettering, England. The artwork for the album was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, HATEBREED).
According to NBC San Diego, AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis — who was charged last week with trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife — had his bail lowered from $3 million to $2 million during a hearing this afternoon (Friday, May 17).
Lambesis, who has said he considers himself to be a Christian and acknowledges that he finds inspiration for lyrical content from biblical texts, was arrested on May 7 in an Oceanside, California bookstore. He faces nine years in state prison if convicted.
Prosecutors initially requested that Superior Court Judge Martin Staven set Lambesis’ bail at $20 million, saying the singer remains “substantially motivated to kill his wife.”
During today’s hearing — which was initially scheduled for 1:30 p.m. but was postponed to 3:00 p.m. — the singer’s defense attorney, Tom Warwick, blamed Lambesis’ steroid use for the alleged murder-for-hire plot. He also revealed that Lambesis is going through steroid withdrawal while in custody.
Lambesis’ family is unable to make bail, so he will remain in jail, Warwick said. The lawyer had asked for bail of $250,000.
Lambesis’ attorney said the “gym culture” led to “changes in [the singer's] physiological and mental status,” with Tim’s bodybuilding obsession causing him to go from 170 to 220 pounds after first taking supplements, then steroids. “[He] was not the same person. He was irritable and lost God.”
Lambesis is now said to be off steroids, going through withdrawal, and in total isolation in jail for protection from other inmates. He’s also getting personal counseling from a jail chaplain.
“It has been a terrible tragedy,” Warwick said. “He was a very caring, gentle man [before taking steroids] and we need to get him back.”
Prosecutors allege Lambesis had twice told a man at a gym that he wanted his wife killed, then met with an undercover detective known as “Red”, and gave the agent an envelope containing $1,000 in cash, photographs of his wife, and the security gate code to her house. He also allegedly told the agent the dates he would be with the couple’s three adopted children, in order to give himself an alibi.
“When specifically asked do you want her dead, he said, ‘Yes that’s exactly what I want,’” Deputy District Attorney Claudia Grasso told the judge. “The victim now is terrified and living in seclusion.”
In court on Friday, Grasso said that Lambesis did not flinch when told the hit on his wife would cost $20,000. “He was very willing to pay that,” she said, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Lambesis, who was originally booked into jail on suspicion of two felonies — conspiracy and murder-for-hire — was ordered to wear a GPS monitor and turn in his passport and was warned by the judge that, if he is released from jail, he must stay away from his immediate family. The conspiracy charge was dropped before Lambesis was arraigned.
Lambesis’ wife, Meggan, filed papers in September 2012 in San Diego Superior Court seeking a dissolution of the couple’s marriage.
Defense attorney Anthony Salerno told Artisan News last week that he suspicious of the circumstances of Lambesis’ arrest and believed Meggan’s family could have been involved in setting him up. “Tim’s wife’s brother, I understand, is a San Diego Sheriff’s deputy,” he said. “I think I would be remiss if I didn’t fully explore that, ’cause that is a litte bit… it’s at the bare minimum very coincidental, and it may be more than that.”
Please welcome CARCASS with their new line-up with Jeff Walker on vocals and bass, Bill Steer on lead guitar, Daniel Wilding on drums and Ben Ash on guitar on board 70000TONS OF METAL, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise!
Just imagine: In January 2014, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship “Majesty of the Seas” for 5 days and 4 nights. Book your cabin now at www.70000tons.com and be part of Heavy Metal History made in the Caribbean once again on 70000TONS OF METAL, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! The Original Metal Cruise: Home of the biggest open air stage to sail the oceans!
This is 70000TONS OF METAL, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise where you enjoy unrestricted festival access to all live shows on board. And don’t forget, every band plays twice! There are also Clinics, Work-Shops, the infamous 70000TONS OF METAL Karaoke, Bars that never close, you heard right: They don’t close! Two full days at Sea, a fun-and-sun-filled day on a beautiful Caribbean Island and an opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the Artists that all join us for the entire trip. It’s like everyone has a backstage pass!
You can also get all your memorabilia signed at the Meet & Greet sessions. Be part of their infamous Metal Karaoke and many other special activities with the Artists. And last, but not least: Don’t forget that they have bars on board that never close! What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done.
The first 14 out of 40 bands have been announced:
CARCASS
DARK TRANQUILITY
DEATH ANGEL
D.R.I.
FEAR FACTORY
FINNTROLL
KAMELOT
LEAVES’ EYES
OVERKILL
SEPTICFLESH
SOILWORK
SWALLOW THE SUN
SYMPHONY X
XANDRIA
70000TONS OF METAL, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will sail Monday, January 27, 2014 aboard the Royal Caribbean “Majesty of the Seas” from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, January 31, 2014.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$319 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out www.70000tons.com for more information.
Darko Etinger – singer and guitarist of Infernal Tenebra
Interviewed by Anders Sandvall
Thanks to Tom Hack for setting up the interview.
Thanks to Massacre Records for providing me with promo pics.
Infernal Tenebra is a Croatian death/thrash act that I got really interested in when I heard their debut album NEW FORMED REVELATIONS. I hooked up with Darko Etinger, singer and guitarist, in order to get to know him and the band a bit better. It’s not everyday I come across a band from Croatia and we ended up talking about the brand new album, the bands past, present, and future, and how the metal climate in Croatia is doing.Read the rest of this entry »
It has been a sunny day for once in London and the queue to get in The Underworld venue tonight goes around the block. Insomnium and Moonspell are here and fans are waiting already even if the doors open in thirty minutes.When I get in Moonspell is doing a signing session at their merch stand, as well as taking photos with their fans.Read the rest of this entry »
Today May 16 it´s three years ago Ronnie James Dio sadly passed away…
A true rock’n roll hero was taken from us as he – as so many others do – lost his battle against the most fierce enemy mankind has met so far: cancer! This is a day of mourning, for us who loved him and his music, his fans and most of all those close to him. We´re really happy that we had a chance to support DIO on his Scandinavian tour in 2008 and to meet him in person. He will be remembered as the kind-hearted and most gentle soul we´ve had the honour to tour and share the stage with…
We strongly believe that Ronnie will be remembered forever, by generations to come. He will never be forgotten. Anyone as influential and unique becomes a legacy. We will surely do our best to keep this legacy alive, to honour it and the great man behind it.
Today we´re releasing a video for the song that we wrote in great sorrow after we got word from Dio´s management of his passing on May 16, 2010. A song that means so much to us. It is a song filled with respect and love, and the first ballad in FATAL SMILE history.
The song is called “For the last in line” and is taken from our latest album “21st Century Freaks“.
Lyrically it focuses on the fact that Dios fight for cancer must go on, that we must pull together to keep the fight alive until it’s won, and that Ronnie can rest assure that we will never give up no matter how many heroes are made and lost.
This is the most important fight humanity has before him, and it is a shame that so much is spent on destroying one another and so little in the fight of survival. Let Ronnie be a reminder of that. A never ever forgotten reminder!
He would surely have wanted to be a part of the victory to come!
The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 – 7:30PM. Hanneman passed away on May 2 at the age of 49.
The Memorial Celebration will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-in basis (subject to venue capacity). All ages are welcome, and paid parking will be available around the venue.
Jeff Hanneman helped shape Slayer’s uncompromising thrash-metal sound as well as an entire genre of music. His riffs of fury and punk-rock attitude were heard in the songs he wrote, including Slayer classics “Angel of Death,” “Raining Blood,” “South of Heaven” and “War Ensemble.” Hanneman co-founded Slayer with fellow-guitarist Kerry King, bassist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo in Huntington Park, CA in 1981. For more than 30 years, Hanneman was the band member who stayed out of the spotlight, rarely did interviews, amassed an impressive collection of World War II memorabilia, was with his wife Kathy for nearly three decades, shut off his phone and went incommunicado when he was home from tour, did not want to be on the road too late into any December as Christmas was his favorite holiday, and, from the time he was about 12 years old, woke up every, single day with one thing on his mind: playing the guitar.
It was once suggested to Slayer that if they would write “just one mainstream song that could get on the radio,” they would likely sell millions of records and change the commercial course of their career, similar to what had happened to Metallica with 1993′s “Enter Sandman.” Jeff was the first to draw a line of integrity in the sand, replying, “We’re going to make a Slayer record. If you can get it on the radio, fine, if not, then fuck it.”
The debut album by Italian hard rock band Vicolo Inferno will be released on May 28th, 2013. The label logic(il)logic Records published on its YouTube channel a small trailer for the album featuring the track “Tombstone” and the drawings by illustrator Stefano Landini (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlfpcyIvqno&feature=youtu.be). “Hourglass” will be distributed by Andromeda Dischi. The track list is:
1. Hardesia
2. Hourglass
3. Tombstone
4. Dangerous Dreams
5. In Your Red
6. Cold Moon
7. Hangin’ On The Blade
8. Stonering
9. Earthquake
10. Lipstick (bonus track)
SLAYER is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning (May 2nd) near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.
The Jeff Hanneman Memorial Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles from 3:30 – 7:30PM. Hanneman passed away on May 2 at the age of 49.
