Deicide

With Destinity and Karnak

@ The Camden Underworld

20th March 2013

Review by Caitlin Smith

Photography by Michelle Murphy

Darkness came to London for one night, when satanic death metal band Deicide arrived. Peddling their anti-Christian message, the Underworld finally lived up to its name, as it became the stage for Benton’s satanic sermon.

Deicide

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s finally here, the first full length album from the former Sabaton members Myhr, Montelius, Mullback and Sundén! Together with the ace vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson and Stefan “Pizza” Eriksson they’ve created an album that continues where their previous EP ended and takes Civil War to the next level!

Official release for the standard CD and digital version of the album is June 11. BUT we now offer you the possibility of pre-ordering these two super deluxe limited vinyl+CD combo packages (limited to 2000 copies worldwide). If you pre-order then you’ll get the album three weeks in advance; on May 22nd, depending on where you live.

This limited edition of the album come with BOTH Vinyl (2 x 12″ black vinyl) and CD, packaged in an exclusive 6 page Gatefold pack, and feature an exclusive bonus song; “March Across The Belts”. Check out the beautiful front cover of the album here.

Read the rest of this entry »

Scar Symmetry

with Beholder, Bloodshot Dawn, Sinocence

@ Voodoo, Belfast

March 29th 2013

Review by Mark Ashby

Photography by  Paul Verner

Scar Symmetry

It’s the last Friday in March, deep in the heart of what is supposed to Spring, with the onset of British Summer Time on the horizon – and it’s fucking freezing.  In fact, the remnants of the previous weekend’s snow are still piled, not terribly neatly, at the edges of some pavements.

Add to the fact, that it’s Good Friday – which means that in this small part of the world the moral majority still dictate to the vast majority by forcing bars to remain firmly closed for all but a few fleeting hours and entertainment to finish at the unearthly hour of 11am!
Read the rest of this entry »

An interview with Kiko Loureiro

Conducted by Robert Williams

Kiko Loureiro has just finished playing some dates in his home country of Brazil in support of last year’s “Sounds Of Innocence” his fourth solo effort to date. Besides all of the current activity surrounding his current solo work,  Kiko is also excited to make another record with Brazilian power metal legends Angra. Following the departure of vocalist Edu Falaschi after the “Aqua” album released in 2010, the band has struggled to find a legitimate replacement for their longtime singer. Kiko recalls performing with Rhapsody Of Fire vocalist Fabio Leone aboard the recent 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise and what the future may hold in terms of the next singer for Angra. The gifted metal guitarist also shared his early musical influences and his advice to aspiring players… Read the rest of this entry »

AMARANTHE’s ‘The Nexus’ Lands at #12 on the Soundscan Heatseeker Chart

#36 Current Hard Music Albums Core Stores

#61 Hard Music Albums

#1 on the iTunes Metal Chart on Release Day!

AMARANTHE – The Nexus

Swedish/Danish modern metal sextet AMARANTHE released their new album, The Nexus, last week to great success! The album landed on the iTunes Metal chart at #1! Additionally, the band can reveal that they are positioned at an outstanding #12 on the Soundscan Heatseeker chart, #36 on the Current Hard Music Albums Core Stores chart, and #61 on the Hard Music Albums chart.  Only more greatness to come from AMARANTHE!

“To finally have a proper release in the USA is awesome in itself, but to see it hit number ONE on the iTunes metal charts is mindblowing! We just recently learned that we are at #12 on the Soundscan Heatseeker charts, which is a really good indication for things to come as well,” states guitarist and keyboardist Olof Mörck. “Right now we are looking at every possible opportunity to come back to the US and perform over there again, our first and only show at the ProgPower festival in Atlanta was a great experience indeed! So watch out, as THE NEXUS live machine will hit American shores this year!”

Read the rest of this entry »

Exodus – Barge To Hell 2012

Due to a “variety of personal issues and matters with one of the members,” San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans EXODUS will not perform at Maryland Deathfest XI, set to take place May 23-26 in Baltimore. Replacing them on the bill are Arizona thrashers SACRED REICH.

EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has spent the last two years filling in for SLAYER founding axeman Jeff Hanneman who in January 2011 contracted necrotizing fasciitis, likely caused by a spider bite, and has been undergoing surgeries, skin grafts and intense rehab since.

EXODUS’ latest album, “Exhibit B: The Human Condition”, was released in North America on May 18, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Due to speculation, the band clarified the matter with the following statement:

“We have recently observed a whirlwind of speculation, conspiracy theories, and just plain ole dumb-assed comments on the internet regarding Exodus’ future and that of Gary Holt’s commitment to this band. The following is an attempt to shed some light on actual facts, as well as trying to clear the air. The reason we cancelled our appearance at this years Maryland Death Fest was, in fact, due to Gary’s commitment to his sudden and seriously ill father. Actually, just days prior to the start of the Metal Alliance tour, we were making arrangements to have someone fill in for Gary due to his unknown status. As things worked out, his father was able to recover to a somewhat stable condition, yet he is still not “out of the woods” and continues to be a closely monitored. This was obviously a private and personal matter that didn’t warrant public knowledge, but it seems the press release from MDF and then the interview given by Gary about not quitting Exodus was just a random coincidence and we felt it necessary to inform people of the real story. Exodus is not disbanding! Gary will continue to perform on the current Metal Alliance tour, as well as splitting his time between Exodus & Slayer in the future. The band (with Holt) will be appearing at this year’s Hell & Heaven Fest in Guadalajara Mexico as advertised on May 19th. After which, Gary will return home to support and care for his family. Our apologies to the MDF staff, as well as to the Exodus fans, who were eager to see us, and we hope everyone understands that family and loved ones comes first.”

The world’s most prestigious metal festival, Wacken Open Air, known for its elite line up of the globe’s best metal bands is bringing the largest metal contest on the planet Wacken Metal Battle to Canada. Recruiting 37 independent Canadian bands after hundreds of submissions to compete, Wacken Metal Battle Canada will select one true champion to represent the nation with highest honour at this summer’s 2013 edition of Wacken Open Air Festival in Wacken, Germany.

Read the rest of this entry »

Originating from Poland, 4-piece symphonic/gothic metal band Victorians after releasing highly acclaimed debut album “Revival” are going to play live on several festivals this year.

The band will appear on Castle Party Festival, biggest gothic/electronic/darkwave festiwal in middle-eastern Europe (this year headlined by Lacrimosa) – that will take place at Bolków Castle, Poland between 11th and 14th July 2013. Full line-up here: http://castleparty.com/

In October 18th Victorians will play Metal Female Voices Fest in Belgium (headlined by Tarja Turunen – http://www.metalfemalevoicesfest.be) and week later – at 26th October – the band will join special concert at Bram Stoker International Film Festival at Whitby, England. (www.bramstokerfilmfestival.com)

“Revival” includes 10 songs packed with great melodies, perfect musicianship and enchanting female vocals delivered by Eydis .
The recordings took place in MP Studio, with the help of producer Mariusz Pietka, who worked previously with such artists as Sabaton, Pathfinder and Cristal Viper. VICTORIANS tracked down 10 unique compositions that will appeal to fans of Nightwish and Within Temptation. Katarzyna Niwińska was responsible for amazing photo shots. You can check more pictures taken during this session and full album preview here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm80ckZZvjs&feature=g-upl

Read the rest of this entry »

Finnish masters of melancholic dark metal, AMORPHIS, have released the second single off the band’s upcoming album Circle. Check out the official “Shades Of Gray” lyric video:

Read the rest of this entry »

The time is fast approaching for Evile’s highly-anticipated new album, “Skull”, and you can now reserve your copy in a choice of great formats!

As a special treat for fans, we’ve got loads of pre-order options at the Earache Webstore to suit everyone from the casual fans to the most dedicated and die-hard Evile followers:

- Regular jewel case CD
- Jewel case CD signed by band (100 copies)
- Red (100 copies), White (200), Purple (300) or Black (400) vinyl LP
- Black vinyl LP signed by the band (150 copies)
- Album cover t-shirt
- Album cover hoodie
- Album cover girlie/tank top
- CD & t-shirt/hoodie/girlie pack
- Black LP & t-shirt/hoodie/girlie pack
- Your name in the album credits & CD or Black LP
Read the rest of this entry »

Sacred Oath – Fallen

A brand new full-length album from Sacred Oath is scheduled for worldwide release on May 28^th of this year.   “Fallen” is the 6^th studio album from the power metal quartet currently celebrating 25 years in the business.

Produced by lead singer/guitarist Rob Thorne at his studio in Connecticut, all 10 songs were recorded with the original 1988 line-up, including Pete Altieri (bass), Kenny Evans (drums), and Glen Cruciani (guitar).  “The four of us haven’t recorded anything together since “Darkness Visible” for a variety of reasons,” says Thorne, who has produced six of the band’s more recent albums.  “I threw the idea out there of doing an EP together to celebrate our 25^th anniversary, and everyone jumped on board.  It quickly escalate! d into a monstrous LP.  It’s very exciting.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Tickets on-sale Friday at 10am!

The world’s most notorious band will be coming back to the world’s most notorious city this fall, when Mötley Crüe returns to Las Vegas. The rockers best known for going to the extreme will once again take over the stage at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for an exclusive twelve-show engagement September 18 through October 6. The band blew away fans and critics last February with twelve over-the-top, sold-out shows. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am.

The fall shows will be an all-new production and the band is pushing their own envelope once again. The production will be designed exclusively for The Joint in partnership with AEG Live. There will be plenty of surprise elements for fans and a set-list full of hits.

“We are proud to have pioneered the Las Vegas rock residency last year and can’t wait to come back this year to take it over the top with a brand new show that will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen Mötley Crüe do before,” said Nikki Sixx.

“The guys had such a wild and successful run the first time around, I’m sure they will want to do everything bigger and better this time. We are extremely excited to see what the band brings to The Joint and Vegas during their second residency,” said Paul Davis, vice president of entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

“If some is good, more is better! That was our thought when we got serious about bringing the Crüe back to The Joint. The run went so well last time…..the show was awesome, the numbers outstanding and working with the band and their management was a pleasure,” said Bobby Reynolds, Vice President of Booking for AEG Live Las Vegas. “I’m honored to bring one of the most entertaining bands ever back to their element.”

For more information visit, www.Motley.com

Read the rest of this entry »

Mem von Stein, known for his work as the vocalist for influential thrash metal band, Exumer, is also a fitness enthusiast. Stein is a second degree Kung Fu Wu Su instructor, and also teaches Kung Fu and Qi Gong. Stein appears in a new QiGong exercise DVD that is available now at endorphins-body.com. A trailer for the DVD is available on youtube.com. Read the rest of this entry »

An updated version of VH1′s “Behind The Music” documentary on PANTERA, “Behind The Music Remastered: Pantera”, will premiere on VH1 Classic in the U.S. on Saturday, April 6 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The new version contains fresh interviews with those who also lost loved ones the night PANTERA guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott was murdered in Columbus, Ohio, as well as with PANTERA members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass), and Dimebag’s longtime girlfriend, Rita Haney.

The original “Behind The Music” episode on PANTERA had its premiere in May 2006. The program included interviews with the surviving members of PANTERA — Anselmo, Vinnie Paul Abbott (drums), and Brown — along with appearances by Guy Sykes (tour manager), Walter O’Brien (manager), Terry Date (producer), several members of PANTERA’s/DAMAGEPLAN’s crew, and Haney.

“Sorry for your fucked up, retarded, asinine program that smeared my name to the goddamn toilets of every house in America,” Anselmo says about the original show in one of the newly filmed interview clips that is included in the “Remastered” version of the episode. “You motherfuckers didn’t have to live with it, I did. I resent it — still resent it.”

Philip claims that since PANTERA ended, he has become a totally reformed character.

“Believe me, I’ve taken a good, cold, long hard fucking stare in the mirror,” he says. “I know who the fuck I am, I know the mistakes I’ve made. Therefore, I can move on.” Read the rest of this entry »

Swedish deathact, ENTRAILS, has released the second single from their upcoming new album Raging Death! Visit Rock Hard Germany HERE to check out Bloodhammer.

Fans can also head to www.metalblade.com/entrails to check out the artwork for Raging Death, as well as the first single In Pieces!

ENTRAILS comments: “This is the perfect next step for ENTRAILS. A massive stench of death, right in your face! ‘Raging Death’ as a title suited the album as a whole, since it’s pure death metal without mercy!”

Raging Death will be released the 10th/13th of May via Metal Blade Records in Europe on vinyl, limited Digi-CD with bonus cd, and in a standard jewel case. The album will be available on CD and on-line in North America on May 15th. Only the vinyl version and the limited digi CD will include the MARDUK cover, Dark Endless, as a bonus track! More details on the content of the bonus cd will be revealed shortly.

Read the rest of this entry »