Abiotic Interview – John Matos

Interviewed by Katherine Tullett

2012 has been a busy year for Abiotic! With the release of Symbiosis, a tour and a new endorsement with World renowned guitar company ESP, it’s a wonder the band has an energy left for 2013. Well, with yet ANOTHER tour being planned and writing well under way it is safe to say the Florida Quintuplet are not ready to stop doing their thing quite yet! Luckily for us, we were able to steal John, guitarist, for a quick little interview about the bands upcoming plans for this year and we were able to find out just how busy Abiotic have truly been!

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SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo has issued the following statement regarding the band’s Australian Tour 2013:

“I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom (Araya) and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.
I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year’s sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry (King) and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the three of us original Slayer members.

I look forward to seeing you in the future.”

Slayer as part of Soundwave 2013:

February
23 – Brisbane, Australia – RNA Showgrounds
24 – Sydney, Australia – Olympic Park
25 – Sydney, Australia – Big Top Luna Park *

March
1 – Melbourne, Australia – Flemington Racecourse
2 – Adelaide, Australia – Bonython Park
4 – Perth, Australia – Claremont Showground

* – Sidewave Show

Norwegian Black Metallers CREST OF DARKNESS, whose sixth full-length album “In the Presence of Death” is scheduled for release on My Kingdom Music on the 25th February, present the official video of the track “Demon Child” on the band’s YouTube Channel.

 

The video is produced and directed by MONITORmedia, using a special video mix of the track “Demon Child”. Photography is by Anders Børrensen and Levent Ultanur. Editing is by Øivind Kristiansen.

 

The video of “Demon Child” can be seen at http://youtu.be/3-sNJCviSGY

 

 

Tracklisting on “In the Presence of Death” as follows:

 

1. Intro – 2. In The Presence Of Death – 3. Demon Child – 4. Redemption – 5. The Priest From Hell – 6. Welcome To My Funeral – 7. Womb Of The Wolf – 8. Vampire Dreams – 9. From The Dead – 10. The Day Before She Died

Canadian hard rock band REVERSE GRIP has signed a worldwide management deal with Germany’s Rock N Growl Management. The band’s latest video “Sold My Soul” World Tour 2012 can be viewed below:

http://youtu.be/FGkN9Yf3f2o

Brothers, Dru Sean and Dylan Broda, along side Kramer White, pack a super hard hitting, High Energy brand of 80′s influenced Hard Rock. With a live show that is sure to knock you on your ass and all the drive you’d imagine, REVERSE GRIP is on their way up!

REVERSE GRIP is: Dru Broda – Vocals, Sean Broda – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Dylan Broda – Drums and Percussion, Kramer White – Bass Guitar & Ginger Hair

Rock N Growl and REVERSE GRIP are currently shopping the band’s debut album, “Hunger For Chaos“, produced by the band, mixed by “Mix Master” Michael Chambers and mastered by “Rip Roarin’” Rob Di Gioia, in hopes of securing a record deal very soon.

REVERSE GRIP World Tour 2013:

Mar 16th @ The RockPile, Etobicoke, ON, Canada, w/ THE BULLET BOYS
May 31st @ The Bar Fly, Campo Grande, Brazil
Jun 01st @ Sleazy Zone Party, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Jul 05th @ The Garage Deluxe, Munich, Germany
Jul 12th @ Rude Boy Club, Bielsko Biala, Poland
Jul 13th @ Trinec Festival, Trinec, Czech Republic

More show dates for Brazil, Europe and Japan to be added soon.

REVERSE GRIP is a Super High Energy Hard Rock Band formed by Dru, Sean and Dylan Broda, three real Brothers from Toronto, Canada.

REVERSE GRIP is dedicated and has a do-or-die attitude when it comes to music and life (which are the same thing if you ask them.). Whether you call it Hard Rock, Sleaze, Metal or just plain old Rock N’ Roll. The boys from REVERSE GRIP have a tight GRIP on their dreams and wont let go! Sometimes you have to go back to go forward, so…. STICK IT IN REVERSE!!

www.reversegriprock.com
www.facebook.com/reversegriprock

+ THIRD ORIANTHI STUDIO ALBUM, ‘HEAVEN IN THIS HELL’, PRIMED FOR RELEASE VIA SPINEFARM / ROBO RECORDS MARCH 11^TH 2013

“Outworld”, the second album by heavy metallers Asgard, will be released via My Graveyard Productions on April 22nd 2013. The cover artwork will be realised by Mark Wilkinson (who worked also with Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Marillion, Hawkwind and many others); the album will be recorded at Domination Studios by Simone Mularoni.

Swedish Death Metal veterans VOMITORY have decided to call it quits.

Comments the band: “After 24 years, eight albums and hundreds of live shows across 30 countries, we have finally come to the end of the road. We in the band – Tobias, Urban, Erik and Peter – have made the collective decision to end Vomitory by the end of 2013. It has been a blast on all accounts, but all good things come to to an end, and for Vomitory it is now. We will still play as many shows as possible during 2013, and we hope to see as many of you fans as possible there, so we can thank you for your true support during all these years!”

Order VOMITORY albums via www.metalblade.com/vomitory

http://www.metalblade.com/vomitory
https://www.facebook.com/vomitoryband

Headlining tour with Jeff Loomis and more to commence next month

SWEDEN – On March 12, 2013 Swedish melodic metal act Soilwork will kick-off its world tour in North America, marking the band’s first time headlining in this territory in almost three years. The extensive trek through the U.S. and Canada, “North American Infinity Tour 2013,” will feature support from Jeff Loomis, Blackguard, The Browning, and Wretched. An updated list of tour-dates can be seen below.

 

“All of us in Soilwork are excited to announce the first of many killer tours to come,” said drummer Dirk Verbeuren. “We can’t wait to take some of our new songs to the stage, and with two CDs worth of material, picking a set list is gonna be interesting to say the least… We look forward to once again bringing you metal the Soilwork way!”

 

General admission tickets for all dates are on sale now.

 

VIP Meet & Greet packages (which include early entry plus a shirt of choice from the band’s merchandise) are available only through Enterthevault.com at: http://www.enterthevault.com/artist.php?id=294.

 

 

 

Soilwork will release its upcoming double-disc album, The Living Infinite, on March 5, 2013 (March 1, EU) via Nuclear Blast.

 

The Living Infinite, the follow-up to Soilwork’s 2010 release, The Panic Broadcast, which debuted on U.S. Billboard charts at #88, was produced by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth, Bloodbath) and marks the recording debut of long-time touring guitarist David Andersson (Night Flight Orchestra).

 

The band’s new music video for “Rise Above The Sentiment,” taken from The Living Infinite, can be streamed on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awSLPW8e79o.

 

Stay tuned for more information on Soilwork, “North American Infinity Tour 2013″ and The Living Infinite.

Soilwork “North American Infinity Tour 2013″ dates…

 

3/12 – West Springfield, VA @ Empire

3/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero

3/14 – Albany, NY @ Bogie’s

3/15 – New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theater

3/16 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater

3/17 – Montreal, QC – CANADA @ Petit Campus

3/18 – Quebec City, QC – CANADA @ Dagobert

3/19 – Ottawa, ON – CANADA @ Mavericks

3/20 – Toronto, ON – CANADA @ The Opera House

3/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar

3/22 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

3/23 – Westland, MI @ Token Lounge

3/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

3/25 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoes

3/26 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s

3/27 – St. Paul, MN @ Station 4

3/28 – Winnipeg, MB – CANADA @ Park Theatre

3/29 – Regina, SK – CANADA @ The Exchange

3/30 – Calgary, AB – CANADA @ Republik Nightclub

3/31 – Edmonton, AB – CANADA @ Starlite Room

4/01 – Prince George, B.C. – CANADA @ The Generator

4/02 – Vancouver, B.C. – CANADA @ Rickshaw Theater

4/03 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

4/04 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre

4/05 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s

4/06 – Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go Go

4/07 – Tempe, AZ @ Rocky Point Cantina

4/08 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rock

4/09 – Las Vegas, NV @ Las Vegas Country Saloon

4/11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

4/12 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theater

4/13 – Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room

4/14 – St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird

4/15 – Dallas, TX @ Trees

4/16 – San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live

4/17 – Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar

4/18 – Abilene, TX @ Lucky Mule

4/19 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Chameleon Room

4/20 – El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls

4/22 – Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

4/23 – McAllen, TX @ Geo’s

4/24 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

4/26 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theater

4/27 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits

4/28 – Charlotte, NC @ The Casbah @ Tremont Music Hall

4/29 – Richmond, VA @ Kingdom

4/30 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage

5/01 – Teaneck, NJ @ Mexicali Live

5/02 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theater

5/03 – Buffalo, NY @ Broadway Joes

5/04 – Columbus, OH @ Al Rosa Villa

5/05 – London, ON – CANADA @ Music Hall

5/06 – Syracuse, NY @ Station 58

5/07 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

 

 

Soilwork online…

 

www.SOILWORK.org
www.facebook.com/SOILWORK
Twitter.com/_SOILWORK
www.youtube.com/SOILWORK

STRATOVARIUS will release their new album, Nemesis, as standard 11-track edition as well as 13-track special edition, on February 22nd.

 

The tracklist of the standard edition is as follows:

 

Abandon’

‘Unbreakable’

‘Stand My Ground’

‘Halcyon Days’

‘Fantasy’

‘Out Of The Fog’

‘Castles In The Air’

‘Dragons’

‘One Must Fall’

‘If The Story Is Over’

‘Nemesis’

Gojira and The Devin Townsend Project

January 19, 2013

Review and photos by Monika Deviat

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Vader, Aborted, Bonded by Blood and Adimiron

@ The Camden Underworld

8th Februrary 2013

Review by Caitlin Smith

Photography by Jo Blackened

Altercarnated Photography

It was a cold day outside the Underworld when the sign went up at the box office, sold out! It’s only 5.30pm and doors have only just opened, but already disappointed fans were being turned away.

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Sonata Arctica

Stones Grow Her Name World Tour Scandinavia, leg 2013

Pumpehuset
Copenhagen, Denmark
Jan 26, 2013

Review and live pictures by: Anders Sandvall

The melodic/power metal act Sonata Arctica is making fans in Scandinavia happy. Usually, the band performs in their native country of Finland and on festivals around Scandinavia, so it was quite surprising to see the Finns on a stage in Denmark. The tour began last summer and they toured throughout Finland and they did a shorter tour in Europe, America, Canada, and festivals in Europe. Last summer the band released the studio album STONES GROW HER NAME and it is the bands seventh album since their birth in 1995. STONES GROW HER NAME is (in my opinion) a really great piece of work. It takes a while before it settles, but its worth the time and effort. The venue of choice this night was Pumpehuset which is located near the central station in downtown Copenhagen. No support act was revealed and the band was scheduled to be on stage at 9 o clock. I was really looking forward to see Sonata Arctica perform on a much smaller stage than I had seen them before. Read the rest of this entry »

Bonded by Blood Interview

@ The Black Heart, Camden

Interviewed by Caitlin Smith

Photography by Jo Blackened

Http://www.facebook.com/altercarnated.photography

Just half an hour before doors are supposed to open at the Underworld for the show that night, I’m waiting in the rain outside the Black Heart for drummer, Carlos. In a quiet corner of the pub, we settle down with a couple of pints for a quick chat on life, touring and all things music.
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Victor Griffin’s IN~GRAVED, the new band led by former PENTAGRAM and PLACE OF SKULLS guitarist Victor Griffin, will embark on a U.K and European tour this April as well as an appearance at the Days Of The Doom Festival in Milwaukee, WI this summer. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

April 18 – Osnabrück, Germany – Bastard Club

April 20 – Tilburg, Netherlands – O13, Roadburn Festival

April 22 – Nürnberg, Germany – K4

April 24 – Vienna, Austria – Viper Room

April 25 – Berlin, Germany – Astra Kulturhaus, Desertfest

April 26 – Göppingen, Germany – Chappel, Doom Shall Rise Festival

April 27 – Terneuzen, Netherlands – De Pit

April 28 – London, U.K. – Electric Ballroom, Desertfest

June 22 – Milwaukee, WI – The Blue Pig – Days Of The Doom Festival

IN-GRAVED, will release its self-titled debut album in Europe on Friday, March 22 via Finnish label Svart Records and in the U.S. on Tuesday, March 26 through Veritas Vinyl. The band and touring line up features Griffin, TROUBLE’s original drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson (RETRO GRAVE) on Hammond organ, drummer Pete Campbell (60 WATT SHAMAN, PLACE OF SKULLS), and bassist Guy Pinhas (THE OBSESSED, ACID KING, GOATSNAKE).

Guest appearances on the debut album are bassists Ron Holzner (TROUBLE, EARTHEN GRAVE, DEBRIS INC), Greg Turley (PENTAGRAM), Marty Swaney (DEATH ROW,
PENTAGRAM), Dan Lively (SWEET CICADA), Anne Griffin, and keyboardist Mike Puleo (ORODRUIN).

IN~GRAVED Track Listing:

1. Digital Critic
2. What If…
3. Late For An Early Grave
4. Fading Flower
5. Thorn In The Flesh
6. Teacher
7. Love Song For The Dying
8. Never Surrender

As previously reported, the song “Late For An Early Grave” can now be streamed at http://www.roadburn.com/2013/02/victor-griffins-in-graved-track-premiere. Performing on the track is Victor Griffin (guitar/vocals), Pete Campbell (drums), Mike Puleo (keys), and Marty Swaney (bass).

The CD was recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, Tennessee with was producers Travis Wyrick (PLACE OF SKULLS) and Griffin. Engineers are Wyrick and Mike Dearing (PLACE OF SKULLS) with cover art created by Richard Schouten (PLACE OF SKULLS, MASSACRE).

Swedish Doom Metallers MEMORY GARDEN launch landing page for new album ‘Doomain’ and post front art and first single online! ‘Doomain’ out April 16th!

Swedish epic doom metallers MEMORY GARDEN have launched the first single and revealed the cover art for their new album Doomain, out April 16th via Metal Blade Records. Head over to www.metalblade.com/memorygarden to listen to The Evangelist! At the same address, fans can pre-order your copy of the album.

Doomain was recorded at Annoying Sound Factory and SolnaSound Recording by the band with a little assistance engineering from Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND) during the lead guitar sessions. The mix was done by Dan Swanö at Unisound.

Comments the band: “The recording of Doomain must be the most relaxed album session we’ve ever done. We recorded most of the album ourselves in our own studio and took the time we wanted and needed to get it done. Dan Swanö helped us getting the rig together and he provided us with the tools to do it and from there we did it ourselves. The lead guitar sessions were done at SolnaSound Recording by Simon & Mike Wead. When it all was done it was sent to Dan Swanö and Unisound for mix and mastering. The final album is amazing and we are so thrilled to get it out to all of you”

And about the album title: “We wanted a short and effective title to this album. It’s a little game of words referring to the style of music we play “Doom metal” and the actual word Domain. We see this album as a statement of what Memory Garden stands for music wise and this album is certainly down our alley, it’s in our Doomain.”

Doomain will be released the 12th/15th of April via Metal Blade Records in Europe on vinyl and as a Digi-CD and via all digital music outlets on April 16th in North America.

Doomain track listing:
1. The Evangelist
2. Latent Lunacy
3, Daughters of the Sea
4. Barren Lands
5. Violate & Create
6. Doomain
7. The King of the Dead
8. A Diabolical Mind
9. Misfortune

MEMORY GARDEN was found in 1992 in Sweden and have since then released four albums, two of them under the flag of Metal Blade Records (Verdict Of Posterity in 1998 and Mirage in 2000). Excellent guitar harmonies and the classic clean vocals of Stefan Berglund are the outstanding trademarks of this highly talented outfit.

MEMORY GARDEN:
Stefan Berglund – Vocals
Simon Johansson – Lead Guitars
Andreas Mäkelä – Guitars
Johan Fredrikson – Bass Guitar
Tom Björn – Drums

http://www.memorygarden.se
https://www.facebook.com/memorygardenofficial