Shortly before beginning the studio session for their upcoming 10th studio album, Construct, DARK TRANQUILLITY amicably parted ways with bassist Daniel Antonsson.
This decision has been growing for awhile, and the main reason is that Daniel wanted to focus on his own musical projects, as well as work more in his recording studio. Being first and foremost a guitarist, he felt that playing bass in a full-time band didn’t allow him much time for his main instrument and true passion.
With this in mind, he chose to follow his heart and step aside at this point instead of committing to another album and an intense touring cycle that would leave little room for other activities.
We thank Daniel for his years in the band – filled with great shows, amazing memories, and experiences in all corners of the world – and wish him all the best with his future musical career.
Daniel’s statement:
“I want to thank the guys in DARK TRANQUILLITY and the amazing D.T. fans around the world for the last four years of touring around the globe! It´s been awesome! Also a huge hug to the DT crew and all of the people working with us. I will miss you all very much! You are like family to me and I hope we will meet again soon!
But…now is the time for me to follow my heart and again focus on my guitar playing and being a recording engineer/producer in my studio, Gothenburg Rock Studios. We will meet again on the road or in the studio – that’s for sure!
Stay tuned for updates about the band’s new bassist and look forward to DARK TRANQUILLITY’s new album, Construct, due out May 27th in Europe and May 28th in North America!
DARK TRANQUILLITY live:
12.04.2013 – Dubai Rock Fest – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
04.05.2013 – Refresh The Venue – Istanbul, Turkey
30.05.2013 – Beastival Festival – Geiselwind, Germany
28.06.2013 – Basinfire Festival – Spalene Porici, Czech Republic
23.08.2013 – Neuborn Open Air – Wörrstadt, Germany
The rock-and-roll memoir of one of the world’s greatest guitarists:
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR RELENTLESS FROM Slash, Steve Vai , Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde and more…
Slash: Yngwie literally blew my mind when he came on the LA music scene in the early 80′s. the fastest & most articulate, fluid, melodic, classical based rock guitarist I’d ever heard. Still the best at what he does all these years later.
Steve Vai: When Yngwie Malmsteen hit the scene in the early 80′s it was as if a monolith appeared. He was playing electric rock guitar in a way that seemed completely unearthly and had to be seen to be believed.
His tone was pristine and powerful, his vibrato, intonation and control was stunning, His harmonic and melodic sensibilities were unique, his emotional investment in his melodies was captivating, and his sheer speed and technical command of the instrument was utterly breathtaking to the point of frightening for some.
He absolutely set a standard of virtuosity on the instrument that has yet to be matched. He was a breath of visceral fresh air that inspired the movement of a whole new subculture of music. He was always unequivocally and unquestionably dedicated to his passions and delivered without any excuses. And since then, the bastard has just been getting better!”
I have had the good fortune of knowing him for the past 25 years and have stood next to him on stage many times. It always felt as though I was standing next to a mountain, solid, giant and forever.
A few things about Yngwie that some may not know is that he is remarkably intelligent and has a fiery sense of humor that delivers on par with his musical gifts.
Joe Satriani: Yngwie Malmsteen loves to play guitar, and he’s really good at it. I know this from personal experience.
I’ve stood right next to him on many a stage, shoulder to shoulder, trading solos, celebrating our influences, taking chances, playfully testing each others limits and putting on a great show for our fans. At the end of every performance I was sure of two things: Yngwie is an amazing guitarist, and that there is only one Yngwie Malmsteen.
Let’s face it, every guitarist wishes they could do what he does with those six strings and a pick, but what he does is not only super human, it is undeniably unique and original too. There are imitators, some with equal proficiency, but none that can match the heart and the confidence behind his virtuosity.
The last time we played together was at Marshall’s 50th Anniversary Concert at Wembley Arena in London on September 22nd, 2012, and I think it was the best I’d ever heard him play. Yes, he’s getting better!
I was on stage just behind the curtain warming up with my guitar as I listened to Yngwie enthrall the audience with his impeccable and furious technique. But it’s his passion for music that really lights everyone up in the audience up. It’s the fire burning in those hands that make every note scream. He puts all of who he is, no excuses, no apologies, into every note and every sound he makes on his guitar.
There is only one Yngwie Malmsteen.
Zakk Wylde: You have Good Guitar Players. You have Great Guitar Players. Then you have The Ones that CHANGE THE GAME….
Like Jimi Hendrix & Edward Van Halen before him,Yngwie Walks Amongst them. It’s not Just his Sheer & Utter Mastery & Command of the Instrument that makes him Amazing. The Phrasing, The Vibrato, The Tone, His FEEL & PASSION along with the Overall Musicality That he brings to The table is what makes him so Special & Unique…. Where other guitar players, play fast and say Nothing, Yngwie Speaks…. If you’ve ever wondered what Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi & Paganini would have been capable of doing if they lived in the 21st Century, Look no further…. They All Reside within one Yngwie J. Malmsteen….and They are Smiling
Richard McDonald, Fender Guitars: The most meaningful endorsements come from artists that truly believe in the products they use. Fender has never embraced a pay-to-play relationship with artists. We are always looking for the quintessential Fender players. The individuals that use our instruments to create new, captivating and inspiring music. Yngwie J. Malmsteen is exactly that artist. His compositions and playing were so fresh, his technique and sound so different. It represented a new era and a new level of musical sophistication in the heavy rock genre. Guitarists the world over were in awe. Not since Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s had the musical community witnessed such a redefinition of guitar music.
When the idea of “Signature Artist” instruments surfaced in the late 1980s we selected two players we felt earned this special acknowledgment. One was Eric Clapton and the other was Yngwie Malmsteen. If you are lucky enough to spend meaningful time with him you will quickly understand he is a Fender fanatic, collector and historian. Not only was it a privilege to design a signature model Stratocaster with him it was an incredible challenge to reproduce the unique specifications of his guitar. The instrument is still one of our most popular artist models and stands as a tribute to his longevity and popularity across a broad audience of players and enthusiasts.
Nick Bowcott, Marshall Amplification: Every once in a blue moon a rock-guitarist comes along that doesn’t just reset the bar, but turns the whole genre upside-down. Such players are few and far between. Jimi Hendrix; Jimmy Page; Eric Clapton; Jeff Beck; Edward Van Halen; Randy Rhoads; Dimebag Darrell….and a six-string supernova named, Yngwie J. Malmsteen.
Although Yngwie was first introduced to many via “Spotlight” column in Guitar Player in the early ‘80s, most didn’t actually hear him until the April 1985 issue of the magazine which contained a 7” flexi-disc (remember those now extinct items?!) featuring Yngwie performing “Black Star” from his debut solo album. Such was the explosive impact of his playing that I can tell you exactly where I was when I first heard it – just as I can recount the location of my initial encounters with Messrs. Van Halen and Rhoads. The result? A new star was born and sweep-picking and neo-classical playing became the same overnight sensation as two-handed tapping was when “Eruption” was released. And it’s all Yngwie’s fault…
Yngwie’s love for Marshall is well-known. The man literally crams as much of our gear into each-and every-venue he plays on as the size of the stage will allow. And for that we are eternally grateful. As he likes to say: “there are only two man-made objects you can see from outer-space – the Great Wall of China and my Marshall backline!” Not surprisingly, in 2011 Marshall unveiled the Yngwie J. Malmsteen signature JYM100 head…and we do not expect that to be the only project we collaborate together on.
Yngwie and the late, great Jim Marshall met in 1984, hit it off immediately due to their shared odd-ball, sense-of-humour, and remained great friends right up until Jim’s passing in 2012. During the making of the charity song “We’re Stars” one of the members of the fictional band, Spinal Tap, joked that the only reason Yngwie uses the name “Yngwie J. Malmsteen is to distinguish himself from all the other Yngwie Malmsteens out there.” If truth be told though, our friend doesn’t even need to use his last-name…”Yngwie” is enough for any guitarist on the planet to know exactly who is being referred to.
Seymour W. Duncan, Chairman Seymour Duncan Pickups: Yngwie is one of a very small handful of pioneer players who shook up the world of electric guitar and opened it up to an entirely new way of playing. And he’s got some amazing tone!
Evan Skopp, Vice President Artist Relations, Seymour Duncan Pickups: His guitar virtuosity is renowned. But one thing most people don’t know about Yngwie is what a great guy he is. Super intelligent. Funny as hell. And a family man. He’s one of the coolest artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Paul Youngblood, V.P. BOSS/Roland Guitar Yngwie J. Malmsteen is the father of shred guitar. His influence on the guitar and other guitar players is huge. Yngwie is always totally in control and a master. And by the way, Yngwie really rocks!
Walter Rührig, AKG Acoustics: Yngwie Malmsteen is a fantastic ambassador for AKG acoustics’ premium pro audio products. Yngwie’s outstanding musical talent and performance deserves top professional equipment support and we are extremely pleased for having been chosen by him as a partner he trusts in.
I’m personally impressed by Yngwie’s passion for his music and his incomparable, powerful style when performing life on stage. He fades away, transforms all his energy into his guitar playing and entertains his fans at a top musical and emotional level. And millions love him for that.
I will never forget in my life when I first met Yngwie in person. When Yngwie left a colleague of mine came close and asked me with full excitement, “Do you know who that was?” And I responded to him full of pride, “Yes my friend, THIS was Yngwie Malmsteen!!”
New album “Ugly Noise” to be released April 16th, 2013
Flotsam and Jetsam, arguably one of the most influential and prominent acts from thrash metal’s birth in the early 80s, has returned to Metal Blade Records to release their new album, Ugly Noise. The lead single/title track is available for streaming now on metalblade.com/flotsamandjetsam.
Ugly Noise is the band’s eleventh full-length album, their first release on Metal Blade since 2001, and the follow up to their 2010 album, The Cold. The record also heralds the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven’t recorded with Flotsam and Jetsam since High in 1997.
Flotsam and Jetsam’s Kelly Smith comments on working with Metal Blade: “We have just inked a distribution deal for the release of “Ugly Noise” through Metal Blade Records. Ugly Noise will be released worldwide in late March/Early April of 2013. It was the obvious choice for us after our long-standing relationship and Metal Blades 30 year history of metal. You can’t match what they can do with 30 years of experience behind them. We are excited and looking forward to working with MB in 2013.”
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Dark Roots of Thrash Tour
w/ Testament, Overkill, 4Arm
02/20 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
02/21 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
02/22 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
02/23 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
02/25 Denver, CO The Summit Music Hall
02/26 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue End Tour
02/28 Las Vegas, NV Hard Rock Café
Buckcherry’s new Confessions CD is available now via Century Media Records. Confessions is also streaming online today at AOL’s Noisecreep.com. Check out the album premiere at: www.noisecreep.com/2013/02/19/buckcherry-confessions-album-premiere/.
To celebrate the release of their new album, the multi-platinum Los Angeles rock band–Josh Todd (vocals), Keith Nelson (guitar), Stevie D. (guitar), Jimmy Ashhurst (bass), Xavier Muriel (drums)–will headline three intimate hometown shows at The Viper Room in West Hollywood on March 7, 8 and 9. A limited number of tickets are still available at http://viperroom.com.
“The Viper Room is where it all began for us,” says Josh Todd. “At one point when we would hit the stage in that small club, the crowd sounded like an arena. It was so explosive that we landed a record deal and now 15 years later we’re coming back to do it all again.”
Confessions is Buckcherry’s sixth studio album and first U.S. release for Century Media Records. It was produced by Keith Nelson and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne) and features eclectic CD artwork by graffiti artist Ewok. The songs on Confessions merge punk grit, gutter attitude, honest storytelling, and razor sharp hooks, while the lyrics are tied together by the underlying theme of the Seven Deadly Sins.
In a recent interview with Loudwire.com, Josh Todd elaborated on the album’s subject matter. Josh explained, “There was a point in my life when I was a youth when I lost a family member and I acted out in my grieving process through the deadly sins, so that’s kind of what the story’s about on the record. I think the seven sins are timeless and that everybody struggles with them in their daily lives all the time.”
The album’s first single “Gluttony” is impacting Active Rock in the U.S. and Top 5 at Active Rock in Canada. The provocative video for “Gluttony”–directed by Billy Jayne and filmed in a North Hollywood church–can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4tf9Q83ERg.
A two-disc deluxe version of the Confessions CD is also available and features the bonus tracks “Give ‘Em What They Want” and “When The Fire Starts.” In addition, a bonus DVD includes the “Gluttony” music video and lyric video, behind the scenes footage and band interviews from the set of the “Gluttony” video shoot, and “The Story Behind Confessions” featurette. Confessions will also be released on vinyl in April.
The track listing for Confessions is as follows:
Gluttony
Wrath
Nothing Left But Tears
The Truth
Greed
Water
Seven Ways To Die
Air
Sloth
Pride
Envy
Lust
Dreamin’ Of You
Buckcherry is currently on the road supporting Kid Rock as special guests on the Rebel Soul tour through April 6, with additional worldwide tour plans to be announced soon.
Buckcherry is receiving early praise from the media for both Confessions and their live show. In a review of the band’s February 2 performance in Kansas City, Bill Brownlee of the Kansas City Star praised the “adrenaline-fueled buzz-saw voice of charismatic front man Josh Todd (February 3, 2013).”
Here’s some additional early critical praise:
“their best album yet”
–Dom Lawson, The Guardian (London), February 14, 2013
“The church of 21st century rock ‘n’ roll gets its new Bible with Buckcherry’s utterly divine Confessions…’Gluttony’ rages with insatiable energy and an irresistible refrain from vocalist Josh Todd. Meanwhile, ‘Wrath’ busts teeth with bombastic, epic riffage from Keith Nelson and Stevie D. The big rhythmic shake from bassist Jimmy ‘Two Fingers’ Ashhurst and drummer Xavier Muriel adds considerable heft to the transfixing ballad ‘The Truth’…Ultimately, Buckcherry have reached another level with Confessions. It’s a landmark for them and one of the year’s best rock albums.”
–Rick Florino, ArtistDirect.com, February 15, 2013
“Although the songs can stand on their own without the seven sins thread connecting them, a straight-through listen of the 13 tracks is an emotional, melodic ride; as cutting as it is tender. On the album’s second track, ‘Wrath,’ the band belts out one of the funkiest rock riffs this side of Zeppelin’s ‘Black Dog’…It’s quintessential Buckcherry: fiery lyrics from an emotion-ravaged gut with a killer groove…The band might be best known for its edgy rock anthems (‘Crazy Bitch,’ ‘Lit Up’), but as the Confessions album conveys, Buckcherry is about dynamics. ‘The Truth’ is a rock ballad that might top the success of its 2007 radio hit, ‘Sorry.’… The song sequence of ‘Air,’ ‘Sloth,’ ‘Pride,’ ‘Envy’ showcases the band’s songwriting depth with grand choruses and keen composition.”
–Chris Bradshaw, Naples Daily News, February 14, 2013
Buckcherry are one of the premier rock bands of the new millennium. They’ve sold more than three million records in America alone and tour virtually non-stop, playing with everyone from AC/DC to Avenged Sevenfold, touring sold-out arenas alongside Nickelback and KISS, and headlining festivals ranging from the punk rock Ink-N-Iron (also featuring the Misfits and Pennywise) to Sturgis. Radio staples “Lit Up,” “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry” have cemented the band as one of the most identifiable and sought-after bands on the radio and the live circuits.
The current Buckcherry tour itinerary is as follows:
Date City Venue
With Kid Rock and Hellbound:
2/20 Pensacola, FL Pensacola Civic Center
2/21 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
2/23 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
2/24 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center
2/26 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
2/27 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Auditorium
3/1 Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
3/2 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
Solo Shows:
3/7 West Hollywood, CA The Viper Room
3/8 West Hollywood, CA The Viper Room
3/9 West Hollywood, CA The Viper Room
With Kid Rock and Hellbound:
3/18 Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Arena
3/20 Madison, WI Memorial Coliseum At Alliant Energy Center
3/22 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center
3/23 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
3/25 Youngstown, OH Covelli Center
3/26 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
3/28 Bloomington, IL U.S. Cellular Coliseum
3/29 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center
4/1 Evansville, IN Ford Center
4/3 Grand Rapids , MI Van Andel Arena
4/5 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center
4/6 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center
For more information on BUCKCHERRY visit:
www.facebook.com/buckcherry
www.twitter.com/buckcherry
www.buckcherry.com
www.centurymedia.com
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award during its 30th annual Pop Music Awards, it was announced today by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. The invitation-only gala will take place on April 17th, 2013 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event will also celebrate the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed pop songs of 2012.
The ASCAP Founders Award honors pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music, inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Past recipients include Ashford & Simpson, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Carly Simon, Patti Smith, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart), Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.
“To be recognized by ASCAP with the Founders Award is a huge achievement,” commented Steven Tyler. “It is humbling for Joe and me to be honored for our music alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell. It’s been a life-long love affair and it’s far from over. Besides, any society that lets Tom Waits in…I’m there!”
Joe Perry commented: “As songwriters, it is a great honor to have ASCAP recognize Steven and me with the Founders Award. We join an incredible list of honorees and we are grateful to ASCAP for their support throughout our career.”
Co-founding members of legendary rock band Aerosmith, the songwriting team of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide to-date. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees since 2001, they are the recipients of countless awards including four Grammys, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards and 12 MTV Video Music Awards, among many others. With scores of multi-platinum albums, their music remains influential to this day, inspiring listeners of all ages to get their wings, get a grip and just push play. The band’s 15th studio album, 2012’s Music from Another Dimension!, features songs penned by both Tyler and Perry, who also served as producers on the album.
“As part of one of our nation’s greatest and most iconic rock bands, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry crafted the music that defined a generation and continues to inspire songwriters today,” commented Paul Williams. “They are true musical pioneers whose contributions to American songwriting are immeasurable. We are extremely proud to honor these cultural icons with the ASCAP Founders Award.”
The 30th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards will also honor the songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs of 2012. Top awards will be given out for Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
The ceremony comes on the eve of the 8th annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, a three-day conference dedicated to songwriting and composing. Steven Tyler will also give a keynote interview at the ASCAP EXPO with entertainment news journalist Roger Friedman. The conference will take place April 18-20, 2013 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, in Los Angeles, CA. A wide range of music creator and industry panelists will be announced soon. For more details, please visit www.ascap.com/expo.
Just as the third quarter of 2012 brought three exciting works from JEFF LYNNE–his second solo album Long Wave, the freshly recorded Mr. Blue Sky–The Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra and the illuminating documentary “Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne and ELO”–2013 will be marked by more treats from the creative force of ELO and one of rock’s most iconic figures.
On April 23 in the U.S. (and April 19 in Europe), Frontiers Records will release three albums: ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA LIVE and two reissues, ELO’s ZOOM (remastered and including a brand new track) and his debut solo album ARMCHAIR THEATRE (also remastered, with two new brand new tracks). It’s all part of the 40th anniversary of ELO, who’ve sold 50 million-plus records worldwide. These releases will all feature new packaging and the LIVE CD will come in a special ecobook edition.
● ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA LIVE hasn’t been issued as an album until now. Taken from a 2001 performance for a PBS television special in Los Angeles at CBS Television City, the music was released as a DVD that year. The new hits-packed CD offers fans six tracks that weren’t on the DVD (“Stranger on a Quiet Street,” “In My Own Time,” “Really Doesn’t Matter,” “A Long Time Gone,” “Melting in the Sun,” and “All She Wanted”) as well as two new, unreleased studio tracks, “Out of Luck” (recorded in 2010) and “Cold Feet” (recorded in 1992). Although the singularly accomplished British singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer has always preferred the creative experience of the recording studio, he is a compelling performer who’s always figured out ways to bring his distinctive widescreen musical universe to life onstage when he needed to.
● ELO’s ZOOM–unavailable for over 10 years–has been remastered and features a brand new track, “One Day” (recorded in 2004) as an added bonus, along with live versions of “Do Ya” and “Turn To Stone” from the ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA LIVE show. At the time of its original release in 2001, LYNNE hadn’t issued an ELO album since 1986’s Balance of Power. He called upon notable friends for a little help, enlisting contributions from longtime ELO member Richard Tandy as well as good friends George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The result is an album rich in that distinct ELO sound–classic LYNNE melodies and songwriting, foot-stomping rock anthems and sweet, sexy strings.
● LYNNE’s first solo album, 1990’s ARMCHAIR THEATRE, is a melting pot of different styles and influences featuring unexpected collaborations with LYNNE’s heroes and close friends, including Tom Petty, Richard Tandy and George Harrison. This reissue, unavailable for the last decade, includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks, “Borderline” and “Forecast” (both recorded in 1989). Interestingly, the album also features a few notable covers–“Don’t Let Go,” “Stormy Weather” and “September Song”–that demonstrated LYNNE’s flair for covers two decades before the release of 2012’s acclaimed Long Wave. Suitably, the core of the album is LYNNE himself, though he also left room for the contributions of a few friends and fellow travelers. Harrison contributed guitars and vocals on a number of tracks. Petty co-wrote “Blown Away,” a gorgeously romantic ballad. Longtime ELO band member Richard Tandy also contributed on keyboards and other instruments. ARMCHAIR THEATRE captures the musical genius of JEFF LYNNE when–perhaps more than ever before–the world was his stage.
Outside of the success of ELO, LYNNE has led a remarkable career producing and collaborating with many of the greatest musical artists of all time. They include a number of LYNNE’s all-time heroes like Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and remarkably, even the Beatles themselves, as well as contemporaries like Tom Petty and Joe Walsh, whose new album Analog Man LYNNE recently produced some tracks for. Together with Harrison, Orbison, Petty and Bob Dylan, LYNNE was, of course, a member of the Grammy award-winning Traveling Wilburys–a super group like no other. “I’ve been in love with music since I was probably just five years old,” says LYNNE. I was mad for music then–and I still am today.”
Last year certainly had its share of ups and down for New York death metal legends Suffocation. But that’s really nothing new for a band that were one of scene’s pioneering and most revered acts in the early 1990s but were seemingly finished by 1998, when they split up and death metal appeared headed the way of the dinosaur.
Five years later, though, Suffocation were back and since then they have helped lead a death metal resurgence that continues to this day. Along the way, the band have unleashed some of their finest work, from 2004′s comeback Souls To Deny, to 2006′s self-titled behemoth and 2009′s Blood Oath, which marked their first entry into the Billboard Top 200.
2012, however, began on a sour note. Drummer Mike Smith left for a second time, and had some rather unkind words for his former mates on the way out the door (which can be found easily enough with a quick Google search, if you’re interested). But former drummer and long-time Malevolent Creation member Dave Culross came back onboard and Suffocation kept rolling.
Then frontman Frank Mullen had to bow out of a series of shows in Europe due to work-related conflicts, so Decrepit Birth’s Bill Robinson was recruited to fill in. Later, Mullen said he would continue to sit out a portion of the band’s shows going forward because of such conflicts — though he remains committed to Suffocation and will record with them, as well as tour as much as his schedule allows, an arrangement the rest of the band seem to have accepted.
In October, the band – rounded out by guitarists Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais and bassist Derek Boyer – were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, becoming easily the most brutal of the institution’s honorees, which include the likes of Connie Stevens, Perry Como, Harry Chapin and Billy Joel. A couple weeks later, though, they, along with just about everyone else along the Eastern Seaboard, got blasted back into the 19th century for a stretch by Hurricane Sandy.
Amid it all, Suffocation managed to record their seventh studio album, Pinnacle of Bedlam, which has just been released. And despite the turmoil, the band sound as ferocious and focused as ever. On the phone from Long Island, Hobbs offered the following status report on the band, as well as some of his other projects.
New Saxon is coming soon!! While we wait, check this out:
“Sacrifice” will now be released on March 1 in Europe (except in the U.K., where it will be made available on March 4) and March 26 in North America through UDR.
The “Sacrifice” cover artwork was created by longtime SAXON artist Paul Raymond Gregory and can be seen below.
Releasing New Album ‘Destroy’ on April 2, 2013 via Housecore Records
WARBEAST is pleased to announce that Casey Orr (Rigor Mortis, GWAR) will join them as their fill-in bassist while on the road this spring with GWAR! The band’s upcoming tour dates with GWAR and Wilson kick off in Tucson, AZ on April 10th. The 16 day run, dubbed the “Fate or Chaos Tour”, will continue through the month of April until it closes in Jacksonville, FL on April 25th.
WARBEAST vocalist Bruce Corbitt states, “Obviously we are all psyched to have Casey on board for this upcoming tour with GWAR and Wilson. I’ve always respected Casey’s professionalism, abilities and musicianship from our many years together in Rigor Mortis,” “This will be a natural and comfortable fit for WARBEAST. Plus he’s still buds with all of the guys in GWAR, so this tour will be a blast… to say the least.
“I am very excited to accept the challenge of playing bass for the mighty WARBEAST! I’m looking forward to crushing skulls with my brothers in the Beast, and I’m totally stoked to be bringing the thunder on the road this April, supporting my Scumdog family – GWAR,” adds Casey Orr. “Texas Thrash will Destroy!”
“This by far will be the most solid lineup to date with Casey Orr joining us for this tour. I’ve known him all of my life and it just seems right,” adds WARBEAST guitarist Scott Shelby. “Casey is hyped as well, as is the whole band to move on to this new era and continue to Destroy!”
“I’m looking forward to the rhythm section being tighter than ever,” states WARBEAST drummer Joey Gonzalez. “I know Casey will be killer to learn from and jam with. “
In addition to the newly announced tour dates with GWAR, a CD release show for Destroy will take place at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, TX on April 6, 2013. See directly below for all confirmed tour dates.
WARBEAST ‘Destroy’ CD Release Show:
4/6 – Fort Worth, TX @ The Rail Club
WARBEAST “Fate Or Chaos Tour” With GWAR and Wilson:
4/25 - Jacksonville, FL @ Free Bird Live – Tickets
WARBEAST recently revealed the upcoming release date for their new full length album, Destroy. The new album, produced by Philip H. Anselmo and engineered by Stephen “The Big Fella” Berrigan, will hit stores and digital retailers on April 2, 2013 via Housecore Records. Destroywas recorded at Nodferatu’s Lair in May and July 2012 and mixed by Anselmo and Berrigan. The album artwork and concept were designed by “Carcass” John Fossum with graphic and technical adviser John Deleon.
War of the Gargantuas, the new split EP by WARBEAST and Philip H. Anselmo, is out now! You can buy the split now at www.thehousecorestore.com.
For more information on WARBEAST, please visit these websites:
DARK AT DAWN: It was one of the biggest reunions in the past year: DARK AT DAWN, hailing from the Harz Mountains and one of Germany’s most sucessful Melodic Metal bands, is back in the buisness! This great news was accompanied by the EP “Noneternal”, a European Tour and the promise to realease a full-length album in 2013. Therefore we couldn’t resist and invited the guys to take a bath with us – Today we are glad to confirm DARK AT DAWN for the METAL4SPLASH OPEN AIR 2013!
The world’s most prestigious metal festival, Wacken Open Air, known for its elite lineup of the globe’s best metal bands is bringing the largest metal contest on the planet to Canada. Wacken Metal Battle Canada will be recruiting one independent Canadian band to perform at this year’s highly celebrated gathering of metal heads in Wacken, Germany. Searching forthe strongest contenders, Metal Battle Canada will showcase Canada’s premiere talents for one true champion to represent the nation with highest honor at the Wacken Open Air Festival.
Being held in Toronto, ON and Montreal, QC during the months of May and June, Canadian metal bands from across the country will challenge one another to join a list of Canadianheavyweights such as Voivod, Exciter, Razor, Annihilator, Anvil, Kataklysm, Cryptopsy, 3 Inches of Bloods, Despised Icon and Danko Jones who have performed at the festival in years past.
The W:O:A Metal Battle was founded in 2004 to encourage future generations of heavy metal and rock, as Wacken Open Air believes in supporting the future of metal music and its musicians.
Submissions for Metal Battle Canada can be completed via the online application at the following link below and will be open from Feb 18th to deadline on March 10th. (Please remember to select the city in which you would like to potentially compete.)
REALM OF CHAOS, the classic 1989 album from British death metal legends BOLT THROWER, has been remastered with Full Dynamic Range audio and is available now on CD/DVD and limited edition vinyl LP.
REALM OF CHAOS is the band’s second full-length album and their Earache Records debut, which cemented the band’s position in 1989 among the heaviest of the underground scene. The album features new artwork from the original artist, JOHN SIBBICK.
The album has been specially remastered from the original tapes using Full Dynamic Range (FDR) mastering, allowing the music’s nuances to shine through, giving the whole album a more ferocious and dynamic sound and enabling the listener to immerse themselves in the full audio heaviness like never before.
The REALM OF CHAOS Full Dynamic Range CD includes a bonus DVD featuring a full, previously-unreleased live performance from the legendary 1989 “Grindcrusher” tour. The album is also available on limited edition vinyl.
Italian blackened metaller Azrath-11 have posted on YouTube the streaming of a brand new song that will be contained on the band’s second new full-length titled “Ov Tentacles And Spirals”. Cover was created by artist Marco Hasmann, famous to have worked for band like Blasphemer, Collapse Within, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septycal Gorge, Stillness Blade, Vile and many more. The new album will be release on February, 23 via Punishment 18 Records. “Ov Tentacles And Spirals” tracklist:
01. Awaiting the Inexorable (intro)
02. Emblem Ov Primordial Tides
03. Enraging The Water Spirit
04. Maelstrom Descent
05. Domination Ov The Streams
06. Surge
07. Sunset Ov The Abysmal Embrace
08. Beholding The Oceans
09. Let The Realms Rise
10. He Who Dwells The Dephts
11. God Ov Emptiness (Morbid Angel Cover)
Curated by Primordial lead vocalist, Alan Averill, the purpose of this inaugural Redemption event in his home city of Dublin was to bring together half a dozen of Europe’s top black metal outfits under a single roof in a way which the Irish capital had never seen before. Read the rest of this entry »
Have you ever dreamt about or wondered what it feels like to travel around like a real rock star? Do you want to ride, party and sleep in a real rock’n'roll-nightliner-bus? Just like the band and crew? Do you want to experience life on the road – like your favourite band? SAXON? How about not only like Saxon – but with them? Dream no more, because now not only is this possible, it is now a reality!
According to the press release:
The Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience offers you – for the first time ever – the opportunity to join Saxon on tour! Travel with us in a real nightliner bus, the same kind of bus that the band and crew travel in on their tour. We will take you to selected gigs (Nottingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. Dates 19, 20, 21, and 22nd of April). You will follow the bands tour bus to the gigs, and in most cases (depends on individual gig access) park right next to them.
You will then join the band and crew at soundchecks, we will provide your tickets for the shows and also arrange for you to have priority access/entrance to the shows so that you get the best views at the shows. Not only that but we will arrange either an exclusive The Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience-meet-and-greet with the entire band where you can ask them anything you have been dying to ask them, get your autographs and take loads of your own pictures, close-up and personal. Or we will arrange that you will have a once-in-a-lifetime-treat, your own exclusive meal with the band in a local restaurant or backstage. (the meet-and-greet or meal will be confirmed in advance, so you will know which of these fantastic offers are available)
In addition you will receive your own collectable laminated exclusive The Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience-tourpass. The Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience has saved the best treat until last, we will arrange your own fantastic aftershow party with the entire band attending. This party will be the highlight of your The Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience tour with us.
Included in the deal:
• Your own Rock ‘N’ Roll-nightliner-bus and experienced Rock ‘N’ Roll-driver.
• Your own tour manager who will liaise with the bands tour manager to organise each days events.
• You will have VIP-access to all the gigs/shows.
So do not wonder anymore, live the dream and join us on our next tour.
All of this is available exclusively to Rock ‘N’ Roll Experience-clients only. There are very limited places available for these fantastic touring experiences on each tour.
