Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Candlelight Records confirms June 25 as the North American release date for Unnatural Selection, the new album from Denver thrashers HAVOK. The ten-song album was produced by David Sanchez with mixing handled by Terry Date (Pantera, Overkill, Deftones). It features original artwork from Polish illustrator Rafal Wechterowicz (Slayer, Mastodon) and was mastered by James Murphy (Aborted, World Under Blood, Abigail Williams).
“Give Me Liberty… Or Give Me Death,” the first single from Unnatural Selection, will hit Loud Rock/Metal radio on May 27. The topical song is a furious and urgent anthem that displays the band’s classic thrash and old school metal sound. Vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez ignites the fret board and barks the righteous lyrics while drummer Pete Webber punishes his immense kit. The song’s towering sound benefits from the unique acoustics of the old theater that was utilized as one of the many recording locations for the album.
“I am super pumped on how the drums came out,” chimes Webber. “We recorded the drums in a theater to get a huge sound. It was a challenging experience for me between time constraints and the drum parts having much more feeling in them. I believe the added pressure made for some really awesome stuff. I can’t wait to unleash this album to the world.”
Unnatural Selection bears a far more mature collection of songs when compared to Burn (2009), and Time Is Up (2011). HAVOK has truly hit their mark with a sound that will please fans new and old. Additional album stand outs include album opener “I Am The State,” “Chasing The Edge,” and the band’s rendition of the Black Sabbath classic “Children of the Grave.”
Canadian progressive metal pioneers VOIVOD have almost completed work on a video for the title track of their Century Media debut album, Target Earth. The video, created by Italian filmmaker and multimedia artist, Nicola Piovesan, will recreate in 3D Motion Graphics the visions and artwork of VOIVOD drummer, Away (Michel Langevin).
To watch the teaser trailer for “Target Earth,” please click the link below.
Joris has left HEIDEVOLK. His last show was the Pagagfest gig in New York. We want to thank him for everything he has done during the more than ten years that he was a member of the band. We cherish the experiences of the last decade and we wish him all the best for any future music adventure.
His personal message to everyone:
“After ten great years with Heidevolk, new horizons are beckoning me and I feel it is time for a change. I want to thank all involved in Heidevolk for the good times we had, and I want to wish them all the best in their future endeavours. To all the people I met and had the honour of performing for: it has been a pleasure and I am deeply thankful for all the memories. Wæs þu hæl!”
- Joris
HEIDEVOLK will soon start the search for a suitable replacement for the low vocal parts of the characteristic dual clean vocals. No live shows will be affected. Stand-in vocalist Mickael will take care of the vocal parts for the live shows to come until a new vocalist has been found
Jan Caldwell, Public Affairs Director for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, spoke with Artisan News about the capture, arrest and charges against AS I LAY DYING singer Tim Lambesis. Lambesis is expected to appear in court for an arraignment today (Wednesday, May 8th) or Thursday.
Jan Caldwell, a spokeswoman from San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, told Reuters that they learned last week that Lambesis was looking for a hitman, and that the department had “averted a great tragedy” by acting quickly on the information.
Caldwell added that no further details about Lambesis’ motive or murder plan could be disclosed owing to the ongoing police investigation.
The world we live in continues spiraling down into violence caused in large part to the religious differences and political oppression that exists throughout our planet. What is not often recognized is that this is a problem not just in America, but all over the world. Religious zealots from Chechniya took nearly 1000 hostages in 2002 in a theater in Moscow resulting in over a hundred deaths. In 2004, over 40 people were killed when a terrorist suicide bomber from Chechniya blew up a subway car in Moscow during rush hour. And now in 2013 terrorists from Chechniya were responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing. We must remember we are all experiencing these tragedies across the globe. The imagery of religious and political struggle is not spoon-fed fantasy on the screen, but is instead a horrifying reality that is taking its toll on lives throughout the world.
Today, Russian rockers LOUNA release their new music video for ‘Business’, to remind fans new and old, that all cultures share in the heartbreak and strife that results when religious intolerance and hatred control the minds and hearts of people. This honest and thought-provoking new music video points out the misfortunes and dangers of religious and political oppression in our world. The video was originally completed in late March and was slated to be released in mid-April, just prior to the release of their new album Behind a Mask. Due to the horrible and unspeakable acts committed in Boston at that exact time, it was decided that it was inappropriate to release this video until the present. Now that there has been some measure of resolution and those responsible are in custody, LOUNA and their management believe that the message of this song and video are more appropriate to present.
LOUNA faces religious zealotry issues in their home country on a continual basis. LOUNA feels Orthodox church has been, and remains, a tyrannical and overreaching institution that is above criticism or reproach and is directly responsible for the loss of freedom of so many people in Russia (most recently their influence and involvement in the incarceration of the members of Pussy Riot). The United States has experienced yet another shameful, religiously motivated act (Boston Marathon bombing) first hand and has overcome that oppression by standing together and fighting back. The band empathizes with the tragedy that took the lives of innocent people and wishes to express their deepest condolences for the senseless loss of life that took place in April. Both Russia and the United States have been the victims of religiously motivated acts of terror, and it is the opinion of LOUNA that it is time for an awakening. It is time for us to stand together.
The new video for ‘Business’ has been unveiled exclusively by CraveOnline.com and is available for viewing now. ‘Business’ pays homage to several of the greatest films in history, and builds upon the symbolism contained within each of them to deliver a consistent and clear message: the reality perceived by the masses is no closer to the truth than two plus two equaling five. In doing so, LOUNA created the most epic and expensive music video in the history of Russia was created. Consisting almost entirely of CGI and filmed at the largest green-screen sound stage in Russia, ‘Business’ is quite simply art. Directed by young filmmakers Oleg Taravkov and Dmitry Zuev, and written and produced by Travis Leake who also wrote the lyrics to the song ‘Business’, this video represents an artistic vision of a world torn apart by religious hatred and intolerance.
In this video you will see two sides, enslaved by opposing yet equally messaged propaganda. There are attacks motivated by intolerance, first using stones as in the ancient times, and then progressing throughout the ages as technology developed. A bomb, a drone strike and finally a suicide bomber. The result is the mutual destruction of both sides and the death of innocent people caught in the crossfire.
Religion is a serious subject even in our modern and sophisticated world. Religious conflict shapes and forms the geopolitical realities that all of us, everywhere in the world share. None of us are untouched by it. LOUNA does not wish to tell anyone what they should believe–or not believe–but merely to consider that the struggle between these two sides will (in all practical reality) never be decided, because it is impossible to decide. The wars that are fought and have been fought between Islam and Christianity are older than any of us, or anyone who is alive today. The killing and bloodshed and hatred and envy and despicable acts that are committed by both sides must end for there to be any hope for peace. There are no innocent participants in the modern war for the hearts and minds of people.
In a band declaration, LOUNA states, “LOUNA would like to welcome you to our vision of the world. The message of the song and the video will likely encounter two types of viewers: those who will embrace it and those who will despise it. Probably no one will be able to watch it and listen to the song and have no opinion one way or the other. The message of the song and the video is a sensitive one, and everyone in LOUNA realizes the real possibility of some cultures in the world declaring holy war against us, and others will denounce it as atheist propaganda. While it is true that we in LOUNA are all atheists, the message of our song and video is nonetheless undeniable and illustrates the chaos and death that result from religious conflict. Our priorities are people, peace, truth and freedom. We are demonstrating the truth and saying what so many in the world think but are too afraid to articulate. We will not be silenced by intimidation or fear.”
LOUNA’s new album, Behind a Mask, was released last week via Red Decade Records and MEG/RED. The album will appeal to fans of a blistering and passionate hard rock sound. North American fans will recognize the album’s clear handiwork— Behind a Mask was mixed by renowned producer/engineer Dan Korneff (Breaking Benjamin, The Pretty Reckless, Papa Roach, My Chemical Romance, Paramore) and mastering duties were handled by the legendary Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, New York.
LOUNA is:
Lou Gevorkian (vocals)
Vitaly Demidenko (bass)
Rouben Kazariyan (guitar)
Sergey Ponkratiev (guitar)
Leonid “Pilot” Kinzbursky (drums)
For more information on LOUNA, please visit these websites:
Statement from DEMONICAL – the Swedish death metal band:
We are proud to hereby announce the “Darkness Unbound tour 2013” taking place in October. Divided into two parts the crusade will tentatively hit Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Poland and Czech Republic.
Support on part I will come from Swedish deathsters DAEMONICUS and Austrian black reapers GROTESKH while on part II we will be joined by our Swedish comrades SPASMODIC and German melo-masters HAILSTONE.
Full dates and details TBA during the coming months.
ICED EARTH have announced that BRENT SMEDLEY will be stepping down from drum duty in ICED EARTH for personal family reasons. The new drummer will be RAPHAEL SAINI and will be performing with the group starting this summer.
“I have family members that are elderly and frail and need my help here in Jacksonville”, Brent Smedley says. “It’s been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I simply cannot commit to the kind of schedule the band deserves and requires so I decided to ask permission to step down from my post.”
“Brent has been a valued member of the group for a long time. We thank him for his contributions, friendship and energy and wish him all the best for the future. We want to welcome Raphael with open arms and are expecting for our fans to give him the welcome he deserves” – ICED EARTH.
ICED EARTH just released a concert from their “WORLD DYSTOPIA TOUR” in many different formats, including BluRay, DVD and CD. Entitled “LIVE IN ANCIENT KOURION” it shows the band playing to a rabid, packed house in an ancient amphitheater in Cyprus and storming through an encompassing setlist of both fan favourites and deep catalog material.
The summer will be spent recording and mixing a new studio album entitled “PLAGUES OF BABYLON” and playing various summer festivals. A headline tour has been announced kicking off in January 2014.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce thatAdrenechromeand Crimson Shadows have moved forward from their qualifying round and will be performing in the Toronto semi finals taking place on May 31st (Hard Luck Bar) and June 7th (Rivoli).
Round 1 of qualifying in Montreal begins on Thursday, May 9th at Katcombes with Dissension, Bookakee, Warcall, Virulys followed by the third Toronto qualifying round on Wednesday, May 15th at Hard Luck Bar with Warmachine, Mastery, The Unborn Dead, Cecile Monique, Laugh At The Fakes.
Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen will release her new album, “Colours In The Dark”, on August 23 via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.
Despite her light and shiny personality, Tarja’s music has always been dressed “in black” — the color of heavy rock, of mystery and elegance.
With Tarja’s new album, fans will find out what happens when a splice of color is added to the mix. Or — better said — when the full-color spectrum enters the picture it does not cover the black but makes it shine through with many emotions and landscapes.
The NHL hockey team the Los Angeles Kings, which is currently in the first round of the playoffs, paid tribute to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman on Saturday (May 4) by playing the song “Spirit In Black” from the band’s “Seasons In The Abyss” album as the warmup music for their game.
Asked in a 2011 interview with Revolver magazine how he felt about the fact that SLAYER’s song “Raining Blood” has been embraced in the sports world, Hanneman said: “Yeah. I finally heard it, God, they played it in a hockey arena. I couldn’t believe that. I love hockey, and I go to a lot of the games. And I was like, ‘Why don’t they ever play SLAYER?’ And then they finally played ‘Raining Blood’, and I was like, ‘Yes!’”
Hanneman died on Thursday, May 2 near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure.
Norwegian black ‘n’ roll legion VREID will take their hell hymns to the streets this June on a North American tour alongside headliners Melechesh. Set to commence June 16 in Los Angeles, California, the long-awaited trek includes two weeks of live assaults and will come to a close in New York City on June 30th. .Additional support will come from Lightning Swords Of Death and Reign Of Lies.
HOSTED BY VH1 CLASSIC’S DON JAMEISON, WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY AUTHORS, KATHERINE TURMAN AND JON WIEDERHORN (NEW YORK NATIVES) AND BOOK CONTRIBUTOR, ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHANIE CABRAL
LOUDER THAN HELL: Based on Hundreds of Original Interviews with Metal Elite — Including Lemmy/Motorhead, Members Of Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Korn, Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Metallica, Marilyn Manson, Van Halen, and Many More!
*LOUDER THAN HELL explores the transformation of metal culture, with stories and anecdotes straight from the mouths of the most infamous and successful bands. Filled with hundreds of revealing interviews representing every type and era of heavy metal—from metal progenitors such as Blue Cheer, Led Zeppelin, and the MC5 to current day innovators including Slipknot, Mastodon, and Lamb of God—LOUDER THAN HELL is the ultimate look behind the curtain at one of our most dynamic, controversial and enduring musical genres.
*Compiled from over 400 interviews conducted by respected music journalists Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman, LOUDER THAN HELL: The Definitive Oral History of Metal (It Books; May 14, 2013; Hardcover; $32.50) is a chronological history of heavy metal, told through the words of the men and women who created it, played it, re-invented it, and continue to rock it. Read the rest of this entry »
South America has provided quite a few important historical moments in rock n’ roll over the years. Case in point, Kiss performing their final concert in make-up before unmasking in 1983, Queen headlining the first-ever Rock in Rio Festival in 1985, the continent spawning one of the world’s most renowned metal bands, Sepultura, etc. And South America is also home to prog metal vets Angra, who have steadily issued challenging yet heavy albums on a regular basis since 1993.
And now comes an expanded edition of the fourth solo album overall from the band’s leader, guitarist Kiko Loureiro – ‘Sounds of Innocence’ – which drops Tuesday, June 18th. iTunes will release a special package, containing the full album and track by track instructional videos – the first time this feature has ever been included on an iTunes album release. Additionally, a Kiko Spotify app “Soundrop” will be issued on the same release date. “‘Sounds of Innocence’ brings a balanced mix of Latin grooves with traditional shredding,” explains Kiko. “It comes at a more mature point of my career but still has first time excitement to it.”
MÖTLEY CRÜE’s May 4th Estevan, Saskatchewan performance at Spectra Place was interrupted when a member of the audience jumped on stage and attacked guitarist Mick Mars and grabbed frontman Vince Neil during ‘Primal Scream’ before security tackled the man and took him off the stage.
Of all people to tackle, it sucks it was 62 year old Mars, whose early ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis puts him in a more fragile state. Luckily, Mars is ok as he recently tweeted: “Thank all of you for your concerns about me being knocked down last night I’m alright nothing broken. My body guard Rhyno got 2 busted ribs.”
“What the f–k is wrong with you, you f–king idiot?!” said an angered Tommy Lee. The band did get back on stage to close the show as planned.
Remaining dates on the tour include:
May
6 – Brandon, MB – Keystone Centre
7 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
9 – Subdury, ON – Sudbury Area
10 – Hamilton, ON – Copps Coliseum
11 – Oshawa, ON – General Motors Centre
13 – Montréal, QC – Centre Bell
14 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank Place
Overkill is a classic thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The band was one of the early thrash metal bands in U.S., along with such names as Anthrax, Exodus and mighty Metallica, who helped to create the thrash metal scene in the early 80’s. To date, Overkill has released 16 studio albums and sold more than 25 million worldwide. During their long journey, Overkill has gone through many line-up changes. The remaining original members, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and D.D. Verni, have successfully guided the band through both good and difficult times and the band is here to stay. In April 2013, Overkill arrived to Finland to do a five-concert mini-tour. I had the chance to sit down with Bobby in Helsinki and we discussed various topics including the recent “Dark Roots of Earth” tour, producing, history, personal life, and the list goes on….
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Candlelight Records confirms June 25 as the North American release date for Unnatural Selection, the new album from Denver thrashers HAVOK. The ten-song album was produced by David Sanchez with mixing handled by Terry Date (Pantera, Overkill, Deftones). It features original artwork from Polish illustrator Rafal Wechterowicz (Slayer, Mastodon) and was mastered by James Murphy (Aborted, World Under Blood, Abigail Williams).
