WHITE ZOMBIE'S CAREER-SPANNING 4-CD/1-DVD BOX SET WHITE ZOMBIE'S CAREER-SPANNING 4-CD/1-DVD BOX SET LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIEAVAILABLE 11/25 White Zombie - The musical horrorshow that mixed dark pop culture with metallic hard rock has been resurrected on the 4-CD/1-DVD box set Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (Geffen/UMe), releasing November 25, 2008. The CDs bring together for the first time all 64 original studio recordings released by the band led by Rob Zombie during its 1985-1996 career. The DVD offers nine music videos, 10 live performances, and some hidden gems. Disc One of Let Sleeping Corpses Lie includes all of the tracks released on the New York City band's own Silent Explosion label--the four songs on the 1985 Gods On Voodoo Moon EP, of which only 300 copies were pressed; the two songs on the 1986 Pig Heaven EP, which had only 1,000 made; and the seven on 1987's Psycho-Head Blowout EP, which Nirvana's Kurt Cobain called one of his favorite albums. Disc Two encompasses White Zombie's first two full-length albums, 1987's Soul-Crusher, which began on Silent Explosion but was re-released by Caroline Records the following year, and 1989's Make Them Die Slowly. Disc Three offers the three-selection God Of Thunder EP and the band's 1992 major label debut, La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1, which broke the band into the Top 40, earned double platinum and spawned the Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy-nominated "Thunder Kiss '65" and "Black Sunshine" (with Iggy Pop). Also heard is "I Am Hell" from the soundtrack to the 1993 animated flick The Beavis & Butt-head Experience. Disc Four opens with "Children Of The Grave" from a 1994 Black Sabbath tribute album and "Feed The Gods" from that year's Airheads soundtrack album. The centerpiece, however, is 1995's Astro-Creep: 2000, Songs Of Love, Destruction And Other Synthetic Delusions Of The Electric Head, which ranked in the Top 10 for two months, was certified triple platinum and spun off the Modern Rock Top 10, Grammy nominated "More Human Than Human." The 64 Let Sleeping Corpses Lie recordings conclude with 1996 soundtrack contributions to Escape From L.A., Beavis And Butt-head Do America and The Crow: City Of Angels, with its Grammy nominated cover of the disco hit "I'm Your Boogieman." Among the DVD's videos are those for "More Human Than Human," winner of the MTV Video Music Award for Best Hard Rock Video, as well as "Thunder Kiss '65," "Black Sunshine," "Super-Charger Heaven," "I'm Your Boogieman" and "The One." Live performances include "Soul-Crusher," "Spiderbaby (Yeah Yeah Yeah)," "I Am Hell" and "Creature Of The Wheel." White Zombie stopped touring and recording in 1998 after the release of the Hellbilly Deluxe, the triple platinum solo debut for Rob Zombie, who has since enjoyed continued success both on record and as a film director with his vision of the dark side. Track Listing: Disc 2 Disc 3 Disc 4 DISC FIVE (DVD): LIVE: CHRIS DUARTE NEWS: Texas Guitar Great Chris Duarte Sees Life From Fresh Vantage Point With Explosive New RecordTrenton, N.J. - The Fire, the Passion, The Soul When Sun Records founder Sam Phillips first heard Howlin' Wolf sing, he spoke the now famous words: "This is where the soul of man never dies." If Phillips had ever met Texas guitar great Chris Duarte he might have been moved to offer a similar insight into the eternity of the blues, Duarte's triumph over personal adversity and the firebrand passion to which this blues-rock guitar master brings to his music. In a celebrity-driven industry rife with Faustian deals served up to the public via false advertising, Duarte has demonstrated that his soul and his love of the blues is not for sale. When listening to the Chris Duarte Band's new record, Vantage Point (Blues Bureau/Shrapnel), one senses Duarte's rejuvenated spirit, renewed creative breadth, an ability to tap into the blues' timelessness, and Duarte's rekindling of the youth exuberance he possessed during the making of his breakthrough debut Texas Sugar/Strat Magik. The very title (Vantage Point) alludes to Duarte's newfound self-awareness, his shedding of some bad personal habits, and his ability to view life from a different perspective. "I think I'm playing better than ever," claims Duarte. "Working with producer Mike Varney has really opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities regarding melody and what to listen for to make a good record even better." Once pegged as a Stevie Ray Vaughan-abee, Duarte (a one-time longtime Austin resident now living in Atlanta) has emerged as an artist (worn Fender Stratocaster in hand) with his own, original kick-ass, stinging guitar-playing style. For years the name Stevie Ray hung like an albatross around Duarte's guitar's neck. Vantage Point is not only Duarte's most fresh-sounding disk inn years but also unabashedly acknowledges and embraces his longstanding influences. "I don't deny my influences," says Duarte. "If people compare me to Stevie Ray, well, to me that's a compliment. My Stevie Ray tendencies are just one characteristic of my musical identity." Expecting a blues artist to exist in a vacuum and not be influenced by music around him is unrealistic. The blues (back before there even was a formalized genre) has always been about building, borrowing and creating one's own artistic voice within a tradition. So it is not surprising that a dash of Stevie Ray mojo can still be found in Duarte's inspired six-string acrobatics. But listen closely enough and you'll also spot 'Trane, Bird, Zeppelin, Miles, John McLaughlin, Albert King, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf's Hubert Sumlin, and a host of other artists. Duarte sprinkles these influences across a baker's dozen of tracks appearing on Vantage Point: check the Robert Plant vocal wail/Jimmy Page-Les Paul vibe of "Babylon"; the Hendrix-meets-Govt. Mule-meets-Mahavishnu Orchestra freak out guitar jams of "She Don't Live Here Anymore"; and the jazzy, goofy, witty and ridiculous mood of instrumental "Woodpecker", which could very well have been a recently unearthed Dixie Dregs track from deep inside the Capricorn vaults. Fittingly, the slow, major blues "Troubles on Me" not only references Stevie Ray Vaughan's take on Albert King's version of the Elmore James classic "The Sky Is Crying", but also the blues standard "Goin' Down Slow" (specifically the 1961 Howlin' Wolf version, itself based on St. Louis Jimmy Oden's 1941 song). Duarte adds his own poignant twist to the soulful lyrics, which speak to his once turbulent personal life. "The song is saying, 'Sorry, mom. I know this is not the life you would have wanted for me'," says Duarte. A self-described child of the Beatles generation, Duarte first picked up his brother's guitar when he was just 15 years old and learned the Fab Four's tunes via guitar-chord tablature texts. After quitting school at 16, Duarte moved from San Antonio, Texas, to Music City U.S.A. (a.k.a. Austin, Texas) with a great musical potential and an unchecked, naïve jazz "snobbishness." "I was turning my nose up at it the blues, but when I did some serious investigation, suddenly I'm asking myself, 'Why don't I sound like that guy on the record?,'" Duarte says. Duarte worked his butt off through constant practice, soaking up as much knowledge as he could from veteran blues cats, and pounding the boards in venues throughout Austin (and greater Texas). He witnessed the rise of Austin as a music Mecca; caught a young Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Continental Club when the future blues-rock icon was still finding his own voice; founded his own trio; and began playing 25 shows a month when fans and critics alike stood up and took notice. Suddenly the Midwest and upper South were Duarte's breadbasket. He was on the road constantly and cut such critically acclaimed records as Texas Sugar/Strat Magik, Tailspin Headwhack and 2007's Blue Velocity. Duarte's excitement is palpable when speaking about Vantage Point. "There are some moments on Vantage Point that hit me the same way as Texas Sugar," says Duarte. "I was a young player then, didn't have the vocabulary I do now, but there is a certain vibe about the tracks then and now. I'm just really excited about and proud of this record." Chris Duarte Group "Vantage Point" 2008 tour dates: 10/31/08 Fri. Mojo Room, Danville, VA http://www.chrisduartegroupfans.org INDONESIAN ROCKERS SLANK BREAK OUT WITH ENGLISH DEBUT AND TOURTRENTON, N.J. After more than 15 million records sold in its Indonesian homeland, Slank is breaking out with its first worldwide English language album, "Anthem for the Broken Hearted." Slank's decidedly Western sound has a broad appeal to lovers of pop music with a rock edge. Its lyrics, however, draw from its Indonesian foundation, focusing on the trials and tribulations of living in a struggling, third-world country. The album's title, in fact, is not an ode to the lovesick, but a reference to the Indonesian people. "We come from a country where there are still injustices and corruption occurring," said drummer Bimbim. "That's why there are many broken hearted. But in this state we still have the faith and spirit to put the anthem on, the anthem for the broken hearted." After achieving momentous success at home, Slank now has its eyes set on the rest of the world. "We want to explore our new musical experiences, and we need to bring our 'peace virus' to the world," said Bimbim. "We believe with music we can change the world, and in English we can get wider attention." Despite its 'music with a message,' Slank's main focus is creating good old-fashioned catchy songs like "Devilinu" and "Drug Me Up." Recorded in California while the band was holed up in Studio City, "Anthem for the Broken Hearted" was produced with esteemed guitarist-turned-producer Blues Saraceno. Slank is prepared to support the release of "Anthem for the Broken Hearted" with a U.S. tour this fall, though the dates will not be Slank's first in America. The band has already had the chance to play for audiences in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Virginia, and New York. "Most of the audiences were great and very enthusiastic," Bimbim said. "We met new people and friends, made new fans, and met old fans who lived in the U.S. for long time and never had a chance to see Slank live." Undoubtedly, Slank will be recruiting plenty of new fans to be "Slankers" as they experience its energetic live shows and listen to its infectious album. SLANK tour dates: http://www.slank.com Classic Rockers: ASIA Featuring John Payne Only Los Angeles ShowPerforming in Agoura @ The Canyon Club, Friday November 14th HOLLYWOOD (October 22, 2008) - Classic rock band ASIA Featuring John Payne will perform at the Canyon Club in Agoura, CA Friday November, 14th. ASIA will perform all their hit songs such as Heat of the Moment, Sole Survivor and Only time Will Tell along with some new material from their upcoming new studio CD aptly named Architects of Time, coming out early 2009. Vocalist/bassist John Payne fronted ASIA for 14 years replacing John Wetton in 1992. 8 studio albums and 6 live albums followed, including extensive world tours with the band. In 2006, John formed "ASIA Featuring John Payne" and is performing shows with his current lineup Jay Schellen (drums), Eric Norlander (keyboards), and Guthrie Govan (guitar). Previous to ASIA, John sang with Roger Daltrey, CCCP, ELO Part 2 and more recently GPS and was chosen as the Parson in Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds stadium tour. http://www.theasiaband.com, http://www.johnpaynemusic.com, and http://www.myspace.com/asiafeaturingjohnpayne SUREFIRE MACHINE NOMINATED FOR BEST ROCK EP & BEST ROCK SONG AT TORONTO EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AWARDSAnnounced October 20th, 2008, chevy metal rockers SureFire Machine have been nominated for Best Rock EP for their self titled release “SureFire Machine” and for Best Rock Song for “Not Me”. SureFire Machine’s self titled EP was produced by up & coming producer John Nazario, who has worked behind the scenes as a mix engineer for projects with Nelly Furtado, Jack Johnson, & Jimmy Eat World. “We’re super excited about these nominations and very honoured.” Says SFM Guitarist Zeke. “We’ve just returned from our second cross Canada tour and to come back home to Toronto and be nominated is another reason to rock it out all time. John Nazario produced such a great EP, he’s a great producer and his talents are undeniable.” The 2nd Annual Toronto Exclusive Awards will have a Recognition Night on Wednesday Oct. 22 at the Smiling Buddha Bar, 961 College St. West at 8pm. Toronto winners will be handed their awards certificates at the event. More information at http://www.magazineawardsonline.com SureFire Machine Upcoming Tour Dates Oct, 22, 2008 - Montreal, QC - Bar St Laurent 2 Keyboard Giant - DON AIREY - Release's New Solo AlbumA LIGHT IN THE SKY on Mascot Records U.S.A. OUT NOW! HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 20, 2008) The Great Don Airey releases a masterpiece on Mascot Records U.S.A. A Light In The Sky, Airey's first solo album in almost 20 years, is a true brilliant work of art. Playing with a cast of virtuoso's, A Light In The Sky is a combination of styles classic rock, prog, metal with splashes of jazz. As the composer, Airey left a lot of room for the guest artists to feel natural in playing. The master player joining Airey are Laurence Cottle (bass), Chris Childs (bass), Darrin Mooney (drums), Harry James (drums & vocals), Rob Harris (guitar), Lidia Baich (violin), Danny Bowes (vocals), Carl Sentence (Vocals), and of course the brilliant Don Airey (1965 Hammond A100 through 2 Leslie 147's, Yamaha Grand piano, Clavier Nord G2 and the list goes on….) Airey's career spans professionally from 1974 when he joined Cozy Powell to the famous chords that start the timeless metal song Mr. Crowley with Ozzy Osbourne to becoming the keyboardist in the rock band Deep Purple since 2002, succeeding Jon Lord. Prior to his current role in Deep Purple, Airey has held court with the best of the best, playing with such acts as Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, Whitesnake, Colosseum II, Sinner, Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Rainbow, Divlje jagode and Living Loud. He has also worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber. A Light In The Sky keeps time between the days of big guitars and arena rock to the edginess of brilliant instrumental arrangements. This is must have album in your collection. For more information on this album or Don Airey click on http://www.donairey.com or http://www.mascotrecordsusa.com. STEVIE WONDER'S HIT SONG "SUPERSTITION" Featuring Bill Hudson shredding & Carlos Zema on vocals Hits ROCK & METAL AirwavesSHRED MASTERS: GREG HOWE, KIKO LOUREIRO, BILL HUDSON & MORE Join Jazz Great VERNON NEILLY on this AMAZING TRIBUTE ALBUM HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 20, 2008) Armed with a early Van Halen-soaked sound of big guitars, heavy drums and screaming vocals, "Superstition" is making its way on to the radio. The newly arranged track by Bill Hudson and Carlos Zema is nothing short of a hit. "I left the choosing of Stevie's songs up to the artists that are featured on this album," states Vernon Neilly. This record masterpiece includes Grammy Award winning bassist Juan Nelson(Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals), guitar virtuoso Greg Howe(Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, N-Sync, Enrique Iglesias), guitar virtuoso Kiko Loureiro(Angra), jazz guitar sensation U-Nam, guitar virtuoso Bill Hudson(Cellador, Coldera, Fresh Meat), sax sensation and virtuoso Michael Paulo(Al Jarreau, Earth Wind and Fire, Peter White), and some new stunning vocal talent in Fabyan Irving(USA), Cristopher Clark(Brazil), and Carlos Zema(Brazil). TRACK LISTING: The "Tribute to Stevie Wonder: Vernon Neilly and Friends" CD release can be found at CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and at Boosweet.com. THE VINCENT BLACK SHADOW BRING EL MONS-TOUR TO THE WEST COASTOn October 24, The Vincent Black Shadow will kick off their west coast tour, dubbed The El Mons-Tour, at the Media Club in Vancouver in support of their latest release El Monstruo (Beef Records Inc.). The tour will be the band's first headlining tour in a year and we'll see them play alongside bands such as Nim Vind, Calabrese, Creature Feature and Sisters of Mercy. In a move to make their shows more "economically friendly" for their fans experiencing the current financial crisis, the band has elected to keep ticket prices at each show below $15! As guitarist Robbie Kirkham jokingly quipped, "It is a smart move [to keep ticket costs low] on our part actually, because not only do people not have to shell out half their pay-check to see us, we can suck and they don't feel like they wasted to much money. It's a win-win situation!" Two songs from El Monstruo will be making their way to fans to promote the upcoming tour. The first radio single, the anti-war anthem "In A Row", will be impacting at radio just prior to the start of the tour, while an internet-only video, shot completely in stop-motion, for "Don't Make Me So Mad" will be making the rounds on the net when it is released on the band's official YouTube channel this Halloween. Don't miss this opportunity to catch The Vincent Black Shadow, while going easy on your wallet, in a city near you this fall! El Mons-Tour! 2008 Official Dates: October 24- The Media Club, Vancouver, BC (with Nim Vind) For more info, including tickets, showtimes and venue locations, go to http://www.myspace.com/tvbs. FIRST TRACK FROM "PUNISHER: WAR ZONE" AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE…BRAND-NEW MUSIC FROM ROB ZOMBIE!SOUNDTRACK IN STORES NOVEMBER 25 Rob Zombie's brand new song, "War Zone," is available exclusively at the official site for PUNISHER: WAR ZONE, http://www.punisherwarzonemovie.com/. "War Zone" is the first track from the film's soundtrack. The original track "War Zone", written for and inspired by the film, contains the kind of raw, throttling energy that has made Rob Zombie a platinum selling artist. The song will also serve as the first single from the soundtrack. About his contribution, Rob Zombie said: "I love writing music for films, rather than just throwing them an unwanted B side or remix. This track was written exclusively for Punisher War Zone. A punishing track for a punishing movie." The lethal motion picture soundtrack features a powerful collection of A-list rockers including the first new music in 3 years from Rob Zombie in addition to heart-pounding songs from rock icons such as Seether, Slayer, Slipknot and Rise Against. The fifteen-track album attacks stores on 11/25/08. The film opens nationwide on December 5th, 2008. http://www.punisherwarzonemovie.com WATCH CHIMAIRA LIVE IN THE STUDIO AND CHAT WITH THE BANDCHIMAIRA CHRISTMAS 9 CONCERT ANNOUNCED CHIMAIRA has teamed up with Yahoo! Live to give fans unprecedented access to the band's recording process. Fans can visit CHIMAIRA's official website, http://www.chimaira.com, and if the "Live Cam" button is lit up in red, fans can watch and listen to the band in the studio and even chat with the band members! Vocalist Mark Hunter commented on the live stream: "We stumbled across the Yahoo! chat thing and realized we could incorporate that with our band. It has audio, video and the ability to chat, which I've never seen another band use in the studio before. We can also do multi-cam. There will be glitches here and there, but that's life and that's the internet." The band is also pleased to announce the 9th Annual Chimaira Christmas show in Cleveland. The band will be performing at the House of Blues on December 30, and tickets will be $9.99. "This is our ninth Christmas show and we're very proud to present it," says Hunter. "We're doing something cool this year, where we'll be picking the other local Cleveland bands ourselves in kind of a "sneaky" way. In the past bands have contacted us, but this year we'll be contacting the bands. We're looking to find some bands that have never played with us before. It'll be great: CC9, 9 bands for $9.99. Awesome." Pre-sale tickets are available NOW at https://tixx1.artistarena.com/chimaira. CHIMAIRA's as-yet-untitled record is slated for an April 21, 2009 release. CHIMAIRA have called on Ben Schigel (Walls of Jericho, Misery Signals) for production and Zeuss (Shadows Fall, Hatebreed) to mix. This is the band's fifth full-length studio album, and their second on Ferret Music. Stay tuned for more on the new album! Chimaira in-studio links: TESTAMENT RECRUITS GLEN DROVER FOR UPCOMING MEXICO TOUR DATESBay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT have recruited guitarist Glen Drover (ex-MEGADETH, King Diamondwn the masters how do we handle this especially because we have no pub deal - is - I know the advance is low but the) to fill in for Alex Skolnick on their upcoming Mexican tour dates with Judas Priest. Due to Alex's prior commitment to the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, the band sought out Glen Drover to fill in. The band rehearsed together all week and sounds sharper than ever! Glen says, "I am really looking forward to playing these 4 upcoming shows in Mexico with my buddies in Testament, along with Judas Priest. We are totally going to crush!" Alex Skolnick commented on his (temporary) replacement: "I regret that I'll be unable to perform at Testament's upcoming shows in Mexico this month. As many know, I've been touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra since 2000, and it's been a blessing to be a part of both projects since reuniting with Testament in '05. I respect the Testament guys' decision to accept some gigs during this period, and I'm super happy to have Glen Drover filling in for me. I recommended him personally, respect his playing and know he'll do a great job. I apologize to any Testament fans for not being able to make it this time around but we have a lot of shows lined up in 2009 so far, all of which I'm on. Thanks for understanding, and I look forward to seeing everyone all over the world with Testament in 2009!" Guitarist Eric Peterson commented: "I've known Glen since he played with King Diamond, and if anyone can jump in, Glen can. Plus, Alex is happy with our choice." TESTAMENT will be traveling to Mexico this week to play a string of dates with Judas Priest. See below for tour dates. The band is coming off a successful headlining run with Soilent Green, to support their first studio album in nine years, The Formation of Damnation. http://www.myspace.com/testamentlegions Testament in Mexico w/Judas Priest: The Power of the Vote ….Testaments' Award winning 2008 release, The Formation Of Damnation (Golden God Award - Album Of The Year 2008) is in the running for The Grammy Nomination - All NARAS voters Please vote Testament in for Best Metal Performance/Grammy. HASTE THE DAYDEBUTS #68 ON BILLBOARD Haste the Day’s new album Dreamer has debuted at #68 on Billboard. The album has been receiving a deluge of positive press including Outburn Magazine who said “Saddled with crisp, pristine production, Dreamer is the most mature, focused and will constructed album in the Haste The Day catalog.†The band is currently the feature story in this week’s Metal File on MTV.com http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597260/20081016/haste_the_day.jhtml The band is currently tearing it up on stages nationwide on the Solid State Records Tour with Norma Jean. The band has also announced tour plans for their upcoming headlining run, The Twelve Days of Christmas Tour. The tour will run from December 9th to December 20th, where they will be accompanied by Sky Eats Airplane, Emarosa, and Inhale/Exhale, covering the midwest and southeast. Date City Venue CHAD SMITH'S BOMBASTIC MEATBATS schedule LA live double headerOctober 21, 2008 - L.A.-based instrumental all-star quartet, CHAD SMITH'S BOMBASTIC MEATBATS, featuring RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, guitarist Jeff Kollman (COSMOSQUAD, GLENN HUGHES), bassist Kevin Chown (UNCLE CRACKER, TED NUGENT), and keybaordist Ed Roth (GLENN HUGHES, RONNIE MONTROSE), have scheduled two exclusive Los Angeles area shows at the venerable Baked Potato, 3787 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, CA on October 22 and 23, respectively. The BOMBASTIC MEATBATS debuted earlier this year at the annual NAMM show in Anaheim, CA and have since completed a studio album, co-produced by the band and Jono Brown. Footage of the group performing 'Into the Floyd', filmed at the MEATBATS' sold out March 1 appearance at the Baked Potato, can be viewed at this location http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32TP3UB7JiE. For more info visit: http://www.myspace.com/bombasticmeatbats La La Land The new LP from Louisville's Wax Fang Out NOW:"Singer Scott Carney has got a shot of Broadway in his vocals, and hearing his dramatics framed by gutsy guitar solos and thunderclap drum work makes for a compellingly weird combo out of Louisville." - SPIN Magazine Watch Wax Fang's exclusive premiere of their new video "World War II (Pt. 2) on RCRDLBL.COM here: Wax Fang is: Hometown: Louisville, KY Wax Fang began as one man's basement vision of how rock 'n' roll might sound if it simultaneously existed in the past and future, stopping in the present just long enough to stupefy listeners. In creating the core of Wax Fang's catalog, Scott Carney dedicated months to overdubbing intricate layers of music for what initially was a solo project in every sense. Carney then found a fierce band in drummer Kevin Ratterman (ex-Elliott) and bassist Jacob Heustis, who took the Carney's previous work and blew it away in all the right ways. With those two providing a deep, resourceful bottom end, Carney was free to indulge in his distinctive, aggressive guitar playing. Following their first US tour in August of 2006, Wax Fang embarked on a more grandiose journey, supporting fellow Lousivillians, My Morning Jacket, on their fall tour. Upon their return, they eagerly headed to into the studio to begin recording their forthcoming album, La La Land, out today on Don't Panic Records. Praise for 'La La Land': "There are some days when you want to listen to metal, put a mop on your head and shred on your tennis racket. There are others when you want to listen to prog and play Chinese checkers. There are then others when you just want to put on some southern rock and drink the memory of your nerdery into a gauzy oblivion. And then there's today, when you can get trashed, play checkers and shred all at once to the sound of Louisville, Kentucky's Wax Fang. They've toured with hometown bros My Morning Jacket and recorded a badass album in Nashville, which they will release on their own label this fall. It is called La La Land and it is, as we like to say, epic." - The FADER.com "There is one word you can use to describe Wax Fang's La La Land: epic" - Elmore Magazine "Exploring the roots of rock 'n' roll and experimenting with sounds nobody knew the guitar could make, Wax Fang produces a different kind of rock. 'La La Land' comes off as premeditated improvisation. Exceedingly catchy and original, Wax Fang leads you along, displaying its casual tenacity. The greatest display of power comes from the guitar, as it pounds along with the drums before disembarking on a journey that leaves you dreaming for your own." - Synthesis "...Wax Fang is downright unclassifiable. They proudly wax --no pun intended -- bombastic compositions which ebb and flow like waves of the sea. Prick your ears to 'World War II Part 2' a track wherein Carney shouts and points like a young, fiery Johnny Rotten whilst his cohorts...rattle and hum like the arena rockers they are bound to become." - Amplifier Magazine Biography + High-Res photos here: Wax Fang tour dates: THE ULTIMATE GUITAR BOOK ON ITS WAYRock author Joel McIver's twelfth book, The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists, will be published globally in January 2009 by Jawbone Press, the world's leading publisher of guitar titles. Featuring a foreword by Glen Benton of Deicide, the book takes the reader in reverse order from No. 100 to No. 1, the greatest metal guitarist of all time. McIver — a regular contributor to Total Guitar magazine, the biggest guitar mag in Europe — based his selection on the technical ability and historical significance of each player and adds that all generations of metal are covered in the book, with the oldest guitarist aged 61 and the youngest a mere 26. McIver says, "The idea for this book came to me a couple of years ago after I read a list of the supposed 100 best metal guitarists of all time in a popular guitar magazine that should really know better. The list contained all these non-metal guitarists like Neil Young and Kurt Cobain, so I thought, 'Screw this!' and wrote my own list, which became an 80,000-word book. The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists features musicians from heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, black metal, power metal, doom metal and grindcore bands and that's it!" METAL MANIACS TOURS10.20.08 Back once again because we’re so damned proud to show you how much our taste in tours we sponsor kicks ass, here is a tour update for this week. As you can see, it rules. The Amon Amarth tour is winding down (it started at the beginning of this month), and if you haven’t had the chance to check it out, consider it highly recommended. Ditto for Watain and Master. As for Horna, The Gates Of Slumber and *NEW THIS WEEK* the Pagan Knights tour with Týr and Alestorm, consider them something to look forward to. Of course, if you crave the latest dates and news, you can always check out the MM Presents section on http://www.metalmaniacs.com. Without further adieu: :::REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE::: Metal Maniacs Presents BLACK METAL MAGIC TOUR WATAIN / WITHERED / BOOK OF BLACK EARTH Metal Maniacs Presents TWILIGHT OF THE THUNDER GOD TOUR Metal Maniacs Presents MASTER / ESTUARY US TOUR Metal Maniacs Presents BLOOD - FIRE - DEATH TOUR Metal Maniacs Presents THE GATES OF SLUMBER / DEMIRICOUS US TOUR Metal Maniacs Presents PAGAN KNIGHTS TOUR ROB ZOMBIE and HALLOWEEN are Nominated In Two Categories for the Spike Scream Awards 2008Rob Zombie and his box office horror film, HALLOWEEN, has been nominated in two categories for Spike TV's Scream Awards 2008. Zombie's HALLOWEEN is a Dimension Film's reinvention of John Carpenter's smash cult horror film and premiered number one at the box office last Labor Day Weekend, breaking all records, while grossing an estimated 31 million dollars. The following categories for HALLOWEEN are: Winners are determined by online vote. Click http://www.spike.com/event/scream to cast your ballot and tune in to Spike TV on Tuesday, October 21st @ 9:00 pm for the results. SMP News: "Pissing on the Legacy," which is SMP's second remix album (the first being the 2001 release, "Hacked") will be available through all legitimate digital download sites in the near future. "Pissing on the Legacy" is comprised of remixed versions of most of the tracks from SMP's fifth studio album, "The Treatment." It is graced by the musicianship of Wade Alin of Christ Analogue, Mike Welch of Slave Unit, Chris Roy of Doll Factory, and Dee Madden of Penal Colony. SMP is still on hiatus, having performed its last concert more than six months ago in Seattle, WA., at the El Corazon. There are no plans for future releases. Jason Bazinet of SMP can be seen drumming for 16volt and The Crills. Upcoming projects for Bazinet include the Choke EP (a collaboration with industrial misfits 64K) and the debut full-length album by The Loyal Opposition (a collaboration with Garrick Antikajian of industrial-rock act Doll Factory. SMP: http://www.smphq.com SMP is generally described as industrial-rock or coldwave. However, elements of punk and rap can be heard as well. "LAST WARNING and MORTAL FORM ink deal with My Kingdom Music" MY KINGDOM MUSIC is very proud to announce its newest signings: LAST WARNING for sure the hystory of Italian Progressive Metal with a new album where they reach new levels of emotion and MORTAL FORM one of the most talented Dutch acts following the paths of the European Death Thrash masters. Both new albums will be released world-widely on January 26th, 2009. LAST WARNING sign with My Kingdom Music LAST WARNING LAST WARNING: WEBPAGE LAST WARNING ON: MYSPACE With "Throughout Time" LAST WARNING return after 8 years of silence but intense work. They represent the hystory of Italian Progressive Metal and with this new album they reach new levels of emotion with a music that is an intense mixture of Progressive Metal with the presence of majestic symphonic elements, oniric atmospheres and lyrical music. If Dream Theater, Queensryche, Rush, Crimson Glory could be points of reference of their sound, be sure that in their music you will find many more facets that will carry you in a magic vortex of feelings. Recorded at the well-known Zenith Recording in Lucca (Labirinth, Skylark, Shadows Of Steel). More info @ http://www.mykingdommusic.net MORTAL FORM sign with My Kingdom MusicMORTAL FORM MORTAL FORM: WEBPAGE MORTAL FORM ON: MYSPACE MORTAL FORM is a devastating act combining the best elements of Death Metal, Thrash and Heavy Metal. This is "Taste The Blood", the extreme, brutal yet melodic debut release from Mortal Form. Blasting drum beats, a pounding bass, authentic guitars riffs and howling death grunts and screams provide the deadly elements of this metal grenade. Inspired by bands as Death, Arch Enemy, Kreator, Overkill, Morbid Angel, In Flames and Iron Maiden, Mortal Form succeeded in creating a honest, diverse and well produced metal album that will appeal to many of you out there!!! More info @ http://www.mykingdommusic.net http://www.myspace.com/mykingdommusic VADIS REVEALS NEW VOCALIST FOR UPCOMING CANADIAN SHOWS AND NEW MATERIALLive video from Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vizBGAwMiys http://www.myspace.com/quovadis1 Montreal’s Quo Vadis are pleased to announce new vocalist Trevor Birnie (Damascus, Annex Theory) as the singer for Quo Vadis’ Canadian show dates in October and November. “I've toured Canada twice and I am eager to get back on the road especially with Canadian metal titans Quo Vadis. I've grown as a vocalist, lyricist and performer over the past 5-6 years in bands and I feel that my experience and growth would definitely evolve with an opportunity of such honour.” says new Quo Vadis vocalist Trevor Birnie. Along with the upcoming Canadian show dates, Quo Vadis are preparing a taste of new material that has been highly anticipated by the fans and media and will be revealed in the following weeks. Quo Vadis have also added more dates to the show line-up. The band will be taking the stage in the following Canadian cities: Oct 23. St-Hyacinthe, QC - Le Thrash METAL MANIACS PRESENTS: WATAINWATAIN - SWEAR TO THE BLACK METAL MAGIC! If you've got any plans for the next couple weeks, cancel 'em now, because once you catch the likes of WATAIN, WITHERED and BOOK OF BLACK EARTH on the BLACK METAL MAGIC tour, you're gonna quit your job, quit school, leave your family behind, slaughter some cattle and join the decomposing minion ranks of Sweden's blackest band! Having already ripped new assholes into Toronto, Montreal, Ottowa, Boston and New York City, the tour hits Pittsburgh tonight, and is sure to leave behind ringing ears and the stench of rotting flesh. Like cow's blood? Have we got a show for you! Here's the rest of the tour dates: BLEEDING THROUGH'S "DECLARATION" DEBUTS AT #101 ON BILLBOARD 200Declaration, the latest release from Orange County metallers BLEEDING THROUGH, has debuted at #101 on the Billboard Top 200! The album also appeared at #14 on the Indie Chart and #19 on the Hard Music Chart. Declaration was produced by Devin Townsend and is said to be the band's darkest, heaviest and most extreme offering to date, while sacrificing none of the trademarked haunting melody of prior albums. It is the follow-up to Bleeding Through's 2006 album, The Truth, which saw the band grace the covers of Metal Edge, Outburn and Chord. The band is currently touring to support Declaration, with several record release shows in SoCal, including an appearance at Liskfest in Irvine, CA. The first record release show will be at Soma in San Diego and the second at the band's beloved Chain Reaction in Anaheim. Joining Bleeding Through at both shows will be Stick To Your Guns, Oblige and Let Live. http://www.myspace.com/bleedingthrough Bleeding Through: Bleeding Through w/ Stick to Your Guns, Oblige, and Let Live: SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY ALBUM STREAMING AT ABSOLUTE PUNK.NET! ABSOLUTE PUNK CONTEST “INTERVALS†OUT OCT 21st ON FERRET MUSIC! See You Next Tuesday’s new album Intervals is streaming in it’s entirety at Absolute Punk.net. The new album which will be released on October 21st is the band’s most challenging and fierce material to date. In addition Absolute Punk is hosting a contest titled “Do you heart Cunt?†In keeping with the band’s moniker, Absolute Punk is asking fans to make their own I heart cunt logo and send it to iheartcunt@ferretstyle.com using whatever medium you want from crayons, finger paint, cut up magazines. The best entry in each tour market will receive two guest list spots for the winner and a friend to the band’s show on their upcoming tour with IWrestledABearOnce. For the band’s Grand Rapids, MI show there is a special contest. For that contest fans can go to the band’s myspace listen to the song “Dedication To A New Era†and write down their interpretation of the lyrics (send to iheartcunt@ferretstyle.com), the winner will receive two guest list spots for the winner and a friend, a limited edition rainbow splatter vinyl, a poster and a t-shirt. Tour dates with IWrestledABearOnce below: 16-Oct Chicago, IL The Beat Kitchen DEMON HUNTER'S 3-DISC "45 DAYS" SET FOR NOVEMBER 25Two DVD / 1 CD Set Chronicles Band's Intense Connection With Fans Demon Hunter is set to unveil their brand new 3-disc release, "45 Days." Due in stores November 25 and comprised of two DVDs and 1 CD, "45 Days" documents the band's tour in support of last year's "Storm the Gates of Hell" as well as the band's intense connection with their fans, with many stories directly from the "hunters" themselves. "The stories they've told us have inspired many of our songs and in turn I believe many of our songs connect with our fans in a very personal way," explains Demon Hunter vocalist and co-founder Ryan Clark. "We communicate with our fans as much as we possibly can which allows us to better understand them. We see them as friends. And we learn from each other. Some of the stories that we've received from them are so intense, so heartfelt, that we wanted to document them and share them with the rest of the world. Our fans are truly the lifeblood of the band." In addition to being the founders and creative force behind Demon Hunter, Ryan and his brother, guitarist Don Clark, are the Grammy nominated designers behind Invisible Creature. The firm has handled CD packaging and assorted artwork for a number of clients, including Foo Fighters, Chris Cornell, Machine Head, Throwdown and Korn. The Clarks applied that same meticulous attention to detail and aesthetic mastery to Demon Hunter's "45 Days," as they do with all of their releases. The "45 Days" documentary itself, found on disc 1, owes more to the Oasis film "Lord Don't Slow Me Down" and Sigur Ros' "Heima" than the typical band documentary. Filmed during this past summer's "Stronger Than Hell Tour," "45 Days" is rich and cinematic in scope. The film was entirely shot and edited by Cale Glendening -- an up-and-coming director from Tulsa, Oklahoma whom the Clarks stumbled upon online. "We came across a simple video diary that Cale shot for a band, and we could just tell that he had an eye for it," Ryan remembers. "He takes amazing photographs, his video footage is very artistic and beautiful, and he just knows how to put things together. The documentary is less like a standard music documentary and more of an artistic endeavor." The movie follows the band on tour and is interspersed with stories from fans, including a soldier recently returned from the Middle East; a mother, fiance and best friend in grief and more. "The documentary highlights the lives of our fans just as much as our lives. It's not just a band on the road. It's way deeper and more emotional than that." Disc 2 is a full live set captured during the tour from several angles in Nashville, Tennessee, with pro-audio produced and mixed by JR McNeely (Underoath, MxPx). Disc 3, the audio CD portion, contains the original film's instrumental score written exclusively for the movie and produced by the band's longtime producer Aaron Sprinkle (Emery, The Almost). The disc also includes an acoustic version of "Fading Away" and a piano version of "Carry Me Down." The packaging is as outstanding as what the band's fans have come to expect and easily sits alongside any of the packages both Clarks have earned Grammy nominations for over the last few years. "We wanted nothing but the best. This is a 3 disc set, so we have it packaged in a 3 disc digi-pack with a 20 page booklet," Ryan says enthusiastically. "The packaging is full of amazing photos, shot by Cale, from throughout the tour, and the vibe of the package is intended to fit the vibe of the documentary and soundtrack." "45 Days" is scheduled for a November 25, 2008 release through Solid State. You can view the trailer for "45 Days" here: http://www.45daysfilm.com LOVEHATEHERO ENTER THE STUDIO NEW RELEASE SPRING 2009!Ferret Music recording artists LoveHateHero have entered the studio to begin work on a new album. Producing is The Dream Team (Dan and Leah) who have also worked with Vanessa Hudgens, Automatic Love Letter, Ryan Cabrera and more. The record will be mixed by Jay Baumgardner (Linkin Park, Helmet). This will be the follow up to the band’s 2007 release White Lies of which whom Outburn said “While bands like Thursday and Thrice are mulling their next moves, LoveHateHero is grabbling the bull by the horns.†“Every song has fiery emotion coursing through it’s veins.†The album will be released in Spring 2009. Look for more updates shortly HOT LITTLE PONY UNLEASH NEW SONG “PONY†DOWNLOAD AT http://filter-mag.com/index.php?id=17617&c=1 VIDEO CONTEST AT: The mysterious pop unit known as Hot Little Pony has unleashed a new song Pony downloadable at http://www.filter-mag.com. The group claim it is “By Far and away their best song. Hotter than water and other solutions†The group is hosting a video contest where the best video for the song will be selected to receive complimentary tickets to the band’s upcoming two shows: Oct 15 Glass House Pomona, CA Entries can be submitted to the band’s myspace page: MONTREAL’S SPECIAL OPS DOUBLE ATTACK TORONTO’S PHOENIX & TORONTO EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AWARDShttp://www.opsmission.com Montreal’s infantry rockers Special Ops are preparing to invade Toronto for a double assault on Friday, October 10th at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street 8pm by Awsum Ink Ent. & Wednesday, October 22nd at Smiling Buddha Lounge, 961 College St. West for a performance at the 2nd Annual Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards Recognition Night. This is quite an achievement for Special Ops after returning to touring dates after the unfortunate news that Bassist Waldo Thornhill was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier in spring 2008. “We are so honoured to be returning back to Toronto, this city has always been great to us, all the recruits for the Special Ops infantry have just been amazing.” Says Special Ops guitarist Akbar Johnson. “I can’t wait to shoot off our rockets again, it’s been awhile since we’ve played Toronto and to return to the trenches here in Toronto is continuing the uphill battle. Friday, October 10, 2008 Wednesday, October 22 19 years of age and over $5 tickets to the public Artists free admission w/ Food Item for Food Drive http://www.torontoecxlusive.com Upcoming Tour Dates: HATEBREED'S CRUSHING NEW LIVE DOMINANCE 22-SONG CONCERT SET FROM THEIR MARCH 2008 DETROIT CONCERT FILM NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AS A MOVIE DOWNLOAD FROM iTUNESHATEBREED's entire live 80 minute Detroit concert film (included on the band's just released Live Dominance DVD), is now up as a full movie download on iTunes. The cost to purchase is $9.99. Fans can also rent it for $3.99. To access the download, please click on the following link: This marks the first time that a full 80 minute live metal/hardcore music film has been made available on iTunes for rent or purchase. Hatebreed Front-man Jamey Jasta comments, "We're grateful to have the opportunity to make history and be one of the first aggressive bands to have iTunes offer the 22 song Detroit set from Live Dominance as a downloadable digital file that you can play on your video iPods. Thanks to everyone who made it happen-- if you don't have the DVD yet, download the show from iTunes!" Live Dominance, the first-ever live DVD from the Metal Hardcore pioneers HATEBREED recently debuted at #1 on the Billboard DVD Music Chart. Murder, Mayhem and Destruction are Back for More as Adult Swim's Dethklok Star in Latest DVDMetalocalypse™: Season Two Want Bonus Features? Go Forth and Find Them When Two-Disc DVD Comes out on December 2nd The world's biggest, most brutal, murderous and, well, incompetent heavy metal band will once again step into the spotlight in the upcoming Adult Swim DVD release, Metalocalypse: Season Two. From Adult Swim and Warner Home Video, this DVD will be available while the band is at the top of its game in both the real and animated worlds. Not only does the band's mega-stardom rank them as the world's 12th largest economy but the animated band, Dethklok, has also achieved unparalleled success in the real world. The level of brutality is raised to a whole new level as the band tries its hand at electrocutions, weddings and the glamorous world of publicity in the Metalocalypse: Season Two DVD, which includes all 18 second season episodes and a slew of hidden special features that fans will have to find. That's right. Anything worthwhile demands some work. So buried within the DVD's two discs will be a host of bonus features for fans to track down and blog about. Available on December 2nd for the suggested retail price of $29.98, the Metalocalypse: Season Two DVD's preorder date is October 28th. Created by Brendon Small (Home Movies) and Tommy Blacha (Da Ali G Show), Metalocalypse follows the on and off-stage adventures of the fictional Dethklok, the insanely popular animated Norwegian heavy metal band. In addition to being the world's most brutal band members, Nathan Explosion, William "Murderface," Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth and Pickles are also stupid…dangerously stupid. From sold out concerts to late-night snack-attacks, the animated heavy metal band creates a wave of mayhem, death and destruction wherever they go, but thanks to their "really good lawyer" they manage to walk away legally unscathed on every occasion. Since debuting on Adult Swim in 2006, the series has become one of the highest-rated original series on the network and the second season was watched by more than five million 18-34 year-old viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. Moreover, the band's debut CD Dethklok: The Dethalbum has become the fastest selling death metal album of all time since debuting at #21 on Billboard's Top 100 list, and a real-live version of the animated band led by Brendon Small recently completed a sold-out 28-city tour. Adult Swim will support the Metalocalypse: Season Two DVD release with a comprehensive marketing campaign including 30-second on-air spots on Adult Swim and online ads on various comic, entertainment, and underground sites. DOUBLE ATTACK TORONTO’S PHOENIX & TORONTO EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AWARDShttp://www.opsmission.com Montreal’s infantry rockers Special Ops are preparing to invade Toronto for a double assault on Friday, October 10th at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street 8pm by Awsum Ink Ent. & Wednesday, October 22nd at Smiling Buddha Lounge, 961 College St. West for a performance at the 2nd Annual Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards Recognition Night. This is quite an achievement for Special Ops after returning to touring dates after the unfortunate news that Bassist Waldo Thornhill was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier in spring 2008. “We are so honoured to be returning back to Toronto, this city has always been great to us, all the recruits for the Special Ops infantry have just been amazing.” Says Special Ops guitarist Akbar Johnson. “I can’t wait to shoot off our rockets again, it’s been awhile since we’ve played Toronto and to return to the trenches here in Toronto is continuing the uphill battle. Friday, October 10, 2008 Wednesday, October 22 http://www.torontoecxlusive.com Upcoming Tour Dates: Montreal, QCOct 8, 2008 Prophecies of War Tour Toronto, ON Oct 10, 2008 Phoenix, Welland, ON Oct 11, 2008 Club Social Montreal, QC Oct 16, 2008 Prophecies of War Tour Toronto, ON Oct 22, 2008 Smiling Buddha Montreal, QC Nov 6, 2008 Bar St. Laurent 2 Montreal, QC Nov 7, 2008 Café Chaos Montreal, QC Nov 8, 2008 Prophecies of War Tour Toronto, ON Nov 14, 2008 Kathedral Brantford, ON Nov 15, 2008 The Alex THE UNDERWATER SCHEDULES LIVE DATESTRENTON, N.J. The Underwater has scheduled live dates in and around its home base of York, Penn., following the release of its new album, "Forces." The hard-working group toured nationally and internationally while promoting its EPs recorded prior to "Forces," and now The Underwater is focusing on a string of dates before hitting the road for more full-fledged touring. Longtime fans in these areas will be thrilled about the return of The Underwater, a band that truly shines in the live arena. "With all of the pressure and stress that goes along with being in a band, the live show is the one thing that is still just as exciting and fun to me as it was when I was a little kid in a garage band," said guitarist Matt Holmes. "When I was younger, I remember not being able to sleep before a shitty little fire hall show because I was so nervous and excited. That's the one part of the day that is my time and no one can take from me, and I hope I never lose that passion to play and perform." Through day and day out playing, The Underwater has developed an unforced chemistry and deep connection with the music they are playing that transcends any studio recording. "I think the best way to describe it is that everyone is on the same page and in the pocket together," said drummer Pat Besecker. "When the band gets on stage, everybody knows what's going to happen before it happens. That is special to me." "When you all become the music as opposed to just going through the motions and playing the music, you know it and start to develop that 'flow' and connection," said Holmes. "That is the chemistry and that is what we work towards every tour." The live goal of The Underwater is simple: Accurately recreate the studio recordings with an extra dose of energy and power that can only be found in a live setting. "If people leave the show and don't have a greater love and appreciation for the band, then we haven't done our job right," Holmes said. "When I was younger, a live show made or broke a band in my eyes and I haven't forgotten that." The Underwater live dates: http://www.theunderwater.net Rocker abandons Alaska for artistic redemptionIntroducing Blaise Beyhan and IONIA. Music that stands for something … NEW YORK - With elections fast approaching and the economy in sharp decline, there’s no better time to discover IONIA, the socially conscious melodic rock band from NYC whose leader, Blaise Beyhan, was raised on an ALASKAN commune -- NOW IS THE TIME to hear what rocks this front man’s world and the Last Frontier that forged it. The Alaska in Blaise’s world was quite the opposite from Sarah Palin’s Alaska. And it’s helped Blaise form a unique perspective and fuel a politically-minded rock band hell-bent on writing music that stands for something and comments on the “self-destructive” American society he believes has been created in large part by the political arena in which Palin stands. “I think Sarah Palin is a complete fraud,” says Behan. “The things I value about Alaska are not what 90 percent of the people there are about, which is capitalism, milking every resource.” IONIA has been garnering lots of attention, with its new self-titled debut EP – produced by Ross Peterson (Brand New, Finger Eleven) and spreading across America on 200+ radio stations as they gear up for their performance at the CMJ Music Marathon Metal Radio VIP Party (Oct. 23). If you're a fan of the Deftones, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Used, or My Chemical Romance and politically oriented rock that’s fueled by a belief in the kind of real change Palin and John McCain could never represent, you should check out IONIA. · Major festival appearances at NEMO, Locobazooka (with Alice In Chains and Buckcherry), Popfest and Millennium Music Conference. · Voted #1 Unsigned Artist in first two weeks on PureVolume.com. · 2008 Costa Rica tour for Roberta Felix Foundation, featuring IONIA on MTV America Latina, and the #1 college radio station, Radio U. IONIA: Radio-friendly at any speed. Listen to IONIA at: HEAVY METAL TITANS JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE 7 DATE 'PRIEST FEAST' ARENA TOURIN FEBRUARY 2009 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS MEGADETH AND TESTAMENT London, 1st October 2008 One of the worlds most popular and influential Heavy Metal bands Judas Priest are set to rock the UK to it's very core when they bring their 'Priest Feast' tour to play 7 arena dates in February 2009 with support from special guests Thrash Metal veterans Megadeth and Testament. Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal's most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980's 'British Steel,' 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance,' and 1990's 'Painkiller,' and such arena-rocking anthems as "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." However, Priest's influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the 'leather biker look,' a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford's powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been 'studied' by countless metal bands in Priest's wake. Think 'Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,' and some of rock's all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST released their sprawling double disc concept album, 'Nostradamus' via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records. MEGADETH TESTAMENT Having the opportunity to see 3 such important and influential bands within the world of Metal on the same bill is cause for excitement. Make sure you don't miss the chance to witness Metal history in the making and ensure you are part of Priest Feast 2009. 'PRIEST FEAST' JUDAS PRIEST February Tickets are priced at £37.50 (subject to booking fee) and are available from 0844 576 5483 or buy online at http://www.livenation.co.uk. REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA SOUNDTRACK OUT NOW KILLING THE CHARTS AND ON AOLREPO! The Genetic Opera Soundtrack is now available digitally. The Rock Opera's soundtrack is blazing up the charts debuting on Amazon Top Soundtracks at #16 and on iTunes Top Soundtracks Chart at #15. Repo! The Genetic Opera Soundtrack features vocal performances by an amazing cast; Paris Hilton, Bill Moseley, Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino, Ohgr and more. This week AOL is home to the Full CD Exclusive Listening Party where all can listen to the album streaming in its entirety until 11:59 PM October 5th http://music.aol.com/songs/new_releases_full_cds?defaultTab=4. Darren Smith explains, "In our twisted minds, we envisioned Pavarotti tenors belting out arias over a wall of industrial noise, while simultaneously hacking off body parts." A serious buzz at cons nationwide. At recent Fantastic Fest screenings in Austin Texas movie goers showed up dressed up as the film's characters even before the film has been released confirming REPO!'s cult classic quality. There was such an overwhelming response to the sold out first showing that for the first time in Fantastic Fest history a second showing was added which played to a sold out theater as well. At the 2008 Rocky Horror Convention in Atlantic City, NJ The REPO! Trailer attracted huge crowds and great response. The trailer is proving powerful on YouTube also, as one of the most commented on clips this month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzgpU25C6fg This rock opera boasts an entirely original soundtrack that blends equal parts goth and punk rock to form an eerie and powerful musical narrative. You can get a taste of what will be playing by visiting http://www.NotYourParentsOpera.com for a soundtrack sampler. All of the actors performed their own songs, and the music was provided by an all-star lineup that features performances from Joan Jett, Richard Patrick (Filter), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Clown (Slipknot), Ray Luzier (Army of Anyone), Brian Young (David Lee Roth's band), Sonny Moore (From First to Last), Richard Fortus (Guns & Roses), David J (Bauhaus/Love & Rockets), Daniel Ash (Love & Rockets), Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), Tommy Clefetus (Rob Zombie's band), Melora Creager (Rasputina). Also lending her voice to the soundtrack is the edgy pop star Poe. Actress Alexa Vega gushes over her experience working with Joan Jett, "Joan Jett is such a Rock Star. Truly legend! I was shocked when she walked on that set.. She has such a presence…Thank God we had to do 30 takes because every time I got to relive a Joan Jett Rock out in Shilo's bedroom." In the no-so-distant future, a worldwide epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GENECO, a biotech company that offers organ transplants...for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by THE REPO MAN. By fusing ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and BLADE RUNNER, this futuristic tale of horror modernizes the "rock opera" genre with original music and rich, dark production design. For more information on the film visit http://www.repo-opera.com. The digital version of the soundtrack will be available September 30, 2008. The CD will be made available in mid-October at events, signings and through the film's official website, with a projected wide release in January 20th, 2009. Sumerian Records is happy to announce that we have signed UK band FELL SILENT!Hailing from Milton Keynes in the UK, FELLSILENT incorporate fierce polyrhythmic timings with tuneful but raw vocals and powerful riffing to concoct their own unique style of hard nosed metal. This killer six piece have played shows across the UK with the likes of SKINDRED, SIKTH, BRING ME THE HORIZON, ARCHITECTS and CULT OF LUNA, as well as full UK tours with ENTER SHIKARI, EXIT TEN and DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL, which has helped garner them further shows with the likes of TEXTURES and AKERCOCKE. Label founder Ash Avildsen states: “After hearing the first 40 seconds of Fell Silent’s song “Immerse†I knew there was something very promising about to happen. After hearing the rest of the song, I knew it was now my duty to get this band in front of as many people as possible. I am very proud to announce Fell Silent as the first overseas Sumerian Records band, and their style of metal is exactly what we started the label on: progressive, brutal, technical but still memorable with challenging but infectious rhythms and amazing uses of melody while still being heavy, dynamic and cutting-edge throughout real displays of songwriting. Keep your eye out for Fell Silent in North America, as we will be making sure to get these boys over here as soon as possible in 2009!†Fell Silent is currently on tour in the UK with ENTER SHIKARI and will be making their way over to the US in early 2009! Expect their debut SUMERIAN release to hit stores in the US early 2009, and make sure you do not miss this bands amazing live performance when they storm the US on tour! FULL 36 CRAZYFISTS SHOW AVAILABLE ONLINE NOWCURRENTLY ON TOUR WITH TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Alaskan metal heavyweights 36 CRAZYFISTS have posted an entire show from their current tour online. The set was filmed at The Lost Horizon in Syracuse, NY and can be viewed at The UVTV website: http://www.undergroundvideotelevision.com/updates/live-performances/2008/36-crazyfists-live-show-at-the-lost-horizon/ The concert is also available on iTunes: 36 CRAZYFISTS will film its January 9, 2009 concert in Anchorage, Alaska for a forthcoming DVD. According to singer Brock Lindow, "the show will be monstrous as the ones in the past have proved to be what dreams are made of. But as the years have gone on, you can imagine the amount of ridiculous footage we have from backstage antics to being a 18-year-old skinny, punk-ass kid getting my long hair chopped off by [Steve] Holt [guitar] in a drunken stupor; it's things like this that will be hilarious to sift through and add to our special features section of the DVD." The Tide and Its Takers was released on May 27 via Ferret Music and debuted at #155 on the Billboard Top 200. 36 CRAZYFISTS are currently on tour with Trivium, All That Remains and The Human Abstract, and will continue their North American onslaught with In Flames in November. Full tour dates are listed below. 36 Crazyfists with Trivium, All That Remains, & The Human Abstract: 36 Crazyfists with In Flames, All That Remains, Gojira: SONIC SYNDICATE's LOVE AND OTHER DISASTERS CHARTING IN EUROPE!Swedish metallers SONIC SYNDICATE entered the German album charts on #36 this week! This is the band's second highest entry ever (right after the entry in their homecountry Sweden last week) as well as the highest in Germany so far! SONIC SYNDICATE's Love and Other Disasters will see an October 14 release in the United States, by way of Nuclear Blast USA. Chart entries so far: The band will soon hit the road together with IN FLAMES check the dates at http://www.myspace.com/sonicsyndicate The second video clip "My Escape" has been uploaded at YouTube, check it out right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAfGqw0BChA http://www.sonicsyndicate.com KOCH SIGNS DEAL WITH METAL GUITAR VIRTUOSO YNGWIE MALMSTEENPort Washington, NY September 29, 2008 KOCH Entertainment Distribution announced today that it has signed an exclusive physical and digital distribution deal with Rising Force Records and its flagship artist neo-classical metal guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen. Rising Force Records was launched in 2008 with the primary function to release and market new and back catalogue material from the world renowned guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen as well as signing new talent. The first title slated for release is "Perpetual Flame," a brand new recording from Malmsteen featuring ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens to be released via KOCH on October 14th. Additional titles and release dates will be announced by the label at a later date. "I am truly excited that Rising Force records will be distributed via KOCH, and with our brand new release "Perpetual Flame" as well as future releases of back catalogue materials, this is a very important and exciting relationship," comments Yngwie Malmsteen. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to shred with Yngwie on the launch of Rising Force Records," added Michael Rosenberg, President of KOCH Entertainment Distribution. 2008 is turning out to be one of the busiest years of Yngwie's career. In addition to the release of his forthcoming new album, he will be inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk on October 13th, a new Fender/Yngwie Malmsteen custom shop guitar will be unveiled later in the year (with a limited run of 100 instruments) and there will be a slew of CD reissues of Yngwie classics. All the while, the accolades continue to pour in: 'Roadie Crew Magazine' organized a poll in which 330 respected rock guitarists were asked to vote for their favorite guitarist of all-time. Yngwie checked in at a lofty number 3 behind fellow legends Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. About KOCH Entertainment KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH's operations encompass record and video labels as well as distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada and its record label KOCH Records had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for six years in a row Trakwerx set to release next wave of new releases, 17 Pygmies +2 moreLOS ANGELES, CA - Continuing their previous trend of multiple CD releases, Trakwerx is pleased to announce that SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 will mark the release of three new Trakwerx recordings: - 17 PYGMIES CELESTINA: 17 Pygmies latest effort "Celestina" is a concept album (remember that term?) about a doomed space flight by a bunch of astronauts getting high on pure oxygen while exploring a giant gas nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. Really. Thematically, "Celestina" is loosely based upon the classic 15th century Latin novel "La Celestina," a timeless tale of love and betrayal. Would you like to know more? To read the short story visit: http://www.trakwerx.com/Celestina.pdf SMOLDERING ASHES NERVOUS CONSTELLATIONS: "Nervous Constellations" isn¹t just a new album, it¹s a neo album reflecting the recording technology and topography of the times. 17 Pygmies/17th Pygmy stalwarts Jeff Brenneman (guitars) and Dirk Doucette (drums) (both alumni of the White Glove Test) ventured out of their California homes to meet Veronica Ashe (vocals) and Tory Troutman (various), Oklahoma-based alternative rockers whose latest band, the college favorites judyjudyjudy, expanded upon the musical etherpop terrain laid out by their previous bands, Animated Mayfly Festival and Exapno Mapcase. Somewhere, the twain did meet, and together they drove in the golden spike that is Nervous Constellations. CULT WITH NO NAME CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR: On "Careful What You Wish For," Cult With No Name takes positive delight in exploring their influences, complete with a stunning version of The Stranglers' "Golden Brown" and some quite remarkable violin from Tuxedomoon legend Blaine L. Reininger. And as if one violin wasn't enough, "She B.C." gives you seven guitars... all at the same time, playing identically. Now, who wouldn't wish for that? For additional information on 17 Pygmies (The 17 Pygmy), Smoldering Ashes and Cult With No Name contact Meg Maryatt or visit http://www.trakwerx.com/label.htm. Trakwerx is a registered trademark of the Maryatt Music Group, Inc. ABOUT TRAKWERX Trakwerx is an art collective that amongst other endeavors releases recordings and DVDs by artists that have something to say. Joetown Posts New Songs Online From "Pills and Ammo" Album Melodic hard rockers Joetown have uploaded new tracks from their debut "Pills and Ammo" online at http://www.MySpace.com/Joetown. The album was released by Joetown frontman Joe Delaney's own Joetown Records. Hailing from Wallingford, Connecticut, Joetown has made a reputation as one most exciting live acts on the East Coast. The band's explosive live show has allowed them to earn a cult-like following across the country, while frontman Joe Delaney's accomplishments as a songwriter/producer have turned him into a rawk entrepreneur of the highest order. His grinding work ethic has seen him performing/recording with groups such as Kings of Reality and American Trash with Steve Broderick (Trans Siberian Orchestra), producing both albums for critically acclaimed aggressive hard rockers Gargantua Soul, while holding a prestigious position with Bugera Guitar Amplifiers that provide thundering amps to everyone from King's X to hip-hop act N.E.R.D. With the release of "Pills and Ammo", Joetown is set to unleash a tidal wave of high-performance rock that has been missing since the '90s. The album's unapologetic rock n' roll takes shifts through a variety of styles effortlessly, invoking comparisons to group like Guns N' Roses and Alice In Chains, yet appealing to fans of rock legend Ted Nugent. The band has also announced they will be giving away merchandise, guitar gear and promotional items for fans that join the Joetown street-team at http://www.JoetownRocks.com. Fans are encouraged to join the street-team to qualify. For more information, visit: AUGUST BURNS RED TEARING IT UP ON HEADLINING TOURPennsylvania metallers AUGUST BURNS RED are pummeling audiences every night on their current headlining tour. The fivesome from Lancaster has played to sold-out crowds including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Texas, Los Angeles, and Boise and look to continue their success on the tour's remaining dates. AUGUST BURNS RED is joined by A Skylit Drive, Sky Eats Airplane, Greeley Estates, and This or the Apocalypse. Following their North American tour, AUGUST BURNS RED will head out on their first-ever European headlining tour, which includes dates all over mainland Europe, Finland, Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Portugal. The band is also lining up dates in Mexico this December. AUGUST BURNS RED is touring to support their latest album, 2007's Messengers, which has sold over 65,500 copies to date. Following their tours, AUGUST BURNS RED will head back into the studio in 2009 to record a new album. http://www.myspace.com/augustburnsred AUGUST BURNS RED headlining (w/A Skylit Drive, Sky Eats Airplane, Greeley Estates, This or the Apocalypse): MAGICIAN - New album available in Europe- MAGICIAN's debut album, "Tales Of The Magician" which was already out in Brazil (Die Hard Records) and Japan (Soundholic) is finally available in Europe, being released by Dockyard 1 and with distribution by SPV (Moonspell, Dio, Whitesnake, Skid Row, etc). Organ Magazine defines the new album as "Totally over the top bombastic guitar driven epic Euro metal from Brazil" and Metal Hammer Germany adds: "The guitar players Renato Osorio and Christiano Schmitt learned their lesson in Loureiro/Bettencourt and cite just a decent bit of Yngwie Malmsteen. But are even better than their influences to let vocalist Dan Rubin shine. Attention ANGRA - this band is gonna give you a rought ride!" Samples of the album and a video clipe made for "Minstrel's Domain" song are available on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/magicianband, http://www.magician.com.br STEVIE WONDER TRIBUTEGREG HOWE, KIKO LOUREIRO, BILL HUDSON & MORE Join VERNON NEILLY Stevie Wonder like you have never heard him before is what you get in Vernon Neilly and Friends "A Tribute To Stevie Wonder" on Boosweet Records. Taking an array of world class musicians and utilizing their talents with their different genre styles gave this tribute compilation a unique and tasty rendition to these iconic bodies of work. From jazz fusion, blues to the heavy metal over tones on Superstition the arrangements give a new dynamic to classic Stevie Wonder. This masterpiece includes Grammy Award winning bassist Juan Nelson(Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals), guitar virtuoso Greg Howe(Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, N-Sync, Enrique Iglesias), guitar virtuoso Kiko Loureiro(Angra), jazz guitar sensation U-Nam, guitar virtuoso Bill Hudson(Cellador, Coldera, Fresh Meat), sax sensation and virtuoso Michael Paulo(Al Jarreau, Earth Wind and Fire, Peter White), and some new stunning vocal talent in Fabyan Irving(USA), Cristopher Clark(Brazil), and Carlos Zema(Brazil). As was stated previously, you may have heard the works of Stevie Wonder re-done before at some point in time, but you have never heard Stevie like this! TRACK LISTING: SHRAPNEL RECORDS releases LABEL CATALOG on iTunesHOLLYWOOD, CA (September 23, 2008) World famous Shrapnel Records finally releases catalog for downloads on iTunes. Shrapnel Records is best known as a guitar-oriented record label which was started in 1980 by record producer Mike Varney. Shrapnel Records helped launch dozens of careers for many technically adept guitarists such as Vinnie Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet, Joey Tafolla, Jason Becker, Phantom Blue, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen and Marty Friedman to name a few. The following are the currently available downloads from Shrapnel Records and its subdivisions. Shrapnel Records Catalog List: Mack Preston “Tortured Mind†Debut November 18 on Powerline/Magnum Pacific(Coral Gables, Fl): Upstart label Powerline Records has announced the November 18 release of “Tortured Mind,†the debut by Mack Preston. The release will be the second from the label, following A Dream of Reality’s “It’s Nothing Personal,†as part of a new deal with Magnum Pacific. Mack Preston is one of the few artists who has been able to successfully take modern rock and blend it with a classic feel. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this unique artist has spent most of his life perfecting his vocal skills. Starting out as a background singer for local bands introduced his voice to audiences throughout the state. His distinctive look and his powerful voice became the catalyst to making bands and audiences long to hear him as a lead singer. Growing up his older brothers exposed him to such rock pioneers as Rush, Boston and Led Zeppelin. This helped influence his style and also inspired him to learn to play drums. Mack fast became an accomplished drummer. His looks, voice and now skills on the drums made him a triple threat. This further secured him as a dominant presence on the local music scene. Eventually, Mack's musical journey took him to Florida where he could be found in some of Miami's hottest recording studios. After accomplishing a multitude of musical goals there, he decided to come to Los Angeles and dedicate himself to his debut album, “Tortured Mind.†Mack is a passionate artist. His well-crafted lyrics explore the mind, soul and spirit with an edge only rock can give. The U.S. Return of the U.K.’s SONIC BOOM SIX Taking Ska to a Whole New Level"One of the most exciting bands in the country, their brilliant fusion of punk, hip-hop and ska is never anything less than thrilling." NME http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix (Manchester, U.K.): Following a successful tour of the East Coast earlier this year, U.K.’s Sonic Boom Six expand their reach on their U.S. return, bringing their updated brand of ska-punk to the nation. The Manchester-based quartet (Laila K, vocals and raps; Ben C guitar and vocals; Barney Boom, bass and vocals; Neil ‘Madfish’ McMinn, drums and samples; Nicholas Horne, horns) is expanding more than their touring schedule. Called “one of the most inventive U.K. punk bands,†the classically-trained members of SB6 are known for mixing a wide range of diverse influences, taking ska to another level while staying true to the art form’s traditions. Few bands can so smoothly mix dancefloor-savvy elements of reggae, jungle and ska with the rigorous commentary of hip-hop whilst retaining enough grit and aggression to be an active fixture of the UK’s punk scene. “We have the advantage of being exotic,†says bassist Barney Boom. “I definitely think there’s a part of our sound that’s uniquely British. There’s still a lot of the reggae and dance hall tradition that’s come up in the U.K. There’s the drum-and-bass that we’re pulling in there that’s a lot more authentic in the sense that that’s something we’ve grown up with first hand and we’re adding it into punk. It’s exotic in the sense that it’s something that comes from a genuine place.†These influences and those drawn from American ska are evident in SB6’s current full-length, “Arcade Perfect,†released on the band’s own imprint, Rebel Alliance. Sonic Boom Six released their first two EPs on Moon Ska Europe before signing to Deck Cheese Records in the UK for their acclaimed debut album, “The Ruff Guide to Genre-Terrorism,†which they promoted with a Radio One Punk Show session and followed up with festival appearances at Glastonbury, Rebellion and the Lock-Up Stage at Reading and Leeds festivals. During their last tour, the response was immediate; the intensity building even quicker than it had for the band on their native soil. They expect nothing less on their return trip, seeing the American market through a decidedly positive lens and with a challenging message for their new fans. “While it’s all good to be part of a scene with the idea of people being together at a gig, we personify the idea that your own ideas and your own direction, looking at the world for yourself, is the way forward,†says Barney Boom. “Question everything! And be your own person.†Sonic Boom Six Fall Tour Oct 23 CMJ Music Festival New York, NY YNGWIE MALMSTEEN TO BE INDUCTED INTO HOLLYWOOD'S ROCKWALKLos Angeles, California, September XX, 2008 Electric guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, will be inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on Monday, October 13 at noon. Yngwie's masterful technique, innovation, and flamboyant showmanship has mesmerized listeners since the early 1980s and inspired generations of aspiring guitarists around the world. Born on June 30, 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden, Yngwie Malmsteen received his first guitar at the age of five from his mother, Rigmor. Originally having no interest in music, a September 18, 1970 TV special on the death of guitarist Jimi Hendrix became the day that the guitar-playing Yngwie was born. Yngwie immersed himself in music and spent long hours practicing the songs of Deep Purple. His admiration for Ritchie Blackmore's classically influenced playing led him to absorb the classical structures of such masters as Bach, Vilvaldi, Beethoven and Mozart. At the age of 15 Yngwie left school for good and formed the very first incarnation of Rising Force before moving to the United States in 1982 with only his '71 Strat® and an extra pair of pants. He performed for the first time in the U.S. the very next year and then, after playing on an album by Steeler, he formed Alcatrazz. After it became clear that he would need to go solo to fully develop his talents, Yngwie released his first solo album, Rising Force, in 1981. The album made it to #60 on the Billboard charts and gained Yngwie a GRAMMY nomination for best rock instrumental performance. With his place in guitar history firmly established, Yngwie has continued to inspire guitarists worldwide for over a decade. He has released many classic albums including Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), Odyssey (1988), Fire & Ice (1992), The Seventh Sign (1994), Inspiration (1996), Facing the Animal (1997), Alchemy (1999), Attack!! (2002) and Unleash the Fury (2005). He has also shown his versatility by producing his first completely classical work, Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in Eb minor, Op.1, in 1997. - October 14, 2008 will see the release of his latest studio album, Perpetual Flame which he produced and engineered himself. The Fender® Custom Shop has also introduced the new Yngwie Malmsteen Tribute Series Stratocaster® guitar, a reproduction of Malmsteen's beloved instrument that will be produced in limited edition. Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. Yngwie Malmsteen's handprints will reside alongside the handprints, signatures, and faces of other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker and Earth Wind & Fire among numerous others. GUITAR LEGEND YNGWIE MALMSTEEN UNLEASHES FIRST NEW ALBUM IN THREE YEARS, 'PERPETUAL FLAME' The global rock guitar community will undoubtedly mark October 14, 2008 on their calendars, as this is the exact date that Yngwie Malmsteen will be issuing his latest studio triumph, 'Perpetual Flame.' The album will the first-ever Yngwie album to be released via Rising Force Records (distributed via Koch), while the album also marks the debut on an Yngwie album by ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth frontman, Tim 'Ripper' Owens. Twelve tracks of pure six string metallic bliss (which stretches to almost 70 minutes total), the album was produced and engineered by Yngwie himself, and mixed by Roy Z (who has previously worked with Judas Priest and Bruce Dickinson, among others). Joining Yngwie and Ripper on the album is keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer Patrick Johansson (Yngwie contributed bass, additional keyboards, and vocals, as well), but on tour, Michael Troy will supply keyboards, and Bjorn Englen will be laying down the bass. A supporting tour of the U.S. and Canada is slated to run through all of October. Single-handedly, Yngwie Malmsteen trailblazed the classical metal movement in the 1980's. During a time when the majority of guitarists were merely copying Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie was one of the few rock guitarists to create his own instantly-identifiable playing style which has been subsequently mimicked by countless other guitarists. Yngwie is responsible for issuing some of the metal's all-time great guitar classics, especially such releases as 1984's 'Rising Force,' 1985's 'Marching Out,' 1992's 'Fire and Ice,' and most recently, 2005's 'Unleash the Fury.' In addition to the arrival of 'Perpetual Flame' in October, another career highlight is slated for the following month Yngwie has teamed up with the Fender® Custom Shop to reconstruct his beloved Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster® guitar, which be unveiled globally on November 28th (limited edition of 106 tribute series guitars) and there will be a slew of CD reissues of Yngwie classics to soon be announced. And the accolades continue to pour in - 'Roadie Crew Magazine' organized a poll in which 330 respected rock guitarists were asked to vote for their favorite guitarist of all-time. Yngwie checked in at a lofty number 3, only behind fellow legends Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. Without question, 2008 is shaping up to be the year of Yngwie. COMPLETE TRACKLISTING FOR 'PERPETUAL FLAME': YNGWIE MALMSTEEN 2008 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITES: http://www.YngwieMalmsteen.com (official page) ROB ZOMBIE and HALLOWEEN are Nominated In Two Categories for the Spike Scream Awards 2008Rob Zombie and his box office horror film, HALLOWEEN, has been nominated in two categories for Spike TV's Scream Awards 2008. Zombie's HALLOWEEN is a Dimension Film's reinvention of John Carpenter's smash cult horror film and premiered number one at the box office last Labor Day Weekend, breaking all records, while grossing an estimated 31 million dollars. The following categories for HALLOWEEN are: ZAO RECORDING NEW ALBUM WITH TIM LAMBESIS (AS I LAY DYING)As-Yet-Untitled Record Will See 2009 Release Through Ferret Music Legendarily influential heavy music act ZAO is in the studio working on a brand new album, the followup to their 2006 record, The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here. As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis and Daniel Castleman are heading up the proceedings, together with Zao's Scott Mellinger, for what is shaping up to be another monumental ZAO album. "We simply can not wait for everyone to hear these new songs," says longtime guitarist Mellinger. "We have not been on the road since the Demon Hunter and Throwdown tours in 2006, which has given us plenty of time to get our wits about us and to really concentrate on creating the best batch of material we possibly can." Zao's Where Blood & Fire Bring Rest was recently hailed as "one of the most the most influential albums of 1998" by Alternative Press magazine. That album, which introduced frontman Dan Weyandt to the heavy music scene, and followup Liberate te ex Inferis, which introduced guitarist and songwriter Mellinger, continue to be cornerstone albums to a new generation of bands drawing influence from Zao's dark, passionate and creative music. "Zao is a band that has influenced all types of bands in the heavy music genre, from the Deftones and to my band," offers Lambesis. "I'm very excited be a part of bringing them the production their band has always deserved. This record will be the Zao sound that fans and musicians like myself have been waiting to hear for a long time." The lineup for this ZAO album is the same as The Fear...: Longtime co-conspirators Weyandt and Mellinger alongside bass player Martin Lunn and drummer Jeff Gretz (From Autumn to Ashes). "Recording Jeff Gretz's drums was the most relaxing and professional studio experience I've ever been a part of," boasts Lambesis. "That guy is a true pro and the standard by which I will judge every other drummer I record at Lambesis Studios in the future." ZAO's two Ferret Music albums, The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here (2006) and The Funeral Of God (2004), are among the biggest selling and most important in the band's impressive catalog. Funeral was produced by Erik Rachel (Every Time I Die) and The Fear... was recorded by Steve Albini (Nirvana). The band has toured with In Flames, Trivium, Shadows Fall and in the past took bands like Underoath and Unearth on tour as their opening acts. "If the melodic end of the kingdom has been taken by Killswitch Engage, then the extreme end belongs to Zao, no question." -- Metal Hammer ZAO's new album will be released in 2009. http://www.zaoonline.com ZOË VISION/ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE RUSH DVD SNAKES & ARROWS LIVE ON NOVEMBER 25 MUSICIANSHIP HIGHLIGHTED, EXTRAS ABUNDANT"Thanks to epic songs, fantastical lyrics and extravagant drum solos, [Rush] rocks on through the 21st century...the scope of [their] achievements is undeniable...†Rolling Stone September 22, 2008 - Burlington, MA - Zoë Vision/Anthem Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of the Snakes & Arrows Live DVD on November 25 from the legendary rock trio RUSH. This 3 disc DVD set, also available as a Blu-ray Disc, follows their Zoë Vision DVD releases Rush-R30 (2005) and Rush in Rio (2003). The Snakes & Arrows Live DVD (full track listing below) was filmed with 21 High Definition cameras in 16x9 widescreen format, over two nights in October 2007 at the Netherlands' Ahoy Rotterdam arena during the renowned rock trio's lengthy world tour. Additional SD footage was filmed in Atlanta this past July. The five month trek supporting Rush's critically acclaimed 2007 studio release, Snakes & Arrows, which includes the Grammy® Award-nominated track, “Malignant Narcissism,†topped Pollstar's Top 100 2007 Tours list at #12. While previous DVD releases showcase different sides of the band , this DVD offers fans a rare and close up look at the prodigious musicianship for which the band is renown. Cameras follow bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, closely, capturing not only their playing, note for note, but also the intimacy they share on stage. The diverse track list includes many new songs from Snakes & Arrows as well as old favorites like “Tom Sawyer†and “Freewill†plus an explosive rendition of “Between the Wheels.†Among the hidden gems and numerous special tour moments included as extras is the fan coveted “What's That Smell†vignette and outakes, a skit used to intro the second set, which capitalizes on the still emerging comedic talents of both Alex and Geddy who excel (and revel) in their roles as wild characters. Featuring collector's quality packaging and a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound or PCM Stereo for a superior audio experience, the DVD was mixed by frequent collaborator Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Mick Jagger). Total running time is 221 minutes. Snakes & Arrows made a triumphant debut on the Billboard 200 upon its release May 2007, entering the chart in the #3 spot. The album's popular success marked Rush's highest chart debut since 1993, as well as the group's eleventh top ten album in the U.S. Snakes & Arrows also debuted at #3 in the band's native Canada and at #13 in the UK - the band's highest British chart ranking in 16 years. In addition, the album premiered in the top ten in Sweden and Finland, and in the top twenty in Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan. Since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974, Rush has been universally regarded as one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock, famed for virtuoso musicianship. Celebrated, critically acclaimed and respected worldwide, Rush is the most successful Canadian rock band of all time and they remain one of the biggest grossing arena rock bands ever. Their extraordinary body of work - which includes such acclaimed works as 1976's 2112, 1981's Moving Pictures, 1996's Test for Echo, and 2002's Vapor Trails - has achieved worldwide sales exceeding 35 million units. (continued) TRACK LISTING: Extras: Disc 2 HALCYON WAY RELEASES NEW ALBUM ON NIGHTMARE RECORDSAtlanta, Georgia – September 21, 2008 Atlanta’s progressive power/thrash band HALCYON WAY have inked a deal with U.S. label Nightmare Records. Their debut CD, "A Manifesto For Domination", will be released worldwide on November 11, 2008. The album was produced by guitarist Jon Bodan, mixed by Lasse Lammert (Alestorm), and mastered by James Murphy (Testament, Death). The album features guest appearances from Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) & Blaze Pearson (The Souls Unrest). Sounding like a cross between Megadeth, Dio, and Fates Warning, the band is known and recognized for its energetic and theatrical live performances, blazing guitar, intricate drumming, and three-part vocal harmonies. They have appeared live with acts such as Helloween, Symphony X, Kamelot, Brand New Sin, Cellador, Circle II Circle, To/Die/For, Doro Pesch, Strapping Young Lad, and many others. In addition, they appeared live at the ProgPower USA Showcase in 2004 and 2007, alongside bands such as Primal Fear, Threshold, Freak Kitchen, and Virgin Steele. Halcyon Way also performed twice at Rocklahoma in 2008, alongside bands such as Queensrÿche & Tesla, and many others. “The band was very persistent. Finally they we’re far enough along in the recording process and gave me a few of their songs to check out. I was sold! This band, while being a new force to be recognized, knows how to write solid songs, and how to translate their ideas from gut and head to your ears!,” said Lance King (Nightmare Records) Halcyon Way is endorsed by Brian Moore Custom Guitars, Madison Amplifiers, Halo Guitars, and Sfarzo Strings. A Manifesto For Domination track listing: TO LISTEN TO SAMPLES OF THE NEW ALBUM Halcyon Way is: Sean Shields – Vocals Jon Bodan – Lead Guitar & Background Vocals Zane Matthews – Rhythm Guitar & Background Vocals Kris Maltenieks – Bass Guitar & Background Vocals Ernie Topran - Drums For more information, visit http://www.nightmarerecords.com, http://www.halcyonway.com, or http://www.myspace.com/halcyonway GODHEAD RETURNS WITH SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM, ‘AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD,’ DUE OUT OCTOBER 7 ON DRIVEN MUSIC GROUPGODHEAD--Jason C. Miller (vocals, guitars), Michael Miller (guitars), Ullrich Hepperlin (bass, programming) and Ty Smith (drums)—are set to release their sixth studio album, AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, October 7 on Driven Music Group (distribution by Ryko/Warner Music Group), the label owned by ex-Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch and music execs Greg Shanaberger and Mark Nawara. The album—produced by bassist Ullrich Hepperlin--features 13 songs and 5 bonus remixes courtesy of Assemblage 23, Sebastian Komor (Icon of Coil), Curse Mackey (Pigface, Evil Mothers), Shok (My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult) and Fat and Acid (American Head Charge). AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is 80 minutes of brand new Godhead. “Stay Back,” the disc’s first single, is currently being serviced to radio stations across the country, and a video will be shot in Los Angeles within the next few weeks with first-time music video director and well-known actress Juliette Landau (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Ed Wood”). It will be ready for TV and online consumption early next month. “When I was writing ‘Stay Back,’” explains singer/guitarist Jason C. Miller, “I thought about all the times people push each other away in relationships, maybe from clashing ideals or just being afraid of something good. I assumed the role of the person who knows he’s a spoiler, but has enough morality left to warn the other person.” He continues about the album’s overall writing process, “We really reconnected with the influences that inspired us to write music, like The Cure, Black Sabbath, Bauhaus, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, David Bowie, Depeche Mode and even Rush. It’s something I always try to do, but don’t always succeed. It’s not the radio single that makes you a true fan of a band, it’s those interesting tracks that you discover late at night sitting in your room. And I try to ignore modern music trends at all costs. Why become a clone of what’s popular now only to be ignored tomorrow? Stick to your own sound and your audience will find you, and they will stay with you for the rest of your life.” In addition to fronting Godhead, Miller is an accomplished actor (most recently seen in an ad campaign for Comedy Central, where he portrayed “Nosferatu”) and voice-over artist, devout Buddhist, trains in Kung Fu and is a loyal supporter The Sogan Foundation (http://www.sogan.org), a charity which raises funds for The Tibetan Institute for Science and Technology (TIST) in Golok, Tibet. He has provided voices for over 25 different anime shows, some of which have been recorded at the recording studio he owns, Central Command Studios. Formed in the mid-'90s, Godhead has been steadily building their fan base and emerging as a true international rock act. Their major label debut release of 2000 YEARS OF HUMAN ERROR on Marilyn Manson’s Posthuman Records in January 2001, and the follow-ups EVOLVER in 2003 and THE SHADOW LINE in 2006, have collectively sold well over 200,000 copies to date. After years of touring extensively with Marilyn Manson, Disturbed, Static-X, Mudvayne, Rammstein, Pigface and Saliva to name a few--as well as performing at Ozzfest and the Reading and Leeds festivals overseas--Godhead has scraped, clawed and carved out their own place in the rock music world. Here is the complete track listing for AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: http://www.godhead.com TOM SAVELL WRAPS SUMMER TOURLos Angeles, CA, U.S.A. - Santa Cruz, CA-based rocker Tom Savell has just returned from a 15-city tour of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Savell, who's first single So Deep Within You hit #1 on AC/Hot AC radio in February, toured with a full band in support of his CDYou Just Gotta Love It. Savell's tour began in South Lake Tahoe, CA on July 27 th, with the final show in Paradise,CA recently. Totaling 16 shows in 15 cities over 19 days, every show was a great success with enthusiastic crowds screaming for multiple encores. With venues and promoters demanding more, a follow-up tour is now in the planning stages. The acclaimed performer, who received Best Local Musician the past two years in the Santa Cruz Metro Goldie Awards, is again climbing the charts with a second single, Simple Game, which last week hit #7 on AC/Hot AC radio. For more information on the Internet, please visit http://www.tomsavell.com AUSTRALIAN ROCKERS ORDAIN ARRIVE FOR DEBUT U.S. TOURMELBOURNE, OZ - Accustomed to much larger crowds and acclaim in their home territory "down under", ORDAIN is chomping at the bit for their trial run on North American soil. Armed with their self-titled new release, the band will be performing 12 shows on the East Coast and Midwest prior to an extended residency in Toronto. With a unique brand of progressive rock, Ordain are a band whose music displays their passion for creativity and a high standard of musicianship. The band strive for optimal musical originality, whilst injecting a raw passion and powerful dynamic range into their songs. Confirmed dates for ORDAIN's tour are as follows: 9/15 (MON) NEW YORK, NY @ THE ANNEX Information on ORDAIN's music and projects can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/ordain Ex-Black Sheep Frontman/Producer Willie Basse Signs Distribution Deal With Quicksilver & VigilanteNew Album ³The Money Grind² In Stores October 6th Œ80's Metal Pioneer, Willie Basse has signed a distribution deal with Quicksilver Distribution to distribute his new album ³The Money Grind.² in the USA. Vigilante Music will handle label management throughout Europe, distributed by some of the leading European distributors, including Nova/Pinnacle (UK), Avispa (Spain), NMD (Germany, Austria), Rock Inc/ Bertus (Benelux), GT (Italy), Mosaic (France) and PHD. The deal will include projects released on Basse¹s new label, New Empire Media. Including a reissue of legendary Sunset Strip Metalheads Black Sheep's "Sacrifice" EP, Basse¹s new reality TV series "Rockstar Reality" on DVD and "Rock For Recovery" - a DVD that features concert footage of Black Sheep with Motorhead. New Empire Media¹s first release under the new deal will be the Willie Basse solo album, ³The Money Grind.² Since it¹s initial independent release the album has garnered significant critical acclaim, including Loudside.com who recently praised the album saying, "With the recent revival that bands like Judas Priest, Motorhead and Dio are enjoying, Basse couldn't have picked a better time to unleash a great rock record that stands up to some of the best the genre has to offer." Songs from the album can be heard online at http://www.MySpace.com/WillieBasse The German Power Metal Band "Dawn Of Destiny" released their 2nd album "Rebellion In Heaven". One year after the appearance of their debut album "Begins" the 14 track CD is available since end of August 2008 and contains 1 hour of melodic and fast metal music. In 2007 Dawn Of Destiny signed a contract at Shark Records (where Stratovarius and Warlock started their career). Their style is power metal containing influences of even death and trash metal. Energical and precise riffing form a contrast to the melodic chorus dominated by the chrystal clear voice of Tanja. The band: Tanja Maul (vocals), Jens Faber (bass+backing vocals), Veith Offenbächer (Guitar+backing vocals), Dirk Raczkiewicz (Keyboards) and Ansgar Ludwig (Drums). The album "Rebellion In Heaven" and also "Begins" are available at Amazon, EMP, http://www.dawnofdestiny.de/shop_eng.html, Shark Records, Jamba, I-tunes, Media Markt, Saturn and in many national and international online stores. MagnaCult to support girl metal band "Kittie".MagnaCult will join Canadian girl metal band KITTIE during their upcoming European Sweet Revenge tour. After supporting Devildriver and Ill Nino earlier this year, it's now time to share their cult with the sisters Mercedes and Morgan Lander. Kittie have toured extensively around the world: Co-headlined second stage at Ozzfest, co-headlined Snowcore, toured with Slipknot and Pantera, and even hosted MTV's Headbangers Ball. So, get your lazy ass out of that chair and check out these great live bands during October and November! DayDateCityCountryVenue |