From all of us at Witherfall to all of you Dark Melodic Music Fans and Friends we wish you a very warm and intoixicated Christmas. (or insternt Holiday of Choice) For now we leave you with a Witherfall Festival Announcment: We are excited to be headlining this years All Things Metal Festival in Fort Worth Texas! Tickets are available Here http://ow.ly/6KlE50Mc6Xy
Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE is proud to announce its full lineup for its 2023 edition being held on April 13-15 in Vancouver, BC at The Fox Cabaret and Rickshaw Theatre.
Joining the final lineup is Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, Atlanta power thrashers Paladin, power prog saviours Immortal Guardian, Denver fantasy heroes Celestial Wizard along with locals, epic metallers Atavistia, and one-man instrumentalist Zack Brannon.
EXMORTUS
The lineup also features previously announced headliners California melo-death warriors EXMORTUS, Edmonton Juno Award winners, and heavy metal champions STRIKER along with HMF alumni JUDICATOR and LORDS OF THE TRIDENT among many more for the three-night event. (festival day-by-day schedule listed below).
Unfortunately, Odinfist and Hrom have had to pull out of HMF4. There will be plans to welcome them again in future years.
Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:
“We’re excited to have our 2023 lineup complete. This fourth year of the fest is going to be another great gathering of metal’s best and upcoming power and prog-influenced bands. We look forward to seeing everyone making the trek to Vancouver this April.”
Saturday, April 15th (Rickshaw Theatre) Exmortus Judicator Lords Of The Trident Paladin Immortal Guardian Lutharo Hyperia
JUDICATOR
Over the three editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada announces its return in 2023 to cities across the country. Hosting battles from coast to coast since 2013, Wacken Metal Battle Canadaselects one unsigned Canadian band to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages and largest metal festival Wacken Open Air, with over 80,000 people in attendance, held in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years.
WMBC has been on pause since 2019, due to the Covid pandemic, and has hosted battles across Canada from 2013 until 2019, with one skip year in 2017.
Band submissions will open on November 29th at 6 AM PST and close on December 19th at 11:59 PM PST.
Battles will be hosted in the following cities:
Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.
All bands will be performing in front of experienced music industry professionals who will be making judgments at each qualifying round based on various categories of professionalism and musicianship.
The National Final will be hosted in Toronto, ON in May 2023 (full date to be determined).
WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia adds:
“Very stoked to be getting this going again after a long 3-year break. Our team is back together and excitement is in the air. Really curious to know what bands have been up to during this time, which new bands have formed, I know there are some hidden gems out there and hope to see them emerge for the Metal Battle.”
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.
How it works: Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
On December 11th, 1982 – Billy Idol made his American Bandstand debut, where he performed his hits Hot in the City and White Wedding. Whoa, man! Above photo credit: American Bandstand.
On this day in 1987 – Comedy/Dark Comedy film Throw Momma From The Train was released to wide-screen theaters, via Orion Pictures. This film stars two of the funniest men of our time, with Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal. Kim Greist and (the late) Anne Ramsey (as Momma) also star.
On December 11th, 1991 – The fantasy film Hook was released to wide-screen theaters, via TriStar. The legendary Steven Spielberg directed this holiday season box office smash, as it starred the great and late Robin Williams as Peter Banning and Peter Pan. Dustin Hoffman portrayed Captain Hook and Julia Roberts portrayed Tinker Bell. The screenplay for Hook was written by James Hart and Malia Marmo.
On this day in 1993 – Guns N’ Roses entered the Billboard 200 Albums Chart at #4 with their covers album “The Spaghetti Incident?”. This would mark their last album to feature original members Slash on guitar and Duff McKagan on bass.
On December 11th, 2007 – Avenged Sevenfold performed a concert at the Rainbow Ballroom in Fresno, California. A7X were touring is support of their self-titled and 4th studio album.
NIKKI SIXX
Born on December 11th, 1958 wasNikki Sixx. Happy birthday, Nikki! Whoa! Nikki Sixx, a native Californian, is world-famous as the bass guitarist, songwriter and co-founding member of the super legendary Mötley Crüe. With 9 studio albums, several live albums and countless touring since 1981, Mötley Crüe have influenced and amazed fans of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Mötley Crüe’s very successful farewell tour has taken place for the better part of 2014.
Nikki Sixx has also seen his Hard Rock band Sixx:A.M. skyrocket, with fellow members band members James Michael and DJ Ashba. Sixx:A.M. have released three studio albums since 2007, with all three albums charting world-wide. The newly released Sixx:A.M. studio album is: Modern Vintage. This new album has peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, during 2014.
Nikki Sixx also boasts his highly successful nationally syndicated radio show: Sixx Sense.
Other notable bands that Nikki Sixx is a former member of: Brides Of Destruction, London, Sister and 58. Metal be thy name!
ZACKY VENGEANCE
Zacky Vengeance was born on December 11th, 1981, in Olympia, Washington. Happy birthday, Zacky! Yeah! Zacky Vengeance is globally famous as the co-founding member and rhythm guitarist for the powerful Avenged Sevenfold. As a self-taught and left-handed guitarist, Zacky Vengeance is also a co-songwriter and backing vocalist for A7X.
A7X have recorded six studio albums and one live album since 2001 and I personally credit this band for keeping the flame of Heavy Metal burning strong, during the Millennium Decade. One of the first band’s that Zacky was a member of was Society Down; a Crust/Punk band. Another pre-A7X band Zacky was a member of was Mad Porno Action aka MPA.
Life Against Death have announced that they will once again be playing Diecember Fest in Vancouver BC.
An annual event, Diecember Fest is a two-day blast of some of Vancouver’s finest Metal band’s including such local favorites as Archspire, Tyrants Blood and Burning Ghats. In addition if you bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food bank, you will receive a gift in return! Tickets are $15 per night at the door or $20 if purchased in advance.
Life Against Death’s front woman Twitchy Twitch said about the fest, “I fucking love Diecember Fest! It’s Vancouver’s greatest display of Metal acts and promoters. It’s nuts, I am always sore the next day (which is a measurement of how good it was) it’s killer music, killer people and with the food drive it’s even a killer way to give back to the community.”
VENOM have confirmed they will be headlining the Hammer Open Air Metal Festival in Lieto, Finland on 20th July 2013.VENOM last played live in Finland in 2010 at the Nummirock Festival, so their welcome return will be a truly explosive event for their hard-core Finish Legions, Hell Yeah!!!
English Extreme Metal legends CARCASS will return to headline the ninth DamnationFestival for their only UK appearance following the release of their first album in 17 years.
The Death and Grind standard bearers have promised another historic set which will feature cult classics alongside unexpected old gems and brand new material when they take the stage at Leeds University Union on Saturday, November 2, 2013.
And after helping to sell out Damnation Festival in advance back in 2008, guitarist BillSteer is looking forward to performing to a packed house on their return to the event.
He said: “We’re very excited about the prospect of returning to Damnation Festival this year.
“Our appearance there in 2008 was a major highlight for us and this time around, people can expect to hear a fairly different Carcass set.
“The old favourites will be in there, of course, but we’re also planning to play a couple of the less obvious tracks from our past, as well as songs from the album we’ve just completed. Join us!”
CARCASS
With 22 more bands to be announced across three stages, festival director Gavin McInally, said fans can look forward to the melting pot of diverse styles of music Damnation Festival is known for from Black Metal to Post-Rock.
He added: “It was a coup to land the first UK Carcass show in 13 years in 2008 when fans snapped up every ticket going before we made it to the day itself and it’s another coup having the band return following the release of their first new album in 17 years.
“But even with the mighty Carcass topping the bill, we won’t be satisfied until we’ve pieced together a more challenging and brilliant day of music than the eight successful years we’ve already had the pleasure of hosting, so expect a lot more to come from 2013.”
Tickets for Damnation Festival 2013 are on sale now and will be held at last year’s price of £32 for a limited period.
Into The Grave-Metal FestivalSaturday, August 10, 2013 in Leeuwarden.Paradise Lost – Satyricon – Sodom – DevilDriver – Heaven’s Basement – Jungle Rot – Bliksem – afterparty:Decrepit Birth
early bird: 6,66 – pre-sale: 10 – door: 15 euro
The hardest bands for an early bird price of just € 6.66, that can only be in Ljouwert! The third edition of Metal festival Into The Grave showcases eight bands, and another two at the after-party.
All information on this super cozy Metal Festival is also available at:
* Leeuwarden is the capital city of the Dutch Province of Friesland.
FEATURED BAND: THE ULTRA LEGENDARY SODOM
SODOM – left to right: Makka (drums & percussion), Tom Angelripper (bass & vocals) and Bernemann (guitars)
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SODOM’s newly released studio album, Epitome Of Torture:
Epitome Of Torture was released in North America on May 7th, 2013, via Steamhammer.
Stone Says: Man, I wish I owned my very own airliner; one which could fly me over to Europe (from Ohio) every time I want to Rock-out at a kick-ass Metal festival, just like this one! I guess I’ll have to wait a while on that Metal wish! By the way, SODOM’s Epitome Of Torture is one of the very best Thrash Metal albums I’ve listened to… ever. Metal be thy name.
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* For more info on SODOM, click on the links below!
BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2013 – Since 2001, this unreal and amazing annual Metal event will be taking place once again, in the grounds of Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, UK, on August 8th through the 11th! That kick-ass festival flyer above says it all! Metal be thy name!
Marta Gabriel of CRYSTAL VIPER will join the legendary U.S. Power Metal act JACKSTARR’S BURNING STARR – feat. ex members of MANOWAR and VIRGIN STEELE – as their rhythm guitarist at the KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL in Germany. “Jack Starr was quite impressed with the rock solid playing of Marta Gabriel and asked her if she would be available to do some shows with BURNING STARR as the recorded music of BURNING STARR usually features more than one guitar part” says the official press release.
The volunteer organization Metal Royale presents the sixth annual ROYAL METALFEST on April 12-13 2013 at the venues VoxHall & Atlas in Aarhus, Denmark.
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SATYRICON (NO)
VADER (PL)
CRYPTOPSY (CAN)
CATTLE DECAPTIATION (US)
DECREPIT BIRTH (US)
HATESPHERE (DK)
DAWN OF DEMISE (DK)
HELLS DOMAIN (DK)
+ many more
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* For more info on ROYAL METAL FEST 2013, click on links below!
Today the mosh pit instigators behind the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCOREFESTIVAL are pleased to announce the official pre-party lineup! Set to commence on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Palladium, the precursor to the 15th annual NEMHF takeover will feature performances by Revocation, A Life Once Lost, Fit For An Autopsy, The Greenery, To The Wind, Abiotic, NightBitch, Surrounded By Teeth and an unannounced special guest!
Additionally, NEMHF have added hardcore hooligans Code Orange Kids and crossover veterans Waking The Dead to the ever-expanding bill. Check out the array of ticket packages and the full festival lineup RIGHT HERE.
As previously announced, official sponsors All In Merchandise are offering up a chance to win two three-day passes to this year’s event and ten t-shirts of your choice!
2. Send an email with your facebook ID to: NEMFCONTEST@gmail.com
Contest ends March 15, 2013! Good luck!
THE NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL is celebrating its 15th Anniversary at the historic Worcester Palladium. The event takes place April 19th, 20th and 21st with a special pre-fest party in the upstairs room at the Palladium on April 18th. Since 1999, the festival has showcased a vast array of metal and hardcore acts across two stages, while also providing merchandising and promotional areas for record labels and other vendors.
The Heathen Crusade Metalfest 4, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 9th at Station 4 in St. Paul, MN has been canceled.
The following statement was issued by the organizers of the fest:
“Do to unforeseen issues on both sides, the Heathen Crusade Metalfest is canceled. We are extremely sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused. For those who have purchased tickets, please email info@vitaltickets.com or log into the vitaltickets.com website and cancel your order. We wish you all the best and all the bands that were supposed to be on the bill. For those who already bought tickets, I will be sending out CDs that we have received from labels and bands personally. Again if you have any questions for me personally you may email me at: contact@heathencrusadefest.com.”
HELL & HEAVEN METAL FEST 2013 – Whoa! Check out the Metal bands that will be performing at this year’s Hell & Heaven Metal Fest! Motörhead, Anthrax, Testament, Six FeetUnder, Exodus, Suffocation, In Flames, Sodom, Epica, Suicidal Tendencies, Warbringer, ill nino, Heathen, Municipal Waste and even Dokken is slated for this 2 day Metal Fest! Metal be thy name!
This drop-kick-to-the-ass Metal Fest will be taking place on May 18th & 19th, 2013, in Guadalajara, Jalisco,Mexico. Just click on the links below for more info! Whoa again!
MassConcerts proudly presents the first details for NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL 2013, today confirming the dates and preliminary list of bands for this year’s occurrence of the long-running annual event.
For the 2013 installment, the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL will once again overthrow the historic venue, The Palladium, in Worcester, Massachusetts, this year marking the 15th anniversary of the iconic weekend-long gathering! The festivities will commence with a pre-party on April 18th, 2013 and the three official days of the fest following on the 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Commented the festival’s founder Scott Lee of MassConcerts: “I am excited with how far we have come and am ecstatic for this to be on our 15th year! It has been a long, interesting journey. We always try to make it a memorable event and we really hope you all enjoy the festival this year.”
With more than forty acts from all realms of the extreme music world already set to storm the two stages of NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL XV — and with many more to be announced in the coming weeks — the confirmed headliners for the event will include Hatebreed, Opeth and Suicidal Tendencies, as well as legendary thrash titans Anthrax performing their Among The Living album in its entirety, as part of their headlining spot on the Metal Alliance Tour.
View the full list of bands set to confirm this year below. Tickets for the event will go on sale next Wednesday, January 16th.
NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL XV:
Anthrax
Hatebreed
Opeth
Suicidal Tendencies
After The Burial
Alpha & Omega
Antagonist AD
Ark Of The Covenant
Black Breath
Born Of Osiris
The Contortionist
Dead By Wednesday
Death Before Dishonor
Ensiferum
Erra
Exodus
Expire
Fit For An Autopsy
Heidevolk
Hellsot
Holy Grail
I Declare War
Incendiary
Katatonia
Legion
The Mongoloids
Mother Of Mercy
Municipal Waste
No Mercy
Power Trip
Rude Awakening
Saving Grace
Shadows Fall
Suburban Scum
Those Who Fear
Trap Them
Trollfest
Twitching Tongues
Tyr
Within The Ruins
Xibalba
Since 1999, the NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL has showcased a vast array of metal and hardcore acts across two stages, while also providing merchandising and promotional areas for record labels and other vendors, at Worcester, Massachusetts’ massive venue The Palladium.
Earsplit PR is an official sponsor of this year’s event.
HELLFEST will take place June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2013 in Clisson, France.
KISS And ZZ TOP As Headliners! WHOA!
SAXON, TWISTED SISTER, KORN, AVANTASIA, ACCEPT, DOWN, KREATOR, TESTAMENT, IMMORTAL, HELLOWEEN, VOLBEAT, STONE SOUR, NEUROSIS, AT THE GATES, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, BAD RELIGION and SINISTER at this same festival! WHOA!
THE LIST OF BOTH AMAZING AND LEGENDARY BANDS GOES ON… WHOA!
* Click on the links below for ALL the HELLFEST 2013 info you NEED!
The BURNING SEA FESTIVAL will take place in Zadar, Croatia from June 5th thru June 8th, 2013. With the legendary ICED EARTH and KING DIAMOND headlining, dozens of our Metal warriors will be there: OVERKILL, ANGEL WITCH, ENSLAVED, DESTRUCTION, AMORPHIS, CANDLEMASS and TURISAS to name a many potent few!
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ABOUT BURNING SEA FESTIVAL:
BURNING SEA is combining the best two things in life. as the only Metal open air festival located directly on the sea beach. If you are tired of mud and rain, try something new: Metal holidays on the green peninsula, surrounded by beautiful beaches of azure Adriatic Sea. Experience the unique crimson sunset in the Mediterranean area and you’ll know why the festival is called Burning Sea. Located in an elite touristic part of over 3000 years old stony city of Zadar, Croatia, this festival will not leave any visitor cold. Enjoy the Mediterranean spirit, hot nights under a starry and moonlit sky together with the best company ever: METALHEADS like you and we are.
With Burning Sea, you decide to join a Metal festival and watch great bands on stage. Better yet, we have the mission to see you enjoying yourself while actually taking a great vacation AND hailing the gods of Heavy Metal at the same time. That’s why we chose the beautiful ancient Zadar, the everlasting heart of the Mediterranean. Visit us on www.burning-sea.com and www.metalholiday.com. Watch out for our other great events in the Balkan region that fuse holiday and musical entertainment!
Melodic Metal heroes MASTERPLAN are back with new line-up and big plans!
The new members are well-known:
Swedish vocalist Rick Altzi (At Vance, Thunderstone) is the one to replace Jorn Lande. Altzi enjoys a fabulous reputation throughout his works with numerous projects and bands.
MASTERPLAN’s new bass player is another highly regarded musician: Jari Kainulainen (ex-Stratovarius/Evergrey).
“The last years have not been easy for Masterplan“, band leader Roland Grapow comments. “Because of several factors we have been unable to play festivals and tours – even though we had plenty of offers. But this will definitely change now. I’m very happy to welcome Rick and Jari on board now. Beside their undoubted musical qualities they both fit perfectly into our team. We feel a huge motivation to get things going now. 2013 will be see a new Masterplan album, several festivals and a tour! It’s time to return with full force.”
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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